Red-headed Bunting

Emberiza bruniceps Brandt, JF, 1841 (0, 24) Cat. D, E

Photo © Stuart Piner

STATUS

Central Asia. Monotypic.

Passage vagrant.

OVERVIEW

The Red-headed Bunting was a popular cage bird and has been tainted with the escape caveat ever since, so that all British records are either in categories D or E.

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1950-57 RECORDS

1). 1950 Shetland Lerwick, Mainland, male, caught, 6th June, now at Shetland Museum.

(K. Williamson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin 1 (3): 1; K. Williamson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Report 1951: 9-10; Eds., Scottish Naturalist 63: 128-129; Baxter & Rintoul, 1953).

History K. Williamson (1950) in the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin, Vol. I (III). p. 1, says: 'A male in fine plumage, except for a much-battered tail, was caught in a baited bird-cage in a Lerwick garden on June 6th. G. Theo Kay and K.W., who have examined the bird, consider the condition of the tail-feathers and the bird's remarkable tameness point to its being an "escape" probably from a passing vessel.'

K. Williamson (1950) in the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Report, pp. 9-10, says: 'Previously, G. Theo Kay had shown me a live male of this species which had been caught in a baited bird-cage in a Lerwick (Shetland) garden on 6th June. This specimen had a much-battered tail, which, taken with the curious circumstances attending its capture (for it entered the cage several times before being finally caught), made us suspect that it was an "escape," perhaps from a passing vessel. However, there can be no certainty of this, and it later transpired that the tail had been damaged when the bird was caught. The status of this example, which subsequently died, - and the skin of which is now in the collection of Sam Bruce of Lerwick, - must be regarded as uncertain, but the appearance of an apparently wild and rather shy bird of the same species at Fair Isle suggests that the Lerwick example may have reached Shetland unaided....'

2). 1950 Fair Isle No locality, adult male, 19th to 22nd September.

(K. Williamson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin 1 (7): 7-8; K. Williamson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Report 1950: 9-10; K. Williamson, British Birds 44: 118-119; Eds., Scottish Naturalist 63: 128; Baxter & Rintoul, 1953).

History K. Williamson (1951) in British Birds, Vol. XLIV. pp. 118-119, says: 'A male was present on the island from September 19th-22nd and was studied by Ian Munro, Dougal Andrew, M. J. Wotton, Ian Mackay, W. Bird and Ian Walker. Notes were made in the field by the four first-named, and the following description was put into shape by Munro, with the assistance of the other observers. The bird was seen for a few minutes by K. W. on September 21st.

Being a male in good plumage, the bird was not at all difficult to identify. The immediate impression upon sighting it was of a large, strikingly-coloured bunting with bright yellow under-parts and reddish head and bib. On a close approach the massive steely-blue bill was a prominent feature. The bird was certainly larger than a Yellow-hammer (E. citrinella) - but was not quite so plump as a Corn Bunting (E. calandra). The following plumage description was made from notes taken in the field, observing at various ranges through x 8 binoculars, and also at about ten yards range through a x 25 telescope.

Forehead and crown dark chestnut, finely streaked with dark brown; the colour varied as the bird altered its position, the brighter feather-bases being sometimes visible. Nape, upper sides of neck and ear-coverts greenish-brown shading into the crown, flecked yellow on sides of neck and ear-coverts, and with fine dark striations on nape and sides of neck. Mantle feathers dark-brown with fawn margins and tips, though greenish flecking was visible on one occasion when the feathers were wind-ruffled, showing their bases. Lower mantle greenish-yellow shading into a canary-yellow rump (which, however, looked more greenish-yellow when the bird was in flight). Tail feathers dark brown with fawn margins and tips: the tail was moderately forked and showed no signs of abrasion, and was dull white beneath when viewed at close range.

Throat, upper breast and lores dark chestnut, a little brighter than the crown, and brighter still when the feathers were wind-ruffled. The feathers of throat and breast had pale brown tips, and the bib was not so extensive as shown in The Handbook plate. Lores and ear-coverts were separated from the breast by a malar band of drab chestnut flecked with yellow. Lower sides of breast, belly, flanks and under tail-coverts a uniform canary-yellow merging with the greenish-brown of ear-coverts and sides of neck.

