BIOLOGY LIBRARY

CfWo

BIKDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND

" The woodland song, the various vocal quires
That harmonize fair Scotia's streamy vales ;
Their habitations, and their little joys ;
The winged dwellers on the leas, and moors,
And mountain cliffs ; the woods, the streams themselves,
The sweetly rural, and the savage scene, —
Haunts of the plumy tribes, — be these my theme! "

— Grahame.

THE

BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND

INCLUDING

THE OUTER HEBRIDES

WITH OCCASIONAL RECORDS OF THE OCCURRENCE OF THE RARER
SPECIES THROUGHOUT SCOTL4N£> 'GENERALLY; ;

BY

ROBERT GRAY

LATE SECRETARY TO THE NATURAL HISTOI

RY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW ;

MEMBER OF THE BRITISH ORNITHOLOGISTS* UNION;

CORRESPONDING MEMBER OF THE ACADEMY OF NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILADELPHIA ;
AND OF THE DUMFRIESSHIRE AND GALLO-WAY NATURAL HISTORY AND ANTIQUARIAN SOCIETY, ETC. , ETC.

GLASGOW- THOMAS MURKAY & SON

MDCCCLXXI

3IOL8GY LIBRARY

L 6 q o

BIOLOG*

LIBRARY

G

PRINTED BY THOMAS MURRAY AND SON,
31 Buchanan Street.

rr

TO THE KIGHT HONOURABLE

THE EARL OF HADDINGTON.

MY LORD,

During the preparation of this Volume on the

Birds of Western Scotland, I have had frequent occasion to
refer to information communicated to me by your Lordship on
the more interesting species frequenting the opposite shores of
East Lothian and Berwickshire — a district of country which has
revealed many features of significant import to the British
ornithologist, and enabled me to form a more accurate estimate
of the movements of certain birds than I had previously acquired.
In offering, therefore, to my fellow-naturalists the present Work,
containing an account of the bird life of a large and comparatively
uninvestigated tract' of North Britain, I feel highly gratified in
being permitted to dedicate it to your Lordship, as an acknow-
ledgment for the service which has been so courteously rendered.

I have the honour to be,

MY LORD,
Your Lordship's obedt. Servant,

ROBERT GRAY.

GLASGOW, October, 1871.

983258

PREFACE.

SINCE the publication of the respective works of Sir William
Jardine, Professor Macgillivray, and Mr Selby, nothing in a
collected form on the Birds of Scotland has been brought under
the notice of ornithologists. Many useful and interesting papers
have no doubt appeared through various channels, but even the best
of these have been restricted within comparatively narrow limits,
so that a field, such as that chosen for the title of this volume,
may be said to have been hitherto almost unoccupied.

It is now upwards of twenty years since I formed the design of
collecting materials for such a work, and during that interval it
may safely be said that no exertions have been spared to make
these materials serve a useful purpose. I have personally
visited nearly every locality mentioned, for the express object of
acquiring reliable information, and have made myself practically
familiar with the birds whose names are catalogued in these pages.
Having, besides, repeatedly traversed the entire coast line of
Scotland, as well as rambled over the greater portion of the inland
counties and their woodland and moorland solitudes, unusual
facilities have been afforded me of renewing my observations on
the habits of species, and on the various phases of bird life seen
from observatories so varied as our country presents. No part of
Great Britain, indeed, is more inviting to the ornithologist than
the western mainland of Scotland and its island dependencies —
their mountains and rugged headlands being still frequented by
eagles and lordly peregrines; their inland waters and lone sea
shores visited by the stately swan; and their peaceful glens and

viii PREFACE.

brawling rivers enlivened by the presence of many interesting
birds long since driven from the meres and sunburnt plains of the
south.

In addition to local advantages of this nature, I have had the
satisfaction of seeing and examining the greater number of the
collections, public and private, in Scotland — a privilege which
while it has enabled me to trace the distribution of some of the
less common species, gives me an opportunity of estimating the
correctness of previous records of their occurrence. Thus the
Grey Shrike, Great Spotted Woodpecker, and Shore Lark, formerly
represented as rare, are now found to be almost regular winter
visitants in considerable numbers, and scattered over a large tract
of country, although making their first appearance in the north-
eastern districts of Scotland; while the Hobby, Wryneck, Tree
Sparrow, and some other species formerly looked upon as mere
stragglers into Scotland, are now known to occupy breeding
stations even in the western counties.

I have also carefully looked into the records of the older Scottish
writers, scientific and otherwise, from some of which it is evident
that birds recently announced as new to Scotland were long ago
found in different localities north of the Tweed. In Don's 'Fauna
of Forfarshire/ for example, several species such as the Red-backed
Shrike, Nuthatch, etc., are catalogued as having occurred in that
county as far back as the beginning of the present century —
records which appear to have been entirely overlooked by those
writers who have of late years alluded to the distribution of
species in the British islands.

In acknowledging how much is due to my numerous friends
and correspondents for their valuable co-operation during the
progress of this work, I have to express my obligation to Sir
William Jardine, Bart., for notices of several rare birds that
have occurred in various Scottish localities; to Sir James Mathe-
son, Bart., of Stornoway Castle, for many interesting notes on the
birds of Lewis ; to the Earl of Haddington, for very full and care-
fully prepared lists of the more interesting species frequenting
East Lothian and Berwickshire; to Henry J. Elwes, Esq., late

PREFACE. IX

Captain Scots Fusilier Guards, for several valuable notes on the
birds of Islay, Ross-shire, and the Outer Hebrides; and to Henry
D. Graham, Esq., for his admirable account of the birds of lona
and Mull. To Captain H. W. Feilden, 4th King's Own Royal
Regiment, and J. A. Harvie Brown, Esq. of Dunipace, I am also
indebted for many observations of great interest made by them-
selves in the islands of North Uist, South Uist, and Barra, in the
summer of 1870, as well as for other acts of kindness at a time
when their assistance was of most value. Mr Harvie Brown has
besides favoured me with a perusal of his numerous journals written
in various districts of Scotland, especially the coasts of Stirling and
Sutherland; and I have been at the same time under obligations
of a like nature to another friend — Edward R. Alston, Esq. — who
has furnished me with lists from the Upper Ward of Lanarkshire.
Dr J. A. Smith, of Edinburgh, has in the kindest manner allowed
me the use of his important notes on many rare birds which have
occurred for the most part in the eastern and south-eastern
counties; and Professor Dickie, of Aberdeen University, has also
taken a kindly interest in procuring me information from those
lying to the north. From another resident in Aberdeen — Mr W.
C. Angus — I have received very great assistance in forming an
estimate of the numbers of migratory birds that make the outlying
portion of the north-east of Scotland their halting place, and
also for notices and full descriptions of rare visitants that have
occurred in that district during the last eight or ten years.

My acknowledgments are also due to Professor Newton of
Cambridge; J. H. Gurney, Jun., Esq. of London; R. G. Ward-
law-Ramsay, Esq., 67th Regiment; Dr Dewar of Glasgow; the
Rev. Alexander Stewart of Ballachulish ; and Mr J. Hardy
of Old Cambus, Berwickshire; to Dr Saxby, late of Unst,
Shetland; Mr Reid, formerly resident in Kirkwall, Orkney;
and Mr Joseph H. Dunn, Stromness. Through the last named
correspondent I have had an opportunity of consulting a copy of
Messrs. Baikie and Heddles' Historia Naturalis Orcadensis, with MS.
additions by one of the authors to 25th June, 1853. This work,
for convenience, has been referred to as the Fauna Orca.densis, and is

X PREFACE.

not to be confounded with another work with that title published
by Mr Low.

In the preparation of the Gaelic synonymes of the birds I have
received every assistance from Messrs. John Macdonald of Buckie,
Dugald C. Macdonald, Alexander A. Carmichael, Alexander
Macdougall, and other friends connected with the Long Island; and
I here take this opportunity of recording my grateful thanks to
these friends for all the kindness shewn me while traversing the
Outer Hebrides. Without such material aid, indeed, as I was
fortunate enough to secure, my researches there might have ended
with less satisfactory results.

To my friend Mr William Sinclair my best thanks are due for
the bird illustrations which Mr Bott has so faithfully reproduced ;
and to another friend, Mr Thomas S. Hutcheson, I am also
indebted for many kind services while the book has been in
the printer's hands. In the course of my wanderings, proof
sheets have, through his careful attention, followed me into
the midst of the remotest bird haunts and wildest scenery,
and been revised often in the open air during sunshine and
storm, with all the elements at hand for consulting the best
authorities — the birds themselves.

It remains only to be added that the utmost care has been taken
to verify the whole of the information contained in this volume,
and that all records of a doubtful nature have been rigidly excluded
from it. Although in the experience of almost every naturalist
opinions based upon the investigations of many years become
more or less modified as observations extend, I hope I may still
be allowed to say for myself that during a long course of practical
research among the Birds of Scotland, I have been especially
guarded in noting only what in after years may freely be sub-
jected to the closest scrutiny.

E.G.

GLASGOW, October, 1871.

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.

I. — LAKE IN NORTH UIST, OUTER HEBRIDES, Author, - Frontispiece

II. — WHITE-TAILED EAGLE, - - - W. Sinclair, 9

(Scene, in the Sound of Harris.)

III. — DIPPER or WATER OUZEL, - - - Do. 70

IV.— KING OUZEL, Do. 79

V. — BOHEMIAN WAXWING, .... Do. 107

VI.— SNOW BUNTING, ... Do. 125

VII. — WHITE-THROATED SPARROW, Do. - 138

VIII.— GLENGARNOCK, - - C. N. Woolnoth, W.S.A., 196

IX. — PTARMIGAN, - ... . W. Sinclair, 236

X.— WHITBERRY POINT, - - ^. - J. R. Prentice, 262

(Dunbar in the Distance.)

XI.— WHIMBREL, W. Sinclair, 288

(Scene, in the Sound of Harris, Islands of Pabbay and Berneray in the distance.)

XII.— BLACK-WINGED STILT, Do. 303

XIII.— LONG-TAILED DUCK, - Do. 388

(Scene, Island of Scalpa, Shiant Isles in the distance.)

XIV.— BLACK-THROATED DIVER and TUFTED DUCKS, Do. 414

(Referred to at page 387.)

XV, — VIEW AT THE MOUTH OF THE YTHAN, - James Giles, R.S.A., 466

(Aberdeenshirc. )

THE

BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

RAPTOR ES. FALCONID^E.

THE GOLDEN EAGLE] > !\H V

-, » 0)0 -> t

A q UILA CHR YSA ETOS..: ' ' ^ • ;>•'.';?»; ,»
lolair dliubh.

THERE is perhaps no feature in the history of British birds more
to be regretted than the gradual disappearance of many species
that were once familiar residents. Among these, the Golden
Eagle stands pre-eminent as deserving the sympathy of all true
naturalists, subjected as it has been to a relentless and continual
persecution, which only excites our wonder that the noble bird
has so long survived. It is certainly not a false sentiment that
urges the ornithologist of our own times to lift up his voice against
the destruction of a class of birds whose very presence gives a
character to some of the finest scenery in Britain; and every true
lover of nature will, I feel sure, join him in the hope that it may
not yet be too late to bring back from the verge of extinction the
bird that has so long occupied the foremost rank in Scottish
ornithology.

As might be expected, the western counties form the only resting
place now in the breeding season for this splendid bird. Even
there, however, it is by no means certain that the number of eyries
will increase, unless the proprietors of the various lands thus
frequented unite in determining that eagles are to be spared.
That such a feeling already, to some extent, exists is beyond
question; but without the cordial co-operation of all, it is doubt-
ful, looking to the wandering habits of the bird in the autumn and

A

2 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

winter seasons, whether much good could be accomplished. Not
long ago a correspondent wrote to me that a gentleman of his
acquaintance, in roaming over his Highland estate, was in the habit
of pointing out with a strong feeling of sadness the deserted eyries
of the eagles, and looking with something like veneration upon
the moth-eaten specimens that had been killed by his sires. May
this be the feeling and lament of many such chiefs, and may eagles
hereafter be inherited with their mountain home !

On all the Outer Hebrides the Golden Eagle is still a well-known
bird, and from Barra Head to the Butt of Lewis various eyries
existed in the breeding season of 1867. In the islands of Lewis
and Harris they are best known, especially in certain districts
distinguished for a grandeur of scenery which the presence of
.an eagle B is t sure to invest with an additional charm. On North
•JJist Ae"r4 Vfife/two eyries last year; one of these had only a
..single jf oji ng bird in-jt, and was easily reached, being on a rocky
•* :p}tifonri2iicessA}'fi to'the most timid cragsman. This eagle, which
was uncommonly black in the plumage, I had an opportunity of
seeing three weeks after it was taken. It was then in the posses-
sion of Mr John M'Donald at his residence near the Sound of
Harris, and appeared to be thriving well in confinement. On
Benbecula, where eagles are frequently seen, there are no eyries ;
but on the next island — South Uist — there is one every year on
Mount Hecla. Mr D. Lamont informed me, when I crossed to the
locality with him last year, that he had seen the old birds of this
hill coming almost daily from Skye with a young lamb each to
their eaglets. The distance is about twenty-five miles. They
never, he says, destroy the flocks in South Uist itself; hence the
maintenance of their family does not add to the local taxation.
But while some of the lairds of Skye might be rejoicing at the
sight of the feathered monarch of their own Alps circling above
his rocky throne, their shepherds were probably breathing
vengeance against the King of Hecla and his mate for their
plundering visits. Thus, even within comparatively narrow
limits, the bird may well be called the " pride and the pest of the
parish ! "

Over the whole of the western counties there is but one Gaelic
name — lolair dhubh — given to this bird, signifying Black Eagle ;
but in no quarter is it more entitled to this appellation than in the
outer islands. After examining upwards of a dozen specimens

GOLDEN EAGLE. 3

bred in the Long Island, I can scarcely resist the conclusion that
as a rule these eagles are smaller and darker in colour than those
bred on the mainland. This difference may arise from local causes,
such as the paucity of game of all kinds as food, or the persistent
storms of the country blowing their natural prey into sheltered
recesses, and thus obliging them to fast, perhaps an unusual length
of time. A more likely solution of the difference, however, may
be founded on the fact alluded to by Mr Cassin, in his " Birds of
California and Texas," that the Golden Eagle of some parts of
North America is smaller and darker than the European bird; and
taking this fact into consideration, these Hebridean eagles may be
a race verging on this nearly allied species. This difference in the
size of the bird would almost appear to hold good in the egg also,
those found in some of the Hebridean eyries, at least, containing
very small eggs, very handsomely spotted, and reminding me of
the difference between the eggs of the Osprey of America and that
of Europe.

Having had fewer opportunities than some other naturalists of
examining the eyrie of the Golden Eagle, I turn with pleasure to
a highly interesting communication ' with which I have been
favoured by my obliging correspondent, Henry J. Elwes, Esq., late
Captain Scots Fusilier Guards, to whom I have had occasion in the
course of this volume to refer for other information of equal value
and interest : —

" The Golden Eagle usually commences to prepare its nest for
eggs about the beginning of April, and selects for that purpose a
rock, which, though nearly always in a commanding situation, is
nearer the bottom than the top of a mountain. I have been in or
near at least a dozen eyries, and not one of them, to the best
of my judgment, is more than 1000 feet above the sea, though a
beautiful and extended view is obtained from all of them. The
rock is generally a good deal broken and clothed with grass, ferns,
bushes, and tufts of a plant which I believe is Luzida sylvatica,
and which is always found in the lining of the nest. The ledge on
which the nest is placed is generally sheltered from above by the
overhanging rock, the structure being sometimes composed of a
large quantity of sticks, heather, etc., and in other cases very slight
indeed. The eggs are laid about the 10th of April, being a little
later in the Outer Hebrides than on the mainland. Their number
is usually two, very often three, especially with old birds, and

4 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

sometimes only one. When there are three, one is generally
addled, and not so well coloured as the other two, and they vary
extremely both in size and colour.

" Golden Eagles generally breed year after year in the same place,
though they often have two or three eyries near together,- espe-
cially when the nests are harried frequently. They sit for about
twenty-one days, and are very reluctant to leave the nest when it is
first discovered, though afterwards they do not sit so hard. I have
seen an eagle sit on its nest for some minutes after a double shot was
fired within one hundred yards in full view of the bird; but when
once they know that the nest is discovered, they are much wilder.
As for the stories, about people being attacked by eagles when taking
their nests, I do not believe them, as I have never seen one come
within gunshot of a person at the nest, and I never saw any one
who could vouch for a story of this sort on his own knowledge.
In a deer forest eagles are of the greatest advantage, and it is a pity
that foresters should be allowed to destroy them, as, though they
occasionally take a red deer calf, yet, in most cases, the forest is
all the better for the loss of the weakest ones, and they confer a
great benefit on the deer-stalker by the destruction of the blue hares,
which form their favourite food. One of the most interesting
sights to a lover of nature is to see an eagle, soon after its young
ones have left the nest, teaching them to kill their own prey by
dashing amongst a covey of ptarmigan poults, which gives the awk-
ward young eagle a good opportunity of catching one when
separated from the old birds. On a sheep farm, where game is
scarce, it cannot be denied that eagles do a good deal of harm in
the lambing season, but in such cases it is best to take the eggs as
soon as laid, which does not cause them to leave the district, though
it relieves them of the necessity of providing food for the young
ones. I do not think that the Golden Eagle often lays a second
time after its nest has been robbed, and although an instance may
happen occasionally, it is certainly not the rule.

" On a bright hot day, without much wind, eagles are fond of
soaring round and round at a great height above the top of a
mountain, more, I think, for exercise than in search of prey, as the
hill top itself is sufficiently elevated to command a great extent of
country. In this manner they can fly for some time without any
perceptible motion of the wings, though the tail is often turned
from side to side to guide the flight. The points of the primary

GOLDEN EAGLE. '>

quills are always rather turned up and separated, as is shown in
one of Landseer's beautiful pictures, in which an eagle is flying
across a loch to a dead stag which has been already discovered by
a fox."

Mr Elwes has also informed me that one or two pairs of Golden
Eagles regularly inhabit the district of Gairloch in Ross shire and
breed there. In a recent letter to myself he says : " I lately saw
three nests which had been used in 1884, '65, and '66, by the
same pair of birds. The last nest was not at all difficult to get at,
as I got within three yards of it without a rope, and could easily
have gone into it had I wished. It was placed in a three cornered
ledge of rock, overhung by a cliff, a steep gully being within two
yards on one side."

Writing from Skye in March, 1867, Capt. IX C. Cameron, of
Glenbrittle, obligingly sent me the following note: — " Although
there are always two or three eyries of the Sea Eagle on my farm,
I only know of the Golden Eagle building above Loch Corruisk.
There was a nest there in 1865. I trapped the female ten miles
from the nest, I am sorry to say, and there was no nest there last
year. This was the first resumption of the old eyrie after the
young were taken by the survey men many years ago, and I was
quite delighted to see the birds come back, though I was the
innocent cause of the second desertion." Capt. Cameron also
states, with a view to show the comparative numbers of the
Golden and White-tailed Eagles, that out of sixty-five eagles that
he has killed or caused to be killed, only three were of the first-
named species. He has likewise sent me word that the Golden
Eagle has bred for several years past at Barcaldine, near Bonaw,
in Argyleshire, and that one of the nests was robbed by a shepherd
who trapped one of the birds.

A few months ago a paragraph appeared in some of the Scottish
newspapers giving an account of a most extraordinary aerial combat
between an eagle of this species and a fox, which happened in
Strathmore, Caithness-shire, and was communicated by an eye-
witness to the Northern Ensign newspaper in the following letter.
Having written to the editor for further information on the
subject, I am assured by that gentleman that in every particular
the account may be implicitly relied on; the occurrence took place
on the hill of Benalskie: —

" The eagle was devouring the carcase of a mountain-hare when

G BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

a fox sprang from a bush of heather and seized the intruder
(which had come to rob him of his prey) by the wing. A well-
contested struggle ensued, in which the bird made a desperate
attempt to defend itself with its claws, and succeeded in extri-
cating itself from its enemy's grasp, but before it had time to
escape Reynard seized it again by the breast, and seemed more
determined than ever. The eagle made another attempt to over-
power its antagonist, by striking him with its wings, but that
would not compel him to quit his hold. At last the eagle
succeeded in raising the fox from terra ftrma, and in a few minutes
he was suspended by his own jaws between heaven and earth.
Although now placed in an unfavourable position for fighting, his
courage did not seem to forsake him, as he firmly kept his hold,
and seemed to make several attempts to bring the eagle down;
but he soon found the strong wings of the eagle were capable of
raising him, and that there was now no way of escape unless the
bird should alight somewhere. The eagle made a straight ascent,
and rose to a considerable height in the air. The two combatants
were still struggling, and in a few minutes a disengagement ap-
peared to have taken place. Reynard, from some cause or other,
was obliged to quit his grasp, and was now descending much
quicker than he had gone up. In a second or two he was dashed
to the earth, where he lay struggling in the agonies of death.
The eagle meanwhile made its escape in a southern direction; it
appeared weak from exhaustion and loss of blood, but managed,
notwithstanding, to hold on its flight until he became obscured
in the distance."

Throughout Scotland generally, the Golden Eagle, although
looked upon as a rarity, is, from its habit of wandering in the
autumn months, frequently seen in lowland districts skimming
above woods and fields, but seldom deviating from its line of
flight. Sometimes, when pressed by hunger, it comes near enough
to be shot; but usually it is wary, even when scanning the ground
for prey. A short time ago a friend, when walking in the out-
skirts of Kirriemuir, in Forfarshire, accompanied by a little terrier,
was surprised to see one of these birds stoop suddenly in its flight
before him, as if to see whether the dog would make a suitable
meal. A glance, however, apparently convinced the bird that an
attack in the circumstances would be useless, and as it rose grace-
fully out of range, it continued its flight northward in a straight

GOLDEN EAGLE. /

line, and about the same height from the ground, until it was lost
to sight.

" An occasional Golden Eagle," writes my friend Mr Henry
D. Graham, " may still be seen pursuing his lofty course over
the moors and mountains of Mull and the surrounding islands.
A friend, a few years ago, killed one out of a party of seven — a
number which would have been thought deeply significant in the
days when augury was a fashionable science. In Jura a pair flew
close over my head as I sat on the hill side with a friend and
a gamekeeper at luncheon. The two birds sailed slowly past
without deigning to notice us."

Mr Alexander M'Niven, Shemore, lately told me he had seen
an eagle this year in somewhat novel circumstances. He wTas on
the banks of Loch Lomond with a party of friends, when their
attention was drawn to a squall sweeping down the loch in their
direction. Suddenly it burst upon them in all its fury — the
darkened sky having an extraordinary appearance as the hail and
rain dashed with a loud hissing noise into the loch. In the very
front of this tempest cloud there sailed the majestic bird, turning
not its flight, but steadily flying before the blast. The whole of
the party saw it, and the species was recognized at once by Mr
M'Niven, who had frequently seen Golden Eagles before near his
own residence. Later still, Mr J. A. Harvie Brown, of Dunipace,
has sent me his notes taken in Sutherlandshire up to the close of
the nesting season of 1869, in which frequent allusion is made to
the flight of this king of birds.

" There are still," writes Mr Brown, " several localities where
the Golden Eagle has its eyrie in Sutherlandshire, but of course
their numbers have been rapidly on the decrease since Mr Selby
visited the county. J. S. assured me that in the short space of
three weeks he once killed sixteen adult Golden Eagles and Sea
Eagles. I know that one gentleman, who was like ourselves
collecting this year in Sutherlandshire, obtained three Golden
Eagle's eggs in the north of the county. He bought them from
a shepherd who had them in his possession for some time. This
does not make it appear that the latest orders will invariably be
attended to by shepherds and gamekeepers." While commend-
ing this short paragraph to the careful notice of Highland
proprietors, I take the opportunity of also drawing their attention
to a fact communicated by Mr John Bateson to the Times about a

8 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

year ago, namely, that printed lists are actually in circulation
among keepers and shepherds in the county referred to, offering
large prices for the eggs of birds of prey, and thus opening up a
temptation to these men which no amount of care on the part of
their employers is ever able to counteract. Nothing but the
strongest censure can be meted out to such collectors as would
bribe a man in humble circumstances to procure eggs of the
Golden or White-tailed Eagles, Kite, or Osprey, at the price of
ten pounds for each specimen.

OBS. — It may here be mentioned that the late Mr Thompson,
in his work on the Birds of Ireland, has inserted the following
notice in the appendix to the third volume regarding the supposed
occurrence of the Spotted Eagle (Aquila ncevia) in the island of
Skye: —

"Dwvegan Castle, Skye, October, 1850. — It is not improbable
that the Spotted Eagle has occurred in this island. On my
questioning Mr Pack (who has been resident here for fourteen
years, and eleven of them as gamekeeper) respecting the birds of
Skye, he described a spotted eagle — though he had never heard of
a species being so called — having been killed by one of the shep-
herds of the late Mr Macleod, of Orbost, about the year "1840.
Soon afterwards, he himself saw another, and subsequently, within
a short time, either a second bird or the same individual again.
The size he does not accurately remember, though he recollects
that it was liker to the Golden than the Sea Eagle; the spotting
which he describes would apply correctly to the bird in question.
He and others who saw the individual which was shot considered
it quite distinct from the Golden and Sea Eagles, and the Osprey,
all of which are found there."

Although this species has never come under my own observation,
nor been seen or heard of by any of my correspondents in that
part of the country, it is not unlikely that specimens may yet
occur, seeing that it has been known to breed and been killed in
several instances in Ireland, whence but a short flight would take-
it to some of the southern and middle districts of the Scottish
Hebrides.

WHITE-TAILED S FA EAGLE

WHITE-TAILED EAGLE. 0

THE WHITE-TAILED EAGLE.
HA LI A ETUS A LB 1C ILL A .

Erne. lolair Bhuidhe. lolair Riamhach.
lolair Shuil na Grein.

Being a much commoner bird in Scotland than the preceding
species, the Sea Eagle has never been at any time in the same danger
of extinction. Even in 1867 and 1868 there were numerous eyries
in places which have been occupied from time immemorial. Between
Loch Brittle and Copnahow Head, in Skye, for example, nine or
ten eyries might have been seen, while in several of the smaller
groups of isles in the Minch and Gulf of the Hebrides at least a
dozen more could be cited. The Isle of Skye, indeed, may be said
to be the head quarters of this conspicuous eagle in the west of
Scotland — the entire coast line of that magnificent country offering
many attractions to a bird of its habits. Nearly all the bold
headlands of Skye are frequented by at least one pair of Sea Eagles,
and it is at no time a difficult matter to get a sight of them. On
one property alone there were recently six breeding places; * and
I have been informed by Dr Dewar, that quite recently as many
as six old birds of this species assembled together, and were ob-
served soaring in a group above the house of Captain M'Donald,
near Bracadale. Two of these birds — probably males — set upon
each other, and fought viciously for a considerable time, while the
other four soared leisurely round the combatants, uttering their
well known yelping cry, but making no near approach. The
battle, during which a quantity of feathers were scattered in the
air, continued until the birds reached the ground, when it was
found that one of them was so much injured as to be unable to
rise; it was therefore knocked on the head by a shepherd who had
stood for some time an interested spectator of the novel fight.

* It is impossible, however, to conceal the fact that if the present destruction
of eagles continues we shall soon have to reckon this species among the extinct
families of our "feathered nobility." " During the last nine years,'' says my
friend Dr Dewar, " a keeper in Skye has shot fifty-seven eagles on a single
estate;" and in a letter addressed to myself in November, 1866, by a keeper
resident in the west of Ross-shire, the^confession is made that during an experi-
ence of twelve years he had shot no less than fifty-two eagles, besides taking
numbers of both eggs and young. Captain Cameron of Glenbrittle also in-
forms me that he has now seen as many as sixty-two Sea Eagles killed in Skye.
No species of eagle could long survive such persecution.

10 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

Thirty years ago the Erne was often observed in the parish of
Hamilton, according to the Rev. William Patrick — a good observer
in his day; and in several other inland districts in Lanarkshire,
Ayrshire, Kirkcudbrightshire, and Wigtownshire, similar records
might be given of its past existence. But even at the present
time stray specimens are found wandering as far into the Firth of
Clyde as Dunoon — the captures in such instances, however, being
confined to birds of the year after they have been thrown off by
the old ones. Ailsa Craig, formerly a breeding station, is now
only visited by a passing vagrant; and in Islay two well-known
eyries — one at the Mull of Oe, the other at Bolsa — have for some
years been entirely deserted, although stray birds still visit the
island.

One of the most picturesque eyries of the Erne on the west coast
is perhaps that placed on the breast of one of "Macleod's Maidens,"
a group of three sharp pointed stacks of rock on the coast of Skye.
Among other breeding stations may be enumerated the Scuir of
Eigg, Scalpa, North Uist, Shiant Isles, Wiay, Benbecula, several
in Harris, and also in Lewis. The eyrie on the largest island of
the Shiant group is perfectly inaccessible; it was referred to by
Martin nearly two hundred years ago in his " Description of the
Western Islands of Scotland," and has probably been tenanted
regularly ever since. On the mainland the breeding localities are
much less numerous than in the islands; there are still, however,
although I have no wish to see their privacy invaded, a number of
frequented eyries in several of the counties stretching from Cape
Wrath to the Mull of Galloway. My friend Mr Brown, whose ample
and highly interesting manuscript journals have been most gener-
ously placed at my service, takes notice of one eyrie in the district
of Assynt in Sutherlandshire, and refers to another pair of birds
which bred on the island of Handa in 1867, but which were
banished from the place by a shepherd destroying the female on
her nest. Since this occurrence none have frequented the cliffs
there. Shepherds have no doubt cause to look upon eagles as their
enemies, as they are occasionally destructive to young lambs; and
game preservers have perhaps an equal right to complain of their
poaching propensities among grouse and hares. It cannot, how-
ever, be denied that the Sea Eagle oftener feasts upon carrion than
upon living animals, and that in the most of cases where lambs are
actually lifted the offence is to a great extent mitigated by the

WHITE-TAILED EAGLE. 11

fact of the severe spring weather having previously crippled these
poor creatures beyond hope of recovery. So far, indeed, as my
own observations have extended, the chief food of this eagle appears
to be stranded fish procured in the vicinity of its maritime haunts,
dead sheep found on the moors, and occasionally a salmon left
by some scared otter — a selection more in keeping with the
innocent life of a vulture than the plundering habits usually
ascribed to eagles.

The nest of this bird is an immensely large structure, and is
built of sticks, bunches of heather, and pieces of turf, varied
sometimes by a handful or two of withered seaweed mixed with
wool as a sort of lining. The situation varies according to the
locality of the bird's haunts. On rocky headlands facing the sea
the nest is generally, if not always, placed on an inaccessible plat-
form or rough crevice, the fabric in some instances being more
than usually bulky so as to h'll up the inequalities before a perfectly
fiat surface can be attained; while in inland districts it is often
built on stunted trees or on the ground, especially where the birds
select an islet in a loch which is apparently safe against intrusion.
Two or three years ago there was a nest on a rowan tree growing
on a small island in Loch-na-Baa, in the north-west of Argyleshire;
it was of great bulk, and presented a most extraordinary appear-
ance when viewed from a little distance. MacGillivray mentions
having found a Sea Eagle's nest in an island in a Hebridean lake,
on a mound of rock not higher than could have been reached with
a fishing-rod, and a similar eyrie existed many years ago in an
island in Loch Skene in Dumfriesshire.

Of the habits of this eagle in confinement I am unable to say
much; indeed, I should prefer the more noble bird, his ally the
Golden Eagle, as a subject for the aviary, guilty though he be of
clutching pet cats or other domestic prey that venture within his
prison bars. The Sea Eagle, however, being more susceptible of
kindness, is rather an interesting pet when allowed his liberty,
and has been known in a number of instances to liy about in a
tamed state. Mr Carmichael, of Lochmaddy, lately communicated
to me the following account of one : — " A few years ago, Dr Mac-
Gillivray, of Eoligarry, Barra, brother of the late Professor Mac-
Gillivray, the well-known ornithologist, had a pet Sea Eagle which
was exceedingly interesting. He had a house made for it on the
face of a hill about a hundred yards from his house. Here it

12 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

spent the night, but during the day it was generally abroad with
the doctor's two boys. It would come at their call and feed
out of their hands, fly about their heads, and follow them where-
ever they went. I am not sure if ever it went alone in search of
prey, but nothing seemed to delight it so much as to get the boys
away rabbit hunting. On such occasions it would follow them
and hover round their heads, perform the most graceful aerial
evolutions, and scream with delight as if it thoroughly understood
and enjoyed the expedition; and when an unfortunate rabbit
showed itself the eagle would swoop down upon it with amazing
rapidity and power. The utmost confidence and attachment
seemed to exist between the boys and the bird, till the latter was
unfortunately killed by a visitor — a young gentleman from Glasgow
— who mistook it for a wild bird, and so shot it, to the great
vexation of the entire household, witli whom the eagle had been
a great favourite." Another instance of the bird's tameness was
lately communicated to me by my friend Mr Edward E. Alston,
of Glasgow. This specimen was in the possession of a lady some
years ago, and was full grown when she got it. " It was allowed
full liberty," says Mr Alston, " never attempting to escape nor to
injure any one, and coming when called to be fed or caressed. It
was particularly fond of fish, but would also eat meat." A third
case I have the pleasure of selecting from a mass of highly graphic
and interesting notes now before me, penned by one whose cor-
respondence has for nearly twenty years afforded me no ordinary
pleasure*: — "My friend Mr C. M'Vean has had a tamed Sea Eagle
for some years, which is not kept in confinement, but sometimes
startles strangers by sweeping past the windows. He says, ' My
eagle I named " Koneval," after the hill in South Uist, where he
was hatched. He is a male, and a very fine bird. I have had him
now for four years, and he has assumed his white tail. He is
allowed ,to fly about at large, but is not fond of going far, and will
always come at the call of the kitchen maid, who feeds him, and

* Henry D. Graham, Esq., who resided a number of years in lona, and pub-
lished a meritorious and beautiful work on the antiquities of that interesting
island. I cannot sufficiently thank my valued friend for the handsome and
disinterested manner in which he has placed his excellent notes on the Birds of
lona and Mull at my disposal. I trust these may yet appear in a separate form,
and this feeling will no doubt be shared by those who read the graphic selections
I have made use of in these pages.

WHITE-TAILED EAGLE. 13

for whom he shows the greatest affection.' This personage indeed
can manage him even when in most ungovernable tempers. He
has a particular aversion to small boys, and will fly at one going
near him. The only animal he is afraid of is a pig, and to hear a
pig grunt is enough to make him fly off, even if it should not be
in sight. A well-dressed friend ventured one day to touch him
with the point of his fashionable light umbrella, which so offended
' RonevalV majesty that he flew at the offending instrument and
literally smashed it, breaking the stick and tearing the silk to
tatters — the owner gladly escaping in unscathed broadcloth himself
at the expense of leaving his pet parapluie a spolia opima in the
claws of Jove's irate bird. Usually, however, he is affable enough,
and does no more mischief than occasionally killing a hen or two
if his own dinner is not served up punctually enough, and this is
really great forbearance, considering that he actually lives at large
in a poultry yard. This proves how very domestic this monarch
of the cliffs may become; for although a short-winged flight
would carry him to the illimitable freedom of the neighbouring
sea cliffs and mountain tops, he has never been known to 'stop
out of nights' more than once or twice during a residence of
several years."

In the eastern counties of Scotland this eagle is usually met
with in autumn, and almost all the specimens procured from
Berwick to Orkney, which I have seen or heard of, were immature
birds. At St Abb's Head, in Berwickshire, a solitary eagle is
occasionally seen about that season frequenting the precipitous
cliffs, which are occupied in summer by large numbers of gulls,
razor-bills, and guillemots The stay of these stragglers, some-
times extending over a period of two or three weeks, appears to
be regulated by the supply of food, which consists entirely of
dead animals procured in the immediate neighbourhood. Fish of
various kinds are often thrown up by storms, and at once attract
the glaucous and great black-backed gulls, which are constantly
prowling along the shores. During the eagle's stay, however,
they are compelled to resign all the best fish to his exclusive use,
and content themselves with a half-putrid wolf fish (Anarrhichas
lupus), or sea devil (Lophius piscatorius), numbers of which are
thrown overboard by the fishermen as useless, and in time are
stranded on the beach. About twenty miles north of this locality
one or two Cinereous Eagles have been obtained in a much quieter,

14 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

though perhaps more dangerous residence — the estuary of the
Tyne — where, although an abundant supply of both game birds
and wild fowl could have been secured, the same partiality for
harmless plunder has characterized their visits Lord Binning,
who has for several years closely observed the ornithological
features of East Lothian and the neighbouring county of Berwick,
informs me that a female bird of this species "was shot at
Tyninghame, in December, 1858, by Mr Inglis, gamekeeper. It
had been seen for several days in the fir -woods near the shore, and
appeared to have lived entirely on fish during that time, as three
or four good-sized fish, in various stages of decomposition, were
found in its stomach. Though in good condition and plumage,
this was evidently not an aged or even adult bird, as shown by
the uniform dark colour of the plumage, and the light colour
of the bill."

Between East Lothian and the eastern portion of Caithness
there are a few occasional resting places for this species, but no
permanent haunt until we reach the Orkney and Shetland islands.
Formerly, both Golden and White tailed Eagles were very com-
mon, if not abundant, throughout that northern group. Even at
the time of Bullock's visit in 1812, their frequent onslaughts on
the farm yard apparently caused much anxiety among the
inhabitants, who must have appreciated in no small degree the
laudable efforts of that early representative of the British collector
to reduce their numbers. The following quotation from a curious
little book published by Mr Bullock as a guide to his celebrated
museum, may not be without interest : —

"The young ones were taken on the 10th of June, 1812, when
about three weeks old, from their eyrie on the tremendous cliffs
called the West Craigs in the isle of Hoy (one of the Orkneys),
the towering rocks of which rise to the perpendicular height of
1200 feet from the sea. About one third of the way of this awful
abyss a slender pointed rock projected from the cliff, like the
pinnacle of a Gothic building. On the extremity of this is a
hollow, scarcely of sufficient size for the purpose, -these birds had
fixed on as a place of security for rearing their young; the
situation was such as almost to defy the power of man to molest
their habitation ; yet with the assistance of a short slender rope
made of twisted hogs' bristles, did the adventurous climber or
rocksman ' Wooley Thomson' traverse the face of this frightful

WHITE-TAILED EAGLE. 15

precipice, and for a trifling remuneration brought up the young
birds.

" After a fatiguing scramble up the sides of the mountains we
arrived at the place from whence we could see the eyrie beneath;
the distance was so great that the young eagles appeared no larger
than pigeons; after placing us in a secure situation on a projecting
edge of the rock that commanded a view of the scene of action,
Thomson left us, carrying his rope in his hand, and disappeared
for upwards of half an hour; when to our great joy we discovered
him creeping on his hands and knees up the spiry fragment on
which lay the unfledged eaglets; when knowing he was then in our
sight, he knelt at the top, and looking towards us, waved his hat.
At this time it was impossible to see the situation he was in
without trembling for his safety; the slender point of the rock
on which he knelt was at least 800 feet above the surges of the
Atlantic, which with unbroken violence were foaming beneatli
him. Yet he deliberately took from his pocket a cord, and tying
the wings of the young birds, who made some resistance with
their bills and talons, he put them into a basket, and began to
descend, and in a few minutes the overhanging masses of stone
hid him from our view. The old birds were in sight during the
transaction, and made no attempt to defend their young; but
soaring about a quarter of a mile above, occasionally uttered a
short shrill scream, very different from their usual barking noise.
Had they attempted a rescue, the situation of the climber would
have been extremely dangerous, as the slightest deviation or false
step would have precipitated him into eternity — a misfortune that
a few years since befel his brother on the same spot when in his
company. After waiting in a most painful state of suspense for
near an hour [during which interval ' Wooley ' can hardly be
supposed to have been fortifying himself from a qnaich under the
overhanging rock], our climber suddenly made his appearance,
and laughing, presented his prize." Mr Bullock, who, it is to be
hoped, substantially rewarded the pluck of this adventurous
fellow, then proceeds to say — " In the isle of Hoy we discovered
all the species of British eagles except the Osprey; they are
extremely numerous, and are the greatest pest of the poor
inhabitants, frequently carrying off their lambs, pigs, and poultry.
Near the nest of one we found the remains of several lambs, and the
legs of forty-eight fowls were found near another. It is but a few

10 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

years since a person died, who, in his infancy, had been carried off
by an eagle, and recovered by his parents. By an ancient law in
the Orkneys any person destroying an eagle is entitled to a hen
from every farm in the parish in which it occurred."

The following is one of the Acts of Bailiary for executing of
justice through the county of Orkney, and is apparently the law
spoken of by Mr Bullock : its insertion here may serve at least to
interest those who are curious about local enactments : —

"Act 31. — Anent Slaying of the Earn.

Apud Kirkwam, 8°° die 9^ 1626.

The which day it is statute and ordained by THOMAS BUCHANNAN,
Sherreif-deput of Orknay, with consent of the gentlemen and
suitors of Court present for the time. That whatever personc
shall slay the earn or eagle shall have of the Baillie of the
parochine where it shall happen him to slay the eagle, 8d. from
every reik within the parochine, except from cottars that have no
sheep, and 20 shill. from ilk persone for ilk earn's nest it shall
happen them to herrie; and they shall present them to the
Baillie, and the Baillie shall be holden to present the head of the
said Earn at ilk Head Court.

Curia Capitalis vice comitatus de Orkney, tenta apud
Kirk warn in insula vocata de Wall house, in tern pi o
St- Magni ibidem, per honorabiles viros Magistrum
Johannem Dick et Robertum Monteith de Eglishy
vice comites deputatos dicti vice comitatus, sexto die
mensis Februarii, Anno Domini 1628."

About forty years after this law was passed the Earn would
seem to have acquired even a worse habit than that of sheep-
stealing, as has been narrated in a manuscript written in 1664 by
Mathew Mackaile, apothecary at Aberdeen, and preserved in the
Advocates' Library, Edinburgh. In making a short extract from
this curious account of Orkney, it is perhaps unnecessary to
congratulate ourselves that through the diligence of keepers and
collectors, we are spared the infliction of seeing a modern
perambulator relieved of its occupant. Here is the apothecary's
story: "I was very well informed that an eagle did take up a
swaddled child a month old, which the mother had laid down
until she went to the back of the peat stack at Honton Head, and
carried it to Choye, viz., four miles, which being discovered by a

WHITE TAILED EAGLE. 17

traveller who heard the lamentations of the mother, four men
went presently thither in a boat, and, knowing the eagle's nest,
found the child without any prejudice done to it." This of course
is an " old narration," but it has the advantage of as much truth
on its side as any similar stories that have since appeared.

Although, as we have seen, eagles were abundant in Orkney and
Shetland even so late as 1812, it is now certain that they are all
but exterminated. Writing from Stromness, Mr J. H. Dunn, to
whom I am indebted for many interesting notices, informs me
that no Golden Eagles have bred in Hoy for a number of years,
and that the only recent specimen procured there was one shot in
1857, and supposed at the time to be one of the only pair that
had many years previously bred near R-adwick, on the west side
of Hoy. " Only one pair of Sea Eagles," continues Mr Dunn,
" have nested in Hoy for several years back; they are supposed to
be very old birds and unproductive. In 1865 their nest was got
at, but was found to be empty, and in the year following their nest
in another part of the cliffs was also reached, but found to contain
one egg, and that an addled one."

Very great differences in size are observable in this species —
some specimens measuring only six feet from tip to tip of the
wings, while others are at least one half more. The average stretch
of wing may be stated at seven feet and a-half — a measurement
which I find to be at all events the average of upwards of thirty
specimens which I have of late years examined. The finest British
example of the Sea Eagle I have ever seen is one in the collection
of Sir James Matheson, Bart., of Stornoway Castle. This magni-
ficent bird, which was killed in the island of Lewis, is distinguished
for its great size and lightness of colour, being of a yellowish grey
all over. Compared with three or four other Sea Eagles in the
same collection, its size, indeed, appears quite extraordinary, and
had the specimen been darker in colour it might have readily been
mistaken for the Northern Sea Eagle (Haliaetus pelagicus of Pallas)
figured in Cassin's " Birds of California and Texas," or some other
eagle of mysterious size, several of which are alluded to by that
author in his account of the species. Mr Cassin speaks of a " grey
eagle of enormous dimensions," which is mentioned by the late
Prince Maximilian of Wied in his " Travels in the Interior of
North America," and also refers to another almost entirely white,
represented by Du Pratz " as inhabiting Louisiana." This Heb-

B

18 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

ridean eagle, therefore, may be worthy a closer examination, and
I commend it in the meantime to the attention of ornithologists
who may visit that portion of the outer islands.

Albino varieties of the Sea Eagle have in one or two instances
occurred in Scotland. Mr St John has the following note bearing on
this subject: — " This year (1848), during the month of September,
I saw a freshly-killed Sea Eagle or White-tailed Eagle (Haliaetus
albicilla), whose colour was a fine silvery white, without the slightest
admixture of brown. The bird was killed in Sutherland, and I
was informed that another eagle had been seen in its company
with the same unusual plumage." Mr Brown has also informed
me that there is a pure white variety in the museum at Dunrobin
Castle.

The figure in the accompanying plate was taken by Mr Sinclair
from a fine specimen shot in the Isle of Skye.

THE OSPREY.

PANDION HALIAETUS.

lolair uisg.

From being a comparatively common bird, the Osprey is now,
with the exception of the kite and goshawk, the rarest of our
native species; indeed, it has been stated recently that it is doubtful
whether the Osprey now breeds in any part of Britain. Such were
my own fears until I had the satisfaction of learning from Mr
Elwes, that there are still (1867) at least three or four breeding
stations in Ross-shire, and that these are strictly protected.*

In by-gone years, Ospreys bred on Inch Galbraith on Loch
Lomond, and on one of the islets in Lake Menteith; also on Loch
Maree, Loch Awe, and other places of a like character; but these
localities have been long deserted, although a stray bird may be
seen at times hovering in the vicinity of the islets where the nests

* I have since been informed on very good authority of another breeding
station in Kirkcudbrightshire ; and Mr Brown has also assured ine that
eggs of the Osprey were taken in Inverness-shire in the breeding season
of 1869, and that the birds laid a second time, and were allowed to hatch
their young in safety. I may here repeat what I have elsewhere stated, that
the species still nests in Wigtownshire, which is, in all likelihood, the most
south ernly breeding station at present in Britain.

THE OSPREY. 19

were formerly placed. It has of late years, as I am informed, been
trapped on Loch Awe, and a pair were noticed two years ago
surveying the old site on Inch Galbraith, but they left after a few
days' fishing in the neighbourhood. I have good reason for saying
that they will be most carefully looked to and preserved, should
they again establish themselves there. In 1863, 1864, and 1865
the Osprey must have bred somewhere north of Stirlingshire, as
young birds, beautifully spotted, were trapped near Campsie, arid
sent to a poulterer in Glasgow. These I examined, and found
to be in fine feather.

In the first volume of the Ibis, N. S., 1865, it is stated in a letter
to the editor by Mr John Roche of Clungunford House, Shrop-
shire, that the Osprey breeds regularly every season at a locality in
Inverness-shire, and that Lord Hill had informed him of having
received young birds from that quarter for several years. It is
gratifying to be able to add that Lord Hill, finding it impossible
to rear the birds, has requested that in future they are to be
protected.

I have seen this interesting bird fishing in Loch Doon in Ayr-
shire and Loch Dee in Kirkcudbrightshire, but not of late years —
its appearance in either of these lochs being now extremely uncer-
tain. Those who practise the " gentle art " will miss their fellow
fishers, as no true sportsman who is a lover of nature would grudge
them their legitimate prey. Anglers, as a rule, are proud of the
companionship of such birds as the Osprey and Water Ouzel, and
would as soon think of injuring a fellow-creature as molesting these
companions of their solitary hours.

The Osprey is but a rare straggler to the Outer Hebrides — one
specimen only having been met with there; it was got on the island
of Barra. Mr Elwes informs me that it is of rare occurrence in
Islay. There is one preserved in the museum at Islay House.

The most recent instance of the occurrence of this bird in the
middle districts of Scotland is one communicated to me by Mr
Brown, in whose collection the specimen has since been placed.
It was seen for some time in October, 1868, frequenting Carron
Dam, near Falkirk, and extending its flight occasionally up the
river in the direction of the village of Larbert. But a marked
object like an Osprey was too great a temptation to gun owners
living in the neighbourhood of its haunts, and it soon became
encircled by a score of enemies. For six days, however, it evaded

20 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

all their attempts upon its life, rising sometimes straight into the
air within sight of them all, and wending its flight to a less danger-
ous part of the river, until one morning, after catching a perch, it
alighted upon a board nailed to a pole as a warning to trespassers;
then it flew, carrying the fish, to the top of a monumental pillar in
the adjoining churchyard, where it forfeited its life. Mr Brown
informs me that the poor bird, under a pressure of hunger, no doubt,
was seen some days previously making a dash at some fowls in a
poultry yard.

It would appear that there are but slender grounds for drawing a
distinction between this bird and the Pandion Carolinensis of North
America. In speaking of the latter species, the late Mr Cassin, in
Professor Baird's work on the " Birds of North America," says: —
" There are no appreciable specific differences between specimens
from all parts of North America, and, we may be allowed to add,
very slight between those of this country and of Europe and Asia."
Mr J. H. Gurney — an excellent authority — in a communication to
the Ibis for 1867 (vol. iii., N. S., p. 465), writes even more con-
clusively as follows: — " The Norwich Museum possesses an exten-
sive series of Ospreys from various parts of the world; and I have
no hesitation in expressing my belief that the species is identical,
not only on the coasts of North America and of Europe, but also
on those of Africa, Asia, and Australia." To these opinions I may,
however, add that so far as I have been able to judge, the eggs of
the American bird are invariably much richer in colour than any
I have seen taken from the nests of British Ospreys.

A specimen of the Osprey, now before me, was shot near Dun-
bar a few years ago, and preserved by my friend, Mr W. Sinclair.

THE GEEENLAND FALCON.

FALCO CANDICANS.

Although a rare bird, the Gyr Falcon, as this species has been
called, has frequently been met with in Scotland. It is mentioned
by Sir Robert Sibbald in his " Historia Animalium in Scotia," p.
14, forming a section of his " Scotia Illustrata," etc., published in
1684, and is next referred to by Pennant in the appendix to his
"Tour in Scotland," 8vo. edition, 1772, p. 292, where he says: —
" The Gyr Falcon has been shot in Aberdeenshire. A large white

GREENLAND FALCON. 21

hawk — I suppose an unspotted bird of this species — has bred for
these last twelve years at Hilleigh Green, near Hackness, four
miles from Scarborough." Forty years later it is noticed by Don
in his " Forfarshire Fauna," in which, at page 40, the following
note occurs: — "Falco Candicans — Gyr Falcon. — I observed one of
this species on the estate of Mr Robertson Scott of Hedderwick,
in September, 1810; but I rather think it is rare." These records,
with that furnished in Low's " Fauna ( )rcadensis," published in
1812, were all that we knew of the bird as a Scottish species until
1835, when a very fine specimen (which I have seen) was shot at
Dechmont, in Lanarkshire; but since that year, as ornithologists
have increased, instances of its occurrence have been more fre-
quent. These, it may be added, have chiefly happened in the
West of Scotland.

In the Outer Hebrides it is seen occasionally. One was shot by
Col. Gordon's keeper in South Uist a few years ago, and examined
by Mr Colin M'Vean, who made a careful drawing of the bird;
another was killed in North Uist by Mr John M'Donald, Newton,
in 1860. A very beautiful male, in fine plumage, was shot in Islay
by Peter Mackenzie, gamekeeper to Mr Ramsay of Kildalton, in
the autumn of 1862, and exhibited at a meeting of the Natural
History Society of Glasgow.* It had been seen for some days
previously frequenting a glen on Ramsay's property, and made a
bold dash at the keeper's dogs one day as they entered its haunts.
This offence was the first and last of its kind; the brave bird
forgot it was on the wrong side of Iceland. Mr Elwes has in-
formed me that another Gyr Falcon was procured in Islay last
year (1867); and I have since learned from Dr Dewar that one
was seen in the forest of Black Mount, Argyleshire, about the end
of September, 1868, by Mr Peter Robertson, who states that he
had several opportunities of observing the bird. It was very
fearless, and made repeated swoops at his dogs when out with a
shooting party.

In the third volume of MacGillivray's "British Birds," page 738,
the following statement occurs respecting this species: — "MrMac-
kinnon informs me that this bird breeds on the main island of

* Since the above was written, I have been informed by Edward C. New-
come, Esq., of Feltwell Hall, Brandon, that he has in his collection an immature
male, which was shot by J. Campbell, at Foss, on Loch Tummel, in Perthshire,
in the spring of 1862.

22 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

St Kilda. He states that several pairs occur there; that the
young have the upper parts grey all winter, and change to white
in summer; that he has been at the nest of one; and that the old
birds were so violent in their attacks that he had difficulty in
keeping them off with a stick."

Mr J. H. Dunn informs me that a Gyr Falcon was seen fre-
quenting the island of Foula for three or four weeks.

I have in my own collection a very handsome female bird of
this species, which was caught near Elgin in the autumn of 1865.
It had previously been wounded, and therefore could offer no re-
sistance to a party of passing workmen, who urged their dog to
attack it, and in this way secured the prize.

THE ICELAND FALCON.
FA LOO ISLANDICUS.

Between 1835 and 1851 several specimens of this Falcon were
shot in Eoss-shire, Sutherlandshire, and Inverness-shire; and
within the last four years I have satisfied myself that four or five
have been shot in the West of Scotland. One was killed by
Captain M'Rae on the island of Vallay, Outer Hebrides, in
September, 1865. It haunted the farm-yard for some time, and
was quite fearless in its attacks among the poultry — killing a
great many chickens before meeting its fate. This bird is now in
the collection of Dr Dewar of Glasgow. Another, a fine male,
had been shot in October of the previous year in North Uist, by
Allan M'Lean, gamekeeper there ; and a third Hebridean specimen
was found washed ashore dead on the west side of the island
about the same time, but was not discovered until it had been
disfigured by hooded crows. It has likewise occurred on the
inner islands, as I have been informed by Mr Elwes, who
writes that " one which was shot in Islay is now in the museum
at Islay House."

In September, 1866, another fine Iceland Falcon was caught in
a pole trap at Glendaruel, Argyleshire, but unfortunately this bird
was lost, the trap not having been looked at for some days after
it was sprung. The species, however, was identified beyond a
doubt.

Dr Saxby, writing in October, 1865, observes that it is now

PEREGRINE FALCON. 23

only occasionally seen in winter, although formerly a regular
visitor.

Regarding the habits of this bird, Audubon, who figures it in
his large work on the " Birds of North America" under the name
of Labrador Falcon (see plate 196, and descriptive letterpress in
vol. ii., p. 552), remarks that it occasionally alights on the stakes
placed on the shore as beacons by the fishermen, sitting not upright
but like a tern or skua on the alert for prey, and pouncing on the
puffins as they make their appearance at the mouth of their
burrows. Its nest is built of sticks, sea-weed, and mosses, and
is generally placed on some rocky precipice. In one instance,
Audubon found a number of the wings of guillemots, puffins,
and willow grouse lying scattered in the vicinity of the nest.
The cry is described as being loud, shrill, and piercing like that
of a peregrine.

Adult birds of this species have the plumage uniformly of a
dark greyish brown with white spots, and the tarsus and toes of a
greyish blue. In speaking of the various Falcons to be found in
Iceland, Dr Von Troil, in his " Letters " on that country, states
that at the time he wrote they were abundant. " There are
three sorts," says this author; " they are purchased by the royal
falconers, who give fifteen dollars a-piece for the white, ten for
those that are darker, and seven for the grey." *

THE PEREGRINE FALCON.

FALCO PEREGRINUS.

Sheabhag.

Although subjected to an extraordinary amount of persecution,
this beautiful Falcon maintains a good hold throughout those dis-
tricts in which it has been well known for centuries, and may still
be called a common bird in many districts of western Scotland,
ranging from Burrow Head to Cape Wrath. In mountainous and
rocky tracts on the inner islands and mainland of Argyle, Inver-
ness, Ross and Sutherland shires, it is found commonly in pairs,
each frequenting a radius of about six or eight miles. In Islay,
Mull, and Jura, as well as the islands of minor extent, it is about

* " Letters on Iceland," etc., by Uno Von Troil, D.D., London, 1780.

21 filRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

equally distributed, but is much more plentiful in Skye and its
outlying stacks of rock, whose precipitous sides afford abundant
shelter and protection. It is also comparatively common in the
Outer Hebrides, breeding on the higher hills. I have traced it
from Barra to Lewis, and have seen it on all the intervening
islands. 'Mr John M'Donald of Newton, North Uist, informs me
that he has seen the Peregrine during the breeding season on the
Haskeir rocks, between Harris and St Kilda, and on St Kilda
itself, where there are several pairs.

As we leave these isolated and almost impregnable fortresses
of the Peregrine, and approach the mainland, we find that the
ravages of keepers and collectors have of late years greatly
thinned its numbers. Among the deserted eyries of the south-
western counties may be mentioned Dumbarton rock, the lesser
Cumbrae, Ayr Heads (within the last two years), and at least
three or four stations on the cliffs between Girvan and the entrance
to Loch Ryan, including that on Knockdolian hill.

There are still many pairs to be found in the vicinity of B;:n
Lomond and on the mountain ranges stretching from the head of
Loch Long both to the north and west. From these districts and
other parts of Argyleshire, as well as the island of Arran, con-
siderable numbers of Peregrines are sent in to the Glasgow bird-
stuffers. In Ayrshire several inland haunts, such as the parish of
Straiten, are yet frequented; the same may be said of Wigtown-
shire, in which county, however, the eyries at Mull of Galloway,
Portpatrick, and Burrow Head, are now all but abandoned. I saw
at the last-named haunt a handsome pair of birds a year ago, but
was sorry to learn that a few weeks after my visit the female was
shot while sitting on her nest by a keeper, who, it is hoped, has
by this time repented of the cruel act.

It is seldom that this Falcon rears more than three young ones,
though as many as five eggs are sometimes laid. In one nest in
Skye two years ago there were four young birds. The old female
was shot, and a trap was set for her mate, who brought two
pigeons and a starling to the nest before he was caught. The
prey of the Peregrine is very varied, consisting of game birds,
such as young pheasants, partridges, red grouse, and black game,
snipe and wild duck, when these can be readily obtained in the
vicinity of its ordinary haunts. When located, as is often the case,
beside a colony of gulls and guillemots, it contents itself with plun-

PEREGRINE FALCON. ^0

dering the nests of these birds after the young ones are hatched.
I have seen many eyries of Peregrines in such situations, as for
example the Bass Rock, St Abb's Head, and Troup Head on
the east coast; and the Mull of Galloway, Burrow Head, Ailsa
Craig, the Shiant Isles, and Barra on the west. The Haskeir
Rocks and St Kilda are also instances of their partiality for the
companionship of seabirds. In these marine haunts the Falcons
prey almost exclusively on birds that can be got on the same
ledges, guillemots, razor bills, puffins, kittiwakes, etc. I re-
member, in one instance, of finding among other things in a nest
on a precipitous rocky ledge facing the sea, in the south of
Kirkcudbrightshire, the remains of three snipes, and a male
cuckoo untouched, his open yellow throat looking as fresh as if he
had sung his last note but an hour before. It is not unlikely
that the seabird, and consequently rank-tasted, diet may after a
time become unpalatable, and oblige the birds to look out for a
change at a distance. I recollect oil one occasion traversing a
distant inland moor and finding an old male fast asleep on the
bones and feathers of a red grouse, which he had just killed and
eaten. There were several eyries of Peregrines within a few miles
of the place, and it was not likely any of these birds would have
been so hungry as to commence feeding on its prey where
captured, this being generally carried to a distance to be devoured
in safety. I therefore conjectured that this bird was a stranger,
and, from being probably a resident on some maritime cliff,
had wandered from his ordinary beat, and surfeited himself
after a long flight. Nor was there any reason to suppose that the
prey was too heavy, as I have known a Peregrine carry a black-
cock to the Bass Rock — the nearest haunt of that species of game
being distant about three miles.

The Peregrine has been accused of striking down birds and
leaving them dead, without again touching them, and I believe
the charge is to some extent true, though its repetition depends
very much upon the kind of prey that happens to cross its flight.
No hungry Falcon, for instance, after killing several rooks in
succession, would think of letting a good fat woodcock drop out
of his clutches ; and although an occasional act of mischief cannot
be denied, it is not, I think, too much to say that Peregrines as a
rule are too generous to imitate man by killing what they do not
require. Yet, after all, some of their deeds are bad enough, as

26 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

the following incident taken from one of my note-books will
show: — One evening in June, about eight years ago, as I lay
crouched behind some rocks on the sea shore near Girvan, watch-
ing a small flock of curlews feeding, a Peregrine made its
appearance under somewhat unusual circumstances. The occur-
rence took place about sunset, after the tide had gone back,
exposing a rich stretch of open sand, dotted here and there with
bits of smooth rock covered with green sea-weed. The sea being
smooth, the faint noise it made only added to the eerieness of the
twilight hour; and as the sun disappeared behind a bank of fleecy
purple clouds on the horizon, the peaked hills of Arran formed as
impressive a back ground as could be imagined. In a shallow
stretch of water, which a slight ridge of sand had appropriated
from the back-going waves, were six or eight curlews I had for
some time been watching; some were standing dozing, while
others were quietly probing the wet sand for hidden morsels —
all being without any apparent suspicion of my near presence.
There they fed and rested in conscious security until the hues of
the sky illumined the place with a peculiar tint, colouring the
birds almost into the plumage of the glossy ibis. In the midst
of this singular transformation scene, heightened in its effect by
the dead stillness pervading all surrounding objects, I observed a
sudden alarm among the curlews; in a moment they crouched in
terror, uttering a strange but subdued cry, and in another second a
shadow passed over me; swift as lightning the head was torn off
one of their number, and a Peregrine rose with it, screaming shrilly
as if in despair at the neck giving way. Immediately he caught
sight of me, the head was dropped almost beside the quivering
body as it fell with a slight splash into the pool. Looking round, I
saw to my surprise another Falcon — evidently his mate — following
in his direction, so without casting one look upon the effects of this
sudden tragedy, he joined his comrade, and the two continued
their easy flight, — homeward-bound Falcons, not much caring for
the disappointment.*

* On mentioning this occurrence to Dr Dewar, he narrated to me a similar
incident that came tinder his notice in the case of his tame Falcons. He had
several merlins on their perches out of doors, and was in the act of teasing a
female Peregrine he had just let off by throwing up a lure and suddenly with-
drawing it, when, without a moment's warning, down came the angry bird
with an impetuous rush past his head, and off went the head of one of the
merlins, the executioner meanwhile rising into the air with shrill outcry as if
chiding its tormentor.

PEREGRINE FALCON. 27

In its wanderings along shore the Peregrine is sometimes beset
by the larger sea gulls and other birds, just as I have seen the
kestrel and little merlin buffeted by swallows, wagtails, and other
small assailants, whose impudent boldness is so often allowed to
pass unpunished. Writing from lona, Mr Graham says: — "It is
frequently seen along the coast here hunting for ducks, rock
pigeons, and the lesser sea gulls (if they are not flying over the
water), but I never discovered any nesting place, though I have
seen the old birds hunting at the time of the year when they might
be supposed to have nestlings. The presence of a Peregrine is
often announced by an unusual clamour among the hooded crows,
who leave their search for shell-fish among the rocks to follow the
nobler rogue with their vulgar uproar; and as the word is passed
along the beach, the mob increases in numbers and audacity, till
the Falcon is fairly rabbled out of their district. A Peregrine who
had just struck a red-legged crow was thus assailed, and so dis-
tracted by their unusual pertinacity (probably on account of the
red-leg being one of their cloth) that I walked up and shot him in
mid air, holding his prey in one claw while the other was held
ready to give the death blow to any assailant, should he venture
within reach of his grip, which they took very good care not to
do."

Notwithstanding all that has been said by recent American
writers on the distinctions between the European Peregrine and
that of the North American continent, I confess that I have never
been able to discover any sufficient grounds for their separation.
The late Mr Cassin of Philadelphia, in his description of the two
birds, which he considers distinct from the Peregrine of the old
world, viz., F. analum and F. nigriceps, appears to think the for-
mer larger than our bird, and the latter the smallest of the three,
size alone being apparently his guide. During a long experience,
however, among the Peregrines of western Scotland, I have always
believed that there could not be a more unreliable test than mere
dimensions, some birds, even of the same sex, being almost twice
the weight of others. Sir William Jardine gives the following
measurements: — "Male nearly 16 inches in length, and 12 J inches
from shoulder to tip of second quill. Female, length about 19
inches; from shoulder to tip of second quill, 14 inches." Yarrell
says:—" The whole length of an adult Peregrine Falcon is from 15
to 18 inches, depending on the sex and age of the bird;" while

28 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

Temminck states that the male is 14 or 15 inches, and the female
16 or 21 inches. Swainson and Richardson give the measurements
of two birds from Melville peninsula as, male 14, female 18 inches.
Mr MacGrillivray, whose practical acquaintance with British birds
was extensive, states that the male is 1 6 \ inches, and the female 1 9| ;
but under the head " variations," he says that the males measure
from 16 to 18 inches, and females from 18 to 23. Among those
I have myself examined, I find the size of both sexes varies very
much. Compared with the Hebridean Peregrines, those of the
western mainland are in general but pigmies. Two very large
female birds are now before me; one was shot in Sutherland
in 1869, and forwarded to me by Mr Brown. In length it
is about 21 inches; wing from flexure 15 inches. The other,
which was shot in South Uist in March, 1869, and obligingly pre-
sented to me by Mr Alexander Carmichael of Lochmaddy, is the
largest Peregrine I have seen. It measures 22 J inches in length;
wing from flexure 1 6 inches. Some of the Skye Peregrines are
very powerful birds — the males in many cases being larger than
females from other districts. Mr Brown tells me that he shot a
female off the nest in Sutherlandshire on 8th May, 1869, which
was no larger than an ordinary-sized male. With such variations
in the measurements of British specimens, it is surely rash to con-
clude that Falco anatum is entitled to rank as a separate species
on account of its superior size. The measurements given by
Audubon of American birds are, male 17 J inches in length, female
19J, while Mr Cassin's are in length from 18 to 20 inches, show-
ing, in fact, dimensions inferior to those of Scottish specimens.
As a rule, those taken on the western coasts of Scotland,
especially in the isle of Skye and the Outer Hebrides, are much
the largest.

In the first volume of Audubon's " Ornithological Biography,"
the following note occurs at page 88 bearing on the question of
unity in the Peregrines of the old and new world, and it is interest-
ing as showing that occasional journeys may be undertaken by
these swift fliers from one country to another: — "Once when
nearing the coast of England, being then about a hundred and
fifty miles distant from it, in the month of July I obtained a pair
of these birds which had come on board our vessel and had been
shot there. I examined them with care, and found no difference
between them and those which I had shot in America." A more

THE HOBBY. 29

recent testimony from the pen of J. H. Gurney, Esq. — than
whom, perhaps, there can be no better authority — appeared in
the "Ibis" for 1867, and is as follows: — "I have for many years
made a point of examining, as carefully as I have been able, as
many specimens as possible of the Peregrine Falcon from all parts
of both hemispheres where that widely-spread species occur*, and
I now find myself unable to detect any constant specific difference
that may be relied on between the three supposed species, Falco
peregrinus, F. anatum, and F. nigriceps" I may remark that if
Mr Cassin's figure of the last-mentioned bird is correct (see plate
xiv. of the Zoology of the "U.S. Naval Expedition in the Southern
Hemisphere," vol. ii., Washington, 1855), it exhibits a state of
plumage which I have not found in a single Peregrine in this
country: the bill is said to be comparatively weaker, but the
figure shows an even greater weakness in the claws. Plates, how-
ever, are at best subject to fault-finding. Mr Cassin's figure of
the northern sea-eagle is not exempt, the drawing being without
a hind toe to one of the feet. Falco nigriceps was originally
described as a new species by Mr Cassin in his beautiful volume
on the " Birds of California and Texas" in 1853.

THE HOBBY.

FALCO SUBBUTEO.

Although the Hobby cannot be said to be a common species in
Scotland, its occurrence is now so frequent as to excite some sur-
prise that it should have escaped the observation of many previous
writers. It is more frequently met with in the eastern counties
than in other districts, as, with the exception of the island of Arran,
I have not heard of any western locality where specimens have
been obtained. A beautiful male was shot there some years ago
and examined by myself; and I have been assured by Mr Halliday,
one of the Duke of Hamilton's keepers, that he has, in several in-
stances, taken both the bird and its eggs in that island, when
assisting the late Dr Martin Barry to make his collection. Mr
Halliday appears to be well acquainted with the merlin, peregrine,
and other " hawks " breeding in Arran, and has described to me
the plumage of the Hobby so correctly that I have little or no
hesitation in recording its occurrence there as a native.

30 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

As far back as the close of last century, the Hobby was included
in a very complete and apparently accurate list of birds found in
the parish of Luss on the banks of Loch Lomond by the Rev. Mr
Stuart, and about twenty years afterwards Mr G. Don, in his
" Fauna of Forfarshire " — a very meritorious essay published as an
appendix to the Rev. J. Headrick's " View of the Agriculture "
of that county — mentions it as " rather rare " in his district.
Again, in 18:23, a specimen appears to have been shot at Branx-
holm, near Ha wick, as I have been informed by Mr J. Heckford
of the Kelso museum; and later still, Mr Tottenham Lee
procured two, and saw a third, in 1853 at Glenlee Park, Kirkcud-
brightshire, where he at that time resided. The Hobby is also
mentioned by the late James Wilson of Woodville, in his "Voyage
round the Isles of Scotland," as having been shot in Caithness —
a specimen, which he saw, being in the collection of Mr E. S. Sinclair,
surgeon, Wick; and in a list of the birds of Caithness, published
in the second volume of the Proceedings of the Royal Physical
Society of Edinburgh, Mr R. J. Shearer states that a specimen
which he saw in the hands of Charles Wilkinson, gamekeeper,
was killed at Thrumster, in that county. Dr J. A. Smith, Secre-
tary to the Society just named, has obligingly communicated to
me the occurrence of another which was shot near Portobello,
Mid-Lothian, in July, 1863, in which year one was obtained at
Rothiemay, in Banffshire — its second occurrence in that county,
one having been killed about twenty-three years ago near the town
of Banff. Mr W. C. Angus of Aberdeen has informed me that in
the autumn of the same year an immature specimen was captured
at sea off the coast of Aberdeenshire, and sold to Mr Sim, Taxider-
mist, 20 King Street, who obtained a second specimen, also
immature, in the autumn of 1868, from a person who picked it up
dead at Kittybrewster station, near Aberdeen, where it had been
killed by the telegraph wires. In addition to these Aberdeenshire
records, I have the pleasure of adding a third, communicated to
me by Mr Alexander Mitchell, who shot a fine adult male on the
8th June, 1868, at Broadhill, near Aberdeen. The stomach of
this specimen, which, with the two in Mr Sim's possession, I have
since seen and examined, was crammed with beetles. Being in full
breeding plumage, it was probably a wanderer from Glen Dye —
a district in the west of the neighbouring county of Kincardine,
where, as I have been informed by Mr Brown, who is assured

RED-FOOTED FALCON. 31

of the correctness of his information, the Hobby has for some years
been known to breed. I have been informed by Mr George
Kirkpatrick that a specimen of the Hobby was shot in June, 1867,
on the Rockhall estate, a few miles from Dumfries, and is now in
the possession of Mr Hastings, bird sttiffer in that town.

Dr Saxby says that this species is very rare in Shetland, and
that it seems to occur in autumn only.

THE RED-FOOTED FALCON.
FA LOO RV PIPES.

I have much pleasure in introducing into the present work a
notice of the occurrence of the only specimen of this rare British bird
which appears to have been met with in Scotland. It was shot in
Aberdeenshire, and is now in the possession of Mr John Ruxton,
who has very kindly sent me the following communication: — "An
adult female of this rare and beautiful species was shot and given to
me by my friend, Mr Andrew Gill, while on a visit at Hill of Fiddes,
in the parish of Foveran, and county of Aberdeen, in the last week
of May, 1866. The stomach contained beetles, from which I infer
that, like many of its congeners, it is not so destructive of game
as many preservers imagine."

As this Falcon has not often been captured in Britain, it may
not be out of place here to allude to one found near the borders.
In a work on the Geology, Botany, and Zoology of the neighbour-
hood of Alnwick, it is stated, on the authority of Mr R. C.
Embleton, that a female Red-footed Falcon was found at Hauxley
in October, 1868.*

THE MERLIN.
FALCO ^E SALON.

Seog.

This interesting and courageous little falcon is very commonly
distributed throughout western Scotland, extending to all the
Hebrides, including the outer group, or Long Island ; and though

* " History of Alnwick," by George Tate, F.G.S., 1869.

32 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

in some of the more carefully watched game preserves it is not so
numerous as it was twenty years ago, it cannot be called a scarce
species anywhere from Caithness to Wigtownshire. Even in Ayr-
shire, which is overrun by keepers, it breeds in considerable
numbers on the moors, especially in the north eastern quarter of
the county, and appears to elude destruction by its great skill in
hunting, as well as by the rapidity of its movements, when
flushed from its haunts. During autumn and winter it quits the
moors entirely, and descends beyond the limits of cultivation, even
to the sea-coast, where, by its vigilance and extraordinary activity,
it manages to fare well in comparative safety. At this season it
also resorts to large towns, taking up its quarters in church towers
and other tall buildings, and passes the entire winter among the
housetops, where, in fact, it is much safer than in the open fields.
I have seen it oftener than once frequenting slated roofs in the
heart of the city of Glasgow, and preying upon the pigeons that
are constantly seen dozing for warmth on the chimneys in many
of the public streets. In March, 1869, and February, 1870, two
male birds which had been captured in the city came into my
hands; they were both as black as a chimney sweep, and on
dissection, were found to have been preying on pigeons and
sparrows. Mr Brown also sent me, in December, 1869, a female
Merlin in the same disguised state of plumage, which had evi-
dently been a chimney haunter.

The Merlin is easily tamed, and soon becomes a very interesting
pet. A few months ago, Dr Dewar bad a beautiful young male
in his possession, which was occasionally allowed its liberty in the
house. I have seen it come flying into the drawing room, heed-
less of the glare of gaslight, and make repeated attempts to perch
on the polished articles of furniture, or mantel-piece ornaments,
occasionally resulting in failures which were highly amusing.
Sometimes when settled to its mind, it remained perfectly still,
looking exactly like a bronze figure; but when approached or
spoken to, for it readily answered to its name " Charlie," it bent
forward its neck and became all eagerness, the querulous expres-
sion of its beautiful black eye being on these occasions unusually
interesting.

When in pursuit of prey, this spirited little bird will rush head-
long anywhere, after getting fairly excited, and is rarely baffled
in its hunting expeditions, however large the object of chase. It

THE MERLIN. 33

will ascend beyond the range of ordinary vision in its endeavours
to surmount the' flight of a snipe, or come down like a falling star
on a hurrying plover striving to reach some friendly marsh. At
other times the chase is persevered in with a courage and deter-
mination quite extraordinary in a bird so small, its feats reminding
one more of the theftuous acts of a sparrow-hawk than the stoop
of the nobler falcon. With the rapidity of an arrow, it will fly
along some enclosure, by the hedgerows, seize an object, and glide
out of sight, leaving the spectator to marvel at the transaction as
at a deed of magic.

On the east of Scotland, where I studied the habits of raptorial
birds for many years, I remember some years ago seeing this Falcon
capturing snipes very cleverly at the sea shore. At a particular
part of the coast near Dunbar, where a rivulet enters the sea, the
snipes fed in great numbers at low tide, the ground, which was
covered with small brown pebbles, being well adapted for the conceal-
ment of birds. With the most punctual regularity, a pair of Merlins
used to come as I made my appearance at this place, and hover
about till I had raised a brace, which were immediately pounced
upon. But after a time the snipes became so terror-stricken that
a hundred shots would not frighten them; nor could a single bird
be raised, though I saw them occasionally skulking under the
stones. I found them more than once, indeed, paralyzed with fear,
and so heedless of anything save the hawks, that I was able to pick
up one or two and transfer them to my bag while my two friends
were flying overhead disappointed of their usual supply, and
doubtless in wonder at this sporting novelty. Ultimately, how-
ever— for the snipes persisted in frequenting the place, though an
unusual one — these birds acquired so much cunning that they ran
to conceal themselves under the slimy stones below tide mark,
thrusting their bodies, crab-like, into the crevices as soon as the
Merlins and I came in sight ! At such times their hurry was ex-
tremely diverting; and as the facts I narrate extended over a
length of time, I could not help being struck with the behaviour
of the snipes during the protracted disturbance they were sub-
jected to.

The Merlin makes its nest, as I have observed in various parts
of Scotland, in wild tracks of moorland amongst heather, the spot
selected being generally near a ravine, or moderate precipice of
rock, on the summit and walls of which tufts of heather are

C

34 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

growing. The nest is composed of small sticks and heather stems,
but is without any lining; the eggs are from three to five in number,
and, unlike those of the kestrel, are subject to little variety. In a
nest in Argyleshire one of the four eggs it contained was almost
pure cream-coloured. In the western counties — and I may say in
also the eastern, especially in East Lothian — I have observed the
bird itself to be tolerably common on the sea coast, where it could
satisfy its partiality for shore birds. It seems to prefer sanderlings,
dunlins, and snipes, these being oftenest found in its nest, though
it be situated on some moor at a considerable distance from the
sea. I have seen it also killing larks and wheatears.

I recollect on one occasion finding a Merlin's nest on one of the
Haddingtonshire moors, by the side of a ravine filled with great
square blocks of grey rock and clumps of feathery birch trees, the
banks being decorated with patches of beautiful heather and
luxuriant grass. On a little platform near the summit of one of
these blocks, which appeared ready to tumble into the glen, the
nest was placed beside a tuft of heath, with three fine stalks of
foxglove bending slightly forward and gracefully shaking their
bells over the heads of the young falcons as they sat waiting an
arrival. I was about ten feet above them, peeping over the em-
bankment under a spreading hazel, and well out of sight of the old
birds, should they come. They sat like miniature eagles in a line
facing the course of the tumbling burn at the bottom of the
ravine, and I could discern nothing like an impatient look in any
of them. They appeared to be in full feather, and I could not
help admiring the four healthy fellows reposing on their pictur-
esque watch-tower, even though it savoured badly of unfinished
dinners and the trampled remains of seafaring dotterel. Taking
an old letter from my pocket, I tore off several bits, and let them
down in a shower on their backs, which had the effect of making
each give his neighbour a smart rap on the side of the head, and
lift first one foot, then the other, as if the perch were becoming
too hot for them. But just as I was about to repeat the infliction,
their mother pitched down suddenly beside them with a golden
plover in her claws, which she laid down, unconcernedly, as I
thought, but in reality relaxing her grasp with a truly inquiring
look at so many visitors' cards on the premises. In an instant
she looked in all directions, and at once divining nothing good,
from my head between her and the sky, she disappeared like a

THE KESTREL. 35

thought. I then took a stick and threw it down upon the family,
who broke up by fluttering and falling into space till they fairly
took wing and glided from me in different directions; so, as they
had not touched the plover, I scrambled to the deserted platform
and carried it off. It is not likely they would miss it, as I have
no doubt that within the next half hour the little rascals were
killing their first bird on the adjoining moor.

THE KESTREL.

FALCO TINNUNCULUS.

Clamhan ruadh.

THE Kestrel is by far the commonest bird of prey in the western
counties of Scotland, ranking even more numerously than the
merlin in its distribution. It is abundant on all the Hebrides,
extending to the outer islands and the uninhabited rocks lying
between Harris and St Kilda, where it breeds. The nest in these
outlying haunts is generally, if not always, built on a rocky plat-
form, the situation resembling the spots usually chosen by the
peregrine, and even in cultivated districts I have observed that
such a site is oftener chosen than any other. Some eyries which
I have seen at a considerable elevation on mountainous tracts were
situated in most romantic and picturesque places, oft-times in deep
glens and on inaccessible rocks overhanging a. waterfall. Last
year I found one about 1800 feet above the sea level, placed at
the root of a rowan tree, which grew on the verge of a cliff, over
which there poured a beautiful cascade. The nest, which con-
tained five eggs, was a simple hollow among withered ferns,
and the bird, in sitting upon it, could see the highland burn
making a grand leap of thirty feet into the caldron below.
Again, in Inchtavanach, one of the finest islands in that most
beautiful of all Scottish lakes — Loch Lomond — there are many
nests among the ivy-clad rocks, which are haunted by jackdaws,
starlings, and other birds, the whole forming a diversified group,
but living in the most perfect harmony, while on almost every
steep rock jutting into the lake, from Luss northwards, one or
two pairs are constantly to be found in the breeding season.

This elegant and harmless Falcon is easily tamed from the nest.
I have often had young birds in my keeping, and found them not

36 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

at all difficult to rear. A few years ago, a pair which were taken
near Girvan, fed freely upon small trout, which they seemed to
prefer, when supplied with these and small birds at the same time.
After getting their liberty, when able to fly, they returned to
their cage at night; and during the day-time, if I happened to be
fishing in the stream close to the house, they would come and
perch on a paling near at hand, and anxiously wait for any small
fry that were hooked. Sometimes one of them, tired of waiting,
would strike down a linnet and begin eating it on the footpath,
but it relinquished its prey at once on being offered a fish.

Mr Graham tells me that he has seen the Kestrel hawking for
worms over a newly ploughed field in Argyleshire, alighting to
devour one, and then resuming its search, hovering a few yards
above the ground very perseveringly.

I am inclined to think that, in some districts at least, the
Kestrel is partly nocturnal in its flight, having observed it on the
heugh-heads, near Dunbar, about nightfall, snatching at ghost-
moths and large beetles as they hovered above some grassy
patches near the edge of the cliffs.

I find from Don's Fauna of Forfarshire, that this bird in his day
was, not inappropriately, called " Willie whip the wind."

THE GOSHAWK.

ASTUR PALUMBARIUS.

As a Scottish species, the Goshawk is now, in common with
other conspicuous birds of prey, very rarely met with. In the
western districts, it has never indeed come under my observation,
either alive or recently captured. I am indebted, however, to my
obliging correspondent, the Eev. Alex. Stewart of Ballachulish, for
a record of its occurrence in Argyleshire over a period of twenty
years. Two were seen by that gentleman thirteen years ago in
Glasgow; they were newly stuffed, and had been shot on the
Lochbuy estate in Mull. Another was killed in Glenorchy in
1848, and was in the possession of Dr Aldcroft of Oban. A third
specimen, a female, was shot in the district of Appin a few years
ago, and belonged to the late Captain Sutherland of Invercoe,
Glencoe. Mr Stewart also states that he saw a living specimen
of the Goshawk in August, 1 866, on board the yacht " Chloe,"

THE GOSHAWK. 37

the owner, J. Rattray, Esq., having procured it in Orkney a short
time previously.

Within a comparatively recent period, I have known the Gos-
hawk to breed in Kirkcudbrightshire, in which district my corre-
spondent, Mr Tottenham Lee, Jun., who was quite familiar with all
the British birds of prey, repeatedly saw the birds flying about.
Under the observation of that gentleman, a pair of ravens were
turned out of their nest by two Goshawks, who appropriated
it to their own use, and a second nest, built not far from this
locality, was situated in a tree.

In the time of Pennant, this species was a well-known native
of the woods of Rothiemurchus, a locality in which it has since
repeatedly been obtained. It is likewise included in Don's list of
the birds of Forfarshire, without any restrictive remarks, shewing
that it had been sufficiently common to take a place among the
more familiar species of that county. In later years, however, it
must have decreased rapidly, although of occasional occurrence.
Mr Macgillivray mentions in his work on British birds, that Mr
Fenton of Edinburgh saw one which was shot in Forfarshire in
1825, and I lately examined a very handsome and perfect speci-
men at Glammis, in the same county, where it was caught, about
five years ago, in a pole trap. It had broken the chain, and
flown off with the trap at its foot, but the chain becoming
entangled in a whin bush, the bird was discovered, and, after a
fierce resistance, knocked on the head. The keeper in whose
possession this fine bird now is, had previously seen it hunting in
the vicinity, and described it to me as a very powerful bird, and
much more daring in its attacks than even the peregrine.

Dr Smith of Edinburgh has obligingly sent me word that a
young male Goshawk was shot near Tynehead, Mid-Lothian, on
the 13th December, 1865, and that he exhibited the specimen at
a meeting of the Royal Physical Society.

The most recent instance of the occurrence of the species in
any part of Scotland is that of a young bird which was shot near
Jedburgh on 12th November, 1869, and is now in the possession
of Lord Minto.

Thirty years ago the Goshawk was a rare species in the parish
of Golspie, in Sutherlandshire, but it appears to have maintained
its hold in Morayshire after it had become a rarity elsewhere.
The late Mr St John, whose notes on the species appear to have

38 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

been written in his journals for 1847, thus speaks of it: — "The
Goshawk is now nearly extinct in this country. A few years ago
it bred regularly in the forest of Darnaway, and it may still do so.
It also breeds in the Glenmore, near Grantown, on the Spey."*
Macgillivray states, that upwards of twenty years ago it was
occasionally met with on the Grampians; and the Rev. John
Lapslie, who was a clever and a discriminating naturalist, mentions
in his interesting account of the fauna of Campsie, in Stirlingshire,
that about the end of last century it was a native of that district,
building its nest in trees in sequestered places.

Mr Alston has drawn my attention to a curious fact in the his-
tory of this bird, in the following communication, from which it
would appear to have been a marked species in the south of Scot-
land six hundred years ago: — " Professor Cosmo Innes states, in
his 'Scotland in the Middle Ages,' pp. 129, 130, that when the
Avenel family granted Eskdale to the monks of Melrose, they
specially reserved the eyries of falcons and tercels. 'Even the
trees in which hawks usually built were to be held sacred, and
those in which they had built one year were on no account to be
felled, till it should be found whether they were about to build
there the next year or no.' This charter, Professor Innes kindly
informs me, is dated A.D. 1235, and has been printed by the
Bannatyne Club (Liber de Metros, vol. i., p. 179). Now, of what
species could these birds have been1? None of the commoner tree-
building species, as kites, sparrow-hawks, etc., were much valued
by the falconer, and it seems to me that the birds thus carefully
protected must have been goshawks. If so, we have here distinct
evidence that they bred regularly in the south of Scotland in the
thirteenth century."

Messrs Baikie and Heddle state that the species is frequently
observed in Orkney, and that some apparently remain there
during the whole year. In Shetland, however, it appears to be
rare, Dr Saxby having in his possession the only specimen known
to have occurred there; it was shot at Scaw, in the winter of
1860.

* Natural History and Sport in Moray, p. 258.

AMERICAN GOSHAWK. 39

THE AMERICAN GOSHAWK.
A STUR ATRICAPILLUS.

KNOWING the aversion of many ornithologists to admit stragglers
into the list of British birds, I have some diffidence in present-
ing, for the first time, a notice of the occurrence of a species new to
this country. It is quite possible, however, that from its general
resemblance to the European bird, the American Goshawk may
have been hitherto passed over without detection, and may again
be found in Scotland. I therefore give it a place in this work, in
the expectation that some future observer may be able to note its
appearance a second or third time in Britain, and thus place it at
least on a level with other species whose occurrence has been
recorded at long and uncertain intervals.

In May, 1869, when visiting the town of Brechin, in Forfarshire,
I was fortunate in finding a very handsome specimen of this
Goshawk in the hands of a bird-stuffer there, who had obtained
it a short time previously from a keeper in Perthshire, along with
a number of snow-buntings and other birds, shot by him on the
flanks of Shechallion, and all recently skinned. The bird was
kindly presented to me by its possessor, who looked upon it as a
" coarse sort of gled," and hardly worth the trouble of cleaning,
as the head had been much stained and the plumage otherwise
soiled by the person who skinned it. On proceeding to relax the
skin, it was found by the Glasgow stuffer whom I employed to
mount the bird, that the brains and eyes had not been removed,
nor the flesh from the wing-bones, so that no doubt could be
entertained as to its recent occurrence. The total length of the
specimen, apparently a female, is 24 J inches; wing, from shoulder
to tip of longest quill, 14 inches; tail, 10J inches. The distribu-
tion of the markings on the plumage is precisely that detailed
by the late Mr Cassin, Prince Bonaparte, and other writers, but
the head can scarcely be called black; the hind neck appears,
when the feathers are raised, as if spotted with yellowish white,
the same semicircular mark appearing on the occiput of a sparrow-
hawk. The breast and under parts are at first sight grey, but on
closer inspection show the faint transverse markings and a thin
longitudinal streak in the centre of each feather.

The following concise distinctions are given by Sir William

40 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

Jardine in the third volume of his " Illustrations of Ornithology."
" The greatest and most perceptible distinction between the two
birds is in the markings of the breast and underparts, and it is so
distinct as to be at once perceived. In the American species the
under parts are of a uniform pale greyish white, having the quill
and centre of each feather black, forming a dark streak. This
extends to those in the middle of the belly, after which it is hardly
visible; every feather in addition is clouded transversely with
irregular bars of grey. In the European bird, the markings are
in the shape of two decided transverse dark bars upon each
feather, with the shaft of the same colour, but not exceeding its
own breadth, each as a whole, having a different appearance."

I have only to add to this description, that a fine European
Goshawk now before me, which was shot off the nest by the late
Mr Wheelwright, has each feather on the breast marked with
three distinct transverse bars, and that the subject of this notice
shows the longitudinal streak on the breast to be almost confined
to the shaft of each feather.

Like its European relative, this Goshawk is swift in flight,
travelling, when at home, high in the air for long distances, and
continuing its journey with a constant beat of the wings, and
seldom deviating from its course, unless tempted by some large
flock of passing birds. Audubon gives a highly graphic account
of its habits in the second volume of his " Ornithological Bio-
graphy," from which I select the following short extract: —
" While travelling along the Ohio, I observed several hawks of
this species in the train of millions of passenger pigeons. Towards
the evening of the same day, I saw one abandoning its course to
give chase to a large flock of Crow Blackbirds (Quiscalus versicolor)
then crossing the river. The hawk approached them with the
swiftness of an arrow, when the blackbirds rushed together so
closely, that the flock looked like a dusky ball passing through
the air. On reaching the mass, he, with the greatest ease, seized
first one, then another, giving each a squeeze with his talons, and
suffering it to drop upon the water. In this manner he had pro-
cured four or five before the poor birds reached the woods, into
which they instantly plunged, when he gave up the chase, swept
over the water in graceful curves, and picked up the fruits of his
industry, carrying each bird singly to the shore."

SPARROW-HAWK. 41

THE SPARROW-HAWK.

ACCIPITER NISUS.

Speir-sheog.

IN the remoter districts of the West of Scotland this daring
and destructive bird is not nearly so numerous as the merlin or
the kestrel. This scarcity is, of course, attributable to the
partiality which the Sparrow-Hawk shows for wooded and culti-
vated localities, in preferring to bring up its brood where it can
have easy access to partridge grounds and farm yards. In such
hunting fields it commits great devastation, and is always in such
a rapacious hurry that its thefts are not easily observed. A
terrified scream from the poultry is all that one hears, and before
a minute is past the feathered rascal is devouring his chicken at
a safe distance. The male is, generally speaking, the more fre-
quent visitor to farm steadings, small game being more convenient
for a bird of his size to carry any distance. The female, how-
ever, will dart into a covey of partridges, and carry off a bird
with apparent ease. The female Sparrow-Hawk, in fact, would
be the game preserver's worst enemy, did it not vary its diet by
an occasional wood pigeon, or some such heavy bird of little
consequence. When hard pressed by hunger, I have known it
come to the vicinity of towns, and carry oft* any kind of prey that
it could conveniently clutch. I remember seeing one make a
descent into a back court surrounded with houses, and strike a
half grown chicken among a group of common fowls. It fell upon
its prey with outspread wings, as if half stunned with the force
of its stoop, and in a moment, before it could recover itself, it was
attacked by a game cock which was strutting about, and actually
held down by the gallant fellow until taken hold of. A still
more singular instance of daring in a Sparrow-Hawk occurred at
Dingwall, in Koss-shire, in November last. The bird, seeing a
caged canary suspended near a window in the house of Mr Grigor,
from whom I learned the details, dashed through a pane of glass,
broke the cage with the impetus of the same blow, and killed its
prey as if the deed had been accomplished without any such
obstruction as glass or wires. When apprehended, it was found
that the hawk had, some time before, been trapped by one of its

42 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

legs, which was wholly gone from the thigh downwards. I saw
both birds about three weeks after the incident happened. Per-
haps the hawk was in the habit of frequenting towns and farm-
steadings, and had been accustomed to attack objects of easy
access; at any rate, it showed great pluck and remaining strength
in making such an attack, and committing so much mischief with
one foot and a stump.

On the Outer Hebrides this bird is perhaps confined to Lewis
and Harris, except in winter, when a few cross the Sound, and
range over the other islands in search of prey.

THE KITE.

MILVUS VULOARIS.

Clamhan-gobhlach Croman lochaidh.

FROM being a very common bird in many of the wooded dis-
tricts of Scotland, the Kite, or salmon-tailed gled, as it is called,
has become almost as scarce as the goshawk or the osprey. Gene-
rally speaking, its best-known haunts in the West of Scotland have
been, during the last ten years, almost entirely deserted, and the
bird is now indeed but rarely seen, even as a straggler, in localities
where, in 1856-57-58, it remained to breed. I find from my note-
books that three pairs nested in Argyleshire in 1858. One of
these pairs had frequented the neighbourhood of Bonaw for some
years, but I have not of late been able to trace satisfactorily the
existence of the species in that district, which is unfortunately too
much in the way of egg-collecting tourists. Two years previously
one or two nests were also obtained in Dumbartonshire; an egg
in my collection was taken from a nest in Kenmore wood, on the
banks of Loch Lomond. The structure remained there until 1864,
or the year following, an interesting remnant of the last of the
Kites. The materials of which it was built would have almost
suggested the idea of the birds having robbed some wandering
gaberlunzie of the contents of his wardrobe, — a pair of ragged
trousers, worn stockings, and part of an old shirt (the latter flap-
ping on the tree-top like an old worn banner) being among the
articles.

The Kite formerly bred also in Stirlingshire, Ayrshire, and the

THE KITE. 43

island of Arran, but has for many years been banished from these
districts. At present it is doubtful if it breeds in more than three
counties in Scotland, namely, Inverness, Perth, and Aberdeen.
I have recently seen unfledged young from a secluded district in
the north of Perthshire, but it is very doubtful if the birds will
maintain their footing there.

In almost every Scottish collection of any consequence, I find
more than one specimen of the Kite, a fact which shows the
species to have been widely spread. Some of the specimens I
have examined are extremely handsome, especially those procured
in the counties of Argyle and Inverness, where their prey for the
most part must have been lawfully obtained, without the indul-
gence of plundering raids among poultry.

I have been unable to trace its presence in any part of the
Outer Hebrides, but I find that the late Dr Macgillivray, in a
communication to the Edinburgh Journal of Natural and Geo-
graphical Science, entitled, " An Account of the Outer Hebrides,"
and published in 1830, remarks that the Kite is very rare in these
islands. Mr Elwes informs me, that in Islay it is still seen, but
rarely, flying over the island.

OBS. — It may not be out of place here to remark, that in the be-
ginning of the present century, when Don's Fauna of Forfarshire
was published, the Black Kite (Falco ater) is recorded by that
writer as occurring " on heaths and low hills" in his district. At
that time the common Kite was a well-known and even a plenti-
ful species in the county of Forfar, a district of Scotland which,
from its great variety of scenery — woods, glens, and mountain
ranges — can still boast of many rare birds, and I have little doubt
that Bon, from his general intelligence and accuracy, was right in
his recognition of a second species. In corroboration of what both
that writer and Sir Eobert Sibbald (who also mentions the black
gled (Milvus niger)* as a Scottish species) have left on record, I may
observe that Mr John Hancock, of Newcastle-on-Tyne, in a letter
to the "Ibis" dated 14th March, 1867, thus alludes to the occur-
rence of the species in Northumberland, at no great distance from
the Scottish borders : — " A fine male example of the black kite
(Milvus migrant, Bodd. 1783) (Falco ater, Gmel. 1788) came into
my possession in a fresh state on the llth May, 1866. It was

* See his list of Scottish Birds in " Scotia Illustrata," p. 15.

44 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

taken in a trap by Mr J. Fulger, the Duke of Northumberland's
gamekeeper, a few days before, in the red deer park at Alnwick.
This is, I believe, the first time that this fine rapacious bird has
occurred in Britain. The plumage was in very good condition,
except on the lower part of the body, where it had sustained some
injury from the trap, and agrees with that of mature specimens
in my collection, which I received from the Continent some years
ago. It proved on dissection to be a male."

According to Mr Tristram (see Ibis, vol. i. N.S., p. 256), this
bird, which appears to occur in immense numbers in Palestine,
makes a nest quite as unsymmetrical as that of the common Kite.
" It is found," says Mr Tristram, " generally in a tree, often in a
glen, and is a grotesque, untidy structure, decorated with all sorts
of rags and rubbish, apparently to attract observation."* In vol.
ii. of the same journal (p. 185), some interesting notes on the
species are given by Lord Lilford, who mentions having found in
the foundations of one nest three nests of the Spanish sparrow.

Owing to the present scarcity of Kites in our own country, not
many opportunities of comparing or carefully examining speci-
mens are now likely to occur. It would be well, however, for
collectors, or others who may chance to be favoured with speci-
mens, to scrutinize them, as, if the present work of extermination
continues, the one species is about as likely now-a-days to make
its appearance as the other.

THE SWALLOW-TAILED KITE.

NA UCLERUS FURCA TUS.

THIS bird is inserted here as a Scottish species on the authority
already given by the late Dr Fleming in his " History of British
Animals," and repeated by subsequent writers, for the occurrence
of a single specimen at Ballachulish, in Argyleshire, in 1772. In
September, 1805, another was caught alive near Hawes in York-

* In speaking of the Egyptian Kite, an allied species found in the Great
Sahara, the same author, with characteristic humour, says, " Its nest, the
marine-store shop of the desert, is decorated with whatever scraps of burnouses
and coloured rags can be collected; and to these are added, on every surround-
ing branch, the cast-off coats of serpents, large scraps of thin bark, and perhaps
a bustard's wing." — Birds of the Sahara, p. 392.

SWALLOW-TAILED KITE. 45

shire, and kept in confinement by its captor for about a month,
after which it escaped, first alighting on a tree at a little distance,
and then ascending in a spiral flight to a great height before finally
choosing its course. It then went off steadily in a southerly direc-
tion, glad, no doubt, to get to some other country where its skin
was not of so much consequence. There appears to be no evidence
to show that the Swallow-Tailed Kite has ever since been seen
in any part of Britain.

The following graphic description of the habits of this bird forms
the opening paragraph of Audubon's account of the species:— " The
flight of this elegant hawk is singularly beautiful and protracted.
It moves through the air with such ease and grace that it is im-
possible for any individual, who takes the least pleasure in observing
the manner of birds, not to be delighted by the sight of it whilst
on wing.* Gliding along in easy flappings, it rises in wide circles
to an immense height, inclining in various ways its deeply forked
tail to assist the direction of its course, dives with the rapidity of
lightning, and, suddenly checking itself, reascends, soars away,
and is soon out of sight. At other times a flock of these birds,
amounting to fifteen or twenty individuals, is seen hovering around
the trees. They dive in rapid succession amongst the branches,
glancing along the trunks, and seizing in their course the insects
and small lizards of which they are in quest. Their motions are
astonishingly rapid, and the deep curves which they describe, their
sudden doublings and crossings, and the extreme ease with which
they seem to cleave the air, excite the admiration of him who views
them while thus employed in searching for food."

Wilson, in writing of the species, says: — "I met with these birds
in the early part of May at a place called Duck Creek in Tennessee,
and found them sailing about in great numbers near Bayo Manchac
on the Mississippi, twenty or thirty being within view at the same
time. At that season a species of cicada, or locust, swarmed among
the woods, making a deafening noise, and I could perceive these
hawks frequently snatching them from the trees." Being migratory
in its habits, it is seen travelling in great numbers from west to east
early in April, and returning to its winter quarters in October.
Both Wilson and Audubon speak of these spring and autumn
flights as being highly interesting.

* The disappointed captor of the Yorkshire bird may reasonably be exempted
from the exaction of this tribute.

46 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

The late Mr Cassin in his " Birds of California and Texas,"
published in 1865, states that the Swallow-Tailed Hawk is espe-
cially abundant in the Southern States ; and Dr S. W. Woodhouse,
in the account of the birds observed during an expedition down
the Zuni and Colorado rivers, mentions that it is common in Texas,
and in the Creek and Cherokee nations. " It appears," says that
writer, " to have a fondness for frequenting streams ; along the
Arkansas and its tributaries it was very abundant." * But not-
withstanding this abundance, specimens are by no means easily
procured. m

THE COMMON BUZZAED.

BVTEO VULGARIS.
An Clamhan.

To many persons it will seem unwise, I daresay, to call this
Buzzard a useful bird in game preserves, yet I cannot but think
that if the experiment were made of allowing it to fulfil the ends
for which nature designed it, our native game birds would benefit
by the trial. So far as my own observations have extended, the
Common Buzzard is just the kind of instrument wanted to clear
off sickly young birds, which, on arriving at maturity, yield an
offspring of a degenerate breed. Of somewhat sluggish habits,
it does not care to interfere with strong-winged birds, being con-
tent with those that, through wounds or a naturally feeble consti-
tution, are unable to save themselves. In this way strong birds
only are left, and a healthy breed ensues. Let any of our pro-
prietors of moors, who are jealous of the daring prowess of eagles
and lordly peregrines, act upon this hint, and I will venture to say
we should have fewer instances of disease among game birds to
chronicle.

Although this Buzzard is still found in some numbers in the
Inner Hebrides, where it breeds, I have not been able to trace it
to the outer islands. On the whole of the western mainland,
however, it is met with sparingly, and appears in some of the
lower districts more numerously in autumn than at other seasons,
being in this respect somewhat like the next species. It is fre-

* See " Report of an Expedition down the Zuni and Colorado Kivers," by
Captain L. Sitgreaves. Washington, 1854.

ROUGH-LEGGED BUZZARD. 47

quently trapped in the district of Campsie, where limited numbers
seem to linger a week or two during their autumnal wanderings.
Of late years I have seen beautifully mottled specimens sent to
the poulterers' shops, showing a great diversity of plumage. The
species, indeed, appears to be subject to considerable variety,
some being very light in colour, and others extremely dark. This
diversity occurs in birds apparently of the same age and sex.

THE ROUGH-LEGGED BUZZARD.
BUTEO LAOOPUS.

Is not common in the West of Scotland, only a very few examples
having come under my observation. But on the east coast it
sometimes appears in considerable numbers in autumn, when
moving in migratory flocks. At Dunbar, for example, twenty or
thirty specimens were obtained by different collectors in 1840-42.
I had an opportunity of examining many of these at the time.
The species has since that year occurred in the same district, not
perhaps so plentifully, but still numerously enough to attract
attention. The appearance of the birds is always sudden, and for
the most part they are first seen in the moorlands, hunting at
times in packs of three or four birds. The late Dr Nelson had
three or four in his collection, which were procured near his resi-
dence in 1863. Periodically, although not with stated regularity,
the Rough-Legged Buzzards appear in larger flights than usual;
and I have remarked that in these instances many of the birds
are very dark in colour, the entire plumage being of a chocolate
brown. I have a very beautifully mottled specimen in my own
collection, from Cortachy, in Forfarshire; it was shot by a keeper
on the Earl of Airley's estate a few months ago. Within the last
two years I have examined a very fine bird of this species that
was shot on the banks of the Avon, near Hamilton, in December,
1865, and another — the most beautiful Rough-Legged Buzzard I
have ever seen — killed at Bishopbriggs, near Glasgow, in October,
1867.

The Rough-Legged Buzzard is very variable in its markings,
scarcely two of the numerous specimens that have come under my
notice being alike. The most of the specimens found in East
Lothian, especially those belonging to the migratory flocks, are

48 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

dark-coloured, a state of plumage which is accurately given in
plate 17, vol. i., of Sir William Jardine's " British Birds."

In January, 1866, a "fine adult specimen "(1) was shot in the
island of Raasay, in Orkney.

I believe that some ornithologists now hold the opinion that
this bird and the Sancti Johannis of American authors are identi-
cal, the latter being that adult stage in which the species has not
yet been found in this country. Mr Macgillivray, however, in his
"Manual of British Ornithology," (London, 1840), states that
" one shot in Dumfriesshire in March, 1840, had a great number
of young feathers of a blackish brown colour, and would have
been entirely of that tint had the moult been completed."

THE HONEY BUZZARD.
PERN IS APIVORUS.

LIKE the preceding species, the Honey Buzzard is found much
more frequently in the east of Scotland than in the west. A speci-
men was shot at Chatelherault, near Hamilton, in the autumn of
1831, but so far as I can ascertain no other instance of its occurrence
can be cited between that year and 1863, when one was trapped at
Muirkirk, in Ayrshire, in the month of September. Another — a
young male — was shot at the same place about twelve months
afterwards, and exhibited at a meeting of the Royal Physical
Society of Edinburgh by Dr J. A. Smith, to whom I am indebted
for a notice of the circumstance.

In the eastern counties, principally in the autumn season, in
localities ranging from Berwick to Shetland, specimens have
been procured at intervals since the time of Don, in whose list
the species is mentioned. Lord Binning informs me that an
adult male in perfect plumage was shot at Tyninghame in East
Lothian in May, 1856, and is now in the Earl of Haddington's
collection. Three specimens had previously been obtained in the
same county, and examined by Mr Archibald Hepburn. In 1862
another was shot by Mr Alexander Henderson at Broxmouth near
Dunbar, and about two years afterwards several more were shot on
Beil estate in the winter season (January and February, 1864),
two of which I saw in the collection of the late Dr Nelson of

RED-SHOULDERED HAWK. 49

Pitcox. Three or four were shot in Berwickshire in June, 1845,
in which county the species again appeared in 1863-64 in one or
two instances. Specimens have also occurred in the counties of
Roxburgh (at Newton-Don, near Kelso, in May, 1867), Dumfries
(on several occasions), Selkirk, Peebles, Fife, Stirling, Ross (at
Strathpeffer, near Dingwall, in June, 1863), and Aberdeen. In the
last named county, where this bird has been obtained on perhaps
ten or twelve different occasions, the nest has been found at least
in two instances ; one of these is referred to by Macgillivray, who
mentions the occurrence of a nest in the woods of Aberfeldy, on the
authority of Mr J. M. Brown; and in the other case both birds were
obtained and forwarded to Mr Wilson, gunmaker, Aberdeen, for
preservation. I am indebted to Mr Angus of that city for the
following notice of the circumstance : — " A pair of Honey Buzzards
were shot in the woods of Ballogie — the property of Mr Dyce
Nicol, M.P. — in 1867; the female was shot in the nest by the
forester on the 12th July, her mate having been killed by the
gamekeeper about a week previously. The stomachs of both
contained bees and honey. The nest was built in a tall fir tree
which was difficult to climb, the trunk being smooth and branch-
less. The structure was about three feet in diameter, very flat,
and composed of twigs of various sizes, and covered with grass roots.
The eggs, two in number, were about the size of those of a domestic
hen, slightly tapered, their colour resembling rosewood, blotched
with very dark brown."

The last record I have of the Honey Buzzard is from the same
county, where an adult male was shot in August, 1868.

RED-SHOULDERED HAWK.

BUTEO LINEATUS.

A YOUNG specimen of this North American bird was shot at
Kingussie, in Inverness-shire, on 26th February, 1863, by J.
M'Donald, and sold by him, with a lot of common buzzards, to
Mr Mansfield, from whom it was purchased by Mr Baker of Cam-
bridge. It is now in the collection of Edward Clough Newcome,
Esq. of Feltwell Hall, Brandon, who sent a notice of the occur-
rence to the editor of the Ibis in September, 1865.

This species — the Buteo lineatus of Gmelin — is now believed to

D

50 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

be identical with the winter falcon (Falco hyemalis) of Wilson and
Audubon, and other writers, and is said by Mr Cassin to be one
of the most abundant of the rapacious birds of the Eastern and
Southern States on the Atlantic, and to be restricted to the
countries east of the Rocky Mountains. It appears to be much
more frequently met with in the adult state of plumage, which
varies in a great degree from that of the young bird.

In treating of the habits of Falco hyemalis, Wilson thus sketches
its character, which contrasts singularly with the half-indolent life
of our British buzzards : —

" This elegant and spirited hawk visits us from the north early
in November, and leaves us late in March. He is a dexterous
frog-catcher, and, that he may pursue his profession with full
effect, takes up his winter residence almost entirely among our
meadows and marshes. He sometimes stuffs himself so enor-
mously with these reptiles, that the prominency of his craw makes
a large bunch, and he appears to fly with difficulty. I have taken
the broken fragments and whole carcasses of ten frogs of different
dimensions from the crop of a single individual. Of his genius
and other exploits I am unable to say much. He appears to be a
fearless and active bird, silent and not very shy. One which I
kept for some time, and which was slightly wounded, disdained
all attempts made to reconcile him to confinement, and would not
suffer a person to approach without being highly irritated, throw-
ing himself backward, and striking with expanded talons with
great fury. Though shorter-winged than some of his tribe, yet I
have no doubt but with proper care he might be trained to strike
nobler game in a bold style and with great effect."

As in the case of some other raptorial birds, this species would
appear to breed before attaining maturity. Wilson mentions
having shot a female of F. lineatus, which is the young of his
winter falcon, in a swamp, near Philadelphia, and finding in the
ovary several eggs nearly as large as peas.

As this buzzard may occur again in Scotland, a description of
the plumage will not be out of place here. The following is taken
from Mr Cassin's specific characters, detailed in Professor Baird's
work on the Birds of North America.

Adult. — Wing coverts from its flexure to the body fine bright
rufous; breast and other lower parts of the body paler orange
rufous, many feathers, with transverse bars and spots of white,

MARSH HARRIER. 51

which predominate on the abdomen and under tail coverts.
Entire upper parts brown ; on the head mixed with rufous, and
with white spots on the wing coverts and shorter quills and rump.
Quills brownish black, with white spots on their outer webs, and
with bars of a lighter shade of brown and of white on their inner
webs; tail brownish black, with about five transverse bands of
white and tipped with white.

Young. — Entire under parts yellowish white, with longitudinal
stripes and oblong spots of dark brown; throat dark brown;
upper parts lighter ashy brown, with many partially concealed spots
and bars of white ; quills dark brown, with wide transverse bars
of rufous and white on both webs; tail ashy brown, with numerous
bands pale brownish and rufous white ; tail beneath silvery white.

Total length, female 21 to 23 inches; wing, 14; tail, 9 inches;
male, 18 to 20 inches; wing, 12; tail, 8 inches.

THE MARSH HARRIER.

CIRCUS ^ERUGINOSUS.

NEARLY all the Scottish specimens of the Marsh Harrier which I
have had an opportunity of examining have been birds of the first
and second year's plumage. It appears to be of much rarer occur-
rence in most districts than the hen harrier; and in the Long
Island especially, where the nature of the ground is so attractive
to a bird of its habits, it is but very seldom seen, while its con-
gener, the ring-tail, may be called abundant. I have seen it on
wing, passing sufficiently close to be recognised, on the island of
Benbecula, and Macgillivray mentions having met with it on
Harris. It is possible, however, that it may be more common on
North and South Uist than my limited observations, especially in
the last named island, have led me to believe. The Rev. Alexander
Stewart of Ballachulish, author of a series of excellent papers on the
Natural History of Nether-Lochaber, published during the last
few years in the Inverness Courier, has kindly informed me that the
Marsh Harrier is comparatively common in that district, and also
in the district of Appin in Argyleshire. He has frequently seen
it on wing, and handled at least a dozen specimens shot in his
neighbourhood, during the last seven or eight years.

On the east coast of Scotland I am most familiar with this bird

52 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

as an East Lothian species, having examined a number of speci-
mens that were shot in that county. I noticed many years ago its
partiality for ducks and pigeons at the Tyne estuary, where a fine
specimen formed a marked object for some months before being
taken. As the birds on which it was occasionally seen feeding
were full grown, they may have been wounded, and thus have fallen
an easy prey. I can hardly think any buzzard strong enough to
pursue and kill a wild duck of any species. Messrs Baikie and
Heddle state that this bird is an occasional visitant in Orkney; and
it is likewise known to be a straggler in some parts of Shetland.

THE HEN HARRIER.

CIRCUS CYANEUS.
Anteunfionn. Breid-air-toin. Clamhan luch.

THIS is a very common species on all the islands of the Outer
Hebridean group, and also throughout the inner islands, Skye,
Mull, Islay, Jura, eic., where it is known by the Gaelic name of
Clamhan luch, signifying mouse-hawk. I have seen twelve or four-
teen specimens in one day on Benbecula and North Uist, arid
likewise in South Uist, where its hunting-grounds are of a similar
nature. The flight of this bird is peculiarly buoyant, and occa-
sionally very graceful, as it surmounts a hillock or clump of rocks,
sweeping down the other side with contemptuous ease. Some-
times, when hungry, it flaps slowly above a grass field, or patch
of growing corn, hanging on wing for a second or two before de-
scending somewhat clumsily on its unlucky prey ; at other times
it sails speedily over the ground, content to stoop at anything
which comes in the line of its flight.

This species, in such districts as the chain of outer islands, has
the habit of hunting over the same ground for days in succession,
appearing regularly at the same hour, and going through its evolu-
tions so methodically, that a specimen can easily be obtained by
concealing one's self at a convenient place. I noticed this habit
particularly on Benbecula and North Uist, where some grass fields
lay near the shore. On Ben Eval I at various times observed
several Hen Harriers at a moderate elevation, searching the sides
of that conspicuous hill, and, on climbing to the top some time
afterwards, I found that numbers of field-mice had their holes near

HEN HARRIER. 53

the summit, and were sufficiently common to attract the hawks.
Looking down from this elevation, one evening in September,
about sunset, I could not help feeling amazed at the scene pic-
tured below. There lay the whole of the fragments forming
North Uist, scattered like a thousand islets thrown at random into
a lake. It was indeed impossible to say whether the land or the
water predominated. Near at hand great masses of granite shone
through the heath-clad ground, and in the distance the glimmering
specks on the dark-brown tracts drew the eye to other vast blocks
lying in the moorlands. The evening was exceedingly quiet, and
the blue minch separating this strange fragment of the British
isles from the mainland looked as calm as a giant asleep. From
where I sat I could see the Clamhan Inch like a light blue sea-gull
skimming the purpled sides of Ben Eval, and gradually nearing
the summit. Twenty yards behind came another of a darker hue,
not so readily perceived as her mate, but as quick at perceiving;
then the two came on abreast, and passed within ten yards, beat-
ing the ground like a well-trained couple, and making alternate
stoops at the poor mountain mice as they sat at their thresholds.

But as the shadows deepened on the plain, the two birds having
apparently satisfied their hunger for the day, steadily yet grace-
fully descended the golden skirts of this strange mountain, as the
last rays of the evening light tinged the glistening granite, till at
length they reached the level of heath and water, against which they
soon became scarcely discernible. Casting my eyes westward in
the direction where I had seen on the previous evening the island
of St Kilda, like a blue speck in the distance, I felt sorry, stand-
ing as I did where so few persons think of venturing, that I could
not describe the singular picture. It was indeed a sight not often
enjoyed within the range of the British islands. Bird life was
now nowhere visible; in the strange stillness of approaching night
the natural surroundings looked as if some unseen hand were with-
drawing them from the world.

" A cloud lay cradled near the setting sun;

A gleam of crimson tinged its braided snow;
Long had I watched the glory moving on
O'er the still radiance of the lake below.
Tranquil its spirit seemed, and floated slow!
Even in its very motion there was rest;

While every breath of eve that chanced to blow
Wafted the traveller to the beauteous west."

54 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

MONTAGU'S HARRIER.

CIRCUS MONTAGU I.

Clamhan luch.

ON the western mainland this is certainly the rarest of the
Harriers. It is quite possible, however, that from its strong
general resemblance to the preceding species it may have been
overlooked. Yet, judging from the comparative numbers sent to
the city taxidermists for preservation — no mean criterion — it falls
greatly short of the hen harrier — a fact scarcely to be wondered at
when we take into account that it is a southern species in its
geographical range, inclining eastwards as it recedes from the shores
of England. Those I have seen from west country moors were
mostly females and young males.

In September, 1867, I observed, as I believed, this species on
one or two occasions on the islands of North Uist, Benbecula, and
South Uist, where opportunities were afforded me of contrasting
the flight of the two together. Montagu's Harrier appeared to me
to be a wilder and more impulsive bird, and, from its lightness, to
be quicker in its movements — dashing sometimes impetuously to
the ground, not heavily, like the common harrier, then rising with
a sudden bound to some height, and again pouncing in a straight
line on its prey. When flying over a tract of country it may be
distinguished, too, by its different flap of wing and general move-
ments, which are more buoyant than those of the shorter winged
bird.

The late James Wilson of Woodville, in his "Voyage Round
Scotland," mentions having seen a specimen of this bird, which
had been shot in Caithness, in the museum of Mr E. S. Sinclair,
surgeon in Wick; and I find the species mentioned by the late
Charles St John, who states in his " Tour in Sutherland," vol. i.,
p. 122, that "it breeds near Bonar Bridge, Mr Dunbar having
taken the nest and killed the old birds in that district."

In Thompson's " Birds of Ireland " it is stated that a specimen
of Montagu's Harrier was obtained near Ballantrae in Ayrshire
in 1836.

EAGLE OWL. 55

RAPTORS S. STRIGID^E.

THE EAGLE OWL.

BUBO MAXIMUS.

CHIEFLY met with in the Orkney and Shetland islands, where,
however, it is of very rare and uncertain occurrence.

The late Patrick Neill, Secretary to the Natural History Society
of Edinburgh, has the following note in his " Birds of Orkney,"
published in 1806:— "In addition to Dr Barry's account (which is
extremely meagre), it may be added that the Eagle Owl often
attacks rabbits and red grouse, which are abundant in several of
the islands. Katugle is the Norwegian name."

Messrs Baikie and Heddle state that this bird, which is the Stock
Owl mentioned by Wallace, is "now extremely rare. Low, though
he speaks of it, never saw a specimen. Since then, however, one
was killed in Sandy, by Mr Strang, in 1830. It is occasionally
said to be seen in Raasay, and is believed still to breed in the
Hammers of Birsay."

Pennant mentions in his "Tour in Scotland" (8vo. ed., 1772)
that a specimen was killed in Fifeshire, but no locality or date is
given.

Dr Saxby says it is " now rarely seen in Shetland."

Such were the very scanty notes I had gleaned respecting the
occurrence of this splendid Owl in Scotland previous to the receipt
of the following interesting notice of its capture in Aberdeenshire,
kindly forwarded to me by my correspondent, Mr Angus : —

" Mr John Wilson, Methlick, has just sent me word that on the
2d February, 1866, while out shooting, he saw an Eagle Owl, of
which he says: — 'It flew very low, keeping close to the ground, rising
and falling in beautiful undulations over the uneven surface. I
saw it from a considerable distance, and in the grey dawn of the
morning thought it was a heron. I could have easily reached the
point to which it was Hying, but as I did not want a specimen
(herons being plentiful in this locality), I let it go. Some doubts,
however, having occurred to me at this moment, I made a rush
upon the bird, and got near enough to discover my mistake. It
did not diverge in the least in its flight at my approach, and I
might after all have killed it, but trusted to a better opportunity.
After this it was often seen about Haddo House, and always in

56 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

company with a smaller owl.' In the last week of February of the
same year an adult female Eagle Owl — no doubt the same bird —
found its way to Aberdeen, from Mr Wilson's neighbourhood. It
fell into the hands of a wright, who brought it to me for identifica-
tion. It weighed seven and three quarter pounds. The stomach
contained two water rats, nearly whole. The owner would not
dispose of the bird, nor would he put it into the hands of a
taxidermist to have it properly stuffed. He gave me the body,
and I preserved the sternum and made a full description of the
plumage. I afterwards saw the Owl in the hands of the lucky
fellow, displayed as a curiosity; and in this he succeeded perfectly,
as I was forced to confess I had never seen such a fine bird so
thoroughly caricatured."

THE SCOPS-EARED OWL.
SCOPS ALDROVANDL

A SPECIMEN of this Owl, shot at Morrish, near Golspie, in Suther-
landshire, in May, 1854, was exhibited at a meeting of the Royal
Physical Society of Edinburgh in November following, by Dr J.
A. Smith of that city; and the late Mr St John has mentioned in
his "Tour in Sutherland," vol. i., p. 122, that the species has been
found breeding on heaths near the Oykel river. These are the only
records of the occurrence of this species in Scotland, but it is possible
that the species found by Mr St John was the Short-eared Owl.

It is a somewhat curious feature in the history of the Scops-
eared Owl, that it lives wholly upon insects. It is, therefore, in
temperate countries strictly migratory in its habits, and in France,
where it is not uncommon, it is said to come and go with the
swallow.

THE LONG EARED OWL.
OTUS VVLGARIS.

A MUCH less common bird in western Scotland than the next
species, and totally absent from the outer islands. It breeds, how-
ever, in Mull and Skye in limited numbers. In the cultivated
districts of Dumbartonshire it is tolerably common, and in Ayr-

SHORT EARED OWL. 57

shire, Renfrewshire, and Argyleshire woods it is also well known ;
still as a rule it is more a bird of the eastern counties than of
the western. Mr Alston states that it is common in the Upper
Ward of Lanarkshire; and in Stirlingshire it is said by Mr
Brown to be one of the commonest species. Yet judging by the
numbers sent to the city bird-stuffers, it is seldom met with, com-
pared with other species.

This bird, like the white or barn owl, continues laying and
hatching at the same time. Writing from Aberdeenshire, Mr
Angus informs me that he has found both it and the tawny owl
commencing to sit as soon as the first egg was laid. " I once,"
says Mr Angus, " put a tawny owl off its nest three times within
an hour: it contained but two eggs. Three days afterwards a lad
took four eggs from the nest. I robbed a nest of the Long eared
Owl which contained four half-fledged birds and five eggs, most
of which were remarkably dirty. Three had been some days sat
upon, and two of them were so far advanced that they could
hardly be blown."

This species, which is partial to fir plantations, appears to be
not uncommon in some of the wooded districts of Ross shire. In
Orkney it has occurred in at least two instances; one of which is
mentioned in Messrs Baikie and Heddle's work, and the other, as
stated in a manuscript note, was obtained at Kirkwall in 1851.

THE SHORT-EARED OWL.

OTUS BRACHYOTOS.

RESIDENT all the year in the West of Scotland, north of Ayrshire.
I have seen it hawking for prey in dull weather at mid-day over
turnip fields, looking probably for field-mice, which in the autumn
months become rather numerous in some places. This Owl, in-
deed, may be looked upon as a useful friend to the farmer in the
localities it frequents. In some turnip fields on the east coast,
where it likewise breeds in some numbers, I have seen as many as
eight or ten birds lodged within the compass of a few acres ; and
I have also seen them in early morning frequenting the rocky parts
of the coast near Dunbar, in East Lothian. I have frequently
put up Short-eared Owls from such situations; but whether they
had gone there for the purpose of preying upon rats and the

58 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

smaller wading birds, or had alighted during the night after a
migratory journey, I am unable to say. Any specimens that I
procured were in excellent plumage.

My friend Mr Sinclair has also seen this species in the middle
of summer, hawking in daylight alongside a moor at Inverkip
Glen, Renfrewshire; and thirty years ago it was a permanent resi-
dent as far south as Portpatrick, in Wigtownshire, where it nested
regularly.

In the Outer Hebrides the Short eared Owl is very common,
breeding in the moors of nearly all the islands. I am most fami-
liar with it, however, as a bird of North Uist and Benbecula,
where it has been long well known. Among the inner islands it
is resident all the year in Skye, Mull, and Islay.

Mr Angus has sent me word that he has taken the nest, with
three eggs, this year (1868) in Aberdeenshire, on the 8th of April.
This is the earliest date I have heard of. Sir John Richardson
found the eggs ready for being laid on 20th May; Mr Hepburn
has seen newly-fledged young ones in East Lothian in the end of
July; and Sir William Jardine, who has repeatedly taken the nest
in Dumfriesshire, remarks that the young are barely able to fly
by the 1 2th of August.

THE WHITE OR BARN OWL.

STRIX FLAM ME A.
Cailleach oidhche gheal.

JUDGING from the numbers of this beautiful Owl which are sent
to the shops of the Glasgow bird-stuffers, it would appear to be one
of the commonest " feathered mousers " in the neighbourhood of
the city. There is scarcely, indeed, a ruined building of any con-
sequence within a radius of thirty miles of Glasgow, but what is
frequented by one or two pairs. Yet it is by no means widely
distributed as a Scottish species — some of the more northern
counties being totally destitute of the associations which its pre-
sence has given rise to. In the western islands, I have been able
to trace it only in Mull and Islay; in the former locality it is
rather rare, but in the latter it is well known in two districts at
least — the woods at Islay House and Port-Askaig — as I have been
informed by Mr Elwes. "In lona," says Mr Graham, "where

WHITE OR BARN OWL. 59

we have a venerable ruined belfrey and a moon, we have no owl
to live in the one or mope her melancholy at the other."

In the East of Scotland the White Owl is common enough from
Berwickshire to Aberdeenshire, with the exception of perhaps
Forfarshire; it is likewise found in many of the midland counties,
especially those south of Perthshire. In Banffshire it is rare, but
westward it becomes more common, and is by no means rare in
Ross-shire. I have been informed by Mr Morrison, gunmaker,
Dingwall, that he has had as many as half-a-dozen sent to him in
the course of a week for preservation. In the woods of East
Lothian I have many times been startled by its dismal screechings
after dusk. I recollect on one occasion when moth-catching in the
Tyne woods in company with my late friend, J. Nelson, Esq.,
hearing one break out into a piercing solo, which even yet brings
that night's work more vividly before me than any mere words
could do. We were engaged in brushing a sugary compound on
the trunks of the trees to attract the " night-fliers," when the
noise suddenly broke the silence of the woods in screams so loud
as to startle a group of horses that had been quietly resting for the
night, and set them all into a hard gallop across the park. On
turning our bull's-eye lantern so as to penetrate, if possible, the
gloom of the foliage overhead, we noticed our feathered friend
looking down from a branch with a most comical stare, and
evidently as much puzzled as we were at the turn affairs had taken.
There was no need of a ruined castle or cathedral to enhance the
sensation of loneliness we both experienced at the moment; and
as we shut off the light and waited for another solo, the dense
gloom of the thicket could not have been more irksome.

