Rustic Bunting

🔍 Overview

A rare but regular vagrant to the UK from eastern Europe, often after easterly winds in autumn.

🪶 Key Identification Features

Males: chestnut ear coverts, black bib, white belly

Females/immatures: duller but still well-marked

Streaked brown upperparts, strong face pattern

🗺️ Habitat & Distribution

Favour coastal scrub, reedbeds, or weedy margins, especially around Beachy Head or Seaford in October–November. There was a single record at West Hove Golf Course in our recording area.

🎶 Voice & Behaviour

Soft “tick” call. Often feeds on the ground, associating with finch flocks.