Godlewski's bunting is a species of bird in the family Emberizidae. It is named after the Polish collector Victor Godlewski who obtained a specimen of which on the basis of which it was described by Taczanowski.
Region
East and Central Asia
Typical Environment
Breeds in open woodland, scrubby hillsides, forest edges, and steppe slopes across northern and central China, Mongolia, and adjacent parts of southern Siberia. In winter it disperses to milder lowlands, including parts of southern China and northern Indochina. It favors mosaic landscapes with scattered shrubs, rocky outcrops, and patches of grass or agricultural margins. Nesting typically occurs in low shrubs or on the ground concealed by vegetation.
Altitude Range
200–3000 m
Climate Zone
Continental
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Godlewski's bunting is a seed- and insect-eating passerine of the Emberizidae, named for Polish naturalist Victor Godlewski; it was described by Władysław Taczanowski. It resembles Meadow Bunting but adults typically show a gray hood and plainer head pattern. Many populations move south or to lower elevations outside the breeding season, forming small flocks in open scrub and farmland edges.
Temperament
wary but often confiding at edges of cover
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with bounding, undulating flight
Social Behavior
Breeds in solitary pairs with males singing from exposed perches to defend territories. The cup nest is placed low in shrubs or on the ground, and both parents care for the young. Outside the breeding season, individuals form small loose flocks and may associate with other seed-eating passerines.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
A short, tinkling series of clear, metallic phrases delivered from a perch, often repeated at intervals. Calls include dry chips and thin tsip notes, especially in flight.
Plumage
Warm rufous-brown upperparts with fine streaking, a contrasting gray hood and nape, and paler buff underparts with a whitish belly. Two pale wing bars are usually evident, and the tail shows white outer feathers in flight. Females and immatures are duller with more diffuse head patterning.
Diet
Primarily seeds and grains from grasses and forbs, supplemented by small insects and other invertebrates, especially in the breeding season. Nestlings are fed a higher proportion of soft-bodied insects. It also takes buds and occasional berries when seeds are scarce.
Preferred Environment
Forages mostly on the ground or low in shrubs along steppe edges, scrubby slopes, and field margins. Often uses paths, track edges, and open patches among shrubs where seeds are accessible.
