Emberiza cioides
The Meadow Bunting (Emberiza cioides) is a strikingly patterned passerine, typically measuring 15-17 cm in length and weighing between 18-28 grams. It is easily recognized by its distinctive rufous head sides, a bright white supercilium, and a bold black malar stripe contrasting sharply with its white throat. Its back is streaked brown, while the underparts are pale, often washed with rufous on the flanks. Sexual dimorphism is subtle, with males generally exhibiting brighter and more crisply ...
Primarily found in open grasslands, cultivated fields, shrubland, and forest edges, often favoring dry, sunny slopes. It inhabits both lowlands and mountainous regions, up to 3,000 meters in elevation.
Mainly granivorous, consuming various seeds from grasses and weeds; supplements its diet with insects, particularly during the breeding season. Forages primarily by gleaning from the ground or low vegetation.
Meadow Buntings are diurnal birds, spending most of their active hours foraging on the ground or from low perches. They often roost communally in dense bushes or tall grasses for safety. Foraging is primarily done by gleaning seeds and insects from the ground or low vegetation, frequently flickin...
The Meadow Bunting occupies an extensive Palearctic distribution, predominantly across East Asia. Its breeding range stretches from eastern Russia (including Transbaikal and Amurland) south through Mongolia, vast swathes of China, both North and South Korea, and encompasses all four main islands ...
Least Concern
- The Meadow Bunting is known to incorporate phrases from other bird songs into its own complex repertoire, showcasing mimicry skills. - Despite its common name, it frequently prefers dry, sparse hillsides and open woodland edges over lush, wet meadows. - Males can sing from the same prominent pe...