Ql &73 J i~l v.i/a / *9 ACADEMY OF NATURAL SCIENCES PHILADELPHIA. Presented by JtTT 15. S tn ck 1 frequently recommended, d be carefully and sparingly used. If the solution is too SiHttle ’7, 11 T tted f0r m0Unting ’ ° r for an y purpose, is onlv use th f i 1Dt0 h ° leS aS tll0u = b burnt. We woiild only use this for strong or very greasy skins. For stuffing where mIT “onThiiardTi “ y ^ “*■“ “I ’ for “ * 8 ’ 436 s P ecies > oakum answers very HINTS FOR ORNITHOLOGICAL TRAVELLERS. well, and is at the same time a preservative. We have received specimens which have been stuffed with fine grass, leaves, moss, lichens, fine lycopodiums, and ferns : in short, any thing dry , that keeps the skin slightly apart, will supply a temporary want, until opportunity occurs of procuring a more abundant or better material. Much of the value of collections consists in the observations that accompany them, and in the localities of the specimens being authentically recorded. This is best accomplished by a card or vellum ticket, attached to the leg of each, and it should be looped on, as it often slips if knotted. On this a number, the locality, the date, the sex, $ ?, the colour of the irides, or any remark that it will contain, should be written at once. The number should refer to a memorandum book, where, when possible, all extended remarks that can be collected should be inserted : locality and nature of the country; season of the year when taken; native name; supersti- tions regarding ; uses for food or dress ; proportional abundance as a species ; if migratory, and the seasons of appearance and dis- appearance ; nidification ; note ; food ; colour of soft parts ; in short, every obtainable information. It would be convenient to carry abroad a quantity of the labels, numbered and threaded, ready to loop on ; and so soon as the bird is killed, one should be attached, and the note made as a future guide for the memorandum book : it should never be delayed, as among the multiplicity of objects, con- fusion will now and then occur. To these remarks, sketches of the head or soft parts, and naked skins, wattles, &c., coloured from the objects before they have faded, are very valuable additions ; and, for this purpose, a small stock of water-colour drawing materials should accompany the collector’s other tools. These sketches require to be very slightly made, the tints being laid on pure and of the natural depth. Where a species is found feeding on some par- ticular insect, or fruit, or berry, and the collector is not an entomo- logist or botanist, it would be desirable to have a small quantity of these specimens. These may either be sent in spirits, or the flower of the plant dried, or a few specimens of the insect sent dried in a small pill or card, or what is better, tin box, each numbered with the number corresponding to the label on the specimen. A col- lection, accompanied by such memoranda, would be worth, in the market, double, if not triple to that of one indiscriminately made, even though the specimens were in finer preservation. 9 HINTS FOR ORNITHOLOGICAL TRAVELLERS. The nidification of birds is an important portion of their economy, and the nests and eggs form interesting additions to a collection. Some of the former, from their size and loose structure, are difficult to transport, and a memorandum regarding them may suffice; but many of the smaller species build structures of extreme beauty and neatness, which can be transmitted without any great trouble or expense. These should be brought home attached to the branch or twig supporting them ; and, when packed, should have some soft substance put inside to prevent them being squeezed together. The eggs should be blown on the spot when taken from the nest: it lessens their liability to be broken; and the collector should, if possible, be provided in his rambles with a few tin boxes, for the purpose of carrying the more delicate in his bag or basket. They may be blown either from two holes, the one a little upon the lower side ; or the contents may he emptied, if they are too far incubated, from a larger hole on the one side. Before laying aside or packing, the inside should be rinsed out with a weak solution of corrosive sublimate, which prevents or destroys mites or other insects. The name of the species should be written on each egg, with a number referring to it in the memorandum book. The outside of the egg should never be coated over with gum or varnish. The specimens having been properly prepared and thoroughly dried, it still remains to keep them safely until a sufficient store has been got to form a parcel, and to pack them well and carefully for travelling ; for all the labour of a long season may be lost by care- lessness of packing, or by tumbling them loose into some box, in vhich the rolling of a ship, or the admission of sea- water, may reduce the bird-skins into a bundle of felt. The most important precautions are, to dry the skins sufficiently, and to keep them in a place as well aired as circumstances will