Most of the scapular feathers were greenish-brown with small dark centres, creating the effect, when the bird was at rest, of a greenish-brown "V" with its apex at the rump (a very noticeable character in the field—K.W.). The lesser coverts and bastard-wing appeared to be similar. The primaries were nigger-brown with fawn tips and margins, and the secondaries and greater coverts were similar but with broader margins. The median coverts were dark and formed a definite band across the closed wing. The under-side of the wing showed dull white.

The bill was massive and in cross-section roughly triangular, as the lower mandible was broader than the upper. It was steely-blue in colour, and the legs were brownish-pink.

During its four days' stay, the bird frequented the same small area of marshy pasture bordered by a clover field, a cabbage garden, a field of turnips and a stubble field. It resorted to the cabbages and turnips not infrequently for cover, and despite its brilliant plumage it was difficult to see once it entered the roots, its colours blending perfectly with the reds and yellows of the withered leaves. It repaired' to the oat-stooks in the stubble for feeding purposes.

The flight was strong and undulating, and the bird appeared very elongated when on the wing. The wing-feathers then, in certain lights, could appear blue-grey and the contrast of this colour with the bright yellow under-parts strongly recalled the colour-scheme of the Grey Wagtail (Motacilla cinerea). In flight at a distance and in silhouette it was easy to confuse with the Sky-Larks (Alauda arvensis) on the wing at the same time. A low call, rendered "tchup", was heard on a number of occasions, usually when the bird flew up.

When on the alert, or immediately upon alighting, the bird assumed an upright, elongated pose, later relaxing into a more nearly horizontal attitude. It was seen to perch on walls, fences, and sometimes "sideways" on corn-stooks. It generally sat motionless for long periods with the wing-points slightly drooped below the tail, exposing the bright yellow rump. The bird was rather wild, and, whilst it was possible to get within ten yards when in concealment, an approach to nearer than twenty yards in the open was difficult.'

3). 1951 North-east Scotland Glenury Distillery, Stonehaven, Kincardineshire, adult male, trapped, 29th May, now at Aberdeen University Museum.

(Eds., Scottish Naturalist 63: 128; Baxter & Rintoul, 1953; Phillips, 1997).

History In an Editorial (1951) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. LXIII. p. 128, they say: 'On 29th May 1951, Mr. David Louden sent to the Natural History Department, Aberdeen University, an adult male Red-headed Bunting Emberiza bruniceps, which he had taken the same day from a rat trap at Glenury Distillery, Stonehaven, Kincardineshire. The specimen lacked the right half of the tail, but was otherwise in perfect condition, and is now in the University collection.

The crown, face and upper breast are rust-brown, the sides of the neck, underparts and rump bright yellow; the back of the head is greenish yellow, and the mantle similar, but with dark streaks; the flight feathers and tail feathers are dark greyish-brown, with buff edges. Bill blue-grey, darker at the tip; legs pale pinkish brown. Weight 28 g.; wing 82 mm.; tail 70 mm.; tarsus 20 mm.; bill 13 mm.; testes 7.75 x 0.5 mm. The Handbook of British Birds, Vol. I. p. 123, gives the wing measurement of males as 87-90 mm. (one 93 ); this specimen has thus remarkably short wings. The primary-lengths agree with the formula given, however.

The stomach contained 4 grains of barley, perhaps picked up at the distillery.'

4). 1951 Devon Lundy, adult male, 14th to 20th July.

(P. E. Davis, British Birds 45: 297; M. Brooks-King, Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report 1951: 9).

History P. E. Davis (1952) in British Birds, Vol. XLV. p. 297, says: 'An adult male from July 14th to 20th....' P. E. Davis (1951) in the Lundy Field Society Report,  pp. 17-18, says: 'The first bird, an adult male, was seen and identified by John Ogilvie, on July 14th. From then until  the 21st it was almost always to be found on the east side of the Tillage Field, especially around a patch of charlock.

