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THE
BIRDS OF EUROPE
a
BY
JOHN GOULD, F.LS.,
IN FIVE VOLUMES.
VOL. IIL.
INSESSORES.
LONDON:
PRINTED BY RICHARD AND JOHN E. TAYLOR, RED LION COURT, FLEET STREET.
PUBLISHED BY THE AUTHOR, 20 BROAD STREET, GOLDEN SQUARE.
1837.
LIST OF PLATES.
VOLUME III.
Norz.—As the arrangement of the Plates during the course of publication was found to be impracticable, the Numbers
here given will refer to the Plates when arranged, and the work may be quoted by them.
Great Tit
Sombre Tit
Siberian Tit
Toupet Tit
Azure Tit
Blue Tit .
Cole Tit .
Marsh Tit
Crested Tit
Long-tailed Tit :
Bearded Tit, or Reed Bird
Penduline Tit .
Waxen Chatterer
Black Lark*
Calandra Lark
Short-toed Lark
Shore Lark
Crested Lark .
Sky Lark
Wood Lark
Bifasciated Lark
Lark-heeled Bunting
Snow Bunting
Common Bunting
Black-headed Bunting
Yellow Bunting
Yellow-breasted Bunting
Cirl Bunting
Ortolan Bunting
Rustic Bunting
Lesbian Bunting
Meadow Bunting
Pine Bunting .
Cretzschmar’s Bunting
Marsh Bunting
Reed Bunting
Common Sparrow
Tree Sparrow .
Spanish Sparrow
Alpine Sparrow
Doubtful Sparrow
Chaffinch
Mountain or Bramble Finch
Snow Finch
Winter Finch .
Common or Brown Linnet
INSESSORES.
Parus major, Linn. .
——-~ lugubris, Natt.
——- Sibericus, Gimel.
bicolor, Linn.
cyanus, Pall. .
coeruleus, Linn.
ater, Linn.
—— palustris, Linn.
cristatus, Linn.
caudatus, Linn. 3
Calamophilus biarmicus, Leach. -
&githalus pendulinus, Vig.
Bombycivora garrula, Temm.
Alauda Tartarica, Pall.
Calandra, Pall.
—— brachydactyla, Temm.
——— alpestris, Linn.
cristata, Linn.
arvensis, Linn.
arborea, Linn.
Certhilauda bifasciata.
Plectrophanes Lapponica, Selb.
nivalis, Meyer. .
Emberiza miliaria, Zinn. .
melanocepala, Scop.
—— citrinella, Linn.
aureola, Pall. .
—-— Cirlus, Linn.
hortulana, Linn.
rustica, Pall.
Lesbia.
cia, Linn.
pithyornus, Pall.
cesia, Cretz.
palustris, Savi.
scheeniculus, Linn.
Pyrgita domestica, Cwv. .
montana, Cuv.
Hispaniolensis, Cuv.
Cisalpina, Cwv.
petronia.
Fringilla Celebs, Linn.
nivalis, Linn.
? hyemalis.
Linaria Cannabina, Swains.
* Named erroneously in the letter-press Black and White Lark.
— montifringilla, Linn. .
. 150
hrs
. 152
. 153
. 154
bios
. 156
. 157
. 158
. 159
- 160
. 161
. 162
. 163
. 164
. 165
. 166
. 167
. 168
. 169
. 170
ZA!
2
> ee
. 174
. 175
. 176
5 Mee
els
s he
. 180
Ae toy |
. 182
. 183
bie4
iss
. 186
& size
. 188
. 189
. 190
. 191
Mountain Linnet, or Twite
Mealy Redpole
Lesser Redpole
Serin Finch
Goldfinch
Siskin, or Aberdevine
Citril Finch
Hawfinch
Green Grosbeak
Parrot Crossbill
Common Crossbill }
White-winged Crossbill .
Pine Grosbeak
Siberian Grosbeak
Scarlet Grosbeak
Rosy Grosbeak
Vinous Grosbeak
Bullfinch
Starling .
Sardinian Starling
Rose-coloured Pastor
Nutcracker
Jay :
Siberian Jay —
Magpie
Azure-winged Magpie*
Alpine Chough
Chough
Raven
Carrion Crow
Hooded Crow
Jackdaw
Rook ;
Great Black Wigounenken
Green Woodpecker
Grey-headed Green MyGoupecker
White-rumped Woodpecker
Great Spotted Woodpecker
Middle Spotted Woodpecker
Lesser Spotted Woodpecker
Three-toed Woodpecker
Wryneck ‘
Common Nuthatch .
Dalmatian Nuthatch
Asiatic Nuthatch
Common Creeper
Hoopoe .
Wall Creeper .
Common Cuckoo
Great Spotted Cuckoo
American Cuckoo
LIST OF PLATES.
Linaria montana, Ray.
canescens.
minor, Ray.
Serinus flavescens. .
Carduelis elegans, Steph.
spinus, Steph.
citrinella.
Coccothraustes vulgaris, Briss.
chloris, lem.
Loxia pityopsittacus, Bechst.
curvirostra, Linn.
leucoptera, Gimel.
Corythus enucleator, Cuv.
longicauda.
Erythrospiza erythrina, Bon.
rosea.
githaginea.
Pyrrhula vulgaris, Temm.
Sturnus vulgaris, Linn.
-unicolor, Marm. .
Pastor roseus, Temm. :
Nucifraga caryocatactes, Briss.
Garrulus glandarius, Briss.
infaustus, Temm.
Pica caudata, Ray.
cyanea, Wagl.
Pyrrhocorax Pyrrhocorax, Tem.
Fregilus graculus, Cuv.
Corvus corax, Linn.
corone, Linn.
cornix, Linn.
monedula, Linn. .
frugilegus, Linn. .
Picus martius, Linn.
— viridis, Zinn. .
canus, Gmel.
— leuconotus, Bechst.
—— major, Linn.
— medius, Linn.
minor, Linn.
Apternus tridactylus, eee
Yunx torquilla, Linn.
Sitta Kuropea, Linn.
Syriacat, Ehrenb.
Asiatica, Temm.
Certhia familiaris, Linn.
Upupa epops, Linn.
Tichodroma pheenicoptera, Ten emm.
Cuculus Canorus, Linn.
glandarius, Linn.
Coccyzus Americanus, Vievll.
. 192
5 198
. 194
. 195
. 196
ea97
. 198
. 199
. 200
. 201
. 202
. 203
. 204
. 205
. 206
. 207
. 208
. 209
. 210
, Pilih
. 212
1 PN
. 214
. 215
. 216
maz
. 218
. 219
. 220
. 221
. 222
| 223
. 224
. 225
. 226
. 227
. 228
. 229
. 230
. 231
. 232
. 233
. 234
| 235
. 236
. 237
. 238
. 239
. 240
. 2A
. 242
* Since the completion of the work Captain S. E. Cook has informed me, that I have made one or two slight mistakes
in my account of the Azure-winged Magpie, Pica cyanea; and adds that it “is stationary in Spain, and not migratory
as thought by M. Wagler. There is also a mistake respecting its inhabiting willows, which are rare in Spain, and not
found at all where this bird is most frequent.”
It is “common in all the royal parks and chaces in New Castile, but is
by far the most numerous in the Sierra Morena, in some parts of which it is so abundant, as to be very destructive in the
olive grounds.”
+ Named erroneously on the Plate Picus tridactylus.
{ Named erroneously Sitta rufescens.
i if fi it
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ay
GREAT TIT.
Parus Major; /Zam/
7 ~ Zz lA 2] Tr zz Beton,
Draven Naare & on Stone ty ThE, Contd: Lin tee
Y
Genus PARUS.
Gen. Cuar. Bill strong, short, somewhat conical, slightly compressed, sharp-pointed, and
hard. Nostri/s basal, round, covered with reflected bristly feathers. Feet with three toes
before and one behind ; the fore ones divided to their origin ; the hind toe strong and armed
with a long hooked claw. Wings, the first quill of moderate length or almost obsolete ; the
second shorter than the third ; the fourth and fifth longest.
GREAT TIT.
Parus major, Lann.
Le Mésange charbonniere.
Tue Great Tit, as its name implies, is one of the largest and most typical of the native examples of the
present genus ; and it is also certainly one of the most beautiful, from the contrasts of its colours, which are
brilliant and decided. In its habits and manners, as well as the places it frequents, it strictly agrees with
its congeners. It is distributed throughout the whole of the wooded districts of Europe, being stationary in
almost every locality : in the British Islands it is certainly so. In severe winters it often leaves the hedges
and fields for the warm thickets, coppices and gardens, and not unfrequently farm-yards, where it becomes
bold in its endeavours to obtain a subsistence. Its summer food consists of insects and their larvee, together
with the buds of trees and fruits; to these it adds the scattered crumbs from the cottage-door, of whatever
matters they may by chance consist, whether animal or vegetable, its digestive powers being apparently
adapted to a great variety. : .
On the approach of spring it becomes noisy and restless, betaking itself to the top branches of high trees,
where it utters its harsh note for the day together: the note greatly resembles the noise made by the filing
of a saw, or the creaking of a gate on rusty hinges.
It builds a nest in the holes of decayed trees, in the crevices of walls, often in the deserted nest of a crow,
a bed of cow’s hair and feathers being the receptacle of the eggs ; these vary in number from eight to fifteen,
and are of a white colour spotted with reddish brown.
The sexes offer but little difference of plumage, the female having less brilliancy of gloss.
The head, throat, and lower part of the neck glossy black; occiput white; back olive green ; rump grey ;
under parts fine yellow, with a black mesial streak ; tarsi bluish grey ; bill black.
Our Plate represents the male and female of the natural size.
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i,.SOMBRE TIT.
Parus lugubris, /WVaé//
Draven from Nature & on Sane by 7k E. Goud:
swonrs ar"
2. SIBERIAN TIT.
Parus Sibericus; (/GmeZ//
intend by CLudimandel.
SOMBRE TIT.
Parus lugubris, Natt.
Le Mésange lugubre.
We have figured on the accompanying Plate two species of Tits, nearly allied to each other in form, colour
and native locality, neither of which approach the British Islands, nor even the more temperate parts of
the European continent. The first is the Parus lugubris, a species that may at all times be distinguished
by its greater size, exceeding, although but in a small degree, our well-known P. major: it is, however,
clothed with plumage less gaudy, being entirely devoid of those contrasts of black, white, and yellow, which
characterize the plumage of that species.
M. Temminck informs us that the Parus dugubris is almost restricted to the European confines of the
Asiatic border, and that, although pretty common in Dalmatia, it has never been observed in Austria or any
part of Germany. The manners, habits and food of this species we believe to be similar to those of its
British congeners; but we have no details to offer respecting them from our own experience, nor has any
author to which we have access given any particulars respecting them.
The male and female are alike in plumage, and may be thus described :—The whole of the upper surface
of a brownish ash colour, becoming deeper on the top of the head; the secondaries and tail-feathers slightly
margined with whitish ; throat brownish black ; the cheeks and the whole of the under surface white, slightly
tinted with brownish grey; beak and feet lead colour.
SIBERIAN TIT.
Parus Sibericus, Gmel.
Le Mésange a ceinture blanche.
Aurnouen the Parus Stbericus has no great attraction as regards beauty of plumage, it has in its shape and
general form a more elegant and graceful contour than the P. dugubris. In size it is considerably smaller, having
at the same time a longer and a graduated tail, offering, though in a slight degree, a relationship to the Long-
tailed Tit, so commonly dispersed over Europe ; and we have to regret that the extreme rarity of the Siberian
Tit, in Europe at least, prevents our ascertaining whether its habits and manners offer any approximation to
those of the bird just referred to. M.Temminck, in his Manuel, informs us that it is an inhabitant of the
most northern parts of Europe and Asia, migrating in winter to some of the provinces of Russia; and we
received from Sweden the specimens from which our figures were taken.
The plumage of Parus Sibericus may be thus detailed :—The upper surface is of a deep ash colour, tinged
on the back with brown ; the quills, secondaries and tail-feathers edged with white ; throat black ; cheeks and
upper part of the chest pure white ; under parts greyish white, washed with rufous on the flanks ; bill and
tarsi lead colour.
Our Plate represents these two rare species of the natural size.
LET J
Lronin tram Netware & on Stonu by I & Ferd,
TOUPET TIT.
Parus bicolor; (Zenm/
Printed by CHaklimoandd,
TOUPET TIT.
Parus bicolor, Lenn.
La Mésange bicolore.
TueEre can be no doubt that the northern regions of America form the true habitat of this species; we have,
however, seen specimens which were undoubtedly killed in Russia, and therefore no longer hesitate in classing
it among the occasional visitants of the European continent ; nevertheless it is there extremely rare and is con-
fined to the regions adjacent to the arctic circle. In the works of Wilson and Audubon its manners are
described as resembling those of the other members of the genus. ‘‘ It moves along the branches,” says the
latter gentleman, “‘ searches in the chinks, flies to the ends of twigs, and hangs to them by its feet, whilst the
bill is engaged in detaching a beech- or hazel-nut, an acorn, or a chinquapin, upon all of which it feeds,
removing them to a large branch, where, having secured them in a crevice, it holds them with both feet, and
breaks the shell by repeated blows of its bill. . . . It resorts to the margins of brooks to drink, and when
unable to do so, obtains water by stooping from the extremity of a twig overhanging the stream; it ap-
pears to prefer this latter method, and is also fond of drinking the drops of rain or dew as they hang at the
extremity of the branches.” The same author also informs us that its notes, which are usually loud and
mellow, are rather musical than otherwise ; that it is somewhat vicious in its disposition, and occasionally
attacks and destroys smaller birds by repeated blows on the head until it breaks the skull.
The nest is constructed of all kinds of warm materials, and is generally placed in the holes formed by the
Downy and other species of Woodpecker, but is occasionally placed in a hole dug by the bird itself for that
purpose. The eggs, which are from six to eight in number, are of a pure white, with a few red spots at the
larger end.
The sexes are so much alike as to be scarcely distinguishable.
Forehead black; sides of the head brownish black; all the upper surface uniform grey; under surface
greyish white, tinged with yellowish brown on the flanks ; bill black ; irides dark brown ; feet lead colour.
We have figured an adult of the natural size.
€ 4 Pa
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AZURE, TIT.
Parus cyanus; (fall)
ed or Scone by Jb E, Could. a.
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a
teh tC Ballmerded:
AZURE TIT.
Parus cyanus, Pail.
Le Mésange azurée.
Tus beautiful little Tit is a native of Siberia, whence it frequently strays into the northern parts of Europe,
such as Russia and Poland, and it has been known to penetrate so far south as Germany. Like the rest of
its family it dwells in woods and forests, generally in the most retired parts; it is not so much to be
_ wondered at, therefore, that its history is shrouded in obscurity, when we consider how little intercourse
naturalists have hitherto had with the remote countries which it inhabits.
Were we allowed to judge from analogy, we might very reasonably conclude that its manners and its
disposition are in strict unison with those of its near relative the Blue Tit (Parus ceruleus) of England.
For the specimens from which our figures were taken, and which we believe to be the only examples in
England, we are indebted to the liberality of the directors of the Royal Museum of Berlin.
Like the rest of its race, the sexes of the Azure Tit offer little or no difference in the colouring of the
plumage.
Nothing is at present known respecting its nest or eggs.
The forehead, throat, and breast are white; a band of deep blue extends from the eye round the back part
of the head; the back and rump are fine blue grey; the tail-feathers fine deep blue with white tips, and the
outer one on each side wholly white; the wings deep blue, the secondaries largely tipped with white; a band
of the same colour crosses near the shoulders; primaries grey, brown on their inner webs and white on the
outer; feet and bill lead colour.
The Plate represents a male and female, of the natural size.
J tigdic
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BLUE TUT.
Parus ceruleus ;/Z7770./
1
Tran trom Nature £ om stone ty ThE Contd Trinted by Ciiadimandd:
BLUE TIT.
Parus coeruleus, Lenn.
La Mesange bleue.
Few birds can be more familiar to our readers than the Blue Tit, the habits and manners of which every one
must have repeatedly noticed, since of all the species it is the most common in our gardens and around the
precincts of our habitations, and it is exceeded by none in its sprightly actions and in the address and activity
with which it searches the extremities and shoots of trees in quest of its insect food. The mischief it does to
the tender buds of trees, in stripping off their envelopes, has rendered it very obnoxious to the gardener,
although doubtless the benefit it confers by the destruction of insects more than compensates for the injury.
Like the rest of the British Tits, if is a permanent resident in our island, braving the severity of our hardest
winters, against which it is peculiarly defended by the full downy plumage which invests the whole of the
body. On the approach of spring its simple note may be heard in our woods and gardens, which is a true
sign that its pairing-season has already commenced, and that the mated birds are preparing for the task of
incubation. The situation chosen for the nest varies according to circumstances ; most frequently it is in the
hole of a tree, the chinks of a wall, and even the interstices of old posts or palings ; it is generally constructed
of moss lined with feathers and hair; the eggs are white, speckled with dark red.
The young assume the colouring of the adults at an early age, and quickly follow their parents in their
assiduous search after insects and their larvae. The family group keep united until autumn at least, when
they all separate, going in winter in single pairs, or passing the colder months singly or in company with
other small birds.
The sexes are so closely alike in colouring as to offer no decided difference ; the tints of a male are,
perhaps, somewhat the brightest.
On the Continent they are widely distributed, and exhibit the same habits and manners that they are ob-
served to do in the British Islands.
The top of the head is fine ccerulean blue ; the forehead, stripe over the eye, and cheeks white ; a black
stripe passes from the bill, through the eye and surrounds the white of the cheeks; the upper surface is
delicate olive green ; the wings and tail blue, the secondaries being slightly tipped with white, and the pri-
maries dark brown; the whole of the under surface yellowish green ; tarsi and bill blueish lead colour.
The Plate represents a male and female of the natural size.
1. COLE TIT. X&. MARSH TIT.
Parus ater; /Zznn-/ Parus palustris, (Zzzw/
Lravty from WNatare & om Sune ty JEL. Condd. tried ty C Hukimanded:
{
«)
COLE TIT.
Parus ater, Lznn.
La Mésange petit charbonniére.
Tue Cole Tit appears to give a preference to woods of birch, oak, and pine, in hilly and mountain districts ;
nevertheless, it frequents, in tolerable abundance, hedgerows, shrubberries, and gardens, over nearly every
portion of Europe. ;
In its habits and manners it is remarkably quick and active, searching with great assiduity among the
twigs and buds of trees for insects and their larvae, upon which it feeds, while every action is animated and
sprightly. It braves with indifference not only our severest winters, but even those of the northern portion
of the Continent. Its nest is placed indifferently according to circumstances, being sometimes formed in the
hole of a decayed tree or old wall, and at others on the ground: it is composed of moss and wool, generally
lined with hair. The eggs are from six to ten in number, of a pure white, sparingly dotted with reddish
brown.
The sexes offer little or no difference in their plumage, and the young assume at an early period the
colouring of maturity.
The top and sides of the head are black; a white mark occupies the occiput; throat black; sides of the
face white; upper surface grey, with a slight tinge of brown; wings and tail brownish black, the former
having two transverse bands of white; flanks and under-surface white slightly tinged with rusty brown; bill
black ; tarsi lead-colour ; irides hazel.
MARSH TIT.
Parus palustris, Lenn.
La Mésange nonnette.
Tue Marsh Tit is slightly superior to the Cole Tit in size, and differs from it also in the situations it frequents,
giving the preference to low tracts of land, covered with thickets, in the neighbourhood of swamps and
marshes ; it is also found in orchards, gardens, and similar localities. It appears to be more abundant in
Holland than in any other country; it is, however, very generally spread, and is found in very high northern
latitudes. In England it is as equally diffused as the rest of the genus, and is as active and sprightly im
its habits, prying in search of food with the same dexterity and adroitness. It constructs its nest in the
holes of trees, and lays from ten to twelve eggs, of a white colour, dotted with reddish brown spots. It may
be observed that the Marsh Tit and the Cole Tit often associate together during winter, and it not unfre-
quently happens that the Crested Wren and other small birds join their company.
The sexes offer no distinction, except that the colours of the female are more obscure.
In the male the top of the head and back of the neck are deep black; the upper surface, wings, and tail
are greyish brown, the latter bemg somewhat the darkest ; breast black ; cheeks and throat white; the under
surface white, clouded with dusky brown; bill black; legs lead-colour ; irides dark hazel.
The upper bird in our Plate represents the Cole Tit, the lower the Marsh Tit, both of the natural size.
Rant,
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Viciot daly. Sided oa dine: Bae! By coos at Te i .ehidad atin
oii f ; metLevey'e Le OE ¢ baive & nO yr) Shi ad 3 Od ort ayAk bus wat! uy aad:
; L stikodees abla TP alOOh odd hen 3 detalles sae ted fated: ele ey
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CRESTED .TIT.
Parus cristatus ;//7;/.
Drum trem Tife bon Stone ly The £ Cond. irked by C tndinandid:
CRESTED TIT.
Parus cristatus, Lznn.
La Mesange huppée.
In our attempts to discover this interesting species of Tit in this country we have been unfortunately disap-
pointed, notwithstanding every work which has hitherto been published on British Ornithology has enumerated
it as one of our indigenous birds. In his work on British Birds, Mr. Selby states that he has been informed
by Sir W. Jardine that the Crested Tit has been found in some plantations near Glasgow, where it annually
breeds. Upon the testimony of this distinguished naturalist, we feel ourselves bound to agree in the propriety
of its admission into the list of our native Fauna, hoping that at no distant day we shall receive further infor-
mation on the subject. Rare as it is with us, it is very common in some parts of Europe, beg abundant in
the pine forests of all its northern regions, and especially where juniper trees are plentiful. M.Temminck,
however, assures us that it is scarce in Holland: we know it to be common in Germany, France, and
the Alpine regions.
In habits and manners it resembles the rest of the smaller Tits, feeding on insects, berries, and the seeds
of evergreens.
M. Temminck says it builds its nest in the holes of trees or walls, or in the abandoned dreys of Squirrels
and Pies. The eggs are as many as ten in number, of a white colour, marked on the larger end with spots of
blood red.
The sexes offer no external difference in plumage.
The head is furnished with a beautiful crest, capable of erection, consisting of long white feathers, having
their centres black ; the cheeks and sides of the neck white, bounded before by a band, which passes from
the throat to the sides of the neck, and behind by a similar band passing from the back of the head in the
same direction; the ear-coverts are also bounded by a narrow line of black ; the general plumage above is
delicate brown, and below white, slightly tinged with brown.
The Plate represents a male of the natural size.
os
i
LONG-TAILED TIT.
Parus caudatus; (Zimn/
Drawn from + NWatwre & on Stone by J&L, Conk.
7
Printed, by C Budimanded,
LONG-TAILED TIT.
Parus caudatus, Lznn.
Le Mésange a longue queue.
INDEPENDENTLY of the deviation from the form of the rest of the genus which this little Tit exhibits, its habits,
mode of nidification, and food, also tend to place it in an isolated situation, and it is questionable whether it
might not be with justice considered as the type of a new and distinct genus.
Few persons who have been accustomed to observe the habits of our native birds can have failed to be
struck with the peculiar actions of this bird, which is continually wandering from tree to tree and hedge-
row to hedgerow, diligently traversing every branch in quest of insects and their larva, which constitute
almost its sole food: these peregrinations appear to be repeated day after day over a given circuit, and it
often happens that at the same hour, on several successive days, they may be found at the same place ; during
the breeding and summer seasons there is, however, an exception to this general rule, which leads us to
suspect that these wandering parties consist of the broods of single nests which continue to associate together
till the following summer causes them to separate into pairs for the purpose of breeding. Noted as birds of
this genus are for their active and restless habits, the Long-tailed Tit is conspicuous among them as being the
most agile and expert ; clinging in every possible attitude to the branches with the utmost ease, and prying
into every bud and crevice, even along the under sides of the twigs, with the strictest scrutiny.
Among the nests of our British birds, that of the Long-tailed Tit is pre-eminent for beauty and the
ingenuity displayed in its structure: in form it is oval, and domed over at the top, and is generally fixed in
the forked branches of a low tree or tall bush in a dense hedgerow ; it is composed externally of moss,
lichen, fibres, and wool, admirably interwoven together, and is lined internally with feathers: in this secure
and warm receptacle, the female lays her eggs to the number of twelve or twenty, white in their colour, with
obscure reddish spots at the larger end.
Though not a songster, this interesting bird utters during the season of love a few simple, twittering notes ;
but these cease with the summer, a chirping call being its only note during the rest of the year. Its flight
from tree to tree is tolerably rapid, but cannot be maintained for any distance.
The top of the head is white; a black mark passes through each eye to the occiput, and joining there with
that of the opposite side, runs in a broad streak down the back, passing off at the edges into a rose red, which
is the tint of the upper surface ; the quills are black ; the secondaries edged with white ; cheeks and throat
greyish white, under parts pinky grey; tail long and graduated, the four middle feathers black, the two next
tipped with white, the rest with the outer webs white also; beak and tarsi black.
The female does not differ from her mate in colouring.
We have figured a pair of the natural size.
BEARDED ‘TIT.
Parus biarmicus, (Ze / -
Calamophilus____; (Leach)
Drawn from Life and ow Stone by SEE. Could. i Lrnieed by LED VET
8
Genus CALAMOPHILUS, Leach.
Gren. Cuar. Beak nearly as in the genus Parus, but the upper mandible at its tip is some-
what curved. Taz/ elongated, wedge-shaped. Legs very slender.
BEARDED TIT or REED BIRD.
Calamophilus biarmicus, Leach.
La Mesange moustache.
Dr. Luacu was induced to separate this very interesting and elegant bird from the genus Parws, in consequence
of its differing in several minor characters from the other species of that genus, particularly in the situation it
affects as a place of abode and nidification ; constructing a nest on or near the ground in wet and marshy
places : its food is also very different, consisting of the seeds of reeds, with aquatic insects and minute shelled-
snails, for the trituration of which it is furnished with a strong muscular gizzard. It inhabits England as
well as most of the temperate countries of Europe, but is more particularly abundant in the low and marshy
districts of Holland, France and Germany. Its disposition is timid, and its manners shy and retired, dwelling
in situations both local and difficult of access; a circumstance which, until lately, has prevented naturalists
from giving any minute details respecting its peculiar habits. We are indebted to Mr. Hoy, an intelligent
observer of nature, for the best account of this bird yet published, from which, as given in ‘“‘ The Magazine of
Natural History,” vol. 3. p. 328, we take the liberty of making the following extract.
“The borders,” says Mr. Hoy, “of the large pieces of fresh water in Norfolk called Broads, particularly
Hickling and Horsey Broads, are the favourite places of resort of this bird ; indeed it is to be met with in that
neighbourhood wherever there are reeds in any quantity, with fenny land adjoinmg. During the autumn and
winter they are found dispersed, generally in small parties, throughout the whole length of the Suffolk coast,
wherever there are large tracts of reeds. - I have found them numerous, in the breeding season, on the skirts
of Whittlesea, near Huntingdonshire, and they are not uncommon in the fenny district of Lincolnshire ;
whether they are to be met with further north I have had no means of ascertaining, but they do not appear
to have been noticed north of the Humber. It begins building in the end of April. The nest is composed on
the outside of the dead leaves of the reed and sedge intermixed with a few pieces of grass, and invariably
lined with the top of the reed, somewhat in the manner of the nest of the Reed Wren (S. arundinacea, L.),
but not so compact in the interior. It is generally placed in a tuft of coarse grass or rushes near the ground,
on the margin of the dikes, in the fen; sometimes fixed among the reeds that are broken down, but never
suspended between the stems. The eggs vary in number from four to six, rarely seven, pure white, sprinkled
all over with small purplish red spots, intermixed with a few small faint lines and markings of the same
colour ; size about the same as that of the Greater Tit, but much more rounded and shorter. Their
food during the winter is principally the seed of the reed; and so intent are they in searching for it, that I
have taken them with a birdlime twig attached to the end of a fishing-rod. When alarmed by any sudden
noise, or the passing of a hawk, they utter their shrill musical notes and conceal themselves among the thick
bottom of the reeds, but soon resume their station, climbing the upright stems with the greatest facility. Their
manners in feeding approach near to the Long-tailed Tit, often hanging with the head downwards, and
occasionally assuming the most beautiful attitudes. Their food is not entirely the reed-seed, but insects
and their larvee, and the very young shelled-snails of different kinds, which are numerous in the bottom of the
reedlings. I have been enabled to watch their motions when in search of insects, having, when there has
been a little wind stirring, been often within a few feet of them, quite unnoticed, among the thick reeds. Was
it not for their note betraying them, they would be but seldom seen. ‘The young, until the autumn moult,
vary in plumage from the old birds ; a stripe of blackish feathers extends from the hind part of the neck to
the rump. It has been said that the males and females keep separate during the winter; but I have always
observed them in company ; they appear to keep in families until the pairing time, in the manner of the
Long-tailed Tit ; differing in this respect, that you will occasionally find them congregated in large flocks, more
particularly during the month of October, when they are migrating from their breeding-places.”
