Taxonomy
Emberiza citrinella | Yellowhammer | Buíóg
Distribution
Status
Conservation status
This species is Red-listed
according to Birds of Conservation Concern in Ireland 2020-2026 and is of high
conservation value as a result.
Native status
Native
Species Biology
Identification
The male yellowhammer can be
identified by its distinctive vibrant yellow head and underparts combined with
a brown back with black streaks running through it.
Additionally, an ill-defined
brown/red breast with faded black streaking can be seen upon close inspection.
This medium-sized songbird stands
at a height of 16 cm with a wingspan of 26 cm and a weight of 31 grams.
Diet
An adult Yellowhammer will mainly
feed on the grains produced by grasses and cereals with the young being fed
various insect species.
Habitat
In Ireland, the yellowhammer is
strongly associated with cereal cultivation and by extension, is most commonly
found in farmland, in close proximity to such crops.
This species is somewhat unique
in the sense that it is one of the few species which finds low cut hedgerows
more suitable for nesting purposes.
Reproduction
Starting in very late May, the
female will lay a clutch of 3-4 eggs which typically weigh just under 3 grams.
After an incubation period of
13-14 days, the eggs hatch and the young will fledge after 13-16 days.
An average individual will have a
lifespan of around three years with breeding beginning at the one year mark.
Distribution
World distribution(GBIF)
Referring to the most recent assessment
of yellowhammer populations in Europe, assessed in 2015, the IUCN Red List classifies
this species as ‘Least Concern’ both globally and on a European level. It does
however state that the population is decreasing in Europe.
Irish distribution
Historically, this species was
widespread throughout the country but has suffered declines due to the decrease
in cereal crop cultivation in Ireland.
Due to this decline, the majority
of the yellowhammer population is confined to the east and south of Ireland.
Temporal change
Records submitted to Data Centre in 2024
The following map is interactive. If you would prefer to view it full screen then click here.
Further information
BirdWatch Ireland: https://birdwatchireland.ie/birds/yellowhammer/
The Royal Society for the
Protection of Birds: https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/wildlife-guides/bird-a-z/yellowhammer/
British Trust for Ornithology: https://app.bto.org/birdfacts/results/bob18570.htm