SPECIES 6. EMBERIZA CIRIS. 
PAINTED BUNTING. 
[Plate XXIV. — Fig. 1, Male. — Fig. 2, Female.'\ 
Linn. 8yst. 513. — Painted Finch, Catesby, i, 44. — Edw. 130, 173. 
— Arct. ZooLp. 362, JV*o. 226 . — Le Verdier de la Louisiane, dit 
vulgairenient le Pape, Brisson, hi, 200. App. 74. — Buffon, iv, 
76. PI. Enl, 159. — Lath, ii, 206 . — Linaria ciris, the Painted 
Finch, or J^Tonpareil, Bartram, p. 291. — Peale’s Aiuseum, JYo. 
6062, and 6063. 
This is one of the most numerous of the little summer birds 
of Lower Louisiana, where it is universally known among the 
French inhabitants, and called by them “Ae Pape,” and by the 
Americans the Nonpareil. Its gay dress and docility of man- 
ners have procured it many admirers; for these qualities are 
strongly attractive, and carry their own recommendations al- 
ways along with them. The low countries of the southern states, 
in the vicinity of the sea, and along the borders of our large 
rivers, particularly among the rice plantations, are the favourite 
haunts of this elegant little bird. A few are seen in North 
Carolina; in South Carolina they are more numerous; and still 
more so in the lower parts of Georgia. To the westwardvl first 
met them at Natchez, on the Mississippi, where they seemed 
rather scarce. Below Baton Rouge, along the Levee, or embank- 
ment of the river, they appeared in greater numbers; and con- 
tinued to become more common as I approached New Orleans, 
where they were warbling from almost every fence, and cros- 
sing the road before me every few minutes. Their notes very 
much resemble those of the Indigo Bird (Plate VI, fig. 6.); but 
want the strength and energy of the latter, being more feeble 
and more concise. 
