Cirl Bunting or Corn Bunting?

General appearance

Cirl buntings are small, stout birds, measuring around 15 cm long. They showcase distinct sexual dimorphism and exhibit a yellow and black facial pattern. The species also displays a greenish rump and a streaked brown back.

Male vs female

In cirl buntings, males and females differ in coloration. Males boast a vibrant combination of a black eye stripe and throat, greenish rump, and brightly colored chestnut back. They develop a prominent yellow moustache. In contrast, females and winter males are browner, lacking the vivid yellow and black. They retain the green rump but present a less striking streaked brown back.

Juvenile

Juvenile cirl buntings, similar to females, demonstrate a more subdued color palette. They have brownish chests with dark spotting and streaks which eventually fade to a paler, uniform color as they mature. Their backs and wings are also streaked brown. The young cirl buntings lack the characteristic black and yellow facial patterns seen in adults.

Primary habitat

Cirl buntings are mostly found in south and east United Kingdom, preferring farmlands with low-intensity livestock or arable crops. They inhabit areas with hedges, scrub, or woodland edges for nesting.

Additional range

They can tolerate a range of climates from the Mediterranean to temperate Europe. Oddly, they have adapted to some coastal areas in England.

Natural diet

The cirl bunting's natural diet consists mainly of insects and seeds. During the breeding season, they primarily consume invertebrates such as beetles, caterpillars, and spiders, which are essential for feeding their young. Outside the breeding season, they rely more heavily on seeds from various wild plants like grasses and cereal crops, as well as small invertebrates.

Bird feeders

At bird feeders, cirl buntings are known to consume common offerings such as black oil sunflower seeds, cracked corn, and millet. They may also occasionally eat mealworms or suet if available, which can supplement their natural diet, especially during winter months when natural food sources are scarce.