ID Keys: Dark face mask, yellow throat and back of head, prominent
crest
The
Yellow-throated Bunting is found in southeastern Asia. Breeding
primarily occurs in Russia, China, and North Korea, but in winter birds can
also be found in Japan and Taiwan. In North America, they were unknown until
a single bird was found on Attu Island in the far western Aleutian Islands,
in 1998.
Habitat
Found in a variety of open woodland
settings, including open woodland, forest edges and clearings, and brushy
areas with scattered trees.
Diet
Feeds heavily on seeds, particularly outside
of the breeding season. During the breeding season they also feed
heavily on insects.
Behavior
Gregarious outside of the breeding
season, forming loose flocks. Foraging tends to occur on the ground.
Nesting
The nest of a Yellow-throated Bunting is
a cup built of twigs, grasses, leaves, and other vegetative material, with
fine grasses, animal hair, and other fine items as a lining. Between 3 and 6
eggs are laid, and both parents help to incubate them. Incubations
lasts around 12 days. They typically will raise two broods per season.
Song
Song is a long series of monotone phrases
Migration
Some populations are resident at all
seasons, such as those in southern China and Korea. Those that breed
at the northern end of the range, such as those in Russia, are migratory,
moving to Japan, China, Korea, and Myanmar.