The Eev. Alexander Stewart of Ballachulish has furnished me
with a very amusing account of a pet male bird of this species,
which he had brought up from the nest. From a mere puff-ball
of white down he had grown into a handsome bird, proud of his
sharp claws, which he seemed to make use of with great effect in
maintaining his superiority among the feathered gentry of the court-
yard. " In the kitchen," says Mr Stewart, " neither cat nor dog
dare venture near the hearth when 'Strix,' as we called him, had
gravely set himself, standing on one leg, with his back to the fire,
for a comfortable nap in the genial warmth, which he seemed
always to enjoy vastly. If, while in this state, he chanced to be
pushed against, or disturbed in any way, he just opened the corner

60 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

of one eye, blinking in the most comical manner, his way of recon-
noitring, and if it turned out to be the cat or dog that had, how-
ever unwittingly, roused him from his reverie,., he was at him like
a flash of lightning. With a pounce, always unerring, he first dug
his bill into the cheek or ear of the unlucky intruder, then using
the hold thus got as a purchase, he threw himself on his back, and
with his claws laid fierce grip of his victim's flank or nose, or
about the eyes or forehead — a mode of warfare so fierce and sudden,
and so utterly new to the unfortunate assailed, that Strix could in
a few seconds always claim a victory as complete and decisive as
the Prussians gained at Sadowa, or the Highlanders at Preston-
pans. Strix soon became reconciled to the daylight, and flew in and
out and about the house and garden at all hours of the day, though
the beautiful, round, black piercing eyes were never fully opened
but in the twilight. We fed him on fresh fish and such moles
and mice as we could procure for him. Strix perfectly knew, not
only myself, but all the members of the family, and would come
to any of us, when called, with the utmost readiness and goodwill,
alighting on such occasions without the rustle of a feather, or the
slightest sound from his downy pinions, on the head or shoulders,
and greeting us with a gentle scarcely audible murmur, not unlike
the cooing of a dove. Our only objection to poor Strix was his
habit of frequently repeating a rasping, prolonged half-scream,
half-hiss, that evidently gave himself great satisfaction, but which
was most vexing to our ears. With this single drawback, how-
ever, he was the most amusing, intelligent, agreeable, and affec-
tionate of pets."

But like many other pets, this one met with a violent death.
" One day lately," concludes my correspondent, " he was musing
in deep reverie in a clump of luxuriant ivy that clothes our garden
wall, when a brood of downy ducklings that had only chipped
the shell the day before, passed merrily by, under the guardian-
ship of their proud step mother, a turkey-hen. The owl saw the
ducklings, and quickly making up his mind that one of them
would be a very good thing by way of lunch, he made a dash at
the nearest, but the turkey, alert, and active, and bold in defence
of her precious charge, instantly struck at Strix with all her might,
and hitting him with her sharp beak right on the head, laid him
dead at her feet!"

TAWNY OWL. 61

THE TAWNY OWL.

S YRNIUM STRID ULA .
Cumhachag, Cailleach Oidhche.

BEING for the most part resident in woods, this species is in con-
sequence restricted to districts where the larger plantations have
of late years increased so as to afford it, and other birds, the
protection which they require. The Tawny Owl, indeed, shows so
much helplessness and apparent stupidity in the day time that
without the privacy and security of dense woods it would fall an
easy prey. We find, therefore, that as our forests are spreading
there is a corresponding increase in the numbers of this bird, and
that although it was known to be a comparatively scarce species
throughout Scotland thirty years ago, it has now become a well-
known owl in suitable haunts from Wigtown to the north of Ross-
shire on the one hand, and from Banffshire to Berwick on the
other.

I have met with it frequently in Ayrshire, Argyleshire, and
Inverness-shire, and have seen it also in some of the Ross-shire
woods, where it breeds. Mr Alston informs me that it is very
common in the Upper Ward of Lanarkshire, and Mr Brown states
that he has found it breeding regularly in a rocky crevice in
Torwood Forest, Stirlingshire. It has even of late years been
found on some of the Inner Hebrides — specimens having been
met with on Mull and Islay. Mr Elwes has informed me that in
the last-named island it has only been seen in the large plantations.

In the eastern counties it breeds in Aberdeenshire, where the
nest has been taken several times by Mr Angus. I have myself
found the species nesting in the woods near Auchinblae, in the
neighbouring county of Kincardine; the nest was a mere hollow
in the fork of a large tree about seven feet from the ground, and
was lined (accidentally perhaps) with a handful of withered leaves.
This owl sometimes lays its eggs in the deserted nest of a rook;
indeed, it seems partial to rookeries, as I have repeatedly procured
specimens when out " crow shooting " both in Ayrshire and East
Lothian.

There is a great variation of plumage in this species, some being
of a dark grey, while others are of a bright rust-red colour — this
diversity being common to both sexes, and apparently irrespective

62 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

of age. So far as I have observed, the red varieties are more
commonly met with in the western counties than in the east or
north.

The food of this owl consists entirely of harmless plunder, such
as rats, mice, and other small quadrupeds — an occasional young
rabbit or small bird, varied by fish, and even earth-worms. In
secluded forests at a distance from farm steadings, or other
dwellings attractive to rats, I believe it will be found that moles
and field-mice constitute its chief prey; and on that account, as
well as for its own sake and the associations it calls forth as it
croons its nightly serenade, I commend it to the merciful considera-
tion of those who have the power to protect it.

THE SNOWY OWL.
SURNIA NYCTEA.

THIS large and handsome bird may almost be regarded as a
regular spring visitant to the Outer Hebrides. In the island of
Lewis, especially, it is frequently seen and shot, and specimens
have also from time to time occurred in Harris, North Uist, and
Benbecula. In the last-named island, one was shot in June, 1863,
by Mr J. Ferguson, surgeon, at that time resident there. Sir
James Matheson has informed me that in the course of a single
season, some years ago, several were shot in Lewis. Three or four
were observed there in the spring of 1868, and one of these was
shot on the 21st April, by Kenneth Hosack, the keeper at Gress.
This bird was seen daily in company with another Snowy Owl,
frequenting the farm of Galson, near Ness, for more than two
weeks, and the survivor afterwards disappeared for a time, but
was seen again at the same farm on the 8th of May. Mr John
Munro, the keeper at Marybank Lodge, Stornoway, informs me
that a fine specimen was obtained at North Tolsta in the begin-
ning of April, 1867, and adds that the species occurs in the island
every spring.

In localities nearer the mainland, the Snowy Owl has been met
with in Skye in several instances, in Mull, and in lona; while on
the mainland itself, it has been shot in Caithness (1850); Suther-
landshire (July, 1863); Inverness (Lochness, October, 1868); Ayr-
shire (Kilmarnock, February, 1863); and Eenfrewshire (December,

SNOWY OWL. 63

1863). Two specimens, both young birds, were obtained in the
Clyde in the same year, one near Port-Glasgow, the other at
Pollokshields, near the city of Glasgow. One was seen during
the months of October and November, 1868, in the neighbour-
hood of Ben Lomond. It made frequent descents to the low
grounds, and appeared to live chiefly upon grouse.

Having examined altogether between twenty and thirty Scot-
tish specimens of this beautiful owl, in the various collections
which I have visited, I find that the number of young and old
birds is about equal. Those taken on the west coast are probably
migrants from Canada. Very large flights have, in fact, been
observed by the masters of vessels trading between America and
this country. The late Mr Thompson, in his " Birds of Ireland,"
has given some very striking records of this kind. In one case
as many as fifty or sixty Snowy Owls were observed flying about
the ship, and alighting on the rigging, the vessel being then about
500 miles from the nearest land. Numbers continued following
in its course for about four days, making their appearance among
the spars occasionally for rest during the night. Mr Thompson
conjectured that these flocks had come from the coast of Labrador,
and were migrating to more southern latitudes. Several friends
of mine, who have made voyages between the two countries about
the close of autumn and beginning of winter, have informed me
that a few Snowy Owls are generally met with, at long distances
from land, and that, on nearing the coasts of America, the birds
are met coming from that country, and are seen pursuing a south-
easterly course. It is not unlikely, indeed, that the owls seen by
Mr Thompson's informant during four days' sailing did not all
belong to one migrating party, but were distinct flocks following
their ordinary line of flight.

On the eastern side of Scotland, the numbers that occur there
are probably natives of northern Europe, as it is only after severe
north-easterly gales that they are met with. Since the beginning
of the present century, the species has been a well-known visitant
to Orkney and Shetland. In May and June, 1864, several were
observed in the island of Unst. Three were shot, and one of
these is now in the possession of Dr Saxby.

64 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

THE HAWK OWL.

SURNIA FUNEREA.

IN December, 1863, I examined a very fine specimen of this
rare British bird, which was shot at Maryhill, near Glasgow, and
exhibited at a meeting of the Natural History Society by Dr
Dewar, in whose collection it now remains; it was seen haunting
a range of stables for some nights before it was killed. A second
specimen was taken in the flesh to the shop of a bird-stuffer in
Greenock, about the 20th November, 1868, and is supposed to
have been killed at no great distance from that town. It was
procured by William Boyd, Esq., who forwarded it to me for
exhibition at a meeting of the Natural History Society of Glasgow.

I know of no other instance of the occurrence of this species in
any part of Scotland except the Shetland islands, where, accord-
ing to Dr Saxby, it has been twice observed. The skin of one
shot in the north of Unst in 1860, is now in that gentleman's
collection.

Eegarding the habits of this somewhat interesting species, the
late Sir John Richardson has given a very good account in his
admirable work on the birds of the northern parts of British
America. (See Fauna Bor. Amer., page 92).

TENGMALM'S OWL.

NOCTUA TENGMALMI.

THIS Owl— one of the rarer species found in Britain — appears
to have been met with in three instances only north of the
Tweed; one having been shot by Mr Dunbar in an old ruined
factory at Spinningdale, in Sutherlandshire, in May, 1847; another
killed at Melsetter, in Orkney, in 1851, as mentioned in a manu-
script note in Baikie and Heddle's Fauna Orcadensis, by one
of the authors; and the third captured on Cramond island,
Firth of Forth, in December, 1860. For a notice of the occur-
rence of the last-mentioned bird, I am indebted to Dr Smith of
Edinburgh, who exhibited the specimen (a female) at a meeting
of the Royal Physical Society, on 23d January, 1861. It was
caught alive by a man named Lumley, during a severe snow-storm.

GREAT GREY SHRIKE. 65

The bird had entered a stable for shelter, and was struck down
when attempting to escape, on the door being opened.

Temminck, in his Manuel d' Ornithologie, states that the food of
this species consists of moths, beetles, and other insects, and that
it also sometimes takes small birds. He does not, however, in-
form us whether the insects are pursued while in flight.

INSESSORES. LA NIA D^E.

DENTIROSTRES.

THE GREAT GREY SHRIKE.
LANIUS EXCUBITOR.

THROUGHOUT the eastern counties of Scotland, the Grey Shrike
appears to be a regular winter visitant. In the midland counties
it occurs less frequently; while on the west coast, especially of late
years, I have not succeeded in tracing its occurrence except at
irregular and uncertain intervals. Six or eight examples were
taken in the winter of 1865-66 in the counties of Argyle, Renfrew,
and Lanark — all of which I had an opportunity of examining.*
That particular season, indeed, was somewhat remarkable for the
unusual number of this species taken almost everywhere. That
these formed part of an extensive migratory flock can scarcely be
doubted, as small detached parties were observed keeping company
for a short time after their arrival — as many as half-a-dozen having
been seen together in one place. In Forfarshire I procured three
or four specimens which were shot near Kirriemuir, and the species
was also noticed near Crieff, as well as other parts of Perthshire.
It has likewise become a well known bird in East Lothian of late
years.

It is a somewhat remarkable fact that nearly the whole of the
Scottish specimens that have come under my notice have the under
parts irregularly barred, or minutely freckled, and have but one
spot on the wing, precisely like the figure of L. borealis given

* Writing in 1835, Mr Patrick states that Grey Shrikes were often shot near
Hamilton, and that they appeared chiefly in autumn, sometimes attacking the
call-birds of the bird-catchers in their cages. They were also seen occasionally
thirty years ago in the parish of Dalziel. Last year two or three Shrikes
were caught by the Glasgow bird-catchers, with bird-liine, within two or three
miles of the city.

66 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

by Swainson in the Fauna Boreali Americana. These birds, of
which I have seen at least two dozen, are of both sexes. In two
or three instances the specimens have shown the under markings
to be nearly obliterated, and may be said to have a strong resem-
blance to another species figured in the same work — L. excubitor o'ides.
I have never, except in one solitary instance, met with what
some ornithologists would regard as a male in perfect adult plum-
age; it was killed near Glammis, in Forfarshire, and is now in my
own collection. This specimen is entirely without bars or freckles,
and has two conspicuous spots on the wing, besides having the
secondaries broadly margined with white. The markings are very
clearly defined, and form a striking contrast. If all the other
Shrikes I have examined are females and young males, as some of
my correspondents have suggested, it is clear that the male in adult
plumage is a very rare bird with us.

Swainson, in describing his American excubitor aides, founds a
specific distinction from the European excubitor in the black patch
on the cheek of the former extending in a thin line above the eye,
and also meeting over the base of the upper mandible, and in
its having a black bill. Professor Baird follows that author in
regarding this Shrike as distinct from L. excubitoi', and points out
another feature, namely, the white rump, which none of the others
apparently possess. Out of the twenty-four birds I have referred
to, eight of which are now before me, scarcely two can be said to
be alike; and if a species is to be formed out of differences in the
distribution of the black patch on the cheek, markings on the tail
feathers, or on the primaries or secondaries, or even on the size of
specimens, there is room enough here for the most ardent species
maker. So far as I can judge by descriptions, the Shrikes I have
seen killed in Scotland present a mixture of the alleged characters
of L. borealis, ludovicianus, excubitor, and excubitor dides, a seeming
confusion, however, which might be greatly modified had we the
opportunity of comparing British killed specimens at all seasons
of the year.

RED BACKED SHRIKE. 67

THE EED BACKED SHRIKE.
LAN I US COLLURIO.

IT is a somewhat singular circumstance in connection with the
migratory movements of this species, that in Great Britain its
distribution in summer should be confined to the southern half of
the island, seeing that it is a well-known visitant to other coun-
tries lying much farther north. It is found in Norway, Sweden,
Denmark and Russia; and, looking indeed to the fact of its being
generally dispersed throughout Europe, it is surprising that our
Scottish counties should not regularly be favoured with its pre-
sence. Although, however, it has not been regarded by British
ornithological writers as a Scottish species, it has extended its
flight through the eastern counties in a number of instances. As
far back as 1817, a male and female were shot at Caversknowe,
near Hawick, and preserved by Mr Heckford, curator of the Kelso
museum. The next occurrence I have been able to trace is that
of a male specimen, near Peterhead, about the year 1833, as
recorded by Mr Arbuthnot, in the statistical account of that
parish. This bird, which I have seen, is still preserved in the
local museum there. Another specimen killed in Caithness is
mentioned by the late Mr Sinclair, surgeon, Wick, in his catalogue
of the birds of that parish, published in the statistical account in
1836. Southwards of these localities this Shrike has been found
in Forfarshire, near Montrose (June, 1862); in Fifeshire, near
Cupar; a male, which is now in my own collection, having been
killed there in the autumn of 1861; and in Haddingtonshire, near
Dunbar, where a pair, male and female, were observed haunting
a hedgerow during the breeding season of 1856. The female was
shot, and afterwards exhibited by myself at a meeting of the
Natural History Society of Glasgow. Three years afterwards,
namely, in July, 1859, two specimens were procured at Oxendean,
near Dunse, in Berwickshire, as recorded in the proceedings of the
Royal Society of Edinburgh, by the Rev. John Duns of Tor-
phichen. To all these examples I may add, that Lord Binning
has obligingly informed me, that he saw a male Red Backed Shrike
on the farm of Byrewalls, near Gordon, in Berwickshire, in the
autumn of 1865; and also that Mr Brown has sent me word of a
Sutherlandshire specimen being in the private museum at Dun-

68 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

robin Castle. Last of all, Dr Saxby of Unst, in Shetland, has com-
municated to me the occurrence of a young male on the 5th
October, 1866, and informs me that the specimen, which was shot
by himself, is now in his possession. The circumstance of one
being obtained so late in the season in such a locality, leads to the
conjecture that in travelling southwards from a more northerly
habitat, it had been blown out of its course. There is a strong
probability, indeed, that nearly all the Scottish examples of
the species found north of the Forth are bewildered travellers
on their return journey. The Berwickshire and East Lothian
pairs, however, may legitimately be reckoned as instances of the
Red Backed Shrike extending its summer flight beyond its pre-
viously defined range.

OBS. — The Woodchat Shrike (L. Rufus) is included in Don's
list of the Birds of Forfarshire, but has never, so far as I am
aware, been noticed in Scotland by any subsequent observer.

INSESSORES. MUSCICAPID^E.

DENTIROSTRES.

THE SPOTTED FLYCATCHER.

MUSCICAPA GRISOLA.

THIS quiet inhabitant of woods and gardens is very generally
distributed. Of somewhat pensive habits, it is by no means an
obtrusive bird, yet it frequently startles the observer strolling
near its haunts by its sudden turnings while fluttering after a moth,
butterfly, or other insect, the snap of its mandibles being distinctly
heard on calm evenings, when few sounds are floating in the air. I
have seen a pair so employed as late as ten o'clock P.M., up to which
hour they were feeding their young ones. In the autumn months
I have likewise observed this Flycatcher perched in apparent
innocence on some fruit tree near a bed of dahlias, and snapping
up numbers of that beautiful insect, the red-admiral butterfly,
cleverly seizing the body lengthwise and dropping the splendid
wings, which twirled sadly in their death flight to the ground.

In gardens, the nest of this bird is placed generally in the fork
of a fruit tree, and is seldom perfect as a structure — one side,
chiefly the front, being thick and bulky, while the back resting
against the tree is merely lined with a few hairs. I have found

PIED FLYCATCHER. 69

the nest picturesquely placed in a rock near Inverkip, Renfrew-
shire, the little shelf being gracefully overhung with wild flowers.
The spot was secluded, and it would have been impossible to detect
the nest had the bird not betrayed herself; it was there in 1866
and again in 1868. Mr Alston has informed me that he once
observed a nest of the Grey Flycatcher on the ground at the root
of a tree. I took a nest three years ago from a tree in a park near
my house ; it was built of dirty straws, and placed in a fork about
fourteen feet from the ground. The outside was covered with
black sheep's wool, and on examination I found that there were
two black sheep in the park among a number of white ones — the
wool of the former having evidently been chosen as a means of
better concealment for the nest, which would have been rather
conspicuous without the external covering. The structure, when
finished, harmonized wonderfully with the colour of the tree.

THE PIED FLYCATCHER.

MUSC1OAPA ATRICAPILLA.

IN the eastern and midland counties it is not improbable that
this Flycatcher will yet be found in limited numbers. It has
not up to this time been traced farther west than Stirlingshire,
in which county, as I have been informed by Mr Brown,
three examples at least have been met with. It has likewise
been taken twice in Aberdeenshire, in 1845 and 1849, and
Mr Thomas Edward has sent me word of its occurrence also
in Banffshire. The late James Wilson mentions the species
in his " Voyage Round Scotland," a specimen, killed in Caith-
ness, having been seen by him in the collection of the late Mr
Sinclair of Wick. In addition to these instances, Dr Smith
of Edinburgh has kindly informed me that a male bird of this
species was shot by Mr Stevenson in a garden near Dunse, in the
first week of June, 1855, and that another male was seen in the
same place in June the following year. My friend, Mr W. Sin-
clair, whose drawings embellish this volume, has also informed
me that he saw one in May, 1867, in a garden at Dunbar, where
he watched it for some time. I have also the gratification of
recording the fact of the Pied Flycatcher breeding in Inverness-
shire, — Mr E. S. Hargitt of London having obligingly sent me

70 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

word that he has in his collection the eggs taken near Drumna-
drochit, in that county, in 1864.

Regarding the occurrence of this species in Aberdeenshire, Mr
Angus has been kind enough to send me the following particu-
lars : — " This beautiful species rarely occurs with us. A specimen
in the Aberdeen museum was shot at Hazel Head, in May, 1842,
by Mr Mitchell, who informed me that he saw another in a cherry
tree at Arthur Seat. A male was obtained at Brucklay Castle in
May, 1849." To these Aberdeenshire records I may add the occur-
rence of a pair, male and female, near Peterhead, previous to
1835, in which year Mr Arbuthnot, the founder of the Peterhead
museum, where the specimens are still preserved, furnished a list
of local birds for publication by the compiler of the statistical
account of the parish.

The Stirlingshire specimens already alluded to were observed
by Mr Peter Allan, bird-stuffer, Stirling, who watched a pair at
Ballochlean on the 18th June, 1867, and by Mr Thompson, Dun-
more, who shot a specimen on the Dunmore estate ten years ago.

Regarding its occurrence in Orkney, Messrs Baikie and Heddle
write as follows: — " Often seen in summer. Several were seen in
Sanday in October, 1809. A small flock appeared at Elsness on
12th May, 1822, after a gale of north-east wind. One was shot
in Sanday, 15th May, 1839. Two killed near Kirkwall in 1844,
are now in the Kirkwall museum."

INSESSOKES. MERULID^.

DENTIROSTRES.

THE COMMON DIPPER.

CINGLUS AQUATICUS.
Gobha uisge. Gobha dubh nan allt. Lon uisge.

THE familiar " Water Craw" of Scotland is a bird of wide dis-
tribution in almost every county north of the Solway and the
Tweed. There is not a river or Highland burn of any consequence
but is frequented by several pairs, which may be met with every
few miles of its course, from the very fountain-head, where the
heath-embedded rocks are crowned with moss and ferns, down a
succession of waterfalls and mill-races, to the broad expanse at its

"V.

COMMON DIPPER. 71

junction with the sea. I have never traversed the banks of any
Scottish stream without meeting this bird, and I have seen it
repeatedly in rocky gullies worn in the mountain side, far up
beyond the line where one expects to find only birds of plunder.
In some of the glens on the Loch Lomond mountains, three or
four pairs constantly attract the rambler as he traverses their
romantic haunts, and their nests are found in sites ranging from
the level of the loch itself to the very summit of the chain, whence
another streamlet takes its source, and rolls down the other side
into the Firth of Clyde. In such districts the site usually chosen
is in a niche of rock near a waterfall, or under some rudely con-
structed bridge; but on the banks of larger streams I have found
it placed against the wasted trunks of willow trees, bending over
the water, and also in rugged landslips, where a convenient tuft of
rough herbage offers both a support and the means of better con-
cealment. In some cases the structure is very skilfully hid, so to
speak, by a total disregard of symmetry, the shapeless mass of
material being as unlike a nest as possible, and only recognisable
when the bird itself betrays the secret. In almost all the nests I
have examined, the eggs or young were six in number, the first
brood being generally fledged about the last week of April. I
found three nests of the Dipper in Shemore Glen, Loch Lomond,
last summer; they were all within sound of two or three leaps of
water hemmed in by overhanging rocks of a great height, almost
meeting at the top, and forming a noisy and gloomy recess such
as few birds would make choice of as a nursery. There, in their
spray-covered sanctuary, the various broods were reared in safety
and dispersed to give additional interest to these beautiful cas-
cades. There, too, in early spring, the male birds may be seen
perched on some moss-covered stone, trilling their fine, clear notes,
though in a measure lost in the noise of the broken water, tearing
and roaring over the rugged rocks. Dippers, indeed, everywhere
delight in deep linns and brawling rapids, where their interesting
motions never fail to attract the angler and bird student, whose
musings suffer not in such feathered company.

In some parts of Scotland this favourite of both poets and
naturalists is cruelly shot by keepers and others ignorant of its
innocent life, as an enemy to those who practise the "gentle art"
on our Highland streams. Writing from the parish of Aberlour
in 1836, the Rev. Alex. Wilson takes notice of the Dipper as being

72 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

at that time abundant in the Spey and its tributaries, and also
that during the time of spawning it was considered very destruc-
tive to the spawn of both trout and salmon. " Formerly," adds
Mr Wilson, " any person who succeeded in killing one of these
birds was allowed, as a reward, the privilege of fishing in the
close season; but for a long time back this has been lost sight of/'*
Mr Brown informs me that to this day a reward of sixpence
a-head is given for Dippers in some parts of Sutherland-
shire. I believe it will be admitted by those who have studied
the habits of this bird that it feeds almost exclusively on fresh
water shells and the larvae of aquatic insects, and that it is there-
fore a groundless charge to suppose that it destroys the spawn of
fish. Instead of doing harm in this way, it is in fact the angler's
best friend by devouring immense quantities of the larvse of dragon-
flies and water-beetles — creatures which are known to live to a
great extent upon the spawn, and even the newly-hatched fry of
both trout and salmon.

The song of the Dipper is extremely pleasing, being heard at all
seasons of the year, and, I may add, at all hours of the day. I
have stood within a few yards of one at the close of a blustering
winter's day, and enjoyed its charming music unobserved. The
performer was sitting on a stake jutting from a mill pond in the
midst of a cold and cheerless Forfarshire moor, yet he joyously
warbled his evening hymn with a fulness which made me forget
the surrounding sterility, and imagine that I stood by the fertile
banks of the Tyne in East Lothian, where, in boyish admiration,
I first listened to the " water pyet's " melodies. On another
occasion, also about dusk, when rambling along the margin of the
Clyde near Lanark, after the breaking up of a long enduring frost,
I was delighted to hear the familiar voice of a Dipper close at
hand, and, on looking round, to find the " sweet singer " perched
on a floating block of ice which was somewhat swiftly sailing with
the current of the swollen river. Waiting until it had passed me,
I had time to observe that his perch was a bit of turf that had
become frozen in the block, and that the little sailor seemed hardly
conscious of being wafted onwards. The song continued until the
tiny iceberg reached a much swifter current, running between two
islets in the centre of the river, when the bird, apparently realising

* See New Statistical Account of Banff shire, page 118.

MISSEL THRUSH. 73

his change of locality through the walloping motion of the novel
craft, sprang with a whirr from his perch, and in another moment
wras pursuing his rapid flight straight up the stream.

The Dipper is common in the burns of Mull and Islay, and is
also met with in the island of Harris, one of the Outer Hebrides,
from which locality I have been kindly favoured with a specimen
by Mr Alexander Cameron of Lochmaddy. Mr Elwes has also
met with it there.

THE MISSEL THRUSH.
TURDUS VISCIVORUS.

DURING the last thirty years there has been a gradual increase of
the numbers of this species throughout Scotland. So recently as
1830, it was rather an unusual circumstance to find a Missel Thrush
breeding in any locality north of the Tweed. Now, however, it
is very common almost everywhere, extending, as I am informed
by Mr Brown, to the counties of Sutherland, Ross, and Caithness.
At first its breeding haunts were wholly confined to gardens and
private avenues, where a variety of tree shrubs afforded it a suit-
able site; but at the present time the nest is found as often in
woods and parks as elsewhere. I have frequently observed the
bulky structure placed at some distance from the ground, but
always near the main trunk of the tree, or on a strong branch,
without much regard to concealment. At other times it may be
seen within a few feet of the base, and within reach of prowling
animals, which generally manage in such cases to destroy the young
ones before they quit the nest.

The materials of which the nest is composed vary greatly. I
have many times influenced the birds in their choice by throw-
ing in their way a quantity of wood or paper shavings, moss, or
even dried ferns, and have been amused at the readiness with
which they took advantage of what had been placed within their
reach — handfuls of loose materials being carried away in a few
hours, and firmly interwoven by the birds. The nest is much
shallower than that of the common thrush, and this makes the
bird very easily detected when sitting. As soon as the eggs are
hatched, the female becomes very bold in defence of her young,
an d strikes vigorously at any prowling cat or schoolboy venturing

74 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

near the nest. The male on such occasions is at no great distance,
and soon joins his mate, the two making rapid sallies, brushing
within a few inches of the offender, and making all the while a
harsh, grating noise. I recollect seeing a pair of Missel Thrushes
defending their nest against the repeated attacks of two crows,
that made a determined assault. The nest was situated in a larch
tree, and one of the crows, after making the first attack, flew off
to some distance, followed by the disturbed thrush. The second
crow then pounced on the defenceless young, and would no doubt
have soon destroyed them, had not the other Missel Thrush come
to the rescue. Both of the Missel Thrushes then beat off their
black assailants, buffetting them with great determination. I was
very much interested with the sight, and was glad to see the
crows so gallantly repulsed.

About the middle of June the young birds become gregarious,
and haunt grass parks, where they pick up snails and other ani-
mals, on which they feed. I have seen flocks of twenty or thirty
birds collected in this way in various parts of Ayrshire. On being
disturbed, they flew at once to the nearest wood, where they had
been probably hatched.

Messrs Baikie and Heddle state that this species makes its
appearance occasionally in Orkney after strong easterly gales.

THE FIELDFAKE.

T URDUS PILARIS.

Liatruisg.

THERE can be no doubt that the large migratory flocks of Field-
fares which visit Scotland come from the east and north-east.
On this account they are first seen in Aberdeenshire and East
Lothian. I have often witnessed their arrival in the latter county,
having spent many seasons in watching the appearance of our
migratory birds. On reaching the coast near Dunbar, for the
most part about daybreak, they settle on the Links, and arrange
their plumage after their long flight, remaining a few days in the
vicinity of the rocks, which they frequent regularly at low tide.
Continued frost, especially if accompanied by snow, will afterwards,
however, bring them down from the higher ground whither they

SONG THRUSH. 75

had betaken themselves, and I have observed many hundreds re-
sorting on these occasions to the beach at high water mark, where
they appear to pick up small marine animals by digging little
holes in the rejectamenta thrown up by the tide. Along this
mound, which was covered with a sprinkling of snow, the marks
of the Fieldfares had a very curious appearance.

Instances of the Fieldfare breeding in Scotland have been vaguely
hinted at by Yarrell in his account of the species, but these appear
to want corroboration. Numerous flocks may be seen some seasons
as late as May, but these are doubtless birds that have been much
farther south, and are now on their return journey. On such
occasions, if carefully watched, it will be found that as a large
flight passes overhead, the birds, on seeing a suitable field, will
wheel round, and, after a short survey, alight, some on the neigh-
bouring fir-trees, where they at once commence pruning their
feathers, others on the green sward, across which they hop actively
in search of a meal. I have observed hundreds together near
Moffat on the 29th of April, and small numbers were seen last
year by Dr Dewar, on Loch Awe side, at the foot of Ben Cruachan,
in the first week of May.

The Fieldfare is well known on the Outer Hebrides, but does
not arrive there until mid- winter; it is chiefly observed in the
pasture grounds lying on the west side of North Uist and Ben-
becula. It is likewise a regular visitor to the Orkneys, a few
remaining on these islands all the year, but it has not been known
to breed there.

THE SONG THRUSH.

TURDUS MUSICUS.
Smeorach.

AN abundant species over the whole of Scotland, extending even to
the most desolate places.

The Thrush is well known throughout North and South Uist,
Benbecula, and Barra by its Gaelic name, Smeorach, and is per-
manently resident. The nest is found among heath-clad rocks,
and in turf walls — trees and shrubs being unknown in these islands.
In August and September of this year (1868) I observed numbers of
Thrushes in North Uist taking shelter in dry stone dykes, and

76 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

hopping from one crevice to another like disconsolate wrens. I
remarked particularly the unusually dark colour of their plumage
— the birds being very unlike those brought up in cultivated dis-
tricts, where gardens, trees, and hedgerows attract this familiar
songster and its allies. This species seems more readily to adapt
its mode of living to circumstances than any other member of the
family. On Ailsa Craig, whence a comparatively short flight
would take it to one of the most beautiful and fertile valleys in
Scotland, it prefers the society of puffins and razorbills, and makes
its habitation among broken masses of rock beside these strange
associates. Even at an elevation of six hundred feet on this
solitary rock it will remain for months, undismayed by the frequent
storms which break upon its lonely haunts. Its nest is sometimes
found, too, in the dark caves of Ailsa, whose frowning doorways
would deter even hardier birds. In May of the present year two
pairs had established themselves in one of these dismal and
dripping dwellings, both nests having the usual number of eggs,
which were afterwards hatched. Yet even there, in its rocky home,
the mavis is not a less interesting or poetical subject than under
the "laughing sky" of Northamptonshire, where

" Within a thick and spreading hawthorn bush

That overhung a mole-hill large and round,
I heard from morn to morn a merry thrush

Sing hymns of rapture, while I drank the sound
With joy; — and oft, an unintruding guest,

I watched her secret toils from day to day;
How true she warped the moss to form her nest,

And modelled it within with wood and clay.
And by-and-bye, like heath-bells gilt with dew,

There lay her shining eggs as bright as flowers,
Ink-spotted over, shells of green and blue:

And there I witnessed, in the summer hours,
A brood of nature's minstrels chirp and fly,

Glad as the sunshine and the laughing sky."

— JOHN CLARE.

Writing of the Thrush in the Hebrides, Mr Elwes says: — "It
is extremely common in Lewis and Harris, but not so abundant
in Uist. I have often noticed them high up a mountain among
the rocks, where there was hardly a bit of heather; and I think
they are attracted to these sterile regions by the number of small
land shells which are found among the stones."

THE REDWING. 77

THE REDWING.

TURD US ILIACUS.

THIS species of thrush is later in arriving on the west than on the
opposite coast of Scotland. On their arrival from Norway and
other countries, where they breed, they fly in considerable flocks,
remaining, however, only a few days on the sea-coast to recruit,
before commencing their inland journey. On the Haddington-
shire coast, I have seen numbers coming in from the sea in com-
pany with fieldfares, and settling on the low-lying fields near the
beach. At an early hour one morning in the month of October,
I recollect seeing quite a swarm of those two species covering the
links at Dunbar. They were apparently fatigued, and permitted
a very near approach, merely hopping out of the way a little as I
walked forward.

In western Scotland, the flocks are not so large, consisting for
the most part of a dozen or fifteen birds. These betake them-
selves to open fields during the daytime, where they feed on grubs
and worms, and at nightfall they frequently roost in a group
of trees, occupying some exposed situation, unless the weather
happens to be very severe, when they are glad to seek the shelter
of garden shrubs and bushes. In the memorable frost of 1860-61,
great numbers perished during a snow-storm of unusual severity.
My friend Dr John Grieve informed me that he had seen at
Dunoon, in Argyleshire, twenty or thirty dead Redwings lying
huddled together under a laurel bush after the storm had ceased.

The Outer Hebrides are visited also by small flocks of this
species, which appears to linger there even longer than it does on
the mainland. The late Dr Macgillivray has stated in his work
on British Birds, that he has seen specimens on the 25th of
May in Harris, the same island on which Mr Bullock had found
the Redwing breeding in 1818. This circumstance is mentioned
in Fleming's " History of British Animals," the author having been
informed by Mr Bullock, in a letter dated 25th April, 1819.

A manuscript note in Mr Dunn's copy of Messrs Baikie and
Heddle's work, states that the Redwing breeds in these islands.

78 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

THE BLACKBIRD.

TURDUS MERULA.
Lon-dubh.

BLAIR, in his beautiful poem, "the Grave," after describing the
pleasures enjoyed by himself and a companion, when wandering
heedlessly in some thick wood away from the " vulgar eye," thus
introduces the Blackbird and his ally: —

" And sat us down

Upon the sloping cowslip-covered bank
Where the pure limpid stream has slid along
In grateful eddies through the underwood,
Sweet murmuring; methought the shrill-tongued thrush
Mended his song of love; the sooty blackbird
Mellowed his pipe, and softened every note;
The eglantine smelled sweeter, and the rose
Assumed a dye more deep; whilst every flower
Vied with its fellow plant in luxury
Of dress."

But in ushering this fine "negro vocalist" into these pages, I
shall not dwell upon his habits in cultivated haunts, these being
already familiar to all readers and observers. The life of the
merle in the Hebrides has never been associated with verdant
woods or beds of roses. There he has no flower-covered lawn or
tall poplar tree on which to begin and end the day; he lives but
on poor diet, picked from the spray-covered rocks, and sings him-
self to rest, it may be, on a turf-built wall, or mound of stones in
the midst of some desolate moor.

The Blackbird is common at times only in the outer group of
islands. On Lewis, although a well-known resident, it is not so
numerous as the thrush, but the great improvements near Storno-
way will no doubt attract the species more in future, and it may
therefore be expected to increase. On Harris it is likewise resi-
dent, and also on North Uist, but in very limited numbers; while
on Benbecula it is wholly absent in summer, being only a winter
visitant. On lona and Mull it is also a winter bird only; but in
some of the other inner islands it is resident. I have found several
pairs of Blackbirds on Ailsa Craig; one of these had their nest in
a turret hole of the old castle ruins, nearly half way towards the

RING OUZEL. 79

summit of the island. I remember one very hot day in July, hear-
ing a Blackbird sing in a cave there; it had penetrated to the inmost
recesses of this dark abode, which must have been a familiar haunt,
as on going in to ascertain its extent, I found the bird was able
to steer directly out of it, without flitting by side jerks until it
regained the entrance.

In some districts of Scotland Blackbirds have of late years
multiplied to a great extent; the island of Arran, for example,
since the destruction of birds of prey there, has been completely
overrun with them.

After the breeding season is over, these birds, in Ayrshire,
repair in great numbers to the sea-coast between Girvan and Bal-
lantrae, seeking shelter in hot days under blocks of stone and large
flat rocks lying on the beach. On one occasion I turned out
eighteen Blackbirds from under a flat rock, resting on broken
stones, by poking them with a walking-stick. I have seen sparrow-
hawks and merlins — apparently aware of this habit — hunting
these rocks in vain at mid-day, where the Blackbirds were all con-
cealed, but pertinaciously beating about in the neighbourhood,
knowing their quarry to be there, although unable in the mean-
time to dislodge it.

THE KING OUZEL.

TURDUS TORQUATUS.
Dubh chraige.

IN many parts of Ayrshire and Argyleshire, especially wild moor-
lands where there is a mixture of heath and lichen-covered rocks,
the Ring Ouzel is very plentiful in the breeding season. On its
arrival in April, it may be seen high up on the mountain sides,
perched on some grey boulder, and shifting mysteriously from
rock to rock, somewhat in the manner of a wheatear, facing the
intruder, and remaining motionless a few seconds, till a nearer
approach drives it away. After occupying these haunts about ten
days, the male begins his call-notes, which at first are not at all
musical ; the cry, in fact, is more like the yelping note of a whim-
brel, and appears to be exerted only when the bird's haunts are
invaded. After the nest is formed, the note of the Ring Ouzel

80 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

gains melody, and has a somewhat wild and bewildering effect on
the listener as he stands on the dreary waste of heath.

Numbers of Ring Ouzels breed in Dumbartonshire, Stirlingshire,
Ayrshire, Wigtownshire, and a few in the Upper Ward of Lanark-
shire. They descend, as the autumn advances, to the lower
grounds, where they frequent gardens, and are not in general
looked upon as favourites, being then " dingy and tuneless" thieves,
devouring cherries and gooseberries with a keen relish, after a six
months' experience of their mountain diet. In October they slip
away southwards, and leave the West of Scotland at the Mull of
Galloway, where young birds occasionally lose their reckoning,
and dash themselves against the lantern of the lighthouse.

I have never been able to trace this species on any of the Outer
Hebrides, although Mr Yarrell states that Mr Bullock obtained
its nest on some of the islands, probably, however, one of the
inner group. Mr Elwes informs me that it has been occasionally
found in Islay. It is likewise an occasional visitant to Orkney,
small flocks having been observed in 1822, 1829, and 1835. Num-
bers appeared in these islands in October, 1836. These occur-
rences seem to have escaped Mr Yarrell's notice.

THE GOLDEN ORIOLE.
ORIOLUS GALBULA.

THE late Dr Fleming mentions, in his " History of British Animals,"
that he saw a specimen of this bird, which was killed in the island
of Arran in 1807; and in the same year another example of the
species was taken at Restalrig, near Edinburgh. Besides these
instances, mention is made of a third, shot in Berwickshire, in the
statistical account of the parish of Cockburnspath, by the Rev.
Andrew Baird, who was a very careful and accurate observer.
No record of any other Scottish specimen has been made, so far
as I know. It may be worth noting here, that a fine Golden
Oriole was shot in June of the present year (1868) in the Isle of
Man, and taken in the flesh to Mr Hastings, bird stuffer in Dum-
fries, for preservation.

The habits of so showy and attractive a bird are, of course, not
easily studied in a country where the rarer visitors enjoy but a
brief existence amid so many watchful collectors. We have, there-

HEDGE ACCENTOR. 81

fore, no opportunity of hearing its richly modulated notes as it
sits like a large yellow flower among the green leaves. A friend
who has frequently heard it in the forests of Germany lately de-
scribed it to me as resembling the notes of a flute, changing at
times to a querulous, " Ah, how d'ye doT on hearing approaching
footsteps. A different and perhaps less civil construction, how-
ever, has been put upon it by a recent contributor to " Chambers'
Journal," who remarks that " the song of this splendid bird — a
flute-like whistle, with a cadence not unlike speech — sounds
ominous to the low German, short of coin; for Hans, drinking
before the ale-house door, hears the Oriole sing from the lindens,
"Hast du gesopen? so betahl du." "(Hast thou quaffed? then

pay)."

INSESSOKES. S YL VIA D^E.

DENTIROSTRES.

THE HEDGE ACCENTOR.

ACCENTOR MODULARIS.

THE familiar hedge-sparrow is everywhere known, from Sutherland-
shire to the Mull of Galloway, and on all the Hebrides, except the
bleakest islands, On Ailsa Craig even — an isolated refuge, without
hedge-rows or any attractive brushwood which make the home of
the species unseen in the not far distant valleys of Ayrshire —
it hops briskly among the broken boulders, and trills its wren-like
song among the ungainly guillemots with as much heartiness as
if it never knew a more verdant spot. In the dull gloom of one
of the numerous caves intersecting that remarkable rock, I have
seen the nest of this bird placed in a ledge of rock at the root of
a handful of the hart's-tongue fern, the floor of the cave being
covered with water, and forming a strange contrast to the site
usually selected by the confiding shufflewing near the abodes of
men.

From its habit of breeding early in the season, this bird is often
robbed of its eggs by wandering schoolboys, who treasure them
for their pleasing colour, and in almost all rural districts these
young persecutors indulge in the regular habit of prowling along
the yet leafless hedgerows, scrubby bushes, or cast-up heaps of
winter prunings, where their plunder is only too easy of discovery.

82 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

In our northern climate it is sometimes hard to withhold one's
sympathy for this modest little bird, as it sits shivering on the
withered sticks among which the nest is placed; frequently, in-
deed, a sudden change in the weather upsets the teachings of its
own instincts by covering its haunts with a carpet of snow, on
which it hops in sad wonderment at winter's return, although
ready with a cheering note for its sitting mate, the moment the
breaking clouds show their silver lining, and the peep of blue
sky beyond.

THE REDBREAST.

ERYTHACA RUB ECU LA.

Broinn-dearg.

WHEN the late Mr John Macgillivray wrote his account of the
Birds of the Hebrides, he was able to mention but one locality in
these islands for this familiar bird, namely, Rhodil, in Harris.
Since that time, however, it has been found in various other
places. On the west side of North Uist, it is frequently seen at
Paible, and in one or two localities. It is likewise now a common
bird in some parts of Lewis, especially in the town of Stornoway
and its attractive vicinity, where it may be seen as numerously,
perhaps, as in the most fertile districts of Scotland. Drawn
thither, no doubt, by the results of the extraordinary improve-
ments that have of late years been effected by the proprietor, Sir
James Matheson, it has now become fairly established, and is able
to lead a life of pleasure, roaming over the beautifully cultivated
grounds of the neighbourhood of the castle, or mounting the
height of some Stornoway house-top, whence I have heard the
little fellow trilling his morning hymn unseen in the grey dawn.

On all the Inner Hebrides the robin is known as a common
bird practising his pugnacious habits, nothing awed by the pre-
sence of hawks, or dulled by the absence of other small birds
whose society he enjoys in southern haunts. Standing one fine
autumnal morning in an old cabbage garden in Mull, where the
ground was being turned over, I observed one settling on the
limb of a low bush near the gardener at his work. Having espied
a worm, he swiftly glided from his perch, lifted his prey without
closing his wings, and after alighting on another low twig, de-

THE REDBREAST. 83

voured what he had got. Cleaning his bill, he chirped a note of
satisfaction, jumped down, hopped a few strides, lifted another
worm, and disappeared among the bushes, as if he had done some-
thing wrong. The hurried movement, however, was very soon
explained by his re-appearance in a few seconds, followed by
another robin, who at once closed with him in deadly conflict.
In the confusion of their movements, of course, I could not tell
the one from the other, but I allowed them to settle their battle,
which ended in the death of one of the combatants. I could
hardly have believed it possible for birds with bills so slender to
destroy each other so quickly; they did not fight longer than five
minutes.

But although his character for occasional, if not frequent pug-
nacity cannot be disputed, the Redbreast is in the main a confiding,
happy, and contented fellow. Often when other birds are silent
and depressed during the tedious weeks of hard weather in early
spring, he will mount joyously from his frozen haunts, and, as if

" Proud o' the height of some bit half-lang tree,"

pour out his artless notes so happily, that the listener cannot help
wondering at the contentment of the redbreasted philosopher. It
must indeed have been the robin of whom a good man lately said —

" The bird is your true poet. I have seen him
When the snow wrapped his seeds, and not a crumb
Was in his larder, perch upon a branch,
And sing from his brave heart a song of trust
In Providence, who feeds him though he sows not,
Nor gathers into barns. Whatever his fears
Or sorrows be, his spirit bears him up.
Cares ne'er o'ermaster him, for 'tis his wont
To stifle them with music. Out of sight
He buries them in the depth of his sweet song,
And gives them a melodious sepulture."

I have frequently observed that in the evenings, when the robin
sings from a high perch, such as the top of a tree, or the edge of
a chimney-can on the house top, one may calculate with certainty
on fine weather for next day.

84 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

THE REDSTART.

PH(ENICVRA RUTICILLA.

Ceann-dearg.

FROM its shy and unobtrusive habits, the Redstart, although by
no means a rare bird, leads a life of comparative obscurity, and is
much seldomer observed by ornithologists than many other species
which visit us in fewer numbers. It would almost seem as if it
were afraid of its clear contrasting colours proving too great a
temptation to the bird-collector, as the male keeps very much out
of sight in his ordinary haunts, appearing but for a moment as he
darts from the tall hedgerow or ivy-clad wall and hops briskly to
the nearest thicket on being observed.

I have not seen this species on any of the Hebrides, but have
traced its occurrence in all parts of the western mainland, from
Wigtown to Inverness-shire. It visits annually the neighbour-
hood of Glasgow, and breeds within the city boundaries. Thirty
years ago it would appear to have been a much commoner bird in
Lanarkshire than it is now. Near Hamilton, according to the
Rev. Mr Patrick, it was " exceedingly abundant" in 1835.

On the east coast it arrives about the same time as the wheatear,
perhaps a little later. It is then found near Dunbar, at the sea-
shore, frequenting deserted rabbit-warrens, and flitting among the
rocks at low tide; a habit which becomes even more conspicuous
after a time when the birds have nested, the male especially being
seen perched on a jutting rock watchful and jealous of molestation.

The Redstart is found occasionally in Shetland.

THE BLACK REDSTART.

PHCENICURA TITHYS.

FROM all I can learn, this species is but a rare straggler in any
part of Scotland. Twenty years ago a specimen, said to have been
shot in Caithness, was seen by Mr Wilson in the collection of Mr
Sinclair of Wick, and another was obtained at Cullen, in Banff-
shire, by Mr Thomas Edward, in 1851. A third was shot on 20th
December, 1859, at the ruins of the old palace at Kirkwall, in
Orkney, by Mr William Reid, now of Pultneytown, Wick, who

THE STONECHAT. 85

informs me that the bird is still in his collection. These three
are the only authentic records of specimens taken in Scotland;
but I have been informed by Mr George Kirkpatrick, that in
1858 he found a nest and eggs at Duncow, near Dumfries,
which he could not make out to belong to any other than this
species. The nest was placed on the ground, on a patch of waste
moor, and in structure resembled a yellow hammer's, but was
larger; the eggs, five in number, were shining and pure white.
The eggs of the Black Redstart are so characteristic, that, when
found in a situation like that described, they can hardly be mis-
taken for those of another species.

THE STONECHAT.

SAXICOLA RUBICOLA.
Cloichearan. Clacharan.

A VERY common species, and in many districts resident all the
year, making itself conspicuous by its short, restless flight, and
habit of perching upon plants and low bushes, on the topmost
stems of which it invariably shows itself when disturbed. Its
note resembles the words, " Hey, chuck, chuck," and is more
noticeable when the young are hatched than at other seasons.
On the coasts of Ayrshire and Wigtownshire, its favourite haunts
are sandy fields covered with tall coarse weeds and bramble
bushes, among which it lingers through the summer and
autumn months. The male is a very pretty bird, looking so
dainty in his clean white collar, as he sits calling to the passer-by.
Yet there is perhaps no bird in the West of Scotland more sug-
gestive of waste places than the Stonechat. Distributed exten-
sively over all the counties bordering upon the sea, it is often seen
frequenting graveyards and other sombre haunts, flitting from
stone to stone uttering its clicking or spirit-rapping note, which,
in out of the way places especially, is so monotonous and eerie
that it begets a feeling which most persons, I daresay, would be
disinclined to encourage.

Last autumn, when wandering on the shores of Benbecula, in
the Outer Hebrides, one evening towards dusk I happened to draw
near the only graveyard on the island, in the centre of which
stand the ruins of a Roman Catholic chapel. Hearing the familiar

86 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

clicking of the Clacharan, I looked over the moss-grown wall of
boulder stones, and there saw a beautiful male bird of this species
on a sculptured urn surmounting one of the few tombstones in
this singularly lonely burial-place. Wheeling round on the top
of the urn, the little fellow beckoned to me, as I thought, inviting
a nearer approach, telling me, however, in very plain bird language,
the " gate's shut, shut." I was tempted by the strange look of
the inclosure to intrude on the " homes of the dead," and after
passing through a rude gap in the wall, I walked up to the spot,
and read that a good man lay buried there. The stone, protected
by an iron railing, was all but surrounded by desolate weeds; but
a deepening glow of purple from the setting sun threw a radiance
on the grave none the less impressive as I deciphered the inscrip-
tion:—

Sacred to the Memory of

N INI AN CLARK,

Factor for Colonel Gordon of Cluny's Long Island properties,
Who was drowned 4th May, 1843,

Aged 38 years.
He was much esteemed in life, and deeply lamented in death,

by all who knew him.

This Tablet is erected by his Beloved and

Bereaved Wife.

While transcribing these words into my note-book, a large sea-
gull alighted on a turf-covered mound, within a few yards of where
I stood, and folded back his neck with the design of remaining
there for the night. At this moment the place became invested
with a strange solemnity, which made an impression upon me that I
can never forget. The sky had become softened into a dark bluish
purple, and the fast falling shades brought an unusual sense of
loneliness, broken only by the dull sound of the Atlantic breaking
on the beach. Sky and sea, indeed, were unlike anything I had
ever seen or listened to before. There was no life around save
that solitary bird —

" Like an image sitting there
Alone amid the doleful air,
Seeming to tell of some dim union,
Some wild and mystical communion,
Connecting with his parent sea
This lonesome stoneless cemetery."

"THE WHINCHAT — THE WHEATEAR. 87

THE WHINCHAT.

SAXICOLA RUBETRA.

NOT nearly so numerous as the preceding species, though affecting
the same haunts by the sea-shore; it, however, approaches nearer to
homesteads and farm-yards, being less suggestive as a bird of the
waste. It perches more frequently on palings and hedgerows than
its congener, and is perhaps quieter and less obtrusive in its habits.
As a rule, it is thinly distributed, still it is never absent from
places where one would naturally look for it. I have seen it
along the shores of Ayrshire, frequenting potato fields, flitting
restlessly across the green surface, and perching at times on the
plants themselves. Another favourite haunt in the same county
is the side of the railway embankment, near Girvan, where I have
seen twenty or thirty in the course of a short ramble, hunting in
the vicinity of their nests for small beetles which lurked among
the clover and grasses growing profusely in the more sheltered
cuttings. Sometimes when so engaged, it will neatly perch on a
stem of tall grass, and after looking about for a few seconds,
resume its hovering and feeding as before. I have often watched
this interesting bird feeding its young ones after having left the
nest, the family group generally occupying the top rail of some
fence conveniently near a good place for insects, where, on warm
evenings, they remain for hours perched in a row, each patiently
waiting its turn to be fed.

This species is mentioned by the late Mr John Macgillivray, in
his list of the Birds of the Outer Hebrides, and it has occasionally
been seen in Orkney, although it is not known to breed there,
In many Scottish districts it is absent altogether; yet it may be
said to range from the border counties to Caithness.

THE WHEATEAE.

SAXICOLA ^NANTHE.

THE appearance of this lively species in the western counties
of Scotland is generally unobtrusive, a few pairs only coming at
first, until by degrees their accustomed haunts are occupied by
the usual numbers. On the eastern shores, however, immense
flocks make their appearance suddenly, and occupy for a day or

88 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

two particular localities before dispersing themselves over inland
districts. Thus, on Dunbar Links, in the month of March, I have
seen them arriving in thousands, and flying before me, in my
early morning walks, like bits of sea foam borne by the breeze. The
males especially were very beautiful and attractive, from the clear-
ness of their plumage. By-and-by these large flights were broken
up into small parties, the distribution of which could be traced
by walking inland to some distance on the higher grounds, and
watching the restless fellows flitting from hillock to hillock, leav-
ing here and there, as the main body advanced, a few stragglers
to people the dry stone dykes of the Lammermoors. I have never
seen such arrivals on any of the sea-borders of Western Scotland.

The Wheatear is very abundant in the Outer Hebrides, from
Mingaly to the Butt of Lewis, appearing in these islands in early
spring, and remaining until late in autumn. There is a very
curious superstition prevalent in North and South Uist regarding
the bird on its arrival. "When seen for the first time in the
season, the natives are quite unhappy if it should happen to be
perched on a rock or a stone; such a circumstance, as they say,
being a sure sign of evil in prospect; but should the bird be seen
perched on a bit of turf, it is looked upon as a happy omen. The
species is equally common over the whole of the inner group
of islands, taking up its abode on many of the uninhabited
islets and rocks. It breeds in considerable numbers on Ailsa
Craig. In the autumn season certain districts appear to offer
temptations for stray birds to prolong their stay, especially some
of the higher mountain ranges, whose bleak sides would seem but
a poor hunting ground for an insect-feeding bird. I have seen
single specimens lingering till October; and on the llth of that
month, in 1866, Dr Dewar informs me that he saw one on the
summit of Ben Arnan.

The song of the Wheatear is very pleasing. I have seen males
perched on a stone wall begin their warblings with a few modu-
lated notes, accompanied with a pretty motion of their wings,
until they fairly burst into joyful utterance and rose into flight,
hovering a few feet above the wall, and literally dancing in
the air with delight. In hilly districts the nest is chiefly placed
in holes of dry stone walls; but on the east coast I have for the
most part found it in deserted rabbit-holes, as on Dunbar Links,
for example, whence the rabbits are now banished.

C4RASSHOPPER WARBLER— SEDGE WARBLER. 89

THE GRASSHOPPER WARBLER.

SALIC ART A LOG U STELLA.

THIS very curious bird is apparently more local in its distribution,
with the exception, perhaps, of the lesser whitethroat, than any
of the other Scottish warblers. It has been traced from the
Solway Firth to the Firth of Forth on the east side as a regular
visitor, and from Wigtownshire to Loch Lomond on the west. It
is also found in some of the midland counties, but I have not been
able to trace the migration of the species to a more northern limit
than Bonaw, near Oban, Argyleshire. In the Loch Lomond dis-
trict, it is not uncommon above Tarbet, in a plantation of young
larch trees, at an elevation of five or six hundred feet above the
level of the loch. The bird is very restless, and is generally heard
at nightfall in this plantation, where it at once betrays itself by
its peculiar note, which it utters almost without intermission until
daybreak. By taking up a favourable position, the observer may
usually see the birds come to the outer twigs of a thick bush and
wheel round and round, shivering their wings, and making the
still air ring with their strangely monotonous concert. I have
frequently found young broods dispersed when but half-fledged,
from which circumstance I have thought that they quit the nest
much earlier than most birds. On such occasions my search for
the young warblers was very perplexing, their chirpings coming
from all sides with a most bewildering effect.

Mr Oliver Eaton, Kilmarnock, has informed me that this bird
has appeared regularly early in May in all the plantations near
that town for the last twenty years.

THE SEDGE WARBLER.

SALICARIA PHRAGMITIS.

THE Sedge Warbler is a very common species in many parts of
Scotland, but especially abundant in the western counties extend-
ing from the south of Wigtown to the north of Argyle. It is by
no means uncommon even in western Inverness and Sutherland.
In numbers it appears to rank next to the willow warbler, which
enlivens almost every county with its well-known and cheerful
song; and throughout the short summer nights, when all other

90 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

birds, save perhaps the skylark, are hushed, it appears to take
a pleasure in hurrying over its vigorous batch of notes with as
much vivacity as if instigated by the most brilliant sunshine. I
have heard this bird singing briskly at all hours of the night in
the neighbourhood of Glasgow, especially on the banks of the
Kelvin, and on the fringed edges of quarry holes, which are cer-
tainly far from inviting to a bird of its lively habits. It is found,
perhaps, nowhere more numerously than on the banks of the
Water of Girvan, in Ayrshire. Frequently, when fishing on that
stream, I have observed one of these warblers threading his way
quietly through an alder thicket by the water side, peeping inquisi-
tively at times as he halted a moment on the outside before flying
to another bush. Just as he saw he was recognised, he would
pour forth a volley of strains not unlike the mild twitterings of a
swallow, changing the notes all at once to the pink pink of an
angry chaffinch, or the cherJc of some impudent cock-sparrow; then
he would dart to the summit of the bush, and show oft' his full
powers of mimicry, like a little feathered Merry Andrew, dancing
on his pliant perch, and wheeling round so comically that nothing
in bird-life could be more diverting. But ordinarily he courts
solitude in the thickest shrubs, generally beside some marsh or
deep river-pool, remaining in these silent places for many hours
without indicating his presence. Occasionally, however, he may
be tempted into a musical performance, by the observer throwing
a stone into his haunts. At first a low churr is heard, succeeded
by chip chow cherry, then off he sets into the drollest imitation of
the notes of his e very-day associates, at the end of which he jumps
to the top of the bush, causing the onlooker to wonder how so
slender a little fellow could have furnished an entertainment so
varied.

The nest of this species is generally placed in a low bush, within
eighteen inches or two feet from the ground. It is somewhat
oblong in shape, and the structure is deeper than that of the com-
mon whitethroat. Mr Sinclair showed me two nests last summer
in a wood near Inverkip, Renfrewshire; they were close to the
public road, and were each built in the crowning tuft of an old
whin bush. We measured the height of both from the ground,
the one being five feet, and the other two inches less. In these
cases the tall bushes, having their stems bare to a height of two
or three feet, moved freely when rocked by the wind.

REED WARBLER. 91

The Sedge Warbler frequents the island of Mull in limited
numbers, and will perhaps be found in Skye, especially on the
eastern side, where there is but a short separation from the main-
land of Inverness; it is also found sparingly in Islay, as I have
been informed by Mr Elwes, but is not, so far as I am aware, ever
seen in any of the Outer Hebrides.

THE REED WARBLER.
SALIC ARIA ARUNDINACEA.

THIS species, which, in its geographical distribution, appears to be
confined to the continent of Europe, is a very rare bird in Scot-
land. My only authority indeed for introducing it into this
volume is my correspondent, Dr Turnbull, of Philadelphia, who
has stated in his little work on the " Birds of East Lothian," that
it is sometimes seen in that county, and that it has also been seen
in the neighbourhood of Bathgate, in Mid-Lothian, where it
breeds.

Not having met with this bird in its natural haunts, I must
refer to the observations of others. The best account of its
habits I have yet read is to be found in Mr Stevenson's admirable
volume on the " Birds of Norfolk." " This species," says that
very pleasant writer, " like the sedge warbler, is an incessant
songster, heard at short intervals throughout the day, except in
windy weather, but saving its choicest music for the twilight
hours. Its lavish notes are thus associated in my mind with many
a calm summer's night on the open broads, the stars shining
brightly overhead, and the soft breeze sighing through the rust-
ling reeds, mingled with the hum of insect life on the water. It
is at such times that the song of these marsh nightingales is heard
to perfection. All is still around save those murmuring sounds
that seem to lull to sleep; the barking of the watch-dog has ceased
in the distance, and the hoarse croak of the coot or the moorhen
harmonizes too well with the scene to startle with its frequent
repetition. Presently, as if by magic, the reed-beds on all sides
are teeming with melody; now here, now there; first one, then
another, and another of the reed-birds pour forth their rich
inviting notes, taken up again and again by others, and still, far
away in the distance, the same strain comes back upon the breeze,

92 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

till one is lost in wonder at their numbers, so startling to the
ear of a stranger, so impossible to be estimated at all during the
day."

Mr Stevenson describes a number of the pensile nests of this
species taken in a garden near the river-side; one of these was
hung in a currant-bush, and had several rich clusters of fruit
hanging over it. The structure is generally suspended between
three reeds, but sometimes two or four. One mentioned by Mr
Stevenson had even five stems interwoven through the nest.

OBS. — The nightingale (Philomela, luscinia) is believed to have
been met with in at least two instances north of the Tweed. The
first is thus alluded to in Macgillivray's British Birds: — "In a
letter with which I am favoured by Mr Eobert D. Duncan, is the
following notice: — ' The nightingales arrived in Calder wood, in
West Lothian, in the early part of the summer of 1826. I cannot
remember so far back, but creditable eye and ear- witnesses, on
whose testimony implicit reliance may be placed, gave me the
information. Before and about midnight, while the full moon
shone bright and clear, the superior warble of the male was first
heard, which soon attracted a number of admiring individuals,
who hastened to the spot, supposing it at first to be a scape-
canary. The owner of the wood was extremely anxious to pre-
serve them, thinking, perhaps, that they might propagate; but
with all his care and attention, some malicious and selfish indi-
viduals attempted to take them with bird-lime, but failing in
their efforts, they afterwards shot the male, upon which the
female left the wood.' " In this case it is possible that some
other bird, such as the sedge warbler, black cap, or garden warbler
(although the two latter do not, so far as I am aware, sing at
midnight) may have been mistaken for the nightingale, and that
the lateness of the hour, not to speak of the " full moon," may
have helped the deception. The second instance is given in Turn-
bull's "Birds of East Lothian," wherein it is stated that the night-
ingale was heard near Dalmeny Park, Mid-Lothian, in June, 1839.

In the belief that migratory songsters returned to their native
haunts in the breeding season, an attempt was made, many
years ago, by Sir John Sinclair of Ulbster, Baronet, to introduce
nightingales into Caithness-shire, by placing eggs which had been
transmitted from the neighbourhood of London, in the nests of
robin redbreasts. The foster parents managed satisfactorily to

BLACKCAP WARBLER. 93

bring up the young nightingales, which for some time after-
wards were observed flying about in the vicinity of their birth-
place. In September, however, in obedience to their migratory
instincts, they quitted their northern home, to which they never
returned. Perhaps they were right.

THE BLACKCAP WARBLER.

CURRUCA ATRICAPILLA.

THIS species, though nowhere numerous, appears to be widely dis-
tributed from near Cape Wrath to the shores of the Solway. In
the intervening districts, especially those where leafy woods and
roadside thickets are sufficiently sheltered for the encouragement
of bird-life, the Blackcap is a well-known and welcome summer
visitant. Being a bird of comparatively hardy constitution, it
does not seem so anxious about leaving us at the end of the season
as other migratory warblers, which observe the dates of their
arrival and departure with some regularity, and we consequently
find it flitting about among the half-withered leaves long after
signs of winter have appeared. The lateness of its stay is no
doubt owing to the circumstance of its feeding on autumn fruits,
such as rowans and elder berries, when insect prey is no longer to
be obtained. It has even been observed and procured so late as
the 8th of November, in Caithness, the most northerly county in
the Scottish mainland. At a meeting of the Royal Physical
Society of Edinburgh, held on 22d January, 1862, Dr Smith exhi-
bited two specimens which had been shot near Wick by the late
Mr H. Osborne, a male on the 1 6th October, and a female on the
28th, respecting which the following notes were contributed by
Mr Osborne. After referring to the late stay of the birds in a
district so far north in Britain, he thus proceeds: — " With the
exception that the male was not in song, both birds were as active
and lively as they are described to be in midsummer, and both
too were in perfect plumage. I have observed, in cases where the
swallow has prolonged its stay with us until far on in the season,
that there was ,an evident lack of that liveliness, vigour, and power
of flight displayed, for instance, in the month of June; but no
such peculiarity was observable in the Blackcaps. This, for the
most part, perhaps, may be owing to the fact that the Blackcap,

94 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

when insect food is scarce, can subsist on the smaller fruits, while
the swallow is wholly insectivorous, while under my own observa-
tion the Blackcap fed principally on the berries of the mountain
ash."

THE GARDEN WARBLER.
CURRUCA HORTENSIS.

ACCORDING to Mr Selby, the Garden Warbler is found over the
greater part of Scotland, but I am disposed to think that it is not
commonly distributed. It is, however, very difficult to judge of
the comparative numbers of so shy a bird, as it is even less
frequently noticed, save by the patient observer, than some other
species of greater rarity. In the sheltered and wooded districts
of the midland and southern counties, it is one of the most attrac-
tive songsters, tuning its loud yet gleeful pipe on the top of some
fruit tree, an hour or two after daybreak, and again about the
dusk of the evening. These love notes, however, are not of long
continuance, for the bird becomes silent after the young are
hatched, unless a second brood is reared, when the same wild yet
mellow, blackbird-like song is again for a short time heard.

Mr Sinclair has observed the Garden Warbler at Inverkip,
Renfrewshire, where the richly wooded preserves afford it a
constant shelter during its summer sojourn. His attention was
arrested two or three summers ago by hearing the song of the
male in one of the village gardens, and also from the summit of a
cluster of trees near the railway station. Being an exceedingly
timid creature, it is easily alarmed; even when in full song, it will
stop suddenly on hearing the slightest noise or disturbance, and
drop at once almost to the ground, where it quickly threads its
way out of sight among the bushes or tangled herbage.

Like the preceding species, the Garden Warbler freely partakes
of small ripe fruits, such as currants, etc., as a change from its
usual insect food.

Dr Saxby mentions that a specimen of this bird was obtained
at Baltasound, Shetland, on 30th September, 1861.

COMMON WHTTETHRO AT— LESSER WHTTETHROAT. 95

THE COMMON WHITETHROAT.

CURRUCA C IN ERE A.

THE lively Whitethroat, or whiskey whey beard, as it is called in
many parts of Scotland, is one of the most familiar of our summer
visitants. In the western counties it is particularly common,
arriving early in May, and frequenting thickets and hedgerows
until September. On its arrival, and for some time afterwards,
it appears to be much livelier and more obtrusive in its habits
than it is later in the season; all day long the male may be seen
starting to the outermost twigs, and, with crest erect and puffed-
*out throat, keeping up an earnest but somewhat harsh chattering
by way of a song. Occasionally he varies his movements, by rising
into the air full of musical intention, and for a while vainly trying
to rival other choristers, but these attempts soon subside, and the
capering little fellow comes whirling down to the very spot from
which he so pretendingly mounted, and skulks at once into the
thickest part of the hedge, as if half-ashamed at his failure. I have
frequently observed that a pair of Whitethroats will select at the
beginning of the season a portion of a hedge in some unfrequented
by-road, and remain there until the first brood is hatched, and
the young ones able to shift for themselves.

The Whitethroat appears to have occurred once or twice in
Orkney and Shetland. Mr Graham informs me that it is found
in lona, and Mr Sinclair has traced it beyond Loch Sunart, in
Inverness-shire. It is, so far as I am aware, wholly unknown
in the Outer Hebrides.

THE LESSER WHITETHROAT.
CURRUCA SYLVIELLA.

THE Rev. William Patrick, whose little work on the Indigenous
Plants of Lanarkshire, proves him to have been a careful observer,
mentions, in the Statistical Account of the Parish of Hamilton,
published in 1838, that the Lesser Whitethroat was at that time
common near the town of Hamilton. It is now, however, doubt-
ful if the species is common in any part of Scotland. It is spar-
ingly met with in some parts of Ayrshire, Renfrewshire, and
Dumbarton, and extends to the middle of Argyleshire, but beyond

96 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

that I have not been able satisfactorily to trace it. On the east
coast it is equally local and uncertain in its appearance. Dr
Turnbull includes it in his " Birds of East Lothian," as a very
rare visitant. In that county it had previously been observed by
my friend Archibald Hepburn, Esq., one of the most observant
ornithologists Scotland has yet produced. He communicated his
notes on the habits of the species, as observed by himself, to
Professor Macgillivray, in whose larger work on birds they were
published.

Dr Saxby has found the Lesser Whitethroat in Shetland on
several occasions, but I have no record of it from counties on the
mainland north of the Forth.

This bird is much less demonstrative in its habits than the
preceding species, passing a comparatively quiet life in the hedge-
rows, which it enlivens by its sweet and simple strains. Mr
Hepburn states that in East Lothian it frequents wheat and
bean fields, devouring great quantities of aphides, and thus proving
itself a useful friend to the farmer. He has also seen it freely
devouring red currants.

No trace of this species has yet been discovered in any of the
Inner or Outer Hebrides.

THE WOOD WARBLER.
SYLVIA SYLVICOLA.

ALTHOUGH a much less common bird with us than the next species,
the Wood Warbler is a familiar and well-known visitant to the
woods and thickets of the southern and midland counties, extend-
ing to the north of Argyleshire, in all of which districts it breeds.
I have myself obtained the nest in the immediate neighbourhood
of Glasgow, and it has also been taken by Mr Sinclair in Inverkip
Glen, Renfrewshire. Mr William Hamilton informs me that he
has found the nest at Minard, on the banks of Upper Loch Fyne,
and Mrs Blackburn, in her Book of Drawings of British Birds,
mentions having met with the bird on the banks of Loch na Nuagh,
in Inverness-shire, which is perhaps the most northern locality for
it on the west coast. Mr Hepburn informs me that, in 1847, he
found it in considerable numbers about the Falls of Foyers, in
the same county. In the eastern counties its distribution is even

WILLOW WARBLER. 97

more extended, Mr Edward having found it in Banffsliire. Mr
A. G. More states in the " Ibis," that the Duke of Argyle had like-
wise observed the species at Balmoral. Mr Angus informs me that
in Aberdeenshire it is so rare that he has never seen it in any local
collection. He has, however, procured several specimens himself
in that county; one at Fyvie Castle in 1862, where he took the
nest and eggs, and a pair which he shot on the 19th May, 1866,
in the pleasure-grounds at Warthill. He has also observed it at
Fetteresso, in Glentanner Forest, in the Den of Leggat at Ban-
chory Ternan, and at Parkhouse.

THE WILLOW WARBLER.
SYLVIA TROCHILUS.

THE most careless observer, whilst walking in the country about
the time the buds are appearing, cannot fail to remark this lively
little bird — one of our earliest summer visitants — as it flits
briskly on every tree piping its little batch of pleasing notes. In
our northern climate it is cheerful indeed to hear the happy song
of so delicate a little creature, and see his slender figure threading
the intricacies of the half-clad twigs; and as soon as we know that
the Willow Warbler has come, we may feel sure that summer is
not far distant. There is something almost magical in the sud-
denness with which our woods and hedgerows become peopled
by these early migrants; we pursue our walk over a certain
course, and having finished a day's ramble in the certain belief
that no warblers have yet visited the long rows of hedges and
plantations we have passed, we are surprised next morning to
find hundreds darting about among the branches and twigs,
making the very tree tops sing with joy. Every ornithologist
welcomes the little fellow with as much interest as he does the
cuckoo or swallow, and rejoices in its salutation of pent-up
notes, which are uttered as if in gladness after a long and
somewhat hazardous journey to our shores.

I have found the nest of the Willow Warbler in Shemore Glen,
Loch Lomond-side, at a considerable elevation, and placed in the
grass among tufts of heather, the structure in these cases being
lined with the feathers of black game, grouse, and pheasants.
This bird is also found breeding in great numbers in Inverkip

98 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

Glen, Renfrewshire, but not so far above the sea-level. Some of
the males on their arrival are very dingy in appearance, contrast-
ing curiously with the sedge warbler, which is then brightest in
colour.

From a manuscript note in Baikie and Heddle's work, I find
that the species is occasionally found in Orkney. A solitary
specimen was taken in 1847, as early as March. With us it sel-
dom appears before the first week of May. I have not been able
to trace it on any of the Hebrides.

THE CHIFFCHAFF.

SYLVIA RUFA.

THIS warbler appears to be very local in most parts of Scotland.
It is not uncommon in roadside plantations near Glasgow, and a
few also visit the district of Loch Lomond. Deeside and Braemar
are localities mentioned by the late Dr Macgillivray in his Natural
History of Deeside, which was printed by command of the Queen,
but in that district it appears to be rare. According to Dr Turn-
bull, it is also rare in East Lothian. Mr Anderson has procured
specimens at Girvan, in Ayrshire; and Mr Brown informs me that
it breeds in Dunmore grounds, Stirlingshire, and that he had seen
its nest, taken in 1866 by Mr Thompson, who believes that it
nests there regularly.

Writing from Aberdeenshire, Mr Angus states that on the 8th
of May, 1865, he received a Chiffchaff, very much destroyed by
shot, from Birse, Deeside, and that in May of the year following,
he observed this species near Aboyne Castle. He noticed it again
in June, 1867, at Ward House. The species has, according to Mr
Shearer, been seen for two successive seasons near Wick, in
Caithness-shire.

In the Outer Hebrides, the Chiffchaff frequents Rhodil, in
Harris, as I have been informed by Mr Elwes, who procured a
specimen there in May, 1868.

A manuscript note in Baikie and Heddle's work mentions the
occurrence of a single specimen in Orkney in 1850; and Dr
Saxby also includes the species as "rare" in his Shetland lists.
One was seen by that excellent observer in 1864, so late as the
21st of November.

GOLDEN-CRESTED WREN. 99

THE GOLDEN-CRESTED WREN.

REGULUS CRIST AT US.

IN all the older records of Scottish ornithology the various writers
seem to agree as to the fact of the gold crest having been a very
scarce bird sixty or seventy years ago. Nor can this be wondered
at when it is considered that the numerous fir plantations now
beautifying the borders of our lakes and covering our hills with
their tall green spires could hardly then have been in existence.
But as these have increased in extent, and become the chosen
abode of gold-crests during the breeding season, the birds have
multiplied greatly, and in many places are now permanently
resident. Yet vast flocks appear to leave us in autumn. About
the end of September they make their appearance in the Wigtown-
shire woods in great numbers, and gradually travel southwards
till they get to the Mull of Galloway, where they linger until
a fitting opportunity occurs for taking their departure. On
rough nights about this time, and in the beginning of October, they
sometimes come back to that promontory in a bewildered state,
and flutter in crowds upon the lantern of the lighthouse. One of
the keepers — Mr M'Donald — showed me numbers of them when
I was last there, and informed me that it was the commonest
visitor they had. Wherever their destination may happen to
be, they do not return by the same route; but in the east of
Scotland large flights of them make their appearance suddenly
in April, and actually swarm in some parts of Haddingtonshire.
I have seen them arrive at Dunbar about day-break, and,
immediately after reaching the shore, cling to the rocks and
walls searching for insects. In such cases they were exceedingly
tame after their long and fatiguing flight, and allowed me to get
within a few paces. On one occasion I actually covered one with
my hat. Having rested an hour or two till the flowing tide obliged
them to shift to higher ground, they would then betake themselves
to the nearest gardens, where they literally covered the trees.

In autumn similar flights are observable coming from the
surrounding country coastwards, and congregating in gardens as
before. I recollect seeing a very large flock at this season in 1847.
The little creatures took possession of a cabbage plot, and looked
more like a swarm of bees than a crowd of birds. On every plant

100 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

there were half-a-dozen or more perched, some busied in looking
for insects, others bathing in the rain water which had collected
on the broad leaves. I walked through the plot, and with a
butterfly net caught ten or twelve specimens. Some of these lived
in confinement for a fortnight, and were supplied regularly with
insects. They became tame almost immediately, and were allowed
the full use of an attic room facing the sea which they had intended
crossing. They frequently perched on my hand when held out to
them, and were most interesting pets; but a single night's frost
killed them all. I have repeatedly since observed this fatal sensi-
tiveness to frost when in a state of captivity, but I cannot learn
whether they have naturally a delicate constitution.

I have not traced this diminutive bird to the Outer Hebrides,
but I have no doubt it will yet be found in one or other of these
islands — especially in Lewis, where the fir plantations near Storno-
way must ultimately attract the species. It is frequent in Skye
and Islay, and probably in many of the other Inner Hebrides
where larches have been freely planted.

THE FIRE-CRESTED WREN.
REGULUS IGNICAPILLUS.

VERY little can be said of the fire-crest as a Scottish species. Its
occurrence, indeed, in any part of Britain, has chiefly been noted
in the southern and eastern counties of England, ranging as far as
Durham; and the only specimen killed north of that district is
the one referred to in the " Birds of East Lothian," by Dr W. P.
Turnbull. It was shot by the author himself in Gladsmuir
woods in the summer of 1848. It appears to be totally un-
known in western Scotland.

THE RUBY CROWNED WREN.
REGULUS CALENDULA.

IN the summer of 1852, Dr Dewar of Glasgow shot a specimen of
this North American species in Kenmore wood, on the banks of
Loch Lomond. The bird was exhibited at a meeting of the
Natural History Society of Glasgow, on 27th April, 1858, and
identified by me. Dr Dewar stated that he had found it in com-

RUBY CROWNED WREN. 101

pany witli a large flock of gold-crests, and that ne^ had shot a

dozen birds altogether before he recognised the difference:
this one presented. Dr Bree, in his work oh the " Birds of
Europe," states that the Rev. H. B. Tristram has a ruby crowned
kinglet in his possession, which was given to him in the flesh, and
which was killed by a Durham pitman in 1852, in Branspeth
woods. This circumstance is in favour of the surmise that a
migratory flock of these diminutive birds may have been driven
out of their ordinary line of flight, and have come probably through
prevalent westerly winds in the direction of Greenland, from the
south of which they could travel by stages via Iceland and the
Faroe Islands, etc., to our shores.

Wilson, in his description of the habits of this bird, states that
in the autumn they are particularly numerous in some parts of
North America, associating with the different species of titmice
and golden-crested wrens, and frequenting orchards, feeding upon
small black-winged insects which at that season infest apple trees.
" I have," he continues, " often regretted the painful necessity one
is under of taking away the lives of such inoffensive, useful little
creatures, merely to obtain a more perfect knowledge of the species,
for they appear so busy, so active and unsuspecting, as to continue
searching about the same twig, even after their companions have
been shot down beside them. They are more remarkably so in
autumn, which may be owing to the great number of young and
inexperienced birds which are then among them; and frequently
at this season I have stood under the tree, motionless, to observe
them, while they gleaned among the low branches, sometimes
within a foot or two of rny head. They are extremely adroit in
catching their prey; have only at times a feeble chirp; visit the
tops of the tallest trees, as well as the lowest bushes; and continue
generally for a considerable time among the branches of the same
tree, darting about from place to place, appearing, when on the
top of a high maple, no bigger than humble bees."

I have no doubt this species will yet turn up in some numbers
in such places as the dense thickets of fir adorning some of our
highland lochs and mountain sides. It is not easy to settle the
question unless by wholesale slaughter, which no right-minded
naturalist, I think, would wish to see tried.

102 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

PARIDAi.

THE GREAT TIT.
PARUS MAJOR.

THE very remarkable note of this bird, which is extremely loud
in spring and early part of summer, has obtained for it the name
of " Jacksaw" in many parts of the country; it resembles the noise
made by the action of a file upon a saw, and is uttered generally
from the height of some tree top, where the performer jumps about
from twig to twig, sharpening his saw with so much energy that
one may be readily enough deceived as to the origin of the sound.
It rarely happens that two or three of these birds are seen in
company. The Great Tit, indeed, differs in this respect from the
rest of his clan, and appears to be somewhat unsocial in his habits,
travelling for the most part alone, and ranging through woods and
gardens without staying above a few seconds in any particular
place. All his actions, however, are characterised by a celerity of
movement which is always attractive, and as he is invariably well
dressed and cheerful in his habits, he may be called a general
favourite.

The nest of the Great Tit is often found in stone walls, always
at or near the top; also in holes of trees, which in most instances
are decayed and easily excavated, so to speak, by the birds them-
selves. The species, which is permanently resident, appears to be
generally distributed, but becomes much less common as we travel
north of Argyleshire. It is never seen in any of the outer islands,
although from the fact of such a bird as the chiffchaff making its
appearance in Harris, we may reasonably look for more than one
species of tit. Dr Saxby states that it has been seen in Shetland,
although it is of extremely rare occurrence there.

A very unusual charge against this bird is made by Dr Walker
(at one time Professor of Natural History in Edinburgh Univer-
sity), in his "Essays on Natural History,"* published in 1808.
He states that the ox-eye (Parus major, Linn) " is a notorious bee-
eater, and has been known to depopulate almost a whole hive."

THE BLUE TIT. 103

THE BLUE TIT.

PARUS CCERULEUS.

An Snoileuin.

LIKE most of the tits, the "blue cap" is perhaps more conspicuous
during the winter months than at any other season. Travelling in
merry companies, this species may be seen scouring the leafless
trees, hanging at times from the outermost twigs in all sorts of
grotesque attitudes, and darting away one after another, as the last
of a row has been examined, to some other field of investigation.
The cry of the little fellow when so occupied is generally a lively
single note; but at other times when not so busy, especially in
spring, when these parties break up into smaller groups, the note
is suggestive of a light-heartedness which reminds one of opening
buds and that pleasant blush of green on the hedgerows which tells
of the coining summer. It has been likened to heef birr, as the bird
takes breath in the midst of an insect ramble, or chicka chicka
chee chee as he darts into a hedge after a short flight. In orchards
the blue cap often eats small apples which are left after the
gathering of the fruit, and which have become exposed when the
trees are bare of leaves; but in the dead of winter it will eat almost
anything it can tear with its bill. Beef bones laid outside a window
are very attractive, and it is amusing to see the successful way in
which so small a creature manages to pick off every morsel of flesh
adhering to them.

On two different occasions I have seen nests of this species en-
tombed in trunks of trees that at one time had contained hollows
with an external opening, but had been closed by the growth of the
bark; one of these contained the remains of eggs, and was thought
to have been enclosed for about twenty years; the other had also eggs
in it, but contained, besides, the skeleton of their owner and all the
quill feathers sufficient for the perfect recognition of the species.
There were seven or eight inches of solid wood all round this nest,
which had probably been entombed for a period of fifty years.

Strange places are sometimes selected by this little bird for nest
building. A friend lately told me of one that had constructed its
habitation in a letter box nailed behind a door by the roadside in
the country for the convenience of the passing postman. Being
made aware of the circumstance, the owner of the box had the

104 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

nest pushed aside to one corner without disturbing the bird, who
did not seem at all put about by the daily intrusion of the letters;
but like other pets, it had been too good to live, as one unlucky
morning the poor bird was found dead in the box, having been
crushed by the weight of a newspaper. The result of an inquest
in this case would probably have been a verdict that the Tit had
succumbed to the pressure of the Times.

A specimen of this bird — the only Tit yet noticed in Orkney —
was procured at Kirkwall in 1845, and Dr Saxby includes it in
his list of the birds of Shetland.

THE CRESTED TIT.
PARUS CRISTATUS.

THE only breeding places in Scotland for this, perhaps the most
local of all the British tits, appear to be confined to the counties
of Moray, Ross, and Inverness. Its distribution in winter arid
spring is somewhat more extended, as specimens have been ob-
tained as far south as Perth. Dr Saxby has informed me that he
saw a number of these birds in February frequenting a group of
Scotch firs near Edinburgh, about six years ago, and that he also
saw two early in April, 1858, in the woods at Blair-Drummond,
in Perthshire. In Macgillivray's " British Birds," mention is made
of a specimen that was shot in 1838, near Barcaldine House,
Argyleshire, the only one I have heard of being found in any of
the western counties, except that referred to by Dr Smith (who
exhibited the bird) at a meeting of the Royal Physical Society
of Edinburgh, held in January, 1857; it had been taken some
years previously in the neighbourhood of Dumbarton, in a glen
popularly known as Lot's Wife's Glen, so called from an ancient
standing stone having suggested a certain incident in Scripture
history.

In some seasons this bird is much more plentiful than in others,
but it is doubtful if the increase in any particular year can be
attributed to a natural extension of its distribution; it probably
arises from the arrival of migratory flights from other countries.

Sir William Jardine states, in his " Birds of Great Britain," that
Lieutenant Chauner had informed him " that he had several times
seen the bird brought fresh into Glasgow, killed in a plantation of

COLE TIT — MARSH TIT. 1 05

fir not far distant." I have never, however, been able to trace it
in any part of Lanarkshire during the last twenty years.

THE COLE TIT.

PARUS ATER.
Cailcheag cheaun dubh.

IN the outskirts of Glasgow, especially in the time of winter, the
Cole Tit is even more frequently met with ihan any of its con-
geners. Wherever there is a patch of fir plantation on the road-
side, it may be found in company with gold-crests, flitting silently
among the boughs, and diligently ransacking any little cavity in
the stems of trees in which it is likely to find insect prey. On
Loch Lomond-side, where the species is very abundant, I have
seen six or eight at a time clinging to a moss-grown wall, and
scattering, with amusing dexterity, the little green tufts under
which the insects were concealed. Sometimes one would alight
on the ground to pick up what had fallen, and remain there for a
time hopping briskly along the footpath, devouring as it went the
fragments of what had been dislodged by its companions over-
head. It likewise frequents all the wooded islands on the loch,
and is sure to make its appearance swinging at the end of some
pliant twig, and hailing the presence of a visitor with a lively
birr-r-r. Throughout the western counties the Cole Tit is one of
the most familiar of the smaller birds, extending to Sutherland -
shire; but apart from woods in Mull and Skye, I am not aware
of any localities for it in the inner group of islands. It is, of course,
unknown in the Outer Hebrides.

THE MAKSH TIT.
PARUS PALUSTRIS.

ALTHOUGH all our tits are of extremely restless habits, and are there-
fore found roaming in foraging parties even across districts where
they are not usually resident, it does not appear that this species
is so widely distributed in Scotland as its allies. Mr Macgillivray
mentions that he had never heard of its being found north of Fife-
shire, nor can it be said to be a resident in all the counties south

106 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

of that district. It seems, in fact, a very local species, and is less
given to shifting about than the Cole Tit or the Blue Tit.

In Mr A. G. More's paper, published in the Ibis, Perthshire,
Aberdeenshire, and Inverness-shire are mentioned as counties in
which this bird has been found breeding, the most northern breed-
ing haunts being Inverness, so that the range of the species extends
considerably beyond the limits formerly assigned to it.

So far as I have observed, the name Marsh Tit has been mis-
applied, at least a more appropriate one might have been chosen,
as the bird does not confine itself to marshes or moist places.
Writing from the Upper Ward of Lanarkshire, Mr Alston informs
me that, though not so numerous as the preceding species, the
Marsh Tit is not uncommon in his neighbourhood, and nests there
regularly, frequenting natural birch woods and pine plantations;
and I have also been informed by Mr Brown that in autumn he
has seen numbers threading their way through the bushes within
the policies of his residence at Dunipace, in Stirlingshire.

THE LONG-TAILED TIT.
PARUS CAUDATUS.

THIS singularly restless little bird is tolerably common in many
parts of the West of Scotland, but is more noticeable in winter,
when flying in numbers alongside the bare hedgerows, than in
summer, when it betakes itself to the woods. It is, perhaps,
nowhere more common than in the neighbourhood of Loch Lomond,
where I have seen, I may say, hundreds in the course of a day's
walk. In the dead of winter they traverse the hawthorn hedges
with amusing quickness, always keeping before the pedestrian, and
bounding away in flitting groups, alighting every fifteen or twenty
yards, and repeating their movements when approached. I re-
member one breezy day in October of seeing great numbers at Luss
on the march in this way, and of being struck with their curious
appearance on wing, apt as they were to have been mistaken for
leaves blown off the twigs. Flights like these are occasionally seen
in the outskirts of Glasgow. Once or twice I have observed busy
companies searching the trees near some of the streets, moving
briskly from one tree to another as if they meant to examine
hundreds before nightfall. On these occasions they are easily

LU

rc

CO

BOHEMIAN WAXWING. 107

known by their call-note, which is plaintive, yet shrill, and quite
in keeping with the slender figure of the bird. It is found also on
some of the inner islands, being rather common in Islay, as I have
been informed by Mr Elwes, and likewise in some parts of Skye.

The nest of this bird is a very beautiful structure, and is remark-
able for the extreme profusion of feathers it contains as a lining.
The late Professor Macgillivray had one in his possession which,
on being taken down, was found to contain 2379 feathers, belonging
chiefly to the pheasant, wood-pigeon, rook, and partridge, and
which, when shaken, were sufficient " to fill a hat of moderate
phrenological pretensions."

Dr Saxby has met with the Long-Tailed Tit in Shetland, where,
however, it is of extremely rare occurrence.

OBS. — It may here not be out of place to state that the
BEARDED TIT (Calamophilus Uarmicus) is catalogued as a Forfar-
shire species in Don's fauna and flora of that county, published in
1813, and that a writer in London's Magazine of Natural History,
etc., for 1830, states that he saw a specimen at Inchinnan, in
Renfrewshire, where the river Gryfe joins the Clyde. •

JNSESSORES. AMPELID^E.

DENTIR OS TR ES.

THE BOHEMIAN WAXWING.

BOMBYCILLA GARRULA.

THIS lively and beautiful bird may be said to be a frequent winter
visitant to the eastern counties, but in the midland and western
counties its appearance is extremely irregular and uncertain. It
is recorded by the Rev. W. Patrick, that a vast flock of waxwings
appeared in the haughs of Hamilton, in the winter of 1782. Three
specimens were shot there in 1830.

I have not been able to trace the occurrence of this species on
any of the Outer Hebrides, but several specimens were seen and
shot in the Isle of Skye in 1850. It has likewise been obtained
in Argyleshire and Wigtownshire. A specimen which I saw was
taken alive at Portpatrick in the winter of 1866. Early in
December of that year, waxwings were observed in various parts
of Britain, in large flocks, greatly exceeding those of former years;
and from one or two correspondents I learned that these migratory

108 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

flocks had spread themselves over a large tract of country. In the
north of England they were observed in the month of November,
and I heard of as many as fifty-seven specimens having been
killed in a single week in one county alone. On the eastern side
of Scotland examples occurred sparingly in nearly all the counties,
but in Aberdeenshire and Morayshire, they were seen in flocks of
forty or fifty birds. In the western counties, on the other hand,
I could not learn of a single instance of the bird's capture: but in
midland districts small parties were observed. One of these stray
flocks, consisting of five birds, made its appearance near Lanark,
in a garden where there were several rowan trees, on the berries
of which the birds fed, until by their tameness they attracted the
attention of a bird-stufFer, who managed to shoot them all after
they had been some days in the neighbourhood. The arrival of
these erratic birds in such numbers in the year referred to at once
suggested a winter of unusual severity, a surmise which was after-
wards abundantly verified, though at the time of their first ap-
pearance it was difficult to believe there could be such a thing in
prospect, the weather being then remarkably mild.*

In addition to this occurrence of the waxwing, there were
numerous records from the eastern counties of England of an
extraordinary migration of the grey phalarope to those shores —
another species usually associated with hard winters. Both had
come to us even weeks before the storm which their presence pre-
dicted, and immense numbers fell victims to the rage for collecting,
now unhappily rife among naturalists. In all likelihood they had
come from the north-east, and had either already experienced the
winters of hard frost and heavy snow which followed in their
train, or instinctively quitted their native districts on its approach.
The waxwing and phalarope are supposed to breed extensively in
Siberia and the north of Asia generally. These great flocks,
therefore, had probably travelled along the northern extremity of
Lapland and Norway, and down the western side of the latter
country, extending their flight across the North Sea to the shores
of Britain — a long journey, indeed, but perilous to the poor birds
only at its close. I question the fairness of killing these beautiful
creatures, coining to us, as they do, for shelter.

* Severe winters are not necessarily connected with the bird's appearance;
that just passed — 1869-70 — memorable for heavy snow-storms, was not
heralded, so far as I can learn, by the appearance of a single waxwing.

BOHEMIAN WAXWING. 109

Professor Baird, in his account of this species, at page 317 of
his work on the Birds of North America, mentions that it is " seen
in the United States only in severe winters, except along the great
lakes;" but in an appendix to the same work (page 923), the
following note occurs: — " Mr Drexler saw ' millions' of this species
while in the winter camp of the south pass waggon road party, at
the head of Powder River, Nebraska. Every tree for miles was
filled with them, the flock rivalling that of the wild pigeon in its'
size." Such an invasion of our own woods might help to relieve
the cacoethes carpendi of British collectors.

OBS. — I was lately informed by Mr Thomas Struthers of Lark-
hall, that some years ago, when voyaging from Canada to this
country, a cedar bird (Bombycilla Carolinensis) flew on board the
vessel shortly after it had left the Canadian coast, and continued
to abide in the ship, from which it made occasional sallies when the
weather permitted, until nearing the coast of Ireland. The bird
had become a well-known favourite with the crew and passengers,
and usually perched in the rigging or the ornamental work of the
figure-head. On sighting Ireland, however, and when about
fifteen or twenty miles from land, an outward bound vessel at-
tracted the little feathered passenger as it sped past under a press
of canvas, and pluming his crest with eager attention, he quitted
the ship my friend was in, with an evident mistrust of the recep-
tion he would meet with on British soil, and boarded the stranger,
filled with a desire no doubt to return to his former haunts in the
woods of America.

While this note was passing through the press, I have, by a
singular coincidence, been informed by Captain H. W. Feilden, of
the 4th King's Own Royal Regiment, that his father, Sir William
Feilden of Feniscowles, had in his collection a specimen of
this bird which was shot at Cambo, in Fifeshire, in 1841. Sir
William, in a recent letter, describes the bird as having been
"like a waxwinged chatterer, only less than half the size;" and
Captain Feilden, in accounting for its appearance in the east of
Scotland, suggests that it may have come to this country via
Greenland, Iceland, the Faroes, and Heligoland, and not by
ship, or it would probably have been shot in Ireland or the
west coast of Scotland.

110 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

fNSESSOEES. MOTACILLID.fi.

DENTIROSTRES.

THE PIED WAGTAIL.

MOT AC ILL A Y A REEL LI I.

Breac-an-t'-sil.

THIS active and sprightly bird is very common in most districts
throughout the year, although many hundreds appear to migrate
southwards about the close of autumn. That such a movement
takes place is evident to any one living near the confluence of any
of our larger rivers with the sea, as large numbers which have
followed their course from the interior are yearly seen gathered
together in the estuaries, where they remain a few days before
resuming their journey along the coast-line. Immense numbers of
Pied Wagtails are in this way observed travelling down the river
Clyde at Glasgow. In September and October I have seen as
many as three or four hundred assembled on the timber rafts
floating between the two principal bridges spanning the river in the
heart of the city. After reaching the sea, they betake themselves
to the nearest fields for a day or two, but not far from the beach,
where on mild days they pick up a slender living among the
mounds of dried sea-weed. The same habit is noticeable on the
smaller streams, as, for instance, on the water of Girvan, in Ayr-
shire, where flocks have been observed regularly for many years
past roosting in the alder bushes growing on its banks previous
to their final departure. In both localities small parties drop off
the main body and remain throughout the winter, those in Glasgow
resorting to the farms and villages in the outskirts, where they soon
become almost unrecognisable from the soiled state of their
plumage through dirt and smoke. I have often stood in wonder
looking at as many as half-a-dozen at a time running about the
suburban roads, or sitting with downcast tails on barren cinder
heaps within sound of a thousand hammers. These dingy speci-
mens living within the city boundaries are not invested with a
single white feather, back and breast being precisely of the
same hue.

In localities on the mainland lying to the north of the central

WHITE WAGTAIL. Ill

counties the numbers of this species are reduced to the extent of
those migrating flocks, leaving comparatively few in some places as
winter residents. The Inner Hebrides, indeed, are at that season
nearly deserted by the species, while in the outer Islands, including
St Kilda, it appears to be strictly migratory, arriving in March and
departing about the end of September.

I have observed young broods of Pied Wagtails in full feather
by the middle of May. They appear to follow the old birds for
some time after leaving the nest, and they then form a very,
interesting family group when running along the sunnyside of a
bank or wall and getting their first lessons in fly- catching. The
Gaelic name of the bird — breac-an-t'-sil — signifies a plaid, and has
probably been applied to this wagtail from a resemblance which
the contrasting colours of its plumage on the breast bear to that
article of apparel when wrapped closely round the upper part of
the body, as many Highlanders are in the habit of wearing it.

I suspect that this species is subject to considerable variation
in plumage. In a series of about twenty killed at the same season
of the year I find remarkable differences even in old birds, some
being light grey and some deep black, while others are strongly
tinged with yellow on the sides of the head and under parts — a
plumage* hitherto supposed to belong to birds of the first year.
These differences are not to the same extent observable in specimens
killed in the eastern and central districts of Scotland. It is doubt-
ful, I think, if this bird can be regarded as anything more than a
local race of the next species.

THE WHITE WAGTAIL.
MOTACILLA ALBA.

IN the winter of 1847, I observed a single example of this species
frequenting a refuse heap in company with three or four pied
wagtails on the shore at Dunbar, in East Lothian. On carefully
examining the bird, after being shot, I found it presented all the
essential characters which are said to distinguish it from the last
species. I have at various times since seen very light coloured
wagtails on the same coast, and also on the western mainland, but
these were probably only varieties of the common bird. Macgilli-
vray mentions having met with this bird several times in the

112 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

south of Scotland. Its haunts, habits, and mode of nesting
appear to be precisely the same as those of the pied wagtail.

Dr Saxby states that he saw a pair of White Wagtails at Ler-
wick in 1854, but is not aware of the occurrence of the species in
any other part of Shetland since that year.

THE GREY WAGTAIL.
MOTACILLA BOARULA.

THIS most elegant and beautiful bird is permanently resident in a
number of the western districts of Scotland. I have not yet been
able to trace it to the Outer Hebrides, but it is found on some of
the inner islands, being not uncommon as a winter visitant in
Islay and Skye. On the mainland it ranges from Sutherlandshire
to the shores of Wigtownshire, and it is by no means difficult to
find at any season of the year. From the Upper Ward of
Lanarkshire, Mr Alston writes, that it is even more plentiful
in his district than the pied wagtail. "I have observed this
species," he adds, " catching flies in the air, and returning to its
perch exactly like a common flycatcher." Generally speaking,
this wagtail is found frequenting running streams, where it may
be seen moving quickly about on the sandy margins; or perching
on some little stone in the centre of the brook, from which it
makes occasional sallies, turning suddenly in the air with a curious
movement of its tail and wings, displaying on these occasions, if
the observer be near enough, its beautiful plumage to great advan-
tage. I have at other times observed it on patches of damp
meadow, and in marshy hollows at a considerable distance above
the sea level, and on several occasions I have seen it on the house-
tops in the very centre of Glasgow. I recollect seeing a pair,
some years ago, on the slates of a house, where they remained two
or three hours, examining every likely crevice where insects might
be lodged. They scanned almost every slate on the roof with
amusing diligence.

The Grey Wagtail is an occasional summer visitant to Orkney,
and in Shetland it occurs in August and September, but not in
great numbers.

GREY-HEADED WAGTAIL. 113

THE GKEY-HEADED WAGTAIL.

MOTACILLA FLAVA.

HAS not yet been observed in any of the western counties. In
other parts of Scotland the records of its occurrence are still very
meagre. At page 492 of the seventh volume of the Memoirs of
the Wernerian Natural History Society, the following remarks
occur under the proceedings of 9th January, 1836: — " Sir Patrick
Walker then read notices regarding the occurrence, near Edin-
burgh, of several native birds, generally regarded as extremely
rare, particularly the Motadlla neglecta, first remarked by him on
the banks of the W^ater of Leith in 1804 (but referred by him to
the Motadlla flava, until he became acquainted with Gould's
observations), and often observed since that time." The proceed-
ings of this meeting were inserted in the " Magazine of Zoology
and Botany," at pages 110 and 111, and a foot note by the editor
states that " this is the second time that M. neglecta has been
recorded as occurring near Edinburgh; but the birds seem always
to have been neglected, and at this time we are not sure that there
is a specimen in town."

Dr Saxby writes that this species " has been observed late in
autumn" in Shetland, but gives no particular date or locality.

From the strong general resemblance which this rare British
bird bears to Ray's wagtail, it may possibly have been overlooked.
The habits of the two species, however, are slightly different, the
grey-headed wagtail being partial to streams and moist places,
while Ray's wagtail chiefly frequents pasture lands and fields of
grain at a considerable distance from water. It would be well,
therefore, to scrutinize birds of this kind when met with on the
banks of streams, etc., so as to make sure that they belong in
reality to the common species.*

* While these pages are passing through the press, I have had an oppor-
tunity of seeing a specimen of this bird which was shot at Westbarns, near
Dunbar, in the beginning of May, 1868. Dr Smith, in drawing my attention
to this specimen, has obligingly informed me that the bird, which is now the
property of Mr Francis M. Balfour of Whittingham, was exhibited at a meet-
ing of the Royal Physical Society. When first observed, it- was following a
plough in search of insects.

H

114 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

EAY'S WAGTAIL.
MOTACILLA RAYL

IN some parts of Lanarkshire and Ayrshire, the Oatear, or Seed
Lady, as this species is called, is very common on its arrival in
the month of April. It appears to keep in flocks for a few days
before becoming dispersed, and may be then obtained in some
numbers by collectors. On the banks of the Clyde, a few miles
east of Glasgow, I have seen at this season flights of Oatears
enlivening the adjoining fields, and at once attracting notice by
the vivacity of their movements. I have remarked also, that their
colours were very much brighter than during the summer months;
indeed, the strong yellow hue is so conspicuous as to arrest the
attention of even unobservant people. Towards the end of April
they betake themselves to their old haunts, occupying a tolerably
wide tract in the west of Scotland, where they are generally estab-
lished in pairs at suitable intervals. As the season advances I
have observed that, in Ayrshire especially, they go to the sea-shore,
frequenting the shingle where any small rivulet enters the sea.
They are also seen regularly on the bed of larger streams, espe-
cially towards mid-day, at which time I have always been able to
find a pair refreshing themselves in the pools. In the outskirts of
Glasgow, two or three pairs are found nesting every year, each
pair frequenting almost the same spot they had come to occupy
twelve months before.

On the east of Scotland the yellow wagtail is distributed in like
numbers as far as Forfarshire, and it has occurred several times
in Orkney.

INSESSORES. ANTHID^E.

DENTIROSTRES.

THE TEEE PIPIT.

ANTHUS ARBOREUS.

THE only Scottish district in which I have found this summe'r
pipit in anything like abundance is comprehended within a circle
of a few miles around Glasgow. In the neighbourhood of Possil
it is very common in the outskirts of woods, especially on its

MEADOW PIPIT. 115

arrival in spring, and may be observed perched on the summit of
an elm or ash tree, from which it repeatedly ascends to a height of
twenty or thirty feet, uttering a series of twitterings, and returning
to its perch with almost motionless wing, the descent being slowly
performed in a curve. In other parts of western Scotland the
species is distributed from Inverness-shire to the Khinns of Gallo-
way, but is by no means plentiful. I have found it in scattered
pairs throughout the summer near Girvan, in Ayrshire, and also
in the south of Wigtownshire, where in autumn its numbers increase
for about a week or ten days previous to its migratory flight
southwards.

On the east coast this pipit seems equally dispersed over the
sea-board counties from Berwick to Banffshire, extending its flight
occasionally as far as Orkney. In some of the inland counties
I have also observed it, viz., in Dumfries, Stirling, and Roxburgh.
Mr Alston likewise finds it in the Upper Ward of Lanarkshire.

The nest of the Tree Pipit is usually placed on the ground in
or near the edge of a wood, and is a somewhat loosely put together
structure of soft straws lined with hair. The eggs are extremely
variable. Those I have obtained near Glasgow are very light in
colour, but handsomely mottled. Mr Brown tells me that in
Stirlingshire, where the species breeds plentifully, he has taken the
eggs of all shades, from the common red variety to a grey stone
colour, pencilled with delicate lines like those so often seen on the
eggs of the sedge warbler. He has also taken others having a
strong general resemblance to the eggs of the blackbird.

THE MEADOW PIPIT.

ANTHUS PRATENSIS.
Ehiabhag mhonaidh.

THE familiar and lively moss cheeper, as this bird is called in Scot-
land, is everywhere common, often appearing in places where bird
life is scarcely looked for. It is very abundant in North Uist and
Benbecula, and indeed over the greater part of the Long Island,
extending to the uninhabited rocks and islets far beyond. Even
in St Kilda it may be seen frequenting the neighbourhood of the
huts of the lonely inhabitants, its feeble notes being at certain
seasons of the year almost the only sound breaking the silent

116 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

monotony of their weary life. Although for the most part a bird
of the mountain during the time of incubation, I have frequently
met with it in glens adorned with a profusion of birch trees and tall
breckans, and in the vicinity of old quarries, where its nest is often
artfully concealed beneath a tuft of grass. The eggs appear to be
subject to great variety, like those of the preceding species. There
is even an extraordinary difference in the birds themselves; one
being a short dingy bird of an unquiet and restless turn when dis-
turbed, the other very much brighter in colours, larger in body, and
silent when put off its nest. The eggs of the first are small and
darkly blotched; those of the second are much larger and hand-
somer, beautifully coloured with clear purple spots very closely
grained, such as distinguish some eggs of the tree pipit. When
the breeding season is over, and pipits flock to the pastures
of the low country, and into stack yards and the vicinity of
towns, the same difference of plumage is not so noticeable; the
feathers then become abraded and lose their brilliancy, which
does not return till the end of autumn or the following spring.
I have, however, been struck with the two birds when seen in
contrast. It is quite possible that the British pipits, especially
those inhabiting the western mountains of Scotland, have not
yet been sufficiently studied.

THE PENNSYLVANIAN PIPIT.

ANTHUS LUDOV1CIANUS.

So far back as 1846 I find in my note-books records of this species
having been seen by myself at Dunbar in considerable numbers for
about ten days or a fortnight in the winter of that year. They
made their appearance suddenly in hard weather, and during their
stay on the Links near that town they frequented half frozen pools
on the grass, as well as the bed of a small rivulet running from
Broxmouth pond, which was filled with broken ice, small patches
of water being here and there visible. I could not at the time
make out the species, and knew the birds to be strangers: they
disappeared as suddenly as they came. A few years later I shot
in a garden at Dunbar at least three specimens in the spring time
as they silently hovered over a clump of trees, or sallied out from
the branches, as I thought, in quest of insects. One of these I had

ROCK PIPIT. 117

stuffed, but the specimen has since been lost; the others were not
preserved. I had no doubt whatever as to the species, and wrote
to the late Professor Macgillivray, informing him of the captures,
without, however, eliciting a reply. I have never again met with
this pipit in any district of Scotland.

THE ROCK PIPIT.

AN THUS PETROSUS.

Glais-eun.

I HAVE never missed this familiar bird from the sea shore, either
on the eastern or western coasts; it is found at all seasons, and
sometimes when all other birds are absent it is the only sign of
life visible as it flits constantly from one rock to another. I have
never yet seen it away from the coast; it seems to prefer rocks
and sea-weed to all other haunts. Even at full tide, when the
waters have covered their usual feeding ground, they retire no
further than to the nearest creek, where they search for flies among
the dry stones, or busy themselves in examining the crevices of
rocks high above the action of the waves. The nest is usually
placed on rough ground, or rocks almost within reach of the salt
spray. I have many times found it in very picturesque situations;
one in particular on the lesser C umbrae was placed above a cave's
mouth adorned with a profusion of plants at the root of a tuft of
hypericum in full flower. The face of the rock was decked all over
with sea-pink and ladies' bedstraw, and in this garden of wild
flowers the pair of Rock Pipits had established themselves. They
had four fully fledged young ones in the nest, and made a great
outcry on their nursery being discovered. The brood, however,
could fly perfectly, and got off in safety.

On all the western islands, including the Outer Hebrides,
Monach Isles, Haskar Rocks, and St Kilda, this species is equally
common, breeding in similar situations, and keeping strictly to the
sea margin.

118 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

fNSESSORES. ALAUDID.E.

CONIROSTRES.

THE SHORE LAKK.

ALAUDA ALPESTRIS.

THOUGH the Shore Lark has been known as a British bird for
the last forty years, it appears to have been, with a single excep-
tion, entirely unknown as a visitant to our Scottish coasts until
1859. Early in January of that year a small flock made its
appearance on the estuary of the Tyne, in Haddingtonshire, and
three specimens at least were procured, one of which was exhibited
at a meeting of the Royal Physical Society of Edinburgh. I had
an opportunity of seeing these birds, shortly after their capture, in
the hands of the late Dr Nelson, Pitcox, near Dunbar, who informed
me that they were shot by Mr Evans, farmer, at Tynefield. Six
years afterwards, namely, in the winter of 1865, another flock was
observed in the estuary of the Eden, near St Andrews, in Fifeshire.
Mr Robert Walker of that city has informed me that two speci-
mens were obtained; one of these, having been taken alive in a
trap, was kept for some time as a cage-bird, but ultimately made
its escape; the other, less fortunate than its neighbour, fell into the
hands of a local taxidermist, and is now preserved in the college
museum there. I have no doubt that this species is a frequent, if
not an annual, visitant to the eastern shores of Scotland, ranging
from the Ythan to the Tweed. In January of the present year
(1870) similar flights to those already mentioned had apparently
visited the same estuaries. On the first of the month a specimen
was shot near St Andrews, and was procured by R. G-. Wardlaw
Ramsay, Jun., Esq., of Whitehill, Lasswade, who saw the bird
before it was skinned. Mr Ramsay obligingly forwarded the speci-
men for exhibition to a meeting of the Natural History Society of
Glasgow, and has informed me that when killed the bird was flying
in company with snow buntings. Lord Binning informs me that
a Shore Lark was shot by a Dunbar fisherman on Tyne Sands,
East Lothian, in the end of November, 1869, and is now in the
collection of Mr Balfour of Whittingham, and also that there is a
specimen in the Mellerstain collection, which was shot on Spittal
Sands at Berwick-on-Tweed in 1840. I am therefore indebted to
Lord Binning for an opportunity of recording the earliest and, with

SHORE LARK. 119

the exception of Mr Ramsay's notice, the latest examples of this
species that have been taken on the shores of Scotland.

Sir William Jardine describes this species in the second volume
of his British Birds, p. 330, from an American specimen, an ex-
ample which has been followed by Messrs Macgillivray and Yarrell
in their respective works. The late Prince Bonaparte separated
that of Europe from the species found in America, but Professor
Baird in his work on the birds of that country — a comparatively
recent publication — mentions his inability, without specimens at
hand, to state the difference between Eremophila cornuta and E.
alpestris, the latter name being now affixed to the European species.
If the difference be really sufficient to constitute a species, it is
possible that both may be met with on our Scottish shores. All
the specimens that have yet occurred north of the Tweed have
been taken on the eastern side of Scotland. Mr Baird alludes to
the "great diversity of plumage in the western shore larks, varying
with the sex, age, and season." Collectors, therefore, who are
fortunate enough to meet with British specimens, should carefully
note these particulars, so as to ascertain whether in reality the birds
present debateable characters.

According to Audubon, who gives a very interesting account of
its habits as observed by himself, the Shore Lark feeds upon
"grass seeds, the blossoms of dwarf plants, and insects." It is also
" an expert catcher of flies, following insects on wing to a con-
siderable distance, and now and then betaking itself to the sea-shore
to search for minute shell-fish or Crustacea." There is every likeli-
hood, I think, that the flocks of Shore Larks which have visited
Britain of late years have come from Norway. Professor Newton
of Cambridge has informed me that in June and July, 1855, he
found the species common enough everywhere in that country
during the breeding season, and that in particular localities, as,
for example, Vadso in East Finmark, "one can see them at
almost any minute." It is somewhat singular that the bird
should have so long escaped notice in the British islands, as it
is now found in some numbers in districts where its presence
had been previously unsuspected. In the county of Norfolk Mr
Stevenson has seen in all about twenty-six Shore Larks — a result
which shows that particular district to be possessed of careful and
discriminating field naturalists. In its summer plumage the species
would be easily recognised, but in winter, during which season it

120 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

often associates with other birds, it would require a practised eye
to detect it, the striking colours of black and yellow on the head
and neck becoming altered in some specimens to a dingy brown.
Young birds and females are still more likely to be overlooked, so
that it is quite possible the Shore Lark may have been even in
Montagu's time an erratic wanderer to our shores. Whatever
neglect it may have hitherto experienced, it is not likely that in
future the poor bird will be allowed to come and go in peace.

THE SKYLARK.

A LAUD A A EVEN SIS.
Uiseag.

" Bird of the wilderness,
Blithesome and cumberleas."

HAD the Ettrick Shepherd lived in the Outer Hebrides, he might
have added a few lines more to his beautiful verses on the Skylark
to make the story of its desert life complete. Writing from the
inspiration given him by the moors and green mountains of
Selkirkshire — the scenes of his many natural pictures — he has
left a sketch of the Scottish laverock such as cannot be surpassed.
But while singing its praises, he probably never dreamt of its
being found in districts sterner in their aspect than the wilderness
of heather blooms, over which he bids his

" Musical cherub, soar, singing away ! "

and he would doubtless have gazed with something like surprise
had he seen it soaring above the black peat-mosses and sterile
tracts of North Uist, where, from a laverock's height, nothing is
seen but a waste of rocks and water. Let any one climb Ben Eval,
and survey the eastern portion of the island, where the lark is a
well known object in the summer sky, and he cannot fail to
wonder where even that little bird can find a spot to dwell upon.
A more extraordinary view there is perhaps not to be seen in
Britain. Cut into the most extravagantly tortuous shapes, the
land and waters are so intermingled, that it seems impossible to
believe in the existence of houses, fields, roads, or, indeed, any-
thing of human construction in the whole island. Hundreds

THE SKYLARK. 121

of far-stretching lakes covered with islets; endless sea-reaches
running through deviating channels, even miles inland; islands
scattered sea-wards; and giant rocks rearing their bald heads into
the clouds, — all form a scene enough to gain for Lochmaddy a re-
putation for anything but Skylarks. Yet high above this wonder-
ful distribution of rocks, peat, salt and fresh water lochs, un-
adorned with any of the elements that are supposed to awaken a
bird's melody, the Shepherd's favourite sings joyously, and seem-
ingly as much an " emblem of happiness " as when fanning the
" snaw-white clouds " over a poet's dwelling.

Besides these outer islands where the species is everywhere
common, the Inner Hebrides are likewise frequented by numbers of
Skylarks. Mr Graham has written to me recently, with a descrip-
tion of an effect he has often experienced when cruising off the
shores of lona and Mull, where larks are very abundant. After a
night's sailing in an open boat, beset by sharp squalls and rapid
tides — hearing only the wash of the waves and the distant moan
of breakers chafing against a reef — he has made for the entrance
of the sound or inlet, and entered calm water just as the first rays
of the sun gilded the steep lofty banks, and been gladdened by
a burst of bird music coming from opposite shores. Chief
among the sweet singers was the lark. " Or, perhaps," says my
friend, " the song of this bird is still more remarkable in its effect
when on a fine clear morning one is starting off by boat, bound
for the distant purple islets which hang upon the dark-blue
horizon. As the boat runs along the low coast, skimming over
the crisp little waves, the larks spring up one after the other, con-
tinuing a succession of merry carols, and when the last point is
passed — the boat standing out into deep water, and the land be-
ginning to diminish astern — as long as we can distinguish the
white sandy bays and the green mounds beyond them, we still hear
the jubilant trilling of many larks filling the air above, although
growing fainter and fainter as the sea-breeze now fairly fills the
sail, and the boat settles down to her work."

Let us imagine the poet Shelley listening from one of the green
mounds of Mull, or one of the dark-brown moors of Benbecula, and
seeing the little fellow springing from a green patch in that
ancient-looking and sterile plain, his little bosom trembling all
over with a store of pent-up melody; and as we ourselves listen
with the poet to the gentle trillings of the bird as his wings

122 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

quiver over the spot he has left, and mark his upward flight until
he gets fairly into a soaring strain — the air being filled with that
torrent of a voice, we can better understand the subject of these
lines : —

" Sound of vernal showers
On the twinkling grass,
Rain-awakened flowers,
All that ever was
Joyous, and clear, and fresh thy music doth surpass.

" Better than all measures
Of delightful sound.
Better than all treasures
That in books are found.
Thy skill to poet were, thou scorner of the ground.

*' Teach me half the gladness

That thy brain must know,

Such harmonious madness

From my lips would flow,

The world should listen then, as I am listening now."

In some winters —chiefly in severe weather — immense flights of
larks make their appearance in the West of Scotland. The most
remarkable of these within my recollection occurred near Girvan
about eight or nine years ago. Their numbers were incalculable,
and for some days they spread themselves over the fields in the
vicinity of the town, rising occasionally into the air on being dis-
turbed, and forming a dark cloud of a most singular appearance.
In the confusion of their movements the whole body crossed one
of the public roads, by the side of which there are several lines of
telegraph wires ; but the mass of birds was so compact, that none
of those in a line with the wires escaped destruction. As soon as
the flock passed, dozens were picked up dead or mutilated — por-
tions of wings, torn from the living bird, being even found adher-
ing to the wires.

These extraordinary flocks of laverocks had evidently been
migratory, and, as in the case of the common bunting, belonged
to more northern districts —perhaps out of Britain altogether. I
was particularly struck with the variation in the size of some of
the birds Out of two dozen examined by me, six or seven speci-
mens were not much over half the bulk of the others. Two pairs
of them are now before me, and it is strange to find the diffe-

WOOD LARK. 123

rence in size so very decided. In every other respect the birds are
identical.

I once found an adult bird of this species in a ploughed field in
a disabled state, and unable to fly. My attention was drawn to
the spot by the cries of the bird, as another lark — probably its
mate of the previous summer — hovered over it with something in
its bill. Waiting until it had swallowed the morsel thus brought
to it, I went into the field, and, after a fluttering resistance, took it
in my hand. To my surprise there was a large ball of clay, about
twice the size of a walnut, and worn quite circular in shape,
adhering to one of its feet. It had become so hardened that it
was not without difficulty I could get the mass removed. I was
hopeful the poor creature would then be able to fly; but besides
the strained limb, it must have been otherwise injured, as on
placing it again on the ground, it merely fluttered to a little
distance, where it remained sitting, probably in expectation of
another visit from its comrade.

No bird, in any country, has been so often commemorated in
song and poetic story as the Skylark. From Shakespeare to the
" poet Close," its attributes have been lauded in strains, various in
quality, no doubt, but all tending to exalt the celebrated songster
into something ethereal. In France the subject is differently
treated; at Dieppe, for example, according to an official return,
it has been stated that during the winter of 1867-68, 1,255,500
larks were taken into the town, of which 983,700 were consumed
there, and 271,800 forwarded to other parts of France. The
total commercial value of these amounted to 56,497 francs!

THE WOOD LAEK.

A LAUD A ARBOREA.
Kiabhag-choille.

THOUGH not mentioned as a Scottish species in any of the published
works on British birds, except in that of Yarrell, who gives Dum-
friesshire as a habitat, the Wood Lark appears from other records
to have been long well known in many parishes of the southern and
middle districts of Scotland. It is, of course, difficult to ascertain
exactly whether in every case these records are to be depended
on, but there can be no doubt, I think, of the authenticity of the

124 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

lists given by some observers who are known to have had an
accurate knowledge of birds. Thus, it is included in Don's Fauna
of Forfarshire, and also in Mr Kinloch's statistical account of the
parish of Kirriemuir in the same county, the compilers of both
being men of more than ordinary shrewdness and discrimination
in matters relating to natural history. The species was likewise
observed by the late Dr Landsborough at Stevenston in Ayrshire,
and by the minister of Luss in Dumbartonshire, from whose ex-
cellent list, published upwards of seventy years ago, I have taken
the Gaelic name originally applied to the Wood Lark. Pennant
includes it in his ' Caledonian Zoology,' which was prefixed to
Lightfoot's 'Flora Scotica,' published in 1777-, and the late Dr
Fleming, in the short remarks given in his work on British animals,
does not speak of it as a bird of restricted distribution. In the
county of Caithness it had been found by the late Mr Sinclair,
surgeon, Wick, in whose collection a specimen was seen by Mr
James Wilson, who refers to the species in his Voyage Round
Scotland, vol. ii., p. 179. Mr Edward informs me that he has
procured the species in Banffshire, and it appears to have been
oftener than once observed in Aberdeenshire by Mr Angus, who
has sent me the following notes on its occurrence there: —

" In the last week of March, 1863, I shot a male Wood Lark in
the enclosure at Scotston House.* Being the first time I had
heard this pleasing songster, I was particularly struck by its mode
of singing. It continued flying in circles, trilling its sweet music
without intermission for half aii-hour or longer, except once or
twice when it alighted for a moment on the top bar of a wooden
fence. I again observed the species one frosty morning in March,
1865, at the rifle range near the powder magazine. The sun was
strong and clear, and the song of the bird was as jubilant as if it
had been uttered in the middle of summer." Mr Brown informs
me that this bird breeds on the confines of Torwood in Stirling-
shire. I have myself seen it on one or two occasions near the
Bridge of Allan in the same county, and also in the vicinity of
Forres in Morayshire — the only two localities in which I have met
with it in Scotland. Mr Thomas M'llwraith, now resident in
Hamilton, Ontario, C. W., writes to me that he watched a pair of
Wood Larks near Ayr in 1853. "The male," says Mr M'llwraith,

* Mr Augus has since shown me the specimen.

LAPLAND BUNTING— SNOW BUNTING. 125

"sang very sweetly, rising from the dead projecting limb of an
oak, and, after making a circle, singing as he went, would return
again to his starting point, near which, I think, the female was
sitting."

The most northern locality for the occurrence of the Wood
Lark that I have been able satisfactorily to trace is Orkney, a
specimen having been shot in Mr Dunn's garden at Stromness on
20th February, 1844. A manuscript note by one of the authors of
the Fauna Orcadensis states that it has occurred in Shetland, but
neither date nor locality is given.

INSESSORES. EMBERIZID^.

CONIROSTRES.

THE LAPLAND BUNTING.

PLECTROPHANES LAP PON 1C A.

A SPECIMEN of this bunting, shot in Caithness many years ago, is
in the collection of the late Mr E. S. Sinclair of Wick. Mr
Shearer, in referring to this specimen, states that the species has
been found twice in that county, but gives no particulars. (See
Proceedings of the Royal Physical Society, Edinburgh, vol. ii.,
p. 338).

THE SNOW BUNTING.

PLECTROPHANES NIVALIS.
Eun an t' sneachdai.

IN the winter season the Snow Bunting may be said to be a very
common species over the whole of the western counties, arriving
generally in October and taking its departure in April. A few
stragglers remain some weeks later, and are occasionally taken on
the low grounds in May, but these are exceptional cases. In the
Outer Hebrides it is, so far as I can ascertain, strictly migratory,
and does not prolong its stay beyond a few weeks in the early part
of winter. I have obtained specimens from Benbecula and other
islands, chiefly in the month of October. The flocks there are not
large, seldom exceeding eighty or an hundred birds; they always
come with westerly winds, and pitch upon the low grounds on the

120 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

western side of the Uists and Benbecula, where they are first
noticed. These flights are probably migrants from Iceland, none
of the Hebridean mountains being of sufficient elevation to detain
the species in summer. I cannot learn whether the birds are
again seen on their return journey.

Large flocks of Snow Buntings are observed in Ayrshire and
Lanarkshire during the months of November and December.
These are principally observed on flat pasture lands, where they
keep in compact bodies, reminding one of large flights of starlings.
In this way they often appear on Glasgow Green, and grounds of
a similar character within a few miles of the city: and are also
known as regular winter visitants in the neighbourhood of the
Campsie Hills, where they attract attention when flying about
like drifting clouds along the hill sides.

It is verj7 difficult to establish the fact of this species breeding
regularly in Scotland, but that it does so in limited numbers can
hardly be doubted. The nest is not easy of discovery; indeed,
in many cases it must be almost inaccessible, at least to any one
but the most enthusiastic egg collector. Our highest mountain
tops, where alone such a treasure as a snow flake's nest can be
found in this country, are but seldom visited, save by wandering
shepherds, whose attention is taken up with more important
objects than small birds. Many of these men whom I have con-
sulted tell me that they see the Snow Bunting in small parties
throughout the year. I have most satisfactory information of
this nature from persons who at regular intervals traverse the
mountains of Aberdeen, Banff, and Inverness, extending from east
to west, including Lochnagar, Ben-na-buird, Ben Avon, Ben-mac-
dhui, Glasmheal, Cairngorm, and Cairntoul. Again, in Ross-shire,
Ben Wyvis, Ben Dearig, and an entire group of " Bens" lying to
the south and east of Gairloch, are likewise frequented by small
flocks in summer. All my informants seem to know the bird
perfectly by its Gaelic name, and from some of them I have
obtained specimens in summer plumage ; but it has been a source
of wonder to them how they have never happened to find its nest.
The birds are generally met with on the summit of the mountains,
where there are large masses of splintered rock lying scattered
about in wild confusion, and it is on ground of that nature that
the search should be made. Wearied shepherds, however, at the
close of a toilsome climb of three or four thousand feet cannot,

SNOW BUNTING. 127

without specific instructions, and the promise of a good reward,
be expected to bestow much labour in the acquisition of that kind
of game.

In Macgillivray's work mention is made of both old and young
Snow Buntings having been seen on the Grampians in the begin-
ning of August, 1830. Various local chroniclers had previously
recorded the fact that the species remained in limited numbers to
breed, but no instance appears to be cited in which the eggs had
been actually obtained. Pennant, in his Caledonian Zoology,
states that " a few breed on the summits of the highest moun-
tains, but that the greatest part migrate from the North, appearing
first in the Orkneys." In his day, it frequently happened that
during their migratory flights, numbers fell wearied into the ships
that were passing the Pentland Firth. The same author mentions
in his Tour in Scotland, that " snow flecks breed near Invercauld."
This information, no doubt, was given entirely on the faith of the
birds having been seen, and this is precisely what is understood
at the present day, nothing more positive by way of proof having
been adduced by any modern observer on the mainland of Scot-
land.* I have been kindly favoured by Mr William Hamilton of
London with the following extract from one of his journals, prov-
ing the presence of the Snow Bunting in Ross-shire about mid-
summer:— "July 12, 1868. — Went up Scuir Ouran with my
brother in the afternoon; weather extremely hot and somewhat
hazy. On reaching the top we sat down to enjoy the view, and
were surprised to see two pairs of Snow Buntings (old birds),
which were very tame, and seemed quite at home among the
rough stones with which the top of the mountain is covered. We
looked about for their nests, as we had no doubt they were breed-
ing, but were not fortunate enough to find them. In fact, it
would be a hopeless task, unless one had time to watch the birds."
Scuir Ouran is on the confines of Inverness-shire, and is about
4000 feet in height; it is probably the most westerly resort of this
bunting in the summer season.

On the east coast of Scotland I have been much interested in
observing this bird along the coast line from Berwickshire to the
county of Forfar. In stormy weather I have encountered numbers

* Dr Saxby has, in one instance at least, discovered the nest in the island of
Unst in Shetland.

128 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

before daybreak on Dunbar Links, as they were driven by the
force of the wind in scattered groups across the line of my path.
I have often, indeed, during the prevalence of north-easterly gales,
mistaken them in the grey dawn for pieces of foam blown from
the water. I recollect being, on one occasion, surrounded by a
benighted flock of snow-flakes, several of which struck against my
breast as I walked towards the beach, and fell stunned at my
feet. They were no doubt migrating parties just reaching the
shore. In Forfarshire the winter flocks observed near the coast
are evidently made up of both natives and migrants. Two years
ago I made an active search in the higher grounds of that county
about the end of April, and had the satisfaction of seeing small
flocks, and in some places, pairs of the bird nearly in summer
plumage, that of the males especially being clearly defined and
conspicuous during flight. Numbers are taken at this season to
the bird-stuffers of Brechin and Kirriemuir, and are called in
these towns " mountain finches." Shepherds and others living
near their haunts speak of the birds as constant residents, keeping
strictly to the mountains in summer, and approaching the low
lying lands in November and December, as the snow becomes
deeper. A sudden thaw, however, will cause whole flocks to dis-
appear in one day, and at such times they have repeatedly been
traced back to their old haunts on the highest ranges.

