hekkspurv Emberiza cirlus

Male distinctive, with striking head and breast pattern, especially blackish throat. Female drab and streaky, told from Yellowhammer by finer dark streaking, more boldly striped head, and grayish rump (not bright rusty). White outer tail feathers often show in flight. Inhabits sunny heathland, woodland edge, and farmland with hedges. Male sings from a prominent perch, such as bush, or wires; song is an unremarkable rattling trill. Call includes a bright, metallic “tsiu” and a longer, high-pitched “tseeu.” Native to Eurasia and North Africa, introduced to New Zealand.