Cirl Bunting
Emberiza cirlus
Length 16-17cm

Although once fairly widespread, now more or less restricted to S Devon coast and sunny slopes inland. Superficially yellowhammer-like but male easily told by black throat and eyestripe, and olive-grey nape and breast-band. Female has paler yellow throat than female yellowhammer but best identified by olive-grey, not chestnut, rump or by association with male. In spring, male delivers tuneless, rattling song, similar to that of lesser whitethroat. Outside breeding season, forms small, single species flocks which feed in coastal stubble fields.