LITTLE BUNTING Emberiza pusilla

At 3.10pm on 30^th September I was checking the fields and bushes near the manure dump when I saw a small Dunnock-like bird feeding in the short grass along with Robins and Meadow Pipits. I was able to approach to within 10 feet before the bird took flight, although it returned to the same area every time I moved back. By this time I had realised that it was a small bunting, and my suspicions were of Little Bunting, especially when it flew, as it gave a characteristic "tick tick tick" call. I watched it for about 20 minutes with a telescope, and was able to obtain a detailed description.

It appeared smaller than both Robin and Meadow Pipit, as it was "legless" on the ground, crouching low and shuffling along when feeding. It was dumpy and compact giving it a "neckless" shape. The flight was fast and agile, the wings being closed between bursts of fast wing beats.

The most obvious feature distinguishing it from Reed Bunting were on the head. The bill was thin and pointed (for a bunting). The ear coverts were an obvious rusty colour with a pale whitish spot at the rear, and a thick black border behind this. There was also a thin dark line at the upper edge of the ear coverts. There was a conspicuous white orbital ring, and a creamy white supercilium which was broader behind the eye. Above the supercilium were thick brown lines bordering a rusty to buff central crown stripe, which became whiter near the base of the bill. Running from the base of the bill were a thin black moustachial stripe, bordered by a white throat and malar stripe. The moustachial stripe broke into fine spots and streaks on the upper breast and along the flanks. The back and wings were grey to brown, with fine black streaks and two pale wing bars on the coverts.

Reed Buntings nearby were checked and had the following differences to the above bird.

1. They were longer and thinner in shape.

2. They had a broader stubby bill.

3. Their backs and wings were a rusty colour, particularly on the coverts and secondaries.

4. They had no orbital ring and were darker faced.

5. The flight was more fluttery.

6. The only sound heard from them was the typical "sieu" call.

P J Dunn.