The BUNTINGS (_Emberizæ_) form the connecting link between the Larks and
the Finches proper, and constitute a family extremely rich in species,
all presenting a striking resemblance to each other. These birds are
characterised by their thick bodies, their wings of moderate length,
of which the second or third quills are generally the longest, and by
their large tail formed of broad feathers, its termination being either
straight or slightly furcated; the feet are short, the toes long, and
the hinder toe furnished with a large spur-like nail. The beak, which we
regard as the distinguishing feature of this family, is short, conical,
and pointed, thick at the base, but much compressed towards its tip;
the upper mandible is somewhat narrower than the lower, by which it is
slightly overlapped, the cutting margins are strongly bowed inwards, and
bent down at a sharp angle towards the gape. Implanted in the palate of
the upper jaw there is, moreover, a bony protuberance, which is received
into a corresponding cavity in the under jaw; the gullet is enlarged, but
can scarcely be said to form a crop, and there is a muscular gizzard.
The Buntings are essentially inhabitants of the northern portions of the
earth, but are replaced elsewhere by birds of very similar character.
They mostly frequent low, thin brushwood, or beds of reeds, preferring
such localities as are in the immediate vicinity of water, or delight
in fertile pastures; some species are met with on mountains, others in
valleys, but all agree in avoiding forests or thickly-wooded districts.
Though we must acknowledge that these birds cannot be regarded as
particularly active, or possessed of very excellent endowments, they
are by no means deficient in natural gifts, and their capacity, if not
remarkable, is quite equal to the position they are called upon to fulfil
in the economy of nature. All the species of this family are of social
disposition, associating with Finches and Larks, and living in large
flocks except in the breeding season, and sometimes even during that
period they keep at no great distance from each other, although every
little couple has its own nesting place, the immediate neighbourhood of
which no other bird is permitted to approach. They exhibit no fear of
man, frequently taking up their abode in the immediate neighbourhood
of his dwellings, and paying constant visits to his barns, farmyards,
gardens, or stables. Most of these birds are migratory, and but few
remain for any great length of time in the localities they have
selected for breeding-places. Their food consists during the summer of
grasshoppers, beetles, caterpillars, and other larvæ, besides flies,
gnats, and similar insects; in winter they prefer farinaceous seeds,
those of an oily nature being carefully avoided; they eat very largely,
and soon become extremely fat. When in search of food they generally
alight upon the ground, over which they hop and walk with considerable
activity; their flight is undulating, and their song monotonous, the
call-note consisting of one prolonged cry. The nest is generally built
in a hollow, but is sometimes placed slightly above the surface of the
ground, and simply formed of straws and roots lined with fine grass,
hair, or feathers. The eggs are from four to six in number, spotted and
veined with a dark colour; both parents assist in the work of incubation,
and in providing for the little family when fledged. The Buntings were
regarded in ancient times as a valuable article of food, and many species
are still caught in great numbers for the table in the more southern
countries, whilst in the north birds or beasts of prey are the only
enemies they have to fear.