Little Bunting (1/2)

Emberizidae

Mar 18

Emberiza pusilla Pallas, 1776 (119, 36)

Photo © Kris Webb - Porthhellick, St Mary’s, Isles of Scilly, October 2022

Ex BBRC species 31/12/1993

STATUS

Palearctic. Monotypic.

OVERVIEW

George Stout saw his first specimen of the Little Bunting on 3rd October 1906 with Wm. Eagle Clarke and from then on during spring and autumn of 1908 and on a visit home in the autumn of 1909 he saw 43 individuals, with only one specimen obtained which may have been seen by Eagle Clarke, so we are relying heavily on Stout's ability. If we remember, Stout saw a Yellow-browed Warbler on 11th April 1909 in Dumfriesshire, that has since been rejected, due to its rarity in spring.

Suffolk had an amazing run in 1948 (the first record) and 1949 with five birds, two together twice in the latter year, and it happened again in 1954 with another two. There was also one in 1952. All this makes it look very suspicious - probably misidentified (see below).

The Little Bunting was a difficult species to separate until the 1970s when identification criteria became better known.

RECORDS

1). 1902 Cleveland/Co. Durham Near Seaton Snook, Teesmouth, Durham, female, shot, 11th October.

(R. Bowdler Sharpe, Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club 13: 14; T. H. Nelson, Ibis 1903: 139; C. E. Milburn, Naturalist 28: 353; C. Braithwaite, Zoologist 1902: 466; H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst, British Birds 1: 249; Witherby, 1920-24; Temperley, 1951; BOURC (2021), Ibis 163: 305-306).

History R. Bowdler Sharpe, Editor (1902) in the Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club, Vol. XIII. p. 14, at the 90th Meeting of the Club held on 22nd October 1902 at the Restaurant Frascati, London, says: 'Mr. Ogilvie-Grant showed a female example of the Little Bunting (Emberiza pusilla), which had been procured at Teesmouth by Mr. C. Braithwaite on the 11th of October, 1902. The only other British example was procured at Brighton on November 2nd, 1864. On the same day many Sky Larks, Rock Pipits, and a few Shore Larks had been observed on migration. The specimen had been forwarded for exhibition by Mr. Leonard C. Harwood.'

T. H. Nelson of Redcar (1903) in The Ibis, Vol. XLV. p. 139, dated 1st Dec., 1902, says: 'A female example of Emberiza pusilla was procured at the Tees Mouth, near Seaton Snook, on the Durham side of the estuary, on Oct. 11th, 1902, by Messrs. Braithwaite and Millburn. It was submitted to Mr. Ogilvie-Grant, of the British Museum, for identification, and afterwards exhibited at the meeting of the British Ornithologists' Club on Oct. 22nd. As this is only the second known British specimen of this little Bunting, the record of its capture may be considered worthy of a place in the pages of the Ibis.'

C. E. Milburn of Middlesbrough (1902) in the new series of The Naturalist, Vol. XXVIII. p. 353, says: 'On 11th October 1902, while Mr. C. Braithwaite, of Seaton Carew, and I were "working" the Tees mouth on the Durham side of the river, a small bird rose at our feet out of the long grass which grows upon the inner sea wall, and at once drew our attention by its diminutive size. It settled on a piece of slag, and, upon being followed up, rose, and uttering a "tick-tick-tick" call which was strange to us, settled between the inner and outer sea wall, where it was shot by my companion.

On close examination we came to the conclusion that the bird was probably the Little Bunting, but, to make assurance doubly sure, it was forwarded to the South Kensington Museum, and was identified by Mr. Ogilvie Grant as being Emberiza pusilla Pall. The specimen is a female (by dissection), and was exhibited at a meeting of the B. O. Club on 22nd October on behalf of its present owner.

As this is the first example which has occurred in the North of England, so far as is known, and only the second recorded specimen for the British Isles, the above record will no doubt be of great interest to north country ornithologists.

The easterly winds which brought the above bird over caused the arrival of a good number of regular immigrants, as on the above date we noted three Shore Larks, a pair of old Snow Buntings, single Great Grey Shrike, and Hooded Crow, besides the Thrushes, Redwings, Redbreasts, Rock Pipits, Larks, etc., during our usual week-end ramble.'

C. Braithwaite of Seaton Carew (1902) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. VI. p. 466, says: 'This bird (Emberiza pusilla) was shot on the slag-bank at the Durham side of Teesmouth on Oct. 11th, after about a fortnight of east and north-east winds. Mr. C. Milburn and myself were walking along the top of the bank when we flushed it out of some rough grass at the side.

We would have passed it for a female Reed Bunting, but it uttered a different call - a sharp "cit" - so I shot it, and had it forwarded to Mr. Ogilvie Grant for identification.

It was exhibited at the British Ornithologists' Club on Oct. 22nd, and is now in my possession. This is the second recorded British specimen.'

Admitted by H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst (1908) in British Birds, Vol. I. p. 249, under 'On the More Important Additions to our Knowledge of British Birds since 1899'.

Temperley (1951) says: 'A very rare vagrant, for which there is only one record. On October 11th. 1902, a female was seen and shot by C. Braithwaite and C. E. Milburn on the sea-walls near Seaton Snook at the Tees mouth. Here is Milburn's account of the incident as described in a letter to George Bolam: "It happened to be my good fortune to be the first to detect the Little Bunting on the Durham side of Teesmouth. It was whilst the late C. Braithwaite and I were ranging the bents and sea-walls in search of migrants. After watching the bird and flushing it once or twice from the rough growth along the inner wall-foot, it made over the main wall, where it would have been difficult to keep it in view, so I told my companion to secure it, which he did. This was on 11th of October, 1902. Mr. L. Harwood, the traveller-naturalist, who joined us next day, preserved the specimen, which was a female. Later it was sent to Mr. Ogilvie Grant, who exhibited it as a meeting of the British Ornithologists' Club on 22nd of October". (See also Zoologist, 1902, p. 466.) This was then only the second record for the species in Britain.'

2). 1902 Warwickshire Pailton, near Rugby, male, caught, October.

(C. J. Carroll, Zoologist 1904: 312-313; W. R. Ogilvie-Grant, Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club 15: 28; O. V. Aplin, Ibis 1903: 307; H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst, British Birds 1: 249; Witherby, 1920-24; Norris, 1947; Harrison et al., 1982).

History C. J. Carroll of Rocklow, Fethard, Tipperary (1904) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. VIII. pp. 312-313, says: 'Last winter I acquired a living example of the Little Bunting, which had been captured with birdlime at Pailton, near Rugby, in the beginning of October, 1902. It died a short time after I had acquired it, having passed altogether about fifteen months in captivity. It was skinned by Messrs. Williams & Son, of Dublin, who pronounced it to be a male.

On the authority of Mr. Aplin, who very kindly identified the skin for me, this is the fourth example of the Little Bunting obtained in Great Britain. The first of these was taken alive near Brighton on Nov. 2nd, 1864. I have also in my collection the male Meadow Bunting (Emberiza cia), which was captured alive near Thoreham [sic] at the end of October, 1902, but which, unfortunately, only survived a few months. A second bird of this species was also obtained at the same time, but perished shortly afterwards, and the skin, I understand, was not preserved.'

