— BUNTINGS (Emberizidae) —
YELLOWHAMMER (Emberiza citrinella) - Bruant jaune
A bird of the forest edge and scrub adjacent to agriculture. The male takes on a brilliant yellow head and breast during the breeding season, the female is more of a yellowish-brown colour, quite streaked all over.
CIRL BUNTING (Emberiza cirlus) - Bruant zizi
A bird of sunny slopes mostly below 600m, frequently around vineyards, but of scattered distribution in Switzerland. Frequently sings within cover but can be picked out by a rather “dry” rattling song:
REED BUNTING (Emberiza schoeniclus) -Bruant des roseaux
As the name suggests found in reed beds and rough marshy ground. Not startling to look at it has a pleasant tinkling song which can be very variable:
CORN BUNTING (Emberiza calandra) -Bruant proyer
A bird of areas with long grass, especially near agricultural land, rather less common in Switzerland than in other countries. It has a rapid tinkling song: