ORTOLAN. 157 



In size they are considerably smaller than our spar- 

 row, are of a reddish-brown colour above, and yellowish 

 beneath. The bill and forehead are black. The tail is 

 short. 



20. BUNTING TRIBE. 



The species of Bunting are very numerous. They are 

 inhabitants chiefly of temperate and cold climates, asso- 

 ciate occasionally in flocks, and feed on seeds. 



Yellow Hammer. The song of the Yellow Hammer 

 is very pleasing, and its plumage is not otherwise than 

 pretty. These birds are common in almost all parts of 

 Europe, but particularly in England. They feed prin- 

 cipally on grain, seeds, and worms ; and build their nests 

 upon the ground, usually near the side of some pond, 

 river, or brook. The materials consist of moss, dried 

 grass, and roots, interwoven with horse-hair. The eggs, 

 which are generally about six in number, are of a white 

 colour, veined, or scribbled, with dark purple or black. 

 About the beginning of May the young ones are nearly 

 fledged. 



The head, throat, and belly, are yellow, deeper in the 

 male than the female. The breast is reddish. The 

 greater quill-feathers are dusky, edged with pale yellow. 

 The tail is dusky, except the outermost feathers, which 

 are white, and somewhat forked. The bill is dusky ; and 

 the legs are yellowish brown. 



Ortolan. Few birds are in such esteem among the 

 epicures of the continent, as the Ortolans. They feed 

 on seeds, and become excessively fat. They are caught 

 in their migrations from one country to another, and 



