Cinnamon-breasted Bunting

The Cinnamon-breasted Bunting, Emberiza tahapisi, also known as the Cinnamon-breasted Rock Bunting, is a small passerine bird adorned with a distinctive striped head and warm cinnamon brown underparts. This charming bird is a member of the Emberizidae family and is recognized by its striking plumage, which varies between the sexes and ages.

Identification Tips

Adult males of this species boast bold black and white head stripes, while females exhibit a softer, browner pattern. The male's throat patch is a stark black, contrasting with the female's smaller, grayish, and blotched throat. Juveniles resemble females but have buffier head stripes and a paler throat. After molting, all birds have primaries and secondaries of the same age, aiding in their identification.

Habitat

Cinnamon-breasted Buntings favor rocky, lightly wooded hillsides with sparse vegetation and exposed soil. They are also known to inhabit woodlands, adapting to a variety of environments within their range.

Distribution

This species is widespread across mainland sub-Saharan Africa, avoiding deserts, dense equatorial forests, and high mountain altitudes. Their distribution is extensive, with some populations exhibiting partial migratory behaviors.

Behaviour

These buntings are monogamous and solitary nesters, with breeding times aligned with the regional rainy seasons. They exhibit a range of behaviors, from ground gleaning for seeds to complex courtship displays, including aerial chases and nest-building demonstrations. Aggression and fear responses are communicated through specific postures and vocalizations.

Song & Calls

The male Cinnamon-breasted Bunting is known for its repertoire of eight distinct songs, composed of short, high-pitched, rapid trills ending in a characteristic whistle. These songs are performed from elevated perches to maximize their reach.

Breeding

Breeding seasons are dictated by rainfall patterns, with nests constructed from twigs and grass on the ground in shaded areas. Both parents share incubation duties, with eggs hatching after 12-14 days and fledglings leaving the nest 14-16 days later. The clutch size ranges from 2-4 eggs, which are greenish or bluish-white with dark speckles.

Diet and Feeding

Primarily seed-eaters, Cinnamon-breasted Buntings are ground gleaners but will also consume insects, particularly when in captivity. Parents feed their chicks a diet of seeds and insects.

Conservation status

The IUCN has classified the Cinnamon-breasted Bunting as Least Concern. Despite this, their range has seen an expansion since 1985, likely due to climate change and habitat fragmentation.

In the voice of David Attenborough: "The Cinnamon-breasted Bunting, a jewel of the African savannah, continues to thrive across its vast range, a testament to the resilience of nature's creations."