Ortolan Bunting
Emberiza hortulana (Linnaeus, 1758)
OB
ORTBU
18660
Family: Passeriformes > Emberizidae
A scarce migrant, encountered mostly along the east coast of Britain in autumn, when migrating from its Fennoscandian breeding grounds to winter in the west of Africa. Records have become less common because of population declines.
Select a topic for more facts and statistics about the Ortolan Bunting
BTO RECORDS
Identification
Ortolan Bunting identification is sometimes difficult.
Develop your bird ID skills with our training courses
Our interactive online courses are a great way to develop your bird identification skills, whether you're new to the hobby or a competent birder looking to hone your abilities.
Browse training coursesStatus and Trends
Population size and trends and patterns of distribution based on BTO surveys and atlases with data collected by BTO volunteers.
CONSERVATION STATUS
This species can be found on the following statutory and conservation listings and schedules.
| Species of European Conservation Concern | Least Concern |
| IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (global) |
Least Concern 
|
| Schedule 1 license required (to disturb) | No |
| Birds Directive Annex 1 | Yes |
|
Listed on the Annexes of
|
WBD(I), Bern(III) |
POPULATION SIZE
| BOU Category | A |
|
First Record
|
1776 |
DISTRIBUTION
This species is a rare vagrant and was recorded during Bird Atlas 2007–11 as shown on the map.
-
Britain and Ireland Breeding Distribution 2008-2011.
More from the Atlas Mapstore. -
Britain and Ireland Winter Distribution 2008-2011.
More from the Atlas Mapstore.
Occupied 10-km squares in UK
| No. occupied in winter | 1 |
| % occupied in winter | 0.03 |
European Distribution Map
DISTRIBUTION CHANGE
This vagrant is too rarely reported to map distribution change.
SEASONALITY
Ortolan Bunting is a very rare passage migrant, recorded mostly in late August and early September.
Movement
Information about movement and migration based on online bird portals (e.g. BirdTrack), Ringing schemes and tracking studies.
An overview of year-round movements for the whole of Europe can be seen on the EuroBirdPortal viewer.
RINGING RECOVERIES
View a summary of recoveries in the Online Ringing Report.
Biology
Lifecycle and body size information about Ortolan Bunting, including statistics on nesting, eggs and lifespan based on BTO ringing and nest recording data.
PRODUCTIVITY & NESTING
|
Number of Broods
|
1 |
|
Egg Size
|
20×15 mm Weight = 2.5 g (of which 6% is shell) |
CODES & CLASSIFICATION
|
Ring size
|
A |
|
Field Codes
|
2-letter: OB | 5-letter code: ORTBU | Euring: 18660 |
For information in another language (where available) click on a linked name
Links to more studies from ConservationEvidence.com
- Effects of removing duck-nest predators on nesting success of grassland songbirds
- Winter use of wild bird cover crops by passerines on farmland in northeast England
- Ecological factors affecting response of dark-eyed juncos to prescribed burning
Read more studies about Ortolan Bunting on Conservation Evidence >
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