♦ BRITISH * | NESTING BIRDS y l\ ■MM :'5&;; LIBRARY OF THE /& FOR THE <<\ V^ PEOPLE A < FOR ** EDVCATION O & FOR ^ O SCIENCE ^ BRITISH NESTING BIRDS Wheai i \k (above », YVhin< hai i belo^ |. 1'.' n ii Spei ies. BRITISH NESTING BIRDS A COMPLETE RECORD OF EVERY SPECIES WHICH NESTS IN THE BRITISH ISLES BY W. PERCIVAL WESTELL F.L.S., M.B.O.U. Author of "Nature Stalking for Boys," etc.. etc. WITH 8 COLOURED 70 BLACK AND WHITE ILLUSTRATIONS MCMX LONDON J. M. DENT & SONS Ltd. V WB^ s PREFACE The great interest taken in birds to-day, and the many inquiries which have reached me for a cheap, popular, and handy British Bird book, has resulted in the preparation of this little volume. At best, the short account of each species is limited, but it is hoped that nevertheless many points will be found of interest and service to the student of our wild birds, and it is my fervent wish that many young people especially will be encouraged to observe the feathered population around us as a result of the publication of this book. I find there are many people interested in birds who rarely have an opportunity or the necessary knowledge or enthusiasm for studying them. On occasions, however, they do observe birds whose names they would like to know, and of whose life and habits they are desirous of acquiring some information. Primarily it is for these, and young people generally, that this book has been prepared. It will be found quite simple and understandable. Long scientific words have been omitted whenever possible, and when they have of necessity been used, they are included in a Glossary given on page 15, where their meaning is made clear. Attention may also be directed to the Index of more than one thousand local, old-fashioned, and correct names of birds, for by means of these it should be easy to trace any British nesting species even if only its local name is known. Every species of wild bird at present known to nest in our country has been accorded a place, and whilst it affords satisfaction to be able to include the Little Owl, and to note the increase in a number of our smaller birds, such as the Goldfinch, Lesser Whitethroat, and others, there are several species included which are on the verge of extinction as British Nesting Birds, and need immediate protection. Any book on birds, worthy of the name, should prove most valuable as a work of reference. This it is hoped will be accomplished by the present volume, but it should be emphasised that the keenest and best enjoy- ment to be derived from birds, and the best way to study them, is having personal contact with them. This having been achieved, intelligent observation is bound to follow, and this in itself is sure to prove of inestimable value to those species which are threatened with extinction unless efforts are at once made to save them. W. PERCIVAL WESTELL. Letchworth, Herts, Spring 1 910. 7 BRITISH NESTING BIRDS A LIST OF SUMMER MIGRANTS TO THE BRITISH [SLES RANGED SOMEWHAT IN THE ORDER IN WHICH THEY APPEAR i. Spotted Crake. March. 2. King Ouzel, end of March or early in Arpil. j, Wheatear, end of March. 4. Stone Curlew, March, April, or early in May. 5. Chifl Chaff, end of March. 6. Yellow Wagtail, end of March or early in April. -. Wryneck, end of March or early in April. 8. Sand Martin, early in April, usually before the Swallow or House Martin. 9. Swallow, middle of April. 10. Martin, about 20th of April, generally a little later than the Swallow. 11. Redstart, beginning to middle of April. 12. Grasshopper Wrarbler, middle of April. 1 3. Whinchat, from middle to end of April, sometimes as late as May. 14. Blackcap, middle of April. 15. Nightingale, middle of April. 16. Hobby Falcon, April. 17. Cuckoo, middle of April. 18. Tree Pipit, middle of April. 19. Common Sandpiper, middle of April. 20. Lesser Whitethroat, about middle of April. 21. Greater Whitethroat, about middle to end of April. 22. Willow Warbler, first or second week in April, sometimes earlier. 23. Kentish Plover, April or May. 24. Corncrake, last week in April. 25. Red-Backed Shrike, end of April or beginning of May. 26. Sedge Warbler, latter part of April. 27. Garden Warbler, end of April or early in May. 28. Reed Warbler, end of April or early in May. 29. Wood Warbler, end of April or early in May. 30. Turtle Dove, towards the end of April. u . Quail, May. 32. Swift, early in May. J3« Marsh W;irblcr, about middle of May. Spotted 1 lv< atcher, ;th to 20th of May. I led Flycati her, May. 36. Nightjar, about the middle of May. SUMMER MIGRANTS WHERE OUR SUMMER MIGRANTS SPEND THE WINTER 1. Spotted Crake, Africa and India. 2. Ring Ouzel, Northern and Central Africa and Asia Minor. 3 . Wheatear, Western and Northern Africa to Persia and Northern India. 4. Stone Curlew, Temperate Europe, Northern Africa, and South- western Asia. 5. Chiff Chaff, shores of the Mediterranean. 6. Yellow Wagtail, Africa. 7. Sand Martin, India and Africa. 8. Swallow, Africa and India. 9. House Martin, Africa. 10. Redstart, Northern Africa. 11. Grasshopper Warbler, Northern Africa and Southern Europe. 12. Whinchat, Northern Africa. 13. Blackcap, Northern Africa and Southern Europe. 14. Nightingale, Africa. 15. Hobby Falcon, Africa and India. 16. Wryneck, China and Northern Africa. 17. Cuckoo, Central Africa and Southern India. 18. Tree Pipit, Africa, Persia, and India. 19. Common Sandpiper, Africa. 20. Lesser Whitethroat, Africa. 21. Greater Whitethroat, Southern Africa. 22. Willow Warbler, Africa and Persia. 23. Kentish Plover, Africa, India, and Southern China. 24. Corncrake, Algeria, Egypt, Asia Minor, and Palestine. 25. Red-Backed Shrike, Africa. 26. Sedge Warbler, Northern Africa and Asia Minor. 27. Garden Warbler, Africa. 28. Reed Warbler, Africa. 29. Wood Warbler, Africa. 30. Turtle Dove, Northern Africa, Egypt, and Nubia. 31. Quail, Egypt and Northern Africa. 32. Swift, Africa. 2>S- Spotted Flycatcher, Africa. 34. Pied Flycatcher, Africa. 35. Nightjar, India and Africa. 36. Marsh Warbler, Africa. 10 BRITISH NESTING BIRDS LIST OF THE 178 SPECIES OF BIRDS, ARRANGED IN SCIENTIFIC ORDER ORDER PASSERES Thrush (Turdus viscivorus) Thrush (Turdus musicus) Blackbird (Turdus mcrula) Ouzel (Turdus torquaius) Wheatear [Saxicola ananthe) Whinchat (Pratincola rubetra) Stonechat (Pratincola rubicola) Redstart (Ruticilla phocnicurus) Redbreast (Erithacus rubecula) Nightingale (Daulias luscinia) ■■ r Whitethroat (Sylvia cinerea) Lesser Whitethroat (Sylvia curruca) Blackcap (Sylvia atricapilla) Garden Warbler (Sylvia hortensis) Dart ford Warbler (Melizophilus un- datus) Golden-Crested Wren (Regulus cris- talus) Chifll Chaff (Phylloscopus rufus) Willow Warblcr( Phylloscopus trochilus) . Warbler (Phylloscopus sibilatrix) Reed Warbler (Acroccphalus strcperus) Marsh Warbler [AcrocepHalus paluslris) Sedge Warbler (Acrocephalus phrag- mitis) Grasshopper Warbler (Locust dla ncevia) •■ Sparrow [Accentor mmlularis) r (('nidus aquaticus) . 1 mouse (Panurus biamicus) 1 it mouse (Acrcdulu cau- I Titmouse [Pants major) < oal Titmouse (Punts briianmcus) Marsh Titmouse [Pans paiustris) Blue Titmouse [Pants camleus) : 1 itmouSC ■ //ns) Nuthatch (Sitla casta) Brown Wren (Troglodytes parvulus) Pied Wagtail (Motacilla lugubris) Grey Wagtail (Motacilla melat Yellow Wagtail (Motacilla rayii) Meadow Pipit (Anthus pratensis) Tree Pipit (Anthus trivialis) Rock Pipit (Anthus obscurus) Red-Backed Shrike (Lanius collurio) Spotted Flycatcher (Muscicapa grisola) Pied Flycatcher (Muscicapa atricapilla) Swallow (Hirundo rustica) House Martin (Chelidon urbica) Sand Martin (Cotile riparia) Tree Creeper (Certhia familiar is) Goldfinch (Cardudis clcgans) Siskin (Chrysometris spinus) Greenfinch (Ligurinus chloris) Hawfinch (Coccothraustes vulgaris) House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) Tree Sparrow (Passer montamis) Chaffinch (Fringilla ccelebs) Linnet (Linota cannabina) Lesser Redpoll (Linota rufescens) Twite (Linota flavirostris) Bullfinch (Pyrrhula europaa) Crossbill (Loxia curvirostra) Corn Bunting [Emberisa miliaria) Yellow Bunting [Emberisa citrindla) Cirl Bunting [Emberisa cirlus) Reed Bunting / lus) Snow Bunting (PLctrxphanes nivalis) Starling [Stuntus vulgaris) Chough (Pyrrhocorax graculus) Jay (darrulus glandanus) Mag] -ica) Jackdaw [("mis mOHt fl Carrion Crow [Conms corone) Hooded Crow (Corvus comix) Rook (Corvus frugilegus) LIST OF BIRDS IN SCIENTIFIC ORDER n Raven (Corvus corax) Skylark [Alauda arvensis) Woodlark (Alauda arbor ea) ORDER PICARLE Swift (Cypselus apus) Nightjar (Caprimulgus europceus) Great Spotted Woodpecker (Dendro- copus major) Lesser Spotted Woodpecker (Dendro- copus minor) Green Woodpecker (Gecinus viridis) Wryneck [lynx torquilla) Kingfisher (Alcedo ispida) Cuckoo (Cuculus canorus) ORDER STRIGES Barn Owl (Strix flammea) Long- Eared Owl (Asio otus) Little Owl (Athene noctua) Short- Eared Owl (Asio brachyotus) Tawny Owl (Syrnium aluco) ORDER ACCIPITRES Marsh Harrier (Circus ceruginosus) Hen Harrier (Circus cyaneus) Montagu's Harrier (Circus cineraceus) Common Buzzard (Buteo vulgaris) Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetus) White-Tailed Eagle (Haliaetus albicilla) Sparrow Hawk (Accipiter nisus) Kite (Milvus ictinus) Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus) Hobby Falcon (Falco subbuteo) Merlin (Falco cesalon) Kestrel (Tinnunculus alaudarius) Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) ORDER STEGANOPODES Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo) Shag (Phalacrocorax graculus) Gannet (Sula bassana) ORDER HERODIONES Heron (Ardea cinerea) ORDER ANSERES Grey Lag Goose (Anser cinereus) Mute Swan (Cygnus olor) Common Sheldrake (Tadorna cornuta) Wigeon (Mareca penelope) Wild Duck (Anas boscas) Gadwall (Chaulelasmus streperus) Garganey (Querquedula circia) Common Teal (Querquedula crecca) Shoveler (Spatula clypeata) Tufted Duck (Fuligula cristata) Pochard (Fuligula ferina) Eider Duck (Somateria mollissima) Common Scoter (GEdemia nigra) Goosander (Mergus merganser) Red- Breasted Merganser (Mergus ser- rator) ORDER COLUMB.E Ring Dove (Columba palumbus) Stock Dove (Columba cenas) Rock Dove (Columba livia) Turtle Dove (Turtur communis) ORDER GALLING Pheasant (Phasianus colchicus) Red- Legged Partridge (Caccabis rufa) Common Partridge (Perdix cinerea) Quail (Coturnix communis) Ptarmigan (Lagopus mutus) Red Grouse (Lagopus scoticus) Black Grouse (Tetrao tetrix) Capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus) ORDER FULICARI^ Water Rail (Rallus aquaticus) Spotted Crake (Porzana maruetta) Corncrake (Crex pratensis) Moorhen (Gallinula chloropus) Coot (Fulica atrao) ORDER LIMICOL.E Stone Curlew (GSdicnemus scolopax) Golden Plover (Charadrius pluvialis) Kentish Plover (JEgialitis cantiana) Ringed Plover (JEgialitis hiaticula) 12 BRITISH NESTING BIRDS Dotterel (Endmmias morinelhis) Lapwing [VtuuUus vulgaris) rcatcher [HamuUopus ostraUgus) Red-Necked I'halarope (Phalaropus hyperboreus) ici'Ck [ScoloPax rusticula) Common Snipe (Colli nago eeriest is) Dunlin (Tringa alpina) Common Sandpiper [Tringoides hypo- leu cus) Redshank (Totanus calidris) Greenshank [Totanus canescens) Whimbrel [Numenius phaopus) Curlew (Xumenius arquata) ORDER GAVI/E Arctic Tern (Sterna macrura) Common Tern (Sterna fluviatilis) Roseate Tern (Sterna dougalli) Lesser Tern (Sterna minuta) Sandwich Tern (Sterna cantiaca) Kittiwake (iull (Rissa tridactyla) Herring Gull (Larus argeniatus) Lesser Black - Backed Gull (Larus fuscus) Common Gull (Larus canus) Great Black - Backed Gull (Larus marinus) Black-Headed Gull (Larus ridibundus) Common Skua (Stercorarius catarrh- actes) Richardson's Skua (Stercorarius crepi- datus) ORDER TUBINARES Stormy Petrel (Procellaria pelagica) Fork-Tailed Petrel (Procellaria leu- corrhoa) Manx Shearwater (Pufinus anglorum) Fulmar Petrel (Fuhnarus glacialis) ORDER PYGOPODES Black-Throated Diver (Colymbus arc- ticus) Red-Throated Diver (Colymbus septen- trionalis) Great Crested Grebe (Podiceps cris- tatus) Little Grebe (Tachybaptes fluviatilis) Razorbill (Alca torda) Common Guillemot (Lomvia troile) Black Guillemot (Uria grylle) Puffin (Fratercula arctic a) LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS COLOURED PLATES AND HALF-TONES Wheatear, Whinchat, and Eggs .... Cirl Bunting, Reed Bunting, and Eggs Female Blackbird on Nest. Young Blackbirds in Nest Eggs of British Birds ..... Meadow Pipit's Nest containing Cuckoo's Egg. Meadow Pipit feeding young Cuckoo .... Turtle Dove. Young Turtle Doves Young Kestrels. Lapwing at Nest Tawny Owl. Hobby Falcon .... Young Kingfishers. Moorhen on Nest Common Partridge on Nest. Also Nest and Eggs Golden Plover. Redshank .... Stonechat. Great Tit Nest and Eggs of Stonechat. Mute Swan Nest, Eggs, and Young of Greater Whitethroat . Green and Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers, and Eggs Frontispiece facing page 16 17 34 35 50 5i 70 7i 78 79 98 99 114 115 ILLUSTRATIONS IN THE TEXT FIG. i. Blackcap ..... 2. Yellow Bunting .... 3. Head and Foot of Common Buzzard 4. Chiff Chaff 5. Coot 6. Cormorant ..... 7. Head of Corncrake 8. Tree Creeper .... 9. Head and Foot of Curlew 10. Dunlin ..... 11. Pied Flycatcher .... 12. Head of Great Crested Grebe 13. Head and Foot of Little Grebe 14. Head of Common Guillemot . 15. Head of Hawfinch 16. Head of Heron .... 13 PAGE 18 22 23 25 26 27 28 29 33 4i 43 48 49 52 58 59 H BRITISH NESTING BIRDS FIC 17- Head of Jackdaw- 18. Head of Jay .... 19. K< strel ..... 20. Head of Lapwing 21. House Martin .... 22. Young Moorhen .... 13. Nightingale .... -'4- Head and Foot of^Nightjar . 25. Nuthatch ..... 26. Head of Oystercatcher . 27. Head of Red-Legged Partridge 28. Meadow- Pipit .... 29. Head and Foot of Tree Pipit 30. Head of Puffin .... 31. Head of Razorbill 32. Lesser Redpoll .... 33- Head of Rook .... 34- Head of Common Sandpiper . 35- Head and Foot of Red-Backed Shrike 36. Head and Foot of Common Snipe . 37- Starling ..... 38. Swallow 39- Swift . 40. Long-Tailed Tit . 41. Grey Wagtail 42. Pied Wagtail 43- Garden Warbler . 44. Sedge Warbler 45- Willow Warbler . 46. Whinchat . 