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SMITH’S LARK BUNTING. 
winged Bunting ( Erriberiza gmminea), when they arose, which they seldom 
did until very nearly approached. They utter a sharp click, repeated 
several times in quick succession, and move off with an easy undulating 
motion for a short distance, and alight very suddenly, like many other birds 
of this family ; seeming to fall as it were perpendicularly for several feet to 
the ground. They seemed to prefer the spots where the grass was shortest. 
When a single one arose it would fly a short distance and realight ; but if 
three or four started together, the remainder became alarmed, and the whole 
flock (sometimes containing several hundreds) would start simultaneously. 
When in the air they flew in circles to and fro for a few minutes, and again 
alighted. We could see the white spot on the wing, either when they were 
on the ground or on the wing. 
We could see them much better among the grasses whilst on horseback, 
and seldom saw them on the wing unless disturbed ; and when in the air they 
kept up a constant chirping or call, somewhat resembling that of the Little 
Red Poll ; and very frequently a couple would separate themselves from the 
great flock, and would pursue one another as if in play or with the desire to 
fight, and again return to the main body. It was too early in the season 
and no nests were found ; indeed it is probable that this species removes 
far to the north to breed. 
I have honored this species with the name of my good friend Gideon B. 
Smith, Esq.. M. D., of Baltimore, Maryland, who has done much for science 
in several of its departments. 
Smith’s Lark-Bunting, Plectrophanes Smithii, Aud. 
6 |. 
Prairies of Illinois, &c. Very abundant. 
Male in April. 
All the upper parts are light dull yellowish-brown, streaked with brown- 
ish-black. A medial line on the head, another over the eye, with the cheeks 
and whole lower parts, of the same dull yellowish-brown as the upper 
surface, streaked on the breast and along the sides with brownish-black. A 
large patch of white occupies the pinion of the wing, and the smaller coverts 
are marked with black surrounded by white, forming a second row of white. 
All the quills are brownish-black, edged with white or whitish, the second 
and third quills are longest. Tail as the back and wings, excepting two 
feathers outside that are white, with a streak of brownish-black on the outer 
vein, and a broader one of the same colour on the inner ; and this is con- 
spicuous when the bird is on the wing. Bill and feet brownish-black, the 
feet darker as well us the claws. Eyes brown. 
Whole length 6i inches ; tail ; wing from flexure 3f ; bill along the 
