Little Bunting (2/2)

Emberiza pusilla Pallas, 1776 (119, 36)

Photo © By MPF - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=25733134

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.

1950-57 RECORDS

120). 1950 Fair Isle No locality, male, 18th to 19th May.

(K. Williamson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Report 1950: 10; K. Williamson, British Birds 44: 224).

History K. Williamson (1950) in the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Report, p. 10, and in British Birds, Vol. XLIV. p. 224, says: 'A male was observed on 18-19th May. There are previous spring records for 1907-09 and 1936.'

121). 1950 Nottinghamshire Nottingham Sewage-farm, 23rd October.

(A. Dobbs, Birds of Nottinghamshire Report 1950-54: 39).

History A. Dobbs (1954) in the Birds of Nottinghamshire Report, p. 39, says: '1950. One bird October 23rd, With Reed and Ortolan Buntings. N.S.F. A dull, little bird, small and very slim in comparison with the other buntings, esp. the Ortolans. Noticeably small and slimmer than Reed Buntings. Small sharp bill, brownish in colour, a whitish eye-stripe continued behind, right round cheek which was rufous brown, edged on the ear-coverts by darker brown. A dark stripe separated the eye-stripe from the rufous brown crown. Throat was white with a small, dark moustachial mark. Underparts a dull white, heavily streaked on breast and flanks with brown. Upperparts dull reddish-brown streaked with dark brown. White edges to tail feathers showed in flight (R.J.R.).'

122). 1951 Fair Isle Haa, male, 18th May.

(K. Williamson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin 1 (2): 3; K. Williamson, British Birds 45: 230).

History K. Williamson (1951) in the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin, Vol. I (II). p. 3, says: 'A male was observed near the Haa on May 18th.'

123). 1951 Lincolnshire Saltfleet, immature male, obtained, 5th October, now at Bolton Museum.

(S. A. Cox, Transactions of the Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union 13: 52; Smith & Cornwallis, 1955; Lorand & Atkin, 1989).

History S. A. Cox (1953) in the Transactions of the Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union, Vol. XIII. p. 52, says: 'One, amongst sea-buckthorn, during a rush of Robins Erithacus rubecula, Saltfleet, October 5th. It was so tired that it was easily secured, and proved to be an immature male. It appears to be a new county record. The skin is in the Chadwick Museum, Bolton (E.G.).'

Accepted locally (Smith & Cornwallis 1955; Lorand & Atkin 1989).

124). 1951 Devon Lundy, two, adult males, one trapped, 16th October, trapped individual to 19th October.

(P. Davis, British Birds 45: 297; M. Brooks-King, Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report 1951: 10; Moore, 1969).

History P. E. Davis (1952) in British Birds, Vol. XLV. p. 297, says: 'Two adult males, one caught in a drop-net, October 16th; the ringed bird seen again on the 19th. First record for the island.'

P. E. Davis (1951) in the Lundy Field Society Report, p. 19, says: 'The two adult males of October 16th showed a marked preference for a stretch of the road just outside the Hotel, where they appeared to be feeding on the seeds of swine cress (Carara coronopus), which grows there in abundance. This preference facilitated the catching of one bird in a hastily improvised drop-net, the second escaping from under the net at the same time. The trapped bird was duller than its companion, the buff tips to the feathers obscuring the head pattern. Apart from this distinctive head-pattern the rufous outer webs of the secondaries, showing as a patch of warm brown on the closed wing, were more noticeable in the field than most works of reference suggest. The bill of the trapped bird was dark brownish horn; eye, dark brown; legs, pale pinkish-brown; wing 72 mm, tarsus 17.5 mm; weight 13.9 gms.'

126). 1952 Fair Isle No locality, 14th April.

(K. Williamson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin 1 (7): 14; K. Williamson, Scottish Naturalist 65: 60-61; K. Williamson, British Birds 46: 424).

History K. Williamson (1952) in the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin, Vol. I (VII). p. 14, says: 'One April 14th.'

127). 1952 Fair Isle No locality, 11th October.

(K. Williamson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin 1 (9): 31-32; K. Williamson, Scottish Naturalist 65: 60-61; K. Williamson, British Birds 46: 424).

History K. Williamson (1953) in the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin, Vol. I (IX). pp. 31-32, says: 'The first we have seen in autumn since 1948 gave very good views (the reward of long and patient stalking, however!) on October 11th. The head-pattern and lack of rufous in the wing and the "tic, tic" call were diagnostic. There had been one at Lista [Norway] and two at Utsira [Norway] a few days previously.'

128). 1952 Suffolk Lowestoft Denes, 16th October.

(P. R. Westall, Suffolk Bird Report 1952: 1; Eds., British Birds 47: 282; Payn, 1978; Piotrowski, 2003).

History P. R. Westall (1952) in the Suffolk Bird Report, p. 1, says: 'One, Lowestoft Denes, Oct. 16th (H.E.J.).'

Payn (1978, 2nd ed.) says: 'H. E. Jenner and J. G. Warner saw one on Lowestoft Denes on 16th October 1952.'

129). 1953 Fair Isle No locality, 22nd September.

(K. Williamson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin 2: 118; R. K. Cornwallis, British Birds 47: 426).

History K. Williamson (1954) in the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin, Vol. II. p. 118, says: 'John Wightman and M. F. M. Meiklejohn identified an Ortolan Emberiza hortulana and a Little Bunting E. pusilla on 22nd [Sept.].'

130). 1953 Fair Isle Vaadal, first-winter male, trapped, 5th November.

(K. Williamson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin 2: 77; R. K. Cornwallis, British Birds 47: 428).

History K. Williamson (1954) in the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin, Vol. II. p. 77, says: 'November 5th. When the lorry went north to the slipway I was removing a Reed Bunting (the first trapped this year) from the Gully box. Ten minutes later I put a Little Bunting (the first we have ever trapped) into Vaadal. This was indeed an Occasion, to have two so similar and "critical" species in the lab together...Both were young males and the Reed was much bigger and plumper in the hand; it is curious how similar, basically is the head pattern in the two birds, the Reed however having a much swarthier complexion. The tarsi of the Little were pale flesh and not pale brown as the Handbook says, and the emargination of the 6th primary was extremely slight.'

