Yellowhammer
Emberiza citrinella
Aves › Passeriformes › Emberizidae › Emberiza
Conservation status: least_concern
The Yellowhammer is a striking bunting with a bright yellow head and underparts that make it instantly recognizable in open countryside across Europe. Males are particularly vivid during breeding season, while females are duller, and both sexes show distinctive reddish-brown backs and white outer tail feathers that flash conspicuously in flight.
How To Identify
They are medium-sized sparrows distinguished by a bright yellow chest and face that contrasts with streaky brown feathers on the back and wings.
Habitat
The Yellowhammer lives in farmland hedgerows and heathland.
Behaviour
Yellowhammer males sing from exposed perches, and the species forms flocks in winter stubble.
Native Range
The yellowhammer is native to Eurasia, and it breeds across the Palearctic between the 16–20 °C (61–68 °F) July isotherms.
Did You Know?
Beethoven supposedly used its rhythm ('a-little-bit-of-bread-and-no-cheeese') in the Fifth Symphony.
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