#calcariidae

[herpsandbirds]

Snow Bunting (Plectrophenax nivalis), winter plumage, family Calcariidae, order Passeriformes, MN, USA

photograph by Wayne Perala

[have-you-seen-this-animal]

McKay’s bunting because I want to see if any tumblrinas have seen him (please drop your stories if you have!)

Have you seen the McKay's bunting (Plectrophenax hyperboreus)?

I have now

Yes, in photos/videos

Yes, irl

I'm not sure

Voting ended onDec 10, 2025

[jadafitch]

Snow Bunting (Plectrophenax nivalis)

[snototter]

A snow bunting (Plectrophenax nivalis) in the United Kingdom

by Graham Thurlow

[ornithological]

snow bunting (plectrophenax nivalis), ireland

[uncharismatic-fauna]

Uncharismatic Fact of the Day

Snow buntings have most certainly earned the nickname the 'snowflake bird'. Aside from its breeding plumage, which is a striking black and white, snow buntings are the northernmost passerine bird in the world. During their breeding season, adults migrate to the high Arctic and regularly endure spring temperatures as low as −30 °C (-22 °F).

(Image: A female snow bunting (Plectrophenax nivalis) by Tom Wilberding)

[iridescent-wildlife]

Horned Lark (Eremophila alpestris). family Calcariidae, order Passeriformes.

Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA. February 2022.

[fullfrontalbirds]

Snow Bunting (Plectrophenax nivalis)

© Matt Zuro