Bunting. INSESSORES. EMBERIZA. 287 



This well known species is to be met with in all the culti- 

 vated parts of the kingdom, extending even to the Orkney 

 Islands, where it is mentioned as indigenous and abundant. 



In spring, previous to the season of propagation, breaking 

 up their winter societies, they disperse themselves throughout 

 the country, and breed in corn or meadow grounds. The 

 male bird, at this period, may generally be seen perched on 

 the highest twig of a hedge, or upon the top of a tall dock or 

 thistle, uttering the singular but unmusical notes with which 

 he serenades his mate during incubation, and which have 

 been aptly enough described by Low under the Scottish 

 term a skirle. At this time his flight is also peculiar, and 

 unlike that used throughout the rest of the year. 



The nest is placed among the herbage, near to the ground. Nest, &c. 

 and composed of straw and dried grasses, Hned with fibres of 

 root and hair. The eggs, from four to six in number, are 

 of a pale yellowish-grey colour, with spots and veins of red- 

 dish-brown. 



Towards the end of autumn these birds collect in large 

 flocks, remaining together till the following spring. At this 

 period they become very fat, and are excellent eating ; and 

 being very similar to the Lark in colour, are frequently sold 

 as such, to those unacquainted with the distinctive characters 

 of the two birds. 



The Bunting is found throughout Europe, and extends 

 very far to the northward. 



Plate 52. Fig. 1. Natural size. 



Culmen of the bill blackish-brown, the rest yellowish- General 

 white. The whole of the upper parts yellowish-brown, tion, 

 inclining to oil-green, with the centres of the feathers 

 blackish-brown. Throat, lower part of the neck, and 

 under parts, yellowish-white, or straw-yellow, with nu- 

 merous triangular black spots ; but the middle of the 

 belly immaculate. Wing-coverts and quills blackish- 

 brown, deeply edged with yellowish-brown. Tail the 