The general impression gained was of a large bunting with brilliant yellow underparts and a red bib and forehead. It appeared larger than the Yellow Bunting [Yellowhammer] with which it was often to be seen. The crown, ear coverts, chin and overcoat were a rich chestnut, the colour extending onto the upper breast . The nape and sides of the neck were yellow shading into a brownish-yellow. The feathers of the mantle were greenish-yellow centred dark, and the wing feathers were dark brown margined with a sandy colour. The rump and underparts were a clear yellow and the tail feathers were dark brown. On the flanks there was a small ill-defined patch of white. The bill appeared slate-grey and the legs pale....On July 18th, early in the morning, a brief song was heard and the observer described it as being not unlike the first five or six notes of a Blackbird's song but much softer and lasting four or five seconds. The phrase was repeated three or four times. The flight note of the male was described as a hard "tyuck"....The identity of the male bird was never in any doubt....'

5). 1951 Fair Isle Setter, adult male, 8th to 21st August, trapped, Vaadal, 12th August.

(K. Williamson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin 1 (3): 34-36; K. Williamson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin 1 (4): 12; K. Williamson, Scottish Naturalist 63: 185-186; K. Williamson, British Birds 45: 230; Baxter & Rintoul, 1953).

History K. Williamson (1951) in the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin, Vol. I (IV). pp. 34-36, says: 'On the morning of August 8th and again later in the day, Mrs. J. Anderson of Setter saw an unusual yellow bunting close to their croft. It was seen again the same evening by James Anderson and his sons, who watched it through a telescope as it sat on a wire fence near the yard. They gave me a detailed description which left no doubt that the unusual visitor was a male Red-headed Bunting Emberiza bruniceps. I was unable to find it during a search that evening, but James Anderson jnr. brought me to it the next afternoon, and my wife and I were able to spend a considerable time watching it at close quarters. Once the three of us manage to bring the bird to within 15 yds. of Vaadal Trap, 200 yds. away from where we had found it, but the bird's final flight took it over the top! Later I set corn-baited Potter Traps in its favourite feeding-area, but with no success.

This is the second time an adult male of this eastern species has occurred at Fair Isle, the previous occurrence of September 19-22nd, 1950 being fully documented in British Birds, 44: 118-9. The present example was not in such splendid plumage as the last, many of the feathers appearing very worn and faded. The wings were grey-brown, the primaries uniform, but the secondaries, tertials and major coverts variegated with white fringes, and the median coverts tipped white. The tail was a darker brown. The upper mantle and scapulares were greenish-brown streaked with darker brown The nape was yellow, and the lower mantle and rump were of the same colour - a striking feature when the bird flew, and visible as a narrow band between the closed wings when it was at rest. The lores, throat and ear-coverts were chocolate, the crown and forehead being paler, golden-brown (due I think to the feathers having yellow bases). The chocolate extended downwards to cover the sides of neck and breast, but the "bib" had an irregular cutline and was very patchy on the left side, though well-defined on the right. The belly and under tail-coverts were bright yellow, the flanks paler, more greenish-yellow. The tarsi were flesh-colour and the bill was steel-grey, darker on the culmen. It was unusually massive for a bunting, the lower mandible appearing disproportionately long and wide.

The bird spent the afternoon and evening in an area of pasture at Setter, feeding almost continuously  on the seeds of various grasses....The only call-note heard when the bird was disturbed was a quiet - sometimes barely audible - "pwip". On August 4th one of our visitors, Mrs. Sackville Hamilton, reported having seen a yellow bunting with a greenish mantle a short distance north of Vaadal. On the following days George Stout of Field and James A. Stout had glimpses of a strange bunting, and it is probable that these incidents refer to the same bird.'

Postscript: 'James and Willie Anderson caught the Red-headed Bunting in the Vaadal Trap at 1800 hrs. on August 12th. The bird was ringed R.2228, and weighed 24.78 g. The primaries, of which the 3rd-5th were emarginate, were much too abraded for accurate measurement. Bill 13.5 mm., tarsus 20 mm., iris dark brown. The bird was returned to Setter following examination and was released there.'

