The Common Bunting. 



167 



milk, and soaked rape seed, prepared in the manner described 

 for the young of the Bullfinch. When six weeks old, they 

 will be able to cater for themselves, and partake of the 

 food recommended for matured birds. 



DiSTiNGUisHiNa Marks of Cock and Hen. — The hen is 

 paler and greyer in colour than the male bird, smaller in 

 body and head, and more effeminate looking. 



SoNa. — These birds usually select the topmost twig of a 

 tree or bush from which to pour forth their song, or what 

 may be more truthfully described as an apology for one. The 

 so-called song consists of four or five notes of a peculiar 

 description, the last one being prolonged, loud, and harsh, 

 and not at all pleasant or edifying. 



Points to be Observed in Judging. — Select a large, lusty 

 bird, gay and sprightly, in prime condition, both as regards 

 bodily health and its outward covering. The colour should 

 be a nice warm olive brown, pencilled with black, the more 

 evenly and distinctly the better. The under parts are generally 

 a dirty white, but, the purer the colour, the more is the bird 

 prized. The breast should be distinctly spotted with brown, 

 and the sides streaked with the same colour. Size, contour, 

 and sprightliness are distinguishing features, as also steadiness 

 when being handled. Cleanliness is imperative in these, as 

 in all other show birds. 



General Eemarks. — Common Buntings may be kept in an 

 aviary with other birds, or in larks' cages. They are delicate, 

 and short-lived in confinement, dying usually of consumption, 

 brought on by the loss of their liberty, and want of a 

 frequent change of diet, such as they are accustomed to have 

 when at liberty. 



Diseases and their Treatment. — These birds are, naturally, 

 pretty hardy, but are liable, when kept in confinement, to cramp 

 and diarrhoea, for treatment of which see Chapter V., on 

 Diseases." 



