Data Zone
Justification of Red List category
This species has an extremely large range and the population size is extremely large, hence does not approach threatened thresholds for the range or population size criteria. The population trend appears to be stable, and hence the species does not approach the thresholds for Vulnerable under the population trend criterion. For these reasons the species is evaluated as Least Concern.
Population justification
In Europe, the total population size is estimated at 3,880,000-8,580,000 mature individuals, with 1,940,000-4,290,000 breeding pairs (BirdLife International 2021), and comprises approximately 40% of the species' global range, so a very preliminary estimate of the global population size is between 9,700,000-21,500,000 mature individuals, although further validation of this estimate is desirable. In Europe, the species' population is considered to have remained relatively stable over three generations (10 years) (BirdLife International 2021). Based on these data, and the proportion of the species' global range that this region holds, the global population size is considered to be stable over three generations
Trend justification
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The species utilises semi-arid, sparsely vegetated areas at lower and middle altitudes. It prefers sunny hill sides with rocky outcrops and scattered bushes or trees. Locally it also occurs in quarries, vineyards and other terrains with an alternation of bare soil or rocks and sparsely vegetated areas (Hagemeijer and Blair 1997, Copete 2016). The breeding season starts in March and ends in August, although occasionally it finishes in mid-September. The nest is built by the female. It is placed on the ground, protected by vegetation or at the base of a rock. The clutch, usually three to five eggs, is incubated by the female. The chicks hatch after 13–15 days. They are fed by both parents. They leave the nest after 9–13 days and become independent three weeks later (Copete 2016). The species feeds mostly on a wide variety of small invertebrate prey during the breeding season. Outside the breeding season the diet consists mainly of seeds of herbs or other plants. Northern populations are partly migratory with some short to medium distance movements southwards in cold winters (Copete 2016).
Habitat loss as a consequence of agricultural intensification, urbanisation and reforestation led to a decline in the past between 1970 and 1990 (Copete 2016).
Conservation Actions Underway
There are currently no known conservation measures for this species within its European range.
Conservation Actions Proposed
No conservation measures are currently needed for this species within its European range.
Text account compilers
Rutherford, C.A., Martin, R.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Rock Bunting Emberiza cia. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/rock-bunting-emberiza-cia on 23/11/2024.
Recommended citation for factsheets for more than one species: BirdLife International (2024) IUCN Red List for birds. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/search on 23/11/2024.