Snow Buntings - winter acrobats...

 

Photo by BarrytheBirder

Snow Buntings (Plectrophenax nivalis) are sparrow-sized and acrobatically swirl over snowy winter fields in small or large flocks.   No other songbird, except McKay's Bunting, shows so much white in its feathering.   In summer, in the arctic, the male has a black back, contrasting with its white head and underparts.   

It is a common, hardy breeder of far northern tundras in Alaska and Canada.  In winter its ranges through Canada and the central United States, south to the Carolinas and Oregon.

For me, they can be a joyful sight in any sunny winter setting.

Please comment if you wish.

BarrytheBirder