16-5-2021 MONTAVERNER, VALENCIA - CORN BUNTING (Emberiza calandra)

The corn bunting (Emberiza calandra) is a robust passerine bird, a member of the bunting family Emberizidae. It is distinguished by its heavily streaked buff-brown plumage. Both sexes are similar in appearance, though the male is slightly larger than the female. This bird is often likened to larks due to its streaked appearance and shares the same open habitat preference.

When observing the corn bunting, look for a large bunting with a dark eye and yellowish mandibles. The bird's lack of showy colors, particularly on the head, sets it apart from other Emberiza species. The underparts are streaked across the flanks and breast, with the streaking forming a gorget around the throat. Notably, the lesser wing coverts are dark with white tips, and the tail is a plain brown.

The corn bunting is typically found in open country with trees, such as farmland and weedy wasteland. It prefers areas where it can forage for seeds and insects on the ground.

This species has a wide range, extending from Western Europe and North Africa to northwestern China. It is mainly resident, but some populations in colder regions migrate southwards in winter.

The corn bunting is known for its territorial behavior during the breeding season. Males can be polygynous, with some having up to three females. The sex ratio is generally balanced, leading to some males remaining unmated each season. Males contribute minimally to parental care, only feeding the chicks when they are more than half-grown.

The male corn bunting's song is a distinctive metallic sound, often compared to the jangling of keys. This song is typically delivered from an elevated perch such as a low bush, fence post, or telephone wire.

The corn bunting's nest is constructed from grass and lined with hair or fine grass, usually situated on the ground. Clutch sizes average four eggs but can range from three to six. Males are not involved in nest building or incubation but may feed the chicks at later stages.

The diet of the corn bunting consists mainly of seeds, supplemented by insects like crickets, which are particularly important when feeding young.

The corn bunting is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN. However, it has experienced significant declines in parts of north-west Europe due to intensive agriculture. Conservation efforts, such as those by Natural England, offer grants to support measures that help conserve this species.

The corn bunting is a bird of open country with trees, such as farmland and weedy wasteland. It has declined greatly in north-west Europe due to intensive agricultural practices depriving it of its food supply of weed seeds and insects, the latter especially vital when feeding the young. It has recently become extinct in Wales and Ireland, where it was previously common.

Males defend territories in the breeding season and can be polygynous, with up to three females per breeding male. The population sex ratio is generally 1:1, which means some males remain unmated during a season. Males play only a small role in parental care; they are not involved in nest building or incubation, and only feed the chicks when they are over half grown.

The nest is made of grass, lined with hair or fine grass, and is usually built on the ground. Average clutch size is four, but commonly varies from three to five, occasionally six.