YELLOWHAMMER: Communication

Called “Yellow Bunting” in some areas of Europe, Yellowhammer is usually found hopping about in croplands. After a harvest, He and his flock will eat the grain remaining in the fields. Preferring farm fields surrounded by shrubs, Yellowhammer is rarely found in gardens or woods.

When He is not breeding, Yellowhammer joins a mixed flock that includes Finches and Buntings. Within this flock, Yellowhammer and his Friends have a communal roosting spot inside the thick hedges. This robust Bird does not seem to mind the cold, and sometimes will roost on the bushes under the snow.

Wary but not shy, Yellowhammer will choose a high perch on a bush near people to sing his tunes. He usually sings “a little bit of bread and no cheese”. However, in Scotland, Yellowhammer calls, “may the Devil take you!”

Another name for Yellowhammer is “Scribble Lark” because of the squiggly lines on his eggs. Since these lines resemble cursive writing, He is also called the “Writing Lark”. The squiggles are Yellowhammer’s messages to the world.

Yellowhammer communicates in various ways. Not content with “cheep cheep”, He sings whole sentences to get people’s attention. If that does not work, Yellowhammer scribbles on his eggs, which are covered with writing. However, make sure that you are clear in your statements or people will not understand you. Like the squiggles on Yellowhammer’s eggs, you can be as confusing.
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Science Notes:

1. Yellowhammer (Emberiza citrinella) of Europe is a member of the Old World Bunting Family. In some areas, Flicker (Colaptes auratus) is referred to as “Yellowhammer”. However, Flickers are woodpeckers.

SNOW BUNTING: Love of Life

Snow Bunting is remarkable for She lives the farthest north of any Bird save Common Raven. She comfortably makes her home in the Nearctic and Palearctic regions. Snow Bunting will often nest in the outcroppings of glaciers, although She much prefers rocky crevices. To cope with her harsh Polar environment, Snow Bunting has feathered tarsi. In her northern home, Snow Bunting enjoys bathing in the snow. When it gets very cold, She will burrow deep in the snow.

A social Bird, Snow Bunting likes to live in large flocks when She migrates. Watching these flocks is to see Birds in constant motion. They “leapfrog” over each other, changing who is in the front and center of the flock. Because of her snow-white plumage, Snow Bunting is also called “Snowflake”. What seems to be a flying snow flurry is her flock passing by.

Snow Bunting teaches us to love life. Enjoying the snow, She plays in it. Nesting as far north as She does, Snow Bunting ably demonstrates tenacity of life. Living even in the most inhospitable of regions, She still enjoys Herself.
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OLD WORLD BUNTINGS AND NEW WORLD SPARROWS (EMBERIZIDAE):

OLD WORLD BUNTINGS AND NEW WORLD SPARROWS (EMBERIZIDAE): Jumping to Conclusions

The Emberizidae or Old World Buntings and New World Sparrows are a diverse and complicated Family of Birds. At present, what this Family is in flux. What is under discussion is which Birds belong to the Family of Old World Buntings and New World Sparrows.


However some things can apply to all of the Emberizidae. In Europe, these Birds are called “Buntings”. Meanwhile in North America, They are known as “American Sparrows” and include Juncos. Adding to the confusion is that Buntings in the Americas usually belong to the Cardinal-Grosbeak (Cardinalidae) Family. Also, Sparrows of the Old World belong to the Passeridae Family. (American Sparrows were named that because of their resemblance to these Old World Passeridae.)

Emberizidae feed on fruit, Insects, and seeds. They have stout bills which are adapted for crushing seeds. As important members of the ecosystem, these Birds disperse seeds and eat pests.

Old World Buntings and New World Sparrows are usually not very colorful or flashy. Often known as “Little Brown Jobs”, Emberizidae are generally not welcomed at Bird feeders since people prefer more colorful and charismatic Birds. Victims of mistaken identity, Emberizidae go about their business. We may be confused about Them but these Birds know who they are.

Appearances can be deceiving, which leads to confusion, but the Emberizidae rise above it all. They teach people not to jump to conclusions, since these Birds are not really what people once thought they were. Now many people are confused over what a “Sparrow” or a “Bunting” really is. Instead of jumping to conclusions, employ careful thought. Remember that when you see a “Sparrow” in North America.
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