Bird ID, please (no photo)

[rainmaker]

After my excursion to East Anglia, I have a query - there was a lovely flock of birds at Blakeney point in the green verges on the banks - bit dunnock-like (in closed wing view), but a touch smaller, and beautiful flashes of white/blue (black?) when they took wing - about 20 in the flock, and they played a game of follow-my-leader, whilst performing a bouncy jaunty flight up to 10m in the air, and then suddenly diving into the verges to feed again. Anyone any idea what they are? I suspect, from images on t'internet that they were Lapland Buntings - but there seems no description of the white/blue-black of the underwing or tail, nor are there any in-flight pics!

[VinceS]

Consider Snow buntings. These are quite disinctive in flight showing balck and white.

Vince

[Dae]

Well you say dunnock-like, and I first think of pipits. But if they had thick bills like a sparrow then I imagine buntings are a consideration as well.

[epops]

Originally Posted by VinceS

Consider Snow buntings. These are quite disinctive in flight showing balck and white.

Vince

id go with snow bunting as well

[rainmaker]

I'd already looked at snow bunting and crossed it off, mainly due to the dunnock-like breast markings (the thin lines).

A pipit may also be a good shout, I kind of hoped that the vague behaviour description may help with the ID.

They really were remarkably innocuous-looking until they took off!

Cheers all

[Dae]

Well, pipits are the only birds I can think of that travel like you described, that are streaked like a dunnock and a bit smaller than a dunnock. There's a few buntings as well that may be the ticket, and I do feel that snow bunting may not be one as it's not streaked, but without knowing the bill type, it's tough for me to narrow it down. I'm sure someone more proficient will be able to help you

[epops]

urm linnnets? meadow pipits? wood larks ? probly none of these im just stabbibg in the dark me thinks.

[VinceS]

Have you checked out juvenile snow bunting - these can have streaky breasts. Just a thought.

[Adam Cheeseman]

Your description is almost perfect for the many flocks of Snow Bunting around on the Norfolk coast at the momemt. I have seen 50+ flocks recently at Salthouse and Holkham, which are either side of Blakeney.

Cheers,

Adam

[aeshna5]

Sound like Snow Buntings to me too; recently had a flock of c100 at Holkham.