Breeding records of the Ortolan Bunting in 2023

 

The Ortolan Bunting Emberiza hortulana was a widespread species in the French countryside until the beginning of the 20th century.

 

The agricultural revolution and the dramatic destruction of rural landscapes that followed reduced the space available for this species. Today, it can only be observed on the plains in a few rare relict nuclei, such as in the Vienne or in the Charente.

 

Elsewhere, the species occurs in semi-open landscapes: dry hillsides with sparses bushes, small traditional vineyards, sheep pastures dotted with shrubs, causses and sub-alpine moors for example.

 

The Ortolan Bunting is declining everywhere and is one of the French species in danger of extinction.

 

Image caption: the melancholic song of the ortolan bunting, which used to accompany the work of the farmers - "bines bines bines-tu" - can hardly be heard today except in regions of agricultural decline. © Pierre Giffon

 

Map based on collective data from Faune-France and its partners. No use authorized without aproval from the LPO.