Rustic Bunting

Emberizidae

Mar 16

Emberiza rustica Pallas, 1776 (19, 2)

Photo © George Gay - North Ronaldsay, Orkney, 21 May 2014

STATUS

Palearctic. Monotypic.

OVERVIEW

The long-running first record from Sussex in 1867 has been discredited due to its involvement with Swaysland the taxidermist there.

RECORDS

1). 1881 Yorkshire Easington, immature female, trapped, 17th September, now at Yorkshire Museum, York.

(W. E. Clarke, Naturalist 7: 57-58; W. E. Clarke, Zoologist 1881: 465-466; Anon., Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London 1881: 827; J. A. Harvie Brown, J. Cordeaux & P. M. C. Kermode, Migration Report 3: 25; Ibis 1882: 181; BOU, 1883; W. D. Roebuck & W. E. Clarke, Naturalist 1884-85: 364; W. E. Clarke & W. D. Roebuck, Zoologist 1884: 176; J. Cordeaux, Zoologist 1891: 363; Nelson, 1907; Mather, 1986; BOURC (2021), Ibis 163: 305-306).

History Wm. Eagle Clarke of Leeds (1881) in the new series of The Naturalist, Vol. VII. pp. 57-58, dated 17th October, and The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. V. pp. 465-466, with the same story, says: 'The addition of a new bird to a county list is a pleasing duty to one specially interested in its avifauna, and, moreover, when the species about to be added is one of such extreme rarity that its claims to be considered British, have, hitherto, rested on the somewhat unsatisfactory basis of a single occurrence, it not only adds to that pleasure, but it is a matter of very great importance to British ornithologists' as substantiating a claim which might otherwise be regarded with mixed satisfaction.

Up to the 17th of September last the only example of this rare Siberian bird known to have occurred in Britain was caught alive at Brighton, on the 23rd of October, 1867.

The second specimen, now to be recorded, was shot on Saturday, the 17th of September, at Easington, in Holderness, by Mr. Townend, of that village.

When first observed, the bird was on the beach close to the sea, but on being approached took a short flight alighting for a moment on some thistles, then it again returned to the sands and was shot. Mr. Townend gave the bird to Mr. P. W. Lawton [sic] of Easington, by whom it was set up for his beautiful collection of local birds.

Unfortunately not knowing the value of the capture, Mr. Lawton failed to make a note of the sex. The bird remained unidentified until I visited Easington, on the 7th inst., when I at once saw that it was one of the rarer buntings, and on my return I brought it to Leeds to examine with the literature of the subject.

I may say that my identification of the bird has been kindly confirmed by Professor Newton of Cambridge, in whose care the specimen now is, and by whom it will be exhibited at the next meeting of the Zoological Society.

This specimen agrees very fairly with Mr. Dresser's figure of the young female, with the exception that the markings on the back, breast, and flanks are more vinous and richer - in fact in this respect more approaching in tint the adult male.

It is a singular coincidence that on the same day that this extremely rare straggler to Western Europe occurred on the Yorkshire coast, Herr Gätke in a letter to my friend Mr. Cordeaux, informs him that a fine young bird was obtained on the Island of Heligoland, which is the same degree of north latitude as our coast line. Probably the Heligolander and the Yorkshireman were near relations, or at any rate travelling companions from the far North-east.'

Anon. (1881) in the Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London, p. 827, say: 'Prof. Newton, V.P., exhibited the specimen of Emberiza rustica, recorded by Mr. William Eagle Clarke in the current number of The Zoologist (p. 465) as having been shot at Easington, on the coast of Yorkshire, on the 17th of September last, remarking that it was only the second example of the species reported to have occurred in this country, and also that on the very same day another specimen was obtained in Heligoland by Herr Gätke, C.M.Z.S.'

J. A. Harvie Brown, J. Cordeaux & P. M. C. Kermode (1882) in the Report on the Migration of Birds in the Spring and Autumn of 1881, 3rd report, p. 25, say: 'Spurn, Sept. 17th, presumed to be a female, shot on the beach near Easington by Mr. Townend, schoolmaster. Light variable easterly winds over North Sea at time.'

Admitted nationally in their first List of British Birds (BOU 1883).

W. D. Roebuck & W. E. Clarke, Editors (1884-85) in the new series of The Naturalist, Vol. X. p. 364, add: 'The Yorkshire specimen of the Rustic Bunting, which formerly graced Mr. Lawton's [sic] beautiful collection of local birds at Easington, has been purchased by the York Museum, where it rests along with many other county rarities.'

W. E. Clarke & W. D. Roebuck (1884) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. VIII. p. 176, add this record to the Fauna of Yorkshire.

It was accepted locally (Nelson 1907 (1): 207-208; Mather 1986).

2). 1882 Greater London/Hertfordshire Elstree Reservoir, near Aldenham, immature male, caught, 19th November.

(Lord Lilford, Zoologist 1883: 33; J. E. Harting, Zoologist 1883: 83; J. E. Littleboy, Transactions of the Hertfordshire Natural History Society and Field Club 2: 210-211; Seebohm, 1883-85; Swann, 1893; Sage, 1959; Gladwin & Sage, 1986; Self, 2014).

History Lord Lilford of Northamptonshire (1883) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. VII. p. 33, says: 'Mr. Burton, of Wardour Street, was good enough to send me a small Bunting, in the flesh, on November 20th ult., which proved to be a young male of the Rustic, or Lesbian, Bunting, Emberiza rustica, Pallas, of which species, I believe, there has been but one recorded occurrence in this country. Mr. Burton informs me that the present specimen was taken in the nets of a birdcatcher at Elstree Reservoir on November 19th.'

[The first, and hitherto the only, recorded British example of this Bunting was taken near Brighton, in October, 1867. It was reported by the late Mr. Gould in the Ibis for 1869, p. 128, and is figured in his finely illustrated Birds of Great Britain. The nidification of this bird has been recently elucidated by Mr. Seebohm, who found it breeding in Asiatic Siberia. See his recently published book, Siberia in Asia, of which a review is given in this number. - Ed.]

