Volume 24, Plate XVIII / Ornithology (Birds)

Snow Bunting

Plectrophanes nivalis

The Snow Bunting is chiefly a winter visitant, appearing after October in large flocks across sub-alpine districts and descending to coasts and rivers in severe weather, running and squatting on the ground but never perching in trees. Winter birds shew white shoulders and secondaries, chestnut brown head and back with black scapulars, and nearly white underparts; the full breeding dress is pure white with deep black back and wings, a striking contrast.