SMITH'S LARK-BUNTING. 337 



winged Bunting (Emberiza graminea), when they arose, which they seldom 

 did until very nearly approached. They utter a sharp click, repeated 

 several times in quick succession, and move off with an easy undulating 

 motion, for a short distance, and alight very suddenly, like many other birds 

 of this family; seeming to fall as it were perpendicularly for several feet to 

 the ground. They seemed to prefer the spots where the grass was shortest. 

 "When a single one arose it would fly a short distance and realight; but if 

 three or four started together, the remainder became alarmed, and the whole 

 flock (sometimes containing several hundreds) would start simultaneously. 

 When in the air they flew in circles to and fro for a few minutes, and again 

 alighted. We could see the white spot on the wing, either when they were 

 on the ground or on the wing. 



We could see them much better among the grasses whilst on horseback, 

 and seldom saw them on the wing unless disturbed; and when in the air they 

 kept up a constant chirping or call, somewhat resembling that of the Little 

 Red Poll; and very frequently a couple would separate themselves from the 

 great flock, and would pursue one another as if in play or with the desire to 

 fight, and again return to the main body. It was too early in the season and 

 no nests were found; indeed it is probable that this species removes far to 

 the north to breed. 



I have honoured this species with the name of my good friend Gideon B. 

 Smith, Esq., M. D., of Baltimore, Maryland, who has done much for science 

 in several of its departments. 



Smith's Lark-Bunting, Plectrophanes Smilhii, Aud. 



Prairies of Illinois, &c. Very abundant. 



Male in April. 



All the upper parts are light dull yellowish-brown, streaked with brown- 

 ish-black. A medial line on the head, another over the eye, with the cheeks 

 and whole lower parts, of the same dull yellowish-brown as the upper 

 surface, streaked on the breast and along the sides with brownish-black. A 

 large patch of white occupies the pinion of the wing, and the smaller coverts 

 are marked with black surrounded by white, forming a second row of white. 

 All the quills are brownish-black, edged with white or whitish, the second 

 and third quills are longest. Tail as the back and wings, excepting two 

 feathers outside that are white, with a streak of brownish-black on the outer 

 vein, and a broader one of the same colour on the inner; and this is conspicu- 

 ous when the bird is on the wing. Bill and feet brownish-black, the feet 

 darker as well as the claws. Eyes brown. 



Whole length 6^ inches; tail 2^; wing from flexure 3|; bill along the 



Vol. VII. . 47 