R. K. Cornwallis (1954) in British Birds, Vol. XLVII. p. 428, says: 'During the next five weeks further immigrations took place, but, since some of the Observatories were no longer continuously manned, it is not possible to discern any pattern in them. At Fair Isle there was an influx of Woodcock, Redwings and Blackbirds on November 3rd, a Little Bunting on the 5th...'

131). 1954 Lincolnshire Cowbit Marsh, near Spalding, adult male, 2nd October.

(I. T. C. Nisbet, Cambridge Bird Club Report 1954: 21; J. Redshaw, British Birds 48: 515-515; Cornwallis, 1970; Lorand & Atkin, 1989).

History I. T. C. Nisbet (1954) in the Cambridge Bird Club Report, p. 21, says: 'Cowbit Washes, 1 on Oct. 2nd (E.J.R.). Full details have been submitted, and a report is to appear in B. B.'

J. Redshaw (1955) in British Birds, Vol. XLVIII. pp. 515-515, says: 'On 2nd October 1954, on Cowbit Wash, about two miles south of Spalding, Lincolnshire, I saw a large flock of finches feeding in a field where mustard had been grown and recently harvested.

As I approached, the flock rose and flew a short distance before settling in some hawthorn and sallow bushes. Most of the birds were Greenfinches (Chloris chloris), but among them I noticed a small bunting. It had chestnut crown and ear-coverts, both with black edgings, and fine black striations on the flanks. It had a thin, black moustachial streak; the throat, mid-breast, belly and outer tail-coverts were all white. The upper-parts were dark brown, with black patches on the wings. The feet were "milk chocolate". The bird was about the same size as Linnets (Carduelis cannabina) which were also present, but it appeared to be slimmer. It uttered a repetitive low twitter whilst on the branch, and seemed to be feeding on insects round the base of the leaves.

In all it was under observation for ten minutes, and the views I had were such that I was left in no doubt that it was a male Little Bunting (Emberiza pusilla) in adult plumage.'

Accepted locally (Cornwallis 1970; Lorand & Atkin 1989).

Comment Sexes in autumn are alike (van Duivendijk 2010).

132). 1954 Norfolk Between Salthouse and Stiffkey, 5th October.

(M. J. Seago, Norfolk Bird Report 1954: 45; Seago, 1977).

History M. J. Seago (1954) in the Norfolk Bird Report, p. 45, says: 'One at Stiffkey, October 5th (H.H.). A detailed description has been submitted.'

133). 1954 Fair Isle Busta, male, 8th October.

(K. Williamson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin 2: 225; R. K. Cornwallis, British Birds 48: 438).

History K. Williamson (1954) in the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin, Vol. II. p. 225, says: 'A fine male gave excellent views at Busta on October 8th, and James Wilson saw another on October 28th.'

134). 1954 Suffolk Walberswick, two, 11th October.

(F. K. Cobb, Suffolk Bird Report 1954: 21; D. D. Harber, British Birds 49: 411; Payn, 1978; Piotrowski, 2003).

History F. K. Cobb (1954) in the Suffolk Bird Report, p. 21, says: 'Two at Walberswick, Oct. 11th. Identified by strikingly small size compared with Reed Buntings, which were present; chestnut tinge of ear-coverts emphasized by distinct pale buff stripes above and below; greyish-white breast streaked with well defined black striations. Thought to be first-year birds (H).'

Payn (1978, 2nd ed.) says: 'Lord Hurcomb saw two at Walberswick on 11th October 1954.'

136). 1954 Fair Isle No locality, 28th October.

(K. Williamson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin 2: 225; R. K. Cornwallis, British Birds 48: 439).

History K. Williamson (1954) in the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin, Vol. II. p. 225, says: 'A fine male gave excellent views at Busta on October 8th, and James Wilson saw another on October 28th.'

137). 1955 Shetland Royalhoull Garden, Mainland, 7th October.

(T. Henderson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin 3: 78).

History T. Henderson (1956) in the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin, Vol. III. p. 78, says: 'One elusive bird was seen by Miss I. M. N. Ryan and myself among the bushes in Royalhoull garden on October 7th.'

138). 1956 Greater London/Surrey Beddington Sewage-farm, Surrey, 31st March to 21st April.

(G. J. Harris, British Birds 50: 206-208; P. Bond, Surrey Bird Report 1956: 30; London Natural History Society, 1964; Parr, 1972; D. I. M. Wallace, C. Bradshaw & M. J. Rogers, British Birds 99: 464; Wheatley, 2007; Self, 2014).

History G. J. Harris (1957) in British Birds, Vol. L. pp. 206-208, says: 'On 31st March 1956, during a period of strong north-easterly winds, two Little Buntings (Emberiza pusilla) were identified after a considerable influx of small Passerines at Beddington Sewage Farm, Hackbridge, Surrey. The presence of a third bird was suspected, and this was confirmed on 3rd April, when one of the birds was seen to be bearing a fairly bright metal ring, the other two birds being unringed.

Throughout the duration of their stay (the last bird was last seen on 21st April) the birds frequented a ploughed field which had been banked out into a series of small shallow "pans" before being flooded with sewage-sludge. Here they fed in the shelter of the "pans" with up to ca. 300 Meadow Pipits (Anthus pratensis) and ca. 50 Tree Sparrows (Passer montanus).

In the field the birds presented striking differences in plumage and the colour of the head-markings, but all three birds when compared with the pipits and sparrows were shorter, and they had the typical bunting shape and bill. Two of the birds were in "bright" plumage, whilst the third was very dull in coloration. At distances of up to forty yards the bright birds appeared warm brown on the upper-parts, with two widely spaced creamy-white stripes running down the back, whilst the under-parts were whitish, streaked black. In the duller bird the warm brown on the upper-parts was lacking, and although the two parallel stripes down the back were still present, they were greyer and less well defined.

Although it is not mentioned in the majority of the literature, our observations suggest that these two stripes, combined with the small size of the bird, are the easiest means of identification in the field, as both these features are readily visible when no others can be made out. It was apparent that the chestnut cheek-patch (referred to in the literature as being the main identification feature) was not, in this case, a reliable means of identification of all three birds.

