The brown-rumped bunting is a species of bird in the family Emberizidae native to the Sudan (region) and adjacent areas. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests. Recent (2022) sightings have frequently taken place in Namibia, Ovamboland, Uukwaluudhi. This may be due to climate change.
Region
West and Central Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs patchily from the Sudanian savanna and adjacent forest zones across parts of West and Central Africa, using forest edges, gallery forests, secondary growth, and wooded savanna. It favors dense thickets, riparian scrub, and farmbush near water or clearings. The species is typically a lowland bird but may range onto gentle foothills. Records outside the core range, including northern Namibia (Ovamboland, Uukwaluudhi), are scarce and may represent vagrants or localized dispersal.
Altitude Range
0–1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The brown-rumped bunting is a small, often skulking African bunting named for its warm brown rump that contrasts with its streaked back. It frequents dense undergrowth, forest edge, and wooded savanna, where it can be hard to spot but reveals itself with thin, high-pitched notes. It can be confused with Gosling’s and Cabanis’s buntings; look for the clear white supercilium and rufous-brown rump to separate it. Occasional records well southwest of its core range likely reflect local movements or vagrancy.
Temperament
shy and skulking
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low, bounding flight
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, occasionally in small family groups after breeding. Nests are cup-shaped and placed low in shrubs or dense grass. Breeding is seasonal and likely timed to rains, with both sexes involved in nest care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A soft series of thin, high-pitched whistles and trills, often delivered from a low perch within cover. Calls include sharp tseep and tssip notes given while foraging or when alarmed.
