The Black-headed Bunting must not be confused with the Reed Bunting, which is known in many parts of the country under the former name.

The true Black-headed Bunting is an inhabitant of South-eastern Europe, but it occasionally wanders westwards and has been taken about four times in this country. The male has the head black, back brownish orange, and under parts bright lemon yellow. The female and young are yellowish brown, and the male in autumn has the bright colours obscured by rufous edgings to the feathers. Length 6·75 in.; wing 3·7 in.