Snow Bunting

Snow Bunting (Plectrophenax nivalis), an arctic and sub-arctic finch, coming southwards in winter as far as Morocco. Large flocks occur in winter in the British Isles, and some have remained to breed in the north of Scotland and Shetland. The total length is a little more than six inches, and the plumage black-and-white above and white below. The coloration, however, varies considerably at different seasons, and on that account these birds have been described under more than one name. In winter they feed on seeds, and in summer on insects. Soon after their arrival in their winter quarters they become very fat, and are then esteemed a delicacy. The Greenlanders take them in great numbers, and dry them for future use. [BUNTING.]