75 
Wild Birds Useful and Injurious. 
the legs often hang down from the body — attributes which render 
it comparatively uninteresting, except to ornithologists. The 
food of the bunting resembles that of the yellowhammer, consist- 
ing of corn and the seeds of grasses, knotgrass, sorrel, and 
other weeds. It also destroys insects, especially when it has 
young, and has been observed feeding on cockchafers. Though 
called the “ corn bunting,” it is by no means confined to the 
vicinity of cornfields. 
The Sparrow. 
The Sparrow ( Passer domesticus ) has received an overflowing 
measure of abuse from farmers and gardeners, and, notwith- 
standing all that has been urged in its favour by enthusiastic 
Fig. 8. — Bunting, Emleriza miliaria. 
advocates, there can be little doubt that it deserves a large 
share of the vituperation bestowed upon it. The keynote to 
the sparrow’s character is to be found in the delusion, under 
which it labours, that corn-growing is carried on for its especial 
benefit. This impression, coupled with a disposition sufficiently 
enterprising to induce it to follow the Russian colonists to 
Siberia, renders it little better than a parasite. Its robust form, 
powerful bill, and strong constitution enable it to endure intense 
cold, and to obtain food under most unpromising conditions, 
whilst its wariness and cunning ensure its comparative safety 
from the devices of its enemies. 
Corn is undoubtedly the mainstay of the sparrow. This it 
obtains in the fields at seed time, when sprouting, in the unripe 