O. V. Aplin of Bloxham (1904) in The Ibis, Vol. XLVI. p. 307, dated 23rd Feb., 1904, says: 'A short time ago Mr. Clement J. Carroll sent me for identification the skin of a small bird, which proved to be that of a Little Bunting, Emberiza pusilla, Pallas, in winter dress. Mr. A. Holt Macpherson, to whom I showed the skin, agreed with my identification of it. It had been caught alive with bird-lime, in the beginning of October, 1902, at Pailton, near Rugby, and since then, down to the present winter, it had lived in a cage. It was sold to Mr. Carroll at the end of last year, but died soon afterwards, when it was skinned by Miss [Messrs.] Williams of Dublin, who ascertained that it was a male. This is the fourth (the third in point of date) occurrence of the Little Bunting in Great Britain.'

W. R. Ogilvie-Grant, Editor (1904) in the Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club, Vol. XV. p. 28, at the 110th Meeting of the Club held on 14th December 1904 at the Restaurant Frascati, London, says: 'On behalf of Mr. C. J. Carroll, of Rocklow, Fethard, Clonmel, Mr. Ogilvie-Grant exhibited adult male examples of the Meadow Bunting (Emberiza cia) and the Little Bunting (E. pusilla), both captured in England in 1902.

Though both these specimens had already been recorded, neither of them had been exhibited, and Mr. Carroll had therefore forwarded them, hoping that they might prove of interest to the members of the Club....The Little Bunting had been captured with bird-lime at Pailton, near Rugby, in the beginning of October 1902, and lived in a cage for nearly fifteen months (cf. Aplin, Ibis, 1904, p. 307; and Carroll, Zoologist, 1904, p. 312).'

Admitted by H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst (1908) in British Birds, Vol. I. p. 249, under 'On the More Important Additions to our Knowledge of British Birds since 1899'.

Accepted locally (Norris 1947: 16).

Comment Mr. Carroll also recorded a Bulwer's Petrel taken alive in 1908 in Sussex, now regarded as a Hastings rarity. However, Meadow Bunting, which is actually the Rock Bunting, is on the British list. Perhaps this record should be reviewed. Cannot find Thoreham in my gazetteer; possibly a misprint for Shoreham.

3). 1903 Orkney Pentland Skerries, immature, caught by cat, 15th October.

(W. E. Clarke, Annals of Scottish Natural History 1904: 14-16; H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst, British Birds 1: 249; Baxter & Rintoul, 1953).

History Wm. Eagle Clarke (1904) in the Annals of Scottish Natural History, Vol. XIII. pp. 14-16, says: 'On the 15th October, Mr. John R. Laurence wrote to me from the Pentland Skerries Lighthouse asking me to identify several birds, which he enclosed in the flesh, killed or captured at that station. These were a Goldcrest, a Mealy Redpoll, a Garden Warbler, a Blackcap, a Brambling, and the remains of a Bunting which had been rescued from a cat which had captured and partly eaten the bird. This occurred on the morning of the 15th October.

The remains of the Bunting consisted of the head, wings, tail, and legs of a bird of the year of Emberiza pusilla, a species which has only twice before been detected in Great Britain, namely in the counties of Sussex and Durham. There can be little doubt that the other birds sent had been killed about the same time, for they were quite fresh in condition on reaching Edinburgh on the 20th.'

Admitted by H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst (1908) in British Birds, Vol. I. p. 249, under 'On the More Important Additions to our Knowledge of British Birds since 1899'.

4). 1905 Fair Isle No locality, seen, 2nd October.

(W. E. Clarke, Annals of Scottish Natural History 1906: 18; H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst, British Birds 1: 249).

History Wm. Eagle Clarke (1906) in the Annals of Scottish Natural History, Vol. XV. p. 18, says: 'On 2nd October one was well seen at close quarters as it rested on a stone wall in company with Twites, and its identity satisfactorily established though the bird escaped capture. This is only the second occasion on which this species has been detected in Scotland.'

Admitted by H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst (1908) in British Birds, Vol. I. p. 249, under 'On the More Important Additions to our Knowledge of British Birds since 1899'.

5). 1906 Fair Isle No locality, adult female, obtained, 3rd October.

(W. E. Clarke, Annals of Scottish Natural History 1906: 236-237; W. E. Clarke, Annals of Scottish Natural History 1907: 71; Annals of Scottish Natural History 1907: 141; H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst, British Birds 1: 249).

History Wm. Eagle Clarke (1906) in the Annals of Scottish Natural History, Vol. XVI. pp. 236-237, says: 'Not less rare, or even rarer as a British bird, is the Little Bunting (Emberiza pusilla), one of which was obtained on 3rd October.'

W. E. Clarke (1907) in the Annals of Scottish Natural History, Vol. XVII. p. 71, says: 'An adult female was shot on 3rd October. It was fortunately detected among a vast number of Twites which were seeking shelter and food in the stubbles. On 2nd October one was observed close to where this specimen was obtained, as already recorded in the pages of the Annals.'

Admitted by H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst (1908) in British Birds, Vol. I. p. 249, under 'On the More Important Additions to our Knowledge of British Birds since 1899'.

6). 1906 Sussex The Crumbles, caught, autumn, kept in an aviary for some years.

(Arnold, 1936; Walpole-Bond, 1938; Witherby et al., 1940-52; Shrubb, 1979; James, 1996).

History Arnold (1936: 20) says: 'A Little Bunting was captured by a bird-catcher on the Crumbles in the autumn of 1906.

It was kept alive for some years and exhibited at the Crystal Palace show. It then died and was taken to Mr. Bates, who stuffed it and offered it to me. Since he appeared to think that its sojurn in a cage had impaired its British status, I got it for 3/6, and it is now in the College Museum.

Many seem to suppose that it is very difficult to distinguish this bird from a young "Reed". It is however, less rufous and the back has no cream streaks. Also there is no marked eyestripe, what there is being a continuation of the chestnut colour of the cheek. Above this comes a dark line. The throat of the immature is white and there are conspicuous Pipit-like markings streaming away from it at the sides. It is said to consort with Twites, and to be difficult to pick out, which I should doubt, as it is white below and has no buff shoulder patch. It is also said to hover like a Kestrel and its note is given as a sharp "cit".'

Walpole-Bond (1938 (1): 165) says: 'The second record for Sussex was netted on the Crumbles, Eastbourne, in the autumn of 1906, since where it was kept in an aviary for some years, being shown in the meantime at an event at Crystal Palace. On its death it was acquired by Mr. E. C. Arnold, a school teacher, of Eastbourne, for the Eastbourne Museum, whereupon he informed me of this record with the scant details.'

7). 1907 Fair Isle No locality, seen, 14th April.

(W. E. Clarke, Annals of Scottish Natural History 1908: 76; H. F. Witherby, British Birds 1: 383; J. Paterson, Annals of Scottish Natural History 1908: 194; Clarke, 1912; Eds., British Birds 6: 151).

History Wm. Eagle Clarke (1908) in the Annals of Scottish Natural History, Vol. XVII. p. 76, says: 'On 14th April, George Stout saw, at a distance of a few feet only, the first Little Bunting that has ever been detected in the British Islands during the spring. He is quite certain as to the identity of the bird, and he speaks with knowledge, for he carefully examined in the flesh the bird which was procured by Mr. Kinnear and myself during the previous autumn.'

H. F. Witherby (1908) in British Birds, Vol. I. p. 383, says: 'The records of this species, which has been so rarely observed in this country, are most remarkable. On April 14th one was seen by Mr. George Stout at the distance of a few feet. The identification is regarded by Mr. Clarke as authentic, because Mr. Stout carefully examined in the flesh the bird procured in the previous autumn. The record is particularly remarkable because this species has never before been detected in this country in the spring, although it may be mentioned that one was taken in Holland in January, 1898.'

Admitted by John Paterson (1908) in the Annals of Scottish Natural History, Vol. XVII. p. 194, in the annual 'Report on Scottish Ornithology'.

