The yellowhammer is a sparrow-sized, bright yellow bird of woodland edges, hedgerows, heath and farmland that feeds on seeds and invertebrates. In the winter, it will join mixed flocks of buntings, finches and sparrows to feed on seeds on farmland. Yellowhammers are often seen perched on top of bushes singing their 'a little bit of bread and no cheese' song. The female builds a cup-shaped nest from grass and moss, laying between two and six eggs.
How to identify
The male yellowhammer is a striking bird: he has a bright yellow head and belly, with an orangey chest and streaky brown back. Female buntings, including female yellowhammers and reed buntings, can be very difficult to tell apart.
Did you know?
During winter, yellowhammers may find it hard to find food in their open habitats because of snow cover, so they will move to more inhabited areas like farmyards and even rural gardens.