47- 48. Greater Whitethroat 1 lead of Woodcock 49. Head and Tongue of Green Woodpecker 50. Head and Tongue of \Y rynec rC GLOSSARY Axillaries. — The inner feathers under the wing, or armpit. Cere. — The soft skin which covers the base of the upper mandible. Culmen. — The median lengthwise ridge of the upper mandible. Dorsal. — Of, or pertaining to, the back. Flanks. — The borders of the lower breast. Iris. — The coloured circle round the pupil of the eye. Lores. — The space between the eye and the beak. Mandibles. — The upper and lower halves of the beak. Metatarsus. — That portion of the foot which reaches from the ankle-joint to the base of the toes. Moustaches. — Feathers on head which give the bird a moustache-like adornment. Nape. — The back upper part of the neck. Occiput. — The hinder part of the head. Orbit. — The bony cavity in which the eyeball rests. Primaries. — The larger quill -feathers of the wing. Retrices. — The tail-feathers. Scapulars. — The shoulder-feathers between the wing and the back. Secondaries. — The feathers of the wing which succeed the primaries near the wrist -joint. Shank. — That portion of the leg between the ankle and the thigh. Speculum. — The patch of bright feathers on the secondaries. Striated. — Streaked with parallel lines. Tarsus. — That portion of the leg between the ankle and toes. Transverse. — In a cross direction. Under tail-coverts. — The feathers on the under side of the tail. Upper tail-coverts. — The feathers on the upper side of the base of the back. Ventral. — Belonging to the belly. Vermiculated. — Feathers inlaid with a worm-like pattern. Wing-coverts. — The feathers on the shoulder of the wing. 15 % '..J Cirl Bunting (above), Reed Bunting (below). Also Eggs of Both Species. Female Blackbird on Nest. Young Bla< kbirds in Ni st. BRITISH NESTING BIRDS BLACKBIRD (Turdus merula) Local Names. — Blackie, Black Ousel, Black Thrush, Garden Ousel, Golden Bill, Merle, Oossel, Oussel. Haunt. — Woods, copses, plantations, hedgerows, gardens, etc. Nesting Period. — March to September. Site of Nest. — Bushes, trees, shrubs, hedges, etc. Materials Used. — Coarse grass, lined with finer portions; a very- firm structure, strongly woven together with mud and cow dung. Eggs. — Generally Five, but sometimes as many as Six. Dusky bluish-green, covered with black or brown spots or patches. Food. — Insects, snails, earthworms, and fruit. Voice. — The song of the Blackbird is both mellow and measured. The notes are quite unlike those of the Thrush, which are short, quick, and extremely varied. There is little variation in the song of the Merle. Sometimes, however, the notes are light and buoyant, at others solemn and vesper-like. The metallic alarm note may be likened to " chink, chink." Chief Features. — A restless species; does not flock in Winter like many of its relatives ; flies low. An early songster, commencing in February. Belongs to the Thrush family. Plumage. — Male bird jet black with an orange beak, female much lighter, and has a dusky beak. Length. — Ten inches. The young are spotted, and may be mistaken for a dark variety of the Song Thrush. BLACKCAP (Sylvia atricapilla) Local Names. — Blackcap Warbler, Blackie Topper, Fauvette, Guernsey Nightingale, Haychat, Hay Jack, Jack Saw, Mock Nightingale, Nettle Creeper, Nettle Monger. Haunt. — Woods, copses, large gardens, and hedgerows. Nesting Period. — May and June. Site of Nest. — A bramble or wild rose bush, also a low hedge. Materials Used. — Fine and also coarse grasses, fibrous roots, with a lining of fine roots and hair. The webs of spiders are used on occasions for binding nest together. A frail but neat nest. Eggs. — Four to Six. Ground colour yellow, brownish, or reddish, blotched, spotted, and streaked with dark brown. 17 i8 BRITISH NESTING BIRDS Food. — Insects and their larvae, berries, and soft fruits. Voice. — The notes are uttered in one continuous bubbling strain, and are very beautiful. They are flute-like and musical, but the song is often very low and subdued. Male bird is very agitated when sing- ing, raises crest feathers when thus engaged, with a tremulous motion of wings and tail. Chief Features. — The black and brown heads of male and female respec- tively are sure methods of identification. A Summer visitor only. The bird returns to the same haunt each season. By no means common, but is often overlooked because of its shy, skulking habits. Does a great deal of good by reason of its insectivorous diet. Plumage. — The black cap is the distinguishing feature of the male, the remainder of the plumage being generally ashy-grey and bluish-grey. The female has the top of the head reddish-brown, whilst the other parts are somewhat browner than those of the male bird. Length. — Five and a half inches. BULLFINCH (Pyrrhula europcsa) Local Names. — Alp, Blackcap, Budpricker, Bully, Blood-Ulf, Coal- Hood, Coally-Hood, Hoop, Hope, Mivope, Monk, Nope, Olf, Olph, Pope, Red Hoop, Ting Hoop, Toney Hoop, Tony. Haunt. — Woods, commons, thickets, hedgerows, and gardens. Nesting Period. — May, June, and July. Site of Nest. — Bramble and other bushes, shrubs, hedgerows, etc. Materials Used. — Small twigs and fibrous roots, with a little black hair for a lining. A very small nest for so large a bird. Eggs. — Four or Five. Greenish-blue, spotted in the form of a ring, and sometimes blotched, with black or dark brown, mostly at the larger end. Food. — In Summer, insects and their larva? ; in Autumn and Winter, various seeds of weeds, hips, haws, berries, and buds. c. — In a wild state a low, plaintive note is uttered, as well as a subdued song. When taken from nest the young may be taught to pipe beautifully, and such birds command a high price and a ready sale. CIRL AND CORN BUNTINGS 19 Chief Features. — One of the few British birds which pairs for life. May be easily distinguished by shape, size, and prominent white rump when flying. Flight is heavy and hesitating. Plumage. — The male has a rosy-red breast, grey slate-coloured back, white rump, and blue-black head, wings, and tail. The female is much less gaudy, the whole being duller, and the breast is warmish-brown and the upper" parts brownish-grey. Length. — Six and a quarter inches. BUNTING, CIRL (Emberiza cirlus) Local Names. — Black-Throated Yellow Hammer, French Yellow Hammer. Haunt. — Lanes, hedgerows, commons, stackyards, etc. Nesting Period. — May, June, and July. Site of Nest. — A low bush, or on the ground. A furze bush is a favourite site. Materials Used. — Dried stalks, moss, roots, with a lining of hair and roots. Sometimes no hair is used. Eggs. — Four or Five. Dull white or bluish-grey in ground colour, streaked, blotched, and spotted with dark brown, with patches of ash-grey. More strongly marked and of a more bluish tinge than those of the Yellow Bunting. Food. — Insects and seeds in Summer; seeds and grain in Winter. Voice. — The song is much like the well-known simple refrain of the Yellow Bunting, but the two concluding notes are wanting. This is a distinguishing characteristic. Chief Features. — Appears to be a more recluse species than its better- known relative, and to haunt tall trees. A restless bird, and requires careful watching before identity is certain. The black streaks and black throat at once distinguish the male bird. Plumage. — Chestnut on the upper parts, with streaks of black. The head and back of neck are olive, streaked in the same manner as last mentioned; greenish-olive rump, with dusky streaks; stripe over eye and one underneath, yellow; black throat and a little further on a collar of pale sulphur-colour; breast olive -grey; belly pale dull yellow. Female lacks the black and yellow face markings. Length. — Six and a half inches. BUNTING, CORN (Emberiza miliaria) Local Names. — Bunting, Bunting Lark, Bush Lark, Clod Bird, Common Bunting, Ebb, Horse Lark, Land Bunting, Scribbling Lark, Stocking Weaver, Stone Chacker, Thistle Cock, Whisker Bird, Writing Lark. B 20 BRITISH NESTING BIRDS Haunt. — Commons, downs, large fields, lanes, tall hedges, etc. Nesting Period. — May and June. Site of Nest. — Low down in a hedge or bush, or on the ground among coarse grass. Materials Used. — Dried grass and straw outside, lined with roots, fine grass, and sometimes hair. Eggs. — Three to Six. Four is the usual clutch. A larger egg than any other British Bunting, and not so pointed as some of the others. Dull white in ground colour, blotched and streaked with liver-colour, inclining to black. Food. — Insects, seeds, and grain. Voice. — A wheezy, persistent little song, very typical of the haunts frequented. Once or twice heard not easily forgotten. The notes are rusty and somewhat harsh. Chief Features. — Very locally distributed, but where it does occur it is common. A solitary species. The large size and plain colouration, as well as the wheezy song, all aid in identification. Plumage. — Upper parts yellowish-brown with dusky spots ; markings underneath are yellowish - white, streaked and spotted with dusky. Length. — Seven and a half inches. BUNTING, REED (Emberiza schoeniclus) Local Names. — Blackbonnet, Blackcap, Black-Headed Bunting, Chinck, Coalhead, Mountain Sparrow, Passerine Bunting, Reed Sparrow, Ring Bird, Ring Bunting, Ring Fowl, Toadsnatcher, Water Sparrow. Haunt. — Osier plantations, willow thickets, and marshy places. Nesting Period. — April to July. Site of Nest. — Usually, but not invariably, low down among tangled grasses in a marshy place. Sometimes among osier stems. Always near water. Materials Used. — Reed stems or leaves, dry grasses, and moss, lined with fine grass, reed flowers, and hair. A rather deep nest. Eggs. — Four or Five. Ashy-grey in ground colour, with prominent jet-black markings. More pointed than the eggs of its con- geners, and markings fewer but more distinct. Food. — Insects, seeds, and grain. Voice. — A harsh kind of chatter, sometimes chirpy and varied, reminding one of a medley of notes uttered by different birds. Not nearly so characteristic in this respect, however, as the song of the Sedge Warbler. Chief Features. — This Bunting is of a lively disposition, and thrusts itself, as it were, upon the observer. The black head of male REED AND SNOW BUNTINGS 2I is very distinct but it is wrong to call this species Black-Headed Bunting as the last named has only been obtained "n the British Isles on one solitary occasion Plumage.-The male has the head and throat black, with a speckling of light brown m Winter; sides of neck and nape whiteP as ato »a line which extends to the base of the beak. The upper portions are dusky and reddish-brown, and the under pLfaare W^teVSlfeaked with dusky oa the flanks. The fema?e has a reddish-brown head with dusky spots, the white necTs not s° XrrhV Vn th! maJ6' and the «nde™eath is redd sh° white with dusky spots. Length— Six inches. BUNTING, SNOW (Plectrophanes nivalis) Loom f AW-Brambling, Great Pied Mountain Finch Greater Brambhng Lesser Mountain Finch, Little Mountain Fm"ch Mountain Bunting Oat Fowl, Pied Mountain Finch Snowflake Snowfleck, Snow-Fowl, Snow Hammer, Tawny BuntinJ H'"Strd m°°rS ^ ^ ^ % come Nesting Period.— May, June, or July food,- The larvae of gnats, as well as seeds of grass and weed* ^iLt^r^ ^ ~* iS Saidi Z™ 3& that Chief Features.-A bird of lonely solitudes. Undergoes a change of pmmage m Winter (see below). The white characteff the^ourhT0^ If S6Veral °f the l0cal names. Whe" in wittothers' ofTg ^^ "»* * ^^ fa mixed *** du ky^d theTn,?6 healand the "PPer Parts nrottfed ™t character £„ H 0urlmtbl" 'after sex are not of such a pure character. Length.— Sw inches and three-quarters. 22 BRITISH NESTING BIRDS BUNTING, YELLOW (Emberiza citrinella) Local Names. — Blacksmith, Blakcling, Cheeser, Devil's Bird, Gladdy, Golden Gladdy, Goldie, Goldspink, Gooler, Gool Finch, Scobby, Scotch Canary, Scribbling Lark, Shell Apple, Shelly, Shilfa, Skelly, Skite, Writing Lark, Writing Master, Yeldrin, Yeldrock, Yellie, Yellow Ammer or Hammer, Yellow Yeldring, Yellow Yeldrock, Yellow Yeorling, Yellow Yite, Yellow Yoldrin, Yellow Yowley, Yoit, Yold- ring, Yolkring. Haunt. — Hedgerows, lanes, and commons; visits stackyards. Nesting Period. — April to August. Site of Nest. — In a bush or hedgerow, usually low down. Often in a bank, sometimes right on the ground. Materials Used. — Coarse and fine grasses, with a little moss, lined with roots and hair. The nest varies in size, but is generally fairly deep and substantial. Eggs. — Three, although most ornitholo- gists seem to favour Four or Five. This is contrary to my own experi- ence. Dirty white, with an ashy tinge, streaked and spotted with dark purplish-brown. The irregular lines run into one another. Food. — Insects in Summer, seeds and grain in Winter. Voice. — A characteristic and harsh call-note, and a curious little song consisting of several notes persistently uttered. These have been aptly compared to the words, " A little bit of bread, and no cheese," the last word being long drawn out. Chief Features. — The male is one of the most handsome British birds, and is far better known as Yellow Hammer. The curious markings on the eggs account for the name of Scribbling Lark. The bird often mounts the topmost twigs of a bush and there sings its curious little song. Plumage. — The rich bright colours of the male are made up of — head, neck, and under parts golden-yellow, with a sprinkling of dark olive; black back, interspersed with reddish-grey; yellow breast, spotted with red. In the female the yellow is not of so bright a character, and she is spotted with dull reddish- brown. Length. — Six and a quarter inches. Yellow Bunting. BUZZARD AND CAPERCAILLIE 23 BUZZARD, COMMON (Buteo vulgaris) Local Names. — Blood Hawk, Mouse Buzzard, Puttock. Haunt. — Mountains, cliffs, moors, large woods, and other places. Nesting Period. — May. Site of Nest. — Cliffs, trees, etc. Materials Used. — Large and small sticks, lined with dry grass, leaves, wool, etc. Sometimes heather is used. A large nest. The deserted nest of a Crow is often appropriated. Eggs. — Three. Greenish-white, slightly marked with pale brown. Food. — Small birds, hares, rabbits, rats, and reptiles. Voice. — A plaintive and monotonous call: " pe-e-i-oo," or " a-e-i-o-u." Chief Features. — A handsome bird of prey, and a magnificent species when seen on wing. Commoner than most people imagine. Plumage. — The upper parts of the head and neck are dark brown, with a mottling of brown of a darker shade; lead -coloured beak ; cere, irides, and feet yellow. Length. — Male about twenty inches ; the female exceeds her mate by two inches. Fig. 3. Head and Foot of Common Buzzard. CAPERCAILLIE (Tetrao urogallus) Local Names. — Capercailzie, Caperkally, Cock of the Mountain or Wood, Great Grouse, Mountain Cock, Wood Grouse. Haunt. — Moors and forests in Scotland. Nesting Period. — End of May and beginning of June. Site of Nest. — In a forest among heather or bilberries. Materials Used. — A depression in the ground, and this, with the excep- tion perhaps of a few blades of grass, constitutes the " nest." Eggs. — Six to Twelve. Pale reddish-yellow-brown, well spotted all over with two shades of darker orange-brown. Food. — Buds and shoots of plants and trees, also berries. Voice. — A strong double cry, frequently repeated. Chief Features. — This is our largest British Game bird, and has had a curious history in Great Britain, as it became extinct about the middle of the eighteenth century, but since its reintroduc- tion some eighty or ninety years later has flourished exceedingly. Plumage. — For the description of this bird I quote from Hudson's 24 BRITISH NESTING BIRDS British Birds: " Feathers of the throat elongated, black; head and neck dusky; eyes with a bare red skin above and a white spot below ; wings brown speckled with black ; breast lustrous green ; belly black with white spots ; rump and flanks marked with undulating lines of black and ash colour; tail black with white spots ; beak horn white. Female: A third smaller, barred and spotted with tawny-red, black and white; throat tawny- red ; breast deep red ; tail dark red with black bars, white at the tip." Length. — From thirty-three to thirty-six inches. CHAFFINCH (Fringilla cczlebs) Local Names. — Beech Finch, Boldie, Buck Finch, Chaffy, Charbob, Copper Finch, Dad Finch, Horse Finch, Horse-dung Finch, Pie Finch, Piet Lintie, Pink, Pink Pink, Scobly Buck Finch, Shilfa. Skclly, Spink, Spinx, Tink, Twinck, Wetbird, Whit Finch, White Finch, White Wing. Haunt. — Woods, copses, lanes, fields, hedgerows, and gardens. Nesting Period. — April to June. Site of Nest. — Bushes, hedgerows, between the