J. E. Harting, Editor (1883) in The Zoologist, 3rd series, Vol. VII. p. 83, says: 'In the note under this heading (p. 33) it was inadvertently stated that only one previous occurrence of this Bunting in the British Islands (viz., that taken near Brighton in October, 1867) had been reported. A second, however, was shot at Easington, in Holderness, in September, 1881, as recorded by Mr. W. E. Clarke (Zoologist, 1881, p. 465). The specimen recently reported by Lord Lilford, procured at Elstree Reservoir last November, is therefore the third which has been identified as an accidental visitant to Great Britain.'

J. E. Littleboy of Hunton Bridge (1884) in the Transactions of the Hertfordshire Natural History Society and Field Club, Vol. II. pp. 210-211, says: 'A Rustic Bunting was taken on the 20th of November, near Elstree Reservoir, in the nets of a bird-catcher. It was sold to a dealer in Wardour Street, and from him purchased, in the flesh, by Lord Lilford. It is now (Zoologist, January, 1883) in his Lordship's possession.

The bird captured near Elstree is only the third specimen known to have occurred in the British Isles. The first was taken in October, 1867, near Brighton, and is now in the collection of Mr. Monk, of Lewes; the second occurred in September, 1881, in Yorkshire, and is reported in the Ibis (1882, p. 182), by Mr. W. E. Clarke.

Mr. Sharpe, of the British Museum, informs me that the Rustic Bunting inhabits north-eastern Europe and northern Siberia, straying as far as northern Italy and Japan. There is no British specimen in the collection under his care.

In general appearance the Rustic Bunting somewhat resembles a female Yellow-hammer, but in place of yellow, a reddish-brown colour appears to predominate, and behind the eyes there is a stripe of pure white.'

Admitted nationally (Seebohm 1884 (2): 140) and accepted locally (Sage 1959: 207).

Comment I don't know how the Editor overlooked last years occurrence at Easington which was recorded in the Zoologist.

3). 1906 Highland Cape Wrath, Sutherland, adult male, obtained, 11th May.

(W. E. Clarke, Annals of Scottish Natural History 1906: 138; H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst, British Birds 1: 249; Baxter & Rintoul, 1953).

History Wm. Eagle Clarke (1906) in the Annals of Scottish Natural History, Vol. XV. p. 138, says: 'Foremost among the rarities, from the Scottish point of view, is an adult male of this species in full summer plumage which appeared at Cape Wrath on the 11th of May.

This bird is not only an addition to the fauna of Scotland, but its occurrence is additionally interesting since it is the first of its kind which has been known to visit Great Britain during the spring time....This Scottish example had possible passed the winter with us; and when it came to grief at the northern extremity of our mainland, was probably on its return journey to the summer home of the species in North-eastern Europe, or perhaps Siberia.'

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). 1908 Fair Isle No locality, adult female, seen, 18th June.

(W. E. Clarke, Annals of Scottish Natural History 1909: 71-72; Clarke, 1912).

History Wm. Eagle Clarke (1909) in the Annals of Scottish Natural History, Vol. XVIII. p. 71, says: 'Single birds of this species appeared on both passages.'

Clarke (1912 (2): 75) under 'A Year at Fair Isle' in George Stout's diary of 1908, says: '18th June - Westerly light wind, early; changed to south-east later in the day. An interesting visitor was detected today - namely a adult female Rustic Bunting. It was disturbed from among the long grass in the peat banks, and as it flitted, uttered a short note very like that of the Reed Bunting.'

5). 1908 Fair Isle No locality, first-winter, seen, 22nd September.

(W. E. Clarke, Annals of Scottish Natural History 1909: 71-72; Clarke, 1912).

History Wm. Eagle Clarke (1909) in the Annals of Scottish Natural History, Vol. XVIII. p. 71, says: 'Single birds of this species appeared on both passages.'

Clarke (1912 (2): 114-115) under 'The Birds of Fair Isle', says: 'Rustic Bunting - a bird of the year on 22nd September 1908.'

6). 1909 Fair Isle No locality, adult male, shot, 29th September.

(E. V. Baxter & L. J. Rintoul, Annals of Scottish Natural History 1910: 135; E. V. Baxter & L. J. Rintoul, Annals of Scottish Natural History 1910: 202; Eds., British Birds 4: 290; Clarke, 1912).

History Admitted by E. V. Baxter & L. J. Rintoul (1910) in the Annals of Scottish Natural History, Vol. XIX. p. 135, under 'Report on Scottish Ornithology, 1909', who say: 'A Rustic Bunting (Emberiza rustica) male was obtained on the same island; this is the third record for Scotland.'

In an Editorial (1911) in British Birds, Vol. IV. p. 290, they say: 'A male at Fair Isle in "autumn " - third record for Scotland.'

Clarke (1912 (2): 114-115) under 'The Birds of Fair Isle', says: 'Rustic Bunting - an adult male on 29th September 1909. It was seen feeding on a stook of oats.'

Mary, Duchess of Bedford (1937: 8-9) says: 'On Friday, the 24th, [September 1909], I landed on Fair Isle...After breakfast I clean my boots, chop firewood, and perform sundry other duties before my morning's bird-watching....but the Rustic Bunting has been shot and shown to me just after by Mr. Eagle Clarke and his two boy collectors during my visit.'

7). 1913 Fair Isle No locality, adult male, 30th May.

(W. E. Clarke, Scottish Naturalist 34: 54; Eds., British Birds 7: 348).

History Wm. Eagle Clarke (1914) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. XXXIV. p. 54, says: 'An adult male on 30th May makes the second spring and fourth Fair Isle occurrence of this rare visitor to Britain.'

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. Rustic Bunting. An adult male on May 30th, 1913, at Fair Isle (id., p. 54).'

8). 1920 Shetland Near Lerwick, Mainland, obtained, 6th October.

(E. V. Baxter & L. J. Rintoul, Scottish Naturalist 41: 107; Eds., British Birds 16: 29; Witherby, 1920-24; Baxter & Rintoul, 1953).

History E. V. Baxter & L. J. Rintoul (1921) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. XLI. p. 107, in the annual report, say: 'A Rustic Bunting (Emberiza rustica) was obtained near Lerwick on 6th October.'

In an Editorial (1922) in British Birds, Vol. XVI. p. 29, in a Review of the 'Report on Scottish Ornithology in 1920, including Migration', by Evelyn V. Baxter and Leonora J. Rintoul, they say: 'One was obtained near Lerwick on October 6th.'

