Distribution of the Yellow-breasted Bunting Emberiza auleorain Hokkaido, Japan

Abstract

In Hokkaido, until the 1980’s the Yellow-breasted Bunting Emberiza auleora was a common species in various habitats in the plains, such as moorland, grassland, agricultural land and young woodland. During this period the occurrence rate (No. of transects of occurrence/no. of transects surveyed) was 17.6% in the 1970’s, and 14.4% in the 1980’s. The species rapidly and markedly decreased in numbers in the 1990’s down to an occurrence rate of 4.6%, and thereafter the decrease in numbers continued, with an occurrence rate of 1.2% in the 2000’s. Distribution maps of the species during the breeding season are presented based on data obtained by transect and spot censuses, records from the literature and unpublished personal records.