106 BRITISH BIRDS, WITH THEIR NESTS AND EGGS. 
nest more than half a dozen times during the seventeen successive years in which 
I was an enthusiastic birds-nester; but as I had a strong objection to trampling 
down crops on the bare chance of discovering a nest, it is probable that I may 
frequently have passed within a few yards of a nest of the Corn-Bunting without 
being aware of the fact. 
This is not a suitable bird for the Aviculturist, being unpleasing in appearance 
and voice, as well as voracious; it is, therefore, rarely caged. It is, however, 
possible that we underrate the vocal powers of this bird, for in the “‘ Zoologist” for 
1887, p. 300, the Rev. H. A. Macpherson proves that it has some capacity for 
mimicking the notes of other species; he says :—‘‘ When birds-nesting on the Upper 
Rhine, near Mulheim, I found the Corn-Bunting abundantly established on the 
lower grounds. During great heat the males sang incessantly (their mates were 
sitting) perching indifferently on the ground, on low bushes and rails, on the tops 
of walnut trees, and on the telegraph wires. Their song seemed to be identical 
with the dialect of those I had met with at home, with a single exception. On 
June 19th, a Corn-Bunting perching on a telegraph wire poured forth a liquid and 
sweet song, embodying the notes of the Crested Lark, which latter species is 
resident, though scarce, in that district. That the Reed Bunting has a good ear, 
and can be trained to sing the Skylark’s song I have recorded elsewhere, but I 
never suspected the Corn-Bunting of a similar capacity.” 
Family—FRINGILLIDE. Subjamily—E MBERIZIN A. 
THE YELLOW BUNTING. 
Emberiza citrinella, LINN. 
HE Yellow Ammer or Hammer, as this bird is generally called (from the 
German name Goldammer, which means Golden Bunting)* is generally 
* Also locally known as Yellow Yorling or Yoldring. 
