XXXV. BLACK-HEADED BUNTING. 



(Emberiza ridibundus.} 



A FEW pairs of this pretty little bird are to be found in Moidart, 



" By the rushy fringed bank, 

 Where grow the willow and the osier dank." 



The female differs from the male in having the head brown 

 instead of black. I have seen the male flying about among the 

 saugh bushes with a caterpillar in its beak, evidently going to 

 feed its young, but I did not find the nest. I have never seen 

 it in winter, nor near a house. It is sometimes called the Eeed 

 Bunting, from its habit of frequenting marshy places. 



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