00 BRITISH BIRDS. 



and grass-stalks, lined with finer grass and horse-hair. 

 Eggs : 4 or 5 ; varying from purplish-grey to warm buff, 

 with bold spots and streaks of deep purplish-brown ; size 

 *8o by *6o. 



GENUS XLVIII. CALCARIUS, Bechstein (1803}. 

 Bill and other characteristics much as in Emberiza, 

 excepting that hind claw is longer and very little curved. 



111. C. lapponieus (Linn.)- LAPLAND BUNTING. 



Hab. Cimcumpolar regions, breeding chiefly within 

 Arctic Circle. Migrating southward in winter. 



Male : crown black, bordered by a broad white streak 

 above each eye ; sides of head, throat, and breast also 

 black, margined by a white semi-collar which joins white 

 eye-stripe ; upon nape a broad band of light chestnut ; 

 remaining upper parts much as in Reed Bunting, but 

 lighter and less chestnut-tinted ; below white, sides boldly 

 streaked with black ; bill dull orange with a dusky tip ; 

 tarsi black. Length nearly 6*25. Female : head and 

 cheeks brown streaked with black ; feathers of mantle 

 huffish-brown with dusky centres ; chestnut band on nape 

 scarcely noticeable, and white on sides of neck less distinct; 

 throat white with a mottled blackish band on breast. 



Of irregular but not uncommon occurrence in our south- 

 eastern and eastern counties during autumn ; has also 

 been taken in most of the northern counties, twice in 

 Scotland and once in Ireland, at Fastnet Rock' (1887). 



GENUS XLIX. PLECTROPHENAX, Stejneger (1882). 

 Bill very short, strong, conical, lower mandible rather 

 wider than upper. Other characteristics much as in 

 Emberiza, excepting that the (curved) hind claw is 

 considerably longer. 



