Ortolan Bunting
NameOrtolan Bunting
Common NameOrtolan Bunting
Scientific NameEmberiza hortulana
FamilyEmberizidae
Wingspan (cm)26
Length (cm)16
Weight (g)23.5
Plumage DetailsMales have a greyish-green head and breast, a bright yellow throat with a narrow white moustachial stripe, and a pinkish bill. Their upperparts are streaked brown, and the underparts are a rich rufous-chestnut. Females are duller overall with less distinct head markings and more streaking on the breast.
Vocalization / CallIts song is a clear, melancholic, and often repetitive series of notes, typically described as 'twee-twee-twee-twee-twee-twee' or 'zick-zick-zick-zick-zick-zick'.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsforest, grassland, urban
Conservation Statusvulnerable
Geographic RangeBreeds across much of continental Europe (excluding the UK and Ireland) and western Asia, migrating south to winter in sub-Saharan Africa.
Identifying Featuresgreyish-green head, yellow throat, pinkish bill, rufous-chestnut belly, streaked brown back, distinctive facial pattern
Description
The Ortolan Bunting is a small, stocky passerine known for its distinctive head pattern and reddish-brown underparts. It is a migratory species, breeding across Europe and western Asia and wintering in sub-Saharan Africa.
