Yellowhammer look-alikes

Key differences

The Corn Bunting is larger, plumper, and lacks any yellow plumage. It is uniformly streaky brown, with a heavier bill. Its song is a jangling, metallic 'squeaky gate' sound, very different from the Yellowhammer's.

Key differences

The Cirl Bunting male has a distinctive olive-green head with black eye-stripe and moustachial stripe, and a yellow throat. It has a grey rump (Yellowhammer has rufous). Females are harder to distinguish but generally have less yellow and a more olive-grey tone than Yellowhammer females. The song is a rapid, monotonous trill.

Key differences

Male Reed Buntings have a black head and throat with a prominent white moustachial stripe and white collar. Females are streaky brown with a buffy supercilium. They lack the extensive yellow of the Yellowhammer and prefer wetland habitats.