PASSERINE BIRDS. I^C 



THE BUNTINGS. 



The Buntings {Emberiza) form' the connecting link between (he Larks and the Finches proper, 

 and constitute a family extremely rich in species, all presenting a striking resemblance to each odier. 

 These birds are characterised by their thick bodies, their wings of moderate length, of which the 

 second or third quills are generally the longest, and by their large tail formed of broad feathers, its 

 termination being either straight or slightly furcated ; the feet are short, the toes long, and the hinder 

 toe furnished with a large spur-like nail. The beak, which we regard as the distinguishing feature 

 of this family, is short, conical, and pointed, thick at the base, but much compressed towards its tip ; 

 the upper mandible is somewhat narrower than the lower, by which it is slightly overlapped, die 

 cutting margins are strongly bowed inwards, and bent down at a sharp angle towards the gape. 

 Implanted in the palate of the upper jaw there is, moreover, a bony protuberance, which is received 

 into a corresponding cavity in the under jaw ; the gullet is enlarged, but can scarcely be said to form a 

 crop, and there is a muscular gizzard. 



The Buntings are essentially inhabitants of the northern portions of the earth, but are 

 replaced elsewhere by birds of very similar character. They mostly frequent low, thin brushwood, 

 or beds of reeds, preferring such localities as are in the immediate vicinity of water, or 

 delight in fertile pastures ; some species are met with on mountains, others in valleys, but all 

 agree in avoiding forests or thickly-wooded districts. Though we must acknowledge that these 

 birds cannot be regarded as particularly active, or possessed of very excellent endowments, they 

 are by no means deficient in natural gifts, and their capacity, if not remarkable, is quite equal to 

 the position they are called upon to fulfil in the economy of nature. All the species of this family- 

 are of social disposition, associating with Finches and Larks, and living in large flocks except in the 

 breeding season, and sometimes even during that period they keep at no great distance from each 

 other, although every little couple has its own nesting place, the immediate neighbourhood of which 

 no other bird is permitted to approach. They exhibit no fear of man, frequently taking up their abode 

 in the immediate neighbourhood of his dwellings, and paying constant visits to his barns, farmyards, 

 gardens, or stables. Most of these birds are migrator)-, and but few remain for any great length 

 of time in the localities they have selected for breeding-places. Their food consists during the 

 summer of grasshoppers, beetles, caterpillars, and other larva, besides flies, gnats, and similar 

 insects ; in winter they prefer farinaceous seeds, those of an oily nature being carefully avoided ; they 

 eat very largely, and soon become extremely fat. When in search of food they generally alight upon 

 the ground, over which they hop and walk with considerable activity ; their flight is undulating, and 

 their song monotonous, the call-note consisting of one prolonged cry. The nest is generally built in 

 a hollow, but is sometimes placed slightly above the surface of the ground, and simply formed of 

 straws and roots lined with fine grass, hair, or feathers. The eggs are from four to six in number, 

 spotted and veined with a dark colour ; both parents assist in the work of incubation, and in 

 providing for the little family when fledged. The Buntings were regarded in ancient times as a 

 valuable article of food, and many species are still caught in great numbeis for the table in the 

 more southern countries, whilst in the north birds or beasts of prey are the only enemies they 

 have to fear. 



THE CRESTED BUNTING. 



The Crested Bunting (Gubernatrix cristatella), which we have selected as well worthy of notice, 

 is a South American species. This beautiful bird strongly resembles the rest of the family, differing 

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