Cirl Bunting

1. Male's black eye-stripe and throat bib contrasting with yellow face and underparts

2. Olive-green chest band on males, distinct from similar yellowhammer species

3. Female's pale horseshoe-shaped markings on cheeks, unique among New Zealand buntings

Cirl buntings breed from late September, with males establishing large territories. Females build nests in dense vegetation, laying 2-4 eggs. Both parents care for the chicks. These birds are mostly sedentary, rarely traveling far from their breeding grounds. Their need for dry summers to breed successfully explains their limited distribution in New Zealand.

Look for cirl buntings in dryer areas of the eastern South Island, particularly from Marlborough to North Otago. They prefer farmlands with scattered trees, hedgerows, and patches of scrub. Listen for males singing from pronounced perches like treetops or fence posts, especially during early morning and evening. These birds often feed on the ground near cover. Tip: Scan field edges and scrubby areas for their distinctive markings.