Long-tailed Reed Finch
NameLong-tailed Reed Finch
Common NameCommon Reed Bunting
Scientific NameEmberiza schoeniclus
FamilyEmberizidae
Wingspan (cm)24.5
Length (cm)14.5
Weight (g)16.5
Plumage DetailsThe bird in the image, likely a female or non-breeding male, exhibits a greyish-brown crown, a dark eye-stripe, and a prominent pale buffy supercilium. Its upperparts are streaky brown, and the underparts are buffy-white to yellowish-buff with dark streaking on the flanks. The wings are dark brown with paler feather edges, and the bill is small and dark.
Vocalization / CallThe song is a simple, repetitive, and somewhat melancholic 'tseep-tseep-tseep-tiss'. Calls include a sharp 'twick' or 'zit'.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatswetland
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeWidespread across most of Europe and Asia, breeding in temperate zones and migrating to southern Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia for winter.
Identifying Featuresstreaky brown plumage, distinctive head pattern (pale supercilium, dark eye-stripe), conical bill, preference for reedbeds, relatively long tail
Description
A small passerine bird often found in wetland habitats, characterized by its streaky brown plumage. Males in breeding season have a distinctive black head, while females and non-breeding males show a streaky brown head with a prominent pale supercilium. They forage for seeds and insects among reeds and waterside vegetation.