When feeding, the birds crept along very close to the ground and presented a rather "hunch-back" appearance. Periodically they perched on clods of earth, or other raised objects, where they flicked and fanned their tails, showing the white on the outer feathers, in a manner similar to that of the Reed Bunting (E. schoeniclus). The call-note, which was only heard on the two or three occasions when the birds were flushed underfoot, was a quiet, short, "pic pic".

In view of the marked differences in plumage of the three birds, a critical examination of about 150 skins of this species, together with some of other buntings (Emberiza spp.), was made at the British Museum (Natural History), London. This examination showed that the species is subject to extreme variations in plumage, and also confirmed that all three birds were Little Buntings. The exceptional amount of variation is thought to be probably due to the complicated series of complete and partial moults through which the birds pass.

Description: (1) Bright unringed bird - present until 2ist April. (Upper-parts) Crown chestnut, bordered by thin brownish-black line. Superciliary stripe cream. Cheek-patches chestnut, bordered with brownish-black line. Chin white with thin black moustachial stripe. Mantle warm brown streaked black, with two widely spaced broad creamy-white stripes running parallel down the back. Rump paler than rest of upper-parts. Primaries brownish-black. Coverts brown with some chestnut. Tail brownish-black with outer tail-feathers conspicuously edged white. (Under-parts) Throat and belly white with black streakings on breast and flanks. (2) Bright ringed bird - present until 14m April. General, appearance similar to, but rather brighter than preceding bird, with the following marked differences: a) Thick black bordering to the chestnut crown. b) Cheek-patch almost entirely dark brown with a faint Suggestion of chestnut when seen in bright sunlight. (c) Striking chestnut wing-coverts. Towards the end of their stay both the above birds showed a well marked increase in the amount, and intensity of colour, of the chestnut markings, though when last seen, the ringed bird still only showed a slight trace of chestnut on the cheek-patch. (3) Dull bird - present until 18th April. (Upper-parts) Head greyish-brown with less distinct markings than the other two birds had; these markings were, however, fairly evident when viewed through a telescope (X 40), but through binoculars (x 8) it was hard to be certain of the colour-pattern at normal distances (see drawing by P. J. Hayman on plate 36 lower). Back pale grey-brown with the two parallel stripes a pale greyish-white. Wings greyish-brown with no chestnut on the coverts. Tail brown with outer tail-feathers edged dull white. (Under-parts) Dull white with faint brown markings.

This note has been compiled from the field-notes of B. P. Austin, B. S. Milne, C. M. Perrins, R. E. Scott and the writer. G. J. Harris.'

[As a result of the promptness on the part of Mr. Harris and his friends in informing others of the presence of these birds, they were seen by a large number of observers including ourselves. - P.A.D.H., I.J.F.-L.]

D. I. M. Wallace, C. Bradshaw & M. J. Rogers (2006) in British Birds, Vol. XCIX. pp. 460-464, in a review of certain rarities during the period 1950-57, found that one individual is still acceptable.

139). 1956 Greater London/Surrey Staines Reservoirs, Middlesex, two, 7th April.

(D. I. M. Wallace, British Birds 50: 208-209; London Natural History Society, 1964; Self, 2014).

History D. I. M. Wallace (1957) in British Birds, Vol. L. pp. 208-209, says: 'At 1020 hours G.M.T. on 7th April 1956, on the causeway of the Staines Reservoir, Middlesex, I flushed two small buntings quite unlike any that I had ever seen. I spent the next hour in close contact with them, at times as near as 10 yards.

Both birds were obviously small, rather short-tailed buntings, comparable in size rather to a Linnet (Carduelis cannabina) than to a Reed Bunting (Emberiza schoeniclus), both of which species were present in the same area. They were distinctly smaller than a Meadow Pipit (Anthus pratensis) which fed beside them at one point. Their appearance in flight was compact, reminiscent of a small finch, with none of the tail action of the larger buntings. Their movement on the ground made me choose the simile of "a small dainty sparrow", with the rather neckless look of that bird. The buntings both walked and hopped as they fed briskly on the grass.

In plumage, the most noticeable feature of the birds was the head. In both, this was strikingly chestnut on the crown and ear-coverts. In one (A in sketch) there were also lines of heavy black flecking along the lower sides of the crown and round the ear-coverts; it also had a less distinct eye-stripe than the other (B). Otherwise, birds were- almost alike. There was a short back moustachial stripe from below the bill, which joined a fairly narrow breast-band of flecks (see sketch). This flecking was continued down the flanks, but the under tail-coverts, belly, throat and chin were all clear off-white. The upper-parts were closely alike, the main colour being a dun-brown, with streaks on the nape, the mantle and the rump, which in the bird with the lighter-coloured head showed quite light in night. The white outer tail-feathers were often obscured on the ground, but were fairly obvious against the dark inner tail-feathers in night. The legs and feet were of a light red-brown colour. The bills of both birds were dark; at close range a horn-coloured base to each mandible showed. I could not say with certainty whether the birds called when flying in alarm with the other Passerines in the area, though several single quiet notes ("twick") may have come from them.

From these observations I was able to identify the birds as Little Buntings (E. pusilla), possibly a pair.'

[It is interesting to note that these two Little Buntings were present at the Staines Reservoir on a day during the period in which three were being watched at Beddington in Surrey (see pp. 206-208). - Eds.]

141). 1956 Isles of Scilly Bryher, two, 25th September.

(B. H. Ryves, H. M. Quick & J. E. Beckerlegge, Cornwall Bird-Watching & Preservation Society Report 1956: 29; Penhallurick, 1978).

History B. H. Ryves, H. M. Quick & J. E. Beckerlegge (1956) in the Cornwall Bird-Watching & Preservation Society Report, Vol. XXVI. p. 29, say: 'September 25th. Bryher. Two together, first noticed feeding on the Marram grass by the shore-line; the first thing that brought them to my notice was the much darker brown back than the Ortolan Buntings and the whitish underparts which were finely streaked; the head markings were similar to those of Reed Buntings, but much darker, while the birds were much smaller and more compact; the outer tail feathers were white, but did not reach right up to the base of the tail; two birds seen further on after these had flown away made a call note which I have never previously heard - "toup-toup-toup" - and may have been the same birds. A.V.S.'

