1 9 1 8 . ] Birds of Macedonia. 293 



contained one egg on May 15. By this date there were 

 pairs everywhere. I saw birds building up to June 6. The 

 nest was invariably placed when possible in low scrubby 

 brambles, six to eighteen inches from the ground, and was 

 very little concealed. When building-sites of this kind 

 were not available, a low thorn-bush was sometimes chosen. 

 I came across twenty nests between May 15 and 23. I never 

 saw the male bird take any part either in building the nest, 

 in incubation, or in feeding the young, though it is possible 

 he shares the last task with his mate. During the first two 

 operations he confines himself to sitting on a bush a few 

 yards from the nest and continually uttering his short and 

 rather monotonous song. He is always extremely tame, 

 allowing one to approach to within eight or ten yards or 

 closer. 



Emheriza hortulana. Ortolan Bunting. Was not found 

 breeding, but was probably overlooked. Not seen in 

 winter. 



Emheriza cia. Meadow-Bunting. Was noticed during 

 ecember and onwards in consi 

 the rocky hills. Bred commonly. 



December and onwards in considerable numbers among 



Emberiza miliaria. Corn-Bunting. By far the com- 

 monest of all the Buntings. In winter, they congregated 

 in flocks, and in spring distributed themselves in pairs 

 all over the country, breeding everywhere. 



Alauda arvensis. Sky-Lark. Was not found breeding, 

 and I did not come across any of this species after the 

 beginning of May. 



LuUulla arborea. Wood-Lark. All these birds dis- 

 appeared with the advance of spring. During winter they 

 were common in small flocks in the hilly country. 



Melanocorypha calandra. Calandra Lark. Bred freely 

 found eggs from March S 

 date thev were unincubated. 



I found eggs from March 29 to June 18. On the latter 



