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Snow Bunting
last update: Feb 24, 2009 11:11 PM
Latin name: Plectrophenax nivalis
Longevity: unknown
Population: 39 million individuals
Cites classified: Least Concern
Where found: Snow Bunting is a bird of the high Arctic and snowy winter fields. Snow buntings are found in both the nearctic and palearctic regions, including northern Europe, Russia, and Canada from early April to mid-September. After migrating in mid- to late-September, snow buntings can be found in southern Canada and the northern United States.
Wingspan: 30 cm
Length: 15 cm
Weight: 31-46 g
Mating/Breeding: The male Snow Bunting returns to its high Arctic breeding grounds in early April, when temperatures can still dip as low as -30° C (-22° F) and snow still covers most of the ground. The female does not return until four to six weeks later. The males set up and defend territories that include good nesting sites. They will still come together in flocks to forage, and usually roost in loose groups of from 30 to 80 birds. The Snow Bunting places its nest deep in cracks or other cavities in rocks. Although such nest sites are relatively secure from predators, rocks are cold. The thick nest lining of fur and feathers helps keep the eggs and nestlings warm, but the female must remain on the nest for most of the incubation period. The male feeds her while she is incubating so that she does not need to leave the nest very often.
Eggs: Creamy white with variable brown spots and scrawls. Clutch size is 4-6 eggs per saeason
Hibernation: Winters from northern Canada southward to northern Nevada, northern Missouri, central Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. They are also across northern Eurasia
Hunting Habits/Foraging: The snow bunting walks on the ground and pecks at food. It may also jump up to take seeds from taller stems.
Feed on: Snow buntings are ground feeders that live primarily on seeds, leaf buds, and insects. Young snow buntings are fed exclusively arthropods, including both insects and arachnids. After migrating south, snow buntings that nest along the sea coast add crustaceans to their diets.
Predators: The primary predators of snow buntings are arctic foxes and snowy owls. In order to protect themselves, snow buntings hide their nests amongst the rocky terrain. Their white wings also help to camouflage the birds against their snowy habitat.
Colour/Looks: Although breeding and nonbreeding males look quite different, the Snow Bunting has only one molt each year and no true "Alternate Plumage." After the molt in the late summer the male looks brownish with a brown and black striped back. Underneath the colored feather tips, the back feathers are pure black and the body feathers all are white. The male wears off all of the feather tips by actively rubbing them on snow, and he is immaculate white and jet black by the time breeding begins. Buntings have a short, stout bill with thick lower mandible, dark brown eyes, and dark gray or black legs.
Interesting Trivia:
- Snow buntings breed farther north than any other known land bird.
- In order for snow buntings to withstand temperatures of -40 degrees Fahrenheit, they burrow deep into the snow to stay warm. Snow buntings also enjoy bathing in the snow.
