Ortolan Bunting:
The rare European bird, the Ortolan Bunting, with just a single recorded sighting in Bengal, was spotted at Baruipur, situated in the southern periphery of the city, recently.
- Ortolan Bunting is a small Palearctic migrant songbird.
- Scientific Name: Emberiza hortulana
- The bird is found in most of Europe, with populations found as far west as Mongolia and as far north as the Arctic Circle.
- Its habitat consists of open, cultivated, or uncultivated areas with sparse woody vegetation, up to an altitude of 2500 metres locally.
- It absolutely avoids forested areas, including during migration.
- The oceanic climate is not suitable for it.
- The males have a greenish-gray head along with a yellow throat, swooping mustache, and ring around the eye.
- Its belly is brown and its back and rump are brown and streaked.
- The females and juveniles are smaller, have spots on the belly, and are duller overall.
- Like most buntings, the ortolan has a conical beak that’s good for cracking seeds.
- Conservations Status: IUCN Red List: Least Concerned
