192 



CASSELLS BOOK OF BIRDS. 



nail upon their hinder toe. They are all recognisable by their small beaks, with only a slight 

 excrescence in the upper portion, by their long, pointed wings, tail of moderate length, strong feet, and 

 the aforesaid spur, which is much bent, in some cases nearly equalling, and in others exceeding the 

 toe in length. 



aK 1 ' 



THE REED LUNTING {Cynchraimis Schcenirftts). 



THE LARK BUNTING. 

 In the Spur Bunting or Lark Bunting (Cenlrophanes lapponiacs) the characteristic nail is 

 longer than the toe itself. The plumage of the male is black upon the top of the head, and beneath 

 the throat ; the nape is a bright rust-red, marked with a reddish-white line that passes over the eyes, 

 and lower down takes the form of the letter S ; the back is brown, streaked with a deeper shade ; the 

 wings brownish black, with light borders to the small covers and individual quills ; the lower part of 

 the body is greyish white, marked upon -he sides with large black streaks and spots. The femalt is 

 without the black upon the head, throat, and sides, and her plumage is of a paler tint than that of the 

 male. During the winter the black markings are frequently almost concealed under the white edges 

 that the feathers acquire at that season. The young resemble the mother, but have long dark streaks 



