EMBKKIZID.E. 
Ul) 
bushes, but though many regularly assemble there at night, it 
appears that they pass the hours of darkness among the leaves 
and dry weeds upon the ground beneath. On a winter’s night 
I have often disturbed a flock among the stubble or withered 
grass. The short peculiar song commences early in March. 
THE BLACK-HEADED BUNTING. 
Emheriza sclmniclus. 
According to the best authorities, this bird is not uncommon 
in Orkney, where it has occasionally been known to breed. 
It doubtless occurs in various parts of Shetland, but hitherto 
no instances have been recorded except three, by myself, and 
all of them at Halligarth. First a female was observed on the 
12th February 1863, feeding in a wet ditch with some common 
buntings; and afterwards, on the 12th of April, a male, also in 
company with buntings. These two remained for a very short 
time, but the third, a female, took up its abode among some 
little willows on the 15th of May 1866, and seemed inclined 
to remain. It was killed by a Halligarth cat as soon as it had 
become a little familiar. 
THE YELLOWHAMMER. 
Emberiza citrindla. 
This handsome bird is but little known in Shetland, where, 
however, I have frerpiently seen single specimens; — ^^chiefly in 
Unst, and in every instance in or near a garden. It has never 
been known to breed in any of the islands, but Mr Gray reports 
that the nest lias lieen found in Orkney. 
