Rock bunting facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Rock bunting |
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| Range of E. cia Breeding Resident Non-breeding |
The Rock Bunting (Emberiza cia) is a small passerine bird. It belongs to the bunting family, Emberizidae. This group is different from the finches, Fringillidae.
The name Emberiza comes from an old German word, Embritz, which means "bunting." The second part of its scientific name, cia, comes from an Italian word for this bird. It comes from zirlare, meaning "to chirp."
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Where Do Rock Buntings Live?
Rock Buntings live in many parts of the world. They breed in northwest Africa and southern Europe. Their range extends east into central Asia and the Himalayas. You can also find them breeding in some areas of central Europe.
These birds are partly migratory. This means some populations move to warmer places for winter. Birds from northern areas fly south. They often spend winter in the same places where southern populations live all year. It is rare to see a Rock Bunting in western Europe.
What Kind of Home Do Rock Buntings Like?
Rock Buntings prefer to live in open, dry, and rocky mountain areas. They like places with lots of stones and not too many trees.
What Does a Rock Bunting Look Like?
This bird is about 16 centimeters (about 6 inches) long.
- Male Rock Bunting: During breeding season, the male has a reddish-brown back. Its belly is a plain, deep cream color. Its head is pale grey with black stripes.
- Female Rock Bunting: The female looks a bit like the male but with softer colors. Her belly is paler, and her back is grey-brown. Her head markings are not as clear.
- Young Rock Bunting: Young birds look similar to the female. However, their heads have more streaks.
There are four different types (subspecies) of Rock Buntings. They mainly differ in their feather colors. The subspecies found in Europe, Africa, and western Turkey is special. It is the only one that has white bars on its wings.
How Do Rock Buntings Find Food and Reproduce?
Rock Buntings build their nests on the ground. Sometimes, they might build one in a low bush. The nest is lined with soft materials. The female lays three to five grayish eggs.
When they are feeding their young, Rock Buntings eat mostly insects. At other times, their main food is seeds.
What Does a Rock Bunting Sound Like?
The call of the Rock Bunting is a sharp sound, like tseee. Its song is a fast, twittering sound, like churrrr-chirrriiii-itt.