9). 1925 Fair Isle No locality, male, 19th September.

(J. H. Stenhouse, Scottish Naturalist 46: 8; E. V. Baxter & L. J. Rintoul, Scottish Naturalist 46: 72; Eds., British Birds 20: 28).

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: - and on the same day [19th September] a Rustic Bunting (Emberiza rustica).'

E. V. Baxter & L. J. Rintoul (1926) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. XLVI. p. 72, in the annual report, say: 'A male Rustic Bunting visited the latter station [Fair Isle] on 19th September.'

10). 1925 Fair Isle No locality, female, 21st September.

(J. H. Stenhouse, Scottish Naturalist 46: 8; E. V. Baxter & L. J. Rintoul, 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 female Rustic 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 Rustic Bunting.'

E. V. Baxter & L. J. Rintoul (1926) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. XLVI. p. 72, in the annual report, say: 'A male Rustic Bunting visited the latter station [Fair Isle] on 19th September and a female on 21st September.'

11). 1927 Fair Isle No locality, two, 27th September.

(Witherby et al., 1940-52; Williamson, 1965; Pennington et al., 2004).

History Witherby et al. (1940-52) say: 'Pair September 7th, 1927 at Fair Isle (George Waterston).' However, P. E. Davis (Williamson 1965) and Pennington et al. (2004) both say: '27th September.'

Comment The 7th would be very early for this migrant, however, Davis has published a few incorrect dates.

13. 1927 Orkney Finstown, Mainland, first-winter male, killed by a cat between 3rd and 7th October.

(J. Armitage, British Birds 21: 282-283; E. V. Baxter & L. J. Rintoul, Scottish Naturalist 48: 107; Baxter & Rintoul, 1953).

History Jos. Armitage (1928) in British Birds, Vol. XXI. pp. 282-283, says: 'On October 13th, 1927, I received from a friend, Mr. A. Wood, Finstown, Orkney, a small Bunting which had been killed and, fortunately, brought home by the cat. Naturally it was somewhat damaged, but with care, it made a fairly presentable specimen.

On dissection, it proved to be a male in good condition, the skin being thickly lined with fat. So far as I was able to judge it was an immature Rustic Bunting (Emberiza rustica), but owing to unavoidable circumstances I was unable to get this verified until February, 1928. I then forwarded the specimen to Mr. Witherby, who very obligingly examined it for me and confirmed the identification.'

[Mr. Wood informs us that it was on some day between the 3rd and 7th of October that he found his nieces about to bury a bird killed by a cat. As the bird was unknown to him he forwarded it to Mr. Armitage. - Eds.]

E. V. Baxter & L. J. Rintoul (1928) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. XLVIII. p. 107, in the annual report for 1927, say: 'A Rustic Bunting was got at Finstown, Orkney, on 13th October.'

14). 1936 Shetland Ness of Sound, Lerwick, Mainland, male, obtained, 11th October.

(G. Waterston, Scottish Naturalist 57: 26; Baxter & Rintoul, 1953; Pennington et al., 2004).

History George Waterston (1937) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. LVII. p. 26, under 'Bird Notes from Shetland', says: 'Rustic Bunting. - A male specimen obtained at Ness of Sound on 11th October 1936 was kindly sent to me for examination by Samuel Bruce.' It was accepted locally (Pennington et al. 2004).

15). 1938 Fair Isle No locality, one/two, seen, 26th September.

(G. Waterston, British Birds 38: 228; Pennington et al., 2004).

History G. Waterston (1945) in British Birds, Vol. XXXVIII. p. 228, under 'Notes from Fair Isle, 1939-45', says: 'Rustic Bunting - One or two seen 26th September 1938. G.S.' It was accepted locally (Pennington et al. 2004).

Comment G.S. = George Stout, an islander.

16). 1946 Fair Isle No locality, male, seen, 11th May.

(P. A. D. Hollom, British Birds 39: 278; Pennington et al., (2004).

History P. A. D. Hollom (1946) in British Birds, Vol. XXXIX. p. 278, says: 'The first half of May, 1946, was most unfavourable for migration on Fair Isle with winds almost constantly from a westerly direction. Only on May 11th did the wind go round to between south and east, a very light breeze, but as usual this was enough to bring in a few migrants.

Not more than a dozen individuals in all, comprising nine species, were seen, but they included a male Rustic Bunting Emberiza rustica. It was first flushed from the roadside, I think out of the ditch, calling "tsip, tsip, tsip", and settled again farther on, where I had quite a good but short view of it working about on the damp bottom of the ditch.

Later it was found again in an adjacent swampy area intersected by several ditches, in one of which, containing a little standing water, it permitted excellent views at about 15 yards. After a quarter of an hour it left the bottom of this ditch for another.

Viewed from behind it resembled superficially a small version of a Lapland Bunting Calcarius l. lapponicus I had been watching the previous week, with rich brown, dark-streaked back, cinnamon chestnut hind neck, and head black with a central white stripe from crown down nape. It had a white stripe over the eye and below it a broad black stripe embracing most of the ear coverts; while the sides of the head below this, and also the chin and throat, were white. The most striking feature was the pinky-cinnamon streaking on the flanks and breast, the flank markings clear and well separated; otherwise the underparts were white. The white in the outer tail-feathers was prominent when it flew. The bill was brown or horn with a faint vermilion wash.

Almost certainly the same bird was seen again on the 13th, when it was flushed from a boggy, muddy slope. It flew up, on to a henhouse roof, giving a good view of the striking heaviness of streaking on the breast, almost a solid band of colour. On this occasion the call was noted as "tcik, tcik.' The bird had a plump appearance with rather loose or ruffled feathers, domed crown and squat carriage.'

Accepted locally (Pennington et al. 2004).

17). 1947 Isle of May No locality, seen, 10th to 11th May.

(H. F. D. Elder, Scottish Naturalist 60: 182; Scottish Naturalist 68: 156; Baxter & Rintoul, 1953).