THE COMMON BUNTING.

EMBERIZA MI LI ARIA.
Gealag-bhuachair.

ON all the western shores the Common Bunting is a familiar bird,
being found from the south of Wigtownshire to the north of the
Outer Hebrides, and extending westwards to St Kilda. So far as
my own notes enable me to judge, it is less local in the west of Scot-
land than in the east, and is much more numerous in districts near
the sea than in inland counties. It is, indeed, nowhere more plenti-
ful than in Argyleshire, Ayrshire, and Wigtownshire, frequenting
in these districts dry stone walls enclosing pasture lands and oat-
fields almost touching the beach. In such places it perches
occasionally on a bramble branch or tall stem of ragweed, and runs

BLACK-HEADED BUNTING. 129

over its monotonous notes, which I have sometimes likened to the
jingling of a chain or the sound of breaking glass.

I have seen great numbers of this bird on North Uist and
Benbecula, where it is known by the name of 'sparrow;' but even
in these islands it is only to be found on the west side, where the
lands are flat, and where cultivation extends to the sea shore.

In the east of Scotland, where this bunting cannpt be called an
abundant species in summer, very large flocks sometimes appear
in the winter season. All the specimens shot from these flocks
which I have examined appear to be much larger than our native
birds, and are better clad — the plumage being thick and rich
coloured, very unlike the faded specimens I have met with in the
autumn. One of these birds in my own collection is of a rich
cream colour, with a few brown spots: it was shot some years ago
in Banffshire.

THE BLACK-HEADED BUNTING.
EMBERIZA SCHCENICULUS.

THIS species appears to be very widely distributed over Scotland.
It is found in Shetland occasionally, and is known to have bred
in Orkney; it likewise extends to the Outer Hebrides, where
a few pairs breed every year. The nest has been taken in North
Uist and Harris, and on some of the inner islands it is resident all
the year.

On the mainland of western Scotland it is also a permanent
resident in many localities, although of restless habits during the
winter season, leaving its sedgy haunts for the more substantial
attractions of the farm-yard. It is particularly common, at Loch-
winnoch, frequenting tall hawthorn hedges in the vicinity of the
water; and in spring time I have seen parties of thirty or forty
of this species frequenting a large patch of marshy ground, form-
ing the old bed of the Fruin, on the banks of Loch Lomond.
It breeds there on the banks of ditches, selecting occasionally
the sides of deep drains. I have never, indeed, found the
nest of the Black-headed Bunting away from water, and have
always seen it situated on the ground, with the exception of a
single instance in North Uist, where the structure was built in a
heather bush growing close to the water's edge.

130 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

The Black-headed Bunting frequents the immediate neighbour-
hood of Glasgow, where I have observed an occasional pair in
spring. I have also seen it in mid-winter, flying alongside, and
perching on the hedgerows in the outskirts of the city. About
the end of April or beginning of May the male bird, which by
that time has assumed the full breeding plumage, and is some-
what striking i,n appearance, may be seen stationed at no great
distance from the nest, on some tall weed, hedge, or paling, utter-
ing his tuneless double note, which seldom fails to betray the
haunt of the pair. For many years past a very pleasing couple
have frequented a small curling pond near the site of the new
University. I can always calculate on seeing them there early in
May; and never, during their residence, do I miss the morning
salutation of the sprightly male as he turns round on his perch to
look at the passer-by. These birds seem to get safely off with their
brood each year, and sometimes return to rear a second family.

There appears to be a large accession in winter to the numbers
of this bunting in the north of Scotland — probably the migratory
flocks retiring from Norway and Sweden. These flocks mix
with those of the common bunting (E. miliaria), and are commonly
met with in the north of Aberdeenshire. From that county, my
friend Mr Thomas Ferguson has obtained numbers of specimens
(several of which are now before me) that were shot on the Kin-
mundy estate, near Peterhead, out of flights which could scarcely
have been composed of native birds.

THE YELLOW BUNTING, OR YELLOW HAMMER.

EMBERIZA CITRINELLA.
Buidheag bhealaidh.

THE familiar 'Yellow Yite,' or ' Yeldrin,' as it is called in Scot-
land, is generally distributed in the western counties, being found
on nearly all the inner islands, as well as the Outer Hebrides. It
is one of the first spring songsters, although its music is of a weari-
some and somewhat monotonous quality, being delivered with a
lazy kind of drawl, which often strangely contrasts with the pert
and hurried performance of the chaffinch. Tannahill, in one of
his fine natural pictures, thus notices its dismal ditty: —

GIRL BUNTING. 131

" Beneath the golden gloainin' sky,
The mavis mends her lay;
The redbreast pours his sweetest strain
To charm the lingering day;
While weary yeldrins seem to mourn
Their little nestlings torn,
The merry wren frae den to den
Gaes jinking through the thorn."

I have noticed that in some parts of Ayrshire, where ragweed
abounds, the Yellow Hammer is much given to perching upon
that plant, the flowers of which closely resemble the colour of its
plumage. Its nest is frequently found in grass parks, placed
on the ground, and generally under shelter of tufts of ragweed.
In the summer of the present year (1869), I observed that this bird
was unusually abundant in the county just mentioned, and also
in Wigtownshire. The state of the ground probably favoured
this partiality — the heat for many weeks having been oppressive,
with an entire absence of rain, which often inundates their nests
in meadows and other pasture lands near the banks of rivers.

Mr William Sinclair has two bright yellow specimens of
this bunting in his possession, which he shot on the island of
Gometra some years ago. During their short flights they looked
exactly like canaries, the quills being white, and the rest of the
plumage of the purest yellow. He had, indeed, some hesitation
in shooting them, until he saw their manner of alighting on the
ground. As a singular contrast to these extraordinary specimens,
I may add that Mr Brown has kindly forwarded to me for inspec-
tion a melanoid variety of the bird, which was obtained last year
in Kincardineshire. This very curious specimen shows the entire
plumage of a dark tint, approaching in some places to black.

The nest of the Yellow Hammer has been found in Orkney.

THE GIRL BUNTING.
EMBERIZA CIRLUS.

IN the second volume of the Wernerian Society's Memoirs, p. 658,
there is a record of a specimen of the Girl Bunting having been
shot near Edinburgh, and exhibited by Mr James Wilson at a
meeting of that Society, held on 3d February, 1816. This
instance of the species having been found so far north in Britain

132 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

remained for nearly fifty years the only representative for Scot-
land, until a second was obtained in Aberdeenshire by Mr
Angus, who has kindly sent me the following communication re-
garding its occurrence: — " In December, 1863, a friend sent me
some small birds which he had kindly taken the trouble to kill
for two kestrils which I then kept alive in confinement. He had
procured the birds while woodcock shooting near Banchory, and
on examining the lot I found a beautiful male Girl Bunting. It
weighed seven drachms and a quarter, and measured seven and a
quarter inches in length. Irides brown."

Besides these examples, I may state that when visiting the
Kelso Museum in November, 1868, I examined a male bird of
this species, which Mr Heckford, the former curator, informed me
had been stuffed by him about the year 1840. It was shot at
Greenhill, near Yetholm, in Roxburghshire, and brought to him
in the flesh.

THE ORTOLAN BUNTING.
EMBERIZA HORTULANA.

ALTHOUGH this species is common in the southern parts of Europe
during summer, and visits Sweden, Norway, and Denmark in the
breeding season, it is very rarely seen in the British Islands.
Yarrell mentions but a few instances of its occurrence in England,
the most northern locality being the coast of Yorkshire.

Its appearance north of the Tweed appears to have been equally
rare and uncertain. The first specimen must have been killed
many years ago; it was obtained in the county of Caithness, and
is mentioned by Mr Wilson in his Voyage Round Scotland in 1846,
but was previously recorded in the Statistical Account of the
Parish of Wick, published about ten years earlier. The bird is,
I believe, still in the collection of Mr Sinclair, where it was seen
by Mr Wilson.

This would probably have remained the only recorded -Scottish
example of the Ortolan, but for the indefatigable diligence of my
correspondent, Mr Angus, who was the means of discovering
other two in Aberdeenshire, which are now in his own collection.
"In the last week of November, 1863," writes Mr Angus, "I
found a pair of Ortolan Buntings in a large quantity of larks

ORTOLAN BUNTING. 133

exposed for sale in Castle Street, Aberdeen, at the weekly market.
These I secured for my collection, but the person who sold them
to me knew nothing of the species. He offered me my choice of
the lot for sixpence, and informed me that they had been captured
on the previous day in a turnip field near the sea-side. The birds
varied in size, the male being the larger of the two, weighing
seven drachms and three quarters, while the female weighed but
six drachms and a half. • The _irides were brown. The bird-
catcher stated that they had commenced eating immediately after
being caught, and that during their day's confinement they fed
constantly."

The Ortolan, when fattened for the table, has long been known
as a delicious morsel among French epicures. Its introduction to
this country, however, is comparatively a recent event. The first
London importer informed the Rev. E. S. Dixon, author of an
interesting volume, entitled the " Dovecote and the Aviary," that
for some years previous to 1850, he " used to get them one or two
at a time, and then sell them easily at a guinea each. We now,
(March, 1850) have them by hundreds, and fat them for the table,
but they are of little value, Is 6d each." At a guinea a-piece,
therefore, ortolans, each weighing but three ounces, would cost
the consumer about «£5 12s the lb., and at the reduced rate 8s the
Ib. To those who cannot afford even sixpence an ounce for this
costly viand, I would recommend Sanderlings, on their first reach-
ing our shores in autumn. They are equally fat, and if pro-
perly cooked, will not disappoint any one choosing to make the
experiment.

OBS. — THE PAINTED BUNTING (Spiza ciris) has occurred once in
Scotland, a specimen having been procured in Banffshire, by Mr
Thomas Edward, who informed me of the circumstance about
three years ago. Stray examples of this species no doubt reach
this country by means of ships crossing the Atlantic. Audubon
remarks, in the first volume of his ' Ornithological Biography,'
that few vessels in his day left the port of New Orleans during
the summer months without taking some painted finches, and that
through this means they were probably transported to all parts of
Europe. " I have seen them," says Audubon, " offered for sale
in London and Paris, with the trifling difference in value in each
individual, which converted the sixpence paid for it at New
Orleans to three guineas in London."

134 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

IN8E880RE& FRINGILLIDJ2.

CONIROSTRES.

THE CHAFFINCH.

FRINGILLA C(ELEBS.

Bricean-beatha.

THE pert and familiar Chaffinch is widely distributed throughout
Scotland. It is found in several localities in the Outer Hebrides,
especially in the sheltered districts of Harris and Lewis; there are
none on the treeless islands. It need not, however, excite sur-
prise should it yet be found frequenting these barren wastes, as it
appears to be even a hardier bird than the common sparrow, whose
place it frequently takes in out of-the way bird haunts. I have
found it in considerable numbers near lonely farm-steadings in
the western moors, and have noticed it as the commonest bird in
upland parishes, where other birds of its size do not make a long
stay. Mr Elwes informs me that on one occasion he observed a
female Chaffinch on the summit of Ben a Chaolais, in the island
of Jura, at an elevation of 2500 feet. The bird seemed quite at
home, and complained of the intrusion on its haunts — a mass of
splintered rocks — with the same quick note that characterizes its
impatience when disturbed in an orchard.

In its style of nest-building, this bird varies the structure ac-
cording to the locality which it happens to frequent. In rural
places, away from the dust and smoke prevailing near cities and
large towns, the nest is a perfect model in its way for neatness
and compactness of form; but in less favourable situations, where
the building materials are not so fresh, it is slovenly and untidy.
A series of nests before me gives ample proof of this, some being
composed entirely of moss closely interwoven; others of lichens
laced all over with spiders' webs; whilst those obtained in the out-
skirts of Glasgow are built of dirty straws, pieces of paper, and
bits of blackened moss intermixed, forming as a whole such a
cradle as a country shilfa might feel ashamed of. I once took one
from a smoke begrimed hedge within the city boundaries which
had, among other odd things adhering to it, three or four postage
stamps exhibiting various effigies that a juvenile collector would
have prized.

THE CHAFFINCH. 135

This bird appears in some instances to thrive well in confine-
ment. I lately saw a beautiful male in Penkill Castle, Ayrshire,
which was taken from the nest seventeen years ago. It was then
only covered with down, but through careful attention grew to
be a strong and healthy bird, and now continues so, making the
walls of the room in which its cage is placed ring with its oft-
repeated song. Miss Boyd has politely informed me that her
favourite has always been fed with great care upon a variety of
things, such as meat, fish, seeds, insects, etc., and has never
been subjected to any sudden change of temperature — warmth
and variety of food being the chief means used to keep the bird
in perfect health.

I have noticed in Forfarshire and other counties in the north-
east of Scotland, a great acquisition to the numbers of this species
in the spring season. About the middle of April this year (1869),
every hedgerow was swarming with Chaffinches, all in clear and
brilliant plumage. They assembled in groups in the centre of the
common highway, to pick up their slender living; and as I drove
fifteen or twenty miles of road, I could not help observing their
unusual numbers.

The shilfa, as it is called in Scotland, appears in a remarkable
degree to be susceptible of kindness. I recollect, when spending
a night in the house of a gentleman resident in Forfarshire, being
very much interested with the tameness shewn by some Chaffinches
as I sauntered in the policies before breakfast. Two birds espe-
cially, a male and female, flew down from a large spreading tree
near the house, and tried to gain my attention by hopping close
to where I stood, and on stooping down and extending my hand,
they both eagerly came forward and looked inquisitively into the
empty loof in evident disappointment. On speaking to my host
about the birds, he informed me that he had induced them so far
to set aside their usual timidity, as to come into the breakfast-
room on the window being raised, and fly to the table, on which
they usually got a bit of cake or some other luxury. This tame-
ness had continued several seasons, and on one occasion the female
brought her five newly-fledged young ones to the window, leaving
them on the outer ledge until she paid her usual visit to the
hospitable board for something to give them.

Sometime ago I was favoured with a communication on this
subject from the pen of one whose writings commend themselves

136 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

to every true naturalist. I had learned through a friend that Mr
Aird of Dumfries had tamed several wild birds at liberty to such
an extent as to tempt them to come at call, and take crumbs of
food out of his hands; and having solicited from that gentleman
a note of his experience with small birds, the following account,
the substance of which has since appeared in the proceedings of a
local society, was obligingly sent to me: — " One severe winter,
when I resided in Dumfries, I fed the birds from my parlour
window, which overlooked a small garden plot. I noticed in the
long-run that the shilfa became the tamest of them all. Since I
came to this quiet old dwelling, I have had opportunity of watch-
ing the bird more closely. We have had the robin here, who
came at call, and sat on the hand in the open air, and ate his fill
of crumbs deliberately. Such familiarity in the robin is well
known. Not so the tameness to which the shilfa may be brought.
In the spring of 1864, a little hen shilfa drew very near my foot
for crumbs; and gradually I got her within the door for her
breakfast. She built her nest in an Irish yew near the house, and
when hatching and eager for food, without loss of time she flew to
me in the open air, and seized her crumb from my hand, but would
not sit down on it, like Robin. By-and-by she took the bit from
my mouth, and followed me closely up and down, flying across my
way very near my face, in order to attract attention. Often have
I astonished the people passing our gate by calling her down from
the tree, and making her take her cake from my lips. Two or
three times when I was leaning on a gate a field's breadth from our
house she came and sat close down beside me. Once, but only once,
as she sat there, she allowed me to touch her with my forefinger. In
autumn the general instinct overcame the special familiarity, and
she was much away with the flock in the fields — yet, back she
came every now and then to our door. Toward the end of autumn,
as I was standing by a paling a good way up the slope behind the
house, I saw a little bird detach itself from a flock on a high tree
and come straight down to me. She took her seat on the paling,
quite beside me. This was Tibbie, for so I had named our
pet. I offered her crumbs, but she would not take them: she had
come to me from pure affection. She made off with a brisk chirrup
and rejoined her companions. A hawk must have got her, for we
never saw her again. So much for little Tibbie of Mountainhall,
and I commend her memory to your special regard. I may add

MOUNTAIN FINCH OR BRAMBLING. 137

that we have other shilfas which fly at the face to attract notice
and get crumbs from me on the ground; but Tibbie's wonderful
tameness seems to have been a special individuality of temper and
character. No such birdie will ever again charm me."

THE MOUNTAIN FINCH OR BRAMBLING.
FRINGILLA MONTIFRINGILLA.

THE Brambling is a regular winter visitant to the western main-
land, coming occasionally in immense flocks, which do not dis-
perse but keep to their line of flight. These passing companies
I have seen in the neighbourhood of the Stirlingshire hills, and Mr
Brown states that he has also seen them there. In January, 1867,
a very extraordinary mass of these birds was seen by that gentle-
man near his residence: it was passing overhead, and proceeding
in a north-easterly direction. To give Mr Brown's own words: —
" The flock took the form of a column, which must have been at
least a quarter of a mile in length by some fifteen yards in breadth:
it presented a most singular appearance when viewed at some little
distance. Every slight alteration in the direction of the flight of
the birds in the van was copied by all the members of the flock
behind, thus giving to the column the appearance of a great winged
serpent as it twisted and undulated onward. They were flying at
no great height from the ground."

Like other strictly migratory species, the Brambling arrives
during the night, particularly on the east coast, and is often
observed shortly after daylight flitting among the rocks or the
sea shore, evidently in a somewhat exhausted state after its
long flight; at such times it may almost be taken with the
hand. It appears at first to betake itself to the higher grounds,
but after a time, especially on the approach of snow, it de-
scends to low lying farms, where it becomes a familiar tenant
of the stackyard, mixing with chaffinches and yellow hammers.
On their first arrival, the plumage of both males and females —
particularly the latter — is suffused with a mealiness which makes
the various markings very indistinct; but as the months wear on
the males assume much clearer tints, and are really beautiful
birds just before their departure. In other parts of Scotland the
Brambling is equally numerous. I have found it plentifully in

138 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

East Lothian and Forfarshire: in the first named county the male
is called the "cock o' the north;" in the other both sexes are
known as " tartan backs."

Mr Alston writes to me that he skinned a male of this species
in the autumn of 1869, and found its gizzard full of fragments of
the kernels of nuts, seemingly hazel. The bird was killed near
Glenalmond, in Perthshire.

On the inner islands the Brambling is found but sparingly, some
winters passing without a visit from a single bird.

THE WHITE-THROATED SPARROW.

ZONOTRICHIA ALBICOLLIS.

A FEMALE specimen of this North American bird was shot near
the Broadhill, on Aberdeen Links, by Alex. Mitchell, on the 17th
August, 1867, and forwarded to me a few weeks afterwards by
Mr Angus, to whom Mr Mitchell had presented the bird. In
March, 1868, a notice of the occurrence was communicated by Mr
Angus to the Natural History Society of Glasgow, and a full de-
scription of the plumage, with other details, was afterwards pub-
lished in the proceedings of that Society, accompanied by a plate
containing two figures, which Mr Sinclair had drawn for this work.

It is quite possible that, from its general resemblance to some
of the female buntings, this bird may have hitherto passed unno-
ticed in the eastern districts of Scotland. Mr Mitchell was
attracted, in this instance, to the movements of the bird as it sat
perched on a whin-bush jerking its tail, but a less observant eye
might have failed to remark the peculiarity. It may be well,
therefore, for scientific collectors residing in the north-eastern
counties to look out for the species in autumn, when stragglers
are likely to arrive on our shores. We know that it is strictly a
winter visitant to the Southern States of America, appearing there
suddenly in considerable flocks ; there is therefore nothing incon-
sistent in the surmise that straggling parties may in the course
of their flight be driven eastwards from Newfoundland to this
country.

The two birds which are figured on the plate, when contrasted
with ordinary examples shot in spring, present a worn appearance,
and are much less vivid in coloration and general markings. Such

WHITE THROATED SPARROW. 139

differences no doubt are almost to the same extent noticeable in
many of our British birds. The common bunting, for example,
in its autumn garb, often looks so lean and faded as to be hardly
recognizable when placed alongside a bird of the same species
killed in the months of March or April, the whole of the outer
layer of feathers, so to speak, being wasted and reduced to little
more than half their ordinary breadth. The tail feathers appear
to suffer even a greater abrasion, being in some cases much rubbed
at the points, and in others, especially with the central feathers,
denuded to more than half their length.

Audubon, in his description of the White-throated Sparrow,

gives the following pleasing account of its habits : — " This pretty

little bird is a visitor of Louisiana and all the southern districts,

where it remains only a very short time. Its arrival in Louisiana

may be stated to take place in the beginning of November, and

its departure in the first days of March. In all the middle States

it remains longer. How it comes and how it departs are to me

quite unknown. I can only say, that all of a sudden the hedges

of the fields bordering on creeks or swampy places, and overgrown

with different species of vines, sumach bushes, briars, and the

taller kinds of grasses, appear covered with these birds. They

form groups, sometimes containing from thirty to fifty individuals,

and live together in harmony. They are constantly moving up

and down among these recesses, with frequent jerkings of the tail,

and uttering a note common to the tribe. From the hedges and

thickets they issue one by one in quick succession, and ramble to

the distance of eight or ten yards, hopping and scratching in quest

of small seeds, and preserving the utmost silence. When the least

noise is heard or alarm given, or frequently, as I thought, without

any alarm at all, they all fly back to their covert, pushing directly

into the very thickest part of it. A moment elapses when they

become reassured, and ascending to the highest branches and

twigs, open a little concert which, although of short duration, is

extremely sweet. There is much plaintive softness in the note. . . .

At the approach of night they utter a sharper and shriller note,

consisting of a single twit, repeated in smart succession by the

whole group, and continuing until the first hooting of some owl

frightens them into silence. Yet often during fine nights I have

heard the little creatures emit here and there a twit as if to answer

each other that ' all's well.' "

140 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

THE TREE SPARROW.

PASSER MONTANUS.

THE first record of the Tree Sparrow as a Scottish species is given
by Mr Don, who states that in his day it was found " on the
mountains of Angusshire;" the next is mentioned by the late
James Wilson, in his Voyage Round Scotland, a specimen, shot in
Caithness, having been seen by that ornithologist in the collection
of Mr Sinclair, surgeon, Wick. Since that time the Tree Sparrow
has been found near that town by Mr H. Osborne, and also by
other observers, in Morayshire, small numbers being known to
breed near Elgin ;* but the present stronghold of the species north
of the Tweed appears to be East Lothian. It was discovered there
many years ago by the late John Nelson, Esq., and was first noticed
on the farm of Castletown, near North Berwick, where a few
pairs breed annually. It was afterwards found at another farm
within a few miles distance, and still later at Pitcox, by the late
Dr Nelson, who informed me that there were probably from
eighty to ninety pairs on his farm. Mr R. Scot, Skirving, has
also informed me that a few pairs breed near his residence at
Campton, near Drem, in the same county, thus giving the bird a
still wider distribution. All these localities are confined within
a radius of ten or fifteen miles, and so far as I am aware, the bird
has not yet been detected on the higher grounds of Haddington-
shire. I am nearly sure, however, that two pairs at least nested
in a tall garden hedge at Dunbar about twenty years ago.

On the west coast it cannot yet with certainty be included in
the list of regular visitants; but I have been informed by Mr
Duncan C. Brown of Glasgow, that he has seen the Tree Sparrow
at Arrochar, Loch Long, in limited numbers, mixing with the
common sparrow, and thus affording him the opportunity of con-
trasting the two species together.

I have no doubt as to the Tree Sparrow being a much commoner
bird in Scotland than has hitherto been supposed, especially in
the eastern counties, which, in some particular seasons, are visited
by migratory flocks from Scandinavia. A very interesting fact

* It may be mentioned that in a list of birds, evidently prepared with great
care, and published in the Statistical Account of the Parish of Edderton, in
Ross-shire, the Tree Sparrow is included as a resident species there.

HOUSE SPARROW. 141

has been noticed by Mr E. H. Eodd of Penzance of a large flock
of these birds having alighted in a Norwegian vessel near the
English coast in November, 1860. Mr Eodd informs me that the
captain of this merchant ship stated that there were many hun-
dreds in the flock at the time they fell on deck, and that he secured
half a dozen of the birds as a memorial of their visit. These were
taken to Mr Eodd and identified. The occurrence took place
between the Dogger Bank and the Galloper Lighthouse. The
birds composing migratory flights like these would probably re-
assemble in spring, and keep by the coast as they travelled north-
wards till they reached Aberdeenshire, small numbers being left
in the intervening counties, in several of which the species has
already been distinguished in the breeding season.

THE HOUSE SPAEEOW.

PASSER DOMESTICUS.

Gealbhan.

ALTHOUGH the common sparrow is a bird of wide distribution
and a close follower of man wherever he chooses to settle,
it is only within the last thirty-five years that it has ven-
tured across the Minch in Scotland. Two pairs were known
to be in the neighbourhood of Stornoway in 1833, but nine
years afterwards Mr Wilson, in noticing this circumstance in his
very interesting volume already so often referred to, stated that
during his visit to Lewis, he saw none of their descendants, a
remark which shows that in 1842 it had been an uncommon bird
in the island. Though still restricted to the immediate neigh-
bourhood of the town, it has since that time become very abundant,
having increased especially of late years to such an extent as to
become a scourge to the farmers. In all other parts of the
Outer Hebrides, it is totally unknown, except Barra, where it
was observed forty years ago by Mr Macgillivray among the ruins
of Kilbar (see Edin. Jour., vol. ii., page 325).

On the inner islands, though nowhere numerous, small colonies
are observed frequenting farm steadings, a remark which applies
also to the western mainland, fronv Sutherland to Argyll; but in
some parts of the last named county, where of late years towns of

142 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

considerable size have sprung up as watering places, the sparrow
has multiplied in a corresponding degree. Southwards of the
Frith of Clyde the species is found still more numerously, but
seems to attach itself for the most part to towns and the larger
villages. In many of the hill farms of Ayrshire, it is sometimes
entirely absent, and is then replaced by the chaffinch and yellow
hammer. During the breeding season, which lasts from the com-
mencement of spring until the middle of August, I have observed
it in very large communities in the immediate neighbourhood of
Glasgow; the most remarkable of these may be seen in an old
quarry, about a mile to the north-east of the city, and is certainly one
of the most extraordinary congregations of sparrows to be met with.
The entire face of the sandstone cliffs, forming three sides of a
square, is swarming with the birds ; every crevice has been taken
advantage of, and is tenanted in some instances by more than one
pair — the nests being placed in contact — an arrangement which,
judging from the perpetual clamour and onslaught among the
occupants, appears to be anything but harmonious. I have also
seen noisy companies of sparrows assembled together on the orna-
mental work of public buildings, and under the eaves of dwelling
houses in the principal thoroughfares of the city, where they ap-
pear to keep up a loud chattering at all hours of the day, varying
their amusements with an occasional fight. I recollect noticing
such a colony busily engaged in catching thick-bodied moths
(Noctuce) which had been disturbed by their rude behaviour, and
been obliged to issue from their retreats into the dazzling glare of
daylight. The sparrows made hurried sallies and caught the
moths, after many ludicrous turnings in their flight before they
accomplished their purpose.

In May of the present year (1870) I was interested in observing
a noisy company of sparrows in possession of a part of the ruined
masonry of Dunbar Castle, the only isolated fragment of standing
wall now left of that once powerful stronghold. About twenty
pairs had established themselves for the season in this elevated
nursery, exposed to the full blast of the storms that so often beat
upon the time-worn pinnacle; but even there the hardy fellows,
like the sons of Neptune whose craft they hourly visited in the
adjoining harbour, seemed proof against both wind and spray.
These seafaring sparrows, as they may justly be called, appeared
to subsist on what they could pick up in the castle park or on the

THE GREENFINCH. 143

quay in their vicinity. They remain there, I was informed, all
the year round ; and with such training it is not to be wondered
at that shore-bred birds should make choice of the nearest 'look-out'
for a breeding place.

Mr Sinclair has informed me that in June, 1869, he found and
examined no fewer than seven sparrow's nests, containing eggs or
young, in a pear tree in a garden at Dunbar. The nests were all
dome shaped, with a hole at the side.

THE GREENFINCH.

COCCOTHRA USTES CHLORIS.
Glaiseun-darach.

PERMANENTLY resident, extending from north to south. In the
Outer Hebrides it is found in North Uist and Harris, and probably
the whole of the Long Island. It is also a winter visitant to the
Orkneys, but does not appear to be so in the Shetlands. A
very large flock was driven to the latter islands on 28th
October, 1864, in a gale from the north-east, as recorded by Dr
Saxby. I have seen flocks of this bird in the heat of summer
frequenting the sea-coast in Ayrshire, and the pebbly beds of some
rivers, where they had assembled at mid-day to wash themselves
in the little pools.

A very interesting anecdote was lately communicated to me by
Mr Sinclair. He was seated in a garden at Dunbar one after-
noon in July, in company with a friend under the shade of some
elm trees, when their attention was attracted to a female Green-
finch perched upon a twig about six feet from where they sat. It
was stretching out its neck and plucking off leaves, passing the
stem of each through its bill and dropping it until it found a suit-
able one, with which it flew to a higher part of the tree. This
act being repeated several times, their curiosity became excited,
and they watched the bird. A few more leaves were dropped,
and again the Greenfinch flew up, when on closer examination
they found to their great surprise that it was sticking the leaf
into the edge of its nest, which was built on a leafless branch,
exposed to the sun, and thus forming a screen for the young
fledglings which had been incommoded by the excessive heat.

144 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

The anxious mother of the nurslings had already placed two or
three leaves firmly into the structure by the stems, and Mr Sin-
clair, on comparing them with those the bird had let fall, found
them to be much thicker and therefore better suited for the
purpose.

A very striking variety of the Greenfinch lately came under my
observation ; it had the entire plumage of a bright yellow, with
the exception of the quill feathers, which were pure white. The
specimen was killed near Kilmarnock, and preserved by Mr Oliver
Eaton, bird-stuffer there.

THE HAWFINCH.

COCCOTHRAVSTES VULOARIS.

I AM not yet able to record this bird as a west of Scotland
species. In the southern and eastern counties it has been traced
from Dumfriesshire to East Lothian; thence to Aberdeenshire,
BanfFshire, and Caithness, in all of which counties several speci-
mens have been obtained. It is supposed to be increasing in
many parts of England, and future observers may therefore find it
frequenting Scottish districts not yet included among its northern
habitats.

THE GOLDFINCH.

CARDUELIS ELEGANS.

Lasair-choille.

BEING a favourite cage-bird, the Goldfinch is much sought after by
those who make it a business to catch these beautiful songsters for
the city market. For many winters past I have been surprised
at the very large numbers that are sent weekly from Dumfriesshire
to Glasgow. Many hundreds must be taken in a season ; and as
they are despatched in confined boxes, a great many die before
reaching the end of their journey. From being a comparatively
common bird, therefore, the Goldfinch is, from this cause alone,
now rather a scarce species; and, as cultivation extends, the
plants, on the seeds of which they feed, are naturally becoming
diminished. Their favourite food late in autumn and winter, as

THE GOLDFINCH. 145

far as I have observed, is the seed of the common thistle and
meadow thistle, and occasionally the ragweed — plants which no
prudent husbandman thinks now-a-days of allowing to grow till
the seed is perfected. Lanarkshire is yet frequented by small flocks,
and even in the vicinity of Glasgow stray birds are occasionally seen
by the bird-catchers during severe frosts, when they become an easy
prey to these artful trappers. In Renfrewshire, Ayrshire, and some
parts of Argyleshire, Goldfinches are still sparingly distributed,
being more easily observed, however, in the winter season during
the time of snow, when they become conspicuous on their perch on
the tops of tall weeds standing above the white surface. Their habits
are at these times a very interesting study; yet one cannot help
feeling sorry for the poor frozen-out birds, as at best they seem but
ill-fitted to stand the rigours of our northern climate. The siskin,
although so nearly allied, is a much hardier bird, and will brave
even the roughest weather with impunity. Writing in 1813, Don,
in his Fauna of Forfarshire, states regarding the Goldfinch, that
" this bird has never been plentiful since the hard winter of 1795,
which destroyed many," a recurrence of which disaster appears to
have taken place in 1823, as mentioned by Mr Macgillivray. This
sensitiveness to cold is doubtless another cause of their gradual
disappearance from districts where at one time they were common.

From old parish records I find that in 1794 goldfinches were
found in abundance in Ross-shire, especially in the parishes of
Kilmuir- Wester and Suddy. Until within these few years past,
it was a well-known bird in the vicinity of Dingwall, but the
recent rapid advancement in the agriculture of both Strathpeffer
and Strath Conon has rooted out many spots which were formerly
attractive to the species; hence it is now but seldom seen there.
During a residence of some weeks in that beautiful district in
1868-69, I failed to notice it in any of the straths or glens I
visited.

The Goldfinch seems to vary greatly in size. A specimen from
Ireland, now before me, is 4| inches in length; another from
Dumfries is 5 inches. The first named has a white throat ; both
were killed in April, and when placed together, the Irish bird
looks as if it must have been, when in the flesh, only half the size
and weight of the other.

146 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

THE SISKIN.
CARDUELIS SPIN VS.

THIRTY years ago, this pretty little bird was a well-known winter
visitant in some parts of Lanarkshire ; but from all I can learn, it
is now much less common, or at least not so steady in its times of
appearance. In certain seasons it may still be said to be plenti-
ful in the neighbourhood of Glasgow, where, however, the flocks
are very soon thinned by the professional bird-catchers. The
same may be said of its visits to other counties in the west
of Scotland, with the exception perhaps of Argyleshire and
Sutherlandshire; in some parts of the last named county, it ap-
pears to be resident all the year. But it is doubtful if the
Siskin has yet been recognised on the western side of Suther-
land, although Mr St John states in his " Tour" that " it is in
almost every wood during spring and summer." Mr Brown has
informed me that it is certainly not known in the district of
Assynt, but that it breeds plentifully in the woods at Dunrobin
Castle. He has likewise found it breeding on the banks of the Dee
in Aberdeen shire. As a rule, the nesting localities for the Siskin
are situated in the eastern counties of Scotland. Its nest has been
taken near Glasgow, in Kirkcudbrightshire, in Perthshire, and in
Dumfriesshire — all of which districts are, no doubt, exceptions to
that rule; but as the main flocks assemble on the north-eastern
counties previous to quitting our shores, it is more natural to
find stray parties remaining there, especially should the general
outset be delayed by adverse weather. From Berwickshire to
Caithness, therefore, the migratory flocks are extremely numerous
in some seasons, appearing in the autumn before the foliage has
been blown off the trees, and again in March and April, just be-
fore leaving. I saw a number of Siskins, evidently mated, in the
woods of Altyre, near Forres, in the beginning of May, 1870. In
East Lothian, I have met with pairs in June at Dunbar and
elsewhere; and I have records of its having bred in that county,
and in Fifeshire, Forfarshire, and Kincardineshire. Generally
speaking, the flocks are largest in severe winters.

The Siskin does not appear to have occurred in Orkney, but it
is a rare winter visitor to Shetland.

COMMON LINNET. 147

THE COMMON LINNET.

LINOTA CANNABINA.

Gealan-lin.

I DO not know a more pleasing sight to the ornithologist than a
group of Common Linnets, collected in the spring time, and sunning
themselves on the top of some tree late in the afternoon of a clear
day, just as the sun gilds everything with a fine mellow light. At
such times, and in calm weather, the notes of these little minstrels
are heard at a great distance, and their movements easily observed
on their resting place being approached. Some, it may be, are
preening their feathers, others sitting with puffed-out plumage,
while the minority are warbling a few enjoyable strains, sugges-
tive of a lullaby to sing the whole assemblage to sleep. In a
moment every bill is withdrawn from its work of feather dressing,
and a tremulous burst of bird music is heard ringing from the
branches — such an effect, indeed, as might be brought about by a
treeful of tiny bells shaken by a sighing breeze.

In the remoter Hebrides, where there are no trees on which to
perch, the linnets make choice of some sheltered bank exposed to
the sun's rays, and there they recline towards evening to practise
their singing for the coming summer, making the very ground re-
joice with them as they utter their harmonious twitterings. The
passer-by in his rambles through these bleak solitudes cannot but
wonder at the fairy-like notes issuing from the usually dull and
stony heath; for although he may notice one or two birds perched
on the surrounding rocks, he is not prepared to see so many in the
congregation he has disturbed as they suddenly burst into the air
before him. The islands of Lewis and Harris are frequented by
linnets, and also North Uist and Benbecula. On Lewis, the
plantations near Stornoway afford them good shelter; but in the
other localities they live entirely among the heather, in which they
make their nests. They are also very common over the whole of
the inner islands.

I have observed in some parts of Ayrshire that linnets are
gregarious to some extent even in the breeding season, both on the
sea shore and in the pebbly beds of rivers and smaller streams,
which they frequent at certain hours, coming and going together
in flocks with apparent regularity.

148 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

In the course of my reading, I have not met with any lines by our
poetical writers addressed to this bird in a state of liberty, although
in its every-day life it is not a less attractive subject than many of
the commoner birds that have been so commemorated. I close,
therefore, with a fragment from an address to a dead linnet by a
solitary student, whose pen, I venture to think, could, if so directed,
have well expressed its habits before it became the

" Friend in hours of lonely thought,
And studious toil through the unresting day."

The lines were sent to me by Mr William Logan of Kilbirnio,
himself the author of many amiable verses*: —

" The secret bustle of thy frequent meal,
Like elfin working mischief, all unseen
At bottom of thy cage; thy dipping bill
Oft splashing sportive o'er the learned tome,
And rousing my 'rapt soul to homelier themes;
The tuning twitter, snatch'd and interrupt —
The timorous essay — low and querulous —
The strain symphonious — and the full burst of song,
That made my study walls re-echo sweet
The harmonious peal, while all its tattered maps
And prints unframed, responsive tremblings gave; —
All these are past, and joy takes wing with thee."

THE MEALY EEDPOLE.
LI NOT A CANESCENS.

Is of irregular and uncertain occurrence only. Some seasons pass
without any being seen, while in others they are frequently ob-
tained. The winter of 1863-64 maybe noted as one in which
this species was comparatively common, numbers having been
taken by the bird-catchers even in the neighbourhood of Glasgow.
Six specimens were seen in the outskirts of the city in 1861, two
of which were caught with bird-lime. The season was a very
severe one. Mr Tottenham Lee found several specimens in Kirk-
cudbrightshire in 1854, and in 1868 Mealy Redpoles were again
taken in that county and in Dumfriesshire, and sent to the Glas-

* Died 20th February, 1869.

LESSER REDPOLE — MOUNTAIN LINNET OR TWITE. 149

gow bird- market. I have seen several specimens that were taken
near Forfar, and it has frequently occurred in Midlothian.

Dr Saxby informs me that he shoots these birds in Shetland
every winter.

THE LESSER EEDPOLE.

LI NOT A LIN ARIA.

THIS species appears to be more dependent upon woods and
thickets of brushwood than either the twite or common linnet,
as I have not been able to trace it to those districts where such
shelter is absent. It is a visitor to lona, as I have been informed
by Mr Graham, who has seen it in flocks appearing with the two
species just named, and Mr Elwes has added it to his list of Islay
birds, a specimen shot in that island being preserved in the
museum at Islay House.

On the mainland of Argyleshire the Lesser Redpole is common
enough even in summer, and breeds in that county, as well as in
Renfrewshire and Dumbartonshire. It also breeds near Glasgow,
and is sparingly distributed in other parts of Lanarkshire, espe-
cially where birch plantations are numerous. The same remark
indeed applies to its occurrence in most Scottish districts. Its
habits are very easily studied, as it is exceedingly tame and heed-
less of observation. I have often stood within a few feet of a
small flock perched on thistles or feeding upon the seeds of other
plants by the roadside. Its movements are exceedingly active
and amusing, and its note wondrously loud for so small a creature.

In Orkney as many as fifty are sometimes seen in a flock.

THE MOUNTAIN LINNET OR TWITE.

LINOTA MONTIUM.
Bigean baintighcarna (Uist).

THE stronghold of this lively bird in the west of Scotland is un-
questionably the Outer Hebrides. Throughout the whole of the
Long Island it is found in very large flocks, and as these pass
overhead in the course of their journeys in search of a good feed-
ing ground, the brisk chirrup of the birds may be heard at a con-

150 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

siderable distance. The note of the Twite is much shriller than
that of the common linnet, and is readily distinguished even
when the two species are together. I have often been much inter-
ested in watching numerous companies of twites in North Uist
attracted during their flight to a bed of thistles or other plants, on
which they would perch after a few restless turns in the air before
alighting. They will then permit a very near approach, and never
fail to amuse any one taking time to observe their movements.
Keared for the most part in bleak and cheerless nurseries, the
twites of the Hebrides are hardy and active, and appear to delight
as much in a mass of useless growing weeds as do their allies in
the leafy groves of the south. Listen to the brisk and encourag-
ing chatter they sustain until they have exhausted the spot of its
supplies; a few more piping notes summon the whole flock to
order, and away they burst into the air with a shrill but joyous
cry, filling the air again with their strange music.

On some parts of the mainland the Twite, although not quite
so abundant, is still numerous, extending from north to south.
Thus, in Sutherlandshire, it is the prevailing species of linnet,
while in many parts of Kirkcudbrightshire it is far from being
rare even in the breeding season. In the higher grounds of
Lanarkshire it breeds in some numbers, and is still more common
in winter. The city bird-fanciers catch occasionally as many as
twenty twites in a day. In the east of Scotland the species is
much less numerous than in the west; still it is well known in
rural districts, where it is called the " heather lintie."

The following notes on this species have been sent to me by Mr
Elwes : — " The Twite does not confine itself to heather when
choosing a situation for its nest, but often breeds in a bush or in
creepers against a garden wall. It also sometimes makes a nest
on the ground under a stone, and during the season of incubation
is extremely tame and familiar. The eggs are five or six in num-
ber, and I think that two broods are usually hatched in the year,
as I have found fresh eggs as late as July. In the summer it is
not difficult to distinguish the Twite from the common linnet,
which I have never seen in the Long Island, as it has not the
ruddy tints in the head and breast which are so conspicuous in
the other species.

Mr Brown informs me, that on 17th May, 1870, he took three
twites' nests in Mr Macdonald's garden at Newton, North Uist;

THE BULLFINCH. 151

these were built at a height of two or three feet from the ground,
in red currant bushes, and contained in two instances four eggs,
and in the other five. Mr Brown also took in the same island, a
few days later, several other nests, which were placed amongst
heather, on the sloping banks fringing the sea-shores and loch-
sides, these being favourite situations with the bird. The nests
were formed of dry grass, lined with sheep's-wool, slightly edged
with cow's hair. In one instance he found a mixture of cow's-
hair, sheep's-wool, and crows' feathers. Another contained a con-
siderable quantity of a small, thin, reddish-coloured root, which
was interwoven with the structure outside. In any case the
number of eggs did not exceed five, many of them being sat upon
about the 20th May.

THE BULLFINCH.

PYRRHULA VULGARIS.

Corcan coille. Deargan fraoich.

A BULLFINCH away from woods or thick hedges is as much out
of his element as a puifin would be in a flower plot; hence when
we hear of this beautiful bird being captured in the treeless districts
of the north, we naturally think of the perils he has encountered
in being driven across the sea against his own instincts. It is, how-
ever, but seldom such instances occur; one mentioned by Dr Saxby as
having been found in Shetland in October, 1863, and another so far
back as 1809 in Orkney, being the only examples recorded of Bull-
finches being blown away from their leafy haunts. On the west-
ern mainland this species is common from Inverness -shire to the
south of Wigtownshire. Mr Sinclair has seen numbers at Loch
Sunart, old and young, frequenting birch trees and tangled hedges.
In Ayrshire, Dumbartonshire, and Renfrewshire, it breeds in con-
siderable numbers ; and Mr Alston informs me that it appears
to be on the increase in Lanarkshire as the county becomes better
wooded and enclosed.

When in the town of Banff in May, 1869, Mr Thomas Edward
showed me a very interesting variety of this bird; it was pure
white, with the exception of the neck and breast, which were
suffused with a delicate pink hue, like the blush of a half-blown

152 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

rose. The bird had been obtained in the neighbourhood, and is
now preserved in the local museum.

THE PINE GROSBEAK.

PYRRHULA ENUCLEATOR.

IN 1769 Pennant observed this species in Aberdeenshire, and refers
to the circumstance in the following short notice taken from his
"Tour in Scotland," published in 1772, 2d ed., 8vo:— "I saw
flying in the forests the greater bullfinch of Mr Edwards: tab. 123,
124 — the Loxia enudealor of Linnaeus, whose food is the seed of
pine cones — a bird common to the north of Europe and America."
About twenty years afterwards, Dr Burgess included the Pine
Bullfinch in his list of the birds of the parish of Kirkmichael in
Dumfriesshire, and it is likewise mentioned in the statistical
account of the parish of Eccles in Berwickshire as a rare visitor
about thirty-five years ago. In a carefully prepared catalogue of the
animals and plants of the Esk Valley in Midlothian, published in
1808, and which bears evidence of having been the work of the
late Patrick Neill, Secretary to the Natural History Society of
Edinburgh, this species is included, doubtless on good authority.

Don includes this bird in his Fauna of Forfarshire, which was
published by the Rev. James Headrick, minister of Dunnichen, in
1813, and states that it had come in great numbers to the woods
of Glamis and Lindertis in company with flocks of the common
crossbill, " and totally destroyed the whole larch and fir cones for
these two years past."

I can find no reliable record of the Pine Grosbeak having ap-
peared in any part of Scotland since 1833, and it is now extremely
doubtful if it ever occurs. There is, indeed, a possibility of the
bright coloured males of the common crossbill having been mistaken
for this species, especially when males and females are seen on wing
together. It is, at all events, a singular circumstance that no recent
observer has met with it. Ornithologists would do well to examine
carefully any Scottish specimens that may yet come in their way in
case the birds should turn out to belong to the American variety,
which since Audubon's time has been ranked as a new species.
It is catalogued in Professor Baird's work as the Pinicola
Canadensis (Cabanis), and its habitat given as " Arctic America.

COMMON CROSSBILL. 153

south to United States, in severe winters." The following remarks
by that author may not be out of place:—" In comparing an
American specimen of the Pine Grosbeak (P. enucleator) in the
collection of the Philadelphia Academy, I find the former consider-
ably larger (wing 4'76 instead of 4*40), the bill much stouter and
more bulging at the sides, the tip of the upper mandible much less
decurved and less projecting over the lower. The tail feathers are
much broader. The legs are black, the bill dark brown instead of
both being horn colour. There is little difference in the character
of the red; there is, however, much more white on the wing in
very broad and sharply defined pure white external edgings of the
quills, especially on the tertials, secondaries, and greater coverts,
instead of having these narrower, less conspicuous, and tinged with
rose. Without being sure that these differences of the two skins
are either constant or characteristic, I think it proper to quote
such references only as belong to American specimens."

The flocks seen by Mr Don in 1813 must, I think, have been
migratory, and there is nothing inconsistent with what is known
of the flights of other species in the surmise that they may have
come to this country via Greenland and the Faroes; hence the
need of careful examination of specimens that may in future be
obtained.

THE COMMON CROSSBILL.

LOXIA CURVIROSTRA.

OCCURS in some localities in the west of Scotland in great abund-
ance, especially in winter, when they are more easily observed.
Large flocks frequently appear in autumn, and are now so well
known that they excite but little notice.

The Common Crossbill breeds perhaps more numerously in the
central counties than elsewhere. In many parts of Lanarkshire it
is found in considerable numbers during the breeding season,
especially in the neighbourhood of Douglas. It is also very plentiful
in Dalswinton woods, near Dumfries, where many nests have been
obtained every year. On the west coast the nest has been several
times found in Drummuck woods, near Girvan, where the birds
have of late years located themselves. Two nests were obtained
there in 1864, as late as May, probably a second brood, and in

154 BIRDS QF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

several parts of Dumbartonshire young broods have likewise
been observed. The nest of this bird is, however, not easily
found.

Throughout Scotland generally this Crossbill is widely distri-
buted, having been taken in every county, although not, as far as
I am aware, in any of the outer islands. Wooded districts appear
to attract the greatest numbers, but when congregated in very
large flocks, they wander restlessly over the country, alighting at
times in places hardly suited to their habits. I have observed
autumn flights of these curious birds passing the outskirts of the
city of Glasgow. In some districts it appears to be resident all
the year round.

In Orkney, where great numbers appeared in the winter of
1806-7, the migratory flocks do not occur regularly. I find from
a manuscript note, by one of the authors, in Baikie and Heddle's
" Fauna," that numbers were observed there in 1849.

The bill of this species appears to vary very much in size; out
of a dozen specimens now before me, only three have this
feature alike.

THE PAEEOT CROSSBILL.
LOXIA PITYOPSITTACUS.

CAN only in the meantime be regarded as an accidental straggler.
It is not unreasonable, however, to suppose that it may occur
much oftener in Scotland than past records would lead us to
believe ; and I would recommend Scottish ornithologists especially
to renew their observations in northern districts, believing that
the large flocks of Crossbills which annually visit us will be found
in some cases to include this species. I have a very characteristic
specimen of the Parrot Crossbill now before me, which was killed
at Wemyss Bay, on the shores of the Firth of Clyde, in the spring
of 1862. It was one of a flock observed by a country lad and his
companion, and was knocked down with a stone which one of
them was induced to fling at the birds on account of their tame-
ness. Two came into the possession of Sir William Jardiue in
1833 ; they were taken in Ross-shire.

The late Mr H. Osborne of Wick mentions in a paper con-
tributed by him to the Royal Physical Society of Edinburgh,

EUROPEAN AND AMERICAN WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILL. 155

and published in the proceedings of that Society, vol. ii., p. 341,
that a specimen of this Crossbill was found dead near Lyth, in
Caithness, and that another specimen — a male — had previously
been taken alive in a fishing-boat in which the bird alighted when
at sea. The first named specimen was exhibited at the meeting
by Dr Smith, the Society's secretary.

To these instances I may add another, the occurrence of which
has been obligingly communicated to me by Edward Hargitt, Esq.
of London; it was a female bird, shot near Lochend, Inverness,
on 5th December, 1868.

THE EUROPEAN WHITE- WINGED CEOSSBILL.
LOXIA BIFASCIATA (NILSSON).

I CAN say nothing of this bird from personal observation, nor can
I find any recorded Scottish example of the species except that
mentioned by Mr Yarrell as having been killed in Roxburghshire
by Mr Jerdon in March, 1845. On referring to the "History of
British Birds" by that author, it will be seen that after mentioning
the occurrence of the first specimen in Ireland in 1802, he states
that " Pennant also mentions in his ' British Zoology ' having been
told of a second killed in Scotland," — an obvious misquotation,
as there is no notice of the White-winged Crossbill by Pennant
himself in the earlier editions of his work. It is first introduced
into the edition of 1812 by Dr Latham, who revised, for the
editor, the ornithological portion of it. His words are — "The
reason of my giving the bird a place here is its having been shot
within two miles of Belfast in January, 1802. I had indeed been
informed before of the species having been met with in Scotland,
but the report came through so uncertain a channel as to forbid
my noticing it. — J. L." Pennant died in 1798.

THE AMERICAN WHITE WINGED CROSSBILL.

LOXIA LEU COPT ERA (GMELIN).

IN February, 1841, a specimen of this straggling visitant to Britain
was shot near Jedburgh, and came under the notice of Mr Jerdon,
whose name appears in connection with the preceding species; and

156 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

Mr Thomas Edward of Banff has recorded that a large flock
appeared near that town in ] 859. The birds in this case seemed
to be in a state of great exhaustion, many of them being even
unable to cling to the trees on which they perched. About twelve
or fifteen years ago my friend Dr Dewar, when sailing from America
to this country, observed great numbers of this species crossing
the Atlantic before a stiff westerly breeze. Many of the flocks
alighted on the rigging and deck of the steamer, which, at the
time, was about six hundred miles east of the Newfoundland coast.
He secured ten or twelve specimens of the bird, and put them in
confinement ; one or two escaped as the ship approached the Irish
coast, and made direct for land; two others flew out of their cage
when being conveyed in a cab through the streets of Liverpool,
and five birds were sent to myself. These turned out very mis-
chievous pets, breaking everything within their reach. They
lived a few months, and were never at rest. Even at night they
were perpetually climbing the wires of their cage, and chirming
their monotonous, cricket-like notes, reminding one occasionally
of a wheel revolving rapidly on an ungreased axle. Two of these
birds are now before me, and on placing them beside our common
crossbill and parrot crossbill, they seem more likely birds, from
their lighter figure, to sustain a continued flight than those of
a heavier make.

IN8E8SORE8. STURNID^E.

CONIROSTRES.

THE RED-WINGED STARLING.
AGELAIUS PH(ENICEUS.

I HAVE but one instance of the capture of this bird in Scotland to
chronicle, namely, a specimen which was shot near Banff in 1866
by H. A. Eannie, Esq. of Greenlaw, corresponding member of the
Natural History Society of Glasgow, and sent by him for exhibition
to one of the Society's meetings in the same year. It appeared to
be a young male. Mr R. Scot Skirving informs me that one of
these birds was seen in Haddington shire a few years ago, and that
he is quite satisfied no mistake had been committed in its identi-
fication.

COMMON STARLING. 157

THE COMMON STARLING.

STURNUS VULGARIS.

Druit.

THIRTY years ago the Starling was comparatively a scarce bird
over the whole of the Scottish mainland. So far as I can ascertain,
it has been well known in the outer islands as a permanent resident
from time immemorial, but in cultivated districts its appearance at
any season of the year has been an event so recent as to have
excited universal attention. At the present time it is a constant
resident in and near large towns, and exists in such numbers as
frequently to cause remark among persons usually unobservant of
the phenomena of bird life. Within the limits of the city of Glas-
gow thousands of Starlings live throughout the year, and may be
seen almost at any time, with the exception of a few weeks in the
dead of winter, perched on the ornamental work of church spires
and the roofs of houses, or hurrying overhead in small companies
when taking their flights into the outskirts for a change. During
summer, numbers may be observed sitting on the chimney-tops
uttering their soft and not unmusical chatterings, which they
sometimes enliven with an impudent whistle as if inviting atten-
tion. These modulated notes appear to be a kind of love song
uttered by the male, whose performance is not unfrequently in-
terrupted in the spring time by the strains of some rival minstrel
subsiding into a shrill cry of " all serene."

In country districts the Starling seems partial to low-lying
grounds or meadows subject to periodical overflow on both east and
west coasts. I have observed this partially shewn in our larger estu-
aries where the brackish water covers a considerable extent of salt
marsh at high tide, and leaves a richly spread table for the birds at
low ebb. The Starling, indeed, is found in much greater abundance
in moist or swampy districts than elsewhere — a habit which is
doubtless due to their preference for worms and other soft-bodied
animals which are plentiful in such places. I have observed that
in counties like Ayrshire and Wigtownshire, which are com-
paratively well drained, there is a partial migration in autumn.
Considerable flocks have been seen by myself and my colleague
Mr Anderson flying southwards from Girvan and Ballantrae, and
we have been informed that multitudes frequently congregate in

158 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

the vicinity of Portpatrick, from which they are seen setting out
about daybreak. Many of these flights are supposed to cross over
to Ireland.

The site chosen by this bird for nest-building varies according
to the nature of the habitats frequented. Like the jackdaw, it
nestles in old towers and castles, ruined mansions, ancient trees,
and overhanging sea-cliffs abounding in caves, in which it can
share the company of the cormorant and rock dove. I have also
found it breeding in holes in new or even unfinished buildings,
and in chimneys down as far as the top of a grate, fifteen feet
from the mouth of the funnel, where the passage up and down
must have been a difficult feat. I remember finding several nests
at Dunbar in decayed trees, each of which had a very small opening
sufficient certainly to admit of the bird's entry, but not without a
squeeze. One of these trees having been blown down during a
gale of wind, became soft in the centre, and offered to a pair of
Starlings a good opportunity of trying their ingenuity in digging
a hole for themselves. They set to work, and I watched them
perseveringly until they had finished their excavations. They
laboured several days before the hole was large enough to conceal
the two birds, as it was necessary for them to carry each particle
of wood to a distance, to prevent their employment being dis-
covered ; but at the end of the fourth day, a strong breeze prevailed,
which blew every chip and fragment far out of sight, over the top
of an adjoining wall. The Starlings — for both male and female
were engaged — perceiving that the pieces of pith were no sooner
exposed at the hole's mouth than they were blown out of their
bills with a violent puff, jumped down together as if in concert,
and to my great astonishment, after a lapse of some minutes, I
observed numberless small pieces of decayed wood issuing from
the broken trunk, like smoke coming from a chimney. The birds
had vigorously loosened a quantity of pith and shuffled it outside
in a twinkling over their backs, as I conjectured, by the aid of
their wings, the violence of the wind saving them all farther
trouble. On afterwards climbing to the top, I found that they
had constructed a chamber large enough to accommodate a bulky
nest, which they ultimately built in the hole, the excavation ex-
tending to the one side, so as to avoid the risk of water from
above. But after some years, as I learned from Mr Sinclair, their
nest was flooded during heavy rains, and they left the place. They

COMMON STARLING. 159

reappeared the following year, and took possession of another hole
in an adjoining tree, where they brought up four young ones,
which were stung to death by a swarm of bees that happened to
settle in the hole. The old birds, after a few days' wailing, dis-
appeared in their sorrow, and did not return.

In the Outer Hebrides, where there are no trees, the Starling
breeds under stones on the beach, in turf dykes, and deserted rat
holes. In other places I have seen them take possession of holes
in rough stone fences in the immediate vicinity of water. On the
river Clyde, where the sailing channel is indicated by barrel-shaped
beacons, I have found thousands of Starlings roosting at nightfall.
By rowing up to one of these hollow perches, and tapping it with an
oar, I have been diverted with the screaming uproar which ensued,
and the ludicrous celerity with which the birds made their exit by
the bunghole. A few years ago I witnessed a curious scene one
summer evening at a country church as I sat watching the
lengthening shadows of tower and tombstone. The quiet sexton,
with whom I had, half-an-hour previously, been in conversation,
left off work unobserved, and entered the tower to ring out his
nightly chimes. Suddenly the bell began to toll, and in another
moment hundreds of screaming Starlings issued from the crevices
and the corners of the church and its gilded spire. Shadowy
swifts glanced from under the eaves in alarming haste, returning
again and again to the tower, and screaming as they passed; pert
jackdaws, troubled sparrows, and bewildered pigeons all joined in
the general outpouring, until the clamour and disturbance had
cleared out the occupants. As soon as the ringing ceased, the birds
returned to their holes: in a minute all was hushed; and as the
shadows deepened over the trees and surrounding tombs, the great
silence which then prevailed seemed to deny the presence of so
many creatures of life.

The Starling feeds chiefly upon small land shells and beetles.
Any specimens that I have examined of late years had their
stomachs filled with minute shells, mostly belonging to the genera
Helix and Clausilia. At Dunbar I have noticed that great numbers
resort to the dried heaps of seaweed — the cast-up mounds of winter
storms — in which they find and feed upon an abundant supply of
maggots. I have also seen flocks alight on the rocks and diligently
examine the crevices for prey, in procuring which in such situations
their wedged-shaped bills seem fitting instruments. In pasture

160 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

lands these flights associate with rooks and jackdaws, feeding with
them, and leading the way to another place when disturbed. They
are also frequently seen in the company of lapwings, whose move-
ments when on wing they appear to control with diverting
accuracy. A dozen Starlings will often lead through the air for
miles two or three hundred of these birds.

In sultry weather I have often observed Starlings flying in
circles at some height from the ground, and snapping at
insects, on which they appeared to prey with great persever-
ance upwards of an hour at a time. They appear to practise
this habit only on very hot days when flies are found in swarms.
As a set off to this useful occupation, however, these birds are
known to search for and deliberately devour the eggs of birds
which breed on the ground, such as larks and yellow ham-
mers. I confess that on first hearing this accusation brought
against the Starling I was reluctant to entertain it, but subsequent
observation has convinced me that when opportunities offer, the
Starling, besides devouring eggs, will not hesitate to prey upon
newly hatched birds. I have seen it repeatedly alight on the
rough stones of a house to which it clung while it thrust its head
and neck into a hole and dragged from it in succession five young
sparrows, which it leisurely swallowed on the roof of the house.
I have more than once been a witness to such thefts when sta-
tioned at a window only a few feet distant from the nest. Similar
observations have been made by Mr John Levack in Cumbrae,
some of the attacks of the Starling, witnessed by that gentleman,
being indeed even worse than what I have narrated ; and bearing
such facts in mind, it may not be out of place to suggest that
certain limits should be fixed to the protection now afforded to
this bird, seeing that its habits bear so close a resemblance to
those practised by its relatives of bad repute.

THE ROSE-COLOURED PASTOR.
PASTOR ROSEUS.

THIS beautiful bird has occurred in almost every county of Scot-
land, from Berwickshire to the Orkneys on the east, and from
Wigtown to Sutherland on the west; but I have not heard of its
occurrence in any of the outer islands. Jn 1853 a pair — male

ROSE-COLOURED PASTOR. 161

and female — which I examined, were shot in the outskirts of
Glasgow, and were presented to the Andersonian Museum by Dr
Hugh Colquhoun; and on the 7th August, 1868, I had an oppor-
tunity of seeing a male specimen, which had been shot on the
previous day by one of Mr Harvey's servants at Hundred-acre
farm, within two miles of the city. It was seen flying about with
a flock of common starlings. A specimen in my own collection
was obtained near Cupar, in Fifeshire, in the autumn of 1863.
Specimens have also been obtained in Perthshire, Ross-shire (near
Ding wall in several instances), Sutherlandshire, and Caithness-
shire. In Aberdeenshire it has occurred frequently. Mr Angus
sent me the stomach of one crammed with beetles, which was shot
near Aberdeen in June, 1867, and Professor Dickie has obligingly
sent me word of another killed about the same time within a few
miles of that city.

Mr John Wilson has informed me, through Mr Angus, that in
the summer of 1840, the nest of this species was obtained in a
burrow in a sandbank near Methlick, in Aberdeenshire. On the
nest being destroyed by some boys, the birds removed to another
sandhole about a mile distant, but Mr Wilson does not think they
succeeded in rearing a brood.

In the Orkneys it has occurred several times; and Dr Saxby
states that he shot two specimens at Balta Sound, in Shetland,
one on 10th August, 1860, the other in September, 1863. Both
were males.

In referring to the habits of the Rose coloured Pastor during
the breeding season, Messrs Elwes and Buckley, in a contri-
bution to the Ibis for 1870, on The Birds of Turkey (see page
1 92), write as follows : — " This bird is, in some years, very abun-
dant in Bulgaria, but does not come regularly. It is one of
the latest summer visitors to arrive, as the flocks do not make
their appearance before the latter end of May, when they at once
take up their quarters in a sandpit or bank of earth, and com-
mence nidincation. The nests are made at the end of a hole bored
in the earth, like a sand martin's, sometimes to a considerable
depth. The eggs are like a starling's, but much more glossy, and
of a paler blue. Near Milchooa, in the Dobrudscha, we saw the
breeding-place of a large colony; and Mr Barkley informed us that
in the summer of 1867 a cutting on the Varna and Rutschuk
railway was frequented by two or three hundred of this species."

162 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

The Eev. H. B. Tristram lias also the following interesting
note on Pastor roseus, in a paper on the ornithology of Palestine,
contributed by him to the same journal for 1867: — "The Kose-
coloured Pastor is not even a winter visitant, but occasionally
appears in vast flocks. It is well known to the natives as the
locust-bird, from its habit of preying on that destructive creature,
whose flights it generally follows. We found it in 1858, but not
in 1864. It has been known to breed in large colonies in Pales-
tine, but not for many years past. So at Smyrna, numbers of
nests were taken in 1858, while, since that year, it has rarely been
seen there. The behaviour of the Pastor in Syria reminds us of
that of the wax- wing further north, an erratic rather than a migra-
tory bird."

INSESSORES. CORVID^E.

CONIROSTRES.

THE CHOUGH.
FREGILUS GRACULUS.
Cathag dhearg-chasach.

THE history of the Chough as a Scottish bird presents some curious
facts which are not unworthy of notice. It appears to have been
at no distant date a much commoner bird than it now is, and to
have inhabited inland situations from which it has now utterly
disappeared. The Chough is mentioned by Don in his Forfarshire
list as a resident species in the mountains of Clova, and is like-
wise referred to by Pennant, who states that he found it " in the
farthest parts of Glenlyon and Achmore."* About the same
period it appears to have frequented the rocks at the Corra Linn
Falls on the Clyde; and twenty years afterwards, namely, in 1794,
the Rev. John Lapslie included the species in his list of birds
found in the parish of Campsie, in Stirlingshire. This accurate
writer states in his report, that the Chough, although a native of
the district, was even then becoming scarce, a pair or two only
being seen on the whole range of the Campsie Fells. " When we
do meet with them," says Mr Lapslie, " it is among the jackdaws,
of which there are a considerable number haunting our rocks."
The most recent instance of the bird being met with in an inland

* Tour in Scotland, 2d Edit. 8vo, 1772.

THE CHOUGH. 163

locality is one which was shot and preserved at Crawfordjohn, in
Lanarkshire, in the winter of 1834. In all these localities the
Chough has long ago become extinct, and the species is now wholly
confined to the sea coast. Yet in many places once distinguished
for red-legged crows, it has of late years become very scarce.
Thus at Burrow Head and the Mull of Galloway on the south-
west coast, Troup Head on the north, and St Abb's Head on the
south-east, the bold and precipitous rocks fronting the sea were
at one time inhabited by considerable numbers of these birds,
while now a few straggling pairs are all that remain ; indeed, it
may be questioned if a single Chough has been seen at either
Troup Head or St Abb's for the last ten or fifteen years.
It would almost seem as if some fatality were connected with
the Chough in this country, as in nearly all the old and now
deserted haunts of the species which I have visited, I can find no
apparent cause for its disappearance. That the encroachments of
man can have had little or no bearing on the subject is, I think,
evident, from the fact of the Chough's haunts being for the most
part remote and inaccessible. Other birds — the appropriate resi-
dents of these wild and romantic headlands — still maintain their
ground, unaffected by such influences as have caused the Chough
to disappear. Nor can it be said that in the localities I have
enumerated the bird has been the subject of special molestation,
unless in this light we recognise the fact that as its numbers have
diminished, there has been a corresponding increase of another
species — the jackdaw — whose perpetual acts of mischief are no
doubt prejudicial to the harmony of a colony of cliff-haunting
birds. In almost every district I have visited of late years, jack-
daws have increased to an excessive extent ; and until some other
and more satisfactory explanation be given for the Chough's ab-
sence, the increase of the one bird, I suspect, must be looked upon
as the cause of the decrease of the other.

The Chough is nowhere so common in Scotland as in the island
of Islay, which is still frequented by the same numbers as were
known to exist there twenty years ago. I have obtained yearly
evidence of this both by observation and the acquisition of speci-
mens. At Bridgend and Port Ellen it is seen in small parties
coming close to the village, and frequently approaching the refuse
heaps near the dwelling-houses. A very handsome pair now be-
fore me were caught a few months ago in a sieve trap. It is

164 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

doubtful if any of their corvine allies could have been captured so
easily. At the Mull- of Oe, in the same island, wandering flocks
of Choughs are often seen, and I have eggs in my collection from
that headland. The following notes, which have been forwarded
to me by Mr Elwes, are of interest in connection with this dis-
trict:— "The Chough is common nearly over the island, and is
one of the most characteristic birds of Islay. It is said to have
come first from Colonsay, where they are very numerous, and I
think it is rather decreasing in numbers at present, though very
seldom molested by the inhabitants. It is seen almost always in
pairs throughout the year, or in small companies of two, three, or
more pairs, and I believe that this bird, like the raven, pairs for
life, for I once shot a pair, that from their general appearance
must have been extremely old, the plumage being worn and the
beaks and claws unusually long. The Chough roosts every night
on the cliffs and rocks near the shore, and in the morning dis-
perses over the cultivated fields in search of food. It frequents
grass and seed fields, ploughed land occasionally, and is also seen
often about the roads and houses especially in frosty weather.
Towards evening they return to their roosting-places, where they
hover about the rocks with their broad wings spread, rising and
falling in abrupt curves, and constantly uttering their strange and
unmistakable cry. They are always restless and uneasy, never
remaining long in one spot, but taking short flights and constantly
calling. They are easily distinguished by their cry and their
very broad wings, the quill feathers of which separate and turn
up at the points, more so than almost any bird I know. They
are not shy except when pursued, and may be killed without much
difficulty when wanted. They breed in the beginning of May,
making a large nest of sticks, heath, and wood, generally in a deep
crevice of the rock. The eggs are from three to six in number."

Mr Graham informs me that "three pairs at least regularly
breed in lona; two nests are placed in sea-caves, very difficult of
access, and the third is on the tower of the cathedral, among those
of the jackdaws, with whom the red-legs seem to be on the best
of terms, feeding with them abroad, and frequently accompanying
them home to their roosting-place. It is the only bird admitted
to this privilege — all others, even the lordly peregrine and vaga-
bond hooded crow, being instantly ejected from their sacred alti-
tude without ceremony."

THE CHOUGH. 165

The Chough is still found on the west coast of Skye, where it
breeds in limited numbers. Dr Dewar has three eggs in his col-
lection from that locality, which may be considered its most
northern limit. These birds have probably come from Barra, in
the Outer Hebrides, where, though now unknown, the species
was found about forty years ago by Macgillivray, who states in
his account of the Long Island, published in the Edinburgh Jour,
of Nat. Greog. Science, vol. ii., p. 323, that it then frequented the
southern extremity of the range, but was not met with elsewhere.
In like manner, many of the smaller islands within the circle of
the inner group have been deserted within the last thirty years.
It is no longer known in Tyree, Coll, Rum, or Canna, nor does it
now frequent the island of Lismore, or the district of Appin, where
flocks existed about the beginning of the present century. It is
doubtful if it breeds in Mull or Jura, and it has not bred in Arran
for the last seven years. One of the Duke of Hamilton's keepers
shot the only pair on that island in 1863, and I have been assured
that no Choughs have been seen there since.

On the south coast of Ayrshire * and along the coast line of Wig-
townshire, extending to the Mull of Galloway, Burrow Head, and
the borders of Kirkcudbrightshire, the Chough, although much
reduced in numbers, is still sparingly met with, though in some
spots where flocks might have been seen twenty years ago, a solitary
pair at most remain. The sable couple may be noticed passing
their time at intervals during the winter months, dozing on their
high perch outside the mouth of some cave, pleased with the roar
of the restless waters below, or perhaps hushed by the dull sound
of the cold sea heaving one swelling wave after another into the
hollowed chambers of the rock. But in the summer time when
their caves are resorted to by other birds such as kestrils, jackdaws,
swallows, and cormorants, and while the cliffs themselves are
white with snowy gulls and orderly guillemots, the Chough
becomes the life of the colony — a light-hearted gossiping fellow,
and an elegant dandy among the "craws and kays," soaring lightly
in wide circling turns over the busy multitudes, and cheering them
all with his lively watchword. Being the only land bird included

* In this county stragglers are occasionally seen as far north as Ballantrae.
Mr Anderson informs me that, about forty years ago, it frequented the cliffs at
Culzean Castle. A specimen shot there in 1824 is still preserved.

166 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

in the recent Act for the preservation of sea-fowl, it would appear
to have excited sympathy in its favour, and the protection it now
enjoys may ultimately, it is hoped, restore the declining strength
of its numbers in such localities throughout Scotland.

I have been lately favoured, through Mr David Douglas of
Edinburgh, with some very interesting notes on this bird, written
by his friend, Mr A. Irvine Robertson, who had many opportunities
of remarking the habits of the species in the neighbourhood of
Portpatrick, in Wigtownshire. Mr Robertson states that he and
his brother have seen as many as six together, but not more, near
that village, and that he has also seen them occasionally as far
south as Drumore and at the north extremity of Broad sea Bay.
"They are most plentiful, however," continues my informant,
" within five miles of Portpatrick, on either side of the village.
We found five broods on the cliffs to the south, and two to the
north, and very probably there were more. One of the nests
between Cairngarroch and Port-a-yew, was built in a narrow hole
above the centre of the arch at the mouth of a cave. We were
told that for many years the birds had built a few yards to the
side of the arch, but the Portpatrick boys having managed to
reach the nest and rob it, the Choughs, after several vain attempts
to rear a brood in the old place, knowingly moved their quarters
to the present impregnable position. It is as good a place for
watching their habits as one could wish for; the nest is about
twenty feet from the ground, and the young ones can be heard
distinctly, and when well grown can be seen occasionally looking
over the edge and getting fed by the old birds. Another nest
found by my brother was placed in a slit in the face of the cliff,
about thirty feet from the ground ; it contained two eggs, which
were taken. In about three weeks a boy from the Port visited the
nest and found that the birds had again bred and hatched a pair of
young ones; these were, in colour, exactly the same as full grown
birds, and nad red beaks and legs, though, perhaps, a shade less
decided. For a week they throve well and ate worms greedily,
but unfortunately at the end of the week he tried them with
oatmeal and water — the first dose of which they did not long
survive."

THE RAVEN. 167

THE EAVEN.

CORVUS CO RAX.
Fitheach. Biadhtach.

IN spite of all the persecution to which this well-known bird has
been subjected, it is still common on some parts of the mainland,
and on both groups of islands extending to the Haskeir rocks and
St Kilda. Its proverbial cunning and fitness to withstand the
rigours of a variable climate have, doubtless, been the means of
its preservation. Up to the present time (1870) it continues
breeding at the Mull of Galloway, Ailsa Craig, Island of Arran,
Jura, Mull, Islay, Skye, and, it may be added, all the other islands
of the Inner Hebrides where there are suitable cliffs for its pro-
tection. I have observed it, chiefly in pairs, on the outer chain
of islands, where it evades all attempts at its destruction by its
activity and vigilance. On Ben Eval, in North Uist, a pair have
dwelt for many years, and are observed daily setting out together
in the morning and returning in the evening about sunset. During
the interval they have been searching nearly the whole of the
shores of the Long Island. I watched this pair for ten successive
nights returning to their mountain solitudes at the same hour,
and, on still evenings, could hear their dull croak long before they
came in sight. They flew with strong beats and in a straight line
homewards. Mr Lamont of Nunton informs me that ravens occa-
sionally visit farm yards at Benbecula and clutch young chickens :
he has shot them in the act. This was chiefly in the evening
when the birds had returned hungry and dissatisfied with their
day's expedition.

In Macgillivray's work on British Birds, it is stated that as
many as two hundred of these birds have been known to assemble
in a flock on the island of Pabbay, in the Sound of Harris — a
large herd of grampuses which was driven on shore there having
been the means of attracting them. Afraid of their prolonged
stay, and not liking the company of so many birds of evil repute,
the inhabitants resorted to the extraordinary expedient of cap-
turing a few and plucking off all their feathers, except those of
the wings and tail, in which plight they were set adrift as scare-
crows. The main flock then left in a fright and did not return.
In this unusual congregation of Ravens an albino was observed,

108 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

and a pied specimen was noticed some time afterwards in Harris
by Macgillivray, who introduced it as a separate species at the
close of the third volume of his work under the name of Corvus
leucophcem — a name originally instituted by Vieillot, but since
shown to be without distinctive specific characters. These pied
birds occur more frequently in Faroe and Iceland than elsewhere,
and have been observed of late years in one or two of the Outer
Hebrides. The late Mr J. Wolley makes the following reference
to this variety in a paper on the birds of the Faroe islands, read
at a meeting of the British Association held at Edinburgh in July,
1850, and afterwards published in Sir William Jardine's "Con-
tributions to Ornithology" for that year: — " Of the Raven I saw
the black-and-white variety, which has been called a species under
the name of C. leucopJi<xus; but two were shown to me alive which
came out of the same nest with purely black ones; they were
marked irregularly and differently from each other, and had none
of the characters of a species." I may here add that 1 lately ex-
amined Mr Macgillivray's specimen of the pied raven, which is
labelled iu his own handwriting C. leucoplmm, and still preserved
in the University Museum, Aberdeen, and that the entire aspect
of the bird is opposed to the idea of specific differences, the ap-
pearance of the feathers and the light coloured claws and want of
symmetry in the white markings proving it to be only a spotted
bird which might ultimately have become an albino. It is rather
singular that this painstaking naturalist should have allowed him-
self in this instance to be deceived.

In one of the earliest ornithological papers from Macgillivray's
pen, the following remarks on the Eaven afford a good insight into
the bird's character as a native of the Long Island : — " The Raven
is astonishingly common in all parts. It roosts and nestles on
high rocks on the sea shore, as well as in the interior, and feeds
on carrion of all kinds, fish, poultry, eggs, grain, grass, etc. In
autumn the ravens become sub-gregarious, when they make great
havoc in some places among the barley. At other times they are
commonly seen in pairs, excepting for some weeks after bringing
their brood abroad, when the whole family fly about together.
I have seen one with patches of white in its plumage, and about
fifteen years ago an individual entirely white was seen in the
island of Pabbay. When grampuses or other large cetaceous
animals are stranded, it is astonishing to see the numbers which

THE RAVEN. 169

congregate from all parts. The Raven is the first to find out a
dead sheep among the hills. He begins his feast by picking out
the eyes, and afterwards the tongue if he can easily get at it; the
perinoeum is next attacked, and lastly the abdomen, from which
he drags out the intestines and devours them. When a horse
dies, from thirty to fifty soon gather about him, and continue to
make daily visits until the bones are picked. The Raven wages a
kind of distant war with the eagle, two of them generally harassing
the latter bird when it appears in the neighbourhood of their abode,
on which account Ravens are never shot by the islanders during
the breeding season. When a Raven has lost his mate during this
season, even after the young ones are far advanced, he is observed
to procure a stepmother for them with great celerity." *

Over the whole of the district to which this quotation refers —
namely, from Barra Head to the Butt of Lewis — these disreputable
thieves are still, as they must then have been, looked upon with
great dislike; yet to the naturalist the sight of a pair of Ravens
hieing to their rocky perch far above the sterile heath, is one not
without interest. Frequently when seated on a hill near Loch-
maddy, overlooking half of the island of North Uist, I could not
help being arrested by the sable couple appearing at first like two
dim specks in the evening sky, and, as they gradually neared their
destination, holding a hoarse talking with each other, as if chuckling
over the mischief they had been doing. Audible at a great dis-
tance, this croak of theirs was the only sound I heard for some
minutes; but after the birds had passed overhead, and their con-
versation had died away in the distance, leaving the stillness of
this waste of rocks and water more irksome than before, I thought
of Macgillivray's impressions when similarly situated, and the
somewhat uncomplimentary strain in which he has compared the
animate with the inanimate in this most singular group of
islands : —

"The character of the Raven accords well with the desolate aspect
of the rugged glens of the Hebridean moors. He and the eagle are the
fit inhabitants of those grim rocks ; the red grouse, the plover, and
its page, of those worn and scarred heaths ; the ptarmigan of those
crags and tempest-beaten summits. The red-throated diver and
the merganser, beautiful as they are, fail to give beauty to those

* Edin. Jour. Nat. and Geog. Science, 1830, vol. ii., p. 322.

170 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

pools of dark brown water edged with peat banks, and unadorned
with sylvan verdure. Even the water lily, with its splendid white
flowers floating in the deep bog, reflects no glory on the surrounding
scenery, but selfishly draws all your regard to itself. There, 011
the rifted crag, let the dark Raven croak to his mate." *

From this suggestion no reasonable reader who has suffered even
a fortnight's imprisonment in that strange part of the world will,
I am sure, interpose a word of dissent.

THE CARRION CROW.
COH V US CO RONE.

As this bird invariably pairs with the next mentioned species in
almost every district of western Scotland where the two are found;
and as in size, habits, form, and general mode of living the birds
are perfectly identical, it is impossible, on examining specimens of
either, to say from what parentage they have sprung. From this
fact, therefore, it is difficult to believe in the existence of two
species in the district of country with which this work is more
immediately connected; for, although the fact of the carrion and
hooded crows breeding together in isolated cases has long been
well known to ornithologists, the habit is so persistent in the
middle districts of Argyle, Dumbarton, and some parts of Inver-
ness, that it seems reasonable to regard these counties as the
boundary line where the two races unite. t When it is borne in
mind, however, that the hooded crow is found at all seasons of
the year in great numbers in Egypt and many other countries
lying much further south than Britain, and that even in the
southern portion of Britain itself the bird is migratory, the ques-
tion becomes rather a perplexing one. It has even been stated
by Mr Edward Blyth, in his notes to an edition of Cuvier's " Ani-
mal Kingdom" (London, 1840), that the black crows which had
been observed, by Naumann and other authors, breeding with
Corvus comix and producing fertile offspring, were, in truth, black
varieties of the hooded crow ! an argument which lie had, some

* History of British Birds, vol. i., p. 509.

+ Dr Dewar informs me that he has, on three occasions, met with Carrion
Crows paired in the west of Scotland: once at Lochfineside in 1867, and twice
in the following year on the banks of Loch Lomond.

CARRION CROW. 171

years before, hinted at in the " Field Naturalist" (vol. i., p. 279).
Yet, if this surmise be correct, we should expect to find the black
variety in a quarter where the hooded crow is the prevailing bird.
Throughout the Long Island, or Outer Hebrides, for example,
black crows are very rarely seen, and never remain beyond a day
or two when they do occur; whereas, the grey crow exists in
thousands, and is stationary. The same remark applies to the
Inner Hebrides, and also to the Orkney and Shetland Islands.
Indeed, it is not known with certainty that the black visitors to
these outlying districts are in reality carrion crows : the presump-
tion is that, in many cases, they are rooks out of their usual line
of flight, as their arrival appears to depend on the weather and
direction of the wind.

The pairing of the two species, if such they really are, seems to
have been known to Macgillivray (B. B., iii., 1840). and also to
Sir William Jardine (B. B., ii., 1839), who states that he had
repeatedly seen them breeding together, the produce being birds
of intermediate plumage. Again he says — "In the mule speci-
mens, the grey parts of the back and under parts are indicated by
the edges of the feathers being narrowly margined with grey" — a
state of plumage which I have not observed in any of the birds
of mixed breed which have come under my notice, the offspring
from the nest shewing dark specimens of a genuine black, and
others with grey markings equally decided. M. Temmiiick (B. of
Eur., 1815) has also the following remarks on this subject — "La
corneille noire et la corneille mante!6e s'allierit quelquefois; ils
produisent des m^tis qui tiennent de 1'une et de Fautre espece;
ceci a lieu dans les contre"es m4ridionales et orientales de 1'Europe
oil la corneille noire est rare; mais on n'en trouve point d'exemple
dans les pays ou les deux especes sont communes." In repeating
the fact of such unions taking place in countries where the carrion
crow is rare, Mr Yarrell (B. B., ii., pp. 84 and 92) assumes that
the forlorn birds become mated on the principle that a grey
partner is better than none at all. To this suggestion I can hardly
assent, as I have repeatedly seen two, and even three, carrion
crows fighting for possession of a grey-backed one, where the two
kinds were flying about in equal numbers. The last encounter of
the kind I witnessed happened near Loch Melfort, in Argyleshire.
The three birds (two black and one grey) were flying in company
across the loch, when one of the former attacked his neighbour

172 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

with great spirit, and caused a loud outcry. Instead of leaving
the black combatants to settle their own dispute, the hooded crow,
which I took to be a female, turned back on hearing the row, and
joined the aggressor in buffeting the poor victim till he was
drowned. Similar fights, in which all the combatants were
hooded crows, have come under my notice, and I conclude from
these exhibitions in the early part of the breeding season, that,
unlike their congener, the raven, crows do not pair for life.

Throughout the mainland of Scotland generally, the carrion
crow and the hooded crow are found in about the same numbers.
In autumn, I have seen very large flocks of both in the north of
Banffshire assembled together in the open fields, and examining
the heaps of manure that had been laid down previous to the land
being ploughed. In September, 1866, I observed upwards of 100
of each in a field near the sea, at Findlater Castle, overlooking the
Moray Firth; they were comparatively tame, and allowed me to
approach within 20 yards. Having in former years seen similar
flocks alighting on the coast at Dunbar, in Haddingtonshire, I
conjectured that they were migratory flocks, and had just arrived
from the shores of Norway and Sweden. Judging, however,
from the comparatively limited numbers that are found breeding
in the eastern counties, I suspect that, on the breaking up of these
flocks, numbers return to the countries from which they had
migrated. I may here remark also, that both of the crows fre-
quenting the shores of eastern Scotland are larger and stronger
birds than those met with in the west.

On one occasion, when walking along the banks of Loch Eck,
in Argyleshire, I observed a small party of carrion crows in a rye-
grass field, busily engaged in catching moths as they clung to the
stems of grass. The birds drew up their bodies, and appeared as
if wading at some disadvantage, the tall grass obliging them to
jump occasionally off the ground to reach their prey. This is the
only instance I can recollect in which it can be said that their
repast was not a work of mischief.

HOODED CROW. 173

THE HOODED CROW.

COR V US CORN IX.

Feannag.

ALTHOUGH the western mainland of Scotland is frequented by a
mixed breed of crows, as has already been said in connection
with the preceding species, the grey bird or hooded crow is
found in all its purity in the inner group of islands, and also in
the Outer Hebrides, including the remoter rocks, and St Kilda. It
is there permanently resident, and exists in many places in such
numbers as to prove a great nuisance both to the farmer and game
preserver. Even with this character, the persecution inflicted
upon it does not seem to be injuriously severe, as its ranks have
not been diminished in any perceptible degree for the last thirty
years. I have often wondered, indeed, how so many ravenous
creatures manage to subsist in these islands without provoking
the inhabitants to unite in rooting them out. On the western
side of the Long Island, where farming is extensively practised,
they are particularly mischievous, their plundering raids among
lambs and poultry being distinguished by an amount of wariness
and cunning which makes their unwelcome presence a subject of
constant annoyance. Away from the coast their perpetual thefts
are not less felt. In spring and summer, during the time of
breeding, no bird is safe against their attacks — a momentary
exposure of the nest and eggs being too great a temptation
to the feathered vagabonds. Even the golden and sea eagles
frequently lose their eggs by these crows. Mr Brown and Dr
Dewar have both told me of instances that have come under their
personal notice, where eagles' nests have been robbed of their
contents while the owners were absent through disturbance. Dr
Dewar states that on the island of Rum this year (April, 1870),
three eggs at least were carried off by hooded crows which were
seen waiting an opportunity for making a descent on the nest.
In one case the eagle had no sooner quitted her eyrie than the
crows pounced on the exposed eggs, and would doubtless have
succeeded in breaking them had not the male eagle made his
appearance and beat them off. Dr Dewar describes the scene as
being extremely interesting, the eagle being in a rage at the thieves,
one of whom he followed through all the hurried deviations of his

174 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

flight with extraordinary celerity and perseverance, quite unlike
the usual stately flight of a large bird of prey; the crow was so
buffeted that he uttered several despairing cries as if his punish-
ment was more than enough. Captain Cameron of Glenbrittle
has also informed me that he has seen a pair of grey crows rifle
a sea eagle's nest, and break and devour the eggs as determinedly
as if they were those of some innocent grouse.

In North Uist, Benbecula, and other parts of the Long Island,
which may be considered the stronghold of these " foules of reife"
in Great Britain, the nests are found in rocks and also on the
ground among the heather under shelter of broken boulders,
where the rough aspect of the nursery harmonizes with the wild
character of the occupants. Occasionally a pair will take up
their quarters on the roof of a hut and bring out their young
ones unmolested — a proof that to some of the natives at least
their habits are a matter of indifference. On the gables of most
of the huts there are two crossed sticks projecting from the roof,
for the purpose of binding down the bunches of heather with
which the huts are thatched, and I have seen as many as six and
eight crows roosting on these at a time; hence the perch is called
"maidhe feannag," which means literally the crow's stick.

Compared with the hooded crows found in the eastern counties
of Scotland, these Hebridean birds have often appeared to me to
be smaller and less robust. This difference is not, however, more
apparent than that existing between home bred and migratory
birds of other species, of which the skylark and the common
bunting are familiar examples. In the central districts where the
mixed breed occurs, the same inferiority in size is observable; but
there are besides other differences almost corroborative of Sir
William Jardine's observations on the carrion crow, namely, that
in some of the Argyleshire specimens the grey markings do not
occupy much more than half the usual space.* At a recent meeting

* On the other hand, hooded crows have been met with in Skye and else-
where with the wings of a light grey like the back, and have been noticed to
occur more frequently in hard winters than at other times. The late Dr Flem-
ing (Brit. An., 1828) makes a similar remark in connection with this species,
and adds "Female, wanting the grey: Young, like the female." Selby says
(111. Br. Orn., i., p. 352) that sometimes this bird varies in colour and is found
entirely white or black — a remark which he appears to have borrowed from
Temminck, whose exact words are as follows: " Varie amidentellement," comme
les espdces pre'ce'dentes (carrion crow) ; sou vent le plumage entierement blanc,
ou presque totalement noiratre."

HOODED CROW. 175

of the Natural History Society of Glasgow a hooded crow from
Ardlamont, which is now in the collection of Mr John Gilmour
of Glasgow, was exhibited by that gentleman. It had the light
space on the back and underparts very much clouded, giving the
bird the appearance of a variety of the carrion crow; the pure
black lanceolate feathers on the breast were also much more
pointed, and in breaking the line of union with the grey parts of
the plumage, added much to the handsome appearance of the bird.
Other specimens which I have seen shot in the neighbourhood of
Loch Lomond had the colours blended to the same extent; but
while I record these instances, I may also state that in most cases
that have come under my observation the offspring of a hooded
and a carrion crow, when mated, do not show any signs of
hybridity such as one would expect. Capercailzies and black
grouse, for example, produce hybrids which are easily distin-
guished; while the latter, when paired with the red grouse, has
an offspring equally recognisable. The young birds in both cases
invariably take after the male parent; but in the case of the
crows, the progeny consists of black and grey specimens precisely
like both parents.* Sometimes it happens that out of a nest of
six, four are black and two grey; in other cases they are all grey
but one; in others equally divided. There is no rule as to the
sexes, the grey bird being as often the male as the female. In a
glen near the banks of Loch Lomond a female hooded crow had
her nest, and had commenced laying. Her first mate was a
carrion crow, and after the keeper shot him the hen bird went
away and returned with a second bird, also black. He, too, was
killed a day or two afterwards, but the dauntless widow got
another black mate within a few hours, and thus allured a third
crow to his doom, for it is needless to say that the watchful
keeper was only too glad of the opportunityi of shooting the
rascal. At length the sitting bird having laid the full complement
of eggs, remained at home and brought up her young ones till
they could be conveniently killed, after which she herself fell a
victim. The keeper, in telling me this episode of crow life, said
he was almost sorry when on picking her up he found she had only

* Macgillivray, who must have taken his descriptions of the young from a
nest of mules, and probably been deceived by observing only the female near at
hand, says they are nearly all black,

176 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

one leg, the other having apparently been taken off in a trap a
considerable time before.

In 1867 I had another opportunity of watching a pair of crows
that built their nest in Shemore Glen. The male was black and
the female grey, and the nest, which was situated in a rowan tree
growing on the edge of a deep gorge, was composed of sticks and
bones, and lined with heather, straws, and sheep's wool. It con-
tained six eggs; two of these are now before me, and are not
distinguishable from those of the hooded crow or carrion crow;
four were hatched, but two of the young birds were destroyed
when a few days old, leaving two — both grey crows — which
were afterwards taken when the old birds were shot. The four
birds are now preserved in the Hunterian Museum of the Glasgow
University.

During the time the young ones are in the nest this crow must
commit serious mischief in localities frequented by game. The
quantity of eggs destroyed in a few weeks is indeed remarkable,
as any one may observe by searching in the neighbourhood of
their breeding place. The cunning creatures seem to avoid
betraying themselves, and contrive to leave the marks of their
spoil at some distance from the nest. In the instance just noticed
the birds had either feasted at a rocky knoll on the other side of
the gorge or carried thither the egg shells after having fed their
young ones with the contents, the ground being literally covered
with the broken fragments of the eggs of grouse, wild duck, and
black game, besides the bones of lambs and other prey. Such a
"shell heap" would have roused the ire of the most benevolent
ornithologist. Plunder of this kind being obtainable, at least in
any quantity, only for a few weeks in spring and early summer,
the hooded crow lives for the most part of the year on what it
can pick up on *the sea shore. Stranded fish, birds, crabs, and
various molluscs, such as mussels and other bivalves, are its
favourite food, and are relished all the more when in a state of
decomposition; but when taken alive the crabs and shell-fish being
able to resist the crow's beak, are carried to some height into the
air and let fall among the rocks — a treatment which enables the
ingenious depredator to get at once at the contents. This habit
is quite general among hooded crows, and is also practised by the
rook when frequenting the coast. In inland situations the hooded
crow is occasionally, during severe weather, obliged to resort to a

HOODED CROW. 177

vegetable diet. Pennant, in his Tour in Scotland (8vo ed.,
1772, p. 83), mentions that "for want of other food it will eat
cranberries and other mountain berries;" and Mrs Blackburn
states that it feeds on the berries of the mountain ash.

The following notes, taken from the correspondence of Mr
Graham, give a graphic description of the everyday life of. this
bird, as observed by that gentleman in the island of lona, where
it is very abundant: — "The black carrion crow is unknown in
the western isles so far as my experience goes, but to make up for
it we have no end of hoodie crows. The hoodie has got a terrible
name, and his best friend could hardly say one word in his
favour, supposing he ever had such a thing as a friend, which is
improbable. A greedy, cowardly, destructive creature, his appear-
ance is ugly and his voice hateful. But though no doubt ready
enough to commit any villainy against eggs, young game, chickens,
and even young lambs, yet in these wild districts, where there is
not much game to injure, he subsists' almost entirely on the
bountiful provision afforded by the receding tide, and upon this
multiplies exceedingly. Often at feeding time I might string five
or six at a shot, as they are too hungry and too impudent to get
out of the way. Here you see a grave synod of sombre-hued
creatures gathered round a huge stranded fish; there one flies up
in the air with a crab which he lets fall in hopes of it breaking on
the rock beneath. If he fails in the first attempt, he flies a little
higher next time, but he himself always descends so quickly as to
alight almost at the same instant as the desired morsel, perhaps
lest one of the brethren should put in a claim for it. On the grass
above high water mark are one or two favourite rocks where they
carry the molluscs they have picked up to be cracked and opened
at leisure. These favoured spots are marked by perfect mounds
of shells and their debris. While all busy searching for food little
noise is heard among them, but should a hawk come sailing by he
is instantly assailed by all the voices and united strength of the
company, which cordially join in driving off the interloper. Some-
times an innocent heron is rudely assailed in this way, and it is
very amusing to see her distracted manner as she flounders away
on her great wings, shouting and screaming with imbecile rage at
her tormentors, who never come to close quarters, and seem to
do it out of pure wanton love of mischief.

At night these birds roost among the cliffs, where in summer

• M

178 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

their nests are veiy abundant, though the birds are not then so
numerous; many of those who only sought the shore through
winter retire elsewhere to breed. The nests are generally easily
accessible, and the birds are very persistent in replacing the eggs
if taken, and rebuilding the nest if destroyed. I have tried the
experiment of putting bantam's eggs, daubed with indigo, in the
place of the crow's own eggs, and have removed the newly-hatched
chickens before the foster-mother discovered her mistake. This,
of course, implies a good deal of intrusion and watching, which the
old bird did not in the least mind; indeed, though the hoodie has
plenty of cunning, he has not a particle of shyness or modesty.
On one of the first five days of March the hoodie crow may be
heard uttering his love-note. He is not a bad-looking fellow then,
in his ash-coloured jerkin, with jet black sleeves, hood, and tail.
He sits perched on some high rock, basking in the sun, his stomach
no doubt well filled, the very picture of a sweet unctuous rogue,
and then he emits a call with something of a metallic ring in it which
sounds like corrack-corrack, much more jubilant than his usual dull
caw. Indeed, the sound is so associated in my mind with a bright
sun, a smiling blue sea, and the first burst of spring, that were I
a poet I should feel inspired to address an ode to the hoodie crow
as the Hebridean herald of spring time. When he utters this
vernal note he half opens his wings, and expands his tail after the
fashion of the cuckoo. In a word (as love is said to transform the
savage), at this moment the hoodie may be almost called a
handsome bird. One of our most amusing pets was a hoodie
crow whose wing was amputated at the pinion after being shot,
and who lived a long time in the garden, where he laboured most
assiduously in destroying every kind of grub and vermin; if any
one opened the garden gate, he would come forward with a hop,
step, and jump, and looking up with one goblin eye which seemed
to say, ' Well, what have you brought for poor old hoodie V he
seemed to feel himself as one of the family. The Gaelic name
of the bird is Feannag, which means to skin or flay."

The following Morayshire proverb shows that in by-gone times
the hooded crow was much commoner in that part of Scotland
than it is now: —

" The Guil, the Gordon, and the Hooded Craw,
Were the three worst things Murray ever saw."

The gule is a well-known weed infesting growing crops, and Lord

THE ROOK. 179

Lewis Gordon, who made plundering excursions into Morayshire
from the Castle of Rothes, is referred to as the second ' worst
thing ' in the county. It is now, however, but seldom that
1 Murray ' ever sees a hooded crow, at least at a time when its
presence is really injurious — strychnine and gunpowder having
cleared the county of it as a pest; so that if agriculturists are
at all diligent in their labours the proverb should now have no
foundation in fact.

THE ROOK.

CORVUS FRUGILEGUS.

Creumhach Rocus.

WITHIN a date comparatively recent, this familiar bird has pene-
trated to, and become permanently established in, places where
previously it was only known as an uncertain autumn visitant. Mr
Harvie Brown has sent me word that it is not more than three or
four years since the first rookery was set up in west Sutherlandshire;
and I have been informed by Mr Binning of Dingwall that in the
west of Ross-shire similar colonies were formed at Ullapool and
other places in 1864. In the island of Skye there is a large rookery
at Dunvegan woods, which is the most westerly breeding station
in Scotland for the species. Dr Dewar, who visited Dunvegan in
April, 1870, informs me that Rooks have only gone there of late
years, and that the trees on which the nests are placed are very
small. There can be no doubt that as woods increase the distri-
bution of the Rook in western Scotland will also become extended,
though it is certain that this bird is very destructive to the growth
of trees, from its habit of breaking off twigs at the nesting season.
From this circumstance, proprietors in the western Highlands
do not look upon Rooks with much favour, and would rather
see them banished from outlying districts in which they have
already appeared. Rookeries are now numerous even in the
wilder parts of Argyleshire; and in the absence of cultivation, by
means of which the ordinary food of the Rook is provided, it is
doubtful whether in game-frequented lands the accession of such
nurseries can be looked upon as a benefit or an injury. Even in
agricultural quarters, the protection or encourgement of Rooks has

180 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

within the last few years been actively called in question. In the
county of Haddington, the members of the agricultural club have
made an appeal to various proprietors for assistance in keeping
down the number of Eooks by destroying the young birds in the
rookeries within their policies, and the result has been that thou-
sands of birds have already been destroyed. The same may be
said of some other localities where the species has unduly multi-
plied. Near Tain, in easter Ross, measures have also been taken
lately to reduce its numbers.

Many naturalists adhere to the belief that Rooks are innocent of
the charges usually brought against their allies the crows, and in
this they may be right, as the species has always shown a decided
partiality for districts which have been laid under cultivation, and
formed settlements in the very centre of game preserves, where
Rooks are looked upon as privileged birds, and their nurseries as
time-honoured accessories to the park scenery of our country.
Rookeries, in fact, are so intimately associated with old mansions
and baronial halls, that few proprietors would wish to see them re-
moved. Hence any little thefts which Rooks may commit in the
way of taking the eggs of pheasants or partridges appear to merit
no greater punishment than a yearly thinning of their numbers in the
breeding season. There can be no doubt that these birds are ex-
tremely serviceable to the farmer in devouring grubs, slugs, and
noxious insects, and I feel sure that their extermination in any
particular district would result in a disastrous increase of larvae
and other insect pests, whose ravages cannot be guarded against
or watched as in the case of birds. At the same time, it cannot
be denied that its near relationship to birds of a bad name has
been against the Rook, and that at a time when this country was
less cultivated than it now is, its food consisted of articles more in
keeping with that connection. We cannot wonder, therefore, if
some Rooks of the present day pilfer eggs from the game preserver,
or show a partiality for an occasional diet of flesh when it comes
in their way. Upwards of four hundred years ago it had apparently
a much worse character, if we may judge from the following Act
passed in the reign of James II. on 6th March, 1457: —

" Item. Anentis birdes and wilde foules that gainis to eate for
the sustentation of man, as pertrickes, plovares, and sik like foules:
It is ordained, that na man destroy their nestes, nor their egges,
nor zit slaye wild foules in mouting time quhen they may not flie.

THE ROOK. 181

And that all men after their power destroy nestes and egges of
birdes and foules of riefe.

" Item. Anent ruikes, crawes, and uther foules of riefe, as eirnes,
bissettes, gleddes, mittales, the quhilk destroyis baith comes and
wilde foules, sik as pertrickes, plovares, and utheris. And as to
the ruikes and crawes, biggand in orchardes, trees, and uther
places : It is seen speedeful that they that sik trees perteinis to,
let them to big and destroy them with all their power, and in na
waies that their birdes flee awaie. And quhair it is tainted that
they big and their birdes flee, and the neste be founden in the
trees at Beltane: the trees sail be faulted to the King: bot gif
they be redeemed fra him be them that they perteined first, and
five shillinges to the Kingis unlaw. And that the said foules of
riefe all utterly be destroyed be all maner of men, be all ingine
of all maner of crafts that may be founden. For the slauchter of
them sail cause great multitude of divers kind of wilde foules for
man's sustentation." A similar Act on ruikes Uggan in trees had
previously been passed (26th May, 1424), and its repetition shows
the importance attached to the subject of their alleged depreda-
tions. Nearer our own times, having become omnivorous in its
tastes, the Rook was considered a subject for fowling, and in a
curious old work entitled the " Gentleman's Recreation," pub-
lished in 1678, I find the following advice: — " How to take ROOKS
when they pull up the Corn by the Roots : Take some thick Brown
paper and divide a sheet into eight parts and make them up like
Sugar loaves; then lime the inside of the Paper a very little: (let
them be limed three or four days before you set them); then put
some Corn in them, and lay three score or more of them up and
down the ground; lay them as near as you can under some clod
of Earth, and early in the Morning before they come to feed; and
then stand at a distance and you will see most excellent sport;
for as soon as Rooks, Crows, or Pigeons come to peck out any of the
Corn, it will hang upon his head, and he will immediately fly bolt
upright so high that he shall soar almost out of sight, and when
he is spent, come tumbling down as if he had been shot in the
Air." Though the author of this amusing and at the same time
interesting volume makes use of the general term "crows," it
may fairly be presumed that in trying the experiment himself,
he would find hooded crows among the victims.

Macgillivray mentions having found large flocks of Rooks occa-

182 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

sionally in the Outer Hebrides, and various correspondents in the
Long Island have informed me that in winter straggling parties
come over from the mainland. These are seen on all the islands,
from Lewis to Barra, but their visits do not extend beyond one or
two days. Writing from lona, Mr Graham states that the Rook is
only a winter visitant to the small isles, though the flocks then re-
main for some time. " Shepherds assure me," continues Mr
Graham, "that though they come day by day to feed in lona,
they never remain all night, but invariably recross the Sound to
roost in Mull, though there are no trees even there within reach.
I have continually met them at dusk flying low over the sea
towards the rocky shores which bound the south coast of Mull.
There are several rookeries on the mainland : one, for instance, at
Auchendarroch, near Lochgilphead, and another on the opposite
shores of Cowal, the occupants of which often cross over to feed
in winter, but never fail to return at night. When belated on the
water, wild-fowl shooting, they have passed me streaming home
in small parties, flying close above my boat, and have often nearly
led me into shooting at them by mistake in the doubtful light."

I have seen large flocks of these birds overtaken by darkness
when out on their daily foraging expeditions, on which occasions
they were obliged to take up their quarters for the night on hill
sides, perching — hundreds at a time — on rocky boulders and
stunted trees. It is possible that this habit continued for some
months of the year, as the localities in which I have observed
it were distant from any extensive wood where the birds could
be accommodated.

Curious varieties of the Rook frequently occur. Mr W. Smellie
Watson, of Edinburgh, informs me that he has two cream-coloured
specimens in his collection, which were shot at Castle-Douglas;
and I have now before me two interesting pied varieties from the
collection of Mr Harvie Brown: one of these has the long feathers
which cover the nostrils, of a pure white. Both are young birds,
and have the legs and claws pied as well as the plumage.

THE JACKDAW. 183

THE JACKDAW.

CORVUS MONEDULA.
Cathag. Corraclian (lona and Mull).

THE smoke-begrimed "Kays" frequenting the steeples and chimney
tops of large cities are certainly not fair representatives of the
smart bird one meets with in country places, where the venerable
ruins of some of our finest cathedrals afford them a home. Let
any one venture within the precincts of these splendid vestiges
of former grandeur, and listen to the brisk chatter of the noisy
rabble before they pour out of their holes and burst in a cackling
stream over the parapet — their voices, as they get to a little
distance, sounding like a faint echo from the walls — and he will at
once appreciate the effect of such wild behaviour when contrasted
with the impudent tameness of city birds. The same noisy
companies enliven the bold and romantic headlands which are
exposed to the fury of many a sea storm, and salute the adven-
turous egg-collector with singular vivacity as they dart out of
their unseen hiding places. In both localities, widely different in
their nature, the species seems to be largely on the increase; on
almost every extensive ruin and marine rocky precipice, the
numbers have at least become doubled within the last twenty
years; and from the ease with which it can issue from its inacces-
sible retreats into the nearest fields and rob the nests of other
birds in a measure unsuspected, and its habit of appropriating the
eggs of sea-fowl frequenting the same ledges, it manages to get
through its summer life surrounded by luxuries. In winter it
joins the clamorous flights of rooks, journeying to distant places
in their company, and returning with them at the close of day
without attracting attention, save by the lively note it utters as
the flock rises into the air. Thus it leads a privileged life,
although it is well known as a most destructive and impudent
thief, doing more mischief to the game preserver than the
kestrel, jay, or magpie — birds which might surely be spared if the
Jackdaw is allowed a free pass.

In the very centre of Glasgow Jackdaws reside all the year,
nestling in winter by the sides of chimney cans on the housetops
for warmth, and in summer frequenting the taller church towers,

184 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

the recesses of which must be filled with the sticks and other
rubbish they have used in nest building. In some of these,
indeed, the collection of materials is really extraordinary. For
weeks at a time the birds seem to labour under a constant mania
for carrying twigs and straws into these towers, the top floors of
which are literally covered to a depth of some inches. They
appear to have no idea of stopping the supply of material until
it appears at the mouth of the hole or cavity into which it is
dropped. Thus a Jackdaw, especially in wide-mouthed chimneys,
will sometimes sit on a nest ten or twelve feet in height.

The site selected by this bird for its nest is very variable — old
trees and venerable ruins are favourite places, and the same may
be said of church spires and ivy-clad rocks in inland situations.
By far the largest colony of Jackdaws I have ever seen is one
inhabiting the splendid ruins of Bothwell Castle on the banks
of the Clyde. The nests there are placed in holes in the masonry
and also among the thick branches of ivy clothing a large portion
of the walls. Marine headlands are also well-known nurseries
for Jackdaws, the nests being placed in rents and fissures of the
rock, and entirely out of the reach of predatory collectors.
Pennant, in his Tour in Scotland, states that on the Fame
islands he found Jackdaws breeding in rabbit holes.

When these birds have long inhabited a ruin, and become
attached to it, they are not easily scared. A very remarkable
instance of their confiding tameness occurred some years ago at
Penkill Castle, Ayrshire, a most romantic dwelling, which was
restored by the proprietor, the late Spencer Boyd, Esq. The Jack-
daws had for generations held undisputed possession of the ruins
situated on the steep banks of Penwhapple Grlen, and overlooking
one of the most charming little bits of scenery to be found in the
west of Scotland; and when the present beautiful residence was
built on the old walls and foundations, the birds remained in the
turret holes, which Mr Boyd took the precaution to leave almost
untouched. These holes communicated with the interior, and were
each fitted with a little door, which, on being opened by visitors,
exposed the nests and their contents.

Miss Boyd has obligingly informed me that up to the present
time (1869) they still continue to inhabit the tower, and that no
one is allowed to disturb them. Jackdaws generally quit a castle
when it has been altered or repaired, preferring the crumbling

THE MAGPIE. 185

ruins to all the grandeur of modern dwellings. But in the Penkill
instance they seem to have appreciated the accommodation pro-
vided for them, and apparently have taught their offspring to
regard the castle and its occupants as a safe refuge and pleasant
company.

The following lines, descriptive of their early movements, are
from the pen of a gentleman who has a pleasant recollection of
their romantic haunts : —

WRITTEN AT PENKILL CASTLE IN SPRING.

This morn at dawn within the temperate clime

Of conscious half-sleep in my chamber high,

I heard the jackdaws murmuring, " Let us fly,
Let's fly; " 'twas near the ploughman's starting time,
And many feeble caws in answer chime

" Hie, hie away, grey heads: " when they had flown,

There was a perfect lull, and I went down
Into deep slumber, beneath dream or rhyme.

But suddenly a louder clamour came,
The little jackdaws, clamouring every one,

The old beaks had returned with worm and fly:

I looked up, and the room was all aflame,
Above the tree tops was the brave young sun,

The lark was up beside him in the sky.

VV. B. S.

THE MAGPIE.

PICA CAUDATA.
Pioghaid.

THIS lively and beautiful bird seems to adhere strictly to the
mainland, being seldom found on any of the islands. It is wholly
unknown in the Outer Hebrides, but is occasionally seen in Islay
and Mull, where, however, it does not breed.

Twenty years ago the Magpie was abundant in the neighbour-
hood of Glasgow. In my early morning walks, about three miles
from the city, I have seen as many as twelve or fourteen hopping
on the public road. So recently, indeed, as three years ago, I
counted twenty-eight perched on one tree at Scotstown, between
Glasgow and Yoker. This was late in the afternoon, in
winter time, and the Magpies had apparently assembled there
with the intention of remaining over the night, the noise of

186 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

their chattering being very extraordinary. Two years ago a pair
of these birds had their nest near Sandyford, and within the
city bounds : they were quite familiar in their manners, and made
themselves at home, as if in the full knowledge that they were
much safer there than in the country. It is a pity that the
Magpie is so mischievous and destructive to eggs and young
game, as it is really a pleasing object when seen flying alongside
a green belt of plantation, or perched on the summit of some tall
poplar trying to balance himself by a graceful movement of his
ample tail. Its ordinary cry is harsh and grating, not unlike the
noise of a policeman's rattle, or an old woman's pattens clattering
on the pavement.

Although subjected to the usual amount of persecution among
game preservers, the Magpie still maintains its hold in all the
wooded districts of Scotland from Wigtown to Sutherlandshire.
It is yet very common in some parts of Ayrshire. I lately saw
a dozen on a small property near Girvan, the owner of which did
not preserve the game, and consequently had no keeper on the
ground. Magpies, indeed, soon find out places unfrequented by
keepers, although they seldom lose their naturally jealous and
distrustful character unless when living in the immediate vicinity
of large towns.

Like the carrion or hooded crow, this bird, which I am disposed
to think from observation, remains in pairs all the year, appears
readily to find a second, third, or even fourth mate when deprived
of its companion, by watchful keepers, during the breeding season.
Six successive females have been known, in this way, to sit upon
the same eggs, one after another having been systematically shot;
but I think that no true-minded naturalist would envy any one
the possession of a few pheasants and partridges gained through
the practice of such inexcusable cruelty.

In some districts of Ayrshire there is still a lingering super-
stitious rhyme in connection with the Magpie which, I have no
doubt, affects to some extent the movements of those who believe
in it : —

" One's joy;
Two grief;
Three a wedding;
Four death."

I recollect such a rhyme, or something akin to it, prevailing in

THE JAY. 187

East Lothian, where I spent my boyhood. Not more than thirty
years ago a worthy Dunbar bailie, whose residence was about two
miles distant from the town, was in the habit of turning back if
he happened to encounter a pair of Magpies on his way either to
administer justice or attend divine service !

Varieties of this bird sometimes occur. A very curious instance
is mentioned by Macgillivray in his British Birds (vol. i., p. 568),
of a specimen having almost the entire plumage, legs and feet,
reddish brown. I have myself seen cream-coloured specimens shot
in Argyleshire.

THE JAY.

OARRULUS GLANDARIUS.
Scriachag-choille.

THE very questionable reputation of the handsome Jay has
doubtless been the means of thinning its numbers in our wooded
preserves. In some districts it is now rare through the persecu-
tion of gamekeepers; but in others it appears to maintain its ground
in spite of all attempts to destroy it. The Dumbartonshire woods,
especially those in the neighbourhood of Loch Lomond, still give
shelter to limited numbers; and in many parts of Argyle and
Inverness- shires the species is still a conspicuous ornament. I
have seen it in pairs in the higher reaches of Shemore glen, Loch
Lomond- side, frequenting a thin clump of trees on the hilly slope,
about a thousand feet above the sea level.

Mr William Hamilton has informed me that this bird is com-
mon in the woods of upper Loch Fyne; and the Rev. Alexander
Stewart of Ballachulish has sent me word that it has, of recent
years, become rather common in the district of Lochaber, Inver-
ness-shire. " Ten or twelve years ago," writes Mr Stewart, " there
was not a Jay in this part of the country, but within the last three
years they have been seen occasionally about Nether Lochaber,
and north, as far as Glengarry, along the woods skirting the Cale-
donian Canal, and about Lochiel's seat of Achnacarry." According
to Mr Shearer (see Proc. Royal Physical Soc. of Edin., vol. ii., p.
338), it is found even in Caithness. The species appears to have
occurred but once in Shetland.

Being of more retired habits than its congener the magpie, the

188 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

Jay is much less frequently observed. All the noise it makes comes
from thick plantations, where one can scarcely catch a glimpse of
it ; and when two or three are scolding together, they stop at once
on hearing the approach of an enemy, and glide quietly through
the thicket until they can renew the disturbance in a safer place.
I have heard this bird, when in a tuneful mood, give utterance to
a subdued and pleasing kind of chatter, but the usual note, or
rather scream, of the Jay is perhaps the most discordant sound
to be heard in our woods. In the early part of the summer it
usually feeds upon insects and worms — a diet which it varies,
perhaps oftener than is agreeable, by helping itself to garden pro-
duce. Beans, peas, and cherries seem to be more attractive than
other seeds or fruits; and when these fail, it partakes freely of
acorns and beech nuts. Nor does it scruple to pillage the nests of
the smaller birds — eggs and callow young sharing a like fate.

The blue patch on the wing of this bold plunderer is much
valued by anglers for dressing artificial flies.

THE NUTCRACKER.

NUCIFRAGA CARYOCATACTES.

As a Scottish species I had originally inserted the Nutcracker here
on the authority of the late Dr Macgillivray, who states in his
work on British Birds that, in addition to the, Scottish speci-
men in the University Museum, Edinburgh, another bird, killed
in Scotland, and belonging to Mr Henderson of that city, had
served him for a description of the species. A third example is
referred to in the statistical account of the parish of Peterhead,
the writer of which states that a specimen of the Nutcracker,
killed near that town, was in the collection of Mr Arbuthnot
there in 1833.*

These records, inexplicit as they appear to be, were all that had
been made regarding this bird north of the Tweed, until the oc-
currence of a specimen in Inverness-shire in October, 1868; it was
shot at Invergarry and sent to Inverness, where it was preserved
by Mr William M'Leay, Taxidermist, 80 Church Street.

* I visited the Peterhead Museum, which contains Mr Arbuthnot's collection,
in May, 1869, but could find no trace of the specimen.

GREEN WOODPECKER. 189

In a specimen of the Nutcracker now before me, I find the bill
very slender at the point, the upper mandible projecting, like a bit
of thin horn, over the under one. Authors whom I have consulted
seem to agree in saying that the bill is obtuse at the point. Can
there be two species, or is the difference merely sexual?* Either
bill I should think a very unfit instrument for cracking nuts.

INSESSORES. PICIDJ1.

SCANSORES.

THE GKEEN WOODPECKER

PIOUS VIRIDIS.
Lasair choille.

ALTHOUGH this woodpecker is a well-known inhabitant of English
woods, it is very rarely seen north of the Solway or the Tweed.
I have never seen a recently killed specimen, nor can any of
my correspondents inform me with certainty of its having been
observed of late years in any of the counties of Scotland. Mr
Forrest, gunmaker, Jedburgh, showed me a specimen a few months
ago which had been shot near that town about the year 1848; and
Mr Angus has sent me word that one was killed near Aberdeen,
and that on another occasion in 1868 Mr Hunter of Tillery had seen
a single bird in the woods near his residence in the same county.
Mr Harvie Brown informs me that there is a Sutherlandshire
specimen of this bird in the private museum at Dunrobin Castle.

The green woodpecker is inserted as a Scottish species by
Pennant in his Caledonian Zoology, published in 1777, and
twenty years later it was included in the old statistical account of
Scotland by the minister of Dunkeld in his description of that

* Since writing the above, I have learned on consulting Mr Stevenson's
highly interesting volume on the " Birds of Norfolk," that a paper on the
subject of the supposed specific difference between the Nutcrackers of Central
Europe and those of Scandinavia, was read before the Royal Academy of
Sciences at Brussels by M. Edm. De Selys-Longchamps, and has since been
published, with illustrations, in the Bulletin of the Academy, torn, xi., No. 10.
In this paper it is affirmed that the species found in Central Europe has a sharp-
pointed bill, while the Scandinavian Nutcracker has that feature shorter and
stouter, " from which peculiarity the specific term of brachyrhyncus had been
previously applied to them, in contradistinction to the thin-billed examples
(caryocatactes}" P. 282.

190 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

parish (1798). It is also mentioned by Don in his Fauna of Forfar-
shire, published in 1812, and it is not unworthy of note that
Fleming, in his History of British Animals, does not restrict the
distribution of the Green Woodpecker as a British bird; indeed, his
Gaelic name almost proves it to have been, in his day, a familiar
Scottish species. I find it inserted, without any qualifying remarks,
in a list of the birds of Alnwick, by Mr Tate, Secretary to the
Berwickshire Naturalists' Club, which shows that it occurs not far
from the borders.

Yarrell, in his second volume of British Birds (3d ed., 1856, p.
143), states that this species is found "over a portion of, if not
all, the wooded districts of Scotland," — a statement which he
appears to have borrowed from Selby (111. Br. Orn. i., p. 372),
and which is certainly a mistake.

According to Messrs Baikie and Heddle, one or two specimens
have been taken in Orkney.

GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER.
PIOUS MAJOR.
Snagan- daraich .

THIS woodpecker is known to breed in limited numbers in Banff-
shire, Aberdeenshire, and a portion of Inverness-shire. I have
examined specimens that were shot in these counties during the
breeding season of 1867-68. It has been a well-known winter
visitant throughout Scotland for the last fifty years, and specimens
have been obtained in almost every county. On the east coast
it has within the last few years become rather common.
Since 1861 very large flocks, chiefly consisting of young birds,
have at intervals visited the eastern counties; in almost every
case they landed first in Shetland, and afterwards found their way
to the mainland, spreading themselves from Banff and Aberdeen-
shires to the borders of Northumberland. Referring to these
unusual flights Dr Saxby says: "This species was unknown in
Shetland until September, 1861, when great numbers arrived at
Unst with a steady breeze from the south-east. I afterwards
heard of them in various parts of Shetland as well as in Orkney.
I examined many specimens : the first was an adult male, but all
the others were apparently young males of the year." In Sep-

GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER. 191

tember, 1868, the species was plentiful in Sutherlandshire, Ross-
shire, Morayshire, and Inverness-shire, and I traced its migrations
southwards as far as Berwick, through the counties of Aberdeen,
Kincardine, Forfar, Fife, and Haddington, having obtained speci-
mens from all these districts. Seven birds are now before me, but
only one is a male in perfect plumage, the others being apparently
young birds. Other specimens which were offered to me were in
bad plumage, as if they had just moulted. In the western counties
fewer specimens occurred, though I was able to procure them from
Argyleshire, Renfrewshire, Ayrshire, Lanarkshire, and Wigtown-
shire. In the midland counties it occurred in Perth, Stirling,
Dumfries, and Roxburgh. Altogether I examined upwards of
sixty specimens, for information regarding which I am indebted
to various correspondents, among whom I may mention Lord
Binning,* Mr Angus, Mr Harvie Brown, Mr James Murison,
Tilly.naught, Banifshire, who presented me with two specimens,
and Mr R. Scot-Skirving of Campton, East Lothian.

OBS. — Sir Robert Sibbald, in his " Scotia Illustrata," includes
the GREAT BLACK WOODPECKER (Picus martins) in that section of
the work entitled "Historia Animalium in Scotia," p. 15. It may
also be here observed that, in the University Museum at Aber-
deen, there are two specimens of this bird labelled "Nottingham,"
in the handwriting of the late Professor Macgillivray, and referred
to by that author at page 79 of his general work on British Birds.

In Donovan's British Birds, a figure is given of the THREE-
TOED WOODPECKER (Picus tridactylus) on plate 143, vol. vi., and
in the accompanying letterpress it is stated that a specimen of the
bird had been "lately shot in the north of Scotland;" upon the
authority of which the species was inserted among the migratory
visitants to the British Islands. No other specimen appears to
have occurred since Donovan's time. His volume is dated 1808.

The LESSER SPOTTED WOODPECKER (Picus minor) is included
in Don's Fauna of Forfarshire, and also in Pennant's Cale-
donian Zoology. Mr Shearer states that it has once been ob-
served in Caithness, and Mr Tate, in his list of Alnwick birds,
includes it as a species found on the borders. I have, however,
never been able to examine a specimen killed in any part of
Scotland.

* Now the Earl of Haddington, his Lordship having succeeded to the title
through the lamented death of his father, the tenth Earl, in July, 1870.

192 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

THE WEYNECK.

YUNX TORQUILLA.

WITH the exception of a single specimen shot near Hamilton, in
1835, and a notice of one near Glasgow in Yarrell's British
Birds, I have not been able, until recently, to trace the occurrence
of the Wryneck in any of the western counties. Having read
some very pleasant articles on rural objects, written for the
Inverness Courier by the Rev. Alexander Stewart, Ballachulish
Manse, Fort- William, I was interested to find a notice of the
Wryneck having bred in the district of Nether Lochaber, Inver-
ness-shire; and having since communicated with this gentleman,
I am enabled here to record the substance of his observations,
which prove, in one instance at least, the nesting of the species in
Scotland.

" The other day," writes Mr Stewart, " I was so lucky as to
stumble on the nest of a bird rarely noticed even as a stray
wanderer anywhere north of the Forth, and never before known,
so far as I am aware, to breed on the west coast of Scotland.
The nest was found in a circular cavity, evidently hollowed out
by the bird itself, in the decayed hole of an old rowan tree, and
at a height of about seven feet from the ground. The structure
consisted mainly of withered grass blades, slightly mixed and
interwoven with moss and wool. The eggs were seven in
number, and of a shining, marble-like whiteness. I was delighted
of course with my discovery, certain that the nest and eggs were
those of no ordinary bird of our acquaintance hereabouts ; and
being determined to know, a little patience and some cunning
tactics, to which the naturalist must have frequent recourse, soon
put me in possession of an agreeable solution of the mystery by
the appearance of the bird itself — a female Wryneck — settling on
a neighbouring stump and finally entering her nest. By lying
concealed for half an hour or so, I had the satisfaction of being
rewarded with a sight of the male — a fine fellow, in full plumage
— whose confident hawk-like gi-gli gli-gi, thrice-repeated as he
settled with a sudden and peculiar jerk on a branch a few feet
above the cavity where his mate and her treasure lay hid, clearly
showing that he felt quite at home in Lochaber, and rather liked
it than otherwise."

COMMON CREEPER. 193

In East Lothian and Fifeshire it has several times occurred,
and also in Dumfriesshire and Roxburghshire. I got a beautiful
specimen at Dunbar in 1847. Regarding its occurrence in
Aberdeenshire, Mr Angus writes : " I received a male specimen of
this rare visitor from the neighbourhood of Birse, in July, 1864.
Mr Wilson informs me that it has been observed at the Braes of
Gight." The most northern locality for its occurrence in the
mainland of Scotland is Sutherlandshire ; but, as a rule, it is not
found north of the Forth.

In Mr Dunn's copy of Messrs Baikie and Heddle's Fauna of
Orkney, a manuscript note states that one was got at Melsetter
in 1841, and that in one instance it had been seen before.

INSESSORES. CERT ff IAD JE.

SCANSO££S.

THE COMMON CREEPER.

CERTHIA FAMILIAR1S.
Snaigear. Meanglan. Streapach.

THIS familiar, yet unobtrusive bird — the lark speeler, as it is called
in North Britain — is found in limited numbers throughout all the
western counties, but is wholly absent from the Outer Hebrides.
Nor have I been able to trace it satisfactorily, even as a visitant,
to any of the inner islands. It is, however, occasionally found in
Orkney. It is very common in woods near Glasgow, and I have
frequently seen it in the outskirts of the city in clumps of smoked
fir trees — the melancholy remains of woods that have yielded to
the invasions of house-building. In the little plantations skirting
the public roads in many parts of Renfrewshire I usually find the
Creeper in the winter season when the want of foliage betrays the
presence of so many of our smaller birds. It is constantly climb-
ing, and, one would think, never at rest. Frequently it is found
in company with tits of various species and gold-crests, but only
as a fellow insect hunter, as it is always too busy to be classed as
a companion. Mouse-like, it scrambles up the trunk or under-
side of a branch with amusing activity ; and after having examined
one tree it immediately flies to another, beginning invariably at the
base, a few inches above the ground, and ascending spirally till it
reaches the top.

N

194 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

The Creeper is a very timid bird: on a stone being thrown against
the trunk of the tree on which it is climbing, or when a heavy
blow is struck with a cudgel or other weapon, it will remain quite
still as if greatly alarmed until almost laid hold of. It breeds
early in the year, often constructing its nest in holes of trees
before the branches have thrown out their leaves. Mr Alston
tells me that a few years ago a pair of creepers built their
nest in a wooden shed which had been erected over a saw-
pit. The female sat close even when the men were at their noisy
work within a yard of the nest : it was placed behind a board
leaning against the side of the shed. This board was twice
removed by mischievous boys, but still the poor bird sat with a
courage worthy of a better success, for her young fell victims to a
marauding cat.

Until recently this species was considered identical with that
found in North America, and some ornithologists still entertain
doubts as to the propriety of separating them. Mr Baird, how-
ever, not only gives Certhia Americana as a good species, but
indicates another American variety under the name of C. Mexicana
(Glloger) of which he says that "additional specimens from the
west all show a much longer bill than eastern ones, tending to
substantiate the existence of a second (American) species."

The song of the Creeper is somewhat like that of a gold-crest,
but less feeble: it is uttered while the bird is busily engaged in
foraging for insects. I have never observed it indulging in music
when at rest — its notes being but a merry accompaniment to its
highly curious movements.

THE WREN.

TROGLODYTES VULGARIS.
Dreathann. Dreollan. Dreadhan — Donn.

THIS hardy little bird is everywhere common, inhabiting the most
densely wooded glens of the mainland and the barest rocks of
the distant islands, alike at home in both haunts, and flitting
about with amusing briskness, even in the severest weather. I
have heard it singing in places where there were but few elements
to attract birds of its size, and none certainly to provoke their

THE WREN. 195

musical powers. It is common on Ailsa Craig, breeding near the
base of the rock among the tufts of coarse vegetation growing
near the edge of the rude pathway for some distance round the
island. On all the Outer Hebrides it is likewise at home, fre-
quenting heath-clad rocks and the rugged banks of lakes, which it
enlivens by its merry movements and clear trilling notes. The
nest in such localities is found in the abrupt face of a broken bank
or on the naked edge of some deep pool where it is seldom dis-
tinguished for neatness, harmonising as it does with the dark
coloured heath or black peat moss. Frequently, too, it makes
choice of a turf dyke, living in the society of chattering star-
lings, which are very abundant, and by no means amiable
neighbours.