[This is the first record for the Islands. - Eds.]

143). 1956 Isle of May No locality, exhausted, trapped, 15th October, died later.

(W. J. Eggeling, Edinburgh Bird Bulletin 7: 21; W. J. Eggeling, Scottish Naturalist 69: 137).

History W. J. Eggeling (1957) in the Edinburgh Bird Bulletin, Vol. VII. p. 21, under 'Isle of May Report, 1956', says: 'October was notable for a single Yellow-browed Warbler on the 9th, which was a gloriously hot and sunny day; it was almost the only migrant in evidence. At 06.30 hrs. on the morning of the 15th, after a foggy night, a very exhausted Little Bunting was caught in the Gully Trap. It was found dead in the Low Trap towards dusk.'

144). 1956 Kent Near Cliffe, immature, 28th October.

(E. H. Gillham, Kent Bird Report 1956: 39).

History E. H. Gillham (1956) in the Kent Bird Report, Vol. V. p. 39, says: 'An immature in spartina close to the sea wall near Cliffe on Oct. 28 (D.F.M., D.C.L.). This is the third county record, the last being over forty years ago. The full details will appear in British Birds in due course.'

145). 1957 Anglesey Llanddeusant, found injured, 8th January, photo.

(W. M. Condry, Nature in Wales 3: 445, photo p. 420; Lovegrove, Williams & Williams, 1994).

History W. M. Condry (1957) in Nature in Wales, Vol. III. p. 445, says: 'One was found with a broken wing at Llanddeusant on 8th January. It was put into an aviary and is still surviving. It was identified by slimness, small size, rufous cheeks and reddish stripe flanked by black streaks on the crown. Apart from the great rarity of occurrences of this bunting in S. Britain, this January record seems unique, other records having been mainly in autumn and occasionally spring. W. Evans per T. G. Walker. (See photograph p. 420).'

146). 1957 Lancashire & North Merseyside Near Morecambe, 30th March.

(K. G. Spencer, Report on Birds, Lancashire 1957: 60; Spencer, 1973; White, McCarthy & Jones, 2008).

History K. G. Spencer (1957) in the Report on Birds, Lancashire, p. 60, says: 'One near Morecambe, 30 March (L.E.). Full details have been submitted to the Editors of British Birds.'

147). 1957 Fair Isle No locality, 18th to 20th September.

(P. E. Davis, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Report 1957: 18; P. E. Davis, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin 4: 8, 19).

History P. E. Davis (1958) in the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin, Vol. IV. p. 8, says: 'Already, on the 18th, there were two north-eastern species, Scarlet Grosbeak (three immatures) and Little Bunting.'

Further, p. 19, he adds: 'Singly September 18th to 20th.'

148). 1957 Isle of May No locality, 20th September.

(W. J. Eggeling, Edinburgh Bird Bulletin 8: 43, 50).

History W. J. Eggeling (1958) in the Edinburgh Bird Bulletin, Vol. VIII. p. 43, under 'Isle of May Report, 1957', says: 'Throughout the 20th [September] the wind was easterly and the sky overcast with drizzle. Not long after the wind had changed, a big movement began...Then a Little Bunting (Emberiza pusilla) turned up and by ten o'clock the island was teeming with birds.'

149). 1957 Isle of May No locality, 26th September.

(W. J. Eggeling, Edinburgh Bird Bulletin 8: 44).

History W. J. Eggeling (1958) in the Edinburgh Bird Bulletin, Vol. VIII. p. 44, under 'Isle of May Report, 1957', says: 'Although a second Little Bunting was seen on 26th September, the movement was by then quite clearly over.'

150). 1957 Gower Oxwich Marsh, 28th September.

(H. Morrey Salmon, Transactions of the Cardiff Naturalists' Society 1956-57: 21; Grenfell & Thomas, 1982; Lovegrove, Williams & Williams, 1994).

History H. Morrey Salmon (1956-57) in the Transactions of the Cardiff Naturalists' Society, Vol. LXXXVI. p. 21, says: 'One was seen at Oxwich on September 28th, 1957, a full description of the bird being given (Gower Orn. Soc.). The second recorded in Wales.'

151). 1957 Highland Harris, Rum, Lochaber, 8th October.

(W. J. Eggeling, Scottish Birds 1: 20-21; E. V. Baxter, Scottish Birds 1: 119; P. R. Evans & W. U. Flower, Scottish Birds 4: 440).

History W. J. Eggeling (1958) in Scottish Birds, Vol. I. pp. 20-21, says: 'On the 8th October 1957 Mr. Peter Wormell and I noticed a small bird feeding in short grass beside the shepherd's house at Harris on the Isle of Rhum. It was a bunting which neither of us had met before, but from its head pattern and small size we thought it must be a Little Bunting Emberiza pusilla. Having noted its salient features one of us motored back to Kinloch and returned with A Field Guide to the Birds of Britain and Europe, and the relevant volume of The Handbook.

The bunting was very tame and we were able to examine it by telescope (x25) at such close range that it filled the whole field of the glass. Checking against the descriptions and plates in the reference books We were able to confirm with complete certainty our provisional identification and to place it as a first winter bird. The dark-sided buff chestnut crown, foxy side of the head, black malar markings and breast streaks, and pale legs were clearly obvious. The bird fed incessantly, returning again and again to favourite patches of short grass on the roadway which contained fruiting plantains. It moved mouse-like over the ground and with great ease we manouevered it into a roughly constructed funnel of fish-netting, from which with equal facility it escaped, the mesh being just too large to contain it.

This is apparently the first record of a Little Bunting from the Inner Hebrides....'

152). 1957 Fair Isle No locality, 2nd November.

(P. E. Davis, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Report 1957: 21; P. E. Davis, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin 4: 19).

History P. E. Davis (1958) in the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin, Vol. IV. p. 19, says: 'Singly November 2nd.'

153). 1957 Fair Isle No locality, 13th November.

(P. E. Davis, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Report 1957: 21; P. E. Davis, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin 4: 19).

History P. E. Davis (1958) in the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin, Vol. IV. p. 19, says: 'Singly November 13th.'

