McKay's bunting is a passerine bird in the longspur family Calcariidae. It is most closely related to the snow bunting. Hybrids between the two species have been observed, leading some authorities to treat McKay's as a subspecies of the snow bunting. As the Plectrophenax buntings are nested within the Calcarius clade, their closest relatives are the longspurs. McKay's bunting breeds on two islands in the Bering Sea, St. Matthew and Hall islands, and winters on the western coast of the U.S. state of Alaska.
Region
Bering Sea and western Alaska
Typical Environment
Breeds only on treeless, tundra-covered St. Matthew and Hall islands in the Bering Sea, using rocky slopes, beach ridges, and boulder fields for nesting. Outside the breeding season it moves to the western and southwestern coasts of Alaska, frequenting open coastal tundra, storm-wrack lines, and sparsely vegetated shorelines. Winter flocks forage on snow-free patches and along beaches where seeds and invertebrates concentrate. Occasional individuals may disperse to nearby island groups.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 400 m
Climate Zone
Polar
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
McKay's bunting is closely related to the snow bunting but is noticeably whiter, especially in adult males, and is restricted to breeding on just two remote Bering Sea islands. Hybrids with snow buntings occur where the species mix in winter along Alaska’s western coast. Its tiny breeding range makes it vulnerable to environmental change and introduced predators. In winter it often joins mixed flocks of snow buntings on windswept coastal flats and beach ridges.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
strong flier with short rapid wingbeats and an undulating, bounding flight
Social Behavior
Monogamous pairs nest in rock crevices, boulder piles, or among driftwood, lining the cup with grasses and feathers. Clutches typically contain 4–6 eggs, and both parents feed the young. Outside the breeding season it forms small to medium flocks, often mixing with snow buntings along coastal habitats.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
A clear, tinkling warble reminiscent of the snow bunting, delivered from low perches or during short display flights. Calls include sharp chips and soft buzzes used to keep contact within flocks.
Plumage
Crisp, mostly white plumage with limited black in the wings and tail; males in breeding plumage are nearly pure white. Females and nonbreeding birds show faint gray-brown streaking on the back and scapulars with blackish primary tips.
Diet
In summer it takes a variety of arthropods such as flies, beetles, and spiders to meet the high protein demands of breeding. At other times it relies heavily on seeds of grasses, sedges, and coastal forbs. It also forages in storm wrack where wind and tides concentrate seeds and small invertebrates.
Preferred Environment
Feeds on open tundra, shoreline flats, beach ridges, and sparsely vegetated rocky areas. Often exploits snow-free patches and drift lines where food is exposed by wind.
