#plectrophenax hyperboreus

[hello-birdies]

Plectrophenax hyperboreus by Charlie Wright

[birdstudies]

November 3, 2017 - McKay's Bunting (Plectrophenax hyperboreus)

These buntings breed only on two small islands in the Bering Sea, Hall and St. Matthew Islands. They may have evolved from Snow Bunting populations that became isolated on these islands. Their diet is not well known, but they likely feed on insects and spiders in the summer and mostly seeds in the winter, foraging mostly on the ground. Though little is known about their breeding behavior, it is thought to be similar to the Snow Bunting’s. They build shallow cup nests from grasses in cavities in cliffs, under rocks, or in driftwood. Both parents probably feed the chicks.