For nearly two centuries of ornithological studies, the family Emberizidae contained both neotropical sparrows and eurasian and African buntings. But in 2017 the family was split and we now have Passerellidae for our American sparrows (like yesterday's White-throated Sparrow) and Emberizidae for the rest of the world's buntings. Today's sketch is a Cirl Bunting, (family Emberizidae) which we saw in Madzharovo Bulgaria, along the cliffs of the Arda River.

Cirl Bunting, Emberiza cirlus, on Hungarian Oak, Quercus frainetto
Arda River cliffs at Madzharovo Bulgaria, September 10, 2024.

Common year-round from Massachusetts to Texas, the Carolina Wren is familiar and beloved. Like most wrens it has a song both loud and musical. Jorge photographed this one on Horsebarn Hill, where it haunts thickets and shrubs along the roadways.

Carolina Wren, Thryothorus ludovicianus
Horsebarn Hill, Storrs Connecticut