Cretzschmar's Bunting: A successful breeding story of a striking bird
Cretzschmar's Bunting (Emberiza caesia) is a must-see for birdwatchers visiting Greece. This charming bird is renowned for its distinctive call and beautiful appearance, making it one of the top 10 species sought after by birders in the region. These buntings winter in Sudan and northern Eritrea, with the first arrivals in Athens by the end of March. They breed in specific areas of Greece, Cyprus, and the eastern Mediterranean, making them rare to spot elsewhere in Europe.
Smaller than the Ortolan Bunting, the breeding male Cretzschmar's Bunting can be identified by its grey head adorned with orange moustaches, brown and heavily streaked upperparts, and rusty orange underparts. Its stout pink bill is another distinguishing feature.
These buntings prefer sunny, open hillsides with scattered bushes, typically along coastal or insular areas. They often nest at lower elevations compared to the closely related Ortolan Bunting. Around Athens, the slopes of Mt Parnitha and Mt Pendeli are prime locations to spot Cretzschmar's Bunting, with April, May, and June being the best months for observation.