In the cultivated districts of the mainland, the nest of this bird
is in many cases a very beautiful structure. In its selection of
materials, however, the wren is somewhat capricious, although
generally adhering strictly to one substance in building it, and
consequently those nests composed of moss or straw are the most
compact. I have now before me six different examples ; one is
wholly built of green moss firmly interwoven, another of beech
leaves, a third solely of dried ferns, a fourth of fine white straws,
a fifth almost exclusively of slender twigs of the larch, and a sixth
entirely of lichens. None of them had any lining of feathers, and
all contained eggs. I have often found smaller nests — very neat
structures of their kind — in the autumn and winter seasons, chiefly
under river banks and edges of rugged landslips or quarries. I
imagine these to have been winter retreats; they are very numerous
in some places. I have found eight or ten in the course of an
hour's walk along the banks of the water of Girvan.

I look upon it as a singular fact in my experience that I have
never found more than eight eggs in a wren's nest. It would
appear that trustworthy observers, or their correspondents, have
taken nests with as many as twelve and fourteen, or even a greater
number. None of the numerous nests I have handled could
accommodate more than eight or ten young ones; and even
with so numerous a family the structures must be well placed to
sustain their weight when fledged. Graham, in his "Birds of
Scotland," seems to have been a believer in the existence of such
wondrous broods, and thus paraphrases the ideas of a much older
writer : —

196 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

" But now behold the greatest of this train
Of miracles, stupendously minute;
The numerous progeny, claimant for food
Supplied by two small bills, and feeble wings
Of narrow range; supplied — ay, duly fed —
Fed in the dark, and yet not one forgot!"

Nearly two hundred years ago Nicholas Cox — author of a very
pleasant and readable treatise on singing birds — wrote as follows
under similar impressions : — " This Bird, in my opinion, is a pretty,
sweet dapper Songster, being of a nature cheerful; as he is pleasant
to the Ear, so he is to the Eye; and when he sings cocks up his
Tail, and throws out his Notes with so much alacrity and pleasure
that I know not any bird of its bigness more delights the sense
of Hearing.

" This bird builds twice a year, about the latter end of April, in
shrubs where Ivy grows thick, and sometimes in old Hovels and
Barns. They lay a numerous quantity of Eggs, and 1 can assure
you I have seen a Nest containing two and twenty: herein are two
things greatly to be wondered at — first, that so small a bird should
cover such a great quantity of eggs; secondly, when they have
hatched, to feed them all and not to miss one bird, and in the dark
also."

In all my ornithological rambles, I have seldom encountered
more inviting wren-nooks than are to be found in some parts of
Ayrshire and Renfrewshire, where the glens are of sufficient depth
and slope to show off to advantage the gushing burn, as it hurries
over its rocky bed in a series of waterfalls, or sleeps in summer
silence under the green shade of its moss and birch-covered banks.
Wilson, during a hard life of mechanical toil, often soothed him-
self by strolling into such places, where doubtless much of the
vivid power of description, which he afterwards displayed in his
great work on the Birds of America, was fostered. In the
rambles of his leisure hours, it is believed, he wandered into the
glen above Lochwinnoch, and also to the verdant banks of Glen-
garnock — a view of which I have much pleasure in introducing
here through the kind permission of John Knox, Esq., for whom
the original picture was painted by Mr C. N. Woolnoth, W.S.A.
Here is a likely place to give birth to such a poem as that of
Wilson's on the " Disconsolate Wren," the first stanza of which
admirably expresses its very features : —

THE WREN. 197

" The morn was keekin' frae the east,
The lav'rocks shrill, wi' dewy breast,
Were tow'ring past my ken,
Alang a burnie's flow'ry side,
That gurgled on wi' glancin' glide,
I gained a bushy glen;
The circling nets ilk spider weaves
Bent wi' clear dew-drops hung,
A' roun' amang the spreading leaves
The cheery natives sung:
On 'ts journey, the burnie,
Fell dashing down some lins,
White foaming, and roaming
In rage amang the stanes."

There can be no doubt, I think, as to this species being identical
with the winter wren of America (T. hyemalis). Mr Baird, who is
a competent authority, has declared that the two birds are so
much alike that he has not been able to distinguish the one from
the other. This author, however, in his " Birds of North America"
(see page 369), has remarked that "western specimens of this
species appear to be of a darker reddish brown generally than in
the eastern, and perhaps a little larger. Northern ones are de-
cidedly largest."

A somewhat interesting observation has been made by Professor
Newton in his appendix to Baring Gould's work on Iceland, viz.: —
that the common wren of that country "is, to some degree, mid-way
in appearance between our British form and T. aedon of North
America;" and that this Iceland bird, which is the Troglodytes borealis
of Herr Fischer of Copenhagen, is easily distinguished from our
own familiar species by its much larger bill and feet. These
characters are indeed what one might expect to belong to
a bird of its habits, permanently resident in a country like
Iceland, where its whole life must be spent on the surface
of barren wastes, scattered over with rugged boulders, and
where a longer bill for extracting insect prey from the cracks
and crevices is absolutely needful. The same form is probably
found in the Faroe islands, and is thus spoken of by Landt in
his description of that outlying group : — " The wren — in Feroese
musa brouir — is found everywhere, particularly in the northern
islands ; for as there are no rats on these islands there are also no
cats, which are great enemies to this bird. It is called by the
Feroese musa brouir, that is, the mouse's brother, because it is like

198 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

a mouse both in size and colour, and, like the mouse, creeps in
through the chinks in their wind houses and feasts on their dried
meat. It builds a large compact nest of straw and horses' hair in
cavities of the earth, where it lays eight eggs. In a morning
before sunrise it sings in a very agreeable manner."

In writing of an American species T. Mexicanus, Mr Baird
mentions, on the authority of Dr Heermann, that it is found
" occupied in searching for insects between and under the large
boulders of rock which, along some portions of the Calaveras
river, are there thrown together in confused masses as if by some
terrific convulsion of nature."

Taking into account the total absence of trees in some parts of
the Outer Hebrides frequented by wrens, I should not be surprised
if T. borealis should yet be discovered there.

THE HOOPOE.
UP UP A EPOPS.

CAN only be regarded as a straggler in any part of Scotland. It
has occurred in Berwickshire, Fifeshire, Aberdeenshire, and Banff-
shire, on the east coast, and I have seen specimens from various
other counties, including Sutherlandshire, Perthshire, and Dumfries-
shire, but have only three instances to record of its occurrence on
the western mainland, namely, a specimen that was shot near Port-
Glasgow in October, 1863, and exhibited shortly afterwards at a
meeting of the Natural History Society of Glasgow; another which
was observed in October, 1852, on the property of Blair-Skaith, about
six miles from Glasgow, where it remained about ten days; and a
third at Tonderghie House, Wigtownshire, in 1862, as I have been
informed by H. Stewart, Esq. Mr Yarrell states that it has been
killed in Ayrshire, but gives no particular locality. It has like-
wise occurred in the Hebrides, two specimens having been seen
in North Uist in 1859. Mr J. M 'Donald, Newton, states that
one of these was shot.

The Hoopoe has several times been taken in the Orkney and
Shetland islands. In the latter district it occurred in August
and September, 1861, and I find it stated in a manuscript note
by Dr Baikie that an example of the bird was shot in Orkney
in 1852.

THE NUTHATCH. 199

Dr Saxby reports regarding the Hoopoe in Shetland that it
occasionally appears there in autumn.

I am indebted to Mr Angus for the following records and dates
of the occurrence of this bird in Aberdeenshire, in which county
it has been found perhaps more numerously than in any other
district in Scotland: —

" A male was recently shot by the gamekeeper near the
mansion house of Tillery. It was very fat and deep in the moult.
The stomach contained worms, centipedes, beetles, and mud. It
was seen frequenting ditches, and its long, awl-shaped bill was
covered with mud to the base. Mr Sim, 20 King Street, received
a specimen for preservation which had completed the moult, and
also a male which was killed near the lighthouse two days pre-
viously. The contents of their stomach differed but little from
those of the Tillery specimen. As a local bird, the Hoopoe was
first made known here by Thomas Ligertwood, Esq., who shot a
specimen on the links of Belhelvie, near Blairton, in spring,
about the year 1826. A specimen in the superb museum in
Banchory House was shot at the gardens there in the spring of
1837 or 1838. In the summer of 1841 a specimen was taken
alive at Carnoustie, on the banks of the Deveron. At Tillyhows,
another was shot by Mr James Duncan in 1848; and in the
spring of 1852 Mr John Henderson received for preservation a
specimen that was killed at Kintore in 1852. Another was seen
at Haddo House, and described as a bird with two heads. Mr
Mitchell has also stuffed several Hoopoes which were killed in
various parts of the county."

To these instances I may add another communicated to me by
Mr Angus in a letter dated 12th November, 1868: — "A Hoopoe
was shot on 29th September last at Turriff, and sent to Mr Sim
for preservation. The stomach contained beetles and grubs."

THE NUTHATCH.

4p
SITTA EUROP(EA.

I KNOW of but two recent instances of the appearance of this bird
on the mainland of Scotland, viz., — a specimen shot in the summer
of 1865 near Hermiston in Haddington shire by Mr Muirhead of
Salton Middle Mains, and one killed in a garden near Dunse, in

200 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

Berwickshire, in March, 1856. For a notice of the latter I
am indebted to Dr J. A. Smith, to whom the bird was sent
to exhibit at a meeting of the Royal Physical Society of
Edinburgh.

In Don's Fauna of Forfarshire it is stated that the author
obtained a specimen of this bird from Tannadice Woods in 1807;
and it may also be worth noting that the Rev. Patrick Grant has
enumerated the species among the rare birds of the parish of
Killin, in Perthshire.

To these records I may add another instance of its occurrence in
Scotland, namely, a specimen shot at Bressay in Shetland two
years ago (1867), as I have been informed by Mr R. Scot-
Skirving, who saw the bird. It will doubtless be found to be a
more frequent visitor to Scotland than has been hitherto supposed,
especially in the Border Counties, where the extending woods may
prove an additional attraction to a bird of its habits.

INSESSORES. CUCULIDJE.

SCANS ORES.

THE COMMON CUCKOO.

CUCULUS CANORUS.
Cuthag. Cuach.

THIS universal favourite is distributed over the whole of Scotland.
From its sylvan aspect and the temptation of its extensive and
romantic glens, the west coast is peculiarly attractive to this bird.
Shortly after its arrival, especially if the weather be auspicious,
every glen and cultivated hollow are filled with its well-known call.
In some of the glens near the banks of Loch Lomond as many as
ten or fifteen of these lively summer birds may be seen within a
short compass uttering their note incessantly. It is also a well-
known visitor to the Outer Hebrides. In the summer of 1867 it
was unusually plentiful, especially in Benbecula and the west side
of North Uist. Even in the northernmost portion of the Long
Island it is usually very common. Sir James Matheson remarks
that in the month of May cuckoos are more numerous in Lewis
than he has seen anywhere else, "flying about in clusters or groups,
and making the air resound with their beautiful note." This
notice accords exactly with what I have myself observed in other

COMMON CUCKOO. 201

Highland districts, that Cuckoos, on their first arrival especially,
keep very much together and give free utterance to their welcome
cry, as if joyous at the sight of their old haunts, now clothed with
fresh verdure.

Writing from the inner islands, Mr Graham sends the following
remarks : — " At the usual time of year the well-known sound of
the Cuckoo's cry is heard in all the moorlands, peat mosses, and
broken land, half scrub and half rock, the birds usually selecting
some slight eminence or knoll, whence they keep calling and re-
echoing each other's cry, so that such favourite spots often get
named after them as Mona-Chuich, or Cuckoo's moor, Dun-Chuich,
Beris-Chuicli, or Beann-na-cuaig, (Pennycuick), and, I suppose, Cock-
pen, etc. Cuach (the unaspirated nominative) is derived from the
bird's cry."

Throughout western Scotland the Cuckoo deposits its egg
chiefly in the nest of the titlark or meadow pipit, especially on the
borders of glens and sides of mountains where that species is
perhaps the commonest bird to be met with. I have found young
cuckoos barely fledged in the islands of Loch Lomond: the last
one I saw was on Inchmoin, and was attended by a pipit, which
diligently ministered to its wants as it sat weighing down a mass
of purple heather bloom, at the roots of which lay the flattened
nest of the pipit. On putting up the fat little fellow he boldly
turned his head towards the mainland, but had not proceeded fifty
yards when he fell plump into the loch. His little foster-mother
followed him with an uneasy zig-zag sort of flight, giving vent, for
a few minutes, to its grief and surprise at the catastrophe, but
finding it could do nothing for him it wisely returned to its island
home.

The Rev. Wm. Patrick, in his account of the parish of Hamilton,
states that, about two years previous to the date of his report,
"many of the inhabitants of Hamilton were attracted to Mr
Fisher's at Claudsburn, in the neighbourhood of the town, to see a
robin redbreast feeding a young cuckoo which it had hatched. The
little bird had been a pet during the winter, but, leaving its
master, and searching out for a mate in the spring, met with this
misfortune. The toil of feeding so large a bird as the Cuckoo,
which by this time was flying about the orchard, soon compelled
robin to apply once more to his former benefactor for assistance;
and it was curious to see the fond dupe come and peck worms and

202 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

other viands out of Mr Fisher's hand, and carry them off directly
to his great insatiate pseudo-nestling."

Another writer of parish records describes an incident of a young
Cuckoo being seen at the head of Monk's burn, in Midlothian,
" flying after a titlark, from which it got the signals when to keep
out of danger. The titlark was also observed feeding him, when
the little nurse, to get at his mouth, generally leapt on his back,
and made him turn round his head, which was as big as the other's
whole body."

In some parts of Scotland this bird calls during the whole of
the summer nights at all hours. I have myself heard its well-
known cry about 11 P.M. on the Loch Lomond hill sides, and Mr
Harvie Brown informs me that in the north of Sutherlandshire
he has heard it at half-past 12, and again at 2 and half-past 2
in the morning.

IN&B88O&B8. MEROPID^E.

FISSIROSTRES.

THE ROLLER.

CO HA CIAS GARRULA.

VERY little, of course, can be said of so rare a species as the Roller
is in Britain, except the mere enumeration of the localities in which
it has occurred. There are, indeed, but few examples to chronicle:
one appears to have been seen on St Kilda about twenty-five years
ago, and another was shot at Stevenston, in Ayrshire, as recorded by
the late Rev. Dr Landsborough, at one time minister of that parish.
A third was shot at Coulter House, near Biggar, in October, 1866.
The Roller has likewise been found at Dunkeld, in Perthshire,
and in Dumfriesshire in October, 1864, as I have been informed
by Sir William Jardine, who communicated a notice of the occur-
rence to the Dumfries and Galloway Natural History and Anti-
quarian Society in February, 1865. Mr Shearer, in a communica-
tion to the Royal Physical Society of Edinburgh in January, 1862,
states that a Roller was seen and watched by himself for two or
three days at Ulbster, in Caithness-shire, in 1857; and Mr Harvie
Brown has written to inform me that a specimen killed in Suther-
landshire is now in the museum at Dunrobin Castle.

Mr Thomas Edward has sent me word that one was killed at

THE BEE-EATER, 203

Strathbeg, and that another, a female, was obtained at Boyndie,
near Banff, in September, 1848, by J. Ker Fraser, Esq. I have
likewise been informed by Mr Angus that a fine specimen of this
beautiful bird was shot in April, 1847, in the enclosure at
Seaton House, Aberdeenshire, by Mr Davidson, gamekeeper there.

In addition to these instances, Mr M'Leay, taxidermist, Inver-
ness, has sent me notice through Mr Harvie Brown that he
preserved a female specimen of the Roller which was killed near
Dornoch on 25th September, 1868; and I have also been informed
by the Rev. Dr George Gordon of Birnie, that a remarkably fine
specimen, which he saw, was shot about a month afterwards at
Oakwood, near Elgin, by Mr Nicholson, gamekeeper.*

OBS. — Dr Bree announced in his "Birds of Europe," etc., vol. i.,
p. 157, published in 1859, that a male specimen of the Abyssinian
Roller (Coracias Alyssinica, Latham) was killed at Crookston, near
Glasgow, a year or two previously, and sent to Mr Small, bird-
stuffer, Edinburgh, and that a second bird, a female, was also shot
a short time afterwards. Dr Bree justly concludes that these birds
had escaped from confinement, and cannot therefore be regarded
as even European stragglers. The male specimen is now, I believe,
in the collection of the Paisley Museum, Mr Small having presented
it to that institution.

THE BEE-EATER.

MEROPS A PI ASTER.

I HAVE seen specimens of this bird which were killed in Forfar-
shire and Aberdeenshire. A fine specimen was exhibited at a
meeting of the Natural History Society of Glasgow in 1852 by
my friend Mr Thomas Ferguson; it had been shot a short time
previously on his brother's estate, near Peterhead. The Bee-Eater
has likewise been observed in Wigtownshire, a specimen having
been procured in Logan Garden, parish of Kirkmaiden, in the
summer of 1832; but the species, in Scotland, can only be ranked
as a rare and accidental straggler.

Mr Edward has informed me that a specimen was obtained
some years ago in Banffshire.

* I have since visited Elgin and seen this bird.

204 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

INSESSOEES. HALCYONID^E.

FISSIROSTRES.

THE KINGFISHER

ALCEDO ISP1DA.

THE beauty of the plumage of this well-known bird has made it a
marked object, and almost every one accustomed to use a gun
shoots it when it comes in his way. Hence, in the winter months,
when the banks of rivers are naked, and the leafless willows spread
their slender wands against the grey sky, the stealthy ornithologist
finds but little difficulty in stalking the wished-for prize. Nor
can it be said to be much safer, or less easily observed, during the
spring and summer months, especially when incubating, as it then
plunges more frequently for prey to supply its nestlings. The
following description of its habits at this season, taken from an
account by the Rev. E. S. Dixon of Norwich, is both pleasing and
accurate: —

" The holiday stroller from the confinement of a large town, as
he tracks the retired footpath that skirts the margin of some small
brook overhung with alders and willows, is startled by a shrill,
sharp cry, and sees glancing past him one or two winged emeralds:
in a moment they are gone, and he walks on thinking of the
brilliant creatures that have just vanished from his gaze. Soon
he advances to a spot where the streamlet spreads into an open
pool: he sits down to rest, wondering at the beauty of the dragon
flies, longing to reach the floating water-lilies, and enjoying the
perfume of the mint he has trodden under foot. He hears a short
splash; he turns, and sees the spreading circles on the water; he
looks up, and behold, on an outstretching branch, a bird whose
ruddy bosom alone meets his view. He remains motionless,
watching his newly discovered neighbour. Soon the bird dashes
into the water, and returns immediately to its seat on the branch: in
flight it seems all blue; in repose, all ruddy brown ! It is the same
bird which he saw before, but has two completely different aspects
— like those double masquerade costumes, wherein the front
assumes one character, and the back another. Again a plunge is
made into the stream, and the bird uprises, bearing a little fish in
his beak; this time he returns, not to his branch, but departs
straight away like a levelled rocket: perhaps the nest is near at
hand."

THE SWALLOW. 205

Throughout the west of Scotland the Kingfisher occurs in almost
every stream south of Sutherlandshire, and in some localities is
never absent. It has been found once or twice in Islay, and like-
wise in Skye, but not, so far as I am aware, in any part of the outer
chain of islands, where, looking to the absence of bush-margined
streamlets, its presence can scarcely indeed be expected. I have
found it breeding in several parts of Lanarkshire and Ayrshire;
one nest which I discovered on the banks of the Girvan water was
not more than five or six feet above the stream, and was conse-
quently exposed to inundation — a fate which ultimately befel the
entire family group, as I afterwards learned.

Mr Harvie Brown writes that the Kingfisher is common along
the banks of the Carron, in Stirlingshire, and that it is also well
known on the banks of the Endrick and other streams flowing
into Loch Lomond. He has taken the nest on several occasions
near his residence, and seen young broods following the parent
birds after being fledged, creating in the bright sunshine a some-
what unusual bird spectacle.

ttiSESSOZSS. HIR UNDINID^E.

FISSIROSTRES.

THE SWALLOW.

HIRUNDO RUSTICA.

Gobhlan-gaoithe.

THIS elegant bird is a well-known summer visitant over the whole
of western Scotland, extending to both groups of islands. It does
not appear to remain to breed in the Outer Hebrides, but specimens
are seen there every year. I have observed it in North Uist,
Benbecula, and South Uist, and Captain Feilden informs me that
he saw it in Barra on the 8th May, 1870. Mr Harvie Brown also
observed it near Lochmaddy on the same day. Its visits to. the
remoter islands are generally made early in the season, and can
only be looked upon as the results of a restless flight before the
birds settle in their breeding quarters. In the Inner Hebrides, its
stay extends over the summer: it is common in Mull and lona, in
Skye, Rum, Tyree, Coll, and probably all the smaller isles.

On the mainland it becomes even more numerous, and is found

206 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

distributed throughout every parish from the sea margin to the
highest moorlands. I have observed its nest under bridges, and
also in the rafters of old and dismantled shielings in the midst of
the wildest mountain scenery; and Mr Struthers has informed me
that two years ago, when in company with some friends on the top
of Ben Cruachan in Argyleshire, the elevation of which is not less
than 3,400 feet, he saw several Swallows soaring high above the
summit of the topmost peak.

Large flocks of Swallows are observed congregating in Ayrshire
and Wigtownshire previous to their final departure from the south-
western districts of Scotland. In the neighbourhood of Girvan
the young birds that have been hatched in the uplands assemble
on the banks of the Girvan water within two miles of the sea,
where they remain until the middle of September. Many hundreds
have been seen by Mr Anderson and myself resting themselves
during the day on the branches of trees* and betaking themselves
at nightfall to a clump of alder bushes growing on the margin of
the river, and overhanging the deepest pools. From these bushes
we have repeatedly dislodged the birds after nightfall, and have
noticed that their habit of roosting there extends over a period of
two or three weeks previous to the general migration.

It is somewhat interesting to notice that as this and the next
mentioned species have been gradually drawn from their natural
haunts, the chimney swallow has shown less trust in man's
protection than its congeners. Hence we see that while the
martin swarms in almost every town and village, and the gloomy
swift occupies holes in the masonry of fashionable squares, the
elegant and dashing Swallow often repairs to rural spots, even in
moors, where it passes its brief summer skimming the purple
heath and cradling its brood under some rustic bridge. There it
will take up its abode, placing its nest — lined with game birds
feathers — under the stone arches through which the moorland
burn rolls its dark waters — a pleasant lullaby it may be to the
first brood, but too often the requiem of later fledglings.

In East Lothian I have seen Swallows breeding in the funnel
of a kiln for drying oats. Two or three nests were built on the
wood work, and the birds did not appear to be disturbed while the

*In August, 1870, we observed from 80 to 100 swallows perched on an ash
tree in full leaf by the side of the public road between Girvan and Dailly.

THE MARTIN. 207

kiln was in use, though the smoke must have been a great annoy-
ance, if not a positive danger. A very curious situation for a nest
of this bird is given in Audubon's Orn. Biog., vol. v., on the
authority of Mr T. Durham Weir, who states that it was built in the
shaft of a coalpit in the parish of Bathgate, " at the astonishing
depth of fifteen fathoms."

I have a Swallow in my collection which was shot near Glasgow
on 1st June, 1868, with the whole of the under parts of a deep
rufous tint, but not quite so intense as the colouring of the African
variety Savignyi. The specimen, however, shows that intermediate
stage which has prevented some ornithologists regarding the
Hirundo cahirica of Lichtenstein as anything more than a mere
variety.

THE MARTIN.

HIRUNDO URBICA.

THE gentle and familiar Martlet is altogether wanting in the
Outer Hebrides. In Skye, Mull, and lona, however, it is common,
building its nest in the eaves of houses, and is, in the two last
named islands especially, much more common than the chimney-
swallow.

Though the breeding haunts of this bird are now so intimately
associated with the habitations of man, there must have been a
time when the rude dwellings of pre-historic races forbade its
approach. Previous to the erection of houses with suitable windows,
indeed, the Martin was chiefly met with in the face of rocky
precipices, mostly fronting the sea. In such situations, bleak and
solitary, often far removed from cultivated places, and exposed to the
roughest storms, it is a highly interesting spectacle to see hundreds
of Martins issuing, as it were, from the rock itself — their clay
habitations being quite invisible. I have examined many nurseries
of this kind in various parts of Scotland, and in several instances
have noticed the nests built inside the mouth of a cave, and wholly
inaccessible. Among the rocky habitats I have visited, I may
mention one in Berwickshire at Cove Bay, which is frequented by
a large colony of birds; one in Ayrshire at Currarie Port, near
Ballantrae; and a third in Argyleshire, near Oban. In July, 1868,
I saw eleven occupied nests of the Martin under the upper pro-

208 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

jecting ledge of the granite column of Portpatrick Lighthouse;
but as the structure was not so high as the surrounding cliffs, the
Martins wisely chose the lee side of the pillar, and were thus safe
from the westerly gales, which often dashed the waves and spray
with great violence against it.

It sometimes happens, especially when the weather becomes
unsettled, that hirundines generally are obliged to leave our
inhospitable climate as early as the beginning of September. I
remember, ten years ago, seeing on the last day of August, hun-
dreds of this species, the chimney swallow and the sand-martin,
fluttering in an excited state near the Kelvin Bridge, on the
Partick Road, Glasgow, having apparently sought refuge in the
sheltered bend of the river, where they would be less distressed
by the wind and rain, and where also they appeared to find flies
and other insects, which they snatched from the surface. Some-
times they would essay to fly higher than the trees, but were
driven back by the wet gusts sweeping overhead, and forced to
amuse themselves as before by swarming over the filthy water-
course, and threading their way through the arches of the bridge.
Their numbers became augmented from the surrounding country;
and at last, when the storm was well spent, they congregated one
morning on the housetops above the village of Partick, holding
a council as to their future plans. It lasted but an hour or two,
for before mid-day they rose in a body, and, after a few anxious
twitterings, ascended cloudwards, and left our country. This, of
course, is the manner of swallows when leaving us for a warmer
clime, as every bird-observer knows; but in this case the act being
performed so early in the season, we are left room to speculate on
their reasons, so to speak, for depriving us of their company.

As I have frequently observed similar early movements of
hirundines en masse, it is possible that in almost every case these
were attributable to local causes, and that the birds were merely
shifting their quarters to a more southerly district of Britain.
"One swallow," we are told, "does not make a summer;" and,
on the like principle, it would be wrong to refer what may have
been but the " first assembly of the season " to the movement of
a general migration.

SAND MARTIN. 209

THE SAND MARTIN.

HIRUNDO RIP ARIA.
Gobhlan-gainbhich. Fallag.

THIS delicate little swallow is widely distributed throughout
Scotland, extending to all the remoter islands. It is a regular
summer visitant to Lewis, Harris, and North Uist, breeding in
sandbanks on the western side of these islands. It also inhabits
South Uist and Barra. but I have not seen it on Benbecula, which
probably does not furnish suitable banks for a bird of its mining
habits.

On the mainland I have met with the Sand Martin in almost
every parish, and have noticed it taking up its summer quarters
in sequestered places in single pairs, and also in large colonies, both
in the vicinity of water, and at a considerable distance from it.
The birds, in fact, appear to make their burrows wherever suitable
landslips or quarried sections occur. If the cliff be extensive and
capable of accommodating two or three hundred pairs, the whole
surface is burrowed until it frequently happens that four or five
tunnels are made within the compass of a single yard; and when
such a breeding haunt is fully occupied, the constant bustle and
mechanical labours of the birds, especially for the first week after
their arrival, become a sight of no ordinary interest.

This bird is believed to be identical with the Cotyle riparia of
American authors. Professor Baird — the most recent general
writer on the ornithology of that country — refers to some slight
differences observable in specimens from the Sacramento valley,
and also from the Upper Missouri, but at the same time admits
that " careful comparisons have hitherto failed to exhibit any
tangible difference." "It furnishes," continues that writer, "almost
a solitary instance among land birds, of the same species inhabiting
both continents permanently, and not as an accidental or occasional
visitor on either."

Wilson, in his account of the species, alludes to the vast social
communities that are found in some parts of North America, com-
paring the immense multitudes that congregate on the shores of
the Ohio to a swarm of bees. He also mentions having " taken
notice of the common crow, in parties of four or five, watching at

210 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

the entrance of their breeding holes to seize the first straggling
young that should make its appearance." In one respect the
American Sand Martin differs from the European, namely, in the
selection of materials for nest-building. Wilson's account is that
the nests are constructed of fine dry grass, with a few large downy
feathers; but in most parts of Scotland, so far as I have observed,
the structure is composed of the coarse and hard stems of common
grass wrack gathered from the fields, and lined, in many cases, with
the curved and stiff wing and tail feathers of the domestic duck
or the lapwing. The birds appear to be much infested by fleas,
and I have sometimes thought that these hard beds, which often
caused me to wonder why the eggs were not frequently broken,
were less likely to encourage the unwelcome parasites, than a bed
of down.

THE COMMON SWIFT.

CYPSELUS A PUS.
Gobhlan dubh.

DURING its three months' residence in Scotland, the Swift is very
commonly distributed in the western mainland, but is rare on the
inner islands, and totally wanting in the Outer Hebrides. Mr
Graham informs me that a pair of these birds have bred for some
years in a hole in the ruined tower of lona Cathedral, but I am un-
able to give any other instance of their nesting on the inner islands.

This species seems partial to old towers and ruined castles, which
are so numerously scattered over the western counties, and I have
observed that in many instances where these remains of ancient
strongholds are far removed from towns or villages, the Swifts are
quite as numerous as they appear to be when located in populous
districts.

In the months of July and August, 1868, 1 observed this bird to
be unusually abundant in Wigtownshire. During the prevalent heat
of that season, many hundreds, if not thousands, might have been
seen hawking for prey above the village of Glenluce, attracting the
notice of even unobservant people by their extraordinary numbers.

I have seen Swifts adroitly catching feathers and straws when
on wing, and carrying them to their holes under the eaves of a
slated house. In some towns they build chiefly in such situations.

THE NIGHTJAR. 211

and often have to contend with sparrows for possession of the holes.
I have witnessed many tough and noisy fights of this kind, and
have caught all the combatants by spreading a net over the entrance.

It sometimes happens that Swifts, obeying their unconquerable
instincts, will, at the close of a stormy season, desert their unfledged
young and leave them to perish of hunger. Late broods especially
are subject to this unnatural desertion. Oftener than once I have
seen the little round sooty faces of the young ones peering out of
their holes and plaintively crying for food, after which they crept
back to die. In these very nests on the return of another season,
the same old birds have been known to re-arrange their building
materials — a few straws merely being laid over the bones of the
abandoned to receive a new family.

The Swift has been seen occasionally in Orkney; it was observed
in 1830 and again in 1847.

INSESSOfiES. CAPRIMULGID^E.

FISSIROSTRES.

THE NIGHTJAR.

CAPRIMULGUS EUROPOEUS.
An t' seabhag— oidhche.

THE familiar goatsucker is a common bird in almost every Scottish
county from Wigtown to the North of Caithness, extending also
to the inner group of islands, but not, so far as I can learn, reaching
the Outer Hebrides. It is not uncommon in Islay, lona, and Mull,
and is generally distributed in Skye, in all of which islands eggs
have been found.

In the Western Highlands, the haunts of the Nightjar are, for
the most part, in retired tracts which are covered with "brackens,"
or in the vicinity of fir woods where, on still evenings, its strange
jarring cry may be heard till an advanced hour. Occasionally,
however, it is seen hawking for insects in parks in the low grounds,
and at times it approaches even large towns like Glasgow. It is
observed annually frequenting the South Side Park of that city,
and dexterously pursuing its flight among the trees in quest of
night-flying moths. I have seen it also in grass fields cleverly
picking ghost moths (Hepialus humuli) oft' the stems, from the points
of which these sluggish insects were temptingly hanging. But as

212 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

a rule, the Nightjar captures its prey while in flight, and several
may sometimes be observed at a time hawking in company by the
side of a wood of Scotch firs whose dark foliage forms a somewhat
treacherous back-ground to the moths. Mr Harvie Brown informs
me that at Dunipace, in Stirlingshire, he has seen one of these
birds passing and repassing the front door of the house after dusk,
and successfully capturing the nightfliers as they flitted past, or
were attracted to, the light of the hall lamp.

The monotonous call-note of this bird is uttered about the close
of day, and begins just as other bird voices are silenced by the
shadows of the deepening twilight. I have often listened to it on
the hill sides above Loch Lomond, and also in Ayrshire where the
species is comparatively common ; and I have observed that the
noise is made by the birds while perched either on the summit of a
tree, a block of stone, or some slight eminence on the ground. On
these occasions it has occurred to me that a single bird may cause
the listener to imagine that at least two or three other nightjars
are in the neighbourhood, for, as the performer turns his head in
the act of jarring, the sound appears to come from all quarters,
and in different degrees of loudness.

With regard to the use of the serrated claw of the Nightjar,
about which there have been so many opinions expressed, the best
theory I have yet seen advanced is one advocated by Mr Sterland
in his lately published and very interesting work entitled,
" Birds of Sherwood Forest." The following quotation explains
Mr Sterland's views, and I may add that I entirely agree with
him: — "The larger number of species composing the family of the
Caprimulgidce do not perch across a bough, as all other perching
birds do, but lengthwise; and it is for this peculiar use that I
believe the foot to be specially formed. In the ordinary position
of perching birds, the twig or bough is grasped by the foot, and
thus a firm hold is obtained, the weight of the body, by tightening
the tendons, increasing the stability; but it is evident the Nightjar
cannot effect any grasp of the bough as it sits lengthwise, and
therefore the necessary firm position is obtained in other ways.
It will be seen by any one who will take the trouble to examine
it, that the serratures on the centre claws are therefore placed in
exactly the best position for preventing the foot from slipping
sideways; and this is still further provided against by the hind toe
projecting forwards and inwards — so much so, indeed, that it has

RINGDOVE OR WOOD PIGEON. 213

the appearance of being inserted on the inner side of the foot; and
the whole organ is thus admirably adapted for its designed use.

" It is worthy of remark, as tending to corroborate my theory,
that there are one or two Australian species (Podargus and
sEgothales), and at least one in South America, which have the
middle claw smooth and the hind toe directed backwards. This
variation in structure leads, as might be expected, to a corresponding
difference in the use of the organ; and we consequently find that
they do not perch sideways, but across, and also hop from bough
to bough."

This curious bird has been taken in Shetland, and also in Orkney,
where, according to Baikie and Heddle, two or three specimens
were obtained upwards of forty years ago.

R A SORES. COLUMBID^E.

RINGDOVE OR WOOD PIGEON.

COLUMBA PALUMBUS.
Snmdan. Caluman choille.

THE Wood Pigeon is a bird now so widely distributed throughout
Scotland, that most persons must be familiar with it, both as an
inhabitant of wooded preserves, and a frequenter of farmed lands.
But though at the present day it exists in very great numbers in
cultivated districts, its first appearance is an event actually within
the recollection of old people now living in the county in which
the species is most abundant. In East Lothian the Wood Pigeon
is perhaps more numerously met with than elsewhere in Great
Britain, yet it is not more than 80 years since it was quite
unknown. Mr Hepburn, in referring to this fact in a very inter-
esting paper published by him in the proceedings of the Berwick-
shire Naturalists' Club for 1848, says: — "I am acquainted with a
man, now 65 years of age, whose bird-nesting days were spent in
the woods near Gifford, and he states that the Wood Pigeons were
then so very rare that the discovery of a nest was looked upon as
a great feat ; and there are several people in the parish of Dirleton
who remember having gone to look at a Wood Pigeon feeding in
a cottage garden during the long snow storm of 1791." Mr Hep-
burn also states that " the appearance and subsequent increase of

214 BIRDS OF THE WEST OP SCOTLAND.

the Wood Pigeon has followed the introduction of the clovers and
turnip, and the extension of fir plantation, and all parties look
upon these birds as the greatest curse to agriculture." It is re-
markable that, after a lapse of twenty years, during which interval
active measures have been used to keep down its numbers, this
bird should still be regarded as a rapidly-increasing pest, and an
agricultural scourge of such magnitude as to baffle all attempts to
bring about even a partial remedy. As a proof of the enormous
flocks still to be found in East Lothian, which occupies but a
limited area compared with other Scottish counties, I here give
the particulars of the numbers killed during the last eight years,
under the auspices of the United East Lothian Agricultural Society,
which have been obligingly furnished to me by the Society's
secretaries : —

Year 1863, (including December, 1862,) - 13,450

„ 1864, 15,289

„ 1865, 29,141

„ 1866, 17,227

„ 1867, 10,461

„ 1868, 16,760

„ 1869, 17,324

„ 1870, (till 6th June only) - 10,788

Total, - 130,440

Notwithstanding this extraordinary slaughter, which is almost
without a parallel in the history of British birds, no perceptible
diminution of the nuisance has yet taken place — a fact which
begets a suspicion, to say the least of it, that East Lothian is
yearly invaded by large numbers of these birds, which have been
reared in other countries; and that so long as the migratory flocks
continue to arrive, no amount of persecution, however well timed,
can be expected to root out the evil. The Wood Pigeon in Scot-
land is well known to be of sedentary habits, encouraged no doubt
by the abundance of the food it finds, especially in a purely agricul-
tural county like Haddingtonshire ; hence the winter visitants from
the pine forests of Norway, Denmark, Sweden, and some parts of
Russia where the bird is known to migrate, do not return, like the
redwings and fieldfares, on the approach of summer, but remain,
perfectly satisfied with their new quarters, and thus fill the place

RINGDOVE OR WOOD PIGEON. 215

of home-bred birds, which have fallen a sacrifice to the warfare
now urged against them.

Although I cannot find in published records that either Professor
Macgillivray or Sir William Jardine — two of our best authorities
on Scottish birds — gives place to the idea of Wood Pigeons in this
country being augmented in their numbers by the arrival of mi-
gratory flocks, I believe that such will be found to be the true
reason why farmers have so much difficulty in extirpating them.
That a large yearly accession to the winter flocks takes place
through migration is, I think, evident from the fact that the
eastern counties only are affected by the increase; and that, looking
to the destruction of so many thousands in one year, no such
increase can reasonably be traced to the results of a single breeding
season. Some years ago, indeed, I was informed by Mr Alexander
Henderson, an observant bird student resident in East Lothian,
that he had repeatedly seen considerable flocks of Wood Pigeons
alighting on the coast near his house, evidently in a state of ex-
haustion. These birds, he remarked, were smaller and darker in
plumage than those hatched in the neighbouring woods, and he
was convinced, at the time of their appearance, that they were
migrants from other countries. Very soon after this information
was communicated to me, I witnessed a still more extraordinary
instance of foreign invasion on the sea-shore about three miles east
of Dunbar. I had gone out about daybreak, and was astonished
to see a prodigious cloud of pigeons fully a mile seawards, steering
for the nearest land. The entire body of birds alighted on the
sandy beach at Catcrag bay, which they completely covered between
the rocks near the limestone quarry and the opposite point in the
direction of the town. I am satisfied there must have been in the
flock twenty or thirty thousand pigeons, at the lowest computation ;
and, from the fact of their alighting immediately on reaching land
without any preliminary survey of the ground, I concluded they
had come in from a long journey. Their tameness on my approach
confirmed this conjecture, as I was allowed to put them up within
twelve or fifteen yards. The cloud slowly ascended, and a line
was formed, six or eight birds deep, which gradually drew off the
main body, forming a singular spectacle when viewed against the
morning sky, and almost realizing the descriptions of Wilson and
Audubon, when writing of the passenger pigeon of North America,
and its " five mile " processions in the air.

216 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

With the experience, therefore, of such visitations from an
acknowledged depredator, the question whether the damage it
does is really atoned for by the good it effects in the destruction
of the seeds of injurious plants, becomes rather an important one.
From a very interesting communication with which I have been
favoured by the Earl of Haddington, whose recent observations on
the ornithology of East Lothian and Berwickshire possess more
than ordinary interest, I find that the result of a series of obser-
vations on the food of this bird, extending over a period of some
years, conclusively proves that the Wood Pigeon is an agricultural
pest of no ordinary kind, and that the late remarkable increase of
the species in Haddingtonshire has entailed heavy losses on the
farmers of that county. The mischief committed by these birds is
indeed almost incredible, especially on newly sown corn fields and
fields of young grass, where they devour bushels of the leaf of the
white clover. As an example of the bird's extraordinary voracity,
Lord Haddington has forwarded to me, in separate cases, the con-
tents of the crops of four Wood Pigeons opened at different times :
the first contains 144 field peas and 7 large beans; the second 231
beech nuts; the third 813 grains of barley; and the fourth 874
grains of oats and 55 of barley. Such damage may be better
estimated from the fact that the bird is known to feed three times
daily, each meal probably involving the consumption of an equal
quantity of grain by a single bird. In a grain-producing district,
therefore, where from 1 5,000 to 29,000 pigeons have been destroyed
within twelve months, without effecting any apparent decrease in
their numbers, the loss to agriculturists must be enormous. The
statistics furnished me by Lord Haddington also embrace the results
of his frequent investigations over a period of nine months, begin-
ning with August, and ending with May ; and, after making due
allowance for the bird's habit of feeding upon the roots of noxious
weeds, (upwards of 700 pigeons having been examined by his
Lordship) it has been found that any slight benefit of this nature
is more 'than counterbalanced by the excessive consumpt of grain.
In further illustration of the ravages committed by this bird, Lord
Haddington refers to its habits of attacking fields of Swede turnip,
and remarks that, although it has been accused of breaking into
the bulb, he is not of opinion that the bill of the Wood Pigeon can
accomplish this. He likewise states that he has been informed by
the Earl of Home, who has watched the proceedings of the birds,

RINGDOVE OR WOOD PIGEON. 217

that in severe frosts they seem to feed on little else than turnip
bulbs, which they appear to hollow out successfully. In these
cases, however, it may be presumed that rooks and partridges, as
well as hares, have preceded the pigeons in their work of de-
struction, though there can be no doubt as to the fact of the
pigeons eating the leaves or shaws, and thus checking the growth
of the turnip in its earlier stages.*

Throughout the western counties of Scotland, the Wood Pigeon,
though very numerous, and apparently on the increase, is by no
means so abundant as in the eastern districts. It is plentiful in
Islay, where it was introduced by the late Mr Campbell, proprietor
of the island. It is also found in Mull, Skye, Inverness, Ross, and
Sutherlandshires, but westward of the inner islands it ranks only
as a straggler. A few are occasionally seen in spring and autumn
in Benbecula and South Uist, but they do not remain.

During the autumn and winter months, the ringdove, as this
beautiful bird is also called, feeds chiefly upon the seeds of wild
mustard (Sinapis arvensis), chickweed (Stellaria media), roots of ran-
unculus or crowfoot, ivyberries, oak "spangle," berries of the
hawthorn and holly, and various other fruits and seeds. I re-
member many years ago shooting great numbers in a garden at
Dunbar, where their plundering visits to the gooseberry bushes
were a source of constant annoyance. Each pigeon must have
consumed a large quantity daily, as I found the crops of those I
killed quite distended with gooseberries. Beech-nuts are also a
favourite food, judging from the immense quantities devoured.
From newspaper paragraphs now before me, I learn that in the
crop of one bird shot in East Lothian 272 beech-nuts were found,
and that in another shot by Mr Joseph Sadler, at Alyth, in For-
farshire, there were found 1020 grains of corn! Mr James S.
Dixon of Glasgow, who has for some years taken notes on the
food of this species, informs me that he has many times been
interested in watching a flock of Wood Pigeons traversing a grass
field, and eagerly picking off the seeds of the common buttercup,
which they appeared to swallow with avidity.

I believe that the very great increase in the numbers of the

* As the limits of this volume do not admit of a more lengthened abstract of
this interesting communication, I refer my readers with much pleasure to the
Proceedings of the Natural History Society of Glasgow, Part III., 1871, in
which it has since appeared in extenso.

218 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

Wood Pigeon in Scotland is in the main attributable to the de-
struction of all kinds of birds of prey, which, if allowed to exist
to a moderate extent, would, it is certain, have kept this agricultural
pest within reasonable bounds. The hooded, or carrion crows, for
example, would destroy vast quantities of eggs — the pigeon's nest
being a mere platform of sticks, on which the exposed contents
are readily perceived. Partridges and other game birds, on the
other hand, do not run the same hazard, as the female bird
invariably covers the eggs on leaving her nest.

Though extremely wild when assembled in flocks in the open
fields in autumn and winter, this bird becomes comparatively tame
in the breeding season, frequently building its nest in trees near
mansion-houses, which at other seasons of the year it never fre-
quents. It appears to be easily tamed, but very few instances
can be cited of its having bred in captivity. I have several times
reared young birds from eggs placed under a common pigeon, and
in these instances they maintained a quiet habit, mixing freely
and tamely with their domestic neighbours. Only one instance
has come under my own observation of the Wood Pigeon breeding
in confinement, and that was the case of a female that had been
taken in a wood while young, by Mr Alex. Crawford, Cumnock.
By kind treatment the bird grew up to be strong and handsome,
and having been allowed her liberty, instead of flying back to the
woods she betook herself to a neighbouring dovecote, belonging
to Mr Hugh Thomson, joiner, in the same town, and mated with
one of his bachelor pigeons. The pair had eggs three times, though
only one young bird was reared : it was larger than the domestic
pigeon, and resembled the female parent in its general markings.

The favourite breeding place of this species in the West of
Scotland is in large fir plantations,* some of which afford abun-
dant shelter to Wood Pigeons at all seasons of the year. Viewed
from a distance, especially where the eye can rest on the far
spreading surface of the green plumed forests adorning some of our
larger glens, these solitudes seem impenetrable even to the pigeons,
as they flit through the purple mist on a summer's evening, or
mount in the air with noisy flap, as their mates sit brooding on

* I have found it breeding in hedgerows of old hawthorn bounding the fields
of the farm of Elmscleugh, in Berwickshire, where I observed about a dozen
nests some years ago. Mr Anderson has also taken note of several nests
situated in tall whin bushes, near Arbroath. in Forfarshire.

RINGDOVE OR WOOD PIGEON. 219

the nest. Fair as such scenes outwardly appear, their character
changes as one wanders into their pathless recesses, imperfectly
lit as they are by the straggling gleams which here and there reach
half-way down the trees. Yet in the gloomiest woods I do not
know a more pleasing or less wearisome sound of long continu-
ance than that in which

" Deep toned

The cushat plains ; nor is her changeless plaint
Unmusical, when with the general quire
Of woodland harmony it softly blends." — GRAHAME.

Tannahill, in his fine song " Thou bonny wood o' Craigielea,"
also associates the sound with the music of other bird voices : —

" Far ben thy dark green planting's shade,
The cushat croodles am'rously.
The mavis down thy bughted glade
Gars echo ring frae every tree."

Throughout western Scotland the Ring Dove is best known by
the name of Cushat — a name which appears to be used by
most poets and song writers, who introduce the bird into
many of their sketches of woodland scenery. In less poetical
districts, where perhaps fewer bird lines have been penned, its
presence is recognised by names unknown, at least to the bards
from whom I have quoted. Last summer, under the guidance of
a Wigtownshire farmer, I visited a vitrified fort in that county,
situated on an extensive moor about ten miles inland from the
village of Portwilliam; and while standing on this mound, over-
looking a large tract of country, I remarked several flights of
wood-pigeons, and drew the attention of my companion to the fact
of their ravages in other parts of Scotland having led to the
establishment of clubs for their extirpation. " Wood-pigeons," I
added, " should be kept down, they are so destructive." " Very
true," rejoined my friend, " but that's not the name we gi'e the
bird here." "And what name do you give it1?" I inquired.
" Oh," said he, apparently unconscious of any parody, " we just
ca' them Timmer doos /"

OBS. — THE STOCK DOVE (Columba cenas) is catalogued by the
late Mr Sinclair, surgeon, Wick, as a very rare species in Caithness,
but no date or locality is given. I include it here, however, as the
list (already often referred to) has been reproduced in the proceed-
ings of the Royal Physical Society of Edinburgh, with remarks by

220 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

Messrs R. J. Shearer and H. Osborne, whose observations of late
years have contributed some valuable information regarding the
birds of that county.

This species has also occurred once in Orkney — a specimen
having been shot at Deerness on 12th October, 1861, as I have
been obligingly informed by Mr W. Reid, of Pulteneytown, Wick,
who had an opportunity of seeing the bird.

THE ROCK DOVE.

COLUMBA LI VI A.
Caluman fiadhaich.

THE gentle yet timid Rock Dove is a very abundant species over
the whole of the coast line of the West of Scotland, and is nowhere
more common than in both groups of islands whose rocky shores
are pierced by numerous caverns, many of which are seldom or
never visited by man. It is likewise found in the gloomy caves of
the Haskar rocks, where large flocks are yearly accumulating.
These flocks come daily to the Long Island to feed, and may be
seen on the flat cultivated lands of Benbecula, North and South
Uist, and Barra. It is probable that the St. Kilda birds also make
daily flights to distant places in search of a living, as the scanty
subsistence to be found on that desert isle could hardly support
them. In these outlying districts parti-coloured birds are almost
never observed; but on the mainland, especially in the neighbour-
hood of cultivated lands and farm houses, the breed is not so pure.
I have observed the same fact to prevail at the haunts of the Rock
Dove in the east of Scotland, where the bird appears to be even
less decided in its markings, although equally wild in its habits.
This circumstance is greatly in favour of the opinion that our
domestic pigeons, especially those unfed birds living in large
dove-cots, have sprung from the Rock Dove. All the caves of
Ayrshire and Berwickshire appear to be frequented by a mixed
breed; and even in Argyleshire, and some of the wilder parts of
the coast, extending as far as the mainland opposite Skye, the
usual pigeon haunts are similarly occupied.

On the moist pastures of the western side of the Long Island,
especially on South Uist and Benbecula, I have often observed
large flocks alighting in the centre of a field or common, and

ROCK DOVE. 221

diligently clearing the ground of small shells, such as Helix eri-
cetorum, a species which is found in some places in extraordinary
abundance. I have always found them very wary when approached
on these open pastures — a timidity which is, no doubt, owing to
the frequency with which the flocks are fired at ; — the Rock Dove,
when viewed as an article of food, being one of the most valuable
birds frequenting the Outer Hebrides.

The following interesting notes on this bird were sent to me
many years ago, by my friend Mr Graham, who was then resident
in the island of lona : — " The granite cliffs in the south of Mull, the
basaltic crags of Staffa, and lofty precipices of trap rock upon the
adjacent islands, are all perforated by innumerable caverns of every
imaginable size and shape ; from the well-known majestic hall of
Fingal, resounding with the sullen booming of ever-rolling waves,
down to the fairy little grotto whose cool white shell-sand is scarce
dimpled by the sparking ripples of the sheltered sea.* Some of
these caves are grand, and of lofty dimensions, with no floor but
the deep blue water which heaves to and fro through their huge
frowning portals; others are romantic and picturesque, their rocks
covered with many coloured lichens, and their dark apertures
fringed with shaggy heather and ivy, amongst which is browsing
a wild mountain goat, with huge horns and beard. But many more
of these caverns are horribly gloomy and forbidding — deep black
dens extending far beyond the reach of the light of day, stretching
into the very bowels of the adamantine cliff; the air smells
dank and foul, and the walls are dripping with unwholesome
slime. Such caves generally have legends attached to them, —
of fugitive clansmen hiding from the pursuit of the avenger
of blood, of wholesale deeds of murder, or of wild scenes of
diablerie; and the names of the Cave of Death, the Pit of
Slaughter, and the Hobgoblin's Den, are often met with, showing
their grim character. These haunts of bygone murderers,
smugglers, and outlaws, are now only tenanted by doves, the
emblem of innocence. They may be seen perpetually flitting in
and out, some parties going off to feed, others returning to rest; a
few birds sitting about the entrance, pluming themselves in the

* Mr Struthers informs me that he has noticed that this bird is partial to the
caves on the line of raised beaches throughout the coasts of the Inner Hebrides
— Islay, Jura, etc., where he has had many opportunities of making careful
observations.

222 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

sunshine, or quietly dozing upon a sheltered ledge of rock. Upon
a nearer approach the cooing of the old birds may be heard,
together with the querulous peep-peeping of the young demanding
food, and the occasional stir of wings; but, upon any alarm being
given, the voices are immediately silenced, the clang and whirr of
wings reverberate from the profundity of the cave, and out pours
a long stream of snowy bosoms and silver wings, which swiftly
skim along the surface of the sea and disappear round the next
headland. In lona alone (though but a small island) we have as
many as nine or ten caves frequented by pigeons, and in nearly
every island of the Hebrides there is sure to be one cave called
par excellence — ' Ua' Caloman' — the pigeon cave.

"The Rock Dove's nest is made up of small sticks or heather, or
dried sea-weed, and is lined with dried grass: the situation selected
is any little ledge or cleft within the sheltering bosom of a rocky
cavern. The eggs are two in number, generally producing male
and female birds. The time for commencing their nestling seems
rather variable. This year I found some young ones already
hatched on the 2nd of April, while other pairs were only making
their nests. They have several broods in the year, and their eggs
may be found unhatched as late as September.

" These birds are easiest shot while feeding abroad in the fields;
at the caves a shout will cause them to fly out, but with such sud-
denness and swiftness, that it requires something of a Battersea
pigeon shooter's knack to succeed in hitting them quick enough;
an indifferent shot (after knocking over one or two which may
be incautiously napping upon the outer ledges), had better conceal
himself either in the cave, or in a good position above it; in a
short time a bird is sure to come darting swiftly for its accustomed
haunts, but upon catching a glimpse of a lurking foe he stops his
rapid career, flutters his pinions for a moment, uncertain what to
do; that momentary indecision is fatal — down he falls, while a
roar of a volcano bellows along the vaulted roof, and the cave is
filled with wreaths of sulphureous smoke."

TURTLE DOVE — PASSENGER PIGEON. 223

THE TURTLE DOVE.
COLUMBA TURTUR.

ALTHOUGH the Turtle Dove has been found in most of the counties
in Scotland, it can only be ranked as a straggler. All the speci-
mens that have come under my own observation have been pro-
cured in autumn or spring. It has occurred, perhaps, more
numerously in Wigtownshire than elsewhere on the west side : it
has likewise been met with in Ayrshire* and Dumbartonshire.
In the Hebrides, specimens have been shot in Islay and Skye,
but in the outer islands, as might be expected, none have yet
turned up. A specimen of an allied species — Turtur Egyptiacus —
evidently an escaped bird, was caught in an exhausted state at
Scolpeg, North Uist, on 20th October, 1866, as I have been in-
formed by Mr John M'Donald, Newton.

Dr Saxby mentions three instances of the occurrence of the
Turtle Dove in Shetland; and in addition to the specimen recorded
in their work, a note in manuscript by Messrs Baikie and Heddle
states that one was got on Holm, in Orkney, in 1850.

On the east and north of Scotland, I have myself seen this
bird in a wild state in East Lothian, Aberdeenshire, Banffshire,
and Moray shire.

THE PASSENGER PIGEON.
ECTOPISTES MIGRATORIUS.

THE late Dr Fleming mentions in his 'History of British Animals/
that a specimen of this bird was shot at Monymeal, in Fifeshire,
on 31st December, 1825, and that the specimen was in his posses-
sion. It showed no traces of having been in confinement.

In Yarrell's work it is stated that a second British specimen was
obtained in Hertfordshire in July, 1844, and another seen near
Tring in the same county by the Rev. Mr Williams. Besides
these examples, I learned last year (1869) that another had been
shot in Berwickshire by the late Earl of Haddington, regarding

* When visiting the town of Kilmarnock in October, 1870, Mr Eaton, bird-
stuffer there, showed me an Ayrshire specimen, and informed me that almost
every season Turtle Doves, shot in the county, are sent to him for preservation.

224 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

which the present Earl informs me that a short time previously a
gentleman in that county had turned out several pigeons of this
species, so that it is more than likely the specimen in question
was one of the birds which had been set at liberty. It is some-
what remarkable, however, as Lord Haddington observes, that
none of the others were again seen or heard of in the district.

A most graphic account of the habits of this beautiful pigeon is
given by Audubon in the first volume of his " Ornithological
Biography," (pages 319 to 326). This author states that in March,
1830, he bought about 350 of these birds in the New York market
at four cents a piece, and carried the most of them alive to England,
where they were distributed amongst several noblemen. Bearing
this fact in mind, it is indeed strange that no other so-called
British example of the species has come under the notice of
ornithologists.

RA SORES. PHA SI A NID^E.

THE COMMON PHEASANT.
PHASIANUS COLCHICVS.

Is very commonly distributed throughout the western counties,
extending from Sutherland to the shores of Wigtown. I have been
informed by Mr Elwes that it is now naturalized in some of the
higher grounds of Ross-shire.

In the neighbourhood of Loch Lomond, it may occasionally be
noticed on the mountain sides, at a considerable elevation, some-
times as far up as 1200 feet. In Shemore glen, I have seen male
birds rise from the heath among the rocks, and wheeling round,
direct their flight down the valley with extraordinary speed.
Very different indeed is the flight of these strong winged natives
of the glen from that of over-fed birds in wooded preserves ; and
as one bird after another shoots past high in the air, one can hardly
resist the impression that, if left to its own selection, the Pheasant
would adapt itself wonderfully to the drawbacks of its adopted
country. Mr Elwes informs me that he has frequently seen
pheasants in Islay get up in the most unlikely places, such as an
open moor, miles away from any covert or corn-field, and sometimes
in a wet bog, where one would be more likely to find a snipe. On
that island, where it was introduced about thirty years ago by Mr

COMMON PHEASANT. 225

Campbell, the Pheasant is now not uncommon, and appears to be
on the increase. In the Outer Hebrides it has likewise been in-
troduced into Lewis by Sir James Mathesou, who has obligingly
informed me that, since its introduction twelve or fifteen years
ago, it has become fairly established, although it has not increased
to the extent that might have been expected in a more favourable
locality. " The deep drains in the peat moss," writes Sir James,
" are supposed to be the cause of the death of the young chicks by
their falling into them. For some years at first there was a want
of cover for pheasants, but they are now better off in this respect,
and are increasing gradually. Some of the first brood wandered
about sixteen miles to the west side of the island, it is supposed,
in quest of cover."

In some parts of Ayrshire and Argyleshire, especially on the
lands of Skipness in the latter county, a breed of Pheasants has
been established, and is now often met with — namely, a cross
between Diard's Pheasant (P. versicolor) and the common species.
It is many years since it was first introduced into the last-men-
tioned district at considerable expense, but it appears now to have
become tolerably common, judging from the fact that it is occa-
sionally sent with other game to the poulterers' shops.

In June of the present year (1869), through the kindness of
John Fleming, Esq. of London, I had the great pleasure of seeing
several beautiful birds of this breed in a state of liberty on the
estate of Kilkerran, Ayrshire. Mr Fleming has obligingly in-
formed me that his keeper has at present upwards of forty young
birds of this handsome variety under his care, for the purpose of
being turned out in the preserves as soon as they are able to shift
for themselves. I have also the gratification of being able to state
that Mr Fleming has succeeded in obtaining another cross between
the common species and Reeves' Pheasant (P. Reevesii) and will
probably have from ten to a dozen pairs this season, the produce of
five male birds of the last mentioned species imported by himself
direct from China. Mr Fleming very kindly afforded me an
opportunity, a few weeks ago, of seeing these superb birds in his
pheasantry. Besides the growing shrubs and trees, the ground is
partially covered with bundles of withered fir branches, so as to
provide both shade and concealment for the birds. When lying
crouched among these dried sticks, the Pheasants were almost
invisible, but the moment they were approached by the keeper,

226 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

the startled creatures — covered with golden stars — wildly flew out
from their hiding place, uttering their sharp and anxious cry, and
betraying a restless activity which showed off their spangled
feathers to great advantage. It is to be hoped that the cross-breed
may turn out to be handsome birds. The chicks which I saw in
June were almost pure white, indicating a closer resemblance to
the male than to the female parent. Mr Fleming informs me that
it is his intention, after a time, to turn out these birds also, so
that Ayrshire may shortly have the distinguished credit of intro-
ducing an entirely new breed into our Scottish preserves.

One or two pairs of the true Phasianus versicolor lately escaped
from the pheasantry at Kilkerran, and are at present in a perfectly
thriving condition, frequenting a particular cover, and keeping for
the most part by themselves. Mr Fleming pointed out to me a
cock and hen bird during a recent visit to that place. The cry of
this species is much shriller than that of the common bird.

There is a very handsome breed of ring-necked Pheasants on
part of Sir James Colquhoun's estates on the banks of Loch Lomond:
they are small and beautifully-shaped birds, and very active both
when running and on the wing.

Although the Pheasant has been an inhabitant of the British
islands for the last six hundred years, it does not appear to have
been in early times the same precious subject for preservation as
it is at the present day. In the reign of Edward I. it was sold at
eightpence a brace. The first mention of the Pheasant in old
Scots Acts is in one dated 8th June, 1594, in which year a keen
sportsman occupied the Scottish throne. He might almost have
been called " James the protector" of all kinds of game. In the
aforesaid year he " ordained that quhatsumever person or persones
at ony time hereafter sail happen to slay deir, harts, phesants,
foulls, partricks, or uther wyld foule quhatsumever, ather with
gun, croce bow, dogges, halkes, or girnes, or be uther ingine quhat-
sumever, or that beis found schutting with ony gun therein," etc.,
etc., shall pay the usual " hundreth punds," etc.

It is certainly to be regretted that this bird and the partridge
should be associated with so much law-breaking and bloodshed.
Being in great request as delicacies for the table, they have always
been coveted by the lawless poacher, who is never at a loss to find
a market for his plunder. In this respect, however, the present
generation of sportsmen has, perhaps, less to complain of than the

THE CAPERCAILLTE. 227

game preservers of old. King James the First, whose " Acts"
appear to have been but indifferently respected during his reign in
Scotland, found himself in no better plight when he tried to
govern his poaching subjects in the South, and thus states his
own particular grievance to the Lords and Commons of Parlia-
ment, at Whitehall, in 1609:—

"Now as to the last point concerning matters of Pleasure, it
consists in the presenting of Game, which is now almost utterly
destroyed through all the kingdom. And if you offer not now a
better Law for this than was made in the last Session of Parliament,
I will neuer thanke you for it. But I pray you, how can the Game
be maintained, if Gentlemen that have great Lordships shall breed
and preserue them there, and so soone as euer they shall but flie
ouer the hedge, and light in a poore fellowe's close, they shall be
all destroyed1? Surely I know no remedie for preseruing the Game
that breedes in my grounds, except I cast a roofe ouer all the
ground, or else put veruels to the Partridges feet, with my Armes
upon them as my Hawkes haue; otherwise I know not how they
shall be knowen to be the King's Partridges, when they light in a
Farmour's Close." After some further remarks on the " Stealing
of Deer," he then proceeds : — " I know you thinke that I speak
partially in this case like a Hunter; but there is neuer a one of
you that heares me, that cares the least for the sport for preserua-
tion of the Game, but he would be as glad to haue a pastie of
Venison if you might get it as the best Hunter would?"

This appeal, temptingly enough put by his Majesty, did not,
however, avert the fate of the next species — another of the royal
favourites that ultimately extinguished itself in some "poore fel-
lowe's close."

THE CAPERCAILLIE.

TETRAO UROGALLUS.

Cabar Coille.

PERTHSHIRE and Forfarshire are at present the stronghold in
Britain of this fine game bird. In these counties it breeds ex-
tensively, and has become so firmly established that proprietors
of the forests in which it is found do not now object to its falling
to the sportsman's gun. In some places, indeed, it has been

228 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

thought prudent to thin the Capercaillies where they have become
numerous. Mr Geike, factor to the Earl of Airlie, lately informed
me that he has seen as many as fifteen brace killed in a day by
one shooting party. These birds are also abundant on the estate
of the Earl of Breadalbane, where of late years they have increased
to a great extent. Stray birds are often seen in the counties
adjacent to the two just mentioned. Numbers are sent to the
Glasgow poulterers, but from the rankness of their flesh they are
not much esteemed for the table — a quality which in these
degenerate poaching days must materially lessen the chances of
their destruction.

Mr Elwes, whose interesting notes are now before me, remarks
that as they are not included in the game laws, and can be shot at
any time of year, it is a favourite plan in some places to reserve
them until January and February, when, with a few roe-deer and
woodcocks, they help to make up a very good day's sport. As
they keep mostly in high Scotch firwoods, and are very wary, it is
necessary to drive them with beaters, and though from their great
size very easy to hit, a hard blow and large shot are necessary to
bring them down. They are said to drive the black game very
much away from the woods they frequent, and in some places are
not much liked on this account.

On consulting some of the older records respecting the occurrence
of this " chieftain of the grouse tribe," I find that as far back as
the early part of the seventeenth century its head-quarters had
been almost where they now are, and that it had spread from this
centre northwards.* In Inverness-shire it had lingered until 1745.

* As an exception to this rule it may be mentioned that the Rev. J. Head-
rick, in his " View of Arran," published in 1807, remarks that the Capercaillie
" formerly abounded" in that island, but seemed then to be extirpated. I have
the satisfaction, however, of stating that the bird has been again introduced
into the island, and is now (1870) observed in considerable numbers. From
this district eggs have been obtained by parties at a distance, and experiments
tried in Dumfriesshire and Wigtown with a view to the re-establishment of the
bird in the firwoods of these counties These experiments have been so far suc-
cessful that several broods have been dispersed throughout the south of Scotland,
but from the want of sufficient cover it is extremely doubtful if the species can
increase in that direction. Indeed, judging from newspaper records, it would
appear that in several instances the birds have wandered from their native
woods, and been destroyed by grouse shooters. In December, 1868, a fine
male, in beautiful plumage, was shot in Lanarkshire by Henry Lees, Esq., on
his moors at Auchengray, near Airdrie ; and in the last week of November, 1869,

THE CAPERCAILLIE. 229

Writing in 1794, the Eev. John Grant says: — "The last seen in
Scotland was in the woods of Strathglass about thirty-two years
ago;" but the bird must then have been but a rare straggler, as is
evident from a note by the minister of Kiltarlity, written about
the same period, in which he says: — "The Caperkaily, or king
of the wood, said to be a species of wild turkey, was formerly a
native of this parish, and bred in the woods of Strathglass; one of
these birds was killed about fifty or sixty years ago in the church-
yard of Kiltarlity," — an ominous haunt, indeed, for the last of his
race. Besides these notices, mention is made of the species in the
statistical account of Urquhart and Glemoriston, and other parishes
— all records agreeing in the fact of the bird being extremely rare
between the years 1745 and 1760, when it apparently became
extinct.

The following is a copy of a letter written in 1617 by the royal
sportsman, mentioned in the account of the preceding species, to
the Earl of Tullibardine, ancestor of the Duke of Athole : —

" James R,

"Eight trustie and right well beloved cosen and
counsellor. We greet you well. Albeit our knowledge of your
dutiful affection to the good of our service and your countrie's
credite, doeth sufficientlie persuade us that you will earnestlie
endeavour yourself to express the same be all meanes in your
power; yet there being some things in that behalf requisite, which
seem, notwithstanding of so meane moment, as in that regaird both
you and others might neglect the same, if our love and care of that,
our native kingdom, made Us not the more to trie their nature and
necessity, and accordingly to give order for preparation of every-
thing that may in any sort import the honour and credite thereof.

two specimens — both females — were killed in Galloway: one in the neighbour-
hood of Newton-Stewart, the other at Auchencairn, Kirkcudbrightshire.

Again, writing from Dunipace, in Stirlingshire, Mr Harvie Brown says:
" You will, I think, be glad to hear that the Capercaillie may now be considered
as fairly established in this part of the country. Last year several birds bred
in Torwood, and are now seen not only by the keepers but also by the gentle-
men who shoot over the covers. They are also not unfrequently seen in the
adjoining cover of Daleswood, both males and females. They are not, of course,
as yet in any numbers, but three or four are often seen together. They have
doubtless spread in this direction from Tullieallan through Dunmore, where a
nest of eggs was found some years ago, though not hatched on account of an
accident."

230 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

Which consideration, and the known commoditie yee have to provide,
capercaillies and termigantis, have moved Us very earnestly to
request you to employ both your oune paines and the travelles
of your friendis, for provision of each kind of the saidis foules, to
be now and then sent to Us be way of present, be means of Our
deputy thesaurer, and so as the first sent thereof, may meet us
on the 19th of April at Durham, and the rest as we shall happen
to meet and rancounter them in other places on our way from
thence to Berwick. The raritie of these foules will both make
their estimation the more pretious and confirm the good opinion
conceaved of the good cheare to be had there. For which respectis,
not doubting but that yee will so much the more earnestlie en-
deavour yourself to give Us good satisfaction anent the premises,
as yee will do Us acceptable service, we bid you farewell. At
Whitehall, the 14th Marche, 1617."

From this letter it would appear that the capercaillie had been
one of the delicacies of the royal table during the reign of James
in Scotland; and it is amusing to observe the somewhat impatient
directions given to have birds forwarded to Durham to meet him
there on a certain day, and others as he should " happen to ran-
counter them " in his route northwards. Modern taste would
hardly seem to confirm the good opinion " conceaved " by his
Majesty of these birds, but their "raritie" was perhaps more
esteemed than the flavour of their flesh. The species, as we have
seen, probably continued scarce for another century, and finally
disappeared about the year 1758.

It is not quite so certain that " termigantis " have ever been in
danger of extinction.

THE BLACK GROUSE.

TETRAO TETRIX.
Colleach dubh (mas.) Liath-cheare (fwm.)

THIS fine game bird is common on all the mountain ranges, hilly
districts, and patches of upland heath, extending from the north of
Sutherlandshire to the Mull of Galloway. It is likewise found
plentifully on many of the Inner Hebrides. On Mull it is much
commoner than the red grouse, as I have been informed by Mr
Graham; and on Islay, according to Mr Elwes, it is increasing

BLACK GROUSE. 231

rapidly in the north part of the island, although that portion of it
is bare of cover. In autumn, it regularly frequents the stubble-
fields there, morning and evening, to feed. I have observed the
same habit of the species on the Loch Lomond range of hills, where
it is very abundant. In this district the birds are found from a
moderate elevation to the summit of the hills on the west side;
but, in the breeding season, the females appear to come nearer
the glens, especially those fringed with birch trees, at the root of
which the nests are often placed.

Being anxious to know whether black game could be obtained
within sight of so large a city as Glasgow, I applied to Mr G.
Shirlaw of Motherwell, who has kindly sent me the following
note : — " The moorland that I sometimes take a shot over, is in
the upper part of the parish of Carluke, from which, in a clear day,
St. Rollox is distinctly visible. Black game are scarcer than red
grouse, which are plentiful; the former breed sometimes well out
in the moors on suitable feeding ground, such as the margin of a
water course, where there is plenty of bent grass and rushes; but,
for the most part, you find them on half cultivated ground on the
outskirts of the moor, and the more readily if there should be a
scraggy plantation, high beech and birch hedges, and a meadow
close by."

In connection with the food of this species, a curious fact is
mentioned by Dr John Walker, at one time professor of natural
history in the University of Edinburgh, in his work entitled, " An
Economical History of the Hebrides," etc. In vol. i., page 337,
the following note occurs : — " The stomach of the Tetrao tetrix Linn,
or black cock, after the bird had lived in woods during winter,
was several times found stuffed with the foliage of the Polypodium
vulgare Linn, or common polypody. This is the only certain
instance that has occurred of any animal living upon a plant of the
fern kind in this country."

It is certainly a strange feature in the history of this species that
it refuses to become naturalized in Ireland. Repeated attempts
have been made to introduce it into that country, but all have
signally failed. This singular fact is all the more to be wondered
at when it is borne in mind that the bird has become of late years
tolerably common in the south-west of Scotland. It wanders to
the very verge of the rocky headlands, Burrow Head and the Mull
of Galloway, and even to the heights above Portpatrick, whence

232 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

it can, by lifting its head above the heather, see the Irish coast,
clear and well defined; — but there it stops.

Dr Dewar informs me that while on Ailsa Craig in the summer
of 1867 one of the cragsmen found an egg of the black grouse in
the nest of a lesser black-backed gull near the summit of the
island: it bore evidence of having been carried thither by the
vagrant owner of the nest — the colouring matter having been
rubbed off the one end, which had apparently been in the gull's
mouth.

A nest of this species, containing sixteen eggs, was found in the
summer of 1868 on the moors at Daldowie, in Ayrshire; on being
visited some time afterwards it was found that two hen birds had
divided the number, and were then sitting on eight eggs a-piece
within a foot of each other.

The grey hen, as in the case of the hen pheasant, frequently
assumes the plumage of the male. Two examples occurred within
my observation in November, 1868: one from Argyleshire, belonging
to Mr J. Gilmour, had the head and neck exactly like those of a grey
hen — the rest of the plumage resembling that of a young male, and
the lateral tail feathers showing a tendency to curve outwards;
the other from Ayrshire, a remarkably glossy and beautiful bird,
was wholly dark in colour, the tips of most of the feathers being
adorned with clear reddish brown pencilling^, giving the specimen
a most attractive appearance. Both were exhibited at a meeting
of the Natural History Society of Glasgow.

THE RED GROUSE.

LAGOPUS SCOT1CUS.
Coileach ruagh (mas.), Cearc-fhraoich (fcem.)

THE jealous care with which this beautiful bird is protected
appears of late years to have materially affected the well-being of
the species. The present work is hardly suited for discussing the
influences now at work and threatening to lessen, if not wholly
destroy, one of the most popular of sporting pursuits ; yet I cannot
withhold expressing a fear that the Red Grouse of Scotland, if not
soon left to its own resources, may ultimately become a victim to
over protection. The great changes that have taken place within
the last thirty years in the management of moorland tracts, and

RED GROUSE. 233

the excessive rents now derived from such properties, have induced
both land-owners and lessees to clear the ground of all kinds of
animals that would naturally prey upon those birds which are not
strong enough to protect themselves; hence, sickly broods of
grouse perpetuate other broods that year by year degenerate until
disease ensues, and in some instances almost depopulates an
entire district. There can be no doubt that this unwarrant-
able destruction of hawks and buzzards affects adversely the
condition of the birds with which our Scottish mountains are
stocked — the number of wounded birds alone which survive
the unprecedented annual slaughter, through which the Eed
Grouse is now obliged to pass, being an argument sufficient to
shew that such merciful agents are wanted to prevent the spread
of enfeebled life. It is a somewhat significant fact that even
healthy-looking grouse, or at least birds shewing no outward
signs of disease, are much infested with tapeworms — a condition
which is not local, but wide spread, as I have proved by examining
specimens from moors remote from each other. Professor J.
Young, M.D., of Glasgow University, having made similar obser-
vations, informs me that he believes the so-called grouse disease
does not in any way depend on the presence of these Entozoa, but
that the mortality which has of late years caused so much alarm
among sportsmen, is in fact due to malnutrition, " to a cachectic
state transmitted from parent to offspring, and predisposing the
young to suffer from influences such as severity of seasons or
temporary scarcity of food, which, under other circumstances, they
would have resisted successfully."* In other sections of the animal
kingdom epidemics similar to that affecting grouse have been
noticed, and so far as my own observations have enabled me to
judge, I am disposed to regard these periodical outbreaks of
disease as more or less associated with a derangement of Nature's
laws. In almost every case where undue protection is given to
certain animals by the rigorous destruction of others, man's inter-
ference is followed sooner or later by evils of a graver nature than
those which the protective measures were intended to cure ; and
until some more rational plan is tried for the restoration of the
Red Grouse to its original vigour, no one can say what may be the

* See Proceedings of the Natural History Society of Glasgow, Vol. I., Part
I., p. 225 (1868), which contains a short abstract of a paper by Dr Young, on
"Certain Aspects of the Grouse Disease."

234 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

final issue of the somewhat anomalous position in which, as a
species, the bird is now unfortunately placed.

Throughout Western Scotland the Red Grouse is widely dis-
tributed, being found on all our moors ranging from the base of
the highest mountain peaks, down to the patches of heath that
skirt the salt water lochs of the Outer Hebrides. It is found in
almost the whole of the islands of both the inner and the outer
group, being common in Islay, Mull, Skye, Kum, and Jura, where
the species is said to be increasing. It is also tolerably abundant
in Lewis, Harris, North and South Uist, and Barra. All the birds
I have examined from these wild wastes appeared to be quite free
of disease, but as a rule they may be said to be smaller and lighter
in colour than those from moors on the mainland, especially the
mountain ranges of the north-east of Scotland, which invariably
yield, in good seasons, the largest and most beautifully marked
grouse. In many districts the native grouse partake of the
coloration of the ground in their markings; thus the finest and
darkest birds are those frequenting rich heathy tracts; while on
broken ground of a rocky character, such as may be seen in the
south of Wigtownshire, the grouse are either more or less mottled,
or are altogether lighter in colour, and less in size and weight.*
Accidental varieties likewise occur. I have seen specimens of
grouse that were wholly of a pure buff colour; the last pair of the
kind I examined were shot near Forres, in October, 1867, and
had for some time previously been marked objects on the moor
where they were killed.

I have found the nest of this species at various elevations in
localities where the heather grows in luxuriance, from the shoulder
of the highest hills to the low slopes, almost touching the margin
of some of our sea lochs. I remember finding two nests in the
island of Bute in 1867 — a year of disease and great mortality —
about ten yards from high-water mark; and some of my corres-
pondents sent me similar records from other parts of the country.
The food of the grouse though consisting, as is well known, of
young heather shoots and various alpine plants, is often varied by
farm produce, especially oats — a grain which is frequently sown on
reclaimed patches of land near its haunts. In Wigtownshire, I

* Mr Elwes informs me that in the district of Gairloch, west Ross-shire,
grouse vary very much in the breast markings, and that they never pack
in that part of Scotland, nor become wild except in bad weather.

RED GROUSE. 235

have observed large numbers frequenting even stubble and turnip
fields. On 29th September, 1870, when driving from Glenluce to
Portwilliam, I noticed upwards of thirty grouse perched on a
stone-wall dividing two fields in the immediate neighbourhood of
a moor. This was late in the afternoon, just as the dyke was being
tipped with the warm hues of approaching sunset, and the birds
sat in a line with a curiously regular space between each. None
of them appeared to take notice of the conveyance as it went past,
and, on looking back and keeping the wall steadily in view for
some minutes, I saw eight or ten more birds flying in their direc-
tion; so that, in all likelihood, the assemblage would increase as
the evening advanced. On mentioning the circumstance to a friend
in Portwilliam, I was informed that this habit of settling on stone-
walls is not uncommon in that district ; and that as many as forty
to fifty grouse are frequently seen ranged on such perches.
Poachers, who are aware of the habit, take a raking shot at them
as they sit, and often in this way secure three or four brace at a
single discharge.

Although I have spent many solitary hours on the mountain side
watching the varied phases of bird life, I feel that it is impossible
in words to convey to others an idea of the impressions to be de-
rived from repeated communings with nature in the secluded
haunts of the gorcock or ptarmigan. Those who have been much
on the green wastes of heath that clothe our " Scottish Alps," will, I
daresay, prefer their own recollection of sights and sounds to any-
thing I might attempt to picture ; and any of my readers who have
not yet traversed these trackless solitudes, will find a vivid descrip-
tion of a naturalist's night walk in the History of British Birds by
the late Professor Macgillivray, where the perils and pleasures of the
bird student are gratefully portrayed. Every line of the author's
sketch must have been penned when fresh from his lair of heath.

The true ornithologist, whose rambles extend at times far beyond
the mountain home of the Eed Grouse, looks upon this bird with
a peculiar interest. Its history, as we have seen, has now become
invested with so many unusual features that it may fairly be ques-
tioned whether the species is destined to a much longer existence
than it has already enjoyed. Those who have visited its haunts
at all seasons of the year, will better understand its loss than the
mere sportsman, whose acquaintance with it has begun and ended
on the moors during the months devoted to its destruction. It is

236 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

not impossible, therefore, that while treading the brown tracts of
deserted heath in after years, the naturalist may be forced to recal,
with a melancholy interest, the lively challenge of this feathered
highlander as he startled the very hills with his sudden flight, and
lament that he cannot now stand —

"And mark

O'er many a farm house, many a ranked stook,
Our pastoral country's upland barrier dark,
Where flocks graze numerous, and the sheep dogs bark ;
Along yon moorland brown with heather bells,
There swarm the honey-bees and sings the lark ;
While grouse, which summer saw burst from their shells,
Rough-footed run o'er knowes where moss-bees build their cells."

— MAID OP ELVAR.

THE PTARMIGAN.

L AGO PUS VULGARIS.
Tarmachan.

AN abundant species on all the higher mountains of Scotland ex-
tending to the Outer Hebrides, but becoming less frequent and
somewhat local as we trace it westwards, especially on the Long
Island, where it is wholly confined to the rocky peaks of Harris
and Lewis. Sir James Matheson has informed me that on some
parts of his estate in Lewis, small flocks are found on the summit
of the highest hills, but that the bird can only be regarded as a
scarce species there. He has, however, issued orders for their pro-
tection, being anxious to see their numbers increase.

In Headrick's time, it was met with " on the granite mountains
of Arran,"* and is still a native of Goatfell and Ben Noush, but in
reduced numbers. Three years ago, Mr Halliday, the Duke of
Hamilton's gamekeeper, procured a number from Inverness-shire,
in order to strengthen the breed; but it appears doubtful if the
mountains of Arran are sufficiently attractive for the future increase
or well-being of the species. It would be impossible, I daresay, to
imagine a more extraordinary or awe-inspiring scene than that
presented to the adventurous climber on gaining the summit of
either of these stupendous mountains. Well did my late friend,

* See "View of Arran," etc., by the Rev. James Headrick, Edinburgh, 1807,
p. 327.

THE PTARMIGAN, 237

the lamented Dr Landsborough, describe this wild and savage
tract as a

" Vast scene of utter solitude." *

I have been on many mountain ranges, but those of Arran have
certainly left with me deeper impressions than all the rest combined.

" In vain you look for hamlet's humble walls ;
For curling smoke from peaceful cottage roof ;
For slightest trace of slightest change produced
On nature's features by the hand of man.
All, all is still ; save when the savage scream
Of eagle echoes through the lonely sky.
Where, like dark speck, immovable she hangs
In the blue vault ; or when an aged deer —
Sole remnant of the herd — bounds nimbly by,
And turns with look of wonder and reproach
To gaze on the intruder." f

The Ptarmigan is perhaps nowhere more numerous in Scotland
that in Ross-shire. On the higher ranges of Ben Wyvis — a region
of perpetual snow — it is often obtained in considerable numbers
by sportsmen during their autumn excursions. I have been in-
formed by Mr Walter Arras, Fodderty, near Dingwall, that in the
course of a day's shooting on Ben Wyvis he has seen ten brace
shot; and that, in September, 1868, one shooting party had about
fourteen brace within eight days. Mr Elwes writes that on the
western mountains of the same county it is " very abundant — so
much so, indeed, that Lord Hill's son killed over 100 brace to his
own gun in two days in the autumn of 1866."

Writing in May, 1869, Mr Harvie Brown informs me that the
Ptarmigan is still a very common species on the mountains of
Sutherlandshire, and thus describes his search for the nest of the
bird : "Friday, May 2 1 . To-day R. and I, along with the minister's
shepherd, went up to the ' region of stones ' on the top of Ben
Harran in the glebe, and searched diligently for a Ptarmigan's

* Nor are the glens less solemn or impressive. An artist friend lately told
me that, on one occasion while sketching in one of the most retired " bits " of
Glen Sannox, he was almost appalled by the intense gloom pervading the scene.
Overhead the leaden thunder cloud revealed a small break, through which there
came a struggling gleam of light penetrating, but not diffusing itself, into the
dark ravine. " One glance," said my friend, " was more than enough, and I was
glad to shut up my portfolio and run."

t Arran. A poem, by the Rev. David Landsborough.

238 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

nest. We put up plenty of cock birds ; but for a long time failed
in finding the nest. At last, well on in the day, and just as we
were thinking of returning to the inn, a hen bird rose off her nest
about ten yards in front of us. It contained nine very light-col-
oured eggs ; the nest was a deepish cup, scraped, or chosen, in the
turf, on the flat top of a rocky slope, and sparingly lined with
slender grasses and a few feathers."

Mr Elwes has stated to me that out of nineteen Ptarmigan shot in
the district of Gairloch, in the west of Eoss-shire, " some were very
backward in their winter plumage, and had scarcely a white feather
in their backs." The assumption of the full winter dress appears
in a great measure to depend on the state of the season, and the
same remark applies to that of the spring and autumn.

PALLAS'S SAND GROUSE.

SYRRHAPTES PARADOXUS.

EARLY in the summer of 1863, Scotland shared with other parts
of Britain in the extraordinary irruption of this very interesting
bird which then took place. Its first occurrence north of the
Tweed, of which I have any record, was obligingly communicated
to me by my friend Mr Harvie Brown, who examined three
specimens killed in Stirlingshire on the 13th May of that year;
and the latest instances of its capture, which were from the Outer
Hebrides and the Shetland islands in the month of October follow-
ing, shew that during the five months it remained with us, it had
gradually retreated to, or what is more likely, been driven in its
wild and excited flight upon less frequented tracts in a vain effort
to find that rest which was denied to it on the mainland.

The following records, noted at the time, are all I have been able
to glean respecting the appearance of the bird in Scotland. Very
many more specimens. were no doubt obtained and probably lost
through ignorance of the species; consequently the importance of
its occurrence has been in a great measure lost sight of.

1863, May 13th. Three specimens were shot in Stirlingshire —
two of them males, the sex of the other unknown. One of these
birds is in Mr Harvie Brown's collection, another in the possession
of Dr Brotherston of Alloa, and the third in the Alloa Museum.
The three were killed about a mile and a half east of Stirling.

PALLAS'S SAND GROUSE. 239

May 28th. A flock of fifteen seen near Stonehaven : two were
shot, and sent for preservation to the curator of the Aberdeen
Museum.

May 31st. One, an adult male, killed in Perthshire, and for-
warded to a game dealer in Derby. This specimen is now in the
Derby Museum.

One specimen, which I have seen, was killed near Elgin, and is
now in a private collection there.

June 6th. One specimen killed near Dornoch in Sutherlandshire,
and preserved by Mr M'Leay, bird-stuffer, Inverness.

June 8th. A flock of ten or twelve seen on the farm of Wester-
seat, near Wick : one of these birds was shot while the flock fed
among the young braird of oats, and was afterwards placed in the
collection of the late Mr E. S. Sinclair of Wick.

June 10th. Mr Alex. Henderson informs me that a specimen
was pursued by a peregrine falcon on the Dunbar Links, East
Lothian, and captured by a fisherman from his boat in the creek
at the vaults.

Seven or eight were shot in Forfarshire : one of these — a female,
killed on Montrose Links — is now in the Montrose Museum, a
second in the possession of Dr Howden, Sunnyside Asylum, and
a third in the hands of Dr Johnstone, Montrose. For these
particulars I am indebted to Mr Don, of Brechin, but I have not
been able to learn the fate of the other specimens.

July 1 Oth. A second Sutherlandshire specimen shot at Ulbster,
in Caithness, by Captain Bentley Innes.

I am indebted to the Earl of Haddington for the following notes
on the species from Haddingtonshire : — "A flock of about twenty
was seen in June on the shore near Seacliffe, and one was shot.
Others may have been killed in East Lothian, but this is the only
one that I heard of. In July, 1865, I was told by Mr Small that
a specimen had been caught alive near Paisley. He procured this
bird for me immediately, and as they are so rarely met with, a few
remarks on him may interest you. I made for him a small wire
netting enclosure in the garden, with a miniature shed in one
corner, but of this he would never avail himself in the heaviest
rain. Part of the enclosure was thickly covered each day with dry
sand, and his great delight was to bask and roll in this on a sunny
day. He would sometimes lie on his side with one leg extended
in full enjoyment of the heat — a position in which you may have

240 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

seen chickens in a hot day. I tried him with all sorts of seeds,
but though he liked rape, hemp, and canary seed, there was nothing
he was so fond of as chickweed. I was so much absent from home
that we never became great friends, but he was quite attached to
the gardener, and on seeing him would utter three or four peculiar
chirps, running to meet him with his wings touching the ground
like a turkey cock, and his tail spread almost in the form of that
of a fantail pigeon. He would eat from his hand, and was very
partial to a bit of dry bread. On seeing a stranger he would give
a grunt, or if much frightened a squeak, and run with wonderful
rapidity to the further corner of his enclosure. 1 kept him for
about eighteen months; at last a young dog frightened him, and
on flying up, a projecting point of the wire netting entered his
skull, killing him instantaneously."

October 1 3th. One — a solitary specimen — was shot on the island
of Benbecula, Outer Hebrides, by C. W. M'Rury, Esq., surgeon,
and is now in the collection of Dr Dewar of Glasgow ; and finally
Dr Saxby writes, that in the same month several appeared in Unst,
Shetland, with a steady breeze from the south-east, and that he
succeeded in shooting one — a female, in perfect plumage.

Professor Reinhardt found this bird breeding on the west coast
of Denmark, and communicated some interesting notes to Professor
Newton of Cambridge, a portion of which is given by Mr Stevenson
in his 'Birds of Norfolk' — a work in which the reader will find a
very full account of the local captures, besides other valuable
information on the species. Forty years ago, according to Sir
William Jardine, Delanoue " found the nest of the female among
some stones, collected under a shrub, containing four eggs of a
reddish white, spotted with brown. The nest was perfectly simple,
constructed with only a few stalks of grass, and the female exhibited
the utmost solicitude for her precious deposit."*

* Nat. Lib. Orn., vol. iv., Game Birds. Edinburgh, 1834.

COMMON PARTRIDGE. 241

THE COMMON PARTRIDGE.

PERDIX CINE RE A.
Coleach tomain (mas.) Cearc-thomain.

THIS well-known game bird is plentiful throughout all the culti-
vated tracts of Scotland extending from the Mull of Galloway, —
where several broods are found annually on a patch of enclosed
ground belonging to the Lighthouse Commissioners and overlook-
ing the highest cliffs, — to Cape Wrath. On the mainland, it seems
to have followed naturally upon the reclamation of waste land
and the introduction of husbandry; but it does not appear to have
ventured beyond the circle of the Inner Hebrides, where it is pro-
bably confined to three islands, viz., Islay, Mull, and Skye. In
Buchanan's "Travels in the Western Hebrides" (1795), I find it
stated that partridges were introduced into Harris by Mackenzie
of Seaforth, about 80 years ago ; and also into Lewis, where I have
been informed they have since been re-introduced more than once,
but without good results. They do not thrive in these remote
islands, and are now said to be extinct, though there are numerous
corn and turnip fields at the present day to afford them both feed-
ing and shelter.

Regarding the distribution of the Partridge on the western main-
land, I am indebted to various correspondents for recent observa-
tions. Mr Harvie Brown writes that "it is very scarce in the
west of Sutherlandshire, though a few coveys may be seen near
Loch Inver." " I observed," he adds, " one or two pairs at Rose-
hall, where I imagine they are not uncommon." Mr Elwes in-
forms me that it is common in all the cultivated parts of Islay;
and also that, in the district of Gairloch in west Ross-shire, as
many as ten brace have been killed in a day. Mr Anderson states
that in Ayrshire and Wigtownshire it has of late years increased
considerably in numbers, many of the coveys haunting the hill
farms at a much higher elevation than had previously been known.
During a recent drive from Girvan to Stranraer (September, 1870)
I noticed upwards of twenty dead partridges — all in a fresh state,
and lying at intervals of less than fifty yards — close to the turnpike
road, along the side of which three or four telegraph wires are
conducted on poles. These wires are very destructive to passing

Q

242 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

coveys of game, as I have many times proved in different parts of
the country.

During the breeding season, the Partridge often courts safety and
shelter in places where one little expects to find a bird of such
wary habits. I have frequently found the nest at the roots of
hedges, and even by the side of walls among rank grass, where the
sitting birds managed to get safely off with their brood. I have
rarely found more than sixteen eggs in a nest, and frequently I have
seen fewer than that number. Mr Alston tells me that he knew
of a pair of partridges that succeeded in rearing a brood of twenty
young ones in the Upper Ward of Lanarkshire. When the young
leave the nest, which, according to Dr Fleming, they do in twelve
hours, they are led by the old birds to the nearest ant-hills, " the
eggs in which," says that writer, " constitute their early nourish-
ment." At a later stage they find their way into turnip fields, where
they may be seen picking the aphides from the under side of the
leaves — a good service to the farmer. The Earl of Haddington
has informed me that in hard weather they attack the bulb of the
turnip, and do great injury; and that, in many cases, the wood
pigeon is blamed for much mischief of this kind, which may be
traced to the Partridge.

Several curious varieties of the Partridge have come under my
notice ; one, a pure albino, now in the collection of Mr Stewart of
Tonderghie, in Wigtownshire, was shot by that gentleman on his
property some years ago. I have also seen pale buff-coloured
specimens killed in the counties of Moray and Inverness.
In the autumn of 1868, I saw in the hands of a Dundee bird-
stuffer a pair of partridges that had been shot on the higher
grounds of Forfarshire a short time previously. They were strik-
ingly handsome birds, and agreed precisely with the partridge
figured by Sir William Jardine as perdix cinerea var montana, in his
volume on game birds (Nat. Lib. Orn., vol. iv., pi. 2. Edinburgh,
1834). The keeper who shot them seemed to distinguish them as
hill partridges, and I was then informed that small numbers were
occasionally seen, in the lower grounds, mixing with coveys of the
common species.

The following suggestive paragraph is taken from Thompson's
1 Birds of Ireland': — "There is a singular difference in habit be-
tween the partridge of the north of Ireland and that of the oppo-
site portion of Scotland, as is well known to sportsmen who have

RED-LEGGED PARTRIDGE. 243

shot in both countries : I have myself remarked it with some in-
terest. The Irish covey generally springs without uttering a call,
but the Scotch covey shrieks with all its might when sprung. The
Scotch birds, too, even where very little molested, more knowingly
take care of themselves than the Irish; their watchfulness is extra-
ordinary. Their sense of hearing as well as of sight must be re-
markably acute. One day, in the month of October, an experienced
sportsman and myself sprang either twenty-four or twenty-six
coveys (nearly all double, or containing about two dozen birds)
in the neighbourhood of Ballantrae, Ayrshire, when they all not
only forbade a near approach, but, though we advanced as silently
as possible, never admitted us into the same field with them. A
sporting friend, who has had much experience in both countries,
remarks that he has more than once seen every bird of a moderate-
sized covey shot in Ireland, but never saw this done in Scotland.
He has bagged as many birds from a certain number of individuals
in the former island as he has from the same number of coveys in
Scotland." * As this quotation refers only to the partridges of the
north of Ireland, it is not certain that those of the south would
have stood fire so callously : the " coveys" of Cork might therefore
fail to substantiate the parallel. So far as the Scotcli birds are
concerned, it may safely be said that the national trait is not con-
fined to partridges.

THE RED-LEGGED PARTRIDGE.
PEED IX RUFA.

MR W. C. Angus informs me that Mr James Mearns shot a speci-
men of this bird within two miles of Aberdeen, in the last week of
January, 1867. This specimen, which is in beautiful preservation,
was in a flock of common partridges, and unaccompanied by any
others of its own species. Messrs Baikie and Heddle mention that
the Red-Legged Partridge was introduced into Orkney at the same
time as the common bird, but were, at the time they wrote, unable
to say with what measure of success. It is not likely to have
maintained its ground there for twenty years. This Aberdeenshire
specimen, therefore, must have been a migratory visitor from the
south.

* Nat. Hist, of Ireland — Birds — by Wm. Thompson, vol. ii., p. 65.

244 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

THE VIRGINIAN COLIN.
ORTYX VIRGINIANA.

THIS beautiful quail, which is so well known in North America
under the name of "Bob White," was introduced into East Lothian
in 1857, by Dr W. P. Turnbull of Philadelphia, who sent four
brace of birds to Mr William Paterson, North Berwick Mains.
They were turned out and appeared to thrive well for a time, but
Mr Paterson informs me that they have since disappeared. A
similar fate appears to have befallen a number of pairs which
were introduced into the county of Norfolk by the late Earl of
Leicester, early in the present century.* I feel sure that if any
proprietor desires to renew the experiment, my friend will gladly
forward others.

An interesting account of this species will be found in the first
volume of Audubon's ' Ornithological Biography.' The author adds
a word in praise of the quality of its flesh. Besides being juicy
and tender, it is white and extremely agreeable to the palate, and
therefore in much request. In alluding, however, to the introduc-
tion of the bird into various parts of Europe, Audubon says "it is
not much liked there, being of such pugnacious habits as to drive
off the common grey partridge, which is considered a better bird
for the table."

Professor Baird, whose work will be found both interesting and
useful to the British ornithologist, mentions that " this species is
subject to considerable variations, both of size and colour, the more
northern being considerably the larger. Southern specimens are
darker, with more black about the head, on the wings, and the
middle of the back. There is also a more appreciable mottling on
the wings, and the feathers of the back are streaked with black."
Instances of other variations are given by Mr Baird, the most
notable of which is a large "and redder coloured" individual from
the Devil's river, — the differences in this case being supposed to
indicate something more than mere variety; but in valuing these
it should not be overlooked that in even the common partridge of
this country a much greater variety of plumage is known to exist.

Birds of Norfolk,' by Henry Stevenson, F.L.S., vol. i., p. 436.

COMMON QUAIL. 245

THE COMMON QUAIL.

COTURNIX VULGARIS.

G-earradh-gort.

THE Quail, which is a common bird in Ireland, is also a well-known
visitor to the western counties of Scotland. It breeds with us in
limited numbers, and in the autumn months it is a familiar bird in
Ayrshire, extending over the whole of the county. In many places
it is called weet-my-feet, on account of its call-note resembling these
words, and which may often be heard on dewy evenings in fields
of grass or stubble, where grass has been sown. I have often
listened to its soft chatterings on still summer nights, in situations
like these near Girvan, where the Quail is by no means uncommon.
In the adjoining county of Wigtown, quails appear to have been
abundant about the end of last century. *

This bird appears to be very rare in the Long Island. There is
a specimen, which I have seen, in the collection of Sir James
Matheson, Bart., at Stornoway ; it was shot in Lewis, where, I have
since learned, one pair, at least, bred in 1868. When in the island
of North Uist in the beginning of August, 1870, Mr John Mac-
donald, Newton, showed me a nest of twelve eggs which had been
taken near his residence about ten days previously. These are now
in the collection of Captain Orde. On the east of Scotland it is
by no means so common as on the west; still it is met with in
nearly all the counties ranging from Berwick to Orkney. In the
midland counties it is sparingly distributed, but is rare in the north.
The nest of the species is not often found. I have procured eggs
from Lanarkshire, Ayrshire, Wigtownshire, and Kirkcudbright-
shire. The nest has also been found in Mid-Lothian. Mr J. H.
Dunn has informed me that, on 4th October, 1851, he got eleven
eggs of the Quail that were found by a woman when cutting grain
near his house.

Quails are sent in some numbers from Ireland to the Glasgow
market during the early part of spring, and appear to be readily
disposed of. As an article for the table, it would seem to
be regarded with special favour by some epicures. A recent
writer in "All the YearKound" thus sounds its praises: — "The

* See Old Statistical Account of the parish of Buittle.

246 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

Quail, humbly supine on his little mattress of transparent bacon, is
an object agreeable to three senses. Enveloped in lard, or clothed
with a vine-leaf, the plump little creature is equally delectable. A
good roast of quails, even in Paris, costs more than two fat fowls,
(and this is no joke, for there are places where one fat capon can
cost as much as twelve shillings). Of the French quails, the best
are those of Montredon, near Marseilles. There are a thousand
ways of disguising them; with beef marrow, truffles, herbs, and
mushrooms ; they are good a la braise, & la poele, au gratin (with
crumbs), with cabbages, or with lentils coulis. In the lark season
it is not uncommon at hotels to disguise larks as quails, but an
epicure, even though blind, could tell the difference; for though
the lark is much in esteem with poets, and is indeed decidedly a
quiet, amiable, well-disposed, and even respectable bird, he is only
a tooth-pick, a mere pastime, in comparison with the exquisite
bird that fed the Israelites in the desert."

OBS. — It may not be out of place here to notice in a few sentences
a paper which was read in January, 1870, at a meeting of the
Natural History Society of Glasgow, " On the introduction of the
WILD TURKEY (Meleagris Gallopavo) into Argyleshire," by Mr John
Gilmour. The author of this paper mentioned having received
three specimens of this beautiful bird— a male and two females —
from the southern extremity of Lake Huron in Canada, in the
summer of 1866, since which time various broods had been
successfully reared in the neighbourhood of Ardlamont, where the
birds had been allowed their full liberty in the woods. At first it
was found necessary to establish a brood by hatching the eggs
under common barn door fowls, but the young birds at once
exhibited their thoroughly wild nature by refusing the shelter of a
roof and preferring to roost on trees. One of the birds of this
flock (reared in 1867) — a young male — Mr Gilmour described as a
very handsome bird of beautiful plumage, his magnificent bronzed
feathers shewing to great advantage in the sunlight. In the
summer of 1868, one of the hens selected a site for its nest in a
dense thicket of ivy clothing the summit of a high and precipitous
rock, where it managed to remain unobserved until the young
ones were hatched. After making the discovery of this nest, Mr
Gilmour was interested by observing the manner in which the
parent bird approached her secret treasure. Taking advantage of
an overhanging tree, the wary creature invariably perched there

GREAT BUSTARD. 247

first, and after walking cautiously along a branch, dropped upon
the nest on which she sat without the faintest trace of her form
being seen. In 1869, the hen birds disappeared for a considerable
time in the woods, and nothing was seen of them until each
appeared with a brood of about a dozen healthy chicks, feeding in
the small grass paddocks at the edges of the coverts, and enjoying
the sunshine. While the young ones were busily engaged in feed-
ing on insects, etc., the old birds were standing on the alert, with
outstretched necks, retidy to give the alarm on any approaching
danger. On being suddenly surprised, these quick-sighted sentinels
at once crouched close to the ground with a warning cry, and
remained motionless in this attitude, the young ones meanwhile
disappearing as if by magic in the surrounding tufts of grass. At a
later stage of their existence these broods, which spread themselves
in the neighbouring moors and in the woods adjoining, were killed
by shooting parties, the beaters having disturbed them along with
ordinary game. Mr Gllmour also mentioned that they in some cases
squatted so close to the ground as to be quite invisible among the
withered twigs and ferns, and that in one instance he had actually in
firing at a rabbit in the covert, shot a young wild turkey which had
been lying concealed in the course taken by the rabbit. Mr Gilmour
concluded his interesting paper with a description of the wild bird
as compared with those of the domestic breeds, remarking that it
possessed greater symmetry, and altogether a more compact form,
standing higher on its legs, and exhibiting other characters more
like those of a game bird than one of the gallinaceous order. The
plumage of the male especially was described as of the most perfect
bronze colour, gleaming in the sunshine like a splendid coat of
mail. The number of eggs was stated to be from sixteen to twenty,
and the time of incubation lasts thirty-one days.

RA SORES. STRUTHIONIDJE.

THE GEEAT BUSTAED.

OTIS TARDA.

THIS remarkable bird has been long extinct in Scotland. As a
resident species, it appears to have been entirely confined to
Berwickshire, and is thus referred to by Hector Boece, who

248 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

flourished about 350 years ago*: — " Beside these, we have another
foule in Mers, more strange and uncouth than all these afore-
mentioned, called a Gustard, fullie so great as a swan, but in
colour of feathers and tast of flesh little differing from a partridge.
Howbeit, these birds are not verie common, neither to be scene
in all places, such also is their qualitie, that if they perceive their
egs to have been touched in their absence by man's hand (which
lie commonly on the bare earth) they forsake those nests and lie in
other places. "+

The occurrence of probably the last Scottish straggler is briefly
recorded in Fleming's British Animals in these words: — "One was
shot in 1803 in Murrayshire, by William Young. Esq., of Borough
Head."

For a history of the species in the south of England, the reader
is referred to Stevenson's " Birds of Norfolk," and Yarrell's
" British Birds." In the account given by the last named author
it is stated, on the authority of Mr Nicholson of Balrathkells, who
had hunted Bustards in the neighbourhood of Saville, that all the
birds he shot "had their stomachs perfectly crammed with barley,
both stalks and ears, the leaves of a large-leaved green weed, and
a kind of black beetle." A bird captured on Salisbury Plain in
1801, and kept in confinement by Mr Bartley, fed principally upon
birds — chiefly sparrows — which it swallowed entire, with the
feathers; it likewise ate mice with the same avidity. The following
extract from Sir Everard Home's Comparative Anatomy, vol. i.,
p. 277, is interesting as bearing on this subject: — "Understanding
that the Bustard in India is a favourite bird for the table, and that
all Bustards are there considered to be granivorous birds, I was
unable to reconcile this circumstance with the structure of its
digestive organs; but this difficulty is solved by the following
account of the mode of feeding of this bird, which is taken from
Mr Hunter's notes upon this subject, who kept a cock-bustard a
whole summer in his garden. It died in November, apparently

* Born 1465. Died 1536. His principal work was a History of Scotland,
published in the reign of James V.

f In a communication to the ' Field ' newspaper, I find it stated that a Great
Bustard was shot in the first week of January, 1871, by Mr Wm. Harvey, at
Fenham Marshes, near Berwick- on-Tweed, and preserved by Mr Reed, bird-
stuffer in that town. Mr Reed informs me that another was seen ten days
afterwards.

LITTLE BUSTARD. 249

from the cold of the winter. He killed mice and sparrows with
his bill by pinching their heads, and then swallowed them whole,
even when of considerable size. It was easy to observe a large
mouse going down his throat, making a moving tumour till it came
to the turn of the neck; it then moved backwards, and although
out of sight, yet its progress was traced by the feathers between
the shoulders separating and closing again as soon as it passed into
the gizzard. It was fond of worms, and while the gardener was
digging, stood by him and looked out for them. It ate the buds
of flowers, and particularly of roses, also the substance of cucumbers,
but not the outside."

The Rev. A. C. Smith, in a highly interesting paper on the
"Birds of Portugal/' published in the Ibis for October, 1868, vol.
iv., No. 16, N.S., thus speaks of the Great Bustard: — "Wild boar
and Great Bustards are the lordly species of game, ground and
feathered, after which the more ambitious Portuguese sportsmen
hunt, and both are found of goodly size and in tolerable abundance
in certain districts, more especially in the southern provinces of
Alemtejo and Algarve. I was fortunate in procuring a magnificent
male bird in the flesh, which was most liberally given me by an
English friend, and whose body, after I had taken off the skin, for
several days formed a large item in the bill of fare of the Hotel
Braganza at Lisbon, the guests of every degree at the table d'hote,
and in private apartments, partaking of the dish, from the British
Minister and his family on the first floor to the cook-boys in the
area. The bird weighed 30J pounds, and is the finest example of
0. tarda I have ever seen."

THE LITTLE BUSTAKD.

OTIS TETRAX.

THERE is a specimen of this bird in the Montrose Museum, which
was shot near that town in December, 1833. In April, 1868, I
had an opportunity of examining this specimen, which is still in
good preservation. Another was shot, near St. Andrews on 6th
March, 1840, and is now preserved in the Literary and Philosophi-
cal Society's Museum there.* A third — a female — was obtained

* Captain Feilden informs me that this bird was shot by Dr Adamson of St.
Andrews.

250 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

in Moraysldre on 8th February, 1861 : it was shot at Westfield,
about four or five miles from Elgin, and when first seen was
along with a flock of wood pigeons in a turnip field picking the
tops of the plants. This bird, which is a very fine specimen, now
belongs to the collection of the Elgin Museum, where I have seen
and examined it. A fourth Little Bustard was seen in the same
county a few days after the last mentioned bird was killed. It
was observed on three or four different occasions, but was so shy
that it would not admit of a nearer approach than 200 yards.

This species is catalogued by Mr E. S. Sinclair in his Birds of
Caithness, and referred to by Mr Shearer, who states in a paper
communicated to the Royal Physical Society of Edinburgh, that
it has been only once observed in that county, but gives no par-
ticulars. I am not aware of the occurrence of the Little Bustard
in any of the western counties.

GRALLA TORES. CHARADRIID^E.

THE CREAM-COLOURED COURSER.

CURSORIUS EUROPOSUS.

A MALE specimen of this very rare bird was shot in a grass field
near Lanark by Charles Walker, Esq., of Braxfield House, on the
7th October, 1868. It was alone, and on rising, Mr Walker
remarked its flight to be somewhat dull and heavy, not unlike the
common plover when newly disturbed.

Mr J. H. Gurney, Jun., to whom the body of the bird was for-
warded, has obligingly furnished me, through my friend Mr Harvie
Brown, with the following notes taken by himself on its dissection:
— " In the throat was a small fly undigested; the tongue is narrow,
with the appearance of bristles at its base, acute, and seven-eighths
of an inch in length; the oesophagus three-and-a-half inches long,
its width inconsiderable, the proventriculus three-quarters of an
inch long. The stomach is of the ordinary shape, compressed, an
inch long, and seven-eighths in breadth; inner coat full of wrinkles.
The intestine only fourteen inches long; it varies in width. The
coeca, which arise at a short distance from the end, are about two-
and-a-quarter inches in length. The sternum closely resembles
that of a redshank."

GREAT PLOVER— COLLARED PRATINCOLE. 251

It may not be out of place to record here the following notice
taken from the proceedings of the Berwickshire Naturalists' Club
for 1847, which I have not seen quoted elsewhere: — " Cwrsorius
Isabellinus—a, young male bird of this species was killed near
Cheswick on the 9th of November, 1846, by Mr David Kowtin
(in the preventive service), who shot it during a strong gale from
the south, being chased by gulls."

THE GREAT PLOVER.
(EDICNEMUS CREPITANS.

PNLY one specimen of this bird has occurred in Scotland, namely,
a male shot near St. Andrews on 27th January, 1858, as recorded
in Turnbull's " Birds of East Lothian." I had an opportunity of
seeing the specimen in the University Museum there. A very
good account of this curious plover and its head-quarters in
Great Britain will be found in Stevenson's "Birds of Norfolk"
— an excellent work which should be in the library of every
ornithologist.

THE COLLARED PRATINCOLE.

GLAREOLA TORQUATA.

IN Bullock's Museum Catalogue, dated 1812, there is the folio wing
brief record of the only specimen of this bird that has ever been
found in Scotland: "Austrian Pratencole (Glareola Ausiriaca).
We killed this extremely rare British bird in September, 1812,
in the island of Unst, within three miles of the northern extremity
of Great Britain." Seven years afterwards, at the dispersion of
this celebrated collection, the specimen was sold for eight guineas,
and placed in the British Museum. This may be considered a
large price for a bird, but it falls greatly short of what was
obtained for the first British killed specimen of the cream-coloured
courser, which became the property of Donovan at eighty-three
guineas:* it also is in the national collection.

* See " Ornithology of Charnwood Forest," p. 69.

252 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

THE GOLDEN PLOVER.

CHARADRIUS PLUV1ALIS.

Feadag.

THIS beautiful plover is extremely abundant over the whole of the
western counties of Scotland, where it breeds on all the hills of
moderate elevation. It is likewise found throughout the Outer
Hebrides at all seasons of the year, being scattered during the
breeding season in small companies in suitable localities, and
afterwards collected into very large flocks, which are seen
frequenting the machirs on the sea shore as the tides . happen to
regulate their movements. On the inner islands — Rum, Skye,
Mull, Islay, Jura, Colonsay, etc. — it may be observed as a constant
resident under similiar conditions. I have procured beautiful
specimens of both sexes in full breeding dress from many of these
localities, and I find they present no differences apart from those
obtained from inland and eastern districts, with the exception of the
under parts having numerous pure white feathers mixed with the
black — a state of plumage which Mr Selby supposes to be peculiar
to the female. After the strictest scrutiny, I have failed to detect
the American form, Charadrius mrginicus, even as an accidental
visitant. Professor Baird states that it has been found occasionally
in Europe, but gives no particulars; and as it is well known in
Greenland, we should naturally expect stray visitors to travel south-
wards, via Iceland and the Faroe islands, where, however, it appears
to be quite unknown, though our British bird is found in abundance.
The distinction between the two species is easily made out by the
ash-coloured axillary feathers of the American bird, those of the
British Golden Plover being white. It is rather remarkable that
Audubon in the third volume of his Ornithological Biography
describes the axillaries as white, while in the fifth volume of the
same work he refers to a second American Golden Plover — the
Ch. marmomtus, of Wagler — with black axillaries. This mistake is
all the more curious when we consider that none of the recent
writers on American ornithology make mention of Chamdrius
pluvialis, and that it is now even doubtful if it is to be found out
of Europe.

Where groups of plovers are met with on the moors in the
nesting time, their plaintive and somewhat melancholy note is one

GOLDEN PLOVER. 253

of the sounds sure to catch the ear of the wandering naturalist,
and make him hesitate in prolonging the intrusion of his presence
on their solitudes. The birds themselves seem bewildered as they
turn round inquiringly on some little eminence to watch his
movements. Sometimes, especially in little frequented tracts, they
admit of a very near approach. On some of the Hebridean moors I
have frequently seen small numbers of male birds quietly occupy-
ing heathery knolls near the main road, at a short distance from
their sitting mates, and trying, when put up, to allure me from
their haunts by running along the road in front of the conveyance
I was travelling in. On the hill ranges of the mainland, their
usual breeding haunts are bare platforms about midway between
the base and the highest shoulder, but in some instances they
choose even the summit of the range. There is a plover haunt in
the vicinity of the Eaglesham moors, which partly overlooks the
city of Glasgow, From this range of hills a varied and extensive
prospect may in clear weather be obtained — the densely crowded
city, and adjoining towns and villages on the one hand, and the
firth of Clyde, including Arran, Ailsa Craig, and the Irish coast
on the other. On this heath-covered eminence small companies
hatch every year, and in severe winters I have seen moderately
large flocks descend from their moorland haunts, and alight on
the fallow grounds in the immediate neighbourhood of Glasgow.
Mr Harvie Brown informs me that in Sutherlandshire they never
breed among the heather, but seem to prefer places, at no great
elevation, which have been cleared by burning, especially the dry
and stony spots. It would almost seem as if this Plover selects
lower breeding stations as we proceed northwards. In Iceland,
according to the Eev. G. Landt, it " frequents chiefly the unculti-
vated fields, where it lays its eggs among the grass," while the
nearly allied American bird, as we are informed by Sir John
Richardson, takes up its breeding quarters on the " barren grounds,
coasts, and islands of the Arctic Sea." *

* In connection with the breeding haunts of this bird, it may not be unworthy
of note that the late Mr Yarrell fell into a mistake while quoting from Don's
" List of the Fauna and Flora of Forfarshire," in supposing that it formed an
appendix to Lightfoot's Flora Scotica. The last-named work was published in
1777, and the " Caledonian Zoology " prefixed to it was, as is mentioned by the
author in his preface, written by Mr Pennant. Don's list was appended to
Headrick's "View of the Agriculture of Forfarshire," published in 1813— a
work which is now eagerly sought after by local faunists.

254 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

In autumn, sometimes as early as the last week of July,
immense flocks of Golden Plovers congregate on the Ayrshire
coast, and alight on the stony parts of the beach near Girvan,
and also on the shores of Loch Ryan in Wigtownshire. It is,
indeed, impossible to estimate their numbers, as they literally
cover many acres of ground. They seem partial at these times to
the wet rocks and sandy patches exposed at low tide, and particu-
larly the flat ridges covered with yellow seaweed, which assimilates
so closely to the dorsal plumage of the birds as to render their
detection, when at rest, almost impossible. Similar, or even
larger, flocks of Plovers are well known to coast shooters in all
parts of Britain, who profit largely by their habit of packing.
Mr Thompson, in his work on the Birds of Ireland, speaks of
eighteen having been killed at one shot out of a flock of seventy or
eighty; and further, that one hundred and eight Golden Plovers
were bagged on 22d January, 1848, at one discharge. The late
Professor Wilson, in his "Recreations of Christopher North,"
would assuredly have classed such a gun with the famous flint
weapon of his boyhood, which he so graphically describes as an
"awfu' scatterer."

THE DOTTEREL.

CHARADRIUS MORINELLUS.

Amadan mointich.

WHATEVER may have been the numbers of Dotterel that visited
North Britain in by-gone years, it is now certain that comparatively
few frequent the well-known resting places occupied by the migra-
tory flocks thirty years ago. On consulting the old parish records
published towards the close of last century, I find that most of
the compilers had to some extent a personal knowledge of the
bird. In 1792, the minister of Carrnylie, in Forfarshire, wrote as
follows: — " The Dotterels, birds of passage, alight on the rising
grounds about the beginning of April, continue here about three
weeks, remove to the Grampian Hills, about twelve miles to the
northward, and revisit this parish about the beginning of August.
After abiding here about three weeks, they fly off to the south-
ward, and are not seen till the first of April following." Two

THE DOTTEREL. 255

years previously, the Rev. Thomas Somerville, of Jedburgh,
recorded that " Dotterel abounded in the south and hilly parts of
the parish." In 1794, Mr John Renton, of Chesterbank, who
wrote the statistical account of the parish of Coldingham, in
Berwickshire, mentions that " Dotterel appear in vast numbers on
the heights." About the same period, the Rev. Mr Stewart, of
Luss, in Dumbartonshire, in one of the most scientific lists that
these voluminous records contain, also writes of the Dotterel, and
distinguishes it by a Gaelic name, showing his acquaintance with
the species. Various other writers in East Lothian, Fife, Kincar-
dine, Perth, and Aberdeenshires, likewise refer to the migratory
movements of this bird, and all these records tend to show that it
had then been sufficiently common to attract attention. At the
present day, however, though the Dotterel may be said to be still
regular in its visits to some of the localities just named, it is
absolutely necessary for observers to be careful in watching for its
appearance. In some parts of Berwickshire, for example, the
flocks, besides being much reduced in numbers, never remain longer
than three days in their old haunts, which in the early part of the
present century they frequented during as many weeks. Indeed,
in other parts of the same county it would almost seem to have
discontinued its short visits. The Earl of Haddington informs me
that it "was formerly very common in Berwickshire; and on Boon
Hill, near Lauder, large flocks were to be seen at certain seasons.
It is now, however, rarely, if ever, seen in this county." From
recent investigations, I am disposed to think that a similar scarcity
has been observed for some years past in East Lothian, where, it
is to be feared, only a few stragglers now occur. Mr Harvie
Brown has sent me word that a specimen was shot on Gullane
Links in that county in the first week of May, 1869, and sent to
Mr Small, of Edinburgh, for preservation. This bird, which was
a female, contained ova the size of grains of barley. The same
correspondent, in a paper communicated in January, 1871, to the
Natural History Society of Glasgow on the "Birds found breeding
on Sutherlandshire," has the following remarks: — "Mr St. John
mentions the Dotterel as breeding on Ben Clybric,* but by no
means numerously. There are specimens in the Dunrobin

* Ben Clybric, the highest mountain in Sutherlandshire on the skirts of the
parishes of Lairg and Farr. It is of a conical form, and is about 3,200 feet in
height.

256 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

Museum. Mr Crawford, landlord of Lairg Inn, and at one time
a gamekeeper in the district of Ben Clybric and eastward,
writes me that they are seen on that mountain, but his informant
could never find the nests. The shepherd used to tell him of
getting the nests frequently twenty years ago, but he never pre-
served the eggs."

The late Professor Macgillivray (B. B., vol. iv., 1852) states
that " it arrives about the middle of May in the upland tracts of
the counties of Forfar, Kincardine, Aberdeen, Banff, and Moray,
and resides there until the end of September, when it migrates
southwards." He also gives the names of several observers who
had met with the bird in the moors of these counties. The same
author relates that on 10th September, 1821, he observed in the
parish of Towie, Aberdeen shire, " a very large flock on a low hill,
and was assured by a gentleman residing at its foot that they bred
on the elevated moors every year;" while thirty years later —
namely, on 8th August, 1851 — he speaks of seeing a single
specimen at Loch Ranza. "I came upon a Dotterel," he writes,
"which flew from among the stones, pretending lameness, and
hovered around, manifesting great anxiety. I shouted for two
of my companions who had advanced, to come and see it, which
they did. Although it was evident the bird had a nest and young
ones, as it fluttered and limped when chased, we failed in discover-
ing its charge, and therefore left it."

Regarding the occurrence of this bird in the southern counties,
Sir William Jardine has lately written to me as follows :— " The
Common Dotterel (Ch. morinellus) used to appear regularly in
spring and the fall in some moors near this [Jardine Hall, Dum-
friesshire], and I have reason to suppose that one or two pairs
bred here. I did not discover the locality until too late, and they
have left now, but I have specimens shot during their spring visit.
The locality is about five miles from this." Sir William has
mentioned in his work on British Birds that the chief food of the
Dotterel "seems to consist of insects, particularly Coleoptera, many
species of which are extremely abundant on the coasts, and come
abroad in numbers during the heat of the day " — an observation
which I have on several occasions corroborated during their spring
migration. No one seems to have recorded what they live upon
during the time they are located on our mountain ranges at a great
distance from the coast.

THE DOTTEREL. * 257

In the western counties, I have been quite unable to trace the
occurrence of the Dotterel except as a mere straggler. Mr
Struthers, of Larkhall, has mentioned to me that two specimens
were shot some years ago by Mr Graham on the farm of High
Fossil, near Glasgow, and preserved by a bird-stuffer in that city.

Bearing in mind what has been said on the now comparative
scarcity of this bird in its accustomed halting places during its
migratory movements, it is not to be expected that the few
breeding localities from the heights of Dumfries to Inverness-shire
will be otherwise than scantily occupied. I am doubtful, indeed,
if more than a dozen pairs are to be found nesting together in any
part of Scotland. Passing by the stations said to exist on the
Grampians where no recent observations appear to have been made,
the northern limits of Perthshire, and the confines of Inverness-
shire, may be said to be the only breeding localities from which
collectors have had really authentic information up to the season
of 1870. In the case of a species which has of late years admittedly
become scarce in Scotland, I hope the reader will excuse any
reticence on my part with regard to what I know of its present
habitats. It would hardly be fair, indeed, to record the precise
locality where at most a few pairs return yearly to their breeding
places. I shall, therefore, content myself by giving the following
quotation from Dr M'Culloch, which includes at least one of the
stations, and which I think sufficient almost to prevent the risk of
inroad by the most adventurous egg collector or death-dealing
naturalist: — " At the southern extremity, Loch Ericht terminates
in flat meadows, vanishing by degrees in the river of Rannoch,
and in that wild and hideous country which extends to Glen
Spean along the eastern side of Ben Nevis. This is, indeed, the
wilderness of all Scotland. The wildest wilds of Eoss-shire and
Sutherlandshire are accessible and lively compared to this; they
might, at least, contain people, though they do not, which this
tract never could have done, and never will, nor can. I know not
where else one can travel for two days without seeing a human
trace ! a trace, a recollection of animal life, and with the dreary
conviction that such a thing is impossible. It is, indeed, an incon-
ceivable solitude; a dreary and joyless land of bogs, a land of
desolation and grey darkness, of fogs ever hanging on Auster's
drizzly beard — a land of winter, and death, and oblivion." Living in
such a country, it is well, perhaps, that Dotterels are not subject

258 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

to any of the ills that beset the genus homo, or we should know
still less of their nesting habits at a time when the breeding
stations are so sparingly inhabited.

I may here mention that in Mr Dunn's copy of Messrs Bailde
and Heddle's Fauna Orcadensis there is the following manuscript
note: — " Delete, ' remains during winter, and leaves in spring for
more northern regions.'" The same note states that the Dotterel
breeds in the Orkneys.

THE RINGED PLOVER

CHARADRIUS HIAT1CULA.
Bodhag. Trileachan traighe.

IN its spring plumage, the little " sandy laverock," as this species
is called, is perhaps the most pleasing arid attractive object to be
seen by the naturalist in his shore rambles. Its sprightly move-
ments, and clear contrasting colours, as it runs hurriedly along
the smooth golden strand, at once arrest the eye, and few persons
fail to discover in this beautiful creature the plaintive piper that
had so often in the previous autumn charmed them with its mellow
call-note. I have nowhere been more interested with it than in
the Outer Hebrides — a district throughout which it abounds at all
seasons of the year. Towards evening, in the month of September,
when walking along the sandy bays of Benbecula, I have been
startled with its cry, even after the sun had gone down and left all
in comparative darkness. This note fell upon the ear with a strange
effect as the flowing waves came seething up on the dry sand and
disturbed the sleeping birds. That part of the coast being but
little visited, the little Plovers were exceedingly tame and fearless,
allowing me to walk within a few feet of them. Often I imagined
that they met me in my walks and alighted in wonderment near
their extraordinary visitor. On several occasions, indeed, I
observed them halt in their flight, and sit down on the sandy
expanse right in front, saluting me with a gentle whistle. But in
such places man is not their worst enemy. Writing from lona,
Mr Graham mentions regarding Ringed Plovers that they are
regularly hunted and captured by the ermine. " They seem,"
says Mr Graham, "to be a good deal persecuted by the stoat,
whose tiny foot-marks I have frequently observed imprinted on the

RINGED PLOVER. 259

wet sands which these birds frequent both by day and night
whenever the tide is out ; and when rummaging out a stoat's nest,
a number of ringed dotterels' wings are invariably found among
the bones, feathers, and other refuse forming the little hunter's
spoils of the chase. I have seen the stoat hunting in such localities,
and if he happens to be in his ermine dress, he forms a very pretty
and interesting object, running backwards and forwards, stealthily
but swiftly beating over every inch of the ground, winding in and
out among the rocks, turning the corners sharply with a snake-like
action of his long elastic backbone, and so intently occupied in his
pursuit as to allow you to approach near enough to stop his career
for ever."

The largest flocks of Ringed Plovers I have ever seen in Scotland
are to be found on the eastern shores of the Mull of Galloway.
Many parts of the beach between Sandhead and Drumore are
covered with rolled stones, round and polished, each about the
size of a bird. On ground of this nature, hundreds, if not thou-
sands, of these birds congregate, forming into flocks greatly
exceeding those I have seen elsewhere. The beach is, of course,
well-adapted for concealing the birds when assembled; and as it is
very unlikely they could have been bred in the neighbourhood,
these extraordinary congregations, which never appear until the
close of autumn, may be looked upon as migratory flocks on the
march.

I have found this beautiful bird breeding on the banks of many
of our inland lakes, such as Loch Lomond, Loch Awe, etc., where
it occupies promontories spread over with grey stones and round
white pebbles of spar to which the plumage of the birds closely
assimilates. In these situations, when running away from dis-
turbance or pursuit, along the margins of the lake, they linger or
stand perfectly still only on the stony places, and hurry across
any green patch of grass, should such come in their way. On sea
beaches, the nest is found just a little beyond high- water mark,
and is merely a saucer-like hollow, lined occasionally with broken
bivalve shells, which, in several instances, I have known to have
been carried a yard or two from where they were left by the tide.
The eggs are by no means easy to find, as on leaving the nest the
old bird runs to some distance from it before telling the intruder
of her presence by her remonstrative but mellow pipe.

On very warm evenings in autumn, I have frequently been very

260 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

much interested in watching the Einged Plovers on the Girvan
shore feeding on sandhoppers. The numbers of these brisk little
creatures living in the dry sand, and keeping up an animated
dance for hours along some miles of the beach between Girvan and
Turnberry must have been immense — the line of high-water mark
appearing as if covered with a dense smoke. On walking, indeed,
into the midst of these countless myriads of jumping crustaceans,
the noise is like that of a pelting hail shower. Here the little
Plovers soon finish their evening meal, and it is extremely amusing
to see them catching their restless prey, and swallowing them
hurriedly as they touch the ground. At other times of the day,
when there is not a sandhopper to be seen, I have lain concealed
behind a rock and noticed the birds running up to a stranded shell
of a sea-urchin, which they knew to be full of them, and, by
tapping it, warning out the occupants, who jumped through the
hole on the top in the most comical state of alarm, scampering
sideways and zig-zag, making the hollow shell clatter as the last
of them cleared the premises. The bodies of crabs are appropriated
in the same way by the sandhoppers, the little cannibals revelling
on the remains of a big brother crustacean with as much relish as
if it were a stranded cod-fish.

