16 FAMILIAR WILD BIRDS. 



upper surface the feathers are dusky black in the centre, 

 margined with brown and yellowish edges ; the lower part 

 of the breast is dull yellow; legs and toes a pale reddish- 

 brown ; claws dusky. 



The plumage of the female is not so bright as that of 

 the male ; the head is without the black markings and the 

 bright yellow ; the chin and throat are yellowish-brown, 

 streaked with a darker shade, and the back is streaked with 

 black ; the breast is much speckled. 



The Cirl Bunting may be kept in confinement without 

 much difficulty, and in any aviary its handsome plumage is 

 always a source of attraction ; it is not quarrelsome, and 

 usually a favourite, and it will thrive on canary and grass 

 seeds. 