History H. F. D. Elder (1948) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. LX. p. 182, says: 'One on 10th and 11th May. The first record for the island. This bird was not trapped but was carefully observed by H. F. I. Elliott and Hon. Mrs. Leo Russell. The bird was very shy, flying behind rocks whenever approached. They summarised the field characters as follows: "a medium or rather small-looking bunting with a dark head but marked eye-stripe, rufous upper parts and especially chestnut-red rump, white outer tail feathers, white underparts streaked rufous, and absence of marked malar stripe at side of throat.'

After a careful study of the skins at the British Museum they have no doubt that it was a male bird of this species not yet in full breeding plumage. The call note was recorded as a "resonant bleat, "zrp", which would appear to be a different note to the "tic tic" recorded in The Handbook of British Birds.'

18). 1949 Shetland Spiggie, Mainland, adult male, 7th June.

(Venables & Venables, 1955; Pennington et al., 2004).

History Venables & Venables (1955) say: 'With just two records in Shetland prior to 1949, the third, an adult male appeared on 7th June 1949.' It was accepted locally (Pennington et al. 2004).

19). 1949 Isle of May No locality, female, seen, 29th September to 13th October, trapped 3rd October.

(H. F. D. Elder, Scottish Naturalist 62: 101-102; Scottish Naturalist 68: 156; H. F. D. Elder, British Birds 43: 206; Baxter & Rintoul, 1953).

History H. F. D. Elder (1950) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. LXII. pp. 101-102, under 'Isle of May Bird Observatory Report for 1949', and in British Birds, Vol. XLIII. p. 206, says: 'One female 29th September to 13th October. With inconspicuous plumage, lacking black and white head markings, its identity was not recognised until it was trapped on 3rd October.

In the hand Dr. K. B. Rooke, H. F. I. Elliott and others noted, inter alia, the following characters clearly distinguishing it from the Little Bunting E. pusilla and the reed bunting E. schoeniclus, with which it might be confused: - wing, 73 mm.; bright pink legs; chestnut lesser wing-coverts, hind neck, rump and upper tail-coverts; absence of chestnut on sides of head; whitish underparts, with chestnut markings and some dark streaks forming an indistinct breast-band which extended a little way downwards on the centre of the breast and on either side towards the flank-streaks of similar colours.

It was usually seen feeding on the ground, and beside a Rock Pipit it looked distinctly small and rather short-tailed, giving the impression of being the size of a Linnet Carduelis cannabina, or a trifle smaller.

The flight call was rendered "tzip", the alarm-note on the ground as "tick" or "twick" uttered singly.'

1950-57 RECORDS

20). 1953 Pembrokeshire Skokholm, adult female, trapped, 8th June.

(K. Williamson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin 1 (12): 34; P. J. Conder, British Birds 46: 457; Field Studies Council, Skokholm Bird Observatory Report 1953: 14; P. E. Davis, British Birds 47: 420; Betts, 1992; Lovegrove, Williams & Williams, 1994).

History K. Williamson (1953) in the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin, Vol. I (XII). p. 34, says: 'Another rare eastern bunting Emberiza rustica was caught in the garden trap on Skokholm (South Wales) by Mrs. Peter Conder on June 8th.'

P. J. Conder (1953) in British Birds, Vol. XLVI. p. 457, says: 'On June 8th, 1953, a Rustic Bunting (Emberiza rustica) was caught in the Garden Trap on Skokholm, Pembrokeshire.

On examination it was found to be an adult female. Its weight was 19.1 grammes. The bird was not observed at all well before it was caught, and disappeared as soon as it was released so that no field description is available. This is apparently the first record for Wales.'

[Mr. Conder has sent us an exact copy of the very full laboratory description that was taken at the time. This is being filed for reference. - Eds.]

21). 1957 Fair Isle Gully, adult male, trapped, 22nd May.

(P. E. Davis, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Report 1957: 15; P. E. Davis, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin 3: 172; P. E. Davis, British Birds 51: 199-200).

History P. E. Davis (1957) in the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin, Vol. III. p. 172, says: 'An adult male May 22nd. The first spring record since 1919 [sic].'

P. E. Davis (1957) in the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Report, p. 15, says: 'Another rare bunting was captured on the 22nd, a male Rustic Bunting (Emberiza rustica), whose nearest breeding areas are in North Sweden and Finland.

This species has been much more infrequent at Fair Isle in recent years than it was forty or fifty years ago, and this was in fact the first spring record for the island since 1913 [sic].'

P. E. Davis (1958) in British Birds, Vol. LI. pp. 199-200, says: 'A very fine adult male Rustic Bunting (Emberiza rustica) was captured by Peter Hope Jones in the gully trap at Fair Isle in the late afternoon of 22nd May 1957, and brought to me. It was examined and ringed' in the laboratory, and photographed in colour.

The spring moult of the head and throat was almost complete, the black areas having only a few old feathers with pale tips, and the white parts being pure. Very few of the chestnut feathers of the nape, breast-band and rump retained the buff-white tips of the winter plumage. Apart from these, the bird was in perfect "picture-book" plumage. The flight-feathers were all in good condition, showing wear only in the central tail-feathers. The bill had a grey-horn upper mandible; the tip of the lower mandible was of the same shade, but its base was pinkish-horn. The legs were pale pinkish-brown, the eye very dark brown. Measurements taken included: wing (straight) 79.5mm., bill 12.5 mm., tarsus 18 mm., tail 58.5 mm. The weight was 20.45 gm. at 17.00 hours G.M.T.

Two fleas were removed, and these have been determined by F. G. A. M. Smit as male Dasypsyllus g. gallinulae. There are nine previous records of Rustic Buntings at Fair Isle, the last being in 1946.'

Comment The statement by P. E. Davis about the last spring record is erroneous: 1946 being the last with 1913 and 1908 making up the three records prior to FIBO (Dymond 1991).

NOT PROVEN

0). 1867 Sussex Roedean School, Brighton, trapped, 23rd October, now at Booth Museum, Brighton (BoMNH 204074).

(T. J. Monk, Field 2nd Nov., 1867: 362; C. R. Bree, Field 9th Nov., 1867: 385; J. Gould, Ibis 11: 128; Yarrell, 1871-85; BOU, 1883).

[A. H. J. Harrop, British Birds 112: 89-98; BOURC (2021), Ibis 163: 305-306].

