BIRDS OF THE BRITISH ISLES. 



IReefc Bunting, 



37 



THE Reed Bunting (Emberiza schcenicfas, Linnaeus) is a 

 resident species in the British Islands, and also in suitable 

 localities throughout the Palearctic Region. The adult 

 male is rufous colour above, with black streaks and pale 

 margins to the feathers ; head and throat, deep black ; a 

 white moustachial line runs from the base of the bill and 

 joins the collar, which, like the breast, is white ; lower back 

 and rump, pale grey, with black streaks; scapulars and 

 lesser wing-coverts, warm reddish-brown, with dark centres 

 on the former ; tail, dark brown, two outer pairs of rectrices 

 having oblique white patches ; flanks, streaked with dusky 

 brown ; irides, brown ; bill, brown above, paler below ; legs 

 and feet, brown. Length, about six inches. The adult 

 female lacks the black head and throat. 



