Crested bunting

The crested bunting is a species of bird in the family Emberizidae. It is sparrow sized with males having rufous wings and tail on a black body and females being less contrastingly coloured in dull brown. Both males and females have the distinctive crest. The species was formerly placed in an monotypic genus Melophus on account of its crest, unique among the buntings. The species has a wide but scattered distribution in Asia. They are found in mostly open and dry habitats over a range of altitudes. Populations in the higher elevations of the Himalayas show seasonal altitudinal movements. They are more gregarious in winter.

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Distribution

Region

Indian Subcontinent and Indochina

Typical Environment

Occurs patchily across open, dry landscapes including rocky hills, scrubby slopes, and edges of cultivation. Prefers sparsely vegetated terrain with boulders, ravines, and scattered bushes where it forages mainly on the ground and uses exposed perches for song and vigilance. Often found near fallow fields and riverine scrub. At higher elevations, it descends to lower valleys in winter while forming small flocks.

Altitude Range

Sea level to 2600 m

Climate Zone

Subtropical

Characteristics

Size15–17 cm

Wing Span23–27 cm

Male Weight0.027 kg

Female Weight0.024 kg

Life Expectancy5 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

The crested bunting is the only bunting with a prominent, erect crest, which both sexes possess. Males are strikingly black with rich rufous wings and tail, while females are brown and streaked for camouflage. It favors dry, stony hillsides and scrub and often perches conspicuously on rocks. In mountains it makes seasonal altitudinal movements and becomes more gregarious in winter.

Gallery

Behaviour

Temperament

wary but often conspicuous on open perches

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats with undulating flight

Social Behavior

Breeds in pairs with nests placed low in scrub or on ground ledges among rocks. Outside the breeding season it forms small, loose flocks and may join mixed-species groups at water or feeding sites. Males display by raising the crest and singing from exposed rocks or shrubs. Territorial during breeding, more gregarious in winter.

Migratory Pattern

Partial migrant

Song Description

A bright, metallic series of tinkling phrases and trills delivered from an elevated perch. Calls include a sharp tik or tsip used in contact and alarm. The song carries well across open, rocky slopes.

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Identification

Comb Type

Plumage Description

Feather Color

Leg Color

Earlobe Color

Eye Color

Feeding Habits

Diet

Preferred Environment

Requires Supplement

Population

Conservation Status

Species Status

Wild Population

Total Known Population

Crested caracara

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Crested coua

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Crested cuckoo-dove

The crested cuckoo-dove is a species of bird in the pigeon family, Columbidae. First described by English zoologist John Gould in 1856, it is endemic to the Solomon Islands archipelago, where it mainly inhabits hill forests at elevations of 500–900 m (1,600–3,000 ft). It is a large and robust pigeon, with a length of 40–42 cm (16–17 in) and a distinctive pale purplish-grey crest. Adults are mainly bluish-grey, with a pale greyish-buff throat, blackish tail, and yellow-tipped reddish bill. Both sexes look alike. Juveniles lack the crest, have darker heads, and have duller wings.

Crested drongo

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Crested duck

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