History T. J. Monk of Lewes (1867) in The Field of 2nd Nov., Vol. XXX. p. 362, says: 'On Wednesday, Oct. 23, Mr. Swaysland, the Brighton naturalist, kindly sent his son over to Lewes for the express purpose of bringing me a living example of a rare bunting, captured near Brighton that same day.

As it was late in the evening, and the colouring of the bird very deceptive by gaslight, I was inclined to follow the opinion of Mr. S. and his son that our feathered captive was the "Yellow-headed Bunting", as described by Bree in his excellent work, A History of the Birds of Europe not Observed in the British Isles.

On going to Brighton, however, the next day, I found that Swaysland, on a second examination by daylight, had pronounced the rara avis to be the Rustic Bunting - Emberiza rustica - also described by Bree in the above-mentioned work. This was further confirmed by that well-known authority, G. D. Rowley, Esq., of Brighton, and there is no doubt that we now possess the first specimen of the Rustic Bunting taken in Great Britain.

The bird proved to be a female, barely 5¼ in. in length, with all the characteristics of the bunting genus, and resembles the hens of the Cirl and Black-headed [Reed] Bunting more than any other of our British species, though both of these birds want the two white bars on the wing so well defined in their European relative.

This bird, of which Bree has given an interesting and lengthy account, is an inhabitant of Northern Russia, and seldom found in Southern Europe.

It is worthy of remark that the spot near which this rare straggler was taken was also the scene of capture of three Richard's Pipits, one Tawny Pipit, and, last but not least (save in size), the "Little Bunting", a figure of which will, I believe, appear in this year's number of Mr. Gould's beautiful work, The Birds of Great Britain.'

C. R. Bree of Colchester (1867) in The Field of 9th Nov., Vol. XXX. p. 385, under 'The Yellow-breasted Bunting', says: 'May I take the liberty of asking through your columns that any of your readers who may possess my book upon "European Birds" will correct the heading of the above bird, which was, in consequence of an unfortunate error, printed as "Yellow-breasted Bunting.'

In the later copies this error was rectified. I see, Mr. Monk, in his interesting account of the capture of the Rustic Bunting in England, has quoted from the erroneous heading. I am very glad to welcome a new visitor to our shores, and especially of a bird whose home is essentially in the north of Europe. Brighton certainly is prolific in stragglers.

I hope, however, that they will not be too hastily admitted into our fauna, but rather placed as "stragglers" or "Accidental visitors" in a second list.'

John Gould of London (1869) in The Ibis, Vol. XI. p. 128, dated 30th December, 1868, says: 'The more rare E. rustica, caught near Brighton, Oct. 23, 1867, and submitted alive the same day to Mr. G. Dawson Rowley.'

Alfred Newton (1876-82 (2): 29, 4th ed.) in Yarrell's British Birds, says: 'News of the first and hitherto the only known occurrence in England of the beautiful Bunting above figured was communicated to the Ibis for 1869 (p. 128) by Mr. Gould in a letter dated December 30th, 1868.

The specimen, which is now in the collection of Mr. Monk, was caught near Brighton, October 23rd, 1867, and shown while alive to Mr. Rowley. Its portrait has been given by Mr. Gould in his Birds of Great Britain.'

Admitted nationally in their first List of British Birds (BOU 1883).

Comment Swaysland has been found to be heavily involved with fraud regarding rare birds (A. H. J. Harrop, British Birds 112: 89-98). Even C. R. Bree remarked "Brighton certainly is prolific in stragglers". Not acceptable.

0). 1869 Sussex Near Brighton, immature male, caught, autumn.

(F. Bond, Zoologist 1869: 1984; F. Bond, Zoologist 1869: 2022; F. Bond, Zoologist 1870: 2222).

[F. Bond, Zoologist 1869: 2022].

History Frederick Bond of South Hampstead, London (1869) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. IV. p. 1984, dated 15th December, 1869, says: 'I saw also two other birds, one I believe to be a young Snow Finch, and the other a young male of the Rustic Bunting. I saw both of these birds very shortly after their capture, and am quite sure of them being truly wild birds. I hope to send you shortly more particulars of these two birds.'

Frederick Bond (1869) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. IV. p. 2022, repeated, p. 2222, adds: 'The bunting which I supposed to be a young male Emberiza rustica turns out to be a young male of the Lapland Bunting: the small size of the specimen deceived me, and I quite thought it was one of the small buntings that are so difficult to determine in their winter plumage. I am very much indebted to Mr. Gould for the trouble he has taken in going over his fine series of buntings with me to identify this specimen.'

Comment Misidentified. Not acceptable.

0). 1902 Sussex Westfield, immature male, shot, 22nd September.

(R. Bowdler Sharpe, Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club 13: 15; N. F. Ticehurst, Zoologist 1903: 419; H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst, British Birds 1: 248; Walpole-Bond, 1938).

[E. M. Nicholson & I. J. Ferguson-Lees, British Birds 55: 299-384 HR].

History R. Bowdler Sharpe, Editor (1902) in the Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club, Vol. XIII. p. 15, at the 90th Meeting of the Club held on 22nd October 1902 at the Restaurant Frascati, London, says: 'Mr. [N. F.] Ticehurst also exhibited a young male of the Rustic Bunting (Emberiza rustica) which had been shot by a boy named Charles Miller at North Croft Farm, Westfield, Sussex, on September 22nd, 1902.

It was brought in to Mr. Bristow at St Leonards with other small birds, where it was seen in the flesh and identified by Mr. Ticehurst. This was the second record of this bird for Sussex, and the fourth for the British Isles.'

N. F. Ticehurst (1903) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. VII. p. 419, says: 'September 22nd. A young male Rustic Bunting (Emberiza rustica) shot at Westfield. It was seen by my brother in the flesh, and exhibited by me at the British Ornithologists' Club, Oct. 22nd, 1902 (vide Bull. B.O.C., XCI.). This is the second time this bird has occurred in Sussex, and the fourth time in this country.'

Admitted by H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst (1908) in British Birds, Vol. I. p. 248, under 'On the More Important Additions to our Knowledge of British Birds since 1899'.

Accepted locally (Walpole-Bond 1938 (1): 163).

Comment Hastings rarity. Not acceptable.

0). 1903 Sussex Westfield, obtained, 27th September.

(Walpole-Bond, 1938).

