The Buntings: Guide to British and Aviary Species

Buntings are a group of seed-eating birds known for their stout, conical bills adapted for husking seeds. They belong primarily to the family Emberizidae, featuring species across the Old World, including Europe and parts of Asia, with some species kept in captivity within aviaries. British bunting species like the Yellowhammer coexist alongside popular aviary birds such as the Cuban Grassquit.

Yellowhammer puppies

The Yellowhammer (Emberiza citrinella) is a familiar bird throughout Eurasia and has been introduced to New Zealand. In much of Europe, they are non-migratory, though some eastern subspecies do migrate seasonally.

The male Yellowhammer sports a bright yellow head, chestnut rump, streaky brown back, and yellow underparts, measuring about 16cm in length with a wingspan of 23-29cm. Females have duller shades with more streaking on the breast, crown, and flanks. Their varied song, learned from their fathers, results in regional dialects, yet recognition among their species remains consistent.

In captivity, Yellowhammers are generally quiet and content with a diet consisting of quality seed mixes, egg food, live insects, fruits, vegetables, and weeds. They are enthusiastic bathers and should always have access to fresh water for bathing.

Aggressive behaviour usually arises only during breeding seasons and tends to depend on individual temperament. The female builds a nest near the ground using hay, sisal, and other available materials. She typically lays between three and five eggs, incubating them for 11-14 days. Both parents feed the chicks primarily on live insects until they fledge approximately two weeks later.

Legislation requires Yellowhammers in the UK to be correctly ringed to prove captive breeding; buying or selling unringed birds is illegal, emphasising responsible ownership and conservation.

Saffron Finch

The Saffron Finch (Sicalis flaveola) inhabits open and semi-open lowlands around the Amazon Basin, including Colombia, northern Venezuela, Ecuador, western Peru, and parts of Brazil, with introductions in Hawaii and Puerto Rico. Despite common misclassification as a canary, it is not closely related.

Males show a bright yellow plumage with an orange crown, while females appear slightly duller. They typically measure 14-15cm in length.

They usually mix well with other species when not breeding, but breeding season can see increased territorially and aggression. A larger aviary space can help reduce stress. It’s advised to keep only a single pair to avoid conflicts.

Their diet in captivity should start with a good tropical seed mix supplemented with fruit, vegetables, and egg food, adding live food during breeding for protein. Like many buntings, they enjoy regular bathing with fresh water available.

Nests are typically large, often built in bushes or nest boxes using various collected materials. Females lay around four eggs, incubating them for 11-14 days, and care for the young until fledging, around two weeks old, with adult plumage achieved by six months. Responsible care and ethical purchase should always be prioritised.

Cuban Grassquit

The Cuban Grassquit (Tiaris canorus), often called the Cuban Finch in captivity despite not being a true finch, is a small bird native to the Bahamas, Cuba, and Turks and Caicos Islands. It inhabits tropical lowland forests, dry shrublands, and degraded forests.

Measuring 9-10cm, males have distinctive black faces edged with bright yellow and an olive-green body, while females lack the black facial and breast markings but share other colours.

Though sometimes considered difficult in aviaries, many find them peaceful when kept as a single breeding pair. Males can be territorial, and after chicks are weaned, relocating them to avoid parental aggression is recommended.

Diet includes a high-quality finch seed mix supplemented with egg food, fruit, greens, vegetables, and some live food. Bathing facilities and grit or bird sand should always be provided.

Nests vary by opportunity and location choice, built collaboratively from hay, straw, feathers, or other materials. Nest sites include bushes, nest boxes, or other chosen sites. Females lay two to three eggs, incubated for 12-13 days, with both parents feeding the chicks until fledging between two and three weeks old. Responsible breeding and aviary management contribute to the health and wellbeing of these lively birds.

Other Species

A few other grassquit species occasionally found in captivity include:

• Yellow-faced Grassquit (Tiaris olivacea): Found in northern South America and parts of Mexico; measuring 11-12cm. They generally cohabit well with other species but can be aggressive towards others of the same species.
• Black-faced Grassquit (Tiaris bicolor): Also from northern South America, slightly less colourful than the Yellow-faced and similarly territorial among their kind.
• Blue-Black Grassquit (Volatinia jacarina): Distributed across Central and northern South America. They tolerate mixed aviaries but defend small territories around their nest boxes aggressively.

These species are less common in the UK, and enthusiasts should seek reputable sources to obtain them, ensuring legal and ethical acquisition, alongside sound husbandry practices.

Common Aviary Concerns and Solutions

Managing buntings in aviaries requires attention to space, diet, social structure, and breeding to sustain healthy birds while minimising conflicts. Some common concerns include:

• Aggression in Breeding Season: Territorial and aggressive behaviour can occur, especially in males. Providing ample space, visual barriers, and only housing compatible pairs can reduce stress and fighting.
• Dietary Needs: Buntings require a diverse diet high in quality seeds, supplemented with fruit, vegetables, egg food, and live insects during breeding. Regular access to fresh bathing water supports their plumage and wellbeing.
• Nesting Requirements: Suitable nest materials and sites are essential. Observing their natural choices can guide setting up attractive nesting areas.
• Legal and Ethical Considerations: Always ensure birds are captive bred and comply with local wildlife and trade regulations, including correct ringing for British species like the Yellowhammer.

Understanding these requirements promotes responsible ownership and helps maintain the vibrant health and behaviour of bunting species in aviaries.

For those looking to find British or aviary buntings, consider exploring reputable breeders and aviary species via general birds for sale listings, supporting ethical pet acquisition and wellbeing.

Conclusion

Buntings are a fascinating group of seed-eating birds with diverse colours, behaviours, and habitats. Whether admiring the classic British Yellowhammer in the countryside or caring for tropical aviary species like the Cuban Grassquit, their care requires knowledge, space, and ethical consideration.

Responsible ownership includes ensuring captive breeding, legal compliance, providing proper diet and habitat, and attentive breeding management. This guide offers a foundation for understanding these charming birds and encourages further exploration and appreciation of buntings in both wild and captive settings.