Striolated Bunting
NameStriolated Bunting
Common NameStriolated Bunting
Scientific NameEmberiza striolata
FamilyEmberizidae
Wingspan (cm)24.5
Length (cm)14
Weight (g)17
Plumage DetailsThis bunting features a striking black and white striped head pattern, including a prominent white supercilium and a dark eye-stripe. Its crown is streaked dark and white, while the upperparts are rufous-brown with darker streaking. The underparts are pale buffy-white, often with fine streaking on the breast and flanks, and it has a yellowish bill with a dark culmen.
Vocalization / CallThe song is a short, simple, and somewhat unmusical series of notes, often described as 'tsip-tsip-tsip-tsee-tsee'. Its calls include a sharp 'tchip' or 'tsip'.
Primary Dietgranivore
Primary Habitatsdesert, mountain, urban
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeThe Striolated Bunting has a wide distribution, ranging from North Africa (Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Egypt) through the Middle East (including Israel, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Oman, UAE) and extending into parts of Central Asia and India.
Identifying FeaturesStriking black and white striped head pattern, Prominent white supercilium, Rufous-brown back, Yellowish bill, Pale underparts with fine streaking
Description
The Striolated Bunting is a small passerine bird known for its distinctive striped head pattern and rufous-brown back. It typically inhabits arid and semi-arid rocky environments, where it forages on the ground for seeds and insects.