[E. M. Nicholson & I. J. Ferguson-Lees, British Birds 55: 299-384 HR].

History Walpole-Bond (1938 (1): 163-164) says: 'An unrecorded record of which I have written word from the person involved is as follows: - An example was killed at Westfield, 27th September 1903 (J. B. Nichols).'

Comment Hastings rarity. Not acceptable.

0). 1903 Sussex Near St Leonards-on-Sea, obtained, November.

(Walpole-Bond, 1938).

[E. M. Nicholson & I. J. Ferguson-Lees, British Birds 55: 299-384 HR].

History Walpole-Bond (1938 (1): 163-164) says: 'An unrecorded record of which I have written word from the person involved is as follows: - An example was killed in November, 1903, near St Leonards-on-Sea, and examined in the flesh by Michael Nicoll.'

Comment Hastings rarity. Not acceptable.

0). 1903 Northumberland Seaton Sluice, female, caught alive, December.

(T. Thompson, Newcastle Daily Journal 8th July 1905; Eds., Zoologist 1905: 279; Bolam, 1912; BOU, 1915; Galloway & Meek, 1978-83).

[H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst, British Birds 1: 249; J. M. Charlton, Zoologist 1911: 309].

History In an Editorial (1905) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. IX. pp. 279-280, it says: 'In the Newcastle Daily Journal for July 8th there appeared a communication respecting the occurrence of the Rustic Bunting in the North of England.

Mr. Thomas Thompson of Winlaton, writes as follows: - "It is over six months ago since I mentioned to you that I hoped to have something to say respecting a "Rustic Bunting" (Emberiza rustica). Mr. I. R. Slack, a neighbour of mine, had it exhibited at the Crystal Palace cage-bird show in January last, where "Mr. Walter Swaysland was one of the judges, and he pronounced it most emphatically to be not a Rustic Bunting".

The words I have just quoted are taken from the Feathered World, a newspaper published in London. This bird has been in Mr. Slack's possession since 1903, and was caught near Seaton Sluice, Northumberland. I compared the specimen with a skin I obtained from London a few weeks ago, and it agreed with the latter closely. I may also state that Canon H. B. Tristram, of Durham, saw Mr. Slack's bird, and said no doubt it is a hen Rustic Bunting.

Very few specimens of this species have been seen in England, and its name does not appear in Mr. Hancock's Catalogue of the Birds of Northumberland and Durham.'

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', placed this record in square brackets.

J. M. Charlton (1911) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. XV. p. 309, placing the record in square brackets, says: 'Mr. Duncan informs me that he saw one alive which had been caught near Seaton Sluice. He drew the attention of the late Canon Tristram to it, who, after examining it, confirmed his statement that it belonged to this species. Mr. Duncan compared it with a skin from Japan, where it is a numerous migrant, and it was proved to be an adult male. This was in the autumn of the year 1904, and the bird was afterwards exhibited at the Crystal Palace Cage Bird Show in January, 1905.

As some doubt has been evinced that the bird was caught at Seaton Sluice, I have included it in square brackets. It was in the possession of a Mr. Slack, living at Winlaton, when Mr. Duncan examined it in December, 1904, and was a healthy bird in perfect plumage. Mr. Duncan examined it again in May, 1905, when he compared it with the skin from Japan, and with which it corresponded exactly. I am not aware of what has become of the bird.'

Bolam (1912: 172) says: 'An eastern species, which has for some years been extending its range westward in Europe, and which has occurred on several occasions in the eastern counties of England. One of these belongs to Northumberland, and was noticed by the late Mr. Thomas Thompson in the Zoologist for July, 1905, 4th series, Vol. IX. p. 279.

From this communication it appears that the specimen, a female, was captured at Seaton Sluice, on the coast about five or six miles north of the Tyne, in 1903, and lived for a year or two in the possession of Mr. I. R. Slack, a neighbour of Mr Thompson's at Winlaton, and was exhibited by him at the Crystal Palace Show, in January, 1905. Mr. Thompson's identification was verified by the late Canon Tristram, and I have also been obligingly informed by Mr. Robert Duncan, of Newcastle, that he saw the bird, alive and in beautiful plumage, in December, 1904, and again in the following May.'

Comment Witherby placed the record in square brackets. Swaysland has been discredited (A. H. J. Harrop, British Birds 112: 89-98). It is quite possible that Slack bought it out of Swaysland's aviary while down south and then claimed it for Northumberland. Generally, it has not been accepted nationally.

0). 1905 North-east Scotland Torphins, Aberdeenshire, male and female, obtained, late March.

(E. T. Clarke, Annals of Scottish Natural History 1907: 114-115; H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst, British Birds 1: 248; Witherby, 1920-24; Baxter & Rintoul, 1953; Phillips, 1997).

[A. G. Knox, British Birds 94: 66].

History E. T. Clarke of Cheltenham (1907) in the Annals of Scottish Natural History, Vol. XVI. pp. 114-115, says: 'On 9th April 1905, I received from Learney, Torphins, a pair of Rustic Buntings (Emberiza rustica). - The birds were all spoiled, having been dead, I should think, a fortnight. They were dried up, but by careful handling and softening in spirits I managed to skin and stuff them, not quite what I should have liked them to have been, but very fair birds under the circumstances.'

[This bird was recorded for the first time for Scotland in The Annals, for 1906 (p. 138). The above occurrence, however, takes precedence as regards date of capture. - Eds.]

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.' Still admitted (Witherby 1920 (1): 130).

Comment E. T. Clarke handled the rejected c. 1860 Swallow-tailed Kite and 1913 Hawk Owls from Essex. He was the nephew of Mr. J. T. White, taxidermist, also of Cheltenham, who was involved in the 1869 rejected Bufflehead and also a rejected 1860s Alpine Accentor both recorded as supposedly from Gloucestershire. Fraud is suspected in all cases. The earliest date since this record is 30th April 1965 on Fair Isle and on that basis and the knowledge of the record, which is scanty - no names of the catcher, two together which were soiled specimens (possibly imported), recorded two years later without explanation - I find it is unacceptable as the first Scottish record. However, there is an English record for 9th April 1962 in Kent. See also A. G. Knox (British Birds 94: 66) about Clarke.

0). 1905 Sussex Ninfield, obtained, 29th September.