To this interesting account we may add, that they are to be met with occasionally on the banks of the
Thames, from the thick reed-beds of Erith in Kent throughout the course of the river to Oxford; but their
visits are by no means regular, or to be calculated on with certainty.
The total length of the male Bearded Tit is about six inches; the beak orange, the upper mandible
longer and overhanging the under ; irides yellow; feet black ; crown of the head, nape, and cheeks delicate
ash colour; between the base of the beak and the eyes is a black mark, which proceeds down the side of
each cheek, and terminates in a fine and lengthened moustache ; throat white ; breast vinous grey; the sides
of the breast, the back, and the four middle tail-feathers fine reddish orange ; primaries brown externally,
edged with white ; secondaries the same colour as the back, with a black longitudinal stripe ; vent black ;
tail graduated, and about three inches in length.
The female is rather less than the male, of a more uniform ferruginous colour, with a few dashes of black
on the upper part of the neck and back, and has a faint yellowish white instead of a black moustache.
We have figured a male and female of the natural size.
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Hep RIORIT ICING 18, ISIE
Agitalus pendulimus ; (Lge/.
Dram fiom Netare de om Stone by Th bead,
Bivited by C Bidimandel:
Genus AGITALUS, Baye.
Gen. Cuar. Beak moderate, very acute, the upper mandible straight, middle toe free from
the base: hind claw large and strong. az/ truncate and moderate.
PENDULINE TIT.
ffigitalus pendulinus, Boze.
Le Mésange rémiz.
We quite agree with M. Boje in the propriety of assigning this elegant little bird to a separate genus,
distinguished by several minute particulars from that of Parus. In habits, manners, and the localities it
frequents, it bears a great resemblance to the Bearded Tit (Calamophilus biarmicus, Leach); but in the form
of its beak and tail, and in its mode of nidification, it not only differs from it, but also from every other species
of the family. In this little bird, whether we regard its elegant hanging nest or its chaste plumage and
sprightly form, there is much to attract attention: it is not, however, among the natives of our island, but
must be sought for in the southern and eastern provinces of Kurope. It is tolerably abundant in Italy and the
South of France, and is also found in some parts of Russia, Poland, and Hungary, everywhere frequenting
the borders of rivers and inland sheets of fresh water, where willows, reeds, and luxuriant herbage afford it
shelter. Its food is said to consist, like that of the Bearded Tit, not only of seeds, but also of aquatic insects,
and the animals inhabiting small freshwater shells.
Proverbial as are the Tits for the beauty and skilful structure of their nests, none are more remarkable and
curious than that of the present species : it is constructed of the soft down of the willow or poplar; and this
substance, which closely resembles cotton wool, is interwoven together with admirable ingenuity, so as to form
a flask-shaped nest, with a lateral opening into the internal chamber. It is suspended at the extremity of a
drooping branch of a willow or any similar tree overhanging the water. The eggs are six in number, of a
pure white, marked with a few red blotches.
The sexes in the adult state offer but little difference in the colour of their plumage; the markings of the
female, particularly the black band across the face, are however more obscure, and the young, besides being
of a lighter colour, want the black mark entirely.
The plumage of the adult male is as follows: a black band extends across the forehead, encircles the eyes,
and spreads over the ear-coverts; top of the head light grey; throat lighter; the upper surface chestnut
brown, more intense on the middle of the back, fading off to buff; breast chestnut, becoming lighter as it
spreads over the abdomen ; wings and tail brownish black, each feather having a lighter margin.
Our Plate represents a pair of these birds, and their nest, of the natural size.
hag 7 1 PR Prag Secrest iy 8 ; : ?
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WAXEN CHATTERER.
he
Bombycivora garrula;/Zm “/
‘ Finlimanvaed.
by G
Lrinted
Dram from life am on stone by J & £. Condde
Genus BOMBYCIVORA, Temma.
Grn. Cuar. Beak short, straight, elevated, the upper mandible slightly curved towards its
extremity and furnished with a very marked tooth. Nostrils basal, ovoid, open, concealed
by short stiff hairs directed forward. Toes, three before and one behind, the external and
middle toes united. Wangs moderate, the first and second quill-feathers equal and longest.
WAXEN CHATTERER.
Bombycivora garrula, Temm.
Le Grand Jaseur.
Tue birds composing the genus Bombycwora, as restricted by M. Temminck, are by no means numerous,
three species only having as yet, we believe, been discovered. ‘The present beautiful example, which is the
largest, and may be considered the most typical of the genus, is the only one Europe affords us ; it is also to
be found in the northern regions of America, although much less common than the smaller allied species
peculiar to that Continent. The rare and uncertain visits of the Waxen Chatterer to our Island afford
us but little insight into its history, as it is in winter only that small flocks now and then appear, driven
probably by the severity of the season in northern climes to a more southern retreat.
Its true habitat appears to be the regions of the arctic circle, whence it emigrates to the adjacent districts
both of Asia and Europe. Dr. Latham informs us that it is plentiful both at St. Petersburg and Moscow in
the winter, but is observed to come there from parts further north, and to depart again to the arctic circle in
spring. It is never known to breed in Russia, is scarce in Siberia, has not been found beyond the Lena, and
is mentioned as a Tartarian bird by Frisch, who says it breeds among the rocks; and nothing more, we
believe, is known respecting its habits and nidification. The formation and general structure of its beak
indicate it to be a true berry-feeder, and we accordingly find that during its visits here its food consists of the
berries of the mountain ash, the haw, the privet, &c.
The general colour of the body of the male bird is of a dull vinous ash, with a bright ferruginous tinge on
the forehead and cheeks ; the feathers of the head prolonged into a beautiful crest ; beak and tarsi black ; the
throat, the feathers of the nostrils, and a band which passes from the beak through the eye, black ; primary
quill-feathers brownish-black, each feather being marked on the inner margin of the tip with a yellow line ;
secondaries tipped with white and having the shaft prolonged and furnished with singular appendages
resembling red sealing-wax, whence its name; upper tail-coverts ash-coloured, the under ones ferruginous ;
tail black tipped with a yellow band.
The male and female offer but slight external differences, both having the wax-like appendages to the
secondaries ; they are, however, less numerous in the female, and are altogether wanting in the young.
Our Plate represents a male in the adult plumage and of the natural size.
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WACK JLAIRIK .
Alauda Tartanca; (ZalZ/
Lronted by C Lalande.
Genus ALAUDA, Linn.
Gen. Cuan. Bilt subconic, short, the mandibles of equal length, the upper one slightly
convex. Nosérdls basal, lateral, oval, partly concealed by small reflected feathers. Feet,
three toes before, and one behind ; the anterior ones entirely divided; the claw of the
hind one long and nearly straight. Wings, the first quill very short, or wanting, the third
the longest ; tertials in most instances shorter than the quills. Coronal feathers generally
produced, and capable of being erected.
BLACK AND WHITE LARK.
Alauda Tartarica, Pall.
L Alouette Négre.
Tux Alauda Tartarica is a native of the high northern regions of the old continent, where it enjoys a most
extensive habitat, being dispersed, as we have every reason to believe, over the whole of Siberia, Northern
Russia, Lapland, &c., and from whence it performs periodical migrations into more temperate climes. It
spreads in autumn, says M. Temminck, over the provinces of European Russia, where it dwells in small com-
panies ; hence it is necessary to include it in the fauna of Europe. Like Plectrophanes nivalis and Lapponica
it is subject to very considerable and contrasted changes in the colouring of its plumage at opposite seasons :
during the rigorous months of winter its clothing is remarkably thick and warm ; the feathers, which are then
elongated, are encircled with a band of light tawny grey, and falling closely over each other, conceal the
black colouring of the base of each feather. On the approach of summer a decomposition takes place in the
lighter portions of the feathers, which gradually break off, and leave the bird in the height of summer of a jet
black, which style of dress continues until the autumn, when a moult takes place, and the bird again assumes
its usual winter clothing. The lower figure in our Plate represents the bird in the winter dress, while the
upper illustrates the nearly completed plumage of summer, when, as will be readily perceived, many of the
feathers possess the remains of the winter plumage.
The Alauda Tartarica is a bird of great rarity in the collections of Europe; and independent of our own
specimen, which we received from Paris, we know of no other example in England.
The only difference in the outward appearance of the sexes consists in the hues of the female being some-
what less deep, and in her being rather smaller in size than her mate.
We cannot examine this and the following species, 4/auda Calandra, without being fully impressed with the
propriety of separating them into a new genus, distinct from Alauda, which genus is typically represented by
Arvensis; but having already figured one species which according to our ideas would range in this divi-
sion under the name of Alauda brachydactyla, we have considered it best, in these instances also, to retain the
old generic title Alauda.
After what has been said above we conceive any further description of the plumage will be unnecessary :
the beak is yellowish buff at the base and black at the tip; the feet and legs are black.
The figures are of the natural size.
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LARK-HEELED BUNTING,
Plectrophanes lapponiea, /-SedZy/
Trnked by CLilimande:
LARK-HEELED BUNTING.
Plectrophanes Lapponica, Selby.
Le Bruant Montain.
So little is known of the history and changes of plumage which this scarce bird undergoes, that we are left in
doubt as to whether the tricoloured livery of the upper bird in our Plate, which is that of the male in summer,
is exchanged in winter, as in the case of the Snow Bunting, for a more uniform and sober dress, or whether,
like some of the more typical Buntings, (Hmberiza Scheniculus, Linn., for example,) it retains its strongly
contrasted colouring throughout the year. We make this observation because there have been frequently
examples killed in England, all of which resembled the lower bird of the Plate. Some of these, on dissection,
proved to be males, and were most probably immature birds, the migrations of which are known to be,
according to the general rule, both more widely diffused and more irregular in their course than those of
mature birds.
The summer retreat of the Lark-heeled Bunting, where it incubates and rears its brood, is within the limits
of the arctic circle, from whence, as winter approaches, it gradually passes southwards, in Europe as far as
Switzerland, and in America visiting the northern parts of the United States in considerable abundance. _ Its
nest, according to Dr. Richardson, who observed it in the arctic regions of the American continent, is placed
upon a small hillock, among moss and shrubs, and is composed externally of the dried stems of grass
interwoven to a considerable thickness, and lined very neatly and compactly with deer’s hair. The eggs are
usually of a pale ochre yellow, spotted with brown.
In habits and manners the Lark-heeled Bunting resembles very closely the Snow Bunting, with which it is
sometimes found associated ; and it is worthy of remark, that the examples killed in England have been found
among the vast quantities of Larks exposed for sale in the markets of London and other large towns, a
circumstance indicating its almost exclusively terrestrial habits. Its food consists of grain, the seeds of various
mountain plants, and perhaps insects.
The colouring of the adult male may be thus detailed :
The top of the head, cheeks, throat, and chest jet black, interrupted by a line of white, which passes from
the base of the beak over the eye, behind which it dilates and extends to the occiput, bounding the ear-
coverts ; a broad band of chestnut passes across the back of the neck; the whole of the upper surface is
brown, each feather being edged with rufous, and having a black dash in the centre; the sides of the chest
and under surface white, the flanks with a few dashes of black ; bill yellow, passing into black at the tip ;
tarsi blackish brown ; irides hazel.
The female, according to M. Temminck, resembles the young bird in her general colouring, except that a
band of reddish white occupies the same place as in the male, and unites with a white streak, which passes
from the angle of the beak ; the throat is white, bounded laterally by a broad band of brown; the breast is
marked with blotches of grey and black, and the under parts are white.
The young birds, as we may presume those to have been that were taken in this country, have the whole
of the upper surface brown, each feather bearing a reddish edge, and a dark central dash; the under surface
dirty white, with dashes of brown along the sides.
The Plate represents an adult male, and a young bird of the year, of the natural size.
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SNOW BUNTING.
Plectrophanes nivalis ; (Meyer),
SNOW BUNTING.
Plectrophanes nivalis, Meyer.
Le Bruant de neige.
Tux Snow Bunting may be strictly pronounced a migratory species throughout the temperate countries of
Europe, visiting them at the commencement of winter, and enlivening the bleak hills and barren shores which
at this season of the year are deserted by those birds whose instinct has directed them to seek more southerly
and consequently milder regions. The summer residences of this neat and chastely plumaged bird are well
ascertained to be the northern hemispheres of the continents of Europe and America, over which portions of
the globe it is generally and even universally diffused. The most wild and dreary spots of the northern parts
of the latter continent are, according to the accounts of persevering travellers who have visited those regions,
animated with the presence of the Snow Bunting. Dr. Richardson informs us, that Southampton Island,
situated in the 62nd parallel, (where this species was observed by Captain Lyon,) is the most southern locality
which has been discovered as its breeding-place. As soon as the task of incubation is accomplished, they
commence their migrations towards warmer regions, although, by the authority of the above-mentioned traveller,
they do not hasten southwards with that immediate alacrity which distinguishes the passage of many other
small birds; they linger rather in the vicinity of forts by the sea-side and other exposed places, subsisting on
the seeds of grasses, and performing their journey by short stages until the approach of colder weather quickens
their progress ; indeed the visits of the Snow Bunting to our own island seem to depend very much on the
severity of the winter in their northern retreats. The Shetland and Orkney Islands are their first resting-
places, whence they proceed to the Highlands of Scotland, then the Cheviot-hills, and finally distribute them-
‘selves over the southern barren districts of the British Isles. Mr. Selby informs us, that << they arrive at the
latter end of October, and generally in very large flocks, which seem chiefly to consist of the young of the year
with a few adults intermixed, and afterwards, if the season should be severe, small flocks are seen, principally
consisting of adult male birds in their winter dress.” On the Continent they annually visit the North of Ger-
many, France and Holland, in the latter of which countries M. Temminck states them to be very abundant,
particularly by the sea-side, a situation to which they evince a partiality in our own Island, especially if a flat
and sandy shore prevails. From all these places, on the approach of spring, they again flock to the northern
latitudes, whence they originally came.
The Snow Bunting is subjected to a considerable variety of plumage, of which either sex, age, or season is
the cause. The decided and contrasted plumage represented in the lower figure is not attained until maturity,
and is then only observable inthe summer season, at which time the male and female offer less distinction
than is given in the accompanying Plate, the upper figure of which represents an immature bird in the plumage
characteristic of the greater portion of those individuals who visit England. In this state it has been called the
Tawny Bunting, and regarded by many authors as a distinct species. As the lengthened hind claw would lead
us to conclude, the habits of this bird induce it to frequent rocks and arid districts, where they run with great
celerity and are never known to perch on trees ; and from the beak being destitute of the palatine knob, it has
been separated with great propriety from the other Buntings.
The situations chosen for the nests of this species are niches in the rocks of mountainous places, and some-
times upon flat shores among large stones. The nest is formed of dried grass neatly lined with hair or
feathers. The eggs are six or seven in number, of a pale flesh colour, speckled with minute dots, and blotched
at the larger end with reddish brown. ‘Their food consists of the seeds of alpine plants, and the larvee of
various insects.
The adult male in summer has the head, neck, under parts, outer tail-feathers and centre of the wing's pure
white ; the remainder of the plumage, the feet, and bill black ; irides dark brown. The female at this season
differs only in having the back of the head, side of the chest, and a portion of the neck and breast tinged with
rufous, and the other parts of the plumage of a less pure black. The male of the first year, the female, and
adult birds in winter offer but little difference in the colour of the plumage. The upper figure in the Plate
represents a bird in this stage, and the colouring may be thus characterized. The top of the head, sides of
the breast, margin of the scapulars, back, and tail-feathers reddish brown; the throat, breast, four outer tail-
feathers, under parts, and centre of the wings white; each of the back feathers has the centre brown; the
quills and middle tail-feathers are also of the same colour beak reddish brown ; irides dark brown; legs
black.
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COMMON BUNTING.
Emberiza muiharia; Zan/
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Genus EMBERIZA.
Gen. Cuar. Bill conical, strong, hard, and sharp-pointed ; tomia of both mandibles bending
inwards, and compressed towards the point; the upper mandible narrower and smaller
than the under one, and its roof furnished with a hard bony knob ; base of the mandibles,
or gape, forming an angle, and rather open. _Nos¢ra/s basal and round, partly hidden by
the small feathers at the base of the bill. Feet having three toes before and one behind ;
the anterior ones entirely divided. Claws rather long and curved. Wings with the first
quills rather shorter than the second and third.
COMMON BUNTING.
Emberiza miliaria, Lenn.
Le Bruant Proyer.
Tus well-known species of Bunting may be considered a permanent resident in the British Islands, over the
whole of which it is dispersed ; it is also equally abundant on the Continent, where it ranges from the regions
of the arctic circle to the most southern boundary of Europe: of this fact we have received satisfactory
evidence, by the inspection of examples from Trebizond in Asia Minor, which country would, however, appear
to be nearly its southern and eastern limit, as we have never observed any specimens in collections either from
India or Africa.
It is the largest and one of the most typical of its genus, having the palatine knob more fully developed than
im any other species. Its food consists, in a great measure, of grains and seeds, which induces it to give a
preference to those cultivated districts which afford the most abundant supply. Besides grain, many of the
Buntings eat insects and their larve with avidity, and we have observed the present bird in particular feeding
on the body of the large species of Chafer Melolontha vulgaris. During autumn and winter the Common
Bunting congregates in flocks, often in company with the Lark, to which, in the flavour of its flesh, it is very
similar; on the return of spring it is dispersed over the face of the country, being partial to hedge-rows
skirting large fields, where it may be observed perched on the topmost twig uttering its oft-repeated
monotonous note, which is more loud although not unlike that of the Yellow-hammer, Eimberiza citrinella.
The ground is the situation chosen for the purpose of incubation, and in this respect it resembles the true
Larks; the nest is composed of various grasses lined with hair and fibrous roots; the eggs are five or six in
number, of a pinkish grey, streaked and spotted with reddish brown.
The sexes so nearly resemble each other in the colour of their plumage as to render a description of both
unnecessary ; the young also assume at an early age, with a trifling exception, the precise tints of the adult.
_ The whole of the upper plumage is brown inclining to olive, the centre of each feather being darker ; the
under surface yellowish white, with numerous stripes of dark brown running down the shaft of each feather ;
feet and bill brown.
The Plate represents an adult male of the natural size.
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BLACK HEADED BUNTING.
Emberiza melanocephala, /Scopolc/
BLACK-HEADED BUNTING.
Emberiza melanocephala, Scopolz.
Le Brunt crocote.
WE are not able to enter into a minute detail respecting the habits and manners of this beautiful species of
Bunting, as it has never been known to visit the British Islands, nor, as far as we are able to ascertain, either
the northern or western portions of the European Continent; the middle and southern districts and the
border-line which joins the Asiatic confines being its native locality.
M. Temminck informs us that it is very abundant in Dalmatia and all over the Levant, and common in
Istria and in the environs of Trieste; he also states that it sings agreeably, and chooses hedgerows and low
bushes for its place of incubation, building near the ground and laying four or five white eggs, thinly sprinkled
with minute dots of a light ash-colour. Its food consists of seeds, grains, and occasionally insects.
In the male the whole of the head and the cheeks are deep black; the sides of the neck, throat, and the
whole of the under surface of a fine king’s-yellow; the back of the neck, the scapulars and back are of a rich
rufous brown; the rump and tail-coverts inclining to yellow; the wings and tail light brown, each feather
having a lighter edge ; the beak ashy-blue ; feet and tarsi light brown ; length about six inches and a half.
In the female the whole of the upper surface is brown, the middle of each feather inclining to black ; the
throat yellowish white; the whole of the under surface inclining to a yellowish red.
In all our collections from Western India we receive this species in abundance, or if not this identical bird,
one very closely allied to it, having all its characters, except that the feathers of the head instead of being
entirely black are tipped with a grayish brown, and the rest of the plumage, which in the European species is
so vivid and distinct, is less pure and decided.
The specimens from which our figures were taken form part of the collection of the Zoological Society
of London, and were received from Berne. Switzerland we believe to be the western bounds of its locality.
In the annexed Plate we have figured a male and female in their spring plumage.
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YELLOW BUNTING.
Emberiza citrinella,/Zenm/
Dronmnyrom Neture & on Stone by J&L Contd, Lronted by CHidimandel,
YELLOW BUNTING.
Emberiza citrinella, Lznn.
Le Bruant jaune.
Wurtz perched on the topmost branch of the roadside hedge displaying its richly coloured tints, this well-
known bird would, were it less common, excite great interest in the passing traveller, as well as in those
who lead exclusively a country life, and who therefore have it under their observation during all seasons of
the year. |
The male is most attractive in the early months of spring, his energies at this period having by the natural
impulse warned him of the approaching breeding-time. Now, being mated, he may be seen mounted on the
most slender twig pouring forth his simple song, which, although neither melodious nor varied, nevertheless
has a natural simplicity which cannot fail to please, and it is doubtless cheerfully listened to by his less gaily
attired mate, who prefers the more secluded bush or more dense parts of the hedge-row.
The Yellow Bunting is rather a late breeder, seldom commencing until the herbage is sufficiently grown to
afford it a complete shelter from observation. The shelving side of a bank or tuft of grass is generally selected
for the situation of the nest, which is most neatly constructed of dried grasses and moss, lined with finer
grasses and hair: the eggs are four or five in number, of a pale bluish white, marked with spots and lines of
chocolate red. |
In winter the Yellow Bunting associates in considerable flocks, often in company of other granivorous birds,
and spreads over fields and arable lands; in severe weather resorting to farm-yards and similar situations.
It is, we believe, indigenous in every part of Europe, to which quarter of the world it appears to be strictly
confined, as we have never seen any examples of it in collections from any other locality.
The young during the first autumn resemble the female, which, as we have above stated, is much less
brilliant in all her markings than the male.
The male has the crown of the head, throat, chest, and under surface rich gamboge yellow, the flanks and
under tail-coverts streaked with reddish chestnut ; the upper surface rich brown inclining to olive, the centre
of each feather being darker; primaries blackish brown with lighter edges; rump brownish orange; tail
brownish black, the outer edges of the feathers yellow, and the inner web of the outer feather on each side
largely blotched with white; legs and feet yellowish brown.
The upper surface of the female resembles that of the male, but the tints are less brilliant ; the under
surface also is not so bright, and is destitute of the rich chestnut streaks which adorn the male, these markings
being brown.
The Plate represents a male and female of the natural size.
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YELLOW-BREASTED BUNTING.
Emberiza aureola./4a4@/
Dravn from Noiare & on Stene by Jb 2 Gould.
Sinted ty C Balimeardd,
YELLOW-BREASTED BUNTING.
Emberiza aureola, Pall.
La Bruant auréole.
Tuts very beautiful Bunting has been more than once captured within the precincts of the European conti-
nent ; it consequently becomes necessary for us to give a figure of it, and in so doing we introduce to our
readers one of the most beautiful species of this group, so celebrated for their agreeable and well-contrasted
colours. A specimen of the male, one of the very finest we have ever seen, was obligingly lent to us by
T.B.L. Baker, Esq., of Hardwicke Court, Gloucester, a gentleman to whom we shall ever feel indebted for many
acts of great kindness and liberality, and who has considerably facilitated the study of ornithology by the
publication of a work entitled ‘* An Ornithological Index”, in which are enumerated the genera and species
contained in the works of most of the present writers, and which he hopes will form a stepping-stone to a
still more elaborate production by some more experienced ornithologist.
M. Temminck states that the native habitat of the Yellow-breasted Bunting is Kamtschatka, Siberia, and
the Crimea; it has also been occasionally seen in the southern parts of Russia, and in other portions of the
eastern boundaries of Europe.
The male is much more richly coloured than the female, and may be described as follows :
A band of black extends round the base of the beak and over the ear-coverts ; the top of the head and
the whole of the upper surface is of a rich chestnut, a band across the chest of the same colour ; throat
and under surface rich yellow marked with streaks of brown on the flanks; primaries and tail brown,
the latter having the two outer feathers on each side marked with a large white spot near the tip ; beak
and tarsi brown.
The female is nearly devoid of the rich colouring which characterizes the male; the upper surface being
dull brown tinged with green, the under surface olive yellow with the flanks marked as in the male.
The Plate represents a male and female of the natural size.
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CIRL BUNTING.
Emberiza carlus; Azenn/
Tram from Netare & on Stone by Jé L. coud: LBriiteds by C Haltmandels
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CIRL BUNTING.
Emberiza Cirlus, Zann.
Le Bruant zizi.
For the discovery of this beautiful species of Bunting in our island, we are indebted to the industry and
research of the late Colonel Montagu. It is now much more numerous than it formerly was ; but unlike its
ally the well-known ‘Yellowhammer (Eméeriza citrinella, Linn.), which is distributed through the whole of
our island, the Cirl Bunting is extremely local in its habitat, being seldom seen in the midland and northern
counties. It is common in Devonshire, and all along our southern coast. In Sussex we have ourselves seen
it in abundance, particularly in the neighbourhood of Chichester, where it annually breeds. It is much more
shy and retiring than the Yellowhammer ; its song is also different, more resembling that of the Chaffinch.
It frequents nearly the whole of the southern provinces of Europe, and is especially abundant along the shores
of the Mediterranean as well as in Italy and the southern parts of France. In general habits, manners, and
nidification it closely resembles the Yellowhammer. Its nest is generally placed either beneath a low bush
or at the foot of a large tree; it is composed of dried grass intermingled with vegetable fibres, and lined with
hair. The eggs are in general more round than those of the Yellowhammer ; in colour they are grey,
marked with those peculiar zigzag lines of dark brown which are so characteristic of all the Buntings’ eggs.
Its food consists of various kinds of grain, to which insects are largely added, of which Montagu informs us
grasshoppers are the greatest favourites.
The sexes offer a contrasted difference in the colour of the plumage, the male being adorned with a gorget
of black and distinct facial markings.
The adult male has the crown of the head and back of the neck olive grey, the former exhibiting longitudinal
dashes of black ; a yellow stripe from the base of the beak encircles the eye, and terminates on the side of
the head; the throat is black in summer, but as winter approaches it becomes obscured with olive grey ;
below this black a yellow band extends across the throat; the whole of the upper surface is reddish brown,
each feather having a greyish margin ; quills blackish brown; the breast, below the yellow gorget, is greenish
olive; sides of the chest washed with ferruginous under fine yellow; two outer tail-feathers white for the
greatest part of their inner web ; bill brown; legs brownish flesh colour.
The adult female, which differs little from the young male of the year, wants the black throat and gorget
of yellow; the head is olive green with dashes of brown; the chest is yellowish grey streaked with brown ;
the under surface dull pale yellow ; and the upper plumage is less vivid than in her more ornamented mate.
Our Plate represents a male and female of the natural size.
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ORTOLAN BUNTING.
Embenza hortulana:/Zzx7,/
Dramnppom life on Stne by The B. Gould: : Printed ly CHalimandd:
ORTOLAN BUNTING.
Emberiza hortulana, Lznn.
LOrtolan.
Turs bird has long been celebrated as one of the greatest delicacies of the table throughout the countries of
France and Italy, for which purpose numbers are annually caught and artificially fattened. The South of
Europe and the northern portions of Africa appear to be its natural habitat ; it is nevertheless generally
spread throughout continental Europe, even as far as Holland, Sweden and Russia. The British Isles are
only occasionally visited; one of the examples, a male, now in the museum of the Natural History Society
at Neweastle-upon-Tyne, having been taken on the Yorkshire coast. It is not improbable, however, that we
should find this bird more frequent than it is believed to be, were it not overlooked from its similarity to the
Yellow Bunting (Eimberiza citrinella, Linn.).
Dr. Latham informs us that it is strictly migratory in its habits and is frequently taken in the spring and
autumn at Gibraltar, whence we may suppose that the greater number pass over to Africa and make that
continent their winter residence. It is during these migrations, when vast numbers are assembled
together, that they are caught in traps, principally in Italy and the South of France, and are then kept by
being placed in a dark room, and there fed with plenty of oats and millet-seed, upon which they quickly fatten.
From the accounts of various authors, it would appear that they offer several variations of plumage, caused
by peculiar diet and other circumstances: these varieties, being purely accidental, are not to be considered in
the same light as the variations of plumage which occur in many other birds.
The nest of-the Ortolan is constructed of fibres and leaves, and placed in the most convenient situation the
locality may afford, most commonly in low bushes and hedges, but sometimes on the ground among corn.
The eggs are five in number, of a reddish grey marked with streaks of brown.
The plumage of the male is much more lively than that of the female. The top of the head is greenish
olive; an edging of white feathers forms the margin of the eyelid ; ear-coverts brown ; the throat, the sides
of the face, below the eye, and the chest, are of a delicate yellow; the upper surface reddish brown, the
feathers of the back and wings being dashed in their centre with black ; the under surface pale tawny ; beak
and legs flesh-coloured.
In the female, the whole of the upper surface is greyish brown, with a number of small black lines on the
head, the feathers of the back having their centres black also; the throat is pale yellow, and is bounded by
a range of brown spots; the rest of the under surface is pale brownish red ; the eyelid is edged with white
as in the male.
The Plate represents an adult male and female of the natural size.