K. Williamson (1951) in the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin, Vol. I (IV). p. 12, adds: 'The adult male described in Bull. No. 3, para 30, was last seen on August 21st, after spending 18 days on the island....This bird is not the 5th for the British Isles, as stated in Bull. No. 3, but the sixth, as I understand an adult male was watched on Lundy in early July.'

6). 1951 Devon Lundy, female or first-winter, 30th September to 3rd October.

(P. Davis, British Birds 45: 297; M. Brooks-King, Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report 1951: 9).

History P. E. Davis (1951) in the Lundy Field Society Report, pp. 17-18, says: 'The second bird, a female or possibly first-winter bird, was present from September 30th to October 3rd. It frequented a small area at the edge of the Tillage Field. Although rather tame at first it soon became very wary and attempts to trap it were not successful. In general appearance  it was remarkably colourless; a pale fawnish-grey bird about the size of a Yellow Bunting [Yellowhammer], the only other species with which it was seen to consort with. The entire underparts were pale brownish-grey, rather browner on the crown, rather yellowish on the rump, whilst an observer who contrived to approach to within ten feet on one occasion, described a distinctly greenish tinge on the back. The tail was of a warmer brown with pale yellowish-buff outer webs to the outermost feathers. The wing feathers, except for the median coverts, were brown edged buff; the median coverts were very dark brown with very pale edges, showing as a fairly distinct bar. The chin was whitish, throat and breast very pale grey, belly and under-tail coverts very pale lemon-yellow, deeper in the area of the vent. The eye was very dark  with a rather pale orbital ring; the bill very pale pinkish-grey; legs flesh-coloured.

The second bird was heard to call on only one occasion when it produced a soft double note....The identity of the male bird was never in any doubt but the female was, of course, much more difficult. The bird's size; the colour; size and angle of the bill; the colour of the back and rump, would seem to indicate that it was not a Black-headed Bunting (E. melanocephala), a bird which it closely resembles. Nevertheless, the identification was not considered to be beyond all doubt until after Miss Vera Benson had compared notes and her excellent painting with series of skins of both species.'

P. E. Davis (1952) in British Birds, Vol. XLV. p. 297, says: '...a female or first-winter bird from September 30th to October 3rd.'

7). 1952 Shetland Sumburgh, Mainland, male, 28th April.

(K. Williamson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin 1 (7): 24; Venables & Venables, 1955).

History K. Williamson (1952) in the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin, Vol. I (VII). p. 24, says: 'The most outstanding rarities were a male Red-headed Bunting Emberiza bruniceps at the Sumburgh landing-field on April 28th.'

8). 1952 Devon Lundy, adult male, 15th to 21st August.

(P. E. Davis, British Birds 46: 437; P. E. Davis, Lundy Field Society Report 1952: 16, 19; M. Brooks-King, Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report 1952: 55; Davis & Jones, 2007).

History P. E. Davis (1952) in the Lundy Field Society Report, p. 16, says: 'An adult male August 15th to 21st.' Further, p. 19, he adds: 'Both the August and the October bird were adult males, and the description given in last year's report need not be repeated, except to add that the legs were pale brownish-flesh, and that the October bird had brownish tips on the rich red-brown feathers of the head and bib, which made it less brilliant. Both birds frequented the Tillage Field. The first appeared to feed exclusively on oats, which were being cut at the time; the second fed in the stubbles, and also on the seeds of ragwort, which it took from the plant, like a Goldfinch. A note used by both birds was a soft "tlup".' Both fed with Linnets, but did not fly with them when disturbed.'

9). 1952 Isles of Scilly St Agnes, two, 2nd to 6th September.

(B. H. Ryves, H. M. Quick & A. G. Parsons, Cornwall Bird-Watching & Preservation Society Report 1952: 43-44; Eds., British Birds 47: 94).

History B. H. Ryves, H. M. Quick & A. G. Parsons (1952) in the Cornwall Bird-Watching & Preservation Society Report, Vol. XXII. pp. 43-44, say: 'September 2nd. Two birds seen at St. Agnes, and thought to be something unusual, but not identified. M.W.

