Emberiza citrinella   Yellowhammer

Emberiza citrinella Emberiza citrinella singing

Emberiza citrinella is a small passerine bird in the Bunting family (Emberizidae). It is famous for its distinctive and loud song supposed to sound like the words: "little bit of bread no cheese". The song is said to have been the inspiration for various musical themes such as Beethoven's Waldstein sonata in C major, parts of the pastoral Symphony in F major, and the fourth Piano Concerto in G major. Knowing all these works very well and the song of the Yellowhammer I can't see it myself. Some people have over-active imaginations.

As can be seen this little male bird had no qualms about bursting into song when I was quite close but armed only with a camera plus macro lens for taking plant close-ups. The Yellowhammer is in decline in Britain and sadly has had to be placed on the Red List.

 

Emberiza citrinella

Emberiza citrinella Yellowhammer

Edge of Culbin Forest, Scotland 27th July 2009

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Emberiza citrinella Yellowhammer

Edge of Culbin Forest, Scotland 27th July 2009

Added on 27th November 2014

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