A jangle of Corn Buntings

What is the group name for Corn Buntings? There is an `Exultation` of Larks, a `Murder` of Crows, a `Charm` of Finches, but I have no idea what the term is for Buntings! I think it should be a `Jangle` of Buntings because of their song.

A `Jangle` of these lovely birds were seen the other day numbering 110, which, given the state of the birds current situation is quite a feat. I have seen these birds before in an area called Newborough Fen near Peterborough, but never in such large numbers, they must have had a good breeding season last year and thrived due to the mild winter we experienced here.

A `Jangle` of Corn Buntings, do you think it will catch on?

Corn Bunting

On my recent visit to Eye Green LNR I was greeted by a joyous sound. All around me was the sound of `jangling keys`, the song of the Corn Bunting. This bird has had an horrendous time just lately with numbers thought to be 85% less than 25 years ago, although in Peterborough we are fortunate to have a fairly healthy population. It was a wonderful sight to see and hear at least 40 of these chunky buntings that were in a mixed flock which included Reed Buntings and Yellowhammers.

Singing Corn Bunting

A flock of 50 Corn Buntings is quite a rare sight these days, but there is one close to where I work. The air was filled with the sound of `jangling keys` as males were competing for territory on a beautiful Spring day. Hopefully this year there will be lots of successful fledging of young `stubble larks` and the species will take a step in the right direction.

Below is a short video of one male Corn Bunting singing. Hopefully you will hear the `jangle of keys` in the song!

All photo`s and video are digiscoped using Lumix FS15 and Kowa TSN-883 x30