Corn Bunting Vs Reed Bunting: Key Differences Explained

The Corn Bunting (Emberiza calandra) and the Reed Bunting (Emberiza schoeniclus) are two fascinating members of the bunting family that can be found in the UK. Though they share some similarities, especially in their feeding habits and overall size, these birds have distinct traits that make them unique in their appearance, behaviour, and habitat preferences.

Whether you’re an avid birdwatcher or simply interested in learning more about the wildlife around you, understanding the differences between these two buntings can add depth to your knowledge of British birds.

In this article, we’ll learn about the key differences between the Corn Bunting and the Reed Bunting, looking at their visual characteristics, habitats, nesting habits, calls, and more.

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

Corn Buntings are larger and bulkier than Reed Buntings
Male Reed Buntings have distinctive black heads in breeding season, while Corn Buntings are uniformly streaky brown
Corn Buntings prefer open farmland, while Reed Buntings favour wetland areas
Reed Buntings are more likely to visit garden feeders during winter
Corn Buntings have a distinctive jangling keys song, while Reed Buntings have a more melodic call
Corn Buntings are strictly sedentary in the UK, while some Reed Bunting populations migrate
Corn Buntings are of high conservation concern in the UK, and are included in the Red list

What Is The Difference Between A Corn Bunting And A Reed Bunting?

While both species are buntings found in the UK, they differ significantly in their appearance, behaviour, and habitat preferences. Let’s examine these differences in detail.

Visual Differences

The most noticeable visual difference between these species lies in their size and plumage patterns.

Corn Buntings are larger and more robust, resembling chunky sparrows with thick bills. They have uniformly streaky brown plumage year-round, with little difference between males and females.

Reed Buntings, in contrast, show marked sexual dimorphism during the breeding season. Males sport distinctive black heads with white collars and moustache stripes, while females maintain a more subdued brown-streaked appearance. In winter, males lose their black head feathers and more closely resemble females.

Both species have streaked backs, but Reed Buntings are more slender in build and feature a deeply notched tail with white outer edges, which is particularly visible during flight.

Differences In Habitat

Corn Buntings are typically found in open farmland, especially in the lowlands of England and Scotland, where they favour hedgerows, rough grass margins, and arable fields. They are largely sedentary, with little migration movement in the UK.

In contrast, Reed Buntings prefer wetter environments, such as reedbeds, marshes, and moorlands. They can also be found in farmlands and sometimes even in gardens during harsh winters. Some Reed Buntings migrate to southern regions during the colder months, but many are resident throughout the UK.

These habitat preferences are a key factor in distinguishing the two birds. If you spot a bunting in a wetland or reedbed, it’s likely a Reed Bunting, whereas in farmland areas, you’re more likely to encounter a Corn Bunting.

Nests & Eggs

Both species build their nests on or near the ground, but the locations differ.

Corn Buntings often nest in rough grass margins or cereal crops, constructing simple cup-shaped nests hidden from predators. They lay clutches of 4 to 6 eggs, which are pale cream, olive, or bluish with dark brown markings.

Reed Buntings, on the other hand, favour wet environments like reedbeds, where their nests are typically built among reeds or in dense vegetation. Their clutches also contain 4 to 5 eggs that are bluish-grey, but these eggs tend to be speckled with more evenly distributed dark spots.

Bird Calls

The song of the Corn Bunting is distinctive, often described as resembling the sound of jangling keys. This rattling, metallic call is most frequently heard during the breeding season, with males perched on posts or wires.

Reed Buntings have a more delicate, quieter call, often characterised by a series of ‘tsew’ and buzzy notes. Males sing from high perches in reedbeds or bushes, especially during spring and summer, making their presence known in wetland areas.

The contrast between the two calls provides an audible way to differentiate the species in the field.

Size & Weight

There is a notable size difference between these two species. Corn Buntings are the larger of the two, measuring around 18cm in length with a wingspan of 26 to 32 cm and weighing between 35 to 56 grams. Their robust build and thick bill contribute to their heavier appearance.

Reed Buntings are more delicate in build, measuring 15 to 16.5 cm in length with a wingspan of 21 to 28 cm and weighing just 16 to 25 grams. This significant size difference is one of the most reliable ways to distinguish between the species when seen together.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which bunting is more common in UK gardens?

Reed Buntings are more likely to be seen in UK gardens, particularly during cold winter months when they may visit bird feeders. Corn Buntings rarely venture into gardens, preferring to remain in their farmland habitats.

Do Corn Buntings and Reed Buntings migrate?

Corn Buntings are sedentary in the UK, rarely moving far from their breeding areas. Some Reed Bunting populations undertake short-distance migrations, particularly during harsh winters, while others remain resident.

What is the best time of year to see these birds?

Both species can be seen year-round in the UK. However, male Reed Buntings are most distinctive during the breeding season (spring and summer) when they display their black heads. Corn Buntings are most visible during their breeding season when males sing from prominent perches.

Are buntings endangered in the UK?

Both bunting species are of conservation concern in the UK. Corn Buntings have experienced significant population declines due to changes in farming practices, while Reed Buntings, though also affected by habitat loss, have shown more resilience due to their ability to adapt to different habitats.