Snow Bunting - Plectrophenax nivalis - Sneeuwgors / Zeebrugge - Belgium / Oct 12, 2024

A female of the subspecies nivalis in first winter plumage.
The snow bunting (Plectrophenax nivalis) is a hardy songbird that thrives in some of the most extreme environments. Its breeding range is primarily in the high Arctic regions of North America, Europe, and Asia. Snow buntings build their nests in rocky crevices or cavities in the tundra, where they are well adapted to cold, barren landscapes.
During the winter, snow buntings migrate south to temperate regions, but they still prefer open areas such as coastal zones, fields, and farmland. In Europe, they are commonly seen across Scandinavia, the British Isles, and central Europe during the colder months. Similarly, in North America, they overwinter in Canada and the northern United States.