Chestnut-eared Bunting

The Chestnut-eared Bunting is a well-marked bunting named for the warm chestnut patch covering its ear coverts, which stands out against a grey crown and a pale, whitish throat. The back is rufous-brown, heavily streaked with black, and the breast is pale buff crossed by a band of fine dark streaks resembling a necklace, a useful field mark distinguishing it from similar buntings.

It is typically found in damp, grassy habitats, often near water, where it perches on grass stems, low shrubs, or fence lines while singing, and forages on or near the ground for seeds and insects.

Key field marks

• Chestnut-colored ear coverts contrasting with a grey crown
• Rufous-brown back heavily streaked with black
• Pale buffy breast crossed by a band of fine dark streaks (a "necklace")
• Whitish throat

Similar species

• Meadow Bunting has a grey (not chestnut) cheek bordered by bold black stripes and lacks the streaked breast necklace.
• Chestnut Bunting is a different, more uniformly chestnut species overall, lacking the grey crown and streaked necklace pattern.

Habitat

Favors damp grassy fields, marsh edges, rice paddies, and scrubby areas near water.

Range

Breeds across a wide area including parts of Russia, Mongolia, China, Korea, and Japan; winters further south into southern China and parts of Southeast Asia.

Migration

A medium-distance migrant across much of its breeding range, moving south for the winter, though some southern populations are resident.

Behavior

Often perches on grass stems, reeds, or low shrubs while singing, and forages on the ground in damp grassy habitat, sometimes in small loose groups outside the breeding season.

Voice

A thin, high-pitched, somewhat jerky song and a sharp "tsip" call.

Feeding

Eats seeds for much of the year, with insects added to the diet during the breeding season.

Nesting

Builds a cup nest hidden in grass or low vegetation near the ground; lays 4-5 pale eggs with darker markings.