Reed Bunting look-alikes
Emberiza schoeniclus
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Open the appSeveral birds can be mistaken for the Reed Bunting. Compare the key differences below to confirm your sighting.
Birds to compare
Common Bunting (Corn Bunting)
Emberiza calandra
Key differences
Larger and stockier than the Reed Bunting, with a much thicker bill. Lacks the distinct head pattern of the breeding male Reed Bunting. Overall duller and more uniformly streaked brown, without white outer tail feathers. Song is a distinctive 'squeaky-gate' rattle.
Yellowhammer
Emberiza citrinella
Key differences
Males are easily distinguished by their bright yellow head and underparts. Females are duller but still show yellow tinges and a more rufous rump. Found in more open, drier habitats. Song is a characteristic 'a little bit of bread and no cheese'.
Lapland Bunting (Lapland Longspur)
Calcarius lapponicus
Key differences
Breeding male Lapland Bunting has a black head and throat, but also a chestnut nape and a different facial pattern (white stripe behind the eye, not a moustachial stripe). Found in Arctic tundra and high mountains. Non-breeding and female plumage is also distinct, lacking the Reed Bunting's specific head markings.
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