6-1-2019 PEGO MARJAL, ALICANTE - REED BUNTING (Emberiza schoeniclus) (FEMALE)

The common reed bunting (Emberiza schoeniclus ) is a passerine bird in the bunting family Emberizidae, a group now separated by most modern authors from the finches, Fringillidae. The genus name Emberiza is from Old German Embritz, a bunting. The specific schoeniclus is from Ancient Greek skhoiniklos, a now unknown waterside bird.

It breeds across Europe and much of the Palearctic. Most birds migrate south in winter, but those in the milder south and west of the range are resident. It is common in reedbeds and also breeds in drier open areas such as moorland and cultivation. For example, it is a component of the purple moor grass and rush pastures, a type of Biodiversity Action Plan habitat in the UK. It occurs on poorly drained neutral and acidic soils of the lowlands and upland fringe.

12-10-2024 TRAMORE BANK, COUNTY WATERFORD - REED BUNTING (FEMALE)

The common reed bunting (Emberiza schoeniclus ) is a passerine bird in the bunting family Emberizidae, a group now separated by most modern authors from the finches, Fringillidae. The genus name Emberiza is from Old German Embritz, a bunting. The specific schoeniclus is from Ancient Greek skhoiniklos, a now unknown waterside bird.

It breeds across Europe and much of the Palearctic. Most birds migrate south in winter, but those in the milder south and west of the range are resident. It is common in reedbeds and also breeds in drier open areas such as moorland and cultivation. For example, it is a component of the purple moor grass and rush pastures, a type of Biodiversity Action Plan habitat in the UK. It occurs on poorly drained neutral and acidic soils of the lowlands and upland fringe.

The common reed bunting is a medium-sized bird, 13.5–15.5 cm (5.3–6.1 in) long, with a small but sturdy seed-eater's bill. The male has a black head and throat, white neck collar and underparts, and a heavily streaked brown back. The female is much duller, with a streaked brown head, and is more streaked below.The song of the male is a repetitive srip.

Breeding normally starts in early April, finishing in late August depending on location and altitude. The species is monogamous. The nest is built using twigs, grass and reeds lined with finer materials such as hair, moss and rootlets in a bush or reed tussock. 4–5 olive-grey eggs are laid, which show the hair-like markings characteristic of those of buntings. The incubation period is 12–15 days where the chicks are fed by both parents.

The reed bunting is not globally threatened and classified as least concern by the IUCN. The estimated European population is that of at least 4.8 million pairs, with particular strongholds in Sweden, Poland and Norway. However the reed bunting is reportedly declining in Norway, Sweden and Germany.

19-11-2020 ULLAL DE BALDOVI, VALENCIA - REED BUNTING (Emberiza schoeniclus) (FEMALE)

The common reed bunting, Emberiza schoeniclus, is a passerine bird of medium size, measuring between 13.5 and 15.5 cm in length. It belongs to the Emberizidae family, a group distinct from the finches. The male is characterized by a striking black head and throat, a white collar, and underparts, with a brown back heavily streaked with black. The female, in contrast, is more subdued in coloration, with a streaked brown head and more pronounced streaking on the underside.

When identifying the common reed bunting, look for the male's distinctive black head and white collar, which are particularly noticeable during the breeding season. The female can be identified by her streaked appearance, which provides excellent camouflage in her reedbed habitat.

This species thrives in reedbeds but is also known to breed in drier open areas such as moorland and cultivated land. It is particularly associated with the purple moor grass and rush pastures, indicative of Biodiversity Action Plan habitats in the UK.

The common reed bunting has a broad breeding range across Europe and extends into much of the Palearctic. While many birds migrate southwards in winter, populations in the milder south and west of its range tend to be resident.

The common reed bunting exhibits a diet that varies seasonally; insects are the primary food source when feeding young, while seeds predominate at other times. The male's song, a repetitive "srip," is a familiar sound within its habitat.

The breeding season for the common reed bunting typically commences in early April and can last until late August. The species is monogamous, with both parents involved in raising the offspring. Nests are constructed from twigs, grass, and reeds, lined with finer materials like hair, moss, and rootlets, often situated in a bush or reed tussock. The clutch usually consists of 4-5 olive-grey eggs, adorned with characteristic hair-like markings.

While the common reed bunting is distinctive, it may be confused with other bunting species. Careful observation of the head patterns and habitat use can aid in correct identification.

The diet of the common reed bunting adapts to the seasonal availability of food sources, with a preference for seeds but a reliance on insects during the breeding season to feed the young.

The IUCN classifies the common reed bunting as Least Concern, with an estimated European population of at least 4.8 million pairs. Despite this, there have been reports of population declines in countries such as Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and Germany, indicating the need for continued monitoring and conservation efforts.

5-3-2018 PUCOL, VALENCIA - REED BUNTING (Emberiza schoeniclus) (FEMALE)

The common reed bunting (Emberiza schoeniclus) is a passerine bird in the bunting family Emberizidae, a group now separated by most modern authors from the finches, Fringillidae. The genus name Emberiza is from Old German Embritz, a bunting. The specific schoeniclus is from Ancient Greek skhoiniklos, a now unknown waterside bird.

It breeds across Europe and much of the Palearctic. Most birds migrate south in winter, but those in the milder south and west of the range are resident. It is common in reedbeds and also breeds in drier open areas such as moorland and cultivation. For example, it is a component of the purple moor grass and rush pastures, a type of Biodiversity Action Plan habitat in the UK. It occurs on poorly drained neutral and acidic soils of the lowlands and upland fringe.