Please identify this bird

LRM · #1 (**permalink**) 21-03-2010, 05:19 PM

Noticed this bird in the garden this morning. Think I glimpsed it a few weeks ago but it flew off. This morning got a few photos. Same size as a sparrow and only noticed it because of its black head. Was feeding on the ground with the sparrows and chaffinches.

I think there is another one but not as distinct, ie the head isn't as black and the white around the neck not so clear. But didn't get a good look or picture. Have looked in books but can't seem to find it, but must be there somewhere.

Thanks for your help

diggleken · #2 (**permalink**) 21-03-2010, 05:26 PM

Male reed bunting, nice pics too!

Cheers
Ken

galanthus · #3 (**permalink**) 21-03-2010, 05:52 PM

Yep Reed Bunting males. Saw quite a large number of them sat low in a tree last week, most I've seen together.

LRM · #4 (**permalink**) 21-03-2010, 07:24 PM

Thanks for your quick replies. Never seen a Reed Bunting before. Another new visitor to the garden.

My 2 small bird identification books do not mention Reed Buntings. One mentions Ortolan and Cirl Buntings (never heard of them) but not Reed Bunting, so thanks for your help.

Dogghound · #5 (**permalink**) 21-03-2010, 07:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LRM

My 2 small bird identification books do not mention Reed Buntings. One mentions Ortolan and Cirl Buntings (never heard of them) but not Reed Bunting, so thanks for your help.

Very strange, Reed buntings are far more common than Cirl and Ortolan. Probably best to get a new book. Most bird books concentrate on more common regularly seen species.