The slaty bunting is a species of bird in the family Emberizidae.
Region
East Asia
Typical Environment
This species is confined to southeastern China, where it inhabits dense understory in subtropical evergreen and mixed forests. It favors bamboo thickets, forest edges, gullies, and scrubby hillsides with abundant ground cover. Birds often skulk in shaded ravines and along streamside tangles. It uses both primary and well-grown secondary forest, provided there is thick undergrowth.
Altitude Range
100–1500 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The slaty bunting is a shy, ground-loving bunting endemic to southeastern China, often keeping to dense bamboo and undergrowth. Males are distinctive, with dark slaty plumage and a sharp white submoustachial stripe, while females are brown and streaked for camouflage. It forages quietly in leaf litter for seeds and small invertebrates. Its soft, thin whistles can be hard to detect in its preferred thickets.
Temperament
solitary and secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low and direct between cover
Social Behavior
Typically found alone or in pairs, keeping low in dense cover. Nests are placed on or near the ground in thick vegetation, with both parents contributing to care. Breeding is presumed monogamous, and birds are highly territorial in the nesting season.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song consists of soft, thin, high-pitched whistles delivered from within cover. Calls include a sharp tick or tzit, often given when alarmed.
