The meadow bunting or Siberian meadow bunting is a passerine bird of eastern Asia which belongs to the genus Emberiza in the bunting family Emberizidae.
Region
East Asia
Typical Environment
Found across much of Japan, the Korean Peninsula, eastern and northern China, and parts of Mongolia and the Russian Far East. Prefers open country with scattered shrubs, including meadows, pastures, farmland margins, forest edges, and riverbanks. Common in semi-rural landscapes with hedgerows and scrubby slopes. Frequently uses low perches for singing and scanning. In winter it may descend to lower elevations and more open fields.
Altitude Range
0–2500 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The meadow bunting is a common bunting of East Asia, especially abundant in Japan and parts of Korea and China. Males have striking black-and-white head striping that contrasts with their rich rufous body. They form small flocks outside the breeding season and often perch on fence lines, hedges, and utility wires. Like many Emberiza buntings, they switch to a more insect-rich diet during the breeding period.
Emberiza cioides MHNT
Temperament
wary but conspicuous on exposed perches
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with slightly undulating flight
Social Behavior
Territorial pairs in the breeding season; the male sings from prominent perches. Nest is a cup placed low in dense grass or shrubs; clutch typically 3–5 eggs. Outside the breeding season, birds gather in small loose flocks and may mix with other seedeaters.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
The male delivers a simple, clear series of whistles and short phrases, often repeated from a fencepost or shrub top. Calls include a sharp tik or tink note and thin seee contact calls.