September 4th. Shown to H.M.Q. who identified them as of this species, and saw them up to September 6th. They appeared to be male and female. The favoured haunt was a narrow lane enclosed by dry-walling, and having patches of coarse grass as well as bracken and bramble along it. Both birds occasionally resorted to the open ground and small fields on either side of the lane.

The male was really exotic when in the open, but it "disappeared" with surprising readiness when in the short grass or when resting in shady spots. Its crown was streaked blackish on a dull greenish-yellow ground. The rest of the head, chin and throat were a clean reddish-chestnut. The breast and belly were vivid canary yellow. The nape was greenish-yellow, the wings and tail brown, the wings being rather darker. Its legs were dark, but opinions differed as to the exact colour of the bill, which was variously described as "slate," "stone or flesh" and "bright grey."

[It was probably grey, which colour may show a pinkish tint in some lighting conditions. - Eds.]

When the bird flew there was a flash from the brilliant daffodil-yellow rump, which appeared to be rather darker yellow than the underparts. The female appeared dowdy by contrast with the male. The upper parts were a drab mouse-brown: likened by B.K. to a Spotted Flycatcher; the underparts were rather lighter, brownish tinged with yellow, according to B.K. and A.G.P., but N.D-J. thought they were pinkish. Bill and legs lead-grey. The rump was greenish-yellow and was the only "patch of colour" the bird had; even so it was less vivid than that of the male. Both birds had a rather soft Bunting-type flight call of no carrying power "tir-rup." The flight was strong and undulating. B.K. noted that the seeds of an Umbelliferous plant were freely eaten. N.D-J.-B.K. W.P.K. A.G.P. H.M.Q.'

11). 1952 Devon Lundy, 2nd to 3rd October.

(P. E. Davis, British Birds 46: 437; P. E. Davis, Lundy Field Society Report 1952: 16, 19; M. Brooks-King, Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report 1952: 55).

History P. E. Davis (1952) in the Lundy Field Society Report, p. 16, says: '...another October 2nd and 3rd.' Further, p. 19, he adds: 'Both the August and the October bird were adult males, and the description given in last year's report need not be repeated, except to add that the legs were pale brownish-flesh, and that the October bird had brownish tips on the rich red-brown feathers of the head and bib, which made it less brilliant. Both birds frequented the Tillage Field. The first appeared to feed exclusively on oats, which were being cut at the time; the second fed in the stubbles, and also on the seeds of ragwort, which it took from the plant, like a Goldfinch. A note used by both birds was a soft "tlup".' Both fed with Linnets, but did not fly with them when disturbed.'

12). 1953 Devon Lundy, adult male, 4th June.

(P. E. Davis, Lundy Field Society Report 1953: 15; M. Brooks-King, Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report 1953: 51; K. Williamson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin 2: 65; P. Davis, British Birds 47: 420).

History P. E. Davis (1953) in the Lundy Field Society Report, p. 15, says: 'An adult male June 4th. Fifth record for Lundy, and first in spring.'

13). 1953 Fair Isle Barkland, adult male, 22nd July; same, Kennaby and Busta, 25th to 30th July.

(K. Williamson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Report 1953: 4; K. Williamson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin 1 (12): 34-36).

History K. Williamson (1953) in the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin, Vol. I (XII). pp. 34-36, says: 'We were engaged in unloading the island's yearly supply of coal on July 22nd [Wednesday] when the crew of a lorry returning from the south end reported having had a fleeting view of one of the rarer yellow buntings. A lively discussion developed on the quay as to whether the bird, seen by Alex. and Jerome and James A. Stout, belonged to the Red-headed or Black-headed species. I joined them on their next trip and got a good view of the bird as it rose from the rye-grass at Barkland, - an adult male Red-head Emberiza bruniceps with strikingly yellow rump, bright coppery head and the characteristic bounding flight and "pwik" call-note. The bird disappeared after this encounter and was not seen again until the week-end, when James Wilson reported its presence at Kennaby, half a mile away. It was later found by the Busta family on their croft, and here Arthur B. Duncan and I had a perfect view of it as it sat on a wire fence for a few minutes on July 30th, - the last time this elusive bird was seen.'