154). 1957 Northumberland Near St Mary's Island, two, 30th November.

(F. G. Grey, Transactions of the Northumberland, Durham and Newcastle-upon-Tyne Natural History Society 12: 219; Galloway & Meek, 1978-83).

History F. G. Grey (1957) in the Transactions of the Northumberland, Durham and Newcastle-upon-Tyne Natural History Society, Vol. XII. p. 219, says: 'Two of these rare visitors near St. Mary's Island, N., on November 30th. (J.S.B., T.W.).'

Accepted locally (Galloway & Meek 1978-83).

NOT PROVEN
0). 1864 Sussex Roedean School, Brighton, trapped, 2nd November, now at Booth Museum, Brighton (BoMNH 207569).

(Anon., Proceedings of the Zoological Society 1864: 377; G. D. Rowley, Ibis 7: 113; E. R. Alston, Zoologist 1866: 495; Yarrell, 1871-85; BOU, 1883; H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst, British Birds 1: 249; Witherby, 1920-24; Walpole-Bond, 1938).

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

History Anon. (1864) in the Proceedings of the Zoological Society, p. 377, at the meeting held on 8th November 1864, says: 'Mr. Gould exhibited a specimen of the Emberiza pusilla of Pallas, which had been lately captured in a clap-net near Brighton, being the first instance of its occurrence in the British islands. Also a specimen of the Anthus campestris of the Continent, caught in the same locality.'

George Dawson Rowley of Brighton (1865) in The Ibis, Vol. VII. p. 113, in a Letter dated 25th November, 1864, says: 'On the 2nd of this month a boy brought to Mr. Swaysland, the naturalist in this place, a very small bird of an unknown species, which he had just caught outside the town.

Mr. Swaysland immediately sent for me; and I carefully examined it alive to discover, if possible, any signs of captivity. The edges of the feathers and the top of the head were perfect; and, above all, there were no square marks on the feet, such as are caused by the perch of a cage. These indications being all satisfactory, I concluded that we had a wild bird before us, and a short investigation made it pretty clear that the species was the Emberiza pusilla of Pallas.

I then wrote to Mr. Gould, who kindly undertook to exhibit it at the meeting of the Zoological Society on November 8th, and he has since drawn its portrait for his magnificent book on British birds.'

Edward R. Alston (1866) in The Zoologist, 2nd series, Vol. I. p. 495, dated 10th September 1866, says: 'Little Bunting. omitted in the Dictionary. A specimen taken alive at Brighton on the 2nd of November, 1864, and showing no traces of captivity, is recorded by Mr. Dawson Rowley, in the Ibis for 1865, p. 113. It was forwarded to Mr. Gould, who drew its portrait for his work on the Birds of Britain.'

Alfred Newton (1876-82 (2): 34, 4th ed.) in Yarrell's British Birds, says: 'At a meeting of the Zoological Society of London on November 8th, 1864, Mr. Gould exhibited a specimen of this species, previously unknown to Britain (Proc. Zool. Soc., 1864, p. 377). Soon afterwards Mr. Rowley furnished (Ibis, 1865, p. 113) some additional particulars of its capture, which took place on the 2nd of the month named, and, from his examination of the living bird, not only identified the species to which it belonged, but concluded that it had not escaped from captivity. This specimen has since passed into the possession of Mr. Monk.'

Admitted nationally in their first List of British Birds (BOU 1983).

Walpole-Bond (1938 (1): 164-165) in a footnote, adds: 'The year was erroneously given as 1846 in British Birds, Vol. I. p. 249. It later passed into Mr. T. J. Monk's collection, and on his death was purchased for the Dyke Road Museum, Brighton.'

Comment Swaysland has been found to be unreliable (A. H. J. Harrop, British Birds 112: 89-98). Not acceptable.

0). 1892 Essex Bradwell-on-Sea, caught, September, died in captivity.

(H. E. Dresser, British Birds 1: 385; R. M. Christy MS., 1902; Glegg, 1929; Hudson & Pyman, 1968; Cox, 1984).

[Witherby, 1920-24; van Duivendijk, 2010].

History H. E. Dresser (1908) in British Birds, Vol. I. p. 385, under 'An Old Record of the Little Bunting in Essex', says: 'The following note, copied from my notebook, written at the time, may be of some value: - In the second week in November, 1892, Mr. Keulemans, who was then living at Southend-on-Sea, brought up some work he had done for me, and told me that he had seen an adult female Emberiza pusilla in very good plumage, which a bird-catcher had caught alive near Southchurch, and had offered him 5s. for it, which he refused. I told him that he must see the bird-catcher again and buy the bird for me.

He wrote me that he had seen the man again, but that he had sent it up with a lot of Redpolls to a bird-fancier in Shoreditch. I went there to buy it, but was told that it had died and had been thrown away. Mr. Keulemans had figured the Little Bunting for me, and knew the bird well, so I think there could have been no mistake, and that it really was a Little Bunting.'

Witherby (1920 (1): 132) says: 'One, supposed, Southend (Essex), Nov., 1892.'

Glegg (1929) says: 'Mr. J. G. Keulemans informed Miller Christy that he had seen this bird in the hands of bird-catchers in September, 1892. Two shillings were offered for the bird and refused. A few days later, Mr. Keulemans was informed that it had died in the bird-catchers' shop in Bethnal Green and proceeded there only to find that the specimen was beyond preserving.

The validity of this record depends entirely on the ability of Mr. Keulemans to effect the identification.

Although this was a sight record Mr. Keulemans had figured this species in its various plumages in Dresser's Birds of Europe, and further, that for some time had owned a live male. Mr. Dresser expressed his satisfaction with the record.'

Miller Christy's (1902) manuscript in the 'Birds of Essex Supplement' is held in the Field Club Library.

Accepted locally (Hudson & Pyman 1968; Cox 1984; Wood 2007).

Comment Published 16 years after the observation. In autumn sexes are alike (van Duivendijk 2010).