Clarke (1912 (2): 115) under 'The Birds of Fair Isle', says: 'Little Bunting - the first spring record was on 14th April 1907.'

8). 1907 Fair Isle Various localities, at least nine, seen between 10th October and 5th November.

(W. E. Clarke, Annals of Scottish Natural History 1908: 76-77; Eds., British Birds 1: 296; H. F. Witherby, British Birds 1: 383-384; J. Paterson, Annals of Scottish Natural History 1908: 194).

History Wm. Eagle Clarke (1908) in the Annals of Scottish Natural History, Vol. XVII. pp. 76-77, says: 'In October quite a number of these birds visited the island. They were first noticed on the 10th, and were seen until the 5th November. No less than nine were observed, but these probably only represented a small proportion of those present, for they are extremely difficult to detect amidst the vast flocks of Twite which they join after arrival on the island.

The previous records of the visits, few in number, of this species to our shores, relate to the appearance of single examples only; and its appearance at Fair Isle in some numbers is a remarkable event in its history as a British bird.'

Admitted in an Editorial (1908) in British Birds, Vol. I. p. 296.

H. F. Witherby (1908) in British Birds, Vol. I. pp. 383-384, says: 'In October "quite a number" of these birds visited the island. They were first seen on October 10th, and were observed until November 5th. Nine in all were identified, but as they were amongst flocks of Twites it is extremely likely that others escaped detection.'

Admitted by John Paterson (1908) in the Annals of Scottish Natural History, Vol. XVII. p. 194, in the annual 'Report on Scottish Ornithology'.

17). 1907 Kent Near Dover, adult, caught, 16th November.

(W. E. Clarke, British Birds 1: 291; Ticehurst, 1909; Witherby, 1920-24; Taylor, Davenport & Flegg, 1981).

History William Eagle Clarke (1908) in British Birds, Vol. I. p. 290, says: 'Mr. Oliver H. Wild, a student in the Edinburgh University, brought me for identification a fine adult male Little Bunting (Emberiza pusilla) which had been captured, along with some Linnets, at Dover on the 16th of November, 1907.

The bird was alive when I saw it, and the bird-catcher was unaware of the rarity of his capture. I may say that quite a number of Little Buntings arrived at Fair Isle in the late autumn, but appear to have escaped notice elsewhere. They are partial to the company of Twites, and are difficult to detect.'

Accepted locally (Ticehurst 1909: 178-179).

18). 1908 Fair Isle No locality, seen, 12th May.

(Clarke, 1912; Eds., British Birds 6: 151).

History Clarke (1912 (2): 68) under 'A Year at Fair Isle' in George Stout's diary of 1908, says: 'A Little Bunting was observed at close quarters, after which it joined a horde of Twites and was lost.'

In an Editorial (1912) in British Birds, Vol. VI. p. 151, under 'Additional records for Fair Isle and St Kilda', they say: 'In his Studies in Bird-migration, Mr. Eagle Clarke gives a good deal of hitherto unpublished information about the rarities observed in Fair Isle and St. Kilda, and a few new facts about those in the Flannans and Sule Skerry. The most important additions thus made to the details given in our Hand-List of British Birds are as follows: - Three times spring, viz. April 14th 1907, May 12th, 1908, and two May 18th, 1909.'

19). 1908 Orkney Sule Skerry, killed at lantern, 22nd September.

(W. E. Clarke, Annals of Scottish Natural History 1909: 48; Eds., British Birds 2: 314; J. Paterson, Annals of Scottish Natural History 1909: 205; Clarke, 1912; Baxter & Rintoul, 1953).

History Wm. Eagle Clarke (1909) in the Annals of Scottish Natural History, Vol. XVIII. p. 48, says: 'Mr. Allan McMillan kindly sent me four birds for identification which he had captured at the lantern of the Sule Skerry Lighthouse on the 22nd of September last at 10 p.m., the weather at the time being hazy and the wind a S.E. strong breeze. These proved to be a Little Bunting (Emberiza pusilla), Pied Flycatcher (Muscicapa atricapilla), Redstart (Ruticilla phoenicurus), and Garden Warbler (Sylvia simplex). The Little Bunting has occurred in small numbers on the autumn migration at Fair Isle during the past four years, and less frequently in the spring, but has not yet been detected on the mainland of Scotland, only which it can only be very thinly scattered and hence escapes notice. Sule Skerry, it may be remarked, is a rock-station situated out in the Atlantic some 33 miles W.N.W. of the Orkney island of Hoy.'

In an Editorial (1909) in British Birds, Vol. II. p. 314, he says: '(N.W. of Orkney). - On September 22nd, 1908, a specimen of Emberiza pusilla was taken at the Sule-Skerry Lighthouse (W. Eagle Clarke, Ann. S.N.H., 1909, p. 48).'

Admitted by John Paterson (1909) in the Annals of Scottish Natural History, Vol. XVII. p. 205, in the annual 'Report on Scottish Ornithology', who adds: 'One captured at Sule Skerry and sent for identification.'

Clarke (1912 (2): 290) under 'Sule Skerry and its Bird-visitors', says: 'Little Bunting - One was killed at the lantern on 22nd September 1908, and sent for identification - the second Orcadian record.'

20). 1908 Fair Isle No locality, two, seen, 25th September.

(Clarke, 1912).

History Clarke (1912 (2): 85) under 'A Year at Fair Isle' in George Stout's diary of 1908, says: '25th September - South-east, light breeze; bright sunshine - a beautiful day. Little Buntings, two on stooks.'

22). 1908 Fair Isle No locality, killed at lighthouse, 26th September.

(Clarke, 1912).

History Clarke (1912 (2): 86) under 'A Year at Fair Isle' in George Stout's diary of 1908, says: '26th September - South-east, light; dull, warm, sunless. Little Bunting killed at north lantern between 12 and 3 am. Others said to have been present; crop quite empty, as is the case with nearly all the birds killed at the lanterns.'

23). 1908 Fair Isle No locality, two, 29th September.

(Clarke, 1912).

History Clarke (1912 (2): 88) under 'A Year at Fair Isle' in George Stout's diary of 1908, says: '29th September - Foghorn on and off all night. South-south-east, light and fine. South in afternoon, breezy; some rain. Little Buntings, two on stooks.'

25). 1908 Fair Isle No locality, seen, 8th October.

(Clarke, 1912).

History Clarke (1912 (2): 91) under 'A Year at Fair Isle' in George Stout's diary of 1908, says: '8th October - South-east, sunny and dull periods; increase of wind at night, with fog. Little Bunting, one on wall, very wild.'

26). 1908 Fair Isle No locality, two, seen, 9th October.

(Clarke, 1912).

History Clarke (1912 (2): 91-92) under 'A Year at Fair Isle' in George Stout's diary of 1908, says: '9th October - South-east, strong breeze; then west, light, dull, warm; south-east later, and finally south breeze. Little Buntings, two seen; the joined a flock of Twites on being disturbed, and were "lost".'

28). 1908 Fair Isle No locality, two, seen, 15th October.

(Clarke, 1912).

History Clarke (1912 (2): 93) under 'A Year at Fair Isle' in George Stout's diary of 1908, says: '15th October - North-west, light; at night changed to east, then south-east. Little Buntings, several; two seen in turnips and others heard among the Twites.'

Comment Clarke had left the island by now.

30). 1908 Fair Isle "A ravine", six, seen, 18th October.

(Clarke, 1912).

History Clarke (1912 (2): 93) under 'A Year at Fair Isle' in George Stout's diary of 1908, says: 'Little Buntings, no less than six came under observation, sheltering and seeking food on the sides of the ravine.'

