Plectrophenax nivalis (Linnaeus, 1758) · snehuľka severská · Snow Bunting

Distribution

The Snow Bunting breeds throughout the Arctic of the Northern Hemisphere, with smaller populations in high mountains. In Slovakia it is a regular but numerically variable winter visitor and passage migrant, not a breeder. Encounters are most likely from late autumn to early spring, especially in open lowlands.

Habitat

Its home habitats include rocky tundra and high mountain plateaux. In Slovakia it uses fields, stubbles, fallows and sparsely vegetated shores of large waters. Flocks walk on the ground and exploit wind-cleared patches where seeds remain accessible in snow.

Breeding

It breeds outside Slovakia, mainly in cavities among rocks or cliff crevices. A thick lining protects the clutch from cold. The female incubates while the male brings food; chicks receive mainly invertebrates.

Food

Herb and grass seeds dominate in winter. In summer, and when feeding young, it takes insects, spiders and other small invertebrates.

Interesting fact

Winter birds look brownish and inconspicuous, but reveal extensive white wing patches on take-off. A flock almost invisible in a field suddenly becomes a conspicuous pale cloud.

Sources: Slovak Wikipedia · English Wikipedia · BTO BirdFacts