About Emberiza striolata (M.H.K.Lichtenstein, 1823)
This species, the striolated bunting, has a scientific name of Emberiza striolata (M.H.K.Lichtenstein, 1823). It measures 14 cm in length, matching the size of the house bunting, and is smaller than the similarly plumaged rock bunting. Breeding males have a chestnut-colored body, a grey head with darker streaking, plus a white supercilium and white moustachial streak. Females have a brown tint added to the grey of their heads, and more diffused streaking. Compared to the north African house bunting, the striolated bunting has stronger facial striping and a paler belly. The north African house bunting was previously considered conspecific with striolated bunting as the subspecies E. striolata sahari. Populations of the subspecies E. striolata jebelmarrae found in eastern Chad show some evidence of intergradation with the house bunting. Males sing from a perch; the striolated bunting's song is similar to that of the common chaffinch, but weaker. This bird is a resident breeder in dry regions across Africa and from Chad east through southwest Asia to northwest India. It breeds in isolated, remote wadis, unlike the related house bunting which lives around human settlements. It usually nests close to streams, building its nest on the ground or in a ground hole, and lays between two and four eggs per clutch. Its natural diet is made up of seeds; when feeding chicks, it eats insects instead.
