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

The easiest way to portray a bird is in profile. Perhaps it's the best way to show the proportions - the length of the beak relative to the head, and so on. Today I'm trying to stretch my skills to show the bird in some different postures. This is one of our favorites, the Carolina Wren, whose cheerful song brings joy all spring and summer - really it does. And they stick around through the winter too, visiting our feeders and finding insects hidden in the woodpile.

Carolina Wren, Thryothorus ludovicianus
Storrs-Mansfield, Connecticut, year-round

With the sustained cold weather we've had this month, water is a real magnet for birds. Jorge found these European Starlings taking advantage of a bird-sized water supply on campus in the afternoon.

European Starling, Sturnus vulgaris
UConn campus, Storrs, Connecticut