The REED BUNTING (_Cynchramus Schoeniclus_) has been separated from the
other members of its family on account of the peculiar formation of its
beak, and though closely resembling them in many particulars, certainly
differs from them in its habits. The Reed Bunting is about six inches
long and twenty-nine broad, the wings and the tail measuring rather more
than two inches. The female is not quite so large. The head and entire
throat of the male are deep black, a white stripe passes from the corner
of the beak towards the shoulder, uniting itself with a band of the same
hue that encircles the neck; the back is brown, each feather being edged
with a lighter shade, and having a dark shaft, giving to this part of the
plumage a somewhat sparrow-like appearance; the rump is ash grey, the
belly white, and the sides grey, marked with dark longitudinal streaks.
In the female the head is brown, with markings of a darker shade, the
throat dirty white, and encircled by a spotted band; the nestlings and
young males resemble the mother. The eye is brown, the beak blue, darker
upon the upper mandible, and light beneath; the feet are reddish grey.
This species is found throughout Europe, inhabiting every country
even as far north as Lapland. It is, however, generally met with in
such districts only as are near to water, or in marshy land, rich in
water-plants, reeds, or willows, on or near which it makes its nest. The
nest itself is frequently built on some small patch of ground, encircled
by water; it is constructed of grass or roots woven neatly together
and lined with cotton down taken from seeds or willows. This little
dwelling is placed upon the ground in such a manner as to be hidden by
the surrounding vegetation, and (about May) is generally found to contain
from four to six pretty eggs, differing considerably from each other in
appearance, but for the most part of a brownish or reddish tinge, with
a profusion of dark brown or grey spots and veins. These birds are much
attached to their young, and the mother will actually permit herself
to be removed from the nest by force rather than desert her offspring.
In its general attributes the Reed Bunting certainly stands superior
to most of its fellows, far exceeding them in the activity it displays
either when hopping on the ground or jumping from twig to twig: its
flight is rapid and undulating, occasionally varied by more energetic
efforts as the light and elegant bird rises swiftly into the air, where
it performs a variety of evolutions, and then as speedily descends. Its
song is monotonous, but far from unpleasing; its call a more prolonged
note than is usually produced by a Bunting. During the summer, the food
of this species consists principally of such insects as it obtains from
the reeds growing in the immediate vicinity of the water, and in winter
it subsists upon the seeds that abound in its favourite haunts; it is
only after the breeding season that it is tempted to join company with
others of its kind, and make short excursions to pilfer the neighbouring
corn-fields, very much after the manner of Sparrows. On the approach of
winter, it seeks refuge in a more congenial climate, visiting Spain and
other southern countries in large flocks.
* * * * *
The SPUR BUNTINGS or LARK BUNTINGS (_Centrophanes_) constitute an
extensive group that comprises many beautifully plumaged species,
distinguished by the remarkable elongation of the nail upon their hinder
toe. They are all recognisable by their small beaks, with only a slight
excrescence in the upper portion, by their long, pointed wings, tail of
moderate length, strong feet, and the aforesaid spur, which is much bent,
in some cases nearly equalling, and in others exceeding the toe in length.
[Illustration: THE REED BUNTING (_Cynchramus Schoeniclus_).]