(Walpole-Bond, 1938).

[E. M. Nicholson & I. J. Ferguson-Lees, British Birds 55: 299-384 HR].

History Walpole-Bond (1938 (1): 163-164) says: 'An unrecorded record of which I have written word from the person involved is as follows: - An example was killed at Ninfield on 29th September, 1905 (J. B. Nichols).'

Comment Hastings rarity. Not acceptable.

0). 1906 Lincolnshire Chapel St Leonards, female, seen, 22nd September.

(J. Whitaker, Zoologist 1906: 392; J. H. Gurney, jun., Zoologist 1907: 135; Lorand & Atkin, 1989).

[H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst, British Birds 1: 249; F. L. Blathwayt, Zoologist 1912: 61].

History J. Whitaker of Rainworth Lodge, Mansfield (1906) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. X. p. 392, says: 'After a lot of wind on the [Sept.] 21st the scrub on the back of the sea-bank was full of migrants. On the 22nd I was sitting on the top of the bank, and heard a new bird note. I saw a smallish dark bird sitting on a dead twig about six yards away, and got my glasses on it at once; it was a female Rustic Bunting. I could see every feather, and had it under observation for quite half a minute, when it flew southward over the sand-hills. I also saw a female Pied Flycatcher, and hundreds of commoner migrants, evidently a big lot working south.'

J. H. Gurney, jun., of Keswick Hall, Norwich (1907) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. XI. p. 135, says: 'September 22nd. Rustic Bunting seen in Lincolnshire by Mr. Whitaker (Zool., 1906, p. 392).'

F. L. Blathwayt (1912) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. XVI. p. 61, under 'Additions to the Birds of Lincs', also placed this record in square brackets.

0). 1910 Sussex Little Common, Bexhill, adult male, killed, 30th March, now at Birmingham Museums and Art Gallery (Acc. No. 1962Z10.235).

(E. N. Bloomfield, Hastings & East Sussex Naturalist 1: 304, 305; Walpole-Bond, 1938; Watson, 2010).

[E. M. Nicholson & I. J. Ferguson-Lees, British Birds 55: 299-384 HR].

History E. N. Bloomfield (1911) in the Hastings & East Sussex Naturalist, Vol. I. pp. 304, 305, says: 'Dr. N. F. Ticehurst has sent me a long and very interesting list of rare birds which have occurred in our own and neighbouring districts, to which I have added a few others lately presented to the Museum by Mr. W. H. Mullens. In Sussex - Emberiza rustica, Pall., Rustic Bunting, adult male, Little Common, Bexhill, first week in April, 1910.'

Walpole-Bond (1938 (1): 163-164) says: 'An unrecorded record of which I have written word from the person involved is as follows: - An example was killed at Little Common, near Bexhill, on the 30th March 1910 (G. Bristow).'

Watson (2010) in detailing the J. L. Auden collection in the Birmingham Museum lists a specimen that was obtained at Little Common, Bexhill, Sussex, on 30th March 1910, adding that it was bought from the sale of J. B. Nichol's collection who had purchased it from G. Bristow during May 1910.

Comment Hastings rarity. Not acceptable.

0). 1914 Sussex Westfield, male, shot, 4th December.

(J. B. Nichols, British Birds 9: 92; W. R. Butterfield, Hastings and East Sussex Naturalist 2: 196).

[E. M. Nicholson & I. J. Ferguson-Lees, British Birds 55: 299-384 HR].

History J. B. Nichols (1915) in British Birds, Vol. IX. p. 92, says: 'A male Rustic Bunting (Emberiza rustica) was shot at Westfield, Sussex, on December 4th, 1914. There are two previous records for the county, one near Brighton, October 23rd, 1867, and one, also at Westfield, on September 22nd, 1902.'

W. Ruskin Butterfield (1916) in the Hastings & East Sussex Naturalist, Vol. II. p. 196, says: 'For the following list of birds I am indebted to the kindness of Mr. H. G. Alexander, Mr. G. Bristow, Mr. H. W. Ford-Lindsay, Mr. N. Gunther, Miss M. L. Kleinwort, Mr. W. H. Mullens, Mr. J. B. Nichols, Mr. Thomas Parkin, Dr. N. F. Ticehurst, and Mr. Godfrey V. Webster...Rustic Bunting (Emberiza rustica). A male, Westfield, December 4th, 1914 (J.B.N.). Third Sussex record.'

Walpole-Bond (1938 (1): 164) says: 'One killed at Westfield on 4th December, 1914, formerly in the Nichols collection, is now in the Dyke Road Museum, Brighton.'

Comment Hastings rarity. Not acceptable.

0). 1935 Norfolk Hickling Broad, female, seen, 28th April.

(S. H. Long, Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society 14: 96-97; S. H. Long, Wild Bird Protection in Norfolk 1935: 19-20; Eds., British Birds 30: 53).

[Not in Seago, 1977].

History S. H. Long (1935) in the Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists 'Society, Vol. XIV. pp. 96-97, and in Wild Bird Protection in Norfolk, pp. 17, 19-20, says: 'We are indebted to Mr. Jim Vincent, the head keeper for the following notes...I have two birds to report which were new to me. On April 28th, after a strong northerly wind with rain, I saw a strange bunting feeding on some freshly-sown grass seeds on the Lodge lawn and within eighteen paces of me. Its facial markings and wing bars and general colouration struck me at once, and after consulting the Handbook and Gould's plate of the bird I have little doubt but that it was a female Rustic Bunting.'

In an Editorial (1936) in British Birds, Vol. XXX. p. 53, in a Review of the Transactions of the Norfolk and Norwich Naturalists' Society, 1935, they say: 'At Hickling...a bird which Mr. Vincent identified as a female Rustic Bunting on April 28th.'

Not accepted locally (Seago 1977).

0). 1943 Devon Roundswell, 9th April.

(F. C. Butters et al., Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report 1943: 6).

[Not in Moore, 1969].

History F. C. Butters et al. (1943) in the Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report, Vol. XVI. p. 6, says: 'A bird in a damp wood, too restless to afford a good view, but its breast spotted, chiefly on sides and higher portion, and its belly and middle part of breast white, once distinctly seen. Just before, in the vicinity, a rich robin-like song heard (H. S. Joyce).'

