The Reed Bunting: Close Up HD Footage (Emberiza schoeniclus)

The Reed Bunting is a lovely little bird you'll often spot around wetlands and marshes across the UK. The males are quite striking, with a jet-black head and white collar that really stands out, while females are more subtle with streaky brown feathers. They're about the size of a house sparrow and love to perch on tall reeds, which is exactly how they got their name. These clever birds change their diet with the seasons - in summer, they feast on insects to feed their chicks, but switch to seeds in winter when bugs are scarce. They build their nests close to the ground, usually hidden in thick vegetation near water. While they used to be found mainly in wetlands, these adaptable birds have started moving into farmland areas too. Though they're still fairly common in Britain, their numbers have dropped a bit since the 1970s, mainly because some of their wetland homes have been lost.

Learn more: https://binocularbase.com/bird/reed-bunting/