Snow Bunting

Snow Bunting Identification Guide

Key facts

Scientific name: Plectrophenax nivalis

Status: Winter visitor and scarce breeder

Breeding birds: 60 pairs

Wintering birds: 10,000 – 15,000 birds

Conservation status: Amber

Family: Longspurs And Arctic Buntings

Length: 16 – 17 cm

Wingspan: 32 – 38 cm

Weight: 28 – 50 g

What do snow buntings look like?

Adult male snow buntings in breeding plumage have white underparts, neck and head with occasional black marks on the crown. They have black upperparts with brown mottling and white rump with black mottling. Their tails are black and white, and the upperwing is white with a black alula. They have short, pointed bills, dark brown eyes, and dark brown legs and feet.

Out of breeding plumage males have rust tinges on the white areas, particularly on the head, crown and breast. The black feathers on their back are edged with brown, and their bills are yellow with a black tip.

Adult female snow buntings are smaller than males, and in breeding plumage the crown, nape, and hindneck are darker. Their upperparts are mostly brown and there are fewer white areas. In non-breeding plumage females are similar to males.

Juvenile snow buntings have olive-grey upperparts streaked with dark grey. Their underparts are white with a pink or grey wash. They have a grey head and breast with a pale throat, and their bills are yellow.

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How do snow buntings breed?

Snow buntings breed from late May to September. They build their nests in a protected cavity such as a rock crevice or a hole in the ground. The female builds the nest which is a cup-shaped structure made from grass and moss and lined with finer plant material, down, feathers, and fur.

Snow buntings lay 2-8 pale blue-green eggs with brown spots which are incubated by the female alone for 12-14 days while she is fed by the male. Chicks are fed by both parents and fledge 10-17 days after hatching.