Striolated bunting facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Striolated bunting |
|
|---|---|
.jpg) |
|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification |
The striolated bunting (Emberiza striolata) is a small songbird. It belongs to the bunting family, called Emberizidae. This group of birds is now seen as different from the finches.
Contents
Where It Lives
The striolated bunting lives in dry areas. You can find it from Chad in Africa, all the way east through southwest Asia. Its home also includes parts of northwestern India.
These birds like to build their nests in quiet, dry riverbeds called wadis. They usually stay away from people. They often choose spots near streams. The female bird lays two to four eggs. She builds her nest on the ground or in a small hole.
What It Eats
Striolated buntings mostly eat seeds. But when they have young birds to feed, they also eat insects. This gives their babies the protein they need to grow strong.
What It Looks Like
The striolated bunting is about 14 centimeters (about 5.5 inches) long. It is similar in size to the house bunting. It is smaller than the rock bunting, which looks a bit like it.
Male and Female Birds
During breeding season, the male striolated bunting has a chestnut-colored body. Its head is grey with darker stripes. It has a white stripe above its eye and a white stripe near its beak.
The female bird looks a bit different. Her grey head has a brownish tint. Her head stripes are also not as clear as the male's.
Comparing to Other Buntings
The striolated bunting has clearer stripes on its face. It also has a lighter belly than the north African house bunting. The house bunting used to be thought of as the same species.
Birds found in eastern Chad sometimes show features of both the striolated bunting and the house bunting. This means they might be mixing.
Its Song
The striolated bunting sings from a high spot. Its song sounds a bit like the common chaffinch. However, the bunting's song is not as strong.
Subspecies
There are different types, or subspecies, of the striolated bunting. These are slightly different groups within the same species.
- Emberiza striolata striolata: Found from northeast Africa to Arabia, Iran, Pakistan, and central India.
- Emberiza striolata saturatior: Lives in the highlands of central Sudan, Ethiopia, and Kenya.
- Emberiza striolata jebelmarrae: Found in the highlands of Sudan, specifically in a place called Jebel Marra.
- Emberiza striolata sahari: Lives from Morocco east to Libya. It also goes south to Senegal, Mali, Niger, and Chad.
Life Cycle
Breeding Habits
In recent times, the striolated bunting has been found breeding in more southerly places in India. For example, they have been seen near Saswad close to Pune.
When the female lays her eggs, it takes about 14 days for them to hatch. This time is called the incubation period. A typical clutch, or group of eggs, has three eggs.
