Meet the Animals

Nestling amongst the reeds in Pensthorpe is a new star on the webcams... Introducing the reed bunting.

Missed something? Keep up to date with the reed bunting chicks here.

Species information

During the summer male reed buntings show off a distinctive breeding plumage of a black head and throat. In winter males and females both have a drooping white moustache with streaked brown heads and upper parts. These birds love to feast on seeds and insects.

Reed buntings nest in a cup of grass, sticks and reeds lined with moss on or close to the ground, in wetland vegetation. There are a high number of 'affairs' among reed buntings and males will even raise chicks they did not produce.

Because of wetland drainage and a loss of their habitat, reed bunting populations almost halved during the 1970s, making them a species of high conservation concern.

How to help

Reed buntings are increasing visitors to our gardens in winter, try putting out small seed mixes containing millet to attract these birds. You can get advice on feeding garden birds from the RSPB. Or there is baking for birds with Breathing Places, also try the Young Peoples' Trust for the Environment.

You could join your local RSPB group to find out more about and help with the conservation of the reed bunting. You can also help the BTO record bird distribution throughout the UK with BirdTrack.

Tuesday 2nd June

Find out just how safe these little reed bunting chicks will be, now that they have left the safety of the nest.