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RUSTIC BUNTING.
Emberiza rustica, (C72
Dravmn from Notre & on stone by Jb
Jan
RUSTIC BUNTING.
Emberiza rustica, Pall.
Le Bruant rustique.
For fine examples of both sexes of this exceedingly scarce Bunting we are indebted to the Directors of the
Museum at Frankfort; and although its native country is Siberia, Kamtschatka, and the adjacent islands, we
are inclined to admit it among the Birds of Europe, on the assurance of some naturalists that it is frequently
found within the limits of the north-eastern portions of the Continent. M. Temminck has also admitted it
on the same grounds, though he himself has never received it in a recent state, and until he does, he prefers
taking his account from the work of Pallas.
In the disposition of its colouring the Rustic Bunting resembles several other species of the genus Emberiza ;
but it departs in a trifling degree from that form; and in the stoutness of its bill and the shortness of its
tail would appear to approach the Finches.
The female may be distinguished from the male by the absence of the black colour on the crown of the
head and ear-coverts ; in other respects their plumage is closely similar.
We have no information to communicate respecting its habits and manners, nor is its nidification or the
colour of its eggs as yet ascertained. .
The male has the top of the head, with the exception of a white line down the middle, and the space
between the beak and the ear-coverts, black ; a broad white streak passes over the eye, and down the sides
of the neck and throat; the whole of the upper surface is rich brown, each feather having a darker mark
in the centre; this brown colouring passes into rufous on the chest, which it surrounds like a collar; the
wings are of the same colour as the back; secondaries tipped with white; primaries and tail brown, the
two outer feathers of the latter white on their outer edges; the flanks red brown, each feather having the
centre darkest ; under surface white; legs and bill dull yellow brown.
The plumage of the female is somewhat paler and more obscure than that of the male, and the black which
ornaments the head of the male is replaced by brown; the stripe over the eye and down the throat is yellowish
white.
The Plate represents a male and female of the natural size.
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LESBIAN BUNTING.
Emberiza Lesbia; (Gmel/
Drampram Nature bom Stone ty S&L: Could. Lronted, by CLiadlmandid,
LESBIAN BUNTING.
Emberiza Lesbia.
Le Bruant de Mitiléne.
Tue Emberiza Lesbia is one of the rarest species of the present genus, but at the same time one of the most
universally distributed ; it sparingly inhabits the eastern parts of southern Europe, and occurs but very rarely
in Italy and Provence ; it is-also found in Greece, and we have seen it in collections from China. M. Tem-
minck states that it is found also in Japan, where it is known under the name of ‘‘ Jamuzuzume.”
In its habits and manners it doubtless closely resembles the other members of the family, and but little
difference is perceptible between the sexes.
The head is greyish olive, with a stripe of dark brown down the centre of each feather; back of the neck
and back reddish brown, with a broader and more conspicuous stripe down each feather, but becoming nearly
imperceptible on the rump; wing-coverts chestnut, striped down the centre with blackish brown ; secondaries
blackish brown, bounded on each side with rufous and margined with pale brown; quills and tail brown
margined with paler brown ; ear-coverts deep reddish brown, beneath which is a broad stripe of buff; throat
whitish ; bounded on each side with numerous oblong spots of dark brown, which meet and cover the front
of the breast ; under surface buff, marked on each side immediately below the breast with several indistinct
spots of chestnut, and on the flanks by stripes of dark brown on the centre of each feather ; bill, legs, and
feet pale brown.
The female only differs in having the spots on the sides of the throat and breast more numerous, and in
having the whitish part of the throat less extensive.
We have figured a male and female of the natural size.
iv Vi
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Dravn from Mature be on Stonely The B Could,
MEADOW BUNTING.
Emberiza cia; (Zenn- /.
MEADOW BUNTING.
Emberiza cia, Linn.
Le Bruant fou, ou de pré.
Tuis species of Bunting, although common in the meadows bordering the Rhine, as well as in the southern
parts of France, Italy, Spain, and adjoining the Mediterranean, does not appear to be distributed in the North
as is the case with so many of its congeners, neither Holland nor England being among the places of its
habitat.
The nearest-allied species among our native Buntings is the Reed Bunting (Zinderiza scheniculus, Linn.),
which it resembles, not only in its general habits and manners, but in the peculiar character of its markings,
particularly about the head, and in the feebleness of the beak. The nearest extra-British species in alliance
with it is the Emberiza lesbia: and it would appear that with both of these birds in certain stages of plumage it
has been confounded ; and not with these only, as will appear from the following translation of a note which we
have taken the liberty of extracting from M. Temminck’s Manuel d Ornithologie. ‘‘ Besides the double use
which Buffon makes of this species in describing it under the name of Foolish Bunting, and Lorraine Bunting,
he commits a second error in giving his description and Ortulan de neige, pl. 511. fig. 2, as the female of
the Ortolan de Lorraine. The German authors are equally in error in enumerating under the synonym of Le
Bruant fou the birds described and figured by Buffon under the names of Gavoue and Mitilene de Provence ;
these form two distinct species. The French naturalists place the Emberiza passerina of Gmelin, Syst. i.
p. 871. sp. 27., in the synonym of Le Bruant fou, while the description of Gmelin pourtrays very exactly an
old female of Le Bruant des roseaux.”
The Emberiza cia offers in its sober tints a harmony of colours which renders it far from being the least
pleasing of its genus. The food of this bird, as its feeble bill indicates, consists of the small seeds of farina-
ceous plants, such as millet, canary, &c., as well as insects of various species ; in fact, as above stated, its
manners and actions are in close unison with our well-known Reed Bunting. It constructs a nest in bushes
and tufts of herbage, and not unfrequently on the ground: the eggs are five in number, of a whitish colour
marked with a few lines of black.
The whole of the head and breast is ash coloured ; three stripes of black occupy the face on each side, one
passing above the eye, one through the eye to the occiput, and one encircles the lower part of the face from
the angle of the beak ; a greyish white stripe passes above the eye, bordered by the two lines of black ; the
whole of the upper surface is of a rufous brown, each feather having a dusky mark down the centre; the
feathers of the shoulders are edged with light grey ; the primaries brown ; the three outer tail-feathers white,
the remainder brown edged with reddish ; the whole of the under surface pale rufous.
The female is destitute of the beautiful grey which ornaments the head and chest of the male, as well as
the jet black lines, which are only faintly indicated on the cheeks; the head and chest are pale greyish
brown ; the throat dotted with dusky spots; the rest of the plumage resembles the male, except that it is
more obscure.
The Plate represents a male and female of the natural size.
SHAVE” anal
’
tall
ie
A
PINK BUNTING.
Emberiza pithyornus,(/@//
Printed by 6 Hinilimande, LN
ey K)
&
Ea
PINE BUNTING.
Emberiza pithyornus, Pail.
Le Bruant 4 couronne lactée.
In size this rare Bunting rather exceeds the Yellow-hammer (Emberiza citrinella, Linn.), which so frequently
attracts the notice of the passing traveller through the British Islands. Its true habitat would appear to be
the northern parts of Russia and Siberia, though, according to M. Temminck, it is frequently found as far
south as the centre of Turkey, and the shores of the Caspian Sea, Hungary, Bohemia, and Austria are
among the places of its resort. Dr. Latham states that it frequents the pine-forests of Siberia, and has the
note of the Reed Bunting. Although it has not the brilliant yellow colouring which pervades the plumage of
many of its tribe, the Emberiza pithyornus is very pleasing to the eye, from the harmonious arrangements of its
rich but somewhat sober tints, in which respect, and in fact in its whole contour, it assimilates exceedingly
to the Bunting-like Finches of the New World, such as the Emberiza leucophrys, Gm., (Zonotrichia leuco-
phrys, Sw.); and in all probability, when the vast countries of Siberia, Kamtschatka, &c. have been more
thoroughly investigated, that species, intermediate in form, will be found to complete this chain of affinities.
The sexes of the Pine Bunting may be distinguished from each other by the more obscure colouring of the
female, and the total absence of the gorget and superciliary stripe of chestnut with which the male is
adorned.
The plumage of the male is as follows :
A stripe of white passes along the top of the head to the occiput; on each side of this white stripe is
another of black, and this is again succeeded by one of chestnut immediately over the eye; ear-coverts white ;
throat rich chestnut; below this is a half band of white succeeded by a broad band of dusky greyish chestnut
across the chest; whole of the back, wings, and flanks rich brown, each feather being darkest in the centre ;
rump and upper tail-coverts pale chestnut; tail brown, each feather edged with reddish brown, and the two
outer ones largely blotched with white; centre of the breast, belly, and under tail-coverts white; legs and
bill yellowish brown.
The female is more obscure in all her markings; the ear-coverts are brown with a band of white beneath
them; superciliary mark yellow white; throat white surrounded with small dark spots.
The Plate represents a male and female of the natural size.
CRETZSCHMAR'’S BUNTING.
_Emberiza cesia,/Geeschim)
Dravin from Nakare & on Stone ty Jd LZ. Contd. Lrinted by C Fedimended:
CRETZSCHMAR’S BUNTING.
Emberiza cesia, Cretzschmar.
Le Bruant cendrillard.
We have received beautiful examples of this rare bird from Dr. Cretzschmar of Frankfort, who has also
obliged us with numerous other rarities from the fine collection under his charge. From the circumstance
of so distinguished a naturalist having added this interesting bird to the Fauna of Europe, as an occasional
visitant to the southern and eastern portions of that continent, we feel no hesitation in inserting it in the
present work.
The true habitat of the mberiza cesia are the northern and eastern portions of Africa, in which countries it
was observed in abundance by Dr. Riippell. In the third part of his ‘‘ Manuel d’Ornithologie,’ M. Tem-
minck states that ‘it inhabits Syria and Egypt; is probably more common in the middle of Europe than it
is supposed to be, where isolated individuals may have been taken for varieties of the hortulana and cia ; it 1s
found accidentally in Austria and Provence, an individual having been taken near Vienna in 1827.
We have never seen an example either from India or any of the islands of the Archipelago, which circum-
stance would lead us to conclude that it is almost exclusively confined to the portion of the globe above men-
tioned, and in which it will be necessary to seek for information relative to its peculiar habits and ceconomy.
The plumage of the sexes is less contrasted than is generally observed in birds of this genus. In spring the
male has the top of the head, back of the neck, ear-coverts, and chest grey ; a narrow streak of the same colour
passes from the chest to the base of the lower mandible ; throat, cheeks, and a narrow band across the forehead
light chestnut brown; upper part of the back brown, each feather having a darker centre; rump and upper tail-
coverts brown without spots; the whole of the abdomen rich chestnut brown, more intense on the breast ;
wings dark brown ; the secondaries and scapularies strongly edged with light brown inclining to chestnut ; tail
dark brown, the outer edges of the feathers chestnut, and the two outer ones on each side largely tipped with
white on their inner webs.
The female has the chest marked with numerous small spots of black on a ground of brownish grey, which
colour pervades the whole of the head; the remainder of the plumage resembles that of the male, only being
much less intense in colour.
The Plate represents a male and female in their spring plumage, of the natural size.
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MARSH BUNTING.
Emberiza palustris, Saz/
have dy om Stone “y GL Gouhd, PARADA:
MARSH BUNTING.
Emberiza palustris, Sav.
Tis rare species, which offers so close a resemblance in general colouring and habits to our well-known
Black-headed Bunting, (Embertza melanocephala, Scopoli, ) exhibits nevertheless, in the robust structure of its
beak, a departure from the typical characters of the genus, and either forms its extreme limits, or may be
regarded as the representative of another genus ; but its affinities are at present but little understood, the
bird itself bemg very rare, and only to be met with in the southern and eastern provinces of Europe.
The best account of this bird is to be found in Professor Savi’s “« Ornitologia Toscana,” according to
which eminent author it dwells in the marshes of Tuscany, but he has not yet been able to obtain a sight of
its nest and eggs ; if, however, we may judge from analogy, we may consider its habits and manners as very
much resembling those of the Common Reed Bunting. Professor Savi further informs us that it inhabits
the vicinity of stagnant waters covered with reeds and bulrushes, and that it feeds to a great extent upon the
insects which lodge upon the culmens of the reeds.
The sexes offer the same relative differences that are observed in the Reed Bunting, the black head of the
male being exchanged in the female for brown blotched with dashes of black. .
In the male, the upper part of the head, cheeks, and throat are black ; a white stripe begins near the angle
of the beak, and extends round to the back of the neck; the whole of the upper surface is of a rich chestnut
brown, the centre of each feather being largely blotched with black; the under surface is white, the flanks
being marked with longitudinal lines of brown; bill black; tarsi brown.
The female, which closely resembles the male in her general plumage, is distinguished by the colouring of the
head already alluded to; by the absence of the white stripe round the neck; and by the dull brownish white
of the under surface, which is thickly dashed with longitudinal spots of deep brown.
The Plate represents a male and female of the natural size.
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REED BUNTING.
Emberiza schcentculus, Zaa/
Drown from Native k om Stone by J dL, Codd. Lrinted ty C Hadlmandel:
REED BUNTING.
Emberiza Scheeniculus, Lznn.
Le Bruant de Roseau.
Tue situations to which the Reed Bunting gives preference are the edges of rivers, large ponds, and beds of
osiers; though at certain times, particularly during severe weather, it quits its marshy abode and associates
with the Yellow-hammer and other small granivorous birds, frequenting at such periods the open fields, and,
when pressed by hunger, visiting even the farm-yard, in search of a more abundant supply. It appears to be
indigenous in every portion of Europe, or if not in every portion, at least through the whole of the centre.
Like some other species of its genus, its summer and winter plumage exhibits a remarkable contrast ; the male
being characterized during the former season by a jet black head and throat, rendered more conspicuous by the
white stripe from the base of the bill, and the collar of the same colour round the back part of the neck :
in winter the male loses the black plumage of the head and throat, and is then scarcely to be distinguished
from the female. The assumption of the black colourmg commences early in spring, and is fully accomplished
at the approach of the breeding-season, which begins as soon as a sufficiency of fresh herbage and the young
shoots of the willow have rendered the reed a covert dense enough to shelter the nest from observation. The
nest is generally placed near the ground, on a low stump of willow or any entangled herbage: the eggs are
five or six in number, and of purplish grey, streaked and spotted with dark red brown.
The Reed Bunting is not at all remarkable for its song, which consists of only a few simple notes delivered
without either energy or execution.
In summer the male has the whole of the head, ear-coverts, and throat black, the two latter being separated
by a white stripe, which extends from the base of the bill to the sides of the neck, where it meets a collar of the
same colour extending from the back of the neck ; the whole of the upper surface of a rich brown, the centre
of each feather being of a darker hue; the two middle tail-feathers brownish black edged with brown, the
outer feathers largely blotched with white at their extremity ; under surface white clouded with brown ; flanks
spotted longitudinally with obscure dusky lines ; bill black; feet and legs brown.
The female differs from the male in having the general plumage more obscure, and in the total absence of
the black head and white collar which are so conspicuous in the male; her flanks are also more largely spotted
with brown.
The Plate represents a male and female in their summer plumage, of the natural size.
1. HOUSE SPARROW.
Pyrgita domestica; /Cw:/
Drevin fron Netureds on stone by ThE Couid.
2,#TREE SPARROW.
Pyrgita montana, (Cm)
Printed by CHedimandels
Genus PYRGITA, Cuv.
Gen. Cuar. Bill strong, conical, longer than deep; upper mandible slightly curved ; tip
emarginate ; culmen slightly raised; lower mandible compressed and smaller than the
upper. Noséreds lateral, immediately behind the bulging base of the upper mandible,
round, and nearly concealed by small plumes. Wings: the second quill-feather rather the
longest. Tarsz nearly as long as the middle toe. Toes three before and one behind, those
in front divided: claws sharp and curved, that of the hind toe rather larger than that of
the middle. Taz/ square or very slightly forked.
COMMON SPARROW.
Pyrgita domestica, Cuv.
Le Gros-bec Moineau.
Or the four species of this group indigenous to Europe, no one is more extensively spread or more generally
known than the Common Sparrow, a bird with which we are all so well acquainted that to enter into the de-
tails of its history seems almost superfluous. We are informed that in Italy and Spain its place is supplied by
two species peculiar to those countries, viz. Pyrg. Cisalpina and Pyrg. Hispaniolensis, but with this exception
it is undoubtedly spread over the whole of Central Europe ; it also occurs in Northern Africa and in the hilly
districts of India. In England it is stationary throughout the year, congregating in flocks in autumn and
winter, but in summer dwelling and breeding either in small companies or in pairs. Accommodating itself
to all situations, it breeds indifferently among the branches or in the holes of trees and under the eaves of
houses, not unfrequently usurping the nest of the Common Martin (Airundo urbica) ; but never far from the
habitation of man, to whose presence it appears perfectly indifferent, hence we see it as abundant in the
largest cities as in the smallest villages. The nest when placed in a tree is of a domed form, carelessly
constructed of straw, grass, and any materials at hand, but always lined with feathers: the eggs are five or
six in number, of a greyish white spotted with brown. The food of the Common Sparrow consists, during a
great part of the year, principally of seeds and grain of different kinds, which in summer are in a great mea-
sure exchanged for insects and their larvee, with which it invariably feeds its young. This bird is destroyed
in vast numbers in many agricultural districts, on account of the supposed injury it inflicts upon the farmer
by the destruction of his corn ; but we much question whether this practice can be fairly justified, for we con-
ceive that the injury it may inflict is more than counterbalanced by the benefit accruing from the havoc it
commits among the insect tribes, which-are in fact the real enemies of the farmer, the fruit-grower, and
every cultivator of the land ; and we ourselves incline to think that it would be better to protect the grain or
even to sacrifice some portion of it, than utterly to exterminate a creature which has, no doubt, been wisely
appointed to fill its place in the great scheme of creation.
_ The male Sparrow is really a pretty bird when seen undisguised by the smoke and dirt which disfigure
its plumage in our larger towns and cities: the crown of the head is bluish grey, back of the neck and stripe
from the eye rich chestnut; cheeks and sides of the neck greyish white; throat and chest black ; upper sur-
face rich brown dashed with black ; a white bar across the shoulders ; under surface greyish white ; feet and
bill black in summer and brown in winter.
The female has the upper surface dull brown; the under surface greyish brown; and the feet and bill
brown at all seasons.
TREE SPARROW.
Pyrgita montana, Cw.
Le Gros-bec Friquet.
Unuixe the preceding species, which loves to dwell in the streets of our towns, this affects the open country,
where every field and wood affords it food and a congenial habitat. In the British Islands it is extremely
local in its range, being scarcely known in some counties, while in others, Essex, Cambridgeshire, &c., it is
tolerably abundant. It is found in most parts of central and southern Europe, and we have also received it
from the Himalaya mountains and from China. The food consists of seeds, grains, and insects. Like all
the other members of this restricted genus it is devoid of song. The-nest is constructed in the holes of
stunted trees and pollards, and very closely resembles that of the Common Sparrow, as do the eggs also,
except that they are smaller. The sexes offer no difference in the colouring of the plumage. The Tree
Sparrow may be distinguished from the male of the common species by its being much smaller in size, and by
its having the top of the head rich chestnut brown; a patch of black on the ear-coverts, and two narrow bars
of yellowish white across the shoulders.
The Plate represents a male and female of the Common Sparrow, and an adult male of the Tree Sparrow.
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; ®
yt
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. . 7 i “ a @ aman a 5 fy” tn
| wits Wek Gar tEee at qevoeeyy atic toy Raa Ate, a 46) :
tej ' . ae ‘ ' 4 ; fe 2 :
i ea reat verre CORE S04 qual GUA >
Lae f j H AG! He y ' +h 7
: ie ig vue Wy V3 new a ; :
he eet forall eit 1 BRE
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4
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si ? . ‘ y OP 6 aay
N : Peers ets wr byesit Pie BOTH GF 5 :
; sj a t ‘
: , Bi " ; t pecere eee ee Ta Tae mia male eld, Z
; ; ries fe LhG te eh ‘ i a al
; , ‘ fs
( watery on) ee sk ay i.
: } Py «hy riy y { y ] i
: ‘ x rita ; 1 7 [ ;
; ; ated ih: te (PO
a '
° #4
; 7 ‘ *
; -
; +
~ r, be
| vee ce a as , if ay tt rey sg BR SE Earl
: ‘ ee Lear, Hf vs Ma a ere : 1 (ne Fihir
eo a a ay oc) = . ; a 1 4
- Z + iT
ae y : Me og Riel oe dpertir *.
; te ¥ . Ain : ieee Pi: PERE O RECA Rhee Oe ;
) Th a ia ie +4 P -
! ere : Pe eae espe : Nee
h , at feet ey phen +s, i.
: ‘ aes os ; de! t f Tafa nseevl
ac: ad ree i obaeitiig, ale aavtte of 1H Me. ay alk 8 ai i a a anol dvistee saiia
tT oe ; 3 Mak peat “Slash ‘ bial ; a
hog at abit, ff 5
me
LSPANISH SPARROW. | 2.ALPINE SPARROW.
e
Pyrgita Hispaniolensis, /Czv./ Pyrgita Cisalpina; /Cwv./
Draven prom Life & on Stone & Lrnieds ty 6 Bud anand.
SPANISH SPARROW.
Pyrgita Hispaniolensis, Cuv.
Le Gros-bec Espagnol.
Tue two species illustrated by the present Plate, bear, as will be seen, so close a resemblance to our common
domestic sparrow, as at first sight to be easily mistaken for that bird, and therefore require a more than
common attention to the disposition of the colouring, &c., in order to establish their differences. We have
to lament that we cannot say much respecting their habits and manners ; as those who have had opportunities
of seeing them in their native localities appear to have noticed them so little, that the accounts are of the
most meagre description. ‘They appear to fill up the same place in the situations they inhabit that the
common species does here, but are more inclined to resort to the barren lands and rocky districts of the
country, than to collect in the villages and towns.
Of the two species given in our Plate, the Pyrgzta Mispanolensis is the least known. Its true habitat
appears to be the southern portions of Spain, Sicily, the Archipelago, and Egypt. We have omitted to figure
the females of these two species, as they so closely resemble those of our own country as not to be distinguished
by plumage alone, without an intimate knowledge of the examples under examination.
The top and back of the head is of a bright and strong chestnut; the back and phoulier: black, each
feather bordered with rufous ; the throat, fore part of the neck and se black ; the sides marked with long
dashes of the same colour ; belly white; line over the eye and the cheeks dirty white; beak black, and more
lengthened than in our own domestic species, or that which follows.
ALPINE SPARROW.
Pyrgita cisalpina, Cwv.
Le Gros-bec cisalpin.
‘Tue Alpine Sparrow,” says M. Temminck, ‘is only seen in the southern countries on the other side of the
great chain of the Alps and Apennines, never on the northern side of those mountains:’” from these localities it
appears to extend itself along the whole of Italy and the southern countries of Europe. It differs in its habits
from our own species, inasmuch as it gives the preference to plains and open country instead of cities and
villages.
In the male, the top of the head and back of the neck are of a pure bright chestnut in summer, becoming,
after the autumn moult, of a redder tinge, every feather being then edged with rufous ; the cheeks pure white;
in other respects the colour is like that of our own bird.
The female is so like that of P. domestica that one description will apply to both, with the exception that
in the present bird the head and back of the neck are of a lighter ash-colour, and that its tints are generally
paler.
Of the nidification and eggs of the two species here figured we have been unable to obtain any information.
Our Plate represents a male of each species, and the head of the female of P. cisalpina.
sblotia dived wall io
EE sanga $ itv cae
‘ie “ OF ear ea iy toon, ings. .
Beiow te seh $4 sorted oF
a viene
a - ey aegis
ia ML ‘ort.
A: ale
7 Gib Wh)
fu
susthivnn adie natieg, a
oy neat svathig ab
ak afdei id
ish pete: utd. av ah
, ul , hy Mit
1 1
marti
Wau
s
pels ' ;
faery, : al 4 uy i ,
Ht LAMM Oe |
ee “) | r
Fok «il lols x ne iy, , bir)
ch Pe ‘ ne etie hee i b
- ‘ yee us 1A
We Dla Pt i ? i
Dron from Neatorvd ow stone by ThE Goud.
DOUBTFUL SPARROW.
Pyrgita Petronia.
fo
L
t
A)
E
Prunted by C Hadimmndes
DOUBTFUL SPARROW.
Pyrgita Petronia.
Le Gros-bece soulcie.
We have followed the example of many previous ornithologists in associating this bird with those forming the
restricted genus Pyrgita, or true Sparrows, although we doubt the propriety of so doing, as we think that it
possesses peculiar characters, which would entitle it to rank as the type of a separate genus: its strong
conical bill, lengthened wing, and abbreviated tail are not in strict unison with the generic characters of
Pyrgita; but we have refrained from separating it, being desirous of obtaining further information
respecting its habits and manners, which doubtless differ in many particulars from those of the Sparrows
the typical form of which is represented by the common species inhabiting England. Independently of the
characters alluded to as differmg from those of Pyrgita, we may add that in this genus the markings and
colour of the plumage of the sexes are very different, while in the sexes of the present bird no outward
variations are perceptible.
Dr. Shaw informs us in his General Zoology, vol. ix. part i. p. 434, that ‘‘this species is found over the
greatest part of Europe, in the southern portions of which it is migratory, but is nowhere so common as in
Germany. It is not found in this country; it affects woods, and builds in the holes of trees, laying four or
five eggs, and feeds on seeds and insects. These birds are very delicate, as numbers are often found dead in
trees in the winter, during which time they assemble in flocks.” ;
The top of the head is longitudinally banded with greyish white tinged with yellow, which colour pervades
each of the feathers of the back and upper surface; wings brown; the secondaries and scapularies tipped
with yellowish white; primaries and tail brown with the outer webs margined with yellowish white; the
inner webs of all the feathers of the latter, except the two middle ones, having a large spot of white near the
extremity; under surface dusky grey and white, mixed deepest on the flanks; upper mandible brown, lower
one yellow at the base and brown at the tip; irides brown; feet brown.
We have figured a male of the natural size.
whiting
Ba ora.
eSNG
alt
ae
CHAFF INC H.
Fringilla Celebs; Zznnm/
Dronnpratn Water eh om Stone, by ThE Conta, Protea ty C Hallmanded,
Genus FRINGILLA.
Gen. Cuar. Bill concave, longer than deep, straight, and pointed ; cutting edges entire, and
forming a straight commissure. Nostri/s basal, lateral, oval, partly hidden by the frontal
plumes. az slightly forked. Legs having the tarsi of mean length, with the toes divided
and adapted for hopping or perching. C/aws sharp.
CHAFFINCH.
Piette Gealalin gone
Le Gros-bec pinson.
Tuts ornamental Finch is so well known to all persons whose attention has been directed to the habits of our
native birds, that we doubt whether we can offer any novelty relative to its history. It appears to be very ©
generally distributed over every portion of Europe, in most parts of which it is stationary. ‘ re
: ak ttt?
hae suas astib’ satan § é b sid ba nn oak raat. anes a sa ) ae ay
a sbobicl vlined .levd fat sts leant ae. Jeti Aikgieithe a Qiiertot + hie
j ey ee
paterare ar
rh
F ‘ : ; 4
(ohivifs aod det dtm altel anaes Te tal ade yori” naga hantiot wiitigita Way ake.
MPT te FAPS sll Fe So : 7 .
\ pend WEE Y cael’ rice ty queiegypset qk hatipab batik
4 h x drat lee er Nee) eel r
, ‘ aa, y } F i rot ale -
cH A ea
* ; ‘| iti j
. ‘ P 3°) 7 f
4 7
. : oF |
A ‘Peg Givi AC he
i ’ RS :
+ ' r i ' ;
| m
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. ‘ pe ; an
i F ph)
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; Mi
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{ t - i r
e : ) ; i @ We
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is . 5 i . fi . An ‘if 7
' ; i E h
i Wiehe uke
‘ } ieee peecdee f vi L at LL : ’ “ cs a, vr ry pilin
' . : Trt eo Uh P| “ i e ee eT bebe . L ; : _
7 sails rey Ue g Hee sich 4 uth.” ta aan
; fii Bi iive # witar ie t/ yy } . et ie - i
marty a mas a0 ND Mod vielicsiailo dine hogs. ge97e wearin stant 3 nip i, ied, cwietg. eA tee
i a ps t fh y' . ( i) nage oe > adh. audea 4a apr yi, (tke Wl yh rr 4h Haat - iti al Hi ay i
« ‘Ona tt whe ae i si? b AAEAS@ gtaeht «4a Pl ee #" OHS Sim
Mit 'y hull oth oe. -.cemernd foot Bane wae: anhalt They NTE elie ifs ta coun, von
- “ners nites *° tay mn athe - 17) ony. Rig ‘ i a
ia ext “71 s lolsk ; 1 AS. 3. eFt py rltyh ‘VeiGa ie if ti j will ‘ silivarieh cistegiale ‘aye
er daneyrt. 49K (re Wahl EDURED, STARR PIES: han Rete Ay: Gy Sor at ;
a |
‘ ? iy pape os oe € =
ile anisitoily ook anumate. SY GUN TEM shat oll as ef lind ini emihin cil 3 suit. acroeopliat vai 8 i va Lan
ie aM Pf Li : + malic ib ila ilhinepart, anwdivd pean = iiaied ‘ih
ial ilidiend tHe, vabotronalan ‘een “ae dyucacddit nyentuley 1 Blue ‘vied, a alpeied Ua aes
aa 3 i dase os facts verbs jug din id y % yt iyif yl? la x piysliagl ol obey risky si ini
; cael cite wath fe
a Tug
fae i‘
Dy,
AM ses
MOUNTAIN OR BRAMBLE FINCH.
