About Emberiza leucocephalos S.G.Gmelin, 1771
The pine bunting, scientifically named Emberiza leucocephalos S.G.Gmelin, 1771, is a robust bird measuring 16–17.5 centimetres, with a thick bill suited for eating seeds. Breeding males have a white crown and cheeks, a chestnut forehead and throat, and a heavily streaked brown back. Females are much duller in color and have more streaking on their undersides. The species' non-breeding plumage resembles that of a yellowhammer, except all yellow coloration is replaced with white. This bird's song and calls are similar to those of the yellowhammer. Pine buntings breed across most of temperate Asia; they migrate south for winter to central Asia, northern India, and southern China. They are common in a wide range of open landscapes with some scrub or trees, including cultivated areas. Compared to the closely related yellowhammer, pine buntings have a stronger preference for open forest, usually made up of pines. While this species is a rare vagrant to western Europe, it often winters in northeast Italy and Tuscany.