Dresser (1871-81 (4): 236-237) says: 'It appears to have occurred in Holland more frequently than elsewhere in Western Europe; for, according to Professor Schlegel, a hen was captured near Leyden on the 18th November, 1842; and Mr. Keulemans, the artist who is illustrating the present work, informed Professor Newton of three other occurrences in Holland: - the first, one bought at Rotterdam in September 1862, which, after living about three months in confinement, died, and is now in the Leyden Museum; the second was caught by Mr. Keulemans himself in October 1862; and the third was found by him in a cage, but the owner refused to part with it.'

Witherby placed no faith in the record. Not acceptable.

0). 1900 Cleveland/Yorkshire Yarm, Yorkshire, shot, 1st January.

(F. R. Atkinson, Field 6th Jan., 1900: 32; E. A. S. Elliot, Field 13th Jan., 1900: 57).

[Eds., Field 31st Mar., 1900: 412].

History Frank R. Atkinson of Yarm (1900) in The Field of 6th Jan., Vol. XCV. p. 32, says: 'It may interest you to know that I have today (Jan. 1) shot a Little Bunting (Emberiza pusilla). This, I think, is a very rare visitor to these islands, although of rather more frequent occurrence on the continent of Europe. The only record I can find of its occurrence in Great Britain is of one obtained at Brighton in November, 1864. Mine is a fine male in winter dress. It was in company with Reed Buntings at the time, and appeared to be the only one with them.'

[We would point out that the young of the Reed Bunting, before it has moulted and acquired the adult plumage, might, from its diminutive size and general appearance, be easily mistaken for either the Little Bunting or Rustic Bunting, both of which have been met with as rare and accidental visitors to England.

It is extremely desirable, therefore, that the specimen above referred to should be submitted to the inspection of some expert who is familiar with the species, in order that above identification may be confirmed or otherwise. Mr. H. L. Popham, for example, who has seen the Little Bunting in its breeding haunts in the valley of the Yenesee [sic], where he travelled in 1895 and again in 1897, and found several of its nests with eggs, would be able to give a valuable opinion.

Or the specimen might be exhibited at the next meeting of the British Ornithologists' Club, if the owner would kindly intrust it to us for that purpose.

In this connection we may observe that it is to be regretted that neither Yarrell's standard work nor Mr. Saunders's Illustrated Manual of British Birds contains any figures of the female or young of the Reed Bunting, so totally unlike the male which is figured, and so closely resembling the other species named. - Ed.]

E. A. S. Elliot of Kingsbridge (1900) in The Field of 13th Jan., Vol. XCV. p. 57, says: 'The reported occurrence of the Little Bunting in Yorkshire, especially at this time of the year, is so interesting that I hope your suggestion as to the bird being submitted to Mr. Leybourne Popham will be carried out.

At the same time, allow me to point out that excellent figures of both male and female Reed Bunting (Emberiza schoeniclus) are given in British Birds and their Nests and Eggs, which might assist Mr. Atkinson in arriving at a conclusion himself. Those who know the common British species in their natural haunts amongst the tall reeds of our leys and fens realise at once how truthfully the artist, Mr. F. W. Frohawk, has delineated these birds.'

In an Editorial (1900) in The Field of 31st Mar., Vol. XCV. p. 412, says: 'As attention has been called to the possible occurrence in Yorkshire of the Little Bunting (Emberiza pusilla), it may well be to announce that Mr. F. R. Atkinson, of Yarm, the owner of the bird which was supposed to be of that species, has been good enough to forward the specimen to London for examination, and in the opinion of several experts who have seen it proved to be a young Reed Bunting (Emberiza schoeniclus). This accords with the view expressed in our editorial note to Mr. Atkinson's letter published in The Field of Jan. 6. - Ed.]

Comment Misidentified. Not acceptable.

0). 1908 Ayrshire No locality, six, seen, 19th January.

(Anon., Annals of Glenfield Ramblers 1907-1910: 69).

[Richmond Paton & Pike, 1929; McWilliam, 1936].

History Anon (1907-1910) in the Annals of Glenfield Ramblers, p. 69, says: 'On 19th January 1908 Mr. Nicol Hopkins observed a flock of six small birds whose colour, markings and behaviour, which he carefully noted, clearly indicated that they were Little Buntings. It is noteworthy that a similar flock was observed at Melrose on 11th January 1908.'

Not accepted locally (Richmond Paton & Pike 1929; McWilliam 1936).

0). 1911 Northumberland Cullercoats, immature, seen, 8th December.

(J. M. Charlton, Zoologist 1912: 300).

[J. M. Charlton, Zoologist 1912: 300].

History J. M. Charlton (1912) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. XVI. p. 300, recording the record in square brackets, says: 'On Dec. 8th, 1911, I observed a bird within six yards during a foggy evening on Cullercoats cliffs, which corresponded exactly with the description of the immature of this species.'

0). 1914 Kent Dungeness, seen, 24th October.

(N. F. Ticehurst, Hastings and East Sussex Naturalist 2: 170).

[Taylor, Davenport & Flegg, 1984].

History N. F. Ticehurst (1917) in the Hastings & East Sussex Naturalist, Vol. II. p. 170, says: 'Little Bunting. One seen on Dungeness, 24 October, by H. G. Alexander.'

Not accepted locally (Taylor, Davenport & Flegg 1984) who mention two records, but not this one. Not acceptable.

0). 1926 Sussex St John's Common, Crowborough, four, seen, 3rd to 25th January.

(Walpole-Bond, 1938).

[des Forges & Harber, 1963; James, 1996].

History Walpole-Bond (1938 (1): 165) says: 'Mr. W. S. Taylor - an Irish ornithologist of high repute - observed almost daily between 3rd and 25th January 1926, on St John's Common, Crowborough, four birds which he considered were Little Buntings. From his description, which I have, I do not see what else they could have been.'

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

0). 1932 Outer Hebrides Vallay, North Uist, three, seen, 9th October.

(P. J. C. McGregor, Scottish Naturalist 53: 25; Eds., British Birds 27: 53; Baxter & Rintoul, 1953).

[Witherby et al., 1940-52].