Comment Clarke had left the island by now.

36). 1908 Fair Isle No locality, three/four, 19th October.

(Clarke, 1912).

History Clarke (1912 (2): 94) under 'A Year at Fair Isle' in George Stout's diary of 1908, says: '19th October - ...Little Buntings, three or four seen.'

Comment Clarke had left the island by now.

39). 1908 Norfolk Cley-next-the-Sea, adult female, shot, 19th October, now at Birmingham Museums and Art Gallery (Acc. No. 1954Z1.1225).

(H. F. Witherby, British Birds 2: 238; J. H. Gurney, jun., Zoologist 1909: 124; Witherby, 1920-24; Pashley, 1925; Riviere, 1930; Seago, 1977; Watson, 2010).

History H. F. Witherby (1908) in British Birds, Vol. II. p. 238, says: 'Mr. H. N. Pashley, the well-known taxidermist of Cley-next-the-Sea, Norfolk, has sent me an adult female example of the Little Bunting (Emberiza pusilla), which was brought to him on October 19th by a local gunner, who had shot the bird that day.

Five examples of this bird have been previously recorded as occurring in England, thirteen in Scotland, and one in Ireland (cf. antea, Vol. I. pp. 249, 291, 383, 385, and above). This appears to be the first record for Norfolk.

Nine years ago, when Howard Saunders published the second edition of his Manual, only one example of this species was known to have occurred in this country. Mr. Eagle Clarke, I may remind my readers, found on Fair Isle, the Little Bunting in some numbers amongst flocks of Twites, and it thus may very easily escape notice. I had the pleasure of exhibiting the bird at the meeting of the British Ornithologists' Club, held on November 18th last.'

J. H. Gurney, jun., of Keswick Hall, Norwich (1909) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. XIII. p. 124, says: 'New Norfolk Species. - The county is credited with two new birds. A Little Bunting (Emberiza pusilla, Pall.), an Asiatic species which seems to be spreading westwards, was killed in October, and was sent to Mr. H. F. Witherby, and by him exhibited at a meeting of the Ornithologists' Club. Its small size sufficiently distinguishes it from other Buntings, as well as the brown colour of the sides of the head.'

Pashley (1925) says: '1908. October 19th. Little Bunting (the first specimen for Norfolk).'

Watson (2010) in detailing the W. R. Lysaght collection in the Birmingham Museum lists a female specimen shot by Edward Ramm at Cley, Norfolk, on 19th October 1908, without further detail.

Comment Preserved by H. N. Pashley, Cley, Norfolk.

40). 1908 Fair Isle No locality, two, seen, 26th October.

(Clarke, 1912).

History Clarke (1912 (2): 96) under 'A Year at Fair Isle' in George Stout's diary of 1908, says: '26th October - South-east, light breeze; clear. Little Buntings - two were put out of marshy ground, which they seem to prefer to any other. This bird is usually solitary, or at the most two or three together.'

42). 1908 Fair Isle No locality, three, seen, 29th October.

(Clarke, 1912).

History Clarke (1912 (2): 97) under 'A Year at Fair Isle' in George Stout's diary of 1908, says: '29th October - Little Buntings, three.'

45). 1908 Fair Isle No locality, two, seen, 2nd November.

(Clarke, 1912).

History Clarke (1912 (2): 97) under 'A Year at Fair Isle' in George Stout's diary of 1908, says: '2nd November - South-east breeze; foggy. Little Bunting, two.'

47). 1908 Fair Isle No locality, seen, 6th November.

(Clarke, 1912).

History Clarke (1912 (2): 98) under 'A Year at Fair Isle' in George Stout's diary of 1908, says: '6th November - South-east, light. Little Bunting, one.'

48). 1908 Fair Isle No locality, seen, 9th November.

(Clarke, 1912).

History Clarke (1912 (2) 98) under 'A Year at Fair Isle' in George Stout's diary of 1908, says: '9th November - Westerly, light; clear. Little Bunting, one.'

49). 1908 Fair Isle No locality, two, 11th November.

(Clarke, 1912; Eds., British Birds 6: 151).

History Clarke (1912 (2): 99) under 'A Year at Fair Isle' in George Stout's diary of 1908, says: '11th November - Light, south; clear. Little Buntings, two.'

51). 1909 Fair Isle No locality, two, seen, 18th May.

(Clarke, 1912; Eds., British Birds 6: 151).

History Clarke (1912 (2): 115) under 'The Birds of Fair Isle', says: 'Little Bunting - spring records include two on 18th May 1909.'

In an Editorial (1912) in British Birds, Vol. VI. p. 151, under 'Additional records for Fair Isle and St Kilda', they say: 'In his Studies in Bird-migration, Mr. Eagle Clarke gives a good deal of hitherto unpublished information about the rarities observed in Fair Isle and St. Kilda, and a few new facts about those in the Flannans and Sule Skerry. The most important additions thus made to the details given in our Hand-List of British Birds are as follows: - Three times spring, viz. April 14th 1907, May 12th, 1908, and two May 18th, 1909.'

53). 1909 Fair Isle No locality, one between 18th September and 11th November.

(E. V. Baxter & L. J. Rintoul, Annals of Scottish Natural History 1910: 202; Eds., British Birds 4: 290; W. R. Ogilvie-Grant, Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club 27: 232).

History E. V. Baxter & L. J. Rintoul (1910) in the Annals of Scottish Natural History, Vol. XIX. p. 202, under Report on Scottish Ornithology in 1909', say: 'A bird of this species is recorded from Fair Isle in autumn.'

In an Editorial (1911) in British Birds, Vol. IV. p. 290, they say: 'One at Fair Isle in "autumn".'

W. R. Ogilvie-Grant, Editor (1911) in the Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club, Vol. XXVII. p. 232, on the unexpected occurrences for autumn 1909, says: 'Single birds were recorded from...and one (without date) from Fair Isle (Shetland).'

54). 1909 Isle of May No locality, obtained, 25th September.

(L. J. Rintoul & E. V. Baxter, Annals of Scottish Natural History 1910: 4-10; E. V. Baxter & L. J. Rintoul, Annals of Scottish Natural History 1910: 135; Eds., British Birds 3: 378; W. R. Ogilvie-Grant, Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club 27: 232; Rintoul & Baxter, 1935).

History L. J. Rintoul & E. V. Baxter (1910) in the Annals Scottish Natural History, Vol. XIX. p. 4, say: 'This autumn (1909) we again returned to the Isle of May, spending six weeks there from 13th September to 28th October....We landed on the island about 2 p.m. on 13th September and at once set out to see what birds were present....We saw several White Wagtails and Tree Pipits, a Reed Bunting (E. schoeniclus), and a Little Bunting (E. pusilla) which we were fortunate to secure; this bird is another first record for "Forth". It was not at all wild, and uttered a gentle little twittering song as it stood on the ground.'

Admitted by E. V. Baxter & L. J. Rintoul (1910) in the Annals of Scottish Natural History, Vol. XIX. p. 135, under the 'Report on Scottish Ornithology, 1909', who say: '...and two birds of this species are recorded from the Isle of May on the 25th and 26th September, this being the first record of this north-eastern species in the Forth area.'

In an Editorial (1910) in British Birds, Vol. III. p. 378, they say: 'One September 25th [1909].'

Rintoul & Baxter (1935) say: 'One on 25th and 26th September 1909.'

W. R. Ogilvie-Grant, Editor (1911) in the Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club, Vol. XXVII. p. 232, on the unexpected occurrences for autumn 1909, says: 'Single birds were recorded from the Isle of May (Fife) on the 25th and 26th of September.'

