online medical dictionary | definition of bunting

<zoology> A bird of the genus Emberiza, or of an allied genus, related to the finches and sparrows (family Fringillidae).

Among European species are the common or corn bunting (Emberiza miliaria); the ortolan (E. Hortulana); the cirl (E. Cirlus); and the black-headed (Granitivora melanocephala). American species are the bay-winged or grass (Poocaetes or Pooecetes gramineus); the black-throated (Spiza Americana); the towhee bunting or chewink (Pipilo); the snow bunting (Plectrophanax nivalis); the rice bunting or bobolink, and others. See Ortolan, Chewick, Snow bunting, Lark bunting.

Origin: Scot. Buntlin, corn-buntlin, OE. Bunting, buntyle; of unknown origin.

(01 Mar 1998)