I recollect meeting with a beautiful male of this species one clear
morning about day-break on the Dunbar shore under very peculiar
circumstances. The frost was intense, and had frozen many of the
salt-water pools on the beach. By the side of one of these I saw
a fluttering object, on n earing which I found to my surprise a
ringed dotterel with its foot in a hair noose attached to three
pieces of string united at the two ends by bits of wood — a trap
such as boys in country places use for catching small birds.
The little Plover had been in some field at a distance and had
become entangled; but, being stronger than the usual kind of
juvenile game, had drawn out the pegs by which the gin was
fastened and carried off the entire device. More at home on his
native strand, he had sat down to rest himself, when part of the
trap which was in the water had become frozen, and held the poor
bird a prisoner. I was glad to release him after thawing his
little frozen legs for half-an-hour in my pocket.

The variation in the size of this species has been a source of
much perplexity to me. In the spring time, I have shot many
specimens so much smaller than the Ringed Plover which breeds

THE SANDERLINGK 261

with us that I have long thought, seeing they only appear in spring,
that they must belong to a southern race. I have never yet been
able to trace the little Kinged Plover (Ch. minor) in any part of
Scotland.

THE SANDEKLING.

CALIDRIS ARENARIA.

A VERY common shore bird on the west of Scotland, especially
on its arrival from its breeding haunts in the north. On the outer
islands it is plentiful on the sands at low tide between Benbecula
and North Uist towards the end of August, by which time it has
completely assumed the winter garb. It is never, so far as I am
aware, seen at this season with even the remains of its summer
dress — a contrast to the dunlin and turnstone, both of which occur
in the same place with Sanderlings, clad in nearly as brilliant
plumage as at the height of the breeding season. It is a common
species in autumn on the Ayrshire coast, but disappears from these
shores after a few weeks' residence. In early spring it returns to
our estuaries and salt-water lochs, and has then changed its colour.
Stray birds are seen occasionally so late as the beginning of June,
but this depends altogether on the state of the season.

Mr Harvie Brown, who has for some years taken notes on the
arrival of those birds on the banks of the Forth, informs me that
he meets with flocks of Sanderlings about the last week of August
mixing with ringed dotterels and dunlins, I have now before me
several beautifully marked specimens obtained there by Mr Harvie
Brown, to whom I have been much indebted for an opportunity
of examining, by dissection and otherwise, a variety of wading
birds sent to me in the flesh.

The flesh of this species is well-flavoured, and in some request
for table use. The birds, on their arrival in autumn, are loaded
with fat, and are then at their best.

262 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

THE GKEY PLOVEK.

SQUATAROLA CINEREA.
Fheadag-ghlas.

THE Grey Plover is nowhere a common bird with us, and, so
far as my observation extends, it is found in greater numbers on
the east than on the west coast. It frequents the Firth of Clyde
in winter in limited numbers, and has also been observed on the
shores of the inner group of islands. In the Outer Hebrides, it
occurs but sparingly. I have obtained occasional specimens from
Benbecula.

On the eastern shores of Scotland it frequents yearly, in the
winter season, the estuary of the Tyne near Dunbar, and the
mouth of the Eden near St. Andrews. It is likewise distributed
along the rocky parts of the coast, both in Fifeshire and East
Lothian, where I have seen from three to five birds in company.
I recollect noticing, many winters ago, several grey-backed birds in
the large flocks of golden plovers frequenting the Dunbar shore,
and mistaking them for this species. Happening, however, to fire
into one of these flocks as it rose close to me one morning before
daybreak, I was soon undeceived, for on picking up two of the
shot birds they turned out to be golden plovers that had previously
been wounded and become coated with hoar frost.

Mr Harvie Brown informs me that he has seen as many as four
or five of these birds killed in one day on the banks of the Forth
near Grangemouth. In November, 1869, and same month in the
year following, he observed small flocks repeatedly when out shoot-
ing along the coast there, and I have myself watched these birds
with great interest when rambling in his company.

I have the pleasure of introducing here a view from the sketch
book of my friend, Mr J. E. Prentice, of Howard Place, Edinburgh,
in whose company I have frequently travelled in search of the
picturesque: the scene represents a wild part of the coast at Whit-
bury Point, in East Lothian, where I have often met with Grey
Plovers; and where many a hapless vessel has been dashed to pieces
on the rocks.

LAPWING OR PEEWIT. 263

THE LAPWING OR PEEWIT.

VANELLUS CRISTATUS.
Ctircag, adharcan-luachrach. Pibhinn.

THIS beautiful bird is very abundant throughout the western
counties of Scotland, and, indeed, over the whole of north Britain,
with the exception of some parts of Sutherland and Caithness. It
is very generally distributed, in the breeding season, on many of
the cultivated uplands, and is found, in suitable places, in great
numbers, extending to the inner islands, but becoming much
scarcer westward of that group. In lona and Mull, Mr Graham
states that it is common at all times of the year, frequenting moors
and the sea shore alternately, and breeding on almost all the
neighbouring islands, even the very smallest, especially if there is
a patch of wet boggy ground somewhere on its surface.

The well-known cry of the Lapwing has rendered it in almost
every country district one of the most familiar birds of spring, and
has given rise to a variety of names bearing more or less a resem-
blance to it. Hence the French name dix huit, and the Gaelic one
pibhinn (pronounced peeveeri); and also the more common names of
Peewit and peeseweep, appealing, as they do, to one's recollections
of upland country life, and many pleasant sights and sounds with
which the summer haunts of the bird are associated.

In the wildest tracts of moorland, the Lapwing is often found
breeding at a considerable distance from any homestead or shieling,
away in the barren wastes abandoned to Highland sheep and
black game. There, in the bare patches that meet the eye — green
spots in the midst of the brown and flowerless heath — small com-
panies congregate and occupy their encampments with watchful
care. At this season the vigilant creatures are easily alarmed, and
become restless and clamorous on the appearance of any object,
whether man or dog, keeping up a constant and wailing outcry
so long as the cause of their disturbance remains in sight. In
some parts of the south of Scotland the Lapwing is on this account
looked upon with great dislike, the behaviour of one of these
colonies calling to memory the betrayal of persecuted Covenanters,
whose movements on the hill side were in constant danger of
detection by their enemies being so guided to their places of con-

264 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

cealment. The following original lines, taken from the " poets'
corner " of a country newspaper, though somewhat invective in
their style, fairly express the feeling still prevalent in the minds
of some of the shepherds and others now living near the scenes of
by-gone persecution and bloodshed: —

TO THE PEESWEEP.

Thou idle, ill-conditioned bird,

At sight o' men most strangely stirr'd !

Was ever passion as absurd

Yet hatch' d in breast ?
Can body g'ye a pleasant word ?

Thou waur than beast!

What though ye're ruff 'd wi' bonny black,
Wi' glancing grey out owre your back,
And wame and wings soft linings tak'

The hues o' snaw, —
Your idle, endless, senseless clack,

Just mars it a'.

'Tween herds and you there's deadly feud;
He breaks your eggs and skails your brood,
And — waur than grudging ye a rood

O' skrunty heather —
He'd pook ye bare, frae tail to hood,

To the last feather.

He minds what Scotland greets for yet,
When helpless Hill Folk, hard beset,
Could naewhere but in muirlands get

A night's safe quarters, —
Ye brocht the troopers on them het,

And made them martyrs.

O sorra on your wicked din,

And shame on a' your kith and kin!

And though there's naething 'neath the skin

That's fit for pot,
Wad ony body ca't a sin

To wuss ye shot ?

LAPWING OR PEEWIT. 265

After the breeding season is over, the young broods gather into
very large flocks, frequenting pasture lands in the vicinity of the
coast, and repairing to shores and estuaries at low tide. * I have
observed such flocks resting in conscious security on rough beaches
below water mark near Girvan, and also at Dunbar, where the
ground is spread over with numerous pools and wet stones resem-
bling the lights and shadows of the birds' plumage, and making
their detection almost impossible to an unpractised eye. An
observer may walk up to these sitting birds within shooting dis-
tance unaware of their near presence, the company breaking up
quite leisurely by flying off in small detachments, and causing him
to wonder how so many invisible birds could have been there.
Immense numbers of Lapwings are bred in the neighbourhood of
Loch Lomond, in which district I have seen the autumn flocks,
numbering thousands of birds, collected on the gravelly shores of
Inch Moin, one of the islands. The young ones occasionally take
to the water voluntarily, or at least on the slightest appearance of
danger, even when but a few days old. I have observed them
crossing a sheltered bay from one stony promontory to another to
join their fellows when they happened to become separated.

In the neighbourhood of Glasgow, a pair or two are still seen
in spring revisiting their old haunts. Within the last four or five
years they have bred in some fields at Dowanhill, not far from the
site of the new University. They are still very numerous on some
of the hilly farms in the direction of Eaglesham and Mearns Moor,
where their nests are plundered apparently to good advantage,
judging from the numbers of eggs sent as luxuries to the Glasgow
market There appears to be a strange and unreasonable prejudice
against the use of this bird as an article of food in Scotland. Its
flesh is certainly not much inferior to that of a golden plover,
which is allowed to be of a very delicate nature. The doings of
Claverhouse and his troopers may have, to some extent, fostered
this prejudice.

I find a very curious note on the destruction of Lapwings by the

* In some seasons, I have observed Lapwings in very large flocks about the
middle of July, and in 1869, these flocks had congregated in Ayrshire early
in the month. I found, however, on the sandy pastures of Warren Farm, near
Turnberry Castle, on the sea coast, several young broods not more than ten days'
old, on the 24th July. Most of the Lapwings had commenced laying in April,
so that these late broods must be regarded as unusual.

266 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

Rev. James Headrick in his Agricultural View of Forfarshire,
published in 1813. Under the heading, " Winged Fauna," in
section xi. of this work, he says: — "The green plover, or peeseweep,
appears early in spring and goes off in autumn. As they only
come north for the purpose of incubation, and are very lean, none
of them are liked for food. They return to the fenny districts
of England, where they get very fat, and are killed in great
numbers. In consequence of the inveteracy excited by the
ambitious pretensions of Edward I. to the Scottish crown, an old
Scottish Parliament passed an Act ordering all the peeseweeps'
nests to be demolished and their eggs to be broken; assigning as a
reason, that these birds might not go south and become a delicious repast
to our unnatural enemies the English." A similar law, but without
any fixed time of enactment, is alluded to in Burt's "Letters from
the North of Scotland," and has also been referred to by Bishop
Stanley in his " Familiar History of Birds," but I have altogether
failed in my endeavours to get any authenticated copy of it entire.
Dr Barclay, of Perth, has obligingly aided me in this search, and
Professor Cosmo Innes, of Edinburgh — than whom there could,
perhaps, be no better authority — has expressed to me his conviction
that no such law was ever passed.

THE TURNSTONE.

STREPSILAS INTERPRES.

COMMONLY distributed over all the Scottish coasts, remaining in
some of the western counties until the second week of June, and
reappearing in the outer islands about the middle of August.
Mr Graham mentions that he has shot the Turnstone in its nuptial
dress in lona in early summer — a few pairs being usually found
lingering on the shores of that island till the end of May — and
that he also shot the species on the island of Staffa in the end of
June. The birds were going in pairs, and were in full summer
plumage, from which my correspondent inferred they might
have been breeding on the island.

In August, 1867, when travelling in the Outer Hebrides,
I observed, for several days in succession, flocks of Turnstones,
all clad in their beautiful tortoise-shell dress, frequenting the
sound of Benbecula, where they had been seen late in June

THE TURNSTONE. 267

previously; they kept by themselves, even when grouped on the
sands beside flocks of dunlins, also in breeding plumage, and
formed an agreeable and attractive sight as they wheeled in
their flight after rising, and dashed rapidly past within a few feet
of where I stood. These flocks are seen every year in the same
haunts, and are absent only about five or six weeks. It is difficult
to trace their movements after quitting the Hebrides. Professor
Newton, in his account of the birds of Iceland, states that they
arrive in that country in April and May; Sir John Richardson
gives June as the date of their arrival at their breeding quarters
on the shores of Hudson's Bay; and Mr Hewitson says that on the
coast of Norway they incubate about the middle of that month.
But, looking to the lateness of their departure from the Outer
Hebrides, and the early date of their return, I incline now to the
belief that limited numbers will yet be found nesting on the
Haskar rocks, the St. Kilda group, and probably the Monach isles,
localities somewhat difficult of access, but well worth the attention
of ornithologists desirous of clearing up some features in the history
of our shore birds that are at present imperfectly known.

Mr Elwes informs me that the Turnstone is very common in
Islay in the winter season — as many as forty or fifty birds being
seen in a flock there. Coming nearer the mainland it is found in
equal numbers congregated on the shores of many of the islands
in the Firth of Clyde. On some parts of Bute it was seen in flocks
in the second week of May, 1868, still in the winter plumage; and
on the 1st June of the same year a specimen, only slightly marked
with red spots, was shot by a correspondent in North Uist, showing
a tardiness to complete the summer dress somewhat unusual.
Very beautifully marked Turnstones have been shot on a rocky
skerry near Ardrossan as late as the middle of May regularly for
some years past by Mr Oliver Eaton, bird-stuffer, Kilmarnock, in
whose collection I lately saw some very fine specimens. I have
often discovered small flocks of this interesting bird on the
sandy bays of the shores of East Lothian and Berwickshire beside
stranded fish and other dead animals, which I imagined they had
managed to turn over with the object of feeding on the sand-
hoppers and other crustaceans lying in concealment beneath the
carcase. I have, however, never seen the birds in the act of under-
mining or pushing over these objects. I cannot recollect an instance
of meeting with the Turnstone away from the beach; but Mr

268 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

Graham, I find, mentions in his very interesting notes that in very
stormy weather he has seen large flocks in lona feeding in the
ploughed fields.

It was suggested by the late Dr Fleming that this species might
breed in Shetland, as he had observed it at all seasons of the year;
and I find it mentioned in a manuscript note by one of the authors
of the Fauna Orcadensis, that it breeds in the Orkney Islands. No
authentic record, however, has yet been published of the nest or
eggs having been found in either group of islands: it is, indeed,
possible that on account of the bird having been seen every month
of the year except July, these writers may have been misled.

THE OYSTER-CATCHER.

H^EMATOPUS OSTRALEGUS.
Gille Brideun.

THIS beautiful and lively bird is a familiar resident in all the outer
islands, and is also found throughout the whole year over the shores
of the west of Scotland generally, its breeding stations being
numerously scattered from north to south. It is likewise found
on the Haskar rocks and St. Kilda, in both of which places its nest
has been found by Mr John M'Donald, Newton.

The Oyster-Catcher pairs early in the season, and in some parts
of Scotland is known to travel long distances inland. When
travelling from Perth to Inverness in April, 1870, I observed
several pairs on the banks of the Tay evidently mated. Near
Dalguise, I saw others frequenting ploughed fields at some distance
from the river; and at Ballinluig two or three pairs were observed
near a farm steading feeding not more than twenty yards from the
pigeons and poultry. On reaching Pitlochry, I found five or six
pairs, all apparently mated ; and finally, as we passed Blair Athole
and proceeded northwards towards Struan, I counted about a
dozen more, showing that these birds follow the windings of such
a river as the Tay, and take up their summer quarters on its banks
at the commencement of the breeding season. About a week
afterwards, while travelling along the side of the Spey from
Rothes to Abernethy, I took notice of the fact that pairs of this
bird were located in the same way on the banks of the river from

THE OYSTER-CATCHER. 269

the Moray Firth to the confines of Inverness-shire, where they
would almost meet those coming from the Firth of Tay. In like
manner these birds ascend the Findhorn as far as its source in the
Monadhliadh mountains, and also penetrate to Lochness and Loch
Oich, where they are met by others which have entered by the
south at Loch Linnhe. The same remark applies to the whole of
the Western Coasts, where the many streams and sea-lochs that
characterize that side of Scotland attract the Oyster-Catcher and
other birds of like habits, and lead them gradually inland, so that
during the breeding season they turn up before the tourist almost
everywhere.

Towards the end of August the families congregate into large
flocks, numbering sometimes a hundred birds or more, when seen
feeding together; but when these are disturbed it seems natural to
the birds to break up into two or three companies, each having a
leader, who appears to guide them when on wing. I have often,
indeed, admired the regularity of their flight, and been led to
compare their movements with those of a flight of wild geese
steering steadily in a straight line, and uttering at times a whistling
note of assurance. These flocks are very attractive to the orni-
thologist, forming a fine variegated line of black and white glancing
in the light as it relieves the dark brown of some rocky cliffs, deep
blue of the sea, or heavy cloud of neutral tint hanging over the
distant horizon.

Mr Graham mentions in his notes that more than once he has
seen a whole flock of Oyster-Catchers alight upon the surface of the
sea a long way from land. "On these occasions," says Mr Graham,
" the water was perfectly smooth and calm, and I supposed them
to be attracted by the large shoals of herring-fry which were
swimming near the surface. Small fish as well as molluscs form a
part of their diet, and the birds that we have occasionally kept in
confinement would devour fish greedily." Mr Graham has also
seen them frequenting ploughed fields in lona.

I have many times studied the habits of this shy bird when
lying concealed on the shore waiting a shot at passing wild ducks,
or other birds I was in quest of. I recollect seeing about thirty
in a flock pitch upon a shelving rock from which the waves had
just receded and commence an attack upon the limpets, which were
very numerous. Being within three or four yards of them, I could
distinctly perceive their movements, and could not help being

270 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

struck with their dexterity in overturning the shells, and scooping
out their contents. Sometimes a bird would run forward to a
limpet and bend down its head sideways, as if in a listening
attitude; then it passed to another and another, repeating the
scrutiny, apparently to see if the shell was at all raised from the
rock, until it found one ready for treatment, which it immediately
put in force, by thrusting its thin pointed bill suddenly between
the edge of the limpet and its point of attachment, and turning it
neatly over. One foot was then placed on the object, and the
animal taken out as cleanly as if done with a knife or other sharp
instrument. Another favourite feeding ground is some sheltered
sandy bay, where a pair or two will often station themselves for a
few hours, boring the wet sand for annelids, which I have seen
them pull out of their burrows, and carry to the water for a slight
rinsing before being swallowed.

GRA LLA TORES.

THE COMMON CRANE.

GRUS GIN ERE A.
Chorra-mhonaidh. (Synonyne for Heron).

THE Crane is one of the rarer birds of Scotland, and has been
met with but in two instances in any of the western counties. A
young bird, which I have seen and examined, was shot on Dun-
donnell Estate, near the head of Loch Broom, West Ross-shire, in
September, 1869. Another was seen in March, 1870, at Torridon,
in the same county, by a keeper, who shot at the bird, but it made
its escape. I obtained these particulars in the neighbourhood
personally, about a month afterwards. It has, perhaps, occurred
more frequently in Orkney and Shetland than elsewhere in Britain.
The years 1807, 1832-33, may be mentioned in connection with
its appearance. In Mr Dunn's copy of Baikie and Heddle's work, a
note in MS. by one of the authors states that a specimen was
killed in Shetland in 1848. I examined a very fine bird of this
species, which was shot near Ha wick, in May, 1863: the specimen
is still in the possession of Mr Forrest, gunmaker, Jedburgh.

Dr Saxby mentions that two were shot in Shetland in 1865:
one in July by himself; the other at Haroldswick, a few weeks

NUMIDIAN CRANE. 271

previously; and also that he obtained a male in the island of Unst,
in the end of May, 1869, where a pair had been seen on the llth
of the same month. One — an immature specimen — was killed on
the banks of the Dee, in Aberdeenshire, in the end of May, 1851,
by Mr Francis Anderson, and is still in that gentleman's possession.
This bird, as I have been informed by Mr Angus, frequented a
field contiguous to the river, for several days. It was wounded in
the evening about dusk, and in the darkness escaped by flying into
a neighbouring wood. It was, however, shot dead next morning,
while roosting in a tree. The specimen was preserved by Mr
Mitchell, and shown by him to the late Professor Macgillivray
shortly before his death : it was the only example of the species
ever seen with flesh by that excellent ornithologist, and is now
invested with a somewhat melancholy interest, as being the very
last bird he examined.

An old Scots Act, passed in 1551, provides that the price of a
Crane shall not exceed five shillings, thus ranking it with the swan
in value. No act of the present day would prevent collectors
giving, at least, ten times that amount for a British killed specimen.

THE NUMIDIAN CRANE.
GRUS VIRGO.

A FINE male bird of this elegant species was shot at Deerness, near
Kirkwall, on the 14th May, 1863. Two were seen there for some
days, and having attracted the attention of sportsmen in the
locality, at once became subjects of close persecution, which
resulted in the death of one of the birds. The survivor, not
liking this Orcadian welcome, flew off to the adjoining island of
Copinshay, and ultimately disappeared. The elegance of their
figures and gracefulness of their movements were greatly admired —
an enjoyment, however, of brief duration, which the early death of
the one and banishment of the other but too soon proved. The
specimen procured was in good condition, although the stomach
contained nothing but a handful of oats. Both birds were much
persecuted during their short stay by the gulls and lapwings,
which continually buffeted the poor strangers, in spite of the
screams of remonstrance which they were ofttimes heard to utter.
Looking, therefore, to their inhospitable reception, both amongst

272 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

birds and bird hunters, we may probably have to wait a few years
ere we can again chronicle the demoiselle crane as a straggler to
our shores.

The reader will find a well-executed coloured portrait of this
beautiful bird in Dr Bree's " Birds of Europe," and also a pleasing
account of its habits, taken from M. Nordmann.

The following account of the plumage is taken from E. T.
Bennett's " Gardens and Menagerie of the Zoological Society": —
"The elegant species to which the French Academicians have
given the name of demoiselle, is remarkable for the graceful
symmetry of its form, the tasteful disposition of its plumage, and
the agreeable contrast of its lighter and darker shades of colour.
In an upright position, it measures, when fully grown, about three
feet six inches to the top of the head ; and its length, from the
point of the bill to the tip of the tail, is about three feet. Of
these measurements the neck and legs form a very considerable
proportion. A patch of light grey occupies the whole of the upper
surface of the head, the sides of which, together with the neck,
including the long slender pointed feathers which depend from its
lower part over the breast, are of a uniform, but not very intense
shade of black. Every part of the head and neck is fully plumed.
Behind each eye there passes off, in a backward direction, a tuft
of pure white feathers three or four inches in length. These
crests, as they are improperly termed, are extremely light and
flexible, and have their bulbs so loose as to float in graceful
undulations on the slightest motion of the bird. The rest of the
plumage, with the exception of the outer halves of the quill
feathers of the wings and tail, is of a uniform slaty grey. The
secondary quill feathers are considerably longer than the primary;
and, when the wings are folded, form on either side of the body a
tuft of dependent plumes, curving downwards towards their
extremities. All the quill feathers have their outer halves of a
dusty black. The bill is yellowish or flesh coloured; the iris
reddish-brown ; and the legs and claws approaching to black."

Since the above was written, I have been informed by Mr J.
H. Gurney, Jun., that the Orkney specimen is now in the collec-
tion of W. Christy Horsfall, Esq., of Horsforth Low Hall, near
Leeds.

COMMON HERON. 273

GRA LLA TORES. A RDEID^K.

THE COMMON HERON.

ARDEA CINEREA.
Chorra-riathach. Chorra-ghlas.

THIS well-known bird is abundant in all the western counties, and
also throughout the Long Island, or Outer Hebrides. It is equally
distributed over the inner group of islands where there are several
heronries. On the mainland, these interesting nurseries occur at
intervals, from the north-west of Sutherland to Wigtownshire.
In many of the wilder districts, where trees are either of stunted
growth, or entirely absent, the sites selected are very different
from those one is accustomed to see in cultivated localities.* Mr
Colin M'Vean has sent me word that he lately visited one of the
largest heronries he ever saw; it was on the point of Ardnamurchan,
where the rocks are tolerably steep, and covered with ivy and
shrubs, among which the herons had built their nests. It was an
extraordinary sight, when pulling along shore, to find hundreds
of young birds sitting on the ledges, and stretching their long
necks to look down at the party in the boat. After the families
are reared, they appear to keep very much together, flying in
company even to distant places on their fishing expeditions. On
some of the west country lochs, I have seen, in September, as many
as nineteen of these birds together in a group, and Mrs Blackburn,
in her beautiful book on "British Birds drawn from Nature," men-
tions having counted twenty-three herons at once on the shores of
Loch Aylort ; one of the plates in the work referred to represents
a group of eighteen observed at Lochiel side.

According to Pennant, heronries in woods had, in his time, been
much more crowded than similar settlements of the present day.
One, in particular, deserves mention, as showing how birds will
take the fullest advantage of strict protection when it is given
them. Writing of Lincolnshire and its ornithology, he thus
proceeds : — " But the greatest curiosity in these parts is the vast
heronry at Cressi Hall, six miles from Spalding. The Herons
resort there in February to repair their nests, settle there in the

* Dr Dewar informs me that a solitary nest was observed on the face of a
cliff, in the island of Kum, in 1869.

S

274 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

spring to breed, and quit the place during winter. They are
numerous as rooks, and their nests so crowded together that
myself and the company that was with me counted not fewer than
eighty in one tree. The family who owned this place was of the
same name with these birds, which seems to be the principal
inducement for preserving them." Let us hope they were not
disciples of Isaac Walton. Each of these nests would contain
four or five eggs, so that this remarkable tree would send nearly
four hundred feathered poachers into the nearest streams and
fish ponds.

Mr Graham has furnished me with a very interesting account of
the habits of the Heron as observed by himself in the island of
lona during his residence there, and I have much pleasure in
giving the following selection from his letters : —

"Except during the breeding season, the heron is a never
wanting accessory to our coast scenery, forming a conspicuous
feature in every rocky bay and lonely wave-margined sand-flat,
standing immovable watching its own inverted image in the clear
pools left by the ebbing tide, or roosting in sluggish attitude on
some high bare rock. When fishing in the pools left among rocks,
these birds are extremely wary against surprise; but, when wading
in open sandy bays, they are much less jealous of a moderately near
approach, and a party of six or seven together may then be watched
following their employment of fishing. For a while the heron
stands motionless, as if he were a bundle of withered sticks cast
up by the waves and left stranded in the ooze, when an almost
imperceptible motion of the head, a levelling of the bill for aim,
and a moment of extreme tension and suspense precedes a light-
ning dart of head and bill under water, which emerge again holding
some small writhing object. This is quickly swallowed by the
gaunt grey extended throat, and then the heron shakes his head
and bill, gives himself a comfortable shrug all over, steps a little
deeper into the receding tide, and again becomes a model of
patience and vigilance.

" The gamekeeper at Inverlussa, in the island of Jura, assures
me that they make their nests on the ground on the top of a high
steep bank, not far from the house. In this place they no doubt
feel themselves safe against human enemies; and, as to rats and
vermin, they know too much of the heron's sharp eye, and sharper
bill, to venture near her nursery. Having no trees to roost upon

COMMON HERON. 275

when with us, the herons roost on secluded rocky islets, on certain
of which, if visited at high water, and approached noiselessly, a
party of a dozen or so may sometimes be surprised dozing together
under the shelter of a high rock. Standing on one long rigid leg,
the other drawn up to the body and concealed among the feathers
all puffed up in a great ball, with only the tip of the bill protruding,
the party looks like a circle of great grey mops stuck in the ground.
When waking to the fact of an intruder, a man with a gun, being
in the midst of them, away they go flapping and floundering, with
every mark of extreme consternation, but in perfect silence, till,
having got some little distance, and fairly on the wing, they come
wheeling round to examine the cause of their terror, and then
scold him with braying screams for the shock their nerves had
sustained. When winged, a heron walks away, cowering down
among the inequalities of the rocks, her neck extended horizontally,
near to the ground, trying to conceal her tall form as much as
possible, her bright yellow eye fixed vigilantly and anxiously upon
her adversary. When brought to bay, she defends herself
valiantly, lunging out wickedly with her long rapier-like bill,
quickly recovering herself again, and putting herself in guard like
a master of fence, and uttering all the time such dreadfully
discordant outcries that, on one such occasion when picking up a
wounded heron near a little fishing village, I was afraid that the
women would come out, alarmed that a child was being killed."

Regarding the absence of heronries on the Outer Hebrides, Mr
Elwes has sent me the following remarks : — " This bird, though
common at all other times of the year, does not breed, so far as I
am aware, in the Long island. I am at a loss to find a reason for
this, as the country is in every way very suitable to its habits ; and,
though there are no trees on which to make its nest, there are
many small islets in excluded lochs which, in Ross and Sutherland,
are often used as breeding places. In Islay there is a ruined castle
on an islet in Loch-a-Gurim, the walls of which, though not more
than five or six feet high, have several Herons' nests on them every
year; and Thompson, in his Birds of Ireland, gives an account of
a heronry on a bare hill-side in the same island. In the
Highlands, the Heron is the earliest breeder we have, except the
raven and cross-bill, as I have found their young ones hatched
by the middle of April. In the south they are nearly a month
earlier."

276 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

A wounded Heron will sometimes swim out of reach to evade
capture. I recollect shooting one, which fell with a broken wing
into a deep weal in the water of Girvan, from which it did not
appear very anxious to make its escape. It swam from one end
of the pool to the other and back again with surprising vigour — a
somewhat unusual and astonishing feat, considering the structure
of its paddles. Being on the embankment above the wounded
bird, I noticed that it struck out behind with well-timed strokes
of its feet, and could readily have escaped had the water been that
of a deep loch instead of a river. On landing the bird, and turning
it adrift on the banks, it attempted to regain the water, but was
immediately assailed by a Scotch terrier I had with me, who ran
open-mouthed at the Heron. The attack was instantly met with a
defiant look, such as a Heron's eye can assume. The panting
terrier stood a second or two irresolute; then, fearing mischief, it
suddenly turned round, the wounded bird meanwhile darting its
long neck and wedge-shaped bill, and pinning the unfortunate dog
with a force both awkward and severe.

I have been nowhere more struck with the figure of this " grey
watcher of the waters " than on the time-stained rocks bordering
the lakes of the Outer Hebrides. Having been storm -bound in
the island of North Uist for nearly a fortnight in the autumn of
1867, I had many opportunities of seeing these watchful creatures
" brooding gloomily " on the margins of the salt water creeks near
Loch Maddy. On the banks of a nameless lake, which forms the
subject of the frontispiece to this volume, I saw one every morning
occupying the same stone for twelve successive days. There was
no great depth of water at the place, but it was doubtless a lucky
perch to the bird and a dangerous rock to many a poor fish.

THE PUKPLE HERON.
ARDEA PURPUREA.

A SPECIMEN of the Purple Heron, killed in Caithness, is mentioned
by the late Mr Wilson as being in the collection of Mr E. S.
Sinclair, surgeon, Wick. This occurrence had previously been
published by the Eev. Charles Thomson in his statistical account
of that parish, dated March, 1841.

Another example of this rare bird was shot in the parish of

GREAT WHITE HERON. 277

Monquhitter, Aberdeenshire, in March, 1847, as recorded in
Macgillivray's British Birds, on the authority of the Kev. James
Smith, who furnished Dr Macgillivray with the full particulars of
its capture.

THE GEEAT WHITE HERON.

ARDEA ALBA.

IN the works of Dr Macgillivray and Mr Yarrell, mention is made
of the occurrence of this noble-looking Heron in Haddingtonshire,
oh 9th June, 1840; and I have been informed by the Earl of
Haddington that the bird, which is in magnificent plumage, is still
preserved in the collection at Tyninghame House, East Lothian.
This appears to be the only instance of the occurrence of this splendid
bird on the mainland of Scotland; but I find, on referring to Mr
Dunn's copy of the Historia Naturalis Orcadensis, that one of the
authors has stated, in manuscript, that two specimens were met
with on the island of Damsay, in Orkney. No other particulars,
however, are given.

A full description of the Haddingtonshire specimen, which was
mistaken by Macgillivray for a new species, and named by him
Erodius Victoria}, will be found in Part II. of the 'Manual of
British Ornithology' published by that author in 1842; but, in the
fourth volume of his larger work, published ten years later, he has
withdrawn the name Victoria^, and doubtfully referred the specimen
to the Egretta Nigrirostris of Bonaparte's " Comparative List," page
47, No. 329, European species.

Sir William Jardine, in referring to the same specimen, remarks
that, during the winter of 1840-41, several " White Herons" were
" seen and killed both in England and Scotland which, it is little
doubt, were egrets of one species or other."* Notices of these
appeared chiefly in the newspapers — the peculiar colour and
appearance of the birds having drawn upon them general attention.
The season was remarkable for the intensity of the cold. This
author also states that, in the same winter, a ' White Heron ' was
seen several times upon the shores of the Solway, on the English
side, above Port Carlisle, and that it may have been identical with
the great egret. There is always more or less uncertainty

* Birds of Great Britain and Ireland, vol. iii., 1842, p. 135.

278 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

attending the value of newspaper paragraphs, especially when
specimens are only seen. I have myself, on more than one occasion,
been told by country people living near estuaries in various parts
of Scotland, of large White Herons having made their appearance
on the mud-flats at low tide. These of course may have been
albinoes of the common heron, or storks, or spoon-bills — the name
' heron ' being applied indiscriminately by such informants to any
wader above an average size.

THE LITTLE BITTERN.
BOTAURUS MINUTUS.

IN the transactions of the Wernerian Society of Edinburgh
mention is made of a Little Bittern having been shot in the Tyne
estuary in 1836, and exhibited at one of the society's meetings,
by Sir Patrick Walker. Since that time no other Scottish
specimen had occurred until 1866, one having been caught on
board a vessel entering the harbour of Aberdeen, on the 21st
of October, as I have been informed by Mr G. Sim of that
city. Mr Angus, in referring to this specimen in one of his
letters, states that a second Aberdeenshire specimen of this
rare British bird was shot by Mr A. Bowie, on the 28th May,
1868, at the junction of the Don and the Ury below Keith Hall,
the residence of the Earl of Kintore. "This bird," writes Mr
Angus, " which is now in my collection, was in the water when
observed, and on being disturbed, alighted on the branch of a
tree, along which it ran with great speed. It flew like a grey
heron, but with a quicker motion of its wings. The specimen is
an adult female, deep in the moult, incubation having almost bared
the lowest parts of the feathers. The stomach contained a solitary
minnow." A third specimen killed in this county has been noti-
fied to me by the same gentleman: — "An immature male was
shot on the marsh, near Fintry House, on the 23d September,
1868. Its manner of flight is described as resembling that of a
heron; the stomach, which is remarkably large, contained small
worms, a stickleback, and the legs of a common frog. The bird
was sent by Sir William Forbes, Bart., to Mr Mitchell, for pre-
servation, and has been added to that gentleman's valuable
collection."

COMMON BITTERN. 279

In addition to these Aberdeenshire specimens, I am enabled,
through the kindness of the Earl of Haddington, to record the
occurrence of a very perfect male bird, at LufFness, in East
Lothian, on 23d June, 1867. This specimen, which was exhibited
at a meeting of the Natural History Society of Glasgow shortly
afterwards, is now in the Mellerstain Collection.

Dr Edmonston has noticed the species in Shetland, and it
is also mentioned by Messrs Baikie and Heddle, in the Orkney
Fauna — one having been shot by Mr Strang, on Sanday, in'
1806.

THE COMMON BITTERN.

EOT A URUS STELLARIS.

Ghraineig.

Is not a common species anywhere, though I have seen examples
from almost every county. The Bittern has, once or twice
of late years, been killed at Fossil Marsh, and also at Hogganfield,
both places being within a few miles of Glasgow. It has likewise
been shot in Arran, Islay, and Mull, but not, so far as I am aware,
on any of the other inner islands, except Skye, on which island one
was shot in May, 1867. On the Outer Hebrides it appears to be a
rare bird ; one was shot in North Uist a few years ago, but I am
not able to quote any other authentic instance of the occurrence
of the Bittern in the Long island.

In the east of Scotland the distribution of the Bittern extends
from Berwick to Caithness — the number of specimens obtained
being about equal to that met with in the west.

It is many years since this bird bred in any part of Scotland.
In the old statistical account of Galston, in Ayrshire, dated 1792,
the Rev. George Smith, then minister of the parish, recorded that
a pair of Bitterns had their nest on an island in Bruntwood Loch,
near Mauchline, in 1782, but as the birds made a loud roaring
noise, some superstitious people in the district banished them in
the belief that their uncommon cries foreboded no good. The
chance of banishing rare birds like the Bittern, however, does not
now fall to the lot of timid people. The rapid progress made of
late years in the cultivation of districts once attractive to birds of

280 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

the waste has operated in a very marked degree against their
accustomed visits. Graham, in his " British Georgics," has well
expressed the change: —

" No more the heath fowl there her nestling brood
Fosters; no more the dreary plover plains;
And when, from frozen regions of the pole,
The wintry bittern to his wonted haunt,
On weary wing, returns, he finds the marsh
Into a joyless stubble ridge transformed,
And mounts again to seek some watery wild."

THE AMERICAN BITTERN.
BOTAURUS LENTIGINOSUS.

A SPECIMEN of this bird was shot in Dumfriesshire near the
residence of Sir William Jardine, Bart., in October, 1844. The
occurrence of this specimen is noticed in YarrelFs 'British Birds.'

In addition to the subject of this notice, a second was obtained
in Aberdeenshire about ten years later, as I have been informed
by Mr Angus, to whom I am indebted for the following particulars.
It was shot by Colonel William Fraser in November, 1854, near
the toll-bar at the Bridge of Don, on the property of his cousin,
H. D. Forbes, Esq., of Balgownie. This gentleman, having often
shot the species during his residence in America, at once identified
it. The specimen, after being stuffed by Mr Mitchell, was presented
to the King's College Museum, but at the union of the universities
was afterwards removed to the Aberdeen University Museum,
where it now remains. Previous to being skinned, the bird was
examined by the late John Longmuir, Esq., whose excellent notes
Colonel Fraser has kindly permitted me to make use of here: —

" The American Bittern is easily distinguished from the other
two species which have occurred in this country by having the
upper parts of a chocolate brown, with brown and grey variegations
and a purplish gloss — the under parts of a more yellow hue, with
various chestnut and brown streaks on the neck, breast, and belly.
The length varies from twenty-three to twenty-seven inches —
Colonel Eraser's specimen being somewhat more than twenty-four
inches. The bird obtained here was a female, and remains of
small fishes were found in its stomach. It is found in various parts
of North America, extending from a high latitude to the Southern

NIGHT HERON. 281

States. Whether it extends its range beyond the American con-
tinent, except as an occasional straggler in Europe, has not yet
been accurately determined. It is naturally of a timid and soli-
tary disposition, frequenting marshy ground and willow thickets.
It has a curious habit of standing on one foot for hours with its
eye fixed on the sun — a custom which has earned for it among
the inhabitants of Lower Louisiana the name of ' Garde soleil/
Though usually sluggish and inert, when wounded its courage is
aroused, and with its neck plumage raised, and the feathers of
its body ruffled, it defends itself by means of its powerful beak,
with which it strikes furiously at its adversary. When seized, it
frequently bites and scratches, inflicting, at times, considerable
injury. It booms like the common species, nestles in swamps,
and lays four greyish green eggs. Colonel Eraser's specimen is
in admirable preservation, and forms an addition of great interest
to the fauna of Aberdeenshire."

After an interval of eight years, a third specimen of the American
Bittern was obtained in Caithness, as I have been informed by
Dr Smith, secretary to the Eoyal Physical Society of Edinburgh.
It was shot at Latheron-wheel by F. S. Bently Innes, Esq., of
Thrumster, in the autumn of 1862, and a notice of the occurrence
was communicated to that society in April, 1864.

While this sheet was passing through the press, Mr Harvie
Brown has drawn my attention to the following paragraph taken
from the Field newspaper of 4th March, 1871: —

" American Bittern in Mid-Lothian. — A remarkably fine specimen,
killed by John Kinkell, gamekeeper to Charles Cowan, Esq., of
Logan House, about ten years ago, near the Compensation Pond
in the Pentland Hills, Mid-Lothian, .... still forms one of the
most interesting ornaments in Mr Cowan's hall, in a case of rare
birds and animals killed on the estate."

THE NIGHT HERON.
NYCTICORAX GARDENI.

So far as I am aware, this species has occurred but in one instance
in the West of Scotland — a specimen having been shot many years
ago within a mile of Kilmarnock, as I have been informed by Mr
Oliver Eaton, bird stuff er in that town.

282 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

With regard to the occurrence of the Night Heron in other
parts of Scotland, the reader will find, on referring to the works
of Yarrell and Macgillivray, that the former author speaks of two
specimens having been obtained north of the Tweed, and that the
latter — apparently describing one of these — states that it was shot
by the Earl of Home, near Coldstream, in 1823. Sir William
Jardine, however, remarks that two birds were obtained by that
nobleman, and mentions another in his own collection which was
killed on the banks of the Cluden, in Dumfriesshire, in 1825. The
late Dr R. D. Thomson, who was for many years resident in
Glasgow, and personally known to me, mentions the species as a
"rare visitor " in his statistical account of the parish of Eccles, in
Berwickshire, but without giving examples of its occurrence. He
had no doubt, however, good reason for introducing the species
when he drew up the list.

To these instances, all of which are probably of thirty years'
standing, I have much pleasure in adding another of recent date,
which has been communicated to me by Mr Angus, of Aberdeen.
This specimen, which is in immature plumage, was shot on the
9th January, 1866, at Menie, about eight miles north of Aberdeen.
It was seen in the dusk of the evening flying across a pond, and
killed by the keeper, who thought "it was an out of the way
owl;" and, as such, entitled to a place in his museum, the
coach-house door. In this precious repository, it was found
suspended by the lower mandible, and attracted the notice of
James Buchan, Esq., of Auchmacoy, who obtained possession
of it, and sent it to Mr Mitchell, of the Aberdeen Museum,
for preservation. The following description of this bird, written
by Mr Angus when it was in the flesh, has been kindly
forwarded to me by that gentleman, who expresses himself
indebted to Mr Mitchell for an opportunity of identifying the
species : —

" Weight of specimen, one pound, fourteen and a half ounces;
length, two feet, three inches and a half; extent, three feet,
eleven inches; upper mandible, from the gape, four inches and
a quarter; wing, from flexure, thirteen inches and a quarter;
first primary half an inch shorter than the third, which is
the largest of the wing; second and fourth equal. Bare space
round the eye, which extends to the beak, greenish yellow. Iris,
crimson vermillion; pupil, brownish black. The bill robust and

NIGHT HERON. 283

of considerable length, with a deep notch near the tip of the upper
mandible, which is dark- horn colour above, with three ridges on
each side extending to within half an inch of the tip, which is
narrow and acute. A stripe of yellow co-extensive with the
ridges, and a parallel stripe of dark-horn colour along the cutting
edges, which are remarkably sharp, as are also those of the lower
mandible, the latter having the corresponding lines of dark and
yellow, and being feathered to within half an inch of the point.
Nostril straight, widening a little toward the centre, but the
aperture is by no means so large as it is represented in
Macgillivray's figure, which, being taken from a dried specimen,
shows an exaggeration of the orifice. Head bushy; neck behind
with soft flowing feathers; crown of the head dark brown, which
is the predominating colour on the whole of the upper parts. The
larger feathers streaked on each side of the shafts with reddish
white ; the outer feathers on the shoulder of the wing with
diagonal streaks of dirty white. Space between the wings
without the spots or streaks. The outer web of the first primary
margined with white for three-fourths of its length, and tipped
with the same colour; the white on the points of the inner
primaries increasing to spots of a triangular shape, and on the
secondaries to large round spots. The greater wing coverts also
terminate in white spots, which form a straight dotted line when
the wing is extended, and an angle when it is closed. Lower
parts brownish white, streaked with darker. Tail rounded, dark
grey, tinged with reddish-brown. Feet, dirty greenish yellow;
toes slender, the fourth the largest, connected by a large membrane ;
claws bluish, arched, much worn, the middle claw pectinated on
the inside. On dissection, the bird proved to be a male. The
stomach, which is oblong, contained sand, a quantity of viscous
matter, and a perch about six inches long."

Wilson gives a very graphic account of the breeding habits of
this Heron, which is very abundant in some parts of North America.
This author states that the birds congregate early in April, taking
possession of solitary and deeply shaded groves of swamp oak and
cedar, and that the best known nurseries have been occupied from
time immemorial by as many as one hundred pairs. The nests
are described as being built entirely of sticks, in considerable
bulky quantities; the eggs, four in number, are of a very pale
blue colour. " On entering the swamp in the neighbourhood of

284 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

one of these breeding places," says Wilson, "the noise of the old
and the young would almost induce one to suppose that two or
three hundred Indians were choking or throttling each other.
The instant an intruder is discovered, the whole rise in the air in
silence, and remove to the tops of the trees in another part of the
woods, while parties of from eight to ten make occasional circuits
over the spot to see what is going on. When the young are able,
they climb to the highest part of the trees; but, knowing their
inability, do not attempt to fly. Though it is probable that these
nocturnal birds do not see well during the day, yet their faculty
of hearing must be exquisite, as it is almost impossible, with all
the precautions one can use, to penetrate near their residence
without being discovered. Several species of hawks hover around,
making an occasional sweep among the young ; and the bald eagle
himself has been seen reconnoitring near the spot, probably with
the same design."

I am reminded by Mr Angus that Mr Gould (vide " Birds of
Europe"), considers Nycticorax Europoeus to be distinct from Ardea
Nycticorax of American authors. " If the difference be specific,"
writes Mr Angus, " which I much doubt, the specimen killed in
this country is the larger bird." On consulting Professor Baird's
valuable work on the "Birds of North America" (Philadelphia,
1860), I find it stated, under the head Nyctiardea Gardeni, that
"the American Night Heron is similar to the European N. Grisea,
but is larger, the bill stouter. The young birds have the quills
with an apical white spot not found in the European." If the
latter distinction, therefore, holds good, the specimen which my
excellent correspondent so carefully describes, is in reality the
American bird, and consequently new to Britain, if not to Europe.

THE WHITE STORK.

01 CON I A ALBA.

Chorra-bhan.

THIS handsome and interesting bird has never, so far as I can
learn, appeared in any part of the western mainland.

In the statistical account of the parish of Craig, in Forfarshire,
prepared by the late Mr Thomas Mollison, Montrose, and published

WHITE STORK. 285

in 1835, it is stated that a Stork had been seen a short time pre-
viously near that town, and was afterwards shot at Ethie House.
Dr Macgillivray, in referring to this specimen, mentions that the
occurrence of another in Aberdeenshire in the winter of 1837-38
was communicated to him by the Rev. James Smith, Monquhitter,
and likewise describes one in his work that had been shot in
Mainland, Shetland, and presented to the University Museum,
Edinburgh. In Yarrell's work on British Birds mention is made
of two specimens having been obtained in Shetland, and of another
Scotch specimen communicated to him by Mr Grant, without,
however, specifying either date or locality. Messrs Baikie and
Heddle also include the species in their catalogue — a specimen
having been killed on South Ronaldshay, Orkney, in 1840.

In addition to these instances, I have to record the occurrence
of a very fine specimen which was shot near St. Abb's Head,
Berwickshire, in 1848, by a fisherman, who gave it to Mr William
Paterson of North Berwick. This bird is still carefully preserved
in that gentleman's collection. I saw it shortly after its capture,
and have since seen it when visiting Mr Paterson in company
with Dr Turnbull, who takes notice of the specimen in his
little work on the Birds of East Lothian.

All the foregoing examples had evidently been stragglers, driven
to our shores probably by the severity of the weather. Looking,
indeed, to the circumstance of the Stork being abundant in
Holland and France, and also a well-known visitant in Sweden,
and some of the northern parts of Russia, it appears strange that
the eastern coasts of Scotland especially are not visited by the
species when pursuing its migratory flights to and from these
countries. In referring to this peculiarity, Selby speaks of it as
" a remarkable instance of the laws which direct the migrations of
birds, and confine them within certain limits," probably over-
looking the fact that the instincts of the bird may take it where its
natural food (consisting chiefly of frogs and other reptiles) is most
plentiful. It is said, however, that in some towns in Holland and
Flanders the species is of great use in devouring all kinds of gar-
bage that might accumulate and putrify on the streets; and bearing
in mind this convenient habit, it might not be an unwelcome
invasion were a few hundred Storks to diverge from their line of
flight, and pass an hour or two in some of our coast towns and
villages.

286 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

THE WHITE SPOONBILL.

PL AT A LEA LEUCORODIA.

IT is not unlikely that the Spoonbill will be found to be an
occasional visitant to the western islands. I am informed by
Mr H. D. Graham that this bird has been accurately described
by several residents on the Outer Hebrides to Mr Colin M'Vean.
At Barra, especially, the species has occurred oftener than once ;
on one occasion five were seen together in a flock. I am
unable, however, to say anything from personal observation.
The species has also been seen on the east coast, in Tyne
estuary;* and has been shot in Shetland, where, however, it is
extremely rare.

In October, 1859, a flock of ten was seen flying across the Bay
of Kirkwall, in Orkney, by some work people, who soon spread
the information, which led to the destruction of half their number.
A week afterwards, three more were seen, one of which was killed,
thus making the sixth "martyr to the cause of science," as subjects
of this kind are now mildly termed. All these specimens were
young birds without the crest.

THE GLOSSY IBIS.
IBIS FALCINELLUS.

THIS straggler has never, to my knowledge, been met with in the
West of Scotland, except in the single instance mentioned by Mac-
gillivray — a specimen having, according to that writer, who saw
it, been shot in Ayrshire. No date is given.

On the east coast, one of these birds was shot in September,
1842, in Fifeshire, by Mr Hepburn, who communicated the cir-
cumstance to Mr Yarrell. A third specimen appears to have been
obtained near Banchory, in Kincardineshire, on the property of
Sir James Burnett, Bart., about the year 1844. This bird, as I
have been informed by Mr Angus, was presented to the late Pro-
fessor Macgillivray, in whose work, however, no particulars are
given, although the simple occurrence is noticed.

To these instances may be added the occurrence of an immature

* See Turnbull's Birds of East Lothian, page 43.

COMMON CURLEW. 287

bird, which was shot in a corn-yard, at Balta Sound, Shetland, in
October, 1862, and whose demise is recorded byDr Saxby, in the
"Naturalist," for October, 1865. Mr J. H. Dunn informs me
that a specimen was shot near Kirkwall, in October, 1857.

GRA LLA TORES. SCO LOP A CID^E.

THE COMMON CURLEW.

NUMENIUS A RQ V A TA .
Guilbneach.

THE Curlew is an abundant bird everywhere in suitable localities,
extending to all the outer islands ; it does not, however, breed, so far
as I know, on the moors of that group. In the nesting season, indeed,
it is perhaps more numerous in the hilly districts of the southern and
western counties below Perthshire and Argyleshire, than elsewhere
in Scotland. I have, at various times, wandered over many miles
of their moorland solitudes, where the only other bird within
hearing was the familiar meadow pipit, whose feeble note served
but to deepen the impression produced by the wild cry of the
Curlew. This call is most bewildering when the watchful male
birds are disturbed on the hill-side at the time the females are on
their nests. One after another rises from the brown heath, till the
seemingly lifeless moor rings with their pertinacious outcries.
Soon the alarm spreads, and, away in the distance, these wary
creatures, scarcely seen against the grey side of the mountain, rise
into the air above their mates, hovering uneasily until the cause
of the disturbance disappears. Then as the traveller gets to a
distance, just out of their sight, they settle beside them again with
a strange musical utterance of satisfaction — a long gurgling and
quavering note, exceedingly wild, yet not unpleasing, when we
think of the faithful bird assuring his mate that all danger is past.
When the young are hatched, the note of the curlew is even more
vociferous, as both birds then join in these wailing remonstrances.
I have often caught the chicks when about two or three days' old ;
they squat so close to the ground that it is nearly impossible to
find them among rough heath ; but, on a bare spot, a practised eye
may discover the little puff-balls cowering to avoid capture. When
taken up, however, and set down again, they become quite

288 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

regardless, standing high on their ungainly legs, and looking about
with apparent surprise and wonderment.

Besides breeding on the higher ranges of mountains, the Curlew
nests on islands in fresh water lakes, especially in places which
are solitary and undisturbed. I have repeatedly found its nest on
Inch Moin, a low flat island in Loch Lomond, which is not more
than twenty or thirty feet above the sea level. Mr Elwes informs
me that it does not breed in Islay, though it is found there in great
numbers during most of the year.

From Mr Harvie Brown's journals, I learn that in Suther-
landshire, where the Curlew is local, though common in the
districts it frequents, four eggs are almost invariably found in the
nest, three being the usual number taken in nests throughout the
midland and southern counties. In one nest in Sutherlandshire,
a shepherd took as many as five eggs, which are now in Mr Harvie
Brown's collection.

THE WHIMBEEL.

NUMENIUS PH^EOPUS.
Eun-bealltuin.

THIS species is known to breed in various parts of Scotland ; per-
haps more numerously in Orkney and Shetland than elsewhere.
In the outer islands, it is found in considerable numbers throughout
the month of May, in Benbecula and North Uist, from both of
which localities I have obtained specimens now in my collection.
In these islands it is known, as in other parts of Britain, by the
name of May bird — the bulk of the migratory flocks moving
onwards during that month to higher latitudes. Some of my
Hebridean correspondents tell me that the Whimbrel comes
regularly about the first of the month; at first only a few are
seen, but as the season progresses the flocks become very large.*
They are then seen daily feeding on the pasture lands near the
sea, chiefly on the west side of Benbecula and North Uist. These
pastures, as I have myself observed, are covered with a small
land shell (Helix ericetorum), which is so abundant that I have

* Captain Feilden informs me, that he saw a flock of fifty Whimbrels in the
Sound of Wiay, on the 3d Jmie, 1870.

THE WHIMBREL. 289

gathered hundreds in a few minutes, and this shell constitutes the
chief food of the Whimbrel during its stay on the islands, ex-
tending over a period of three or four weeks — sometimes longer,
as I have procured birds that were killed in June. The flocks,
as a rule, depart after their temporary sojourn about the last
of the month, and do not return, except as very rare stragglers,
until the first of May following. Writing from lona, Mr Graham
states that the Whimbrel only visits that island in May, arriving
in very large flocks about the first, and remaining until the very
last of the month, after which they entirely disappear, and are
seen no more for the rest of the year, except as single stragglers.
They are then very tame and unsuspicious. My friend thus de-
scribes its arrival : — " When the wintry storms have at last done
roaring, and the sea has subsided into peaceful calm, when the air
is genial, and the sky is blue, then the unusual and peculiar cry
of the Whimbrel announces the fact that summer is nigh. Its
call consists of several rapidly repeated, short and clear whistles,
uttered about seven times in rapid succession; whence its name
of seven whistler has been derived. This cry is heard as the flocks
are flying to and fro high in the air, before alighting on the grass -
covered sandy levels which skirt a considerable portion of the
shores of lona, and are at this time of the year enamelled with
wild hyacinths, purple orchis, and other wild flowers. Here a
flock of some fifty of these long legged birds, scattered over the
bright green turf, forms a very alluring sight, and their comparative
heedlessness makes them an easy prey to one accustomed to cir-
cumvent the timid and cunning curlew. They do not touch here
on their autumnal migration."

The total absence of these birds in many of the outer islands, at
a time when one would expect to see them on their return, has
been a frequent subject of remark. On the island of Islay,
however, as I have been informed by Mr Elwes, they are found in
flocks about Loch Indall during the winter and spring, which shows
that a few, at least, come south by the same route. I have seen
one or two stray Whimbrels in the Clyde estuary early in August,
along with small troops of dunlins, back at that season from
their breeding haunts on the moors.

The plate represents a small group of these birds at one of their
well-known haunts in the Sound of Harris — the view including
the islands of Pabbay and Berneray in the distance.

290 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

ESQUIMAUX CURLEW.
NUMENIUS BOREALIS.

ONLY one specimen of this rare bird has, as yet, been detected in
Scotland ; it was shot at Durris, near Aberdeen, on 6th September,
1855, by Mr R. Cusack Smith, Esq., and preserved by Mr
Mitchell, of Aberdeen, who has sent me word that it was in fine
plumage, and in excellent condition. Mr Angus informs me that
the species was identified by the late Mr J. Longmuir, who wrote
to Mr Yarrell informing him of its occurrence. No other example
of this species appears to have been since obtained in any part of
the British islands.

•

THE SPOTTED REDSHANK.
TOTANUS FUSCUS.

HAS not yet been traced to any of the western districts, but on
the east coast of Scotland it has frequently been obtained in
localities ranging from Haddingtonshire to Caithness. It has been
taken in Banffshire by Mr Edward, and in Aberdeenshire by Mr
Angus, who has obligingly supplied me with the following
notes: — " An immature specimen was shot on the Old Town Links
on the 19th September, 1867, and presented to Mr Mitchell, to
whom I am indebted for the opportunity of making a description
of the bird, which I now give you in a condensed form. Basal
half of the lower mandible, light orange, dusky towards the point;
on each side of the mandible, a distinct groove, which is co-extensive
with the orange colour; legs and feet, orange; claws, black. Iris,
hazel; crown of the head, greyish brown, and slightly spotted.
Lores, dark brown, a white line extending from behind the eye to
the base of the upper mandible; chin, whitish. Belly, vent, and
under tail coverts, dirty white, barred with dusky — the bars more
distinct on the vent and under tail coverts. The feathers on the
breast resembling those of the common gull in its first plumage.
The first quill the longest of the wing, having the shaft white; the
primaries, as also the scapulars and the space between the shoulders,
purplish; the smaller wing feathers, whitish, and lightest on the
edges. Space between the wings, white. Tail beautifully barred

COMMON REDSHANK. 291

with white, each feather having sixteen bars; the middle feathers
rather the longest. Tibial feathers long and downy. The stomach
contained the remains of small Crustacea, and I found a small fish
in the gullet."

In the Orkneys, as I find from a manuscript note in Messrs
Baikie and Heddle's work, "one was shot by Mr Strang in Sanday,
in September, 1849."

THE COMMON REDSHANK.

TOT ANUS CALIDRIS.
Cam-glas. Clabhais feach.

A VERY abundant species. It breeds plentifully in many inland
districts of the West of Scotland, usually at a considerable distance
from the sea, and sometimes in marshy places as much as a thou-
sand or twelve hundred feet above the sea level. I have found its
nest on the higher grounds of Renfrewshire within ten miles of
Glasgow. It also breeds at Ardlamont, in Argyleshire, from which
locality several specimens of both sexes, in summer plumage, as
well as young birds a few days old, have been obligingly obtained
for me by Mr J. Gilmour of Glasgow. On the banks of Loch
Lomond about fifteen or twenty pairs annually take up their
summer quarters in a grass park on the farm of Mid-Ross, where
I have seen their nests. In this locality the birds generally select
a tuft of ragweed, or other plant, under the shade of which the
eggs are deposited without much preparation in the way of nest-
making — the few straws on which they are placed looking more
like an accidental lining than one designed by the owners. These
nests are exceedingly difficult to find. In very dry seasons, when
the loch is low, the Redshanks sometimes choose the line of high-
water mark for a breeding place, the nests, if they may be called
so, being placed on the mass of sticks and straws which are blown
on shore by the wind, and huddled together by the action of the
little waves. On the east coast of Scotland, I have obtained the
eggs of the Redshank in Forfarshire and Aberdeenshire.

The habits of this vigilant and noisy shore bird have been so
often described, that it is hardly necessary to repeat them here.
Every sportsman accustomed to shore shooting knows the impos-
sibility of stalking either geese or wild ducks, should there happen

292 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

to be a Eedshank in the way. The moment the troublesome fellow
catches a glimpse of an intruder, he is up in the air uttering his
shrill warning cry, which he persistently keeps up until every bird
within hearing has taken the friendly hint and decamped.
Frequently have I banged at these tell-tales, out of pure revenge,
in my early shooting experiences. On one occasion, having fired
at the leader of a flock passing me, the bird dropped into deep
water, and, to my surprise, was immediately surrounded by his
companions, who, with piercing outcries, hovered within a few
inches of his head, as if trying to get him lifted from the sea.
What they might have done it is now impossible to say — the
fluttering crowd proving such a temptation as to cause me to
discharge the other barrel into the midst of them. My perch had
been a slippery one, for without a moment's warning, I went down
head foremost into the heaving waves, and my exertions to recover
the gun, after coming to the surface myself, were too arduous to
admit of any further bird observations for that day.

During my shore rambles at Dunbar in the winter of 1846, my
attention was repeatedly attracted by the movements of a pair of
Redshanks, which I observed every morning flying together about
the same part of the coast. I noticed that when they alighted
anywhere, one remained sitting on a stone while the other foraged
among the surrounding pools for small marine animals, which it
carried to the stone. Seeing these movements so often repeated,
I was naturally curious to know why the two kept so constantly
together, and why the one always remained still while the other
was running about ; but, on examining both birds after they were
shot, I found, to my great sorrow, that the sitting bird — a female
— plump and fat as it was, had only one mandible — the lower one
having been, apparently a considerable time before, completely
shot away. Thus the faithful mate of the previous summer had
ministered to the wants of his unfortunate companion. I have
never shot a Eedshank since.

GREEN SANDPIPER. 293

THE GKEEN SANDPIPEE.

TOT ANUS OCHROPUS.

WITH the exception of a single specimen shot on 10th November,
1868, on the Pollok estate, near Glasgow, and another seen in its
company by Mr W. Cox, keeper there, this beautiful species has
never, so far as I am aware, occurred on any part of the western
mainland, or its island dependencies. From north to south,
however, in the eastern counties, various specimens have been
obtained. It is mentioned in Mr Sinclair's Caithness catalogue,
and has been found in East Lothian on the banks of the Tyne
and other streams by Dr Turnbull. In Dumfriesshire, the
earliest record of its occurrence is in 1829, by Mr Selby; and Sir
William Jardine informs me that he has frequently procured it in
the same county since 1836. I have likewise been informed by
Mr W. Smellie Watson, of Edinburgh, that he has shot this species
near Carlinwark House, Castle-Douglas, and Mr Harvie Brown
sent me a fine specimen in the flesh which he shot on the banks of
the Carron, in Stirlingshire, in the last week of August, 1870.

Mr Angus, of Aberdeen, has obligingly furnished me with the
following notes on this species: — "The Green Sandpiper has
frequently been found in the county of Aberdeen. A beautiful
specimen came under my observation lately; it was shot by a lad
named Smith on the old Town Links, on the 12th September,
1867, and sold to Mr Mitchell, of the Museum. I believe that
this species occasionally breeds in Aberdeenshire. A male and
female were killed by the side of a hill burn in July, 1865, and
preserved by Mr William Beveridge, of Craigh — a gentleman well
known for his talent in stuffing game birds. I have also undoubted
evidence of its occurrence in summer in other parts of the county."
As naturalists hitherto have had but an imperfect knowledge
of the nidification of this bird, the following quotation from
" Ten Years in Sweden," by Mr Wheelwright, better known
as "the old bushman," may not be considered out of place: —
" Although it is easy enough to know whereabout the bird is
breeding, a man may look till doomsday for the eggs if he followed
the stereotyped description of, I believe, all our naturalists, and
sought for the nest where they tell us, ' in sand, on a bank, or
among grass by the side of a stream.' The fact is, I don't believe

294 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

any naturalist had seen the really authentic eggs of this bird until
I discovered its breeding haunts some years since. In Sweden,
the Green Sandpiper never makes a nest upon the ground like the
rest of its congeners, but invariably lays four pyriform large eggs
of a very light colour, spotted all over sparingly towards the small
end (at the top the spots are much larger, darker, and crowded
together), with two shades of purple, and amber brown — in an old
nest of a squirrel, jay, or crow. I once, however, saw them in a
new common thrush's nest in the forest, often far from the water,
always in a fir tree, sometimes forty feet from the ground."

A very interesting paper by Professor Newton on the nidification
of this species will be found in the proceedings of the Zoological
Society, 8th December, 1863.

THE WOOD SANDPIPER.

TOT ANUS GLAREOLA.

THE only specimen of this Sandpiper which I have seen on the
west coast is one in my own collection; it was shot on the Ren-
frewshire banks of the Clyde, opposite Bowling, in the autumn
of 1853.

In the eastern counties it has occurred several times. The late
Mr Sinclair, surgeon, Wick, had one in his collection, which was
procured in Caithness many years ago, and I have been informed
by Mr Angus that a specimen was shot near Aberdeen, on 1st
September, 1866. I have had an opportunity of seeing this bird,
and also another Aberdeenshire specimen, which was shown to
me when in Aberdeen, in May, 1869, by Mr G-. Sim, bird-stuffer,
King Street. Mr Sim stated that it was shot by himself, on 8th
July, 1867.

Mr A. G. More has recorded in the Ibis, that a nest of the
Wood Sandpiper was taken near Elgin, in Morayshire, the eggs
'of which are in the possession of Mr F. Bond. In addition to
these examples, I may mention that I have recently been informed
by Dr J. A. Smith, of Edinburgh, that a specimen was shot near
the village of Heriot, Mid-Lothian, on 14th August, 1856, by
Richard Bell, Esq., who sent him the bird for exhibition, at a
meeting of the Royal Physical Society. The stomach of this bird,

GREEN-RUMP TATLER. 295

which was a male, was filled with the remains of insects (Gyrinus,
Hydroporus, Donacia micans, Colymbetes Sturmii, etc).

There can be no doubt that future observant naturalists will yet
find the Wood Sandpiper occurring in limited numbers on our

shores.

THE GREEN-RUMP TATLER, OR SOLITARY
SANDPIPER.

TOT AN US CHLOROPYGIUS. (VIEILLOT).

A SINGLE specimen of this bird having been obtained in Lanark-
shire, I have ventured to give the species a place in the present
work, believing that as the numbers of ornithological observers
increase, it may yet be found to make occasional visits to this
country. Though nowhere numerous, it is widely diffused through-
out the temperate regions of North America; being the well-known
solitary Sandpiper described by Wilson, Audubon, and other
authors. The following description of the bird's habits is taken
from the third volume of Audubon's ' Ornithological Biography':
— " The flight of the solitary Sandpiper is swift and protracted.
It moves in a zig-zag manner, and at times makes its way through
the woods with surprising ease, seldom leaving the starting place
without uttering a clear and pleasant tweet. In realign ting, it
pitches downwards, like the common snipe. On the ground they
are very active, and at times so indifferent to the approach of man,
that they will merely fly across, or around a small pond for a
considerable time, and if shot at and not touched, they will be
sure to be found in the SUme place a few hours after. Its alighting
on trees has often appeared to me as singular as that of Bartram's
snipe and the semipalmated species. The solitary snipe is, how-
ever, the most expert at catching insects on the wing, especially
the smaller kinds of dragon flies, which it chases from the sticks
on which they alight, and generally seizes before they have flown
across the little ponds, which are the favourite place of resort of
this species. I have found their stomachs filled with aquatic in-
sects, caterpillers of various kinds, and black spiders of considerable
size." The same author found a single nest of this bird in the
woods near Bayou Sara, by the side of a small pond ; it was care-
lessly formed of grass and withered leaves, and contained three eggs.

206 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

Wilson, on the other hand, who gives a brief, though vivid account,
of the habits of the species, states that after many long and close
searches, he was never able to discover the nest. He also remarks
that it breeds regularly in Pennyslvania — a tract of country in
which it was afterwards found nesting, on the gravelly banks of
rivers, by Sir John Kichardson.

The only specimen of this Sandpiper that has yet occurred, so
far as I am aware, in Britain, was shot some years ago, by the late
William Gordon of Airdrie, somewhere on the banks of the Clyde,
on the higher grounds of Lanarkshire. This bird remained in Mr
Gordon's hands until his death, in August, 1869, when his collec-
tion was brought to Glasgow, and submitted to me about a month
afterwards. The owner of the collection had often referred to the
specimen as one which he could not make out, but had never
shown it to any one qualified to give an opinion; and as he left
no notes attached to any of the specimens, the exact date of its
occurrence, with other particulars which might have been of in-
terest, cannot now be ascertained.

The two British species which this bird most resembles are the
green sandpiper and the wood sandpiper. It differs from both in
having the two central tail feathers of the same hue as the dorsal
plumage. Compared with T. ochropus, it may be said to be smaller,
besides having the upper tail coverts greenish brown instead of
white ; and contrasted with T. glareola, it wants the white shaft of
the first quill which distinguishes that species.

THE COMMON SANDPIPER.

TOTANUS HYPOLEUCOS.

THIS elegant little summer visitant is everywhere common, pene-
trating to the Outer Hebrides, where a few pairs are seen frequenting
the streams of Harris, and also the moorland lochs of Lewis, and
other districts lying to the south. On the inner islands it is like-
wise a well-known object, as it skims the surface of the quiet lochs
with arched and almost motionless wings, or stands on some
isolated stone, vibrating its body as it salutes the rambling
intruder on its haunts. I have seen it in the islands of Rum,
Mull, Canna, Tyree, Eigg, Colonsay, lona, Islay, and Jura, restlessly
flitting along their shores, and uttering, when several are on wing

COMMON SANDPIPER. 297

together, a series of shrill, though not unpleasant, pipings, which
on calm and sultry days are indeed the only bird voices to be
heard. Throughout the western Highlands, it is known by the
name of the "little fiddler," and is always welcomed by the
natives as a glad messenger from the sunny south. In some
places it is called Tdllileepie — a name evidently derived from its
oft-repeated cry.

On the mainland it is still more common, being found on the
banks of every stream and inland loch from Sutherland to Wigtown.
It breeds in considerable numbers on the sandy and pebbly margins
of Loch Lomond, from which it frequently ascends the mountain
streams, and encamps on their banks at an elevation of twelve or
fourteen hundred feet above the level of the loch. In spring time
small parties are seen following the course of the river Clyde from
the sea to the Upper Ward of Lanarkshire, where numerous pairs
take up their summer quarters. I have seen it occasionally in
gardens and orchards on the banks of the Clyde near the town of
Lanark, forming its nest under bushes in flower plots and among
growing plants. Mr Alston informs me of having taken similar
notes on its nesting habits near Lesmahagow; but in such cases it
is invariably found in the immediate vicinity of water. Frequently
I have seen pairs select a turnip field contiguous to the water of
Girvan, and lay their eggs under the leaves of the growing plants
— a habit acquired from experience of previous floods which had
for one or two seasons in succession swept away their nests from
the banks of shingle on which most persons, as well as birds,
would have thought them safe against such a mishap. The fact
of these Sandpipers transferring their nursery to the fields on the
other side of the embankment, and persistently remaining in their
new quarters, shows that the same pairs frequented the river on
their return to this country, and had a wise recollection of their
bygone misfortunes. On the banks of Loch Eck in Argyleshire, I
have seen this bird in early summer flying among the big grey
boulders on the mountain side at some distance from the water,
and alighting at times among the rank heather, as if their nests or
young were there. In the immediate neighbourhood of Glasgow
it also appears regularly in spring in places surrounded with
buildings, but is generally found by the side of rain pools or old
quarries, where it seems as much at home as when skimming the
clearest loch or river, crossing and re-crossing the stagnant water,

298 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

and whistling all the while to its own shadow, when there is light
enough in the sky overhead to make it visible.

In the summer of 1867, when walking one day in company with
Mr Sinclair, along the public road skirting the shore near Inverkip
in Eenfrewshire, I was arrested by the movements of a Sandpiper
as it rose from the beach and flew high into the air above the
adjoining wood, where it made several wide circles, uttering during
its flight a constant outcry varied by an occasional long-drawn
note. It was watched for some minutes by Mr Sinclair and myself,
until it disappeared on the other side of the wood. On the
following day we again saw the bird at the same place, but on this
occasion it rose from the wood, and not from the beach. It then
repeated its flight as before, above the trees, and finally perched
on one of the top branches of a Scotch fir about twenty feet from
the ground. The wood was, unfortunately, strictly protected, and
we were consequently obliged to continue our observations from
the road. We both distinctly saw the bird descend to a lower
perch, and run along the horizontal branch to its extremity, where
it disappeared among the green tufts. This bird appeared to be
somewhat larger than the Common Sandpiper, and its note was
louder — differences which certainly suggest the possibility of its
having been a green sandpiper. We both regarded our exclusion
from the wood as a great drawback, as a close scrutiny might have
at least enabled us to find out whether there was an old nest in
the tree which the sandpiper had appropriated. There have been
no sandpipers in the wood since that year, but measures have now
been taken to institute an effective search should the perching
bird again make its appearance.

In several instances I have taken the nest of this Sandpiper in
grass fields near Loch Lomond, where several pairs of redshanks
were also found breeding. The nests were always placed beside a
tuft of growing plants, and frequently had a most picturesque
appearance when the plants were in flower.

SPOTTED SANDPIPER. 299

THE SPOTTED SANDPIPER.

TOTANUS MACULARIUS.

THE only authentic instance of this rare bird having been found
in Scotland was lately communicated to me by my obliging
correspondent, Mr Angus, of Aberdeen, who states that two
specimens — a male and a female — were left at the Aberdeen
Museum in August, 1867, in the absence of Mr Mitchell, who up
to the present moment does not know by whom the birds were
presented, or where they were shot. Both were in the flesh, and
had not been long dead: they were very prettily marked and
somewhat dissimilar in size — the male being the larger. The
female is now in Mr Angus' cabinet; the other specimen has been
kindly presented to me by Mr Mitchell, and is now in my own
collection.

This species has been catalogued as a Caithness bird by Mr
Sinclair, of Wick, but no information is given as to the locality or
time of capture.* It is likewise in a Forfarshire list of birds,
drawn up by Mr Mollison, of Montrose, for the statistical account
of the parish of Craig in that county; but, in this case, a mistake
may have been committed.

According to Audubon, who writes in a very interesting manner
of its habits from his own observation and that of his* friends, the
Spotted Sandpiper, like its congener, often traces the streams
some distance into the interior, and betakes itself during the
summer months to gardens, and other enclosures near dwelling-
houses. It differs, however, from the common bird in the
construction of its nest, which is bulky, and raised from the
ground to the height of from six to nine inches. The structure is
well finished, and lined with slender grasses and Eider duck's
feathers. Wilson also mentions its habit of resorting to corn-
fields to breed. A nest found by him consisted "wholly of short
pieces of dry straw." The following incident is related by that
agreeable writer in his account of the species: — " My venerable
friend, Mr William Bartram, informs me that he saw one of these
birds defend her young for a considerable time from the repeated
attacks of a ground squirrel. The scene of action was on the

* I have since learned from J. H. Gurney, Jun., that Mr Sinclair had
mistaken some other bird for the Spotted Sandpiper.

300 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

river shore. The parent had thrown herself, with her two young
behind her, between them and the land; and, at every attempt of
the squirrel to seize them by a circuitous sweep, raised both her
wings in an almost perpendicular position, assuming the most
formidable appearance she was capable of, and rushed forward on
the squirrel, who, intimidated by her boldness and manner, instantly
retreated; but presently returning, was met as before, in front
and on flank, by the daring and affectionate bird, who, with her
wings and whole plumage bristling up, seemed swelled to twice
her usual size. The young crowded together behind her, apparently
sensible of their perilous position, moving backwards and forwards
as she advanced or retreated. This interesting scene lasted for at
least ten minutes ; the strength of the poor parent began evidently
to flag, and the attacks of the squirrel became more daring and
frequent, when my good friend, like one of those celestial agents
who, in Homer's time, so often decided the palm of victory,
stepped forward from his retreat, drove the assailant back to his
hole, and rescued the innocent from destruction."

THE GREENSHANK.

TOT AN US GLOTTIS.
Deoch Bhingh.

THIS handsome wader, which is a bird of wide distribution, may
be said to be somewhat common throughout the western counties,
and is in some districts permanently resident both on the outer
islands and on the mainland. During winter I have met with it
in small flocks, but more frequently stray birds, in suitable localities,
ranging from the Mull of Galloway to Cape Wrath. When the
breeding season is past, the old birds, with their families, appear
to shift southwards, but are replaced by others, probably from
more northern latitudes; the number bred in this country being
comparatively small. Even at that time of the year, the Green-
shank is often found at some distance from the coast, frequenting
the shingly banks of rivers and smaller streams, and also inland
lochs and mill-dams. Four beautiful specimens are now before
me: two of these were shot in the bed of the Girvan water, by
Dr Anderson; the others were killed beside a large dam of water,

THE GREENSHANK. 301

on Mearns moor, within eight miles of Glasgow. These last men-
tioned birds had probably been arrested in their migratory flight,
as they are frequently seen there again in spring, about the time
of their return journey. Last year (1870) I was surprised to see
one rise from the neighbourhood of one of the water dams, while
I was looking for dunlins' nests; it appeared to be alone, but it
persisted in circling round my head, making all the while a chiding
outcry, as if its mate had been sitting. A pair of redshanks had
their nest on the spot, and one of the birds joined the Greenshank
in its clamorous lament at the intrusion. I have also observed
the Greenshank in pairs frequenting the river Cart, near Paisley,
from the 14th of April till the end of the month. It is therefore
possible that Mearns moor, which is not more than four miles
from the Cart, may be a breeding station.

I have the -eggs of this bird from Sutherlandshire and Argyle-
shire. A few pairs breed near the Black Mount, in the latter
county. There are also four or five other breeding stations in the
western counties, occupied by at most eight or ten pairs. In the
Inner Hebrides, the Greenshank is not uncommon in Islay and
Jura, especially about Loch Indall, and the shores of some fresh
water lakes. I have, however, hitherto failed to discover any
breeding station on either of these islands. There is one near
Sligachan, in Skye, frequented by two or three pairs; while, in
the outer group, Lewis and Harris may be said to be the only
localities where eggs have of late years been actually taken.

Three male specimens of this bird were shot by Audubon on
Sand Key, in Florida, on 28th May, 1832, and the species has
therefore been allowed a place in the avi-fauna of North America.
The late Prince Lucien Bonaparte, in the belief that this single
specimen, which has been preserved, differed in some particulars
from the common European species, named it Glottis Floridanus —
a name which it now retains in the works of American authors.
Professor Baird, who has described Audubon's specimen, states
that it appears to be " smaller in all its parts " than any of the
numerous specimens from the Old World in the museum of the
Philadelphia Academy. At the same time it is but right to say
that he acknowledges his hesitation in admitting its specific
distinction. Not having seen the bird, of course I cannot judge as
to its appearance; but, from the description, minute and accurate
as it is, both as to coloration and measurements, I would certainly

302 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

infer that it is but a small specimen of the Greenshank of this
country. As far as my observations have extended — and I have
examined upwards of fifty specimens — the adult Greenshank is
subject to great variation in size, whether we take into account
the bill, wings, or tarsi; so that, on this ground alone, Mr
Audubon's specimen has been invested with an importance to
which it was clearly never entitled. It is certainly not a little
remarkable that no other American specimen has yet turned up.

THE AVOCET.
RECURVIROSTRA AVOCETTA.

NOT found on the west coast. Dr Edmonston has mentioned that
it is an occasional visitant in Orkney; and I have been informed
by Professor Dickie of Aberdeen that a specimen was shot on the
Old Links near that city in 1841 by Mr Mitchell, who presented
the bird to the late Dr Fleming.* Of late years the only specimen
that has occurred to my knowledge is one that was shot on the
sands of Kirkcaldy in Fifeshire, by Mr John Wilson of that town,
in the second week of August, 1862. The Avocet may occasionally
stray into our estuaries — especially on the east coast; and a careful
watching in such localities would doubtless be the means of re-
cording other examples. At present it can only be catalogued as
an extremely rare bird in Scotland.

This beautiful bird has now become rare even in the south,
where up to the commencement of the present century it existed
in considerable flocks. In the Fens of Lincoln, "opposite to
Fossdyke wash, during summer," writes Pennant, " are great
numbers of Avosettas, called there yelpers, from their cry: they
hover over the sportsman's head like the lapwing, and fly with
their necks and legs extended."

Modern records in the death catalogue of London magazines are
now confined to simple notices of the bird's destruction.

* Dr Fleming, in his work on ' British Animals,' states that the Avoset is
"a straggler in Scotland," and as this book was published in 1827, we are led
to infer that Mr Mitchell's specimen was not the only one he had passed
through his hands.

BLACK -WINGED STILT. 303

THE BLACK- WINGED STILT.

HIMANTOPUS MELANOPTERUS.

THIS curious bird is figured in Pennant's " Caledonian Zoology,"
Plate IV., and simply catalogued as a Scottish species on page 35
of that work — the author's authority for its introduction being
apparently Sir Robert Sibbald, who states, in the work referred
to by Pennant, (Hist. Scot. lib. iii., 18 tab. xi. xiii.,) that two
specimens had been obtained at a lake near Dumfries: one of
these had been examined by the author.

The next occurrence of the Black- winged Stilt is thus alluded
to by Don in his Forfarshire list, published in 1812: — "I once
saw one bird of this species on the mountains of Clova: I have
never observed but another, which was on Ben Lawers, in Perth-
shire, in August, 1793: it is a rare bird, and, I believe, but few
naturalists have seen it alive." Two specimens were also killed at
Lopness, in Orkney, in 1 814. Later still it is mentioned as a rare
species found in the parish of Glenshiel, in Ross-shire, by the
Rev. John M'Rae, who published his statistical account in
November, 1836. I can find no other record of its appearance in
any part of Scotland until 1850, when a specimen, killed on the
banks of the Clyde, near Port-Glasgow, was exhibited at a
meeting of the Royal Physical Society of Edinburgh, by Dr J.
A. Smith, the society's secretary. After a lapse of nearly twenty
years, it reappeared in 1867, and, from the several records com-
municated to me, I am inclined to believe that a small flock had
visited Britain in that year. The first information I received
was from my indefatigable correspondent, Mr Angus, of Aberdeen,
in the following note: — "15th September, 1867. — I observed a
bird in the Tile Burn, near Don mouth, which, on close inspection,
I recognised as the stilt plover. It stood at an angle across the
water, with its head to the wind, which at the time was blowing
hard from the south-west. It appeared to be a bird of the year;
certainly the plumage was not that of the adult. The under
surface of the body was dirty white; head dusky, with dark
streaks; the upper parts dusky brown, or appeared to be so,
viewed with a binocular glass under a clear sun, at a distance of
one hundred and thirty yards ; the legs orange ; iris, beautiful red.
Not having seen this species before, I was particularly struck with

304 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

its comportment. It would now and then thrust its head and a
great part of its neck into the water, as if catching something that
swam or floated up with the rising tide; or it would suddenly
snap at some object in the manner of a dog catching flies. For
half an hour the bird was thus engaged without moving a foot,
until the flowing water caused it to remove to a place of safety.
It then flew a considerable way up the burn, and alighted on the
bank, where it walked and ran, in the most lively manner, in
search of insects. Its flight was slow, regular, and graceful.
When on wing the neck was considerably arched, the wings
remarkably convex, and the legs thrust out behind. All its
movements, whether on wing or on foot, were characterized by
comeliness and agility.

" The author of the charming history of Selborne thought it
would be 'a matter of great curiosity to see the stilt plover move.'
At best it could be but a ' bad walker.' It wanted the back toe —
1 that steady prop to support its steps ;' would perpetually vacillate,
and ' seldom be able to preserve the true centre of gravity.' Such
was the speculation of one of our best observers regarding this
peculiar bird. I note the passage as showing the futility of
attempting to throw any light on the habits of our feathered
favourites, except by actual observation."

In the month of October following, a Black-winged Stilt was
seen at Fossil marsh, within four miles of Glasgow. It frequented
the place three or four days, and was distinctly observed by dif-
ferent persons. Notwithstanding repeated attempts on its life,
the bird luckily escaped.

Writing from Dumfriess-shire, on 25th December, of the same
year, Sir William Jardine has sent me the following note: — " My
gamekeeper gave me the description of a bird he saw about six
weeks ago, that I could make out to be nothing but a Black-winged
Stilt, and I heard of it being killed about eight miles off, but it
had been thrown out, and not a feather was to be got."

The figure in the accompanying plate has been drawn by Mr
Sinclair, from a specimen in his own collection.

BLACK-TAILED GODWIT. 305

THE BLACK-TAILED GODWIT.
LIMOSA MELANURA.

So far as I can learn, the Black-tailed Godwit, which is still
believed to breed in limited numbers in the south of England, is
strictly a winter visitant, and is only of occasional occurrence in
any part of Scotland. I have very rarely indeed seen west country
specimens : one which I examined was shot near Dumbarton on
25th November, 1867; another, the sex of which was not noted,
was taken in the flesh to Mr M'Culloch, bird-stuffer, Glasgow, on
the last week of August, 1869; it was killed on the Castle Semple
estate, Renfrewshire. The Earl of Haddington informs me that
early in the same month in which the Dumbarton specimen
occurred, another was procured on the shore near Leith. I recollect
being informed by my lamented friends, the late John Nelson, Esq.,
Broomhouse, Dunbar, and his brother the late Dr Nelson, Pitcox,
that they had occasionally shot this species in the Tyne estuary,
in East Lothian; but I took down no dates of its occurrence,
and am now unable to trace any records of the fact in letters
I received from these gentlemen. Writing from Northumberland,
which is not far distant from that county, Mr Selby (111. Br. Orn.,
vol. ii., p. 96) speaks of the Black-tailed Godwit as being widely
dispersed at the period of its annual movements, and as
frequently visiting the Northumberland coast and other northern
districts. To that statement he adds in a foot-note that while
writing his account (March, 1831) four Godwits were brought to
him for sale, " three of which were of the black-tailed species, and
just beginning to acquire the summer plumage."

Elsewhere on the east coast specimens of this bird have been
obtained; on at least two occasions in Forfarshire, and also in
Aberdeenshire. Respecting its occurrence in the last named
county, Mr Angus writes to me as follows: — " Black-tailed Godwit
— on the 2nd September, 1867, I shot two immature birds, out of
a very large flock, as they passed southwards by the coast line,
near Aberdeen. Their stomachs contained sand and broken shells.
The bar-tailed godwit has been procured every autumn for the last
seven years, between the Dee and the Ythan, along the coast; but
Mr Mitchell, who has been collecting and stuffing during the last

306 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

thirty years, informs me that he has never had this species through
his hands."

The authors of the 'Natural History of Orkney,' state that this
Godwit is "rather a rare winter visitant, during which season it
appears in small flocks." Professor Newton is of opinion that
it breeds in Iceland: he obtained a fine pair in the flesh at
Reykjavik, towards the end of June. Professor Baird, in his
' Birds of North America,' states that this bird is allied to the
Hudsonian godwit (Limosa Hudsonica, Lath), but " differs in having
the axillars, and under coverts dark brown instead of white; the
neck brownish grey instead of chestnut."

THE BAE- TAILED GODWIT.

LIMOSA RUFA.
Ehuid Ghuilbnach.

I BELIEVE this Godwit will yet be found nesting in the Outer
Hebrides, although I am not, in the meantime, aware of the eggs
having been found. In 1858, Dr Dewar shot five specimens on
the 26th June on Bernera, an island in the Sound of Harris, three
of which I had an opportunity of seeing about a month afterwards.
They were in full breeding plumage, and Dr Dewar informs me
that all the birds he saw had apparently paired, and seemed from
their habits to have their nests at no great distance.

The Bar-tailed Godwit is widely distributed in the winter
season, but is only found in flocks in estuaries, where the oozy
shores attract them by the profusion of small marine animals,
chiefly annelides and Crustacea, which live in the mud. Where these
shores are very soft and yielding, the birds content themselves by
dabbling in the ooze, much in the same manner as a duck ; but
where there is a mixture of mud and sand of tolerable consistency,
I have seen them ploughing it with a curious zig-zag motion, and
at other times inserting their bills about an inch or so, and running
round till they almost described a circle. I have observed the
habits of this Godwit in the Firths of Forth and Tay, the estuary
of the Eden in Fifeshire, and the Bay of Cromarty from the
Eoss-shire side. The last named locality, which offers at low tide
perhaps one of the most attractive mud flats in Scotland, is
frequented by considerable numbers. Mr Harvie Brown informs

THE RUFF. 307

me that he finds it common in autumn on the shores of the Forth,
near Grangemouth. In November, 1870, when visiting that part
of the coast in his company, I observed about a dozen resting
themselves on the muddy expanse. The tide had already begun to
flow, and the bird repast was over; a thick haze rested on the
water, and partially obscured that part of the bank nearest to it.
With a good glass, however, we made out the waders with ease,
and were much interested in observing their varied attitudes.
Several grey plovers were also close at hand, and a small troop of
sanderlings, ringed dotterel, and golden plover, the whole forming
as pleasant a group for out-door study as one could wish for in a
day's ramble. As the haze wore off, and the blue sky appeared,
the curtain seemed raised all round, till at length the sun shone
forth in his subdued strength and warmed the distant perspective
into a splendid view of the northern mountain peaks of the Ochills.
A broken foreground of rough stones, the middle distance a sweep
of mud and sand, and the blue Forth, on the other side of which
glimmered the white pillar of a river beacon, all combined
to make an agreeable picture, while the eye took in the far-off hills
and peaks, and rested there as if the composition of the landscape
were perfect.

This bird appears to be a very common species in some parts
of Ireland, where, according to Mr Thompson, from two to three
hundred have been seen in a flock. I am not aware of such
numbers having been seen in any part of Scotland. From
Argyleshire to the west coast of Sutherland, where there are
numerous sea-lochs stretching inland for considerable distances,
the spring and autumnal flocks are comparatively small. At these
seasons their food appears to consist of small annelides and
crustaceans, such as burrow in mud and sand, or a mixture of
both. The female of this species is larger than the male.

THE RUFF.
MACHETES PUG N AX.

EXCEPT in a very few instances, and these chiefly in Ayrshire and
Renfrewshire, I have never met with the Ruff in the western
counties. It appears to affect the east coast principally, extending
from Berwickshire to Orkney and Shetland. The trending of the
Sol way Firth seems to check its progress northward on the west ;

308 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

or, more correctly speaking, it leads it eastward from its line of
flight. One or two occasionally cross and penetrate as far as the
Clyde, but these are mere stragglers. The last one I examined —
a plain and unobtrusive female shot near Bowling in October,
1869 — was brought to Glasgow, as a great curiosity, by
a keeper who had long been accustomed to shore shooting in the
estuary, but had never seen one before. Eastwards it occurs
more frequently, and in greater numbers in Aberdeenshire than
elsewhere. Mr Harvie Brown has seen and shot various specimens
on the Forth at Grangemouth. Writing in September, he informs
me that he had shot two specimens there in a forenoon. The
occurrence of this remarkable bird in Aberdeenshire so frequently
in autumn, after the breeding season is over, is a circumstance
which need excite but little surprise when it is borne in mind
that large numbers breed in Scandinavia, and that the flocks
there congregating for the autumnal journey would naturally touch
first of all on the outlying shoulder of that county as the nearest
land on their way southwards. On the other hand, in returning,
the flocks appear on both the eastern and western shores of
England;* though, as we have seen, they shorten their route by
following the course of the rivers running into the Solway, and
speeding eastwards into Berwick and East Lothian, whence they
advance by easy stages to the estuaries of Aberdeenshire, their
last halting place before crossing the North Sea.

Nothing new appears to have been written on the breeding
habits of the Ruff by British authors since the time of Montagu,
and, indeed, that accurate and painstaking naturalist has left but
little for others to say on the subject.

THE WOODCOCK.

SCOLOPAX RUSTICOLA.
Coilleach-coille. Crom-nan-duilleag.

IN the winter time, the Woodcock may be said to be plentiful in
North and South Uist, and in Benbecula, as well as other parts of
the Long island, but it does not, so far as I can learn, remain in
these districts to breed. It has, however, been ascertained beyond

* I have seen considerable numbers in full-breeding plumage killed on the
banks of the Kibble, in Lancashire, in the first week of May.

THE WOODCOCK. 309

a doubt that it breeds occasionally in Mull. Mr Graham informs
me that a party of peat-cutters found a young brood on that island,
opposite lona, and caught one of the chicks, which he had an
opportunity of examining. Nearer the southern mainland it
becomes more plentiful, and is found in Islay in considerable
numbers,* although, as I am informed by Mr Elwes, comparatively
few remain there during the breeding season; but in Dumbarton-
shire the nest is frequently met with, especially in the neighbour-
hood of Loch Lomond, and on some of the islands of the loch
itself, where it may be seen on summer nights soaring in circles
above its nursery haunts, and occasionally carrying its young tucked
between its legs when removing to another feeding ground.^ It
is probable that it could be traced from north to south in summer,
breeding here and there between the counties of Sutherland and
Wigtown. Captain Cash of Dingwall has informed me that he
has undoubted evidence of its nesting in Ross-shire; the nest has
been obtained in the woods at Brahan Castle, and also on the
estate of Castle Leod, both properties being within a few miles of

* The late Mr Thompson, in his 'Birds of Ireland,' mentions that on two
properties in Islay — Ardimersy and Islay House — one thousand Woodcocks
were killed in the season of 1846-47.

t The Rev. J. E. Somerville has kindly communicated to me the following
note on this habit of the Woodcock, and I have much pleasure in giving it here
as the direct evidence of an eye-witness: — About the middle of July, this year
(1869), I was passing in company with a younger brother, through the woods
which surround Brodick Castle, in the Island of Arran. The day being op-
pressively hot, we left the path, and struck down among the spruce firs, in that
portion of the wood which lies at the entrance to Glenrosa. On reaching a
cleared space beneath some large trees, I was startled by the sudden rise of a
Woodcock from within two or three yards of my feet. My attention was im-
mediately arrested, not so much by the appearance of such a bird at that season
of the year, as by its very remarkable mode of flight, which was slow, heavy,
and apparently sustained with difficulty. A few moments' observation revealed
the cause. The legs of the bird were seen hanging downwards, and between
them was clasped a little mass of feathers. It was one of its own young, which
maternal instinct had prompted the parent to rescue in this most curious manner.
The Woodcock flew forwards about thirty yards, and then dropped down into
the dense growth of fern. During its flight it uttered a peculiar rapid note,
between a scream and a croak, which was continued for some minutes after
alighting, but in more subdued tone. Believing other young ones to be in the
neighbourhood, we made a careful search, but without result, and then retired
into concealment, to await the return of the parent bird. After a few minutes
it appeared creeping cautiously up among the ferns. On catching sight of us,
it squatted down on the ground for some time, then rose, and flew away to a
short distance.

310 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

Dingwall. It has also bred regularly for the last thirty years
at Tarbat, in the same county, information to that effect hav-
ing been obligingly sent to me, through Mr Dickinson, the head
keeper there. I have also been informed that Woodcocks have
always bred at Beaufort, near the Beauly Firth. In the winter of
1868-1869, the birds were very scarce on these two properties —
a circumstance probably owing to the heat and want of rain in
the month of July, the young birds having been nearly all killed.
In many parts of Morayshire, especially in the neighbourhood
of Darnaway forest, considerable numbers remain to breed.

About the time of the autumnal migration, our preserves derive
a large accession of Woodcocks from other countries. These
flights reach the coasts during the night, and are well known to
lighthouse-keepers, who capture the bewildered travellers in con-
siderable numbers. Some of these men have informed me that for
seven or eight nights in succession the birds continue to arrive,
and hundreds perish by striking themselves against the lantern.

The food of this species consists chiefly of small worms and the
larvae of insects. I recollect, however, finding a large quantity of
heather shoots in the stomach of a Woodcock shot on the Lammer-
moor hills, Haddingtonshire.

Judging from an old Scots Act, fixing the prices of wild fowl,
and passed in the reign of Queen Mary (dated 1st January, 1551),
the Woodcock appears to have been valued at a much lower
standard than at present. The following list shows the esti-
mation in which the various birds were held: — " The cran, five
shillings; the swan, five shillings; the wild guse, five shillings;
the claik, quink, and rute, the price of the peece auchteene pennies;
item the quhaip, six pennies; the woodde cocke, four pennies, the
dousane of laverocks, and utheris small birdes, four pennies; the
snipe and quailzie, price of the peece twa pennies."

THE GREAT SNIPE.

SCO LOP AX MAJOR.

HAS occurred in several instances in the western counties: one was
shot near Ardrishaig in the autumn of 1864, and exhibited by Dr
Dewar at a meeting of the Natural History Society of Glasgow.
It has also been killed in Renfrewshire. More recently, this species

GREAT SNIPE. 311

has been taken in Ayrshire by Mr William Boyd of Greenock,
who informs me that he killed a specimen on 15th September,
1868, on the lands of Corsehouse, in the parish of Stewarton. " I
had just broken up a covey of partridges," writes Mr Boyd, " and
marked two of them into the middle of a large patch of heather
and rushes; my dog had also marked them, and was creeping
anxiously up to them when he made one of those undecided points
which dogs make at game they are not accustomed to. I was quite
sure from his attitude that he had not found the partridges, and ex-
pected every moment to see either a hare or a fox. I was surprised,
therefore, when the Snipe rose, and did not then fire, as I did not
wish to disturb the partridges; — after shooting these, however, and
making another search, the dog found it again in the middle of a
stubble field; it again flew off before I got up, but at length dropped
near a ditch, where I observed it running, just keeping before the
dog's nose. I then shot it as it dashed off, and I remarked that
while flying it looked very much like a golden plover. I had seen
the same bird three days before, as we were coming home in the
evening : it rose from our feet as we were walking through a patch
of potatoes, and flew slowly away, looking in the dusk like a very
young partridge. I may remark that the bird was very fat."

On the eastern coast it has occurred, perhaps, more frequently.
The Earl of Haddington has obligingly sent me word of one which
was shot at Mellerstain, in Roxburghshire, by his father, the late
earl, in the autumn of 1865, and states that he himself, about that
time, observed a very large Snipe at Earlston, which he was certain
belonged to this species. In the winter of the same year one was
shot in Forfarshire, and is now in the Museum at St Andrews; and
Mr Harvie Brown has informed me of another, which he lately
saw, having been killed in Fifeshire. Mr Wardlaw Ramsay writes
that two others were shot near St Andrews by a gardener named
Hutcheson in the service of Mr Craigie of Halkett. The species
is also mentioned by Mr St. John, in his ' Tour in Sutherland,'
as one of the Snipes said to breed in one or two localities in that
county, but he gives no other particulars. It is catalogued as a
Caithness bird by Mr Sinclair of Wick, in whose collection there
is a local specimen.

According to Messrs Baikie and Heddle, the Great Snipe had
several times occurred in marshy ground on Sanday in September,
1815. In other parts of the country it affects dry pasture lands,

312 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

and from this habit its presence may have been overlooked. From
the records given, it will be seen that, in the meantime at least, it
can only be ranked in Scotland as a rare autumnal visitant.

THE COMMON SNIPE.

SCOLOPAX GALLINAGO.
Eun-ghabrag. Croman loin. Mennan aidheir. Naosg.

AN abundant species all over the western counties and both groups
of islands. Its ordinary haunts — the trackless moors and mosses
which characterize much of our western scenery — are but seldom
invaded, save by the sportsman who halts but a short time as he
passes in quest of larger game; hence in the absence of merlins and
peregrines, now so systematically killed, snipes have multiplied to
a great extent. On some of the lower grounds, especially on
the mainland where drainage is now carried on beneficially, the
species is not quite so numerous, two or three pairs at most being
found where formerly as many hundreds were reared. These chiefly
frequent drains and ditches, which in very warm seasons are nearly
dried up, and consequently a poor haunt indeed for a soft-billed
wader. In the hot summer of 1863, great numbers of stupified
Snipes might have been seen located on the banks of the river
Kelvin, near Glasgow, having, no doubt, been driven from their
usual haunts which, in many places, had become an expanse of
hardened clay.

On the Outer Hebrides, where the moist heaths are many miles
in extent, Snipes are extremely numerous, and appear to be resident
the whole year. In some parts of Benbecula, North Uist, and
Harris, they frequent in severe winters exposed places in their
anxiety for a meal, and on these occasions they may be seen probing
the bare ooze in large companies like a flock of dunlins. 1 have
nowhere else seen similar multitudes of Snipes exposed in a body
to a raking shot. On these islands the Snipe breeds on the
margins of the fresh water lakes, as well as on the highest moun-
tains, their nests being found in patches of marshy ground at an
elevation of upwards of 1 800 feet.

In East Lothian, I noticed, many years ago, that large numbers
of Snipes frequented the sea shore, near Dunbar, at ebb tide,

JACK SNIPE. 313

resorting invariably to places covered with large stones, below
which they could take shelter in case of being disturbed. I have
watched them in such situations, almost daily, for two or three
months, and have often been amused on seeing them hurrying with
anxious jerks to get out of sight under the boulders when any one
approached their feeding ground. As might be expected, this
species is abundant in Orkney.

Of late years accounts have been published by Mr E. H. Eodd
of Penzance, and Mr J. Gatcombe of Plymouth, respecting a British
Snipe presenting some characters differing from those of the common
species, the chief of which are a uniform ruddiness of plumage and
a shortness of the tarsi when compared with the body. Mr Gould,
in his work on British Birds now in course of publication, proposes
to name this bird the Russet Snipe (Gallinago russata), assuming
that these characters may be found'to be permanent. I have never
myself met with this snipe in my shooting experiences; but when
in Inverness in February, 1869, Mr W. MacLeay showed me a fine
specimen which had been killed some time before, near Tain, by
Dr Bryden, and it is not improbable that it may yet be found in
some numbers in other parts of Scotland.

THE JACK SNIPE.

SCOLOPAX GALLINULA.

BEING a migratory species, and only a winter visitant to this
country, the Jack Snipe is much less numerous than its congener,
the common snipe. It is, however, found in nearly the same
localities both in the Hebrides and on the mainland, but is never
seen congregating in numbers at any season. In Skye, Islay,
Jura, lona, and Mull, and in nearly all the islands of minor extent,
it is found in small groups in the marshes; and even in districts
thickly populated it regularly appears — small parties being
observed every winter on the shootings in the immediate neigh-
bourhood of Glasgow. I find the Jack Snipe nowhere more
common than in Forfarshire. From some of the marshes in the
neighbourhood of the county town I have obtained six or seven
brace in the course of a short turn with the dogs.

On the west coast these birds arrive early in October, and are
nearly all gone about the beginning of April; but, in the island of

314 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

North Uist, single birds have been flushed and shot as late as the
second week in June. The resident keeper on that island persists
in saying that Jack Snipes breed there, but I have never had an
opportunity of examining a bird shot off the nest, which appears
to be the only true way of settling all doubt on the subject.

Mr Hewitson mentions in his British Oology that he has seen
the Jack Snipe at Prestwick Carr, near Newcastle, after the
common snipe had begun to lay its eggs. " I have very little
doubt," he adds, " that some of them remain to breed on the
extensive moors and morasses of Scotland and Ireland. Such
places are frequented only by the cutters of peat, and are very
rarely trodden either by the ornithologist or any one interested in
his favourite subject; neither is it the time of year for the pursuits
of the sportsman."

Mr Thompson, in his ' Birds of Ireland,' gives what he considers
a well-authenticated instance of the Jack Snipe breeding in
Ireland, near the town of Bally hannis, (Co. Mayo,) on the property
of Lord Dillon ; and I have been informed by Mr Angus that, in
one instance, at least, a nest was discovered in Aberdeenshire by
J. W. Stuart Burnett, of Keithhall. Writing on the birds found
breeding in Sutherlandshire, Mr Harvie Brown has the following
remarks: — "On different occasions I have been assured that the
Jack Snipe breeds in the county, and that the young have been
shot in August, etc. These accounts were frequently from persons
who must have been perfectly acquainted with the bird. In vain,
however, have I attempted to obtain a nest of eggs, along with the
old bird, by offering a large reward, and the fact still remains, I
believe, that no collection yet contains thoroughly identified and
well-authenticated British specimens."

THE BROWN SNIPE.

MACRORHAMPHUS GRISEUS.

THROUGH the kindness of Dr J. A. Smith of Edinburgh, I am
enabled to record this North American species as a rare straggler
to our Scottish shores. A specimen, the sex of which has not been
noted, was shot at Dunbarnie Links, near Largo, in September,
1867, by Mr Hutcheson, gamekeeper to Robert Rintoul, Esq., of
Lawhill, and exhibited at a meeting of the Royal Physical Society.

BROWN SNIPE. 315

Wilson, in his account of this bird, observes that it arrives on
the sea coast early in April, in great numbers, flying in flocks,
sometimes at a great height, and uttering a loud and shrill whistle.
It feeds upon " small snail shells, which lie in millions on the salt
marshes;" and as its flesh appears to be eagerly sought after as a
delicacy for the table, immense numbers are shot down and sent
to the markets. From its habit of huddling close when alighting
on the sand bars and mud flats, a good shot is easily obtained.
Eighty-five have been killed at one discharge.

Sir John Richardson, in his fauna of North America, states that
the specimens killed by his party on the Saskatchewan plains, had
their crops " filled with leeches and fragments of beetles."

Professor Baird, in his 'Birds of North America,' remarks that
this species is very " variable in plumage, scarcely any two being
exactly alike except in very mature plumage." In the same work,
(page 712), he introduces another bird — Macrorhamphus scolopaceus
— (Say), giving a description of its specific characters, which may
be said to be almost identical with those of M. griseus, and con-
cluding with the following remarks: — " The only characters which
appear to be reliable are those pointed out by Mr Lawrence, which
are the greater length of the bill and tarsi in the present species.
It is, however, nearly related to that immediately preceding (M.
griseus,) and, for the present, with numerous specimens of both
before us, we consider it but of doubtful validity as a species; and
its study is further complicated by the fact that it bears a striking
resemblance to the rare European species, supposed to be identical
with the common bird of America, as will be seen in Gould's
beautiful figure in ' Birds of Europe,' vol. iv., pi. 323, the latter
seems to be a little larger than our common species." Mr Baird
adds that this variety, if it be nothing more, is found throughout
" the temperate regions of North America."

Believing that a description of the Scottish specimen will be
acceptable to the ornithologist, I have much pleasure in giving the
following particulars with which Dr Smith has most obligingly
furnished me: — "Top of the head is dark brown, mottled with a
few lighter spots; lores, dark brown; over eye to bill, a light
or pale fawn streak. Upper parts of body brown; middle of
back and scapulars, dark brown, many feathers edged and spotted
with yellowish brown; rump, white, slightly spotted with brown;
upper tail coverts white, barred with brown; tail nearly even,

316 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

and barred diagonally white and brown, outer feathers tipped
with white. Wing coverts brown; primaries dark brown, shaft
of first white; secondaries edged with white; tertiaries brown,
and much elongated; axillaries white, diagonally barred with
brown. Below — chin and neck, breast and flanks, fawn colour or
light reddish brown, spotted on the neck and breast, and barred
on the flanks with darker brown; middle of abdomen and vent,
white; under tail coverts white, spotted and barred with brown.
The bill is 2J inches in length, of a greenish brown with the tip
darker. Wing, from flexure to point of first primary, which is
the longest, 6 inches. Tibia bare at the lower part; tarsi
scutellate, and feet greenish brown; first and second toes short
and slender; two outer toes connected at the base by a broad
web or membrane."

Since the above was written, I have ascertained that a specimen,
in winter plumage, was killed some years ago in Lanarkshire, by
the late William Gordon of Airdrie, and is now in the possession
of Mr Francis M'Culloch, taxidermist, Glasgow. This specimen
was exhibited at a meeting of the Natural History Society of
Glasgow, held on 28th December, 1869.

THE CURLEW SANDPIPER.
T RING A SUSARQUATA.

IT is difficult to state with certainty the comparative numbers of
this bird, when contrasted with the large flocks of dunlins, or
other species, frequenting the sounds and sea beaches of our
western shores. It appears to be a much less common sandpiper
than the dunlin, and in my repeated searches after it, when
birds of all kinds were abundant, I have been oftener disappointed
than gratified.

In September, 1867, when driving across the sand ford at low
tide between North Uist and Benbecula, I saw a number of Curlew
Sandpipers mixed with dunlins and ringed dotterels feeding on the
muddy sands near the latter island. There were hundreds of birds
of these three species collected together, and they were so tame
and confiding that as the wheels sped noiselessly along the smooth
ford, I was several times afraid they would crush some of the little
creatures boring in the ooze. Oftener than once, on coming up to

CURLEW SANDPIPER. 317

a large group, the birds merely gave way in the centre, running to
each side and allowing the machine to pass, after which they drew
together again. I struck at several family groups with the whip,
and it was then I saw the white-rumped birds as they rose. The
call-note of the Curlew-billed Sandpiper is a chattering sort of
whistle, which at once arrests attention as something different from
the disturbed cry of the dunlin.

Mr Graham states that this species is found* occasionally in
lona and Mall; and it is likewise sparingly distributed along the
shores of Argyle and Ayr, being especially noticeable in early
autumn, when the migratory flocks return from their breeding
quarters. Small flocks have also been seen, and specimens obtained,
on the banks of the Forth, near Grangemouth, by Mr Harvie Brown.
In East Lothian the Curlew-billed Sandpiper is met with in small
numbers on the banks of the Tyne. Many years ago, when
rambling along the sands at the mouth of the river, I noticed a
man and a boy, with a horse and cart, stalking dunlins and other
small shore birds. The pony had been trained to walk slowly
towards a group of birds, while the owner lay concealed in the
cart ready to fire his long-barrelled gun over the side; and after
waiting until I had seen him literally mow down a flock, I had an
opportunity of turning over the contents of his bag, in which I
found a fair proportion of this species of sandpiper. On the 9th
of May, 1870, 1 observed on the shore at the 'Vaults' near Dunbar
a large flock of Curlew Sandpipers flying in circles, as if disturbed,
just above the sea margin at low tide. I was at once attracted by
their musical twitterings, uttered while the flock was on the
wing, and sounding like a concert of tiny whistles. The birds
were evidently migrants from the south, and were resting pro-
bably for an hour or two in the course of their journey north-
wards.

Mr Mitchell of Aberdeen has sent me in the flesh the Curlew-
billed Sandpiper from near the mouth of the Don, where it appears
to be a well-known visitant; and in connection with the same
county, I have been assured by Mr Stuart Burnett of Keith Hall
that he has met with the bird in a marshy spot in the parish of
Kinellar (long since drained) on 30th May, 1852. "At the time,"
writes Mr Burnett, " it seemed to have young near, as it fluttered
along the ground in a decoying way, dragging its wings. The
same year I saw one or two others in some wet localities near

318 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

Kintore and Echt, but have not met with the species since in these
parts."

Mr Burnett has also sent me word that he discovered a nest of
this Sandpiper in a tract of sedgy bog round the Loch of Spynie,
near Elgin, on 8th June, 1853: it was placed in a tuft of marsh
grass, from which the bird fluttered out at his feet, "rolling,
tumbling, and uttering strange cries." The eggs were four in
number, and in course of being hatched, the shells being chipped
by the bill of the young bird.

THE KNOT.

TRINGA CANUTUS.

JUDGING from my own observations, I should be inclined to regard
this bird as a somewhat uncommon species in the western counties
of Scotland. I have met with occasional specimens from Suther-
landshire to the Mull of G-alloway, but have never seen such flocks
on our shores as are to be seen on those of the eastern counties.
It has occurred in Islay, as I have been informed by Mr Elwes, but
not, so far as I am aware, on any of the other islands, except in a
single instance, namely, that of a specimen in full summer plumage,
which was shot on the 30th July, 1870, by Captain MacRae in the
Strand of Vallay, in North Uist, and shown to me by that
gentleman three days afterwards when I visited the island. This
specimen is now in the collection of Captain Orde. In September,
1866, when on a visit to the Mull of Galloway Lighthouse, I saw
a fine specimen taken on the lantern, against which it fell stunned ;
but Mr M'Donald, one of the keepers there, informed me that he
had never observed one before.

On the east coast the Knot is usually found in small flocks on
all the shores extending from Caithness to Berwick. At some
places, and in particular seasons, these flocks are much larger than
at other times, especially in the month of September, about the
time of their arrival, when they are seen in hundreds. On Tyne
Sands, East Lothian, and also on some parts of the shore south-
east of Dunbar, many specimens may be obtained even by stoning
the birds when the migratory flocks arrive, as for some days after
alighting they are exceedingly tame, but whether from fatigue or
stupidity, I am unable to say. After a time, however, they

BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER. 319

become rather wary, and present a less tempting shot to the shore
shooter, the flocks being smaller and sometimes found mingling
with other sandpipers, in whose company they appear to acquire
a better idea of how to take care of themselves.

It is not easy to name with certainty the breeding haunts whence
these flights of knots have come. Mr Dunn has suggested Finland
as the likely nursery for the species, as no birds are seen in
Scandinavia except in spring and autumn, and he has further
started the question whether we are indebted to Europe, Iceland,
or North America, for the vast numbers that appear on the
English coasts in autumn. As regards Iceland, however, this
question may now be considered settled by Professor Newton, who
states that on the south-west coast the species is very well known
as a bird of passage. "One morning," says this very accurate
writer, " at the end of May, 1858, 1 found the shore at Kyrkjuvogr
literally alive with a large flock of knots, all in their beautiful red
plumage. There had been none there the day before. They
stayed about a week, their numbers gradually diminishing, until
at last only two or three were to be seen. This is one of the
birds possessing great interest to the oologist, for I believe no
collection has well authenticated specimens of its eggs." *

According to Dr Saxby, Knots are tolerably numerous in
Shetland, where they have been seen by himself at all seasons. In
summer he has obtained adult birds in brilliant chestnut plumage,
as well as young ones barely fledged. He has likewise obtained
eggs which he has good reasons for believing are those of this
species.

THE BUFF -BREASTED SANDPIPER

T RING A RUFESCENS.

A SPECIMEN of this rare British bird is mentioned in a catalogue
of species found in Caithness, by the late Mr Sinclair of Wick,
and published in the statistical account of that parish in 1835.
This specimen is still preserved in the collection which belonged
to Mr Sinclair, and has of late years been referred to by Mr Shearer,
in a paper which was published on the proceedings of the Royal
Physical Society of Edinburgh.

* See Baring Gould's "Iceland: its Scenes and Sagas," Appendix A, page
412.

320 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

The Buff-breasted Sandpiper is a bird which is not likely to be
mistaken for any other species, the singular and beautiful markings
on the under surface of the wings being sufficient to enable any
one readily to distinguish it.

THE LITTLE STINT.
TRINGA MI NUT A.

I AM not yet able to include this bird as a western species. It
appears to be sparingly distributed on the eastern coasts of
Scotland, from Berwickshire to the Shetland Islands, where, ac-
cording to Dr Saxby, it is a regular winter visitor in small numbers.
I have observed it in East Lothian, Fifeshire, and Forfarshire, and
so far as my own observations enable me to judge, it is somewhat
solitary in its habits. On two or three occasions I have met with
single specimens not mixing with other sandpipers. It has like-
wise been found in the north of Caithness; and I find that a note
in MS. by Messrs Baikie and Heddle, states its occurrence at Sanday
in 1848. Specimens were procured in Banffshire, in 1855, and at
Fraserburgh, in Aberdeenshire, in September, 1854; Macgillivray
mentions the occurrence of several flocks in that county in 1841,
but only one specimen was obtained. Of late years numerous
specimens have been obtained near Aberdeen, by Mr Alexander
Mitchell, who informs me that he procures them regularly every
winter. Mr Angus here also met with the species repeatedly, and
has killed as many as four at one shot. A specimen in my collec-
tion was forwarded to me in the flesh, in August, 1869, by Mr
Angus, who states that the Little Stint may be looked upon as a
regular winter visitant. Writing again on 1st October, 1870, he
says: — "The Little Stint has occurred in unusually large numbers
this winter, on the sandy portion of the coast, near Aberdeen.
Last month, at the ' Black Dog,' I saw as many as thirty in one
flock, and on several occasions I have seen flocks of six to twelve
at low tide, between the bridge of Don and the mouth of the river;
while stragglers were to be seen here and there during the second
and third weeks of the month. A correspondent sent me eighteen
specimens, the result of a right and left into a flock at Charlie's
Pot, near the mouth of the Ythan. At Don mouth I killed a
number, mostly young birds." Mr Harvie Brown has also met

TEMMINCK'S STINT— PECTORAL SANDPIPER. 321

with this bird, on the shores of the Forth, near Grangemouth;
an adult specimen shot by him was sent me for examination in
October, 1870. I may also state that in the Elgin museum,
there is a specimen which was shot in Morayshire, and presented,
along with many other valuable birds, to that institution by J.
Gatherer, Esq.

A very perfect specimen now before me was shot a few years
ago on the sands at Kirkcaldy, and preserved by Mr John Wilson,
taxidermist, there. Three others in my collection are from Aber-
deenshire, and were presented to me by Mr Mitchell, who shot
them near the mouth of the Don, in the winter of 1870-71.

TEMMINCK'S STINT.

TRINGA TEMMINCKIL

THE only instance of the occurrence of this species in Scotland
that I have been able to trace, is a solitary specimen shot in Caith-
ness-shire, many years ago, and now in the collection of the late
Mr E. S. Sinclair of, Wick.

THE PECTORAL SANDPIPER.

TRINGA PECTORALIS.

I AM indebted to my correspondent Mr Angus for an opportunity
of introducing this rare British bird into the Scottish fauna, and
have much pleasure in inserting here a description of a specimen
shot in Aberdeenshire, and examined by that gentleman imme-
diately afterwards.

" The specimen," writes Mr Angus, " is an immature bird, and
was shot by Mr Mitchell, at Don mouth, on the 2d October, 1867.
Having examined it while it was in the flesh, I carefully noted the
following description in my note book: — Plumage compact, more
so than that of other sandpipers. Weight, 2 J oz. Bill, olivaceous,
duller at the point; upper mandible, from the gape, 1| inches.
Wing, from carpus, 5J inches; extent, 18 inches. Bare part of
the tibia, five-eighths of an inch. Feathers of the head, blackish
brown, edged with reddish brown. From the eye to the lower
edge of the upper mandible, a dark line; a lighter line above.
Chin, white. Neck and breast reddish grey, with dark longitudinal

322 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

streaks; belly, vent, and under tail coverts, white, the latter
having a faint dusky line along the shafts. Wing feathers, dusky,
first quill white, edged and tipped with dull white; the margin
broader on the inner feathers. The coverts on the larger wing
feathers, dark and glossy, those innermost being tipped with white.
Rump and upper tail coverts, black, the latter tipped with reddish.
Tail feathers grey, edged with white; the central feathers longest,
darkest, and edged with reddish. Space between the shoulders,
blackish brown, edged wTith reddish, the outer edges of the large
feathers white. Scapulars with broad reddish brown edges; some
of the wing coverts broadly tipped with white. Legs and feet
greenish yellow; claws black; inner edge of the greater toe serrated.
Iris, dark brown. Contents of stomach, coarse sand and the
softened remains of small Crustacea."

THE DUNLIN.

T RING A VARIABILIS.
Pollaireun. Gille Feadaig.

THE Gaelic name of Pollaireun, given to the Dunlin in the Long
island, signifying "bird of the mud pits," expresses in a single
word its habits better than any English or Scottish synonyme.
The Dunlin, in fact, is nearly always found, except during the
breeding season, in places where it can bore into the muddy
sand for its living. Here it may at all hours be heard pre-
facing its repast with a shrill cry, as it alights by day or
by night, in flocks, on some tempting place left bare by the
receding tide. The flocks which are seen on our coasts in autumn
and winter are occasionally very large, though not, perhaps, so
extraordinary as those that have been observed in other parts of
Britain. Mr Thompson, in his work on the Birds of Ireland,
speaks of having, in 1847, seen a flock of not less than two
thousand five hundred Dunlins in Belfast Bay, and another of
about one thousand five hundred, three hundred yards distant
from it. Again, he mentions a still larger flock, in which there
could not have been less than five thousand birds. "A few days
afterwards," he continues, " a friend being out shooting early in
the morning, on the down shore of the bay, saw a flock of several
thousands. He described their appearance, as the sun rose, to

THE DUNLIN. 323

have been one of the most beautiful sights he ever witnessed. The
great body first appeared glancing in the sun; then it broke up
into a dozen flocks, which rose and fell in the air like molten
silver, or, as his companion observed, like showers of new shillings
— a most apt image.* One of the finest effects is when the back
ground is so dark that the birds are only seen in silvery whiteness
flashing their under plumage upon us. The uncertainty as to
where they may next appear — like that of lightning from an
extensive mass of thundercloud — adds much to the effect." It is
sad to think of these fair creatures, whose silver-lined wings are
so agreeably pictured, being destined to a pitiless fate the moment
they descend to the shore. In the very next paragraph, Mr
Thompson states, in his usually circumstantial way, that on 16th
October, 1843, two hundred and sixteen were picked up at one
discharge, and on the 9th of December, 1845, upwards of three
hundred !

In the West of Scotland the Dunlin is found breeding in almost
every moorland and marshy tract where the snipe or golden plover
is met with. It is extremely abundant in North Uist, Benbecula,
and South Uist, and indeed over the whole of the Outer Hebrides.
It also breeds on St. Kilda and the Monach isles. On the inner
islands it is equally plentiful, while on many parts of the mainland it
is never absent. Mr Alston has found it breeding in the Upper Ward
of Lanarkshire, at an elevation of one thousand feet above the sea
level, and I have taken the bird and eggs on several occasions on
the Renfrewshire hills, within eight or ten miles of Glasgow, and
within full view of the city.

The variations to which this species is subject appear to be
much greater than those occurring in any other wading bird of its
size. It would almost seem as if there were several races to be
found throughout Scotland. In some districts of the Outer Heb-
rides, for example, the Dunlin is smaller than that of the mainland
— a remark which applies to the entire bird, and not to any par-
ticular feature. The bill is at least one-half shorter; the tarsi
and toes more slender and diminutive ; the dorsal plumage redder
and more streaked; and the black abdominal patch not so large.
When comparing extreme specimens from this part of Scotland

* Ovster shells might be deemed equally apt as an illustration. We can
well imagine, however, that in at least some districts of Ireland, not to speak
of other places, showers of shillings would produce a really good effect.

324 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

and the eastern counties — that is to say, taking the smallest from
the west, and the largest from the east, the Hebridean bird may
safely be said to be not much over half the weight of the other.
Some of the Dunlins on the western mainland have the bill con-
siderably depressed towards the base; indeed, in a few specimens
which I have handled, this feature was so marked as almost to
justify a novice in mistaking them for the broad-billed sandpiper.
I have also obtained very characteristic examples of this smaller
race, with very short and straight bills, in some of the inner islands.
In 1870, 1 had several specimens in full breeding dress fromGigha
and Tyree. This tendency in the Dunlin to excessive variation
has long been noticed, and has been referred to by various British
and continental ornithologists. Sir William Jardine appears to
have met with a breed frequenting some of the lochs in Suther-
landshire, which presented marked differences in size and colora-
tion from the ordinary type; and Macgillivray (B. B. iv., p. 214)
makes the remark, that " the birds that visit the eastern coasts of
Scotland seem in general much larger." To this I may add, that
during many years' careful examination of the species in the county
of East Lothian, it was remarked by Mr Sinclair and myself, that
the greater number of Dunlins shot by us were birds fully as
large as the curlew sandpiper, and had bills of equal length and
curvature.

The late Mr Cassin, of Philadelphia, in Professor Baird's work,
has the following remarks, which I think have some bearing on this
subject : — " Tringa alpina var Americana. We have not a sufficient
number of European specimens of the true T. alpina of that con-
tinent for satisfactory comparison, especially as ornithologists
mention differences in size at the same localities; but of eight
specimens from Europe and Asia, now before us, not one ought to
be considered as specifically the same as the American bird. The
size is invariably smaller, and the bill disproportionately shorter.
In fact, we have little doubt that the bird inhabiting both the
Atlantic and Pacific coasts of the republic, is quite distinct and
may be easily recognised." It would not be difficult, I think, to
match this American Dunlin precisely with hundreds of specimens
from the eastern coasts of Scotland, and I have long entertained
the opinion that these larger birds are not bred on our moors, but
are migrants from other countries.

PURPLE SANDPIPER. 325

THE PURPLE SANDPIPER.

T RING A MARITIMA.

WHEREVER the shore is rocky, but not shut in by precipitous
cliffs, the Purple Sandpiper is met with in small flocks. Generally
these restless groups may be seen close to the water's edge trying
to find a footing on some little boulder, as if the perch were not
large enough to hold them all. The birds, therefore, may always
be identified by their curious crowding movements, even at a
considerable distance, either when the tide is flowing or receding —
the rockpipers, as they may with propriety be called, always
exhibiting a fear of wetting their feet by fluttering upwards as the
waves momentarily cover the stone. I recollect one evening
meeting with a considerable flock of Purple Sandpipers near
Dunbar, in somewhat interesting circumstances; and the following
extract from one of my note books will perhaps better illustrate
their habits, as observed by myself, than if put in another form: —
"November 3d — while lying crouched behind the skerries this
evening about twilight, waiting a shot at some scaup ducks, there
suddenly arose a confused though not unmusical babbling within a
few yards of where I lay concealed. On looking cautiously over
the ledge which inclined seawards, I found a flock of Purple Sand-
pipers had pitched on a half-submerged boulder, the lower part of
which the back-going tide was gradually exposing. As soon as the
birds could safely get at the base of the stone, they flew down to
a part of the skerry, and then waded quickly to it as if eager to
get at the small animals, on which they soon began to regale them-
selves. Shortly afterwards the stone was left nearly dry; still the
Sandpipers diligently pursued their pecking until the supply was
exhausted, when they came running back to the flat rocks in my
direction. They then halted a little, uncertain apparently what to
do, and stood within two ramrod lengths of the rock on which I sat.
Beginning again, they proceeded to search the small crevices in the
rock, running hither and thither with amusing eagerness, and some-
times coming right up the slope to within a few inches of my face.
There were, as near as I could compute, sixty-five or seventy birds
altogether; and, as I had never seen so large a flock of Purple
Sandpipers before, I looked upon them with great interest. Not
wishing to disturb the ducks, which were now pushing landwards

326 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

with rapid strokes from the sea, I took off my cap and sent it
spinning with great force among the Sandpipers. Two of the
birds lay stunned, and on picking them up I found the plumage
to be dingy, and the legs inclining only to an ochre colour, from
which I inferred they were both young ones of the year. The
probability is that most of the specimens in the flock were
birds of similar plumage. As my two captives were not much
hurt, I let them off with an admonition to be more careful on the
next skerry they visited, so, with a feeble note of thanks they
darted seawards, and at once disappeared in the haze." I may
here remark that I had previously taken notice of little parties of
Purple Sandpipers at another part of the coast where there is a
considerable extent of shelving rocks, on which, in moderately
rough weather, the surf is constantly breaking. Here their habits
were very different— many of the little fellows showing an actual
contempt for the spray as it sometimes dashed over them in a
heavy shower. I have even seen them face the broken masses
of water as the threatening waves came rolling in upon their feed-
ing ground, and nimbly resume their search as soon as the danger
was past. No one, indeed, in looking at the bird, can have failed
to remark the comparative shortness of its tarsi, general stoutness
of form, and greater apparent strength to withstand its rough
experiences among the rocks, which distinguish it from other
sandpipers.

Throughout the West of Scotland the Purple Sandpiper is found
from September till the end of April and beginning of May, but
in some of the inner islands, as well as those of the outer group,
many specimens are observed even a month later in the season.
Dr Dewar observed several flocks on the Ascrib islands in Loch
Snizort, in the north-west of Skye, on 6th May, 1870. Single
birds, indeed, were found lingering on the mainland about the
same time, two specimens having been sent to me from the shores
of Loch Ridden in the Kyles of Bute. Captain Feilden shot two
specimens near Barra Plead, on the island of Berneray, on 27th
May of the same year, and two others on Mingalay. On dis-
section, they all proved to be females, and one of them showed
some abrasion of the belly and breast feathers, from which it
was inferred that it had been sitting on eggs. The ovaries of all
the birds were found to be much distended, but no mature eggs
were found in them. Two of these specimens are now before

GREY PHALAROPE. 327

me, and appear to be in full breeding plumage. Captain Feilden
has suggested to me that when the four birds were shot the
males had been sitting on the nests. Single birds have also been
seen in Harris late in May, and I have myself observed solitary
birds on the island of Scalpa at the entrance to Loch Tarbert.
Mr Graham has met with various specimens in complete summer
dress on the islands of lona and Staffa, where a few pairs appear
to linger every year.

