Golden breasted bunting

Introduction: The golden-breasted bunting (Emberiza flaviventris) favour a habitat that includes Acacia, Burkea and mopane woodlands. Dry woodlands alongside rivers and stony or rocky regions that support tall shrubland are also favoured.

Distribution: Throughout central and northern Namibia, less for the Namib Desert. Fairly common in the Kavango Region and Caprivi Strip.

Diet: Forages on the ground and amongst shrubs and small trees for flower buds and seeds. Insects taken include grasshoppers, termites, ants and beetles.

Description: Yellow belly (flaviventris), black nape, neck, crown and forehead with a black stripe from behind the eyes to the base of the neck.

Breeding: Usually 2 or 3 eggs are laid September to February and incubated for around 13 days. Nests consist of a deep cup made from grass stems, plant stems and the hairs from tails of cattle.

Size: 16cm.

Weight: 20g.