104 CANARIES AND CAGE-BIRDS. 



THE SNOW BUNTING. 



THIS bird bears the same relation to the bird-race that the Esquimaux do to the 

 human race. It appears to be a fact, that, unless icebergs are around, the Snow 

 Bunting is not happy. He is an inhabitant of the coldest and most dreary climates, 

 and is unknown in latitudes where snow does not abound. He is chameleon-like 

 regarding the color, which includes any thing from the clear white to the dusky 

 brown ; the most common colors seen being the winter dress, a mixture of white 

 on the body and head, the wings being brown or dun colored. In summer the 

 plumage changes to a tawny brown. 



In the districts of Siberia, Russia, and Greenland, where game is scarce, the 

 Snow Buntings form one of the chief articles of diet. They are found in swarms 

 in these sparsely settled regions, and it is a matter of surprise to see how they are 

 able to exist where sufficient food must be so scarce. They are the subjects of 

 numberless legends, and are known in our own country as the harbingers of severe 

 cold weather. They become very tame, and easily get acquainted with the inhabit- 

 ants of a household who have been kind to them. They will make daily calls in 

 search of bread-crumbs or seeds which have been scattered for them. They are 

 harmless birds, and are not often seen caged ; although they are easily trapped by 

 means of horse-hair loops. As their desire for freedom is so great, it seems a pity to 

 keep them caged. They form one of the few picturesque scenes of a dreary winter, 

 and should be allowed to remain in their native places. 



When in confinement they will eat almost any kind of seeds, oats, or bread- 

 crumbs. The warmer temperature to which they are naturally introduced when 

 caged does not appear to affect them. 



The song 'of the Snow Bunting is a series of whistles, some of the varieties 

 being recorded as most excellent songsters. 



