Monday 8 June 2015

Rock Bunting (Emberiza cia)

OTHER NAMES: N/A
Latin Etymology: Emberiza ("bunting") cia (Italian name for the species)
Male Rock Bunting (Subspecies E. c. cia) at Patones, Spain - June 2015

Featured Subspecies: Emberiza cia cia
Weight: 25-29g  /  Length: 17cm  /  Wingspan: 24cm
NO UK STATUS IUCN Red List: Least Concern 

 A handsome little bunting that Luis spotted for us in the valley above Patones - it shares the same basic markings as the Cirl Bunting that is found in the UK, but with the yellow removed from the plumage.  They live on rocky hillsides with limited vegetation, though this bird proved fairly showy - boldly crossing the path in front of us in plain view until startled off by a cyclist coming down the hill.  They are found throughout the Mediterranean through to the mountains of Pakistan and India.

Related Species:
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Emberizidae
Genus: Emberiza
Subspecies: E. c. cia, E. c. hordei, E. c. prageri, E. c. par

 - Sighting Locations -
SPAIN - Spanish - Escribano montesino ("Mountain Scribe")
Locally common resident.
 - MADRID 2015 TRIP: Pair seen at Patones 
 - MADRID 2016 TRIP: A number seen at Monfrague National Park 

Further Notes: BirdForum Opus, IUCN Red ListRSPB, Wikipedia, Xeno-canto

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