158 THE BUNTINGS 



but avoids the moorlands, woodlands, and mountains, and is entirely absent 

 from certain districts. In some parts of the Continent, such as the plain of 

 Jutland and parts of Southern Spain, it is extraordinarily plentiful. [F. c. R. j.] 

 . 3. Migration. There is a considerable immigration in October and 



e. < O 6*- * & f.^c o ^ * 9 



November on the east coast of Great Britain, and a return migration in spring. 

 Otherwise the species is stationary in the country as a whole, but there 

 is some movement towards the southern districts on the approach of winter, 

 and there may be, in spite of the lack of direct evidence, a southward 

 emigration (cf. Ticehurst, B. of Kent, 1909, p. 172). In Ireland it forsakes some 

 exposed districts in winter, but there is no evidence of any oversea migration 

 (cf. Ussher and Warren, B. of Ireland, 1900, p. 74). The migrations of this and 

 other buntings appear to be very imperfectly known. The corn-bunting migrates 

 in flocks. [A. L. T.] 



4. Nest and Eggs. Nesting place : often in long mowing grass, and as the 

 hen sits closely it is not easy to find. On commons and downs it is more usually 

 built in furze or low bushes, often close to the ground, but occasionally at some 

 distance from it. Nest : roots, grass, stalks, bents, etc., lined with finer grasses, 

 and sometimes hair. (PI. vi.) The hen builds. To what extent she is aided, 

 if at all, by the cock is uncertain. The eggs, 4-5, rarely 6, are rather variable, 

 but generally have bold "worm" lines and streaks and a few spots of dark 

 blackish brown with underlying pale violet markings on a greyish or yellowish 

 white ground. Occasionally the ground is suffused with reddish brown. Pure 

 white eggs have been found. (PL B.) Average size of 100 eggs, -95 x -69 in. 

 [24*3 x 17-6 mm.]. Laying begins in June and July, but eggs have been 

 found from May to August. Incubation is chiefly performed by the hen 

 (Naumann). Period of incubation, 14 days. Two broods in many cases. 

 [F. c. R. J.] 



5. Food. The adults of this species are to a great extent graminivorous, 

 subsisting chiefly on the seeds of various grasses and cereals ; but insects, 

 chiefly beetles, are also taken to a considerable extent. The nestlings are fed 

 largely, if not entirely, on insects. The hen has been seen by Miss E. L. Turner 

 to perform this task unaided. [A. L. T.] 



6. Song Period. According to observations by A. Hepburn, the species 

 sings from the second week in January to the second week in August (Zoologist, 

 1845, p. 1068), and occasionally later, according to the same and other authorities 

 (Ussher and Warren, B. of Ireland, p. 75). [F. B. K.] 



