Yellowhammer
Emberiza citrinella
Length 16-17cm

A familiar bird of farmland and open country throughout most of mainland Britain and Ireland. Male is particularly striking with mainly bright yellow head and underparts, and chestnut back and wings; female has more subdued colours and juvenile is sandy-brown and streaked. In spring, male sings well-known song, often rendered a little bit of bread and no cheese; also utters a rasping call. Feeds on insects and seeds, often on ground. In winter, forms flocks, sometimes with other species, and feeds in stubble fields or at grain spills.