The chestnut bunting is a passerine bird in the bunting family Emberizidae found in the East Palearctic.
Region
East Palearctic and Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Breeds in the Russian Far East and northeastern China, with smaller numbers in the Korean Peninsula. During the non-breeding season it migrates to southern China, Taiwan, the Philippines, and parts of mainland Southeast Asia. It prefers forest edges, riverine thickets, young secondary woodland, and shrubby clearings during breeding. In winter it frequents brushy farmland, weedy fields, rice paddies, and hedgerows, often near water and scattered trees.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2000 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The chestnut bunting is a small migratory bunting that breeds in the temperate Far East and winters in Southeast Asia. Males show rich chestnut tones that make them stand out among similar buntings, while females are subtler and heavily streaked. The species favors scrub and forest edges and often forages in weedy fields and rice stubble during migration and winter. It has shown declines in parts of its range, likely from habitat change and trapping pressure.
Emberiza rutila - MHNT
Temperament
shy and skulking, especially in dense cover
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with undulating flight over open areas
Social Behavior
Typically solitary or in pairs during the breeding season, singing from exposed perches on shrubs or low trees. Nests low in dense vegetation or on the ground, with both sexes involved in parental care. In migration and winter it often gathers in small, loose flocks and may mix with other buntings.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
A short series of clear, thin whistles and buzzy phrases delivered from a perch, often repeated with slight variation. Calls include sharp ticks and soft tsip notes given in flight or when alarmed.