Not accepted locally (Moore 1969).

0). 1946 Sussex The Midrips, pair, seen, 18th November.

(M. L. R. Romer, British Birds 40: 176-177).

[des Forges & Harber, 1963; Not in Shrubb, 1979; Not in James, 1996].

History M. L. R. Romer (1947) in British Birds, Vol. XL. pp. 176-177, says: 'On November 18th, 1946, I visited the Midrips, which is an area lying in Sussex about 5½ miles W.S.W. of Dungeness Lighthouse, consisting mainly of several shallow and marshy lakes surrounded by swamp, shingle and grass and separated from the Channel by two high banks of shingle.

From the top of the inner of these banks I watched, through 8 x binoculars and in very good light, a pair of buntings which were feeding among the grass and weeds less than 20 feet from me, but of whose identity I had, at the time of observation, no idea.

After most careful comparison of my notes with descriptions in The Handbook of British Birds, I came to the conclusion that the birds were undoubtedly a pair of Rustic Buntings Emberiza r. rustica.

The following description is taken from my field notes. Male: back and mantle chestnut, flecked with black; chestnut and unflecked rump; margins of tail white; whole of under-parts very pale buff except for conspicuous dark brown band across the breast and chestnut tinge on the flanks; dark chestnut crown divided from cheeks and ear-coverts of the same colour by white superciliary streak; nape and sides of neck dusky buff; tips of greater and median wing-coverts white, forming, on the closed wing, two distinct bars; bill yellowish- brown; dark legs. Female: as male, but all colours less rich except on rump and under-parts; pectoral band less conspicuous.

During the 20 minutes of my observation of these very rare vagrants both birds fed continually, creeping about silently and appearing to be in a rather exhausted condition.

The birds' fatigue and consequent unwillingness to fly gave me ample opportunity for noting and memorizing every detail of their plumage and I am absolutely certain of all the information which I have given.'

Not accepted locally (des Forges & Harber 1963; Shrubb 1979; James 1996).

Comment Locality is in Sussex (Sussex Bird Report 1953: 5).

0). 1947 Sussex Pett Level, pair, 5th and 22nd February.

(R. Cooke, British Birds 40: 248; N. F. Ticehurst, Hastings and East Sussex Naturalist 7: 96).

[des Forges & Harber, 1963; Not in Shrubb, 1979; Not in James, 1996].

History R. Cooke (1947) in British Birds, Vol. XL. p. 248, says: 'In the afternoon of February 5th, 1947, I was watching through binoculars a few Greenfinches Chloris ch. chloris, and Siskins Carduelis spinus feeding among the marram grass on a piece of rough ground near the shore on Pett Level, when two small birds came into my field of view that I was able to recognize as Rustic Buntings Emberiza rustica.

I had them under observation for half an hour at close range. They had, I think, been in the locality for some time, for I had had several reports previously of two birds that I had concluded must have been Rustic Buntings, and my son had reported having seen them on the previous evening on another piece of rough ground. They were I concluded a pair: the male, about the same size or a trifle smaller than a Reed Bunting E. s. schoeniclus, had the forehead and crown dark brown with a small white spot on the nape, back of neck, back and tail-coverts chestnut; a very distinct white eye-stripe, sides of head brown, throat and belly white with a very conspicuous rusty brown bar across the chest and dark brown spots on the flanks, outer tail-feathers white; bill dark brown, legs reddish brown. The supposed female was the same but duller and the white spot on the nape absent or not noticed.'

N. F. Ticehurst (1948) in the Hastings and East Sussex Naturalist, Vol. VII. p. 96, says: 'A pair seen, Pett Level, Feb. 5th (R.C. t.c. p. 248); seen again on 22nd (R.C.).'

Not accepted locally (des Forges & Harber 1963; Shrubb 1979; James 1996).

0). 1950 Shetland Kergord, Mainland, 1st November.

(Venables & Venables, 1955).

[Pennington et al., 2004].

History Venables & Venables (1955) say: 'One 1st November 1950.'

Pennington et al. (2004) say: 'Venables & Venables included a Reed Bunting-like call in the Rustic Bunting's vocabulary, contrary to current knowledge all bar one of the autumn records involved adult males although birds are now known to be very difficult to sex in autumn. A November record would be the latest record for Shetland.'

0). 1950 Shetland Near Loch of Spiggie, Mainland, adult male, 5th to 6th November.

(Venables & Venables, 1955).

[Pennington et al., 2004].

History Venables & Venables (1955) say: 'An adult male 5th to 6th November 1950.'

0). 1951 Shetland Near Loch of Spiggie, Mainland, adult male, 15th September.

(K. Williamson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin 1 (5): 4; Venables & Venables, 1955).

[Pennington et al., 2004].

History K. Williamson (1951) in the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin, Vol. I (V). p. 4, says: 'Dunrossness, singly Sept. 15th, Oct. 31st and Nov. 13th.'

Venables & Venables (1955) say: 'An adult male on 15th September 1951.'

Pennington et al. (2004) say: 'Venables & Venables included a Reed Bunting-like call in the Rustic Bunting's vocabulary, contrary to current knowledge all bar one of the autumn records involved adult males although birds are now known to be very difficult to sex in autumn.'

0). 1951 Shetland Near Loch of Spiggie, Mainland, 31st October.

(K. Williamson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin 1 (5): 4; Venables & Venables, 1955).

[Pennington et al., 2004].

History K. Williamson (1951) in the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin, Vol. I (V). p. 4, says: 'Dunrossness, singly Sept. 15th, Oct. 31st and Nov. 13th.'

Venables & Venables (1955) say: 'One 31st October 1951.'

0). 1951 Shetland Near Loch of Spiggie, Mainland, adult male, 13th November.

(K. Williamson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin 1 (5): 4; Venables & Venables, 1955).

[Pennington et al., 2004].

History K. Williamson (1951) in the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin, Vol. I (V). p. 4, says: 'Dunrossness, singly Sept. 15th, Oct. 31st and Nov. 13th.'

Venables & Venables (1955) say: 'An adult male on 13th November 1951.'

AC pass

Keith Naylor

Rustic Bunting

Emberiza rustica Pallas, 1776 (19, 2)

Little Bunting (2/2)

Yellow-breasted Bunting