Rumour has it that the journal British Birds is shortly to publish details of how a large number of Red-headed Buntings, mostly males, have been imported over the last two years and released in the London area. This revelation, of course, will take a good deal of the gilt off the ginger-headed buntings seen in the summer of 1953, and probably for some time to come....The Fair Isle bird of July 2nd [sic] appeared during a synoptic situation which was essentially similar to that prevailing at the time of our first notice of this species in late September 1950...'

14). 1953 Pembrokeshire Skokholm, male, in song, 2nd August.

(P. E. Davis, British Birds 47: 421; Field Studies Council, Skokholm Bird Observatory Report 1953: 14; Betts, 1992).

History P. E. Davis (1954) in British Birds, Vol. XLVII. p. 421, says: 'Skokholm's first Red-headed Bunting was present on August 2nd. The meteorological position was almost as unsatisfactory as at the time of the Lundy record, a depression being centred over southern Scandinavia, with winds westerly across southern Britain and France on the 1st, though clear weather with calm conditions or light easterlies covered the Channel and the south-west for a few hours early on the 2nd.'

15). 1954 Pembrokeshire Skokholm, female, 14th August.

(P. E. Davis & J. Weaving, British Birds 48: 532; Field Studies Council, Skokholm Bird Observatory Report 1954: 13; Betts, 1992).

History P. E. Davis & J. Weaving (1955) in British Birds, Vol. XLVIII. p. 532, say: 'Skokholm: Two Reeves, 12th August (southerly winds ahead of a warm  front); [one Red-headed Bunting, 14th August (clear, calm at Skokholm, but surrounding winds south-westerly!)]'

16). 1955 Caernarfonshire Bardsey, male, 24th to 29th August.

(R. Thearle, Bardsey Observatory Report 1955: 21-22).

History R. Thearle (1955) in the Bardsey Observatory Report, pp. 21-22, says: 'A single bird was seen by E. Byrne, M. E. Jones, G. Thomason, W. E. Jones and R.T. on 24th August, perched in an elder near the Lane trap. When disturbed it flew up on to the mountainside behind the observatory, and it remained in this area for the rest of its stay on the island. It was last seen on the 29th. Bird was judged to be a male from the following characteristics: Head, chestnut-brown, and this merged into a pinkish upper breast, presumably the remains of the bib. Rest of underparts were very pale yellowish colour. Back and rump bright green; wings brown and light brown edgings to feathers; tail dark brown. Gave the impression of being much larger than a House Sparrow and the tail appeared very long, especially in flight. Generally perched on the very tops of bushes. It was heard to call once, a Yellowhammer-like "tzit-tzit". No white outer-tail feathers.'

17). 1955 Dorset Portland, male, 11th October.

(K. B. Rooke, Proceedings of the Dorset Natural History and Antiquarian Society 77: 77; J. S. Ash, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin 3: 92).

History K. B. Rooke (1955) in the Proceedings of the Dorset Natural History and Antiquarian Society, Vol. LXXVII. p. 77, says: 'A male seen at Portland Bill, 07.05, Oct. 11th (J.S.A.) - full details in Observatory records (Also submitted to Editors of British Birds).'

J. S. Ash (1956) in the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin, Vol. III. p. 92, says: 'A male Red-headed Bunting at the Bill at 0705 hrs. on Oct. 11th. The meteorological situation during the previous 48 hrs. was very much in favour of its being a genuine drift-migrant from SE. Europe.'

18). 1956 Devon Lundy, first-winter male, 4th to 10th September.

(B. Whitaker, Lundy Field Society Report 1956: 17; S. G. Madge, Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report 1956: 56; K. Williamson, British Birds 52: 350).

History B. Whitaker (1956) in the Lundy Field Society Report, p. 17, says: 'A male, probably first-winter from September 4th to 10th. This bird may have been an escape having rather abraded and broken tail feathers.'

19). 1956 Yorkshire, East Spurn, male, 9th to 11th September.

(R. Chislett & E. W. Taylor, Naturalist 82: 69-70; Chislett, 1958; K. Williamson, British Birds 52: 350; Mather, 1986).

