Passerines, Algarve, PT, from today (1 Viewer)

[Lanugoh]

Hi,

I need ID help with these passerines which I put down as Corn Buntings at first, but the pattern does not really seem to fit.

Thanks!

 

[Alexander Stöhr]

Hello,

no you identified both birds correct imo.
For the right bird: the real head pattern is burned out by harsh light and overexposure (no offence you know), but the right impression of many Corn Buntings is still there: a plain, open faced impression with the dark moustachial the only very prominent mark in the face.
Chunky bill is also there and the left bird is also a Corn Bunting imo. Large head and gut feeling seems better for this than for most simlar Cirl Bunting (which should show a step in the dark center of the tertials). And what can be guessed of the head pattern, seems too plain for most female/juvenile Cirl Buntings. But yes, this is wishful thinking....