Wildlife

Wild Snow Bunting Welfare Scotland

Snow buntings are Arctic-alpine birds that winter on UK coasts and hills, with a small breeding population on Scottish mountain summits.

Key Facts

Snow buntings breed on Scottish mountain tops - one of the rarest UK breeding birds
Winter flocks of several thousand birds occur on coastal dunes and upland moors
Snow buntings feed on seeds and invertebrates uncovered in wind-blown areas
Breeding snow buntings need undisturbed boulder fields for nesting
Climate warming may eventually eliminate suitable breeding habitat from UK mountains

Welfare Considerations

Snow bunting breeding welfare at Scottish mountain summits requires freedom from disturbance at boulder field nest sites. The tiny UK breeding population means every breeding pair's welfare is a conservation priority. Climate action is ultimately the welfare and conservation priority for a species dependent on arctic-alpine conditions.

What You Can Do

Avoid approaching boulder fields in potential snow bunting breeding areas
Support climate action as a welfare priority for high-altitude specialist species
Contribute to snow bunting monitoring surveys