- Lifespan
- 5–8 years in the wild
- Size & Weight
- 16–17 cm, wingspan 24–29 cm; 24–30 g
- Habitat
- Open farmland, hedgerows, scrubland, and rough ground with scattered bushes and trees.
- UK Distribution
- Found throughout the UK, though less common in the far north of Scotland. Resident year-round, with numbers boosted by continental migrants in winter.
- Diet
- Seeds and grains from weeds and cereals, supplemented with insects and invertebrates during breeding season.
- Predators
- Sparrowhawks, kestrels, and occasionally magpies and jays; ground predators include foxes and stoats.
- Mating Season
- April to July
- Breeding
- Clutch size of 3–5 eggs, incubation period 12–14 days, fledging at 12–13 days. Typically 2–3 broods per season.
- Behaviour
- Males are highly territorial and vocal, with a distinctive song often rendered as 'a-little-bit-of-bread-and-no-cheese'. They are largely sedentary within their territories. Often seen perching conspicuously on posts and wires whilst singing.