CHAPTER XX. 



The Yellow Bunting. 



Emheriza citrinella, Lin. ; Le Bruant, Buf. 



Description and Chaeacter. — The Yellow Burning, which 

 is, perhaps, more familiarly known as the Yellowhammer, is 

 by no means a despicable bird, although rarely kept as a 

 cage bird. It is very attractive in appearance, especially the 

 male specimen ; and although its natural song is not of much 

 account, it is capable, when taken young, and reared by 

 hand, of being much improved in this respect, as it will 

 learn the notes of other birds, . especially those of the 

 Siskin and Goldfinch. These birds are quiet and peaceful 

 in disposition, and very active in habit. When at liberty, 

 they go flitting from bush to bush blithely and merrily, 

 but seem out of their element when kept in a cage or 

 aviary, and never live long in confinement — rarely more than 

 three or four years, and not that unless well cared for. 



An adult bird measures 6;^in., of which the tail is 2jin. 

 The beak is straight, and moderate in length. In summer, 

 the bird is a dingy, indefinite blue colour, and in winter, 

 greyish brown. The head, cheeks, under side of neck, breast, 

 belly, sides, and vent are a beautiful canary yellow, the top 

 of the head and cheeks being marked with greenish brown 

 spots. The breast, belly, sides, and vent are spotted with 

 orange. The back part of the head and neck is brownish 

 green, and the back blackish brown, mixed with russet grey ; 

 the rump is marigold yellow. The large flight feathers in the 

 wings are blackish brown, margined with yellowish green ; the 



