The golden-breasted bunting is a passerine bird in the bunting family Emberizidae. It occurs in dry open woodlands and moist savanna in Africa south of the Sahara, but is absent from the equatorial forest belt.
Region
Sub-Saharan Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs widely in dry open woodlands, acacia and miombo savannas, thornscrub, and lightly wooded hillsides south of the Sahara. It favors edges, clearings, and the margins of cultivation while avoiding dense equatorial rainforest and true desert. Frequently uses riparian thickets and rocky slopes with scattered bushes, and often visits water sources in the dry season.
Altitude Range
0–2000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
This striking bunting shows bold black-and-white head stripes and a rich golden-yellow breast, making it one of the more easily recognized savanna buntings. It is often seen perched on exposed shrubs or small trees while delivering a clear, whistled song. It can be confused with the Cinnamon-breasted Bunting, but is brighter below and has more yellow in the face. The species readily visits waterholes and edges of cultivation in the dry season.
Juvenile in Namibia
Temperament
generally shy but confiding at edges and waterholes
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with bounding arcs
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, becoming loosely gregarious in small groups outside the breeding season. Monogamous pairs nest in low shrubs or small trees, with a cup nest well concealed in foliage. The female incubates most of the time while the male helps feed fledglings.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a series of clear, sweet whistles delivered from a prominent perch, often repeated in short phrases. Calls include sharp tzing or tsee notes and soft contact chips.
Plumage
Boldly patterned head with black crown and eye-stripe contrasted by white supercilium and malar; rich golden-yellow throat and breast shading to warmer orange or rufous on the belly. Upperparts are rufous-brown with darker streaking; wings show pale wingbars; tail dark with white outer feathers.
Diet
Primarily eats seeds of grasses and forbs, cracking them with its stout bill. Supplements diet with insects—especially during breeding—such as beetles, caterpillars, and termites. Will also take small fruits and buds when available.
Preferred Environment
Forages mostly on the ground and low in shrubs along woodland edges, savanna clearings, and field margins. Commonly visits paths, tracks, and waterholes where seeds accumulate and insects are active.
