Migratory and breeding species in Cyprus and the Akamas peninsula. It arrives in rather late spring (end of April – early May) and departs quite early in comparison with most migratory breeding species of Cyprus (by end of July) as soon as it finishes its breeding season.

Another noticeable information for the species is that contrary to most migratory birds of Cyprus and Europe that migrate in spring from Africa to Europe and in autumn the other way round, it is one of the few species that migrate from India to Middle East and southeastern Europe mainly.

It prefers open areas, usually agricultural and frequents areas with vineyards, where it also breeds. It often perches on top of low bushes, trees, and herbaceous plants (e.g., thistles), where the male sings its characteristic song. It’s slightly bigger than a sparrow, with characteristic vibrant colors on the male. It has a black head, chestnut-rufous back and paler upper mantle with black stripes. The throat and belly is vibrant yellow and stands out immediately.