55). 1909 Isle of May No locality, another, seen, 26th September

History L. J. Rintoul & E. V. Baxter (1910) in the Annals Scottish Natural History, Vol. XIX. p. 4, say: 'This autumn (1909) we again returned to the Isle of May, spending six weeks there from 13th September to 28th October....We landed on the island about 2 p.m. on 13th September and at once set out to see what birds were present....Sunday 26th was another good day...There were a good many Siskins about and very tame, and a Little Bunting - which when put up out of some thistles sat on a wall, erecting the feathers of its head and uttering repeatedly a peculiar single note.'

In an Editorial (1910) in British Birds, Vol. III. p. 378, they say: 'One September 26th [1909].'

Rintoul & Baxter (1935) say: 'One on 25th and 26th September 1909.'

W. R. Ogilvie-Grant, Editor (1911) in the Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club, Vol. XXVII. p. 232, on the unexpected occurrences for autumn 1909, says: 'Single birds were recorded from the Isle of May (Fife) on the 25th and 26th of September.'

56). 1911 Outer Hebrides Boreray, St Kilda, two, seen, 15th September.

(Clarke, 1912; Eds., British Birds 6: 151; Scottish Naturalist 53: 25; W. R. Ogilvie-Grant, Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club 32: 281; Baxter & Rintoul, 1953).

History Clarke (1912 (2): 208-209) under 'The Birds of St Kilda', says: 'Little Bunting - On 15th September 1911, George Stout visited the island of Boreray in company with a number of St. Kildans, the object of the voyage being to capture sheep. Here he saw two Little Buntings on the grass within a few feet of him, but durst not shoot, as the natives and their dogs were chasing sheep all around him. Stout is quite familiar with this bird at Fair Isle, where he has seen as many as a dozen examples in a single season.'

W. R. Ogilvie-Grant, Editor (1913) in the Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club, Vol. XXXII. p. 281, on the unexpected occurrences for 1911, says: 'Two Boreray (St. Kilda), September 15th.'

58). 1912 Fair Isle Various localities, ten, between 28th September and 11th October.

(M. Bedford & W. E. Clarke, Scottish Naturalist 33: 5, 26, 28; Eds., British Birds 6: 350; W. R. Ogilvie-Grant, Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club 34: 274; Bedford, 1937).

History Mary, Duchess of Bedford & Wm. Eagle Clarke (1913) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. XXXIII. pp. 5, 26, 29, say: 'The following notes are based upon the daily records of our bird-watcher, Mr. Wilson; on personal observations made during the latter half of September and in October; and on contributions by Mr. George Stout, who spent an autumn holiday on his native island....on the 28th [September], a Little Bunting.'

Further, p. 28, they add: 'Ten observed between 28th September and 11th October.'

In an Editorial (1913) in British Birds, Vol. VI. p. 350, they say: 'In recent numbers of the Scottish Naturalist interesting articles have appeared on migrants observed in 1912 by The Duchess of Bedford and Mr. Eagle Clarke, in Fair Isle, and by the Misses Rintoul and Baxter in the Isle of May. The rarer occurrences recorded are mentioned below...At Fair Isle ten between September 28th and October 11th.'

W. R. Ogilvie-Grant, Editor (1914) in the Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club, Vol. XXXIV. p. 274, on the unexpected occurrences for 1912, says: 'One, Fair Isle (Shetland), 28th and 30th; three arrived, Fair Isle, October 1st; and single birds were seen 2nd, 3rd, 5th, 7th, and 11th.'

Mary, Duchess of Bedford (1937: 37-38) says: 'September 22nd, 1912. Arrived Fair Isle at noon....September 28th, 1912. Wind south-east. A number of migrants in....In the afternoon Mr. Eagle Clarke got a Little Bunting.'

68). 1912 Isle of May No locality, three, 28th September, one 29th September.

(L. J. Rintoul & E. V. Baxter, Scottish Naturalist 33: 52; Eds., British Birds 6: 350; E. V. Baxter & L. J. Rintoul, Ibis 1918: 262; W. R. Ogilvie-Grant, Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club 34: 274; Rintoul & Baxter, 1935).

History L. J. Rintoul & E. V. Baxter (1913) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. XXXIII. p. 52, say: 'We again spent a month in spring and another in autumn on the Isle of May...on the 28th [September]...During this rush there were some rare visitors; these comprised two or three Little Buntings.'

In an Editorial (1913) in British Birds, Vol. VI. p. 350, they say: 'In recent numbers of the Scottish Naturalist interesting articles have appeared on migrants observed in 1912 by The Duchess of Bedford and Mr. Eagle Clarke, in Fair Isle, and by the Misses Rintoul and Baxter in the Isle of May. The rarer occurrences recorded are mentioned below...At the Isle of May two or three between September 28th and 30th.'

E. V. Baxter & L. J. Rintoul (1918) in The Ibis, Vol. LX. pp. 262-263, under 'The Birds of the Isle of May', say: 'The records are: one on 25 and 26 September 1909, three on 28 and one on 29 September 1912; and one on 8 October 1913 - all with easterly and south-easterly winds. They are confiding little birds; we heard them utter a soft single note and also a gentle twittering song.'

W. R. Ogilvie-Grant, Editor (1914) in the Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club, Vol. XXXIV. p. 274, on the unexpected occurrences for 1912, says: 'Two or three arrived, Isle of May (Fife), September 28th; one, Isle of May, 29th.'

71). 1913 Orkney Auskerry, female, obtained, 21st September.

(W. E. Clarke, Scottish Naturalist 34: 6; Eds., British Birds 7: 303; Baxter & Rintoul, 1953).

History Wm. Eagle Clarke (1914) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. XXXIV. p. 6, says: 'A female appeared in the lighthouse garden on 21st September. The only previous Orcadian records are, one at the Pentland Skerries, 15th October, 1903, and one at Sule Skerry on 22nd September 1908.'

In an Editorial (1914) in British Birds, Vol. VII. p. 303, they say: 'Mr. Clarke now (Scot. Nat., 1914, pp. 5-8) gives a remarkable list of other rare and interesting migrants noted on the island in the autumn of 1913. Of these the following are the most interesting: - Little Bunting (Emberiza pusilla). - A female on Sept. 21st.'

72). 1913 Yorkshire Airey Hill Farm, near Whitby, male, trapped, 6th October, now at Whitby Museum.

(T. Stephenson, Naturalist 39: 421; "T.S." Field 8th Nov., 1913: 972; T. H. Nelson, British Birds 7: 196-197; Witherby, 1920-24; Chislett, 1952; Mather, 1986).

History Thomas Stephenson of Whitby (1913) in the new series of The Naturalist, Vol. XXXIX. p. 421, says: 'A male example of the Little Bunting (Emberiza pusilla) was captured on the Airey Hill Farm, near Whitby, on October 6th, by Frank Hutchinson, a local bird-catcher, while catching Linnets. It was with a flock of Linnets and other small birds. Previously the weather had been very stormy with a strong easterly wind. Mr. Wm. Eagle Clarke identified the bird, which is an addition to the Yorkshire avi-fauna. The Whitby Literary and Philosophical Society have acquired the specimen, which will be placed in the local collection at the museum.'

"T.S." (1913) in The Field of 8th Nov., Vol. CXXII. p. 972, says: 'A male Little Bunting (Emberiza pusilla) was captured near Whitby on Oct. 6 by a bird-catcher whilst Linnet-catching. It was with a flock of Linnets and other small birds, and has been identified by Mr. Wm. Eagle Clarke. This is an addition to the avifauna of Yorkshire.'

