| Snow Bunting Identification Tips |
| (Credit: U. S. Geological Survey) |
| General
Information - Short, conical bill - Large white patches in wings - Inhabits open areas: tundra, beaches, barren fields, etc - Often found in flocks - Feeds on the ground - Distinctive call note given in flight Male alternate - White head and underparts - Black back and bill - Black wings and tail with some white patches - Plumage worn on the breeding grounds in the Arctic Female alternate - White head with some dark streaking - White underparts - Upperparts streaked black and gray - Black wings and tail with some white patches - Plumage worn on the breeding grounds in the Arctic Basic - Variable amounts of brown on head, back and sides of breast - Dark streaks on back - White underparts - Yellow bill - Plumage worn in Winter and during migration Similar species The Snow Bunting is easiest to identify in flight with its large white wing patches and distinctive calls. On the ground, it is whiter than other species that occupy a similar habitat. In Alaska, McKay's Bunting is similar but has a white back. |
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