The rock bunting (Emberiza cia) breeds in open dry rocky mountainous areas. It is a medium-size but relatively slim bunting, with long, thin tail contributing to more attenuated outline than any other congener. It is best distinguished by rather small, lead-coloured bill, strong head pattern of blackish crown-stripes and complete black surround to ear-coverts on greyish ground, and strongly rufous rump. There are four subspecies differing mainly in the plumage shades, although the one that breeds in Europe, Africa and western Turkey is the only one to show white wing bars.