limbs of a tree, etc. Materials Used. — Moss, wool, hair, feathers, lichen, and roots. A most beautiful nest, small, compact, and symmetrical. Eggs. — Four to Six. Ash-grey or blue-grey, with a wine-coloured tinge, spotted with dark brown and black. Food. — Insects and their larvae in Spring and Summer; seeds and beech-mast in Autumn and Winter. Voice. — Alarm or call-note a shrill "pink, pink," uttered by both male and female. The latter also utters a weeping note. Male bird has a shrill, high-pitched song with a pleasing cadenza. Song rivalry in the Spring is very noticeable. Chief Features. — The specific name of ccelebs indicates a bachelor, the males and females separating into distinct flocks in Winter. Male bird is one of the most handsome of our native Finches. An active, engaging bird at all times. Plumage. — Black forehead; greyish-blue crown and nape; chestnut back and scapulars with a green tinge ; green rump ; chestnut- red breast, which fades into white on the belly; black wings, with two bands of white; coverts of secondaries edged with yellow; black tail, the two central feathers ashy-grey, the two outer, on either side, black, with a white band of a broad and oblique character. The female is not clothed in such brilliant hues: the colours arc duller, the colouring generally being ashy- grey and olive-yellow, and the white bars are not so pure as those of the male bird. Length. — Six inches. CHIFF CHAFF AND CHOUGH 25 CHIFF CHAFF (Phylloscopus rufus) Local Names. — Arbour Bird, Bank Bottle, Chip Chop, Choice and Cheap, Dark-Footed Pettychaps, Hay-bird, Least Willow Wren, Lesser Pettychaps, Linty White, Sally Picker, Short- Winged Wood Wren, Smallest Willow Wren, Thummie. Haunt. — Woods, copses, plantations, commons, and large gardens. Nesting Period. — April to June. Site of Nest. — Banks, or base of a bush. Materials Used. — An almost domed nest consisting of dry grass, moss, and leaves, profusely lined with ^^S^fe. ^£^ feathers. ^^ «^^ ^c^*^s>^ Eggs. — Six. A clear white, specked with dark pur- plish-red. Food. — Insects and their larvae. Voice. — Two notes quickly uttered, from which the bird has obtained its name. When it has young it also emits a plaintive and monoto- nous note which is very distracting, and when searching for food calls " chadic, chadic." Chief Features. — Although some of these birds are resident, it is mostly a Summer Migrant, arriving by the end of March. Haunts the tops of tall trees and searches incessantly for food. Will hawk for insects in the air after the manner of a Fly- catcher. May be confused with the Willow Wren, but is not so yellow in colour, and has black legs. Plumage. — The plumage above is olive-green with a tinge of yellow ; a faint yellowish-white streak above the eye; light grey or stone -colour underneath; feathers on legs greyish - white. Length. — Four inches and three-quarters. Fig. 4. Chifi Chaff. CHOUGH (Pyrrhocorax graculus) Local Names. — Chank, Chank Daw, Cliff Daw, Cornish Chough, Cornish Daw, Cornish Kae, Gesner's Wood Crow, Hermit Crow, Killingcrew, Long-Billed Chough, Market- Jew Crow, Red- Legged Crow, Red-Legged Jackdaw, Red-Shanks, Sea Crow. Haunt. — Near the sea; on cliffs, the seashore, etc. Nesting Period. — May. 26 BRITISH NESTING BIRDS Site of Nest. — Crevices and holes in rocky sea cliffs and caves. Occasionally in holes in old ruins. Materials Used. — Sticks, lined with roots, dry grass, wool, and hair. Eggs. — Four or Five. Yellowish-white, spotted with ash-grey and light brown. Food. — Carrion, grubs, worms, berries, and grain. c. — Chatters something like the Starling; also cries similar to the Jackdaw, but note is more ringing and musical. Chief Features. — One of the most interesting members of the Crow family, the striking appearance making the Chough a most attractive species. It has largely decreased in England as a nesting bird. Plumage. — Wholly black, with purple and green reflections; long red beak, legs, and feet. Length. — Sixteen inches. COOT (Fulica air a) Local Names. — Bald Coot, Bald Duck, Bald-Headed Coot, Belpoot, Beltie. Haunt. — Lakes and streams, especially where aquatic herbage is allowed to grow rank. Nesting Period. — April onwards. Site of Nest. — Always near water, and low down, either hidden among reeds, or floating on the surface on the inner margin of a patch of water plants. Materials Used. — Reeds, sedges, rushes, and other herbage, lined with finer and drier portions of the same. Nest varies in size. Eggs. — Seven to Twelve, or more. Dingy stone-colour, speckled and spotted with dark brown. A larger egg than that of the Moor- hen, and not nearly so conspicu- ously marked. Food. — Young shoots of aquatic plants, small fish, and worms. Voice. — A clear-ringing, oft-repeated K 5 Coot call, which has been written down as " k-6," " crew," or " kcw." Not so harsh or metallic as the call of the Moorhen. Chief Features. — May be at once distinguished by the white bald patch on forehead {see below). Often found in considerable numbers. It is stated to be always engaged in two things, either fighting or feeding. Plumage. — May be distinguished from the Moorhen by its larger COOT AND CORMORANT 27 size ; the latter is thirteen inches in length, and the Coot eighteen inches, but the chief characteristic is the white bald patch on the forehead, which has earned for the bird the title of Bald- Headed Coot. Underneath sooty black ; above, slate-grey with a thin white bar across the wing; legs and feet dark green. CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax carbo) Local Names. — Cole Goose, Corvorant, Crested Cormorant, Gormer, Great Black Corvorant, Great Black and White Cormorant, Great Corvorant, Green Cormorant, Isle of Wight Parson. Xorie, Parson, Scart, Sea Crow, Skart. Haunt. — Sea cliffs and seashore, also large fresh-water lakes. Nesting Period. — April to June. Site of Nest. — Ledges of sea cliffs, tall trees or bushes when nesting inland. A social species, and nests in colonies. Materials Used. — Seaweed, sticks, and dry grass. A large nest. Eggs. — JFour to Six. Whitish, this being caused by a chalky incrustation distributed over the whole shell. When this chalky surface is removed the egg is bluish-green. Food. — Fish, including eels. Voice. — A harsh scream; call-note, " kree," " kraw," or " krell." Chief Features. — An expert fisherman. The bird will sit on a rock near the sea for hours at a stretch. Fond of preening its feathers and dozing. When a company are seen parading on the summit of a rock the effect is very curious. The young birds are vociferous and hate being interfered with, species on many parts of our coast. Plumage. — The upper head and neck are black, striated with hair- like white feathers, those on the occiput being elongated, and forming a crest in Spring; white throat; gular pouch yellow; mantle black and bronze-brown ; all other parts are black with the exception of a white patch on the thigh, which is assumed early in the Springtime and lost during the Summer. The female is brighter than her mate, has a longer crest, and is larger. Length. — Three feet. Fig. 6. Cormorant. A common 28 BRITISH NESTING BIRDS CORNCRAKE (Crex pratensis) Local Names. — Beaucrake, Corn-Cracker, Corn-Drake, Cracker, Crek, Dakcr Hen, Gallinule Crake, Gallinule Drake, Haycrake, Land- rail, .Meadow Crake. Haunt. — Meadows, more especially those cultivated for hay. Nesting Period. — End of May and June. Site of Nest. — Among grasses in a meadow, or in a bank or hedge. Materials Used. — Dry grass and leaves, lined with finer portions of the former. A shallow structure. Eggs. — Seven to Twelve or more. Reddish- white, blotched or spotted with reddish- brown and ash-grey. Food. — Worms, beetles, slugs, snails, leeches, Fig. 7. Head of Corncrake. grass blades, and weed seeds. Voice. — A harsh " kray, kray"; a deep, guttural note oft repeated. The bird often utters its cry whilst moving, and this results in a ventriloquial effect. Chief Features. — A Summer Migrant, but whilst in Great Britain keeps almost exclusively to the ground, hidden among grasses, and is rarely seen. Has a skulking habit, and runs very swiftly with head carried well forward. A highly beneficial species, but not nearly so common in many districts as formerly. Plumage. — It has patches of ash-grey above the eyes and on the cheeks; the upper parts are yellowish-brown with darker markings; quills and wing -coverts dark chestnut; white throat; greyish-buff breast; belly white towards the middle, the flanks marked or barred with brown and buff. Length. — Eleven inches. CRAKE, SPOTTED (Porzana maruetta) Local Names. — Lacky-Mo, Lesser Spotted Water Rail, Skittv, Speckled Water Hen, Spotted Gallinule, Spotted Rail, Spotted Water Hen, Spotted Water Rail, WTater Crake, Water Rail, Wvnkerrell. Haunt. — Swampy localities. ng Period. — May, or beginning of June. Site of Nest. — Among aquatic herbage in a swamp or bog. Materials Used. — Reeds, rushes, sedges, flags, and other water plants, with a lining of finer portions of same. Eggs. — Eight to Ten. Olive-buff, with dark reddish-brown spots. Food. — Worms, insects, seeds, and vegetables. TREE CREEPER 29 Voice. — A whistle-like " wheoo-wheoo " or " whuit-whuit," or a clear " whit " or " cruick." Chief Features. — An uncommon British bird, very local in dis- tribution. An early Summer Migrant, being the earliest to arrive during March. Spends the Winter in Africa and India. Plumage. — Olive-brown, spotted with white; crown dark brown; face and neck dull grey; breast brown spotted with white; bill yellowish-green, the base orange-red ; legs pale green. It is a very small bird, weighing only four ounces, and is nine inches in length. CREEPER, TREE (Certhia familiaris) Local Names. — Brown Woodpecker, % Common Creeper, Creeper, Cuddy, Familiar Creeper, Tree Climber. Haunt. — Woods, copses, parks, and large gardens where there are tall trees. Nesting Period. — April onwards. Site of Nest. — A hole or crevice in a tree, behind dislodged bark, in decayed trees, etc. Materials Used. — Grass, pieces of bark, dead wood, and twigs, with a profuse lining of feathers, moss, and hair, the former especially. Eggs. — Six to Nine. White, mostly spotted and speckled at larger end with brownish - red and greyish. Food. — Insects and their larvae. Voice. — A short song is uttered, consisting of three or four shrill notes, as well as a high-pitched call-note. Mostly a silent bird. Chief Features. — A strictly arboreal species. An incessant insect- hunter, and a remarkable acrobat in the tree-tops. The sharp-pointed tail, long beak, and strong feet are worthy of note. Must be carefully looked for, but is by no means uncommon. Plumage. — Yellowish-brown, dark brown, and white above, with a pale streak over the eye. Breast and throat buff-white, dusky on the belly; brown wings with white tips and bars, together with brown and dull yellow. The tail feathers are reddish- brown, and are stiff and pointed. Length. — Five inches. Fig. 8. Tree Creeper. 3o BRITISH NESTING BIRDS CROSSBILL (Loxia curvirostra) Local Names. — European Crossbill, European White-Winged Cross- bill, Shell Apple, Shield Apple. Haunt. — Woods, forests, large gardens, and plantations. ing Period. — February and March. Site of Nest. — Trees, usually near the summit. Materials Used. — Fir twigs and dry grass, lined with lichen, hair, fine grass, or wool. Eggs. — Four or Five. White or greenish-white, with reddish-brown spots and undermarkings of pale brown. Food. — Seeds of the fir and fruit. Very fond of apple pips, hence one of its local names of Shell Apple. Voice. — A loud, shrill call-note, and both sexes also utter a low warbling song. Chief Features. — The curious crossed bill and handsome plumage of male bird. Nests in the North in the large pine forests, but a regular Southern visitor in Winter. A very sociable bird. Plumage. — The tail feathers and those of the wings are brown ; whilst the other parts are yellow, green, orange, and tile-red, which varies according to age and sex. In its wild state the full-grown male is red. Length. — Six and a half inches. CROW, CARRION (Corvus corone) Local Names. — Black Crow, Black Neb, Bran, Bunting Crow, Cad Crow, Corbie Crake, Corbie Crow, Crow, Doup, Flesh Crow, Gor Crow, Gore Crow, Hoody, Hoody Bran, Ket Crow, .Midden Crow, Mussell Crow, Wood Crow. Haunt. — Woods, rocky hillsides, and the seashore. Nesting Period. — April and May. Site of Nest. — Large trees in woods, or on rocky cliffs. Materials Used. — Large and small sticks, plastered with mud, clay, or cow dung, lined with moss, leaves, hair, wool, etc. • Eggs. — Four or Five. Greenish, mottled, blotched, and spotted with light brown and greenish-ash. Food. — Young birds, mammals, carrion of various kinds, grubs, worms, berries, grain, walnuts, and other fruit. Voice. — A loud, harsh " caw," repeated not more than three times. A deeper note than that of the Rook. Chief Features. — A much more solitary bird than the Rook. Does not nest in colonies, nor travel about in companies. A broader- looking bird than its near relative, and the adult is feathered right down to the base of the beak. HOODED CROW AND CUCKOO 31 Plumage. — Black with green and violet reflections; the lower part of the beak is covered with bristly feathers; iris dark hazeL Length. — Nineteen inches. CROW, HOODED {Corvus comix) Local Names. — Bunting Crow, Corbie Crake, Corbie Crow, Denchman, Denmark Crow, Dun Crow, Grey-Backed Crow, Grey Crow, Heedy Royston, Hoodie Crow, Kentish Crow, Kentishman, Market-Jew Crow, Norway Crow, Royston Crow, Saddle- Backed Crow, Scale Crow, Scare Crow, Scremerston Crow. Haunt. — Woods, rocky cliffs, and the seashore. Nesting Period. — March to May. Site of Nest. — Tall and low trees and bushes, and on cliffs. Materials Used. — Same as Carrion Crow. Eggs. — Four or Five. Very similar in both size and colour to those of the last named. Food. — Similar to that of the Carrion Crow, together with shellfish and refuse. I have known it to attack a captive rabbit. Voice. — Resembles that of the species last recorded. Chief Features. — Not so solitary in disposition as the Carrion Crow — of which species some ornithologists consider the Hooded to be only a variety — but to be distinguished by the partly grey plumage. Often to be seen on seashore feeding on animal refuse, and makes short work of any dead creatures there found. Plumage. — Head, throat, tail, and wings black; remainder of plumage ash or smoky -grey; iris brown. Length. — Nineteen and a half inches. CUCKOO (Cuculus canorus) Local Names. — Cog, Geek, Gowk, Grey Cuckoo, Tittling. Haunt. — Woods, copses, fields, lanes, large gardens, etc. Nesting Period. — The egg is laid during May. Site of Nest. — See under. Materials Used. — None. As is well known, this bird does not build a nest of its own, but deposits its egg in the nest of another bird. The favourite foster parents appear to be the Hedge Sparrow, Robin, Pied Wagtail, Meadow Pipit (in Scotland), Chaffinch, and Sedge and Reed Warblers. The egg has been found in the nests of over one hundred different species. Eggs. — It is uncertain how many eggs one female lays during a season. The egg varies in colour, and in some instances harmonises with those among which it is placed, at others it is quite distinct. Some