212 CIRL BUNTING. 
The Cirl Bunting has only twice been obtained (in spring) on 
Heligoland, and is of rare occurrence in Holland and Belgium. In 
summer it is found from France on the west to Bohemia on the 
east ; while southward it is resident from the Spanish Peninsula to 
Greece, Southern Russia, Turkey, Asia Minor, and the islands of the 
Mediterranean. The late Lord Lilford found it breeding up to 
4,000 ft. in the mountains of Algeria, and in winter it is partially 
migratory from the north as far as the south of its range. 
The nest, similar to that of the Yellow Bunting, but often with 
rather more moss, is placed in a bank among the stems of a 
hazel or other bush, though sometimes in furze or juniper at a little 
distance from the ground. The eggs, 4-5 in number, are purplish- 
grey with almost black markings, bolder, as a rule, than on those of 
the preceding species and with fewer hair-lines: measurements °85 
by ‘63 in. ‘The first clutch is laid in May, the second in July; and 
on the chalk-hills of Surrey, where the bird is not uncommon, I 
have found that the Cuckoo is rather partial to its nest. The young 
are fed chiefly on moths, grasshoppers, and other insects ; but later, 
grass seeds and grain are eaten, while in the south of France, 
during snowy weather, I have seen small flocks feeding, along with 
Sparrows and other Finches, on the refuse in the streets. Although 
unobtrusive, my experience is that the Cirl Bunting is anything but 
a shy bird ; on the contrary it will at all seasons allow a very near 
approach and close inspection, while if disturbed it does not fly 
far. The note is like that of the Yellow Bunting, but without the 
““no cheese,” and is nearly expressed by the French name for the 
bird, “zizi.” In the bright climate of the south the song may be 
heard throughout the greater part of the year, except when the 
bird is moulting. 
The adult male has a lemon-yellow streak from the forehead over 
each eye; lores and ear-coverts black; crown and nape olive 
streaked with black ; upper wing-coverts greenish-grey ; mantle and 
secondaries darker chestnut-brown and the rump decidedly less 
rufous than in the Yeilow Bunting; quills and tail-feathers about 
the same as in that species ; throat black, followed by a pale sulphur- 
coloured collar; below this a broad olive-grey band, succeeded by 
chestnut-brown stripes which run down the flanks; belly sulphur- 
yellow ; bill dark horn above, bluish below ; legs yellowish. Tength 
6°5 in.; wing 3°25 in. The female has the throat pale buff, no 
yellow on the crown, and hardly any on the breast or under parts, 
which are streaked with dark brown ; upper parts less rufous than in 
the male. The young are rather duller than the female. 