History P. J. C. McGregor (1933) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. LIII. p. 25, says: 'On 9th October of this year during a visit to Vallay, North Uist, I had the good fortune to see three specimens of the Little Bunting (Emberiza pusilla), a bird which apparently is not frequently observed in this country, although I fancy that Witherby mentions it as most often seen in the Outer Hebrides

I should state that, following a violent gale, the weather was brilliant and calm, with the faintest of south-west breezes, and several autumn visitors were observed for the first time in numbers. The first Little Bunting was a male and he was in company with a flock of Twites, which were always to be found near the house in the early morning.

From this point my walk led me to the steading about a quarter of a mile away, and there on a fence near some rough herbage, was a group composed of a pair of Little Buntings, two Redpolls (also new arrivals), a Wren, and a Rock Pipit. The Buntings were in fine plumage and I afterwards had an opportunity of admiring the excellency of the coloured plate depicting the bird in Coward's book.'

[Two examples of this species are recorded by Witherby from St. Kilda (September 1911). Apart from these we know of no records for the Outer Hebrides. - Eds.]

In an Editorial (1933) in British Birds, Vol. XXVII. p. 53, they say: 'Mr. P. J. C. McGregor records (Scot. Nat., 1933, p. 25) that he saw three Emberiza pusilla at Vallay on October 9th, 1932, but, beyond stating that he afterwards was able to admire the excellence of the plate of this bird in Coward's book, he gives no confirmatory details of his identification.'

Comment No identification details for this sight record of a difficult species. Not acceptable.

0). 1937 Devon Locality withheld, two, seen, 11th November.

(F. C. Butters, E. W. Hendy & H. G. Hurrell, Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report, 1937: 2; Moore, 1969).

[Eds., British Birds 32: 160].

History F. C. Butters, E. W. Hendy & H. G. Hurrell (1937) in the Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report, Vol. X. p. 2, say: 'November 11th. A near view of a pair in East Devon on a calm, clear day, in a good light. Their smaller and daintier build distinguished them from a hen Reed Bunting and also the markings on the head were different. The cock had a more russet head than the hen. They were flitting in an unconcerned way from twig to twig on a shrub willow near a small stream. No call note was heard. The birds agreed in every respect with the description given in Coward's Birds of the British Isles. (L. M. & E. W.).'

[This observation is of great interest. Witherby's new Handbook of British Birds gives only "about eleven" records of this species for England and none of these are in Devon. - Editors.]

However, in an Editorial (1938) in British Birds, Vol. XXXII. p. 160, in a Review of the Devon Bird-watching and Preservation Society Report, for 1937, they say 'Two possible Little Buntings were recorded in E. Devon on November 11th but the characteristics are not at all clearly given.'

Comment No identification details for this sight record of a difficult species. Not acceptable.

0). 1937 Dorset Hengistbury Head, Hampshire, thirty, seen, 25th November.

(R. Whitlock, South-Eastern Bird Report 1937: 25).

[R. Whitlock, South-Eastern Bird Report 1937: 25].

History R. Whitlock (1937) in the South-Eastern Bird Report, p. 25, recording the record in square brackets, says: 'A flock of 30 birds, of which some at least appeared to be of this species, was seen at Hengistbury on Nov. 25th, but light was so poor that identification was not absolutely certain (C.O.).'

0). 1944 Norfolk Breydon Water, adult, seen, 10th September.

(M. Seago, Wild Bird Protection in Norfolk 1944: 13).

[Eds., British Birds 38: 200].

History M. J. Seago (1944) in Wild Bird Protection in Norfolk, p. 13, says: 'Little Bunting. - An adult, which I believed to be of this species, was seen on a telegraph wire next to the estuary wall on September 10th. It looked like a small female Reed Bunting the size of a Linnet. The upper-parts were brown streaked darker, the underparts were lighter streaked with black. The crown and sides of face were rich chestnut brown, and between the crown and cheeks was a very noticeable black stripe. The call notes were identical to those in The Handbook.'

In an Editorial review (1945) in British Birds, Vol. XXXVIII. p. 200, of the Wild Bird Protection in Norfolk Report for 1944, it says: '...a probable Little Bunting was also submitted to us, and although we think it in all probability correct it cannot in our opinion be considered quite conclusive.'

Comment Not specifically identified. Not acceptable.

0). 1946 Sussex Pett Level, seen, 29th September.

(A. D. Wilkinson, British Birds 40: 83).

[des Forges & Harber, 1963; Shrubb, 1979; James, 1996].

History A. Denby Wilkinson (1947) in British Birds, Vol. XL. p. 83, says: 'At Pett Level on September 29th, 1946, there was a heavy morning mist which began to lift at 10 a.m., B.S.T., revealing many small birds flying along the marsh parallel to the coast, which here runs north-east and south-west.

Most of these birds flew straight on, but a few alighted by the beach road, which is separated from the marsh by a dyke and from the beach by an embankment. Amongst these birds were either one or two Little Buntings Emberiza pusilla. One of these birds was seen for a few seconds on a gravel heap and lost when disturbed, but either the same bird or another of the same species was found on the next gravel heap, where it stayed a little longer before flying away with the other buntings.

My attention was first attracted to it by the warm brown patch on the face separated by a light streak above the eye from a cap of the same colour shading darker towards the edges. The bird was facing me and in that position appeared slightly smaller than Linnets Carduelis cannabina, distinctly smaller than Yellow Buntings Emberiza citrinella, its nearest neighbours. Its breast had rather small dark markings more numerous on the flanks and upper breast, showing clearly as if etched on the lightish-grey ground colour.

As it flew away, a glimpse was caught of a duller-brown back with black markings and white outer tail-feathers.'

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

0). 1951 Norfolk Cley-next-the-Sea, 20th September

(Anon., Wild Bird Protection in Norfolk 1951: 24-25; Bannerman, 1953).

[R. A. Richardson, British Birds 45: 241-242; Not in Seago, 1977].

History Anon. (1951) in Wild Bird Protection in Norfolk, pp. 24-25, says: 'On September 20th one was seen on the East bank of the Cley marshes feeding on weed seeds with a party of small birds. The following description is a summary of those made by the four observers, Lady Jones, Miss Almack, Miss Crossby and K. V. Elphinstone. Size: smaller than a Reed Bunting, larger than a Goldfinch. Head: chestnut brown mottled black, very noticeable yellow stripes above and below the eye, the lower one being moonshaped. Back and rump: chestnut brown with darker primaries, underparts pale buff. Tail: distinctly shorter than those of the Reed Buntings in the party with white outer tail feathers showing in flight.

