Yellowhammer (Emberiza citrinella)

This species is wary, although not shy (1), and a high perch is normally occupied whilst singing (1). The female builds the nest, which consists of a cup of grasses and moss with a lining of hair or very fine grasses (6). Between 2 to 6 eggs are laid per clutch, and incubation takes 12 to 14 days (8). In winter, yellowhammers form flocks, often in mixed species groups with other seed-eating birds (11). They feed mainly on cereals and large grass seeds as well as the seeds of docks and other plants, which they typically pick from the ground (5). They may also perch on cereal stems to obtain grains during autumn (5). Towards the evening, flocks fly to roost in scrubby or marshy areas (5).

Rights Holder: Wildscreen