varieties resemble those of the House 32 BRITISH NESTING BIRDS and Tree Sparrows. Skylark, Meadow and Tree Pipits, etc. Even blue eggs have been discovered. There are usually small black specks on the egg, and in this way identification is made doubly sure. Pale greyish-green or reddish-grey is the general colour, more or less closely mottled, speckled, and spotted with darker shades. Food. — Insects of various kinds, including butterflies and beetles. Very fond of hairy larvae, especially those of the Drinker Moth. Voice. — Both male and female utter the well-known plaintive double call. A kind of chattering cry is also emitted when the bird is excited. The better-known notes are rarely heard after the end of June. Chief Features. — The only British bird which does not rear its own young. Probably no species has caused so*much controversy, and it is still little understood. The young Cuckoo has the extraordinary habit of ejecting eggs or young birds from the nest in which it is born. Both, or either, are doomed, and when two young Cuckoos are hatched in the same nest the Philistines eject one another, and eventually the strongest alone survives. The young Cuckoo is blind during these operations, and when it receives its sight the desire to throw out anything ceases. A Summer Migrant, well distributed all over the country, the Cuckoo reaches us about mid-April, but makes an early depar- ture in July or August, the young birds of the year following later. The clean-cut wings and quick, gliding flight are features worthy of note. Plumage. — Upper parts bluish-ash, somewhat of a darker character on the wings, but lighter on neck and breast; whitish, with transverse dusky streaks, underneath; quills barred on inner webs with white oval spots; blackish tail feathers, tipped and spotted with white. The beak is dusky, with a yellow edging; orbits and inside of mouth yellow; iris and feet same colour. The young are ash-brown barred with reddish-brown; the tips of feathers are white, and there is a white spot on the back of the head. Length. — Thirteen and a half inches. CURLEW, COMMON (Numenius arquata) Local Names. — Calloo, Stock Whaap, Whaap, Whitterick. Haunt. — Moors in Summer; mudbanks and saltings in Winter. Nesting Period. — End of April and early in May. Site of Nest. — Moors, heather-clad hills, etc. Materials Used. — Dry grass, twigs of heather, leaves of rushes or sedges, etc. Nest is often placed in a depression in the ground, and is usually well concealed by surrounding herbage. CURLEW AND STONE CURLEW 33 Eggs. — Four. Greenish-dun to olive-green, blotched with dark brown and dark shades of green. Food. — Insects, worms, and perhaps tender shoots of plants in Summer ; Crustacea, marine worms and in- sects in Winter. Voice. — A wild, weird cry. Chief Features. — The bird has a long, curved beak and legs; it is a solitary species, inhabiting desolate places, where its weird note is in keeping with the surroundings. It is a larger bird than its near relative, the Whimbrel. Plumage. — Reddish-ash mottled with dusky spots; almost white belly, with dusky streaks ; white rump and tail - coverts ; tail - feathers barred with dark brown. Length. — The female is the larger of the two, measuring twenty -one to twenty -six inches. Fig. 9. Head and Foot of Curlew. CURLEW, STONE ((Edicnemus scolopax) Local Names. — Common Thick-Knee, Great Plover, Land Curlew, Night Hawk, Norfolk Plover, Stone Plover, Thick- Knee, Thick- Kneed Bustard, Whistling Plover. Haunt. — Waste commons, heaths, and downs. Nesting Period. — May and June. Site of Nest. — On the ground. Materials Used. — Rarely any, the eggs being laid on the bare ground. A few bents may sometimes be used. Eggs. — Two. Stone-colour in various pale shades, fairly closely spotted, streaked, or marbled with dark brown. Food. — Insects, worms, and snails. Voice. — A wild, loud, clear-ringing cry uttered at night. Chief Features. — Although some of these birds are said to be resident, the great majority are Migrants, reaching our shores from March to May. The bird has large eyes, long legs with thick knees, and can run very fast. It skulks when approached, and rarely takes to flight. It is largely protected by its surround- ings. The young birds squat closely, and thus escape detection. Except in a few favoured localities this is a rare species. It is quite different in appearance to the Common Curlew. Plumage. — The sexes are similar, the beak being black, yellowish at the base; hides, orbits, legs, and feet yellow; pale brown 34 BRITISH NESTING BIRDS above; white tips on wing-coverts, forming two narrow bars; quill black; throat and stripe under the eye white; neck and breast buff with streaks of dark brown. Length. — Seventeen inches. DIPPER (Cinclus aquations) Local Names. — Benny Ducker, Brook Ousel, Common Dipper. Eso Cock, European Dipper Duck, Piet, River Pie, Sand Thrush, Water Blackbird. Water Colly, Water Crake, Water Crow, Water Ouzel, Water Pyet, Water Smith, Water Thrush. Haunt. — Rivers and streams, secluded burns in Scotland. Nesting Period. — April to June. Site of Nest. — In the fissure of a rock or overhanging bank, or between the stones of a bridge. Materials Used. — A domed structure with a hole towards the base, consisting of moss outside and leaves within. The vegetation surrounding the nest makes the latter difficult to observe. Eggs. — Five. White, pointed; size, i.o by .75 inch. Food. — Aquatic insects and their larvae, also small fresh-water snails and the fry of fishes. Voice. — A pretty utterance, which has been aptly described as " a merry little song coming out of a jocund little heart." Chief Features. — Hudson calls this bird " a big black Wren with a silvery-white bib." The flight reminds one of the Kingfisher. The bird dives into the water, and often procures its food from the bed of the stream. It loves solitude, and its song, when heard for the first time, is very striking. Plumage. — White throat and belly, the other parts black or blackish- brown. The colours of the female are more dingy than those of her mate. Length. — Six and a half inches. DIVER, BLACK-THROATED (Colymbus arcticus) Local Names. — Lesser Imber (female), Lumme, Northern Doucker, Speckled Loon. Haunt. — Excepting when breeding, the Divers are Oceanic birds. Frequents lochs, small islands, mountain waters, and seashore. Nesting Period. — May and June. Site of Nest. — Near or on small islands, and other places. Materials Used. — Various aquatic herbage, with a lining of grass. Eggs. — Two. A handsome type of egg, rounded at both ends, not tapered like that of the Common Curlew. Some are dark brown tinged with olive, others are russet-brown, spotted or blotched with black and dark brown. C:, • «.*••# Eggs of British Birds. ng Thrush. C. Nightingale C. Blackbird. D. Trff. Ckei-per. E. Kestrel. F. Blackcai (".. Nuthatch. II. Sparrow Hawk. 1 Blue Tit. I. Great Tit. K Chiff Chaff. 36 BRITISH NESTING BIRDS Voice. — A plaintive call-note, prolonged in the breeding season into a kind of trill. Chief Features. — A very beautiful bird, but of comparatively rare occurrence. Belongs to the Plover family. Plumage. — Dull -white throat; bright chestnut, ash -brown, and black on the breast and belly, and a white band on the lower breast; dusky -black crown, margined with white, which extends backwards from the eye round the nape; ash-brown upper parts, and white-tipped tail-feathers and tail-coverts. The female, contrary to most birds, is not only larger, but richer coloured than her mate. Length. — Nine inches. DOVE, RING (Columba palumbus) Local Names. — Culver, Cushat, Cushat Doo, Luest, Luince, Oodal, Queest, Quist, Ring-Dow, Ring Pigeon, Wood Lueest, Wood Pigeon, Zuist. Haunt. — Woods, parks, and fields. Nesting Period. — An early and late breeder. March to July, often later. Site of Nest. — Trees or tall hedgerows. The matted branch of the spruce fir is a favourite site. Materials Used. — Small dead twigs. A shallow platform, loosely made. Eggs. — Two. White, oval; size, 1.65 by 1.25 inch. Food. — Buds and leaves, grain, berries, fruit, young clover, turnip tops, roots, and various weed seeds, especially charlock. Voice. — A series of five or six loud notes, often repeated. Louder and harsher than those of the Turtle Dove. Chief Features. — A very common resident bird; its numbers are largely increased by foreign visitors in Winter. A shy species ; a splendid bird upon the wing. Drinks, unlike most other birds, by taking a draught of water like a Horse. Feeds its young by bringing back from its crop the soft portions of food which it has swallowed. A typical woodland species. Much better known as the Wood Pigeon. Plumage. — Bluish-grey head, violet and green on the sides and back of neck, on each side being a patch of white; grey upper parts, with broad edges of white on wing coverts which are very conspicuous ; tail - feathers dark slaty - grey ; reddish - purple underneath, paler on belly ; orange bill, whitish towards base ; feet and legs bright red. Length. — Seventeen inches. DOVE, ROCK (Colamba livia) Local' Names. — Blue Dove, Doo, Rockier, Rockier, Rock Pigeon, White-Backed Dove, Wild Dove, Wild Pigeon. Haunt. ROCK AND STOCK DOVES 37 Nesting Period. — February to October. Site of Nest. — Ledges of rocks, or a recess in the face of a cliff. Materials Used. — Seaweed, grass, dry bents, a few sticks or twigs. Eggs. — Two. White; size, 1.45 by 1.15 inch. Food. — Beech-mast, grain, seeds, leaves of plants, and snails. Voice. — The notes much resemble those of the Ring Dove, but with a " roo " introduced among the " coo's." Chief Features. — A typical bird of precipitous sea cliffs. Much smaller than the Ring Dove, and distinguished as under. Plumage. — Ashy -blue, which is lighter on the wings; white rump; a lustrous neck and breast, with beautiful purple and green reflections; on the wing there are two transverse black bands, whilst the primaries and tail are tipped with the same colour; white on the outer web of the outer tail-feathers; iris light orange; black bill; red feet. Length. — Twelve and a half inches. DOVE, STOCK (Columba cenas) Local Names. — Blue-Backed Dove, Blue Rock, Blue Rucker, Bush Dove, Stock Pigeon, Wood Dove, Wood Pigeon. Haunt. — Woods and sea cliffs. Nesting Period. — February to October. Site of Nest. — Holes in trees and pollard tops, also in crevices and ledges of cliffs. In sandy districts the nest is said to be placed under a bush or in the burrow of a Rabbit. Materials Used. — Sticks and twigs. Often none. Eggs. — Two. White; size about 1.45 by 1.15 inch. Food. — Leaves and seeds of succulent plants, snails, worms, beech- mast, acorns, etc. Voice. — A crooning, or grunting, note ; a sort of continuous murmur. Chief Features. — May be mistaken, when flying, for the Ring Dove. Care should be taken to identify it from the Rock Dove, as both species often nest close together on sea cliffs. Plumage. — Bluish-grey head, throat, wings, and lower parts; metal- lic reflections on the bottom portions of the neck; wine-red breast; on the last two secondaries and some of the wing- coverts there is a spot of black; primaries grey at the base, verging into dusky ; grey tail, with black bars near the end, the outer feather having a spot of white on the outer web, near the base ; iris reddish-brown ; yellow bill, red at the base ; red feet. Length. — Thirteen and a half inches. 38 BRITISH NESTING BIRDS DOVE, TURTLE (Turtur communis) Local Names. — Common Turtle, Ring-Necked Turtle, Spotted - Necked Turtle Dove, Wrckin Dove. Haunt. — Woods, copses, and commons. Nesting Period. — May to July. Site of Nest. — Bushes, hedgerows, and both low and tall trees. Nest is usually just out of reach. Materials Used. — A few twigs and sticks. A very frail homestead. Eggs. — Two. Creamy-white; size about 1.18 by .90 inch. Food. — Insects, snails, leaves of plants, and many kinds of seeds. Voice. — A soft, agreeable, and frequently-repeated " Croo-oo-o." Chief Features. — The only species of Dove which is a Summer visitor, arriving towards the end of April. Possesses a soft flight, and displays its tail fan-like when flying, the white tips of which are very prominent. It is not so gaudily attired as its relatives. It is not nearly such a harmful species as the Ring Dove, but, in spite of praise bestowed upon it by the poets, I have known it to strike at and kill a young Pheasant. Its constancy and fidelity, however, remain unchallenged. Plumage. — A wine-red tinge on the ash head and nape; a black space on the sides of neck with tips of white; pale wine-red neck and breast; ash-brown back; dusky primaries; bluish- ash secondaries; wing-coverts and scapulars rust-red, with a centre spot of black ; belly and under tail-coverts white; dusky tail, with all but two feathers in centre tipped with white; outside feathers with white edge externally ; yellowish - red iris; red feet; brown bill. Length. — Eleven and a half inches. DUCK, EIDER (Somateria mollissima) Local Names. — Colk, Common Eider, Dunter Duck, Edder Duck, Great Black and White Duck, St. Cuthbert's Duck. Haunt. — Nearly always found near the sea. Nesting Period. — Mid-May to early June. Site of Nest. — Crevices of rocks, or on ground among plants. Materials Used. — Seaweed, dry grass, etc., profusely lined with down which the bird plucks from her own breast. A large nest. Eggs. — Five to Seven. Pale dull green, oval in shape, and with a smooth surface. Food. — Crustacea and shellfish. Voice. — The male gives vent to a grunting note, and, during the breeding season, another note is uttered which resembles that of the Ring Dove. It is mostly a silent bird. Chief Features. — The largest British nesting Duck, with the exception TUFTED AND WILD DUCK 39 of the Sheldrake. The down from the bird is very valuable, forming the eider-down of commerce. The bird sits very closely. It is a resident of the North, and is not common. A thorough sea-loving bird, only coming to land to nest. Plumage. — Greenish bill, in the centre, half-way to the nostrils, is a wedge of black feathers, similar to those on the crown and forehead ; the crown is bisected by a line of white which goes on to the nape, which is pale green, and divided by a further line of white from a patch of green on either side of neck ; white cheeks, back, and wing-coverts; secondaries, which are sickle- shaped, yellowish-white; almost black wing-feathers, rump, and tail, with a patch of white on each side of the last named ; rosy -buff breast; black abdomen; legs and feet dull green. Female rufous-brown barred with blackish. Length. — Twenty- five inches. DUCK, TUFTED (Fuligula cristata) Local Names. — Black Poker, Black Wigeon, Old Hardweather (male), Tufted Pochard, Tufted Poker, Tufted Wigeon. Haunt. — Chiefly the seashore in Winter, but in Summer fresh-water lakes and ponds. Some birds also inhabit latter all the year. Nesting Period. — Mid-May to early June. Site of Nest. — Among aquatic herbage near fresh water. Materials Used. — Water plants, lined with bird's own down. Eggs. — Eight to Ten, or more. Greenish-buff, often dirty. Food. — Fish, insects, and water plants. Voice. — A grating cry, thus, " kr-kr-kurra; " and on alighting, " currugh, currugh." Chief Features. — Both a marine and fresh-water Duck, and although some naturalists state that it is inactive during the day and feeds at night, Sir Herbert Maxwell tells me that it is con- tinually diving for food all day long. The tuft on the head and the black and white dress are able aids to identification. Plumage. — Black and white ; the former over the whole with the ex- ception of the speculum, flanks, and belly, which are white. On the head and neck there is a purplish gloss; irides brilliant yellow; legs and feet dark blue. Female dark brown, the under parts brownish-grey. The male bird changes its colour in May. Length. — Seventeen inches. DUCK, WILD (Anas boscas) Local Names. — Mallard (male), Mallart, Stock Duck. Haunt. — Lakes, ponds, and streams, also saltings and mudflats near the sea in Winter. 