Cretzschmar's Bunting

The Cretzschmar's bunting, Emberiza caesia, is a small, charming passerine bird belonging to the Emberizidae family. This species is distinguished by its compact size and stout pink bill, a delightful sight for any birdwatcher.

Identification Tips

Upon encountering a male Cretzschmar's bunting during the breeding season, one is treated to the sight of its grey head adorned with striking orange moustaches. The bird's upperparts present a rich brown, heavily streaked with darker shades, save for the unmarked rump. The underparts are a vibrant rusty orange, creating a stark contrast with the grey head. Females and juveniles, while sporting a less pronounced head pattern, can be recognized by their warm brown rump and the distinctive white eye-ring.

Habitat

The Cretzschmar's bunting favors sunny open hillsides that offer a smattering of bushes. It has a penchant for coastal or insular environments and typically nests at lower altitudes than its relative, the ortolan bunting, where their ranges overlap.

Distribution

This species has a breeding range that includes Greece, Turkey, Cyprus, and the Levant. It is a migratory bird, retreating to the warmer climes of Sudan and northern Eritrea to overwinter. On rare occasions, it has been known to stray to western Europe.

Breeding

The Cretzschmar's bunting is a ground nester, laying a clutch of four to six eggs. It exhibits a preference for seeds as its primary food source, but will also feed insects to its young, showcasing its adaptability in nurturing its offspring.

Similar Species

The Cretzschmar's bunting may be confused with the ortolan bunting, but keen observers will note the differences in head pattern and the unique warm brown rump of the Cretzschmar's, as well as the white eye-ring which sets it apart.

Diet and Feeding

A diet of seeds sustains the Cretzschmar's bunting, though it adapts to include insects in its diet when feeding its young, ensuring a balanced nutrition for its offspring.

Conservation status

BirdLife International has classified the Cretzschmar's bunting as Least Concern, indicating that, for now, this species does not face immediate threats to its survival.