Lapland Bunting vs Corn Bunting

In short

The Lapland Bunting and Corn Bunting are distinct in both appearance and habitat. The Lapland Bunting is a small, Arctic species with a striking breeding plumage, while the Corn Bunting is a larger, more robust bird found in open farmlands of Europe and Asia.

Identification tips

• Size and Shape: Corn Bunting is larger and stockier.
• Breeding Plumage: Look for the black face and chestnut nape in Lapland Bunting.
• Habitat: Consider the environment; Lapland Buntings are in tundra, Corn Buntings in farmland.
• Song: Listen for the Corn Bunting's jangling song, unlike the Lapland Bunting's varied song.

Size

The Corn Bunting is noticeably larger and bulkier than the Lapland Bunting.

Plumage

In breeding plumage, the Lapland Bunting has a distinctive black face and chestnut nape, which are absent in the Corn Bunting. The Corn Bunting has a more uniform brown and streaked appearance year-round.

Behaviour

Lapland Buntings are often found in open tundra environments, displaying tameness during the breeding season. Corn Buntings are more associated with agricultural landscapes and can be seen perched on wires or posts.

Habitat

Lapland Buntings breed in Arctic tundra, while Corn Buntings prefer open farmland and grasslands in temperate regions.

Voice

The Corn Bunting has a distinctive jangling song, often described as sounding like 'jangling keys,' which is different from the varied and more complex song of the Lapland Bunting.