4o BRITISH NESTING BIRDS Nesting Period. — April and May, sometimes earlier and later. Site of Nest. — Among rushes and sedges near water, or in a wood. Materials Used. — Aquatic plants and grass. Eggs. — Ten to Twelve. Pale green. Food. — Water insects, frogs, fish and their spawn, grain, etc. Voice. — Call, "quack," as well as "quork," or " dree-k, dree-k." Chief Features. — This is a fine sporting bird, and a splendid flier when once well on the wing. The male in his best plumage is a really handsome bird, and easily outvies in the luxury of dress his sober-clad mate. The Duck (female) and Drake (male) moult at different times. The latter goes into hiding as soon as his mate commences to sit. He then moults and comes forth in the garb of the female! In the Autumn a further change of plumage takes place, and it is then that he assumes the beautiful attire in which he is seen during the Winter months. Many foreign Ducks come over in Winter and meander along the saltings and mudflats. Plumage. — The bill is yellowish; glossy green head and neck, with a ring of white following; deep chestnut on hind neck and breast; greenish-purple speculum, bordered above and below with white, is across the secondaries ; black rump, as well as upper tail-coverts, and the curled tail-feathers, which are four in number, the remaining feathers of the tail being grey ; flanks and belly greyish - white ; velvet - black under tail - coverts ; orange-red legs and feet. The female is smaller, and has a greenish bill; dark-brown crown; and the general plumage is mottled brown and buff. Length. — Twenty-four inches. DUNLIN (Tringa alpina) Local Names. — Bull's Eye, Bundie, Churr, Dunlin Sandpiper, Least Snipe, Ox Bird and Purre (young), Oxeye, Plover's Page, Red- ked Sandpiper (immature), Sea Lark, Sea Snipe, Stint, Wag Tail (young). Haunt. — Fens and moors in Summer, as well as seashore and marsh lands, but latter chiefly in Winter. Nesting Period. — May or June. Site of Nest. — A depression in the ground, the nest generally being hidden by grass, heather, or rushes. Materials Used. — Roots, dry grass, or bents, sometimes a little moss and a few twigs. Eggs. — Four, pointed. Greenish-white, blotched with reddish-brown. Food. — Small crustaceans and insects. Voice. — A hoarse, grating cry, but in the Spring the male utters a trilling love-call. DUNLIN AND GOLDEN EAGLE 41 Fig. 10. Dunlin. Chief Features. — A well-known member of the Sandpiper family. Its numbers are greatly increased in the Autumn by immigrants from the North. It then becomes conspicuous on our coasts, and little companies are continually sweeping by, or may be observed searching for food. When a flock is seen on the wing and the light is good, the effect produced, as first the upper and then the under side are displayed, is very pleasing. Plumage. — Rufous crown with black streaks ; chestnut mantle with black variega- tions; rest of upper parts grey; throat and upper portion of breast greyish-white and striped; lower breast black; white belly. In Winter the plumage is more or less grey above; white underneath, with a band of grey on the lower breast. Length. — Female, eight inches. EAGLE, GOLDEN (Aquila chrysaetus) Local Name. — Ring-Tailed Eagle (immature). Haunt. — Mountains, lonely glens, and forests in the North of Scotland, and also in Ireland. Nesting Period. — March and April, sometimes later. Site of Nest. — A precipitous crag, hillside, or tall tree. Materials Used. — Twigs, sticks, rushes, heath, etc. Eggs. — Two, occasionally Three. Round in shape, dirty white in ground colour, blotched and clouded with various shades of red or reddish-brown. Food. — Rabbits, hares, rats, young lambs, fawns, grouse, etc. Voice. — Call-note, " bark " or " yelp," frequently repeated, as well as a shriek. J ' l; * Chief Features. — Owing to protection has increased of recent years, but this has had to be withdrawn in some instances because of harm perpetrated. Most solicitous for its offspring, and feeds them with unremitting attention. Plumage. — Head, back of neck, and legs reddish-brown and lustrous ; remaining portions of body dark brown ; nearly black primaries ; brownish-black secondaries; dark-grey tail, ink bars and tips of brownish-black ; the strong beak is bluish at base, and black at tip; brown iris; cere and feet yellow; the powerful talons are bluish-black. Length. — Male, thirty-six inches. 42 BRITISH NESTING BIRDS EAGLE, WHITE-TAILED (Haliaetm albkilla) Local Names. — Cinereous Eagle, Common Gannet, Erne, Fen Eagle, Rough-Footed Eagle, Sea Eagle. Haunt. — Same as Golden Eagle, but more often near the sea and large lakes. Nesting Period. — March to May. Site of Nest. — Same as Golden Eagle. Materials Used. — Same as Golden Eagle. Iiggs. — Two. Rounded ; white ; rough in texture. Pood. — Small mammals, putrid flesh, fish, and aquatic birds. Voice. — Shriller and more of a yelping cry than the Golden Eagle. Chief Features. — A rarer bird than the last named. The nesting site is almost always quite unassailable. A bold, courageous species, and often has a pitched battle with another of its relatives. The different plumage and white tail serve to dis- tinguish it from the Golden Eagle. Plumage. — Brown above, the head and neck lighter than the rest; chocolate-brown underneath; white tail; yellowish-white bill, cere, and feet; black claws. The tail of the young is brown. Length. — Male, twenty-eight inches ; female, thirty-four inches. FALCON, HOBBY (Falco subbuteo) Local Names. — Hobby, Hobby Hawk, Merlin (Shetlands). Haunt. — Woods, and open country when hunting for food. Nesting Period. — End of May and June. Site of Nest. — Tall trees. Often usurps the nest of a Magpie or Crow. Materials Used. — Sticks, twigs, dry grass, roots, etc. Eggs. — Generally Three, rarely Four. Pale yellowish-red in ground colour, freckled and mottled with deeper shades; very round. Pood. — Large and small birds, such as partridges, larks, yoi ducks, and pheasants. Voice. — A shrill chatter, and a call-note like " pree, pree." Chief Features. — The only bird of prey that is a regular Summer Migrant, reaching us from Africa and India during April. By no means abundantly distributed. Very courageous, and pursues its prey with great facility. Plumage. — Bluish-black above; reddish-yellow with longitudinal brown streaks underneath; moustaches black and broad; lower tail-coverts and legs reddish; bluish beak, dark at the tip; cere enish-yellow; iris dark brown; yellow feet; black claws. In the female the colours are duller, and broader streaks below. Length. — Twelve to fourteen inches. FALCON AND FLYCATCHER 43 FALCON, PEREGRINE (Falco peregrimis) Local Names. — Black-Backed Falcon, Blue-Backed Falcon, Blue Hawk, Cliff Hawk, Duck Hawk, Haggard Falcon, Lamer, Passage Hawk, Red Falcon, Spotted Falcon, Tassel. Haunt. — High cliffs bordering the sea, and mountains. Nesting Period. — April to June. Site of Nest. — Inaccessible ledges of rocks and sea cliffs. Materials Used. — Sticks, straw, bents, and rabbit flick. Eggs. — Four. Reddish-brown, closely speckled and blotched with darker variegations. Food. — Grouse, snipe, young sea and other birds. Voice. — A squeak something like that of the Sparrow Hawk. Chief Features. — Our most beautiful British Falcon, but by no means well distributed. Greatly persecuted in many instances where its eyries are known. A graceful bird on the wing, with remarkable powers of endurance. Plumage. — Dark bluish-grey above, with bands of a darker hue; bluish-black head, and moustaches which descend from the gape; white underneath; transverse bars of brown on breast; blue beak, growing darker towards the tip; cere yellow; dark- brown iris; yellow feet; black claws. The plumage of female is tinged with brown, and underneath with reddish-yellow. Length. — The male is fifteen inches, and his mate two inches longer. FLYCATCHER, PIED (Muscicapa atricapilla) Local Names. — Coal Finch, Cold Finch, Epicurean Warbler. Haunt. — Woods, copses, and the like. Nesting Period. — May and June. Site of Nest. — Holes in decayed trees. Materials Used. — Leaves, hay, and bark, with hair and feather lining. Eggs. — Five. Very pale greenish- blue. Food. — Insects. Voice. — Alarm - note, " chuck, chuck," and a subdued, pleasant song. Chief Features. — Not nearly so common as the next species, but easily distinguished by different plumage. Very local in dis- Fig. ii. Pied Flycatcher. 44 BRITISH NESTING BIRDS tribution, and needs looking for. Like its relative, it is a Summer Migrant, arriving in May. Plumage. — A double moult takes place, occurring in Autumn, and again in the Spring. Above the colour is black, including the tail; the same on wings, with white on central coverts; white edging on scapulars ; white underneath. The female is greyish- brown in lieu of the black; the white parts are not so pure, and the three lateral feathers of the tail have white edges. Length. — Five inches. FLYCATCHER, SPOTTED (Muscicapa grtsola) Local Names. — Beam Bird, Bee Bird, Chait, Chanchider, Cherry Chopper, Cherry Snipe, Cherrv Sucker, Cobweb Bird, Fig-Eater, Gray Flycatcher, Miller, Post Bird, Rafter, Wall Bird, White Baker, White Wall. Haunt. — Woods, copses, plantations, lanes, orchards, and gardens. Nesting Period. — May to July. Site of Nest. — Holes in trees and walls, in an arbour, among ivy on a wall, between old posts, etc. Materials Used. — Leaves, moss, fine grasses, and a little hair. Eggs. — Four or Five. Greyish-white, with a blue tinge, freckled with orange-brown. Food. — Soft insects captured upon the wing. Voice. — A silent species, but utters a curious note like "u-tick." Chief Features. — Often overlooked owing to inconspicuous plumage, but is quite a common bird. Has a favourite watch-tower, such as a rail or arm of a tree, and from thence takes little flights into the air after insects. Has a remarkable power upon the wing, controlling its movements with great deftness and precision. A most beneficial species, for I have known one bird to capture forty-five insects in fifteen minutes. A Summer Migrant, arriving in May. Plumage. — Ash-brown above; a central dark line on the head feathers; white underneath, the sides being marked with longitudinal brown streaks; red-tinged flanks. Length. — Five and a half inches. GADWALL (Chaulelasmus streperus) Local Names. — Gray, Gray Duck, Grey, Grey Duck. Haunt. — Fresh waters. Nesting Period. — May and June. Site of Nest. — Among reeds and rushes. Materials Used. — Dry grass, leaves, and rushes, lined with down. GADWALL AND GANNET 45 Eggs. — Five to Seven, or more. Creamy-white or pale buff. Food. — Water insects, spawn and fry of fish, seeds, and plants. Voice. — A repeated " quack, quack." Chief Features. — Our rarest Fresh-water Duck, something like the better-known Wild Duck, but neither so large nor handsome. Largely nocturnal in habits. A splendid bird upon the wing, and an expert diver. Plumage. — Has a lead-coloured beak; light-brown head and upper neck mottled with darker shades; light grey on a dark ground is present on the back; median wing-coverts chestnut; greater coverts blackish; brown on primaries; black and brown secondaries, a white speculum being formed in the outer webs ; bluish-black rump and upper tail-coverts; dark-brown tail feathers edged with paler tints; lower neck dark grey, each feather with a pale-grey margin ; white breast and belly ; grey flanks and vent; under tail-coverts bluish-black; orange legs and feet. Female, light-brown head and upper neck, mottled with darker shades; lower hind neck and upper parts brown; white on speculum and underneath. Length. — Twenty-one inches. GANNET (Sulci bassana) Local Names. — Channel Goose, Gan or Gant, Solan Goose. Haunt. — Rocky parts of the coast. Nesting Period. — May and June. Site of Nest. — Ledges of precipitous rocks. Materials Used. — Seaweed, grass, straw, etc. An untidy nest. Eggs. — One. White, but often becomes stained; chalky. Food. — Fish, especially sprats, pilchards, mackerel, and herrings. Voice. — A harsh cry, which is something like " carra, carra, carra." Chief Features. — A magnificent bird upon the wing; mounts high in the air before taking a headlong and superb dive into the sea beneath. Eyes must be of great microscopic power. Has a dagger-like beak. Dark stripe near eye very characteristic. The Bass Rock is a notable nesting station, 10,000 pairs of birds being said to breed there each season. Plumage. — The adult has a buff-coloured head and neck, and the remainder of the plumage white, with the exception of the primaries, which are black. In the young the first year's dress consists of blackish-brown upper parts flecked with white; dusky-ash and buff underneath. With the sixth year the dark markings disappear, and the dress of the adult bird is put on. Length. — Thirty-four inches. 