THE YELLOW BUNTING. 

 Etnberiza citrine/la, Linnaeus. 

 Plate i8. 



The Yeilow Bunting or Yellow Hammer is resident and common in most parts 

 of the British Islands, and is widely spread over Northern and Central Europe 

 and Asia. 



The nest is generally placed on or close to the ground, hidden among grass 

 and herbage, and is composed of dead grasses, roots, and moss, with a lining of 

 fibrous rootlets and hair. The four or five eggs are purplish-white, marked with 

 curious dark streaks and scribbles, and clouded with reddish-purple. 



In summer the food of the Yellow Bunting consists principally of insects, at 

 other times seeds of different weeds and grain are eaten. 



The song is less harsh than that of the Corn-Bunting, and is a pleasing ditty, 

 though rather monotonous. Late in summer, during hot weather, when the 

 singing of most birds has ceased, it is often the only music to be heard, and is 

 delivered while the bird sits on a wall or tree. 



The Yellow Bunting is partial to cultivated ground, and in winter large flocks 

 visit the farm-steadings, along with various Finches. 



The female resembles the male, but is much duller, and more darkly streaked 

 on the upper parts. 



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