Bunting - South Bulgaria (1 Viewer)

[raddev]

Hello,

I've been having hard time ID-ing this bird - if it's a Cirl or a Yellowhammer - I know the rufous tail is not visible here and that is the reason I cannot ID with certainty.
Down here - the Cirl bunting is much more abundant while the Yellowhammer is a winter visitor.
The images are taken in November and I see more marks for a Yellowhammer comparing in Collins!

Your expertise is much appreciated as always, thank you!

 

[Alexander Stöhr]

Hello Raddev,

It's a Cirl Bunting imo. Please note

• Strong, parallel black stripes around the ear-coverts
• Evident pale spot on rear ear-coverts

But I agree with you, it's surprisingly hard for me to rule out a Pine Bunting x Yellowhammer hybrid here

 

[raddev]

Thank you, @Alexander Stöhr !