Gosling's bunting, also known as the grey-throated bunting, is a species of bird in the family Emberizidae. It is found in Africa from Mauritania and Senegal to south-western Sudan and north-eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Its natural habitats are dry savannah, subtropical or tropical dry shrubland, and subtropical or tropical dry lowland grassland.
Region
Sahel and Sudanian savannas of West and Central Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs from Mauritania and Senegal east through Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, northern Nigeria and Chad to south-western Sudan and into north-eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. It favors dry savanna, Sahelian scrub, and open thornbush with scattered acacias. The species also uses dry lowland grasslands, fallow fields, and lightly cultivated margins. It often appears around water sources and in recently burned or grazed areas where seed availability is high.
Altitude Range
0–1600 m
Climate Zone
Arid
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called the grey-throated bunting, it inhabits the Sahel and adjacent savannas where it often appears after rains to feed on freshly seeded grasses. Outside the breeding season it gathers in small flocks, sometimes with other seed-eating birds. It readily uses weedy fields and recently burned grasslands, taking advantage of abundant seeds.
Temperament
wary but tolerant, often in small groups
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with undulating progress
Social Behavior
Pairs form during the breeding season, with the male singing from low perches or shrubs. Nests are simple cups placed low in bushes or dense grass. Outside breeding, it often joins small flocks, sometimes mixing with other buntings and finches while foraging.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a short, dry series of tinkling and buzzy notes delivered from exposed perches. Calls include sharp chip and tsip notes used to keep contact in loose flocks. The overall vocalization is simple but carries well in open habitats.
