Yellowhammer Bird Facts (Emberiza citrinella)

Visual Identification

Appearance

The Yellowhammer is a striking small bird known for its bright yellow head and underparts in males. Its back and wings are chestnut-brown with dark streaks, creating a rustic appearance. The tail is dark with white outer feathers.

Females are less vibrant, with a paler yellow wash and more streaking on the head and breast. Juveniles resemble females but with even less yellow colouration.

Size

Length

15.5cm to 17cm

Wingspan

23cm to 29.5cm

Weight

20g to 36g

Colours

Male Female

Primary Colour

Yellow Brown

Secondary Colour

White Black

Beak Colour

Grey

Leg Colour

Pink

Primary Colour (Female)

Brown Buff

Secondary Colour (Female)

Yellow White

Beak Colour (Female)

Grey

Leg Colour (Female)

Pink

Habitat and Distribution

Habitats

Woodland

The Yellowhammer can be found in Woodland habitats.

Garden

The Yellowhammer is not typically found in Garden habitats.

Wetland

The Yellowhammer is not typically found in Wetland habitats.

Coastal

The Yellowhammer is not typically found in Coastal habitats.

Urban

The Yellowhammer is not typically found in Urban habitats.

Farmland

The Yellowhammer can be found in Farmland habitats.

Grassland

The Yellowhammer can be found in Grassland habitats.

Desert

The Yellowhammer is not typically found in Desert habitats.

Tundra

The Yellowhammer is not typically found in Tundra habitats.

Rainforest

The Yellowhammer is not typically found in Rainforest habitats.

Mountain

The Yellowhammer is not typically found in Mountain habitats.

Savanna

The Yellowhammer is not typically found in Savanna habitats.

Distribution

Yellowhammers inhabit open countryside with scattered bushes and trees. They are commonly found in farmland, heathland edges, and open woodland. Their range extends across much of Europe and into western Asia.

In the UK, they are widespread but have experienced declines. They are year-round residents in much of their range, with some northern populations migrating south for winter.

There have been successful introductions to Australia and New Zealand.

Elevation Range

Up to 2,000 meters

Climate zones

Temperate, Subarctic

Distribution Map

This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Yellowhammer. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.

A few things to keep in mind:

Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations

We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:

More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
How birds move around during different seasons

Resident

Breeding

Non-breeding

Passage

Vagrant

Distribution by Region

Species that can be found in the area throughout the year

Andorra Australia Austria Azerbaijan Belarus Belgium Bosnia and Herzegovina Bulgaria Croatia Cyprus Czech Republic Denmark Estonia Finland France Germany Greece Hungary Ireland Israel Italy Latvia Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Macedonia Moldova Mongolia Netherlands New Zealand Portugal Romania Russia Slovakia Slovenia Spain Sweden Switzerland The United Kingdom Turkey Ukraine Uzbekistan

Species that are present in the area during their breeding season

Albania Armenia Georgia Kazakhstan Montenegro Norway Poland Serbia

Species that are present in the area outside their breeding season

Afghanistan Iran Iraq Jordan Kyrgyzstan Syria

Species that pass through the area during migration

Turkmenistan

Species that appear infrequently (rare) and unpredictably outside their normal range

Algeria China Egypt Faroe Islands Gibraltar Japan Kuwait Lebanon Malta Morocco Nepal South Korea Svalbard and Jan Mayen Islands Tajikistan United Arab Emirates

Behaviour and Ecology

Bird Attributes

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Bird Attributes Explained

Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.

Attribute Categories:

Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.

Understanding the Ratings:

0-20: Very Low
21-40: Low
41-60: Average
61-80: High
81-100: Very High

Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.

Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.

Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.

Agility 65

Agility

Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.

The Yellowhammer displays moderate agility, being adept at perching on hedges and low branches, as well as hopping and running on the ground for foraging. Their ability to engage in aerial chases during breeding season suggests reasonable manoeuvrability in flight.

Strength 30

Strength

Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.

As a small passerine bird weighing between 20-36 grams, the Yellowhammer has limited strength. Their primary activities of foraging and singing don't require significant physical power, though they can defend territories and construct nests.

Adaptability 70

Adaptability

Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.

Yellowhammers show good adaptability, inhabiting various open habitats from farmland to heathland edges. Their ability to adjust their diet seasonally, switching from seeds to insects during breeding, and their partial migratory behaviour in some populations, demonstrate flexibility.

Aggressiveness 45

Aggressiveness

Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.

While generally not highly aggressive, male Yellowhammers become territorial during breeding season, engaging in aerial chases to defend their areas. However, they're not known for extreme aggression compared to other bird species.

Endurance 55

Endurance

Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.

Yellowhammers display moderate endurance. They can produce up to three broods in a single breeding season, which requires sustained effort. Their ability to survive in various climates and their partial migratory nature in some populations suggest reasonable stamina, though they're not known for exceptional long-distance flights.

Diet

Yellowhammers primarily feed on seeds, especially those of grasses and cereals. During the breeding season, they supplement their diet with insects and spiders, which are crucial for feeding their young. They forage on the ground, often in stubble fields or along field margins.

Behaviour

Yellowhammers are often seen perched on top of hedges or low branches, singing their distinctive song. They forage on the ground in small flocks during winter, hopping and running to find seeds.

During the breeding season, males become territorial and engage in aerial chases to defend their areas.

Vocalisation

The Yellowhammer's song is one of the most recognisable in the countryside, often described as sounding like 'a little bit of bread and no cheese'. The rhythm starts slow and ends with a quick, high-pitched note. Their call is a sharp 'zit' or a softer 'twick' when in flight.

Nesting & Breeding

Breeding season for Yellowhammers typically begins in April and can last until August. Males establish territories and attract females with their distinctive song.

Nests are built on or near the ground, often at the base of a hedge or in tall grass. The female constructs a cup-shaped nest using grass and moss, lined with fine grass and hair.

Females lay 3-5 eggs, which are pale purple-white with dark scribble-like markings. Incubation lasts about 12-14 days, and chicks fledge after 11-13 days.

Conservation and Status

Global Conservation Status

Least Concern ^[1]

While listed as Least Concern globally, Yellowhammer populations have declined significantly in parts of Europe, including the UK. This decline is largely attributed to changes in farming practices, particularly the loss of winter stubble fields and hedgerows.

Conservation efforts focus on promoting wildlife-friendly farming methods.

Population Data

Global Population Estimate

42,000,000 - 66,000,000 mature individuals ^[2]

Global Population Trend

^[3]

Trend data may be uncertain or fluctuating

Additional Information

Quick Facts

Other names:

Yellow Bunting

Family:

Emberizidae

Average Lifespan

3 to 6 years

Max Lifespan

13.2 years ^[4]

Predators

Main predators include domestic cats, sparrowhawks, and corvids, which may raid nests for eggs and chicks.

Did You Know?

Yellowhammers inspired Beethoven's 5th Symphony opening motif.
They can produce up to three broods in a single breeding season.
In New Zealand, introduced Yellowhammers are considered agricultural pests.