T. H. Nelson (1913) in British Birds, Vol. VII. pp. 196-197, says: 'Mr. Thos. Stephenson, of Whitby, informs me that, on October 6th, 1913, a Little Bunting (Emberiza pusilla) was captured near that town, and was kept alive for nearly three weeks. It was forwarded to Mr. W. Eagle Clarke, who identified it and pronounced it to be a male. The Little Bunting has been once noted on the north side of the Tees-mouth, but the Whitby specimen is the first recorded example for Yorkshire, and, therefore, an addition to the county list.'

Accepted locally (Chislett 1952: 59; Mather 1986).

73). 1913 Isle of May No locality, female, 8th October.

(E. V. Baxter & L. J. Rintoul, Scottish Naturalist 34: 109; Eds., British Birds 8: 22; Baxter & Rintoul, 1914; Rintoul & Baxter, 1935).

History E. V. Baxter & L. J. Rintoul (1914) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. XXXIV. pp. 108-109, say: 'The most uncommon visitors to the island were a Little Bunting on the 8th October.'

In an Editorial (1914) in British Birds, Vol. VIII. p. 22, they say: 'Miss E. V. Baxter and Miss L. J. Rintoul give (Scot. Nat., 1914, pp. 106-111) an interesting report of the most important occurrences of birds at the Isle of May in 1913....The following are noteworthy: - Little Bunting. One on Oct. 8th.'

Baxter & Rintoul (1914: 40) add that it was a female.

74). 1913 Fair Isle No locality, autumn.

(W. E. Clarke, Scottish Naturalist 34: 55; Eds., British Birds 7: 348).

History Wm. Eagle Clarke (1914) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. XXXIV. p. 55, says: 'In addition to the birds specially treated of, the following uncommon species also occurred. In Autumn. Little Bunting.'

In an Editorial (1914) in British Birds, Vol. VII. p. 348, they say: 'The following interesting records have been published in recent issues of the Scottish Naturalist. All the references given refer to the volume for 1914. Little Bunting. In "autumn" 1913, at Fair Isle (id., p. 55).'

75). 1915 Orkney Pentland Skerries, 12th October.

(E. V. Baxter & L. J. Rintoul, Scottish Naturalist 36: 150, 175; H. F. Witherby, British Birds 10: 171; Baxter & Rintoul, 1953).

History E. V. Baxter & L. J. Rintoul (1916) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. XXXVI. p. 150, in the annual report for 1915, say: 'A Little Bunting (Emberiza pusilla) is recorded from Pentland Skerries on 12th October (J. Thomson).'

H. F. Witherby (1916) in British Birds, Vol. X. p.171, in a Review of the 'Report on Scottish Ornithology in 1915, including Migration, by Evelyn V. Baxter and Leonora Jeffrey Rintoul, they say: 'The following items from the Report worthy of special note have not been published previously. Little Bunting. One at Pentland Skerries on October 12th.'

76). 1920 Northumberland Holy Island, seen, 7th October.

(W. G. Watson, British Birds 17: 308; Bolam, 1932; Galloway & Meek, 1978-83).

History W. G. Watson (1924) in British Birds, Vol. XVII. p. 308, says: 'On October 7th, 1920, Dr. W. Eagle Clarke identified, at close quarters, a Little Bunting (Emberiza pusilla) on Holy Island, Northumberland. I omitted to publish this record in my article (antea, Vol. XV. p. 239), being then under the impression that Dr. Clarke was about to do so.'

Accepted locally (Bolam 1932; Galloway & Meek 1978-83).

77). 1923 Isle of May No locality, 4th to 5th October.

(E. V. Baxter & L. J. Rintoul, Scottish Naturalist 44: 107; Eds., British Birds 18: 304; Rintoul & Baxter, 1935).

History E. V. Baxter & L. J. Rintoul (1924) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. XLIV. p. 107, in the annual report, say: 'A Little Bunting at the same station [Isle of May] on 4th and 5th October.'

In an Editorial (1925) in British Birds, Vol. XVIII. p. 303, in a Review of the 'Report on Scottish Ornithology in 1923, including Migration', by Evelyn V. Baxter and L. J. Rintoul, they say: 'Among the interesting items in the Report not previously recorded in our pages the following may be mentioned: - Little Bunting (E. pusilla). - At Isle of May, October 4th and 5th.'

78). 1925 Fair Isle No locality, 29th September.

(J. H. Stenhouse, Scottish Naturalist 46: 8; Scottish Naturalist 46: 72; Eds., British Birds 20: 28).

History J. H. Stenhouse (1926) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. XLVI. pp. 7-8, says: 'In the autumn of 1925 I revisited Fair Isle, remaining there five weeks, from 3rd September to 7th October....An easterly gale on the night of the 19th [September] brought in more birds...After this date there were short spells of east wind on two occasions and notable arrivals then included a Little Bunting.'

In an Editorial (1926) in British Birds, Vol. XX. p. 28, they say: 'In the same issue of the Scottish Naturalist (pp. 7-10) Surgeon Rear-Admiral J. H. Stenhouse gives his observations at Fair Isle during a visit from September 3rd to October 7th, 1925....Other birds of interest were: - "After this date" [September 19th] (actual dates not given) notable arrivals included another Little Bunting.'

79). 1925 Fair Isle No locality, 16th October.

(E. V. Baxter & L. J. Rintoul, Scottish Naturalist 46: 72).

History E. V. Baxter & L. J. Rintoul (1926) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. XLVI. p. 72, in the annual report, say: 'Fair Isle records Little Buntings, single birds in each instance, on 29th September, 16th October, 9th, 11th, 14th, and 17th November.'

80). 1925 Fair Isle No locality, 9th November.

(E. V. Baxter & L. J. Rintoul, Scottish Naturalist 46: 72).

81). 1925 Fair Isle No locality, 11th November.

(E. V. Baxter & L. J. Rintoul, Scottish Naturalist 46: 72).

82). 1925 Fair Isle No locality, 14th November.

(E. V. Baxter & L. J. Rintoul, Scottish Naturalist 46: 72).

83). 1925 Fair Isle No locality, 17th November.

(E. V. Baxter & L. J. Rintoul, Scottish Naturalist 46: 72).

84). 1926 Fair Isle No locality, 19th October.

(E. V. Baxter & L. J. Rintoul, Scottish Naturalist 47: 135; Eds., British Birds 22: 120).

History E. V. Baxter & L. J. Rintoul (1927) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. XLVII. p. 135, in the annual report, say: 'On 19th October a Little Bunting visited Fair Isle.'

H. F. Witherby (1928) in British Birds, Vol. XXII. p. 120, in a Review of the 'Report on Scottish Ornithology in 1926, including Migration', by Evelyn V. Baxter and L. J. Rintoul, says: 'Little Bunting (E. pusilla). - One at Fair Isle on October 19th.'

85). 1927 Fair Isle No locality, 1st October.

(E. V. Baxter & L. J. Rintoul, Scottish Naturalist 48: 107; Eds., British Birds 23: 103).

History E. V. Baxter & L. J. Rintoul (1928) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. XLVIII. p. 107, in the annual report for 1927, say: 'A Little Bunting visited Fair Isle on 1st October.'

In an Editorial (1929) in British Birds, Vol. XXIII. p. 103, they say: 'One at Fair Isle on October 1st.'

86). 1927 Fair Isle No locality, 29th October.

(E. V. Baxter & L. J. Rintoul, Scottish Naturalist 48: 107; Eds., British Birds 23: 103).

History E. V. Baxter & L. J. Rintoul (1928) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. XLVIII. p. 107, in the annual report for 1927, say: 'A Little Bunting visited Fair Isle on 29th October.'