46 BRITISH NESTING BIRDS GARGANEY [Querquedula circia) Local Names. — Crick, Cricket Teal, Gargle Teal, Pied Wigeon, Pied Wiggon, Red Wiggon, Summer Duck, Summer Teal. Haunt. — Fresh waters. Nesting Period. — April and May. Site of Xest. — Among aquatic herbage, the nest being well hidden. Materials Used. — Water plants and surrounding herbage, lined with the bird's own down. Eggs. — Ten to Twelve. Creamy-white or buff, resembling those of Teal. Food. — Fish and their spawn, aquatic insects, frogs, and grain. Voice. — A curious jarring note has resulted in this Duck being called the Cricket Teal in some localities. It is the male that utters this low note, but when on the wing a sharp, double quacking cry is also emitted. Chief Features. — A very swift bird upon the wing, flying with neck outstretched and the legs hanging down. It resembles the Teal in many of its habits, and is a near relative of that species. Plumage. — Black bill; dark brown on head, crown, nape, and back a strip of white extends from the eye to the back of neck cheeks and neck light brown, with short, hair-like lines of white black scapulars, with white stripe in centre; bluish-grey on wing-coverts; green speculum, bordered on either side with two white bars ; dull-brown primaries and tail ; black chin ; pale-brown breast, with darker bands of a crescent order; white belly ; flanks with transverse lines of black ; tail-coverts under- neath black and white; greyish-brown legs and feet. The female is mottled-brown, with the eye stripe yellowish-white, and the speculum dull metallic green, barred on either side with white. Length. — Sixteen inches. GOLDFINCH [Carduelis elegans) Local Naynes. — Brancher, Chalandire, Chardonneret, Coalhead, Draw Water, Fool's Coat, Goldie, Goldspink, Gooldie, Goudspink, Grey Kate, Grey Pate (young), Jack Nicker, King Harry, Proud-Tail, Proud-Tailor, Redcap, Red-Fronted Thistle Finch. Seven-Coloured Linnet. Sheriff's Man, Sweet William, Thistle Finch. Haunt, — Orchards, large gardens, commons, and woods. Nesting Period. — May onwards. Site of Nest. — Fruit trees in an orchard or garden, also spruce fir, evergreens, and hedgerows. GOLDFINCH AND GOOSANDER 47 Materials Used. — Moss, lichen, wool, hair, etc. Nest is very similar to that of the Chaffinch, but shallower. Eggs. — Four or Five. Pale grey or bluish, spotted with greyish- purple and red-brown. Sometimes streaked as well as spotted. Food. — Weed seeds, and especially fond of thistles when the latter are seeded in Autumn. Voice. — A bright, cheery call, consisting of several notes rapidly uttered. The song is also very shrill, and parts of it are of a high order. Chief Features. — This bird was rapidly decreasing, but, as a result of protection, is now on the increase. Being handsomely attired and very active in its habits, this is a favourite Finch. The male and female are, contrary to most birds, very much alike. The young are quite different, and are called Grey Pates. Plumage. — Black head at the back, as well as the nape and feathers round the base of the bill ; front of head and throat blood-red ; white cheeks, fore-neck, and under parts ; dark-brown back and scapulars; wings are variegated with white, black, and yellow; black tail, tipped with white. Length. — Five inches. GOOSANDER (Mergiis merganser) Local Names. — Dun Diver, Harle Duck (female or young male), Jack-Saw, Sawbill, Sparling Fowl. Haunt. — Inland waters as well as the sea. Nesting Period. — April and May. Site of Nest. — Banks of fresh-water lochs, among grass, in a hole, under a rock, or in a hollow tree-stump. Materials Used. — Moss, dry grass, roots, etc., with a lining of down from the bird's own body. Eggs. — Seven or Eight. Oval in shape; creamy-yellow or buff. Food. — Fish. Voice. — A low whistling cry. Chief Features. — Chiefly a Winter visitor, but breeds in the North of Scotland. As the Latin name implies, it is a Merganser. It assumes an awkward attitude on land, as the legs are placed very far back, but when on or in the water it is very alert and swift in its actions. Has a serrated bill, which enables the bird to more securely hold its prey. Plumage. — Blood-red bill and irides; glossy dark-green head and upper neck; neck underneath and under parts white with a salmon-pink tinge; black scapulars and upper back; white on wing-coverts; primaries and some of the secondaries ash- brown; ash-grey on lower back and tail; orange-red legs and feet. The female is not so richly dressed as her mate, and is reddish-brown on head and neck. Length. — Twenty-six inches. 48 BRITISH NESTING BIRDS GOOSE, GREY-LAG (Anser cinereus) Local Names. — Fen Goose, Grey Goose, Grey-Legged Goose, Quinck, Wild Goose. Haunt. — Northern moors, swamps, and morasses. Nesting Period. — March to May. Site of Nest. — On the ground. Materials Used. — Sticks as a foundation, then grass, sedges, and dead leaves, lined with down. The same nest is used each season after being repaired, and thus soon becomes very large. Eggs. — Six to Twelve. Dull creamy-white. Food. — Grain, grass, and young shoots. Voice. — Call, " kak-kak," " gag-gag," or a noisy " gaggle." Chief Features. — The only species of Goose which nests in a wild state in the British Isles. Plumage. — Greyish-brown head, neck, and upper parts; dull-white lower breast and abdomen, spotted with black; rump and wing- coverts bluish-grey; flesh-coloured bill, with white nail at tip; legs and feet same colour as bill. Length. — Thirty-five inches. GREBE, GREAT CRESTED {Podiceps cristatus) Local Names. — Arsfoot, Ash-Coloured Loon, Ash-Coloured Swan, Cargoose, Crested Grebe, Diver, Gaunt, Greater-Crested Doucker, Greater Dabchick, Greater Loon, Horned Dabchick, Horned Doucker, Loon, Molrooken, Tippet Grebe. Haunt. — Fresh-water lakes, ponds, and broads. Nesting Period. — April to June. Site of Nest. — Among rushes, on the edges of lakes, etc. plants, such as reeds, etc. Eggs. — Three or Four. Size, 2.2 by i .45 inch. White or greenish when first laid, but often become stained. Food. — Tadpoles, frogs, fish, and insects. Voice. — A harsh, grating cry during the breeding season, at other times the bird is very silent. Chief Features. — This handsome species is increasing its range, and is largely protected. The curious head of tin- male at once identifies it. Very solicitous for the welfare of its young, and these remain with their parents for Fig. 12. Head of Great Crested Grebe. LITTLE GREBE AND GREENFINCH 49 some time. The eggs are often covered over when the parent bird leaves the nest in the same way as those of its smaller relative. Plumage. — Dark-brown and chestnut crown, crest, and ruff; white cheeks; dark-brown upper parts; white secondaries; silky- white underneath. Length. — Twenty-two inches. GREBE, LITTLE (Tachybaptes fluviatilis) Local Names. — Arsfoot, Black-Chinned Grebe, Dabber, Dabchick, Didapper, Dive Dapper, Dob-Chicken, Ducker, Small Doucker, Tom Pudding. Haunt. — Fresh-water lakes, ponds, and streams. Nesting Period. — March to August. Site of Nest. — Near, and often on, the water, Sometimes the nest is exposed, at others hidden among aquatic vegetation. Materials Used. — Grasses and reeds. A flat structure. Eggs. — Four to Six. White when laid, but soon become stained. Size, 1.45 by 1.0 inch. Food. — Same as Great Crested Grebe. Voice. — A rusty call-note, and a curious so-called song, like the creaking of a gate that wanted oiling! Chief Features. — The antics of the birds in the water are most interesting. They dive as quick as thought, and disappear as if by magic, popping up here, there, and everywhere in a most curious and delightful way. They paddle under water swiftly and adroitly. Far better known as the Dabchick or Dobchick. Plumage. — Dark-brown head, neck, and upperrparts; a sprinkling of white on the secondaries; black chin; reddish-chestnut cheeks, throat, and sides of neck; greyish- white underneath; dusky-brown flanks; horn-coloured bill; dull-green legs and feet curiously shaped. Length. — Nine and a half inches. Fig. 13. Head and Foot of Little Grebe. GREENFINCH {Ligurinus chloris) Local Names. — Green Bird, Green Chub, Green Grosbeak, Green Linnet, Greenulf, Joey. Haunt. — Woods, hedgerows, fields, and gardens. Nesting Period. — April onwards. 50 BRITISH NESTING BIRDS Site of Xest. — Hedges, bushes, shrubs, etc. Materials Used. — Moss and grass, lined with hair. Often a large structure, and sometimes slovenly built. Eggs. — Four to Six. White, or bluish, spotted and streaked with reddish or purple and darker shades. They van' in size, shape, and markings. Food. — Seeds of various kinds, especially those that are oily, also buds and scraps in Winter. Voice. — One of the few British birds which sings upon the wing. It is not a brilliant songster, although some individuals sing better than others. The characteristic note is best compared to the noise made by the bough of a tree when blown by the wind, or a gate swinging to and fro. Chief Features. — One of our commonest Finches. The male is a handsome bird in his green and gold livery. It is most vora- cious, and often visits gardens for sunflower seeds. Plumage. — Yellowish-green, with variegations of yellow and ash- grey. Length. — Six inches. GREENSHANK (Totanus canescens) Local Names. — Cinereous Godwit, Greater Plover, Green-Legged Horseman, Green-Shanked Godwit. Haunt. — The coast, and also inland on moors and mountains. Nesting Period. — Middle to end of May. Site of Nest. — A depression in the ground. On occasions close to water, at others some distance from it. Materials Used. — Heather, twigs, leaves, and blades of dry grass. Eggs. — Four. Creamy-white, or warm stone-colour, with purplish- grey blotches and brown spots. Food. — Insects, worms, etc. Voice. — A clamorous cry. Chief Features — A rare British bird, called Greenshank because of the green legs and feet. It only nests in Scotland. Plumage. — Greyish-white head and neck, with streaks of blackish- brown ; almost black mantle and secondaries ; white rump and tail-feathers, the latter with dusky-brown mottlings and bars ; white under parts, with streaks and spots of ash-brown ; olive- green legs and feet. The plumage in Winter is greyer above and pure white underneath. Length. — Fourteen inches. GROUSE, BLACK (Tctrao tctrix) I.<>cal Names. — Black Cock, Black Game, Brown Hen, Grey Hen (female), Heath Cock, Heath Poult (female), Killockic. Haunt. — Moors, mountain heaths, and woods. ^ Turtle Dove. Young Turtle Doves. VOUNG K.EST1 Lapwing m Nesi BLACK AND RED GROUSE 51 Nesting Period. — April to June. Site of Nest. — On the ground among heather, fern, bramble, etc. Materials Used. — Heath, ling, fern, or grass. Not much attempt is made to build a nest. Eggs. — Seven to Ten. Yellowish, well marked with dark brown. Food. — Insects, grain, berries, buds, etc. Voice. — Described by Mr. Hett as: Call, male, "cooing," followed by " hissing; " otherwise " crow " (compared to the whetting of a scythe). " Response " of female a plaintive " cooing." Chief Features. — A well-known Game bird, once plentiful in Southern England, but now mostly a resident of the North. The outer- most feathers of the tail curve outwards, and these are sufficient for identification. The Black Grouse does not pair, being polygamous. Plumage. — Bluish-black, with a tinge of brown on upper parts; across the wings there is a bar of white; the tail is black. Scarlet wattles above the eyes, and hazel irides. Length. — From twenty to twenty- three inches. The full-grown female is not so large as the male bird, and is similar to the Capercaillie in colouring, whilst the tail is not forked. GROUSE, RED (Lagopus scoticus) Local Names. — Brown Ptarmigan, Gorcock, Moor Bird, Moor Cock, Moor Game, Muire Fowl, Red Game, Red Ptarmigan. Haunt. — Moors in Scotland, Ireland, North of England, and parts of Wales. Nesting Period. — March to June. Site of Nest. — A slight hollow under a tuft of herbage. Materials Used. — If any, a sprinkling of heath, ling, grass, and perhaps a few feathers. Eggs. — Six to Fourteen; the number varies. Two types may be mentioned: one is yellowish, marked with light brown, and the other blood-red, blotched and mottled with rich umber-brown. Food. — Young shoots, buds, leaves, and wild moorland fruits. Voice. — Call, crow of male, " cabow, cabow, cabeck, cabeck, beck, beck; " " cockaway, cockaway; " or " go-bac, go-bac-bac-bac " (harsh). Female, " yow, vow, yow " (with peculiar nasal catch). Male, alarm, " cock, cock, cock." Chief Features. — The only bird found in Great Britain and Ireland which does not occur in any other part of the world. For a full account of how this has come about, see my British Bird Life. It does not resort to woods like the Black Grouse, being a lover of the open moor. Easily distinguished by its plumage. Plumage. — Reddish-brown on head and neck, and chestnut-brown, D 52 BRITISH NESTING BIRDS with bars and specks of black, above; almost black on breast, with tips of white. During the Summer the general colour is lighter, whilst in Winter the under parts are often mottled with white. The female is more reddish-yellow than her mate. Length. — Sixteen inches. GUILLEMOT, BLACK (Uria grylle) Local Names. — Dovekie, Greenland Dove, Puffinet, Scaber, Scout, Sea Pigeon, Sea Turtle, Spotted Guillemot (a variety), Strany, Teiste, Tinker's Hue, Toist, Tyste. Haunt. — Rocky parts of the sea coast. Nesting Period. — End of May to end of June. Site of Nest. — In a hole or crevice of a rock, or on the soil beneath. Materials Used. — None. Eggs. — Two, occasionally Three. White, with perhaps a blue tinge, spotted, speckled, and blotched with chestnut-brown, dark brown, and a sort of neutral tint. Food. — Fish. Voice. — Call, a plaintive " whistle," and a kind of " grunt." Chief Features. — Confined as a breeding species to the west coast of Scotland, and the north and west coasts of Ireland. Not so gregarious in its habits as the Common Guillemot, and quite distinct in its dress. Plumage. — Wholly black, with the exception of some of the wing- coverts and secondary quills, which are tipped with white. The bill is black and the legs are red. Length. — Fourteen inches. GUILLEMOT, COMMON (Lomvia troile) Local Names. — Aron or Arron. Bridled Guillemot (a variety), Elly- gug, Foolish Guillemot, Guillem, Illegug, Kiddaw, Lary, Lavy, Marrl, Ringed Guillemot (a variety), Scout, Sea Hen, Skout. Strany, Tarrock, Tinkershire, Willock (young). Haunt. — Rocky parts of the coast. Nesting Period. — Mid-May onwards. Site of Nest. — Ledges of precipitous sea cliffs. Materials Used. — None. Eggs. — One only- Many different types might be mentioned, as they vary in an extraordinary way. The ground colour varies from almost white, through various shades 14. Head of Common Guillemot. BLACK-HEADED AND COMMON GULLS 53 of bluish and green, strongly blotched and streaked with dark colours, and giving the egg a very handsome appearance. It is pear-shaped. Food. — Fish, especially sprats. Voice. — Some notes are short, like a bark, others are laughter-like and clear, and still another is a hoarse, long-drawn, howling cry. Chief Features. — Nests in large numbers, and is a very sociable bird. To see a large company on some rocky eminence is quite a feature of our British bird life. Easily distinguished by the black and white attire. Plumage. — Head, neck, and upper parts blackish-brown; under parts white. Length. — Eighteen inches. GULL, BLACK-HEADED (Lams ridibundus) Local Names. — Blackcap, Brown Gull, Brown-Headed Gull, Crock. Crocker, Hooded Maw, Hooded Mew, Laughing Gull, Masked Gull, Mire Crow, Peewit Gull, Pickmire, Red-Legged Gull, Red-Legs, Rickim-Re, Scoulton Gull, Sea Crow, Sea Gull. Haunt. — The sea and seashore, inland lakes and rivers, moors, marshes, and fields. Nesting Period. — April and May. Site of Nest. — Edges of lakes, on an island, among boggy plants, etc. Always on the ground. Materials Used. — Dead grass, sedge, etc. Little attempt is made to build a nest. Eggs. — Three. These vary through various shades of light and dark green, also blue, yellow, and brown; some varieties are heavily marked with dark spots, and others only sparingly. Food. — Very fond of sprats, but picks off the sea various floating matter, and also feeds largely on insects and their larvae. Voice. — Sometimes called Laughing Gull because of the curious laughter-like notes. Chief Features. — Immediately identified by blackish-brown head in Summer. Has many favourite nesting haunts in England, and breeds in immense numbers. One of our commonest species. Plumage. — Red bill and feet; blackish-brown head and upper neck; grey mantle; the rest of plumage white, with a tinge of pink underneath. The blackish-brown head is missing in Winter. Length. — Sixteen inches. GULL, COMMON [Larus canus) Local Names. — Blue Maa, Cob, Coddy Moddy (young), Grey Gull (young), Marrot, Mew (immature), Phirgie, Sea Cob, Sea Gull (all the Gulls often so called), Sea Mall, Sea Maw, Sea Mew 54 BRITISH NESTING BIRDS Storm Gull, Umber Gull (young), White-Footed Gull, Winter Bonnet, Winter