The Snow Bunting places its nest deep in cracks or other cavities in rocks. Although such nest sites are relatively secure from predators, rocks are cold. The thick nest lining of fur and feathers helps keep the eggs and nestlings warm, but the female must remain on the nest for most of the incubation period. The male feeds her while she is incubating so that she does not need to leave the nest very often. All About Birds: Snow Bunting
Date Submitted: December 26, 2008
Observer: Paul Lauenstein
Observation Date: 12/26/08
Observation Time: 1:00 p.m.
Observation Location: Dirt road by soccer field near Gavins Pond
Plant or Animal? Animal
Common Name: Snow Bunting
Scientific Name: Plectrophenax nivalis
Comments: Flock of around a dozen birds was gleaning seeds on the dirt road.
More Information: Cornell Lab of Ornithology "All About Birds"