Fongilla monufringilla; Z777./
Drown rw Nutare hon Stneby 7b&L£ Contd, Lrutud by 6 Znlinandd,
MOUNTAIN OR BRAMBLE FINCH.
Fringilla montifringilla, Lenn.
Le Gros-bec d’ Ardennes.
Tus species of Finch is dispersed in considerable abundance throughout every country in Europe, and, as its
specific name implies, prefers high and mountainous districts. In many parts of the Continent it is
stationary, while in others it is strictly migratory. In the British Islands the winter season alone is the
period of its visits, where it makes its appearance at the end of the autumn, and retires again on the
approach of spring. During summer it dwells and incubates in those extensive forests of fir and pine which
abound in all high northern latitudes. Although few seasons pass without the presence of this elegant bird
in the central portions of our island, nevertheless it must have been remarked that at certain periods it makes
its appearance in some of our woods and stubble-lands in flocks, often associating with Chaffinches and other
granivorous birds in innumerable quantities. As to situation, they appear to evince a decided preference to
woods of beech, on the mast of which they for a time subsist, feeding also on various seeds and the shoots of
tender vegetables, resembling in this and many other respects the Chaffinch (Aringilla celebs, Linn.), and like
the latter is equally typical in form ; and for beauty and elegance it is not surpassed by any other of its genus.
Although it is very probable that a limited number of this species remain to breed in the northern parts of
Scotland, yet we have never been able to verify the fact. It is said to incubate in forests of lofty pine and
spruce, the nest being composed of moss and wool, lined with feathers and hair. The eggs are white, spotted
with yellowish brown, four or five in number.
Tn the general style of colouring the two sexes are similar; the male, however, far. surpasses his mate in
the richness and contrast of his plumage. In summer the male is adorned with a different dress from that of
winter, that portion of the plumage which is then brown being exchanged for black during the spring and
breeding-season. ‘The male bird in the accompanying Plate exhibits a state of plumage intermediate between
these two seasons, both sexes having been taken immediately before their departure.
The male has the head, ear-coverts, nape, and upper part of the back black, each feather being edged and
tipped with yellowish brown; scapularies barred across the centre of the wing with white; edges of the
secondaries, throat, and chest bright ferruginous brown ; rump and vent white; primaries black edged with
yellowish red; bill black at the tip, yellow at the base; legs brown; irides hazel.
The female has the general markings and colours of the male, but in every respect much more obscure
and dull.
The Plate represents an adult male and female of the natural size.
ap) septy pie ‘igh
Ica
SNOW FINCH.
Fringilla nivalis ; /Zevn/
Dron tom Lite ow Stone by J de L Conta. Lrinted ty CHipdimanddd:
SNOW FINCH.
Fringilla nivalis, Lenn.
Le Gros-bec niverolle.
Tuts species of Finch approximates so closely in form and general style of colouring to one species of the
genus Plectrophanes, that it has been with some difficulty we have decided upon following the arrangements
of M. Temminck in still retaining it in the genus Fringilla. We find that this bird, as it departs from its
more typical relations, exhibits the same differences, and assumes almost the same characters and general
appearance, as the Snow Bunting, Plectrophanes nivalis: the construction of its bill, however, which more
strictly resembles that of /ringilla, denotes its true situation, and a more beautiful link could not be con-
ceived, uniting as it does in the most complete manner the species of two genera, viz. the Buntings and Finches.
Still it cannot be denied that the Snow Finch has as great a claim to a new generic title as the Snow
Bunting, possessing as it does characters so essentially different from the true Finches.
We are led to believe from its form and the imperfect accounts published respecting its history, that its
habits are in a great measure terrestrial, although it chooses the most elevated situations, such as the Alps,
Pyrenees, and other mountainous districts of Europe, the British Isles excepted. In these wild and barren
regions, upon the very verge of perpetual snow and ice, it dwells in unmolested security, and there finds that
food which nature has destined for its support. This, according to M. Temminck, would seem to be of a
mixed nature, consisting of seeds of various kinds, often that of the fir cone, and various species of insects.
It builds its nest in crevices of the rocks, laying four or five eggs of a light green, irregularly sprinkled with
ash-coloured dots, intermingled with blotches of dark green.
The sexes offer but little difference in plumage; neither does the summer and winter dress exhibit much
variation, the beak being more or less yellow in winter, but deep black in summer.
In the male the top of the head, the cheeks and back of the neck are of a blueish ash; the scapulars
and the two secondary feathers nearest the body are deep brown; all these feathers being bordered with
a lighter colour; the remainder of the secondaries, the wing-coverts and the coverts of the tail are pure
white ; tail white, with the exception of the two centre feathers, which are blackish, and the whole tipped
with the same colour ; quill-feathers deep black ; the under parts are white or whitish according to age;
feet brown. This description applies to the female also, except that we find in her the ash colour of the head
tinged with rusty brown, and the quill-feathers brown instead of black.
We have figured a male in summer plumage, and a female in that peculiar to winter.
4 *
* F ae
* P le aio) ae ieee “ae
d Yr 4, (SRETL. PEPE: SRL AE PI OT, Se eas
- ye r é ass g 7 aa
i as Pa at
: Menor 2S Mies sa ot ete
i 4 - 7 ’
< oo } fii
a « « ; =. F i
4 « , : ‘ 7
‘ el gt | 2 ut ow
30 au) 1 ve c
F 4 ‘4 a ie ae ead ee f i ere
: ft Stat try t “Hi i 290 1) a SCL ee
‘ es pe a ae ice ar
Frou Foy ' b iG 6 ae heise od tomes 28 eee
4 , 4 ed ‘ ! ry ‘ i « 5 ay . ;
f ny Lye agit y race) i Svat ae for). Th ap eteaseey june ots
2/5 A : ‘ : a7 Te te tee *4 ‘ ae * aes es
F ie ed ie. heap? : beeer: pati eee fey re te 4908 pry Gf iG sparta + 6 I2H TH otf a ima
f 4 | . ; ' Z wa ‘ A . . 2 : ’ f
4 (TL EE A Sotntihs “sy laevied FINGASUE: IASI ae tidiget Abfalije
: ’ : a ite ag eae "4e e
: ; ry p cheney ae Ly et ith ts Ahi - Aaa eee ft
Pe e+ Paes S145 Ie ane tie. te ‘OTS PEMY.. Or SR ts Piet Beale tieet ci b saa
F r ¥ . c ‘ z a , ¢ ‘ f . er . , ee ae 4 firs ah,
ath 4 , aes ya. Me “inet F “fh. Gadadie ate db feaheain asd sian “ie Bade ~
: T-BA .-% j : ; on PUM AIO? Stith BORAT
Ca s ‘ y - 7 . ’ = “ ’ . ‘ Poa Plee
ane sti aerity + b was 94 4 + RAPER t Ky Agta. ek teed ait ab $i
‘ , ; :
. : . 4 & a i ee ' « aa b
4 2 i @ € I bs J ane © J ;
een i aah) L Av HE Seal: .. ter erga .
F ‘ ‘pte : : een Pe 5 Te ‘“
ca on ; 7 ix t 5 i ( iat bed emer! ; ‘ z Te | 7
= . , . ‘ 4, t J yo wo re As ‘
ti ) © och savy lin’: weonk aaah oie thei “ir iesthen snide Tide oat et hen
2 ; , P / \ +
> See SAE Te. abegrge “sat 5 eho abe hy validisdiae ac
. F ue — . oe 4 P Ey
: { 7 : thes. fd west: mer SIR ‘HET it OGLE it Hatt
ewe . : { ' chip Ee
+9 y gainer iw ya 4 E uch. modinotifiag ¢twoles ait eae
; fu i ; BoM ass bar ae r ee ?
mr ‘ ‘ ot aah f iz vie bye peathya if ae a
7 > " bad ‘ ‘w “ ¥ m4 7 é - Fi r at .. :
. i tae ag : 4 “ ths . ‘ 4 a
2 . e M ¥, 2 Prt * 4 7
ma '
, ; i nit
' fk ‘ th ' it i a ' a +B
« ; : ” r)
* ; : . ; a { Sir tert ? cee yi
. 2 1 W A) tae
i j ; yt Teyal “it a
a ‘ i 7 : et ” ‘ hy
: 7 ian sina oft abosd, fat cans, 15 -
Aaay ‘| 4 i
‘ a 2 é _ te
’ 7 : he | fy i 5 ve
i F pty - es . :
j 14 ¥ i ’ he ° ‘
r ; * Pe yt * * : ae
, . _ t : . ¥ %¢ : i , ok a
« ” j : . 5, « af } Tit Wiis i hs.4 a a
is : B y wo ye :
{ j J Hh aa wt + bg |
; PL . im A re 4
iz} py “This “ Sp sit i i
oo. ; L 7 eae i ' 4
» r ies ‘b> arial pinglya mas
to . *
¢ 4 I 44 Be a t ce? | . m :
, ny f : Paa7 pil iit cc2 ine ya!
“ ee ae m4 ‘ i Arm 4 bs sth
\ : Te ee so Garces: tun ase Ae 4G r*,
} mre f ie Ween iT f mist H Ue oe ti ot Fit oe ly ie 3 / fe
: ne } ‘ Pe a ae ale wits bias . fuses pile et or
‘ A et * z -~ = be
: z Ae fe te
me AH ty h Wook eft: = wectd debhinh Bis allinty : tid spel nolier i sowed To aaah ay oe
; ‘ . , t tit, es) Fis Fat
f ’ ; , ; ive air
: : ; ohh died vie ca. wed De Le hee ov geen eee. Ao ‘ius ‘oir “HLT ad doite dil “afc ge
it ve el ae oe ‘ a weenie nyu odds hated ten hd fads tos HBatibnfied, dit poy Cte Dneriyja¢ “lait | s
Hl ‘ ; Seeagarees, Seog see : es Laue : : :
tee “a: aa " fi weigh Sait he ra Pevetd i “hie Beal sone abit
. * ; ar : ? ad oe rae
1 Ge er A Bags oat i Nie Ni 5 aaa omni Al ale oa i a
GOLDIFIN CH.
Carduelis elegans Steph)
Brinted by C Palimande.
Dranvn from Nature bon stone by TEE. Could.
Genus CARDUELIS.
Gun. Cuar. Bull conical, longer than deep, compressed anteriorly, and drawn to a very acute
point; culmen of each mandible narrow; tomia of the upper mandible angulated at the
base, and slightly sinuated. Nos¢ri/s basal, lateral, and hidden by incumbent bristles.
Wings of mean length; the first quill-feather rather shorter than the second and third ;
which are nearly equal, and the longest of all. Taz/ rather short and forked. Legs having
the tarsi short ; lateral toes of equal length. Claws curved and acute ; hind toe tolerably
strong, with the sole broad.
GOLDFINCH.
Carduelis elegans, Steph.
Le Gros-bec Chardonneret.
Tue present beautiful species, with one characterized by us from the Himalaya mountains under the name of
Carduelis caniceps, and an undescribed species from China, should form, we conceive, a restricted genus, from
which we would exclude the Siskin and several others which have hitherto been associated in the genus
Carduelis.
The European continent appears to be the utmost range of the Goldfinch: it gives preference to high
lands and mountainous districts during winter, particularly such as are wild and barren, and afford a plentiful
supply of the thistle, plantain, &c., the seeds of which constitute its favourite food : at this period it is generally
to be observed congregated in small flocks, flying through the air and suddenly settling among its favourite
food. When the spring advances and the trees display a verdant appearance, the Goldfinch separates in
pairs, each male taking a mate and quitting the wild and open country for woods, orchards, and gardens, and
on the Continent to the rows of fruit-trees that border the road-side. As soon as the foliage becomes dense
enough to conceal the nest, the task of incubation is commenced: the nest is placed in the fork of a branch,
and is of the neatest construction, being composed of lichens, moss, and dried grasses, lined with hair,
wool, and the seed-down of the willow and thistle ; the eggs are four or five in number, of a bluish white
spotted over with dashes of brown towards the larger end.
The sexes are so nearly alike in the colour of their plumage that the duller tints of the female are the only
difference. The young, until the first change, are characterized by a plumage very different from that of the
parents, the head being greyish brown, and having none of those beautiful and contrasted markings of scarlet
and black which so strikingly ornament the adult: in this state of plumage they are termed Branchers by
the London bird-catchers, by whom thousands are annually caught and caged for sale. The traffic in these birds
and the adults, which are taken at every season of the year, forms no inconsiderable trade, although it must
be acknowledged that the bird is more to be valued for its beauty than for its song, which is very inferior to
that of the Linnet or Canary.
The adult has the forehead and cheeks rich orange scarlet ; a black line passes from the base of the beak
to the eye, the top of the head, and occiput, the latter having a white space between it and the scarlet of the
cheeks ; back and sides of the chest olive brown ; wings black, each feather being tipped with white, and the
centre crossed by a bright band of yellow; tail black tipped with white; under surface greyish white; beak
horn-colour ; legs and feet flesh-colour.
In the young the whole of the head, back, and sides of the chest are greyish brown ; the wings resemble
those of the adult, except that the band of yellow is neither so broad nor so bright, and the markings on the
wings are brownish white instead of pure white.
The Plate represents an adult and a young bird of the natural size.
GAY
Natal
Wat
¥ 1 t
nile Ta,
Ba | 1 tains
sche Thi
J 7
ae
Oe Ce a
SISKIN OR ABERDEVINE.
Carduehs. spinus, /SZph./
Dram Tre Nature & ov Stone by J hk £. Could. ‘ Wen by REE:
SISKIN, or ABERDEVINE.
Carduelis spinus, Steph.
Le Gros-bece tarin.
Tuer mild and docile disposition which this lovely little bird evinces while in captivity, in unison with its tame
and harmless manners in a state of nature, secure for it a more than usual degree of friendship and interest.
It is not in the cheerful month of May, when all nature is alive to the harmonies of our newly arrived summer
visitors, and when the freshly emerged foliage of our woods and gardens presents a universal nosegay, that
the little emigrant before us is to be observed ; for at that time it has bidden us farewell, to visit more
northern climes, whither it has retired for the purpose of breeding and rearing its young. Its native habitat
appears to be the higher regions of the European continent, and it is only in its most northern portions that
it has, with any degree of certainty, been known to incubate. M. Temminck states that it is found in Sweden,
but not in Siberia, and that it passes periodically into France and Holland. At the close of autumn, in the
month of November, when the groves are deserted by our southern visitors, who no longer find their wonted
sustenance of fruits and insects, the Siskin migrates from its summer retreat again to visit its favourite
localities till the following spring.
Most authors have enumerated the Siskin among the rarities of our native birds ; on the contrary, there are
few more common and few more universally dispersed, particularly where birch and alder abound. It seems to
evince a great partiality for these trees, which generally grow by the sides of small streams and in low marshy
lands: in such situations the Siskin may be observed in considerable flocks, often in the company of the
Lesser Redpole, which it greatly resembles in its actions, feeding on the tender buds and seeds of the alder,
and clinging to the outermost branches, much in the manner of the Tits, although compared with them it is
much less expert and lively. We have neyer seen the Siskin feeding on the seeds of the thistle, dandelion,
or other plants which form the principal sustenance of its nearly allied congener the Goldfinch, nor is its
bill so perfectly adapted for procuring food of this peculiar nature, this organ being more abbreviated and less
conical: the bird has also a much shorter tarsus.
Although we do not admit the propriety of separating the present, with one or two other nearly allied
European species, and also several from other parts of the globe, from the Goldfinch, the type of the genus
Carduelis, nevertheless we may mention, that the slight variation of form alluded to has a great influence over
their natural habits and economy.
So much is the Siskin esteemed for its mild and docile disposition and pleasing song, that it is highly
valued for the aviary, and indeed is yearly captured in considerable numbers, and sold in London, either for
the purpose of pairing with Canaries or Goldfinches, or to be shut in a solitary prison to serenade the ears of
some tenant of the garret.
The plumage of the sexes differs considerably. The male has his markings and colouring more contrasted
and bright during summer: the black then becomes more pure and distinct, and the sides and under parts
more vivid.
Much contradiction exists respecting the places the Siskin chooses for nidification. M. ‘Temminck states
that it constructs its nest on the highest branches of the pine, and in such a situation were nests seen by
Sir W. Jardine and Mr. Selby near Killin: it is now ascertained to breed in some of the pine forests of
the Highlands of Scotland. The eggs are four or five in number, of a pale blueish white, speckled with
purplish red.
The male has the top of the head and throat black ; over each eye runs a broad stripe of yellow; the back
of the neck, back and shoulders of a yellowish olive, with longitudinal patches of brown; the lower part
of the throat, chest and belly yellow; the thighs and vent grey, with elongated stripes of brown; a band of
yellow across the wings, which are black; the outer edge of the quill-feathers slightly margined with yellow ;
the tail-feathers yellow at the base, and black at the extremities ; bill light brown.
The female differs from the male in the absence of the black on the head and throat, and the fine yellow
which pervades the breast, that part being grey, with longitudinal stripes of dark brown ; in the whole of
the upper surface being darker, and in the fine yellow at the base of the tail being almost wanting.
The Plate represents a male and female of the natural size.
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CITRIL FINCH.
Carduelis citrinella.
Drom from New & on Stove ty J LE Cond. : Trinted by C Eulimandel,
CITRIL FINCH.
Carduelis Citrinella.
Le Gros-bec venturon.
In its lengthened and conical bill, the Citril Finch offers a strict alliance to the beautiful Goldfinch so common
in our island, whilst in the olive-yellow colouring of its plumage it is in close affinity with the Siskin or
Aberdevine, and, as far as we have been able to ascertain its habits and manners, corresponds more with the
latter than the former. Like the other members of its family, it is said to be a fine songster. It has never
yet been seen wild in England or in the North of Europe; appears to be scarce in the central parts of
France, and the southern portions of Germany; is more common in Switzerland and the Tyrol; and is very
abundant in Greece, Turkey, Italy, and Spain: in all these countries it evinces a partiality to the high and
mountainous districts covered with larch and fir, on the branches of which it builds its nest. It is said to
lay four or five eggs, of a whitish colour, marked with numerous blotches of brown of various sizes. Its food
consists of the seeds of the various plants that grow in alpine regions. Like most species of this genus the
sexes of the Citril Finch offer but a slight difference in the colouring of their plumage.
The male has the face, crown of the head, throat and under surface greenish yellow inclining to olive; the
occiput and back part of the neck grey; the rump, scapularies, and a bar across the wings, fine yellow with
a tinge of green; the primaries, secondaries, and tail-feathers blackish brown, each feather being edged with
greyish olive; legs brown; irides hazel.
The female is rather less in size, and her colours are not so vivid as in the male, particularly on the
throat and under surface, which parts are grey instead of greenish yellow.
The Plate represents a male and female of the natural size.
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HAWFIN CH.
Coccothraustes vulgaris; /Z727/s/
ann (rome!
Lrnted by 0 Zutimanda
Genus COCCOTHRAUSTES, Briss.
Gen. Cuar. Beak very stout, swollen, thick ; the upper mandible straight, entire.
HAWFINCH.
Coccothraustes vulgaris, Bross.
Le Gros-bec.
Tus Hawfinch appears to have an extensive range through the countries of Europe, especially its midland
districts. In the British Isles it has until lately been regarded as a bird of considerable rarity, and principally
as a winter visitor. Of late years it has certainly been more common, and we are inclined to suspect that
this will be found to support an opinion we have long since formed, that certain birds which have for a
number of years been scarce, suddenly become numerous and continue so for an indefinite period, when
they again retire and are as scarce as before. It is not in the present bird alone that we have observed this
singular phenomenon; we may instance for example the Godwits, of which the Black-tailed species, a few
years ago, was so abundant in the London market as entirely to exclude the Bar-tailed, which has now taken
the place of the former. Our much-esteemed friend Mr. Henry Doubleday, of Epping, has by his ardent
research in British Ornithology made us better acquainted with the history of this bird than any other person.
“The Hawfinch,” says he, ‘‘is not migratory, but remains with us during the whole of the year:” and he
assigns as a reason for its not being more frequently discovered, the fact of ‘‘its shy and retiring habits leading
it to choose the most secluded places in the thickest and more remote parts of woods and forests ; and, when
disturbed, it invariably perches on the topmost branch of the highest tree in the neighbourhood.” Epping
Forest, where Mr. Doubleday discovered it breeding in considerable abundance, affords, from its solitude, a
place at once congenial to its habits and retiring disposition.
We have known the Hawfinch to breed at Windsor,.and a few other places; but certainly nowhere so
abundant as on the estate of W. Wells, Esq., at Redleaf, near Penshurst, Kent, who lately informed us that
he has, with the aid of a small telescope, counted eighteen at one time on his lawn. M. Temminck informs
us that it evinces a partiality to mountainous districts, and that it is a bird of periodical passage in France,
but irregularly so in Holland.
Its food consists of berries, seeds, and the kernels of stone-fruits, for the breaking of which its strong beak
and the powerful muscles of the jaws are expressly adapted. In winter, its principal subsistence is the Haw,
whence its common appellation.
According to Mr. Doubleday, this bird breeds in May and June; in some instances in bushy trees at the
height of five or six feet, and in others near the top of firs, at an elevation of twenty or thirty feet; the
nest is remarkably shallow and carelessly put together, being scarcely deeper than that of the Dove; in
materials it resembles that of the Bullfinch, but it is by no means to be compared to it in neatness and com-
pactness of construction ; it is chiefly formed of sticks, interspersed with pieces of white lichens from the
bark of trees, and is loosely lined with roots: the eggs are from four to six in number, of a pale greenish
white, varying in intensity, spotted and streaked with greenish grey and brown.
The young birds before the moult, exhibit considerable difference in plumage from the adult : the throat,
cheeks and head being of a dull yellowish colour with the under parts white, the flanks marked with small
streaks of brown, and the general plumage of the upper parts being spotted with dirty yellow.
In the male, the beak and feet in winter are of a delicate flesh brown, the former becoming in summer of
a clear leaden blue, the ends straw-colour, and in some instances white; the top of the head, the cheeks and
rump of a chestnut brown ; a narrow circle round the beak, and a broad patch on the throat are black ; back
of the neck ash-coloured ; mantle and shoulders deep brown ; the quills and secondaries, which latter appear
as if cut off abruptly at their ends, are of a deep black with purple and violet reflections ; most of the greater
and the last row of the lesser wing-coverts are white, so as to produce a large central mark ; the outer tail-
feathers are blackish brown, the middle ones white on their outer and brown on their inner edges ; the under
parts of a light vinous red.
The female has the plumage of a paler hue, the white of the wing being more dull, the head more dusky,
and the under parts less pure.
We have figured a male and female of their natural size.
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GREEN GROSSBEAK.
Coccothraustes chloris; (A@m-/
Drum from Nedarek on Stone by TALE Could: Lrinted by C Aalimanised,
GREEN GROSBEAK.
Coccothraustes chloris, Flem.
Le Gros-bec verdier.
Tue Green Grosbeak is abundantly dispersed over the whole of Europe, where it is strictly indigenous,
and as far as our observation has gone is nowhere migratory. Its natural habits lead it to frequent gardens,
orchards, shrubberies and cultivated lands, and it is one of the most familiar and docile of our native birds ; its
outspread wings and tail during flight attracting the eye with colours which are scarcely surpassed in beauty
by any one of the Fringillde. When spring has clothed the vegetable world with foliage, the Green Gros-
beak constructs its nest on a branch in the most leafy part of shrubs or hedgerows, often at a considerable
distance from the ground, the nest being generally composed of leaves, moss, grass and small twigs, lined
with wool, hair and a few feathers. The eggs are four or five in number, of a pale blueish white, speckled
at the larger end with reddish brown. The young are distinguished from the adult during the greater part
of the first autumn by the strong oblong dashes of brown which pervade the breast and under surface. This
particular feature, together with the robust bill, short tail, and bulky body, characterizes it as a true Gros-
beak (Coccothraustes), at the extreme limits of which genus we consider this bird should be placed, where it
would appear to form a union with the true species of Fringzlla as restricted by authors of the present day.
At the commencement of autumn the Green Grosbeak assembles in considerable numbers, with Chaffinches
and Buntings, and being driven by the severities of the season from fields and gardens, retires to farm-yards,
where a bountiful supply of grain yields it a subsistence.
The male differs from the female in having the plumage more brilliant, and by: rather exceeding her in
size.
The male has the whole of the upper surface of a bright olive-green, passing into yellow ; the quills blackish
grey with their outer webs bright gamboge yellow; the tail-feathers, with the exception of the two middle
ones, which are grey margined with light yellow, and their exterior edges, which are greyish brown, are of
the same fine gamboge yellow as the wings; under parts greenish, passing into sulphurous yellow; legs
brown ; bill white with a tinge of pink.
Our Plate represents the adult male, and young bird of the first autumn, of the natural size.
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PARROT CROSSBILL.
Loxia pityopsittacus; (Bechst/.
Dramgron Lyfe
nd on Stone by T&L Could, Liiniud ty C Bidimanite.
Genus LOXIA.
Gen. Cuar. Beak moderate, strong, compressed, the two mandibles equally curved, hooked,
and crossing each other at their tips. Nostrils basal, round, concealed, under hairs
directed forwards. Toes three before and one behind, the former divided. Wings
moderate, the first quill-feather longest. Taz forked.
PARROT CROSSBILL.
Loxia pityopsittacus, Bechst.
Le Bec-croisé perroquet.
Tue Crossbills, although evidently allied in their general habits to the Pine Grosbeak (Corythus enucleator,,
Cuv.), exhibit many circumstances in their general ceconomy which are as yet far from being satisfactorily
understood. The rigorous climate of the regions they frequent, and the deep seclusion of the pine groves
where they find food and shelter, alike prohibit the naturalist from minutely inspecting them throughout every
portion of the year: hence, though it is well known that the plumage of every species undergoes singular and
contrasted changes, still it is yet a matter of doubt whether these changes are the result of a double moult,
or produced by a change of colour in the feathers themselves from one tint to another, the moult being but
single. Capable of bearing extreme cold, it is only in the highest northern latitudes that they breed in spring
or summer, building their nests and breeding in our temperate latitudes in the inclement season of winter, and
returning, as spring comes on, to their retreats within the arctic circle.
Of this genus the Parrot Crossbill is one of the rarest. In England it has been taken so seldom, as scarcely
to claim a place among our accidental visiters. In Poland, Russia and Germany it is a bird of passage, being
spread throughout the pine forests in winter, and returning northwards with the return of spring. In France
and Holland its visits are accidental.
The Parrot Crossbill may be considered as the type of the limited genus to which it belongs,—a genus at
once distinguished by the singular formation of the beak, the curved mandibles of which cross each other so
as to produce an appearance of having been unnaturally distorted. This mode of construction, however, is a
wise provision of nature, for the purpose of enabling the bird to separate the hard scales of the fir-cones covering
the seeds which constitute its principal subsistence. These seeds it obtains by bringing the points of the
mandibles from their crossed position and placing them in apposition. The points thus brought together
are insinuated between the scale and the body of the fir-cone, and the mandibles are then separated by a
powerful muscular lateral effort. The seed is at the base of the inner side of the scale, and is removed by
the hard tongue of the bird while the scale is held apart from the cone. In the present species the bill is
strong, large at its base, and much crooked ; in the other species its structure is more slight and the curve
of the mandibles less decided.
According to M. 'Temminck, the colouring of the male in its adult state consists principally of greyish
olive; the cheeks, throat and sides of the neck ash-coloured ; on the head there is a number of brown
dashes bordered with dull greenish ; the rump is yellowish green, as are also the breast and under parts, but
with a shade of grey; the sides are dashed with blotches of dark grey; quill- and tail-feathers dark brown
edged with greenish ; irides and tarsi brown; beak dark horn colour.
The young males of the year are greenish brown with dashes of brown on the head and back; the under
parts whitish grey with longitudinal spots of brown ; rump and tail-coverts tinged with green. After the first
moult, to the age of a year, the plumage exhibits a singular change, being of a beautiful crimson red, more or
less pure, as M. Temminck states, according as the individual approximates to the period of the second moult,
which occurs in April or May, when the quills and tail-feathers are black edged with reddish. It is however,
we suspect, still doubtful whether this state of plumage is indeed that of winter or of an immature condition :
if so, it is not a little remarkable that in this respect the birds of this genus should form an exception to the
general rule which gives the richest hues to maturity and the season of love.
