Emberiza citrinella Yellowhammer
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.
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| Emberiza citrinella Yellowhammer |
Edge of Culbin Forest, Scotland 27th July 2009
Added on 27th November 2014