Watercolor portrait of Snow Bunting (Plectrophenax nivalis)

Snow Bunting

Plectrophenax nivalis
Breeds circumpolar across high Arctic of… Open treeless landscapes: Arctic tundra,… Uncommon to locally common Breeding song

Learn to identify the Snow Bunting by ear. Master the "tli-tli-tli twi-twi-twi chir-chir-chir" phrase and tell it apart from similar species.

“tli-tli-tli twi-twi-twi chir-chir-chir”

What the Snow Bunting sounds like

The Snow Bunting is a hardy, sparrow-sized songbird built for life on wind-scoured Arctic tundra and frozen shorelines. Clad in frosty whites and warm cinnamon tones, it is the northernmost-breeding passerine on the planet. In summer the males wear striking black-and-white plumage as they sing from rocky outcrops; in winter enormous flocks swirl like wind-blown snow across open fields and coastal flats farther south.

“tli-tli-tli twi-twi-twi chir-chir-chir”

How to tell it apart

Listen for:A sweet, cascading series of clear tinkling notes delivered from a low perch or in fluttering song-flight over the tundra. Often written as “tli-tli-tli twi-twi-twi chir-chir-chir”.
Don't confuse with:The Lapland Longspur — has chestnut nape and heavy black chest band in breeding male

Where you'll hear it

Open treeless landscapes: Arctic tundra, windswept mountain ridges, coastal dunes, agricultural stubble, frozen lakeshores and prairies.

Migratory. Arrives on breeding grounds shortly after snowmelt (May–June), departs August–September. Winters October–March in open lowlands; forms large nomadic flocks.

Similar species

Lapland Longspur

Has chestnut nape and heavy black chest band in breeding male

McKay’s Bunting

Much whiter overall; limited brown on mantle even in non-breeding plumage

Snow Bunting song FAQ

What does a Snow Bunting sound like?
A sweet, cascading series of clear tinkling notes delivered from a low perch or in fluttering song-flight over the tundra. Listen for the "tli-tli-tli twi-twi-twi chir-chir-chir" phrase.
How do I tell a Snow Bunting from a Lapland Longspur by sound?
Lapland Longspur: Has chestnut nape and heavy black chest band in breeding male; More streaked flanks and back; Shows white in tail but lacks large white wing patches.
When is the best time to hear a Snow Bunting?
Migratory. Arrives on breeding grounds shortly after snowmelt (May–June), departs August–September. Winters October–March in open lowlands; forms large nomadic flocks.