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 Tsavo East National Park
LIVEiNaturalistClosest Relatives at Tsavo East National Park
Cinnamon-breasted Bunting
Emberiza tahapisi
Golden-breasted Bunting
Emberiza flaviventris
Fork-tailed Drongo
Dicrurus adsimilis
Common Bulbul
Pycnonotus barbatus
Superb Starling
Lamprotornis superbus
Barn Swallow
Hirundo rustica
Parrot-billed Sparrow
Passer gongonensis
Northern White-crowned Shrike
Eurocephalus ruppelli
Green-backed Camaroptera
Camaroptera brachyura
White-browed Sparrow-Weaver
Plocepasser mahali
Collared Sunbird
Hedydipna collaris
Red-billed Quelea
Quelea quelea
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 Tsavo East National Park?
About 10% of wildlife watchers report a Somali Bunting sighting in Tsavo East National Park, based on 300 verified sightings from GBIF citizen-science data.
When is the best time to see Somali Bunting in Tsavo East National Park?
July has the highest sighting rate for Somali Bunting in Tsavo East National Park in our monthly data.