On the east coast the Purple Sandpiper is also met with in
summer in equal numbers — ranging from Berwickshire to the
Shetland islands. Small parties were observed in the last-named
district by Mr Hewitson about thirty years ago. Mr Selby found
the young more than once on the Fame islands in the month of
June, when they were scarcely able to fly, and I met with, and
shot stray specimens, fully fledged, near D unbar, in the end
of July, 1851. Sir William Jardine also saw a pair on the
Bass Rock at a time when all the other birds had young, and
Macgillivray mentions having seen one on the same rock on 20th
May, 1831.

Dr Saxby remarks that the Purple Sandpiper is very abundant
in Shetland during winter, remaining till late in spring, and
that he has three eggs taken on the island of Hunie which he
suspects belong to this species.

THE GEEY PHALAEOPE.
PHALAROPUS LOBATUS.

IN its summer plumage, the Grey Phalarope is totally unknown in
western Scotland — all the specimens that have occurred being in
the plain garb of winter. Even at that season, the species is of
rare occurrence, single specimens only being met with. I have
seen examples from DunstafFnage Bay near Oban, the banks of
Loch Fyne, and the Frith of Clyde: one was obtained as far up
the estuary as Port-Glasgow in the winter of 1866. I have also
examined specimens from the shores of Loch Etive and the
coast near Helensburgh, where they were shot in December,
1868.

On the east coast of Scotland it is much oftener seen, and appears
to visit all the shores from Berwick to Orkney, sometimes arriving

328 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

in small flocks, but generally in scattered groups. It has been
frequently shot in East Lothian on the banks of the Tyne estuary,
and also in Berwickshire at the mouth of the Tweed, as I have
been obligingly informed by the Earl of Haddington. I watched
a pair of Grey Phalaropes sitting in a shallow pool among the
rocks near Dunbar, in February, 1864; they allowed me to approach
within a few feet of the water, and I could almost have touched
them with an ordinary cane. On putting them up, they both flew
a little distance, and alighted in another rock-encircled pool, where
the depth of water obliged them to swim, which they did with
extreme grace. After seeing them picking off some of the smaller
marine animals which they found adhering to the sea weed on the
sides of the rock, I again disturbed them, after which they took
out to sea, and were soon lost to sight.

In the Fauna of Orkney, published by Messrs Baikie and Heddle,
it is stated that " this species was first observed in Orkney by Dr
Neill in 1804, who killed several in Papa Westray. It is found
in Sanday, and some other islands, in most of which it breeds;"
but on referring to Dr Neill's 'Tour/ I find he says [Aug. 6th]: —
" On the margins of the lakes and marshes in this island we saw
many birds of the Phalarope genus, which the inhabitants very
appropriately name ' half-webs.' We shot the Tringa lobata, or
Grey Phalarope." It is possible that this writer saw and shot the
red-necked phalarope, as that species would then be congregating
before quitting the island; and it is nearly certain that in stating
the bird breeds in several of the islands Messrs Baikie and Heddle
committed a mistake. It is proper to mention, however, that
Pennant, in his 'Caledonian Zoology' (1777), says that the Grey
Phalarope was then supposed to breed in Orkney, the species
having been shot there in summer. In 1768 his information re-
garding this and the following species must have been very
meagre, as may be seen on consulting his ' British Zoology,' first
8vo edition, published in that year. His tour in Scotland re-
sulted in the accumulation of ample materials for subsequent
editions of his general work.

RED-NECKED PHALAROPE. 329

THE RED-NECKED PHALAROPE.

PHALAROPUS HYPERBOREUS.

Dearganallt.

THOUGH met with at irregular intervals over the whole of the
western coasts of Scotland, this interesting species is only found
breeding in the Long island or the Outer Hebrides. There are
four or five stations there — the most numerously frequented of
which is Benbecula, where from ten to twenty pairs are annually
found haunting the little lakes that abound in that island. There
are also several nurseries in the islands of North and South Uist
frequented by, at least, other twenty pairs, so that the entire
Dearganallt population on these three islands may be reckoned at
something less than fifty pairs. The time of their appearance
varies a little according to the season; generally, however, the
stations are occupied in the last week of May, and the nests found
in the first week of June. About the middle of July the families
gather together preparatory to their departure, which is also to
some extent regulated by the state of the weather; but as soon as
August sets in, young and old have entirely disappeared. The
season of 1867 was an exceptional one in Benbecula, and I presume
at the other stations also — the Phalaropes being as late as the
second week of June in arriving, while their departure took place
rather before than after the usual time. In that year there were
at least twenty-five pairs on a shallow lake on the west side of the
island between Nunton and Castle Borve. I visited the island on
4th August, 1870, but did not see a single straggler either at this
lake or the picturesque sheets of water on the farm of Milton, in
South Uist, which I visited three days afterwards — all the Phala-
ropes having disappeared three weeks previously.* At both stations
the birds on their arrival at once take up their quarters on these
lakes, where they may be seen swimming on the cairn surface, and
moving in circles with great elegance. Any one who chooses to
wade near enough, and make up his mind to stand knee deep in
very cold water, may sketch the beautiful creatures as they paddle

* My friends Captain Feilden and Mr Harvie Brown found the first phalaropes
of the season, and took their eggs on the shores of one of the South Uist lakes,
on 29th May of the same year.

330 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

about like so many miniature ducks, and write down a pleasant
chapter on their habits in his note book. They seem to have no
fear, but come right forward as if curious to know what the intruder
is about, uttering all the time a feeble note with every motion of
their head, not unlike the ticking of a clock. The little half-clad
boys of Benbecula, who of late years have heard of the esteem in
which their familiar visitor is held, often attempt to catch the
Phalaropes by wading through their haunts; and the sight of half-
a-dozen such young rascals in full pursuit, and getting soused
occasionally, through a false step in the eagerness of their clutch,
is very diverting.

From a comparison of seven specimens now before me, I find
that the female is larger than the male, and is brighter in colour.
Both sexes share in the duties of incubation, if one may judge
from the bare spot being present in the male as well as the female.
The nests are mere depressions in the tufts of grass, with a few
withered straws moulded into shape by the sitting birds, and are
placed on tolerably firm ground near the water's edge. The
eggs, four in number, appear to be subject to but little variety;
they resemble some of the darker specimens of the dunlin's egg,
but are much smaller, and, speaking from my own experience, are
never met with of the light green shade which is so conspicuous
among those of the dunlin.

I have a specimen of this Phalarope in my collection in full
summer plumage, from the island of Skye, but I have failed to
discover any breeding place there. It has also been found there
in winter, by Captain Cameron, but in other localities on the
mainland it is a mere straggler. On the east coast it occurs at
irregular intervals from Berwick to Orkney. I have myself met
with it in East Lothian and Fifeshire. Two specimens were shot
in the Old Links, Aberdeen, by Mr Alex. Mitchell — one on the
1 5th, the other on the 18th September, 1870. One of these, kindly
forwarded to me by Mr Mitchell, is apparently a young bird of
the year, and has a white forehead, the upper part of the head
being very dark in colour.

LANDRAIL OR CORNCRAKE. 331

GRA LLA TORES. RA LLID^E.

THE LANDRAIL, OR CORNCRAKE.

CREX PRATENSIS.
Treun-re-Treun. Treunna.

THERE is, perhaps, no Scottish bird more generally distribute^
than the familiar Corncrake; it is found in every district, culti-
vated and uncultivated, on the western mainland, from the Mull
of Galloway to Cape Wrath, and also over the whole extent of
both groups of islands, and all the rocky islets on the west coast,
extending to Heisker rocks, the Monach islands, and St. Kilda.
It will, in fact, take up its abode and rear its young on such places
as are almost exclusively frequented by birds dependent on the
sea for their daily subsistence: all that can be looked upon as an
attraction being but an occasional patch of grass, and a moist
hollow to remind it of the distant meadow where perchance it had
its haunts the previous summer. I have observed it in the un-
inhabited islands of the Hebridean seas, and have heard it near
the summit of Ailsa Craig rasping its eerie cry after nightfall, as
a rude lullaby to the gulls hatching on the grassy verge of a
precipice. In such places, as well as on the mainland, I have
noticed that the Corncrake utters its cry during the whole of
the night, from the time of its arrival until the end of July, with
the exception of a three weeks' lull while the first brood is being
hatched. There appears to be a second brood about the middle
of July. The species usually arrives early in May, and disappears
early in September. The latest date which I am able to record
for its occurrence, in any part of Scotland, is the 30th October.
A specimen, which I saw in the flesh, was shot near Glasgow on
that date, in 1867.*

Many persons imagine that it is a very difficult matter to procure
Corncrakes, and strange faculties have been curiously attributed
to the species, such as its ventriloquial talents and powers of con-

* Macgillivray mentions that Corncrakes are sometimes known to winter
in this country, and that a case of this kind had been reported to him from
Elgin. The late Mr James Wilson of Woodville, also chronicles the finding of
a Corncrake in mid-winter, but, with characteristic humour, he qualifies his
statement by the admission that the specimen had passed the time in confine^
ment in an Edinburgh garret

332 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

cealment. Like all other skulking birds, it makes rapid progress
through a field of standing grain or rank grass, and in this way
it will traverse a great extent of ground in a very few minutes,
uttering its note at short intervals, and causing the person watching
it to wonder how the sound could emanate from so many points
of the compass in so short a space. I have frequently spent an
idle hour in observing its motions in a field of clover or rye grass,
and have almost invariably seen the bird, when in the act of
craking, standing quietly with its head slightly elevated, and occa-
sionally turning it to the right and to the left, as if directing the
sound in its full strength to all parts of the field. The cry is
uttered by the male, as I have ascertained for myself, and may be
presumed to be uttered as a note of attraction to the female. The
serenade is certainly a harsh one.

Knowing the Corncrake's partiality for water, I have often
obtained specimens of the bird by going to a particular part of a
stream, about the middle of the day, during very hot weather.
They may be then seen frequently leaving their grassy haunts,
and crossing public roads, or leisurely tracking their way along
some hedgerow to the nearest pools among the stones which pave
the bed of the now shallow stream. I have even seen the poor
creatures • mount a high stone wall, from the top of which they
could get a view of the surroundings, and run anxiously along the
ledge as if in search of more agreeable quarters. A useful instru-
ment for securing these birds may be made of a horse's rib notched
like a saw, across which another sharp bone is smartly drawn, so
as to produce an exact imitation of the cry. I remember being-
led into a boyish adventure with a set of such instruments, under
a strong desire to possess my first Corncrake. I knew of the
existence of a verdant clover field, frequented by two or three
pairs, on the other side of a walled garden — the scene of many of
my early shooting exploits; and after climbing up the spread arms
of a pear tree, I plied the bones with commendable diligence, until
a landrail's uplifted head invited me to stop. Lifting my gun
from the top of the wall, I took a steady aim, but forgot in my
eagerness that my support was but a feeble one ; so at the moment
of firing the branch gave way, and I went down backwards with
an awkward suddenness, which made that wall at least a somewhat
unpleasant element in my after recollections of the species.

The food of the Corncrake, so far as I have remarked, consists

SPOTTED CRAKE. 333

of small fresh water shells, larvse of beetles, and thick-bodied moths,
which seek refuge in the day time among the grass.

According to Professor Baird, this species is a constant summer
visitor to Greenland, and has of late years been found on several
occasions on the eastern coast of the United States.

THE SPOTTED CRAKE.

CREX PORZANA.

So far as I have observed, the Spotted Crake is a very uncommon
species in the western counties ; it is, however, more numerously
distributed throughout the eastern counties, extending from
Orkney to Berwickshire. In Aberdeenshire and Forfarshire,
according to Macgillivray, it can scarcely be called very rare.
" In Scotland," says Mr More, in the Ibis, " the nest has been
found only in Perth, Aberdeen, and at Loch Spynie, in Elgin;"
but, as the birds have been repeatedly taken in the breeding
season in Banffshire, Fife, East Lothian, and Berwick, it is not
unreasonable to infer that the species nests in these counties also.

In the West of Scotland the Spotted Crake has been taken in
Wigtownshire, Ayrshire, and Renfrewshire; but I have no
authentic instance to give of its occurrence north of the last-
named district. In its habits this bird closely resembles its
congener, the water rail, and like it, is not easily flushed from
its haunts.

Although a migratory species, the Spotted Crake appears to
come early, specimens being occasionally taken about the begin-
ning of April : as £ rule, it also lingers much later than other
migratory birds, stray examples having been shot in November,
December, and even January, so that it is absent not more than
two or three months. It may, indeed, be yet found to be, in
some of the southern districts, permanently resident. From its
shy and unobtrusive habits, and its life of seclusion and silence
in marshy places, from which it but rarely issues, it is much
less frequently seen than birds which try to escape by flight when
disturbed. Rather than take wing, it will thrust itself, when
molested, into any hole or tuft of grass, and remain concealed
until quiet is restored; and on this account the comparative
numbers of the species cannot readily be ascertained.

334 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

THE LITTLE CRAKE.

CREX PUS ILL A.

A SINGLE specimen only of this modestly coloured species appears
to have been met with in Scotland, and I record the circumstance
here on the authority of Mr Thomas Edward of Banff, who has
informed me that the bird was found dead in a plantation on the
banks of the Isla at Thornton, in the parish of Grange, Banffshire,
on the 12th March, 1852. This is probably the same Banffshire
specimen which is alluded to by Mr Yarrell in the last edition of
his work on British Birds, published in 1856, though neither date
nor precise locality is given.

BAILLON'S CRAKE.
CREX BAILLONII.

SIR William Jardine appears to be the only writer on British birds
who has found this bird in Scotland. In his excellent manual,
published in 1842, he describes a specimen that was shot on a moss
near Lockerbie. This is probably the only one obtained north of
the Tweed, with the exception of that referred to by the late Mr
James Wilson in his voyage round Scotland, as having been pro-
cured in Caithness-shire by Mr Sinclair of Wick, and preserved in
that gentleman's collection.

THE WATER RAIL.

RALLUS AQUATIC US.

THE Water Rail is commonly distributed over the whole of Scot-
land, including the Outer Hebrides and the Orkney and Shetland
islands. I have obtained specimens from the counties of Argyle,
Ayr, Inverness, Perth, Moray, Banff, Aberdeen, Forfar, Fife,
East Lothian, Berwick, and Wigtown; also from, the islands
of Harris, North Uist, Lewis (where it is plentiful), Skye, Mull,
and lona. It is also met with in Ross and Sutherlandshires. In
some of the midland and eastern counties it appears to be resident
all the year, and the same, indeed, may be said of it in some of
the inner islands, where, from the want of vegetation or brushwood

THE MOOR-HEN. 335

near its haunts, it is often, when frozen out, seen running about
in a half-bewildered state seeking protection. At such times it
may easily be captured, as it seems reluctant to take flight for its
own safety, even when pursued. When caught, it soon becomes
reconciled to a life of captivity. Mr Graham mentions having had
one at lona which he kept in the house, allowing it full liberty to
run about the rooms. It was very amusing to see it unconcernedly
stalking through the apartments, picking its steps enquiringly
among the dogs and cats basking on the hearthrug, and with as
much apparent freedom as if it were merely reconnoitring the
banks of a duck pond.

According to Sir William Jardine, white varieties of this bird
sometimes occur. I have 'observed remarkable differences in
the size of specimens — some measuring within a fraction of twelve
inches in length, while others were little more than nine inches
and a-half.

THE MOOR-HEN.

GALLINULA CHLOROPUS.
Cearc uisge.

THE familiar Moor-hen is abundant everywhere on the western
mainland, and also throughout both groups of islands. In the
Outer Hebrides, and, indeed, in many of the less frequented parts
of the mainland, it is much more tame than in other places where
sportsmen are in the habit of shooting wild fowl, and is sometimes
found associating freely with barn-door fowls, feeding and even
roosting with them. I recollect seeing in the island of Benbecula
one of these birds perched on a rope in one of the native huts. It
came to the hut every night and took up its position among the
cackling poultry, preferring, however, this curious perch where it
sat alone and swung itself to rest. In the morning it left for the
lakes, a short way off, where it spent the day in pursuit of shells
and water beetles. For ease and dexterity, the most proficient
ropewalker could not have excelled the performances of this
feathered Blondin.

Mr Graham, writing from the island of lona, says : "Two pairs
came regularly to breed upon a little marshy lake among the hills
of lona. I suppose the natives are not very familiar with it, for

336 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

on showing a specimen, which I had shot, to some of our islanders,
they could not decide what it was, although a serious old Celt
hazarded the conjecture that it might be the devil in feathers; for,
having the feet and legs of a common hen, was it not running in
the face of all nature's laws to dive and swim 1 The pairs referred
to had evidently been migratory visitors from the mainland, as
even in this out of the way mountain tarn, which was so small as
to be walked round in a few minutes, and had no more cover than a
handful of thinly growing reeds, it was nearly impossible to get a
shot at them. They invariably disappeared whenever anybody ap-
proached, and continued invisible so long as the cause of alarm
remained." I had often observed Moor-hens practising the same
ingenuity at concealment in other places, and on several occasions
had seen them holding with their long toes the stems of plants
under water, in order to keep their bodies submerged. I remember
surprising a young family of full fledged Moor-hens in Inch Moin,
on Loch Lomond. In their wild alarm they all took to the'
water and dived beneath the surface. Having sprung into the
boat to watch their movements, I was astonished to see two or
three of them at the bottom trying to push their heads under
a half submerged boulder lying on a bed of shingle, just as crabs
would have done on being disturbed. They were very soon,
however, obliged to abandon their apparently suicidal intention
and come to the surface, after which they paddled quickly away
from the shore. An hour afterwards I found one of them
floating helplessly on the lake about half a mile distant; it was
quite stiff, and incapable of motion.

Mr Harvie Brown informs me that the Moor-hen is found
breeding in the north of Caithness, and that he has eggs in his
collection which were taken in the summer of 1869 near Thurso.

I have a number of eggs of this species now before me, from
the banks of Loch Leven, where they were obtained by Mr
Sinclair. These present considerable variation, both in shape
and colouring, from the common type; they are much more
obtuse at the ends, and are of a darker shade; the ground colour
is in fact only a shade lighter than the spots.

PURPLE GALLINULE. 337

THE PURPLE GALLINULE.
PORPH YRIO H YA CINTHINUS.

A SPECIMEN of this bird, the sex of which was not noted, was shot
near Campbeltown, in Argyleshire, in the first week of December,
1863, and sent in the flesh to Mr M'Culloch, bird stuffer, Glasgow,
in whose hands I saw it. The specimen was afterwards exhibited
by Dr Dewar at a meeting of the Natural History Society of
Glasgow.

This splendid species appears to be found abundantly in the
southern parts of Europe, and is a native of Italy, Sicily, the Ionian
Islands, Sardinia, and France. It has, in fact, a somewhat
extensive geographical range, being well known over a great por-
tion of Africa, as well as India. In these countries the bird
delights the ornithologist as it rises from its sedgy haunts, its blue
plumage flashing in the sunlight with a peculiar lustre.

Quoting from Degland, Dr Bree, in his ' History of the Birds
of Europe,' etc., states that "this beautiful water-hen is by nature
gentle and timorous, and does not leave its solitude unless driven
from it by hunger or danger. Its simplicity is such that it will
allow itself to be taken alive by the boatmen as it plunges to
escape from them. It is also, according to the same authority,
easily tamed, and is brought up in some countries in the poultry
yards among the fowls, and is contented with the same food that
they have." Its habits as observed by other writers, however, can
hardly be reconciled with these remarks. Writing from Eastern
Africa, Mr Salvin (Ibis, vol. i., p. 361) says it keeps very
much out of sight among weeds, quietly devouring the contents of
ducks' nests ; while Mr Tristram, who had observed it in abundance
on the northern lakes of the same continent (Ibis, vol. ii., p. 80)
mentions that he had seen one seize a young duckling in its huge
foot and crush its head with its bill, after which it ate the brains
and left the rest of the carcase untouched. Such a carnivorous
appetite but ill accords with the fine purple clothing of the bird,
and certainly lessens the regret one must feel at the inhospitable
reception this "foreign ambassador" met with on reaching our
shores. Our duck and snipe preserves can well dispense with so
dangerous a visitor.

Having observed the same, or at least a nearly allied species in

w

338 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

private aviaries in various parts of the West of Scotland, there is
a possibility of the Campbeltown bird having escaped from confine-
ment. After a careful scrutiny of the specimen, however, I can
find nothing in its appearance to lead to this conjecture; and as
the species is so abundant in many parts of Europe, the idea is
not untenable that it may have been driven to our coasts in some of
the gales at that time prevalent, or come of its own accord to
select fitting quarters for a fat living.

A good figure of the Purple Gallinule is given in the fourth
volume of Dr Bree's work, to which, and the accompanying descrip-
tion of the species, I have much pleasure in referring my readers.

GRALLATORES. LOBIPEDID^.

THE COMMON COOT.

FULICA ATRA.
Lacha-bhlar.

THE Common Coot, although much less numerous as a species
than the Moor-hen, appears to have an equally wide distribution,
being found from north to south over the whole of Scotland, and
from east to west extending to the Long island or Outer Hebrides.
It is common throughout the inner islands, breeding in. suitable
places where the two species are found in company. Islay, Skye,
and Mull, are frequented by considerable numbers. In a few of
these localities it is migratory, leaving its breeding haunts about the
commencement of winter; numbers, however, remain all the year.
A single pair only has been observed in Benbecula, but it is more
common in North and South Uist, as well as Harris and Lewis.
One of the Benbecula birds was killed some years ago, but the
survivor, after a short absence, returned with another mate, pro-
bably from one of the neighbouring islands.

The Coot is common near Glasgow, and is found nesting every
year in Fossil marsh, and similar places within easy reach of the
city. In some districts of the western mainland it migrates on
the approach of winter, and repairs to lochs which are but seldom
frozen, being more dependent on water than its congener the
gallinule. In severe winters, indeed, I have observed it quit its
usual haunts, and betake itself to the sea coast; and on such

GREY-LAG GOOSE. 339

occasions have mistaken it at sea for a black duck, especially in the
uncertain light of daybreak. Fishermen, and others who have
catered for my collection, have also at different times brought me
Coots as " foreigners," which they had obtained at a considerable
distance from the shore. I attribute their appearance there to
their impatience of snow and ice. The gallinule, on the contrary,
when frozen out, mixes freely with the poultry or ornamental
water fowl, and feeds with them in grateful silence on the good
things provided. Pennant says in his ' British Zoology,' (vol. ii.,
8vo ed. 1768, p. 393), that he has seen the channel near South-
ampton covered with Coots, and that in his time they were often
taken to market, " where they were exposed for sale without t>heir
feathers, and scalded like pigs." It would, no doubt, require
skilful treatment to divest the bodies of the black down, which
must certainly mar the appearance of a featherless Coot.

The nest of this species is, in some places, especially marshes
subject to sudden overflow, a large and compact pillar-like struc-
ture, composed chiefly of the stems of water plants. I have seen
examples built entirely of a species of Equisetum, and raised fully
two feet above the surrounding vegetation. The work of building
must be quickly performed, as one which I examined last year on
a bit of marshy ground, near the banks of Loch Lomond, and
which was remarkably well put together, was constructed of
Equisetum stems as fresh as if they had been gathered but a few
hours previously.

Dr Saxby states that the Coot is occasionally met with during
the winter season in Shetland, but in Orkney it appears to be
resident all the year.

NA TA TORES. A NA TID^E.

THE GREY-LAG GOOSE.

ANSER FERUS.
Geadh-glas.

BEING a permanent resident in the Long island, this species is
perhaps the best known of all the wild geese which frequent that
extensive district. At one time it had been one of the commonest
birds in the marshy tracts of the south of England; but since

340 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

drainage and cultivation have done so much to banish the more
conspicuous wild fowl from their former haunts, it has gradually
withdrawn itself from the moorland lochs of the mainland, and is
now almost wholly confined during the breeding season to some
of the bleakest bird nurseries of the Outer Hebrides. There it
leads a comparatively quiet life, being but seldom molested, save
at the season when the slender crops are being gathered, and even
then the native farmers prefer, the practice of driving it off by
lighting fires, to the extreme measure of powder and shot. For the
last hundred years, indeed, the flocks of wild geese that collect about
that season — and a very important one it is to these isolated
husbandmen — have been kept at bay by fires alone. As soon as
the breeding season is over the geese gather into large flocks, and
are then very destructive to farm produce of all kinds; indeed, it
requires the utmost watchfulness on the part of the crofters to
keep them in check. Several fires are made in the fields, and
kept burning night and day; by this means the crops are to a great
extent saved; but the moment any of the fires are allowed to fail,
the geese, which are continually shifting about on wing, suddenly
pitch on the unprotected spot, and often do much mischief before
they are discovered.

The Grey-lag breeds in nearly all the islands of the outer group.
It is common in North Uist, Benbecula, and South Uist, and is
found occupying the breeding stations early in May. Mr Harvie
Brown took a nest of eggs which were hard sat upon, on 2d May,
1870; but Mr Elwes, who visited the Long island in 1868, saw
flocks of as many as thirty together later in the season. The nest,
which resembles that of a great black-backed gull when found
breeding on heath clad islands, with the exception of being
lined with down and feathers, is generally placed in a tuft of
coarse grass, or among rank heather, and contains from four to
six eggs.- When the young are fully fledged, they keep together
in family groups for some weeks, and are often seen shifting their
quarters from one side of the island to the other. I have noticed
small flocks of seven or eight birds in the beginning of August,
and a month later I have observed as many as from forty to fifty;
but about the middle of October the various families collect into
still larger flocks, and continue together until the month of April
following, when they break up for the season. During a visit to
the Long island in 1867, I was much interested with a flock of

GREY-LAG GOOSE. 341

semi-domesticated Grey-lag Geese on the farm of Mr John Mac-
donald, Newton. There were about thirty birds in this flock, and
they had all been hatched from eggs taken on the moors. On
walking towards them I found they would not permit a near
approach, but flew off at once, getting readily into a strong flight,
and uttering loud cries as they wheeled in a wide circle before
alighting again. Mr Macdonald informs me that these birds betake
themselves regularly to the hills to breed, and come back to the
farm as soon as the hatching season is past. My most recent
experiences [August, 1870] in the Outer Hebrides, remind me of
a curious effect which I noted in connection with the call note of
this bird in these quiet solitudes. I had reached South Uist, and
taken up my quarters under the hospitable roof of Mr Birnie, at
Grogary, whose very great kindness I shall not soon forget, and
in the stillness of the Sabbath morning following my arrival, was
aroused from sleep by the cries of the Grey-lags as they flew past
the house. Their voices, softened by distance, sounded not
unpleasantly, reminding one of the clanging of church bells in the
heart of a large town.

Nothing can be more desolate looking than some of the haunts
of the Grey-lag in the Outer Hebrides. In North Uist especially,
where it breeds away from the cultivated tracts on the west side
of the island, the nests are usually found on the most barren part
of the moor, out of sight and hearing of all that tells of civilized
life. In Benbecula and South Uist there is perhaps less of that
feeling of desolation to picture; in one or two spots, indeed, such
as the neighbourhood of Nunton in the one island, and Howmore
and Grogary in the other, the nursery scenes are comparatively
bright and fair; still the very cries of the birds as they cross the
path of the wearied traveller on the Hebridean highways are so
full of lament and disquietude that when, at the close of day
especially, the disturbed groups rise one after another in alarm
from their dreary repose, the blending of voices becomes, perhaps,
one of the most memorable sounds that the ornithologist can listen
to. Such, at least, has been my own feeling when traversing these
lonely wastes, though it must be admitted that in listening to such
"voices of the night" much depends on the circumstances in which
the traveller is placed, for these same moors are capable of yielding
impressions varied according to the time of day, the season of the
year, the state of the weather, to say nothing of the temper of the

342 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

tourist. I have, it need not be denied, experienced the force of
all these considerations, having journeyed from north to south, and
from one side to the other of the entire group; in the dead of
night, against a westerly gale and floods of rain, and under the
burning blaze of a July sun; in the full enjoyment of the calm
delights of autumn, when the blue lakes were studded with a
thousand water lilies, and in less pleasurable moments, about
which the least said would certainly be soonest mended. I re-
collect some years ago experiencing a somewhat rough passage of
three days and nights to Lochmaddy, during which but little
bodily rest could be obtained, and finding on my arrival that in
order to save a delay of some hours I should be compelled, instead
of enjoying a night's sleep at the inn, to face the darkness and
travel twenty miles southwards. On the road I found myself
exposed to a succession of showers of rain like split peas,
which even at this distance of time force the conviction
upon me that 'the most amiable temper could not long survive
the full blast of a Hebridean storm. " Does it always rain in this
furious fashion?" I asked of the guide who accompanied me. "Oh
no, sir," he promptly answered, " it was warse yesterday." * On
we travelled, and as we neared the ford — three miles in breadth —
which separated the islands of North Uist and Benbecula, we
found a comparatively clear track indicated by stone beacons, just
becoming visible in the morning light. About half way across,
where the sand was dry and firm, we came upon a large flock of
Grey-lags resting themselves. There were altogether from eighty
to a hundred birds, and they took but little notice of us as we
wheeled round a rocky point in full view of the assemblage.
Wishing to know how near we could approach without exciting
their suspicions, we diverged from our course, and bore noiselessly
down upon them, the little Highland pony pricking his ears in
wonderment at the apparent obstruction of stones in the way; and
when at last the gander in chief sounded his warning and rose,
followed by the entire gang, we were near enough to tempt me
to take from my pocket a lump of granite, which I had picked up
as a cabinet specimen, and hurl it into their midst. " Did you

* Dry humour like this deserved full recompense at the nearest licensed
house of shelter, but in reply to my inquiries, Allan, to his credit, assured me
it was thirteen miles distant. Many gillies would have declared it to be but
wan!

BEAN GOOSE. 343

observe," I remarked to my companion, after recovering my speci-
men, " how the pony pricked his ears at the geese?" " Deed aye,
sir," rejoined Allan, " I saw his lugs whyles pointed backwards"

Mr Harvie Brown informs me that the Grey-lag still breeds in
some numbers in Sutherlandshire, and from Mr Elwes I have
learned that it is found in small flocks during the greater part of
the winter in various parts of Islay, where it is less plentiful than
the white-fronted goose. It is later in arriving than that species,
and leaves about the middle of April. Considerable numbers are
known to breed in the counties of Ross and Caithness, especially
on the islets on Loch Maree.

THE BEAN GOOSE.
AN SEE SEGETUM.

IN the Outer Hebrides the Bean Goose is a common winter visitant,
remaining on the outlying rocks and islets, especially in the neigh-
bourhood of Harris, as late as the beginning of June. Its nest has
never to my knowledge been discovered in any part of the Long
island, although it is stated by Macgillivray that it frequents the
Hebrides in summer. There can be no doubt that his observations
on this bird apply to the preceding species. According to Mr
Selby, the Bean Goose had been found breeding in several of the
Sutherlandshire lakes, but recent observers have failed to cor-
roborate his records. There may have been a mistake in the
species here also — a circumstance hardly to be wondered at when
it is borne in mind that the grey -lag was then supposed to be a
comparatively rare bird, whereas it now turns out to be the only
native species inhabiting the north and north-western districts of
Scotland.

Mr Elwes informs me that the Bean Goose is not uncommon in
some parts of Islay, but that it does not arrive there till January
or February. The flocks are not large, and the birds are very
wary. These are probably from some of the outer islands, where
they have exhausted their feeding grounds. The movements of
geese, indeed, are greatly influenced by this consideration.

Throughout the winter months very large flocks of this species
frequent Montrose Basin at ebb tide, and the adjoining fields
when the vast stretch of mud and sand is covered. I have seen

344 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

many hundreds there, and have recognised them readily from a
passing train at Dubton Junction. On one occasion, the- birds,
although feeding within thirty yards of the railway embankment,
merely ran together with raised heads, and stood on the alert
until the train had gone past, after which they lowered their necks
and resumed feeding. .

The Bean Goose is also common in Haddingt on shire, where it
frequents wheat fields, doing considerable damage sometimes to
the sprouting grain. Large and noisy companies resort at nightfall
to the open sands near the Tyne estuary, and retire at daybreak
to the Lammermuirs. In Fifeshire its habits are similar. When
travelling through that county in the winter time, I never fail to
observe small flocks coming from the higher grounds in the
afternoon, and steering for the month of the Eden, near St.
Andrews. Mr Harvie Brown, writing from Stirlingshire, says:
"It is our commonest goose on the east coast, punishing the
farmers' newly sown beans in early spring, through the day; and,
as one of the fraternity informed me, * paidling aboot i' the mud
at nicht, — deil tak' them.' " The Carseland, west of Stirling, is also
visited by them in great numbers. It is somewhat strange that
this species, which is so very common on all parts of the east
coast of Scotland, should only be an uncertain winter visitant in
Orkney.

In my earlier recollections of these " cloud cleaving" birds, I
well remember the long lines of geese steering in their > shaped
flight across the town of Dunbar in a westerly direction to the
Tyne mud flats. Almost daily as many as six or eight of these
flights could have been observed flying scarcely out of gunshot,
and making a loud and confused cackling noise. Sometimes in
misty weather the birds lost their way. I recollect being sur-
rounded one evening after dusk by some hundreds, judging from
their prodigious outcries. I was walking on the public road, and
was surprised to find the benighted geese fluttering against the
bare hedge, the prickles of which certainly did not diminish their
consternation. A similar incident is narrated in the new Statistical
Account of Scotland by the minister of Borthwick, who thus
describes the occurrence : —

"Flights of wild geese regularly pass over us to the moors, where
they have their favourite feeding grounds. These birds are pro-
verbial for leading men on a perplexed and fruitless search; but I

PINK-FOOTED GOOSE. 345

once witnessed a puzzled and diverting condition of their own
phalanx. The day had suddenly become foggy to an uncommon
degree. As I was amusing myself in my garden, I heard the wild
geese advancing at some distance. When they had come almost
directly over the spot where I was, they seemed to have become
seized with an immediate panic, from an apprehension that they
had either lost their way, or could no longer proceed in safety
through the mist. The noise they made in consequence was like
the twanging of a thousand instruments of brass. Sometimes they
seemed to descend in a body so near the earth that a stone thrown
vigorously from the hand might, as it seemed, have brought some
of them to the ground. Again they mounted to a much greater
height — and the noise and the perplexity continued for about
twenty minutes — the birds still hovering over nearly the same
spot of ground. No person who heard the noise could doubt
that their fear and perplexity were extreme. At length they found
some way of escape; but whether a breeze had opened up to them
the distant prospect which they sought for, or whether they had
ascended to a higher region above the fog, or whether some goose
more sagacious and possessed of greater authority than the rest,
had undertaken to pilot them through the mist, I was not able to
determine. The impression, however, on my mind at the time was,
they were a very fit emblem of some popular assemblies which I
have seen, [let us hope the reverend writer does not refer to
meetings of presbytery] when, like the wild geese, they too are at
a stand about some puzzling question, and know not how to proceed.
The noise and the dissonance were very much of the same kind."

THE PINK -FOOTED GOOSE.

ANSER BRACHYRHYNCHUS.

THE late Mr John Macgillivray announced many years ago that
he had found the Pink-footed Goose breeding in considerable
numbers on the islands in the Sound of Harris, and also on the
lakes of North Uist; but subsequent observations have proved
that he had mistaken the grey-lag for that species. The Pink-
footed Goose is, in fact, only found in the winter months in any
part of Scotland ; and, with the exception of the western islands,
no locality can boast of it in any numbers. In Montrose basin

346 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

it appears to be a regular visitant in very small flocks, consisting
of at most four or five birds. I have seen and carefully examined
specimens in the flesh which had been shot there. On the western
mainland it is even less common, occurring for the most part singly
or in pairs, and mixing with other wild geese. In this way it is
taken by the lessees of the west country shootings, and sent to the
Glasgow poulterers. One or two were killed in the winter of
1867-68 in the Clyde estuary.

Writing from Newton, in North Uist, Mr John Macdonald states
that the habits of this bird differ from those of the grey-lag, and
that he has no difficulty in distinguishing flocks of both species
when shifting their quarters. " They arrive here," says Mr Mac-
donald, " in October and November, in small flocks which seldom
contain more than thirty birds; when watching their movements
on the wing, it often occurred to me that they were very undecided,
and seemed not sure of their course. I have known them go more
than a mile, then turn back and afterwards take the same course,
and this when not disturbed. When they alight they seem to
want the faculty of knowing, as the grey-lag does, the most
dangerous places. I have seen them in parks and enclosures near
houses — localities generally avoided by the grey-lag, except when
tempted by corn or young clover. I have never noticed any Pink-
footed Geese after the month of January ; in fact, they then appear
to rest here only for about two months, and retire regularly to
some other attractive habitation. Their call is so very different
from any other geese, that there can be no mistake in distinguishing
them. They do not associate with the grey-lag, but I obtained a
single specimen which was shot in the midst of a flock of Bernicle
geese." ,

THE WHITE-FKONTED GOOSE.

AN SEE ALBIFRONS.

AFTER much patient research, I have come to the conclusion that
this species is the most local of all the British wild geese. It
seems to be plentiful in Islay, from which island I have seen fine
examples of the bird sent to the Glasgow bird stuffers; but in
nearly all the other islands, including the whole of the outer
group, it can only be ranked as a straggler. Mr Graham has met

WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE. 347

with it on one or two occasions in lona and Mull — the specimens
which he obtained having been attracted by tame geese in the
poultry yard, with which they remained for some time. Mr John
Macdonald, Newton, has also informed me that it is rare in North
Uist : one was seen on his farm in 1856, and another was shot there
in the winter of 1868. This last specimen attracted Mr Mac-
donald's attention by its peculiar cry: it remained for several days
beside his semi-domesticated grey-lags, and seemed to prefer their
company to that of the domestic geese. Similar records have been
sent me from other islands, and also from some districts on the
mainland, all of which tend to shew that when single individuals
stray from the main body they readily take refuge, after a
time, among domestic poultry. In the West of Scotland its head
quarters are in the island of Islay, and I am indebted to Mr Elwes
for the following interesting notes which are the result of his own
observations on the species : — " This is the common grey goose of
Islay. It arrives usually in the first week of October, and stays
till the second week in April. On their first arrival they keep a
good deal about the lochs, and feed in the marshy places around
them; but later in the year they go regularly to the stubble and
grass fields to feed, shewing a great partiality for particular fields.
They go in flocks of from three or four to one hundred or more,
and are not very difficult of approach to a good stalker when on
the fields, as there is nearly always some wall or ditch within shot
of them. The old birds sometimes have the breast entirely black,
but usually the black is in irregular bars. Neither the white-
fronted nor any of the geese except the brent, settle on the water
often, unless driven to do so, as they seem to prefer the land."
From this island, as has been remarked, stragglers appear to leave
the main body occasionally, and make their appearance here and
there as solitary visitors at farm steadings. The last deserter I
had an opportunity of examining — a very beautiful male bird —
was shot on the Clyde, near Dumbarton, on 15th January, 1868.
In the eastern counties of Scotland the principal flock of White-
fronted Geese seems to attach itself to the county of Elgin or
Moray, where the species appears to have attracted the notice of
the late Mr St. John many years ago. Southwards it is found
wandering in exactly the same way as has been observed in the
west. I have seen stray specimens killed in Forfarshire and
Aberdeenshire, and the Earl of Haddington informs me that a

348 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

very fine specimen in adult plumage, now in his collection, was
shot in a meadow at the mouth of the Tyne in East Lothian, on
llth February, 1867.

Sir John Richardson, in the Fauna Boreali Americana, remarks,
with regard to this species, that it is not uncommon on the coast of
Hudson's Bay. The Indians imitate its call by patting the mouth
with their hand while they repeat the syllable wall. The same
writer, on the authority of Mr Murray, has the following notes on
its breeding habits in his ' Journal of a Boat Voyage/ etc.,
published in 1851, which I have not yet seen quoted in any
ornithological work: — "With respect to the breeding quarters of
the laughing geese (A user albifrons) I am able to inform you
correctly, having myself seen a few of their nests ; and, since the
receipt of your letter, made further inquiry among the northern
Indians. Their nests are built on the edges of swamps and lakes
throughout most of the country north of the Porcupine where the
ground is marshy. It is only near the most northerly bends of
the river that they are seen in the breeding season, and these are
male birds. They pass to their breeding places in the beginning
of June, and make their nests among long grass or small bushes,
where they are not easily seen. They are shy birds when
hatching; and, when any one comes near the nest, manage to
escape unperceived, and then show themselves at a distance, and
manoeuvre like grouse to lead the intruder away from the place.
Notwithstanding our ruthless habit of collecting eggs of all kinds
to vary our diet, I have often felt for a laughing goose, whose
anxiety for the safety of its eggs was frequently the means of
revealing to us the situation of its nest. When the bird was
swimming some hundred of yards off, immediately that any
person in walking round the lake came near its treasure, the poor
bird began to make short impatient turns in the water, resuming
her calm demeanour if the intruder passed the nest without seeing
it. As soon as the eggs are taken, the goose rises out of the
water and flies close to the head of the captor, uttering a frightened
and pitiful cry. These geese are more numerous in the Valley of
the Yukon than any other kind; and the numbers that pass
northwards there are perhaps equal to that of all the other species
together."*

Audubon speaks of the flight of this species as very similar to

* ' Arctic Searching Expedition,' etc., vol. ii., page 110.

BERNICLE GOOSE. 349

that of the Canada goose, being firm and well sustained, and that
when travelling the flock passes at a considerable height, arranged
in the same angular order, and apparently guided by one of the
older ganders. Later writers, in the belief that a greater size of
bill entitles the American bird to specific distinction, have changed
the name to A. Ga?nbelli. Professor Baird even hints the pos-
sibility of there being two species of White-fronted Goose on that
continent. Age, sex, difference of feeding, to say nothing of the
too prevalent desire to establish new species, should not be lost
sight of in the consideration of this subject. As regards the bills
of all our British wild geese, there could not, I fear, be a more
inconstant feature on which to found a specific character.

Professor Newton mentions having seen several freshly killed
examples of this goose in May, 1858, at Reykjavik, in Iceland,
where all the Icelanders who saw the birds recognised them by a
local name.

THE BERNICLE GOOSE.

ANSER LEUCOPSIS.
Cathan.

THE Bernicle Goose is a very common bird in the West of
Scotland, and especially abundant in the Outer Hebrides, where it
arrives early in October. Being a strictly migratory species, it
takes its departure about the end of April or beginning of May,
by which time the grey-lag goose has commenced laying.* Previous
to leaving, the Bernicle Geese assemble in immense flocks on the
open sands, at low tide, in the Sounds of Benbecula and South
Uist; and as soon as one detachment is on the wing it is seen to be
guided by a leader, who points the way with a strong flight
northwards, maintaining a noisy bearing until he gets the flock
into the right course. After an hour's interval, he is seen
returning with noisy gabble alone southwards to the main body
and taking off another detachment as before, until the whole are

* Mr Harvie Brown informs me, that in the first week of May, 1870, he saw
and fired at large flocks of Bernicles in North Uist, and that on the 12th of the
month he picked up a dead male, quite fresh and fat, on an island near
Lochmaddy. It had been wounded two days previously by Mr J. M'Donald,
who saw large flocks passing northwards at a great height.

350 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

gone. A notice of this singular habit was first communicated to
me by Mr Alexander A. Carmichael, and has since been corrobo-
rated by Mr Norman M'Donald, who informs me that the
inhabitants of the Long island have been long familiar with it.

Throughout the Inner Hebrides the Bernicle is also a well-
known winter visitant to localities where there is suitable feeding
ground. I have been informed by Mr Elwes that it frequents
Islay in very large flocks every year, where it seems to attach itself
to an island near Ardnave. Being but little disturbed there, and
finding plenty of grass on the island, and on the sand-hills of
Ardnave, these flocks remain the whole winter. At low water
they often betake themselves to the open sands at the mouth of
Loch Grhuinard, but make the island their head- quarters, and go
but seldom to feed on the shore until they have eaten up all the
grass of the island. They are not so shy as the grey geese, and,
when feeding busily, may be approached with ease under cover of
the sand hills.* They keep up a constant cackling both when
feeding and when on the wing, being in this respect unlike the
grey geese, which usually feed in silence. The Bernicle Goose
seems essentially a land bird, and is never known to settle on the
water unless constantly shot at. It feeds entirely on grass and
the roots of the bents which grow on the sand hills. G astro-
nomically considered, the Bernicle is by no means equal to the
brent goose.

The following curious record of the habits of this bird appears
in "A Memoriall of the most rare and woonderfull things in
Scotland as they were Anno Domini 1597," the authorship of
which has been ascribed to one J. Monipennie : —

" At Dumbartan, directly under the castle at the mouth of the
river of Clyde, as it enters into the sea, there are a number of
claik-geese, blacke of colour, which in the night time do gather
great quantitie of the crops of the grasse growing vpon the land,
and carry the same to the sea. Then they assemble in a round,
and, with a wondrous curiositie, do offer euery one his owne
portion to the sea floud, and there attend vpon the flowing of the
tide, till the grasse be purified from the fresh taste and turned to
the salt; and lest any part thereof should escape, they labour to

* By watching a favourable opportunity, a good raking shot may be obtained.
I have known as many as eighteen to have been killed in the Sound of Harris
at one discharge from an ordinary fowling-piece.

BRENT GOOSE. 351

hold it in with labour of their nebbes. Thereafter orderly euery
fowle eates his portion. And this custom they obserue perpetually.
They are verie fatte, and very delicious to bee eaten."

It is not a little strange that these birds, notwithstanding the
extraordinary changes that have taken place, and the continual
passing and repassing of large ships and steamboats, should still
visit the locality in considerable numbers. I have been informed
by Mr J. Watson that he has of late years seen large flocks near
Cardross, and heard their noisy outcries after nightfall.

THE BKENT GOOSE.

ANSER TORQUATUS.
Guirenan.

THROUGHOUT western Scotland the Brent Goose is much less
common than the preceding species — a circumstance arising
probably from a comparative want of suitable feeding ground. It
is therefore more local in its habits with us than on the eastern
shores, where such places as the Firths of Beauly and Cromarty
prove so great an attraction. Though it occurs in the Outer
Hebrides, one can never calculate with certainty on seeing it, as in
the case of the bernicle. A few are known to frequent the west
side of Loch Bee, in South Uist, where the water is occasionally
brackish, and small flocks have sometimes been met with in
Benbecula and North Uist. Its visits are, of course, strictly
confined to the winter months. In the circle of the inner islands,
the best known haunt of the Brent is in Islay. A very large flock
is annually observed at Loch Indaal — a locality much better suited
to the habits of the bird than most Highland sea lochs, on account
of the abundance of grass which grows on the muddy sands, and
which forms the principal food of the species. Mr Elwes, who has
observed this flock, informs me that the Brent Geese remain at
Loch Indaal during the entire winter, and that at low water they
sit a good deal on the sands, and seem to feed principally by day,
being very little disturbed and sometimes tame enough to let a
boat approach within seventy or eighty yards before rising. Their
cry is a deep metallic note something like craunk, craunk, repeated
several times, but they do not utter it much, except when they

352 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

have been disturbed by boats or otherwise. Brent geese afford
excellent eating, their favourite food being a sweet grass which
grows on the flats in shallow water.

On the east coast of Scotland the Brent Goose is particularly
abundant in certain firths or estuaries, and is found through-
out the winter months in tolerably large flocks from Berwick
to Orkney. Selby speaks of having been informed that twenty-
two were killed at one shot near Holy Island; and a writer
in the ' Edinburgh Journal of Natural History' for May, 1837 —
probably Mr Macgillivray, the editor — states that he had seen a
flock of ten thousand Brent Geese in the Cromarty Firth between
Invergordon and Cromarty ferry. He does not, however, say
what means he took to count them.

THE RED-BREASTED GOOSE.

ANSER RUFICOLLIS.

THE late Dr Fleming, in his meritorious work on British Animals,
thus announces the occurrence of a specimen of this rare straggler
in Scotland: — "One was shot near Berwick-on-Tweed by Mr
Burney, gunsmith, and sent to Mr Bulloch, in whose possession I
saw it in May, 1818." Another, said to have been killed in the
county of Caithness, is alluded to by Mr Wilson, but the date and
precise locality are not given : the specimen is still preserved in
the collection which belonged to the late Mr Sinclair of Wick. A
third appears to have been seen for several days in the immediate
vicinity of the loch of Strathbeg many years ago — a notice of
which was sent to Professor Macgillivray by the Rev. Mr Smith
of Monquhitter, who stated that the species had been " recognised
by more than one individual well conversant with ornithology."

THE EGYPTIAN GOOSE.
ANSER EGYPTIACUS.

THIS species appears to be of irregular occurrence both in the
eastern and western coasts of Scotland. It is generally met with
in flocks during winter, and although these exhibit all the wariness
of ordinary wild fowl, it is very doubtful whether they can be

SPUR- WINGED GOOSE. 353

regarded in any other light than escaped birds from private ponds
where large numbers of ornamental water-fowl are kept. Being a
southern species, it is hardly probable that its range extends to
Great Britain; yet it is somewhat curious that in some particular
years it should be more restless than in others. Thus in 1832
unusual numbers appear to have been roaming over the southern
districts of Scotland ranging from the Tweed to the Forth, thence
across to Loch Lomond. A small flock was seen on the Tweed in
February of that year, and in the month of November following a
flock of nineteen was observed in East Lothian flying southwards
during a storm. The leader was shot, and examined by the late
Dr Macgillivray. About the same time, three were shot near
Campsie, in Stirlingshire, and one or two birds alighted on Loch
Lomond, where the species has been procured on two or three
subsequent occasions. Three were shot out of a flock of five on this
loch in the winter of 1861, one of which was exhibited by Dr
Dewar at a meeting of the Natural History Society of Glasgow ;
and in January, 1867, other two were shot from a small flock
which had been observed to alight there some time previously.
Another was killed on the Forth at the same time, and is now in
the collection of Dr Dewar.

Five of these birds were observed in Montrose Basin in the
winter of 1865, and a similar flock appeared there in 1867.
In addition to the East Lothian flight already mentioned, I may
refer to another flight of about a dozen, out of which a beautiful
male bird fell to the gun of a friend, who sent me the specimen
when fresh. This occurred at Tyne Sands in 1846, and the Earl
of Haddington has obligingly informed me that he shot a fine male
near the same place in the winter of 1862.

THE SPUR-WINGED GOOSE.

ANSER GAMBENSIS.

THE only Scottish specimen of this rare bird which I have seen
recorded, is one which was shot near Banff in February, 1855, and
preserved by Mr Thomas Edward.

A nearly allied species — Plectropterus Rueppelli — which has been
described by Mr Sclater in the proceedings of the Zoological
Society for 1859, has been held as identical by Professor Schlegel

354 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

in his catalogue of the Leyden Museum, 1866. This has induced
the editor of the ' Ibis,' who is assured of their being specifically
distinct, to enquire to which of these species the specimens killed
in Great Britain should be referred.

THE CANADA GOOSE.
ANSER CANADENSIS.

IN writing of the vernal flight of this species, Wilson, the American
ornithologist, says : — " It is highly probable that they extend their
migration under the very pole itself, amid the silent desolation of
unknown countries, shut out since Creation from the prying eye
of man by everlasting and insuperable barriers of ice. That such
places abound with their suitable food, we cannot for a moment
doubt, while the absence of their great destroyer, man, and the
splendours of a perpetual day, may render such regions the most
suitable for their purpose/' This restlessness of the species
becomes apparent in April, and continues till the middle of May,
when the great body has passed northwards for the purposes of
incubation. There can be no doubt that on their return
southwards many birds are driven out of their reckoning, and find
their way to the shores of Great Britain. Single birds and small
flocks have at various times occurred in the West of Scotland —
on Loch Lomond repeatedly, on the river Clyde, and in Ayr-
shire. A specimen was shot in the estuary of the Clyde on
29th March, 1863; another on a loch at Tarbolton on llth March,
1865; while on Dongalston Loch, near Glasgow, a flock of six or
seven birds was observed in March, 1867, three of which were
shot. A few specimens have likewise come under my notice in
April, in which month they apparently collect and steer northwards
as they do " at home/' Mr J. H. Dunn of Stromness, Orkney,
has informed me that on 8th May, 1843, he saw a flock of Canada
Geese flying overhead on their way homewards, probably en route
for Greenland via the Faroes and Iceland. According to the late
Sir John Richardson, this species occasionally breeds in trees on
the banks of the Saskatchewan, taking possession of, and depositing
its eggs in the deserted nests of ravens or fishing eagles. A
raven's nest is no doubt a bulky enough structure, but after having
been sat upon by a fat goose during the period of incubation, it

HOOPER OR WHISTLING SWAN. 355

must have greatly perplexed the original proprietor on revisiting
it in the following spring when trying to identify its own property.
Mr Harvie Brown informs me that a female Canada Goose, now
in his collection, was shot out of a flock of four at Carron dams,
near Falkirk, on 8th June, 1869.

THE HOOPER OR WHISTLING SWAN.

CYGNUS FERUS.

Eala.

THE Common Wild Swan, as this species is called, generally
arrives in the Outer Hebrides in November, although in some
years earlier, especially during the prevalence of northerly winds.
Four or five birds, and occasionally a dozen or so, come together
in a flock ; they fly low, and are often shot as they pass overhead,
coming in from the sea. These flocks appear to be families,
judging from their arrival in groups of young and old. They
always fly in a line, calling to one another frequently with loud
trumpeting cries. On Loch Bee, in South Uist, which is never
known to be frozen over, they are especially numerous in severe
weather, as many as four hundred having been seen there in one
flock. This lake is quite shallow at the north-western extremity,
and affords the birds ample feeding ground, so that it becomes a
general rendezvous for many weeks. They are not much
molested as, unless the birds are very near the shore when fired
at, it is almost impossible to capture any that may be wounded,
the lake being several miles in circumference, and deep and cold
enough to deter any ordinary human retriever, even after getting
fairly under weigh. Ten minutes experience in Loch Bee would
convince the bravest man or dog that a wounded swan there might
as well be in the Minch. About the middle of April the noble
congregation breaks up into detachments, as the bernicle geese
are known to do, and after much sounding of bugles summoning
the feathered hosts into the air, they soon get into their line of
flight, and are afterwards seen at a great height steering for their
northern home.

On the other numerous lakes of the Long island, similar obser-
vations on winter flocks of swans may be made. In Lewis they

356 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

are occasionally known to alight on Loch Langabhat, and also in
Harris in a lake of the same name. Benbecula and North Uist
are likewise frequented, but all these haunts are much inferior in
interest to Loch Bee. Sometimes a straggling pair remain behind
the main body, as if inclined to make Loch Bee their summer
quarters, but when they have had time to ponder over their
prospects, they wisely take their departure. Mr Harvie Brown,
writing from the Outer Hebrides on 17th May, 1870, informed
me that two wild swans were seen about a week previously on a
lake in the west side of North Uist.* In the Inner Hebrides the
Hooper occasionally visits Skye, lona, and Mull, and is also found
in small flocks every winter in Islay, where it is much more
numerous in hard weather. One which was caught and pinioned,
has lived on Loch Gruirm in that island for thirty years, but is said
to be still rather wild. On the mainland flocks occur regularly in
various districts from Sutherlandshire to Wigtownshire. Numbers
appear in Loch Lomond, especially in severe winters, and it is
still more common in Loch whin och, in Renfrewshire, where about
fifty tame swans are kept. In the summer months, the sight of
this splendid fleet proudly sailing on the blue expanse of water is
very striking, and, even in winter when the loch is clear of ice,
they may be seen at all hours feeding in the shallow parts.
Attracted by these birds, the wild swans often alight in parties of
six or eight, and are soon recognised by their alertness and inferior
size, besides the darker colour of their plumage, many of them
being young birds. Several were shot there in January and
February, 1871, and Mr Harvie Brown has informed me that
three or four were observed on the Forth, in Stirlingshire, about
the same time.

In other parts of Scotland the Wild Swan is frequently met with,
but its appearance is, in a great measure, regulated by the state of
the weather. In mild winters it is not often observed, but
during seasons of unusual severity it is still a marked object
in our principal lochs and estuaries which are frequented by other

* A few years ago, a wounded swan remained throughout the summer on Loch
Bee, and attracted much attention by the loud and melancholy cries to which
it gave utterance. An old crone, in telling me about this bird, reiterated her
conviction that it was the ghost of her grandmother, who had met with a
violent death about sixty years previously. It was a bold image, though I
cannot but think that a Hack swan would have been more appropriate.

HOOPER OR WHISTLING SWAN. 357

kinds of wild fowl.* In October, 1844, the late Mr St. John, in
writing to Professor Innes, mentions having seen nearly three
hundred swans in the bay of Findhorn, in Morayshire. The birds
allowed him to stand at one hundred and fifty yards distance, and
count up to one hundred and ninety, when they all rose in a cloud,
and presented a magnificent sight while on wing. The following
notes by that pleasant writer show a practical acquaintance with
the bird which few naturalists have now an opportunity of
acquiring: — "A large flight of these noble birds as they circle
round the fresh water lakes on their first arrival, is one of the
most beautiful sights imaginable. There is, too, a wild harmony
in their bugle -like cry as they wheel round and round, now
separating into small companies, as each family of five or six
seems inclined to alight, and now all joining again in a long
undulating line, waiting for the word of command from some old
leader whose long acquaintance with the country and its dangers
constitutes him a swan of note among the common herd. At last
this leader makes up his mind to alight, and in a few moments the
whole flock are gradually sinking down on the calm loch. After
a brief moment or two spent in looking round them, with straight
and erect necks they commence sipping the water, and turning
their flexible necks into a thousand graceful curves and attitudes."
The Rev. Alexander Stewart of Ballachulish, who has observed
the bird in Loch Shiel, in Moidart, and elsewhere in Inverness-
shire, speaks of its " loud and melodious note, which has a sort of
clang and semi-metallic ring about it not unlike that caused by
the sudden snapping of the overtightened string of a bass violin."
Much, no doubt, depends upon the situation of the listener. I
once heard a flight of swans after nightfall in the Outer Hebrides
giving utterance in the distance to a series of what I thought
pleasant enough sounds ; but, on another occasion, as ten of these
birds passed within shooting range, and vented their music on
me as I suddenly stood up to blaze both barrels (charged only
with No. 4) at their leader, I fancied a strong resemblance in their
cries to the discord of a German street band. My disappointment
on seeing the birds rise higher into the air unscathed, may have
induced the unfriendly comparison.

* Mr R. Scot-Skirving has of late years observed wild swans in Aberlady
Roads, at the mouth of the Forth, in East Lothian. In 1867, two specimens
were seen there by that gentleman as early as the 26th August.

358 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

On 16th April, 1860, a flock of thirty wild swans visited the
loch of Strathbeg, in Aberdeenshire. The resident swans (Cygnus
olor), although not half so numerous, would not allow them to rest,
and ultimately drove them off. Similar notices have reached me
from the districts in the east of Scotland, where there are lochs
and ponds of sufficient size to attract birds of their habits. In
old records I find frequent mention made of wild swans appearing
in various districts, counties, and parishes, and alighting chiefly
in lakes which are, for the most part, now drained. Thus in 1823,
during very rough weather, about twenty pitched upon Kilconquhar
Loch, in Fifeshire, a favourite resort of wild fowl, and remained
there until the storm abated ;* other flocks of a like extent were
seen on Loch Spynie, in Moray shire, and also on some of the
Ross-shire and Sutherlandshire lakes; and even so far south as
Loch Inch, in Wigtownshire, flocks were seen every winter. About
one hundred years ago, according to Mr Low, a few pairs bred in
the Loch of Stenness, in Orkney, but even there they were so
much disturbed by the country people that their early disap-
pearance as summer residents was considered inevitable. The late
Dr Patrick Neill — a good authority — has the following note in
his 'Tour in Orkney,' which was published in 1806: — "Large
flocks of swans annually arrive in Orkney and Shetland in the
month of October, and spend the winter about the numerous fresh
water lakes in the islands. Early in the spring they take their
departure for the peaceful Arctic regions, where they may incubate
and rear their young without molestation. Till within these
twenty years (as I was told in Orkney) a few pairs regularly
remained during the summer in the islets of the great lake of
Stenness, and there produced their broods; but, about that time,
having been much harassed, this little colony finally abandoned
this Orkney-breeding place." Pennant, in his ' Tour in Scotland,'
also speaks of great flocks of swans migrating in winter to Loch
Spynie (now drained), and mentions having been told of some
remaining there to breed.

* In the ' Witches of Pittenweem,' allusion is made to these birds being in
this loch at the drowning of a famous hag, in the following graceless and
ungallant record : —

" They took her to Kinniuchar Loch,
And threw the limmer in,
And a' the swans took to the hills
Scared with the unhaely din."

BEWICK'S SWAN. 359

BEWICK'S SWAN.

CYGNUS BEW1CKIL

IN the Outer Hebrides this, the smallest of our British swans, is
well recognised; it frequents the same lakes as the Hooper, and is
easily distinguished from that species, even at a distance. Some-
times a flock is seen to remain together in a compact body, and
continue for some time feeding on the shallower parts of the loch,
thus affording a good " family shot " to the watchful sportsman.
Mr Dugald M'Donald has informed me that he killed three of
these birds at one shot on a loch in Benbecula in 1859. The flock,
on being fired at, rose steadily into the air, leaving two of their
number on the water, one killed outright, and the other winged
so as to be unable to rise; and after attaining a considerable
height, they directed their flight northwards in the direction of
the Sound, and were speedily out of sight. In the meantime my
friend, having secured his two birds, was preparing for a homeward
march, when, to his great surprise, the same flock, after an
absence of half-an-hour, returned to the loch they had left, and
began circling in their course before alighting. In a few minutes
he observed one of their number turn over and fall lifeless with a
splash into the water. A shot like this can seldom now-a-days be
recorded in connection with any British locality.

On Loch Lomond, Bewick's Swan has been once or twice
obtained, and it has also occurred on Hogganfield Loch, near
Glasgow. In January and February, 1871, four specimens were
shot on Castle Semple estate, Renfrewshire, and early in the
latter month other two were killed at Barnashalag, in Argyle-
shire. All these birds were preserved by Mr M'Culloch, bird
stuffer, Glasgow, in whose hands I saw them. Mr George
Kirkpatrick informs me that five specimens were shot in Wig-
townshire in January, 1871, and sent to Mr Hastings, bird
stuffer, Dumfries, for preservation. In the east of Scotland it has
likewise been noticed from Berwickshire to the Shetlands, where
it is known as a regular winter visitant, appearing at the same
season as the hooper. At D unbar, and other places in East
Lothian, it has been met with occasionally, but chiefly in im-
mature plumage.

360 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

AMERICAN SWAN.

*

CYGNUS AMERICANUS.

THE late Professor Macgillivray, in his ' British Water Birds/ vol.
i., pp. 675, 682, mentions having found a specimen of this bird in
a poulterer's shop in Edinburgh in February, 1841. It had been
shot in the South of Scotland. I can find no other record of its
occurrence anywhere in Britain. From its general resemblance,
however, to the preceding species, its presence in our western lakes
and estuaries may have been overlooked. It would be well,
therefore, for those who have time and opportunities at their
command, to make a careful examination of all the smaller swans
captured during the winter months, especially in the Outer
Hebrides — a district to which the larger migratory flocks are now
almost entirely restricted, since so many changes have been effected
through drainage on the mainland.

The specimen described by Mr Macgillivray is probably now in
the British Museum, as I find, on referring to Mr Gr. R Gray's
catalogue of British birds, in that collection (London, 1863) the
locality given for the specimen is " Edinburgh."

THE POLISH SWAN.

CYGNUS IMMUTABILIS.

I INTRODUCE this swan as a Scottish species, as it has been
recorded by Messrs Yarrell and Macgillivray, and also by Sir
William Jardine, in their respective works on British birds. The
late Mr Yarrell appears to have been the first naturalist to
distinguish its characters; and in his account of the species,
published originally in the proceedings of the Zoological Society
of London, he mentions that "during the severe weather of
January, 1838, several flocks were seen pursuing a southern course
along the line of our north-east coast from Scotland to the mouth
of the Thames," and that "several specimens were obtained."
From that time to the present, however, I can find no trace of
other specimens having been procured; nor can any of my
numerous correspondents state with certainty that they have ever
seen the species.

BLACK SWAN — RUDDY SHIELDRAKE. 361

THE BLACK SWAN.

CYGNUS ATRATUS.

DURING the very severe winter of 1828-29, some black swans
appeared on Loch Lomond, and one was shot. In 1863, one was
seen on the Firth of Clyde near Innellan, and after being watched
upwards of a day and a half, it was at length shot. This specimen
is now in the Hunterian Museum, Glasgow. Another was killed
out of a flock by Mr Clift, bird stuffer, Brechin, in December,
1865. Mr Clift informs me that the swans passed overhead
within easy range, as he lay in a field near Montrose Basin after
nightfall watching for ducks and wild geese; they were strong on
wing and travelling in silence, and he had no idea of the species
until the bird fell. A third was shot near Coupar-Angus in
November, 1867. In addition to these, Mr Graham has informed
me that one was seen on Loch Gilp two or three years ago. On
being told of the circumstance, he kept a look out, and at length
encountered the bird one day when rowing in his punt. " On
after inquiries," says Mr Graham, "I learned that no such bird had
ever been kept by any one in our part of the country, and so it
must have come from a long way off. I therefore regretted not
having shot it, as it was probably lost to its owner."

There can, of course, be no doubt that all these swans had
escaped from private ponds, and that their occurrence in a state of
liberty merely shows the same restlessness in the bird that
occasionally affects other ornamental water-fowl. They seem,
however, to be able to forage well enough on their own account
when acting the part of deserters; but objects so marked as these
rarce aves of old, will never be allowed to give ornithologists any
idea how long they could survive in this country if left to
themselves.

THE EUDDY SHIELDEAKE.

T ADORN A RUTILA.

THIS rare species, which appears to have occurred but in two or
three instances in England, and once in Ireland, has been met
with twice within Scottish limits. One of these specimens was

362 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

shot in the island of Sanday, in Orkney, by Mr Strang, in October,
1831, as noticed by Messrs Baikie and Heddle at page 74
of their Natural History of Orkney; the other was shot in
Caithness-shire, and is still preserved in the collection of the late
Mr Sinclair of Wick. The first named seems to have been
overlooked by Mr Yarrell, but is referred to by Mr Macgillivray
(B. B., vol. v., p. 21).

THE COMMON SHELLDEAKE.

T ADORN A VULPANSER.

Cradh-gheadh.

THE Strand Goose, or Cradh-gheadh of the Hebrideans, is a very
common species, though only a summer visitant, over the whole
of the Long island. It is also numerous in Skye, Mull, Islay,
Jura, Colonsay, Muck, Tyree, and Coll, and indeed on nearly all
the smaller islands of any consequence in the inner group, where
it is found breeding. In North Uist it is often domesticated, and
becomes an ornamental addition to the poultry yard. I saw
several pairs in the autumn of 1867 on the farm of Mr J.
Macdonald, at Newton, mixing freely with the common ducks and
other poultry.* Mr Macdonald had also in his possession at the
time of my visit one or two hybrids between this bird and the
domestic duck, which were at once distinguishable by their curious
shape, long legs, and smarter movements. Its principal haunts
are on the west side of the outer islands, where there are large
tracts of sand and low pasture lands; but, even with these
attractions, the Shelldrake is sometimes not satisfied, as it has
been known to betake itself to inland haunts, and settle in burrows
on the open heath. In such situations, however, it is never far
from water — the Long island being literally covered with lakes.

* About two years ago, a beautiful male visited the farm of Woodland, near
Girvan, in Ayrshire, and voluntarily took up its quarters in the poultry yard.
Mr Cunningham, through whose courtesy I had an opportunity of seeing and
examining the bird, informs me that it came during a westerly gale, and imme-
diately joined the other ducks about the farm as if it had been accustomed to
their society. It daily goes to the beach, which is quite close to the farm-
steading, and frequently indulges in a short flight seawards, during which its
beautiful plumage is seen to great advantage.

COMMON SHELLDRAKE. 363

A few pairs also breed on the east side of North Uist. Mr Harvie
Brown took a nest on an island in a lake near Lochmaddy, on
10th May, 1870; the burrow described nearly a circle, and the
eggs — ten in number, which had been sat upon — were found nine
feet from the entrance.

Mr Graham has favoured me with the following notes on the
species, as observed by himself at lona: — "This handsome and
showy bird is common at all times. Its nest is frequently found
on the smaller islets in rocky holes, or holes scooped in the sand,
and the young broods are often met swimming a little way from
the land, convoyed by one or two of the old birds, who show their
uneasiness by flying about, rising and alighting just out of shot of
the approaching boat. But their anxiety for their little ones is
groundless, as the little downy creatures are quite able to take care
of themselves. They disperse in all directions, and dive and double
under water with surprising agility and cunning, so as to make
catching them impossible. Being mud-feeders, we never cared to
shoot the Shelldrakes for the pot, for in spite of their fine feathers
they are but foul feeding."

On the mainland the Shelldrake is, in manjr localities, very
numerous in the breeding seasons, frequenting sandy pasture lands
near the shore, where it generally takes possession of rabbit-holes.
Its principal haunts are often wet sands, on which it is not easy
to stalk a bird so watchful ; but during the time the females are
sitting, the usual shyness is not so noticeable. I have seen beautiful
groups of male birds on the sea off Ardlamont Point, in Argyleshire,
and have traced it all along the south-western shores as far as the
southern extremity of Wigtownshire. On the eastern coasts of
Scotland it is resident all the year, usually remaining on the sandy
shores of the larger estuaries where there is a broad expanse, on
which an enemy is easily detected. I have seen large flocks in
January and February at the mouth of the Tyne in East Lothian,
and Mr Harvie Brown informs me that on the banks of the Forth,
at Grangemouth, he has at various times seen flocks of twenty and
thirty Shelldrakes in the months of October and January.

The food of the Shelldrake consists, at least in the winter
season, of very minute shells, bivalve and univalve, such as are
found in muddy estuaries. The late Mr Thompson, who took the
trouble to examine the stomachs of ten different birds shot in
Belfast Bay, found in one of them nine thousand specimens of

364 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

Skenea depressa and Montacuta pwpurea, and about eleven thousand
others, making a total of twenty thousand shells in the crop and
stomach of a single Shelldrake ! Mr St. John, on the other hand,
in writing from Morayshire, speaks of these birds feeding during
the summer season on cockles and other bivalves, which they
swallow whole — a habit probably acquired through the necessity
of feeding in great haste during a short absence from their nests
at low tide.

THE SHOVELER.
ANAS CLYPEATA.

THE blue-winged Shoveler, or broad-bill, as this beautiful bird is
sometimes called, has repeatedly occurred in the West of Scotland :
one — a fine male, which I had an opportunity of examining— was
shot in a small stream near Girvan, in May, 1860; another — also
a male — was shot in Fossil Marsh, near Glasgow, on 24th May,
1869; a third — the male bird of a pair — was killed on the Gryfe,
near Inchinnan, Renfrewshire, in the first week of June, 1870.
The Shoveler has likewise been met with several times on Loch
Lomond, chiefly in severe winters; and a pair — male and female —
were shot on the Cree, in Wigtownshire, in the spring of 1865.
Several were killed on the Nith, in Dumfriesshire, in 1850, 1851,
and were preserved by Mr Hastings, bird stuffer, Dumfries.

Some of my Hebridean correspondents have, at various times,
sent me word of ducks with broad-bills, but I have never obtained
a specimen from the outer islands, nor have I been able to get the
species sufficiently authenticated there. Mr Elwes informs me
that it is a rare winter visitor in Islay.

Having seen numbers of Shovelers shot on the Ribble, in
Lancashire, early in May, and traced the migratory flight of the
species northwards to the Solway Firth, thence in an easterly
direction through the counties of Berwick, East Lothian, Fife,
Forfar, and Kincardine, to Aberdeen, I conclude that the breeding
haunts of the species must lie somewhere to the north-east of the
British Islands, and that in migrating northwards along the west
coast of England, the flocks are tempted to diverge from their
course by the trending of the Solway. A few of the Shovelers
which cross the firth probably remain to breed; indeed, in one

THE SHOVELER. 365

instance Sir George Leith shot a female, and found the nest in
Dumbartonshire, and it is not unlikely that the pair seen at
Inchinnan in June were breeding when the male was shot. A few
straggling pairs may also remain in the eastern counties. Sir
William Jardine mentions in his History of British Birds that he
saw a nest and eggs, with the female bird, that had been brought
from Gullane Links, in East Lothian. *

Regarding the occurrence of the bird itself on the east coast, the
Earl of Haddington informs me that he shot a beautiful male at
Tyninghame. in February, 1861, and Dr J. A. Smith of Edinburgh
has sent me word of a pair — male and female — which he examined,
having been shot at Kincardine-on-the-Forth, on the 1st April,
1859. In December of the same year, a young male was obtained
near Aberdour, in Fifeshire. Mr Harvie Brown has also informed
me that Mr Samuel Singer of Kincardine, has, on two occasions,
shot the Shoveler on the Firth of Forth. The species is included
in Don's Fauna of Forfarshire — a county in which it is still found.
The last specimen that came under my observation was shot in 1867,
in the loch of Forfar by one of the Earl of Strathmore's keepers. In
Aberdeenshire it has several times been procured, as I am informed
by Mr Angus, who has given the following account illustrating
how much may be done sometimes by earnest perseverance in
tracing species correctly: —

"In the spring of 1856, Mr Davidson, gamekeeper, Seaton
House, shot an adult female Shoveler in the dam near the toll-bar
at the Bridge of Don. It is now in Mr Mitchell's museum. I
shot an adult male at the same place on 21st April, 1866. The
tinting of the plumage was almost perfect; the stomach contained
seeds, insects, and a large quantity of gravel. On the 4th of May
of the following year I learned that two " wigeons with braid
nebs " had been shot at the dam, but on calling at the house of
the person who killed the birds, I was told they had been cooked
and eaten. I fortunately found, however, the heads, which had
been thrown out, and recognised them as female Shovelers. On
the 6th, I visited the dam by 4 A.M., and had the good luck to find
three Shovelers — two males and a female— busy diving and
feeding. By crawling behind the embankment on the south side

* Mr St. John found the nest of the Shoveler on the banks of Loch Spynie,
in Morayshire. Several pairs bred there in 1852.

366 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

of the water, I got quite close to them, and waited to get the birds
in a line, but they were either too far apart, or not on the surface
at the same time. I killed one of the males with my first barrel,
and wounded the female with my second, but she managed to
escape seawards. The other male rose within ten yards; his
flight was much slower than that of the mallard, and he did not
rise to the same height. Though killed fourteen days later than
the specimen shot in 1866, the male I secured on this occasion was
not so far advanced in its breeding plumage. Its stomach contained
sand, mud, and fresh water molluscs. The irides of both birds
were bright yellow. On the morning of the 23d I again visited
the dam in company with my friend, Mr Proctor, and fired two
unsuccessful shots at the other male, which I was informed had
regularly frequented the place, arriving at night ; but after this he
did not return. Mr John Wilson, Methlic, who is an enthusiastic
ornithologist, and who possesses a very select and neatly mounted
collection of our local birds, informs me that he once observed this
species on the lake at Haddo House; and I may add that an
Aberdeenshire male Shoveler, formerly in the collection of the
Eev. Mr Leslie of Coul, is now in the University Museum here."
Messrs Baikie and Heddle mention that a Shoveler was killed
in Orkney by Mr Strang in 1833; but there appears to be no
other trace of its appearance there, or in any of the Shetland
islands.

THE GADWALL.

ANAS STREP ERA.

ALTHOUGH but a few instances of the occurrence of this species in
Scotland have been recorded in the writings of British authors,
the Gad wall has been frequently met with both on the east and west
coasts. It is included in Mr Don's list of the Birds of Forfarshire,
where it had been seen by that accurate observer on the lakes of
Rescobie and Balgavies, showing that for nearly half a century it
must have been greatly overlooked; and the species was also
recorded by the late Mr Sinclair of Wick, in his list of Caithness
birds published upwards of thirty years ago. In the West of
Scotland, the Gadwall is probably not unfrequent, as it is occa-
sionally sent, among other wild fowl, to the poulterers' shops in

PINTAIL DUCK. 367

Glasgow from west country shootings. Mr Elwes has informed
me that it is a rare winter visitor in Islay. In the outer islands
it has also occurred several times: one, a male, was shot at
Barra in the autumn of 1863; and two specimens — male and
female — were shot by Dr Macrury in Benbecula, in March, 1864,
within fourteen days of each other. Besides these, Dr Macrury
has informed me that he saw a flock of twelve Gadwalls on a loch
in the island of Barra in 1868.

On the east coast it has been killed on the Tay, and likewise on
the Forth; in Aberdeenshire, Forfarshire, Perthshire, and East
Lothian. The Earl of Haddington has informed me that in the
last named county he shot a specimen in immature plumage at
Tyninghame, and that about the same time a pair, male and
female, were shot in the river Spey, and taken to Mr Small,
bird stuffer, Edinburgh, for preservation. In Orkney, according
to Messrs Baikie and Heddle, it has at times been killed in Sanday,
but is not a regular visitant.

Although of unobtrusive appearance, the Gad wall is a beautifully
marked bird. It appears to be a very abundant species in some
parts of Europe, and common in North America, where its habits
have been well described by Audubon. It is not a little strange
that Wilson, who travelled over as much of that great country as
his successor, was altogether unacquainted "with its particular
manners or breeding place."

THE PINTAIL DUCK.

ANAS ACUTA.

ALTHOUGH nowhere a common species in Scotland, the Pintail
has occurred in almost every county. It is now many years
since I made my first acquaintance with it in East Lothian,
where I happened to shoot a brace out of a flock one winter
evening as I sat under shelter of a rock on the sea coast near
Dunbar. The birds were flying noiselessly in a line, and about to
pitch down on a fresh-water stream at its junction with the sea,
where I had seen them two nights before: the two I shot were
females.

In the western counties the Pintail is a scarce species, some
winters passing without a single specimen being seen or obtained

368 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

by any of the shore shooters. A young male, which I examined,
was shot on the river Cart, near Glasgow, in January, 1864, and
in several other instances stray specimens have come into my hands.
In only one case, however, have I been able to trace it in the
Outer Hebrides — a specimen having been shot on the farm of
Milton, in the island of South Uist, by Mr A. Carmichael, in the
winter of 1869-70. As a rule, therefore, this bird is found mostly
on the east coasts ranging from Berwickshire and East Lothian to
the Shetland Islands, where it is found in spring, and again in
autumn. In many parts of Orkney it is said to be pretty abundant,
especially in Sanday, where it occurs both in the sea and in fresh
water. Mr Angus has informed me that a pair of Pintail ducks
were seen in the loch of Slains, in Aberdeenshire, on 4th May,
1866, and that he shot at a pair (probably the same birds) three
days afterwards as they flew up the Ythan, nearly opposite
Waterside. Mr Angus also states that he examined an immature
male in the collection of Mr John Wilson at Methlic, which had
been shot by that gentleman on the loch at Haddo House, on 10th
March, 1867.

The movements of this beautiful duck, which is distributed over
the whole of Europe, are described by various writers as quiet and
graceful, which indeed any one in looking at the elegant figure of
the bird would naturally expect. Audubon, in speaking of its
soft and pleasant notes, says that " there seems to be a kind of
natural modesty in it which you do not find in other ducks."
Both this writer and Wilson give an interesting account of its
habits on American waters, where it appears to be very abundant.*

Although the Pintail is a scarce bird north of the Tay, in
Scotland, it would appear to be a native of Iceland. Professor
Newton, in his account of the ornithology of that country, appended
to Mr S. Baring Gould's 'Scenes and Sagas/ etc., states that
according to Faber it arrives on the coast at the end of April,
and reaches Myvatn the beginning of May, where it breeds pretty
commonly; that it is probably of general distribution throughout
the country ; and that it disappears at the beginning of September.

* Wilson, in his ' American Ornithology,' remarks that " great flocks of them
are sometimes spread along the isles and shores of Scotland and Ireland, and
on the interior lakes of both these countries," but does not say on whose
authority he makes the statement. It could not have been from personal
observation.

WILD DUCK. 369

THE WILD DUCK.

ANAS BO SO HAS.
Lacha chinn-naine. Lacha-rhiach.

IN almost every flock of wild fowl attractive to the sportsman in
our western counties, the mallard is by far the commonest species
of duck to be met with. It is very abundant on all the islands of
both the inner and outer group, and also on the whole of the
western mainland from north to south. On the larger sheets of
water — such as Loch Lomond and Loch Awe, Loch Shiel, Loch
Maree, and Loch Assynt — vast numbers breed and collect together
after the broods are able to fly, until their principal haunts become
overcrowded, when they break up into scattered groups, betaking
themselves in open weather to moorland marshes, or to the sea-
shore when the snow and ice compel them to seek a change.
Immense numbers also congregate on the retired parts of some
rivers where, especially in protected grounds, they find a safe
refuge. In walking through the policies at Duff House, in
Banffshire, I was much struck with the extraordinary flights of
mallards at a particular pool in the Deveron. There must have
been many hundreds together in the pool, and on being approached,
they merely swam or flew to the other side of the river. I have
seen similar flocks on the lake of Ochtertyre, in Perthshire, and
other secluded lochs within private policies throughout both the
eastern and western counties of Scotland. The most remarkable
assemblage of mallards I ever saw was on the pond at Douglas
Castle, Lanarkshire, in the spring of 1870. The birds were so
tame as to allow even strangers to approach within six or eight
yards of the bank where they sat pruning their feathers, before
plunging into the water. Mr Dugald Macdonald has informed
me that he has seen hundreds of mallards on a mill-dam near
Monymusk, in Aberdeenshire, which were so tame as to come at
the call of a miller who fed them. This man no sooner made his
appearance, and uttered the peculiar whistle which they were
accustomed to hear, than the ducks came flying in from all parts
of the pond and surrounding marshes, and alighted within a few
yards of where he stood throwing out handfuls of corn. No
stranger, however, could ever prevail on them to approach. A
very curious instance of this kind of confiding tameness is given

Y

370 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

by a writer in the 'Field Naturalist' (London, 1833, vol. i., p.
507), who states that a gentleman in Forfarshire, whose property
was bounded on one side by the river North Esk, was accustomed
to amuse himself by laying down a quantity of grain, and watching
the Wild Ducks regaling themselves on it. After continuing the
practice for some time, he brought such crowds of ducks around
him that it seemed as if the entire mallard population of that part
of the country were present. With his pockets full of loose grain,
this old gentleman went out regularly on his sporting expeditions,
and returned with a brace or two of mallards without ever firing
a shot, for, in their eagerness to gobble up the corn, the birds
waddled up to his feet, and all he had to do was to stoop down
and quietly seize a victim, which was easily transferred to his
capacious pockets.

The food of the mallard appears to be varied both in kind and
in quality. Every farmer knows its partiality for grain of all sorts,
and sportsmen who shoot along the sea-coast are familiar with its
visits to the shallow pools at low tide. On some of the Ayrshire
farms where the use of a gun is prohibited, great damage is
sometimes committed by the Wild Ducks in the potato pits. I
have seen as many as forty or fifty mallards at one pit. It is only, of
course, a small potato that can be swallowed by these birds, but
in their hasty pilferings a mistake is occasionally made. I recollect
seeing- a male mallard shot by the late Dr Nelson with a potato
sticking in its gullet. The bird rose from the field uttering a
wheezing sound, and in this way attracted our attention as we
were preparing to pitch our camp for a night's shooting. Mr
Macgillivray, on the authority of one of his correspondents, says
that this bird devours great quantities of frogs, while Mr Thompson
speaks of it eating slugs and horse leeches. The last named
author, in his well known work on the Birds of Ireland, gives the
following as the contents of the stomach of what he calls an
'omnivorous mallard' killed at Larne Lough, in October, 1848: —
An eel, four inches in length; a crab (Carcinas mcenas) an inch
broad across the carapace, or shell, and perfect; of marine univalve
and bivalve shell-fish, one Lacuna quadrifasciata, two Rissoa inter-
rupta, four Rissoa albella, five Modiola discrepans (fry), about twenty
of the young of Littorina vulgaris and L. retusa, forty Montacuta
purpurea, three hundred and ninety-one Eulla obtusa, and four
hundred and seventy-five Rissoa alba: it contained also above four

THE GARGANEY. 371

thousand five hundred of the handsomely sculptured seeds of the
grass wrack, Zoster a marina; nor was this all, as fully one- tenth
of the matter — that which adhered to the coats of the stomach —
was not taken into account."

Notwithstanding such omnivorous tastes, the mallard is ac-
knowledged to be one of the best of all ducks for the table; and it
may please the consumer to be here reminded of the following
excellent relish, which will at least obliterate any flavour
imparted to the bird by the long list of organisms just quoted.
The recipe appears to be that of an epicure who does not agree
with the French cooks when they allow that this inimitable and
venerated bird is best eaten plain roasted, with a few tears of
lemon dropped upon his brown smoking breast : — " The finest
sauce we know for duck, or any wild fowl, is one that Dr
Kitchener derived from Major Hawker, the celebrated sporting
writer. It is perfect. Man wants but little here below, but this
sauce he must have. A celebrated cook of 1816 used to charge a
fee of a guinea for disclosing it. It would make even a politician
who had ratted swallow all his early speeches. Here it is for
nothing. * One glass of port wine, one spoonful of caviare, one
ditto of catsup, one ditto of lemon juice, one slice of lemon peel,
one large shalot sliced, four grains of dark cayenne pepper (not
Venetian red and brick dust), and two blades of mace. Scald and
strain this, and add it to the pure gravy of the bird. Serve the
duck (if it be a duck) in a silver dish, with a lamp under it, and
let this sauce gently simmer round it.' The duck who spends
his useful life in flitting from lake to brook in search of rush buds
and olive-brown water-cresses, would, if he could but taste this
sauce, rejoice in being so embalmed, and exult in being so honoured."
Dr Kitchener, however, might not care to have the duck's opinion
on the subject.

THE GARGANEY.

ANAS QUERQUEDULA.

Is of very rare occurrence in the West of Scotland — nearly all the
specimens killed north of the Tweed having been obtained on the
east coast, and chiefly on the river Forth. The Garganey, however,
is a species which has probably been overlooked as a Scottish bird.
The earliest record of it is that given by Dr Barry in his Natural

372 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

History of Orkney, in which it is stated that it " is frequently seen
in the lochs of that group of islands in mild weather:" it is next
mentioned in Mr G. Don's Fauna of Forfarshire as having been
seen by that excellent naturalist in the lake of Forfar about the
beginning of the present century. More recently a specimen was
obtained in Banffshire by the Rev. James Smith, who recorded
the circumstance in 1836. We next hear of it in Yarrell's
' British Birds/ six specimens, according to that author, having
been shot in Stirlingshire in 1841. Macgillivray states that four
specimens, said to have been shot near Stirling in the same month
and year, were exposed for sale in the Edinburgh Market; and
also mentions that it had been seen in small numbers in Montrose
Basin. A specimen of the G-arganey, shot near Stirling in May, 1857,
was exhibited by Dr Hugh Colquhoun at a meeting of the Natural
History Society of Glasgow, held on the 26th of that month; and
Mr Harvie Brown informs me that one was shot also on the Forth
by Mr Singer of Kincardine. Mr William Hamilton has
obligingly informed me that a pair of these birds were seen in
spring on a small moorland loch by his brother, in the district of
Upper Loch Fyne — the only instance I have it in my power to
give of its occurrence west of Stirling, with the exception of a
specimen which was shot in the Bay of Luce, Wigtown shire, in 1867.
For this additional instance I am indebted to the Rev. George
Wilson of Glenluce, to whom the bird was sent for identification.
Messrs Baikie and Heddle state that it is a rare spring visitant
in Orkney. In Shetland it has been obtained by Mr Joseph
Dunn, and likewise by Dr Saxby, who remarks that he has shot
it in September, but that the species is very uncommon there.

From the dates given in connection with the foregoing instances,
it will be seen that the Garganey is entirely absent from Scotland
during the breeding months.

THE TEAL.

ANAS CRECCA.
Crann-lacha.

IN the outer islands the Teal is somewhat rare compared with
other species : it is found occasionally in Lewis, and is also met
with sparingly on various lakes in North Uist, and on one or two

BLUE-WINGED TEAL. 373

islands in the Sound of Harris. Mr John Macdonald, Newton,
informs me that he has frequently seen the bird in these localities.
I cannot, however, find any trace of its breeding there. It is also
met with on the lakes in Skye, and in many of the other islands
lying to the south. Dr Dewar informs me that it breeds in Rum.
Although not abundant in Mull and lona, it is commonly
distributed there. Mr Graham writes that one or two pairs
may often be found breeding in the neighbourhood of the moor-
land lochans, and that in winter they are found there in small
flights, as well as on the sea shore in hard weather, among the
mallards and wigeon, when it is usually very tame and easy of
approach.

I have found a number of pairs breeding on Inch Mo in, Loch
Lomond; the nests are invariably placed on the higher tufts of
heath, growing on a comparatively firm and dry spot in the marsh,
and are formed of the leaves of water plants, and lined with a
profusion of down and feathers. The young, on being left by
the old bird when suddenly surprised, remain huddled in a
compact variegated ball, but if an attempt be made to touch them,
they break up in a moment, and rush headlong into the nearest
pool. There they dive, and, by some mysterious means, never
show their bodies on the surface, but appear to get to the side and
thrust up their little heads merely to breathe until the alarm is
past. I have seen this done by broods less than a week old.

In the north and east of Scotland the breeding haunts of this
beautiful little duck are extensively distributed, reaching even to
the Shetland islands. In the winter season I have observed small
parties on the sea-shore at Dunbar frequenting the mouth of fresh-
water streamlets, where they often remain all night. I may
mention that some of the west country specimens have the under
parts of their plumage coloured brick red, and are otherwise a
shade darker in general markings.

THE BLUE-WINGED TEAL.

QUERQ.UEDULA DISCORS. (STEPH.)

A SPECIMEN of this North American Teal was shot by the late Mr
Shaw of Drumlanrig, on the Nith, in Dumfriesshire, in January,
1863. Sir William Jardine, in whose collection the bird is now

374 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

preserved, informs me that he happened to be at Drumlanrig, and
called to see Mr Shaw shortly before his death, when he was told
by him that he had shot the duck and sent it to Mr Hastings,
bird staffer, Dumfries. " On returning home," writes Sir William,
" I went to Mr Hastings and got the bird from him, and it is now
before me." I believe this to be the first occurrence of the species
in any part of Europe.

Wilson, in his account of this Teal, states that it is met with
along the shores of the Deleware sitting in crowds on the mud
close to the edge of the water, where the gunners often kill great
numbers at a single discharge. The birds fly rapidly, and in
alighting drop down suddenly, like the snipe or wood-cock, among
the reeds, or on the mud. Being vegetable feeders, their flesh is
excellent, and they rarely visit the sea-shore. Audubon likewise
dwells with enthusiasm on their appearance during flight, and
compares the blue on their wings to the glistening of polished
steel, or " the dancing light of a piece of glass suddenly reflected
on a distant object." He then tells his readers of the soft lisping
note which they emit during their flight and also on the ground,
when under apprehension of danger, and finishes his paragraph by
saying that he saw a friend of his kill eighty-four by pulling
together the triggers of his double-barrelled gun !

As this bird may occur again, I here give Wilson's description
of both sexes, which is as follows : — "Length, about fourteen inches ;
extent, twenty-two inches ; the bill is long in proportion, and of a
dark dusky slate ; the front and upper part of the head are black,
from the eye to the chin is a large crescent of white, the rest of
the head and half the neck are of a dark slate richly glossed with
green and violet, remainder of the neck and breast is black or
dusky, thickly marked with semi-circles of brownish white
elegantly intersecting each other; belly, pale brown barred with
dusky in narrow lines ; sides and vent the same tint, spotted with
oval marks of dusky; flanks elegantly waved with large semi-circles
of pale brown; sides of the vent pure white; under tail coverts
black; back, deep brownish black, each feather waved with large
semiovals of brownish white; lesser wing coverts a bright light
blue; primaries dusky brown; secondaries black; speculum or
beauty spot rich green ; tertials, edged with black or light blue,
and streaked down their middle with white; the tail, which is
pointed, extends two inches beyond the wings; legs and feet

THE WIGEON. 375

yellow, the latter very small; the two crescents of white before
the eyes meet on the throat.

" The female differs in having the head and neck of a dull dusky
slate, instead of the rich violet of the male; the hind head is also
whitish. The wavings on the back and lower parts more indistinct ;
wing nearly the same in both."

THE WIGEON.

ANAS PENELOPE.
Glas-lacha.

ALTHOUGH I have never taken the nest of the Wigeon in the
Outer Hebrides, I have little doubt of, at least, a few pairs
nesting there regularly. Some of my correspondents who are
resident in these islands meet with Wigeon in pairs at the season
when all other water fowl are breeding. Dr Dewar of Glasgow,
who spent two months in North Uist in 1858, observed a pair on
a lake near the Sound of Harris in the last week of June, and shot
the male bird, which I afterwards saw. In the winter season the
species is abundant over the whole of the Long island, crowding
many of the shallower lakes of South Uist and Benbecula, and it
is likewise a very common bird in almost every district on the
western mainland.

In other parts of Scotland the Wigeon is known to breed in
Ross-shire and Sutherlandshire, where it is found in considerable
numbers. Sir William Jardine and Mr Selby took the nest in
1834 upon a low island in Loch Laighal, and Mr Harvie Brown
has informed me that the Wigeon is distributed in the breeding
season over the central and northern parts of the county of
Sutherland. He also states that several pairs are frequently
observed on some marshy ground between Tongue and Loch
Eriboll. Mr A. G. More (Ibis, 1865) remarks that Mr R. Danford
describes the Wigeon as breeding regularly in Ross-shire, and that
the nest has been found in Caithness. Mr Harvie Brown once
took a nest on a large loch in the county of Cromarty : it was
placed on a tuft of old heather, and contained eight eggs. Col.
Drummond Hay has found the nest in Orkney; and Dr Saxby,
writing from Shetland, says : — " In cold backward seasons I have
several times procured the eggs."

376 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

The following quotation from Mr Graham's correspondence
relates to the habits of this duck on the western shores of
Argyleshire: — " The Wigeon is more numerous than the mallard
in winter, but more local, congregating in large flocks in every
suitable bay. Loch Gilp, and other inlets of Loch Fyne, Loch
Tarbert, Jura, Loch Sweyn, Feochain, Caolisport, and many other
lochs on the mainland and islands of Argyle, are famed for the
quantities of Wigeon frequenting them, in spite of the constantly
increasing number of guns which are brought to bear upon them.
The birds are shy when they expect to be molested; but the same
birds, in another place where they consider themselves safe from
molestation, are quite free of shyness. I have often proved this
by putting up a flock in Loch Gilp, which would rise wildly at the
punt's approach two hundred yards off, then following them to the
retired inlets at the junction of Loch Fyne and Loch Gilp would
find them sitting till within forty or fifty yards of them. In
certain bays they cannot be approached, while in others they let
themselves be easily stalked. The wounded birds are troublesome
to capture. I have seen them holding on to the weed at the
bottom in shallow water, and have had to dislodge them with the
boat-hook, or reach them with my arm, if not too deep. In March,
when they break up into pairs, but have not yet finally quitted
our shores, I have sometimes, while coasting, come upon a pair in
full breeding plumage, enjoying their honeymoon, in some out
of the way little creek. The duck, trusting to the unobtrusive
nature of her plumage, will remain floating among the long fronds
of brown sea weed, but the drake, who shines like a star, gets
fidgetty and flies about, calling in vain to his capricious mate,
who will not take the hint to follow, and at last forces him to
pitch on the water a little way off. The duck at last rises when
the boat is within thirty yards, flies a short distance, and alights
again, where she is immediately joined by her faithful spouse.
The same performance may be gone through again and again, till
very often, if you are in want of a full-plumaged male, he falls a
victim to the caprice of his partner and his own gallantry."

The Wigeon is also a very common duck on the eastern shores
of Scotland, especially in those estuaries where it can get good
grazing and other feeding when the tide is out. In the winter of
1864, I spent some hours daily for about a week near the mouth
of the Tyne in East Lothian, in company with my friend, Mr

THE WIGEON. 377

David Robertson of Glasgow, and had various opportunities of
conversing with a party of shore-shooters who were watching for
wild ducks, and who appeared to be killing large numbers of this
species. On enquiry, we were told that each of these men earned
as much as <£2 per week by disposing of the birds they killed with
ordinary fowling pieces. They were intelligent men in their way,
and seemed tolerably well acquainted with the habits of wild
fowl, as no doubt they might, seeing the abundance of material
before them for study. The bay was literally full of birds. At a
moderate computation, there would be about eight hundred or
one thousand Wigeon alone in a single flock within three hundred
yards of where we stood. Flocks of fifteen or twenty were
constantly rising from the water and steering eastwards to the
various feeding grounds exposed by the receding tide along the
coast. At these flocks the watchers, who lay concealed behind
the sand-hills, fired many random shots, yet the disturbance caused
no diminution of their numbers. The mere pot-hunter will not
spend a shot upon any bird that is not marketable; hence his
ordinary spoil has little or no interest to the ornithologist. When
these men, however, learned that we collected birds, they brought
us during our stay a daily supply which utterly astonished us,
besides affording a pretty sure guide to the numbers of the various
species frequenting that part of the coast. The Wigeon and mallard
were by far the most numerous, the teal plentiful, and the golden
eye, merganser, and shelldrake, far from rare. A brace of Wigeon
now before me vividly recall their fate in the estuary I am now
speaking of. I had been for some time in the company of the duck
shooters, when it was found that the tide was sufficiently far out to
admit of the river being forded. One of the men had already crossed
the sands, and was nearly thigh deep on his way to the other side,
being anxious for a first chance. The sun was setting in a blaze
of crimson and gold, throwing a deeply impressive shade over the
stretch of sand and water. The man paused, as we imagined, for a
little reflection on the singular sublimity of the scene, and stood
nearly waist deep gazing cloudward a few seconds with no other
apparent intention. In another second, however, we were un-
deceived ; there was a sudden upward movement of his arms, and,
after a momentary flash of light, we heard a report such as a duck
shooter's gun alone can make, and the two poor wanderers, part
of a small flock we had not observed, fell into the river not far

378 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

from where he stood. One of them — in my left hand as I
write — is the most perfect male I have ever seen, but even now,
on looking at the pair, I cannot help thinking that the glories of
that sunset were dimmed by their death.

THE EIDER DUCK.

SOMATERIA MQLLISSIMA.
Lacha 16ch lannach. Lach mhor. Colcach. Lach Cholonsa.

THE extraordinary number of Eider Ducks found on the island of
Colonsay has gained for this bird the local name of Lach Cholonsa
over a considerable portion of the western districts of Scotland.
I am told by my friend Mr Graham that in spring and summer it
is very abundant there, surrounding the smaller islets, where they
hatch and multiply to a great extent, being strictly protected by
the proprietor; it is likewise very numerous around Mull and lona,
where it may be met with at all times of the year, along shore or
half-way out to Tyree, ten or fifteen miles from land. " The male
birds/' writes Mr Graham, " shine like stars upon the deep blue,
long-heaving swell which comes in from the Atlantic Ocean. They
are not very shy when sailed down upon, and are less suspicious of
a large boat than of a smaller. We considered them better eating
than most other maritime ducks; they seem to feed entirely on sea-
weed, browsing at the bottom in deep water. When startled, they
take flight at once, without having recourse to diving as a means
of escape. We sometimes find the nest upon the unfrequented
islets, among the rocks a little above the sea level. The young,
when hatched, are black, and about the size of goslings." I have
seen family groups of Eiders in September off the western shores of
Benbecula and North and South Uist and Lewis riding at their
ease on the troubled sea that almost constantly breaks upon that
side of the Long island. Numbers breed upon the islands in the
Sound of Harris; and sometimes when a nesting-place is selected
on the moors of North Uist, the old birds are met leading their
young ones by the nearest route to the water. On these occasions
they will at times linger at a fresh water loch, remaining there a
few days, as I have been informed by Mr MacDonald of Newton,
who has noticed them, and has shot the old birds. Mr MacDonald

EIDER DUCK. 379

has also informed me that he has frequently placed the eggs under
a domestic duck, and had the satisfaction of seeing Eiders brought
up safely in the barn yard. The experiment has repeatedly been
tried in other parts of the Outer Hebrides, and proved equally
successful. The nest of this bird is a somewhat bulky structure of
matted heather, sea-weed, and grass, and is lined with a profusion
of down and feathers. The eggs are from five to seven, or some-
times eight in number, and appear to vary in size. I have seen
quantities of eggs sent to Glasgow poulterers from Islay, where
Eiders are found numerously all the year, especially at Ardnave and
Sanaig, on the north-west side of the island. Similar consignments
are occasionally sent to market from the islands of Tyree and Coll.
Southwards of Islay the Eider Duck is but a winter straggler.
Mr St. John ( 'Tour in Sutherland,' vol. i., p. 140) states that it
breeds on some islands at the entrance of the Kyle of Tongue, on
the north coast of Sutherlandshire, and it probably still breeds on
the islands of Suleskeir and North Eona, as it did 300 years ago
in the time of Dean Monro, who gives a very quaint account of its
habits, under the name of Colk, in his 'Description of the Hybrides/
published in 1594. Martin ('Descr. West Islands of Scot./ London,
2d ed., 1716) also mentions the bird, which he distinguishes by
the same name (the Gaelic one still in use), and gives a most
glowing and exaggerated description of its plumage, which he com-
pares to that of a peacock! His account was probably copied
from previous writers, as he repeats what is stated by Dean
Monro, viz., that the bird " lived mostly in the remotest islands,
as Heisker and Rona." At the close of his ornithological re-
cords, however, he makes the following highly curious remark,
which may, to some extent, account for his magnified description: —
"The Air is here moist and moderately cold; the Natives qualify
it sometimes by drinking a Glass of Usquebaugh. The Moisture
of this Place is such that a Loaf of Sugar is in danger to be
dissolved/' The precise nature of the humidity is not explained,
nor yet the cure, though the melting of the sugar is rather
suggestive.

In the east of Scotland, where this bird is called St. Cuthbert's
Duck, considerable flocks make their appearance off the coasts of
East Lothian and Berwickshire. These are probably natives of
the Fern islands, the numbers which breed on the islands in the
Firth of Forth being now much reduced.

380 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

THE KING DUCK.

SOMATERIA SPECTABILIS.

UPWARDS of fifty years ago, Mr Bullock communicated to Col.
Montagu, the author of a ' Dictionary of British Birds/ that he
had found a nest of this rare bird containing six eggs, in Papa
Westray, one of the Orkney islands. In that district the species
is now but very rarely seen — only one specimen being mentioned
by Messrs Baikie and Heddle in their little work on the Natural
History of Orkney. It was obtained in one of the islands of that
group, and exhibited at a meeting of the Zoological Society of
London by Mr Gould, in November, 1832; but a manuscript note
by one of the authors states that the species had been found by
Mr Dunn in Shetland. Mr St. John, in his 'Tour in Sutherland-
shire,' (vol. i., p. 1 40) remarks that the King Duck is seen at the
entrance of the Kyle of Tongue, but only rarely. The late Dr
Nelson of Pitcox, East Lothian, informed me that he saw one in
the winter of 1847 at the mouth of the river Tyne in that county,
and that he was quite sure of the species. I have also been
informed by E. S. Hargitt, Esq. of London, that he shot a female
King Duck in Orkney in May, 1868.

These records, it must be confessed, are somewhat imperfect, but
the species, being strictly oceanic in its habits, may occur much
more frequently off our coasts than has been supposed. It rests
indeed with some hardy ornithologist to give his fellows a better
idea of what is really to be met with at sea, within the prescribed
limits, than has yet been advanced.

According to northern voyagers, the King Duck is very common
in the Arctic seas, resorting in vast numbers annually to the shores
and islands of these regions during the breeding season; and it is
not unreasonable to suppose that at the breaking up of these
numerous families, small flocks may take their course to Britain,
especially when it is known that they gather into flocks, and feed
together at very great distances from land after they have left
their breeding quarters. Eegarding its value in an economic
sense, Sir James C. Koss has stated that the crews of Arctic ships
have on many occasions used the King Duck as food in considerable
quantities; and a friend of the late Mr Thompson did not scruple
to use a few baked in pies when nothing better could be had.

VELVET SCOTER. 381

THE VELVET SCOTEK.

0 IDE MI A FUSC A.

I AM more familiar with this conspicuous bird as an east coast
species than as a visitor to the west. "Black ducks," which are
so very abundant in the Firth of Forth, are almost never seen on
the Firth of Clyde ; and although the Velvet Scoter is said to breed
on the Faroes and Iceland, the flocks reaching our western shores
are very much smaller than those visiting the estuaries of Aber-
deenshire, Fifeshire, and East Lothian. Several small flocks
were seen by Mr Elwes on Loch Indaal, in Islay, in November,
1867, and Mr Graham has sent me word that he has seen
the species at Ardrishaig. A very fine male, which I had an
opportunity of seeing, was also shot on Gareloch 'in the first week
of January, 1869.

I have never been at a loss to identify this from the next species,
even when assembled together, the white patch on the wings being
sufficient to distinguish the birds at a little distance. Off Dunbar,
where they appear from the end of August till the middle of April,
I have seen hundreds of both sitting on the water within one
hundred and fifty or two hundred yards of the shore, and remaining
there nearly a whole day. Occasionally they approach the rocks
within shooting range in their eager search for sandy spots where
they may find their favourite shell-fish, which I have invariably
found to be bivalves ; and I have a beautiful male bird now before
me which was procured in this way. From this specimen, and
others which I have dissected, I have taken quantities of a species
of Donax, with a very strong shell, which had been broken into
fragments. The food of this species consists solely of shell-fish,
and, generally speaking, the contents of its gizzard are much
bruised, so that it is not easy to make out the species which it
prefers. Only the thicker-shelled molluscs are distinguishable,
and even these are smashed into small pieces. Living on such
diet, it is not to be expected that the flesh of this bird can be
much esteemed. Some persons seem to think that fresh earth
will effectually remove the strongest flavour natural to a fish-
eating bird. I would therefore recommend any one desirous of
trying the edible qualities of a Velvet Scoter to bury it in a
convenient place, and leave it there.

382 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

THE COMMON SCOTER.

01 DEM I A NIGRA.
Tunnag dubh.

THIS bird, like the preceding species, is much commoner on the
eastern than on the western shores of Scotland. It is a very
marked object in all states of the weather, keeping well off the
land, and shifting constantly from one place to another in search
of good feeding ground. I have many times seen large flocks
of Scoters riding at their ease outside the line of breakers— the
heaving blue waves lifting long lines of birds momentarily on their
crest, and showing their numbers to the watchful naturalist. They
appear to feed much more quietly than the long-tailed ducks,
with whom they often associate, more perhaps by accident than
design, and contrast strangely with these lively fellows as much
in deportment as in dress. Again, on rough days, when the waves
are rolling wildly in huge white masses on the sandy shores, the
black plumage of these birds, as they fly along the broken water,
comes out in fine relief, and with an effect almost as picturesque
as the snow-white gulls against a thunder cloud.

Quoting from Mr William Dunbar, Mr A. G. More, whose
excellent contribution to the ' Ibis' on the birds breeding in
Scotland is a model of its kind, states that this Scoter " breeds
every year in many parts of the moors of Caithness, making its
nest in the boggy swamps around the lakes. He has known the eggs
taken more than once." Mr More likewise notices that a " black
duck " is well known as breeding in one or two lakes in the Thurso
district. Mr Elwes has written to me expressing his belief that
a few pairs nest every year on some of the hill lochs, and has
furnished me with the following notes: — "The late Roualeyn
Gordon Gumming told me that he had two or three times shot the
bird off the nest in Inverness-shire, and I saw a forester this year
who said that a bird which he described as tunnag dubh — evidently
the Scoter — bred in the upper parts of Strathglass. I saw a young
bird, half grown, killed there in the beginning of September.
Caithness is also a very likely county for this bird to breed ; and if
it is proved to do so, I think this will account for the small parties
of Scoters seen every year in May and June on Windermere, and
for those which I have seen myself in July on the coast of Sussex."

SURF SCOTER — RED-CRESTED WHISTLING DUCK. 383

THE SURF SCOTER.

01 DEM I A PERSPICILLATA.

THE only specimen of this unmistakable species which I have seen
in the West of Scotland is one now in the collection of Sir James
Matheson, Baronet, of Lewis : it was shot in the winter of 1865
at Holm, near Stornoway, by Mr Macgillivray of Stornoway. The
species is included in a list of Caithness birds by Mr E. S. Sinclair
of Wick, but neither date nor locality is given. An adult male
was shot at Swanbister, parish of Orphir, in Orkney, in March,
1866, as I have been obligingly informed by Mr J. H. Dunn; and
in June, 1847, the same gentleman states that in one of his boating
excursions after other birds in Rona's Voe, Shetland, he saw an
adult male of this species several times, but was unable to
procure it.

Messrs Baikie and Heddle's statement, that " small flocks are
seen in our sounds every winter," is an obvious mistake.

The Surf Scoter has been shot in the Firth of Forth, a speci-
men having been procured off Musselburgh in 1851, as recorded in
Turnbull's ' Birds of East Lothian,' etc.

THE RED -CRESTED WHISTLING DUCK.
FULIGULA RUFINA.

IN a communication made in January, 1863, to the Natural
History Society of Glasgow by Henry D. Graham, Esq., one of its
corresponding members, it is stated that a specimen of this bird
was shot on a fresh water loch on Craignish, in January of the
previous year, and sent to him by Captain M'Dougall of Luing.
The specimen was for some time in Mr Graham's possession, but
was afterwards given by him to Captain J. P. Orde of Kilmory,
in whose collection it has been placed.

This appears to be the only record of the occurrence of the Red-
crested Pochard in any part of Scotland. The species is known
to have a tolerably wide geographical range, though not extending
so far westward as the British islands. It can only, therefore,
tarn up as an accidental visitor.

384 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

THE POCHAED OE DUN BIED.

FULIGULA FERINA.
Lacha mhasach.

OVER the whole of the West of Scotland the Dun bird is a very
familiar species. In some districts it appears in very large flocks,
and offers a temptation to sportsmen to try a raking shot. On
Loch Lomond many hundreds congregate together and feed in
shallow water over the borders of some of the low lying islands,
such as Inchmoin, where half a dozen or more could easily be
obtained by firing into their midst.

On many of the Inner Hebrides this species is also common,
being found in the fresh- water lochs of Islay and Mull, where they
are frequently shot. Unusual numbers were sent from the west
coast shootings in the winter of 1866-67. I have not been able
satisfactorily to make out the proportion of Pochards among the
vast flights of wild duck that frequent the lakes of the outer
islands, as I have not been there in the winter season. Limited
numbers at least fly in company with wigeon and tufted ducks;
and those who practise shooting on these lochs for the table, readily
distinguish it from the next species.

On the eastern shores of Scotland, where fresh -water lochs are
of less frequent occurrence than on the west, I have seen great
numbers of this bird frequenting estuaries after nightfall. In
Fifeshire and East Lothian it may be called abundant. I recollect
being on Tyne Sands on a moonlight night many years ago in
company with the late Mr Nelson of Kirklandhill, and seeing a
constant stream of Pochards coming in from the sea and flying up
to the muddy parts of the estuary. We bagged seven brace in
little more than half-an-hour, and every flock we saw passing
overhead appeared to be of the same species. All the wigeon and
mallards were up the stream fully an hour before ! We therefore
inferred that the Dun birds had been far out at sea, where they
had probably been feeding all day like their allies the scaups.
That they were addicted to eating shell-fish, sea urchins, etc.,
we indeed abundantly verified on dissecting some of the specimens.
It is worthy of note that while in western Scotland the Pochard
is useful as a bird for the table, it is on the east coast in poor

FERRUGINOUS DUCK— SCAUP DUCK. 385

request, being considered rank and unpalatable, owing, doubtless,
to the difference of diet in the two districts.

The Pochard has been killed in Orkney so late as the 28th of
June.

THE FERRUGINOUS DUCK.
FULIGULA NYROCA.

I KNOW of but one instance of the occurrence of this bird in any
part of Scotland, viz., a specimen which was shot near Musselburgh
in 1855, and exhibited at a meeting of the Royal Physical Society,
Edinburgh, on the 26th December, by Dr J. A. Smith, the Society's
Secretary, to whom I am indebted for a notice of the circumstance.
The following measurements of the specimen are taken from vol.
i., p. 52, of the published proceedings: — "The bird, an adult male,
measured 16| inches from the point of the bill to the tip of the
tail; and 27 J inches in breadth from point to point of its extended
wings. The first primary is the longest, others gradually decreasing
in length. From flexure of wing to point of first primary measures
7 1 inches; inside of wings and axillaries white. Its weight was
saventeen ounces. The trachea (which was exhibited), 5J inches
long, is peculiar, the upper part being rather more than a quarter
of an inch in diameter, gradually expanding to half an inch, and
again contracting to less than a quarter of an inch towards the
lower part, where it terminates in a bony and membraneous
labyrinth about 1J inch in length. The oesophagus was about
7 1 inches in length; the stomach, a strong and muscular gizzard,
was filled with seeds of the oat mixed with small pieces of quartz
and gravel. The intestines, from pylorus to anus, were three feet
nine inches in length; two coeca, one 4f inches, the other 4 J inches
long, enter the gut about 2J inches from its lower extremity."

THE SCAUP DUCK.

FULIGULA M ARIL A.

THIS duck is perhaps the least common among the ordinary sea-
ducks that frequent the western shores of Scotland. Being partial
to mud flats, it is found chiefly near estuaries, remaining for the
most part out at sea in the day time, where it dives like the scoters

386 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

in quest of molluscs and Crustacea, and coming shorewards in the
evening for a change of diet. I have observed that it will often
prefer swimming instead of flying to its night quarters; and, after
repeatedly noticing this habit, I have lain in wait on an outlying
rocky skerry at the river's mouth, knowing I was sure of a shot.
Sometimes in very hard winters the flocks of Scaup Ducks are
large, but usually the birds live in small groups, occasionally
mixing with golden eyes and scoters. On the Outer Hebrides a
few frequent the oozy shores between North Uist and Benbecula,
on both sides, from the isle of Gremsay on the east to Baleshare
on the west. Late in autumn these small parties are seen there
at nightfall dabbling in the mud left bare by the tide ; and they
usually remain in the neighbourhood of this well known ford
throughout the winter. In very stormy weather they appear to
seek shelter in the Sound of Harris, where a stray bird occasionally
falls to the gun by accident, the species being notorious for the
rankness of its flesh, and consequently not in request. Mr J.
Macdonald informs me that in the dusk of the evening, when one
kind of duck is hardly distinguishable from another, he knocks
over a Scaup at times instead of a mallard, but that its numbers
are comparatively small, the birds only coming in his way when
continued bad weather forces them into the Sound.

Mr Graham states that this species is a regular winter visitant
to lona and the shores of Mull, and that it is often killed near the
coast in fresh water. It is likewise seen occasionally on the shores
of Islay.

Scaup Ducks appear to linger through the summer in some parts
of Scotland. One instance is given by Sir William Jardine, who
shot a female bird near Loch Erribol, in Sutherlandshire ; and Dr
Saxby states that it is occasionally observed in summer in the
Shetlands.

THE TUFTED DUCK.
FULIGULA CRIST AT A.

IN very severe winters the Tufted Duck is much more frequently
obtained than in open seasons. This may arise from its habit of
keeping out at sea, or well off shore in the firths and estuaries in
moderate weather, and coming into our rivers to feed when it is too

TUFTED DUCK. 387

rough outside. On the Clyde, numbers are killed every week
throughout the winter and sent to the Glasgow market; and limited
numbers are also shot on some of the inland lochs and ponds from
October to March. I have seen small flocks of this bird, on two
or three different occasions, flying at great speed up the river Clyde,
a few feet above the surface of the water, and reaching even the
Glasgow Bridge at the Broomielaw. On one occasion a beautiful
male, accompanied by two females, came up in this way, and
pitched down on the river close to the bridge, where they swam
about in a half-bewildered state among the broken water caused
by a steamer leaving the quay. The male went twice under
the paddles of another steamer close at hand, and was at last
shot, while his two more soberly dressed companions were allowed
to escape. At another time I observed six or eight Tufted Ducks,
headed by a splendid male, flying in a string up to the same place;
but not liking the appearance of so many revolving wheels in the
water, they turned round just as they neared the arches of the
bridge, and, after performing a -beautiful curve, shot down the
river with their usual rapidity. In the winter of 1866-67 great
numbers were shot, in company with female golden-eyes, opposite
Dumbarton Castle.

In the Outer Hebrides it occurs but sparingly. I have seen it as
early as September, and have likewise procured it from Benbecula,
later in the season, in the plumage of the first year. In the
autumn of 1867, when at Hougharry Point, North Uist, I observed
a pair of early visitors on the sea near the shore attending a black-
throated diver which still retained its brilliant summer dress : the
weather, which had for some days been rather stormy, was on the
afternoon I saw the birds suspiciously serene, the sea having calmed
down like a smooth lake, and wrapped itself to sleep in a golden
sheet. The diver, as if disinclined for the company of the ducks,
pushed himself forward with such force at two or three strokes
that he soon left them behind; but for a few seconds the group
struck me as being rather interesting and remarkable, and in the
accompanying plate* Mr Sinclair has well expressed the movement

* Mr Bott, in reproducing Mr Sinclair's drawing, has attached Macgillivray's
name of Tufted Scaup —a name which, in the first proof submitted to me, was
inadvertently printed Scam.p Duck. Though the origin of the word Scaup has
long been questioned, I did not consider the substitution of the other word an
improvement, and therefore had it altered.

388 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

of this Highland chief and his two unusual followers. Ten days
afterwards, when crossing the Minch, in a vain attempt to reach
Dunvegan with a rent mainsail, I thought, and not without a
certain feeling of bitterness, of the utter impossibility of making
any such ornithological observations. I have been on rough seas
on many occasions, -but a more tumultuous body of water than the
Minch presented on that occasion could hardly be conceived. It
was certainly a mistake to leave Lochmaddy and the crews of a
dozen wind-bound vessels wondering at our temerity. The sea was
too rough for even the Manx shearwater, several of which I saw
steering for the narrow entrance to the loch as we left it. Three
hours afterwards, on returning crippled to our starting point, I saw
the wise birds enjoying their shelter, and a host of plunging gannets
playing at their old game of " follow my leader." " Everything
comes in here when it's coorse," said the skipper; and on getting
into the snug inn I had left in the morning, with a feeling of
relief at my escape, I thought Lochmaddy not such a bad place
after all.

THE LONG -TAILED DUCK.

FULIGULA GLACIAL1S.

Eun buchuinn.

THE Long-tailed Duck, or Northern Hareld of British authors is,
to the greater number of their readers, one of the rarer species,
whose habits and history appear to have received less consideration
than they merit. Since the time of Willughby these have been
but lightly treated, one writer having handed down what another
had written before him, without adding a word from personal
observation. Hence, this most interesting and beautiful bird holds
a place among the feathered tribes of our country as an uncommon
visitor, its occurrence on our coasts being merely records of where
the bird was found and by whom it was shot. Yet in many parts
of Scotland the species is tolerably well known, as it returns regu-
larly each season to its accustomed haunts, where food and other
causes make the locality attractive. In the winter season, from
October till March, it is very common in the Sound of Harris in
the Outer Hebrides, and is likewise met with in considerable
numbers off the coasts of Skye, Mull, and Islay, but southwards of

LONG-TAILED DUCK. 389

the last-named island its occurrence is extremely irregular and
uncertain.

Twenty years ago, Mr Graham, then resident in lona, favoured
me with some highly interesting letters descriptive of the birds of
that island, and from one of these I have much pleasure in selecting
the following notes, believing that even at this distance of time
they have lost none of their original vigour or freshness: — "The
Long-tailed Duck comes to lona in the early part of November,
when there appears a small flock of a dozen or so which takes up
its station off the northern coast of the island. These are generally
reinforced during the frosts and severe weather of December and
January by fresh arrivals which are driven in from the sea, and
from their more unsheltered haunts, till at last very great numbers
are assembled in the bay. Towards the end of March this large
flock begins to break up into pairs and small parties; many go
away; and when the weather keeps fine they make long excursions,
and for days the bay is quite deserted. A change of weather,
however, will still bring them back, and a smart gale would
assemble a considerable flock of them, and this as late as the second
week in April ; but after this time you see them no more. Thus
we have them with us about four months : they arrive with the
first frown of winter, and depart with the earliest blink of summer
sun. The Northern Hareld brings ice and snow and storms upon
its wings; but as soon as winter, with his tempestuous rage, rolls
unwillingly back before the smile of advancing spring to his Polar
dominions, the bird follows in his train; for no creature revels
more amidst the gloom and rage and horrors of winter than the
ice duck. The cry of this bird is very remarkable, and has
obtained for it the Gaelic name of Lack Bhinn, or the musical duck,
which is most appropriate; for when the voices of a number are
heard in concert, rising and falling, borne along upon the breeze
between the rollings of the surf, the effect is musical, wild, and
startling. The united cry of a large flock sounds very like bagpipes
at a distance, but the note of a single bird when heard very near
is certainly not so agreeable. On one occasion I took great pains
to learn the note, and the following words are the nearest approach
that can be given of it in writing: it articulates them very distinctly,
though in a musical bugle-like tone: — 'Our, o, u, ah! our, o, u, ah/'
Sometimes the note seems to break down in the middle, and the
bird gets no further than our, or ower, which it runs over several

390 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

times, but then, as with an effort, the whole cry is completed loud
and clear, and repeated several times, as if in triumph. At this
time they were busily feeding, diving in very deep water on a sand
bottom, and calling to one another when they rose to the surface.
I never saw these ducks come very near the shore;^ perhaps this is
partly owing to the bay which they frequent having shores which
they could not approach easily, as there is usually a heavy surf
breaking upon them. I have frequently watched them at night, to
see if they would come into any of the creeks, but they never did;
on the contrary, after dusk they would often leave the bay; the
whole of them would fly off simultaneously in the direction of the
mainland of Mull, as if they were bound for some well-known
feeding ground. I have often seen them actively feeding in the
day time, though more generally they are floating about at rest or
diverting themselves. They are of a very lively and restless dis-
position, continually rising on the wing, flying round and round in
circles, chasing one another, hurrying along the surface, half-flying,
half- swimming, and accompanying all these gambols with their
curious cries. When the storms are at their loudest, and the waves
running mountains high, then their glee seems to reach its highest
pitch, and they appear thoroughly to enjoy the confusion. When
watching them on one of these occasions, I had to take shelter
under a rock from a dreadful blast, accompanied by very heavy
snow, which in a moment blotted out the whole landscape; every-
thing was enveloped in a shroud of mist and driving sleet; but from
the midst of the intense gloom there arose the triumphant song of
these wild creatures rising above the uproar of the elements ; and
when the mist lifted, I beheld the whole flock careering about the
bay as if mad with delight."

On the eastern and northern coasts of Scotland, the Long-tailed
Duck may be called a familiar winter visitor, being distributed in
small flocks off shore from Berwickshire to Caithness. It is
plentiful in some seasons in the Firth of Forth, where it never
fails to arrest the attention of persons living near the beach — its
singularly wild and musical cry being an agreeable break in the
continual murmur of the waters. When gathered into still larger
flocks, their restlessness seems to increase as the barometer indicates
a change, and the birds are sometimes heard, when hurrying
seawards towards nightfall, sounding their curious melodies in
unison with the waders piping on the shore. At other times I

LONG-TAILED DUCK. 391

have seen as many as thirty approaching the land like unquiet
spirits, flitting past again and again, and calling in clear bugle-like
strains, as if telling of the coming storm. Many years ago, during
my ornithological studies at Dunbar, in East Lothian, these lively
birds were my daily delight as I stood on the ruined heights of
the old castle watching their playful movements on the water. On
many occasions, when the waves were not actually breaking on the
rocky foundations, the ducks would come right up to the ruins and
pitch down on the heaving volumes of water, where, after diving,
they could be distinctly seen browsing on the small shells adhering
to the long ribbon-shaped seaweed growing at the bottom. Another
favourite feeding place of the same flock, which on some days num-
bered as many as twenty-two, was at the back of the harbour pier,
about one hundred and fifty yards distant from the castle. One
day, when stationed in a convenient look-out behind the parapet, I
noticed eighteen Long-tailed Ducks feeding quite close to the mason
work of the pier, and was somewhat surprised to see one of their
number, a male, always on the surface. As I had previously
considered that, in the event of sudden intrusion or appearance of
danger, it would be difficult indeed for the sentry to communicate
with his submerged comrades, I kept a strict watch until the
whole flock were under water except himself. Immediately on
showing myself and making a noise — I was only about thirty feet
above him — the bird, instead of flying off, as another duck would
probably have done, instantly dived. What he did or said could
not of course be observed; but in a few moments the entire flock
came up and flew squattering along the surface until they got on
wing, after which they alighted abruptly about a hundred yards
out, each bird turning round to have a look at the cause of the
disturbance. They then joined in a general chorus of their famous
song, which in this instance might be interpreted as a congratu-
latory chuckle over their escape. Next time I went to this post
of observation I found my feathered friends again riding
at their ease on some heavy breakers outside the battery.
They soon commenced feeding, and remained a considerable
time under water. Being anxious to make some further
notes on the nature of their food, I waited for a shot at a
fine male which is now before me, and knowing the ground to be
rocky and covered with seaweed, I was prepared to find the bird's
stomach filled with shells. All the stomachs of the Long-tailed

392 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

Ducks I have skinned, indeed, contained nearly the same species
— Lacuna vincta and Patella pelludda. These, with young speci-
mens of Mytilus edulis, mixed with some fragments of pebbles,
seem to constitute their chief food in this particular locality.
The birds must search deliberately (as indeed I have seen them
doing when the surface of the water was unruffled) at the bottom
for these shells, and go from one mass of seaweed to another,
picking them off the fronds to which they adhere. From the
stomach of one specimen I took upwards of 100 shells, all in the
most perfect state, being clean and free from sand. Of six
beautiful specimens now on the table as I write — four males and
two females — only one was found to have been feeding on small
Crustacea, its stomach being filled with entire as well as mutilated
specimens of Idotea tricuspidata. In clear frosty weather, these
birds often collect into very large flocks, and remain far out from
the land over some well known sandbank, where they appear to
find their favourite food in abundance. On exceptionally quiet
evenings their singular cries are heard by persons on shore, though
the birds themselves are not in sight. This strange music is heard
at all hours of the day, and reaches the shore from very great
distances, especially when a flock is acting in concert. The cry is
not uttered on one key, but is modulated, and though not so loud,
it in some measure resembles the note of the swan. I believe the
male to be the chief performer, although it has been said on
apparently good authority that both sexes are alike in that respect.
The trachea of the male, as is well known, presents a peculiar
conformation — the end near the kidney-shaped protuberance being
flattened and divided into five oblong spaces, covered with a
membrane resembling the panes of a window. Some authors
think that this curious mechanism is in some way connected with
the extraordinary sounds emitted by the bird, but others say that
the female utters the same note, while her windpipe has no such
peculiarity of construction. My impression, from what I have
repeatedly observed, is that the female utters but one note, or
syllable, while the male runs over five. When a flock consists of
males only, as is often the case, the cries are always clear, distinct,
and unbroken : on the other hand, where a proportion of females
is seen, the notes are ogh, agh, or ugh, breaking upon the more
intelligible voice of the male, and destroying in some measure its
full effect. It is a difficult matter to decide; one thing, however,

LONG-TAILED DUCK. 393

is certain, that a troop of Long-tailed Ducks, when in high glee,
is responsible for a great outcry, which has given rise to an idea
now prevalent on the east coast among the fishermen, that it is a
derisive shout addressed to themselves as they are returning
homewards in a half-frozen state at the close of a poor day's work.
The last time I had an opportunity of hearing their bagpipe-like
music was at my old post on D unbar Battery, in the winter of
1869. After watching a lively group of fifteen males and five
females diving and diverting themselves, I drew the attention of
a fisher lad with a gun to their movements. After waiting until
they all re-appeared on the surface within range, he made ready
for a raking shot over the parapet, but in his impatience he some-
what miscalculated the result, for while his legs and feet wriggled
for a convenient prop he slipped backwards at the moment of
firing, and the shot, which was intended for the ice ducks, took an
almost opposite direction. I expected the birds would have taken
wing, but they only paddled out of danger, and when sufficiently
beyond range, turned round facing the disappointed lad, and
raising such a chorus as to provoke a shout of laughter from the
people on the pier. At this time I carefully noted the cry, and
was able to appreciate fully the origin of the whimsical name
given to the bird in many parts of Scotland — viz., Coal and
Candle Light, or more correctly, Coal an' Carile Licht, for it speaks
with a good Scotch accent. The resemblance of the cry to these
words, when heard within a short distance, is quite remarkable.

