Reed Bunting
Emberiza schoeniclus
Also known as: Common Reed Bunting, Eurasian Reed Bunting
Habitat
Ground
Diet
PlantSeed
Active Time
Diurnal
Size
18 g
About This Species
Found in reedbeds, damp scrub and rough grassland near water, males in breeding plumage show a distinctive black head and white collar, while females are streaky brown. It sings a simple, repetitive song from an exposed reed stem or low bush, making spring the easiest time to locate a singing male. Outside the breeding season, small flocks can be found feeding on seed heads along wetland margins.
Ethical Viewing Guidelines
- Nests are built low in dense reed or scrub, so working around wetland edges quietly and staying on paths reduces the risk of disturbing a sitting bird.
- This species and its nest are legally protected in the UK and across much of its European range, with specifics varying by country.
- Watching or photographing from a distance with binoculars rather than pushing into reedbeds is the better approach during the breeding season.
LCAvesPasseriformesEmberizidae
Seasonal Activity
2,976,999 sightings · 2000–2026
Citizen science records via GBIF
All monthsThis month
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Aves
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Emberizidae
Traits
- Diet
- PlantSeed
- Foraging
- Ground
- Activity
- Diurnal
- Body mass
- 18 g
Photo
(c) raz1940 et Charlotte, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)
CC-BY-NC-4.0
Occurrence data from GBIF.