This Asiatic species has only once been taken in Europe, namely at Flamborough Head in 1886. The colour of the upper parts is chiefly chestnut. There is a white superciliary stripe, and a white patch on the cheeks. The under parts are white with a chestnut band across the upper breast Length 6·5 in.; wing 3·4 in.
THE RUSTIC BUNTING
Emberiza rustica, Pallas
This is an eastern species, nesting from Archangel eastwards across Siberia, migrating southwards in winter. Of late years it seems to have had a tendency to spread westwards, and stragglers have occurred throughout Europe, including Great Britain.
The adult male is a very handsome bird; the head is black with the exception of a white stripe behind the eye; the upper parts and a band across the breast, chestnut. Under parts white striped with chestnut. The female has the head brown mottled with black, and is otherwise much duller than the male. The young is brown above streaked with darker, the under parts whitish streaked with brown. Length 5·4 in.; wing 3·2 in.
THE LITTLE BUNTING
Emberiza pusilla, Pallas
The Little Bunting has a breeding range similar to the last species and occurs almost yearly on migration in Southern Europe, the south-east of France forming its western limit.
The male has the head chestnut with the exception of a black superciliary stripe; rest of the upper parts reddish brown streaked with darker. Chin and throat pale chestnut, under parts white streaked with black on the breast and flanks. The female is duller, and the young bird has the chestnut of the crown replaced by buff. Length 5 in.; wing 2·75 in.
THE YELLOW-BREASTED BUNTING
Emberiza aureola, Pallas
This is an Arctic species, ranging in summer across Siberia eastwards from Archangel; in winter it migrates to Palestine and Southern Asia.
An immature female was shot in Norfolk in September 1905.