Black-headed Bunting \ Emberiza melanocephala **
The Black-headed Bunting (Emberiza melanocephala) is a strikingly colorful songbird that breeds in southeastern Europe and parts of the Middle East, including Lebanon. The male is especially vibrant, with its black head, bright yellow underparts, and chestnut-brown upperparts, making it a favorite among birdwatchers. Females and juveniles are more subdued in coloration, with streaky brown plumage and pale underparts.
In Lebanon, the Black-headed Bunting is a passage migrant, observed primarily during its migration periods in spring and autumn. It frequents open fields, farmlands, and scrubby areas where it feeds on seeds, grains, and insects. During migration, these birds often gather in small flocks, stopping to rest and refuel before continuing their journey. Known for its cheerful, melodious song, the Black-headed Bunting is an important indicator of healthy ecosystems and a delightful presence in Lebanon's landscapes.
NOT EVALUATED | DATA DEFICIENT | LEAST CONCERN** | NEAR THREATENED | VULNERABLE | ENDANGERED | CRITICALLY ENDANGERED | EXTINCT IN THE WILD | EXTINCT |
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NE | DD | LC | NT | VU | EN | CR | EW | EX |