History R. Chislett & E. W. Taylor (1957) in the new series of The Naturalist, Vol. LXXXII. pp. 69-70, say: 'A male at Spurn in the field behind Warren Cottage on September 9th to 11th was identified conclusively. It was first seen by D. B. Iles and subsequently by J.C., R.C.P., D.A.R., H.O.B., A.G., and others; and a full description entered in the log. The bird was in perfect condition and carried no ring such as some aviculturalists use, and behaved like a wild bird. Nevertheless, the possibility that it might be an 'escape' cannot be overlooked, in view of the frequency with which numbers of the species are imported for sale; with which proviso we refrain from using square brackets. The species is new to the Yorkshire list.'

20). 1957 Outer Hebrides St Kilda, male, 14th to 22nd May.

(Nature Conservancy Annual Report 1957: 54; W. J. Eggeling, Scottish Birds 1: 62; E. V. Baxter, Scottish Birds 1: 119).

History W. J. Eggeling (1958) in Scottish Birds, Vol. I. p. 62, says: 'Red-headed Bunting Emberiza bruniceps. A male from 14th to 22nd May 1957.'

21). 1957 Fair Isle No locality, adult male, 17th May.

(P. E. Davis, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Report 1957: 15; P. E. Davis, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin 3: 172).

History P. E. Davis (1957) in the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin, Vol. III. p. 172, says: 'An adult male May 17th. The 2nd recorded at Fair Isle.'

P. E. Davis (1957) in the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Report, p. 15, says: 'An adult male Red-headed Bunting (Emberiza bruniceps) was watched for a short time on the morning of May 17th.'

22). 1957 Yorkshire Spurn, male, 19th May.

(R. Chislett, Naturalist 83: 70; Mather, 1986).

History R. Chislett (1958) in the new series of The Naturalist, Vol. LXXXIII. p. 70, says: 'One caught in the Spurn Warren trap on May 19th was in perfect condition (G.R.W., G.H.A.).'

23). 1957 Isles of Scilly St Agnes, male, 27th June.

(B. H. Ryves, H. M. Quick & J. E. Beckerlegge, Cornwall Bird-Watching & Preservation Society Report 1957: 33; Penhallurick, 1978).

History B. H. Ryves, H. M. Quick & J. E. Beckerlegge (1957) in the Cornwall Bird-Watching & Preservation Society Report, Vol. XXVII, p. 33, say: 'June 27th. A male on St. Agnes. H.M.Q, P.V.'

[It is uncertain whether this is a survivor from those "released" by a dealer a few years ago. - Eds.].

24). 1957 Suffolk Havergate Island, male, 30th June.

(F. K. Cobb, Suffolk Bird Report 1957: 26; Payn, 1978).

History F. K. Cobb (1957) in the Suffolk Bird Report, p. 26, says: 'A male at Havergate on June 30th, first seen during the afternoon, still there at dusk, but gone by morning (R.S.P.B.) - The question as to whether or not all birds of this species recorded in Britain are escapes is still a debatable one.'

NOT PROVEN

0). 1910 Kent Near Dover, male, caught, undated.

(Harrison, 1953)

[Harrison, 1953].

History Harrison (1953 (2): 276) recording the record in square brackets, says: 'A male caught near Dover in 1910 was examined in the flesh by Dr A. G. Butler, but its history was vague and has been deemed unacceptable.'

0). 1931 Orkney North Ronaldsay, male, shot, 19th June, now at Natural History Museum, Tring (Acc. No. 1931.16.11.1).

(G. E. Todd, British Birds 25: 66-67; G. C. Low, Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club 52: 20; Eds., Scottish Naturalist 51: 188; BOURC (1937), Ibis 79: 396-397; H. F. Witherby, British Birds 31: 7; Booth, Cuthbert & Reynolds, 1984).

[R. H. Dennis, British Birds 61: 43].

