AND NEIGHBOUBHOOD. 177 



of Buckingham and Warwick, and I have little 

 doubt that it also breeds occasionally in the southern 

 division of Northamptonshire, and only requires 

 looking for. It is a very local bird, somewhat re- 

 sembling tlie Yellow Hammer in general habits, but 

 seldom affects the open country, in which that bird is 

 so often to be found, seeming to prefer enclosures, 

 and to have a special liking for high elm trees. I 

 have noticed this last particular both in South Devon 



Cirl-Bianting, male. 



and Hampshire. The song of the male differs 

 slightly from that of the Yellow Hammer, but is 

 rather more sibilant, not so prolonged, and easily 

 distinguished. This bird is much less lively and 

 active than the last-named, and is rather dull and 

 heavy in its movements and habits. The food of 

 this species consists of various seeds and berries, 

 varied during the summer Avith insects of various 



N 



