Emberiza citrinella Linnaeus, 1758 · strnádka obyčajná · Yellowhammer

Distribution

The Yellowhammer is widespread in Europe and parts of Asia. It is a common Slovak open-country breeder from lowlands to mountain areas. Mainly resident, it forms flocks and moves in search of food during winter. Year-round presence does not mean equal abundance at every site.

Habitat

It uses fields with margins, pastures, bushy meadows, woodland edges and young plantations. Low nesting cover, seed-rich patches and raised song perches are important. In winter it often feeds on stubbles and around farmyards.

Breeding

The female hides a cup nest on or just above the ground, beside a grass tussock or shrub. Usually 3–5 eggs are laid. Both parents feed the chicks, and pairs may breed several times in a season.

Food

Herb seeds and cereal grains dominate outside breeding. Chicks receive mainly insects and other invertebrates collected from low vegetation and the ground.

Interesting fact

Its eggs carry fine dark lines resembling tiny handwriting. This distinctive pattern also occurs in other buntings, although observing birds never requires disturbing nests to look for it.

Sources: Slovak Wikipedia · English Wikipedia · BTO BirdFacts