550 



PERCHING BIRDS 



nestlings varies considerably in the matter of colouring in different 

 species ; and, as a rule, the adults of the two sexes differ conspicuously 

 from one another in this respect. 



Like larks, buntings and finches undergo, as a rule, but one moult 

 in the }-ear ; nevertheless, in man}' cases there is a considerable differ- 

 ence between the summer and winter plumage, owing to the fact that 

 in spring or earh' summer the edges of the feathers become worn 

 away or are otherwise lost. This produces, as in larks, a marked 

 change of colour, tending in the case of the present famil\- to greater 

 uniformity and brilliancy. In marked contrast to the slender-beaked 



warblers, the members of the 

 hunting - finch group subsist 

 principally on grain and fruit 

 when adult, although they also 

 cat insects, which constitute the 

 sole nutriment of the nestlings. 

 In winter most of these birds 

 collect in large flocks, which are 

 composed of one sex only ; and 

 although they obtain much of 

 their food on the ground, upon 

 which they progress by hopping, 

 they are at other times esscntiall)' 

 perchers. Many of them, such as 

 the linnet and the bullfinch, are 

 excellent songsters. 



MOUNTEO IN JHL ROiVLANO AAIIO STUDIOS 



As a group, the buntmgs, or 



BLNTINC;. o 1 .-) 



Embcrizinx*, are characterised by 

 the circumstance that the horny sheath of the beak does not extend 

 backwards behind the line of the front margin of the socket of the eye ; 

 while there is a larger or smaller interval between the edges of the 

 upper and lower halves of the beak when closed, and the lower half is 

 sharply angulated at the base of the horny portion. Scribbled lines 

 and hair-like dark streaks on a light ground arc ver\- characteristic of 

 buntings* eggs. 



The bunting or corn-bunting, as it is often called, differs from other 

 Kmberizina.' by its more uniformly coloured plumage, and especially 

 the absence of a patch of white on .some of the outer feathers of the 

 tail. In general appearance this bird presents indeed a striking 

 similarity to a lark, for which it is no doubt often mistaken. It may, 

 however, be distinguished by the shortness of the claw of the hind-toe, 