The female differs little from the plain-coloured young males of the year. The upper parts are greenish
grey with dashes of brown; the rump yellowish ; the under parts ashy with a slight tinge of green passing
into white towards the vent and under tail-coverts.
The figures in the Plate are of the natural size, and represent the variations in colour common to this species.
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WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILL.
Loxia leucoptera, Gmel.
Tuis interesting species is considered to be entitled to a place in our catalogue of British Birds, a specimen
having been shot within two miles of Belfast, in the month of January 1802, which circumstance stands
recorded in the Transactions of the Linnean Society. We are not aware that any other instance of the
occurrence of this species has been noticed in this country, and M. Temminck has not included it in his
Manual of the Birds of Europe.
We are indebted for all we shall have it in our power to say of this species, to the various authors who
have supplied us with histories of the ornithological treasures of North America, over nearly the whole of
which vast continent it ranges during the summer; and it is therefore extraordinary that it should not have
been found oftener in the analogous climates of the old continent.
‘* We can trace the White-winged Crossbill,” says the Prince of Musignano, in his scientific continuation of
Wilson’s valuable work, ‘“‘ from Labrador westward, to Fort de la Fourche, in latitude 56°, the borders of
Peace River, and Montague Island on the north-west coast, where it was found by Dixon. Round Hudson’s
Bay it is common and well known. It is common also on the borders of Lake Ontario, and descends in
autumn and winter into Canada, and the northern and middle States.”
Dr. Richardson found this bird inhabiting the dense white-spruce forests of the fur-countries, feeding
principally on the seeds of the cones. It probably ranges as far as the 68" parallel, where the woods
terminate, though it was not observed higher than the 62°. In the countries where they pass the summer,
they are seldom observed elsewhere than in pine swamps and forests, feeding almost exclusively on the seeds
of these trees, and a few berries. They build their nest on the limb of a pine, towards the centre; it is com-
posed of grasses and earth, and lined with feathers. The female lays five eggs, which are white, with
yellowish spots. The young leave their nest in June, and are soon able to join their parents in their autumnal
inigrations. In September they collect in small flocks, and fly from tree to tree, making a chattering noise,
and in winter they retire to the thickest woods of the interior. Like the other species of this genus, the
subject of our Plate is liable to many changes of plumage which are not yet perfectly understood, every flock
containing specimens of great variety of colours, from the general green appearance of the females, to the
buff orange tinge which is by some considered to be characteristic of the adult male. Very young males
before assuming the red at the age of one year, exactly resemble the females ; being only more inclined to
grey, and less tinged with olive, and having the rump greenish yellow. The male in his second year has the
general plumage crimson red, the base of each feather darker, approaching to black on the head, round the
eye and on the forehead ; the rump a beautiful rose red. The adult male differs from the preceding, in having
a light buff orange tinge where the other is crimson ; pale beneath; wings and tail deep black, the two bars
on the wings, the edges of the quills and tail-feathers being very conspicuous and pure white. In this state
the bird is rare.
In the female the general tint is a greyish olive, the base of each feather slate colour, and the centre black,
giving the bird a streaked appearance ; the rump pale lemon colour ; neck, throat and breast yellowish olive
grey, the lower part of the belly also patched with black; wings and tail brownish black; middle and long
coverts of the former broadly tipped with white, forming a double band across, so conspicuous as to afford the
most obvious distinguishing character of the species ; all the quills are slightly edged paler ; irides hazel ; bill
dark horn colour; legs nearly black.
We have figured a male and female.
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PINE GROSBEAK.
Corythus enucleator /Gzv/
Drove trom Lite bs om Stone ly] & LZ. Gould.
Genus CORYTHUS, Cuv.
Gen. Cuar. Beak short, hard, thick, rounded in every part and slightly hooked at the point.
Nostrils basal, lateral and rounded, covered with thickly set hair-like feathers. Jars:
short. Toes entirely divided. Wings more lengthened than in the genus Pyrrhuda.
Tail moderate and slightly forked.
PINE GROSBEAK.
Corythus eneucleator, Cuv.
Le Bouvreuil durbec.
Tue Pine Grosbeak, hitherto classed among the Bullfinches, has been separated by Cuvier and advanced to
the rank of a genus under the name of Corythus, which, as will be readily perceived, has characters
sufficiently strong to warrant its legitimacy. The situation which this genus appears to hold is that of the
connecting link between Lovia on the one hand and Pyrrhula on the other ; agreeing with the former in its
place of resort, habits, manners and style of colouring, and with the latter in the short and rounded beak.—
The Pine Grosbeak, though not strictly a native of Great Britain, has been several times killed in our Island.
Its true habitat appears to be within the Arctic Circle of both Continents, and we know it to be abundant in
Norway, Sweden and Russia, inhabiting the secluded recesses of the almost untrodden pine forests of those
countries, where it feeds upon the seeds of pine cones, as well as various kinds of other seeds and wild alpine
berries. In the more southern provinces of Europe it appears to be merely an accidental visitor, and is rarely
met with even in the North of Germany.
In another point also we trace a similarity between this bird and the Crossbill ;—viz., in the changes which
its plumage undergoes, passing, according to the seasons, from greenish yellow to a scarlet more or less pure.
In the annexed Plate we have given a figure of the male and female in what we consider to be their adult
plumage: on this point, however, we differ from M. Temminck, whose description we take the liberty of
transcribing.
‘‘ The livery of the adult and aged male :
«‘ Head, throat, and upper part of the neck of an orange red, becoming lighter on the fore-part of the
neck ; the breast and underparts of an orange-yellow; the feathers of the back, scapulars and rump, of a
blackish brown in the middle with a large border of orange-yellow ; wings and tail black, the former having
two transverse white bands; all the secondary feathers bordered with white; quill- and tail-feathers edged
slightly with orange ; length seven inches nine lines.
‘¢ The male after its first moult, till a year old:
*«« Head, neck, throat, breast, part of the belly and rump, of a crimson red, the more strong and brilliant
as the individual approaches its second moult. Feathers of the back and scapulars black in the middle, with
a large border of crimson-red ; sides, belly, and lower tail-coverts ash-coloured ; two roseate bands cross
the wings, and the secondary feathers are largely bordered with the same colour: the quill- and tail-feathers
are all edged with light red.
‘« Adult and young female :
«The females of the year have only the top of the head and the rump reddish ; when adult, they have those
parts of a brown strongly tinged with orange, the back of the neck and cheeks edged with the same colour ;
the back and scapulars ashy brown; the under parts ash-coloured with a slight tinge of orange; the wings
have two bands of greyish white ; all the wing-feathers edged with greenish orange.”
Young (females) are more obscure in their colouring. ‘The nest is built on trees at a short distance from
the ground; the eggs are white, without spots, and four or five in number.—We have figured a male and
female of their natural size.
fyents tus Fe eb
F _— . i i.) Ty tk : : _ i+ r .tt Fe *
. ae i? * , Ai A mr if ry i. rt - a
} i. ee Be ea tw ee fi Apsiel aan arn ot
pr rE a ae Ee ah
r ae > AF cee aR yr rane t" : 'F
7 j wr : RE Ee CT AN Yn ts
we ' a - fi Hi '
" ¢ : ibaa P 4
- i Vii there Hay peat
€ . i”
*. ; ip RAY el eke) ||
c Sr : ik a he eee wen tiiee (Le: feee alt ehemante nr hE ae
da Beata
rit
| sige BE aed Sab? wenteteoetieg: SARS
: Pe " oa
: : 7 2 7 : : rie) fi at os IT rede ¢ shi: the Fas) 8)
ieoeifennt .) Pe ant vulk
‘oa ioe
.
RIAN GROSBEAKS (Leal). we
Corythus longicauda.
Lira v from Notured on stone by Tb 2 Goutd, SLrnted ty C Ealimoanded. 9
SIBERIAN GROSBEAK.
Corythus longicauda.
Le Bouvreuil a longue queue.
On comparing our specimens of this bird with others of the Pine Grosbeak, which is the type of the genus
Corythus, we could not but observe that it offers a closer alliance to this peculiar form than to that of any
other to which it has hitherto been assigned; we have therefore, although ever averse to multiplying the
names of a species, judged it best to place it in the group to which it appears to us most nearly allied : it is
true that the greater length of the tail in this species is not im strict accordance with the characters of Cory-
thus, but this would seem to be the only point of difference.
The Siberian Grosbeak is found in the same localities as the Pine Grosbeak, namely, most of the high
northern regions of the old Continent, and particularly Siberia, where, as M. Temminck states, it is extremely
abundant. In winter it migrates to the more southern parts of Russia and Hungary.
In its general economy it resembles the Pine Grosbeak, and its food is said to consist of wild berries, the
buds of trees, and other vegetable matters.
Of its nidification no certain information has been recorded.
As our Plate will show, the sexes are distinguished by the male being clothed in a richer-coloured dress
than that of the female; but a still further knowledge of this rare bird is requisite to enable us fully to under-
stand its various changes.
The male is characterized by having a red mark round the bill; the top of the head, cheeks, and throat
. clear rose red ; chest, belly, and rump inclining to crimson ; feathers of the back reddish brown in the centre
bordered with red ; lesser wing-coverts and edges of the secondaries white ; primaries dark brown, with the
edges lighter ; the three lateral feathers of the tail white, the others black bordered with light rose colour ; beak
and feet brown.
It would appear from M. Temminck’s statement that it undergoes a partial change of plumage at the
autumnal moult, being then of a much lighter tint, and having all the feathers bordered with whitish. We
have seen specimens in this state which strictly agree with M. ‘Temminck’s description.
The general plumage of the female is of a clear olive, with the exception of the wings and tail, which are
like those of the male. As the specimen which we have figured from, and considered a female, is much more
grey in its plumage and has several spots of blackish brown, we have reason to expect that it may be a bird
not arrived at maturity.
The Plate represents a male and female of the natural size.
2 AOA seen,
ey! aft
WN PULA ett
: a: seatestat: 40h Uoeev Tl tet f
ot aE Ath).
i
aien j
Pr 7” Yet
ny y
ie
SCARLET GROSBEAK.
Erythrospiza erythrina; (Zaaparte/
; : a7 x 7 a Zl onanded.
Lawn fram Native & on Stone oy SEL, Gouda
Lrinted by
SCARLET GROSBEAK.
Erythrospiza erythrina, Bonaparte.
Le Bouvreuil Pallas.
Havine adopted the genus Hvythrospiza as established by the Prince of Musignano, we feel convinced that
the present bird will form one of this well-marked group, the members of which appear to be so widely
distributed. ‘The Scarlet Grosbeak must not be confounded with the Fringilla purpurea of Wilson, a bird to
which it bears a resemblance both in habits and in style of colouring. A close examination of the two species
will, however, at once satisfy the ornithologist as it respects their non-identity ; and we would further remark,
that the present bird appears to be strictly confined to the Old World, while the Fringzlla purpurea is in like
manner restricted to the American continent.
The Scarlet Grosbeak is one of those European birds which are obtained with great difficulty, and of which
very few specimens exist in our museums ; indeed, except our own, which came from Russia, we know of
none in the public or private collections of Great Britain ; yet it is a species far from being uncommon
in high northern latitudes, and in some parts of Russia, where, according to M. Temminck, it habitually
frequents gardens, and appears, from the little information we have been able to obtain respecting it, to
differ little in manners from our well-known Bullfinch.
The male and female, as will be seen in the Plate, offer a decided difference in their colouring, the male
being ornamented by a beautiful deep stain of scarlet over the whole of the plumage which is totally wanting
in the female as well as in the young of both sexes; it is also probable that the male loses this distinguishing
mark in winter and regains it in spring.
The male has the head, neck, and top of the back of a lively crimson, fading off below into a beautiful rose
colour ; the small feathers round the base of the beak and nostrils are also of a dull rose ; the wings and tail
brown, the feathers being edged with deep rose colour ; beak and tarsi brown.
The female has all the upper parts of a brownish grey, with longitudinal dashes of a deeper colour, the
throat and cheeks being blotched with brown ; the under surface white, or nearly so.
The Plate represents an adult male and female of the natural size.
!
i
ae
ae
a : ‘ ; gate yt 1 7", sspertil. aati i stafias vlan i}
iy iit ee Saat a rT ut $v! byt t vel "Y , :
bid ‘i i Ie ot: +a A. att 7 ya 8
, l . =
at Py tes ek uel at Wid i A:
' ; : a ; oe
: Pole Sie hth wi ‘Lhe : ; i an
: a. ®
' fi. Rises hie &F% ge jy SAE 4 a y
‘ P ‘ z . .*
‘ ; rt vw eatieryve “eu ‘
‘= acl be Aik ) I i } ‘a.
“ G R A 4 “+ i‘) :
‘ : i aft I Mur 4 -
‘ Se ‘ miss Fi ' ‘4 64h iH
y; t Pat oe ; ts we ae rs rele F : iru 2S + i i
Hi A aie i ee ; we é
I ta | ; whee ab atint ehh, '
ee Wat dt it Wee ad (bee ee ate od Gita a with is
‘ : Fah as rd} Ri Idee, ae ee 1 1
Lakaitle (iad as, Ab & eae thea bn sender? alt > en iiwe ety pleaded nth ied wR foal. La
; ! Mi Ny ‘ Gs +6 il Ma hk p24! ‘nw at a 5a a
‘ be it 4 144 ‘he th siya Ose Rh Tee > hie , ghey t pact CURD. it i ah efi sek :
L isi
( ag. it yyy Batt. HD CPE ;
: ; ,
bs heures aale dive. Gage anit 12g sida re areonll
baht cian: bn ater ty ae st Se 14 " aif ihe a ssl leash aft *. ; i
; hice ttwe ; 7 ' ; : a ds
, en cy hud liben fois Kiel gal ie ents baa dexivslt
F > ya Tp a aa 1 ; Sil iy
; be lube Yen oectal fuvee sha sigh anit Levey ‘oN L alt
. | ° , a
A
: al
‘ a * et
Raa ati
a)
Troan from Nainwe & ow Stone by S&L. Gaakd.
ROSY GROSBEAK.
. Erythrospiza rosea.
Lrinted by C iadimendel:
ROSY GROSBEAK.
Erythrospiza rosea.
Le Bouvreuil Pallas.
We believe we may safely affirm that this beautiful species of Finch is strictly confined to the northern
regions of the Old World, and that it is not found, as stated by some authors, on the continent of America.
By Wilson it was considered synonymous with the Pringzla purpurea, which although bearing a strong resem-
blance in its general contour and colouring, differs both from it and Lxythrospiza erythrina, in the form of the
bill: the two latter birds have this organ shorter, and more swollen at the sides, approaching in these parti-
culars to the typical Pyrrhule, or Buffinches.
Russia and Siberia constitute the true habitat of the present species, though it may occasionally be found in
Hungary and the more central parts of Europe. It is considered one of the rarest European birds, and is
consequently much sought after by collectors. The female is quite unknown to ourselves, and we are not
aware of any description of that sex having been recorded.
Head, back, rump, upper tail-coverts, breast, and all the under surface of a rich rosy hue, with a stripe of
dark brown down the centre of each of the feathers of the back ; crown of the head and the throat orna-
mented with pinkish white silky feathers ; wings brown, the lesser coverts terminated with pinkish white,
and the greater coverts with pink, forming two bands across the wing; tail brown margined with pink ; bill
and feet light yellowish brown.
Our figure is of the natural size.
*
i
HI
aie
%
Zs
i.
rf
*
VINOUS GROSSBEAK.
Krythrospiza? githagimea.
Pyrrhula githagmea; (7émum/
Urouwn from Naliryk on Stone by SELLE. Gould. Printed by C Hadid.
VINOUS GROSBEAK.
Erythrospiza? githaginea.
Pyrrhula githaginea, Temm.
Le Bouvreuil githagine.
tS
We have never been able to obtain more than a single specimen of this rare Little Grosbeak, whose native
habitat is doubtless the northern and central portions of Africa: M. Temminck states that it is found in
Nubia and Syria, whence it accidentally passes into Provence and other parts of the south of Europe ; it is also
said to visit the islands of the Archipelago. In his description, and in the figure of this species, published in
the ‘Planches Coloriées,’ M. Temminck has represented the bill and legs as being red; in the specimen
from which our figure is taken those parts were light yellow, and it did not appear that this difference had
been the effect of time or death, as in that case there would have been faint traces of the red colour still
remaining, which there were not. In all probability this bird will require to be separated from the group in
which we have placed it; but we have deferred assigning to it new generic characters until further acquainted
with the species.
The female is said to differ from the male in the absence of the rich rosy tints which adorn the latter, and in
being of a uniform light brown very slightly clouded with a rosy hue; and in the under surface and wings
being clear Isabella brown.
The male has all the under surface light brown, clouded with clear rose, which is palest on the throat and
round the base of the bill; crown of the head ash, becoming brown on the nape of the neck ; back, wing-
coverts, rump, and the external edge of the wing and tail-feathers slightly tinged with rose colour.
We have figured a male of the natural size.
jo ae
‘ed 2
rabid
;
4
th
40 zi)
tra
al
BULLFINCH.
Pyrrhula vulgaris ; “Zémm/
Dram from Nikure & on Stone by J&L. Contd. Frinted ty 0 Fidimonde.
Genus PYRRHULA.
Gen. Cuar. Bell very short, and thick at the base; both mandibles convex, particularly the
upper one, the point of which overhangs the point of the lower; culmen rather com-
pressed and advancing upon the forehead. Nos¢rils basal, lateral, round, concealed by
short feathers. Wangs rather short, the fourth quill-feather the longest.
BULLFINCH
Pyrrhula vulgaris, Temm.
Le Bouvreuil commun.
Tuis handsome bird is the only one of the genus Pyrrhula, as restricted by modern naturalists, which has
been hitherto discovered in Europe, that is to say, provided we consider the Bullfinch found in Germany and
some other parts of the Continent (which in relative admeasurements is nearly a fourth longer,) as a variety
merely, and not truly a distinct species. In our examination of this bird, had we been able to detect any
difference of markings, or to ascertain that any dissimilarity existed in their habits and manners, we
should not have hesitated on the subject ; at present we remain in doubt on this point, which those who have
an opportunity of examining the bird more closely than ourselves, and in a state of nature, can alone
determine.
The interesting little group of which the present species forms’a typical example, appears to be confined
exclusively to the regions of the Old World, more particularly its northern and mountain districts. The
elevated range of the Himalaya has not only produced an additional example, published by us in our work on
the birds of that range under the specific title of erythrocephala, but we have since received another
species from the same locality, and which is at present undescribed: we allude to this fact here, as confirma-
tory of the justice of separating birds possessing well-defined forms, however limited their numbers may be,
into distinct genera, assured that future researches will increase the catalogue of species.
The Bullfinch is a constant resident in our island, although we are informed by continental writers that it
is strictly migratory on the Continent generally, over the whole of which, except in Holland, where it is some-
what rare, it is plentifully dispersed. ‘The habits of the Bullfinch are somewhat shy and retiring , giving pre-
ference to secluded thickets and coppices.
Its food consists for the most part of berries, seeds, and the buds of trees; hence in the spring no bird is
accused of greater mischief in orchards and gardens.
The nest of the Bullfinch is rather loosely constructed, flat in its general form, and composed of small
sticks lined with fibrous roots, and wool: it is mostly placed in the forked branches of trees and shrubs. The
eggs are four or five in number, of a bluish white spotted with reddish brown. Although not entirely devoid
of song, it is by no means remarkable in its wild state for its musical powers : its call note is a plaintive
monotonous whistle. In captivity it is much valued, not only for its beauty, but for its powers of imitation,
being capable of learning and repeating tunes and even words.
The sexes offer, as the Plate will show, a considerable difference in their colouring.
The male has the top of the head, the circle round the eye, the throat, wings, and tail of a deep glossy
black ; the back of the neck and mantle ash-colour; the cheeks, neck, chest, and flanks fine red ; rump and
abdomen pure white; a band of greyish white crosses the wing; the beak and irides black; tarsi blackish
brown.
In the female, the red of the chest, neck, and flanks is exchanged for dusky greyish brown; the white of
the rump is less conspicuous, and the markings of the head are not so pure and decided.
The Plate represents an adult male and female of the natural size.
yd fae ¢
| al
very dtc
ti
' /
;
. h £ y
\
L t
y - .
: OOD: GI “sa fatth A
5
. '
‘ : :
; and it
. :
f e ‘
4 2
/
- .
‘
, i 1 . .
c M ‘ ,
, i 5
; ¥ i
‘ 3
f ms
: + go c > a ‘ ; ry
| Be bog WSovent A ak. qheenet ee Ls: ae aneie ati HOES aint
rhGH ‘ote zi got
SUWARLING.
Sturnus vulgaris , (Ze)
ron prom Lyfe and aston ty J GE Gould. ; Printed, by CLedimvandedl.
Genus STURNUS, Linn.
Gen. Cuar. Bill straight, depressed, rather obtuse, and slightly subulated. Nostrils basal,
| lateral, and partly closed by a prominent rim. Wéngs long, the first feather very short,
the second and third the longest and equal. Feet with three toes before and one behind ;
the middle toe united to the outer one as far as the first joint.
STARLING.
Sturnus vulgaris, Lenn.
L’Etourneau vulgaire.
‘Tue species formerly arranged under the old Linnean genus Stwrnus have been separated into several distinct
genera, bearing their appropriate characters, and which now form an interesting family, the members of
which are very generally dispersed over the globe. ‘The value of such separations is obvious to the Ornitho-
logist, as by a knowledge of the characters of each genus he is at once enabled to ascertain its true situation.
The number of species contained in the genus Sturnus, as now restricted, is very limited, and are strictly
confined to the Old World ; two of these species are natives of Europe.
The Starling is a social and familiar bird, and were it less common would be highly esteemed, its habits
and manners, and the variety of its plumage at certain ages and seasons being very interesting. Its range is
extensive, being dispersed in considerable abundance over Europe ; it is also found at the Cape of Good Hope,
and from its being so numerous on the northern coast of Africa, we doubt not that they traverse the whole of
that continent. We have received it from the Himalaya Mountains, and have ascertained that it is found as
far east as China. It is a bold and spirited little bird, but soon becomes reconciled to confinement, where it
not only sings sweetly, but may be taught to articulate words and even sentences. In a state of nature it
is very harmless, and renders great service to the farmer, by clearing his pastures and fields from grubs,
worms, and various other insects, on which it almost exclusively subsists. When in search of food, it runs
along the ground with great celerity, prying and peeping with a cunning eye under every loose sod and tuft
of grass.
The Starling congregates in large flocks during autumn and winter, and may be often observed in the
company of rooks, daws, and fieldfares. On the approach of evening many of these flocks unite, and before
going to roost this immense body may be seen traversing with undulating sweeps and evolutions the immediate
neighbourhood of their resting-place. They prefer for this purpose secluded and warm situations, such as
thickly set reed-beds, coppices, or plantations of fir. They pair early in the spring, and then spread themselves
over the face of the country in search of a convenient breeding-place, some selecting the holes of trees, others
old towers and ruins, and others the deserted nests of rooks, &c. They lay four or five eggs of a delicate ©
pale blue. The young during the first autumn are characterized by the stage of plumage represented in the
upper bird of our Plate; they begin to change in October, which is effected by a moult, and in the course of
a week or two after are adorned with feathers, the whole of which, with the exception of the primaries and
tail, are terminated with a large white or reddish white spot; the rest of the feathers being of a rich green
with bronze reflections, as in the lower bird of the Plate. From this their spotted plumage they gradually
change to that of the centre bird, having a fine yellow bill, and spotless lanceolate feathers upon the breast
and underparts,—a state of plumage which is certainly not attained till the third year; and between these two
latter stages, birds may be found in the same flock which exhibit plumage in every intermediate state. It may
be observed, that as the feathers become elongated the white spot at the tip becomes less and less, till in the
old bird it is lost. The males and females at the same age offer but little difference in plumage ; the male,
however, is generally the most brilliant in his markings.
We consider that these birds breed at a year old, although their plumage, as above stated, afterwards
undergoes a considerable change.
The plumage of the old male in spring is peculiarly beautiful, not so much from its variety of colours as
from the glossy metallic hues with which it seems burnished, exhibiting ever-changing reflections of purple and
golden green ; the upper wing-coverts marked with small triangular whitish spots ; the lower coverts and the
tail slightly edged with white ; beak yellow ; feet reddish flesh-colour :—the centre figure in our Plate exhibits
the bird in this stage.
Ve baum
“one eae otal nat att, snitot wary te ll
y
at
tlm yy
ne
ae I ‘+ 7A doit aye eet
Ale
Tis serpoge unt
tena bet, Wee cept vt utes TE Ee tO EGS pent iichy
off haar bliddo% WY eeob ade; etecye debit valeradet, Mince, idle t
*sphlntay ainht "eee urge rerio is’ aloe vt
by ime
Ane: hadi fottif ‘lit site bua \Fualielts Sle hi
aN ian a wd
Hage ’ tinieg tesigin
oy, 4
ay va ia aaa ath
_
ron stl, ldieeshlewtwer ”
rete Jou tab wath ‘fait we ae, yoiiqe’ a atngy, Nich aca
4 Siondaherpine eu it doidiow: dive ‘atic 1
i isa sreriodrait
pine i ah ag A toad ;
é t
- fine aed 1d Biv veolod mot paral
e ried Bod ale aco a ned, PG uh af batted mm, \cizileebaia
SS
’ * 9 o <€F rey
: el ri \ r} Kh } “<
/ \
¢
} 4 é eihad : o 2
m t
* _
. ' ' : + F hurktt nt Y po
“ cll Pern athe
a yi Tria
“ rl ald i% - all ime
trol 8 nt ir ef oe Pefant
in? Th |. mal .
. : F Ly ps
“r {
, at
f T heal
. as ae ; i
ae
a t .
, + ae
g ! 1
. I \ ¥
‘ 'f '
* r im ‘
i Y .
'
° ¥ t
5 : ‘ : ny
\ -_
. . # I fl ‘ ; f
? it fal Vaid vers fof
4 bit | | a Wa 8”
“ - as sp dun 0 4 ay | ‘ “
- 4 ; - : é yr are ‘¢ f YM
ier * 7 3 t tnd
fi * . , byes DS, ots
: : | a . :
‘ ‘ if se feyey] ey oPiy stl Wie :
‘ . af me Wy § A ee r '
L ous Obit edb id Mae ne, ee 7 F
Bie fF Btli Wiik | la ar vat? : oe ;
; ; ; i : F hal ap hnattt 4
+ ladiitiaes. Oh enor oat ie iy staid ~~ 9 " liane
' s Row! ay ba, engage! CF ip Wired “e yaa abv? even ate waymit:
; . bb pati Het peel - i a Al ‘ Pe ad ‘ !
r tbe rE) yl wit’ AM i ance iT ay}, tee =A i 5
‘ ~ by EL gare Te yrs ; oye “ft i
t ‘ 2s . 4 ie 1A ‘
) ? r Li “avery 1 u oe 4 yt aya dn € hoteree s Revel 4 iia, et fail ae 3 har ity |
ie Shh] it * : a ' , r ‘ P '
: ' 7) ry ai, brah ‘ytd ng tsa itval iets Atty a peti a eran
. ‘
. | Pe dey yt! tel seu thls binant a y
- é aah fi. Ri nde a] “hh pee want ; ied? ‘nih 1 i ah: of .
. e
,
x ae ez } , ‘
Hae He a LUM ke
a - o
; é + > ¥ as f i ? ar |
; “id ghee Gi ea:
rr ab ude De eth: Bae Bt any
ta eat) eabissietag oe ee
wile ak fe Has EE A: oe
"5 , ¢ we sh “a fe ee pret i 2 ‘
hake Oy binds | Beat tine} 12
> ; - ye Pat oer a9 ? Ee tes
her athsy ORE Ca ee ie Pear Sms rae os
eae, Lae Hohe, daltons
, ! sedate Marg cel eee
a
Ww
A
‘
aia
‘i
Dram from Maire & on Stone by Sh &. Gould,
ad AY.
Garrulus Glandarms ; (477s
Printed by C. Aidlenanded
Genus GARRULUS.
Gen. Cuar. Bill shorter than the head, conical, slightly compressed, straight at the base, rather
deflected towards the tip, which is faintly emarginated ; the lower mandible of nearly
equal thickness, and having its culmen equally convex with that of the upper; commissure
straight ; head crested. !
’ f + . 7 ‘ ‘
" ae x
, i i Hvie, & at
r rf , — ‘ -
‘ fk » A ri 4 ib | + a
‘ A : a7
‘ 5
* ‘ , z ho
t A 4 } if i) - ' - | v fy -
; nd,
4 am iy i ‘ - »
; 1 | ‘ om at rm Me. tes re ee i ¥
( ‘clit? ma { , yet ha 4 *
L, 4 ath LU 5 ; ‘ ert ; ad
- ‘ of oy
£ - . ‘ * f
ty ’ 4 i \ 7 ry veya Eat 52 ra iN ets - Par
; ] od A t Pict Lee
Bs ’ é ’ "i
‘ : _
ashy | ere crt a .
