CHAPTER XXII. 



The Reed Bunting. 



Emberiza schcenilus, Lin. ; Ortolan de roseaux, Buf. 



Description and Chaeactee.— The Reed Bunting, or, as it 

 is more commonly termed, the Reed Sparrow, is not so 

 numerous as some of its congeners, and, consequently, of 

 more value. It is regarded by some lovers and fanciers of 

 wild birds as uncommon, and kept by them in aviaries, for 

 it is comely to look upon. It is rarely kept as a cage 

 bird, as its song is very short, and more peculiar than 

 pleasing. It is not so shy, and, consequently, more tractable 

 and sociable, than any other variety of the Bunting family. 



The length of a fully-grown specimen is 5-Jin., the tail 

 measuring 2|in. The upper mandible is bluish black, and 

 the under one palish flesh colour, inclining to white ; the 

 head is black, slightly spotted with reddish brown. There 

 is a white marking, forming a sort of ring, which runs 

 from the base of the lower mandible, across the face, round 

 the back of the head ; it is broadest on the cheeks, and 

 narrowest at the back of the head or neck ; and from this 

 peculiarity the bird is sometimes called the Ring Bunting, 

 and by others, the Ring Sparrow. 



The throat is black, spotted with white ; the under part 

 of the neck, belly, sides, and vent (ground colour) is dull 

 greyish white ; the breast and sides are spotted with brown. 

 The back is dark blackish brown, spotted with reddish brown 

 and white ; the back of the neck is pale greyish brown, or 

 brownish grey. The rump feathers are a mixture of russet 



