PERCHING BIRDS. 177 



rick of barley entirely stripped of its thatching ; 

 which this bird effected by seizing the end of the 

 straw, and deliberately drawing it out, to search 

 for any grain that might yet remain." Buntings 

 are sometimes brought to market, and sold for 

 larks ; but they may be easily distinguished by the 

 short bill, with its knob in the roof of the mouth, 

 or simply by the colour, which is much darker on 

 the under part, and by the short hind claw. 



The BLACK-HEADED, Or REED BUNTING IS a Well- 



known inhabitant of marshy places, and the sides 

 of lakes and ponds, and is always found near 

 water. It is not uncommon, and remains in this 

 country throughout the year. It has been some- 

 times mistaken for the reed warbler; but their 

 habits and song are quite different. This bunting 

 is about the size of the yellow-hammer ; and its 

 voice is as tuneless as the rest of its family. It is 

 an energetic bird in the air ; active in its move- 

 ments, especially in that of the tail, which is even 

 more rapid than in the wagtails. The bird has 

 the habit of clinging to the flexible stalks of the 

 water-plants, and the powerful and ready motion 

 of the tail is absolutely necessary as a means of 

 balancing. It rides with security and even grace 

 when the stems are on a level with the water, 

 adhering as if it were a part of the plant ; and 

 keeping its head to the wind. And when the 



