212 CIRL BUNTING. 



The Cirl Bunting has only twice been obtained (in spring) on 

 Hehgoland, and is of rare occurrence in Holland and Belgium. In 

 summer it is found from France on the west to Bohemia on the 

 east ; while southward it is resident from the Spanish Peninsula to 

 Greece, Southern Russia, Turkey, Asia Minor, and the islands of the 

 Mediterranean. The late Lord Lilford found it breeding up to 

 4,000 ft. in the mountains of Algeria, and in winter it is partially 

 migratory from the north as far as the south of its range. 



The nest, similar to that of the Yellow Bunting, but often with 

 rather more moss, is placed in a bank among the stems of a 

 hazel or other bush, though sometimes in furze or juniper at a little 

 distance from the ground. The eggs, 4-5 in number, are purplish- 

 grey with almost black markings, bolder, as a rule, than on those of 

 the preceding species and with fewer hair-lines : measurements "85 

 by "63 in. The first clutch is laid in May, the second in July ; and 

 on the chalk-hills of Surrey, where the bird is not uncommon, I 

 have found that the Cuckoo is rather partial to its nest. The young 

 are fed chiefly on moths, grasshoppers, and other insects ; but later, 

 grass seeds and grain are eaten, while in the south of France, 

 during snowy weather, I have seen small flocks feeding, along with 

 Sparrows and other Finches, on the refuse in the streets. Although 

 unobtrusive, my experience is that the Cirl Bunting is anything but 

 a shy bird ; on the contrary it will at all seasons allow a very near 

 approach and close inspection, while if disturbed it does not fly 

 far. The note is like that of the Yellow Bunting, but without the 

 " no cheese,'"' and is nearly expressed by the French name for the 

 bird, " zizi." In the bright climate of the south the song may be 

 heard throughout the greater part of the year, except when the 

 bird is moulting. 



The adult male has a lemon-yellow streak from the forehead over 

 each eye ; lores and ear-coverts black ; crown and nape olive 

 streaked with black ; upper wing-coverts greenish-grey ; mantle and 

 secondaries darker chestnut-brown and the rump decidedly less 

 rufous than in the Ye'low Bunting ; quills and tail-feathers about 

 the same as in that species ; throat black, followed by a pale sulphur- 

 coloured collar : below this a broad olive grey band, succeeded by 

 chestnut-brown stripes which run down the flanks ; belly sulphur- 

 yellow ; bill dark horn above, bluish below : legs yellowish. Length 

 6'5 in. ; wing 3'25 in. The female has the throat pale buff, no 

 yellow on the crown, and hardly any on the breast or under parts, 

 which are streaked with dark brown ; upper parts less rufous than in 

 the male. The voung are rather duller than the female. 



