EMBERIZID^. 



29 



every day ; but the most curious thing was that he fed 

 them according to a regular routine, always beginning 

 with the same bird and ending with another. 



Wood-Lark {Alauda ai^borea). This species is 

 a resident, and is found in very small numbers in 

 both counties, but chiefly in the neighbourhood of 

 large woods and rich cultivated ground. Fulmer 

 is one of its favourite resorts. 



The principal distinguishing points between this 

 bird and the Skylark are as follows : the former has 

 a shorter tail, and is smaller in its general size, and 

 possesses a very conspicuous streak of light brown 

 over each eye and ear-coverts. 



Family — Emberizid^.. 



Common Bunting {Emberiza miliaria). Provincial, 

 Com Bunting. A common resident, and very gene- 

 rally dispersed. It congregates in large numbers late 

 in the autumn, and is gregarious until the return of 

 spring, when pairing takes place, and the process of 

 oviposition is gone through. This species frequents 

 stubbles and corn-fields (whence its name), and may 

 in early summer be observed delivering its rude 

 song from a thick hedge, usually perched upon the 

 topmost spray. 



Blackheaded Bunting {Emberiza schceniculus). 

 Local names. Reed Bnnting, Black-cap, Reed Span^ozv. 

 Numerous along the sides of marshy ditches and 

 streams ; and it is a common bird on the banks of 



