Reed Bunting
Emberiza schoeniclus
UK Amber ListEasy to see📍 Foulshaw Moss
Season
Year-round. Reedbeds and wet areas.
Best time of day
Morning. Sings from reed tops.
Lake District
Foulshaw Moss. Reedbeds. Wet edges. That black head. Simple song. Common. Easy to see.
UK population
Around 250,000 pairs. Declining.
Overview
Reed buntings have a black head. Male. Foulshaw Moss. Reedbeds. That simple song. Common. Wet areas. Easy to see.
At a Glance
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Emberizidae |
| Habitat | Reedbeds · Wet grassland · Marsh |
| Diet | Seeds, insects. |
| UK population | Around 250,000 pairs. Declining. |
| Lake District | Foulshaw Moss. Reedbeds. Wet edges. That black head. Simple song. Common. Easy to see. |
| Conservation | UK Amber List |
Where to See It
Reedbeds, wet grassland. Foulshaw Moss, lake edges. That simple song. Black head. Male.
Identification
Male black head, white collar. Female streaked. Reedbeds. Simple song.
Viewing & Photography Tips
Reedbeds. Foulshaw Moss. That black head. Common.
Conservation Status
UK Amber List
This species is on the UK Amber List for Birds (BoCC5), indicating moderate concern. Population monitoring and habitat management remain important for its continued recovery.
Plan your visit to the Lake District
RSPB Haweswater, Grizedale Forest, Leighton Moss. Practical guides to getting there, what to bring, and the best spots for each season.