Reed Bunting
Scientific Name: Emberiza schoeniclusMaltese Name: Durrajsa tal-Qasab
Family: Buntings (Emberizidae)
Occurence: Scarce
Breeds in Malta: No
Overview:
The Reed Bunting breeds across Europe and much of temperate and northern Asia. Most birds migrate south in winter, but those in the milder south and west of the range are resident. It is common in reedbeds and also breeds in drier open areas such as moorland and cultivated areas. The Reed Bunting is a medium sized passerine bird, with a small but sturdy seed-eater's bill. The male has a black head and throat, white neck collar and underparts, and a heavily streaked brown back. The female is much duller, with a streaked brown head, and is more streaked below. The call of the Reed Bunting is a repeated, long zirp. The call often reveals their presence in a vast reedbed. Its natural food consists of insects when feeding young, and otherwise seeds. The nest is in a bush or reed tussock. 4-7 eggs are laid, which show the hair-like markings characteristic of those of buntings.
Status:
Scarce autumn migrant and wintering bird.
When to See:
Late October till early March.
Where to See:
Best place to observe Reed Bunting is Simar Nature Reserves, where in winter evenings they join in a small flock, up to 10 birds, to roost in the reserve's reed bed. Ghadira Nature Reserve, Salina and vallies with adequate reed cover such as Ghajn Rihana are also good placed to see the Reed Bunting.
Photographs:
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Reed Bunting in winter plumage, Ghadira Nature Reserve |
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Reed Bunting in winter plumage, Simar Nature Reserve |
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