Emberiza cia Linnaeus, 1767

Taxonomy and Size

This bird species, the rock bunting (Emberiza cia Linnaeus, 1767), reaches 16 centimeters in total length.

Breeding Male Plumage

Breeding males have chestnut-colored upperparts, solid deep buff underparts, and a pale grey head patterned with black striping.

Female Plumage

Females are a paler, less distinct version of breeding males, with lighter underparts, a grey-brown back, and a head with less color contrast.

Juvenile Plumage

Juveniles resemble females, but have streaked patterning on the head.

Subspecies Plumage Variation

Four subspecies are recognized, which differ mainly in the shade of their plumage. Only the subspecies that breeds in Europe, Africa, and western Turkey has distinct white wing bars.

Breeding Distribution

The rock bunting breeds across northwest Africa, southern Europe extending east to central Asia and the Himalayas, and also breeds in scattered local areas within central Europe.

Migratory Pattern

It is partially migratory: northern breeding populations travel further south to winter, mostly staying within the breeding range of resident southern populations.

Vagrant Status

It is a rare wandering visitor to western Europe.

Breeding Habitat

The rock bunting breeds in open, dry, rocky mountain habitats.