SOME BIRDS I HAVE MET 215 



intense black and pure white in colouration, and 

 hence is called in some districts the Sea Magpie. 

 It has a brilliant orange-yellow bill, and purplish- 

 pink legs and feet. It is certainly one of our most 

 handsome shore-birds, and is a splendid sentinel, 

 proclaiming to all its feathered relatives within 

 sound of its vociferous cry that danger threatens. 

 Although named Oyster Catcher, and feeding on 

 shellfish, it does not seem to possess any partiality 

 for Oysters. The beak is very strong and power- 

 ful, and by its aid the bird is enabled to detach 

 Limpets from the rocks with great cleverness. It 

 is an engaging sight to watch these birds drive 

 their bills into a Mussel-shell, strike asunder the 

 closed valves, and scoop out the luscious contents. 

 An interesting tenant of downs and other parts 

 of the country is the Corn Bunting. It thrusts 

 itself upon the attentive ear because of its rusty, 

 wheezy little song, which is uttered as the bird 

 perches on the summit of a Furze bush, a clod of 

 earth, or telegraph wires, the latter being a very 

 favourite habitat. It is a plain-clad bird, the 

 largest of our five species of Buntings, and is 

 sedentary in its habits. It is a late breeder, the 

 nest being usually built in May and is placed 

 upon or close to the ground. The homestead is 

 made up of dry grass and roots, with a lining of 

 horsehair and fine fibres. The four to six eggs 

 are dull purplish-white or pale yellowish in ground 