I may remark that in skinning this bird I have been struck with
the smallness of the ear aperture. The irides are said by Mr
Yarrell to be hazel, while Macgillivray says they are red. I
have invariably found them to be of a bright yellow. The length
of the central tail-feathers varies — some measuring six inches, and
others seven and eight. Mr David Robertson has a specimen in
his collection with these feathers measuring fully nine inches.

In the east of Scotland, Dunbar appears to be the boundary
line of the migratory flight of this duck. In November, 1862, I
counted forty in a flock off that town ; and in the beginning of
April, 1865, a flock of between fifty and sixty was observed by Mi-
Sinclair and myself off the farm of Thorntonloch, on the confines
of Berwickshire : the birds were idly floating just outside the line
of breakers, and enjoying the bright sunshine in tolerably smooth
water.

394 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

THE HAELEQUIN DUCK.
FULIGULA HISTRION1CA.

THE first notice of this beautiful bird as a British species appeared
in Montagu's Ornithological Dictionary, published in 1802. Both
sexes are described by that author from a pair that had been shot
a few years previously in Scotland, and presented by Lord Seaforth,
in whose property they were taken, to Mr Sowerby of London.
Coloured figures of these two specimens afterwards appeared in
'Sowerby's British Miscellany/ published in 1806.

The Harlequin Duck has since been included in a catalogue of
the Birds of Caithness, prepared by Mr E. S. Sinclair, surgeon,
Wick, and published in the statistical account of that parish by
the Rev. Charles Thomson, in March, 1841. The specimen is still
in that gentleman's private museum. More recently a single
specimen appears to have occurred in Banffshire — a circumstance
alluded to by Mr Yarrell, who remarks that he saw the bird, which
was a young one, and was killed in the autumn of 1851.* In
addition to these examples, Major W. Ross King, author of ' The
Sportsman and Naturalist in Canada,' mentions in his beautiful
work that he had a specimen of this rare duck which had been
killed in Aberdeenshire ; and on communicating with that
gentleman I have been obligingly informed that the bird was a male
in very fine plumage, and was shot in 1858. It was apparently a
solitary specimen. Messrs Baikie and Heddle, in their catalogue
of Orkney Birds, allude to a young female bird of this species
which was shot in their district by Mr Simmons, and sent by that
gentleman to Mr Sowerby.

The male Harlequin, from the singularity of its markings, is an
unmistakable bird; but the female, especially in its immature
plumage, is apt to be confounded with the female of the long-tailed
duck, and no doubt has occasionally been mistaken for it. As,
however, the species breeds in Greenland, and likewise in Iceland,
it is somewhat surprising that it does not oftener occur on our
shores, especially as it frequents deep water, and is frequently
seen at considerable distances from laud.

* Since this was written, Mr Elwes has informed me that it has been now
ascertained beyond a doubt that Mr Yarrell had, in this instance, mistaken a
female long-tailed duck for the harlequin.

THE GOLDEN-EYE. 395

THE GOLDEN-EYE.
FULIGULA CLANGULA.

THE handsome and conspicuous Golden-eye is commonly distributed
over the whole of western Scotland, being a regular winter visitant
to all the sea lochs of the mainland from Wigtownshire to Cape
Wrath, and also the sounds and lakes of both groups of islands.
Most of the specimens obtained are females and young birds, very
few adult males being seen in their company on their arrival. In
severe winters, as the season advances, they ascend our rivers and
take up their quarters in quiet places where they find plenty of
feeding consisting of fresh water shells, small Crustacea, and larvae
of insects. I have seen them on the river Cart, near Paisley, in
the beginning of April. Being a day-feeder and a splendid diver,
the Golden eye often assembles in large flocks out at sea over some
favourite bank of sand or mud, where they remain from morning
until .nightfall, after which they usually betake themselves, with a
rapid and vigorous flight, to moorland lochs, or follow the course
of the larger rivers till they meet with a safe refuge. On the east
coast, near Dunbar, I have seen hundreds of males mingling with
other ducks, such as dun birds, tufted and common scaups, and
presenting a very showy appearance outside the line of shore waves
as they floated lightly on the water. At other times, on a clear
breezy day, with just enough of wind to ruffle the blue sea, I have
seen large flocks of these bachelor Golden-eyes by themselves, and
looking as if ranged in a line when a broad-backed wave lifted
them into full view as I stood upon the beach. I have sometimes
sailed down upon such assemblies : at first the ducks sat high on
the water, looking really handsome when at their ease, but as the
boat sailed nearer they commenced sinking their bodies and finally
dived, reappearing at a distance, and then rising almost in a body.
Mr Harvie Brown informs me that he finds the Golden-eye to be
common on the Forth at Grangemouth, and also on the Carron, in
all stages of plumage, and of both sexes.

The Golden-eye probably breeds occasionally in Sutherlandshire,
as specimens have been seen and obtained in that county as late
as the end of May. Mr A. G. More has stated in the ' Ibis ' for
1865 that a pair of Golden-eyes bred in the hollow of an old larch
tree at Loch Assynt. The nest, with the young birds, was found

396 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

by a shepherd. Macgillivray states that he has seen pairs on fresh
water lochs in Harris in the beginning of May, and stray specimens
sometimes linger in Benbecula and North Uist till about the same
time.

This duck, in some districts of Scandinavia and elsewhere, in-
variably breeds in holes of trees, and has probably done so since it
became a duck. Persistence in this habit does not appear to have
altered its aquatic tastes, for although the nests are often placed
at a distance of twelve or fifteen feet from the ground the young
ones are no sooner hatched than they are carried to the nearest
water — parent and offspring rejoicing alike, no doubt, that they
were free to descend from their exalted station. Most persons,
indeed, would think them right in leaving the perch above and
turning their thoughts to the perch below.

For many years I have carefully watched for the appearance
of an allied species — Clangula islandica, (Grmel.) — in the Outer
Hebrides, but without success. It may probably yet reach our
shores in some winters, especially during the prevalence of north-
westerly gales, and collectors would do well to turn their atten-
tion to the subject.

BUFFEL-HEADED DUCK.

FULIGULA ALBEOLA.

THE late Mr Yarrell in his 'History of British Birds' mentions
that Mr Mummery, curator of the Museum of Natural History
at Margate, sent him word of a specimen of this duck having been
obtained in Orkney by himself in 1841. I had long looked
upon this record as the only instance of the bird's occurrence
north of the Tweed, until Mr Angus showed me a beautiful male
which was shot on the Loch of Loriston, Aberdeenshire, in
January, 1865. A few days later, Mr Edwards of Banff showed
me a specimen — also a male — which had been shot many years
ago in the Loch of Strathbeg, and placed in the Banff Museum
by the late Mr Smith, minister of Monquhitter. This hand-
some little duck, which is called in some parts of America
the Spirit Duck and Conjuror, from the quickness of its move-
ments when diving, is very shy in its habits and difficult to
procure : it may therefore be much more common in our rivers,

THE SMEW. 397

lakes, and estuaries than has been hitherto supposed, and may
have escaped detection by its dexterity in avoiding danger.

Wilson states that this bird is usually known by the name
of the Butter Box, or Butter Ball, from the fat condition in
which it is often found. The following is his description of the
plumage of both sexes : — " The male BufFel-headed Duck, or
rather, as it has originally been called, the Buffalo-headed Duck,
from the disproportionate size of its head, is fourteen inches long
and twenty-three inches in extent ; the bill is short, and of a light
blue or leaden colour; the plumage of the head and half of the
neck is thick, long, and velvety, projecting greatly over the lower
part of the neck; this plumage on the forehead and nape is rich
glossy green, changing into a shining purple on the crown and
sides of the neck; from, the eyes backward passes a broad band
of pure white; iris of the eye, dart; back, wings, and part of
the scapulars, black; rest of the scapulars, lateral band along the
wing, and whole breast, snowy white ; belly, vent, and tail coverts,
dusky white ; tail, pointed, and of a hoary colour.

The female is considerably less than the male, and entirely
destitute of the tumid plumage of the head; the head, neck, and
upper parts of the body, and wings, are sooty black, darkest on
the crown; side of the head marked with a small oblong spot of
white ; bill, dusky ; lower part of the neck, ash, tipt with white ;
belly, dull white; vent, cinereous; outer edges of six of the
secondaries and their incumbent coverts, white, except the tips
of the latter, which are black; legs and feet a livid blue; tail,
hoary brown; length of the intestines three feet six inches;
stomach filled with small shell-fish.

THE SMEW.

MERGUS ALBELLUS.

THE Smew is a winter straggler to western Scotland, and is found
only at irregular intervals. It has been shot repeatedly on Loch
Lomond, and Mr Elwes informs me that in Islay it is a very rare
winter visitor. In the southern counties it has occurred in Kirk-
cudbrightshire, Dumfriesshire, and Wigtownshire. A male was
killed on Castle Kennedy Loch, near Stranraer, in March, 1855,
as I have been informed by the Rev. G. Wilson, Glenluce. It may

398 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

be remarked that in every case the specimens were procured either
on rivers or fresh water lochs.

The most recently killed examples of this handsome species
which I have examined were obtained in the winter of 1868; one,
a female, on Loch Lomond, on 10th January; the other, a fine
male, in Islay, in February last.

On the east of Scotland the Smew has been much oftener
observed, and has been met with more frequently, perhaps, in East
Lothian than in other counties. Nearly all the specimens I have
seen or heard of as visitants to that district have been shot in the
Tyne estuary, where many years ago I first had an opportunity of
examining a newly-killed specimen: it fell to the gun of my
lamented friend the late John Nelson, Esq., whose interesting
collection contained many valuable specimens of East Lothian
birds. In connection with the same locality, the Earl of Hadding-
ton has obligingly sent me the following note: — " A very perfect
male was shot by me on the Tyne at Tyninghame in January,
1861; it is now in my own collection. Another specimen was
shot on the Tyne by Mr Hope in February, 1865; and I saw a
female about the same time which had been shot on the shore
near Tyninghame."

So far as my own observations lead me to judge, this bird
is partial to estuaries where it feeds, like the Mergansers, on
marine worms. Dr Dewar informs me that during the Crimean
war he observed very large flocks of Smews frequenting the
shores of the Black Sea. At Varna they came in great
numbers to a marsh close to the walls of the town, and he
remarked that very few males were to be seen, the females being
in the proportion of twenty to one. It was supposed they fed
upon leeches which swarmed in the marsh. In Messrs Baikie
and Heddle's work, a manuscript note by one of the authors states
that the Smew breeds in Orkney, but no particulars are given.

THE HOODED MERGANSER.
MERGUS CUCULLATUS.

I INSERT this species on the authority of the late Mr Sinclair's
catalogue of the Birds of Caithness, originally published in the
statistical account of the parish of Wick in 1841, and afterwards

HOODED MERGANSER. 399

reprinted with remarks by Mr Shearer and the late Mr H.
Osborne, in the proceedings of the Royal Physical Society of
Edinburgh. The specimen obtained is still in the collection, which
I believe has not yet been dispersed. Mr Shearer, in his joint
contribution, which was read at a meeting held on 22d January,
1862, merely observes, in connection with the species, that it is
"very rare."*

In the Ibis for 1867 (vol. iii., N. S., p. 239) the editor, Professor
Newton, in noticing a little work entitled " Sporting Days/' by
John Colquhoun, states that he had been informed by the author
that he had seen three Hooded Mergansers in the Firth of Forth
on the 5th May, 1853. On referring to the book itself, I find that
Mr Colquhoun, after telling of his triumph in having secured four
Eider ducks, gives the following particulars: — "Could I have
foreseen that ere the day closed another of these much admired
Eiders would have deprived me of a shot at the rarest sea bird I
ever detected in the Firth, I might not ha^ve regarded them so
complacently. Having landed to search one of the homeward
islands, a male Eider was asleep on a promontory which flanked a
tiny bay. A ledge of rocks parallel to both made the stalk after
fowl, either in this creek or on the promontory, very easy.
Neglecting (contrary to my wont) to examine the bay, I gave my
whole notice to the unsuspecting drake, struck him badly at the
sitting shot, and brought him down dead with the other. Before
I could rise from my hiding, three little sea-fowl swam rapidly
into view from the bay. They never saw me, and seeming more
surprised than frightened, never attempted to fly. The leader had
a hood like a hoopoe, and in the centre of the hood a white star,
the Hooded Merganser! It was a tempting and mortifying
moment to watch the little trio, within such fair distance at
first, quickly paddle out of reach long before I was "shotted/'
Leaving the Eider where he fell, we were soon in full chase;
but the American strangers had, on second thoughts, betaken
themselves to their wings when I ran to warn the men to
bring the boat, and I have never fallen in with this rare
mergus before or since. When we returned to pick up the
dead drake, the fishermen, far from sympathising with my
chagrin at losing such a prize, were firmly convinced that the

* Proc. Royal Phys. Soc. of Ed., vol. ii., 1863, p. 340.

400 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

Eider ought to be ample consolation, and was by far the most
valuable "fule" of the two."*

THE RED-BREASTED MERGANSER.

MERGUS SERRATOR.

Siolta-dhearg.

ALTHOUGH in the summer season this beautiful bird is shy and
unobtrusive, it is well known as a native of nearly all the lakes of
any importance north of Loch Lomond. It is likewise numerously
distributed throughout the Long island, where it appears to be
permanently resident, breeding in South Uist, North Uist,
Benbecula, the islands in the Sound of Harris, and Lewis. Within
the circle of the Inner islands it is found breeding on rocky islets
off Skye, Islay, Jura, Colonsay, and Tyree. I have seen large
companies about the close of autumn swimming in the salt-water
creeks which intersect the eastern side of North Uist, especially
in the neighbourhood of Lochmaddy, where these creeks decoy
many an inexperienced Merganser to an early doom. In
September, 1867, while waiting there for a change of weather, in
the hope of making for Dunvegan, in Skye, I noticed that the
Mergansers were uncommonly numerous. Every day for at least a
week from forty to fifty young birds, attended by two or three
old ones, were seen regularly in these winding sea reaches; but
being at length discovered by the owner of one of the few punt
guns in the island, my observations on their habits were hastily
put an end to. I had been in the habit of concealing myself
among the rocks near one of their favourite pools, and had gone
out as usual to watch the confiding creatures fishing within a few
feet of my hiding place, when a bellowing outburst from the other
side of the creek was followed by a rush of buck shot into the
midst of the unoffending birds, and three of their number were
left floating lifeless on the water. Ah, Roderick! it was poor
consolation to hear you betray your disappointed longings when
you discovered they were but " them fishy sawbills; " and as their
sad requiem rolled mournfully along the sides of Ben Eval, I could
almost have wished that shot to be your last.

* ' Sporting Days,' by J. Colquhoun, 1866.

RED -BREASTED MERGANSER. 401

The nest of this species, which I have often had an opportunity
of examining, is generally placed among heath on unfrequented
islands. It is like that of an Eider duck, but not so much
flattened, being tidier and more compact. The materials are
straws, dried moss, and bits of heather, and the whole lined
with a profusion of feathers. I have repeatedly seen the nest on
the island of Inchmoin, in Loch Lomond, which is frequented by
a large colony of the lesser black-backed gull, and about a dozen
pairs of the great black-backed gull, who appear to be somewhat
dangerous neighbours. In the breeding season of 1864, I put a
female off her nest on that island, and left it untouched after
having carefully noted the structure and its contents in my pocket
journal. About an hour afterwards, on passing the place, I
observed one of the larger gulls had discovered the treasure, and
was in the act of breaking the last of the ten eggs which it
contained.

On the east coast I have never discovered any breeding place.
I have frequently shot the bird on the rocky parts of Dunbar
shore, in East Lothian, chiefly at the mouth of some fresh water
stream, while feeding on nereids and other sea worms, which had
been dislodged by the fresh-water, and were rolling seawards with
the current. On one occasion I watched eight Mergansers diving
repeatedly at this place about daybreak. From their eagerness in
remaining over the same spot, I knew they were finding plenty to
satisfy their hunger, and though not in want of a specimen, I
selected a male, and shot him as he emerged from below, within
range of my hiding place. Finding the stomach full of small
black eels, I went back to the burn mouth next morning, and on
carefully tracing the rivulet landwards, I at length discovered a
swarm of eels on the march. Their progress had been arrested
by a barrier of stonework across the stream, over which the rivulet
poured in noisy volume, and effectually prevented them reaching
the pond on the other side of the wall by swimming. Tiie little
creatures, however, had instinctively quitted the water, and were
at the moment I saw them wriggling their way up the sides of the
stonework in thousands, and clinging to the damp moss, which
seemed a great help to them in their efforts to get over the barrier.
Many hundreds were already at the top and finding their way to
the pond through the grass — avoiding the short rush of water
between the reservoir and the fall.

2A

402 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

Dr Macgillivray states (B.B., vol. v., p. 220) that very con-
siderable differences as to size occur in both sexes. I have seven
specimens, all killed in winter, from the Outer Hebrides and the
mainland of Argyll, now on the table before me, but can discern
no appreciable difference either in size or coloration; nor do any
of my notes on the bird found in other parts of Scotland furnish a
corroboration of that author's statement. I have specimens in
breeding plumage from the counties of Perth, Sutherland, and
Ross, and have at various times carefully examined others taken
in September and October in the eastern counties ranging from
Berwick to Caithness, and all may be said to show an unusual
uniformity with respect to colour and measurements.

Writing from the west of Argyllshire, Mr Graham says: — " The
Red-breasted Merganser is the more abundant of the two species,
being in fact our common goosander. A very pretty sight they
make in some rock-embosomed creek a party of some half-dozen,
including one splendid male. At one time they float upon their
own reflections imaged in the dark-blue water; then, as if by word
of command, they all leap down together into the depths below.
After a minute's interval, up they pop to the surface, emerging witli
great buoyancy. They are now a little scattered, so they converge
upon their gallant admiral, whose bright parti-coloured plumage
is further set off by the rich soft shades of chesnut which forms
their own colouring. They advance with great swiftness through
the water, without any visible effort or motion of any part of the
body. The long slender neck is kept erect and motionless, except
to turn the head and long coral bill gracefully round as the bird
looks about, suspicious of lurking danger."

As young males resemble the female bird in plumage, the sex
can always be readily ascertained without dissection by passing
the fingers along the windpipe. That of the male has an enlarge-
ment at the end where it enters the body, while the trachea of
the female is of a uniform thickness throughout its entire
length.

THE GOOSANDER. 403

THE GOOSANDER.

MERGUS MERGANSER.
Siolta bheag.

As a winter visitant, this handsome species occurs in the western
counties in even greater numbers than the merganser. It is very
common in Renfrewshire, frequenting the river Cart and other
sluggish streams, and is at no time difficult to procure. I have
examined a number of beautiful male and female birds obtained
in that county, and in Argyllshire, in the winter of 1869-70. As
many as ten or twelve are sometimes seen together on streams
within a few miles of Glasgow. In some of our west coast lochs,
as well as those in one or two districts of Perthshire, it lingers till
the month of April, but then disappears. Dr Dewar found the
Goosander breeding in North Uist in 1858, and shot a female off
the nest. One of the eggs taken at that time is in my possession :
it is larger than a merganser's egg, cream-coloured, slightly darker
in shade, and easily recognised when placed in a group of eggs
belonging to the common species. In 1862, I had four or five of
these eggs from South Uist, but on these I cannot place implicit
reliance, as the bird was not obtained. The fact, however, of the
Goosander having bred in North Uist can scarcely be called in
question: there were at least two separate stations for it; one near
Lochmaddy, the other on the north-west side of the island, where
both the Goosander and Merganser are well known. I visited
both localities in 1867, and was informed by Mr John M'Donald
that he had taken notice of the two species since Dr Dewar's visit.
It may be here stated that Pennant, in his Tour in Scotland,
mentions having seen a Goosander in the hands of Dr Walker of
Moffat (afterwards Professor of Natural History in Edinburgh
University), which had been obtained during the summer in
the western islands. As additional testimony to the fact of the
Goosander remaining with us during the summer, I have much
pleasure in inserting here the following note from Mr Graham's
correspondence. Writing from lona, he says: — "The Goosander
is very plentiful along our shores, I may say all the year round, for
though I have never found it actually breeding, it cannot be very
far off, as the young broods make their appearance at a very early
age, diving and fishing as actively as the old birds. Goosanders

404 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

are not difficult to shoot, as they can be stalked when diving
near the land, where they come in very close, sometimes to catch
small flounders and other little fish. One I shot had just bolted a
mussel, shell and all unbroken. Their flesh is not fit to eat, so we
only killed them when wanting specimens."

Since the above was written, I think it right to state that Mr
Elwes, who traversed the greater part of the Outer Hebrides in
the summer of 1868, has informed me that he could find no trace
whatever of the G-oosander in North Uist, nor indeed in any of
the other islands, and has expressed his opinion that both Dr
Dewar and Mr M'Donald have been labouring under a mistake in
supposing they had seen either the bird or its nest.* While,
however, I am quite aware of the painstaking nature of the search
made by Mr Elwes, I do not look upon his want of success as
setting aside the statements and observations of other naturalists.
The late Professor Macgillivray has stated in his work on British
Birds that he several times met with Goosanders on the lakes of
the Long island in summer; and that his son, Mr John Macgil-
livray, " found it pretty common, breeding by the larger lakes and
occasionally by the sea, as near Lochmaddy, in North Uist."f

Like the cormorant, this bird is very destructive to fish in
rivers and in fresh-water lakes. Macgillivray mentions that
eighteen trout were found in the gullet of one killed on the Tweed
in 1838.

It is only within the last twenty years that the American form
of this species has been held to be distinct from that found in
Europe, and the following remarks from Professor Baird on this
subject may suggest the propriety of a closer scrutiny of specimens

* A still later testimony his come to me through Captain Feilden and Mr
,T. A. Harvie Brown, who traversed a considerable portion of the Long island
in the summer of 1870. Neither of these gentlemen could find a single trace
of the bird ; and I may add, that while in North Uist in August of the same
year, I was myself equally unfortunate. From a long experience in connection
with the Outer Hebrides, I have ascertained, however, that some birds do not
regularly visit the same spot, so that the Goosander may possibly turn up after
a time in some of the lakes that have been hitherto but little visited. Any
one who has experienced the extraordinary difficulties which beset the explorer
of these lakes, must know that a question like this requires much patient
observation.

f Dr Fleming remarks in his ' History of British Animals,' that the Goosander
breeds in the Hebrides, and Mr Selby mentions having seen two or three birds
in the Sutherlandshire lakes in June, 1834.

GREAT CRESTED GREBE. 405

found in the Outer Hebrides: — "According to Mr Cassin, the
American " sheldrake" or goosander differs from the European in
having the prolonged feathers of the head almost restricted to the
occiput and neck behind, while in the other species they begin
almost at the base of the bill, and are erectile and crest like. On
the greater wing coverts of the American bird there is always an
exposed and conspicuous bar of black, which in the European is
entirely concealed by the lesser coverts. Bonaparte says that the
bill of the American species is shorter and thicker." It may be
added that the last mentioned author in describing the bird calls
it only a variety (Mergus castor Var. Americanus), and in this
I think he is right.

NA TA TORES. COL YMBID.E.

THE GREAT CRESTED GREBE.
PODICEPS CRIST AT US.

THE Great Crested Grebe has come less frequently under my
notice in the West of Scotland than any of the other grebes. I
have, indeed, seen but one recent specimen for some years.
Mr Elwes informs me that he has observed it once or twice
on Loch Indaal, Islay. It has been more frequently obtained
on the east coast, and may be said to be a well known visitor
in the winter season to the larger estuaries. On the Forth it
has been repeatedly captured: one was taken as far inland as
Stirling. At Dunbar it has also occurred; and on the river
Tyne, near that town, specimens have been several times procured.
Some of our bird stuffers seem not to be able to distinguish between
this and the next- mentioned species. During the past winter two
or three red-necked grebes were shown to me both in Edinburgh
and Glasgow as specimens of the Great Crested Grebe: the latter,
however, may always be easily recognised by its more slender bill,
and having the base of the under mandible of a carmine colour;
in the former species the colour is yellow.

The habits of this bird are well described by Audubon in the
third volume of his ' Ornithological Biography : ' it appears to make
a much more frequent use of its wings than other grebes, and is
described as migrating in flocks of seven or eight to fifty or more,
passing swiftly in the air at about a hundred yards from the ground,

406 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

and continuing its flight at all hours of the day. In this country,
like the rest of its family, it moves about on wing chiefly during
the night.

In the first octavo edition of Pennant's ' British Zoology '
(1768), I find the following note in his description of this bird in
its winter plumage: — " This species is scarce in England, but com-
mon in the winter time in the lake of Geneva. They appear there
in flocks of ten or twelve, and are killed for the sake of their
beautiful skins. The under sides of them being dressed with the
feathers on, are made into muffets and tippets; each bird sells for
about fourteen shillings." Hence, no doubt, the name satin grebe
and tippet grebe applied to this bird.

Selby states that the Crested Grebe breeds " on a few of the
northern Scottish lakes," but gives no locality, and subsequent
observers do not appear to have been able to confirm the statement.
It breeds in some numbers on Lough Neagh in Ireland, as recorded
by the late Mr Thompson in his birds of that country. Bearing
this fact in mind, it is somewhat singular that the species does not
occur more frequently in the Inner Hebrides or the western
mainland of Scotland.

THE RED-NECKED GREBE.
PODICEPS RUBRICOLL1S.

ALTHOUGH occasionally shot in the western counties in full summer
plumage, the Red-necked Grebe does not breed in any part of
Scotland; it leaves us in April, returning in autumn, and is
sparingly distributed in the winter season. So far as I can
judge, it is much more common in the eastern counties. In
East Lothian it is frequently obtained, and from that county
northward it cannot be called uncommon. Mr Angus states that
he shot a specimen in breeding dress on the 2d May, 1867, in
Aberdeenshire.

I find from my note books that this species is oftener obtained
in our rivers at a distance from the sea than either the great-
crested or Sclavonian grebes. Mr George Brown of Glasgow,
showed me one in the flesh which he had shot in the river
Cart, near Paisley; and I have also examined specimens killed
on the Clyde: one, in beautiful summer plumage, having

SCLAVONIAN GREBE. 407

been obtained as far inland as the neighbourhood of Lanark.
In Haddingtonshire, on the other hand, it is almost wholly
confined during the winter time to the estuary of the Tyne,
leaving it, however, in calm weather, and travelling along the
coast, coming within shooting distance of the rocks to feed. Those
I have examined at this season had the ruff and occipital tufts
well defined.

The Eed-necked Grebe is now and again obtained in the creeks
of the inner group of islands, but no specimen has ever yet reached
me from the Outer Hebrides. It appears to be not uncommon in
Orkney, as one might indeed expect, seeing that the species has
been found breeding in some numbers in countries lying to the
north-east of Scotland.

THE SCLAVONIAN GREBE.
PODICEPS CORNUTUS.

THE suggestive names of "Water Witch" and "Hell Diver"
applied to this bird in various parts of America, would lead us to
suppose that collectors have some difficulty in securing specimens
for their cabinets. Ordinarily, it must be confessed, these names
are not misapplied, and may with reason be extended to the whole
family of grebes, as it would be difficult to name a more expert
class of birds at practising self-concealment. No sooner do they
perceive that they are observed and watched, than they are
instantly out of sight, sometimes by a rat-like turn of their bodies
in the act of diving, but more frequently by a mysterious and
almost imperceptible submergence, without occasioning the slightest
ripple, or again breaking the smooth surface on which they had
previously floated.

The habits of this lively species may be best studied in spring,
just about the time when it collects in pairs before migrating. In
many of our western sea-lochs it is very conspicuous at this season;
and on calm evenings, when the water is motionless and burnished
by the slanting sunlight, delighting the eye with a series of
coloured cloud pictures as the daylight recedes, the ear at once
catches the comical call-notes of these interesting birds holding
their Punch and Judy conferences. Far off, at almost a mile's
distance, the little specks may be distinctly traced on the unruffled

408 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

loch shifting in circles and chasing each other, accompanying all
their gambols with their shrill intercourse about their future move-
ments. Writing from Ardrishaig, Mr Graham says : — " Last year I
observed this bird here in March. A considerable number
remained in the loch during the last week of the month, bad
weather having retarded their progress. Although going in small
parties, they had evidently paired, the couples keeping close
together, so close indeed that I got two specimens at one shot.
They were in full summer dress, and a very striking and beautiful
combination it is of buff, black, and white, the largely developed
horns of orange plumes being a very attractive feature, and adding
very much to the quaint appearance of the birds. The iris is of a
rich ruby red, with an extremely fine exterior thread of white
running round it." Sometimes their appearance in Loch Fyne is
delayed two or three weeks, according to the weather. They
remain generally until the last week of April. *

A somewhat remarkable feature in connection with this species
is given by Mr Yarrell, quoting from Mr Proctor of the Durham
Museum, namely, its habit of diving with its unfledged young ones
under its wings. " One day during iny sojourn in Iceland," says
Mr Proctor, " having observed one of these birds dive from its
nest, I placed myself w^ith my gun at my shoulder waiting its re-
appearance. As soon as it emerged, I fired, and killed it. and was
surprised to see two young ones, which it seems had been con-
cealed beneath the wings of the parent bird, drop upon the water.
I afterwards shot several other birds of this species, all of which
dived with their young ones under their wings. The young were
placed with their heads towards the tail and their bills resting on
the back of the parent bird."

I have had this species sent to me from North Uist by my very
obliging friend, Mr Alexander A. Carmichael, who procured it
near Lochmaddy in the month of March.

* Since this account was written, I have been informed by Dr J. A. Smith
of Edinburgh, that a pair of Sclavonian Grebes, male and female, were shot on
the loch of Killisport, Argyllshire, on 20th June, 1860, and exhibited at a
meeting of the Royal Physical Society. " From the season of the year,"
Dr Smith adds, " and from the locality to which they seemed attached, they
were considered as probably rearing a brood of young, although the species
has not yet been known to breed in Scotland."

EARED GREBE— LITTLE GREBE. 409

THE EARED GREBE.
PODICEPS A URITUS.

NOT of common occurrence in the western counties, where it is but
sparingly distributed. A very fine specimen in' full breeding
plumage, shot on Loch Sunart, and now in my own collection, was
sent in the flesh to Mr Bell, gunsmith, Glasgow, in the spring of
1866. It has likewise been found in the Outer Hebrides, a speci-
men having been sent to Mr Macgillivray from North Uist.

I have known this bird as a visitant to the shores of East
Lothian since 1846. It is a species well known to the fishermen
and shore shooters by the form of its bill, and I have several times
obtained specimens by giving directions to the gunners of that
coast to bring them for the purpose of supplying a friend's cabinet.
In the winter of 1864 I examined five specimens obtained in this
way near Dunbar.

The Eared Grebe has been shot on the Nith in Dumfriesshire;
it is also mentioned as a Mid-Lothian bird in the 'List of Animals,'
etc., given by the late Mr Patrick Neill in a life of Allan Ramsay,
with illustrations of scenery, etc., published in Edinburgh in 1808;
and in a manuscript note appended to Baikie and Heddle's work
by one of the authors, I find that a specimen was killed at Kirkwall
by Mr J. H. Baikie in October, 1852.

THE LITTLE GREBE, OR DABCHICK.

PODICEPS MINOR.
Spagaire tuinne. Goblachan uisge.

THIS curious and unobtrusive bird is permanently resident, and
very generally distributed throughout Scotland, extending also
over the whole of the Long island or Outer Hebrides. Among the
inner group of islands it is well known in Skye, Rum, Mull, Islay,
and Jura, as well as those of minor extent, embracing the islands
of Gigha, Colonsay, Tyree, Coll, and lona, etc. It is frequently
found breeding at a great elevation on our western mountains.
Mr Sinclair procured a specimen in a little loch near the summit
of Ben Eadden, one of the hills of Morvern in Argyllshire, at an
elevation of perhaps 2000 feet; and I have been informed by Mr

410 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

William Hamilton of London that his brother met with the bird
in the neighbourhood of Scuir Ouran in Inverness-shire at even
a greater height above the sea level. In the neighbourhood of
Glasgow it is found nesting in Fossil Marsh, and also at Hoggan-
field Loch. Sixteen nests were found in the first-mentioned
locality in the breeding season of 1868 — many of them by my
friends Messrs W. Lorrain and J. S. Dixon, whose persevering skill
has been the means of revealing the comparative numbers of birds
breeding in that now rapidly-decreasing marsh. A number of
eggs taken by these gentlemen is now before me: they are all
much stained, though they were quite fresh when blown — a circum-
stance arising from the bird's habit of covering its eggs with damp
weeds on leaving the nest. Out of the sixteen nests I have men-
tioned, only one was found with its contents uncovered, all the
others being heaped over with wet plants, which had apparently
been pulled out of the water by the grebes only a short time
before they were discovered.*

I have many times found the Little Grebe frequenting salt
water pools among the rocks by the sea shore. I recollect meeting
with one on the coast near Dunbar in a little sheet of water sur-
rounded by rocks which were profusely fringed with Corallina
officinalis, and seeing the bird make repeated, though ineffectual,
attempts to conceal itself in a tuft of coralline. It made no effort to
escape by flight, but seemed rather to trust to its instinctive powers
of deception. Even when fired at, instead of rising on wing, it
merely shifted from one side of the pool to the other till it became
exhausted, and could not dive with the same rapidity. In ordinary
circumstances, when fairly awakened to a sense of its danger, the
Little Grebe, like all its family relations, will defy the quickest
shot in the water.

In one or two of the outer islands, such as North Uist and
Benbecula, the Little Grebe disappears for a time in winter from
the inland lakes, and is then found in the vicinity of the islets in
the sounds which separate these islands. It is curious to speculate
on the probability of these birds remaining constantly in such
haunts as the mountain tarns on the summit of hills within the

* The plant used by these birds in nest-building, and also for covering the
eggs, in Fossil Marsh, is one which has of late years become very abundant
there, namely, Anacharis Canadensis. It is also spreading to a great extent in
some of our canals and private ponds, where it is looked upon as a nuisance.

GREAT NORTHERN DIVER. 411

natural range of the eagle and ptarmigan. The late Mr Yarrell
imagined that this grebe in particular was possessed of but limited
powers of flight, and would have no doubt been surprised to learn
that it haunted the lochans of some of our highest mountains.
Few persons have an opportunity of making constant observa-
tions at so great an altitude, and we shall probably never know
how the grebes make the ascent, if indeed they ever come down
for a change.

THE GEEAT NORTHERN DIVER.

COL YMB US GLA CIA LIS.
Bun-bhuachaill. Mur-bhuachaille.

THIS splendid diver is a very common species in the west of
Scotland, being widely distributed from the Mull of Galloway to
Cape Wrath in the north of Sutherlandshire. In the Outer
Hebrides it is also very abundant, and, as a rule, is found there at
all seasons of the year, except the month of July. Early in
summer they begin to collect round the shores of Lewis, Harris,
North Uist, Benbecula, and indeed the whole of the Long island,
where they linger until the beginning of June, some remaining
even as late as the middle of the month.* A few remain in
Benbecula all the summer; the nest, however, has never been
found. They return some time in August, and are seen in groups
of fifteen to twenty birds, swimming near the shore immediately
on their arrival. I observed a gathering of this kind on the west
side of Benbecula on the 29th of August, 1867, and was told by a
friend residing there that he had seen them fully a fortnight
before. All the birds were in brilliant summer plumage, and, as
a group, formed a spectacle which is not often looked upon by
even the most fortunate ornithologist. In many of the Sounds
and salt-water reaches of the inner islands, similar companies have
been observed at the beginning of the season. Dr Scouler has
informed me, that in the course of a yachting cruise among these
islands, he has seen from fifty to sixty Great Northern Divers, all
in groups of six or eight birds, preparing to quit the coasts for

* I have in my collection a beautiful male in full breeding plumage, which
was shot near Nunton, on the west side of Benbecula, on 24th June, 1866.

412 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

their breeding stations. Where these may be, I am at a loss to
conjecture. The absence of the birds extends through so short an
interval as to preclude the idea of the journey being a lengthened
one. In six weeks at most many of them are back to their old
haunts, even as far south as the coasts of Ayrshire, where I have
seen adult birds in August, accompanied by their young ones
little larger than a mallard. As the species is much later in
spreading along the eastern shores of Scotland, it may be presumed
that the Great Northern Divers of the western islands are hatched
either in Iceland or the north-eastern shores of Greenland. It is
possible that Greenland birds may leave sooner than those bred in
Iceland, as on referring to Professor Newton's very interesting list
of the birds of the latter country, it will be seen that mention is
made of this Diver forming into parties on the sea in the end of
August, and remaining off that coast during the winter. Although
it has been at various times hinted that the species may have bred
in this country, positive proof is yet wanting to set the question
at rest. Mr A. G. More states (Ibis, 1865) that Mr W. Dunbar
informed him of having seen, when he was a boy, a pair of Great
Northern Divers, with one young one, in Loch Endorb(^) On
the same loch were two or three pairs of the black-throated diver,
so that the two species were easily distinguished by the great
disparity of size. Mr More likewise mentions that Dr Saxby had
procured from Yell, in Shetland, some eggs which he considered
to belong to the Great Northern Diver ; but I may here repeat
what I communicated to Mr More during the preparation of his
paper, that eggs alone can scarcely be relied upon, as I had seen
some specimens about as large as those of Colijmbus glacialis, and
very like them in shape, which had been taken from a black-
throated diver shot on the nest. Mr Harvie Brown has informed
me that he is nearly certain of having seen the Great Northern
Diver for two successive years in a loch in Sutherlandshire during
the height of the breeding season. He has described to me the
different cry and general deportment of the birds as contrasted
with those of the black-throated diver, with which he is perfectly
familiar. I have therefore a hope of yet hearing that the species
has bred in that county.

According to the Rev. J. L. Buchanan, who published a book of
travels in the Western Hebrides in 1793, this bird was then called
the Bishop Carara in the Long island. The bishop, says this

GREAT NORTHERN DIVER. 413

writer, " was never known to fly, the wings being too short to carry
a weight seldom under, but often above, sixteen pounds."* In
spite of its weight, however, the bird flies with great speed. I
have frequently seen it at the close of day rise from the extremity
of sea-lochs at a distance of many miles from the open sea, and
after getting fairly on wing, direct its flight seawards with
tremendous swiftness, as if impelled by a gale of wind. On these
occasions it follows herrings and other fishes into the lochs, which
it penetrates to their narrowest recesses until satisfied, after which
it seems to realize the danger of remaining there during the night,
and takes the safer course of returning to its ' home on the rolling
deep.' At various times I have seen Great Northern Divers caught
in salmon nets: two very fine specimens, in full breeding dress, were
captured in this way at Girvan in the second week of May,
1869. In its submarine flights, this bird is not proof against
accident from contact with the legitimate inhabitants below. * In
November, 1860, some fishermen belonging to Ackergill, while
pursuing their ordinary avocations in Sinclair Bay, Caithness, had
their attention directed to a large fish struggling on the surface of
the water at no great distance from their boat. On rowing towards
it they found to their surprise that it was a large sea-devil or
angler (Lophius piscatorius) which had closed its capacious jaws on
a Great Northern Diver, but had been unable to swallow more
than the head and neck. With its widely extended wings the
bird was frantically thrashing the water, and effectually resisting
the equally frantic efforts of the ' Devil ' to get him under the
surface. By the use of a boat-hook, the " whole affair," as one of
the fishermen described it, was hauled in triumph over the
gunwale, and the bird, which was still alive, at once released.
The probability is that the Diver, in descending to the floor of
the sea in quest of Crustacea and other marine animals on which
it feeds, had accidentally thrust its head into the open jaws of the
fish, which, as is well known, conceals itself at the bottom by
stirring up the mud and sand with its abdominal fins, and keeps
its huge mouth prepared to receive any inquiring fishes that may
happen to swim to the spot to find out the cause of the disturbance.

* The largest and heaviest Great Northern Diver I have seen was killed in
Stornoway Bay, island of Lewis, in the spring of 1866. It weighed twelve
pounds, and another killed at the same time and place, which I also saw,
weighed eleven pounds and a-half.

414 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

THE BLACK-THROATED DIVER.

COLYMBUS ARCTICUS.
Learga.

WHEN seen decked in its beautiful summer plumage, it may fairly
be questioned if there is a finer or more striking bird in the entire
range of British ornithology than the Black-throated Diver. There
is something in its appearance which at once captivates the most
careless, and when caught alive by the fishermen, who sometimes
find a stray specimen on their lines, and in salmon or herring
nets, it is taken home in triumph as an object of beauty, and care-
fully bargained into the hands of the nearest collector. Many
times I have seen these lovely captives carried about for disposal
at fishing towns on both the eastern and western coasts of Scot-
land. They seem to come shorewards in May, and remain a short
distance from land, travelling northwards, especially on the west
coast, until they slip off unperceived about the same time as their
ally the great northern diver. A number of pairs take up their
summer quarters on various lochs on the mainland, in Argyllshire,
Perthshire, Inverness-shire, Ross-shire, and Sutherlandshire ; and
on almost every loch in the Outer Hebrides there are to be found
one or two pairs breeding. In Lewis they may be seen on Loch
Langhabat, and similar sheets of water, and in North Uist I know
of at least five different lakes where they breed. Benbecula can
likewise boast of several breeding stations. I have seen both old
and young birds there in September. The spots selected for nidifi-
cation on these solitary patches of water are generally small rocky
islets, and occasionally a spit of land or stony promontory stretching
some distance into the lake. There is no nest — the eggs being
merely placed on the ground, and near the water, often not
eighteen or twenty inches from it. When the young are hatched,
the parent birds lead them away almost directly, especially if in
the slightest way molested, and throughout the entire breeding
season, indeed, this species is remarkably shy. Sometimes, by
close and careful watching, and keeping strictly concealed, one
may get near enough to distinguish a family group as they are
fishing together on the lakes about sunset. I have myself managed
to come upon them unperceived when so engaged, and a more
beautiful group of birds could not be imagined. Immediately on

BLACK -THROATED DIVER. 415

being noticed, however, their bodies were lowered, and their heads
turned to the other side of the lake; then their swimming powers
were seen to great advantage as they hastened out of danger. In
dry seasons, especially, their extraordinary cry frequently startles
the lonely traveller as he passes their haunts, making the still
waters resound with strange echoes from their rocky embankments.
The natives of Benbecula and North Uist compare it to " Deocli!
deoch! deoch! tha'n loch a traoghadh" which may be interpreted by
the words, "Drink! drink! drink! the lake is nearly dried up."

Apart from these Hebridean summer haunts of the Black-
throated Diver, the most interesting breeding places are unques-
tionably the lochs of Sutherland shire, where Sir William Jardine
and the late Mr Selby discovered the nest in 1834. Mr Selby's
notes having been communicated to Mr Yarrell, and published in
that author's ' History of British Birds,' it is unnecessary to repeat
them here; but as allusion is made to Mr James Wilson's discovery
of a nest and two young ones on Loch Craggie, near Lairg, the
following particulars by that pleasing writer, which I have not
seen quoted in any ornithological work, may not be unacceptable
to general readers: — "The Black- throated Diver (Colymbusarcticus)
is a bird of large size and singular beauty. It almost invariably
builds on the small low islands of inland lakes, preferring those
with flat or somewhat open shores to such as are precipitous or
rock-bound. The first time we ever encountered the species in its
natural state was while examining the shores of Loch Craggie, a
famous angling loch of Mr Matheson's of Lewis, lying in the up-
land north-east of Ben Doula, near Lairg. A small stony point
(an island when the waters are full), not unadorned by tufts of
grass and rushes projected from the lower end of the loch ; and
seeing the parent birds swimming somewhat anxiously near it,
and not, as usual, seeking to escape by diving, we made our
enquiring way by wading across the water, and soon discovered
two little cowering existences covered with black down. They
lay in a shallow trampled hollow which seemed to serve as, though
it could scarcely be called, a nest. We took them up, treating
them very tenderly, and then placed them close to the water's edge,
where they waddled a little for the first time in their lives, and then
striking out with both feet and winglets, were instantly joined by
their parents, who met them more than half way — the whole
forming a family group of great beauty.

416 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

" Next morning, having occasion to angle in the loch, we paid it
another visit, accompanied by two ornithological friends, who
alas ! in addition to their rods, were each armed with an unfailing
fowling piece; but being ourselves in a minority, there was no
help for it. We approached the ' beaked promontory,' and soon
saw the fair creatures, full of parental fondness, also bearing
gallantly towards it, uttering a warning cry. They were met by
their sooty little offspring, who seemed to have improved upon
the lesson in swimming which we had given them the preceding
day, and then wheeling round with many serpent-like motions
of the head and neck, were making rapid way into the deeper
portion of the loch, when a couple of almost simultaneous shots
laid both parents, and a single young one, dead upon the waves.
The wind soon drifted them within our reach. The other young
one could be nowhere seen. When the lifeless bodies, ' beautiful
exceedingly/ were laid upon the bank, we (the angling minority)
could not help thinking mournfully of the many lustrous days and
peaceful nights during which they had fearlessly breasted those
wild waters, or reposed along their barren shores in undisturbed
tranquillity. How many calm sunsets had gilded that sedgy home
— how many bright moonlights had thrown a cloudless radiance
over the mirror of that lonely lake — and how often the summits
of Ben Doula had reddened as if rejoicing in the morning rays,
since the 'unoffending creatures' had first looked upon these
waters as their own ! But as Mr St. John averred of the osprey,
' their skins were wanted ;' and such ornithologists as Sir William
Jardine and Mr Selby were made of sterner stuff than to bewail
their own success."*

Mr Harvie Brown, who has paid regular visits to Sutherlandshire
for some years, informs me that a number of pairs still breed on
the lochs of that county, and that one pair at least is now known
to breed on the loch near Pitlochry, in Perthshire. The same
gentleman found two pairs in 1870 on Loch Howna, at the base of
Unavall, in North Uist, one of which had a young one hatched as
early as the 14th of May. The following notes, written by Mr
Elwes, relate chiefly to his experience in the Outer Hebrides, and
are corroborative of what has been observed by Mr Harvie Brown
and myself in the same district and elsewhere: — "The Black-
throated Diver sometimes lays its eggs as early as May 9th, though
* N.B. Review, Vol. XI., No. XXI.

RED -THROATED DTVER. 417

I have found them fresh six weeks later; and if the first pair are
taken, it always lays again in the vicinity of the first nest. I have
even heard of a fifth egg having been laid after the second pair were
taken. They are not found on the small lochs to which the red-
throated diver retires to lay, but on large pieces of water containing
several islands. In one of these islands where the shore is soft
and shelving, the bird creeps up about a yard from the water and
lays two eggs on a bare round spot as large as a dinner plate,
sometimes placing a few bits of grass or rush round them, and
always making a visible track to the water by the pressure of her
breast. When disturbed by the approach of any one, she dives
quietly off the eggs and comes up at a little distance, but is very
unwilling to leave the place altogether. They are found in
scattered pairs nearly all over the West Highlands, though I do
not think they breed in Skye, Mull, or Islay. In winter they are
not often seen, and are difficult to distinguish from the great
northern diver."

Dr Dewar, who has also had considerable experience in
observing the habits of this bird, found several nests in the island
of North Uist in the breeding season of 1858, and has also
obtained both birds and eggs from one or two stations in
Argyllshire.

THE RED-THROATED DIVER.

CO L YMB US SEPTENTR ION A LIS.

THE Red-throated Diver is a very common bird in the West of
Scotland, and is found at all seasons of the year. It breeds in
some numbers on many of the islands in fresh -water lakes, and is
permanently resident throughout the Hebrides, where I have had
frequent opportunities of studying its habits. The nest, if nest it
can be called, is like that of its congener the black-throated diver
placed very near the water, so as to allow the sitting bird to
make its escape readily in case of danger. I have never seen more
than two eggs in a nest, which is one short of the number usually
laid by the same species in North America. According to
Audubon, three eggs are as often found in a nest as two. It
sometimes happens with us, however, that the rearing of a pair in
safety is even more than the old birds are able to accomplish. On

2B

418 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

two occasions at least I have noticed them with only a single young
one — the other having probably, in spite of their assiduous care,
fallen a victim to some passing raven or peregrine. On these
Hebridean lakes the Red-throated Diver is extremely suspicious
and vigilant, never allowing a very near approach unless the eggs
have been for some time sat upon, when the female, and even
the male, who is her constant attendant, remains at hand, swimming
anxiously within gunshot, and betraying the utmost concern for the
safety of their treasure. Should the eggs be taken, the poor
creatures seem to feel the deprivation with unusual keenness, and
give expression to their grief — for sorrow I really believe it to be
— in loud lamentations. These cries are so full of melancholy
meaning, when heard echoing in the midst of the rock-bound lakes
of that barren district, that few persons hearing them once would
ever desire their repetition. Many of the natives, indeed, would
never think of robbing the birds on that account alone. I once
asked a man living near their haunts on Loch-an-Astrom to get
me the contents of a nest on the point of a small islet where I had
watched the birds for some days, " Ah, maister," said he, " I
could soon do that, but / dorft like to hear the birds cry." When I
afterwards saw the proud parents giving their two little black
downy things their first swimming lesson at early dawn, I could
not help thinking that the loch looked much fairer on account
of their presence, and that it would have been almost a shame
to have invested such a scene with the story of even a bird's
despairing cries.

Among rustic people, the ordinary note of the Red-throated Diver
is said to portend rain; in some districts, indeed, the bird is known
by the name of rain goose. I have oftener than once had an oppor-
tunity of hearing the birds calling at nightfall in the Outer
Hebrides. On the 1st of August, 1870, 1 witnessed a curious scene
at Lochmaddy, in the island of North Uist, about nine o'clock in
the evening. The air was remarkably still and sultry, and frequent
peals of thunder in the distance were the only sounds that for a
time broke upon the irksome quiet that otherwise prevailed. At
length the thunder, on becoming louder, seemed to waken up the
Divers on various lochs within sight of where I stood, and first one
pair, then another, rose high into the air, and flew round in circles,
until there must have been twenty or thirty in all. After a time,
they settled in one of the salt creeks about half a mile to the east-

RED -THROATED DIVER. 419

ward, and then there arose a wild and unearthly noise from the
birds, which I cannot describe. It is, in fact, a sound which no
one can ever forget after once hearing it, especially in these
Hebridean solitudes, where it acquires its full emphasis. Next
morning, about four o'clock, while bowling along towards the
Sound of Benbecula in the face of a rain-cloud such as I wish
never to see again, several of the birds passed us overhead at a con-
siderable height, uttering the same cries, which might be likened
to a person in despair making a last shout for help when no help
is near. Once or twice we pulled up and listened to the dis-
tressing sounds, but at last, with an impatient lunge of the whip,
Allen could stand it no longer. " Let's oot o' this, sir," he said;
" I don't like it at all, and 'deed I wonder hoo ye can pit up wi'
them brutes, when there are so mony bonnie jukes where we're
going to." So when the next Diver rose and wheeled eastwards
with the customary wail of anguish, Allen, whose face was now
tears all over with the wild blast of rain, seemed more deeply con-
vinced than before that the " nasty wretches," as he called them,
were the sole cause of it all.

In the winter season, the Red-throated Diver loses every vestige
of the rich cochineal patch on the throat and neck, and is then a
less attractive " loon," frequenting sandy bays by the sea shore,
and occasionally appearing inland at some distance from the coast.
I have seen specimens taken in fresh water ponds within two
miles of Glasgow. In the southern counties, where there are no
breeding places, single birds are sometimes met with in full nuptial
plumage. A beautiful specimen was shot off the pier at Troon, in
Ayrshire, in May, 1870, and sent to Mr Eaton, bird stuff er,
Kilmarnock, for preservation. On the east coast, the Red-
throated Diver is a common species in winter, frequenting friths
and estuaries, and feeding on young herrings and sand eels, in
pursuit of which, over the sandbanks, it often conies very near
the shore. I have on many occasions, during my early experiences,
lain in wait for it behind various boulders on the sea shore at
Dunbar, in East Lothian, and been rewarded by the acquisition of
specimens. These were chiefly young birds of the year, which
appear to be much more common than adult birds, especially at
the close of the breeding season, when the broods, perhaps through
dislike of a northern climate, shift rapidly southwards.

420 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

NATATORES. ALCAD^E.

THE COMMON GUILLEMOT.

URIA TROILE.

Gearadh-breac. Eun-dubh-a'-Chrullain. Langaidh.
Eun an t' a Sgadan.

THIS Guillemot, as the last of its Gaelic names implies, is the
" Herring-bird " of the Hebrides, and is the most abundant of the
Alcadce to be found in the West of Scotland. Immense numbers
of Guillemots frequent the coasts of the mainland, as well as the
inner and outer group of islands, and wherever suitable cliffs
occur, they take up their quarters during summer, forming
colonies numbering, in some particular places, two or three hundred
thousand birds. In the vicinity of these breeding haunts they
literally blacken the surface of the sea, creating a sight interesting
alike to the bird student and ordinary tourist.

On Ailsa Craig these birds breed on the narrow ledges of rock,
and occupy the entire face of the highest precipices — presenting,
when viewed from the sear a very remarkable and orderly appear-
ance. They make no nests, but lay their single egg upon the bare
ledge, which is seldom more than six inches in breadth, so that
each bird is obliged to sit erect while incubating. I have fre-
quently climbed to a height of four or five hundred feet to see the
most thickly-populated breeding-place; and having hurled down
a few stones to frighten the birds, have seen them all take wing,
leaving a most extraordinary collection of eggs behind them. The
Guillemot's egg, which is very large, and of a handsome shape, is
extremely variable in colour, and is found of all shades, from a
pure white to a deep green — many being spotted with fantastic
characters, and intricate lines, which baffle description or por-
traiture; the sight of so many, therefore, lying exposed on the bare
rock, is one of no common interest. On such occasions many
hundreds — I may almost say thousands — may be seen, all nearly
touching one another; and when the birds afterwards come
pouring in towards the ledges, each flying directly to its own egg,
the infinite variety of colouring, or private marks, so to speak, may
be looked upon as an all-wise arrangement for keeping up the
harmony of the settlement.

COMMON GUILLEMOT. 421

I recollect climbing with a friend one evening in June to the
top of the cliffs to take some notes of the birds generally, and
approaching the perpendicular walls of basaltic rock facing the
south, on which the Guillemots, razor-bills, solan geese, and
kittiwakes were sitting in congregations which could scarcely be
over-estimated. There was a party shooting from a boat close to
the base of the Craig, and I noticed that the birds on the upper
shelves, when disturbed by successive shots, resembled a heavy
fall of large snow-flakes, the lower stratum of kittiwakes appearing
from above as a flickering shower of white particles. Having
crept cautiously to the verge of the precipice, and thrust my chin
over the edge of a pillar — my heels being meanwhile held by my
companion behind — I had a satisfactory view. Looking down
about four hundred and fifty feet, I saw that the gulls and other birds
floating on wing near the water had no particular form, on account
of the distance; but there could be no doubt as to the specific
identity of the black imps just under my face. These were young
Guillemots and razor-bills — the old birds being beside them,
anxiously poking out their necks, and looking upwards with an
eye of fear that fairly put me out of countenance. It was evident
from their expression that they divined nothing good from my
head being between them and the sky, and their mingled look of
terror and perplexity, on seeing the apparition, conveyed to me
anything but a compliment. Under the perch of these odoriferous
" children of the mist " other families came in view, lower and
still lower, their untidy habits being modified by distance, till the
eye lost sight of the species, and sea-fowl in general became
responsible for the smell and uproar.

While on the rock, I learned from the keeper, whose accuracy
of observation I have never had any reason to doubt, that when
the young Guillemots are half-fledged, he has seen the parent
birds daily taking them down on their backs to the sea, and
unceremoniously pitching them off when within a few feet of the
Welter. He has also observed them seize their young ones by the
hind neck, as a cat would do its kittens, and, after a moment's
hesitation, launch from their high perches, and descend with an
unsteady flutter till they could drop them with safety. At this
season I have seen — as no doubt every other visitor to Ailsa must
have observed — great numbers of down-covered Guillemots swim-
ming in the sea, and plaintively calling during the submergence of

422 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

the old birds on their behalf. From their tender age, it was evident
that they could not have got down from their perches without
having been carried; and it appears strange that the habit of
lifting their young ones should prevail among this kind of sea-fowl.
It is just possible that the labour of carrying their food nearly five
hundred feet into the air is too great ; or perhaps the employment
of carrying fish at all may be distasteful to a bird of high descent.

Towards the end of autumn, or beginning of winter, large flocks
of Guillemots betake themselves to salt water lochs, and occa-
sionally to fresh water lakes a little way inland. They have been
seen in mid-winter on Loch Leven in the east, and several places
of a like nature in the west; but their stay appears to be entirely
influenced by the weather.

At Barra, in the Outer Hebrides, where there is an extensive
nursery of these birds, great numbers died on the ledges in the
breeding season of 1867, as I have been informed by Mr Alexander
A. Carmichael, Lochmaddy. Incubation had been delayed till the
middle of August, on account of the severity of the weather, which
seems to have caused the mortality. In more favourable situa-
tions, the young birds had, by that time, all left their perches.

Albinoes sometimes occur on the west coast. The last variety
of this kind that came under my observation was shot in the Firth
of Clyde, near Kothesay, and is now in the collection of Dr Dewar
of Glasgow.

BRUNNICH'S GUILLEMOT.

URIA BRUNNICHIL

THOUGH this species has been said to be a native of St. Kilda, I
can find no reliable information on the subject of its breeding
there. None of my correspondents who have visited St. Kilda
appear to have recognised the bird at all. It is, therefore, ex-
tremely doubtful if it can be regarded in any other light than as a
very rare straggler in any part of Scotland. The late Mr Wilson
of Woodville, in his ' Voyage,' mentions having seen a specimen
in the collection of Mr E. S. Sinclair of Wick: it had been shot
in Caithness, and was preserved by Mr Sinclair, who was unable
to name the species (although its peculiarities were observed) until
Mr Wilson identified it. In Macgillivray's work on ' British

BRUNNICH'S GUILLEMOT. 423

Birds ' it is stated that Sir J. C. Eoss found the species at Unst,
in Shetland, as well as " in several parts of Scotland," but no other
localities are given. Mr Macgillivray likewise states that he found
a specimen among some skins from Orkney belonging to Mr
Wilson, janitor of the Edinburgh University. Mr A. G-. More
mentions (Ibis, 1865) that a specimen was obtained by the late Sir
William Milner in Sutherlandshire; and Messrs Baikie and Heddle
state that it has occurred once or twice in Orkney.

I have a specimen of this bird now before me, which was pre-
served by a bird stuffer at Hamilton, and said to have been obtained
on the west coast of Scotland, and from the smooth appearance of
the webs of the toes, I should imagine it must have been set up
when in a fresh state, relaxed skins being readily distinguished by
the shrunk appearance of the membranes.

The following curious circumstance in connection with the
breeding quarters of this guillemot, is narrated in ' Nature ' for
April 27, 1871: — "The western gull (Larus ocddentalis) is very
abundant on the whole coast of California, especially on the
Farrallone islands, where it is a serious hindrance to the men em-
ployed in collecting the eggs of the murre (Una BrunnicMi) which
breeds there in countless numbers. The traffic in their eggs be-
tween these islands and San Francisco alone reaches annually the
sum of between one and two thousand dollars. The egg-hunters
meet at one o'clock every day during the season (from May to July)
with the exception of Sundays and Thursdays, and at a given
signal, so that each may have an equal chance in gathering the
spoil, start off for the most productive egging grounds. The gulls
understanding, it would seem, what is to occur, hover overhead,
awaiting the advance of the men, who rush eagerly into the
rookeries. The affrighted murres have scarcely risen from their
nests, before the gull, with remarkable instinct, flying but a few
paces ahead of the hunter, alights on the ground, tapping such
eggs as the short time will allow before the egger comes up with
him. The broken eggs are passed by the men, who remove only
those which are sound. The gull, then returning to the field of
its exploits, procures a plentiful supply of its favourite food. Dr
Heermann says that he once saw three gulls scientifically approach
a single murre sitting on her egg. Two of them feigning an attack
in front, the murre raised herself to repel them; instantly the
third, advancing from the rear, seized her solitary egg from be-

424 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

neath her, and flew off with the booty, the two first immediately
following to claim their share. The egg was dropped and broken
on the rocks, when a general scramble ensued between the three
robbers for the valued prize/'

This bird is the Una (Cepphus) arm of Pallas (Zoog. Rosso-
Asiat, ii., 1811), and is said by Mr Cassintobe "the most frequent
species of this group on the coast of the middle and northern states
on the Atlantic, occurring nearly every winter as far south as the
coast of New Jersey."

THE RINGED GUILLEMOT.
URIA LAC RY MANS.

ALTHOUGH the Bridled Guillemot, as this bird has also been called,
is very abundant in some districts of the West of Scotland, while
it is of rare occurrence on the east coasts, and may be said therefore
to have a special geographical range, it is, I think, extremely
doubtful if it can lay claim to specific distinction. Selected
specimens might, no doubt, be evidenced as possessing a shade of
colouring and slenderness of bill slightly different from charac-
teristic examples of the common guillemot; yet, after carefully
examining a very large series of ringed or bridled birds, I can
perceive no distinction in any one specimen entitling it to rank as
a separate species. Some of the common guillemots have the rich
brown upper plumage, while many of the bridled birds have the
same parts of the precise hue which is said to prevail with the
common one, thus reversing the supposed distinctions of colour.
The same may be said of the differences in the size and shape of
the bill — the one bird having as stout or as slender a bill as the
other. Sir William Jardine is inclined to think that this Guillemot
is one of those closely allied species which we so frequently meet with
in particular genera, and appears to found his opinion on the bird
having a weaker and more slender bill than the common guillemot,
the dark olive brown of the head and neck being intermediate in
shade between that of the common and Brunnich's, and the eye
being surrounded with a ring of white, which is prolonged in a
narrow line below the separation of the auriculars. The colour of
plumage, and the dimensions of the bill, are, as we have seen,
characters which become blended in the two birds, so that the mere

RINGED GUILLEMOT. 425

possession of a white ring round the eye, and extending backwards
over the ear, is all that would seem to distinguish the one from
the other. Mr Cassin, in Professor Baird's work on the Birds of
North America, says, that the white line is not always present,*
although in the specific characters which he defines, this feature is
referred to as a ready means of distinguishing it from the common
species. In the same work Una troile is catalogued on the
assumption that it must have occurred in the northern regions of
that continent, though Mr Cassin admits that he had never seen
an American specimen. The Kinged Guillemot, on the other
hand, is described as " one of the most common birds of the higher
northern latitudes on both sides of the continent," and this leads
to the conclusion that North America is the head-quarters from
which it has gradually spread eastwards to the British islands.
On the western coasts of Scotland it occurs in all localities fre-
quented by the common guillemot. In my own collection I have
several specimens from Ailsa Craig, Loch Sunart, and various
places on the Firth of Clyde. It has been procured as far up the
Firth as Greenock — a specimen having been shot there in April,
1861. Mr John Gilmour of Glasgow informs me that on 10th
April, 1868, he shot three guillemots when boating in Kilbrannan
Sound, two of which were ringed birds. These, although in
winter plumage, show the white line round the eye very distinctly.
It is only of late years that the variety has been recognised by the
fowlers at Ailsa and elsewhere. "Weeping guillemot," "silver-eyed
scout," and "bridled marrot," are instances of local distinction
among the fishermen, but these names have evidently been acquired
through intercourse with collectors.

On Ailsa Craig specimens occur every year, and during the time
the tacksman and his assistants were in the habit of snaring the
sea fowl previous to the passing of the Sea Birds Preservation
Bill, they took on an average three specimens in a week. I have
seen two and even three taken in one day, and on the occasion of
my last visit to the rock in company with Mr Anderson, I counted
over one thousand five hundred dead guillemots, and found only
two bridled birds in that number. One of the men, however,

* The exact words are : — " The white line behind the eye frequently wanting,
and different in length in specimens" — a description which shows that even
the character on which the name is founded wavers and disappears. If Mr
Cassin really examined specimens without this white line, it seems strange that
he should say that he never saw an American specimen of Uria troile.

426 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

informed us that he had that morning found another in the nets,
but having tethered it to a stone until his work was finished, he
could not again find it. From repeated observation on Ailsa Craig
T have computed that not more than one ringed bird in five
hundred of the common ones can be recorded from that locality.
From Mr Harvie Brown's journals, I learn that on the island of
Handa, on the west of Sutherlandshire, the proportion is one in a
hundred. Again, at Barra Head, I have been assured by the
lighthouse keeper, the number may be reckoned at one in fifty ;
but Mr Elwes, who spent four days there in the summer of 1868,
and was at some pains to ascertain the exact proportion, states
that he counted the guillemots as they flew past the cliff on which
he sat, and found one in ten or twelve. A later and more pains-
taking investigation has been made both at Barra and on the
comparatively little known and seldom visited Stack of Lianamull,
off the island of Mingalay, by Captain Feilden and Mr Harvie
Brown, whose full and most interesting journals have been
obligingly placed at my service, and I have the pleasure of
inserting here the following result of their observations: — " On
Barra we came to the conclusion, after the most careful scrutiny,
that the proportion of bridled birds is one in five. We examined
seven ledges on Barra and one in Mingalay, and after we had both
in turn counted and recounted, the particulars now furnished may
be accepted as accurate notes taken on the spot: —

1st Ledge — 28 birds in all, of which five were bridled; two bridled
birds were paired, and were trimming each other's
feathers; and another pair, a male of the common
guillemot and a female ringed bird, were observed
in copula.

2d „ 29 birds, of which five again were bridled.

3d „ 12 birds, of which three were bridled.

4th „ 16 birds, of .which four were bridled.

5th „ 10 birds, of which only one was bridled.

6th „ 21 birds, of which four were bridled.

7th ,, 4 birds, of which two were bridled; of these two we

obtained the eggs identified.

8th „ 4 birds, of which one was bridled, and we again ob-

tained the egg (this ledge was on Mingalay).

Total, 124 birds, of which twenty-five were bridled.

BLACK GUILLEMOT. 427

"We saw other two bridled birds rise from their eggs and adjust
them with their bills and thighs. Like the others, they are
ordinarily marked eggs, and quite as much blotched as streaked.
We examined many other ledges, and in nearly every case found
the average to agree with the details given. We may add that
the weather was calm and oppressively hot, and consequently we
had no opportunity of counting the birds as they flew past, which
can only be done during wind or a prevailing mist."

THE BLACK GUILLEMOT.

URIA GRYLLE.

Caileag.

THE Black Guillemot, which is permanently resident, may be
called a common species on the whole of the western coasts,
including both groups of islands. In the outer chain, or Long
island, the breeding places are not so numerous as those occurring
on the same extent of 'coast line on the mainland. It is found
nesting on Berneray (Barra Head) and Mingalay, and also on
various rocky islets northwards of these localities as far as the
extremity of Lewis. There are breeding places on the Shiant
isles in the Minch, Ascrib islands in Loch Snizort in the north of
Skye, and similar groups of rocks on the western coast of that
island; in the islands of Canna, Rum, and Eigg; in Coll, Tyree,
the Treshinish islands, lona, Staifa, and Mull; at Lanaig in Islay,
and finally on Arran, south of which I have not been able satis-
factorily to trace any breeding place. On the mainland it has been
found nesting in a number of places ranging from the island of
Gigha, off the coast of Cantyre, to Handa, on the west coast of
Sutherlandshire. On 31st May, 1869, Mr Harvie Brown took
nine nests of the Black Guillemot on Meal Mhor rocks, at the
entrance to Kyle Sku ; each bird was sitting on two eggs, which is
the usual number, though it is stated by Audubon that many of
the nests which he found during his researches in America con-
tained three. That writer, indeed, has ventured the statement
(Orn. Biog., vol. iii., p. 149) that "our species," as he calls the
bird, always deposits three eggs. " No true student of nature,"
he continues, " ought ever to be satisfied without personal obser-
vation when it can be obtained. It is the ' American woodsman '

428 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

that tells you so ; and to satisfy yourself (good reader) as to the
correctness of the statements which he here lays before you, go to
the desolate shores of Labrador."*

The same author, in referring to the bare spots on the lower
parts of the sitting birds, remarks, that in the specimens which he
caught he found the feathers and down plucked off quite across
the breast so as to admit of the three eggs being covered. Mr
Thompson, in his 'Birds of Ireland/ speaks of a correspondent
having captured a male bird with two bare patches, one for each
of the eggs on which it sat. Out of four birds taken off their
nests in Sutherlandshire by Mr Harvie Brown, three were also
males: one of these, kindly sent me for examination, is much
spotted in the white on the belly and vent. None of the four
appeared to have more than one bare spot on the under parts.

I have seen flocks of this bird in full summer plumage off the
west coast of Inverness-shire, especially in Loch-na-nuagh and Loch
Aylort, where considerable numbers appear to breed on the rocky
islets which abound in that district. I have also observed parties
of three and four birds flying about in the north Minch about the
same time. A few pairs are seen in the Firth of Clyde, and occa-
sionally a stray bird is detected in the vicinity of Ailsa Craig. I
have hitherto failed, however, to ascertain that it breeds there.
Frequently I have observed a pair or two in the height of the
breeding season as far south as Luce Bay, in Wigtownshire, when
cruising in the neighbourhood of the Scaur rocks, where it probably
breeds. Limited numbers have also been noticed by myself and
Mr Anderson near the mouth of Loch Ryan, in the same county.

The favourite food of this beautiful little bird consists of fishes,
generally the fry of the coal-fish and the herring, and small shells
and Crustacea. In procuring these, it has often to encounter
heavy shore waves — its principal haunts being in the neighbour-
hood of rocky islets, among which the sea boils in broken masses.
The bird shows great activity in diving, and rides buoyantly on
the surface even in the severest storms. It flies with rapid strokes
of the wing, and in mounting higher to avoid the crest of a wave,
it may be seen to alter its position by inclining sideways. A good

* The inimitable wag " Artemus Ward " was in the habit of saying, when
commencing his lecture in the Egyptian Hall some years ago, " If you should
be dissatisfied with anything here, I will admit you all free in New Zealand, if
you will come to me therefor the orders''1

BLACK GUILLEMOT. 429

figure of this guillemot on wing will be found on plate 14 of vol. iv.
of Sir William Jardine's 'British Birds,' — a great contrast to the
figure on the plate immediately preceding it, which is that of a
common guillemot flying as languidly as a gorged sea-gull. The
breeding places are always situated in rocky crevices, and the eggs
are frequently laid on what I have supposed to be rough shingle
thrown into these cracks by heavy winter seas. I have never found
more than two eggs in a nest, and the young ones appear to remain
in the fissure until fully fledged, as I have never seen them on the
water in the downy state, like the young of the common
guillemot. After leaving the nest, indeed, the old ones appear
to leave them to forage for themselves.

The following notes on the habits of the Black Guillemot as
observed at lona and Mull, have been sent to me by Mr Graham: —
" Though the common guillemot rears but one young one and this
bird rears three, yet it is infinitely less numerous, nor is it a
gregarious bird, though to a certain extent it is migratory. It is
usually found solitary, or swimming in pairs, on the wildest and
most rocky parts of our coast, utterly regardless of the dreadful
surf tumbling in white cascades off the jagged rocks when the
heavy swell of ocean heaves downwards. The Black Guillemot is
a very pretty and interesting little bird, quite tame, allowing a
close approach by boat. Its plumage undergoes an extraordinary
seasonal change, so that in spring and autumn two birds will not
be found exactly alike, its colours ranging through every shade of
grey, from white speckled piebald to jet black with a shining green
lustre. In its nearly pure winter dress the name of Black Guillemot
is an evident misnomer, and that of doveky or Greenland dove is
much more applicable. It is remarkable that at such seasons birds
should be found both in complete summer and perfect winter
plumage. I should imagine that the former had been wintering
in the south and had never assumed the winter garb. In intensely
severe weather in the depth of winter the whitest specimens are to
be procured.* The Black Guillemot breeds on all the smaller un-
inhabited islands, in holes under the rocks very little above the
water mark, whence I have often extracted the little black downy
young ones, and have reared them on small fry, for which they are

* In the first volume of the 'American Naturalist' (p. 53), Mr G. A.
Boardman records having found specimens of this guillemot in full black
plumage all the winter on the coast of Maine.

430 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

very clamorous, uttering a querulous impatient cry, unlike the
adults, which are mute. When fledged, the young are dingy black
above and dirty white underneath; the white speculum on the
wing is clouded with black specks; and the legs, which in the old
birds are a vivid coral red, are a dull reddish brown."

The following incidents in the life of a pet tyste", detailed as the
"sorrows of an ornithologist," are taken from achapter in Mr Wilson's
voyage round the coasts of Scotland and the isles — a book which,
though now out of print, is well worthy of a place on a naturalist's
book-shelves: — "We might here [Quendal Bay, Shetland] have ob-
tained an addition to our live stock in the shape of a tame cormorant
which we found perched contentedly upon the roof of a fisher's hut.
But our heart was too full from the recent loss of an ornithological
pet of great promise to admit of our running the risk of a second
sorrow. We may now mention that while at Lerwick we took on
board a live specimen of the tyste", or Black Guillemot (Una grylle).
AS it could not feed itself, we kept it at first in a fishing basket,
and several times a day pushed various small pieces of fresh fish
down its little throat. It soon came to comprehend what we were
doing, and as speedily began to do something for itself — that is, so
soon as it found a morsel between its mandibles, it no longer re-
quired a ramrod, but gobbled it down like a voluntary. Thus
matters throve for several days, and when we put him one fine
morning into a basket-ful of sea-water, he dived, and splashed, and
swam, and filled the air around with sparkling gems, and when
taken from his translucent bath, he preened, and dried, and be-
ducked himself, and became a beautiful bird to look upon. Ere
long, he ate out of any one's hand, or dabbled up portions of juicy
herring when thrown towards him on the deck. He never became
a very alert walker, and this was characteristic of his kind, but he
would get upon a good man's knee and stretch himself up upon his
hind legs, and flap his little wings, like a penguin, and was the
friend and favourite of all the human race. When he desired to
leave his basket, he would raise himself upon his hinder end till
he was almost as tall as a little spruce tree, and then he would
waddle on to the palm of a person's hand, and sit there flapping
his wings as if he was flying at the rate of fifty miles an hour, and
then he would rest himself on his abdomen, and shut one eye and
wink with the other at the sun, and anon rouse himself to eat a
hearty dinner, and finally retire to his fishing basket to be out of

LITTLE AUK. 431

harm's way for the night. But the cabin boy said from the beginning
that ' he was too good to live/ and we felt it so ourselves. As
he lived happy, he died lamented. On opening the basket one
morning to give him his usual meal, he was found lying much in
his usual attitude upon his breast — but dead. So when we were
offered the cormorant of Quendal Bay, a large magnificent bird,
with dark, yet lustrous plumage, who would almost have swallowed
a fishwoman, haddocks and creel together, we remembered the
premature fate of the tyste, and forbore."

THE LITTLE AUK.

MERGULUS MELANOLEUCOS.

THIS interesting little bird is of irregular and uncertain occurrence
only in the West of Scotland. So far as I can learn, not more than
three or four specimens have, at any time, been met with in the
Outer Hebrides. Mr M 'Donald procured two in North Uist in the
winter of 1868-69. They were both found dead on the beach, having
been cast up by the waves during a storm from the west, but were
quite fresh, showing they had been in life a few hours previously.
Similar waifs have been picked up at other places in rough weather;
and many living, though exhausted little Auks, have been scattered
broadcast over the western mainland in the same accidental way.
Thus in the winters of 1866-67 and 68, several were captured
near Oban, and southwards, as far as the Firth of Clyde, other
examples were obtained. The species has also been shot at
Millport, in the Isle of Cumbrae, and on the banks of Loch Fyne,
as I have been informed by Mr William Hamilton, Jun. Specimens
of the bird have even been found as far inland as Kilmarnock, in
Ayrshire, on the west coast, and in the heart of Lauderdale on
the east.

It is not a little singular that in migrating southwards this
species should keep almost entirely to the east coast. In East
Lothian, where for many years I had ample opportunities of
watching its appearance, it is observed regularly every winter;
coming near the shore, however, only in stormy weather. Some
of my earliest records of the Little Auk, written as far back as
1846, notify sudden and unusual nights of the bird landwards, and
the capture of numerous specimens almost daily so long as the

432 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

storm lasted. I recollect getting as many as thirty or forty Little
Auks in one week; they were nearly all captured alive, but in an
exhausted state, many of them being found in fields and ditches
several miles inland. The idea of these birds having come to
Britain from Arctic seas within a few hours is hardly tenable ; and
I venture to suggest that it is a mistake to suppose that the simul-
taneous occurrence of birds and storms can at all be closely
associated — I mean so far as regards the migration of any species
out of its ordinary flight. The Little Auk, which is looked upon
as an uncommon bird, is a good illustration of this, being often
literally blown on shore in great numbers in a violent gale of not
more than a day's duration. On these occasions, its sudden
appearance can only be accounted for on the supposition of its
being a regular winter migrant to the shores of Scotland, and the
experience of the last twenty years has fully confirmed this
impression. Coming in annual flocks of many hundreds, these
birds keep well off the land — probably from twenty to thirty miles
— and, of course, when a gale blows persistently for twelve or
fourteen hours, it obliges them to rise on wing, when they get
bewildered, flying, however, before the wind, until they are driven,
it may be, a mile or two over field and forest half stupid with
fatigue.

Many of the seafaring people, living on the shores of East
Lothian and Fifeshire, are quite familiar with this little bird,
meeting with it almost daily when out at sea. They call it the
rotchie, or sea dove, and are always able to acquaint local collectors
of its appearance. Acting on their information, I have myself
repeatedly obtained specimens by inducing a boat's crew to take a
gun out with them, with which they could procure winter visitors
in calm weather; and it frequently happened that throughout an
entire season not a single specimen was seen near the shore, all
those obtained having been shot far out at sea. The appearance
of the Little Auk in moderate weather within a reasonable distance
of the shore, is, in fact, unusual, and for that reason the bird has
been reckoned among the rarer species, while in reality it is as
common as the guillemot or razor-bill. Joined to these flocks
there are sometimes numerous parties of young puffins — birds of
the first year — who share a like fate with the rotches when a
sudden storm from the east drives them out of their reckoning.

Similar observations confirmatory of these views have reached

THE PUFFIN. 433

me through various correspondents. Writing from Brigus, New-
foundland, on 8th November, 1869, my friend, Dr William
Anderson, says : — " Our harbour, and, in fact, the whole bay, were
visited by a great number of Little Auks last week. Men went
out in boats shooting them for three successive days, and I think
some thousands were killed. Some might have been shot on the
water from the balcony of my house. They were thought to indicate
rough weather out at sea, and the specimens I handled were in
poor condition."

In Macgillivray's British Birds it is stated that the Little Auk
breeds at St. Abb's Head, but I have never seen the species there,
although I have undertaken several journeys expressly for the pur-
pose of looking for it. I have, however, seen at least two specimens
in the month of June on the Bass Rock, where they were probably
breeding. Mr Macgillivray himself observed two on the same
rock,* so that it is likely a few pairs may remain with us
during the nesting season. As collateral evidence on this point,
it may be mentioned that Pennant, in his 'Tour in Scotland,'
records having seen the species on the Fame islands on 15th July,
1769; and also that the late Mr Thompson, in his ' Birds of
Ireland,' narrates that "on 19th May, 1849, Mr Darragh, of the
Belfast Museum, saw four Little Auks on Ailsa Craig : one of them
remained on the water at the base of the Craig until approached
by the boat within about eighty yards, when it flew off in the
direction which its three companions had taken a minute before."

THE PUFFIN.

FRATERCULA ARCTIC A.
Fachach. Seumas ruadh. (Barra.)

THIS very interesting bird is perhaps the most abundant species
of sea-fowl to be met with in the West of Scotland, some of the
breeding-places being literally over-stocked with it. Its haunts
are numerously distributed from Barra Head to the Butt of Lewis
on the one hand, and from Cape Wrath to the Scaur Rocks, in the
Bay of Luce, on the other. Westwards of the Long island, it is

* < Manual of British Ornithology,' Part II., Water Birds, p. 215.
2C

4-34 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

found on the Flannan isles, the Haskeir Rocks, and St. Kilda, the
last mentioned locality being frequented by countless numbers
during the height of the breeding season. In the Minch, the
chief breeding-place is on the Shiant isles, and considerable num-
bers also incubate on the Ascrib islands and other rocky islets off
the coast of Skye. Another important station is at the Mull of
Oe, in Islay, but, in point of interest, it falls greatly short of Ailsa
Craig, which may be said to rank next to Mingalay, Berneray,
(Barra Head), and St. Kilda, as a crowded bird-hive. The most
favourable time for seeing the greatest numbers on the rock is
when the young have left their burrows and joined the flights of
old birds which then congregate on the upper slopes, about the
end of July. I have on various occasions seen flights of Puffins
that out-numbered all calculation. Some years ago, I went to the
cliffs alone, one evening about sunset, and saw, as I believed, the
entire bird population at one view. All the Puffins, young and
old, were fast coming in from fishing, and taking up their position
on the broken masses of rock and the surrounding patches of
grass, within a hundred feet of the summit. Waiting until the
last flock arrived, I had time to notice that the whole extent of
available perching ground within view was occupied, and that the
birds were so closely packed that it would have been almost im-
possible to insert one's hand anywhere amongst them. On rising
from my place of concealment, and running towards them, the
entire mass of birds at once got on wing and flew seawards, re-
turning in a few minutes and surrounding me completely, without
the slightest regard for the presence of an enemy. For a time
their numbers seemed so great as to cause a bewildering darkness,
and as they approached near enough to be touched by an out-
stretched arm, I was not sorry when they came to their senses,
and began to settle on the ground. I could scarcely have believed,
indeed, in the existence of so many Puffins in any locality so
near the mainland.

In the Firth of Clyde, and indeed in many parts of the West
of Scotland, the Puffin arrives in February. It is sometimes
seen in the vicinity of Ailsa Craig as early as the last week
of January.* Its appearance on the rock itself is very regular,

* On the east coast of Scotland, especially in the Firth of Forth, the Puffin
is never absent — the place of the local birds, which go southward, being sup-
plied by flocks from more northern localities.

THE PUFFIN. 435*

and the same may be said of its time of 'leaving. Its favourite
abode there is a mass of fallen rocks, lying at the base of
the cliffs, on the south-west side of the island. These rough
and angular blocks, which are being constantly added to by
masses falling from the upper ridges, form a highly curious
nursery, and one may imagine the singular spectacle afforded by
a legion of Puffins pouring out of their holes when a few tons of
trap happen to fall upon their territories. On the upper slopes
of the Craig very large numbers are also found breeding in bur-
rows of their own making, which resemble rabbit-holes. From
these strongholds it is almost impossible to dislodge them, except
by a dog trained for the work. On one occasion, many years ago,
I accompanied the keeper, who owned a dog of this kind, to a
Puffin warren, near the summit of the island, and I was greatly
diverted at seeing the little fellow, after having pushed his way
along the dark passages, shuffle out of a burrow with half a dozen
Puffins dangling from various parts of his body. Like a bull-dog,
an angry Puffin never thinks of quitting its hold — a habit which
makes the shaggy coat of a Sky e- terrier extremely serviceable as a
bait. The single egg laid by the bird is generally placed at the
farthest extremity of the passage, so that it is difficult to extract
it. I have often taken the eggs by the help of a crooked stick,
and not unfrequently I have drawn out the bird itself by the same
instrument, when it happened to be seized hold of by the vicious
little occupant. When newly laid the egg is pure white, and marked
with faint ashy spots, but after a time it becomes very much soiled
by the sitting bird, and before the young one is hatched the
shell has become as dark as the brown earth can make it. The
young Puffin remains in the burrow for some weeks, during which
time it is plentifully supplied by both parents with sprats and
sand-eels. I have seen old birds knocked down in the vicinity of
the breeding holes while carrying each as many as eleven small
fishes, all held by the head, with the bodies dangling free, five
being ranged on one side of the bill and six on the other. It
seems a mystery how these birds can catch so many such slippery
creatures consecutively without mutilating any other part but the
head, or how they manage to hold fast the fish first caught without
risk of losing it when the bill is opened to secure the second ; yet
no one who knows the habits of the Puffin can fail to see the
necessity for such an arrangement, when he considers the distances

436 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

to which it travels in search of food — twenty and even thirty miles
being a common journey.

Vast numbers of Puffins were killed on Ailsa Craig previous to
the passing of the Sea Birds Preservation Act. The tacksman
and his assistants captured the birds chiefly with nets, which they
spread at nightfall over the rocks under which the poor creatures
were sitting on their eggs or beside their callow young. In the
morning, about an hour after sunrise, the men returned for their
spoil ; and, after twisting the necks of the fluttering captives, threw
the bodies into the sea, where they were picked up by one of the
fowlers who attended in a boat for the purpose. Several hun-
dreds have been taken in this manner in one day. I have, on
more than one occasion, counted from four to five hundred broken-
necked Puffins laid out in rows in the hut, waiting removal to the
mainland. Towards the close of the season, when the birds had
assembled near the summit of the rock, in the manner I have
already described, one of the more expert fowlers took his
stand in a convenient place, with a pole for striking the birds as
they flew past, and, by a dexterous use of this weapon, would
sometimes kill upwards of a hundred before quitting the spot.
David Bodan, who was tacksman of Ailsa Craig in 1826, under-
took for a wager to kill eighty dozen Puffins with a pole in one
day, and actually accomplished the feat. This fact was well
known at the time, and was lately communicated to me by Mr
Anderson of Girvan, to whom Bodan frequently spoke of the
circumstance.* Considerable differences are observable in the

* This extraordinary feat admits of easy explanation when it is borne in mind
that Bodan was a very powerful man. Two very good stories are told of him,
shewing his great strength and self-determination: — On one occasion, during a
smuggling raid on the coast between Ayr and Dunure, he was beset by six
armed men of the coast-guard, and called upon to surrender. Bodan, however,
put his back to a rock, and, taking his assailants one by one as they approached,
forcibly seized their guns, hurled the men back, and, after breaking the weapons
across his knee, threw the fragments down the cliffs. At another time, during

his tenure of the Craig, Lord went there for a few days' shooting at the

goats, which abound on the island. On his return with Bodan and his two
favourite dogs, one of the animals was, for some slight offence, unmercifully
struck on the head with the butt-end of a gun by his lordship— an act of cruelty
which Bodan instantly resented by seizing his companion by the neck of his
coat and the loose part of his nether garments and sousing him over the boat's
side into the sea. A second dip was threatened unless an apology were imme-
diately tendered, but there was no occasion to put the threat in force

THE PUFFIN. 437

size of the bill of this species — the depth varying from one inch
to one inch and a half. In July, 1867, four specimens were
examined on Ailsa Craig by Mr Anderson and myself,
which at first sight resembled a nearly allied species —
Fratercula gladalis (Leach.) The bills of these birds at once
arrested our attention on account of their superior strength and
size, as we glanced over the rows of dead Puffins lying in the hut.
Some of the fowlers believed them to be males, and seemed
anxious to impress upon us the fact that as only four were found
in five hundred that had been taken in the nets, the female must
alone undertake the duties of incubation. Differences in the
birds themselves have been observed elsewhere. In a very
interesting paper by Mr Elwes, published in the Ibis for 1869,
mention is made of considerable variation in the size of the Puffins
seen by that gentleman at Barra Head, and of one of the largest
having a bill greatly beyond the average size. There can be no
doubt that these large billed British examples are merely varieties,
as they fail to stand comparison with specimens of the true Fratercula
gladalis from Spitzbergen, which appears to be the head-quarters
of that species. A very beautiful figure of the bird, by Mr Wolf,
is given in the Ibis for 1865, to illustrate an excellent paper on
the birds of Spitzbergen, by Professor Newton of Cambridge.

The following quotation from a History of St. Kilda, published
in 1764 by the Rev. Kenneth Macaulay, minister of Ardna-
murchan, would seem to point to a second species being a native
of that island in his day: — "The Bougir of Hirta is by some called
the Coulterneb, and by others the Puffin. This is a very fine
sprightly bird in size, much like a pigeon; it seems to be conscious
of its own beauty, cocking its head very smartly, and assuming
great airs of majesty. Its colour is black on the outer parts, and
about the breast red and white ; the legs are red, and the beak
fashioned like a coulter, edged above and most charmingly
painted with red and yellow. Incredible flights of these Puffins
flutter during the whole summer season round about St. Kilda
and the two isles pertaining to it. Sometimes they cover whole
plots of ground, and sometimes, while on wing, involve everything
below them in darkness, like a small cloud of locusts in another
country. There are two species of them, the one larger and the
other smaller, with some other marks of diversity scarce worthy
of being pointed out. Their feathers are the softest produced

438 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

here. Their eggs are white, and of much the same bigness with
those of a hen. The people of this isle live mostly all the summer
on the two kinds of this fowl, together with eggs of various sorts;
and I shall make no difficulty of affirming that the place could
easily aiford enough of these different articles to support two
thousand persons more during that season."

Young birds with half-formed bills are frequently cast on shore
on the east coast of Scotland during winter storms. These are
probably migrants from higher latitudes, as they are always
associated with little auks, which suffer a like fate.

THE RAZORBILL.

ALCA TORDA.
Coltraiche. Dui' Eunach.

THE Razorbill is a much less common species than the puffin or
the guillemot at all the breeding-stations in the West of Scotland.
Barra Head and Ailsa Craig may be regarded as its chief haunts,
though it is found in limited numbers at the Mull of Oe, in Islay,
and other places of minor extent, both in the Outer Hebrides and
on the western mainland. In its habits it resembles the guille-
mot, and arrives at the breeding ledges about the same time, tak-
ing up its position in small companies, which are arranged in
orderly rows, from almost the base of the cliffs to the summit. I
have observed a number of pairs incubating beside the kittiwakes,
on the rocky platforms and crevices near the base of Ailsa Craig,
and almost within arm's-length of the rough pathway which ex-
tends about a third of the distance round that island.* Here it
often may be seen dozing, and waiting an opportunity of attack-
ing the puffin and the guillemot as they come in from the sea

* Audubon mentions having found hundreds breeding in a rocky fissure on
a rugged island in the G-ulf of St. Laurence, and also states that he found
several birds sitting upon two eggs, a circumstance which he turns to account
by saying that the Razorbill lays one or two eggs, according to the nature of
the place. In this fissure, however, which he describes as being "about two
feet in height, and thirty or forty yards in depth," and thus forming a kind
of trap for the poor birds, when he and his boat's crew entered it, the Razor-
bills were found to be closely packed together, so that it is possible that the
birds which were sitting upon two eggs had more than their own share.

THE RAZORBILL. 439

with a supply of fishes for their young. I have seen several at a
time sallying from the ledges and buffeting these birds until they
dropped the fish, which were afterwards picked up by the aggressor,
as they momentarily floated on the surface. On one occasion, a
friend, in cruising past the Craig, saw a Eazorbill and puffin
strike each other dead, by coming into sudden and forcible col-
lision, the one bird while hurrying towards the rock and the other
in launching from it; a calamity which, as his skipper declared,
might have been averted, had they taken the precaution to "port
their helms"

The egg of this bird is subject to wonderful variety, both in size
and colour, some being very light, and besprinkled with small
spots, while others are darkly clouded with mahogany-coloured
blotches, which give the egg a very peculiar appearance. A series
of fifty, now before me, shows these varieties in a very marked
degree; of twenty from Barra, taken in 1869, only three have
the usual ground colour, the others being curiously marked
with irregular blotches, so thickly distributed over the surface as
to present a uniform hue; other thirty from Ailsa Craig, taken in
1870, are uniformly small, one or two being little over half the
size of those from Barra, and every specimen is light in colour
and minutely spotted. I am inclined to think that these smaller
and lighter coloured eggs are of a second laying, though it would
entail patient observation on the spot to satisfy one's self of the
correctness of this surmise. The same rule as to size would not
apply to the eggs of the common guillemot, many of the smaller
specimens being of a very deep green, while some of the largest
eggs are cream-coloured and spotted with light brown.

At the close of the breeding season, which is usually the last
week in July, the Razorbill assembles in large flocks off shore, in
the vicinity of the rock stations, where it appears to feed chiefly
upon sand-eels. When these become scarce, the birds disperse
along the coasts, and, sometimes in favourable seasons, are known
to congregate in large companies, and remain for some time over
the sandbanks at a considerable distance from land. I have, on
various occasions, seen such companies, when every bird was
distinctly visible on the smooth sea, and on rowing towards the
place, could always judge of the duration of the assembly by the
quantity of feathers floating about. At this season, also, the
Razorbill may be distinguished on calm days flying in small

440 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

parties, in single file, close to the surface of the water — a habit
which I have not been able to trace in the common guillemot,
which, at a little distance, this bird so much resembles in
flight. The two species do not mix together while fishing out at
sea, though they appear to prey upon the same kinds of fish.
Numbers of Razorbills are often captured in the nets of the
Girvan fishermen, when these happen to be set near the Craig;
but I have never seen guillemots captured in this way.

I may here refer to a very extraordinary mortality which
occurred among the sea-fowl of the Firth of Clyde in September,
1859, and which at the time attracted considerable attention from
local naturalists. The principal victims to this epidemic, if such
it may be called, were the puffin, guillemot, razorbill, and com-
mon gull (Larus canus). The Razorbill perished in extraordinary
numbers, being found in the proportion of ten to one of the
other species. From information communicated to the Natural
History Society of Glasgow by one or two of the members, it
would appear that the mortality had set in about the time of the
birds leaving Ailsa Craig and the breeding places off the coast of
Ireland, and that during the few intervening weeks they had
probably, from a diminution or entire absence of their usual food,
fallen into a low condition favourable to the development of
disease to which they ultimately succumbed. They were all
found much farther up the firth than usual, as if in search of food,
many birds being obtained even at Renfrew and other places, in
waters at a distance from the sea. In these situations they darted
eagerly at any food which came in their way, rushing at baited
hooks on a hand line, and otherwise exhibiting a tameness more
like the result of starvation than actual disease. They were all
in a wasted condition, being reduced almost to skin and feathers,
and were found dead or dying in thousands over a wide extent of
sea, from the mouth of the river Clyde to the Irish coasts, the
master of one of the mail steam packets having reported that he
sailed his ship through miles of floating carcases. At a meeting
of the same Society, held on 29th November following, my friend
Mr David Robertson read a report on this mortality, in which he
gave an apparently satisfactory explanation of the mystery. In
this communication it was shown that nothing unusual was
observed among the birds until a few days after the storms in the
early part of the month of September; and that they were then

GREAT AUK. 441

in a state bordering upon starvation may be proved from the fact
of so many hundreds — even thousands, resorting to estuaries,
heedless of danger and contrary to their usual shyness. The
testimony of the fishermen at various places shewed that the
common dog-fish was unusually abundant, while the small herring
fry and other fishes constituting the food of sea-birds had entirely
disappeared. Favouring the hypothesis of death by starvation,
Mr Eobertson observed that no trace of organic disease could be
found on examination, and that, moreover, an epidemic does not
attack indefinitely, but is confined to one species — the prominent
symptoms of which, viz., disturbance of organic functions, loss of
appetite, etc., being opposed to what had been observable in the
birds — an empty stomach, keen appetite, heedlessness of danger
to secure food, tameness, feebleness, and death occurring at the
extreme point of emaciation — in other words, the universal
symptoms of hunger. The mortality, therefore, not being confined
to one species as is constantly the case in epidemic diseases, and
which have been known to occur in other sections of the animal
kingdom, the author of the report stated his belief that it was
attributable to the extreme scarcity of food, causing an emaciation
resulting in death.* While it is borne in mind that the solan goose
and the larger species of gull — birds of vagrant habits and
possessing strong powers of flight — were exempt, there need be
little hesitation in accepting Mr Robertson's solution of what was
at the time regarded as a remarkable and mysterious visitation.

THE GREAT AUK.

ALGA IMPENNIS.
An Gearbhul.

No bird has received so much attention of late years as the now
extinct Garefowl or Great Auk. Every item of information,
however meagre, from the brief records of Sir George M'Kenzie
of Tarbat, and Sir Robert Sibbald, published in, and previous to
1 684, to the equally brief announcement of the discovery of the
remains of two Garefowls in a kitchen midden on the coast of

* See Proceedings of the Natural History Society of Glasgow, vol. i., p. 4,
from which this abstract of Mr Robertson's remarks has been reprinted.

442 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

Caithness, in 1864, has been carefully treasured, in the full
conviction that too much importance cannot be attached to a
subject in which naturalists of every country are now so deeply
interested.

The first intelligible account of this extraordinary bird as a
British species is unquestionably that given by M. Martin, in
a curious little work, entitled 'A voyage to St. Kilda, the
remotest of all the Hebrides,' which was published in 1698.
This author who, as he tells us in his preface, " was prompted by
a generous Curiosity to undertake a Voyage through several Isles
to St. Kilda, and that in an open Boat, to the almost manifest
hazard of his life," thus speaks of the bird : — " The Sea Fowls are
first Gairfowl, being the stateliest, as well as the Largest, of all the
Fowls here, and above the Size of a Solan Goose, of a Black Colour,
Red about the Eyes, a large White Spot under each Eye, a long
broad Bill; stands stately, his whole Body erected, his Wings short;
he Flyeth not at all, lays his egg upon the bare Rock, which if taken
away, he lays no more for that Year; he is Palmipes, or Whole-
Footed, and has the Hatching-Spot upon his Breast, i.e., a bare Spot
from which the Feathers have fallen off with the heat in Hatching ;
his Egg is twice as big as that of a Solan Goose, and is variously
spotted Black, Green, and Dark; he comes without regard to any
Wind, appears the first of May, and goes away about the middle of
June." It is, I think, doubtful whether Martin ever saw the bird,
as in another and larger work, entitled ' A description of the
Western Islands of Scotland/ published five years afterwards, and
in which he gives a full account of St. Kilda and its birds, he does
not even mention it — an omission he would scarcely have made
had he been favoured, and consequently impressed, with a sight
of its " Whole body erected." His account, however, considering
the time when he wrote, is sufficiently accurate to show that the
description, if from hearsay, must have been supplied by persons
who were accustomed to see the bird regularly. Sixty years' later,
viz., in 1758, the Rev. Kenneth Macaulay landed on St. Kilda on the
6th of June, and remained a month there; after which he wrote
a history of the island, which appeared in 1764. In this work
he says, " I had not an opportunity of knowing a very curious
fowl, sometimes seen upon this coast, and an absolute stranger, I
am apt to believe, in every other part of Scotland. The men of
Hirta call it the Garefowl, corruptly, perhaps, instead of Rarefowl,

GREAT AUK. 443

a name probably given it by some one of those foreigners, whom
either choice or necessity drew into this secure region. This bird
is above four feet in length, from the bill to the extremities of its
feet; its wings are, in proportion to its size, very short, so that
they can hardly poise or support the weight of its very large body.
His legs, neck, and bill are extremely long; it lays the egg,
which, according to the account given me, exceeds that of a
goose, no less than the latter exceeds the egg of a hen, close
by the sea mark, being incapable, on account of its bulk, to soar
up to the cliffs. It makes its appearance in the month of July.
The St. Kildians do not receive an annual visit from this strange
bird as from all the rest in the list, and from many more. It
keeps at a distance from them, they know not where, for a course
of years. From what land or ocean it makes its uncertain
voyages to their isle is perhaps a mystery. A gentleman who
had been in the West Indies informed me that, according to the
description given of him, he must be the penguin of that clime, a
fowl that points out the proper soundings to seafaring people."
Another work, entitled 'A Description of St. Kilda, by the Rev.
Alexander Buchan, late minister there/ was published in 1773
by his daughter, who states in her preface that her "deceased
father thought fit to write the description which he gathered
partly by good informations and partly by his own observations,
he having been their first settled minister, and lived amongst
them twenty-four years till his death." We also learn from her
that he was sent by the Church of Scotland to St. Kilda in 1705,
and that he died there of fever in 1730. During that interval he
appears to have amused himself by copying out with his own hand
'A Description of St. Kilda, alias Hirta,' every word of which
seems to have been pirated from Martin's two volumes. Like Sir
Robert Sibbald when condensing what Sir George M'Kenzie had
previously written of the bird, Mr Buchan thus treats Martin: —
" The sea fowls are first, Gairfowl, the stateliest and largest of all
the fowls here." And so the ornithological world is now left
lamenting his incapacity to make a better use of his lengthened
residence.

Following these older records of non-scientific writers, the first
mention of the Great Auk in any work on British natural
history seems to occur in Pennant's 'British Zoology,' which
was published a few years later than Macaulay's work. The

444 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

information given, however, is merely a repetition of what that
writer and Martin had previously recorded. In a still later
publication, viz., Lightfoot's Flora Scotica (1777), to which is
prefixed a sketch of Caledonian Zoology by Pennant, the follow-
ing brief account is given: — " Great Auk — Sometimes visits St.
Kilda, and breeds there; not a regular migrant; called there Gair-
fowl, from Geyr-fugl, the name it is known by in Iceland, where
they are common; from whence or from Norway they may
probably wander."

In 1793 another of the Church of Scotland missionaries, the
Rev. John Lane Buchanan, published a book of ' Travels in the
Western Hebrides, from 1782 to 1790,' in which (pp. 118-146) he
professes to give a full account of St. Kilda and its birds. " The
Garefowl," he writes, " is four feet long, and supposed to be the
pigeon (?) of South America. Its egg is said to exceed that of a
goose as much as the latter exceeds that of a hen, which it lays
close by the seaside, being incapable from its bulk of soaring up
to the clifts. It appears in July, and even then but rarely, for it
does not visit St. Kilda yearly." It is extremely doubtful, I think,
whether this writer was ever on St. Kilda, and his brief account
of the Great Auk is evidently borrowed from Macaulay. A better
notice of it appears in the appendix to a 'General View of the
Agriculture of the Hebrides, by James MacDonald, A.M.,' pub-
lished in 1811 — "a work," as he himself tells us, "drawn up by a
native, and the result of seven voyages and journeys at different
periods since 1793 among these isles, and particularly of a journey
of more than 2900 miles through them in the months of May,
June, July, August, and September, 1808." In his account of St.
Kilda he gives a list of the birds, the commencement of which is
as follows: — "I. Bunnabhuachaille, or Great Auk, is the largest
bird met with in the neighbourhood of St. Kilda. It is larger
than the common goose, of a black colour, the irides red, having
a long white spot under each eye ; the bill is long and broad at
the base. It cannot fly, by reason of the shortness of its wings ;
lays only one egg, and, if robbed of it, lays no more that season.
It arrives in St. Kilda early in May, and departs towards the
latter end of June." It is worth noticing here that Mr Mac-
Donald, if he did not see the Great Auk alive, must have
supposed that Martin, in speaking of the bird being " red about
the eyes," referred to the irides.

GREAT AUK. 445

The next record of any consequence as to the occurrence of the
species in Britain appears in the supplement to Montagu's
Ornithological Dictionary, published in 1813, in which it is stated
that Mr Bullock, who visited the Orkney islands about a year
previously, had been told by the natives that one male only had
made its appearance for many years; it had regularly visited the
island of Papa Westra. The female had been killed just before
Mr Bullock's arrival, but the male was seen by him and unsuccess-
fully chased for several hours by a six-oared boat, the speed of
which, in the water, was as nothing compared to that of the bird.
Dr Latham, in his ' General History of Birds/ Vol. X., in referring
to this incident, narrates that as soon as Mr Bullock had left, the
poor bird, confiding in the native boatmen, suffered them to
approach so near as to knock it down with an oar, — a lucky stroke
which secured for the British Museum its finest Garefowl, the
specimen (which realized <£15 5s 6d at Bullock's sale) being now
preserved in the National Collection. To these particulars Pro-
fessor Newton (Nat. Hist. Review, 1865) adds: — "Another account,
furnished us by a relative of the lady who transmitted the bird to
Mr Bullock, states that one of the two which about this time
frequented the ' Auk Craig,' on Papa Westra, was killed by some
boys or lads with stones, and that it was not got at the time, but
sometime afterwards washed on shore. The excellent condition
of the specimen now in the 'British Gallery' of the British
Museum leads us to suppose, independently of Latham's testimony,
that if this story be correct it refers to the female bird."

About ten years after Bullock's experience in Orkney, namely,
in 1821 or 1822, the late Professor Fleming had an opportunity of
seeing and describing a live specimen of the Great Auk, while visit-
ing the island of Scalpa, at the entrance to East Loch Tarbert, in
Harris. This bird had been captured by Mr M'Lellan, tacksman of
Scalpa, sometime before, off St. Kilda. It was presented to Mr
Robert Stevenson, civil engineer, and taken on board the lighthouse
yacht, but afterwards, while being indulged by its considerate owner
with a swim in the sea, restrained by a cord fastened to one leg,
it made its escape. One of Dr Fleming's personal friends,, the
late Mr James Wilson of Woodville, who was much interested in
the history of the Garefowl, writes as follows, in a highly graphic
and interesting contribution to the North British Review for May,
1853 : — " So unfrequent has this great sea-bird become of late years

446 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

that many considerate people begin to question the continuance of
its existence upon earth. It has not been known to breed along any
of the shores of Continental Europe for towards a hundred years,
and although as recently as Landt's time it was still seen in Iceland,
Graba informs us that it is now unknown there, and has not been
observed or heard of, either in Greenland or the Faroe Islands,
for many a day. None of our own assiduous northern voyagers
ever met with it, and although known in St. Kilda by the name
of Gairfowl (Geirfugl of the Icelanders), it has now ceased to
frequent that lonely isle. Martin says, 'heflyeth not at all.'1'

The most recent authentic instances of its occurrence may be
briefly mentioned. The late Mr Bullock, while visiting the Ork-
neys in 1813, discovered a male bird, called by the natives King
of the Auks, off Papa Westra, and pursued it unremittingly for
many hours in a six-oared boat, but such were the rapidity and
perseverance of its courses under water that he was completely
foiled, and finally gave up the chase. This individual was,
however, obtained after his departure, and is now in the British
Museum. A female, the supposed mate of the preceding, had
been procured in Orkney a few weeks before Mr Bullock's arrival,
but her remains were not preserved. Dr Fleming, while taking a
cruise in the autumn of 1821 with the late Mr Robert Stevenson
in the lighthouse yacht, obtained a live specimen of the Great
Auk at Scalpa (Isle of Glass), which had been captured sometime
before off St Kilda. It was emaciated and sickly, but improved
in condition in a few days, in consequence of being well supplied
with fresh fish, and permitted to sport occasionally in the water,
being secured by a cord attached to one leg. Even in this
trammelled state, its natural movements while swimming or
diving under water were so rapid as to have set all pursuit at
defiance had the bird been free.* As it was, its love of liberty
eventually proved stronger than the cord by which that liberty
was restrained, for during a subsequent washing, with which it
was considerately favoured, off the island of Pladda, to the south
of Arran, it burst its bonds, and was seen no more for ever.
Many years afterwards a dead specimen was found floating in the
sea off the isle of Lundy, on the coast of South Devon. Some
have fondly fancied that this may have been Dr Fleming's

* ' Edinburgh Philosophical Journal/ Vol. X., p. 96.

GREAT AUK. 447

individual, but it would have been difficult to prove it so, and we
believe that under the circumstances no claim was made. From
the presumed and almost proven inability of this species to fly,
and its nearly equal inaptitude for progress on the ground, we do
not set much store by Mr Bullock's statement that an example
was found in a pond in Buckinghamshire two miles from the
Thames. There are many large geese in the world, and one would
suffice either to make or occasion the mistake."*

To return to Dr Fleming's specimen, the following description
of the species taken from that author's 'History of British
Animals,' becomes of great interest when we reflect that it is the
only description given by any British writer from the living
bird: — "Length, 3 feet; bill — dorsally 3, in front of the nostrils
2J, in the gape 4J, depth If inches; 7 ridges in the upper, and
11 in the lower mandible; legs black; irides, chesnut; margin of
the eyelid, black; inside of the mouth, orange; head, back, and
neck, black — the latter with a brownish tinge; quills, dusky;
secondaries, tipped with white; breast and belly, white. In
winter the brownish black of the throat and foreneck is replaced
by white, as I had an opportunity of observing in a living bird
brought from St. Kilda in 1822. When fed in confinement it
holds up its head expressing its anxiety by shaking the head and
neck and uttering a gurgling noise. It dives and swims under
water, even with a long cord attached to its foot, with incredible
swiftness."

In a series of papers on the Outer Hebrides, contributed by the
late Professor Macgillivray, to the Edinburgh Journal of Natural
and Geographical Science, in 1830, the following note occurs in a

* In a manuscript list of the "Birds of Renfrewshire," now before me,
prepared many years ago by various members of the Philosophical Society of
Paisley, I find the Great Auk included, on the authority of a Mr Small who,
as I have been informed, died in 1860. On making inquiry at one of his
personal friends, I find that some vague recollections of the bird, which was
washed ashore dead near Gourock about fifty years ago, are yet entertained by
the surviving compilers of the list. Mr Small could not have mistaken any
other bird for the Great Auk, as the list includes the Great Northern Diver —
a species which is sometimes confused with it in districts where Gaelic names
only are in use. If, therefore, Mr Small's record be correct, and I have no
reason to doubt it, may it not account for the ultimate fate of Dr Fleming's
specimen, Gourock being situated at a part of the Firth of Clyde likely to be
visited by a bewildered bird from the coast of Arran, where this half-emaciated
garefowl regained its freedom ?

448 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

long and apparently very complete list of the birds, forming the
concluding section: — "Alca impennis, the Great Auk — An
Gearbhul — An individual of this very rare species, I was in-
formed by Mr Adam, was sent to him in Lewis. The late Mr
M'Neill, who was long tacksman of St. Kilda, informed me that
it occurred there at irregular intervals of two or three years ; but
I have not heard of its having been seen on the coast of the Outer
Hebrides." It is somewhat singular that Dr Macgillivray has not
inserted these particulars in his work on British Water Birds,
published in 1852. It may be said, indeed, that he has shown
considerable carelessness in his account of the Great Auk, as is
evidenced by his statement that a second specimen was obtained
at St. Kilda by Mr Murdo M'Lellan, in 1829 — a record which
obviously applies to the bird mentioned in the preceding para-
graph of his work, the names of the individuals, and the fate of
the bird being identical with those associated with Dr Fleming's
specimen captured in 1822. In his 'Manual of British Ornitho-
logy,' Part II., p. 217 (1842), he alludes to the last-mentioned
bird only.

No recent visitor to the island of St. Kilda appears to
have received any satisfactory information regarding the exist-
ence of the Great Auk there. There is not even the bare mention
of it in the ' Journal of an Excursion to St. Kilda,' published in
Glasgow in 1838, by L. Maclean — a writer who furnishes an
interesting account of the birds on the authority of the then
resident clergyman, the Eev. Neil Mackenzie, who had been
there eight years; and Mr John Macgillivray, who visited
the island in 1840, was informed that though the bird was
by no means of uncommon occurrence about St. Kilda, none
had been known to breed there for many years past, and that the
" oldest inhabitant " only recollected the procuring of three or four
examples. Mr Elwes, who visited the island in H.M.S. " Harpy,"
on 22d May, 1868, has the following remarks in a valuable paper
on the ' Bird Stations of the Outer Hebrides,' contributed to the
Ibis for 1869: — "On landing, we were met by the minister, Mr
Mackay, who appeared very glad to see any one, as may well be
imagined. Strange to say, he did not seem to take any interest
in, or to know much about the birds, though he has been two
years among people whose thoughts are more occupied by birds
than anything else, and who depend principally on them for their

GREAT AUK. 449

living. I showed a picture of the Great Auk, which Mr J. H.
Gurney, jun., had kindly sent me, to the people, some of whom
appeared to recognise it, and said that it had not been seen for
many years; but they were so excited by the arrival of strangers,
that it was impossible to get them to say more about it, and
though Mr Mackay promised to take down any stories or informa-
tion about the bird that he could collect, when they had leisure
to think about it, he has not as yet sent me any. I do not think,
however, that more than two or three examples are at all likely
to have been seen in the last forty years, as Mr Atkinson of
Newcastle, who went there in 1831, does not say a word about
it in his paper* beyond mentioning the name; and neither
John Macgillivray, who visited the place in 1840, nor Sir W.
Milner, says that any specimens had been recently procured.
I believe that Bullock was also there about 1818; and as he
had not long before met with the species in Orkney, there is
little doubt he would have mentioned it to somebody if he had
heard of any having been recently procured at St. Kilda. I made
every inquiry about this bird on the north and west coasts of
Lewis, and showed pictures of it to the fishermen; but all agreed
that nothing of the sort had been seen since they could remember."
Writing in 1861, Professor Newton, in a paper contributed by
him to the Ibis for that year, on Mr Wolley's researches in Ice-
land respecting the Garefowl, states that Sir William Milner had
informed him that within the last few years he had become
possessed of a fine Great Auk, which he had reason, to believe
had been killed in the Hebrides. This specimen was found to
have been stuffed with turf. The Great Auk is not mentioned by
Dr Patrick Neill in his ' Tour through the Orkney and Shetland
Islands/ printed in 1806 — a work which contains a full list of
the birds known to inhabit that district ; nor is it alluded to by Dr
John Barry in his ' History of the Orkney Islands,' which appeared
in the following year. Negative evidence like this, however, may
not carry much weight. Low, who died in 1795, but whose
natural history manuscript was not published till 1813, remarks
as follows: — "I have often inquired about the Great Auk espe-
cially, but cannot find it is ever seen here;" t yet nearly twenty
years later, it was found by Mr Bullock, who was but a casual

* Trans. Nat. Hist. Soc., Newcastle-upon-Tyne. 1832.
t Fauna Orcadensis, page 107.

2r>

450 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

visitor. The following remarks from an interesting little work
entitled ' The Ornithologist's Guide to the Islands of Orkney and
Shetland/ published in 1837 by Robert Dunn, the father of Mr
Joseph H. Dunn, now of Stromness, may not be out of place : —
" I have never seen a living specimen of this bird, nor do I believe
it ever visits Shetland. I made inquiries at every place I visited,
but no one knew it: had such a remarkable bird been seen there
I must have heard of it. During my stay in Orkney, and while
on a visit at Papa Westra, I was informed by Mr Trail, whom I
had the pleasure of seeing two or three times, that a pair of these
birds were constantly seen there for several years, and were chris-
tened by the people the King and Queen of the Auks. Mr Bullock,
on his tour through these islands, made several attempts to obtain
one, but was unsuccessful. About a fortnight after his departure one
was shot and sent to him, and the other then forsook the place.
Mr Trail supposed they had a nest on the island, but on account
of its exposed situation the surf must have washed the eggs from
the rocks, and thus prevented any farther increase." Ten years
later another little work on the Natural History of Orkney was
issued by Dr W. B. Baikie and Mr Eobert Heddle, who thus speak
of the Great Auk: — "This bird has not visited Orkney for many
years. One was seen off Fair Isle in June, 1798. A pair appeared
in Papa Westra for several years."

With the exception of Otho Fabricius, no author whom I have
consulted appears to have had an opportunity of ascertaining
from personal observation the nature of the food of this bird.
In his Fauna Grcenlandica, that writer states that it consisted of
Coitus scorpius, Cyclopterus lumpus, and other fishes of the same size.*
He likewise mentions that he had seen the young bird covered
with grey down taken in the month of August, from which he
concluded that it was but a few days old : its stomach contained
littoral plants — he mentions rose-root (Rhodiola rosea) — and no
fishes. In the same work Fabricius remarks that the young bird
has not the white patch in front of the eye. In his day the adult
bird appears to have been very rare, and was known among the
Esquimaux by the name of Isarokitsok, which means "little
wings."

A figure of the Great Auk, drawn by W. B. Hawkins, from

* Latham and Selby repeat this in their respective works, but have omitted
to state their authority.

GREAT AUK. 451

Bullock's specimen, now in the British Museum, is given on plate
35 of a folio volume, entitled 'Illustrations of Zoology/ etc. (Edin-
burgh, 1831), by James Wilson, F.R.S.E., the writer from whom
I have already quoted. In this work the following remarks occur
bearing on the bird's incapacity for flight, which was doubtless
one of the chief causes which led to its extinction: — "From the
total inability of these birds to fly, and their inaptitude at
walking, they are seldom observed out of the water. Neither are
they often seen beyond soundings. This probably arises from the
necessity under which they labour of drying their plumage occa-
sionally by mounting upon a rock or stone, as their feathers can
derive no advantage from the usual effects of flight. This motion
of swimming, also, being so much less rapid than that of flying,
they are comparatively restricted in their acquatic excursions."
Of the various portraits of this bird illustrating the works of
British authors, that by Stewart, forming plate 16 of the fourth
volume of Sir William Jardine's British birds, and the woodcut
in Yarrell's third volume, may be instanced as both pleasing and
accurate. Donovan's figure, published in 1819, was, as he informs
us, taken from a specimen formerly in the Leverian Museum, and
purchased by him, at the dispersion of that collection, for ten
guineas — a price which has risen at least tenfold within the last
thirty years. Nor are the eggs less valuable in proportion. Four
were sold in London by public auction in 1865, and realised in
separate lots ,£33, .£31 10s, and two at £29 each. As time
deepens the conviction of the utter disappearance of the species,
the value of both skins and eggs will to a certainty increase. In
a recent communication to the Ibis, "on existing remains of the
Grarefowl," by Professor Newton of Cambridge, a copy of which,
corrected to May, 1871, has been obligingly forwarded to me by
the author, I find the following summary given : —

Germany 20

Denmark 2

France 7 (or 8?)

Holland 2

Italy 5

Germany 1

SKINS.

Norway 1

Sweden 2

United Kingdom ...22

Russia 1

Switzerland 3

SKELETONS.

Italy 1

United Kingdom ... 4

Belgium 2

Portugal 1

United States 3

Total 71 (or 72?)

United States 2

Total..., .~~9

452 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

DETACHED BONES.

Denmark 10 (or 11 ?) individuals

Norway 8 (or 10 ?) "

United Kingdom 13 ' <

United States 7 individuals

Total 38 (or 41?)

Germany 8

Belgium 2

EGGS.

France 7

Holland... .. 2

Denmark 1'

Total... ...65

United Kingdom ...41

Switzerland 2

United States 2

"Therefore," concludes Professor Newton, "the existence is
recorded of 71 or 72 skins, 9 skeletons, detached bones of 38 or
41 different birds, and 65 eggs." A summary which shews that
Britain possesses the largest share of these interesting relics of a
by-gone species.

I cannot conclude this very imperfect history of the Garefowl
as a Scottish species, without referring to the highly important
services rendered to the cause of ornithology by Professor Newton,
through the publication of various papers, daring the last ten years,
on the past history of the species. The first of these, entitled 'An
abstract of Mr J. Wolley's researches in Iceland, respecting the
Garefowl or Great Auk,' was published in the Ibis for 1861; a
second, being 'Remarks on the exhibition of a natural mummy of
Alca impennisy appeared in the proceedings of the Zoological
Society of London for 1863; a third, also a contribution to the
Ibis, appeared in that magazine for April, 1870, and contains a full
record of all existing remains of the bird so far as could be
ascertained ; while a fourth, and perhaps the most interesting of
all, on * The Garefowl and its historians,' reviewing five different
publications on the subject, was published in the 'Natural History
Review' for 1865 (pp. 467, 488). It is impossible to praise too
highly the scientific ability shewn in these ornithological contribu-
tions; and it is to be hoped that their distinguished author may
shortly publish the entire history in a collected form. Year after
year is passing away without the slightest intelligence being received
which can excite even a hope of the bird being yet alive; and a
subject so significant as the death of a species within the recollec-
tion of naturalists whose cabinets contain the remains of all that
future zoologists can hope to investigate, is too important to be
treated by other than the ablest hands. In one of the papers
enumerated, the last gleam of hope is thus tenderly alluded to : —
" In former days, when 'penguins' were abundant about Newfound-

GREAT AUK. 453

land, they seem to have passed southward along the coast in winter,
and thus we find Catesby, in the early part of last century (Hist.
Carol, App. p. xxxvi.), including the species as an occasional visitor
at that season to the shores of Carolina ; but we can well imagine a
settlement of, at most, some few hundreds existing for years on such
spots as the Geirfugladranger, or the Virgin Rocks, without even
a straggler coming across the path of the few sea-faring men who
would appreciate the value of the meeting. This belief we confess
to fondly cherishing; — we cannot yet bring ourselves to address our
old friend the Great Auk in the tender words of Milton : —

' Aye me ! whilst thee the shores and sounding seas
Wash far away, where'er thy bones are hurl'd,
Whether beyond the stormy Hebrides,
Where thou, perhaps, under the whelming tide,
Visit'st the bottom of the monstrous world.'

Whether, however, the species be extinct or not, the fate of the
Garefowl has still much interest. If it still exists, its doom
will probably be sealed by its re-discovery. For all practical
purposes, therefore, we may speak of it as a thing of the past; and,
regarded in this light, the subject becomes even more than inter-
esting, because, owing to the recent date of the bird's extirpation
(whether completed or not), we possess much more information re-
specting the exterminating process, than we do in the case of any
other extinct species. Without drawing any over-strained infer-
ences, we see how the merciless hand of man, armed perhaps only
with the rudest of weapons, has driven the Garefowl, first from the
shores of Denmark, and then from those of Scotland. At a later
period it has been successively banished from the Orkneys, the
Faroes, and St. Kilda. Then, too, a casual but natural event has
accelerated its fate. The eruption of a submarine volcano on the
coast of Iceland, by laying low one of its chief abodes, has contri-
buted effectually to its destruction. But worse than all this has
been the blow which, on the discovery of America, came upon the
portion of the race inhabiting the Newfoundland islets, when it
was brought suddenly face to face with a powerful and hitherto
unknown enemy, and where the result has been what invariably
happens when a simple tribe of savages, used only to the primeval
customs of its forefathers, is all at once confronted with invaders'
of the highest type of civilization—' the place thereof knoweth it
no more.' '

454 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

NA TA TORES. PELECA NID^E.

THE COMMON CORMORANT.

PHALACROCORAX CARBO.
Bailliare-bodhain. Sgarbh-buill.

THE well-known figure of this conspicuous bird is a never-failing
accessory to the coast scenery of many districts of the mainland
of Scotland, especially the south-western counties. In Ayrshire
and Wigtownshire it is much more common than its ally, the
green cormorant, and in these counties is found breeding on rocky
precipices overhanging the sea, where it occupies separate ledges,
as well as on islands in inland lakes, at a distance of many miles
from the coast. There is a large breeding colony every year on
Loch Moan, in Ayrshire — a place but little visited, and dis-
tinguished for nothing but these Cormorants and the sterile scenery
by which they are surrounded. In the breeding season of 1867
this loch was visited by a fishing party who, finding nothing in the
loch itself — every fish having been devoured by the birds — launched
a boat they had brought across the hills, and proceeded to the
island, where they built a pyramid of Cormorant's eggs, which
they had no difficulty in gathering, to a height of two or three feet,
and smashed the entire lot with heavy stones. One of the party
— an officer in the 33d Regiment — informed me that though
the eggs were not counted, he was certain of more than a thousand
having been destroyed. A similar colony existed a few years ago
on the lochs of Mochrum and Drumwalt, in Wigtownshire. In
1867, when visiting these lochs, I found the numbers of the
Cormorants greatly diminished, and I have since been informed
that only a few pairs are now to be found nesting there. Their
unwelcome presence had been too much for the resident keeper's
good nature; and, indeed, it would be a strong liking for
Cormorants that would tolerate even the temporary visits of
several hundreds of these feathered poachers where the fishing is
supposed to be "preserved." In the autumn of 1870, after the
young birds had left the district, I counted nearly fifty groups of
these gaunt creatures on the coast between the point below
Sinniness and the village of Port- William, a distance of eight or
ten miles ; there were from fifteen to twenty in each company, and

COMMON CORMORANT. 455

in some instances the birds were sitting drying their wings
within thirty yards of the public road. I saw no green
cormorants among them; nor could I discern a single bird
of either species on the water — all being in a state of rest.
A very large proportion of these Cormorants appeared to be
birds of the year; but I could not learn with certainty where
they had been bred. From their extraordinary numbers within a
comparatively limited space, it was evident that they had located
themselves in a good fishing ground. Several times I observed
two or three birds rise together as I drove along the road which
skirts the shore, and after attaining to a considerable height, steer
in a straight line across the hills, and I concluded they were
flying to some favourite inland roosting place. On the Ayrshire
coast there are several breeding stations on the line of rocks over-
hanging the sea between Ballantrae and the entrance to Loch
Ryan. The colonies which occupy these nesting places are very
conspicuous when viewed from the sea. When cruising past I
have been amused with their odd gestures, as they turned their
heads from side to side in evident wonderment. On the white-
washed and comparatively flat surface of the rock, every bird stood
out in bold relief; some were half raised from the nests, and others,
apparently males, were in rows behind, stretching out their necks
and balancing themselves on their tails and awkward splay feet.
On these occasions, indeed, they display so much fear, mingled
with curiosity, that it quite upsets one's gravity to look at them.
Our skipper uttered more than his own sentiments one day when
he turned round and said : " I'd give a shilling to hear them beg-
gars speak."* When the wind is blowing off shore, it is by no
means pleasant to be assailed by the offensive odours which are
wafted on board; the abomination is only exceeded when on a hot
day you venture within the precincts of the nursery itself. In such
a place one can almost understand the aversion with which the
bird is regarded by many persons who have given it a bad
character. Various poets have done what they could to foster
this prejudice by describing it as unclean, while Milton goes a

* The minister of Ardnamurchan is reported to have said the same of the
St. Kilda puffins, but on inquiring at the skipper whether he had read that
gentleman's writings, he said he was only partly familiar with his Lies of
Ancient Rome, from which I inferred that he had but a confused knowledge
of the two Macaulays.

456 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

step further by comparing it to Satan, or rather, he supposes the
arch-fiend to have entered its form before assuming that of a
serpent to betray man : —

" Thence up he flew, and on the tree of life,
The middle tree, and highest there that grew,
Sat like a Cormorant."

From living exclusively upon fish, its flesh, as I have been in-
formed by those who have had the courage to taste it, is peculiarly
rank and unpleasant. An old friend of mine told me lately that
he had cooked one and eaten part of it about forty years ago, and
that the terribly fishy flavour was in his mouth still. Perhaps
Milton had some such gastronomic recollections of the bird.

In the Outer Hebrides the Common Cormorant is much less
numerous than on the south-western mainland, its place there
being to a great extent occupied by the next species. It frequents
various caves on the east side of the Long island from Barra to
Lewis, and is also found on the Haskeir rocks. Within the circle
of the inner islands it is found breeding on some parts of the coasts
of Skye, Mull, and Islay, likewise in Rum, Eigg, and Canna. Mr
Graham informs me that it is frequently met with in lona and
Staffa, though it is by no means so common as the green cormo-
rant. On all these islands it breeds apart from its ally, and
invariably perches at a higher elevation on the rocks.

