The cinnamon-breasted bunting or cinnamon-breasted rock-bunting is a species of bird in the family Emberizidae. It is widespread in Africa south of the Sahara.
Region
Sub-Saharan Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs widely from the Horn of Africa through East Africa to southern Africa, with pockets in the Sahel and eastern parts of West Africa. It favors rocky slopes, dry savanna, thorn scrub, and rugged outcrops with scattered bushes. The species is often near dry riverbeds, inselbergs, and escarpments, and will use semi-open farmland edges if stony ground is available. It avoids dense forest and very wet habitats, preferring open, arid to semi-arid sites with perches for singing.
Altitude Range
0–2600 m
Climate Zone
Arid
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called the cinnamon-breasted rock bunting, this small finch-like bird favors rocky hillsides and dry scrub across sub-Saharan Africa. Males often sing from prominent boulders or termite mounds, delivering a clear, tinkling series of notes. It feeds mainly on grass seeds but switches to more insects during breeding. The species is adaptable and locally common where suitable rocky habitat exists.
Feeding on grass seed in the Kruger N. P., South Africa
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low, undulating flights between rocks and bushes
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, especially during the breeding season when pairs defend rocky territories. The male sings from exposed perches such as boulders, shrubs, or termite mounds. Nests are cup-shaped and placed on or near the ground among stones or low shrubs; clutches typically contain 2–4 eggs.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A clear, tinkling series of short phrases and trills delivered from a prominent perch. Calls include sharp chip or tsip notes, with soft contact calls when foraging on the ground.
