McKay's Bunting
NameMcKay's Bunting
Common NameMcKay's Bunting
Scientific NamePlectrophenax hyperboreus
FamilyCalcariidae
Wingspan (cm)30
Length (cm)16
Weight (g)40
Plumage DetailsMales in breeding plumage are almost entirely pure white with black primary tips. Females and non-breeding males show more brown streaking on the back and crown, but retain a largely white appearance, especially on the underparts.
Vocalization / CallIts song is a series of sweet, musical trills and whistles. Calls include a soft 'tew' or 'tsee' and a dry 'prrrrt'.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatstundra, coastal
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeBreeds exclusively on St. Matthew and Hall Islands in the Bering Sea. Winters along the western coast of Alaska, occasionally south to British Columbia.
Identifying Featurespredominantly white plumage, black primary tips, yellowish bill, arctic/subarctic coastal habitat, slightly larger than Snow Bunting
Description
A small, predominantly white bunting, especially striking in its breeding plumage. It is closely related to the Snow Bunting and found in the Bering Sea region, often foraging on open ground.