Some of the old writers whom I have consulted would appear to
recommend this bird with all its imperfections as an article of food.
Martin, in his quaint description of the Isle of Skye, thus refers to
the subject : " The Sea-Fowls are Malls of all kinds, Coulterneb,
Guillamot, Sea Cormorant, etc. The Natives observe that the
latter, if perfectly black, makes no good Broth, nor is its Flesh worth
eating; but that a Cormorant which has any white Feathers or
Down, makes good Broth and the Flesh of it is good Food, and the
Broth is usually drunk by Nurses to increase their Milk." He does
not, however, ascribe any unusual rapacity to the natives who
were so unfortunate as to have been brought up under this
peculiar treatment.

SHAG OR GREEN CORMORANT. 457

THE SHAG OE GEEEN COEMOEANT.

PEA LA CROCORA X GRA CUL US:

Sgarbh.

THE Green Cormorant, though less numerous on the western shores
of the Scottish mainland than the preceding species, is abundant
in the Outer Hebrides, where it is permanently resident and to a
great extent gregarious. It is found breeding in great numbers in
all the caves which intersect the precipitous coasts of Harris and
Barra, and also on the uninhabited rocks, such as the Haskeir
group and other islands lying to the west of North Uist. Very
large companies frequent the sounds which separate the islands;
and in these stations they are seen daily, at certain states of the
tide, fishing in congregations which, in extent, remind one of a
dense colony of guillemots. Late in the afternoon they rise on
wing in detachments and betake themselves to the caves, in which
they generally pass the night. One of these caves named Liuir,
on the west side of Harris, is perhaps the best known throughout
the Long island. There cannot be less than two or three hundred
Green Cormorants in it during the breeding season, and at other
times of the year it gives ample shelter to the poor birds when the
fury of the winter storms prevents a seaward flight. In the Inner
Hebrides this Cormorant is equally common, frequenting similar
caves. Dr Dewar found a large breeding colony in the island of
Eum : the nests were chiefly on broken boulders not far from the
water's edge, and the birds were so tame as to allow themselves to
be seized with the hand before quitting the nest. Nearer the
mainland it is found in Skye, Mull, lona, and Stafla, as well as
upon Islay, Jura, and Gigha; a few pairs frequent Ailsa Craig, and
I have observed considerable numbers in the caves along the rocky
shores of Ayrshire and Wigtownshire. It is frequent at the Mull
of Galloway, and at Burrow Head; thence northward as far as
Garliestown. I have seen from forty to fifty in one day while
driving between these two places.

The nest of the Green Cormorant is usually built of heather
and sea-weed, and is at best a very clumsy structure. At the
end of the season it is so much trampled and besmeared with
dung and the remains of putrid fish that it is not easy to recognise

458 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

the materials of which it has been originally composed ; nor is it
by any means an agreeable task to examine such an offensive
mass. The eggs, in most cases four in number, are at first
pleasant to look upon, but soon become soiled. Of their quality
as an article of food I am unable to speak from personal experi-
ence; but Dr Edmonston — a correspondent of the late Dr
Macgillivray — who seems to have tried them, says they "deserve
all the execration which even the Esquimaux bestow on them."
Yet the bird itself, which must even be worse, is eaten and
relished by the Hebrideans, who prefer it when young, as its flesh
is then said to be more tender. As regards the flavour, however,
both young and old must be equally offensive; and it would
certainly baffle the cleverest cook to disguise or keep down the
aroma of such a dish. When subjected to a temporary burial in
fresh earth the odious taste is said to be much ameliorated ; but I
hope that none of my readers may ever require through necessity
to put a scart's edible properties to the test.

The obliteration of the nostrils of this bird takes place about
the time when the young ones are ready to fly. It is very extra-
ordinary that the possession of this feature should be retained
only during the stay of the bird in the nest — a cradle acknow-
ledged by every observer to be almost insufferable to the sense of
smell. Many persons would think that the want of nostrils at
this period of their lives would be a much better arrangement.

The late Professor Macgillivray, whose account of the species
is, I think, the best given by any British author, was informed by
Dr Edmonston that in the Shetland Islands it is subject to
epidemics, which occasionally greatly reduce its numbers — a
remark which has evidently been founded on partial observation.

THE GANNET OR SOLAN GOOSE.

SULA ALBA.
Sulaire.

DURING the summer months this well-known bird is an abundant
species over the whole coast line of the West of Scotland. From
Ailsa Craig vast numbers distribute themselves in the day time
from the south of Wigtownshire to the northern shores of Argyle;
while from St. Kilda even larger flocks become dispersed through-

GANNET OR SOLAN GOOSE. 459

out the Hebridean Sounds, extending even to the lochs of Skye,
and the still more distant shores of western Ross-shire. Again,
the coasts of Lewis, the North Minch, and the shores of Suther-
land and Caithness, are frequented by wandering Gannets from
Suleskeir, or North Barra, as it is sometimes called — a small
island lying about ten miles west of Rona, the most north-westerly
land in Europe. This island of Suleskeir has been apparently
confused with another rock of a similar name (the Suliskerry of
British authors), as no reference has been made to it as a breeding
place of the Gannet in any of the numerous works on British
Ornithology. Mr Elwes (Ibis, 1869) states that though now
uninhabited, it is still visited annually by a boat from Ness, which
goes in September for the sake of the down and feathers of the
young Gannets, several thousands of which are usually killed.
There are therefore five different breeding stations for the Gannet
in Scotland, viz.: Ailsa Craig, St. Kilda, Suleskeir (marked in
most maps as North Barra), Stack of Suleskerry, about forty
miles west of Stromness in Orkney, and the Bass Rock in
the Firth of Forth. From these localities, as has been shewn,
the birds make long excursions in search of prey. The flight
performed by the St. Kilda Gannets indeed cannot be much
short of 200 miles in one day, without taking into account the
distance gone over while they are engaged in fishing. I have
observed them regularly returning across the Minch from the
shores of Skye, and passing through the Sound of Harris on their
way home about an hour before sunset ; and in the height of the
breeding season I have also seen Gannets from Suleskeir winging
their way back to their distant nursery as we passed Cape Wrath.
I am inclined to think that the poor birds sometimes become inert
through fatigue, and find themselves unable to continue their flight.
In August, 1870, when rounding the Mull of Cantyre about
10 P.M., I saw strings of solan geese, seven and eight at a time,
flying homewards in the direction of Ailsa Craig, and keeping close
together as if wearied. Next morning on going on deck about
four o'clock I observed numbers of these birds apparently asleep
on the water in the Sound of Jura : they were all floating help-
lessly with the tide, with their heads buried in their plumage. In
sailing northwards the same facts were observed, until after
rounding the point of Ardnamurchan, when it was found that the
Gannets all took a north-westerly course towards evening, from

460 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

which, I inferred, that they belonged to St. Kilda. During
another cruise in the autumn of 1870, I saw, as we were leaving
Castle Bay one morning about six o'clock, several hundred Gannets
plunging for prey on the west side of the island of Muldoanich,
which lies about three miles east of Yatersay, one of the isles of
Barra. There must have been a large shoal of fish at the place,
as the birds were diving with extraordinary rapidity, their move-
ments, when seen against the dark shade of the island, reminding
one of a shower of snow. As this happened in the first week of
August, and about ten days before the St. Kilda geese are known
to have their young ones fledged, the birds which I saw were
probably providing a family breakfast to carry back to the rock —
a distance of fully eighty miles.

At both Ailsa Craig and the Bass Rock — the two breeding
stations with which I am most familiar — the Gannet is very
abundant. It is believed that at a moderate calculation the
number on the Bass Eock may be set down at 20,000, and I feel
sure that the number frequenting Ailsa cannot be reckoned less.
Since the time of Martin, who describes with amusing quaintness
the habits of the Gannet as observed by himself at St. Kilda, nearly
two hundred years ago, very little change has taken place in the
remoter strongholds of the species ; but on the Bass Rock, where,
in former years, a large colony had possession of part of the grassy
slopes, on which they built their nests, the intrusion of visitors has
driven the birds entirely to the precipitous ledges on the west side
of the island. The interest in this famous breeding place has
therefore become greatly diminished; and notwithstanding the
protection now afforded this bird in common with other
seafowl, it is extremely doubtful if the colony I speak of
will ever resume the occupancy of that part of the rock.
Twenty years ago, about one hundred and fifty nests could
have been examined without the slightest difficulty, and the
birds were then so tame as to allow a person to walk among
them and lift and examine both young birds and eggs without
much remonstrance — a sight which well repaid the trouble of
a long journey. In 1859, before they finally quitted the spot,
I visited the rock and found their habits considerably changed.
The old birds were dreadfully vociferous, and in some cases
showed fight. Professor Macgillivray well described their cry
in comparing the torrent of crackling sounds to the words

GANNET OR SOLAN GOOSE. 461

Farroch, Tarrock, Kirm, Kirra, Cree, Cree, Krak, Krak—sm address
which they utter with great rapidity; but ultimately, finding that
it makes no impression, they change it to a loud call for Grog.
While standing surrounded by an excited multitude of open bills
I noticed my guide, one of the Cantabay boatmen, apparently
absorded in thought. "Is there any risk of them biting?" I
ventured to inquire. "Oh, no, sir!" he rejoined; "I was only
thinking how like they are to oursels"

With regard to Dr Macgillivray's statement as to this bird occa-
sionally laying two eggs, it may be presumed that the fourteen
nests which he was informed had been seen to contain that
number were situated on the accessible slope already referred to.
In the height of the breeding season excursionists were almost
daily on the rock, and I have seen persons out of wanton mischief
exchange the contents of some of the nests, which were very close
to each other, and even leave two and three eggs for one bird to
sit upon. That nests have been tampered with in this way
regularly there can be no doubt; indeed, one of the boatmen
confessed to me on one occasion that the nesting habits of the
Solan Goose could be made to suit the fancy of any particular
visitor ! The nest is built of pieces of turf and masses of sea- weed,
which become so much shrivelled by the heat as to necessitate
constant repairs. The old birds, therefore, are continually
carrying materials which they find floating on the sea. I have
occasionally seen small branches of trees introduced. Martin, in
his description of the Western Islands, mentions that the steward
of St. Kilda told him of having found a red coat in one nest, and
a brass sun dial, an arrow, and some Molucca beans in another.

The principal food of this bird consists of fishes of moderate
size, such as whiting, haddock, and sethe. It is also partial to
herrings; and I have seen numbers in the sheltered bay of
Millport, in Cumbrae, plunging in pursuit of the Poor Cod
(Morrhua minuta), which in certain seasons frequents the bay in
shoals. The prey is generally, if not always, secured when
swimming above a sandbank — a fact which any observer may
test for himself by taking up his position for an hour or two at
any part of the coast where he can from a height look down upon
the floor of the sea on a clear day. The spots of sand are easily
perceived in contrast to other parts which are covered with rocks
and sea- weed. I have many times watched the Gannets flying to

462 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

and fro near the coast line between Girvan and Lendalfoot, where
I had an opportunity of looking down upon even the flying birds,
and have invariably observed them plunging over these banks of
sand. I do not think that they are successful at every plunge,
unless the fish happen to be numerous; and I imagine they must
pursue their prey while under water, as single birds have frequently
been discovered drowned in the salmon nets which are placed in
the various localities along the Ayrshire coast. I have seen Gannets
fishing very near the beach and quite within gunshot. In August
last I observed one diving in the line of broken waves where the
water was probably not of a greater depth than 2J or 3 feet;
the bird seemed for a moment or two averse to run the risk of
securing his fish by a hazardous plunge in shallow water, and it
was interesting to notice the dexterity with which he dashed
diagonally into the frothing waves, emerging again on wing with
the fish he had coveted. The Ailsa Gannets usually continue their
shore fishing near Girvan until sunset, when they suddenly stop
and fly steadily seawards in the direction of the rock. At various
times I have discovered dead birds at the base of the cliffs there,
with gurnards firmly wedged in their throats, and have been obliged
to use a knife for cutting the spines before the fish could be taken
out. Individuals have also been picked up on the water similarly
situated.

The Solan Goose usually makes its appearance on the Ayrshire
coast in February, and leaves sometime in October ; and on the
east coast some hundreds have been known to remain all winter in
the vicinity of the Bass Eock for three or four years in succession.
In these years it was noticed that herrings were at the same time
plentiful : it may be said, indeed, that the movements of the bird
are, to a great extent, influenced by those of the various kinds of
fish on which it is known to feed. On leaving the Bass Eock in
September, vast flocks occasionally proceed northwards, visiting
the bays and firths which, at that season, are frequented by shoals
of fish. Writing on 23rd August, 1770, Pennant, who seems to
have discovered this habit, thus speaks of what he observed : —
" On my way between Thrumster and Dunbeth, again saw
numbers of flocks of Gannets keeping due north, and the weather
being very calm they flew high. It has not been observed that
they ever return this way in spring, but seem to make a circuit of
the island till they again arrived at the Bass Eock, their only

GANNET OR SOLAN GOOSE. 463

breeding place on the eastern coast." Early in February several
thousands at a time have been observed off the village of Ballan-
trae, in Ayrshire, attacking shoals of fish with extraordinary
voracity as if they had for some months been on short allowance.
I have seen a like assemblage, though in the summer months, in
Belhaven Bay, near Dunbar, and also at the Tyne estuary, where
their rapid movements form a sight of great interest.* With
the exception of the Caon Sands on the north-west side of the
island of Benbecula, in the Outer Hebrides, I do not know a
finer expanse on the entire coast line of Scotland than that ex-
tending for some miles between the Tyninghame Woods and the
village of Belhaven. In the strong heat of summer which is there
tempered by the easterly ham setting in about mid-day, one may
sit for hours in pure delight while he watches the airy figures of
the Gannets and Terns sweeping athwart the soft azure, — -

" Blue the soft heavens, and blue the far ocean,
Gently their shores the hoarse waters sweep,
Hushed the dark forest, no quickening motion
Save in the breast of the tremulous deep.
Here on the pinnacle stand I and treasure
The musical notes of the deep booming sea,
As they strike on the air with unvarying measure,
And murmur their drowsy but sweet melody."

— ' Netherton,' by C. Gulland, Jun.

After the breaking up of a winter storm when the clear bracing
air becomes enjoyable with the accompaniment of bright sunshine,
one cannot but stand in admiration of the breakers which come
rolling in sparkling white masses into the bay from the blue water
outside. It is not easy to do justice to the scene through any mere
description. The sands which stretch some miles from east to
west, and seawards more than a mile when the tide is out, present
a vast yellow expanse on which the waves, like a great white wall,

* In speaking of the destruction among fish, committed by these birds during
their residence on our coasts, a writer in the ' Quarterly Review ' makes the
following calculation : — " The Solan Goose can swallow and digest, at least, six
full sized herrings per day. It has been calculated that in the island of St. Kilda,
assuming it to be inhabited by 200,000 of these birds, feeding for seven months
in the year, and with an allowance of five herrings each per day, the number of
fish for the summer subsistence of a single species of birds cannot be under
214,000,000. Compared with the enormous consumption of fish by birds, and
by each other, the draughts made upon the population of the sea by man, with
all his ingenious fishing devices, seem to dwindle into absolute insignificance."

464 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

press onwards and cover their allotted space. Unlike the same
waters at the heads between Belhaven and the town of Dunbar,
the breakers, instead of dashing themselves on precipitous battle-
ments of rock, come landwards in a long curling line of foarn,
inexpressibly fine when seen in clear sunlight against the blue
background, and conveying the same idea of power as when

" On iron coast in angry waves
You seem to hear them climb and fall
And roar, rock thwarted."

I have at various times had Solan Geese in my keeping as pets, but
I am sorry I cannot say much in their favour. The last lot I had
— about half-a-dozen — behaved very badly. They kept up an
incessant clamour for fish, quantities of which they ravenously,
and I may say, thanklessly devoured; for I no sooner presented
myself within the enclosure where they were confined than I was
furiously met by the whole gang, launching their wedge-shaped
bills wherever they could effectively strike a blow, and uttering
all the while the most discordant cries it was possible for birds to
give vent to. With such experience, it would be folly to recom-
mend the Gannet as a proper subject for the Aviary: it does
not requite one for his trouble; and, besides, it is not the most
gentle occupation of a morning to be visiting one's pets armed with
a cudgel.

Though there are now, as has been already said, but five
breeding stations for the Gannet in Scotland, it appears from the
writings of old travellers in the Hebrides that colonies existed in
various other places within the circle of the inner islands. Dean
Munro, who visited nearly the whole of the islands between 1540
and 1549, and has left a very quaint account of what he saw, says,
in his description of Bum, "Many Solane Geese are in this isle ;"
and again in speaking of Eigg he proceeds : — " North from Elian
Muchd be foure myles, lyes ane iyle called iyle of Egga, foure myle
lange and twa myle braid, guid maine land with a Paroch Kirk in
it and maney Solane Geese/' though one cannot see exactly how
the two things should in this curt way be associated. J. Moni-
pennie, who wrote in 1597, thus refers to Rum and its productions: —
" Then Ruma sixteene miles in length and sixe in bredth, rising
high in strait hilles full of woods and scrogges, and for that cause
it is inhabited in very fewe places. The sea fowles laie their egges
heere and there on the ground thereof. In the middest of the

SANDWICH TERN. 465

spring time, when the egges are laide, any man that pleaseth may
take of them. In the high rockes thereof, the sea guse, whereof
we spake before [Solayne geese], are taken in abundance." This
writer, however, does not give the information from personal
observation, but acknowledges in his preface that he "will follow
Donald Munro, a man both godly and diligent, who trauelled all
these isles vpon his feet, and saw them perfectly with his eies" —
a character and example which it would be well, perhaps, for
some modern naturalists to imitate.

NA TA TORES. LA RIDJ1.

THE SANDWICH TERN.

STERNA BOYSI1.

IN bygone years it was no uncommon thing to see flocks of this
fine species fishing in shallow water on many parts of the coast.
Serious inroads, however, have been made upon its breeding haunts
on both the east and west coasts, and in places where formerly their
eggs could be seen in hundreds it is now a rare occurrence to find
more than the contents of one or two nests. Some of the best
known haunts, indeed, including the rocky islets near the Bass
Rock on the east, and some of the islands on the Frith of Clyde on
the west, have become entirely deserted; and it is questionable
whether there is any breeding station in Scotland at present equal
to those of twenty years ago.

There is a small colony of Sandwich Terns on Inchmoin, a low
flat island on Loch Lomond where they have been found breeding
along with other species, and where they will probably increase if
unmolested. In the time of Pennant this species seems to have bred
on the isles of Loch Leven, in Fifeshire. Speaking of the birds in
his ' Tour in Scotland/ he calls them Great Terns — the same name
he gives those he saw on the Fame Islands where the Sandwich
Tern still retains its ground, although in greatly reduced numbers.

I have of late years observed stray birds of this species frequent
ing the shores of East Lothian and Fifeshire : and it is to be hoped
that the recent Act for the preservation of sea birds will be the
means of reinstating both it and the next mentioned species in
localities which have for years been wholly abandoned.

2E

466 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

THE EOSEATE TERN.
STERNA DOUGALLII.

SINCE the discovery of the Roseate Tern in the Cumbrae Islands
by Dr M'Dougall, in 1812, it has been known to frequent a
number of localities throughout Scotland; and although many
years have elapsed since it totally disappeared from 'The Allans,'
where it was originally met with, it is still found in considerable
numbers in many parts of the western counties. The principal
breeding place within easy reach is situated in Kilbrannan Sound,
separating Arran from Kintyre. Two or three years ago I got a
basketful of eggs from this station, gathered in a few minutes;
but I afterwards regretted having taken so many, as I found on
leaving the place that a number of pairs of the common tern were
hovering overhead, mixed with the rarer species, from which I
inferred that some of the eggs at least in my basket were not those
of the Roseate Tern. The whole of them were blown, and about
thirty specimens are now before me. They appear somewhat
longer, of a lighter colour, and more minutely marked than those
of the arctic or common terns.

A few pairs of this very elegant bird have located themselves
on Inchmoin, in Loch Lomond, where they breed in company
with the two birds just named and the lesser and sandwich terns.
The island is the property of Sir James Colquhoun, Bart., and is
strictly protected, as it certainly ought to be.

The Roseate Tern still frequents the Culbin Sands, in Moray-
shire, and has also been found in East Lothian by Mr Turnbull,
who states that it is not uncommon, and that it breeds on the isle
of May.*

THE COMMON TERN.

STERNA HIRUNDO.
Stearnan.

ALTHOUGH called the Common Tern this bird is in reality much
less numerous than the species which follows : it is, however, not a
scarce bird, being in most cases found in some numbers mixing

* ' Birds of East Lothian,' page 34.

COMMON TERN. 467

with the more plentiful species, although the arctic tern does not
appear to travel inland to breed as the Common Tern is known to
do. In the Outer Hebrides this tern breeds on various islands in
the Sound of Harris, and also on the rocky islets lying west of the
principal group — many of them being uninhabited. It is likewise
tolerably common in some of the sea reaches in Ross-shire, and
occurs on all the known breeding stations for terns from that
county southwards. I have found several pairs breeding for
many years past on Inchmoin, an island in Loch Lomond. On
this island there is a large nursery of black-headed gulls, but the
terns keep by themselves, occupying a stony promontory at one
end of the island. During the breeding season, after the young
are hatched, the old birds may be seen high in the air above
the Loch Lomond hills, steering across to the Firth of Clyde
for fish to feed their nestlings. I have stood near their nests
and seen them arrive with these sea fish, which they sometimes
carried by the middle of the body. From this habit, which is very
noticeable, it would appear that the terns there prefer salt water
fish to those nearer at hand; and there can be no doubt that in
thus gratifying their partiality they are fulfilling an arrangement
in which those who practice the "gentle art" on the loch must fully
concur.

In that beautiful piece of Scottish scenery — Loch Sunart — there
are several populous breeding places of this graceful and interesting
bird. These haunts are singularly enticing to an ornithologist
who, without seeking to molest the busy multitudes, contents
himself by watching their elegant flight as they whirl and glide
above their summer encampment. About the end of June, or
sometimes the middle of July, the congregations break up and dis-
perse, small flocks betaking themselves to the sheltered bays of our
western shores, travelling southwards as the season advances until
they altogether disappear. In April and May these flocks return
and frequently congregate in particular estuaries and rivers at no
great distance from the sea, especially in rough weather. I have
often at this season observed many hundreds at a time of both the
common and arctic tern on the Clyde opposite Dumbarton Castle,
and have remarked that their presence there always indicated an
approaching storm.

The accompanying plate, in which an inquisitive sea-swallow
evidently betrays an acquiescence with the title of " Too many for

408 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

the basket," is from the accomplished pencil of the late James
Giles, Esq., R.S.A., and contains a view of the mouth of the
Ythan in Aberdeenshire — a locality where Mr Angus has been
fortunate in procuring many rare and interesting British birds.

THE AECTIC TERN.

STERNA ARCTIC A.
Stearnal.

THE Arctic Tern is a much more common bird than the preceding
species, frequenting rocky islets in almost all the lochs of the west
coast, and also extending to the whole of the western islands, in-
cluding the outer group and the rocks beyond. It is extremely
numerous in some places there, taking precedence of the other
terns in almost every breeding haunt; and is nowhere more abun-
dant than in the Sound of Harris, where there are so many islets
to afford it a safe encampment. It frequents Borreray, Bernera,
Pabbay, Ensay, Killigray, and a number of nameless rocks forming
so many stepping-stones from North Uist to Harris; and in the
summer months these and the smaller islets which are uninhabited
are literally covered with terns and their nests.

On the western shores of Ross, Inverness, and Argyleshires,
there are numerous breeding places for this bird, especially on
rocky islands in the sea lochs stretching inland, such as Loch
Sunart, Loch Alsh, Loch-na-Nuagh, and Loch Etive. These
nurseries are equally numerous off the coast of Mull, and others
of the larger islands forming the Inner Hebrides. Having asked
Mr Graham as to the comparative numbers of the two commonest
terns, I was furnished with a very interesting account of their
habits, which may not inappropriately be inserted here : —

"The name of sea swallow is the most applicable to these ocean
martlets, not only on account of their long sharp pointed wings
and forked tails, but because they are also harbingers of summer
to the inhabitants of the coast, as the land swallow is to those of
the fields and groves; and so sure as I hear their shrill screams,
and see the long-stroked flight of their sharp wings, so sure do I
know that the 1 2th of May has come or gone, for their arrival is
punctual to a day. I have no doubt that there are, among the
clouds of terns which then arrive, representatives of the many

ARCTIC TERN. 469

other less frequent species; but I am obliged to acknowledge that
I never took much pains to search them out. Indeed, when our
tardy and short-lived summer does arrive, we have so many occu-
pations, amusements, and engagements to be entered upon, that
the fast fleeting fine weather months always glide by, leaving many
things unperformed. The two species which are abundant are the
Arctic and the Common Tern, in the proportion of about ten of
the former to one of the latter. Almost immediately on arrival the
process of incubation is commenced. The spots they select are the
numerous steep rocky islets — stacks, as they are called — which in
winter are almost continually submerged by the a\A'ful seas rolling
in from the Atlantic, but which now are completely covered by the
nests of these 'halcyons of the ocean.' When these rocks are
visited, the white winged birds rise up in clouds, filling the air
with their shrill angry clamour, hovering, wheeling, and darting at
the invaders of their nests — almost striking them with their wings,
exhibiting every sign of rage both in voice and action, and so
daring in their approach as to let us knock them down with a stick
or boat-hook."

In the first week of August, 1870, when travelling from North
Uist to Benbecula, I witnessed a very interesting habit of this
tern in crossing the fords which separate the two islands. I had
previously been told by a friend to look out for the birds, which,
he said, I should find waiting for me on the sands. On coming
within sight of the first ford, I observed between twenty and
thirty terns quietly sitting on the banks of the salt water stream;
but the moment they saw us approaching they rose on wing to
meet us, and then hovered gracefully above our heads as the pony
stepped into the water. As soon as the wheels of the conveyance
were fairly into the stream, the terns poised their wings for a
moment, then precipitated themselves with a splash exactly above
the wheel tracks, and at once rose, each with a wriggling sand eel
in its bill. Some held their prey by the middle of the body, others
by the head ; the latter being able to swallow the fish as soon as
they rose. The other birds, however, allowed their fish to drop
out of their bills free, and caught them properly by the head before
they reached the water, after which they flew to the sands where
their fledged young were patiently sitting and fed them with the
spoil. At the next ford, a similar scene was repeated by another
group of Arctic Terns which we found there waiting the arrival of

470 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

some friendly travellers. In both these cases the birds showed no
fear, but dexterously caught their prey though repeatedly struck
at with the whip. Twice over, by stretching out my arm, I nearly
caught one of them as it poised itself for a plunge. On making
particular inquiry, I was told by many of the inhabitants of both
islands, that this habit of the tern is a constant entertainment to
those who cross the fords in wheeled conveyances. The pressure
of the wheels must bring the burrowing sand-eels momentarily to
the surface, and the quick eye of the tern at once enables the
bird to transfix them on the spot.

I observed large flocks of this species on the Clyde opposite
Dumbarton Castle, on 21st May, 1868. The weather was rough
at the time and had apparently caused them to seek shelter over
smooth water. In situations where two or three species of terns are
found breeding in company, it is sometimes difficult to distinguish
the eggs of the Arctic from those of the common tern. In my
experience, however, I have seen that the Arctic Tern's eggs are
slightly smaller, and marked with fewer blotches — these being
also larger than the markings of the common tern. I have also
observed that Sterna arctica often lays but two eggs, whereas the
other bird has usually, if not always, three ; so that in visiting their
haunts about the time the birds are beginning to sit, the collector
may almost rely on this difference as a ready means of detection. Mr
Elwes, when visiting the Haskeir Rocks in the breeding season of
1868, found this bird hatching in great numbers, and noticed that
none of the nests contained more than two eggs. Macgillivray,
on the other hand, states in his ' British Birds ' that the number
varies from two to four.

THE LESSER TERN.

STERNA MI NUT A.

THIS graceful little bird, although not numerous in any part of
Scotland, is generally distributed over both the east and west coasts.
Its breeding haunts are usually on retired stony promontories or
mounds of shingle, over which the tides in summer do not flow.
In many of the localities extending from the Solway to the shores
of Inverness, these colonies are tolerably safe against intrusion,
and for the most part occupy a spot by themselves without

LESSER TERN. 471

the companionship of other birds, although sometimes they take
up their quarters beside the common tern and black-headed gulls.
On Loch Lomond there are a few pairs usually found breeding on
Inchmoin — a low, flat, and marshy island, where birds of many
species are exceedingly numerous; but a situation like this is
entirely exceptional. Like its allies, the Lesser Tern does not
trouble itself about the construction of a nest, but deposits its
eggs, which are two, and occasionally three in number, in a
shallow cavity in the sand or shingle, to which they closely
assimilate in colour, and are in consequence very difficult to
find.

In the autumn season small numbers of these elegant little
creatures frequent the estuary of the Clyde ; and stray specimens
are occasionally obtained at a distance of one or two miles from
the sea in some parts of Argyleshire and Ayrshire. On the east
coast — the breeding colonies being larger and more numerous —
this tern is often seen in fishing groups frequenting Belhaven
Sands in Haddingtonshire ; the sands at the mouth of the Eden,
near St. Andrews, in Fifeshire; Barrie Sands in Forfarshire; and
similar localities in Aberdeenshire. In its habits it resembles
other terns ; but is even a more interesting study to the ornitho-
logist, being so much smaller than the common or arctic terns.
During the breeding time it shows considerable impatience on its
haunts being invaded, and meets the intruder with shrill cries,
which it persistently utters so long as he remains in the neigh-
bourhood. On the dispersion of these breeding colonies it travels
by slow degrees southwards, and finally quits our shores in
September, arriving again in the following spring.

Wilson in his description of the habits of this bird, gives an account
of its breeding peaces on the beach of Cape May, and narrates the
following incident: — "During my whole stay these birds flew in
crowds around me, and often within a few yards of my head,
squeaking like so many young pigs, which their voice strikingly
resembles. A humming bird that had accidentally strayed to the
place appeared suddenly among this outrageous group, several of
whom darted angrily at him ; but he shot like an arrow from them,
directing his flight straight towards the ocean. I have no doubt but
the distressing cries of the terns had drawn this little creature to
the scene, having frequently witnessed his anxious curiosity on
similar occasions in the woods."

472 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

Messrs Baikie and Heddle state that this species is often
observed on Sanday, one of the Orkney islands, "where it usually
arrives about the middle of May and departs towards the end of
August" — from which account we may infer that it breeds there.

THE BLACK TERN.

STERNA FISSIPES.

ABOUT the end of last century Mr Don, of Forfar, catalogued
this species as a common one on the sands of Barrie; but as
subsequent writers have looked upon it as an extremely rare
visitant to our Scottish waters, it may fairly be doubted whether
the birds seen by him were resident. The likelihood is that a
troop of stragglers had visited the sands referred to, and were
noted as common, because there happened to be a flock. Of late
years Black Terns have been observed in the spring time and
autumn in many Scottish counties ; but these, generally speaking,
have been stray birds. In Haddington, Berwick, Aberdeen, Fife,
and Dumfries shires many specimens have from time to time been
shot and preserved. In the West of Scotland small flocks occa-
sionally appear at Loch Fyne and other sea reaches. Mr George
Hamilton informs me that he and his brother observed five
specimens near Minard in September, 1860; and I have myself
seen the species on Loch Lomond, flapping round the boat in
which I was rowing, within a distance of eight or ten yards. I
may add that one — an adult bird — was shot near Stranraer on
the 29th August, 1868, and preserved by Mr M'Comish, bird-
stuffer, in that town; and about the same time, in the year
following, a young bird of the year was seen by myself at Girvan,
in Ayrshire. Mr Angus informs me that a specimen of the Black
Tern was shot near Aberdeen by Mr Giles, a well-known artist,
residing in that city;* and that another — in summer plumage-
was shot by himself at Don Mouth on 30th April, 1867. The
specimen on Loch Lomond was seen on the 25th May following.
A young bird of the year was shot by Mr Harvie Brown on the
banks of the Forth, near Grangemouth, on l()th September, 1870.
When Pennant visited the Lincolnshire Fens, in 1771, he
found this bird in such "vast flocks as almost to deafen one with
* Died October, 1870.

BONAPARTIAN GULL. 473

their clamours;" but the species has for many years past been
on the decrease, and would now appear to occur in very limited
numbers in localities where formerly it abounded.

BONAPARTIAN GULL.

LARUS BONAPARTIL

I HAVE not been able satisfactorily to trace the occurrence of this
bird anywhere in Scotland since 1851, in which year a single
specimen was obtained on Loch Lomond by Sir George Leith,
Bart., as recorded by that gentleman in the 'Zoologist' for that
year. I have on several occasions, when boating on Loch
Lomond, seen black-headed gulls, which I knew were not the
common species; but evidence of this nature is, of course, inad-
missible when speaking of a bird which can only with certainty
be identified in the hand. Yet I have no doubt that a prudent
and skilful sportsman might, if so inclined, discover this species
and the little gull to be at least occasional visitors to the lake
referred to. It contains, among its numerous attractions, a safe
asylum for feathered wanderers — Inchmoin; and it is not unlikely
that the extent of feeding ground afforded by this beautiful sheet
of water may yet prove an attraction to birds of this family, which
can only in the meantime be regarded as occasional and uncertain
stragglers.

OBS. — THE CUNEATE-TAILED GULL (Larm Rossi) may be
included in this list, on the authority of Dr Saxby, who states
that in Shetland, in the summer of 1854, he shot a gull, which,
although unknown to him at the time, and unfortunately lost,
was without doubt an example of this very rare species. Its
description and measurements are still in the note-book which
he carried at the time.*

SABINE'S GULL (Larus Sabini) may be included on the same
authority, Dr Saxby having communicated to the 'Naturalist/ for
1865, a note of the occurrence of two examples in Shetland. The
following note, from Sir John Richardson's 'Journal of a Boat
Voyage,' gives later information than is furnished by Mr Yarrell

* In the Ibis for 1865 the editor, Professor Newton, has expressed his
belief that there are not more than five specimens of this bird existing in
scientific collections.

474 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

regarding the distribution of this species during the breeding
season: — "1848, August 7. — The island on which we encamped is
a breeding place of Xema Sabini, the handsomest of all the gulls.
Many of the parents were flying about, accompanied by their
spotted young, also on the wing. This is the most easterly
ascertained breeding station of the species, which has been found
at Spitzbergen, Greenland, and Melville Peninsula. Mr Rae shot
some fine male specimens, whose plumage and dimensions agreed
exactly with the description in the Fauna Boreali- Americana.
The eggs are deposited in hollows of the short and scanty mossy
turf which clothes the ground." *

THE LITTLE GULL.
LARUS MINUTUS.

ACCORDING to Mr Selby, this species has been obtained in the
Firth of Clyde, but no date is given. Since the publication of his
work on British ornithology, in which the Clyde bird was figured,
the Little Gull has been observed in several Scottish districts ; but
only, so far as I can learn, in two other western localities, viz.: the
island of Skye, where a specimen was killed in 1865 by Captain
Cameron, of Glenbrittle, and Loch Lomond, where another was
seen by myself.

In 1840 I saw seven or eight specimens flying in the old harbour
at Dunbar in East Lothian; they were very tame, and seemed
intent on picking up floating garbage on the water. The birds at
length attracted the notice of idle fishermen and boys who were
lounging on the pier, and owing to their tameness (whether arising
from hunger or other causes, I am not able to say) three of them
were literally pelted to death with stones.

The late Mr James Wilson, in his interesting voyage already
referred to in this work, mentions having seen a specimen which
was killed in Caithness, in the collection of Mr Sinclair, surgeon,
Wick; and I have seen a very perfect adult bird in the Elgin
Museum which was shot near Fraserburgh on 28th June, 1854.
The species had previously occurred in Morayshire, a specimen
having been procured near Loch Spynie, in April, 1847, as re-
corded by the late Charles St. John. Mr Edward of Banff

*VoL i., p. 262.

LITTLE GULL. 475

informs me that in 1854 two specimens came under his observation;
and in the same year I examined a fine adult specimen, in the
summer plumage, which had been shot by Mr William Paterson,
near North Berwick, in East Lothian. In 1852 the Little Gull
was procured at Orkney, and in the following year it occurred
in Shetland.

This beautiful little gull appears to occur on the eastern side
of Britain occasionally in some numbers. I have been informed by
Mr J. H. Grurney, jun., that he procured no less than fourteen of
these birds from the Yorkshire coast at intervals between the
13th of July and the 21st November, 1868;* several of these
were in winter plumage, and one was in adult summer dress. Mr
Gurney further states that he heard of a few others that had
passed into private hands. A specimen in my own collection — a
young male — shot on the sands near Don Mouth, Aberdeenshire,
on 29th March, 1869, was presented to me by Mr Alexander
Mitchell of the museum in Castle Street, Aberdeen, who has
since informed me that he shot other two specimens, adult and
immature, at Aberdeen on the 28th September, 1870. I have
had the opportunity of seeing another — a female — which was
shot at Coldingham Harbour, Berwickshire, on December of the
same year. Mr Angus informs me that several were obtained on
the Aberdeenshire coast about the same time. It would appear,
indeed, that during its migratory journey southwards this species
keeps strictly by the east coast.

Nothing appears to have been known of the nidification of the
Little Gull until 1869, in which year Mr H. E. Dresser exhibited
five eggs, with the bird itself in summer plumage, from Lake
Ladoga, in Eussia, at a meeting of the Zoological Society of
London, held on 25th November. These had been collected by
Mr A. Mewes, a well-known Swedish ornithologist. The eggs
resembled those of Sterna arctica, especially the dark varieties.
Out of twenty-five specimens Mr Dresser did not observe much
variation, and none of them had a light ground colour.

* In the following year the species was met with in even greater numbers,
as many as thirty specimens having been procured off the Yorkshire coast in a
few weeks.

476 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

THE BLACK-HEADED GULL.

LARUS RIDIBUNDUS.

Ceann-Dhuban.

THIS beautiful gull is very abundant in the West of Scotland,
extending to all the outer islands. Its breeding haunts are also
numerous throughout those districts, in which it meets with encour-
agement. I have visited many of these on the mainland, and on both
groups of islands, and find a great similarity in choice of situation,
construction of nests, time of breeding, and general habits of the
birds in localities widely apart. The two best known to myself
are both within easy reach of Glasgow. One of these interesting
nurseries is on a small marshy islet in Hairlaw Loch — a patch of
water, partly artificial, situated near Neilston Pad, which is
within full view of the city. There are perhaps from 500 to 800
pairs to be found breeding there every year. The islet is not safe
against intrusion, adventurous boys being able in very dry seasons
to wade across to it at a point where the water is comparatively
shallow even when the loch is full. The gulls, nevertheless,
maintain their ground, and manage to rear several hundred
young ones yearly. At the time when this colony is in the state
of greatest activity the old birds are constantly flying about the
neighbouring fields, especially those from which potatoes have
been lifted, and picking up worms and beetles, the remains of
these being found at almost every nest. I look upon this bird,
indeed, as a useful friend to the farmer, in clearing his ground of
injurious insects, etc., on which it may generally be seen feeding.
At a later stage of the breeding season the old birds fly much
longer distances in search of food, until at length the young ones
are induced to accompany them either to the sea shore or the
vicinity of the river Clyde, where they are still attended and fed,
as in the case of the terns. I have seen numbers of fully-fledged
young birds perched on stones in the middle of the river Kelvin,
and patiently waiting till the old ones brought them what they
could find in the water. During the whole of the month of
July this river, where it flows through the West End Park of
Glasgow, is constantly frequented by these birds, the pure white of
their plumage contrasting pleasantly with the foliage of the trees.

BLACK -HEADED GULL. 477

They are also abundant at the same season on the river Clyde, in
the very heart of the city.

Another numerous colony of Black-Headed Gulls has for many
years frequented the island of Inchmoin, on Loch Lomond. This
island, which is about two miles in circumference, is quite flat,
and stands but little above the level of the water. In wet
seasons, therefore, it is to a great extent converted into a wet
marsh. About the centre, where the ground is firmer, the Gulls
construct their nests, which in some cases measure about eight
inches in height, so that the contents are always safe against
damp. Here, as well as at Hairlaw, many of the nests contain
four eggs, though three is the usual number. Great variety also
exists in the markings — some being pale blue and slightly spotted,
others entirely of a dark colour, like some varieties of the egg of
Richardson's skua. In one nest on Tnchmoin I found a nest with
two eggs — one of which was much elongated, pale green in colour,
and spotless; while the other was much shorter, nearly twice the
thickness, and almost as black as a piece of bog oak.

In February, 1870, I examined eight specimens of this gull,
which were shot at Girvan. Two were adults, in full winter
plumage, with coral-red bill and legs ; two were apparently of the
third year, with the bill and feet orange, inclining to red; the
remainder being of various ages, from the first year to the end of
the second, legs and bill of a dull, yellowish tint. There were not
two alike, either in the quill markings, colour of feet and bill, or in
the dimensions of the bill. The orbits in two of them were red ;
but in another, which was just assuming the black cap, and had
the rest of the plumage identical, the orbits were black. . The
general measurements of all the specimens also diifered consider-
ably. There seems to be considerable variation in the space
occupied by the dark brown feathers on the head of this bird.
The variety known as the Masked Gull (Larus capistratus) has
several times occurred in Aberdeenshire, as I have been informed
by Mr Angus. I examined a fine specimen in Mr Mitchell's
collection, which had been shot near Don Mouth in 1867, and
also one in Mr Angus's collection, killed about the same time and
place. The white spot near the eye of Mr Mitchell's specimen
appeared to me to be larger than that seen on L. ridibundus; but in
other respects as regards the measurements and general markings,
excepting of course the masked form of the black cap, the two

478 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

birds are alike. I may mention that Mr Mitchell also showed me
several specimens of the Black-Headed Gull, which were tinged
with a beautiful rose colour on the breast, suffused through the
feathers, as if they had been dyed. These specimens retained
the colour for some weeks; but, as is known to occur with
specimens of the sandwich and roseate terns, they finally lost it.
I have never seen the rose tint so strong in west coast specimens.

THE KITTIWAKE GULL.

LARUS TRIDACTYLUS.

Seagir.

THE familiar Kittiwake is extremely common on the west coast,
where there are many breeding stations ranging from the Scaur
Rocks, in the bay of Luce, to the Island of Handa, off the coast of
Sutherlandshire on the one hand, and from Barra Head to Sule-
skeir and Rona on the other. It is abundant during the summer
months on Ailsa Craig, and the Mull of Oe in Islay, the Island of
Rum, where there is an extensive breeding colony, the Shiant Isles,
Haskeir Rocks, and St. Kilda. I have nowhere seen greater
numbers than in the North Minch, at the close of the season,
when the breeding ledges are deserted. Very large flocks then
assemble and remain congregated until the weather becomes
unseasonable, when they migrate southwards. On the shores
of the western mainland, however, considerable numbers of
Kit ti wakes are seen from time to time throughout the winter
season frequenting harbours and sheltered bays, and feeding upon
garbage which they find floating upon the water. I observed such
flocks constantly during the winters of 1866-67-68-69 and 70 in
the Firth of Clyde and along the coast of Ayrshire. Mr Alston
informs me that he has been aware of the occurrence of Kittiwakes
in Ayrshire in the winter time for some years. Several adult
specimens in my own collection were shot near Helensburgh, in
Dumbartonshire, in January and February, 1867.

Throughout the summer months the Kittiwake is the com-
monest species of gull to be met with at sea, especially within a
mile or two of the breeding haunts ; and a crowd of them fishing
about sunset affords a very interesting sight, illustrating the
manner in which a bird so slight and airy-looking can capture its

KITTIWAKE GULL. 479

prey in a rough sea. I have frequently observed multitudes of
these beautiful creatures assembled over a migratory shoal of
fish, and been suprised as well as delighted with the quickness of
their movements. I remember one clear breezy evening in June,
about nine o'clock, seeing an unruly pack of several hundreds
congregated in this manner off Ailsa Craig. They had discovered
a shoal on the march, and were, at the moment I observed them,
in full pursuit just over the brilliant streak thrown aross the sea
by the sinking sun. The strong glare upon the water was ex-
ceedingly beautiful, and the green waves showed a wonderful
transparency as they stood a second or two against the sky; and
as each billow, unbroken at the top, rose and rolled onwards, the
gulls dashed at it with extraordinary uproar. On this narrow
and burnished pathway every bird was distinctly visible; and
during the time I kept watch they travelled many miles, keeping
up the same excited outcry until they were out of sight.

On Ailsa Craig itself the Kittiwakes are among the first birds
to arrive, and for a day or two during the time of nest-building
they are seen tearing up the loose turf — the clamour of the birds
while at this employment being almost as bewildering as when
they are pursuing their prey. Some of the nests, the foundations
of which are laid with turf with the loose earth adhering to it,
are placed at the upper ledges at the elevation of 500 or 600 feet;
while others are quite within reach of the visitor as he passes along
the rough road at the foot of the cliffs. In course of time the
bottom of the nest, through rain arid spray, becomes trampled into
a kind of clay which looks as if the nest had originally been built
of mud, and hence the inaccurate report of some observers. While
incubating, these gentle birds are tame and confiding, seldom
taking wing if fired at or otherwise disturbed ; but should one or
two be shot and fall back dead on the nest, the neighbours will
then rise on wing and flit about, making pitiable lamentations, and
crying all the while Kittawee, Kittawee! Ah, get away, get away! I
hope that no true ornithologist or sportsman will find fault with
me for saying that to practise this kind of shooting is a shame. On
the southern coast of Ayrshire, which, between Girvan and the
entrance to Loch Ryan, presents a series of bold rocky headlands,
there are many sheltered nooks caused by the wearing down of
the softer rocks, and in these coves I have seen great numbers of
Kittiwakes dozing on the grey barnacle-covered stones laid bare

480 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

at low tide. I once looked down from a considerable height upon
a quiet congregation of this kind resting themselves in the middle
of the day at a part of the cliffs which is but seldom visited.
There were several hundreds altogether, and after watching them
for some time I broke off a few bits of rock and threw them down
into the centre of the flock. They, however, paid no attention
to the warning missiles until I increased their volume by hurling
down two small boulders, which made a grand leap from a pro-
jecting rock and dashed with a tremendous plunge into the sea
close to a stone on which about fifty birds were sitting. They
then all rose at once, and after pursuing a soft flight for about one
hundred yards, alighted on the water.

In some of the older works on the Natural History of Scotland,
I find the Kittiwake spoken of as a favourite article of food. Sir
Robert Sibbald, in noticing its edible qualities, states that the
"Kittiweak is as good meat as a partridge;" but as this opinion has
now been before the world rather more than 150 years without
prejudice to the species, it may reasonably be inferred that Sir
Robert was not a gourmand. Yet even in later times its value in
this respect has been acknowledged by the writers of the statistical
accounts of the coast parishes, from which it would appear that
it was largely made use of as an article of food about the close of
last century, especially, among fishermen and others living in the
neighbourhood of its summer haunts. When visiting the Bullers
of Buchan, in Aberdeenshire, in 1771, Pennant — evidently refer-
ring to Dunbuy — took notice of a great insulated rock covered with
multitudes of Kittiwakes — a sight which induced him to make
some inquiries about the bird. " The young are a favourite dish,"
he writes, "in North Britain, being served up a little before
dinner as a whet for the appetite ; but from the rank smell and
taste, seemed as if they were more likely to have the contrary
effect. I was told of an honest gentleman who was set down for
the first time to this kind of whet, as he supposed; and after
demolishing half-a-dozen with much impatience, declared that he
had eaten sax and did not find himself a bit more hungry than
before he began!"

IVORY GULL. 481

IVORY GULL.

LARUS EBURNEUS.

OF occasional and uncertain occurrence only. Since the first
recorded British example of this beautiful sea gull was procured
in Shetland, in 1822, by Mr. Edmonston, various specimens
have occurred in Scotland, three of which were shot in Orkney.
One of these was killed in 1848; but from that time to
the present year I find no other trace of its occurrence in these
islands, with the exception of a specimen killed at Melsetter,
in May, 1867, making the fourth Orkney specimen, as I am
informed by Mr J. H. Dunn. Sir William Jardine has informed
me that he has an Ivory Gull in his collection which was shot at
Thrumster, in Caithness, in November, 1854. The species had
previously been taken in that county — a local specimen having
come into the possession of Mr Sinclair, of Wick, upwards of
twenty years ago. Mr Thomas Edward also includes this species
in his list of Banffshire birds — one having been shot at Gardens-
town in December, 1860.

On the West of Scotland where, according to Mr Selby, a
specimen in immature plumage was obtained in the Firth of
Clyde, the Ivory Gull has come under my observation on various
occasions. A fine adult bird was shot near Greenock in the winter
of 1858; another on the shores of Arran in September, 1866, by
Mr Dunlop, of Glasgow; and a third — a very perfect specimen,
which I had an opportunity of examining — was killed near
Campbeltown in February, 1867. About the same time one was
killed in Islay (where it had previously occurred on one or two
occasions), and another came on shore at Ardchattan, Loch Etive,
in a state of exhaustion, and is now in the possession of Mr
M 'Caiman there. The species has also been observed on the
upper shores of Loch Fyne — the late Mr James Hamilton having
informed me that he procured one near Minard, and saw others
in 1863.

In addition to these instances of the Ivory Gull's appear-
ance on our coasts, I may state that Mr Sinclair saw what he
believed to be a bird of this species on Ailsa Craig in June, 1854.
He was attracted by the pure white figure as it sat on a rock,
jutting from the water at the base of the cliffs. This was about

2F

482 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

sunrise — my friend being at the time a resident on the island for
the express object of taking notes on its ornithology — and the sea
was unusually quiet. The bird was surrounded by kitti wakes, lesser
black-backed and common gulls, and presented a marked contrast
to the rest of the group. Mr Sinclair allowed his boat to drift
within twenty-five yards of its perch, and he, as well as the two
cragsmen who were with him, had an excellent opportunity of
seeing the stranger. I have since learned that pure white gulls
have oftener than once been noticed of late years in the same
place.

Unlike its congener the kittiwake, which preys upon living
fishes, the Ivory Gull, in its native haunts, feeds upon whale
blubber and other garbage, generally associated with the fulmar
petrel — the entertainment and the company but ill harmonising
with the spotless plumage of the bird.

OBS. — A specimen of a variety of this gull, which is known as the
SHORT-LEGGED IVORY GULL (Pagophila brachytarsus (Holboll), was
shot at Thrumster, near Wick, by Mr R. Shearer, and sent to Sir
William Jardine, who thus alludes to the bird in a paper read by
him before the Royal Physical Society of Edinburgh, 26th
January, 1859, and published in vol. ii. of the Proceedings, page
57: — "In regard to the northern gulls, it was remarked that there
were two birds supposed to be confounded under the common
name of Larus eburneus or Ivory Gull, and it is uncertain to which
of these the few specimens recorded as killed in Great Britain be-
long. These gulls are very closely allied, and yet require careful
comparison. The one is Pagophila eburnea (Phipps), (Voyages
to North Pole, 1773); the other Pagophila brachytarsus (Holboll),
(in Bruch's paper, Cab. Journ. fur Ornith., 1855, p. 287). The
latter is distinguished by its smaller size, greater comparative
length of wing, short tarsi, and darker bill, tipped with bronze.
My principal reason for alluding to these is that a beautiful speci-
men of the latter form was shot a few years since in Caithness by
Mr Shearer, and is now in my possession (vide Proceedings Royal
Physical Soc., vol. i., p. 4). At the time I considered it as the old
P. eburnea, but I find it now belonging to the long-winged form,
and as such the first recorded in this country."

I find from my note-books that I had several times noticed a
disparitjr of size in British-killed examples of the Ivory Gull, and
it is possible that this longer-winged and shorter-legged bird has

COMMON GULL. 483

occurred in Scotland oftener than once. Ornithologists would do
well, therefore, to write down a full description, and accurate
measurements, of all such gulls while in a fresh state which may
come under their observation in future.

This variety, which was first described by Bruch (see Cab.
Journ., 1855, p. 287) is stated by that writer to resemble
P. eburnea in all its parts, but to be somewhat smaller, besides
having the wings longer and reaching two times beyond the tail.
Bonaparte, on the other hand, as pointed out in Professor Baird's
work on the Birds of North America, " makes it identical with
L. niveus of Brehm, to which he gives precedence, and describes it
as similar to P. eburnea, but whiter and handsomer; as being
larger than that species, and having a shorter bill, which is yellow,
with the point orange."*

THE COMMON, GULL.
LARUS CANUS.

THE breeding places of the Common Gull are similar to those
selected by the lesser black-backed gull : they are found alike on
the grassy summits of precipitous rocks in or near the sea, and
on moorland lochs at some distance inland, sometimes even on the
highest mountain ranges. Mr Sinclair has seen a large colony on
Ben Eadden, about 1800 feet above the level of the sea, and its nur-
series are often found on desolate moors, especially in the central
islands of the Outer Hebrides, where there are no suitable cliffs to
occupy. The islets in the Sound of Harris are also frequented
during the breeding season by this bird ; and on Islay and Mull
it often resorts to islets in fresh water lakes for nesting purposes.
The same remark applies to the species in many parts of Suther-
landshire and Argyleshire.

In some of the midland counties this species is frequently
observed in great numbers crossing the country from east to west,
and often flying at a considerable height in the air; but they have
never, so far as I am aware, been seen going in a contrary direc-
tion. Occasionally large flocks travel inland in stormy weather

* Sir William Jardine writes (of date 18th December, 1869) that he has again
looked at the bird in his collection, and that he certainly thinks it distinct from
L. nircus.

484 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

and alight in ploughed fields, where they appear to content them-
selves for a time with what they can pick up in the way of
subsistence. I have seen many hundreds at a time resting
themselves during a snow storm, and dozing on one leg for nearly
a whole day, huddled together in a mass, and looking very
subdued. On being put to flight on such occasions, they would
merely flap lazily in circles above the intruder, and return to
their roosting quarters, drawing closely together as before where
the snow had been trampled down on their first assemblage.

In the beginning of November, 1868, I observed about 150 of
these gulls late in the afternoon rising from the land and flying
seawards across the links of Dunbar. The birds were quite near
enough to be recognised, and I distinctly saw that the feet of
some of them were covered with clay, which had adhered to
them when on the ploughed fields, and apparently baffled all
their efforts to remove. As they flew over my head, I could see
them vainly trying to shake1 the dust off their feet ; and as they
directed their flight seawards, I could not help thinking they
might visit some earth-covered rock, and there leave any grain or
seeds, which happened to be in the clay, to take root and grow for
the future edification or wonderment of some wandering botanist.

THE ICELAND GULL.
LARUS 1CELAND1CUS.

THE Iceland Gull, or lesser white-winged gull of Yarrell, may be
distinguished from all the other British gulls by the absence of the
black tips to the wings at any age. This feature, no doubt, also
belongs to the glaucous gull, but the dissimilarity in size between
the two birds prevents them being confounded. The only species
closely resembling it at first sight is the herring gull, from which,
however, it can always be distinguished by the quill feathers being
all white. One of the English names, therefore, given to the
species by Mr Yarrell, while serving to recognise it from the
herring gull, at the same time distinguishes it from the glaucous,
which may be called the greater white-winged gull — a nomenclature
which has been found useful in describing the two gulls with
a "black back" since Pennant first noticed the difference in their
size.

LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL. 485

Although the Iceland Gull is by no means a common bird on
our Scottish coasts, it has been frequently met with on both the
eastern and western shores. From Shetland to Berwickshire im-
mature birds are seen or killed almost every winter, and the same
may be said of its appearance from the coast of Skye to the south
of Ayrshire. The late Mr Thomson mentions in his * Birds of
Ireland ' that he had procured two specimens from Ballantrae on
the borders of Wigtownshire, where they are seen every winter,
and that his friend Mr Sinclair had also seen six or eight of these
birds in the island of Arran. The species, indeed, appears to be
a regular visitor to the Clyde and the shores of Ayrshire, as I have
observed it for years in succession near Girvan. The keeper on
Ailsa Craig has seen three or four at a time frequenting that rock;
they were of indolent habits, in the day time especially, but late
in the afternoon they set out seawards, returning to their quarters
unseen after dusk. This was at a time before all the other sea-
fowl had congregated; consequently ^he keeper was attracted to
them as strangers, and as having no black tips to their wings.
Frequently at the gloaming I have seen what I have believed to be
a pair of these birds hovering over the water of Girvan about a
mile from the sea, and dipping their bills into the river as if
picking up small fry.

Mr Elwes informs me that the Iceland Gull is a rare winter
visitor in Islay, but I have not heard of its occurrence at any time
on the outer islands.

THE LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL.

LARUS FUSCU8.
Faolig-bhig.

IN inland situations particularly, this beautiful sea-gull is, next to
the black-headed gull, the best known species. During the autumn
months it betakes itself at nightfall, especially in broken weather,
to grass parks at some distance from the coast, remaining in
companies numbering sometimes as many as a hundred birds till
daybreak, when they wing their flight back to the sea shore. About
the same season of the year it follows the course of large rivers, and
travels twenty or even thirty miles inland in small flocks, picking

486 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

up morsels of food which it finds floating on the stream. I have
seen numbers of these splendid birds every year on the Clyde in
the heart of the city of Glasgow, circling in their beautiful flight
above the river between the bridges, and also in the most
bustling part of the harbour crowded with ships and steam vessels.
Undisturbed by the noise and busy tumult surrounding their
haunts, these gulls soared gracefully over the shipping, descending
at times to the water as they found a clear space, and tapping the
surface with their feet for an instant, as if afraid to touch the
polluted river. After picking up any bit of floating garbage
which had attracted their attention, they rose at once to the same
height, performing their evolutions as before.

The Lesser Black-backed Gull of the west coast inhabits all the
breeding places frequented by the great black-backed gull and the
next species, but it is likewise found in equal, if not greater,
numbers in fresh water lakes occupying low-lying and heath-clad
islets, where it frequently associates with terns and tarrocks,
although the nests are all by themselves on rougher ground than
that selected by the birds of lesser size. On Inchrnoin in Loch
Lomond I have studied their habits for many years in succession,
and have repeatedly visited their nests during the breeding season.
The nests there are almost invariably placed in thick bushes of
heather, although an occasional one is found in a tuft of rushes or
coarse herbage; the structure is somewhat bulky and is formed of
grass and mosses; and the eggs, three in number, are very variable
both in form and colouring.

In the Outer Hebrides this gull is very common, and breeds on
many of the islands there. In autumn there is a considerable
accession to its numbers by arrivals from St. Kilda and other out-
lying stations. It also abounds on some of the inner group of
islands, and on Ailsa Craig, where it makes itself obnoxious to the
other birds by destroying immense quantities of their eggs. I have
picked up great numbers of guillemots' and razor bills' eggs at the
foot of the cliffs, with holes pierced in the side and wholly emptied
of their contents. Some of these were so little injured as to serve
for tolerably fair cabinet specimens when laid with the hole
downwards.

HERRING GULL. 487

THE HERRING GULL.
LARUS ARGENTATUS.

FROM Ailsa Craig northwards to the Shiant isles and the cliffs of
Cape Wrath, the silvery gull, as this species has been called, has
numerous breeding places. For the most part it prefers nesting
on the turf near the summit of its sea-beaten haunts, and is there-
fore found at times in colonies, not mixing with, but sitting
alongside groups of lesser black-backs as well as the great black-
back, forming a large but harmonious family of gulls, conspicuous
at a great distance when viewed from the sea, and looking like
large white flowers among the grass. It is very abundant on all
the shores, including those of the outward islands, where I have
observed it to be very tame. Those bred at St. Kilda and
Haskeir Rocks betake themselves in autumn to the western side
of the islands of Harris, North Uist, Benbecula, and South Uist,
and are easily approached. I have shot very interesting speci-
mens there shewing the last remains of the immature plumage,
sprinkled in brown spots over the back of the birds and the wing
coverts, giving them a marbled appearance, the rest of the plumage
being complete.

Oii the eastern shores this bird is nowhere more common in
early spring than in Fifeshire. On Leven sands they assemble in
companies numbering thirty or forty birds, and show so much
tameness, that I have at times walked up to a group at rest within
twenty-five yards without causing the birds to take wing. On
the shores of East Lothian, and the adjoining county of Berwick,
Herring Gulls are also very numerous. A few pairs breed on the
Bass Rock • but the principal station for the species in the district
is that part of the Berwickshire coast between St. Abb's Head and
Fast Castle, where there are numerous pointed stacks of rock
standing apart from the headland, and affording the gulls a safe
refuge. The nests are placed at various elevations on these isolated
rocks, from the topmost peak to within a few feet of high-water
mark, so that should a storm arise during the breeding season, the
nests are occasionally in danger of being swept away.

When driving one day along the shore between Stranraer and
the Mull of Galloway, I observed numbers of Herring Gulls lifting
mussels from the beach, and, after carrying them some distance in

488 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

the air, letting them fall among the stones so as to break the
shells and enable them to get at the contents. I had previously
seen rooks at this ingenious employment, but I never before saw
or heard of gulls exercising their instincts in this manner.
Mr Watson, of Stranraer, informs me that he has frequently
observed Herring Gulls breaking mussels in the same way. The
same gentleman showed me a specimen which he had killed by a
rifle shot at a distance of 150 yards. The ball had entered the
forehead of the bird as it sat on the water, and drilled a tolerably
neat hole through the cranium. Mr Watson had previously shot
gulls at greater distances in different parts of the body with the
same rifle.

THE GKEAT BLACK-BACKED GULL.

LARUS MARINUS.
Farspach.

THIS large and powerful bird is much more common in the remote
northern districts than in the southern counties. There are
several breeding stations within a few hours' journey of Glasgow.
Two of these are very dissimilar in their character, one being
situated near the summit of Ailsa Craig, and the other on the
island of Inchmoin in Loch Lomond. In the former locality the
nests are on the grassy slopes of the rock, and are mere hollows
formed in the turf with a very scanty lining; but in the inland
nursery they are formed of materials similar to those used by the
lesser black-backed gull, and are generally found among coarse
grass and bushes- of heath. Twelve or fourteen pairs annually
take up their quarters on Loch Lomond, in the island just named,
but seem to keep aloof from the other species frequenting the place,
repairing in the daytime to the upland glens, where they occasion-
ally fall in with dead sheep and other animals, on which they
surfeit themselves. In the evenings they may be seen returning
to the loch sailing majestically over the tree tops, or hovering a
minute or two above the banks of the brawling torrent to pick up
some stranded object.

In the Outer Hebrides there are breeding colonies on nearly all
the islands. There are several in Lewis, which occupy small grass-

GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL. 489

covered islets on the fresh water lakes there, and also one or two
in North Uist. Mr Harvie Brown found about twenty-five pairs
nesting, with the eggs hard sat upon, on an island in a loch near
Lochmaddy, on 14th May, 1870. There are likewise important
stations on some of the Inner Hebrides, one of these being the
island of Eum, where the birds are seen occupying isolated rocks
round the coast, safe from molestation. On St. Kilda, where
several hundred pairs are found breeding, they are very much dis-
liked by the natives, in consequence of the depredations which
they commit among the nests of the other birds. Mr Elwes (Ibis,
1869), while visiting the island of Dun, one of the St. Kilda
group, thus speaks of their manner of thieving : " After searching
for some time I looked over a cliff and saw, far below me, a broad
flat ledge on which hundreds of Fulmars were sitting among the
stones. I descended with a rope we had brought from the
' Harpy/ as none of those the natives had were long enough.
Two of the young men followed me, coming down hand over
hand at a tremendous pace. As soon as the Fulmars were dis-
turbed from their eggs, the black-backed gulls came swooping
down and carried them off in their beaks, much to the indigna-
tion of my companions who hate the 'Farspach' (as they call
Larus marinus) with a deadly hatred, and practise all sorts of
barbarities on them whenever they catch them, as they are
terrible robbers of eggs."

In the East of Scotland this species is also very common.
During the months of January and February I have seen as
many as twenty of these gigantic gulls in view at one time at
Dunbar, in East Lothian: they usually continued their stately
flight in a south-easterly direction until they reached the first of
the fish-curing stations along the coast. On being attracted to
these places by a plentiful supply of offal, they gather like a flight
of ravens, and I have known as many as six killed at one shot
from the door of one of the smoking houses.

In various parts of Orkney and Shetland this gull, as might be
expected, occurs in great numbers. The following notes relating
to the last mentioned locality have been sent me by Captain
Feilden, who visited these islands in 1869: — "The most interesting
sight at Noss Head is a vast colony of Larus marinus that has
taken possession of the Holm, a detached stack or rock with a flat
surface about two acres in extent. A tremendous chasm separates

490 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

the Holm from the island of Noss. Formerly the gulf was crossed
by a cradle or box strung on two parallel ropes which conveyed
the shepherd and one sheep across at a time; but the gentleman
who farms the island, deeming the crossing in the cradle too
hazardous both for man and beast, has taken away the entire
apparatus within the last few years. Immediately on this being
done, the Great Black-backed Gulls, recognising the impregnability
of the Holm, collected on it in great numbers for breeding. When
I visited Noss Head in the end of May, 1869, the surface of the
Holm was covered with them and their nests. Many hundreds of
pairs were incubating on these two acres, and it was interesting to
see these usually wily birds seated on their nests, walking about or
lying down within gun shot perfectly unconcerned. They seemed
fully alive to the impossibility of any one molesting them since the
removal of the cradle, and though I fired off my gun, they took
little notice of the report."

As a proof of the extraordinary strength of this gull, I may
mention that about four years ago J. H. Trotter, light-keeper at
the Fern islands, shot one while on the rocks at some distance
from the water, and found on examination that it had swallowed
a piece of fish about four inches long, to which had been fastened
two hooks and a strong line thirty-seven feet in length. At the
end of the line there was a stone seven pounds in weight, which
the bird had evidently drawn from the water after swallowing the
bait. It was afterwards learned that the line had been set by
some French fishermen whose vessel was anchored at some distance
from the islands.

THE GLAUCOUS GULL.

LARUS GLAUCUS.
Burgomaster.

THROUGHOUT the western counties of Scotland this large sea-gull
is in general less plentiful than on the eastern shores. It is
seldom, indeed, found roaming within the circle of the inner
islands, but for the most part remains in the vicinity of the Outer
Hebrides. Nor is it even there a regular winter visitor in flocks
— some seasons passing with only a stray bird or two to represent
the migratory companies that at other times visit these islands.

GLAUCOUS GULL. 491

In the winter of 1862-63, considerable numbers were seen in North
Uist, frequenting chiefly the west side of the island, and the Sound
of Harris. In this district — distinguished for large tracts of sand
and mud at low tides — these flocks generally take up their quarters,
feeding on stranded fish, and other garbage left by the sea. They
seldom or never go inland, but when rough northern storms are
blowing the masses of foam over the sands, their usual resting-
place, they get on wing and travel along the shore, visiting the
sands of Benbecula and South Uist, and returning to their head-
quarters when the weather moderates.

The Glaucous Gull is perhaps more numerous in the Shetland
islands than elsewhere in Scotland. In some seasons, ^indeed, it
may be said to be abundant there, appearing in very large flocks.
Dr Saxby states that shortly after their arrival the greater number
of the old birds entirely disappear. The species likewise occurs
in Orkney; and southwards of these two groups of islands old
birds are generally met with, although I have at various times seen
and shot young birds on the Haddingtonshire coast. It is not un-
common as a winter visitant to the Cromarty Firth, and from that
locality to the coast of Northumberland it cannot be said to be
very rare.

Eegarding its occurrence in Aberdeenshire, Mr Angus writes: —
" I have never been out in the bay in winter without seeing this
bird, which is a very conspicuous object, being more oceanic in
its habits than any of its congeners. Along the coast its advent
is heralded by the screaming of the other gulls whom it torments
and tyrannizes over like the skuas. Even the great black-backed
gull must give place to the Burgomaster. In the stomach of one
I obtained an immature puffin in a mutilated state but perfectly
recognisable, the tail and wings being almost entire. Another, on
being wounded, disgorged a large pellet, composed principally of
feathers and bones."

From the same county Mr Alexander Mitchell has very kindly
sent me two beautiful specimens of the Glaucous Gull in the flesh:
one of these is a splendid male in full adult winter plumage, the
other apparently a young bird of the second year. The former
measures in length 32 inches, extent of wing 5 feet 6 inches; the
latter 27 inches in length, and extent of wing 61 J inches. Both
birds were shot on the coast near Aberdeen in the last week of
December, 1870.

492 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

I have frequently seen single birds, and sometimes a pair, on
the most rocky and retired parts of the coast between Dunbar and
Cove Bay, feeding on dead fish which had been cast up by the
tide. On these occasions they would remain tugging at the heavy
fish, and even drag it a little out of its place until put up by a near
approach; before, however, getting fairly on wing they were
obliged to run with a hobbling kind of motion eight or ten paces
until their bodies were inflated and their wings fully expanded.
Then as they rose, widening in their circles as they ascended, their
motions in the air seemed to me to be the perfection of ease and
freedom.

During ^the breeding season their habits would appear to be
much less sedate. In Captain J. Eoss's ' Voyage of Discovery in
the ships Isabella and Alexander/ it is said: "They build on high
cliffs, and they destroy and eat the smaller aquatic birds. We
did not absolutely see them attack other birds; but when our
parties were out shooting the little auk, these gulls, hovering over
our heads, would pounce upon the wounded birds and carry them
off. A female bird that was shot disgorged a whole bird; and
being brought on board, it smelled so offensively that it was im-
mediately examined, and in its stomach was found another bird
quite whole; the stomach was distended and in a state of
mortification as well as the small bird." See Appendix No. 2,
p. 55.

This bird is associated in my mind with at least one vivid
picture of a wild sea. On the iron-bound coasts of Berwickshire
— fatal to many a gallant ship — I witnessed some years ago a
terrible tempest raging, spreading destruction and death : sea and
sky were mingled in one dark, drizzling mass, and all else blotted
out save a foreground of rocks on which the broken waves were
crashing with the noise of artillery, and from which clouds of
spray were rolling landwards like wreaths of smoke from a battle-
field. Against the background of sea and cloud there appeared a
burgomaster gull and a small band of kinsmen — the snow white
parts of their plumage appearing like specks on the pitch-like
neutral tint — best understood by those who paint the "war of
elements." With a free sweep the splendid birds seemed to
rejoice in the tumult beneath, calling to one another in loud,
hoarse shouts as, after a moment's suspense, they dashed across
the gloom. From a peaceful-looking gull they had each become

COMMON SKUA. 493

like a storm demon, hovering at times in the dark cloud, and
presiding over the troubled sea, their very presence forming an
essential element in the picture. Such is their life !

THE COMMON SKUA.
LESTRIS CATARACTES.

THE fact of the breeding haunts of this skua being strictly con-
fined to the Shetland Islands, has of late years led to so much
destructive intrusion by collectors that it is now only by the most
careful protection that the birds are enabled to maintain a footing
there. Thirty years ago there were three separate nesting locali-
ties, viz., the outlying islands of Foula and Uist, and Rona's hill
on the main island. The last-named haunt is now entirely deserted,
and in the two others the number of skuas which yearly resort
thither for nesting purposes is comparatively small. From these
haunts a few usually find their way southwards along the coasts
of the eastern counties ; but the bird is of rare occurrence in the
west. I have not indeed seen more than three or four examples
during the last twenty years : one was obtained on Loch Nell, near
Oban, in the autumn of 1867, and another was found alive in
a corn-field near Aberfoyle, on the banks of the Forth, in
September, 1862.

During the breeding season the Common Skua becomes quite
fearless, attacking any intruder in its haunts with so much spirit
as occasionally to drive both man and dogs off the ground. Its
habits at other seasons can seldom be observed, as it does not often
come near the shore. I have at times recognised its bulky figure
some distance out at sea on the east coast; and Mr R. Scot-
Skirving has informed me that he shot one some years ago on the
Haddington shire coast after it had struck down a herring gull,
and while it was in the act of worrying it like a dog.

Interesting details regarding its nesting habits have been pub-
lished by Captain Vetch in the fourth volume of the Wernerian
Society's memoirs, and also by Mr Robert Dunn, in his Ornitho-
logist's Guide to the Orkney and Shetland Islands, but as these
have already appeared in various other works it is unnecessary to
repeat them here. The following account, however, from Bullock's
Guide to his museum relating to the personal adventures of that

494 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

indefatigable collector in Foula in 1812, has not, so far as I am
aware, been copied into any subsequent publication : — " The prin-
cipal breeding place in Great Britain of the larger brown species,
called the Skua Gull, is on the top of a mountain in the secluded
isle of Foula, distant about eighteen leagues from the Orkneys.
We visited this romantic spot early in the mouth of July, and
received a hearty welcome from the poor but hospitable inhabi-
tants, to whom the sight of a stranger is an unusual occurrence.
On learning the object of our visit, the person who acts as school-
master and minister, for they have no resident clergyman, offered
to attend us to the top of the hill where the Bonxies (the Shetland
name of the Skua) were then hatching their young. We had
scarcely arrived at the place before we were attacked in the most
furious manner by these enraged and formidable birds, who flew
with the utmost violence in the direction of our eyes, and were
not at all intimidated by the report of our guns, or the numbers
that we killed. A large dog that we took with us was so roughly
treated that it was obliged to come to us for assistance, and my
son received a violent blow on the back of his head whilst stoop-
ing to secure a bird he had wounded. They lay their eggs, four
in number, of a dull olive colour with large dusky spots, on the
ground, among the short heath and grass, and it was with difficulty
we could find them; the young were covered with a fine cinnamon-
coloured down, exceedingly soft and beautiful. We brought some
of them alive to England ; they were very tame and affec-
tionate, but were much longer in getting their first feathers than
the young of any of the other gulls. Their voice was very
remarkable, strongly resembling the horns used by the guards of
the mail coaches."

THE POMERINE SKUA.

LESTRIS POMARINUS.

THIS is another of the numerous birds of Scotland which are met
with more frequently on the eastern than on the western shores.
In the Firth of Forth it has been frequently seen in autumn and
spring chasing the smaller gulls. I have often observed it off
Dunbar at this piratical work, and when two of them unite in
pestering a flock of these birds, it is amazing to see the pertinacity

POMERINE SKUA. 495

with which they keep up the attack, following the distressed gulls
through their many turnings in the air, and buffeting them all
the while into a state of the greatest terror. When storms are
frequent, however, they seem unable to meet the blast with the same
ease as the gulls, and consequently they try to cross the country to
the other side — that is, from east to west — in quest of both shelter
and objects of attack. A very fine specimen, now before me, was
caught in a disabled state on the public road near Larkhall, in
Lanarkshire, one stormy evening a few winters ago, by a female
hawker, who put it into her basket, thinking it was a curious duck
that had strayed from a neighbouring farm. Joyful in the prospect
of a dinner on the morrow, she declined parting with the windfall
to an inquiring bird collector, who had a better knowledge of its
character, and unwisely took the bird home. Speedily, however,
the "duck" dispelled the woman's belief in its anatine descent
by inflicting one or two severe bites which, as she pathetically re-
marked, "werena' like the bite o' a braid neb at a';" so it was
reserved for a better fate, as in all likelihood the aroma given off
in the process of cooking a skua would have entailed its total loss.
While looking at it, I am reminded of an incident lately communi-
cated to me by a medical friend in Glasgow who presented an old
woman in the Highlands with the body of a sea eagle he had just
flayed as a veritable turkey. Sometime afterwards the doctor,
happening to meet the recipient, expressed a hope that the "fowl"
had been acceptable. "Ou, aye," said the old lady, "it was agude
turkey, but oh it was teuch!"

This species of skua does not entirely depend upon its piratical
exertions for subsistence, but contents itself occasionally with a diet
of putrid fish or small dead animals which it happens to meet with
in its flights along the shore. It has even been known to devour
rats and birds.

Mr Graham has sent me word that his friend Mr Colin M'Vean,
who has a very accurate knowledge of British birds, has found
this skua breeding in the Outer Hebrides. I have not myself seen
it there, nor have I ever obtained a specimen from any part of the
Long island. It has occurred in the Firth of Clyde and on the
Ayrshire coast; in Wigtownshire, Kirkcudbright, and Dumfries-
shires, but only, so far as I am aware, in the winter season.

496 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

KICHAKDSON'S SKUA.

LESTRIS RICHARDSONIL
Fasgadair.

THIS is perhaps the most common species of pirate-bird throughout
Scotland. Its breeding places, however, are mostly confined to
the Outer Hebrides. The nurseries on some of the islands are
frequented by forty or fifty pairs; there are several stations on South
Uist; on Stuala island, Wiay, Benbecula, and North Uist. There
are also one or two breeding places in Lewis. These haunts are
generally the most uninviting spots in appearance, being dark peat
bogs, with patches of heather growing where the ground is firm.
The nest is similar to that of the black-headed gull, and the struc-
ture is placed often on a tuft of heath to keep it dry in case
of inundation, which frequently happens in very wet seasons,
though the nature of the ground at any time makes it somewhat
difficult to take the eggs without wading. There is the same
variety in the eggs (which are two in number) as in those of the
gull referred to — many of the iiests containing a dark and a light-
coloured one.

These birds are very courageous in defending their eggs and
young, and will strike an intruder pretty smartly if care is not
taken to ward off the blow. Dogs meet with even a worse recep-
tion, and frequently beat a retreat rather than face the angry bird.
Their cry at these times is harsh and grating, not unlike that of
a peregrine falcon. The following remarks, extracted from a paper
on the island of Foula — the most western of the Shetland group —
by Captain Vetch of the Eoyal Engineers, show the force of the
bird's attack: — "In approaching the nest of the Arctic gull, an
attack still more fierce than that of the skua commences. The
intruder receives constant flaps with the wings of the bird.
Judging from the rapidity of the dart, and their just grazing the
head of the person, I imagined if any hard substance was suddenly
elevated above the head a few inches at the moment previous to
the graze, the animal would probably terminate its existence
against it. I accordingly elevated the muzzle of a fowling-piece a
few inches above my head, and after a few trials, in which the
bird showed a most extraordinary power of altering its course when
almost touching the gun, the experiment ended by its death ; and

RICHARDSON'S SKUA. 497

so great was the force with which it struck the gun that its brains
were forced out and the death was instantaneous; and I have no
doubt that an adroit person might kill numbers in this way/'

In the islands I have mentioned the skuas are very destructive
to the nests of other birds, especially the black-throated and red-
throated divers, the eggs of which they break and carry off. With
such fare, and the remains of fish which are disgorged by the terns,
kitti wakes, and other gulls, against whom it wages a constant war-
fare, it manages to pass the few weeks of incubation pleasantly
enough. But after quitting its breeding haunts, when there are
no nests to plunder, it follows its piratical pursuits entirely at sea
or along the shore, dashing with great ease and power into the
midst of a flock of terns or gentle kittiwakes, and attacking one
after another until its hunger is satisfied. In speed of flight its
victims are no match for it ; and the dexterity with which it picks
up the falling plunder dropped by the buffeted gull Reminds one
of a hawk or falcon more than the action of a sea-bird.

In coloration of plumage this species seems to vary very
much even from the downy state to maturity. I have seen very
handsome specimens with all the lower parts, from the chin to the
under tail coverts, of a clear yellowish-white, giving the bird at
first sight a strong resemblance to the next species; others again,
apparently about the same age, are almost wholly dark, with but
faint traces of light grey on the neck and throat, in which state
they are often found breeding with what may be termed adult
birds. The full adult plumage, as in the case of many of the sea-
gulls, is not acquired for some time; and as the species is often
found nesting in its second year, it would appear that no definite
description of the breeding plumage can be given. On referring to
Captain Vetch's account, from which I have already quoted, I find
he says that "the old birds are generally of a blackish colour all
over, with the exception of the belly, which is of a rusty or tarn-
ished appearance. Considerable numbers, however, appear with
•white bellies, and a few variously speckled on the breast, forming
a gradation between those with black and those with white bellies.
These varieties of colour, I imagine, are the effect of different ages,
having observed pairs belonging to the same nest associated in
every possible mode of combining the colours, as two whites, two
blacks, a white and black, a white and speckled, and a black -
speckled, and two speckled."

498 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

I may mention that an unusually dark specimen in the precise
plumage figured by Swainson in the ' Fauna Boreali Americana,'
was sent to me for exhibition at a meeting of the Natural History
Society of Glasgow, by William Boyd, Esq., Greenock: it had
been shot in the Outer Hebrides some time previously.

Mr Harvie Brown informs me that he found a quantity of zoo-
phytes (Actinia) in the stomach of one of these birds, which he
shot in Sutherlandshire last year.

BUFFON'S SKUA.

LESTRIS BUFFONII.

ON the mainland of the West of Scotland this Skua is only a
straggler; but it is probably a regular summer visitant to the
outer islands. A specimen was shot in Skye, in the autumn of
1855, and exhibited at a meeting of the Royal Physical Society of
Edinburgh; and in the summer of 1863 I examined a pair that
were shot on the island of Wiay by Colin M'Rury, Esq., surgeon,
as they hovered over a marsh where there were nests of Richard-
son's Skua and other birds. The likelihood is they had a nest on
the spot. Wiay is a small island lying to the south-east of Benbe-
cula, and distant from it about a quarter of a mile : it is two miles
in length, and in breadth about a mile and a half. The ground is
chiefly heath and peat moss, and there is a small fresh water loch
on it frequented by the usual wading birds of the adjoining islands.
At the south-east end there is a range of high and nearly perpen-
dicular rocky cliffs, the principal elevation of which is called the
Eagle's Crag, and is about 300 feet in height. On this cliff a sea
eagle had a nest for many years, but is supposed to have deserted
the place in 1849. The snowy owl has also been observed fre-
quenting the island. This remote spot has only one house upon
it, inhabited by a shepherd and his family : the island supports
about a hundred cattle besides a few sheep; and it is a likely -
place, from its unfrequented aspect, to attract such birds as may
have been disturbed, or driven from other places. About the
centre of the island the ground rises to some height, forming a hill,
conspicuous at a considerable distance. Here, as elsewhere in the
Hebrides, there are no trees, the entire surface being covered with
grass and heather.

FULMAR PETREL. 499

Buffon's Skua has been found breeding in Caithness-shire,
though not for some years past; and also in Shetland, as I have
been informed by Mr Dunn, who procured the eggs from one of
three nests in the island of Hoy, fifteen years ago.

In the autumn season stray birds are found flying along the
coasts, but not in any numbers. Two specimens were seen in the
autumn of 1866, on the river Kirtle, Dumfriesshire; one of them
was shot, and exhibited by Dr J. A. Smith, at a meeting of the
Royal Physical Society, Edinburgh. Another specimen of this
skua, which I had an opportunity of seeing, was shot on the Cree,
near Newton-Stewart, in 1863. According to a note in MS. by
Messrs Baikie and Heddle, a single specimen of Buffon's Skua
was shot in Sanday in 1849.

THE FULMAR PETREL.
PROCELLARIA OLACIALIS.
Am Fulmaire.

THE head-quarters of the Fulmar are St. Kilda, Borrera, and Soa,
from which group of rocks it is but a straggler in the summer
season to the Outer Hebrides. It formerly bred in the south isles
of Barra, but has now entirely abandoned that locality, none having
been seen there in the breeding season since 1844. I was lately
informed, however, by Captain Cameron of Glenbrittle, that he has
had the eggs of this species obtained in Skye, where it breeds in
at least one locality — a " stack " off the farm of Tallisker, half-
way between Stack na Maidaidh and Breshal Beg. The nests are
in holes in a very steep grassy slope, extremely difficult of access.
The country people say there are many more breeding places of
this bird in Skye.

The Fulmar would almost appear to have at one time bred in
the island of Mull. Pennant, in his account of the species, copies
the following paragraph from one of the newspapers of the day,
— the General Advertiser for June, 1761: — "Isle of Mull.— A
gentleman of the name of Campbell, being fowling among the
rocks, and having mounted a ladder to take some birds out of their
holes, was so surprized by one of this species spurting a quantity
of oyl in his face that he quitted his hold, fell down and perished."

500 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

On three or four different occasions this bird lias been met with
in lona, and Dr Dewar has a specimen in his collection which he
captured in summer off the coast of Skye: it is also found occas-
sionally on the west side of the Long island, but it is worthy of
remark that in nearly every case these stragglers from the distant
rocks referred to are in an emaciated state.

On the eastern shores of Scotland the Fulmar ranks only as a
straggling winter visitant. In East Lothian it is occasionally
found in December and January. I have seen specimens that
were cast up dead on the beach near Dunbar. Northwards, stray
examples have been recorded from Caithness-shire, and nearly all
the intervening counties. These individuals probably come from
breeding haunts situated to the north-east of Scotland, although I
cannot find any mention of such having yet been discovered.

Writing from Shetland, Dr Saxby states that he has never seen
the Fulmar in a living state. " When in want of specimens," he
continues, " I send a gun out with the fishermen when they go to
the 'haaf.' The birds seem to be met with in great abundance
about thirty miles north of Uist, but it is singular that none
appear before the men begin to throw the offal overboard." In
Messrs Baikie and Heddle's MS. notes inserted in a copy of
their work, it is stated that one specimen was obtained at Scalpa
in 1849.

The late Mr John Macgillivray, who visited St. Kilda in June,
1840, and afterwards published an account of his visit in the
' Edinburgh New Philosophical Journal,' has remarked that the
eggs of the Fulmar are much esteemed by the natives, who gratify
their partiality by robbing all the nests in the month of May, and
apparently trust to the bird laying a second time.

The following account from another source, judging from the
dates given, obviously refers to a second raid on its haunts, more
exciting in the details than mere egg taking: — "The young
Fulmer is valued by the natives more than all the other tribes of
birds taken together: it may be said to be their staff of life; they
therefore never meddle with the egg. The 12th day of August, if
a notable day in the moors, is more so in the rocks of St. Kilda :
a day or two before every rope is tested, every oil-dish cleaned,
every barrel emptied. Some of these ropes are older than their
owners, and are chiefly made of thongs from cow-hide, salted, and
twisted into a cable. The 12th arrives, the rope is made fast

FULMAR PETREL. 501

round the waists of the heavier party, whilst the other and lighter
party are let down the perpendicular rock several hundred feet.
Here the work of destruction goes on night and day for a given
space; the St. Kilda man has nothing to do but take the young
Fulmer, wring his neck, and then suspend him by a girth which
he wears round his loins ; his neighbour looks on with unconcern,
and allows the same experiment upon his neck. When the person
of the man is overloaded he forms a parcel, which he lays to a side,
and resumes. This is the harvest of the people of St. Kilda.
They are aware it is to last only eight days, and therefore sleep
itself is banished for this space, seeing that the millions that may
be left to see the eighth day after the 12th, are sure to be off to
their own fairy world for a season. The number killed in this one
week may be from eighteen to twenty thousand. They are from
two to three pounds weight; about two hundred will go to fill
a herring-barrel; yet each family, after serving the poor, shall have
from four to five barrels salted for winter use." *

At page 11 of the same curious work the difficulties encountered
by the more adventurous of the Hirta climbers while attacking
the Fulmar in its strongest fortress are thus alluded to : " The
staca-biorrach, or pointed, or pyramidical rock, lying betwixt So'a
and St. Kilda, is the test of a St. Kilda hero. As for fighting
or striking, not a single instance of the kind has occurred for
eight years. On the summit of this rock, which is flattish, the
Fulmer reigns secure. The rope here is of little avail. The people,
however, climb it occasionally, as sweeps do St. Paul's in London,
by way of a feat. The man who cannot perform it, never gets a
wife in St. Kilda. It is from 400 to 500 feet high. There were
just two individuals up since Mr M'Kenzie (the resident clergyman)
went to the island eight years ago. They did it to shew their
dexterity to an Englishman, and for a quid of tobacco (?). Mr
M'Kenzie, who was present, says that the attempt was fearful.
When they got up, however, they committed tremendous havoc
among the secure Fulmer, etc.; these they tied in immense
bundles which they flung down into the sea : the parcels rebounded
several fathoms, as if threatening to regain the summit, creating
at the same time a cloud of blood which, when it fell, crimsoned
the sea as if the * second angel' had sounded." — A very alarming

* Sketches of St. Kilda, and journal of excursion thither. By L. MacLean,
author of Adam and Eve, etc. Glasgow : 1838.

502 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

account, certainly. The author of the book, it may be mentioned,
had previously published a work in which he endeavours to prove
that our first parents, Adam and Eve, spoke Gaelic : he does not,
however, hazard even a conjecture as to the language spoken by
the serpent of that period.

The oil which this bird yields by vomiting when caught is
highly valued by the natives of St. Kilda as a cure for all diseases.
Its virtues, indeed, have been extolled by all the older writers
from Martin downwards; but no one, so far as I am aware, has
ever given the slightest information as to its chemical properties.
I have therefore much pleasure in inserting here, with other
details on the subject, the following note which has been oblig-
ingly furnished me by Mr Edward C. C. Stanford, F.C.S.:—

"The method of catching these birds is peculiar to St. Kilda;
the men may well call themselves bird-catchers, for assuredly there
are none like them. The process seems simple enough, but the
awful danger must be seen to be appreciated; indeed, the climbing
propensities of these men would astonish any member of the
Alpine Club.

" Hanging on a rope (often made of heather) the bird-catcher
descends the fearful precipices, armed with a sort of fishing-rod,
having a slip noose at the end. This he dexterously throws over
the head of the bird, which is sitting on a ledge of the rock beneath
him, and hauls him up. He then dips the bird's beak into a small
leather bag suspended to his waist, and there the oil is vomited.
The bird is then killed and eaten as food, the feathers and the
oil forming the two articles of export. Beds made of the feathers
are said never to harbour insects, but it is alleged also that they
are difficult to keep dry.

" The oil is a good deal mixed with a rougher sort from solan
geese, and realises a poor price as an ordinary rough fish-oil.
When genuine, it is of a clear, dark, slightly reddish sherry- colour,
and has a powerful and peculiar odour — an odour of which the
whole island and all the inhabitants smell. It is certainly a fish-
oil, and it possesses nearly all the properties of cod- liver oil.

" Its specific gravity is midway between cod-liver and sperm.

Fulmar Oil, sp. gr. -902

Cod-liver, light „ -924

„ brown „ -926

Sperm Oil ,, '875

MANX SHEARWATER. 503

It is soluble in ether. Cold alcohol dissolves less than 1 per cent,
and hot alcohol 3 per cent.

" Treated with a drop of oil of vitriol, it produces precisely the
same coloured re-actions as cod-liver oil, which, if the generally-
received views be correct, would show it to be a liver-oil.

" It contains a very faint trace of iodine.

" Heated with oil of vitriol and excess of potash, it gives off a
strong odour of oil of rue.

" Saponified with soda, the soap retains the peculiar odour, and
yields a tolerably fluid fatty acid on acidifying the solution.

" I shall be glad if this short notice of Fulmar oil will induce any
one to experiment with it for medicinal purposes. I have no
doubt a good deal might be obtained, and a good market would
be a boon to that isolated people/'

THE MANX SHEARWATER.

PUFF IN US ANGLORUM.

Scraib.

THERE are numerous breeding haunts of this Shearwater through-
out the West of Scotland, and the bird itself may be called
abundant within the circle of the Inner Hebrides. Westward
of that group, the only breeding localities with which I am
acquainted are Pabbay — one of the isles of Barra, and St. Kilda.
Some years ago, the lighthouse keeper at Barra Head informed
me that the shearwaters had entirely deserted the island of
Bernera, on which the lighthouse is built, none having been seen
nesting there since 1843; and Mr Elwes (Ibis, 1869) has the
following remarks bearing on the same locality : — " This bird was
formerly very common, and the young ones, which were called
" Fachach," were so highly esteemed that a barrel of them formed
part of the rent paid by each crofter in Mingalay, to the Macneills
of Barra. About a hundred years ago, however, the puffins,
which before were not numerous, began to increase very much,
and drove the shearwaters from the holes which they occupied in
the cliffs ; and now they have completely supplanted them, so that
only a few pairs of shearwaters are left in the island of Pabbay,
which is next to Mingalay. The Shearwater seems to be on the

504 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

decrease in most of its other breeding places, though I never
heard any reason assigned for the circumstance." In the same
paper, Mr Elwes remarks that on Soay, one of the St. Kilda
group, where it was formerly very common, the Shearwater is
now by no means plentiful — a change probably arising in this
case also from the increase of the puffin. One of the most
extensive breeding places frequented by this species at present is
on the island of Rum : this nursery-haunt is situated on the face
of a hill among broken boulders, and is about a mile distant
from the sea. In early times the breeding place was on the coast,
and the birds were then collected at the close of the season, as at
Barra, and salted for winter use. There is another nesting haunt
on the island of Eigg, and the Treshinish isles, StafFa, lona, and
various rocky islets of limited extent are also frequented during
the breeding season. The shearwaters appear in April, sometimes
as early as the 10th of the month, and continue until October,
when flocks are sometimes seen off the north coast of Islay. I
have seen small numbers pursuing their swallow-like flight near
the entrance to Lochmaddy, in the Outer Hebrides, and have
also noticed them at mid-day in the Firth of Clyde. On 25th
June, 1868, I saw three or four specimens when midway between
Ardrossan and the island of Arran. Mr Graham informs me that
the species is common in lona and Mull, and that on the 12th
of May, during very cairn weather, as he was sailing to StafFa
with a party in a boat, he saw a number of very large flocks
of shearwaters swimming upon the water. They were very tame,
and he procured a considerable number.

While cruising among the western islands I have often been
arrested by the elegant flight of this petrel as it suddenly rose
above the waves. About day-break the numbers are greatest,
especially during a fresh breeze, but on undeniably stormy days,
I have seen them in extensive flocks, even at mid day. Towards
sunset, should a look-out be kept in the neighbourhood of their
breeding places, the observer will be surprised at the numbers
which issue from these haunts and fly seawards. I recollect one
evening as we lay becalmed near the island of Coll, seeing many
hundreds mysteriously flitting past the vessel, and disappearing
in the darkness before we could well make out their forms. On
this occasion I counted upwards of forty flocks, each numbering
from twenty to thirty shearwaters — all of which came from the

FORK-TAILED PETREL. 505

rocky slopes of the island, and passed eastwards in the direction
of Ardnamurchan. In the early dawn I have also seen large
numbers hovering like swallows over a turbulent sea off that
headland, and have invariably regarded their flight with feelings
of admiration. There is something truly elegant in their aerial
movements as they soar a moment or two above a huge wave, and
then sweep down into the hollow, rising with the curling mass
of water until it breaks, when they dart high into the air with a
rocket-like flight; and no one who has really watched them with
pleasure will, I think, deny that this is one of the most interesting
sights a yachting naturalist can enjoy.

OBS. — I find the CINEREOUS SHEARWATER (Puffinus cinereus)
recorded by Messrs Baikie and Heddle, in a manuscript note, as
having occurred in Shetland; and the species also catalogued by
the late Mr Sinclair of Wick, as a rare visitant to the county
of Caithness.

THE FOEK-TAILED PETEEL.

TEA LA SS ID ROM A LEA CHI1.
Gobhlan — goidhe (Barra).

THIS species, which was originally discovered about fifty years ago
on the island of St. Kilda by Mr Bullock, has since been found
breeding there in a colony which has established itself on Dun —
an isolated stack — under the loose rocks near the summit, and is
also known to frequent the island of Mingalay in Barra, where a
few pairs incubate every year in company with the next species.
The eggs in the last-mentioned locality are, according to Mr Elwes,
found principally in holes and cracks in the dry peat on the top of
the cliffs. There is a more extensive breeding place in the island
of Rum situated on rough stony ground at the north-west side at a
place called Braedinach. Having repeatedly obtained specimens
within the parish of the " small isles," I some years ago instituted
inquiries which resulted in the discovery of this additional nursery.
Though a strictly western species in Scotland, it appears to be
gradually extending its habitats, and is likely to spread in the
direction of the mainland as the Hebridean haunts become over-
populated. I look^upon it, indeed, as equal in numbers to the
storm petrel.

506 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

The following remarks from Mr Elwes' paper on the bird stations
of the Outer Hebrides (Ibis, 1869) gives the latest intelligence
regarding the St. Kilda breeding place of this bird : — " Some of
the man-of-war's men had been collecting eggs on shore ; and this
excited the indignation of the older men, who considered it in the
light of stealing their property. After we had pacified them with
some small presents of tobacco and sugar, I showed them the
pictures in my ' Yarrell,' among others pointing out the Fork-tailed
Petrel. This, however, they did not seem to distinguish, by any
peculiar name, from the storm petrel which is common enough
and is here called 'Assilag.' The petrels are too small to be of
any use for food, and are probably not much seen by the natives,
especially as they only come out at night; but the pictures of all
the other birds, which are found here, were at once recognized,
and the Gaelic names given." Having landed on Dun, the same
writer proceeds: — "I expected to find the petrels breeding near the
top of the cliff; but none were at present visible, and I think it
must have been too early in the year for eggs. There is no doubt,
however, that the Fork-tailed Petrel does breed here, as I have
seen eggs from St. Kilda, and Sir W. Milner procured the birds,
though John Macgillivray, like myself, was disappointed in
finding them."

I have obtained specimens of the Fork-tailed Petrel from Ben-
becula, Barra, Skye, Rum, Eigg, and Canna; also from various
districts on the Firth of Clyde, and as far up as Dunoon and
Roseneath. Numerous specimens occurred on the west coast in
the winters of 1863, 64, 65, 67, and 68. They are met with, in
fact, almost every season, and chiefly in the months of November
and December. I only know of two specimens that have occurred
in the east of Scotland: one of these, obtained in Caithness-shire,
is now in the collection of the late Mr Sinclair of Wick; the other,
which is now before me, was found in an exhausted state on the
Loch of Forfar in the winter of 1868.

Like the Shearwater and Storm Petrel, this bird is often dur-
ing storms found in an exhausted state both on the beach and at
considerable distances inland. On such occasions it seems unable
to withstand the force of the blasts which frequently occur in the
vicinity of our western mountain ranges.

STORM PETREL. 507

THE STORM PETREL.

THA LA SSI D ROM A PEL A QIC A .
Asilag. Lucha fairge.

THIS very interesting little bird is a common species in the Heb-
rides, and its breeding places may be said to be numerous around
most of the larger islands, such as Skye, Mull, and Islay. Colonies
have long existed near Dunvegan, on the Ascrib islands, Canna,
Ruin, and Eigg, besides numerous other rocks and islands off the
mainland from Cape Wrath to Ardnamurchan, and from that to
the Mull of Cantyre. The most southernly breeding station in the
West of Scotland is perhaps Ailsa Craig, where an old bird was
caught, and a single egg obtained, by the tacksman in the breeding
season of 1 842 ; but though I have repeatedly visited the rock
within the last twenty years, and seen the birds on several occa-
sions, I found it impossible to procure the eggs on account of the
size of the basaltic blocks under which the birds were sitting. In
some other places, such as the island of Soay, near lona, the petrels
have their holes in soft mud, the entrance halls of which are about
as large as rabbit burrows. From these other smaller galleries
branch off, so that one external aperture serves as a kind of lobby
for a number of pairs.

Although to a great extent nocturnal in its habits, the Storm
Petrel is not unfrequently met with throughout the summer and
autumn in dull and uncertain weather within a few miles of the shore.
Should a gale spring up, they may be seen flitting restlessly above
the broken water until they make out some belaboured boat or
larger vessel, which they at once fly to and follow, apparently in
expectation of finding morsels of food, just as many larger birds —
sea-gulls, for example — pertinaciously flap in the wake of steam
vessels for even twenty and thirty miles. I well recollect my first
introduction to the Storm Petrel. I had set sail early one morning
towards the end of May from one of the Clyde ports for Ailsa
Craig, in company with one or two friends and three experienced
fishermen. The weather, as it turned out, was too fine, and before
we reached our destination at mid-day the sky betokened a change.
About half a mile from the rock I observed a petrel; but knowing
the superstitious fear with which the bird is regarded, it did not

508 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

appear necessary to acquaint the boatmen of the circumstance.
We had not been on the Craig more than twenty minutes until
the sea and clouds excited our apprehensions, and we left immedi-
ately after reefing our sail and taking on board some additional
ballast. We had, of course, every confidence in our boatmen, but
I must confess to a strong misgiving about the boat itself, especially
when we arrived at that part of the programme when it became
necessary for each man to convert his hat into a baling bucket.
Some of our party soon began to show signs of weakness; nor were
these lessened when it was announced that the mainsail was giving
unmistakable symptoms of the same malady; and as the boat
shivered in the angry sea, it was hardly possible for even the
greatest enthusiast to think of anything but the impending danger.
It was, however, with great satisfaction I hailed at this juncture
the appearance of three or four Storm Petrels following in our
wake. There they were, pattering the top of each wave, the
broken crest of which they barely touched as it rose and
threatened our bulwarks. Several times they seemed as if they
might have been touched with the hand; and as by this
time we were nearly all, by the fishermen's orders, so as to trim
the craft, lying flat among the ballast, I saw and admired their
little querulous black eyes as they peered into the boat in
wonderment at the cargo of queer black fish lying in the bottom.
The birds did not appear to pick up anything, but untiringly
followed the rising and falling of the water — now going down
into a hollow, and now rising with the wave until the edge
broke and curled over, when the little feet were let down
with a gentle tripping movement as if trying to get a footing
on the treacherous deep. Sometimes, as one of them remained
in the trough of the sea, until the wave seemed ready to engulph
the little creature, it mounted sideways to let it pass, and down
it went on the other side with " contemptuous celerity." This
little party of petrels kept us company till we were within a mile
of the shore, when they disappeared, leaving us to find our way
home as best we could. This was found not to be an easy matter.
The gale had increased and angered the sea into a state of com-
motion very much beyond the calculations of our boatmen; and
as we neared the shore it was evident we were drifting to certain
destruction, unless we could manage to guide the boat into a small
sandy creek, to which our attention was directed by the shouts

STORM PETREL. 509

and gestures of a crowd of people on shore. 'Luckily, this was
accomplished, and we had the satisfaction of landing up to the
armpits in a mass of rotten seaweed which had accumulated in
this narrow inlet, and through which we dragged ourselves and
the boat to the beach. We were glad to leave it there, six miles
from the harbour we should have returned to. A more sea-
worthy boat than our own was detained at Ailsa nearly three days
during the same storm; and the gale which had thrown us so
unceremoniously among the seaweed stranded a sloop within a
mile of the spot and dashed it to pieces.

Twenty years ago my valued correspondent, Mr Graham, of
whom I now take leave in these pages, communicated some very
interesting notes on the Stormy Petrel, the insertion of the sub-
stance of which may not inappropriately bring my labours to a
close. Mr Graham became acquainted with the bird through a
mere accident. He had, while residing at lona, made frequent
excursions to the famous isle of Staffa in a small boat of his own
named " The Ornithologist," and on one of these occasions had
been compelled, through a sudden storm, to remain alone all night
on this isolated roosting place under shelter of his boat, which he
drew up on the landing and turned bottom upwards for the
purpose. Of course, in the circumstances, sleep was impossible;
and during the night he heard the most curious buzzing sounds
emanating from the rough stony ground he was lying upon.
They were not continuous, but broken every ten seconds or so by
a sharp click. Waiting until daylight, he found the strange music
issuing from beneath his feet; guided by the sound, he commenced
removing the heavy stones ; and being encouraged in his labours
by hearing the sounds nearer and more distinct — sometimes
ceasing, then recommencing— he worked away till the noise and
rolling of the rocks seemed to provoke the subterranean musician
to renewed efforts, until with a vigorous exertion the last great
stone was rooted out and the mystery laid bare. He saw a little
black object shuffling off, leaving its small white egg lying on a
few blades of dry grass which protected it from the hard rock.
It made no attempt to escape, as if dazzled by the glare of day-
light, or stunned by the depth of its misfortune, but lay passively
in his hand when he took it up, uttering only a faint squeak of
surprise at the outrage. From this romantic island Mr Graham
afterwards procured several young birds, which he kept in confine-

510 BIRDS OF THE WEST" OF SCOTLAND.

merit until they became fledged. He reared them solely upon
cod liver oil, which they sucked from a feather dipped into it,
clattering their beaks and shaking their heads with evident satis-
faction. Towards nightfall they became exceedingly restless and
active; and on being taken out of their box they sat on the table
and set their wings in motion so rapidly that they ceased to be
discernible. Their eyes being closed during this exercise, the
whirring of their wings apparently fanned the little fellows into
the notion that they were far out at sea, travelling at the rate of
forty miles an hour; and as their bodies became buoyant by the
action of the wings, their little feet could retain no hold of the
slippery mahogany; so the exhibition generally ended by the poor
petrels falling backwards and disappearing suddenly over the edge
of the table. Two of these pets died, and were sent to me
through the post, accompanied by a note from my friend, inform-
ing me that they had both departed this life during the roaring
of an equinoctial storm.

APPENDIX.

THE AMERICAN GOSHAWK.

ASTUR ATRICAPILLUS.
Page 39.

Having ventured the surmise that this species might occur a
second and even a third time in Britain, I may here state that such
has actually happened since this work was sent to press. The second
example was shot on the Galtee mountains in Tipperary in 1870,
and is now in the collection of Sir Victor Brooke; and the third
was killed at Parsontown, in the King's county, by Mr Basil
Brooke in 1870.

THE HONEY BUZZARD.

PERN IS APIVORUS.
Page 48.

Mr Harvie Brown has informed me that a nest of eggs of this
species has been procured this year (1871) by himself and Captain
Feilden in Ross-shire. The nest was placed in the fork of a tree,
and lined with wasps' nests: it was about the size of a rook's, and
both birds were seen flying overhead. This pair of birds, it appears,
bred regularly in the district for the last six years, and they have
usually taken their departure about the middle of September.

THE HEN HARRIER.

CIRCUS CYANEUS.
Page 52.

Mr James Thomson of the Kelvingrove Museum, Glasgow, has
shown me a pair (m. and f.) of this species from Sutherlandshire
which have just begun the assumption of the adult plumage.

.2 -. BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

Both birds have a curiously mottled appearance: they were shot
at their nest containing young birds, and Mr Thomson's informant
— Mr Crawford of Lairg — assures him that during an experience
of eighteen years in the same county he has frequently seen male
birds in immature plumage mated, and that he has killed them
while at the nest.

Mr W. A. M'Leay, Inverness, informs me that he preserved a
female Hen Harrier which was pure white and remarkabty
beautiful when compared with ordinary albinoes: it was shot at
Courthill, Lochcarron, Ross-shire, in the beginning of May, 1870.

THE GOLDEN ORIOLE.

ORIOLUS GALBULA.

Page 80.

A specimen of this bird was shot on the estate of Reith, near
Kirkcaldy, on 22d April, 1870, and preserved by Mr J. Wilson of
that town. Another was killed in the last week of March at Loch
Torridon in Ross-shire, and stuffed by Mr W. A. M'Leay, Inver-
ness, to whom I am indebted for a notice of the circumstance.

THE SNOW BUNTING.

PLECTROPHANES NIVALIS.

Page 125.

I have been informed by Mr R. G. Wardlaw-Ramsay that
Colonel Drummond Hay observed a pair of Snow Buntings in full
summer plumage on 21st June, 1870, on Ben-muick dhui; and Mr
Harvie Brown states that in the breeding season of the present
year (1871) young birds were again seen on Lochnagar. The nest,
however, could not be found.

THE TREE SPARROW.

PASSER MONT AN US.
Page 140.

This species has been found breeding near Ardrossan in Ayr-
shire: one — a young bird — was procured from the nest by Mr John

APPENDIX. 513

Jameson, who has since presented me with the specimen. The
nest was situated in a hole in a wall.

THE HAWFINCH.

CO COOT ERA USTES VULGARIS.

Page 144.

Mr George Kirkpatrick has informed me that a Hawfinch was
shot near Newton-Stewart in Wigtownshire in January, 1871, and
preserved by Mr Hastings, bird-stuffer, Dumfries, in whose hands
he saw the specimen.

THE BEE EATER.

MEROPS API ASTER.
Page 203.

I have been informed by Mr J. Bell of Paisley, that about the
time the swallows were congregating in the neighbourhood of that
town, at the close of August, 1869, Mr W. Scott, keeper on the
Walkinshaw estate, observed a Bee Eater flying in their company
on the banks of the river Black Cart. On communicating a
notice of the circumstance to Mr Bell, he described the stranger
as a bright green and yellow bird, with a forked tail, and stated
that he had repeatedly seen it passing and repassing along with
the swallows, and hawking for flies in the same manner. Mr Bell
afterwards shewed the keeper the collection of British birds in
the Paisley Museum, and was gratified on finding that he at once
recognized the Bee Eater as the bird which he had seen.

THE COMMON SWIFT.

CYPSELUS APUS.

Page 210.

A single Swift was seen on 27th May, 1870, in the Long
island, or Outer Hebrides, by Captain Feilden and Mr Harvie

Brown.

2H

514 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND.

TEMMINCK'S STINT.

TRINGA TEMMINCKII.

Page 321.

A specimen of this rare stint was shot near Aberdeen by Mr
Alexander Mitchell, on 28th August, 1871, and examined by Mr
Angus, to whom I am indebted for a notice of the occurrence.
Mr Mitchell has since informed me that he shot a second specimen
on 4th September, and has obligingly forwarded it for exhibition
at a meeting of the Natural History Society of Glasgow while
these pages are passing through the press.

THE LITTLE CRAKE.

CREX PUS ILL A.

Page 334.

Mr J. H. Gurney, jun., informs me (August, 1871), that his
father has in his collection a Scottish specimen of this bird ; but
up to the moment of going to press no further particulars of its
capture have reached me.

THE GOOSANDER.

MERGUS MERGANSER.
Page 403.

Mr Harvie Brown writes to me (August 30, 1871) that he is
now in a position to state authoritatively that this bird breeds in
Scotland — a nest of eggs having been sent to him from the north
of Perthshire: the nest was placed in the hollow of an old tree,
and the eggs were taken about the 20th of May. They agree pre-
cisely with authenticated eggs of the Goosander already in his
collection.

THE GANNET OR SOLAN GOOSE.

SULA ALBA.

Page 458.

Gannets with black tails have been observed at St. Kilda.
These I suspect to be birds with the last of their immature
plumage not yet effaced.

INDEX.

A MERICAN Bittern
J\. American \

Crossbill

American Goshawk
American Swan
Arctic Tern
Auk, Great
„ Little
Avocet

BAILLON'S Crake
Barn Owl

Bar-tailed Godwit .
Bean Goose
Bearded Tit
Bee-eater .
Bernicle Goose .
Bewick's Swan .
Bittern, American

,, Common

„ Little .
Blackbird .
Blackcap Warbler
Black Grouse
Black Guillemot
Black-headed Gull .
Black Kite
Black Redstart .
Black Swan
Black-tailed Godwit .
Black Tern
Black-throated Diver
Black-winged Stilt .
Blue Tit .
Blue-winged Teal
Bohemian Waxwing .
Bonapartian Gull
Brambling or Mountain
Brent Goose
Brown Snipe
Brunnich's Guillemot
Buff-breasted Sandpiper
Buffel-headed Duck .
Buff on' s Skua .
Bullfinch .

Bunting, Black-headed
Cirl ,

PAGK

PAGE

.

280

Bunting, Common

. 128

e-winged

„ Lapland

. 125

155

„ Ortolan

. 132

.' 39,

511

Painted .

. 133

.

360

„ Snow .

125, 512

.

468

Yellow

. 130

.

441

Bustard, Great .

. 247

.

431

,, Little .

. 249

.

302

Buzzard, Common

. 46

,, Honey

48, 511

334

„ Rough-legged

47

m

.58

306

pANADA Goose . .

.'. 354

.

343

VJ Capercaillie

. 227

107

Carrion Crow .

. 170

. 203,

513

Cedar Bird . . - .

. 109

.

349

Chaffinch ....

. 134

359

Chiffchaff .

98

280

Chough ....

. 162

.

279

Cinereous Shearwater

. 505

.

278

Cirl Bunting

. 131

78

Cole Tit .

105

93

Collared Pratincole .

. 251

t

230

Common Bittern

. 279

427

,, Bunting

. 128

476

,, Buzzard

46

m

43

,, Dipper

. 70

.

84

,, Guillemot .

. 420

.

361

„ GuU .

. 483

.

305

,, Heron

. 273

.

472

,, Linnet

. 147

414

,, Partridge

. 241

t

303

,, Pheasant

. 224

103

,, Quail .

. 245

.

373

,, Redshank .

. 291

107

,, Sandpiper .

. 296

t

473

„ Scoter

. 382

Finch .

137

„ SheUdrake .

. 362

t

351

„ Skua .

. 493

.

314

,, Snipe .

. 312

.

422

,, Starling

157

.

319

„ Swift . . .

210, 513

396

„ Tern . ./ .

. 466

.

498

„ Whitethroat

. 95

151

Coot, Common .

. 338

129

Cormorant, Common

. 454

131

,, Green or Shag

. 457

516

INDEX.

Corncrake . .

PAGE

331

FALCON, Greenland

PAGE

. 20

Crake, Baillon's

334

Iceland

. 22

„ Little . . .334,

514

„ Peregrine

. 23

„ Spotted ....

333

„ Red footed .

. 31

Crane, Common

270

Ferruginous Duck

. 385

,, Numidian . . '.'

271

Fieldfare . . ' . .

. 74

Cream-coloured Courser . ,

250

Fire-crested Wren . .

. 100

Creeper, Common

193

Flycatcher, Spotted .

. 68

Crested Tit . . . ' .

104

Pied . .'

. 69

Crossbill, American White-winged

155

Fork-tailed Petrel . '". ...

. 505

„ Common .

153

Fulmar Petrel . . .

. 499

„ European White- winged

155

„ Parrot

154

Crow, Carrion . . . ;

170

pADWALL . . .

. 366

Crow, Hooded . . . ,'•''

173

VJ Gallinule, Purple

. 337

Cuckoo, Common

200

Gannet or Solan Goose

458, 514

Cuneate-tailed Gull .

473

Garden Warbler

. 94

Curlew, Esquimaux . . ; , ^

290

Garganey . . . '. .

. 371

„ Common . . •»,"

287

Glossy Ibis . ...

. 286

„ Sandpiper . . • .*

316

Godwit, Bar-tailed . .

. 306

„ Black tailed. ;

. 305

Golden-crested Wren

. 99

Golden-eye, .

. 395

plABCHICK, or Little Grebe

409

Golden Eagle .

: . 1

JJ Diard's Pheasant

225

„ Oriole .

80, 512

Dipper, Common . .

70

„ Plover . . .

. 252

Diver, Black-throated ... ', ,..,

414

Goldfinch . . ...

. 144

„ Great Northern * .T§ lifll

411

Goose, Bean . . .

. 343

„ Red-throated .

417

,, Bernicle . -^

. 349

Dotterel .....

254

,, Brent . . •-,.

. 351

Dove, Rock ....

220

,, Canada . ,...-•

. 354

Dove, Stock . . . • '.'

219

» Egyptain . .

. 352

„ Turtle ....
Duck, Buffel-headed .

223
396

„ Greylag. . .'
„ Pink-footed . ./

. 339
. 345

Eider .

378

,, Red-breasted . .',

. 352

Ferruginous . ...
Harlequin

385
394

,, Spur- winged . . .
„ White fronted

. 353

. 346

King . . ' , . - .'

380

Goosander. . . *

403, 514

Long-tailed . . .

388

Goshawk, European .

. 3H

Pintail . . . ;

367

„ American . ^ , »

39, 511

Red-crested Whistling .

383

Grasshopper Warbler

. 89

Scaup . > * ,

385

Great Auk

. 441

Tufted . .-'..• .

386

, Black Woodpecker .

. 191

Wild, or Mallard .

369

, Bustard .

. 247

Dun Bird or Pochard _ , »• ..

384

, Grey Shrike .

. 65

Dunlin . ' . •.-':''• / '•*,

322

, Northern Diver

. 411

, Plover .

. 251

, Snipe

. 310

, Spotted Woodpecker

. 190

EAGLE, Golden . .: .

1

, Tit

. 102

„ Spotted . ..;'.'

8

, White Heron . .

. 277

Eagle, White-tailed .

9

Grebe, Eared .

. 409

„ Owl ....

55

„ Great-crested .

. 405

Eared Grebe . \ -: - . '•> _ *t

409

„ Little, or Dabchick

. 409

Egyptian Goose . , . .-

352

„ Red-necked

. 406

Eider Duck . , ..>.,.-.. .?

378

„ Sclavonian

. 407

Esquimaux Curlew .

290

Green Cormorant or Shag .

. 457

European White-winged Crossbill

155

„ Sandpiper

. 293

,, Woodpecker .

. 189

INDEX.

517

Greenfinch

PAGE

. 143

JACKDAW . . .

PAOK

183

Greenland Falcon

. 20

Jack Snipe

313

Green-rump Tatler

. 295

Jay .

187

Green shank

. 300

Grey Phalarope

. 327

,, Plover

. 262

KESTREL . . ' t >L .

35

„ Wagtail .

. 112

Kingfisher.

204

Grey-headed Wagtail

. 113

King, Duck ....

380

Grosbeak, Pine .

. 152

Kite, Black ....

43

Grouse, Black . . *.

. 230

„ Common ....

42

Red .

. 232

„ Swallow-tailed .

44

,, Pallas's Sand

. 238

Kittiwake GuU

478

Guillemot, Black

. 427

Knot

318

,, Brunnich's

. 422

,, Common .

. 420

„ Ringed .

. 424

T AND RAIL, or Corncrake .

331

Gull, Black-headed .

. 476

Jj Lapland Bunting

125

Bonapartian
Common .

. 473

. 483

Lapwing or Peewit .
Lark, Shore ....

263
118

Cuneate-tailed .

. 473

„ Sky ....

120

Glaucous .

. 490

„ Wood ....

123

Great Black-backed .

. 488

Lesser Black-backed Gull .

485

Herring . . * .^

. 487

„ Redpole

149

Iceland . . 4 ?

. 484

„ Spotted Woodpecker

191

Ivory . . *f.

. 481

„ Tern ....

470

Kittiwake

. 478

,, Whitethroat .

95,

Lesser Black-backed

. 485

Linnet, Common

347

„ Little

. 474

„ Mountain, or Twite

149

„ Masked .

. 477

Little Auk .' . . « • - .

431

„ Sabine's .

. 473

„ Bittern

278

„ Bustard ....

249

„ Crake . . . 334,

514

HARLEQUIN Duck .
Harrier, Hen .

. 394
52, 511

„ Grebe, or Dabchick .
„ Gull ....

409
474

Harrier Marsh .

51

„ Stint ....

320

„ Montagu's .

. 54

Long-eared Owl

56

Hawfinch ....

144, 513

Long-tailed Duck

388

Hawk Owl

64

Tit ...

106

,, Red-shouldered

. 49

„ Sparrow

. 41

Hedge Accentor
Herring Gull .
Hobby ....

. 81

. 487
. 29

MAGPIE ....
Mallard ....

185

369

Honey Buzzard

48, 511

Manx Shearwater

503

Hooded Crow .

. 173

Marsh Harrier ....

51

„ Merganser .

. 398

Tit . . . -

105

Hooper or Whistlino" Swan

355

207

Hoopoe ....

. 198

„ Sand ....

209

House Sparrow

. 141

Masked Gull ....

477

Heron, Common

. 273

Meadow Pipit ....

115

„ Great White .

. 277

Mealy Redpole ....

148

„ Night .

. 281

Merganser, Hooded .

398

„ Purple .

. 276

,, Red-breasted .

400

Merlin

31

Missel Thrush ....

73

TBIS, Glossy .

. 286

Moor-Hen ....

335

JL Iceland Falcon .

22

Montagu's Harrier .

54

Iceland Gull .

. 484

Mountain Finch, or Brambling .

137

Ivory Gull

. 481

,, Linnet, or Twite

149

518

INDEX.

NIGHTINGALE \ %

PAGE

. 92

Pratincole, Collared .

PAGE

251

Nightjar *. . ' *•? -

. 211

Ptarmigan .'. . . i

236

Night Heron

. 281

Puffin . . -.>.." ..

433

Numidian Crane

. 271

Purple Gallinule

337

Nutcracker

. 188

,, Heron . . . .

276

Nuthatch . .

. 199

,, Sandpiper .. ...

325

ORIOLE, Golden .
Ortolan Bunting

80, 512
. 132

/^VUAIL, Common .

245

Osprey ....

. 18

Owl, Eagle . . .

. 55

„ Hawk

. 64

RAIL, Water .'.. .. .-

334

„ Long-eared

56

Raven . .

167

„ Scops-eared

. 56

Razorbill . . . .

438

,, Short-eared

. 57

Ray's Wagtail . .

114

„ Snowy

. 62

Redbreast . • <fr. .

82

„ Tawny .

61

Red-backed Shrike . .

67

„ Tengmalm's

. 64

Red-breasted Goose ... .

352

„ White or Barn .
Oyster Catcher .

. 58
. 268

„ Merganser .
Red-crested Whistling Duck

400
383

Red-footed Falcon .

31

Red-legged Partridge

243

PAINTED Bunting • .

. 133

Red-necked Grebe

406

Pallas' Sand Grouse .

. 238

„ Phalarope

329

Parrot Crossbill

. 154

Red-shouldered Hawk

49

Partridge, Common .

. 241

Red- throated Diver .

417

„ Red-legged

. 243

Red-winged Starling .

156

Passenger Pigeon

. 223

Reed Warbler .

91

Pastor, Rose-coloured

. 160

Reeves' Pheasant

225

Pectoral Sandpiper

. 321

Red Grouse ....

232

Peewit or Lapwing .

. 263

Red Pole, Lesser . . ' .

149

Pennsylvanian Pipit . ^

. 116

Mealy / •. ".

148

Peregrine Falcon

. 23

Redshank, Common . • < •

291

Petrel, Fulmar .

. 499

„ Spotted .. . • ' .

290

„ Fork-tailed .

. 505

Redstart, Black . . :. .

84

„ Storm .

. 506

,, Common . .. *

84

Phalarope, Grey

. 327

Redwing .....

77

„ Red-necked

. 329

Richardson's Skua . * <• .

496

Pheasant, Common .

. 224

Ringed Guillemot . • \

424

,, Diards'

. 225

„ Plover . . .

258

Reeves' .

. 225

Ringdove or Wood Pigeon

213

Pied Flycatcher

69

Ring Ouzel . . .

79

„ Raven . . .

. 168

Rock Dove . . ...

220

„ Wagtail .

. 110

„ Pipit .... .

117

Pine Grosbeak . .

. 152

Roller

202

Pink-footed Goose ...

. 345

Rook . ......

179

Pintail Duck .

. 367

Roseate Tern . . • ; •

466

Pipit, Tree . ..'.::. :

. 114

Rose-coloured Pastor . .

160

,, Meadow .

. 115

Rough-legged Buzzard . .».

47

,, Pennsylvanian

. 116

Ruby Crowned Wren '• • • .

100

„ Rock

. 117

Ruddy Shieldrake . . . '.

361

Plover, Golden .

252

Ruff . . . . . .

307

„ Great .

'. 251

„ Grey . .. ^

. 262

,, Ringed .

. 258

QABINE'SGuU . . V

473

Pochard or Dun Bird

. 384

O Sanderling i . . .

261

Pomerine Skua . . ;'

. 494

Sand Martin ....

209

Polish Swan . .......

. 360

Sandpiper, Buff -breasted .

319

INDEX.

519

Sandpiper, Common .

. 296

Stonechat . '...$.

. 85

„ Curlew

. 316

Stork, White .

. 284

„ Green

. 293

Storm Petrel

. 506

Pectoral .

. 321

Swallow ....

. 205

„ Purple .

. 325

Swallow-tailed Kite .

44

„ Solitary .

. 295

Swan, American

. 360

„ Spotted .

. 299

„ Bewick's

. 359

Wood .

. 294

„ Black

. 361

Sandwich Tern .

. 465

„ Hooper, or Whistling

. 355

Scaup Duck

. 385

„ Polish .

. 360

Sclavonian Grebe

. 407

Swift, Common

210, 513

Scops-eared Owl

56

Scoter, Common

. 382

„ Surf . . .

. 383

mATLER, Green- Kump .

. 295

„ Velvet .

. 381

1 Tawny Owl

. 61

Sedge Warbler .

. 89

Teal, Blue-winged

. 373

Shag, or Green Cormorant

. 457

,, Common .

. 372

Shearwater, Cinereous

. 505

Temminck's Stint

321, 514

,, Manx

. 503

Tengmalm's Owl

. 64

Shieldrake, Common .

. 362

Tern, Arctic

. 408

Ruddy .

. 361

„ Black

. 472

Shore Lark . . t<»-

. 118

,, Common .

. 466

Short-eared Owl . , .r

. 57

„ Lesser

. 470

Shoveler ....

. 364

„ Roseate .

. 466

Shrike, Great Grey . £,..«

65

„ Sandwich

. 465

„ Red-backed . .%

. 67

Three-toed Woodpecker .

. 191

„ Woodchat

. 68

Thrush, Missel .

. 73

Siskin ....
Skua, Buff on' s .

. 146
. 498

Tit," Bearded .

. 75

. 107

„ Common .

. 493

Blue ....

. 103

„ Pomerine

. 494

Cole ....

. 105

„ Richardson's .

. 496

Crested

. 104

Sky Lark .

. 120

Great

. 102

Smew ....

. 397

Long-tailed

. 106

Snipe, Brown .

. 314

Marsh

. 105

,, Common

. 312

Tree Pipit

. 114

„ Great .

. 310

„ Sparrow .

140, 512

„ Jack

. 313

Tufted Duck .

. 386

Snow Bunting .

125, 512

Turkey Wild .

. 246

Snowy Owl

. 62

Turnstone

. 266

Solan Goose, or Gannet

458, 514

Turtle Dove

. 223

Song Thrush .

. 75

Twite or Mountain Linnet

. 149

Sparrow, Hawk

41

„ House

. 141

„ Tree .

140, 512

YELVET Scoter .

. 381

„ White-throated .

. 138

Virginian Colin .

. 244

Spoonbill, White

. 286

Spotted Crake .

. 333

„ Eagle .
„ Flycatcher .

8
. 68

WAGTAIL, Grey
Wagtail, Grey-headed

. 112
. 113

„ Redshank

. 290

Wagtail, Pied .

. 110

„ Sandpiper

. 299

Ray's .

. 114

Spur-winged Goose .

. 353

„ White . - .

. Ill

Starling, Common

. 157

Warbler, Blackcap .

. 93

„ Red- winged

. 156

„ Garden

. 94

Stilt, Black-winged .

. 303

„ Grasshopper

. 89

Stint, Little

. 320

Sedge

. 89

„ Temminck's

321, 514

Reed .

. 91

Stock Dove

. 219

WiUow

. 97

520

INDEX.

Warbler, Wood ,.*.
Water Rail
Waxwing, Bohemian
Wheatear .
Whinchat .
White-fronted Goose .
White or Barn Owl .

„ Spoonbill

„ Stork

White-tailed Eagle .
Whitethroat, Common

White-throated Sparrow

Whimbrel

Wigeon . ' .

Wild Duck

„ Turkey .
Willow Warbler
Woodchat Shrike

PAGE

96

Woodcock . .. ,'-•.-

PA(;F.

308

334

Wood Lark . . -. . ^\

123

107

Wood Pigeon . . . 'V

213

87

Wood Sandpiper * .. . -.

294

87

Wood Warbler ....

96

346
58

Woodpecker, Great Black .
„ Great Spotted - .

191

190

286

„ Green .

189

284

„ Lesser Spotted

191

9

„ Three-toed .

191

95

Wren . . . . ; .

194

95

,, Eire-crested . » .

100

138

,, Golden-crested . ,

99

288

,, Ruby -crowned

100

375

Wryneck

192

369

^

246

97

T^ELLOW Bunting or Yellow

68

X Hammer . - ^

130

-

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