Buntings are ground-dwelling sparrow-like birds found throughout the world.
All have stout bills, reflecting the preponderance of seeds (mostly of grasses and cereals) in their diet, though they do frequently take insects, particularly to feed the young. In many species the bill can move sideways, allowing birds to husk seeds before eating them. In the more brightly coloured species the female is usually duller than the male. Most Buntings are monogamous (and territorial),in the non-breeding season they are often gregarious forming large flocks (sometimes with finches) roaming the countryside looking for seeds.
Sparrows are small, sociable passerine birds belonging to the family Passeridae that have adapted closely to human habitation around the world.
