136 
BIRDS. 
io6. Emberiza citrinella (L.). Yellowhammer. 
Eesident, and common in the east. These birds extend far 
into the interior of the county to breed, returning to the 
cultivated ground near the coast in the winter. Common 
in suitable places in the western districts, even close to 
the sea. Had apparently increased in numbers at Inchna- 
damph by 1877, and by 1880 was more abundant around 
Lairg and the improved lands near Loch Shin. Seen at 
Altnaharrow in 1881 not uncommonly. 
Abundant and resident. Mr. Osborne mentions an instance 
of a male yellowhammer feeding a young sparrow in his 
garden in Wick in 1866, — the more curious as it was the 
first time he had seen or heard of the bird in the precincts 
of the town (0. MSS., 1868). 
Observed commonly in 1885 all along the coast and 
cultivated portions, yet not an abundant species. Par- 
ticularly affects whin-rows and hedges, being a natural 
adaptation of its colour to surroundings. We have often 
noticed this elsewhere; and where the whin-flower is 
brightest and most abundant, there the yellowhammer's 
breast is brighter and purer yellow. 
107. Emberiza cirlus, L. Cirl Bunting. 
108. Emberiza hortulana, L. Ortolan Bunting. 
[The only specimen known to have occurred in the county 
is the one in Dr. Sinclair's List, and is noted as seen by 
Dr. Wilson in 1842.] 1 
^ We see nothing against the possibility of an occasional occurrence of this 
species even so far north, if we view these matters in the light of modern experi- 
ences ; but we must adhere to the rule which we have laid down in our Intro- 
duction, regarding unsupported evidence afforded by Dr. Sinclair's List. Had 
Dr. Sinclair kept a catalogue, or even labelled his specimens, this necessary 
doubt would have been dispelled. It is only just to remark that Dr. Wilson 
includes this species as having been seen by him in the collection in 1842 {op. 
cit. p. 179). 
