Bird : Emberiza schoeniclus ( Reed bunting - Καλαμοτσίχλονο )

Marios Filippou - Fassouri 

The Emberiza schoeniclus, commonly known as the reed bunting, is a small passerine bird belonging to the Emberizidae family. It is widespread across Europe and Asia, typically inhabiting wetlands, reed beds, and marshes.

Description

  • Size: Around 13.5–15.5 cm in length.
  • Wingspan: Approximately 21–28 cm.
  • Weight: Typically 12–25 grams.
  • Male: In breeding plumage, it has a black head, white collar, and streaked brown back. In winter, the black head is replaced by a duller, streaked appearance.
  • Female: Similar but lacks the black head, appearing more brown and streaked overall.

Habitat & Distribution

  • Found across Europe and Asia, with some populations migrating to warmer regions during winter.
  • Prefers reed beds, wetlands, marshes, and damp grasslands, though it can also be seen in farmland during winter.

Diet

  • Primarily seeds outside the breeding season.
  • In spring and summer, it also consumes insects to feed its chicks.

Breeding

  • Nesting occurs in dense vegetation, often on the ground or low in reeds.
  • The female lays 3–5 eggs, which she incubates for about 12–14 days.
  • Both parents feed the chicks, which fledge after 10–13 days.

Conservation Status

  • Classified as Least Concern (LC) by the IUCN, but some local populations have declined due to habitat loss and wetland drainage.