The Tibetan bunting is a species of bird in the family Emberizidae. It is endemic to eastern side of the Tibetan Plateau.
Region
Tibetan Plateau
Typical Environment
Occurs on the eastern side of the Tibetan Plateau, primarily in Qinghai and adjacent parts of Gansu and Sichuan. It inhabits alpine and subalpine scrub, including dwarf willow and juniper, rhododendron thickets, and patchy Caragana scrub. Birds use open, stony slopes and meadow edges near shrubs for feeding and song perches. Streamside shrubbery and brushy ravines are also frequented. It is highly localized, with populations clustered where suitable shrub cover meets open ground.
Altitude Range
3200–4800 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also known as Kozlov's bunting, the Tibetan bunting is a high-altitude specialist restricted to the eastern Tibetan Plateau. It favors scrubby alpine habitats and can be quite secretive, often keeping low in shrubs or foraging on open, stony ground nearby. Like many buntings, it switches to more insect prey during the breeding season. Its small, localized range makes it of interest for high-altitude bird studies.
Temperament
wary and moderately territorial
Flight Pattern
short, bounding flights with rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Pairs defend small territories in the breeding season and nest low in dense shrubs or on the ground under cover. Outside breeding, small loose groups may form in areas with abundant seeds. Courtship includes song from exposed perches such as rocks or shrub tops. Both sexes contribute to parental care, with increased insect delivery to nestlings.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A short, tinkling series of clear whistles and thin trills, delivered from a shrub or rock. Calls include sharp tik notes and soft buzzes, especially when alarmed.
Plumage
Streaked brown upperparts with paler underparts and fine flank streaking; head shows contrasting bunting-style striping.
Diet
Feeds mainly on grass and herb seeds, small buds, and occasional berries. During the breeding season it takes more invertebrates such as beetles, caterpillars, and other small arthropods for added protein. Foraging is mostly on the ground, picking items from bare soil, gravel, and the bases of shrubs. It will also glean insects from low shrub foliage.
Preferred Environment
Open alpine scrub mosaics with nearby bare or lightly vegetated ground. Frequently along stream edges with willow thickets and on stony meadow margins and rocky slopes.