History G. Eardley Todd (1931) in British Birds, Vol. XXV. pp. 66-67, says: 'On the afternoon of June 19th, 1931, on North Ronaldshay, my wife and I saw a bird entirely new to us. It was feeding alone on some arable land and we watched it for half an hour within fifteen yards. We then flushed it and it flew out of sight. On our return to the house we were able by means of Gätke's Heligoland to identify it as a Red-headed Bunting (Emberiza icterica). As this species did not appear to have been recorded for the British Islands we realized that the observation was of no real scientific value without the bird. We therefore went out again and about 9.15 p.m. found and procured it about half a mile away from the spot where we first saw it. I sent the bird in the flesh to the British Museum, Cromwell Road, where it was made into a very good skin, and to this institution I have presented it so that it may there rest as a permanent record. The bird is an adult male in brilliant plumage, and apart from the amazing intensity of its yellow under-parts the bright chestnut head especially attracted our attention, because when the bird turned its head the "face" appeared to be vivid crimson. This was no doubt due to some play of light on the somewhat separated feathers round the bill.

For several days before we saw this Bunting the wind had been from the north-west and west-north-west and violent at times, but the bird had no appearance at all of being exhausted and may have been on the island for some time. North Ronaldshay, which is the property of Mrs. W. H. Traill of Woodwick, is the most northern of the Orkney Islands, and is 3½ miles long by ½ to 2 miles broad; it is rather flat, the west coast only having a few low rocky cliffs. The island has a population of about 200 and is highly cultivated and has many fowls, sheep and cattle. Owing to the winds there are no trees or bushes except for a few up to the height of the protecting wall in Mrs. Traill's garden. The island has not been much watched for birds since the days of my wife's uncle, Allan Briggs, who wrote several papers on the subject (see Ann. Scot. Nat. Hist., 1893, 1894 and 1897).'

[Colonel Eardley Todd is to be congratulated upon having discovered this interesting bird. The fact that its normal range is nowhere west of Persia shows that in some way the bird became lost and a wanderer, but that it has been detected five times previously in Europe gives this British record additional interest. The species being an addition to the British List, we give below some details with regard to it in the form of our Practical Handbook. - Eds.]

G. Carmichael Low, Editor (1931) in the Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club, Vol. LII. p. 20, at the 348th Meeting of the Club held on 14th October 1931 at Pagani's Restaurant, London, says: 'Dr. Percy R. Lowe exhibited a male example of the Red-headed Bunting (Emberiza icterica Eversmann). He said that this particular specimen had been shot in North Ronaldshay, Orkney Islands, by Lt. Col. Eardley Todd, on June 19, 1931. This constituted the first record of this species known to ornithologists that had ever been taken in the British Isles. Colonel Eardley Todd had kindly presented the bird to the British Museum of Natural History in order that it might be preserved for perpetuity. An account of its capture and systematic status appeared in British Birds in August (British Birds, XXV. 1931, pp. 66-69).'

In an Editorial (1931) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. LI. p. 188, they say: 'This interesting addition to the list of British birds is recorded and described in British Birds for August 1931, pp. 66-69, by Lt.-Col. G. Eardley Todd and the Editors....The example recorded on the present occasion was an adult male in brilliant plumage. It was secured on 19th June and presented to the British Museum.'

Admitted nationally in the Eleventh List Report as the first for Britain (BOURC (1937) Ibis 79: 396-397).

Admitted by H. F. Witherby (1937) in British Birds, Vol. XXXI. p. 7, as an addition to the British List.

Comment Examined at the British Museum and found to have signs of captivity.

0). 1953 Kent Tonbridge, adult male, exhausted, 13th March.

(Harrison, 1953).

[Harrison, 1953].

History Harrison (1953) Vol. II. p. 276, recording the record in square brackets, says: 'At Tonbridge School on the morning of 13th March 1953 an adult male was found in an exhausted condition. It died two hours later. It was identified by D. C. Long and D. F. Musson of the school Natural History Society, and was brought to me in the flesh the next morning by Mr A. L. Thomas, Biology Master. The bird is in partial spring moult but with little abrasion of the light ash coloured tips of the throat feathers. There is no evidence of abnormal wear of any part of the plumage, nor indication of being in a captive state. However it is know that there were some in a wild state in the London area in 1952. In addition two males were liberated at Ashford, Kent, and Miss Rita Clayton (in litt., 3.v.1953) stated that one of her males had escaped from her aviaries at Chingford, Essex, early in February 1953.'