Snow Bunting

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Scientific name:  Plectrophenax nivalis

Size:  Approx 16 to 18cm

Distribution:  Found in some parts of Scotland, north Wales and the northern and eastern counties of England

Months seen:  September to April

Habitat:  Highlands, moorland and coastal areas

Food:  Seeds and insects

Special features:  Snow Buntings are predominantly winter visitors to the UK, although a small number of them do breed in Scotland.

Adult male Snow Buntings have brilliant white breast plumage in the summer, a grey-brown back and grey wing tips.  The beak and legs are grey.  Female and juvenile Snow Buntings have more grey and fawn coloured markings, and the beak is yellow with a black tip.

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