236 BIRDS OF TUNISIA 



country to the more open plains and arable land, differing in this 

 respect from the two preceding species. In some of its habits, how- 

 ever, it greatly resembles E. citrinella, and its song and notes also 

 are not unlike those of that species, although generally considered 

 to be less melodious. Its call note is a sim^\& " zih-zib." Although 

 not at all shy, E. cirlus is retiring in its habits, and would probably 

 often escape notice were it not for its notes, which may frequently 

 be heard, though the bird be hidden from view. Seeds and grain form 

 the principal food of this Bunting, varied to a certain extent by 

 insects and caterpillars. 



According to Dr. Koenig, who found this species breeding near 

 Batna, its nest is generally to be met with in juniper or other low 

 bushes, and is neatly built of grass-bents and small twigs, with a 

 lining of finer grasses and a little hair or wool. The eggs, three to 

 five in number, apparently vary considerably ; the usual colour, how- 

 ever, is pale greenish-white, with dark brownish spots and streaks 

 and grey and pale violet shell-marks. Average measurements 21 x 

 16 mm. 



EMBERIZA HORTULANA, LinniEus. 



OETOLAN. 



Emberiza hortulana, Linn. Syst. Nat. i, p. 309 (1766) ; Sharpc, Cat. 



Birds Brit. Mns. xii, p. 530 ; Koenirj, J. f. 0. 1893, p. 55. 

 Hortulanus chlorocephalus, Loche, Ezpl. Sci. Alg. Ois. i, p. 178 (1867). 



Description. — Adult male, spring, from North Tunisia. 



Crown and nape greenish-grey ; back, scapulars, wing-coverts and 

 secondaries fulvous-brown, with dark centres to the feathers ; rump rufous- 

 grey ; tail dark brown, the outermost feathers with oblong white patches 

 on the lower portions ; quills dark brown, margined with buff ; throat straw- 

 yellow ; breast olive-grey ; rest of the underparts chestnut. 



Iris brown ; bill dull reddish ; feet reddish flesh-colour. 



Total length 6-10 inches, wing 3-50, culmen -50, tarsus -80. 



Adult female duller and greener than the male. 



Although met with in certain numbers during the periods of 

 migration in spring and autumn, the Ortolan ia not very abundant in 



