Snow Bunting

Plectrophenax nivalis

HOW TO IDENTIFY:

* Length: 6 inches
* 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.