Buntings

Buntings are small to medium-sized passerine birds that are typically found in open habitats and are characterized by their stout, seed-eating bills. The common name covers several groups of species, including the Old World buntings of the genus Emberiza and a number of New World species popularly called buntings, which belong to other genera. Taxonomic placement has varied over time, with Old World buntings traditionally placed in Emberizidae and some New World buntings assigned to different families; modern classifications differ among authorities, and some groups are treated as a distinct clade within Passerellidae or related families.

Old World buntings are widespread across Europe, Asia, and Africa, while North American buntings include species such as the indigo bunting and painted bunting. They favor open or edge habitats, including grasslands, fields, scrubby areas, and agricultural landscapes. Plumage is often cryptically mottled brown or gray, though some species show brighter head markings or wing bars. Many buntings are migratory, moving seasonally in response to food availability.

Buntings feed primarily on seeds, supplemented by insects during the breeding season. They forage on the ground or in low vegetation, and several species visit feeders in human-altered habitats. Breeding typically involves a cup-shaped nest placed in shrubs or on the ground, with clutch sizes commonly ranging from two to five eggs; both parents may help raise the young.

Conservation status varies by species and region. While many buntings are common, habitat loss, climate change, and other pressures have affected several range-restricted or poorly adaptable species. Overall, buntings are valued by birdwatchers for their song and, in some areas, their striking plumage.