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THE BLACK-HEADED BUNTING. 
Reed Bunting. Reed Sparrow. 
Emberiza Schceniclus , Linn. 
Is a resident species distributed over the island, which 
from the prevailing humidity, is peculiarly well 
suited to it. 
The reed-bunting is one of those birds, which, though not rare, are 
nowhere numerous. Owing to its abode being among the shrubby 
underwood or herbage in moist places and at the edge of waters, it 
is not very commonly or popularly known. It is interesting from 
being an inhabitant of localities in which comparatively few other 
species are to be seen : — often have I been highly pleased by ob- 
serving a few of these birds gathering in to roost for the night upon 
the exposed roots of alders or willows that overhung the gently- 
flowing stream. Like their congeners, however, reed-buntings will 
betake themselves during the snow-storm to the public roads for 
food, but at such times only, have I met with them out of their 
favourite haunts.* Stomachs of reed-buntings shot in January, 
contained seeds, and much gravel. 
In different parts of Ireland, the reed -bunting has the undue 
reputation of being a sweet songster of the night, and is believed 
to be the veritable “ Irish nightingale ; " — a name bestowed on 
the mysterious bird, be that what it may, which sings through the 
summer night. In strict justice, the sedge-warbler may lay claim 
to the flattering appellation. Montagu, with his usual acuteness, 
long since accounted for this error in the following words : — “ It 
is somewhat extraordinary that the manners and habits of so com- 
mon a bird should remain so long in obscurity ; even modern 
authors tell us it is a song-bird, and sings after sunset.f * * 
* Mr. Macgillivray considers the species as “ migratory in most parts of Scotland, 
departing in October, and reappearing about the beginning of April.” vol. i. p. 455. 
t The omission here relates to the nest, respecting which Montagu was in error, 
having described that of the reed, in place of that of the sedge, warbler. I have 
altered a few words of the extract from plural to singular. A nest of this bunting 
which came under Mr. Poole’s notice, was placed among the stems of dry grass, on 
the side of a bank overhanging water and was lined with cow-hair. The young were 
nearly fledged on the 26th of May ; their mutings almost filled the bottom of the nest. 
