yellowhammer

The yellowhammer, scientific name Emberiza citrinella, is a passerine bird in the bunting family Emberizidae. It is a common and widespread bird found throughout Europe and parts of Asia. The yellowhammer is characterized by its bright yellow head and breast, particularly in males during the breeding season. Females are duller, with a more streaked appearance. They have a reddish-brown back and wings, and a long, notched tail.

These birds are typically found in open woodland, farmland, hedgerows, and scrubland. They are primarily ground feeders, foraging for seeds, grains, and insects. During the breeding season, which usually spans from spring to summer, males establish territories and sing a distinctive, repetitive song. They build cup-shaped nests in dense vegetation, typically low to the ground, and lay clutches of 3-6 speckled eggs.

The yellowhammer is an omnivore, supplementing its diet of seeds and grains with insects, especially during the warmer months when they feed their young. Their populations have seen declines in some areas, attributed to changes in agricultural practices and habitat loss. Despite this, they remain a familiar sight and sound in many rural landscapes. The yellowhammer is the national bird of Scotland, though it is not endemic to the country.