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THE TOWHE BUNTING. 



Fringilla erythrophthalma, Linn. 



PLATE XXIX. Male and Female. 



The flight of the Towhe Bunting is short, low, and performed from 

 one bush or spot to another, in a hurried manner, with repeated strong 

 jerks of the tail, and such quick motions of the wings, that one may hear 

 their sound, although the bird should happen to be out of sight. On the 

 ground, where it is more usually to be seen, it hops lightly, without mov- 

 ing the tail more than the Common Sparrow of Europe. It is a diligent 

 bird, spending its days in searching for food and gravel, amongst the 

 dried leaves and in the earth, scratching with great assiduity, and every 

 now and then uttering the notes tow-kee, from which it has obtained its 

 name. At other times, it ascends to the top of a small tree, or its fa- 

 vourite low bushes and briars, on which it sings very sweetly a few con- 

 tinued mellow notes. 



This species constructs a larger nest than birds of its size usually do_, 

 and scoops out a place for its foundation in the earth, sometimes in an 

 open spot, more commonly at the foot of a small sapling or large bunch 

 of tall grass. The nest is sunk into the ground, so as to be level with it 

 at top, and is composed of dried leaves and the bark of vines, lined with 

 grasses of fine texture, as well as fibrous roots. The female lays from 

 four to six eggs, and rears two, sometimes three, broods each season. If 

 disturbed while sitting, she moves off apparently in great agony, but with 

 more celerity than most other birds, by which means she generally pre- 

 vents her nest being discovered. Snakes, however, suck the eggs, as does 

 the Crow. The young leave the nest long before they are able to fly, and 

 follow the mother about on the ground for several days. Some of the 

 nests of this species are so well concealed, that in order to discover them, 

 one requires to stand quite still on the first appearance of the mother. I 

 have myself several times had to regret not taking this precaution. 



The favourite haunts of the Towhe Buntings are dry barren tracts, 

 but not, as others have said, low and swampy grounds, at least during 

 the season of incubation. In the Barrens of Kentucky they are found 

 in the greatest abundance. 