In an Editorial (1929) in British Birds, Vol. XXIII. p. 103, they say: 'Another at Fair Isle on October 29th.'

87). 1930 Northumberland Holy Island, seen, 11th to 13th September.

(T. G. Laidlaw, British Birds 24: 157; Bolam, 1932; Galloway & Meek, 1978-83).

History T. G. Laidlaw (1930) in British Birds, Vol. XXIV.p. 157, says: 'I spent from September 8th to 22nd, 1930, at Holy Island, and during that period there was a good deal of migration of small Passeres noticeable....On this day (11th) I identified a Little Bunting (Emberiza pusilla). It frequented a hedge near a barley stubble and I saw it again on the 12th and 13th. It was confiding and allowed a close approach, and its small size, chestnut lores and ear-coverts and black streaks on the breast were easily distinguished.'

Accepted locally (Bolam 1932; Galloway & Meek 1978-83).

88). 1930 Fair Isle No locality, 18th September.

(J. H. Stenhouse, Scottish Naturalist 51: 46).

History J. H. Stenhouse (1931) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. LI. pp. 45-46, says: 'At Fair Isle notes were taken during the period by Mr. George Stout, and it is from his diary, which has been forwarded to me, that the following details have been extracted....On the 18th the chief visitors were again Larks and Pipits, but many other species were also present. The weather conditions were very bad, and after midday observations were hopeless....among the rarer birds noted were a Little Bunting.'

89). 1932 Northumberland Holy Island, seen, 22nd September.

(M. Barclay, British Birds 27: 47-48; Galloway & Meek, 1978-83).

History M. Barclay (1933) in British Birds, Vol. XXVII. pp. 47-48, says: 'On the morning of September 22nd, 1932, when at Holy Island, I was out early with Miss Steinthal. We were returning by a lane, when I saw several Reed Buntings (Emberiza schoeniclus). I noticed one much smaller among them. It flew and perched on a wall within about five yards of us, then a male and female Reed Bunting came and perched on the same wall near to it, so we were able to compare its size and colouring. It had very chestnut cheeks, without markings, a very marked buff eye-stripe, a dark line above, and crown, chestnut. It was smaller than the female Reed Bunting, and when flying its tail looked shorter and not so "floppy".

These characteristics, which we were able to note at close range with Reed Buntings side by side for comparison, seemed to us to identify the bird clearly as a Little Bunting (Emberiza pusilla).'

90). 1933 Norfolk Between Salthouse and Stiffkey, seen, 20th September.

(B. B. Riviere, British Birds 27: 315; Seago, 1977).

History B. B. Riviere (1934) in British Birds, Vol. XXVII. p. 315, in the 1933 Norfolk Bird Report, says: 'Col. Madoc tells me that he identified one at close range at Salthouse on September 20th.'

91). 1934 Fife Near Lower Largo, seen, 12th April.

(L. J. Rintoul, Scottish Naturalist 54: 170; Eds., British Birds 28: 212; Rintoul & Baxter, 1935).

History Leonora Jeffrey Rintoul of Upper Largo (1934) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. LIV. p. 170, says: 'On 12th April 1934, after a prolonged period of north-easterly and easterly gales, I saw a Little Bunting on the railway bank near Lower Largo. My attention was first attracted by its note, which I had heard before on the Isle of May, and as I had a very good view of the bird I have no doubt as to its identity. This is the first record for mainland of Scotland but it has been reported from a good many of the islands.'

In an Editorial (1934) in British Birds, Vol. XXVIII. p. 212, they say: 'Miss L. J. Rintoul records (Scot. Nat., 1934, p. 170) that she identified a Little Bunting (Emberiza pusilla) on April 12th, 1934, on a railway bank near Lower Largo. She was first attracted by the bird's note which she had heard before in the Isle of May. This is the first record of the bird's occurrence on the mainland of Scotland.'

Rintoul & Baxter (1935) say: 'After a prolonged period of easterly gales one was seen on the railway bank near Lower Largo on 12th April 1934.'

92). 1935 Fair Isle No locality, shot, 18th November, now at Shetland Museum.

(Pennington et al., 2004).

History Pennington et al. (2004) say: 'One shot on 18th November 1935 on Fair Isle is in the Shetland Museum.'

93). 1936 Fair Isle No locality, 7th to 16th May.

(Midlothian Ornithological Club, British Birds 30: 168).

History Midlothian Ornithological Club (1936) in British Birds, Vol. XXX. p. 168, say: 'Fair Isle. Mr. George Stout writes: "What an enormous number of birds we had the whole of the first half of May, but mainly on the 7th and 8th. I got one Reed-Warbler and saw another on the 11th - there were thousands of Willow-Warblers and Chiffchaffs, of which all three forms were present, from 11th to 16th, viz., British, Scandinavian and Siberian, and an enormous number of Pied and Spotted Flycatchers, some Chaffinches, hundreds of Bramblings and Reed-Buntings and a mixture of the other Buntings - Ortolan, Corn, Yellow and Little, 7th to 16th".'

94). 1936 Fair Isle No locality, singles, between 14th September and 14th October.

(G. Waterston, Scottish Naturalist 57: 74).

History G. Waterston (1937) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. LVII. p. 74, under 'Bird Notes from Fair Isle, 1936', says: 'Little Bunting. - Occasional this autumn and usually single birds between 14th September and 14th October.'

95). 1936 Isle of May No locality, trapped, 28th September.

(Midlothian Ornithological Club, Scottish Naturalist 57: 53, 55; Eds., British Birds 31: 123).

History Midlothian Ornithological Club (1937) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. LVII. pp. 52-53, under 'Isle of May Bird Observatory Autumn Report for 1936', say: '16th to 30th September. - ...There was, however, a slight though only temporary increase in the number of birds on the 28th, when a Little Bunting (E. pusilla was observed.'

Further, p. 55, under 'Ringing', they add that it was ringed.

In an Editorial (1937) in British Birds, Vol. XXXI. p. 123, they say: 'The Report by the Midlothian Ornithological Club of migration observations in the autumn of 1936 on the Isle of May (Scot. Nat., 1937, pp. 51-5) contains a number of interesting items. The members of the Club were assisted by some fourteen other observers....Little Bunting on September 28th.'

96). 1937 Fair Isle No locality, two, seen, 23rd October.

(Pennington et al., 2004).

History Pennington et al. (2004) say: 'Jimmy Wilson recorded two on 23rd October 1937 on Fair Isle.'

98). 1938 Fair Isle No locality, obtained, 28th September.

(C. H. B. Grant, Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club 59: 77; Pennington et al., 2004).

History C. H. B. Grant, Editor (1939) in the Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club, Vol. LIX. p. 77, at the 415th Meeting of the Club held on 8th February 1939 at the Rembrandt Hotel, London, under 'Visit to Fair Isle, 1938', says: 'Mr. C. A. Norris, who last September spent a fortnight on Fair Isle with Mr. H. F. Witherby and Mr, p. A. D. Hollom, gave a short account of the island and the birds seen there. A Little Bunting...obtained on the island was exhibited.'

99). 1945 Norfolk Blakeney Point, seen, 5th to 10th September.

(Anon., Wild Bird Protection in Norfolk 1945: 4; Eds., British Birds 40: 31; Seago, 1977).

History Anon. (1945) in Wild Bird Protection in Norfolk, 1945, pp. 3-4, says: 'We are indebted to Mr. And Mrs. R. F. Meiklejohn for the following notes...Little Bunting. - A close view was had of this bird in the bushes near the Watch House on the Blakeney Point ridge on September 5th, and again on the 6th and the 10th. It was also seen by Mr. A. Daukes.'

