The Fat Bird of the Barley

When you think of our rich countryside, expansive and undisturbed stretches of farmland inevitably come to mind. With the cheerful chorus of birdsong as an accompaniment, it’s easy to leave the stress and commotion of the city behind. However, one familiar sound is at risk of disappearing forever, as one important farmland species is now under significant threat and is in desperate need of our support.

The Corn Bunting, known better by some as the ‘Fat Bird of the Barley’, is one of the farmland birds that depend on the food and habitat sources provided on agricultural land. With its streaked brown feathers and thick bill, this plump farmland resident can often be found stationed upon a post or wire, with the male proudly puffing its chest as it sings. If you’re lucky enough to hear a Corn Bunting’s chirpy song, you might find it similar to the sound of jangling keys, which, while endearing, serves an important purpose. The male’s call works to mark its territory and attract females. In fact, it’s so compelling that he can attract and mate with several females in one season!

Weighing no more than a golf ball, the Corn Bunting plays a vital role in maintaining a natural balance, and their wellbeing represents a key indicator of local ecosystem health. While they depend on spilt grain and leftover seeds in winter, Corn Buntings use insects to feed their chicks in the summer months, thereby keeping over-populations of crop-eating insects at bay.

Clearly, the Corn Bunting is a perfect farmland inhabitant. Yet, while these birds were once commonly found throughout lowland areas in the UK, they are now much harder to spot and are completely extinct in Wales and Northern Ireland. Tragically, their decline has been steep, and their numbers have dropped by 86% since 1967, leading them to be placed on the Birds of Conservation Concern Red List. This Red-Listed status means that Corn Buntings are at the highest level of conservation concern and they face threat of extinction in the UK, Channel Islands and Isle of Man.

Worryingly, the Corn Bunting is not the only farmland bird on the Red List, as others such as the Yellowhammer, Corncrake, Tree Sparrow and Lapwing, to name a few, are also currently at the highest level of conservation concern. This decline in farmland species puts a spotlight on changes to farming practices brought about by different policies over the years.

Since Corn Buntings rely on insects to feed their young, an increase in the use of fertiliser and pesticides to control pest species has diminished their sources of food. Meanwhile, their winter food supply of seeds and winter stubbles (learn more about stubble fields) has also been declining due to modern farming practices, for example, through more winter cropping, frequent hedgerow cutting and less spilt grain due to more efficient combines.

In addition to these barriers to food, Corn Bunting nests are also extremely vulnerable to changing farming practices. They, along with many other farmland bird species, are ground nesters, meaning that their nests lie within agricultural fields, leaving them exposed to farm equipment like ploughs and cultivators. Since Corn Buntings are also late nesters, their nesting period often lasts from June until August, which coincides with harvesting times in the UK, putting their nests at great risk of being destroyed.

Thanks to your support, our dedicated RSPB conservation teams and volunteers have been able to work diligently alongside collaborative farmers to assist the Corn Bunting. RSPB Scotland staff have been working for several years in partnership with these supportive farmers, as well as the University of St Andrews and other landowners on the Corn Bunting Recovery Project. This work includes conducting research and providing habitat to protect this species from growing threats. Through providing Corn Bunting seed mixes, improving the quality of late-mown grass and trialling green manure mixes for nesting, this initiative has produced some encouraging results. Since these efforts began, there has been a 70% increase in local Corn Bunting numbers in Fife, and a 48% increase in Angus.

Meanwhile, similar schemes taking place in England have also shown significant positive trends. One project taking place in Cambridgeshire, on the RSPB’s Hope Farm, has introduced eight hectares of wildflower habitats, as well as introducing hedgerows which hosted at least four Corn Bunting territories in 2024.

In addition to increasing local numbers of Corn Buntings, these projects have also seen upsurges in other farmland wildlife as a positive side effect. Green manure crops, which are a range of suitable plants for Corn Buntings to nest in, attract hosts of thriving insects. This is due to the pollen and nectar plants that are included in the mix. However, they possess added benefits for farmers as they also convert nitrogen found in the air (which most other plants cannot use), into another form such as ammonia which can be absorbed by many crops and seedlings. Since this improves soil fertility and encourages plant growth, it reduces the need for inorganic fertilisers and is an incredible boost for farmland wildlife. Fascinated about how soil can help wildlife? Learn more!

Corn Bunting singing. Video: RSPB (rspb-images.com)

Karen Cunningham, Senior Conservation Officer for the North East of Scotland and Shetland, described areas of farmland after implementing green manure crops as “buzzing with pollinators”. However, despite this encouraging insight, she also draws attention to the urgent need for a continued effort. She explained, “It is great to see that the work we have been doing with farmers has led to population increases in some areas. However, we need to keep working to ensure this continues and to avoid decreases in range and population in other areas.”

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This ongoing fragility of the Corn Bunting in the UK is reflected in their population numbers. Despite small steps to increase local growth, they remain at great risk in the UK, as the species maintains its Red-listed status.

As we approach nesting season, it’s important to support Corn Buntings at this crucial time. Together with your ongoing support we’ll keep working tirelessly to safeguard the Corn Bunting. By continuing to expand our current projects and investing in new ways to protect this critical bird, we hope to create a brighter future for them and help restore the natural diversity of our farmlands.