5 E 7 aes EL lees an hi
ry i : ieee Wiles 1 + ,
4 * * = - 7 + =
; iy oF f f ‘ x P
’ 5 i ¢ os ‘ }
j t¢ \ Pia ‘ f vis hay (ae
A fiw phere Ds th tar UF ¢ i} pone rim ahaee 4
€ a ¥ xv s)
\ na 1 the Ar t nant etd Fa * |
Ie i ; : ire eet a | Ube a
‘ : _ ri ope tee ee
igo " gay eg i, Ki
i Bally h! * p ni iy 3° ee ae
nt Rens 4 ry ‘ EET aM Pt Oe les de path : ; CAEL b Tarun
it - ag f oe
ENT Me et awe aes A AVR ee See te Ada ae
ra 1 ‘ * i ‘
mei il
cn al as AL APE
*
; sake rie
it feos: te ay, he
: ut goat
Toki. eke Athy, tik
uch! dive eed deal
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SIBERIAN JAY 3
Garrulus infaustus :-/Z2m. y
Lrinted by C Liana:
SIBERIAN JAY.
Garrulus infaustus, Temm.
Le Geai imitateur.
Tue northern portions of Europe, namely Norway, Sweden, and Siberia, constitute the habitat of this inter-
esting bird, which offers to the naturalist many points for further investigation. With two closely allied species
from the north of the American continent, it would seem to forma genus, approximating we admit to that of
the true Jays, but still removed from it by certain modifications of character. The general form is less robust,
the bill more feeble and shorter, and the feathers more plume-like and disorganized. We are not, however,
prepared to institute a new genus, but provisionally assign the present bird a place in that of Garrulus. The
Siberian Jay, like its American relative (Garrulus Canadensis), has a full share of that prying curiosity and
imitative qualities which distinguish the race. Its manners are bold and inquisitive, and its actions quick and
lively. Confined entirely to the northern latitudes, it is totally unknown in the temperate and southern di-
stricts of Europe ; and its soft and downy plumage is no doubt well calculated to protect it from the effects
of the extreme cold of a Siberian winter ; which, as the bird is not migratory, it must in all respects be fitted
to endure. In these dreary regions, where the human population is thin and scattered, the Siberian Jay
relieves the woods and thickets of part of their loneliness, and attracts the notice of the traveller by its famili-
arity and restlessness.
Its food consists of wild berries and fruits, to which insects, their larvee and worms are also added.
Of its nidification little is known ; but in this respect we may naturally conclude that it resembles its allied
congener the Garrulus Canadensis, which is an early breeder, even before the snow is off the ground ; con-
structing a nest of sticks and grass, in a fir-tree in the recesses of the woods, and laying five blue eggs.
The head is covered with a crest of short blackish feathers ; those which cover the nostrils, and those also
around the base of the beak are yellowish white ; the upper surface is olive brown; the shoulders and outer
tail-feathers fine rufous ; the quills and two middle tail-feathers brown; the throat and under surface of a
lighter tint than the back, changing insensibly to a pale rufous, which becomes more decided on the thighs
and under tail-coverts ; beak and tarsi black. Length eleven inches.
We are not aware that it undergoes any periodical changes in its plumage, which is alike in both sexes.
The Plate represents an adult bird of the natural size.
MAGPIE.
Pica caudata. (Lay /.
Drawn from & on Stone oy bh £ Gould.
v
Lraked by C Linkimanded.
Genus PICA.
Gun. Cuar. Beak strong, compressed laterally, slightly arched, and hooked at the tip. Nostrils
basal, open, protected by a covering of bristly feathers directed forwards. Feet with three
toes before, and one behind, entirely divided. Tarsus longer than the middle toe. Wings
rounded. First quall-feather very short; the fourth the longest. Taz long and graduated,
the two middle feathers proceeding beyond the rest.
MAGPIE.
Pica caudata, Ray.
La Pie.
Our celebrated countryman Ray appears to have clearly appreciated the generic characters of this bird,
which he considered sufficiently distinct to warrant his separating it from the genus Corvus, to which Linnzeus
and the naturalists of his school have since referred it. We, however, agree with Ray in considering the
difference it exhibits in manners, habits, and general appearance, sufficient to entitle it to be ranked under a
Separate genus.
The Magpie is one of the most ornamental birds which grace our country; the elegance of its shape, and
the glossy black of its plumage, ever varying with reflections of green, contrasted with the purity of the white,
render it altogether the most conspicuous bird of our parks and meadows :—bold and spirited, full of life
and animation, ever noisy, prying, and inquisitive; the first to give warning of the approach of the fox or
hawk, and the first to lead the teasing crowd which collect to harass the marauding intruder. Eminently
distinguished by a keen dark eye, an air of cunning, intelligence, and familiar boldness, he has ever been an
amusing favourite in captivity; but his propensity for thieving has tarnished his good name. An unwelcome
visitor where game is preserved, no bird can be of greater annoyance, or more injurious ; one of his favourite
objects of search being the eggs of other birds; nor are the unfledged young safe from his attacks. His
rapacity however is not confined to the park or the preserve alone, but leads him frequently to venture within
the immediate precincts of man, for the purpose of committing depredations on the young broods of domestic
poultry. Omnivorous to a great extent, his usual food consists of the larve. of insects, grubs, snails, and
. worms ; but he does not refuse carrion, grain, or fruits.
This bird is common, not only throughout Europe and the temperate parts of Asia, but also in the United
States and the northern regions of America; generally dwelling in pairs throughout the greater part of the
year, but congregating in considerable numbers as the breeding season approaches, when they are clamorous
and animated, displaying a variety of motions and actions indicating their excitement, and well calculated to
show off their plumage and form.
The only difference between the sexes appears to be the rather smaller size of the female.
There is a peculiar circumstance respecting the nidification of the Magpie, which has led to a suspicion
among some naturalists that there are in reality two distinct kinds. The fact to which we allude is the dif-
ferent and indeed opposite situation which, without any apparent cause, these birds select for their nests ;—
in some cases a hedge-row, in others the topmost branches of a lofty tree: but as in their general manner
and plumage we can trace no dissimilarity, this circumstance alone, unsupported by others, does not warrant
us in making any such distinction.
The degree of art displayed by this bird in the construction of its nest has been noticed by the observers
of nature in all ages: it is, deed, framed and contrived with every attention to security and convenience ; not
that it is in reality concealed, for its size and situation render it eminently conspicuous.
The nest is externally constructed of sticks and twigs interwoven with great labour, becoming more com-
pact as the building proceeds; within these twigs is disposed an internal coating of mud, and that again
is neatly lined with fine grasses. The body of the nest is surmounted by a dome of wickerwork, having an
aperture just large enough to admit the parent bird, who generally sits with her head to the hole, ready to
quit the nest on the slightest alarm.
The female lays six or seven eggs, mottled all over with ash-brown on a ground of greenish white.
The young soon assume the plumage of the adult, and follow the parent birds till the end of autumn.
Our Plate represents an adult male. The head, throat, neck, upper part of the chest, and back, of a deep
black; wing-feathers on the inner webs white, on the outer, shining green; tail-feathers graduated, of a
greenish-black, with bronze reflections; scapulars, breast and belly, pure white; beak, irides, legs and feet, black.
a Win: an adi | )
sored ew tev: alte finn | betas anil cael ua fe PY ‘ -,
: ‘vi eT ti aaatt sogtal: 7 é Ani aerate
7 oe, :
f wanhara han aot OL ‘davanol of
; ue sa nie wall sitet Hlectlades bones
4 f \ aus Se ea? gustan ine te Hl inet pidterhs ties: ui hepa abi
pee ‘. d
th iL rail npawon. ott - be ian “ek, cond Gon adam 2h: to sheila ‘ME Fiat fe
: i ol tit anem dt aio tie “soueiocirass ladon Toe, tecart Ooee.: ae atidily oi aotereily.
oh My ohetage
» OS PEO: sii torsher, abel tei third Teo 24 Ag galt of T
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+ -renvindemmen ae eigen Go: vg ote a4. aa 4). hut of +R oft: bam Aviad
Leh AD DS ooecoaitbetice (nail me y te 4h ‘OV WHA dase a va hoiloinrgaitei
ik fesitateiah enul uitesiget ie veianenons alt tid, Pare (i othwovnt, gaia
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& wheal : ; $2 he 7m if "3 é pe es
f Wvictaii atti > i . at te, at ietlecemgecsi deft
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ink ww. tiers, sorties sated toa woh od ted. jeans
bey asia ote miak od} lay erie: OHS pies 4 dienes “i lyst aT
ff) aeitiqg, wiciliverh clea 4 ducesady, ter at Pao snedhow of} fae daha
wt wisdonade aldmaobiowon at gategrrnos ind. Aaee
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ruotised teal semee th: tot ba (lot tea Visiter & ee lqath Avice hawt
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-oleuteh alt to See eee wedi. dl. ae oo Pqe 2in9e See sal diay oft ee
. nuthe! eat ibite sedate aoiicaltba adi Gaver? sae séilonag - eieved Tae
nr ot db ok Shit) jjntiaths, wat. vida it ett ots Ay tod) atalewntan uss Boost ;
Cu “nid oad .oaeee ant) pa HG, HOT oider nothin ity stinogiachis vcd feta ‘tetera i
¢ th: ak ae Te onal in is wedi anrd eer: dt aed fl & at pror-ogielt a envio ston ai
114
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Gees | sig es . Je diesel dona yan yridess a es) oe
vdo sit yd hositon n99d eadh meget te, wédareeeo oft oi brid aids yl Mepalqaih trate oorgab of
susisvaes Dad VITIES2 0 + sidwatten PS itie boriviaes bas howat bosbiai’ og to ad
1i2 , wee
{ viousienes Vitae tt sober aoiinutin bare axin: att ior cbafagoaat (tila eas
¥ 5 : v ae .
g aioy. stone anitnoved oiodsl sai Mi coor wy hts wboite. io ie oft “a a :
Mts eyir "s ya raat cs ft 3 r ee
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pak e i? ty iia
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AZURE WINGED MAGPIE.
Pica cyanea, /Wagler/
LDrawnziom Lye & on Stone ty J&Z Cowbd. Lrunted ty C Ltudimanded,
AZURE-WINGED MAGPIE.
Pica cyanea, Wagler.
Ir is with great pleasure that we here present, for the first time, a figure of this beautiful and elegant Magpie ;
a bird which has escaped the notice of most of the authors who have expressly treated on the Ornithology of
Europe; and even M. Temminck, who has devoted so much attention to this department of the science,
makes no mention of it in a work characterized by accuracy and research. It is only in that useful and
little-known book, the “ Systema Avium” of Dr. Wagler, that any correct notice is to be found respecting it,
and even his account is very slight: furnishing us with few details as respects its habits or manners, he
merely informs us that it is a native of Spain, arriving in flocks in. April, frequenting bushes and willow
groves, and is distinguished, like our common species, by its impudence and clamour.
We are personally indebted for the loan of the fine specimen from which our figure was taken, to the
liberality and kindness of Captain 8. E. Cook, who observed the species to be pretty abundant in the
neighbourhood of Madrid, from whence he procured it in a recent state, with several other birds equally rare
and valuable.
The beak and legs are black; crown of the head, occiput and ear-coverts, black with shining violet
reflections ; the whole of the back and rump ashy rose-colour ; throat white; the under surface the same
as the back, with the exception of its being a few shades lighter; wings and tail delicate azure blue, the
primaries, with the exception of the two first which are wholly black, white on their outer web for about
half their length from the tip; tail graduated, each feather tipped with white, the two middle ones more
obscurely so: total length from twelve to fourteen inches. The sexes do not differ in external appearance.
Our Plate represents an individual in its finest plumage, and of the natural size.
eth A ey
. i Vig
ALPINE CHOUGH.
Pyrrhocorax. Pyrrhocorax.
Drawn from Nedare & ow Sane ty J bol. Gonta. Lrinted by C Hdimanded,
—x
Genus PYRRHOCORAX.
Gen. Cuan. Beak shorter than the head, conical, and somewhat bent towards the ti p, with a
slight notch at the point. Vostrz/s basal, lateral, and conical, with fine hairs directed
forwards. ars: and toes strong and robust. Nazis strong and hooked. Wings long, the
fourth and fifth quill-feathers the longest.
ALPINE CHOUGH.
Pyrrhocorax Pyrrhocorax.
Le Choquard des Alpes.
In all large families like that of the Corvd@, we seldom fail to meet with various anomalous and isolated
forms, which appear to stand out from the general group, amalgamating with none of the principal or more
numerously filled sections into which the family is divided, but appearing like links of a chain connecting the
family with others widely aberrant from it. Though we cannot in every instance trace a due succession of
these links, the continuity of the chain being often interrupted, these forms seem like radiations from a given
centre, branching out in lines tending in some instances towards even opposite points. The Nutcracker, for
example, which belongs to the family of Corv:de, indicates in its form, habits, and manners, an approximation
to the Picide too strong to be overlooked by the discerning naturalist: the Red-legged Chough is by many
regarded as tending towards the Promeropide, while the present bird claims an affinity with some of the
Merulide. In the instances we have here adduced, we may observe that each example is the type and sole
known representative of their respective genera with the exception of the Nutcracker, the genus to which it
is assigned containing two species.
The natural situations which the Alpine Chough inhabits are the high rude and precipitous elevations of
the Alpine districts of central Europe. During the summer it seldom descends far below the line of
perpetual snow, but in severe winters it is sometimes driven from its inaccessible heights to the lower
mountain ranges, more perhaps in order to obtain food than to avoid the severity of the cold.
Berries, grains, insects, worms, &c., constitute the food of the Alpine Chough; it is, indeed, almost
omnivorous in its appetite.
Its nest is usually made in a cleft or fissure of the rock, and sometimes in the chinks of the walls of old
buildings among the Alpine heights. The eggs are from three to five in number, of a dull white blotched
with yellowish brown.
When adult, the plumage of this bird is of a uniform black; the beak orange; the tarsi and toes vermilion,
the under sides of the latter being black ; irides dark brown.
Both sexes are alike. In the young of the year the black is less pure; the beak is blackish, the base of
the under mandible being yellow; and the tarsi are black. After the first moult the beak becomes yellowish,
and the tarsi pass by shades of brown to red, their colour in the female being more obscure.
We have figured an adult of the natural size.
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regis graculus : / Czv;/
L Leur del ce dthog. / Lente by C. Feadimended, '
Genus FREGILUS.
Gen. Cuar. Bill longer than the head, strong, arched and pointed. Nostrz/s basal, oval,
hidden by small closely set feathers. Head flat. Wigs long, first quill-feather short,
fourth and fifth the longest. Tazl square, or slightly rounded. et strong. ‘Toes four,
three before, one behind, the outer toe united at its base to the middle one. Claws strong,
very much curved, that of the hind-toe the largest.
CHOUGH.
Fregilus graculus, Cuvier.
Le Pyrrhocorax coracias.
Tux Chough is readily distinguished from the true Crows by the peculiar form of the beak: its habits and
ceconomy, as might be expected, are also somewhat different. In this country the Chough is found on the
rocky coasts of Cornwall, Devonshire and Glamorganshire, at the Isle of Anglesea, and the Isle of Man.
A few pairs may be seen about the high cliffs between Freshwater-gate and the Needle rocks of the Isle
of Wight. In the North, they frequent the high and rocky coast about St. Abb’s Head, and most of the
islands of Scotland, where they breed at high elevations. The Swiss Alps and rocky portions of the most
lofty mountains of the European continent, as well as the Himalaya, are among its favourite localities.
In such elevated situations, the strong toes and large curved claws of this bird are of essential service, in
securing for it a firm hold against the rugged and perpendicular surface of the highest cliffs, among the
mequalities of which it forms a nest of sticks lined with wool and hair, in which it deposits three or four eggs,
not very unlike those of the Jackdaw, but longer, of a greenish white ground spotted with darker green and
ash-brown. These birds are also said to build about the upper parts of high churches and towers near the
coast. ‘Their food consists of insects principally, with grain and berries.
The Chough is lively, restless, noisy and cunning, easily attracted by showy or glittering substances ; is
tamed without difficulty if taken young, and exhibits under confinement a variety of amusing tricks and
actions.
The whole plumage is black, glossed with purple, green, and dark blue; the irides hazel; beak and legs
vermilion red; claws black. Young birds of the year have their plumage dull black, with a bill less brilliant.
We have fad an adult male rather less than the natural size: the females are rather smaller.
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Genus CORVUS.
Gen. Cuar. Bill strong, conical, cultrated, straight at the base, but bending slightly towards
the tip ; noséri/s at the base of the bill, oval and open, covered by reflected bristly feathers.
Wings pointed ; the first feather bemg much shorter than the second and third, and the
fourth the longest. Legs and feet strong, plated, with three toes before and one behind.
Claws strong and curved. Toes divided. Tarsus longer than the middle toe.
RAVEN.
Corvus corax, Linn.
Le Corbeau noir.
Tue Raven is so extensively diffused, and is in consequence so universally known, that the name at once
reminds us of its general character. The largest and strongest of its genus, and bold as well as cunning, it is
always an object of suspicion to shepherds and husbandmen, from its daring attacks upon the young or weak
among their flocks and herds, and in times of superstition was regarded as a bird of ill omen, its hoarse croak-
ing being supposed to announce some impending calamity.
With a quick, searching eye, and a keen sense of smell, the Raven is ever on the watch to satisfy his appe-
tite, and no sooner does the defenceless state of an animal, and the absence of the herdsman, afford a chance
of success, but the Raven is there upon the ground. At first he makes his approach obliquely and with great
caution. He is shy of man and of all large animals in motion, because, as it has been aptly observed, though
glad to find others’ carrion, or to make carrion of them if he can do it with impunity, he takes good care that
none shall make carrion of him. If no interruption occurs, he makes his first attack upon the eye, afterwards
feeds at his leisure, retires to a small distance to digest his meal, and then returns again.
The Raven is met with in almost every part of the globe. Rocks on the sea shore, mountain ridges and
extensive woods are its most usual haunts: and are all equally favourable to its habits, occasionally it visits
open plains and large fields, especially when they are used as pasture. Like the other birds of this genus the
raven is not particular in selecting food, but eats indiscriminately small mammalia, eggs, reptiles, dead fish,
insects, grain and carrion ; they have also been seen feeding their young out of the nests of a rookery.
The male and female are frequently observed together, and they are said to pair for life. There is no differ-
ence in the plumage of the sexes, and they are subject to only one moult. They build on high trees, or if
near the shore, in the crevices of the most inaccessible parts of rocks, and use the same nest, formed of sticks,
wool and hair, for years in succession. The eggs, four or five in number, of a blueish green blotched with
brown, are produced very early in spring. The female during incubation, which lasts about twenty days, is
regularly attended and fed by the male bird, who not only provides her with abundance of food, but relieves
her in turn, and takes her place on the nest. The young birds are driven away as soon as they are able to
provide for themselves. If taken young, the Raven is easily domesticated, and becomes very tame and familiar,
imitating different sounds correctly, and has often been taught to pronounce a variety of words distinctly.
They are also noted for carrying away and hiding pieces of polished metal.
The whole of the plumage is black, the upper part glossed with blue; feathers on the throat narrow and
pointed ; tail rounded at the end; beak, legs and toes black ; claws black, strong and curved.
Our figure represents an adult bird, one fourth less than the natural size.
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CROW.
Corvus corone, /Zzinn/
CARRION
var del ob Lith:
ZL
CARRION CROW.
Corvus Corone, Linn.
La Corneille noir.
We are induced to believe that the range of habitat of this well-known species is not so extensive as is
generally supposed, but that most of the birds received from distant countries, although very similar, are
specifically distinct not only from the Carrion Crow of Europe but also from each other, and that although
these differences are not apparent to the casual observer, they will be found on a critical examination to be
sufficiently important.
The Carrion Crow is very generally distributed over the British Islands, where it is a permanent resident ;
it also appears to be equally dispersed over the western portion of the European continent, but is rarely found
so far east as Hungary and many parts of Austria. In its habits, manners, and general economy the Carrion
Crow is nearly allied to the Raven; like that bird it wanders about in pairs, evincing the greatest wariness of
disposition and shyness on the approach of man, which may, however, be partly attributed to the persecution
it meets with from almost every one. ‘The Crow is a more powerful and robust bird than the Rook, from
which it may readily be distinguished by the greenish metallic hue of its plumage, and by its thickened and
more arched bill, which is never deprived of the bristly feathers that cover the face and nostrils. It is also
clearly destined by nature to fulfill a very different office; for, while Rooks congregate in immense flocks
and disperse themselves over cultivated districts in search of insects, grubs, and grain, the Crow, as before
observed, wanders about in solitary pairs, or at most in parties of six or eight, in search of all kinds of
carrion, upon which it feeds voraciously ; and hence it may be frequently observed on the banks of the larger
rivers, which constantly afford it a supply of putrid animal matter ; to this kind of food are occasionally added
eggs, the young of all kinds of game, and it is even so daring when pressed by hunger as to attack very young
lambs, fawns, &c. When once mated, it would appear that Crows never again separate, and if unmolested in
their chosen breeding-place, the same pair generally return every year not only to the same locality but to
the same tree. The nest is usually placed in a fork near the bole, is of a smaller size than that of the Rook,
and is constructed of sticks and mud, lined with wool and hair. The eggs are five or six in number, of a
greenish ground, blotched all over with thickly set patches of ash-coloured brown.
It is perhaps one of the most destructive birds the preserver of game has to contend with, and in conse-
quence the poor Crow being sadly persecuted uses the utmost vigilance and cunning to evade the pursuit of
his great enemy the gamekeeper.
The sexes offer no difference in the colour of the plumage, and they assume the full colouring from the
nest.
The whole of the plumage is black, the upper surface being glossed with blue and greenish reflexions ; bill,
legs, and feet black, the scales on the two latter being in laminz, or plates.
The figure is of the natural size.
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HOODED CROW.
Corvus cornix,; (Zznw./
Trinted ty CHidimantel:
’
HOODED CROW.
Corvus cornix, Linn.
La Corneille mantelée.
Tuts fine species of Crow is not indigenous to England, but is now ascertained to be a permanent resident in
many districts of Scotland, where, according to Mr. Selby, it breeds in trees, rocks, or sea cliffs, as may
accord with their situation, the nest being formed of sticks, and lined with soft materials. That gentleman
further informs us that in those districts where it is found, there is no diminution of its numbers during the
winter months; and we may reasonably conjecture that those individuals who pay their annual visit to the
midland and southern counties of England during the autumn months are accessions from Norway and Swe-
den: we are strengthened in our opinion upon this point from the circumstance of their appearing at the
same time as the Woodcock and many others of our Northern visitors. Although the Hooded Crow is plen-
tifully dispersed over many districts in England, it must be allowed that its choice of places is extremely
local : it frequents the shores of the sea, the banks of large rivers, extensive downs, and such arable lands as
are devoid of hedgerows and woods. On the Continent it may be observed in all the mountainous districts.
It is common in the Alps and Apennines, but nowhere more so than in Norway and Sweden. In its habits
and manners it bears a strict resemblance to the Carrion Crow: like that bird it wanders about in pairs, or
at the most three or four together. Their omnivorous appetite enables them to subsist upon all kinds of
carrion, which they devour with avidity. Those that take up their positions upon the coast or about armlets
of the sea find a plentiful supply in the remains of dead fish and crustacea, to which are added worms and va-
rious species of mollusca. In the inland districts they eat worms, beetles, and whatever offal may fall in their
way.
The Hooded Crow is abundantly dispersed along the banks of the Thames, and all such rivers as are under
the influence of the tides.
During the period of incubation they are said to be very destructive to the eggs and young of the Red
Grouse, and will even attack lambs and sheep. The eggs are four or five in number, of a greenish ground
colour, mottled with dark brown.
The sexes are alike in plumage, and the young attain at an early age the colouring of their parents.
The head, throat, wings, and tail are black, with purple and green reflections ; the remainder of the body is
smoky grey, the shafts of each feather being darker; legs and bill black ; irides dark brown.
The Plate represents an adult male of the natural size.
a Fi
7 ;
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JIACKDAW.
Corvus monedula; Zemm/
Drawmfrom Nakore bon Stonety T&L. Gowda. Printed: by C Fiadlmanded.
JACK DAW.
Corvus monedula, Lenn.
Le Choueas.
Tux Jackdaw, still more bold and familiar than the Rook, which approaches so near the residence of man
during the period of incubation, advances under the very roofs of our dwellings, as if to solicit for itself and
its sooty progeny some especial care and protection ; it also lives in towers, old castles, and deserted ruins, the
loneliness of which it enlivens with its noisy animated actions and gregarious habits.
Its range of habitat, although not equal to that of the Raven, is nevertheless widely extended, the bird being
dispersed over every part of Europe, and the contiguous portions of Asia and Africa.
During the seasons of autumn and winter, the Jackdaw associates with the Rook, in whose society it ap-
pears to dwell in amity, feeding with it by day and retiring with it at night to the rookery or the accustomed
roosting-place. On the approach of spring it separates from the Rook, and again bends its way towards its
favourite place of incubation. Independently of the situations alluded to, it nestles in rocks and the holes of
trees, and in some instances in rabbit-holes in the ground. The nest is composed of sticks and lined with
wool: the eggs are four or six in number, of a pale greenish blue spotted all over with blackish brown.
Omnivorous in its appetite, the Jackdaw feeds on fruits, pulse, and grain, to which are added, grubs, snails,
worms, and even carrion. In its disposition it is thievish and mischievous : easily domesticated and familiar,
it may be taught to articulate words with distinctness.
The sexes are alike in the colouring of their plumage, and do not undergo any change either in winter or
summer.
The young during the first year are more uniform in their colouring than the adult: the silvery grey
of the head and neck is not attained until the bird is three or four years old.
The adult has the top of the head black, with violet reflections ; back part of the head and neck silver y grey,
the feathers of these parts being long and silky; the whole of the upper surface greyish black, the primaries
and secondaries having blue and violet reflections ; feet and bill black ; irides greyish white.
The Plate represents an adult male and female of the natural size.
a a
ere
ROOK.
Corvus frugilegus;, (Zzn7/
Printed y 6 Fallmamad,
oe beth
L Lear de
ROOK.
Corvus frugilegus, Lenn.
Le Freux.
Tuts familiar bird appears to be distributed over the greater part of Europe, giving preference to those cultivated
portions which afford it a supply of granivorous food, upon which it partially subsists, and for which it is gene-
rally condemned by the husbandman as an injurious and destructive neighbour ; though, were the habits of the
Rook carefully investigated, we doubt not it would be satisfactorily proved that he amply repays the farmer
for the few grains he steals, by the destruction of immense numbers of grubs and insects which he devours
in the course of a single year, thus rather claiming our gratitude for his services than deserving our enmity : it
must be acknowledged, too, that its presence helps to enliven our fields and pastures.
The Rook is very fastidious in its choice of a place for performing the duties of incubation, frequently
leaving the trees of the forest for those situated near our dwellings, and, in some instances, even taking up its
abode in the midst of towns and cities.
The adult Rook may at all times be readily distinguished from its near ally the Crow by the naked face and
gular pouch, which parts have been divested of their feathers by the constant thrusting of its mandibles into
the earth in search of food ; its wings are also more lengthened and pointed, and the hue of the upper por-
tion of its plumage is more inclined to purple.
The Rook is gregarious, and in no country is to be observed in greater numbers than in the British Islands,
which afford it an asylum congenial to its peculiar habits and mode of life. It commences the work of nidi-
fication in the month of March, constructing a large nest of sticks, lined with a coating of clay and fine grasses.
The eggs are five in number, of a blueish green blotched with darker stains of brown. The young for the first
ten or twelve months do not lose the feathers which cover the nostrils ; and during this period they so nearly
resemble the Crow that a more than usually minute examination is required to discover the difference, though
a careful attention to the peculiar form of the bill will obviate any difficulty.
The sexes are so strictly similar in the colouring of their plumage that actual dissection is requisite to
distinguish them.
Bill and feet black; the whole of the plumage black glossed with changeable hues of green and violet
purple ; feathers on the back of the neck long and filamentous.
The Plate represents an adult, rather less than the natural size.
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A
\
CKER.
ODP EH
we
K
k
Picus martuus, (Zznm/.
BLAC
GREAT
Genus PICUS.
Gen. Cuar. Beak long, straight, pyramidal; and cutting towards the point. Nostre/s basal,
oval, inclosed by membrane ; covered with hairs, directed forwards. Tongue’ long, taper,
capable of protrusion, armed with a horny tip. Toes four; in pairs; antagonizing; the
front pair united at their base. Taz/, twelve feathers; graduated short; shafts stiff and
elastic. Wings, third and fourth quedl-feather longest. 3
GREAT BLACK WOODPECKER.
Picus Martius, Lznn.
Le Pic noir.
