Cabanis's Bunting
Emberiza cabanisi
An African woodland bunting with a bold black-and-white striped head and chestnut-edged wings, found in miombo habitat.
- Feather type
- Striped head feathers with chestnut wing edges
- Colours
- Black, white, grey, and chestnut
- Bird size
- Sparrow-sized, ~15-16 cm
Found a feather like this?
Identify any feather from a photo, free.
Overview
Overview
Cabanis's Bunting is a sub-Saharan African species most closely tied to miombo woodland, a habitat type dominated by broad-leafed deciduous trees across parts of southern-central Africa. Its striped head pattern places it among a group of similarly marked African buntings.
It is generally more of a woodland species than the more rock-associated buntings in the region.
Identifying the Feather
Feather Identification
- Head: bold black-and-white stripes running from forehead to nape.
- Wings: chestnut edging on the coverts and flight feathers, visible on the folded wing.
- Underparts: pale grey, unstreaked.
- Tail: dark with white outer tail feathers flashed in flight.
The striped head combined with chestnut wing edging separates this species from other African buntings, though it should be compared carefully with the similarly patterned Golden-breasted Bunting, which shows yellow rather than grey underparts.
Plumage & Molt
Plumage Notes
Sexes are broadly similar, both showing the striped head and chestnut wing tones, with females sometimes slightly duller. Juveniles show more diffuse head striping and buffier underparts.
A single annual molt follows breeding, with plumage remaining fairly stable across seasons given limited seasonal variation in many African buntings.
Habitat & Range
Habitat & Range
This species occurs across parts of sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in miombo woodland and adjacent savanna scrub, from the southern Democratic Republic of Congo and Tanzania south into Zambia, Zimbabwe, and neighboring countries.
Most populations are resident, though local movements may occur in response to seasonal food availability.
Behavior & Field Notes
Behavior & Field Notes
Cabanis's Buntings forage on the ground and in low woodland vegetation for seeds and insects, often in pairs or small family groups.
The nest is built low in shrubs or grass tussocks within woodland habitat. The song is a simple whistled phrase. The striped head and chestnut wing tones, together with the grey (not yellow) underparts, help separate this species from similarly patterned relatives.
Frequently asked questions
How can I distinguish Cabanis's Bunting from the Golden-breasted Bunting?
Cabanis's Bunting has plain grey underparts, while the Golden-breasted Bunting shows bright yellow underparts despite a similar striped head pattern.
What habitat does this bunting prefer?
It is closely tied to miombo woodland and adjacent savanna scrub in sub-Saharan Africa.
Is this species migratory?
Most populations are resident, though some local movement may occur with seasonal food availability.
What feather feature stands out most in flight?
White outer tail feathers flash noticeably against the darker tail as the bird flies.
Cabanis's Bunting guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Cabanis's Bunting.
Other feathers you may enjoy
Yellow-breasted Bunting
Contour and flight feathers, chestnut-and-yellow breeding pattern
Sedge Wren
Tiny streaked crown and back feathers
Yellow-winged Cacique
Glossy black body feathers, yellow wing patch, shaggy crest
Yellow Warbler
Small contour and flight feathers
Yellow-throated Warbler
Small contour and flight feathers
Yellow-throated Vireo
Bright yellow throat and spectacle feathers; olive-green back feathers; two white wing-bar feathers
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Small contour and flight feathers
Yellow-hooded Blackbird
Contrasting hood and body feathers
Yellow-headed Blackbird
Glossy black body plumage with a bright yellow head and breast
Yellow-eyed Junco
Contour and flight feathers
Yellow-fronted Canary
Small, smooth body plumage
Yellow-breasted Greenfinch
Compact, smooth body plumage