The PRAIRIE BUNTING FINCH (_Passerculus savannus_) is one of the most
numerous members of this group; it is distinguished by its short conical
beak, the upper mandible of which is short; by its rounded wings, having
the third and fourth quills longer than the rest; short graduated tail,
moderate tarsus, and soft velvety plumage. Upon the upper portion of the
body the feathers are of a pale reddish brown, presenting somewhat the
appearance of being spotted, owing to the darker tint upon the shafts;
the lower parts are white, marked upon the breast with small deep brown
spots, and the sides are streaked with the same colour. The beak is dark
brown upon the upper mandible, the lower one a shade paler; the eyes are
brown; the feet of a light flesh colour. The length of this bird is five
and a half inches, and its breadth eight and a half inches. The female
resembles the male, but her plumage is lighter in its tints.
We learn from Audubon that the Prairie Bunting Finch is one of the most
beautiful and widely distributed of its kind. It is met with in the
Northern States from October to April, inhabiting fields and woodland
districts, and living chiefly upon the ground, where its movements are
extremely nimble, and resemble those of a mouse; indeed, it only uses its
wings when closely pursued, or suddenly alarmed: its flight is irregular
but continuous. This species seems to prefer high grounds at no great
distance from the coast, and is rarely found inhabiting the interior of
woods and forests. During the winter these birds unite themselves to
flocks of their congeners, generally passing the day in flying about in
search of food in the fields or gardens, and sleeping at night upon the
ground. The nest, which is constructed of hay, and lined with some finer
materials, is usually placed in a hole upon the ground, or else under
the shelter of a bush or high tuft of grass. The eggs, from four to six
in number, are of a pale blue colour, marked with purplish-brown spots,
which occasionally take the form of a wreath at the broader end of the
shell. In the more central States these birds breed twice, whilst farther
north they do not lay more than once in the year. The Prairie Bunting
Finch is by no means suitable for domestication, as it is almost entirely
without voice; but it affords a not unpleasing article of food, both to
man and to its still more formidable enemies, the Falcon and Mink.
* * * * *
The SHORE FINCHES (_Ammodromus_) are likewise included in the family
of Bunting Finches. They are recognisable by their slender, elongated,
pointed beak, compressed at its edges; their wings and tail are
of moderate length, with the feathers variously coloured at their
extremities.