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Key information: The Cretzschmar’s Bunting comes to Cyprus in the spring to breed, with some birds also passing through during migration. It can be seen singing from low rocks and bushes or even from the ground. Its simple but pleasant song is one of the most familiar forest sounds in spring. It has a distinctive grey-blue head.

Length: 14 – 15,5 cm

Habitat: Mountains and forests, scrub and bushes

When they can be seen: Spring, summer, autumn

What they eat: Seeds, invertebrates

In Cyprus: Can be seen at Troodos, Paphos, Macheras and Pentadaktylos forests as well as in scrub habitats like Akamas Peninsula

Status: Migrant breeder, passage migrant

Illustration by Paschalis Dougalis