Reed Bunting - Emberiza schoeniclus

Sparrow-sized but slim and with a long, deeply notched tail, the breeding male has a black head, white collar and a drooping moustache. Females and winter males have a streaked head. In flight the tail looks black with broad, white edges.

Typically found in wetlands but has recently spread into farmland and, in winter, into gardens. When singing the male is usually perched on top of a bush or reed.

All year round

Its natural food consists of insects when feeding young, and otherwise seeds. The nest is usually on the ground in a grass or reed tussock.

Common and widespread in Britain

Common in Leicestershire and Rutland as a breeding bird