The Common Bunting. 67 

Its-name has been given it perhaps on account of 
its being so widely spread over Europe. It is also 
found in Asia Minor, the islands of the Mediterranean, 
andeia thesaoren of Africa, where, it appears, the in- 
habitants look upon its numbers as an article of food; 
and in many countries where small birds are made use 
of for the table, being considered good eating, the 
Common Bunting is fattened for that purpose; but 
with those who prefer large joints, they are considered 
too insignificant to form any part of their repast. 
The yellow ammer, or yellow bunting, is much oftener 
Bech imeenelancd than the Common Bunting. The 
latter is more numerous in winter than in summer, 
on account of its numbers being added to by asupply 
from the North in the winter season. 
This bird builds its nest among thick grass or stubby 
bushes, in sedge a foot or two above the ground ; it 
is constructed of tufts of grass, roots, moss, and hay, 
lined with hair and a little wool. The nest generally 
contains four or five eggs. While the female bird is 
performing the duty of incubation, her mate pays her 
frequent visits, bringing her food, and is in every way 
- most attentive. He will sit on a twig of the bush, or on 
a sprig near his partner, and sing his simple song, 
5—-2 