Characteristics: A compact neat little bird and very lively. Skins of Little Buntings have been examined confirming the observations made.'

Not accepted locally (Seago 1977).

Comment Misidentified. Not acceptable.

0). 1953 Northumberland Near Beal, 27th October.

(G. W. Temperley, Transactions of the Northumberland, Durham & Newcastle-upon-Tyne Natural History Society 11: 38; Galloway & Meek, 1978-83).

[KAN].

History G. W. Temperley (1953) in the Transactions of the Northumberland, Durham & Newcastle-upon-Tyne Natural History Society, Vol. XI. p. 38, says: 'On October 27th near Beal, N., in a mixed flock of Finches and Buntings, an adult cock was seen as it sat on a wire accompanied by a hen Yellowhammer and a hen Reed Bunting, with which it could be compared for size and plumage. All the distinctive features were clearly noted (F.B.).'

Accepted locally (Galloway & Meek 1978-83).

Comment Species cannot be sexed in autumn. Not acceptable.

0). 1956 Greater London/Surrey Beddington Sewage-farm, Hackbridge, Surrey, 31st March to 18th April.

(G. J. Harris, British Birds 50: 206-208; London Natural History Society, 1964; Parr, 1972).

[D. I. M. Wallace, C. Bradshaw & M. J. Rogers, British Birds 99: 464; Self, 2014].

History G. J. Harris (1957) in British Birds, Vol. L. pp. 206-208, says: 'On 31st March 1956, during a period of strong north-easterly winds, two Little Buntings (Emberiza pusilla) were identified after a considerable influx of small Passerines at Beddington Sewage Farm, Hackbridge, Surrey. The presence of a third bird was suspected, and this was confirmed on 3rd April, when one of the birds was seen to be bearing a fairly bright metal ring, the other two birds being unringed.

Throughout the duration of their stay (the last bird was last seen on 21st April) the birds frequented a ploughed field which had been banked out into a series of small shallow "pans" before being flooded with sewage-sludge. Here they fed in the shelter of the "pans" with up to ca. 300 Meadow Pipits (Anthus pratensis) and ca. 50 Tree Sparrows (Passer montanus).

In the field the birds presented striking differences in plumage and the colour of the head-markings, but all three birds when compared with the pipits and sparrows were shorter, and they had the typical bunting shape and bill. Two of the birds were in "bright" plumage, whilst the third was very dull in coloration. At distances of up to forty yards the bright birds appeared warm brown on the upper-parts, with two widely spaced creamy-white stripes running down the back, whilst the under-parts were whitish, streaked black. In the duller bird the warm brown on the upper-parts was lacking, and although the two parallel stripes down the back were still present, they were greyer and less well defined.

Although it is not mentioned in the majority of the literature, our observations suggest that these two stripes, combined with the small size of the bird, are the easiest means of identification in the field, as both these features are readily visible when no others can be made out. It was apparent that the chestnut cheek-patch (referred to in the literature as being the main identification feature) was not, in this case, a reliable means of identification of all three birds.

When feeding, the birds crept along very close to the ground and presented a rather "hunch-back" appearance. Periodically they perched on clods of earth, or other raised objects, where they flicked and fanned their tails, showing the white on the outer feathers, in a manner similar to that of the Reed Bunting (E. schoeniclus). The call-note, which was only heard on the two or three occasions when the birds were flushed underfoot, was a quiet, short, "pic pic".

In view of the marked differences in plumage of the three birds, a critical examination of about 150 skins of this species, together with some of other buntings (Emberiza spp.), was made at the British Museum (Natural History), London. This examination showed that the species is subject to extreme variations in plumage, and also confirmed that all three birds were Little Buntings. The exceptional amount of variation is thought to be probably due to the complicated series of complete and partial moults through which the birds pass.

Description: (1) Bright unringed bird - present until 21st April. (Upper-parts) Crown chestnut, bordered by thin brownish-black line. Superciliary stripe cream. Cheek-patches chestnut, bordered with brownish-black line. Chin white with thin black moustachial stripe. Mantle warm brown streaked black, with two widely spaced broad creamy-white stripes running parallel down the back. Rump paler than rest of upper-parts. Primaries brownish-black. Coverts brown with some chestnut. Tail brownish-black with outer tail-feathers conspicuously edged white. (Under-parts) Throat and belly white with black streakings on breast and flanks. (2) Bright ringed bird - present until 14m April. General, appearance similar to, but rather brighter than preceding bird, with the following marked differences: a) Thick black bordering to the chestnut crown. b) Cheek-patch almost entirely dark brown with a faint Suggestion of chestnut when seen in bright sunlight. (c) Striking chestnut wing-coverts. Towards the end of their stay both the above birds showed a well marked increase in the amount, and intensity of colour, of the chestnut markings, though when last seen, the ringed bird still only showed a slight trace of chestnut on the cheek-patch. (3) Dull bird - present until 18th April. (Upper-parts) Head greyish-brown with less distinct markings than the other two birds had; these markings were, however, fairly evident when viewed through a telescope (x 40), but through binoculars (x 8) it was hard to be certain of the colour-pattern at normal distances (see drawing by P. J. Hayman on plate 36 lower). Back pale grey-brown with the two parallel stripes a pale greyish-white. Wings greyish-brown with no chestnut on the coverts. Tail brown with outer tail-feathers edged dull white. (Under-parts) Dull white with faint brown markings.

This note has been compiled from the field-notes of B. P. Austin, B. S. Milne, C. M. Perrins, R. E. Scott and the writer. G. J. Harris.'

[As a result of the promptness on the part of Mr. Harris and his friends in informing others of the presence of these birds, they were seen by a large number of observers including ourselves. - P.A.D.H., I.J.F.-L.]

D. I. M. Wallace, C. Bradshaw & M. J. Rogers (2006) in British Birds, Vol. XCIX. p. 464, in a review of certain rarities during the period 1950-57, found two individuals to be unacceptable.

0). 1956 Greater London/Surrey Beddington Sewage-farm, Hackbridge, Surrey, 3rd to 14th April.