Yellowhammer
The yellowhammer is a bunting, related to the lapland and reed buntings. The yellowhammer is slimmer and more elongated than sparrows and many finches. The lower beak has a downward twist close to the mouth, giving the bird a kind of yawning grin.
Males have brightly yellow head colour with thin streaks and blotches while females have darker heads. Females may thus sometimes be difficult to separate from sparrows at a distance when flocking in an oat sheaf.
Yellowhammers are most often found i agricultural landscapes with grain fields. They often forage on the ground, and eagerly pick wheat, oat and other grain. Yellowhammers are often attracted to cities and suburbs by modern birdfood like sunflower seeds.
The yellowhammer has declined, and has become more rare as a birdfeeder guest. The Norwegian Ornithological Society (NOF, Birdlife Norway) focus on the yellowhammer as Bird of the year 2021.