In an Editorial (1947) in British Birds, Vol. XL. p. 31, in a Review of the Wild Bird Protection in Norfolk, for 1945, they say: 'Of rarer visitors, a Little Bunting was identified at close range on the Blakeney Point ridge, September 5th-10th.'

100). 1947 Isle of May No locality, four, seen, 9th to 10th October, two, 11th to 12th October.

(H. F. D. Elder, Scottish Naturalist 60: 183; W. B. Alexander, British Birds 41: 96; W. B. Alexander, Naturalist 74: 5; Smout, 1986).

History H. F. D. Elder (1948) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. LX. p. 183, says: 'Four on 9th and 10th, two on 11th and 12th October.'

W. B. Alexander (1948) in British Birds, Vol. XLI. p. 96, says: 'On October 9th and 10th, 1947, I had the opportunity of watching a party of four Little Buntings (Emberiza pusilla) on the Isle of May, in company with Mr. and Mrs. C. W. Holt and Mr. F. A. Bak.

As The Handbook gives no information as to the gait of this species we paid particular attention to this point. The birds were feeding on rocky ground interspersed with tussocks of thrift and coarse weeds. When passing from one tussock to another they undoubtedly hopped, but much of their time was spent on the ground between the tussocks, apparently picking up fallen seed. When feeding in this way they crouched very low on the ground, their attitude reminding me of Skylarks, and they moved forward so slowly and steadily that it seemed certain that their legs must be moved alternately, though it was impossible to see this.

On one occasion they flew off to a little distance and alighted on some rocks, one of them settling in full view on one end of a flat rock. Mr. Bak and I were both watching it through our field-glasses when it ran very swiftly across the flat surface of this rock. These observations increase the probability that all buntings run on level surfaces.'

W. B. Alexander (1949) in The Naturalist, Vol. LXXIV. p. 5, says: 'In October, during a visit to the same island [Isle of May], I saw six Buntings of which four were Little (Emberiza pusilla) and two were Reed (E. schoeniclus).'

104). 1947 Isle of May No locality, two, seen, 25th October.

(H. F. D. Elder, Scottish Naturalist 60: 183; Smout, 1986).

History H. F. D. Elder (1948) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. LX. p. 183, says: 'Two on 25th October.'

106). 1947 Fife Near Boarhills, 17th November.

(Smout, 1986).

History Smout (1986) says: 'On 17th November 1947 one was seen near Boarhills.'

107). 1948 Shetland Loch Brow, Durigarth, Mainland, two, 12th May.

(Venables & Venables, 1955; E. V. Baxter, Scottish Naturalist 69: 43).

History Venables & Venables (1955) say: 'At Loch Brow, Dunrossness, Mainland, on 12th May 1948 we saw two birds among the willows.'

109). 1948 Fair Isle No locality, two, seen, 27th to 30th September.

(K. Williamson, Scottish Naturalist 61: 132).

History Kenneth Williamson (1949) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. LXI. p. 132, under 'Fair Isle Bird Observatory Report for 1948', says: 'Two in roots, 27th to 30th September.'

111). 1948 Fair Isle No locality, two, seen, 11th to 12th October.

(K. Williamson, Scottish Naturalist 61: 132).

History Kenneth Williamson (1949) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. LXI. p. 132, under 'Fair Isle Bird Observatory Report for 1948', says: 'Two, 11th and 12th October.'

113). 1948 Fair Isle Shirva, seen, 20th to 24th October.

(K. Williamson, Scottish Naturalist 61: 23, 132).

History Kenneth Williamson (1949) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. LXI. p. 23, under 'Fair Isle Bird Observatory Report for 1948', says: 'Call Notes. - A quiet "tip, tip" heard from a bird at Shirva on 20th October appeared to be a mild anxiety note: it is probably the same as the "high, quiet 'pwick' " noted by L.S.V. Venables, and the low "tick, tick" of E. R. Alston and J. A. Harvie-Brown (vide The Handbook, Vol. I. p. 138). The same bird, and an earlier one watched at Kennaby by R. A. Richardson, L. S. V. Venables and K. Williamson, also had a strong, musical "see-oo".

Further, p. 132, Williamson adds that this one was seen 'from 20th to 24th October.'

114). 1948 Cumbria Siddick Pond, Workington, seen, 11th November.

(R. Stokoe, British Birds 42: 359-360; Hutcheson, 1986).

History R. Stokoe (1949) in British Birds, Vol. XLII. pp. 359-360, says: 'On November 11th, 1948, I saw a bird which I am satisfied was a Little Bunting (Emberiza pusilla) associating with a small flock of Linnets (Carduelis cannabina) on the railway embankment which runs alongside Siddick Pond, near Workington.

It was at once distinguishable from the Linnets in their dull winter plumage by its richer and lighter colouring. The day was dull and rather misty, but at mid-day the light was very good at close range. The bird was about twelve yards away, perching with the Linnets on a gorse-bush, when first seen, and after a short time it flew up to a higher and nearer hawthorn, eight yards distant. There it was watched for some time before it flew down to the edge of the water and was lost to sight.

Unfortunately I could not stay to follow it, but I had had ample opportunity to see the details of plumage and colouring, using 6 x 30 binoculars. While the bird was among the Linnets the size was seen to be almost the same; if anything it was a shade smaller and perhaps plumper. The build was similar and its beak was conical. The general effect was of a richly-coloured medium-brown bird. The crown was dark chestnut, bordered by a black band running from beak to nape. The back, mantle and wing-coverts were brown with dark centres and buff edgings. The buff edges formed two pale stripes down the back, as with the Reed-Bunting (Emberiza schoeniclus), and a faint bar on the closed wing. The colour of the rump was not noticed as being a different colour from the rest of the upper-parts. The tail was dark brown with white outer-tail feathers. Over the eye was a pale buff or whitish stripe, and a black line ran from the beak through the eye, forming the upper border to the rich fawn ear-coverts. There was a black malar stripe. The chin and throat were pale fawn, deepening in colour on the breast and flanks, while the belly and under tail-coverts were paler. The throat, breast and flanks were streaked with dark brown, especially strongly on the breast. The beak appeared to be an indeterminate grey or brown, and the legs were brown.

The only note heard was uttered as the bird flew down to the pond side. It was a single "cheek", not unlike that made by a Reed Bunting under similar conditions. Mr. E. Blezard of Carlisle Museum has seen my notes and field sketches (which has been submitted to the Editor) and he agrees with the identification. This is the first time that the species has been recorded in Lakeland.'

115). 1948 Suffolk Between Thorpeness and Aldeburgh, seen, 20th November.

(Payn, 1978; Piotrowski, 2003).

History Payn (1978, 2nd ed.) says: 'One seen by W. S. Medlicott between Thorpeness and Aldeburgh on 20th November 1948 was the first for Suffolk.'

116). 1949 Suffolk Corton, two, seen, 11th February.

(Payn, 1978; Piotrowski, 2003).

History Payn (1978, 2nd ed.) says: 'Two Little Buntings were observed in a hedge 300 yards from the sea by Mr. and Mrs. H. E. Jenner. They were in company with Yellowhammers, Reed and Corn Buntings.'

118). 1949 Suffolk Reydon, two, seen, 13th February.

(Payn, 1978; Piotrowski, 2003).

History Payn (1978, 2nd ed.) says: 'Two more Little Buntings were seen two days later [see above], this time by the edge of a wood at Reydon by W. E. Rowe (Lowestoft Field Club).'

AC pass

Keith Naylor

Little Bunting (1/2)

Emberiza pusilla Pallas, 1776 (119, 36)

Ortolan Bunting (2/2)

Little Bunting (2/2)