Cirl Bunting

The Cirl Bunting (Emberiza cirlus) is a small, strikingly marked bird belonging to the bunting family (Emberizidae). Males are easily recognised by their black-and-yellow striped head, olive-green nape, chestnut-brown back, and bright yellow underparts. Females and juveniles are duller but show streaked brown plumage with hints of yellow. The BTO code for the Cirl Bunting is CI.

Cirl Buntings are found in mixed farmland habitats, particularly those with low-intensity farming practices, hedgerows, and areas of scrub. They are highly localised in the UK, with most of the population concentrated in southwest England, particularly Devon and Cornwall. These birds feed primarily on seeds and insects, with insects being particularly important during the breeding season to feed their young.

Cirl Buntings breed from April to August. They build their nests low in dense hedgerows or scrub, often choosing thorny vegetation for added protection. The nest is constructed from grass, moss, and other plant material and lined with finer grasses or hair. Clutches usually consist of 3-4 eggs, which are incubated by the female for 12-14 days. Both parents feed the chicks, which fledge after 10-14 days. Pairs may raise two or three broods in a single season under favorable conditions. 

The UK population of Cirl Buntings has experienced a dramatic recovery in recent years but remains highly localised, with an estimated 1,100 breeding pairs. In the past, the species faced severe declines due to agricultural intensification, loss of traditional mixed farming practices, and reduced availability of winter stubble fields and insect-rich grasslands.

The Cirl Bunting is listed as Red on the Birds of Conservation Concern (BoCC) 5 due to its historical declines and restricted range. It is also protected under Schedule 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, making it illegal to harm or disturb them or their nests. The species' primary threats include habitat loss, changes in farming practices, and insufficient food availability during winter. Conservation efforts for Cirl Buntings have been highly successful, focusing on habitat restoration and partnerships with farmers through agri-environment schemes. These initiatives encourage practices such as leaving winter stubble, maintaining hedgerows, and planting wild bird seed mixtures. Habitat creation and management have been particularly effective in southwest England, helping the species recover from near extinction in the UK. Public awareness and ongoing conservation efforts are essential to ensure the continued success of Cirl Bunting populations and the preservation of farmland biodiversity.