This may be due to a combination of factors such as early autumn ploughing and less use of bruised barley in animal feed. In autumn and winter, Yellowhammers form large flocks.

It feeds mainly on seeds, especially grass seeds, but, during the breeding season feeds on invertebrates as can be seen in the first photo. The nest is built of dry grass and other vegetable matter and is usually close to the ground and well hidden.

The Yellowhammer has one of the most easily remembered songs: "a little bit of bread and NO cheese"