Tue Woodpeckers form a family more numerous perhaps than any other in the whole range of Ornithology ;
and, if we except Australia and the South Sea Islands, are equally extended over the old and new portions of
the globe. Abundant, however, as the species may be, they are so united by a pervading similarity of habits,
food, manners, and even colouring, as to constitute a group pre-eminently natural and well defined ;—hence
the description of one species is to a great extent applicable to all: still, however, as is the case in all natural
families, differences sufficiently characteristic exist to warrant a subdivision into groups more or less typical.
Among the true or typical Woodpeckers, may be placed the Prcus Martius; at once exhibiting the generic
characters in their highest degree of developement, it exceeds in size all its congeners of the Old World, and
indeed is inferior only to the Ivory-billed Woodpecker of the United States of America.
However plentiful it might have been when our Island was less cultivated than at present, and covered with
extensive forests, certain it is that this bird is now so seldom to be met with, if at all, as scarcely to come
under the designation of a British species. According to M. Temminck it is rare even in France and Germany,
and must be sought for in the more northern regions of Europe, as Norway, Sweden, Poland, Russia, and
also Siberia, to which in the present day its habitat is almost entirely confined.
At the head of a family of true Climbers, the habits of the Great Black Woodpecker are in conformity with
its wants and its means of supplying them. We need hardly say that it is on the bark of trees more exclusively
that the Woodpecker finds its food, and to this end are its powers and organs adapted. If we examine the toes
of the present species, which are to be taken as illustrative of form in the whole of the family, (with the
exception of a single limited group,) we find them long and powerful, furnished with strong claws, admirably
adapted for grasping or clinging to the rough inequalities of the bark : besides this, they are placed in pairs,
so as in some measure to antagonize ; but not, as generally stated, two before and two behind, for one pair is
lateral, and diverges from the other at an acute angle, so as to be applied to the convexity of the tree, and thus
render the grasp close and firm. ‘The tail is composed of stiff feathers, the shafts of which taper gradually
from the base to the extremities, which curving inward when pressed against a tree, not only form a fulcrum
for the support of the body, but by their elasticity tend to propel it forwards. This provision, the more needed
from the posterior situation of the legs, is admirably calculated for ascending ; and having explored the bark
by a spiral course, the Woodpecker flies off to the next tree, to repeat the same process.
The flight of the present species is undulating, seldom protracted to any extent, but limited to a transit
from tree to tree in the seclusion of its native woods.
Its food consists of the larvee of wasps, bees, and other insects: in addition, however, it devours fruits,
berries, and nuts with avidity.
The female selects the hollows of old trees, in which she deposits two or three eggs of an ivory whiteness.
The two sexes differ but little in plumage,—the crimson crown distinguishing the male, that colour being in
the female confined to the occiput ; the rest of the plumage is a deep jet-black ; the irides yellowish-white ;
the naked circle round the eye and the feet black ; the bill horn-colour, black at the tip.
The young males are characterized by the irides being of a light ash colour; the crown of the head is
marked with alternate spots of red and black, which give place gradually to the bright uniform crimson of
maturity.
The length of an adult bird is about fifteen inches ; and our Plate represents a male and female of their
natural size.
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REEN WOODPECKER.
Ss Ticus viridis; Zaw./
Trusn fromtife & cr Stone bu T& F..ectia. Tricked by UFdin on dl.
ee é eo,
GREEN WOODPECKER.
Picus viridis, Lznn.
Le Pic vert.
Tue present bird represents a group of the great family of Picide or Woodpeckers, which appears to hold
an intermediate station between the species of the American genus Co/aptes, distinguished by their slender
arched bills and terrestrial habits, and those which exhibit a closer approximation to the typical form, whose
habits, manners, and food, confine them entirely to trees.
The present group appears to contain about eight or ten well-marked species, all peculiar to the old con-
tinent, but of which number only two, viz. the Picus viridis and Picus canus, Linn., are common to Europe,
where they appear to fill the same relative situation that the species of the genus Co/aptes do in America.
This familiar and well-known bird is not only frequent in every part of Great Britain, but is equally spread
throughout the whole of Europe, with the exception of the marshy and low lands of Holland, frequenting
woods and forests, where its presence may be generally discovered by its clamorous note, or its restless
disposition in proceeding from tree to tree in search of insects. This kind of food it takes by inserting its
long and retractile tongue into the crevices of the bark in which they lodge, but is not less frequently seen
on the ground in search of ants, snails, worms, &c., nor will it refuse fruits, walnuts and berries. It deposits its
eges,—which are of a smooth shining white, and from four to six in number,—in the holes of trees partially
occasioned by decay and enlarged by its own exertion. The Green Woodpecker remains with us the whole
of the year, and having attained its adult stage of plumage undergoes no subsequent variation. ‘The top of
the head, the occiput, and moustache or stripe on the cheek, are of a brilliant red ; the face black ; the upper
surface fine green ; the rump tinged with yellow; the under parts pale greyish green; quill-feathers brown,
crossed with bars of yellowish white; tail brown, barred transversely with a lighter colour ; bills and legs
ereyish green ; irides white.
The female differs from the male externally only in being rather less in size and in the absence of the red
_ moustache, which colour is supplied by black.
The young have only traces of red on the head; the moustache is indicated by black and white feathers ; the
general colour is paler and more obscure, the back being marked with ash-coloured blotches, and the under
parts with brown zigzag bars ; irides dark grey.
We have figured an adult male and a young bird in the plumage of the first autumn.
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GREEN WOODPECKER.
cus canus, / Gwelen/
GREY HEADED
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Dravn tromLit how Stone ty J be B. Cond:
GREY-HEADED GREEN WOODPECKER.
Picus canus, Gime.
Le Pic cendré.
We have reason to think with M. Temminck, that the present species has been often confounded with the
Picus viridis ; but it may be distinguished by its rather smaller size, and the grey colour of its head, the red
mark on the top of which is more circumscribed, while in the female it is entirely wanting. In general
habits, however, the two species are altogether similar, and may be taken as examples of a group including
some species from the Himalaya mountains, and other parts of the old world, which present a departure in
several characteristics from the more typical Woodpeckers, of which we have given the Picus martius as a
representative. The subjects of this group appear more terrestrial in their habits, searching for their food
on the ground, and less exclusively confined to the trees as climbers. We shall not, however, here enter into
the details of these dissentient peculiarities, which occupy a more prominent place in the description of the
P. viridis, but confine ourselves to the bird before us.
The native localities of the Grey-headed Green Woodpecker would appear to be Norway, Sweden, Russia,
and, more or less, the whole of the northern portions of Europe; and, as we are informed by M. Temminck,
is also an inhabitant of the northern parts of America. Although it may be deemed presumption to doubt
the assertion of so great a naturalist, we cannot help expressing our belief that neither this bird nor any of
the species of the group to which it strictly belongs are to be met with on any part of that continent ; its
place there being occupied by a genus similar in habits and manners, to which the title of Colaptes is assigned,
and which possesses essential external differences. In France and Switzerland it is very scarce; and we
believe is never found in Holland or in the British Islands.
Its food, like that of the Green Woodpecker, consists of insects in general, more especially ants and their
larvee, occasionally feeding on fruits and nuts. Its nidification is also the same; the female depositing four
or five eggs of a pure white in the hollow of a tree.
The beak is greenish-yellow, becoming dark at its edges; legs black; irides very light red; forehead
crimson; a black mark extends between the eye and the beak; the occiput and space between the crimson
forehead and eyes grey; on the cheeks, which are cinereous with a slight tinge of green, a narrow black
line extends downwards ; the back bright green ; upper tail-coverts yellowish ; wings olive-green ; quill-feathers
darker, with distinct yellowish-white spots along their outer edges; tail dark olive-brown, the two middle
feathers having traces of obscure transverse bars; the under parts, like the cheeks, cinereous tinged with
green.
The general colour of the female is the same as in the male, with the exception of the head, the crown of
which is entirely grey; the black mark between the eye and beak less apparent, and. that on the cheeks
smaller. | :
The young males at a very early age, even while in the nest, are to be known by the crimson forehead and
the black mark on their cheeks ; but the young females at this period have no trace of these lines, and they
are not acquired till some time afterwards.
Length between eleven and twelve inches.
Our Plate represents a male and female of the natural size, in their adult plumage.
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WHITE-RUMPED WOODPECKER.
Picus leuconotus; (/Z/e77./ -
Sainte by CHDK
WHITE-RUMPED WOODPECKER.
Picus leuconotus, Bechst.
Le Pic leuconote.
Or the group of true Woodpeckers distinguished by the alternate black and white of their plumage, the
present is by far the largest and most handsome; we may also add, that it is the rarest, never occurring in
England, nor in the southern portions of the European continent. :
Its true habitat appears to be Siberia and the adjacent parts of Russia, whence it occasionally emigrates as
far as the North of Germany ; but this is only in severe winters.
This fine species is so little known even to naturalists, that we are not aware of any other specimens in
England besides the examples we possess, a circumstance to be attributed to the little intercourse kept up
with the remote and desolate region where it abides. It is there, doubtless, by no means uncommon ; and we
think we may venture to affirm, without fear of contradiction, that there exist in that country many birds and
quadrupeds of which there is no record in the pages of science.
The Prcus deuconotus does not appear to offer any difference from its congeners in its general habits and
manners. It is said to be partial to woods of the latest growth, but, according to M. Temminck, is not found
in the depths of the pine-forests. Its food consists of various insects and their larve. It incubates, as is
usual with these birds, in the holes of trees without forming any nest; the eggs are white, and four or five in
number.
It may always be distinguished from the Greater Spotted Woodpecker of England by the blotches along ©
the flanks, by the pure white of the rump and the more extended crimson of the abdomen.
The male has the crown of the head crimson ; the forehead yellowish white ; the cheeks, back of the neck,
rump, and chest white; a black moustache stretching from the base of the bill to the occiput ; and the sides
of the chest and flanks marked with longitudinal black dashes; the upper part of the back, shoulders, and
middle tail-feathers black : the wings and outer tail-feathers barred with black and white ; the abdomen and
tail-coverts crimson ; the irides red.
The female has the crown of the head black instead of crimson ; in other respects she resembles the male.
We have figured a male and female of the natural size.
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fia
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SDAA Wey ID . WOODPECKER.
Picus major; (Zi. #. 3
GIR IEA 7
Dinko
GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER.
Picus major, Lenn.
Le Pic épeiche.
Tuis familiar species of the group of Spotted Woodpeckers enjoys a range of habitat more extensive,
perhaps, than any other of its European relatives, there being no wooded districts, especially in the central
portions of Europe, where it is not extremely common. In England it abounds in forests, woods, large parks,
and gardens. The group to which it belongs, although occasionally descending to the ground in search of
food, are far more arboreal in their habits and manners than the Green Woodpeckers represented by the Picus
viridis, caniceps, and several others from the Himalayan mountains. They exhibit great dexterity in traversing
the trunks of trees and the larger decayed limbs in quest of larvae and coleopterous insects which lurk beneath
the bark, and to obtain which they labour with great assiduity, disengaging large masses of bark, or so disturbing
it by repeated blows as to dislodge the objects of their search. Besides searching trees of the highest growth,
they are observed to alight upon rails, old posts, and decayed pollards, where, among the moss and vegetable
matter, they find a plentiful harvest of spiders, ants, and other insects ; nor are they free from the charge of
plundering the fruit-trees of the garden, and in fact commit great havoc among cherries, plums, and wall-
fruits in general.
Their flight is rapid and short, passing from tree to tree, or from one wood to another, by a series of
undulations. In their habits they are shy and recluse, and so great is their activity among the branches of
trees, that they seldom suffer themselves to be wholly seen, dodging so as to keep the branch or stem between
themselves and the observer.
The sexual differences in plumage in most of the Woodpeckers consist in a difference of colour or marking
about the head, the males and females resembling each other in every other respect. The male of the
present species, it will be observed, is only to be distinguished by a narrow occipital band of scarlet. It is
somewhat singular, however, that the young of both sexes, for the first three or four months of their existence,
have the whole of the brow scarlet (as may be seen on referring to the Plate), and in this state so closely
resemble the Picus medius as to have been mistaken for that bird, a circumstance which has led to the sup-
position that the P. medius was indigenous to this country, whereas it is strictly confined to the Continent.
We need hardly say that the Picus major resembles its congeners in its mode of nidification and in the
colour of its eggs, which are of a glossy whiteness. They are deposited in the hole of a tree, often excavated
and enlarged to a considerable depth; generally producing four or five young, which, with the exception of
the crown of the head, as before noticed, resemble their parents in their colours and markings.
The top of the head, a line from the base of the bill descending down the sides of the neck, the back of
the neck, mantle, rump, and four middle tail-feathers are black ; wings blackish brown with irregular bars of
white ; forehead brownish white ; cheeks, spots on the lower part of the sides of the neck, the scapularies,
and under surface white, the latter having a tinge of brown, especially on the abdomen; the occiput in the
male and the under tail-coverts in both sexes scarlet ; the outer tail-feathers white, with one or more imperfect
lines of black ; bill dark horn-colour ; tarsi deep lead-colour ; irides purplish red.
The Plate represents a male and female, and their young, of the natural size.
+ -
Rog
Ty
Ra fen
wel) RT ESLER: 5
pe aOR OI ;
5
ay
ra
+>
stile via he hf) oS
vogalind 16h SE ie ieee
meets
iy
MIDDLE SPOTTED WOODPECKER.
Picus medius. “Zam./
ry
Lrunted by C Fdimande:
Drown vy frome Natare & ow Stone by Sk LE Could:
y
MIDDLE SPOTTED WOODPECKER.
Picus medius.
Le Pic mar.
Tue present bird is more intimately allied to the Picus /ewconotus than to any other species yet discovered : it
is, however, although a third smaller than the Common Woodpecker of England, known under the name of
Picus major, with the young of which the present species has often been confounded ; this error has arisen
from the circumstance of the young individuals of the P. major having the whole of the crown of the
head scarlet. In fact, the plumage which characterizes both sexes of that species for the first four or five
months of their existence would answer minutely to that of the present species when mature, with the
exception of the longitudinal dashes on the breast, which are wanting in P. major, and which are always
present in P. Jeuconotus and P. medius. It is somewhat singular that the female of the present bird, unlike
most others of its genus, so nearly resembles the male, as in most instances to be scarcely distinguishable
except by internal examination.
The Picus medius inhabits the borders of woods, parks, and gardens, and, although never found in the
British Islands, is very abundant in many parts of the Continent, especially the southern provinces.
M. Temminck states that it is very seldom found in Holland, and we have never seen it from the North of
Europe; neither have the collections from Africa or Asia, as far as we have examined, afforded a single
example of this bird. Its food consists of insects, which it takes solely from the sides or trunks of trees, the
crevices of which it diligently examines in search of them: besides insects, it also feeds during the season
on various fruits and berries. It lays its eggs, which are of a glossy white, in the holes of trees.
The colouring of the plumage is as follows: A frontal band of ash colour occupies the space between the
pill and the crown of the head, which is scarlet, the occiput being furnished with somewhat elongated feathers
of the same colour; the neck and chest are white, with the exception of an obscure band, which passes down
the sides of the neck; the back and wings are black, the scapularies being white, and the quills marked with
bands of the same colour; the flanks are rich rose colour, with longitudinal blotches of black occupying the
centre of each feather; under surface and vent crimson; the middle feathers of the tail black; the outer
ones white, banded with black; irides reddish brown, encircled by a light ring ; tarsi lead colour.
The Plate represents a male and female of the natural size.
, thi
LY Vekave Shea
me Le) Wet |
Nh gcbes Wteftier savitte wha ela
hte what canis dang to otha
de HES tj ria, iat aA Nts Jostel thay favre catirker arenes
: we mu Ds. j 2 F ‘e , "
, HE Had So alaeat Dan oledi a canned SRE eek,
a
LESSER SPOTTED WOOD!
PECKER.
Picus minor, (/Lznw,/
i
Drown from Nature b 7 Stone ty Sk 2. Gondd.
Frinted by C Hellnamdel:
LESSER SPOTTED WOODPECKER.
Picus minor, Linn.
Le Pic épeichette.
Tue present elegant species of Woodpecker, which has received from the older ornithologists the specific
title of menor, is, indeed, the least of all the European Woodpeckers ; but if we include India and other por-
_tions of the globe, we find species considerably smaller, rendering its appellation erroneous, unless we
consider it as strictly in reference to its European congeners. As far as we have been able to ascertain, this
portion of the globe forms the restricted habitat of this species, over the whole of which, however, it is
pretty generally distributed, confining itself to the precincts of woods, parks, and orchards. In England it
is far more abundant than is generally supposed ; we have seldom sought for it in vain wherever large trees,
particularly the Elm, grow in sufficient numbers to invite its abode: its security from sight is to be attributed
more to its habit of frequenting the topmost branches than to its rarity. Near London it is very common,
and may be seen by an attentive observer in Kensington Gardens, and in any of the parks in the neighbour-
hood. Like many other birds whose habits are of an arboreal character, the Lesser Spotted Woodpecker
appears to perform a certain daily round, traversing a given extent of district, and returning to the same
spot whence it began its route. Besides the Elm, to which it is especially partial, it not unfrequently visits
orchard-trees of large growth, running over their moss-grown branches in quest of the larvee of insects,
which abound in such situations. In its actions it is very lively and alert. Unlike the Large Woodpecker,
which prefers the trunks of trees, it naturally frequents the smaller and more elevated branches, which it
traverses with the utmost ease and celerity: should it perceive itself noticed, it becomes shy, and retires from
observation by concealing itself behind the branch on which it rests; if, however, earnestly engaged in the
extraction of its food, its attention appears to be so absorbed that it will allow itself to be closely approached
without suspending its operations. When spring commences, it becomes clamorous and noisy, its call being
an oft-repeated single note, so closely resembling that of the Wryneck as to be scarcely distinguishable from
it. At other times of the year it is mute, and its presence is only betrayed by the reiterated strokes which it
makes against the bark of trees.
Like the rest of its genus, it deposits its eggs in the holes of trees; the eggs being four or five in number,
and pure white.
The sexes offer no other difference than that the female has the crown of the head white, whereas in the
male it is of a fine scarlet.
The young attain the plumage of adults immediately after they leave the holes in which they were reared.
The adult male has the crown of the head scarlet; the cheeks, stripe over the eye, sides of the neck, and
under parts dull white ; an irregular black band passes from the beak down the sides of the neck; back of
the neck, upper part of the back, ramp, and middle tail-feathers black; wings and centre of the back barred
with black and white ; outer tail-feathers white, obscurely barred with black ; faint longitudinal dashes of the
same colour are-also observable on the breast.
The Plate represents an adult male and female of the natural size.
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T AUR IB I
TOEKD WOODPECKER.
Picus tridactylus, /Zzxz/
aniie.
SS
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e
7
zi
Th
LVOVN TYTN
THREE-TOED WOODPECKER.
Picus tridactylus, Lenn.
Apternus tridactylus, Swazns.
Le Pic tridactyle.
Mr. Swarnson has applied the generic term dpternus to this Three-toed Woodpecker; and we refer the reader
to the second volume of the North American Zoology, page 301, for a full explanation of the views of the
scientific author in his systematic arrangement of this most extensive and characteristic family. The principal
distinguishing feature of this genus is the absence of the hind-toe; a deficiency, however, which does not
occasion any very material difference in the habits of the bird before us, which bear a close resemblance to
those of the typical group.
The present species is by no means uncommon in the northern parts of the European Continent, the vast
forests of the mountainous parts of Norway, Sweden, Russia and Siberia, forming its principal habitat ; it is
also found among the Alps of Switzerland, is but an accidental visitor in France and Germany, and has never
been taken, we believe, in the British Islands.
It subsists, like most of the Woodpeckers, on insects and their larvee, as well as fruits and various wild berries.
It chooses holes in trees for its breeding place, which if too small it readily enlarges, the female laying four
or five eggs of a pure white.
The male and female present the usual differences of colour which characterize the family.
In the male, the forehead is variegated with black and white; the top of the head is golden yellow; the
occiput and cheeks glossy black ; from the base of the bill a black stripe extends to the chest, between which
and the eye runs a bar of white ; a narrow white line also extends to the occiput from behind the eye ; throat
and chest white ; back, sides and under parts barred with black and white, the bars of the under surface being
more regular though the black is less deep; wings brownish black, with white spots on the quill-feathers ;
the four middle tail-feathers black, the rest alternately barred with black and white ; the upper part of the
tarsi covered with feathers ; the superior mandible brown ; the inferior dirty white, as far as the point ; irides
obscure blue. Length nine inches.
In the female, the top of the head is of a glossy or silvery white, interspersed with fine black bars. The
rest of the plumage the same as in the male.
In very old males the yellow of the head is more bright, and the white of the under parts predominates,
but never loses the black transverse bars.
Our Plate represents a male and female of their natural size; the generic name Apéernus, Swains., being
inadvertently omitted.
: : on tak BS
a oe see ee a ke
. ee Ee * . ma? Le he ks 2
at
TremnpromLife & ow Stone by S&L. Could.
WRY NECK.
Yunx torquilla Azz.
UV
Lrinted ty C Liedimandd:
Genus YUNX.
Gen. Caan. Beak short, straight, conical, produced towards the point: edges of the mandibles
smooth. JVostrils situate at the base, partly closed by membrane. Toes, two before, united
at their origin ; hend toes two, disjoined. Second guill-feather the longest.
WRYNECK.
Yunx Torquilla, Linn.
Le Torcol.
Cxoszry allied in form to the numerous tribe of Woodpeckers, it is not a little singular that the species
comprehended in the genus Yunw should be limited to two only, of which, until lately, the present bird was
alone recognised. Our acquaintance with a new species from South Africa, deposited in the Museum of the
Zoological Society, is due to the acumen of N. A. Vigors, Esq., who has introduced it to science under the
name of Yune» pectoralis, from the distinguishing rufous colour of the breast. The Wryneck derives its name
from its peculiar habit of elongating the neck, which at the same time it writhes from side to side with
serpent-like undulations, now depressing the feathers so as to resemble the head of a snake, and again half-
closing the eyes, swelling out the throat, and erecting its crest, when it presents an appearance at once sin-
gular and ludicrous.
Among our most interesting and attractive birds, this little harbinger of spring delights us, not by the
splendour of its hues, but by the chasteness of its colouring, and by the delicate and unique dispositions of
its markings, which from their intricacy and irregularity almost defy the imitative efforts of the pencil.
Among our migratory birds the Wryneck is one of the earliest visitors ; arriving at the beginning of April,
generally a few days before the Cuckoo (whose mate, from this circumstance, it has been called), when his
shrill monotonous note, pee pee pee, rapidly reiterated may be heard in our woods and gardens. The localities
of this bird appear to be very limited ; the midland counties being those to which it usually resorts in England.
M. Temminck informs us that it is seldom found beyond Sweden, and is rare in Holland, occupying in preference
the central portions of Europe. We are able to add to this information, by stating that it is abundant in the
Himalaya Mountains, whence we have frequently received it as a common specimen of the ornithology of that
range, with other birds bearing equally a British character.
In manners, the Wryneck is shy and solitary ; and were it not for its loud and well-known call, we should
not often be aware of its presence ; its unobtrusive habits leading it to close retirement, and its sober colour,
which assimilates with the brown bark of the trees, tending also to its concealment.
In confinement, however, or when wounded, this little bird manifests much boldness ; hissing like a snake,
erecting its crest, and defending itself with great spirit.
It breeds with us soon after its arrival, the female selecting the hole of a tree, in which she deposits her
eggs, to the number of eight or nine, of an ivory white. The young soon assume the plumage of the parent
birds, which exhibits scarcely any sexual differences.
The food of the Wryneck, like that of the weaker-billed Woodpeckers, consists of caterpillars and other
insects, especially ants and their larvae, to which it is very partial. In the manner of taking its food this
bird makes but little use of the bill itself; its long cylindrical tongue, capable of being protruded to a consi-
derable distance, and lubricated with an adhesive mucus, for the secretion of which an extensive salivary gland
is provided, being the chief instrument. This it inserts between the crevices of the bark, or among the loose
sandy earth of the ant-hill, protruding and withdrawing it so rapidly, with the insect adhering, as almost to
deceive the eye.
Leaving England in the early part of the autumn, the Wryneck passes over to the southern districts of
Europe, and probably extends its journey to Asia, where it finds a genial climate, and food still abundant.
The prevailing colour of this elegant little bird consists of different shades of brown, inclining to gray on
the head, the rump, and the tail, but of a bright chestnut on the larger wing-coverts and the primaries ; the
whole beautifully variegated with delicately shaped markings of a deep brown, which give it a mottled appear-
ance. Breast wood-brown, penciled with slender transverse tracings; abdomen dirty white, speckled with
minute dark triangular spots; bill yellowish-brown ; irides chestnut; feet and legs flesh-coloured.
The annexed Plate represents the male and female of their natural size ; the latter in the act of leaving the
hole in the tree, in which we may suppose her to have formed a nest.
aANTriing on i aaah § Aleq, aul alvin
hariae tad al wal, coetected erat va basal olay:
fhsysiol alt oktastaling banat Aoi at 290 Wh, cain ‘idl i |
/_ *
AVATAR os
RHEE, aelltiggrto E ae &
, ; mw wal ae :
- -' to vale ephpoain as ‘fare abt th enbaqhes, Vb Yo elit arovsniun em aew? ab bolle, cama
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iChS Chu GA Ne eke a ene * rate brik aaa wai -bonintyoasy saolit.
alt % Pitter as sc) te bahiece ith iff
¢ Huta ot i Raailie ety uk. her ee Swart. Rh *) ‘he dani git at aan aL {inet indrgalia’
oth od dameeGh. 4elt Ts alos mnte? qidleinigatieil wil dteit ooryay rE To peaaee
ts
die 2 ir casetk adic 2h Gad: ante. INI ae 2 85a ee Sith wird units TO did m Te ele faerit-
; Lesa . hy hes ad al Gaudi 3 Gi Oa! ite eye: bs qainee ttf ibs HON ona liar oath. diese
vO vis. Sareortay TE et site. {Fe a erttts ya ae facet sak ino it Hae ee matt witliaads
: ah ae bate scat aie ailing
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7 pele 9 bey dies 7h Aleve head Pi Pete eh. miata A aus ae aie
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gdoars’p oli jueteats webrchlesel doaicge steal iieient Devil SE ‘dé Sesbadoren noite wo pers sugitaniinds als ra
: ; oh 1g iy Yoeik gelbiotel haa .2eem atl writes 7 he
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sacrauy-olh 1 Fe cist fap + nd Scitteary mee Meare Sh L5H fix invent fig lon Gates to tifvia ta redeaere old oF aes tt a
ppt hae ' aay! Mik aid vst thytdioow etic diutzy foidier ali, 7a)
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side badit ath anil, ean ‘das ar ‘i lin einay yor et ti; thsi e. of dared seit hive ate i alleiaagey aso ah z inn
; of Babirtortyy We altonhs pana taabalied! (2, wnat mes’ cat yert ME ef) ty aay obtsil teed sauder Evil _ P
fief migvilee Jean ee sire iy miter sr ih oa: Pasi sufigealiine ont hie bystecvivh st hey aatiatathy sldanalt,
yt afd AG 10 aT8 nd ant, w dosh gy dit chart aviaeni 4a aed’ bY -serapery th the ith ids oft gaiad abivanig a
Ig ety F det * dyin subee $a tt: wiser fie hits. sullen nee wif ts area A re
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+
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tagebnsictes [fits host fine stussily. faabictny, & ahoit fi get oied\ at ‘aang, ali cbt td r
: aay ast.o? y oasis pine; uviread bw abniels Jaratifs Yo wales lyst alsiit ee aids ; * ail
i adt exsinantiiry, 2 ult bas shaxoeuuiee togntlad co swalitecul abated i lo sind hi .
a ear “sans balttout ¢ 1 rig, doulin semend gael to agente brhaeperry
| civ frabikiona fide (iif, aoiuo belie yaqyelaent seven atet
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COMMON NUTHATCH..
Sitta Europea; /(Zzmmw/
Orem from Haire hon Stra ty The E Conid, , : Lined by CBidimandd. a
Genus SITT A.
Gen. Cuan. Bill straight, cylindrical, slightly compressed ; subulated, acuminated. Tongue
short, horny, and armed at the pomt. Nostrd/s basal and rounded, partly hidden by re-
flected bristles. Feet with three toes before and one behind, the outer toe being joined at
its base to the middle one ; hind toe of the same length as, or longer than, the middle toe,
with a long and hooked claw. Tail of twelve feathers. Wongs rather short; the first quill
very short, the third and fourth the longest.
COMMON NUTHATCH.
Sitta Europea, Lenn.
La Sitelle torchepot.
As far as our recollection serves us, the continent of Europe is the only division of the globe to which this
species belongs ; nevertheless, the members of the genus S¢¢éa, although limited in number, are widely dis-
‘persed, but appear to be more particularly attached to the northern and higher latitudes, or to such
portions of the tropical countries as from their elevation enjoy a cold or temperate climate. The present
species with Sita rupestris (which in the Plate and descriptive letter-press has by an oversight been named
rufescens) ave the only ones which inhabit Europe, while the mountain ranges of India afford us several
others, as do also the northern regions of America; nor should we omit the islands of the Indian Archi-
pelago and the continent of New Holland, which if they do not produce a Nuthatch precisely similar to
our own in form, at all events possess a group so closely allied to the true Nuthatches as to assure us that
their general economy is nearly identical.
