Males in summer have all white heads and underparts contrasting with a black mantle and wing tips. Females are a more mottled above. In autumn and winter birds develop a sandy/buff wash to their plumage and males have more mottled upperparts. Globally they breed around the arctic from Scandinavia to Alaska, Canada and Greenland and migrate south in winter. They are a scarce breeding species in the UK, in Scotland, making tham an Amber List species. They are more widespread in winter in the north and east when residents are joined by continental birds.
Snow buntings are large buntings, with striking `snowy’ plumages.
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OTHER WILDLIFE SPECIES
Discover more about snow bunting
When to see
Snow buntings can be seen throughout the winter when they migrate to Scotland. Found around the coasts and high up in our mountain ranges. There are a few you can look for during the summer, as a small amount breed in the Cairngorms.
Where to see
During the winter, you can spot Snow buntings on higher ground and quite often ski resort car parks.
Did you know?
This small sparrow like bird, weighs no more than a golf ball! Around 60 brds breed in Scotland, are joined by upto 10,000 individuals during the winter.
When to see
Snow buntings can be seen throughout the winter when they migrate to Scotland. Found around the coasts and high up in our mountain ranges. There are a few you can look for during the summer, as a small amount breed in the Cairngorms.
Where to see
During the winter, you can spot Snow buntings on higher ground and quite often ski resort car parks.
Did you know?
This small sparrow like bird, weighs no more than a golf ball! Around 60 brds breed in Scotland, are joined by upto 10,000 individuals during the winter.
When to see
Snow buntings can be seen throughout the winter when they migrate to Scotland. Found around the coasts and high up in our mountain ranges. There are a few you can look for during the summer, as a small amount breed in the Cairngorms.
Where to see
During the winter, you can spot Snow buntings on higher ground and quite often ski resort car parks.
Did you know?
This small sparrow like bird, weighs no more than a golf ball! Around 60 brds breed in Scotland, are joined by upto 10,000 individuals during the winter.
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Registered Company No: 303299 | Registered address: Wild Scotland, Suite 212, 8 Church Street, Inverness IV1 1EA