Somali Bunting
Emberiza poliopleura
Silhouette: L. Shyamal · PhyloPic
- KingdomAnimalia (Animals)
- PhylumChordata (Chordates)
- ClassAves (Birds)
- OrderPasseriformes (Perching Birds)
- FamilyEmberizidae (Old World Buntings)
- GenusEmberiza (Old World Buntings)
- SpeciesEmberiza poliopleura (Somali Bunting)
About the Somali Bunting
The Somali bunting or Somali golden-breasted bunting (Emberiza poliopleura) is a species of bird in the family Emberizidae. It is found in Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda. Its natural habitats are dry savannah and subtropical or tropical dry shrubland, typically observed in pairs.
The Somali Bunting is a medium-large bunting, 14–15 cm (5.5–5.9 in) long, and weigh 14–18 g (0.49–0.63 oz). It is an attractive passerine, its distinctive features include a striking black-and-white facial pattern, a grey back streaked with russet, a grey rump, and a bright yellow breast with pale flanks. Females are duller than males, with brown wash on head. Juveniles are similar to females.
Similar to the closely related Golden-breasted Bunting, but the Somali Bunting exhibits a generally paler coloration, narrower black facial stripes, a more subdued gray back and rump, and pronounced pale sides. In addition, its preferred habitat is drier, and range overlap with the Golden-breasted Bunting is minimal.
Vocalization includes a repeated series of short, whistled phrases, each composed of two distinct notes; one of which is a long ascending whistle. Wikipedia →
Recent sightings of Somali Bunting in Samburu National Reserve
LIVEiNaturalistClosest Relatives at Samburu National Reserve
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Emberiza tahapisi
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Global Distribution
Warmer areas are where this animal is recorded most often.
Parks Where Found
| # | Park | Country | Daily sighting probability |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tsavo West National Park | 🇰🇪 Kenya | |
| 2 | Samburu National Reserve | 🇰🇪 Kenya | |
| 3 | Tsavo East National Park | 🇰🇪 Kenya | |
| 4 | Mkomazi National Park | 🇹🇿 Tanzania | |
| 5 | Awash National Park | 🇪🇹 Ethiopia | |
| 6 | Meru National Park | 🇰🇪 Kenya | |
| 7 | Amboseli National Park | 🇰🇪 Kenya | |
| 8 | Lake Manyara National Park | 🇹🇿 Tanzania | |
| 9 | Arusha National Park | 🇹🇿 Tanzania | |
| 10 | Tarangire National Park | 🇹🇿 Tanzania | |
| 11 | Ngorongoro Conservation Area | 🇹🇿 Tanzania |
Quick answers
What are the chances of seeing a Somali Bunting in Samburu National Reserve?
About 20% of wildlife watchers report a Somali Bunting sighting in Samburu National Reserve, based on 187 verified sightings from GBIF citizen-science data.
When is the best time to see Somali Bunting in Samburu National Reserve?
November has the highest sighting rate for Somali Bunting in Samburu National Reserve in our monthly data.