Corn Bunting: The Songbird of Open Fields

The corn bunting (Emberiza calandra), known as "Просянка" in Ukrainian, is a small, stocky bird found across open fields, grasslands, and agricultural areas. Its streaked brown plumage allows it to blend seamlessly into its environment, while its melodious song, often likened to jangling keys, brightens the landscapes it inhabits.

Corn buntings are ground nesters, building their nests among tall grasses. Their diet consists of seeds, grains, and insects, making them beneficial to ecosystems as natural pest controllers. However, changes in agricultural practices, such as intensive farming and pesticide use, have led to significant population declines. Conservation efforts are focused on preserving traditional farming landscapes to ensure this charming bird continues to thrive.