Habitat
On breeding grounds, vegetated and rocky tundra, mostly in coastal lowlands, and typically nests on shingle beaches. Winters on coastal marshes, shingle beaches and agricultural fields with exposed vegetation.
Breeds on islands of Bering Sea, mainly on Hall I and St Matthew I, rarely St Paul (Pribilofs) and St Lawrence I. Non-breeding on coast of western and south-western Alaska.
Rarity Status
Currently this species is not classified as a rarity in this country OR information has not been updated.
McKay's Bunting (Plectrophenax hyperboreus) [XC331842]
by John Puschock from St. Matthew Island, Alaska, United States (song)
McKay's Bunting (Plectrophenax hyperboreus) [XC331841]
by Andrew Spencer from St. Matthew Island, Alaska, United States (song)
Subspecies
No subspecies.
Molecular studies indicate that genus is closely related to Calcarius, and also appears to be a sister-taxon to Rhynchophanes. It has been suggested that these three genera be placed in a separate family, Calcariidae. Often considered conspecific with Snow Bunting (Plectrophenax nivalis), but juvenile plumages differ. Also, interbreeding between the two is minimal, present species arriving on restricted breeding grounds earlier and apparently occupying most/all of suitable breeding sites.
BirdLife International Species Factsheet