The habits by which the species of the genus Sttta are characterized are not a little singular, and in many
respects agree with those of the Woodpecker ; they differ, however, in this remarkable circumstance, that the
Nuthatch is not only capable of running up the trunk of a tree with great agility and quickness, but of
descending also, head downwards, with equal facility, a manceuvre which the Woodpecker is incapable of
performing. As the feathers of the tail are short and very soft, this instrument is of no use as an agent in
climbing; and in this respect the Nuthatch differs, not only from the Woodpeckers, but also from the
Creepers, to whom the tail is of main importance. The position with the head downwards appears to be
to the Nuthatch that which is most easy and natural. It not only assumes this attitude when alighting on
the trunk or limb of a tree, but hammers at the bark or splits a nut in a chink in the same position.
The sexes offer no distinguishable difference in the colouring of their plumage, which is also assumed by
the young of the year. Insects, nuts, and various berries constitute their food. Their incubation is per-
formed in the holes of decaying trees.
The present beautiful bird is spread throughout the greater part of Europe, and is common in many of the
wooded districts. In our own island it is abundant in some localities, while in others it is seldom to be me
with. Woods and plantations are its favourite haunts, especially where aged oak and other forest-trees Rae
shadow the underwood. Active and alert, it is ever in motion, now flitting from tree to tree, now traversing
the bark in quest of food, or hammering at some decayed part in order to dislodge the insects which have
mined their way beneath. The strokes of its bill are smart and strong, and may be heard for a considerable
distance ; it is thus that it shivers the hard covering of the hazel-nut, which it first fixes in some chink or fis-
sure, and works at it with the head downwards ; apparently to increase the mechanical effect of the blow. In
the spring the call-note of the Nuthatch is a clear shrill whistle; at other times the bird is silent. The nest
consists of a few dried leaves, which constitute a bed in the hole of a tree for the reception of the egos, which
are from five to seven in number, and of a greyish white spotted with reddish brown. The female is assi-
duous in her task, and defends her nest with her bill and wings, hissing at the same time in token of anger
and distress. In winter the Nuthatch often resorts to orchards and gardens in search of food, but does not
migrate. The colouring is as follows :
The whole of the upper surface of a fine blueish grey; the quills and base of the tail-feathers, except the
two middle ones, being black ; the outer one on each side having a black spot near the tip; a black band
passes from the bill through the eye; and down the sides of the neck, where it ends abruptly near the
shoulders; throat whitish; the under surface rufous brown, becoming of a chestnut on the flanks; bill and
tarsi black ; irides hazel.
We have figured a pair of these birds of the natural size.
Wnbee hee Jee agua tI, S PPaenes
Ppt 4a stele: ig Hetare e
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DALMATIAN NUTHATCH. :
Sitta rufescens, /Lémm 2/
Draven from Natawe & ov Stone by Té &. Cond } Lronted ty C Lidimande,
DALMATIAN NUTHATCH.
Sitta rufescens, Temm.
Ir is with much pleasure we are enabled to introduce a second European species of the limited and well-
defined genus Svéta, which, we believe, is now figured for the first time. In size it exceeds the common
species, and indeed all its congeners.
The Dalmatian Nuthatch is an inhabitant not only of the country from which it takes its name, but also
the whole of the south-eastern portion of Europe generally ; indeed, to this section of the globe it appears to
be strictly limited.
It may be observed that among all the collections of birds from India we have had opportunities of
examining, the species in question has never occurred, although the range of the Himalaya presents us
with two others totally different either from the Dalmatian or the Common European Nuthatch.
In its general style of colouring as well as in its form, habits, and manners, it exhibits a striking resemblance
to the Sitta Huropea.
Of its nidification and the number and colour of its eggs we have been unable to obtain any information,
yet doubtless they differ but little from those of its immediate and well-known ally. The magnitude of this
bird, together with its robust and lengthened bill, and the black mark on each side the neck, sufficiently
distinguish it from all known species.
The sexes do not differ in their colouring.
The whole of the upper surface is of a beautiful ash grey; a dark line begins at the base of the upper
mandible, passes over the eyes, down the neck, and bends across the shoulders; the quill-feathers are blackish
brown; the throat and breast white, passing into pure chestnut on the flanks and lower part of the abdomen ;
bill black at the tip, and horn-colour at the base ; tarsi lead-colour. .
The Plate represents an adult of the natural size.
We
: ‘
1G ee HO DAH TUM. VOR PEA G
cue 8 natin ets sp cha aye ee
5 1h 5 eft -_ ii Ofip " 1) Te bryteiege: A. ob iiaks. iy ‘patent yi a ae ‘sibs he ‘dea: dike oy 'k
, te
; +t, Y aly aah dent eto toned ee ister AN, ania finals
Wry! : Ee ms 4 seo ragga 20 (§ fryahiod Nig: Bais
simig ahd abstick 1 TSTAWA, at Vite SHI Ae ib ik Jeph Ch a ‘biqushsty A ithe thin it: ‘fi
: ed. wisdita SE sede be area dod se eine Ge asalegt Latker fe ’ Piet rae, 14 nigpint oh ats pair HUNG add th stole ait
Tye Mites # hn = y ees we 2 De SRR or Clea at chy ftiail dishanat
A j ’ 5 ne dak: ol bik Me wae tall eve alt ise eiwloitte’ tala iravyaeiter “at apie ra
i 1 Ves ia i aah hice tne: Ere ye. veg Hs (P iioiteatnp. a aise ait Pore ae
le eta 7 (amok adda: «ill fal “ily eerie ead: ieee ae oladnhe omg tT
Gilde area vaste Luss ANTM NT ecto OY! ab 241 TH ont i irulip Bae ¥: ae
wa ve : oud. Pia nl te ¢ “7 eli ui nad TEE I Bey i, “Oi. ‘te Titi Waa qaciu (ih StHF het oti Y Athiv ‘a ©
to ane His peak aah cart rwone Ata hea oH avant 4 ito salt iret sae iat waite vans, amstitgols ws
; intestate sl Cito Nhe cee ey din ull donia alk ini di nl hs Tr cele hes 13 4 fachay afi Lice wiligot ini
oh La . i “Ne ayia anntogl, They iva i iit
: : ] F i rh s Fs ana piel, al nelilh-t hid @Lh 7neare sat
ej gaged auth tae & paaanal stil: Analy i pe ‘der Teitipind , We aii Se eM eye ait 7a alert if,
_ nobles ah! aye iw xf ‘fits aa, att nee Be ale aed wa Letcanin | cabditvaciat
fy jude ty skal sohemall: aud sm, ‘sift ify oie ait seni aide fain but demu ad pi Fa
i . 4 wptiier th dina! al enand., att ig ake “wd ieas yagi > ga, we ‘onl Wed
; . . ns jg Piet Lea bento
AY ih)
tis at ‘as Thitah oe atieaeOniyt ait. WA: |
i a
4
fe ~~
asi
ate vit mars
. ere
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i ah.
ie
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i are Sete
ASIATIC NUTHATCH.
Sitta Asiatica, /Zémm/
Lrovsveprony Newwe ke on Stone by SEL. Gould.
Printed: by C Balimondel,
"
‘
ASIATIC NUTHATCH.
Sitta Asiatica, Temm.
M. Temmincx has kindly forwarded to us a fine example of this elegant species of Nuthatch for the purpose
of illustration, accompanied by a note stating that it was from Russia, and would form a portion of the sup-
plement to the third part of his ‘‘ Manuel.” We can only regret that we have not been able to acquire any
further information respecting it. ;
It is rather smaller in size than the common species (Siéta Europea), and is much lighter in the general
tone of its colouring.
The crown of the head and all the upper surface are light grey ; wings greyish brown, the primaries being
darker ; outer tail-feathers white at the base and dark brown towards the tip ; the remainder, except the two
middle ones, which are grey, dark brown at their base; a stripe over the eye; the chest and upper part of
the abdomen white; lower part of the abdomen and under tail-coverts dull rufous ; a black stripe commences
at the base of the bill and runs through the eye to the shoulders; bill black ; feet. brown.
Our figure is of the natural size.
be Sn eH SAA
iid ‘fabuen 6 haat
hit iat SIBPMSIY:
1
COMMON CREEPER.
Certhia famiharis; (Zzzen-/
Dromnprom Nakured on stony by J&L. Conta:
Lrnted by 6 Felimande:
)
i
5
}
Genus CERTHIA, IU.
Gun. Cuar. Bill of mean length, curved, triangular, compressed, slender, and sharp-pointed.
Tongue short. Nostrils basal, pierced horizontally, naked, and partly covered by an
arched membrane. Feet with three toes before and one behind, which last is strong, and
longer than the middle toe; the outer toe united at its base to the middle one. Tazl
wedge-shaped, composed of twelve stiff, sharp-pointed, and deflected feathers. Wings
having the first quill short, and the second and third shorter than the fourth, which is
the longest of all.
COMMON CREEPER.
Certhia familiaris, Lznz.
Le Grimpereau.
Tue genus Certhia as now restricted will contain but two species, the bird here figured (which is the only
one hitherto discovered in Europe), and one from the Himalaya mountains, characterized some years since
by Mr. Vigors under the name of Certhia Himalayana. This new species bears a strong resemblance to its
European congener, from which it may be distinguished by the markings of brown across the tail-feathers ; it
is also a trifle larger.
The Common Creeper appears to be very generally dispersed over the whole of the Continent, but ac-
cording to M. Temminck it becomes more rare as we approach the northern parts of Russia and Siberia ;
which may be reasonably accounted for, by the diminished number of insects in all high latitudes.
It is a stationary species in the British Islands, where it is very generally dispersed, but is of course more
plentiful in the neighbourhood of wooded districts, plantations, &c. It also frequents gardens and orchards,
where its presence may generally be detected by its weak shrill cry, which is not unlike that of the Golden-
crested Wren (Regulus auricapillus).
It is an excellent climber, ascending the boles of trees with great rapidity, in search of insects, upon
which it solely subsists. Its stiff and elastic tail, together with its long hind toe and curved claw, presents a
structure peculiarly adapted for ascending trees.
Its nest is constructed in the hole of a decayed tree, and is formed of grass and mosses, with a lining of
feathers: the eggs, which are from seven to nine in number, are white speckled with reddish brown.
Head and upper surface yellowish brown intermingled with black, brown, and greyish white; rump pale
chestnut red ; first four quills dusky; the remainder have a broad reddish white band in the middle, and the
tips white ; tail greyish brown; a whitish streak passes over the eyes ; throat, breast, and under surface white,
passing into ochreous yellow on the vent ; upper mandible dusky, lower yellowish white ; legs and toes yel-
lowish brown.
The sexes are alike in plumage.
We have figured an adult bird of the natural size.
ae bea SAS Wa VG 2g 1? WB fi) gt ts ie a
“Sg a f ideeacnda iwi ealidebaccaaert ROS “thtuaiinth Savin aha TaN
, cord. Vieng: Naas Patera Kfauxcied Aanngig olfaael ewan ti ma Aran \ a re
a, “a ae
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HOOPOKE.
Upupa epops./Z7xx./
han pron Lyfe
4 om Stone by J bcd, ‘ \ : i Frnt by Cfiulimandee.
Genus UPUPA, Linn.
Gren. Cuar. Beak very long, slightly arched, slender, triangular and compressed. _Nostrals
basal, lateral, ovoid, open, surmounted by the feathers of the forehead. ‘Toes three before,
and one behind; the external and middle ones united as far as the first joint. JVaz/s short,
a little bent, except in the hind one which is straight. Taz/ square, consisting of ten feathers.
Wings moderate ; fourth and fifth guell-feathers the longest.
HOOPOE.
Upupa epops, Linn.
La Huppe.
Tuere are few birds more elegant in their appearance or more singular in their manners than the Hoopoe ;
and although it is not a resident in the British Isles, nor strictly a periodical visitor, we are, from its frequent
occurrence, enabled to give much information respecting its natural habits and modes of life. The genus to
which it belongs is extremely limited in the number of its species, three only being at present recognised.
Our European example, the Upupa epops, may be regarded as a migratory bird, and its natural range is very
extensive. It is found over nearly the whole of Africa; India and China may also be enumerated among: the
countries it inhabits, as specimens received from the latter and the Himalaya mountains sufficiently testify.
In continental Europe, it is spread from the southern to the northern extremities, but is more abundant in
the former, where it appears to be a bird of regular and periodical passage ; being, however, regulated in these
migrations by the abundance of the food upon which it subsists, viz., the larvae of scarabzi, together with other
insects which live near moist and humid grounds, not even rejecting tadpoles, small frogs, and worms. In the
British Islands, as we have already observed, its occurrence is very irregular, being scarce in some seasons,
and much more frequent in others ; and when it does visit us, its animated motions and foreign appearance,
unfortunately for the bird, bring round it a host of persecutors. There are, however, a few instances on
record of its having bred among us. The southern coast of England, as we might most naturally expect, is
that on which it makes its first appearance, generally in the month of May; hence they disperse themselves
over the Island, and are often met with in the most unexpected localities ; but the situations most preferred are
thick hedgerows, copses, and isolated trees or bushes, in the neighbourhood of low marshy lands: they seem to
have but little care respecting their concealment, generally perching on the most conspicuous branch, erecting
and depressing the beautiful fan-like crest as if to attract observation: but though it perches upon trees, it is
not, as its peculiar legs and feet indicate, a bird ordained by nature to be an exclusive inhabitant of the
woods and groves, its feeble toes being ill adapted for clasping with strength and firmness. Its flight is slow
and undulating, similar to that of the Woodpeckers.
To enumerate its frequent capture im England would neither add to science nor to a knowledge of its habits ;
still we beg to mention an instance, which came within our knowledge, of one shot by L. Sullivan, Esq. on the
28th of September 1832, in his own pleasure-grounds at Broom House, Fulham, Middlesex ; and we are led
to suppose, from the lateness of the season, that it had incubated in the neighbourhood. It chooses for the
site of its nest a variety of situations, as opportunity may serve ; holes in trees, crevices in rocks, fissures in
walls or masonry, holes in the ground or dungheaps, being among the places it has been observed at different
times to occupy: the eggs are five in number, clouded with dark grey on a light grey ground.
The young soon assume the adult plumage, which is precisely similar in either sex.
The ground colour of the head, neck, and shoulders is of a beautiful fawn; a double row of long feathers
surmounts the head, beginning at the base of the beak and ending at the occiput, capable of being thrown up
perpendicularly, so as to form a fan-like crest ; each of these feathers is tipped with black ; the wing-coverts
and scapulars are banded alternately with black and white; the quills are black with a white oblique band ;
rump white; tail black banded across the middle with white ; the flanks and under tail-coverts light greyish
fawn dashed with obscure lines of brown.
We have figured two adult birds of the natural size.
ae
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% ; ¥ rf ‘af eT or ar 4 a , ang. gieted ty i 5) Tp mitieye taf § itd atv: 4 ‘cree 7-34, BRM -
ae ‘. Batt Be och Gio Alemty! 0) gh ies leas vai wit ae THD wee ee fy. ik 12 CY. OE Sen ae 1, i
te tectihd ok Ghats aisdied eb ie gare ies ae sane tistics ‘gy a i .
al z = ‘ U <2 4 ; 2
afgect onal Je ween Ma: a gel [tind ay os a eines Tap aeain AT me ae Bede x neh sith
Hue bo, 22, Oe ipahige e i O20) oie Pe i eh ei
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ors wales by otilacoy dite t fa. agar Bu vs uel ‘ if 7 aa sent a sh fie St a! ibaa db Puyo
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shew) gas ou Dr be
ddvary ital sivvroa-tied eden tang sale atk ai 4 tthe ofidict ada we Dative pe i
+ Wy 8) A
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WALL CREEPER.
Tichodroma phoenicoptera;/Z7/
Drawn on Stent by Zhe. Lrinted by C Fiutimand el,
Genus TICHODROMA, I.
Gen. Cuar. Beak very long, slender, slightly arched, cylindrical, angular at the base, and
depressed at the point. Nostri/s basal, pierced horizontally, naked, partly closed by a
membrane. ‘oes three before, the external united at its base to the middle one, and one
behind with an elongated nail. az/ slightly rounded with feeble shafts. Wings large and
rounded.
WALL CREEPER.
‘Tichodroma pheenicoptera, Temm.
La Tichodrome echellette.
Tue form and plumage of this beautiful bird would induce most persons to suppose it a native of a tropical
clime ; it is, however, strictly an inhabitant of Europe, although its local distribution appears to be confined
exclusively to the middle and southern portions of the Continent. Unlike most of the smaller birds, it frequents
the naked and precipitous parts of the most elevated mountains, such as the Alps of Switzerland, the Apennines,
and Pyrenees. Among these towering rocks, where the ruins of castles and fortresses are not unfrequent, this
pretty bird is seen flitting from crevice to crevice, enlivening the solitude of the scene by its presence. In the
choice of its food it is curious and peculiar, being particularly partial to spiders and their eggs, which with
various species of insects and their larvee constitute its diet : for these it is incessantly on the search, not how-
ever creeping up and down the sides of the rock or the face of the wall, as is the case with the true Certhia,
but hopping or flitting from one crevice or projection to another; hence we see the tail-feathers feeble and
not furnished with stiff springy shafts, since they are not required to aid the bird in the same manner as they
do in the Woodpeckers or Creeper. The grasp of its long and slender toes is peculiarly tenacious; the least
roughness, or any hold however slight, is therefore sufficient to afford a resting-place. Connecting the habits
and the situation which this bird occupies with the means bestowed upon it, we cannot but see how suitably
it is endowed ; the slender bill, its tenacious feet, its broad and rounded wing, giving a flitting character to its
mode of flight,—all combining to qualify it for its mountain habitat. The moult is double, occurring in spring
and autumn, and the two sexes are alike in plumage except during the breeding season, when the throat of the
male is black, and the crown of the head of a somewhat darker grey. Before the autumn moult comes fairly
on, the feathers of these parts are exchanged, and the markings disappear ; the two sexes are then undistin-
guishable.
The head, neck, back, and upper surface generally are of a delicate grey; the under parts of a darker tint
of the same colour; the whole of the wing-coverts and the outer edge of the greater quills for half their
lengths, of a lively crimson ; the remainder of the quill-feathers black, each having two spots of white on the
inner web, so as to form a double bar when the wing is expanded ; tail black tipped with white ; beak, irides,
and tarsi black.
We have figured a male and female in full plumage, and of the natural size.
ARE OHOLES eettiokl
art Use ae ee mbes 2 au ‘ey at his 4 WHATS, A
‘ é = a. ' *; ; ;
Citi iano laa Aiayt, © Agta nab tia i: rah Tp)!
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COMMON CUCKOO.
Cauculus canorus;, (Limw-/
Lrunted by C Halimandel
Genus CUCULUS, Linn.
Gen. Cuar. Bill rather compressed, ‘slightly curved, of mean length; gape wide; lower
mandible following the curve of the upper. Nos¢rd/s basal, round, margined by a naked
and prominent membrane. Wengs of mean length, acuminate; the first quill-feather short,
the third the longest. Taz/ more or less wedge-shaped. ars? very short, feathered a little
below the knee. eet with two toes before, and two behind, the outer hind toe partly
reversible ; the anterior toe joined at the base, the posterior ones entirely divided.
COMMON CUCKOO.
Cuculus canorus, Lenn.
Le Coucou gris.
In stating that the Cuckoo is a migratory bird, we add nothing to what is already well known; it is in fact
the most celebrated harbinger of returning vivification, and its familiar call is always hailed with pleasure
as the token of returning spring and the fresh awakening of Nature from her winter's sleep.
As is the case with most of our summer visitants, the food of the Cuckoo consists principally of insects,
especially of caterpillars, larva, &c., a proof that its winter sojourn is in climates where this kind of diet is
ever to be obtained; hence Africa, a place of winter residence for so many of our migratory birds, affords to
this species, among the rest, a welcome retreat. Its range extends over nearly all parts of Europe, and a
great portion of Africa and Asia; specimens received from the Himalaya mountains and other parts of India,
being strictly similar to those taken in our own island. ‘The Cuckoo does not construct a nest for the reception
of its eggs, but deposits them in those of other birds of a much smaller size and of insectivorous appetites: the
species most commonly chosen as the foster parents of its offspring are the Titlark, Hedge Sparrow, &c.
In the nest of these,birds it deposits a single egg ; but whether it lays only one or more, is a point at present
not ascertained, but it is most probable that it lays several, and deposits them in as many different nests.
Shortly after the young Cuckoo is excluded from the shell, with the offspring of its foster parent, it attains to so
much strength as to be able to eject them from the nest, itself remaining the sole occupant; and in fact, from
its large size and ravenous appetite, it is as much as these substituted parents can do to supply it with food.
Mr. J. E. Gray, of the British Museum, from observations made by himself, asserts that the Cuckoo does not
uniformly desert her offspring to the extent that has been supposed, but, on the contrary, that she continues
in the precincts where the eggs are deposited, and in all probability takes the young under her protection
when they are sufficiently fledged to leave the nest. They retire in August, at least the adults, which in their
migration always precede the young. ‘The birds of the year quit this country in September.
The sexes may at all times be distinguished by the male being the largest and most robust, and by having
the whole of the neck and chest of a fine grey, while the female has the sides of the chest obscurely rayed
with markings of brown.
On dissecting this bird in the early months of spring, we cannot fail to observe a great dilatation of the
throat, the membrane covering which internally is of a fine rich orange: the cause of this we have not been
able to determine satisfactorily; it may be connected with the organs of voice. ‘The circumstance of the
stomach of the Cuckoo containing a lining of numerous hairs, was for a long period a matter of great curiosity
to naturalists;; but these are now considered to be a deposition of the hairs from the larger caterpillars upon
which it feeds, and which it swallows whole.
The young birds differ much from the adults, having at first the upper surface of deep brown margined
and spotted with reddish brown, the feathers on the forehead margined with white, and a patch of the same
colour at the back of the head, the throat and under surface yellowish white transversely barred with black,
the irides brown, and the legs pale yellow. Young females are more reddish brown, and have only a faint
indication of the white patch at the back of the head. .
The adults have the head, neck, breast, and upper surface bluish grey, which is deepest on the wing-
coverts ; the under surface, thighs, and under tail-coverts white transversely barred with black; the inner webs
of the quill-feathers marked with oval white spots; the tail black with small oblong white spots along the
shafts, and the tips white; the bill blackish brown at the tip and yellowish at the base; the aoe d and eye-
lids rich orange ; the irides gamboge yellow, and the legs and feet lemon yellow.
We have figured an adult, and the young bird in its first autumn, of the natural size.
Avdin
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Drown from Nawre & on stone ty ThE. Cond:
GREAT SPOTTED CUCKOO.
Cuculus glandarius, Limm/
GREAT SPOTTED CUCKOO.
Cuculus glandarius, Lznn.
Le Coucou Geai ou, Tacheté.
Tue crested head, lengthened and powerful tarsi, together with the more elegant form exhibited in the bird
before us, indicate very clearly that a further subdivision of the family is requisite: the reason why we have
figured it under the generic name of Cuculus, and not under that of Coccyzus, applied to it by some authors, is
that the bird to which the latter title was first applied possesses characters different from either the present
bird or the true Cuckoos.
We do not in this place feel disposed to enter largely into a consideration of the divisions of this family,
and therefore defer adding a new generic name to the Great Spotted Cuckoo until we have had an opportu-
nity, which we hope will occur at no distant period, of revising the whole group, when not only this, but
several other species will be brought under investigation.
So little is known of the habits and manners of this bird that it is still uncertain whether, like the species
common to England, its eggs and offspring are confided to the care of other birds, or whether it constructs
its own nest and performs the process of incubation in the ordinary way ; which paucity of information is
occasioned by its being so sparingly dispersed over the continent of Europe that no opportunities have
occurred of observing the most interesting portion of its economy,—its nidification.
Its true habitat is the wooded districts skirting the sultry plains of North Africa ; but the few that pass the
Mediterranean find a congenial climate in Spain and Italy, further north than which they are rarely seen.
That valuable work the ‘‘ Planches Coloriées” of M. Temminck contains an accurate description of this
bird in all its various changes of plumage, a portion of which we venture to extract. This Cuckoo, which is
larger than the common species, is characterized by a crest comprised of filamentous feathers, by a very long
graduated tail, by the linear and tubular form of the nostrils, and by the comparatively strong bill and feet.
In the old male the crest, all the head, and the cheeks are ash colour, more or less deep according to age ;
the stems of the feathers of these parts are brown, and the base of the webs whitish; a band of blackish ash
commences at the regions of the ears, passes under the occiput, and extends to the nape of the neck ; the
back, the rump, the scapularies, and the coverts of the wings are of a greyish brown tint, slightly clouded
with a greenish lustre, the tips of all these feathers having a white spot, which varies in size and purity ac-
cording to age; the young and birds of the middle age have these spots more extended and better defined
than the adults and old birds; the primaries are of a dark brown, edged with grey, and terminated with
white ; the feathers of the tail are ash brown ending in pure white; throat and chest reddish white; the
abdomen and under tail-coverts pure white; the feet are dark brown inclining to yellow on the under
surface ; the bill is brownish black at the point; the base of the under mandible reddish yellow.
The plumage of the middle age differs from that of the adult in having the head and crest of a much
darker colour and the whole of the upper surface more inclining to reddish brown with slight reflexions of
green; the primaries are rufous, tinged with greenish brown towards the points, which are pure white; the
throat and chest are clear reddish brown; the under surface as in the adult male.
The young of the year is still darker in its plumage; the crest is short; the feathers of the back and
secondaries are of a reddish brown; the two middle tail-feathers are slightly tipped with white; the front
of the neck and the chest are deep rufous; all the other inferior parts are reddish white; feet and beak
lead colour ; irides grey.
The Plate represents a male of the natural size, nearly adult.
ha
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AMERICAN CUCKOO.
Coccyzus Americanus ; (Zonap/
w Stone by Sk B. Gonld: Printed ty C Hadimanate,
Genus COCCYZUS, Vieill.
Grey. Cuar. ‘Bill of moderate length, rather strong, arched, the culmen convex, the base
compressed. NVostri/s basal, elongated. Wings short. Tail long, cuneiform. Tars? and
middle toe long and equal.
AMERICAN CUCKOO.
Coceyzus Americanus, Bonap.
Le Coucou Cendreillard.
Four examples of this American species having been taken in Great Britain, namely two in Ireland, one in
Wales, and one in Cornwall, we have no hesitation in admitting it to a place in this work.
The first notice we are acquainted with of the occurrence of this bird appeared in the Field Naturalist’s
Magazine of Mr. Rennie. Mr. Ball of Dublin Castle, in a letter to the editor of this Magazine, made known the
capture of the first specimen, which was shot near Youghal, in the county of Cork, in the autumn of 1825 ;
and the second was shot at a later period at Old Connaught near Bray. The Cornwall specimen was the
subject of a private communication, and the fourth was obtained on the estate of Lord Cawdor in Wales,
during the autumn of 1832. This last example has now by the liberality of His Lordship been deposited in
the British Museum, and one if not both of the Irish specimens were exhibited at the Zoological Society by
Mr. Thompson of Belfast in June 1835.
‘¢ This bird,” says Mr. Audubon, ‘I have met with in all the low grounds and damp places in Massachusetts,
along the line of Upper Canada, pretty high on the Mississippi and Arkansas, and in every State between
‘these boundary lines. Its appearance in the State of New York seldom takes place before the beginning of
May, and at Green Bay not until the middle of that month.” The most frequent note of this bird sounds so
much like the word cow, frequently repeated, that it has obtained the general appellation of Cow-bird ; and
from being particularly vociferous before rain, it is in some States called the Rain-crow. Unlike our English
Cuckoo this American species builds a nest and rears its young with great assiduity, but it sometimes robs
smaller birds of their eggs, and its own egg, which cannot be mistaken from its singular colour, is occasion-
ally found in another bird’s nest. Mr. Audubon says ‘‘ that its own nest is simple, flat, composed of a few
dry sticks and grass, formed much like that of the Common Dove: the eggs are four or five in number, of
rather an elongated oval form, and bright green colour. The young are principally fed with insects during
the first weeks, and they rear only one brood in a season, unless the eggs are removed or destroyed.”
The appearance of these different examples of an American species in this country has caused some specu-
lation. M. Temminck, unwilling to consider it as a migration from America to Europe, thinks it probable
that the bird may yet be found in the north of Europe.
The upper mandible is dark brown, the under one yellow, the irides hazel, prevailing colour of the head,
neck, back, wings, wing-coverts and two middle tail-feathers light greenish brown; the other tail-feathers
are black, with the ends white, the outer tail-feather on each side is white on the outer web; the tail gra-
duated ; all the under surface of the body greyish white; the legs and toes blue.
We have figured this bird of the natural size.
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