Emberiza striolata (M.H.K.Lichtenstein, 1823)

Taxonomic Naming

This species, the striolated bunting, has a scientific name of Emberiza striolata (M.H.K.Lichtenstein, 1823).

Size

It measures 14 cm in length, matching the size of the house bunting, and is smaller than the similarly plumaged rock bunting.

Breeding Male Plumage

Breeding males have a chestnut-colored body, a grey head with darker streaking, plus a white supercilium and white moustachial streak.

Female Plumage

Females have a brown tint added to the grey of their heads, and more diffused streaking.

Plumage Comparison To House Bunting

Compared to the north African house bunting, the striolated bunting has stronger facial striping and a paler belly.

Historical Taxonomic Classification

The north African house bunting was previously considered conspecific with striolated bunting as the subspecies E. striolata sahari.

Subspecies Intergradation

Populations of the subspecies E. striolata jebelmarrae found in eastern Chad show some evidence of intergradation with the house bunting.

Song

Males sing from a perch; the striolated bunting's song is similar to that of the common chaffinch, but weaker.

Breeding Range

This bird is a resident breeder in dry regions across Africa and from Chad east through southwest Asia to northwest India.

Breeding Habitat

It breeds in isolated, remote wadis, unlike the related house bunting which lives around human settlements.

Nesting Behavior

It usually nests close to streams, building its nest on the ground or in a ground hole, and lays between two and four eggs per clutch.

Diet

Its natural diet is made up of seeds; when feeding chicks, it eats insects instead.