CHAPTEE XIX. 



The Common Bunting. 



Ember iza miliaria, Lin. ; Proyer, Buf. 



Description and Character. — The Common, or Corn Bunting, 

 has nothing special to recommend it to the notice of a lover 

 of birds, as neither its plumage or song are attractive. The 

 greatest charm it appears to possess to most people is its 

 adaptability to the cuisine, as it is a good forager, and, con- 

 sequently, in prime condition for the table at all seasons. 

 It should, however, be included in all collections where other 

 Buntings are kept. 



These birds are the largest of the Bunting family, and 

 strong on the wing, going off at a rapid pace, in a powerful 

 whirring flight, for a considerable distance. When in a field, 

 they will permit anyone to approach them pretty closely ; 

 then they spring up suddenly, and dart off in a straight 

 line, with their legs and feet drooping and dangling in the 

 air for a short time, until they get fairly on the wing. They 

 are not inclined to be sociable, and keep away from the 

 habitations of man, only approaching them when compelled 

 to do so by cold and hunger. 



The Common Bunting is l^m. in length, of which the 

 tail measures Sin. The beak is short and thick, and some- 

 thing like that of the House Sparrow ; colour palish brown. 

 The entire upper part of the body is greyish pale chestnut 

 brown, speckled over with blackish brown spots. The under 

 part of the bird is a sort of pale cinnamon or yellowish 

 grey colour, spotted with dark brown. The wings and tail are 



