McKay's Bunting
Plectrophenax hyperboreus
McKay's Bunting is a rare, nearly all-white Arctic songbird breeding only on a few remote Bering Sea islands, closely related to and even whiter than the Snow Bunting.
- Feather type
- Contour and flight feathers, nearly pure white
- Colours
- Almost entirely white with limited black markings
- Bird size
- Sparrow-sized, ~17 cm
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Overview
Overview
McKay's Bunting is one of the most range-restricted songbirds in North America, breeding almost exclusively on a small number of islands in the Bering Sea and showing even more extensive white plumage than its close relative, the Snow Bunting.
- Family: Longspurs and snow buntings (Calcariidae)
- Genus: Plectrophenax, shared only with the Snow Bunting
- One of the least numerous and most localized breeding songbirds in North America
Identifying the Feather
Feather Identification
McKay's Bunting feathers are almost entirely white, with breeding males showing only limited black markings on the wingtips and tail compared to the more extensively black-marked Snow Bunting.
- Shape: Rounded contour feathers; wings show mostly white flight feathers with black restricted to the primary tips
- Size: Small, sparrow-sized feathers
- Color pattern: Breeding males are nearly pure white with minimal black on the outer primaries and tail tip; females show slightly more dark mottling but still whiter than female Snow Buntings
- Shaft: Pale, not diagnostic
- Vs. similar species: Distinguished from Snow Bunting primarily by the greatly reduced amount of black in the wings and back, making McKay's the whiter-looking of the two species
Plumage & Molt
Plumage Details
Breeding males are almost entirely white with only small amounts of black restricted to wingtip and tail feathers; winter plumage shows a light buff wash similar to, but generally paler than, winter Snow Bunting.
- Sexes: Males are whiter than females, which retain slightly more dark markings
- Juveniles: Grayer and more streaked, resembling young Snow Buntings closely
- Seasonal changes: Similar pattern to Snow Bunting, with buff-tipped winter feathers wearing to reveal a whiter breeding plumage
- Molt: Complete molt in late summer, with breeding appearance achieved substantially through feather wear
Habitat & Range
Habitat & Range
McKay's Bunting has one of the smallest breeding ranges of any North American songbird, centered on a few remote Bering Sea islands.
- Range: Breeds mainly on St. Matthew and Hall islands in the Bering Sea; winters along the western Alaska coast
- Habitat: Breeds on rocky and sparsely vegetated tundra of remote islands; winters on coastal beaches and dunes
- Migratory status: Short-distance migrant, moving from breeding islands to nearby mainland Alaska coastline in winter
Behavior & Field Notes
Behavior & Field Notes
McKay's Bunting forages on the ground similarly to Snow Bunting, searching for food among sparse tundra vegetation and coastal habitats.
- Diet: Insects during the breeding season; seeds during migration and winter
- Nesting: Nests in rock crevices on remote island tundra, sheltered from harsh weather
- Voice: Song and calls are similar to those of Snow Bunting, with musical whistled notes
- Field notes: Because of its extremely limited range, most sightings occur near breeding islands or along the western Alaska coast in winter, sometimes mixed with Snow Bunting flocks
Frequently asked questions
What distinguishes McKay's Bunting feathers from Snow Bunting?
McKay's Bunting shows far less black in the wings and back, appearing almost entirely white compared to the more black-and-white patterned Snow Bunting.
Where does McKay's Bunting breed?
It breeds almost exclusively on a small number of remote islands in the Bering Sea, notably St. Matthew and Hall islands.
Is McKay's Bunting a common bird?
No, it has one of the smallest breeding ranges and populations of any North American songbird.
Where can McKay's Bunting be found in winter?
It winters along the western Alaska coast, sometimes in mixed flocks with Snow Buntings.
McKay's Bunting guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding McKay's Bunting.
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