Gull (young), Winter Mew (young). Haunt. — Very similar to the Black-Headed Gull. Nesting Period. — May and June. Site of Nest. — On low grassy islands near the sea, also lochs, inland lakes, etc. Sometimes, but not very often, on cliffs. Materials Used. — A much larger nest than that of the last-mentioned species. Sea plants, including seaweed, as well as heather, dry grass, stalks, etc. Eggs. — Two or Three. They vary a great deal, the ground colour being green, brown, light blue, or straw-colour. Some are not very strongly marked, others are profusely blotched and spotted with ash and dark brown, and others again are streaked with brown, but only have a few ash spots. Food. — Small vertebrates, fish, carrion, worms, insects and larvae. Voice. — A clamorous " yak," and laughter-like " luka, luka, luka," " kyah," and " kree." Chief Features. — Although called Common Gull it is not so abundant as the Black-Headed species. Note the difference in the colour of bill, legs, and feet. Plumage. — The base of the bill greenish, with a yellow tip; greenish- yellow legs and feet; ash-grey mantle; black on the two first primaries, with a patch of white near the extremity, the remainder black towards the end; white head, neck, tail, and under parts. Length. — Eighteen and a half inches. GULL, GREAT BLACK-BACKED (Larus marinus) Local Names. — Black-back, Brown and White Gull (young), Cob, Cob Farapack, Great Black and White Gull, Swabie, Swat-Back, Wagel. Haunt. — More fond of the sea than its relatives; haunts tidal rivers and mudflats, also moors near the sea. Nesting Period. — May and June. Site of Nest. — On top of a cliff, and also similar sites to those of the Black-Headed Gull. Usually, however, more inaccessible. Materials Used. — Seaweed and other plants, sometimes lined with wool and a few feathers. Eggs. — Three. Large handsome eggs, dark olive-green or brown. heavily marked with darker shades. Food. — Dead animal matter found floating on the sea, as well as fish; plunders the nests of sea birds and Grouse for both eggs and young. A pirate. Voice. — " Ag, ag," often repeated, and a yelping " kyauk." Chief Features. — Our largest and most striking British Gull. A HERRING AND KITTIWAKE GULLS 55 great robber, the male and his mate quartering the ground " like a brace of pointers." I have known the nest to be located two miles from the sea, but, in spite of the distance, food was largely secured from the ocean. Plumage. — Yellow bill; flesh-coloured legs and feet; rest of plumage as in the case of the Lesser Black-Backed Gull. Length. — Thirty inches. GULL, HERRING (Lams argentatus) Local Names. — Cat Gull, Goose Gull, Scorey, Silvery Gull, Yellow- Legged Gull. Haunt. — Sea cliffs, saltings, large rivers near the sea, and mudflats. Nesting Period. — May and June. Site of Nest. — Ledges of rocks and grassy cliff -sides. Materials Used. — Seaweed and grasses. Eggs. — Three. Yellow to green or brown in ground colour, blotched with ash-grey and dark brown. Food. — Fish (including herrings), carrion, insects, worms, eggs, and young birds. Voice. — Mr. Hett compares the call to "ak-ak;" " cou-1-ooe; " " hak-hak-hak " or " hau-hau-hau ; " "croak," and "pee wheel;" alarm, " ky-eok " repeated several times, especially when disturbed at nesting-places, not often otherwise. Chief Features. — Absence of black markings is worth noticing, the grey plumage generally being a distinguishing feature, as well as the size. Said by competent naturalists to perpetrate harm among salmon smolts when latter are descending rivers in May and June. Plumage. — All the Gulls in Britain, with the exception of the first one on our list — the Black-Headed — have yellow bills or greenish- yellow; the legs and feet of the Herring Gull are the same colour as those of the Great Black-Backed ; grey mantle ; white head, tail, and lower parts: outermost primaries black. Length. — Twenty-four inches. GULL, KITTIWAKE (Rissa tridadyla) Local Names. — Annet, Kittiwake, Tarrock (immature), Waeg. Haunt. — Rocky parts of the coast. Nesting Period. — End of May and beginning of June. Site of Nest. — Ledges of rocky sea cliffs. Materials Used. — Marine plants, lined with dry grass. Eggs. — Three. Stone-coloured or olive in ground colour, blotched and spotted with ash-grey and two or three shades of brown. Food. — Small fish. 56 BRITISH NESTING BIRDS Voice. — Three fiotes, somewhat resembling the bird's name, the first two quickly uttered and the third long. It has also been compared to " ah-get-away, ah-gct-away." Chief Features. — The smallest British Gull. A beautiful bird in its soft grey dress. Sociable, and fairly plentiful on rocky parts of coast. Captures fish after the manner of the Terns. Plumage. — Bill greenish-yellow; black legs and feet; deep-grey mantle; white head, neck, tail, and under parts. Length. — Fifteen and a half inches. GULL, LESSER BLACK-BACKED (Larus fuscus) Local Names. — Grey Gull, Yellow-Legged Gull (young). Haunt. — Islands near fresh water are favourite haunts, but also sea coast and hillsides adjacent to the sea. Nesting Period. — Latter part of May and beginning of June. Site of Nest. — A depression in the ground, or in a crevice. Materials Used. — Seaweed and grasses. Eggs. — Two or Three. The ground colour and markings both vary. Some are a warm stone-colour, through shades of brown to pale green or light olive-green, blotched and spotted with chestnut and dark brown, or a neutral tint. Food. — Fish, worms, grubs, and offal. Voice. — Short and long cries; laughter-like and weird. Chief Features. — About the same size as the Herring Gull, and often nests in close proximity. It is gregarious, and its smaller size at once distinguishes it from the Great Black-Backed. Plumage. — Yellow bill, legs, and feet; white plumage in Summer, with exception of mantle, which varies from slate-grey to black. Length. — Twenty-three inches. HARRIER, HEX (Circus cyancus) Local Names. — Blue Gled, Blue Hawk, Blue Kite, Dove-Coloured Falcon, Dove Hawk, Kattabella, Pigeon Hawk, Ring-Tailed Harrier (female), White Hawk. Haunt. — Wild moorlands, and similar haunts. Nesting Period. — May and June. Site of Nest. — On the ground on a desolate moor, or in a reed-patch or cornfield. Materials Used. — A few twigs and dry grass. Eggs. — Four to Six. Bluish-white, with perhaps a few rusty spots. Food. — Mice, moles, frogs, small birds and their eggs, and insects. Voice. — A frequently-uttered " kcr." Chief Features. — The commonest of the three British Harriers, but MARSH AND MONTAGU'S HARRIERS 57 even this species is rare. It has, like its relatives, been ruth- lessly persecuted by gamekeepers. The Harriers possess a habit of beating to and fro after their prey. They do not hover like the better-known Hawks, quartering the ground and dashing down on their prey unawares. Their powers upon the wing are very remarkable. Plumage. — The adult male is bluish-grey above, white underneath; black beak; reddish-brown irides; yellow legs and feet; black claws. The female has reddish-brown above; pale reddish- yellow underneath, with longitudinal streaks and spots of deep orange-brown. Length. — Male, eighteen inches; female, two inches longer. HARRIER, MARSH [Circus ceruginosus) Local Names. — Bald Buzzard, Duck Hawk, Dunpickle, Harpy, March Harrier, Marsh Hawk, Moor Buzzard, Puttock, White- Headed Harpy. Haunt. — Marshes, swamps, and the like. Nesting Period. — May. Site of Nest. — On the ground among reeds, fern, or furze. Materials Used. — Sedge, reeds, and sticks. A large nest. Eggs. — Three to Six. White, milky-white, or bluish-green, some- times lightly marked with light brown. Round and rough. Food. — Mice, voles, birds, and, it is said, fish. Voice. — Male cries "koi" or "kai;" female, "pitz" and "peep." Chief Features. — Almost extinct as a British breeding bird, being restricted at the present time to one or two English counties. Plumage. — The adult has a creamy-white head and nape, with streaks of dark brown; reddish-brown is the remaining colour above, with paler margins to the feathers; black primaries; ash-grey secondaries and tail; chestnut-brown underneath. Length. — About twenty-two inches. The female closely re- sembles her mate, but is a little larger. HARRIER, MONTAGU'S (Circus cineraceus) Local Names. — Ash-Coloured Falcon, Blue Jacker. Haunt. — Heaths, commons, and marshes. Nesting Period. — May. Site of Nest. — On the ground among heath or furze, also among clover and corn. Materials Used. — Rushes, dry grass, and a few twigs. Eggs. — Four or Five. Almost similar to those of the Marsh Harrier. Food. — Moles, frogs, the eggs and young of small birds, insects, etc. 5§ BRITISH NESTING BIRDS Voice. — A feeble and tremulous chatter. Chief Features. — This Harrier does resort to hovering like a Hawk, but, in spite of this habit, is more fond of keeping to the ground than its two British relatives. This species is named after Montagu, who was the first ornithologist to point out its right to inclusion as a British bird. Plumage. — Bluish-grey above; black primaries; three transverse dark bars on secondaries; white lateral feathers of tail barred with reddish-orange; white underneath, streaked in a varying manner with reddish-orange. The female has various tints of brown above, and pale reddish-yellow below, with bright-red streaks of a longitudinal character; black beak; yellow legs and feet. Length. — Eighteen inches. HAWFINCH (Coccotkraustes vulgaris) Local Names. — Black-Throated Grosbeak, Cherry Finch, Chuck, Cobble Bird, Grosbeak, Ground Wren, Haw Grosbeak, Kate. Haunt. — Woods, commons, hedgerows, and large gardens. Xesting Period. — May. Site of Nest. — Usually from five to twenty-five feet from the ground in a tall bush or tree, such as holly and fir, or among ivy. Materials Used. — Small twigs, plant stems, and lichen, lined with hair and roots. Sometimes no hair is present. A loosely-made but not untidy nest. Eggs. — Three to Five. Greenish-grey, streaked with bluish-black, and spotted with brown. Food. — Insects, berries, and fruit. Very fond of peas. Voice. — A low, plaintive note of a pleasant description. Chief Features. — A bold, handsome Finch, at once identified by the large head and strong, massive beak. Very local in distribution. l'lumage. — Black on lores, throat, and base of bill; reddish-brown cheeks and crown; ashy-grey nape; dark reddish-brown back; black wings, white on great coverts; light purplish-red under- neath. Length. — Seven inches. HAWK. SPARROW (Accipiter nisus) Local Names. — Blue Hawk, Blue Merlin, Gwepia, Pigeon Hawk. flaunt. — Woods, commons, sea cliffs, and open fields. Nesting Period. -April t<. June 5. Head of Hawfinch. SPARROW HAWK AND HERON 59 Site of Nest. — Trees and large bushes, also on rocks and sea cliffs. Materials Used. — Twigs and sticks. Often takes possession of the deserted nest of a Jay or Crow. Eggs. — Five. Whitish, handsomely blotched at the larger end with reddish-brown. Sometimes the markings are distributed over almost the whole surface. Food. — Moles, mice, birds, beetles, cockchafers, slugs, etc. Voice. — A harsh, screaming call, representing the word " mew." Chief Features. — A bold bird of prey, always worth observing. Glides through the air, then free-wheels, as it were, and hovers. It dashes after its prey with great rapidity. Plumage. — Above the colouring is dark bluish-grey, with a spot of white on the nape; underneath reddish-white, with transverse bars of deep brown; grey tail, barred with brownish-black; blue beak; yellow cere, hides, and feet. In the female the upper parts are brown, passing into blackish-grey; underneath greyish-white, with dark-grey bars. Length. — The male is twelve inches, female three inches more, j HERON (Ardea cinerea) Local Names. — Hanser, Harnsea, Hearinsew, Hegrilskip, Hern, Heronshaw, Heronswegh, Jack Hern, Kate Hern, Long-Necked Heron, Moll Hern. Haunt. — Woods, marshes, saltings, sea cliffs, and rivers. Nesting Period. — March onwards. Site of Nest. — Tall trees and sea cliffs. Materials Used. — Sticks and twigs. Eggs. — Three or Four. Dull greenish-blue. Food. — Fish (especially eels), reptiles, water- voles, snails, and insects. Voice. — A harsh, powerful cry, resembling the scream of the Peacock. Chief Features. — Mostly nests in companies, called Heronries, but sometimes a single nest is quite isolated. At all times an interesting bird to watch. A splendid fisherman, being largely aided by long legs, wide wings, and dagger-like beak. A fine bird when well on the wing, the head and neck being held well forward, and the long legs straight out behind. A feature of the bird life of Broadland. Plumage. — Bluish-black crest; slate-grey above; white forehead, cheeks, and neck, with streaks of bluish-grey, terminating with long white feathers, on the latter; greyish-white underneath; yellow bill. Length. — Thirty-six inches. Fig. Head of Heron. 6o BRITISH NESTING BIRDS JACKDAW (Corvus monedula) Local Names. — Caw, Cawdaw, Daw, Jack, Kae,7 Kae-Wattie. Haunt. — Woods, sea cliffs, church towers, and fields. Nesting Period. — May and June. Site of Nest. — Cliffs, hollow trees, old church towers, ruins, etc. Materials Used. — Sticks, straw, dry grass, feathers, wool, leaves, etc. Often a large homestead. Eggs. — From Three to Six. Bluish-white, well spotted with ash and light and dark brown. Food. — Mice, young birds, reptiles, insects and their larva?, earthworms, and offal. Voice. — A shrill, high-pitched " kak, kak." Chief Features. — An amusing pet, and can be taught to articulate in a wonderful way. Has increased enormously of recent years, and in many districts is regarded as a pest, driving away more useful birds. Often associates with Rooks and Starlings, and, like them, assiduously searches for grubs in fields and parks. Plumage. — Black, with violet reflections, on crown and upper parts; grey, back of head and nape; white iris; dull black underneath. Length. — Fourteen inches. Fig. 17. Head of Jackdaw. JAY (Garridus glandartus) Local Names. — Blue-Winged Jay. Gay Pie, Jay-Pie, or Jay-Piet. Haunt. — Woods, copses, and plantations. Ncstiiig Period. — End of April and early in May. Site of Nest. — Tall trees and thick bushes. Materials Used. — Sticks, roots, and grass. Eggs. — Five or Six. Faint greyish-green, thickly freckled all over with light brown. Food. — Young birds and eggs, snails, earthworms, insects, and fruit. Voice. — A harsh alarm-note, usually re- peated three times. Chief Features. — Another amusing pet, but a much more handsome bird than lu l8" lh>ad ot Jay" its relative the Jackdaw. Can be taught to speak very plainly. 