Habitat use by Corn Buntings Miliaria calandra in winter and summer.

Abstract

The winter habitat use, winter diet and nesting habitat of Corn Buntings Miliaria calandra were studied on the South Downs, south-east England. The most heavily used habitat relative to availability was initially cereal stubbles in early winter, but subsequently cattle feed and then spring-sown cereals. These habitats and brassica strips with game feeders provided access to cereal grain, which was present in virtually all faecal samples. Grassy field margins and spring-sown barley were used for nesting more than expected from their availability. Winter-sown wheat was used for nesting roughly as expected by chance and improved grass was avoided. Cereals were important to Corn Buntings throughout the year. Spring-sown cereals may be particularly valuable. During the winter they provided long-lasting stubbles and abundant food in the form of surface grain when first sown. In the breeding season, they were among the most used habitats for nesting and for collecting chick food. Agri-environment schemes to benefit Corn Buntings should support spring-sown cereal crops and smaller-scale measures such as the creation and maintenance of grassy field margins.