Meadow Bunting
Emberiza cioides
The Meadow Bunting is an East Asian bunting of shrubby grassland and farmland edge, with breeding males showing a chestnut breast and rump set against a buff-and-black striped face.
- Feather type
- Contour and flight feathers, chestnut-and-buff pattern
- Colours
- Chestnut breast and rump with a buff-and-black striped face
- Bird size
- Sparrow-sized, ~16 cm
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Overview
Overview
The Meadow Bunting occupies shrubby, open habitats across a broad range in eastern Asia, showing a warm chestnut breast and rump combined with a distinctive striped face pattern.
- Family: Buntings (Emberizidae)
- Genus: Emberiza, the Old World buntings
- Occurs across a wide range of eastern Asian habitats, from farmland edge to dry hillside scrub
Identifying the Feather
Feather Identification
Meadow Bunting feathers show a chestnut breast and rump, paired with a buff-and-black striped facial pattern and a streaked brown back.
- Shape: Rounded contour feathers; tail feathers show white outer edges typical of the genus
- Size: Small, sparrow-sized feathers
- Color pattern: Streaked brown upperparts, chestnut breast band and rump, buff face with black stripes through the eye and along the crown; females are duller with less contrasting face pattern
- Shaft: Pale, not diagnostic
- Vs. similar species: The chestnut breast and rump combined with a bold buff-and-black striped face separate this species from other East Asian buntings within its range
Plumage & Molt
Plumage Details
Adults show a chestnut breast band and rump, buff face with black stripes, and streaked brown upperparts; females are somewhat duller with less crisp facial contrast.
- Sexes: Males typically show bolder chestnut and face pattern than females
- Juveniles: More diffusely streaked, lacking strong chestnut or face pattern
- Seasonal changes: Minimal seasonal plumage change
- Molt: Complete molt after the breeding season
Habitat & Range
Habitat & Range
Meadow Buntings occupy shrubby grassland, farmland edge, and dry hillsides across a broad range in eastern Asia.
- Range: Eastern Asia, including parts of China, Korea, Japan, and southeastern Russia
- Habitat: Shrubby grassland, farmland edge, and dry rocky or brushy hillsides
- Migratory status: Largely resident or short-distance migrant, with some northern populations moving south in winter
Behavior & Field Notes
Behavior & Field Notes
Meadow Buntings forage on the ground and in low shrubs, feeding on seeds and insects depending on season.
- Diet: Insects during breeding season; seeds more prominent outside the breeding period
- Nesting: Builds a cup nest low in shrubs or dense grass
- Voice: A simple, musical song delivered from a low perch or shrub top
- Field notes: Often seen perched on low shrubs or fence lines in open, brushy habitat, singing from an exposed position
Frequently asked questions
What is the key field mark for Meadow Bunting?
A chestnut breast band and rump combined with a bold buff-and-black striped face pattern.
What habitat does the Meadow Bunting prefer?
It favors shrubby grassland, farmland edge, and dry rocky or brushy hillsides across eastern Asia.
Is the Meadow Bunting migratory?
It is largely resident or a short-distance migrant, with some northern populations moving south in winter.
Where is the Meadow Bunting found?
It occurs across parts of China, Korea, Japan, and southeastern Russia.
Meadow Bunting guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Meadow Bunting.
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