PASSERES. ( 189 ) EMBERIZIDM. 



THE SNOW-BUNTING. 



SNOW-FOWL, SNOW-FLECK, SNOW-FLAKE, TAWNY BUNTING, 

 MOUNTAIN BUNTING, GREAT PIED MOUNTAIN FINCH, 



Plectrophanes nivalis. 



Bui O the Snazu-Fleck ! 



The bonny, bonny Snaw-Fleck, 



She is the bird for me, O. 



James Hogg. 



The local name of this interesting and pretty bird is 

 very appropriate; for in the dark lowering weather which 

 usually precedes a snow-storm in winter, the white marks 

 on the parti-coloured plumage of a flock of Snow-Buntings 

 on the wing, coupled with their wavering flight, somewhat 

 resemble flakes of falling snow. 



The Snow-Bunting is an autumn and winter visitor 

 from the north, arriving in Berwickshire from about the 

 third week in October to the middle of November, and 

 leaving us again for northern regions towards the end of 

 March.^ It is seen, while on migration, passing the light- 

 houses on the east coasts of England and Scotland in vast 

 numbers in autumn and spring." 



1 In Autumn it has been observed at Penmanshiel as early as 2nd October 

 (1883). — Hist. Ber. Nat. Club, vol. x. p. 569. In spring it has been noticed at 

 Oldcambus as late as 29th March (1882).— 7&trf. vol. x. p. 557. 



2 Snow-Buntings were observed on migration in Autumn 1879. — At Fames, 

 5th Sep., one at the Longstone (Mr. Cordeaux says this is the earliest example 

 ever recorded in England). Autinnn 1880.— Isle of May, 27th Oct. to 13th Nov. ; 

 Fames, 2Sth Oct. to 20th Dec. Spring 1881.— Isle of May, 9th April. Autvmji 



