THE PINE-BUNTING. 



Emberiza ieticocepka/a, S. G. Gmelin. 

 Plate 17. 



One example of the Pine-Bunting was obtained on Fair Isle, Shetlands, in 

 October 191 1. In summer it breeds in Siberia, from the Ural eastwards, migrat- 

 ing southwards to spend the winter in China and among the Himalayas. It only 

 rarely visits Europe. 



The nest, composed of the stems of grasses and other plants, with a lining of 

 hair, is placed on the ground beneath a bush or clump of grass. The eggs, 

 varying in number from four to six, are described by Mr. Dresser {Manual of 

 Palcearctic Birds, p. 360) as " dull white, pale bluish white, or rose-white, with 

 faint violet-grey shell-markings and marblings, and blackish brown surface-lines 

 or spots." 



It haunts the edges of birch and pine woods and bushy ground. 



The general colour of the female is composed of different shades of brown and 

 grey, and she has none of the beautiful chestnut on the head and throat which 

 decorates the male. 



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