Emberiza sulphurata Temminck & Schlegel, 1848

Common Name & Length

This bird species, Emberiza sulphurata, commonly called the yellow bunting, measures 14 cm in length. It has a conical grey bill, pinkish-brown feet, and brown eyes.

Male Upperparts

Males are grey-green on their upperparts, with black streaks running across the back. Their underparts are yellow-green, brightest on the throat and belly, with streaks on the flanks.

Male Distinctive Markings

Males also have black lores, a narrow black chin, a pale eye ring, white outer tail feathers, and two wing bars created by pale tips on the median and greater wing coverts.

Female Appearance

Females resemble males but are paler, and lack the black markings on the lores and chin.

Vocalizations

This species produces a twittering song and a soft tsip call.

Breeding Period

Its breeding season runs from mid-May to early July.

Nesting & Clutch Size

Nests are built low in bushes, and clutches contain three to five eggs.

Breeding Range

The yellow bunting breeds only in Japan, where it is uncommon. Most breeding populations are found on Japan's largest island, Honshu, though it may also breed on Kyushu, and possibly bred on Hokkaido in the past.

Breeding Habitat

Breeding individuals occupy forest and woodland at elevations between 600 and 1500 metres above sea level, mostly in central and northern Honshu.

Winter Migration Pattern

A small number of yellow buntings winter in warmer regions of Japan, while most migrate further south.

Winter Range

During the winter season, it has been recorded in the Philippines, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and southeast China, but it is scarce in all these locations.

Winter Habitat

In winter, it lives in woodland, scrub, grassland, and farmland.

Migration Stopover

Small numbers pass through Korea during spring and autumn migration.

Population Status

As of 2021, the species' total population remains unknown. The population is considered stable or possibly increasing, and is likely much larger than earlier population estimates suggested.

IUCN Classification

The IUCN classifies this species as least concern.

Threats

Threats to the yellow bunting include habitat loss, pesticide use, and trapping for the cagebird industry.