CIRL BUNTING. 63 



parts of Surrey, having found nests and eggs agreeing in every 

 respect with those of the Cirl Bunting above described, in 

 colour, appearance, and situation ; and have also seen birds 

 that we believe to be of this species, but have not yet proved 

 their identity by the only sure test, that of shooting the bird 

 upon the nest. 



It is most likely that the Cirl Bunting is stationary in the 

 countries bordering the Mediterranean throughout the year, 

 as in England ; in the south of Germany, however, according 

 to Continental authors, this is not the case, this species fre- 

 quenting that part only in summer, from April to November, 

 and leaving it entirely during the winter months. It inhabits 

 the island of Crete and breeds there, but is said to be not 

 very numerous ; it is also resident in Corfu. 



In habits and manners this species much resembles the 

 yellow bunting ; also in the localities it frequents, being 

 found in bushes, hedgerows, &c, and among furze. In the 

 spot chosen for its nest it differs slightly, usually placing it in 

 the upper part of a low bush, instead of upon the ground. 



The entire length of the Cirl Bunting is six and a half 

 inches. The wing measures, from the carpus to the tip, 

 three inches four lines, and the tail, which is forked, extends 

 an inch and a half beyond the wings when closed ; the 

 second and third quill-feathers are the longest in the wing. 



In its general appearance, this bird much resembles the 

 yellow bunting, except in the colours of the head, wherein 

 the adult males of the two species may always be distin- 

 guished. In the Cirl Bunting, the crown of the head, the 

 nape, and breast are olive green ; a dark streak passes through 

 the eye and encircles the ear-coverts ; the chin and throat are 

 black. A broad yellow line passes over the eye, and, ex- 

 tending around the ear-coverts, forms a gorget beneath the 

 black throat ; there is also a yellow spot in the middle of the 

 cheek. The back and scapulars are chesnut-brown, the 



