190 OUR FAVOURITE SONG BIRDS 



in its gait, whilst its flight, if somewhat unsteady, 

 is quick and well sustained, and a flock will some- 

 times wheel in the air almost with as much precision 

 as a bunch of Starlings. These aerial movements 

 are often performed if a flock has been alarmed in 

 a stiff wind, or just before the birds are about to 

 settle in the trees and bushes where they are in the 

 habit of roosting. As the spring draws near, these 

 flocks of Yellow Buntings gradually disperse, and the 

 birds spread themselves over the surrounding country 

 to breed. The males are now in splendid plumage, 

 and very handsome they look as they sit upon the 

 topmost twigs of the hedges, or flit startled before 

 us along the roadsides. At this season, too, the 

 cocks are pugnacious, and rivals may often be seen 

 chasing each other in fury through the branches, or 

 from one tree or hedge to another. The season of 

 song has now returned. 



The Yellow Bunting is one of the first birds to 

 regain its song in spring, and in the southern 

 counties may be heard in full voice early in February. 

 It is also one of the last to relinquish it in autumn, 

 and continues in song until September. Its spring- 

 melody is, however, by far the most vigorous and 

 persistent. The monotonous song of the Yellow 

 Bunting is sure to succeed in bringing this species 

 to our notice. Its very persistency arrests our 

 attention ; and as likely as not we shall find the 

 brilliantly-dressed little singer sitting quietly upon 



