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Snow Bunting (Plectrophenax nivalis)
FIELD MARKS
This hardy bird is adapted to survive cold Canadian winters. The male Snow
Bunting is mostly white in colour, with a black back and white patches on
his wings. His beak and feet are also black. The female looks similar, but
she often has some rusty patches on the back of her neck and the top of
her head. Approximate length: 15 cm
HABITAT
The Snow Bunting is a winter bird. It visits British Columbia in the winter
and with the first signs of spring, heads back to the Arctic. In our province,
this bunting prefers open country such as prairies, beaches and farmland.
Farther north, it can be found around rocky tundra.
NESTING
Since the Snow Bunting spends its summers on the northern islands of Canada
and in Greenland, it does not nest in our province. It builds its nests
in the rocky crevices of northern tundra. The nests are made of grass and
moss, lined with plant down, feathers and hair. The female lays 4-7 white
or pale blue-green eggs with brown and black spots.
STATUS
Stable. |
