The reed bunting (Emberiza schoeniclus) is a member of the bunting family, seed-eating songbirds of marshy areas with reeds and shrubs. Its range covers a large part of Europe and Asia.
The male is clearly recognizable in spring and summer by its pitch-black head, throat and upper chest, a white 'scarf' and a pale brown back with black stripes. The dirty white underside has a light grey striped rump. The flanks contain black-red stripes. The tail is brown-black with white and the lower tail is grey. The female is brown with a yellow-brown underside. Above the eyes she has a light eye stripe, further black and white beard stripes and stripes on the rump, chest and flanks.
In winter the reed bunting misses its black head and can be mistaken for the ice bunting or even for a house sparrow.
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