XI. 



EMBERIZA CIRLUS. (linn.) 



CiRL Bunting. 



The Cirl Bunting was first discovered in this country by 

 Colonel Montague ; and as I have never seen its nest, I shall 

 copy his own words. He says — " We first discovered this 

 species near Kingsbridge, in 1800 ; they are indigenous to 

 Devonshire, but seem to be confined to the southern parts of 

 that county, contiguous to the coast, having found them ex- 

 tending as far as Teignmouth, at both of which places we 

 found their nests, but have never observed them far inland. 

 It generally builds in furze, or some low bush ; the nest is 

 composed of dry stalks, roots, and a little moss, lined with 

 long hair, and fibrous roots ; the eggs are 4 or 5 in number." 



EMBERIZA NIVALIS, (linn.) 

 Snow Bunting, Tawny Bunting, Snow Flake, &c. 



The Snow Bunting has never been known to breed in this 

 country, but only visits us during the winter, and repairs to 

 more northerly regions to propagate its species. Pennant says 

 that they breed in Greenland ; they were also met with in 

 several of the places visited by Captain Parry in his northern 

 voyages. Captain Lyon found them on Melville Island, and 

 describes their nests as being " placed in the crevices of rocks, 

 or amongst loose stones, and constructed of dried grass, neatly 

 lined with white deer's hair." Lieutenant Ross likewise de- 

 scribes one which was found at the Whale Fish Islands early 

 in July, formed of dried grass, and lined with feathers, which 

 were covered with a fine white down. They lay six or seven 

 eggs- 



