184 
EMBElUZIDiE. 
I NS ESS ORES. 
CON III OSTJi ES. 
EMBERlZlDJi. 
SNOW BUNTING. 
TAWNY BUNTING, SNOW FLAKE. 
Plectiiophanes Nivalis. 
PLATE XLVI., FIG. III. 
The Snow Bunting lias never been known to breed 
in this country, but only visits us during the winter 
months, and returns to more northerly regions to pro¬ 
pagate its species. Pennant says that they breed in 
Greenland. Mr. Hancock, of Newcastle, has the eggs 
from Davis's Straits ; and Mr. Proctor, of Durham, found 
the nests of this species when in Iceland, in the month 
of June; they were placed amongst large stones, or in 
the fissures of rocks, and were composed of dry grass, 
lined with hair or feathers. 
Sir John Richardson says that they breed on the north¬ 
ernmost of the American islands, and on all the shores of 
the continent, from Chesterfield inlet to Behring’s Straits. 
Captain Lyons found their nests on Melville and South¬ 
ampton islands, “ in the crevices of rocks, or amongst 
loose stones, and constructed of dried grass, neatly lined 
with white deer’s hair.” He mentions having met with 
one which was placed in the dead body of an Esquimaux 
child. Lieutenant Ross also describes one which was 
found at the Whale-fish Islands, early in July, formed of 
dry grass, and lined with feathers, which were covered 
with a fine white down. 
