Black‑faced Bunting © Md Manirul Islam
Tanguar Haor is a wetland in the Sunamganj district of north‑east Bangladesh. It lies across ten small localities and covers about 100 square kilometres; within this area over 2,800 hectares is wetland. The wetland includes more than 120 lakes, called beels. Each winter the haor becomes a temporary home for around two hundred kinds of migratory birds. The water and reed beds provide shelter and food for flocks of ducks, waders and raptors. This article introduces the black‑faced bunting, a small migratory songbird, and explains why it may be found here.
The black‑faced bunting
The black‑faced bunting (Emberiza spodocephala) is a passerine bird in the bunting family. Its genus name comes from an old German word for bunting, while its species name is from Greek words meaning “ash‑coloured head”. This bird is about 13.5‑16 centimetres long and weighs around 17.5 grams.
Identification
Male features: The breeding male has a dark olive‑grey head with yellow‑green and black markings near the bill. The upper parts are brown and streaked with black, the rump is brown and the tail is dark brown. The underparts are yellow‑white with fine dark streaks and the bill is pink and stout.
Female and young: Females and immature birds show a weaker head pattern with olive‑grey cheeks, a faint creamy supercilium and underparts that are creamy yellow with dark streaks.
Call and song: The call is a hard tsip or jit, and the song is a slow tsip‑chee‑tree phirr.
Diet and foraging: The species feeds on invertebrates and seeds; about 70 % of its diet comes from invertebrates and 30 % from seeds. It searches for food on or near the ground.
Habitat: It favours reed beds and wet scrub, dense undergrowth beside streams and rivers, and farmland close to water.
Range and movements
The black‑faced bunting breeds in southern Siberia, northern China and northern Japan. It is a migrant; the northern populations move south to winter in southern Korea, eastern and southern China and Taiwan. The southern populations disperse and may winter from Bangladesh and eastern Nepal across northern Myanmar to northern Thailand, northern Laos and northern Vietnam. The species is not often recorded in western Europe. Because Bangladesh lies within its wintering range, a few individuals may travel to wetlands such as Tanguar Haor.
Tanguar Haor: a wetland paradise
Tanguar Haor is among the richest birding sites in Bangladesh and is recognised as a Ramsar wetland of international importance. The area consists of a mosaic of open water, beels and reed beds where thousands of ducks and waders gather. Flooded grasslands, reed beds and village edges offer shelter and nesting places for small birds. In the monsoon the haor becomes an inland sea; in the dry season it turns into a patchwork of lakes, swamps and fields.
During winter from November to February tens of thousands of waterfowl arrive, including species such as Baer’s pochard, northern pintail, red‑crested pochard and gadwall. Large flocks of waders like the black‑tailed godwit are also present. Resident waterbirds like purple heron and grey‑headed swamphen breed in spring and summer. Birds of prey such as the osprey and wetland specialists like the little cormorant can be seen throughout the year.
The wetland supports more than 140 species of freshwater fish and hosts many species of wetland trees, including Barringtonia acutangula (hijal) and Pongamia pinnata (karach). Because of its environmental value and heritage, the government of Bangladesh has designated Tanguar Haor as an ecologically critical area and Ramsar site, with plans to restore the natural environment and restrict harmful activities. Visitors are urged not to disturb birds, to avoid plastic and to support community‑based tourism.
Why the black‑faced bunting visits Tanguar Haor
Although the black‑faced bunting is more common in East Asia, its southern populations may winter in Bangladesh. Tanguar Haor provides habitats that suit this shy bird. Reed beds and wet scrub offer cover and seeds, while the edges of farmland near water supply insects and grass seeds. The haor’s mosaic of grasslands and beels gives safe foraging areas with little disturbance.
As a ground‑foraging bird, the black‑faced bunting searches for food on or near the ground, so the flooded fields and wet meadows of Tanguar Haor may attract it during winter. Reports from ornithologists note that Bangladesh is within the wintering range of the species, though it is not often recorded. Birdwatchers visiting Tanguar Haor during the migratory season should therefore remain alert for small buntings among reed beds and field edges.
Observing the species in the haor
For the best chance of seeing a black‑faced bunting, visit the haor in winter, when migratory birds arrive. Look for dense scrub along the edges of beels and reeds; the bird may feed on seeds or small invertebrates. Bring binoculars, sun protection and warm clothing for early mornings. Hiring a local guide or boatman can help reach the best spots. Move with care and avoid loud noises. Do not use plastic and take your rubbish away.
Key points when birding:
The prime birding season is November to February.
Use boats to explore the wetland because it is water‑based.
Respect local conservation rules; the haor is an ecologically critical area.
Conservation and community engagement
Tanguar Haor faces environmental pressure. Deforestation and land conversion have degraded its habitats. The government has banned development and extraction activities within 10 km of the haor to protect the environment. Local communities rely on fishing and farming; sustainable tourism can help support them. Birdwatchers and visitors should support community‑based tourism and respect local customs.
The black‑faced bunting is not threatened globally, but wetland degradation could reduce wintering habitat. By protecting the haor and its reed beds, we ensure safe refuge for migratory birds. Responsible observation and support for conservation initiatives can help maintain this unique wetland for future generations.
Recent initiatives and sustainable tourism
In May 2025 the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) launched a five‑year project titled “Community‑based Management of Tanguar Haor Wetland Ecosystem.” Funded with US $4.05 million from the Global Environment Facility, the initiative aims to restore more than 1,500 hectares of swamp forest and aquatic habitats, create biodiversity sanctuaries and support local livelihoods. Officials explained that the project will engage communities in co‑management, combine indigenous knowledge with science and develop risk‑informed management plans. The programme emphasises alternative livelihoods, gender‑responsive micro‑enterprises and ecological monitoring.
Later in 2025 the government announced plans to develop Tanguar Haor as a sustainable tourism destination. Fisheries adviser Farida Akhter said the vision is to balance economic growth with the preservation of biodiversity and fish stocks. Measures include cracking down on illegal fishing nets, establishing fish sanctuaries and coordinating across ministries to protect the ecosystem. Sustainable tourism is expected to bring income to local businesses and create jobs such as guides and eco‑tourism developers. Responsible tourism models will encourage local communities to preserve biodiversity while benefiting from eco‑tourism.
Threats to the black‑faced bunting
Although the black‑faced bunting remains classified as Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, it faces several pressures. Habitat loss from agricultural expansion and urbanisation across East Asia threatens breeding and wintering sites. Climate change could alter migration timing and reduce the availability of seeds and insects, while invasive predators such as rats and domestic cats can reduce breeding success. Conservation efforts such as habitat restoration, protected areas and public awareness campaigns are important to ensure populations remain stable. Protecting Tanguar Haor contributes to these broader conservation goals by maintaining wetlands used by migratory birds.
Conclusion
The black‑faced bunting is a small but striking songbird that breeds in northern Asia and winters in parts of south Asia. Tanguar Haor, with its rich mosaic of wetlands, is well placed to host this species during its migratory journey. By visiting in winter and searching reed beds and scrub, birdwatchers may be rewarded with a glimpse of this scarce visitor. Protecting Tanguar Haor and engaging with local communities will help conserve habitats for the bunting and many other birds.