Emberiza citrinella

Interesting facts: The catchy song of the yellowhammer can be heard from February, often described as “a little bit of bread with no cheese”. The bird prefers open landscapes with shrubs and hedgerows. It only feeds on insects and seeds that it has picked up off the ground. Outside the breeding season, it searches for grains in stubble fields and corn ricks.

Characteristics: Males have bright yellow heads and undersides, rust-brown rump, brown speckled back (Image 1), females obviously paler (Image 2); powerful, dark beak; long tail with distinctive white part, forked at the end

Body length: Less than 20 cm (sparrow length)

Distribution: Open country with hedges and copses, edges of woods, parks and gardens at the edges of urban areas