Chestnut-eared Bunting

The Chestnut-eared Bunting, Emberiza fucata, is a small passerine bird, measuring 15 to 16 cm in length. Its plumage is predominantly brown with dark streaks. The male is distinguished by a grey crown and nape, intricately streaked with dark lines, and a striking combination of chestnut ear-coverts and bands of black and chestnut across the breast. A rufous patch adorns the shoulders, and the rump shares this rufous hue. Females are similar but present a more subdued appearance with less pronounced head and breast patterns. First-winter birds are somewhat plainer, yet they retain the warm brown ear-coverts and a conspicuous eye ring.

Identification Tips

When attempting to identify the Chestnut-eared Bunting, look for the male's distinctive grey head with dark streaks and the chestnut coloration around the ears. The bands of black and chestnut across the breast are also key identifiers. Females and juveniles may require a closer look, as their features are less bold, but the warm tones and eye ring should aid in identification.

Habitat

This species favors scrublands, fields, and grasslands, where it can often be found during its breeding season.

Distribution

The Chestnut-eared Bunting breeds across a range from the Himalayas to southeastern Siberia, Korea, and northern Japan. In the winter, it migrates southward to regions including southern Japan, southern China, Taiwan, northeastern India, Bangladesh, and Southeast Asia. It has been recorded as a vagrant in Kazakhstan and, notably, reached Fair Isle in Scotland in October 2004.

Behaviour

The Chestnut-eared Bunting is a migratory bird, with northern populations moving southward to escape the cold winters. Its breeding season varies by location, with May to August in India, May to July in Honshū, and June to August in Hokkaidō.

Song & Calls

The voice of the Chestnut-eared Bunting is reminiscent of the rustic bunting but is quieter in comparison. Its song is a rapid twittering sequence that starts with staccato notes, accelerates, and concludes with a distinctive two or three-note phrase. The call is an explosive "pzick."

Breeding

The nest of the Chestnut-eared Bunting is cup-shaped, constructed at ground level or within a low bush. Clutches typically consist of three to six eggs, with four being the most common number. These eggs are whitish with reddish-brown speckling and undergo an incubation period of 12 days.

Subspecies

There are three recognized subspecies of the Chestnut-eared Bunting. The nominate, E. f. fucata, is found in the northern part of the range. E. f. arcuata inhabits the Himalayas and parts of China and is characterized by darker plumage and broader breastbands. The third, E. f. kuatunensis, resides in southeast China and is distinguished by darker and more rufous upper parts and narrower breastbands.

Conservation status

The Chestnut-eared Bunting is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, indicating that it is not at immediate risk of widespread decline.