Chestnut-eared Bunting
Emberiza fucata
The Chestnut-eared Bunting (Emberiza fucata) is a rare old world bunting found in 21 countries, weighing about 20 g. The chestnut-eared bunting, also called grey-headed bunting or grey-hooded bunting, with the latter name also used for grey-necked bunting, is a passerine bird in the bunting family Emberizidae.
About the Chestnut-eared Bunting
The chestnut-eared bunting, also called grey-headed bunting or grey-hooded bunting, with the latter name also used for grey-necked bunting, is a passerine bird in the bunting family Emberizidae.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
It is 15 to 16 cm in length. The plumage is mostly brown with dark streaks. The male has a grey crown and nape with dark streaks, chestnut ear-coverts and bands of black and chestnut across the breast. There is a rufous patch on the shoulders and the rump is also rufous. Females are similar to the males but duller with a less distinct head and breast pattern. First-winter birds are plainer but show warm brown ear-coverts and have an obvious ring around the eye. Its voice is similar to the rustic bunting but quieter.
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in United Kingdom, Macao SAR China, Sweden.
When to see it
Best months: January, February, March, April, May, June, July, October, November, December, with peak activity in May. It is a variable species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify a Chestnut-eared Bunting?
- It is 15 to 16 cm in length. Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a Chestnut-eared Bunting?
- The Chestnut-eared Bunting is a small sized bird weighing about 20 g.
- Where can you see a Chestnut-eared Bunting?
- The Chestnut-eared Bunting occurs in 21 countries, including China, Japan, India, Taiwan and Hong Kong SAR China.
- What birds look similar to a Chestnut-eared Bunting?
- The Chestnut-eared Bunting is most easily confused with the Yellow-breasted Bunting, the Red-headed Bunting and the Pallas's Reed Bunting.
- Is the Chestnut-eared Bunting endangered?
- The Chestnut-eared Bunting is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the Chestnut-eared Bunting for real
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