Reed Bunting (Emberiza schoeniclus).
August 6, 2011 in Biopedia, Birds by PaulS
Male (just starting to develop its breeding plumage of jet black head).
Female.
Sparrow-sized but slim and with a long, deeply notched tail, the male has a black head, white collar and a drooping moustache. Females and winter males have a streaked head. In flight the tail looks black with broad, white edges.
Predominantly a farmland and wetland bird. Typically found in wet vegetation but has recently spread into farmland and, in winter, into gardens. When singing the male usually perched on top of a bush, or reed.
Found around any wetland habitat in the valley. Listen for the bird then look on top of reeds or any prominent perch.
Male in full breeding plumage.