1 '"ssesses a fluttering appearance on the wing, and when moving exhibits a dancing habit. When flying in company the Jay resorts to a follow-the-leader movement, the birds following one JAY AND KESTREL 6\ another in a curious way. Blue feathers on wing used for making salmon flies. Plumage. — Greyish-white crest, with black streaks; from the base of the beak it has a black moustache; reddish-grey is the general colour of the plumage, darker above; dingy -black primaries; velvet-black and white secondaries; rich chestnut inner tertiaries; the greater coverts and what is known as the winglet have black, white, and bright-blue bars; tail-coverts above and below white; bright-blue iris; black beak; dark- brown feet. Length. — Thirteen and a half inches. KESTREL (Tinnuncidus alaudarius) Local Names. — Creshawk. Kastril, Keelie, Kestrel Hawk, Kistril, Mouse Falcon, Staengall or Steingall, Standgale, Stannel, Stannel Hawk, Stannel Hoverhawk, Stonegall, Windhover. Haunt. — Woods, cliffs, downs, moors, and open fields. Nesting Period. — April and May. Site of Nest. — Trees and cliffs. Materials Used. — Generally takes possession of the nest of a Magpie or Crow; if not, then uses sticks, twigs, etc. Eggs. — Four or Five. Pale reddish - brown, closely mottled with a darker shade. Food. — Rats, mice, voles, birds, frogs, snails, and insects. Voice. — A sharp ring- ing, half-laugh- ing cry, and when nest is visited a plaintive, plead- ing note. Chief Features. — Easily distinguished from the Sparrow Hawk by plumage. The Kestrel is still much persecuted by gamekeepers, but does very little harm to game, and should be rigidly protected. Fig. 19. Kestrel. 62 BRITISH NESTING BIRDS Does not appear such a wild, dashing bird as the Sparrow Hawk, and has more regular hunting grounds. Plumage. — Dark leaden-grey upper plumage, neck, and breast; light yellowish-red, with narrow, longitudinal, dark streaks on sides, wings, and under tail-coverts; blue beak; yellow cere and feet; brown irides; black claws. The female is light red abo\< is also the tail, with transverse spots and bars of dark brown; underneath parts paler than her mate. Length. — Fifteen inches. KINGFISHER (Alcedo ispida) Local Names. — Halcyon, Slas-y-dorian. Haunt. — Rivers, lakes, and streams. X est nig Period. — March to July. Site of Xest. — A hole in a bank, or wall, near water. Materials Used. — Ejected bones of small fish. An untidy and dirty nest. Eggs. — Six to Eight. Pure glossy white; .9 by .75 inch. Food. — Fish, tadpoles, and water insects. Voice. — A sharp, piercing note. Chief Features. — Undoubtedly our most gorgeous British bird. Both sexes are equally beautiful. Possesses a strong flight and a watchful patience delightful to notice. The powerful beak and short tail are worthy of note. Plumage. — Azure-blue back; bluish-green head and wing-coverts, with azure-blue spots; a band of red under and behind the eye, which passes into white, and underneath this a band of azure- green; greenish-blue wings and tail; white throat; orange-red under parts. Length. — Seven and a half inches. KITE (Milvus ictinus) Local Names. — Crotched-Tailed Puttock, Fork-Tailed Glead, Fork- Tailed Kite, Glade, Glead, Gled, Greedy Glead, Greedy Kite, Puttock. Haunt. — Woods and trees in lonely situations. Nesting Period. — May. Site of Nest. — A tall tree. Materials Used. — Twigs and sticks, lined with wool, hair, etc. Fggs. — Three. Dirty white, spotted with brown or reddish-brown, mostly at the larger end. l-'ood. — Leverets, rabbits, small mammals, poultry, young game- birds, offal, and dead fish. Voice. — A shrill cry, like " whew," and occasionally " keh-kch." Chief Features, — Nearly extinct as a British breeding bird, and yet KITE AND LAPWING 63 we learn that two or three hundred years ago it was a common sight to see this species hawking in the London streets. The deeply-forked tail is sufficient to identify this, the largest British bird of prey. Plumage. — Above, reddish-brown; the feathers have pale edges, those of the head and neck long, tapering to a point, greyish- white, with lengthwise streaks of brown; rust-colour under- neath, with longitudinal brown streaks; reddish-orange tail, barred faintly with brown; horn-coloured beak; yellow irides, cere, and feet; black claws. The female is of a deeper brown above, and the feathers are pale at the extremity; white head and neck. Length. — Twenty-five inches. LAPWING (Vanellus vulgaris) Local Names. — Bastard Plover, Common Lapwing, Crested Lap- wing, French Pigeon, Green Lapwing, Green Plover, Lapwing Sandpiper, Peeseweep, Peewit, Piwipe, Plover, Puit, Teachet, Tee-Whaup, Tee-Wit, Teuchit, Teu-Fit, Tuet Flopwing, Tufit. Haunt. — Fields, meadows, marshes, etc. Nesting Period. — March to June. Site of Nest. — A depression in the ground. Materials Used. — Bents, a few straws, dry grass, etc. Often none. Eggs. — Four. Olive-green, heavily blotched with black or blackish-brown. Very pointed at one end. Food. — Insects and their larvae, earthworms, slugs, etc. Voice. — Two shrill notes resembling its local name of Peewit. Chief Features. — Not only an interesting bird, but one of the most useful. An indis- putable farmer's friend. A fine bird Fig. 20. Head of upon the wing as it wheels round and Lapwing. round, swooping and falling. A flock seen feeding and then put to flight has a very pleasing effect. Parent birds have a ruse of attempting to lure the intruder away from eggs or young. Plumage. — Greenish-black on crown and crest; whitish on sides of neck, above metallic-green with purple reflections ; black quills ; white tail-feathers, with a broad band of black; bluish-black face, throat, and upper breast ; white belly and axillaries ; fawn- coloured tail-coverts. Length. — Twelve inches. 6+ BRITISH NESTING BIRDS LINNET (Li)iota cannabina) Local Names. — -Blood Linnet, Brown Linnet, Common Linnet, Greater Redpoll, Grey Linnet (young), Linnet Finch, Lintie, Lintwhite, Red - Breasted Linnet, Red - Headed Finch, Red Linnet, Rose Linnet, Song Linnet, Whin Linnet, Yellow Linnet. Haunt. — Commons, fields, and waste lands. 'eriod. — April to June. Site of Nest. — A furze, blackthorn, or whitethorn bush. Materials Used. — Grass, with a hair lining. A neat structure. -Five. Bluish-white, lightly spotted with reddish-brown. Food. — Weed seeds of various kinds, also buds in Winter. The young are probably fed on insects. Voice. — A sweet and brilliant song when heard at its best, and when a number of birds sing in chorus the effect is very pleasant. At other times the song is, to my mind, disappointing. Chief Features. — One of our commonest Finches. Largely caught as a cage bird for pairing with a Canary. The male in his best nuptial plumage is a really handsome bird. Plumage. — Crimson forehead and centre crown; brownish-grey on rest of head, nape, and neck sides; chestnut-brown mantle; blackish wing-feathers, with white on outer edges, which are conspicuous; dark-brown upper tail-coverts, margined with white; black tail-feathers, edged narrowly with white outer- most and broadly on the inner webs; dull-white chin and throat, with greyish-brown stripes; crimson breast; dull-white belly ; fawn-coloured flanks. During the Winter the crimson feathers are lost in a greyish colour. The female is altogether less conspicuous in colouring and possesses no crimson markings. Length. — Five inches and three-quarters. MAGPIE (Pica rustica) Local Names. — Chatterpie, Hagister, Madge, Mag, Maggie, Maggot, Miggy, Nanpie Pianct, Piet, Poyet, Pye Mag, Pyet. Haunt. — Woods, and open fields where there are trees or tall bushes. Nesting Period. — March to May. Site of Nest. — In tall trees, hedges, and bushes. Materials Used. — Withered shrubs, thorny sticks, dry grass, fibrous roots, and clay. The nest is arched over, and there is a circular hole on one side. Eggs. — Six i< i Eight. Pale bluish-green, or yellowish, closely freckled and Spotted with olive-brown and ash. Food. — Rats, mice, moles, birds, insects, worms, snails, and fruit. HOUSE AND SAND MARTINS 65 Voice. — A harsh chatter, but when kept as a pet readily learns to repeat words. Chief Features. — Black and white plumage, long tail, and jerky, undulating flight are salient features. Very locally distributed. Plumage. — Velvet-black is the predominating colour, this being present on the head, throat, neck, and back ; white on scapulars and under plumage; the tail is graduated, and, similar to the wings, black, with lustrous blue, green, and copper reflections; black beak and feet. Length. — Eighteen inches. MARTIN, HOUSE (Chelidon urbica) Local Names. — Eave Swallow, House Swallow, Martin Swallow, Martinet, Martlet, Meadow Martin, White-Rumped Swallow, Window Martin, Window Swallow. Haunt. — The spacious air, houses, outbuildings, etc. Nesting Period. — May to September. Site of Nest. — Under the eaves of a house or other building, also on the face of rocks and cliffs. Materials Used. — Clay and mud, cemented to- gether with hair and fibres, lined with hay, straw, and feathers. Cup-shaped. Eggs. — Four or Five. White; more oval than those of Sand Martin. Food. — Insects . Voice. — A pleasant alarm-note or call, and a pretty warble when the bird is on or near the nest. Fig. 21. House Martin. Chief Features. — Distinguished from the Swallow by the white rump and more catapult-forked tail, and from the Sand Martin by larger size and blue-black head and back. An entirely beneficial bird. A Summer Migrant, arriving from its foreign Winter quarters about April 20. Plumage. — Blue-black head, nape, and upper part of back; lower parts of back and underneath pure white. Downy feathers cover the feet and toes. Length. — Five and a half inches. MARTIN, SAND (Cottle riparia) Local Names. — Bank Martin, Bank Swallow, Bitter, Land Swallow, Pit Martin, River Swallow, Sand Swallow, Shore Bird, Witchuck. Haunt. — Sandpits, river banks, cliff-sides, etc. Nesting Period. — May to July. Site of Nest. — The face of a sand-pit, cliff-side, or river bank. 66 BRITISH NESTING BIRDS Materials Used. — At the end of the tunnel (which is hewn out by the bird itself) there is placed a collection of straw, dry grass, and a profusion of feathers. Eggs. — Four to Six. White and pointed; .7 by .4S inch. Food. — Insects. Voice. — A low, querulous note is uttered when the bird is on the wing, and a kind of scream when the bird gets excited. Chief Features. — Nests in colonies, and the birds quite riddle a long- frequented nesting site with their ingenious tunnels. The small size and mouse-coloured back at once identify this species. Plumage. — Mouse-coloured uppermost, and on cheeks, with a broad bar on the breast ; white on fore part of neck, belly, and under tail-coverts; legs and feet not downy as in House Martin, but naked, with exception of a few small feathers towards the hind toe; the somewhat short tail is forked. Length. — Five inches. MERGANSER, RED-BREASTED (Mergits senator) Local Names. — Bar Drake, Diving Goose, Lesser Dun Diver, Lesser Toothed Diver, Red-Breasted Goon, Red-Breasted Goosander, Sawbill, Saw Neb, Sawyer. Haunt. — Large sheets of water inland and the sea coast. Xesting Period. — End of May to early in July. Site of Nest. — On an island, or close to edge of a lake; under shelter of a rock.or a depression in the ground ; also among grass or scrub. Materials Used. — Heather twigs, grass, and leaves, lined with down. Eggs. — Six to Nine, or more. Pale olive-grey; glossy. Food. — Small fish and molluscs. Voice. — A harsh " karr-karr." Chief Features. — A handsome species, only known in the South as a Winter visitor, breeding north of the Clyde. A shy and wary bird, often disappearing under water when approached. So called because of chestnut on lower neck. IHumage. — Red bill and irides; dark glossy green head, crest, and upper neck ; white collar below, which is separated on the nape by a thin black line running to the back, which is also black ; black on inner scapulars, outer ones white; white speculum with black bars; rump, flanks, and tail-coverts grey, and vermicular in character; pale chestnut lower neck with black streaks, a prominent tuft of white feathers with black edges on each side; white underneath; reddish-orange legs and feet. Length. — Twenty-four inches. The female is reddish-brown on head and neck, and is less gaudy and smaller. MERLIN AND MOORHEN 67 MERLIN (Falco cesalon) Local Names. — Blue Hawk, Sparrow Hawk, Stone Falcon (young). Haunt. — Moors, mountains, and cliffs and dunes near the sea. Nesting Period. — May and June. Site of Nest. — Mountains, rocks, precipices, and on the ground. Materials Used. — A few heather twigs, scantily lined with dry grass or rootlets ; often none. Eggs. — Four. Reddish-brown, with mottling of a deeper shade. Food. — Blackbirds, fieldfares, partridges, skylarks, snipe, thrushes, and dunlins near the sea. Voice. — A shrill chatter and a tremulous scream. Chief Features. — Another Hawk which has disappeared from many of its former haunts. It is the smallest British Hawk. From its habit of sitting on a stone, or bare rock, it has acquired the name of Stone Falcon. Plumage. — Greyish-blue above; reddish-yellow underneath, spotted with dark brown; tail barred with black; bluish beak, darker towards the tip; yellow cere; dark-brown iris; yellow feet; black claws. In the female the upper parts have a brownish tinge, while underneath they are yellowish-white. Length. — From eleven to twelve inches. MOORHEN {Gallinula chloropus) Local Names. — Common Gallinule, Cuddy, Gallinule, Great Gallinule, Marsh Hen, Moat Hen, Moor Coot, More Hen, Water Hen. Haunt. — Rivers, lakes, and ponds. Nesting Period. — March to August. Site of Nest. — Among reeds or rushes near water, also in trees over- hanging same. Materials Used. — Dry reeds and rushes, with a finer lining of sedges and dry grass. Eggs. — Seven to Twelve. Reddish- yellow, blotched or spotted with orange-brown. Food. — Slugs, snails, worms, insects, and plants. Pig- 22. Young Moorhen. Voice. — A guttural " crr-o-ok." Chief Features. — At once distinguished by dark plumage and red patch behind the bill. The young are sooty-black, and can swum the moment they emerge from the egg. The flight is rapid, but not long sustained. E 68 BRITISH NESTING BIRDS Plumage. — Bill yellow in front, and red at the base; red irides; dark olive-brown above; slaty-grey head, neck, and under parts, streaked with white on the flanks; under tail-covcrts white; greenish-yellow legs, red above the tarsal joint. Length. — Thirteen inches. Contrary to most birds, the female is larger and brighter in plumage than her mate. NIGHTINGALE (Daulias luscinia) Local Name. — Philomel. I Limit. — Woods, copses, and tangled hedgerows. Nesting Period. — May and June. Site of Nest. — Close to the ground in a thick bush, or among herbage. Materials Used. — Dry grass and oak leaves, lined with roots, vegetable down, etc. A deep nest. Eggs. — Four or Five. Olive-brown or greenish-blue. Food. — Insects and their larvae. Voice. — A written description is impossible. In spite of its re- markable beauty, many people mistake the song, especially during the day, when, to the unobservant, it is perhaps difficult to distinguish among the notes of other birds. When Fig. 23- NigWh it has young it also utters a weeping note and a harsh " krrrrr." Chief Features. — The Nightingale has long been regarded for its minstrelsy. It sings during the day as well as at night, but the song-period is short, and the bird rarely sings after June. It tends the young with great assiduity, and it is a pleasant sight to watch the young birds out of the nest being fed by their parents. A shy, recluse bird; the observer must exercise patience if he would stalk it successfully. A Summer Migrant, arriving about mid-April. Plumage. — Chestnut-brown above; rufous tail; greyish-white under- neath; pale ash on flanks. Length. — Six inches and a quarter. NIGHTJAR (Caprimidgus europcpus) Local Names. — Big Razor-Grinder, Churn Owl, Dog Hawk, Door Hawk, D