admit, until ready to be sent off. In warm countries, however, this is frequently very diffi- cult, from the depredations of ants, cockroaches, and the larvm of some coleoptera ; and strong cases, with well fitted lids, are indis- pensab e. Various spices, intermixed with the specimens, are used wi h advantage. In this country we have found pounded hellebore camnhor or TI ( but ^agreeable assistant); hut camphor, or any of the aromatic oils, are the best the latter or ^Sr^r CUl t ly ° bn0Xi ° US t0 insects ; -id turpentine, 10 leC ‘ lfied> may be without injury to the feathers. HINTS FOR ORNITHOLOGICAL TRAVELLERS. Cases which have to undergo a long sea voyage should be lined with tin ; and, when packed, the lid should he soldered down : this may prevent the accidental admission of sea water. If the tin lining is not available, the case should be closely made, and the joinings pasted up with strong paper on the inside, and pitched or painted over on the outside. In packing, each skin should be, if possible, wrapped in paper or such like material, particularly those whose plumage is easily soiled. They should be packed firmly ; for it must be recollected, that the jumble of travelling makes them settle down, and leaves an open space, which causes the specimens to he rubbed together. Any soft material is of use in packing the corners ; and if the box is large, it might be placed advantageously in thin layers to separate the specimens. In the want of some better packing material, moss, lichen, or fine lycopodiums, thoroughly dry, answer exceedingly well among paper-wrapped specimens, and have the advantage of being, when damped, useful to the botanist afterwards. Camphor or spices may be usefully put in before the case is shut up, but no oils or liquids should be put in a travelling cargo. The smaller sized eggs of birds may be packed with cotton, m moderately sized pasteboard boxes, which, being light, do no haim placed among the skins. Some of the stronger large eggs will travel quite safely, rolled in cotton, and placed in the cor- ners ; but if a sufficient number has been collected, particularly of sea fowl, they are best packed in a separate box, with sawdust, chopped hay, moss, or fern. Finally, the case should be carefully and distinctly addressed, and the name of the vessel, her captain or master, and port to wdiich she is sailing, should always be sent by post letters, with an invoice or receipts, to the person for whom the consignment is intended ; several instances having occurred, in our own experience, where cases could not be traced from the neglect of these precautions. In the present state of science, where more is required than an acquaintance with the external forms and characters only, it is very desirable that opportunities should be given to examine the internal structure and the skeleton. For this purpose, it is important that the skeleton or entire bird should be preserved or transmitted. Distinct forms and genera, particularly those not European, are the most important for study; next, species where some peculiarity of structure is known or supposed to exist. Among the number HINTS FOR ORNITHOLOGICAL TRAVELLERS. of species which are likely to be brought to a collector abroad, there will be many unfit for good skin preparations, the skull or sternum of which should be kept ; and where the species is abundant, two or three entire skeletons should be prepared. The sternum, or breast-bone, with the shoulder-bones and merry-thought attached, may always be separated from the carcase, after a bird is skinned, and will be highly valuable to comparative anatomists, provided the name of the species to which each specimen belongs be carefully recorded. This is easily done by clearing the flesh roughly off, and hanging up in the sun to dry, which is assisted, if the specimen, after clearing, can be steeped in water for twenty-four hours before hanging up. When hung up, the neck, legs, and wings, should be retained in the least possible space, both on account of economy in packing, and for safety to the specimen. Any of the soft parts that may be considered important, can only be sent in spirits, and should be put in immediately on being removed from the specimen. To transmit the specimens entire, two modes have presented them- selves to our experience, both of which answer well if common care is taken in putting them up. The first is sending the birds entire in spirits. In doing this, specimens may be put from time to time in a jar of moderate size, kept in a cool place, care being taken not to put in any which are tainted, even slightly, with decay; a small incision should be made in the belly to admit the spirits inside. When ready to be despatched, they should be removed to another jar, and fresh good spirit supplied. The specimens should be put in with the feathers on, so that they can be recognised afterwards, and too many should not be put together, the collector bearing in mind, that a certain quantity of spirit will only preserve a certain quantity of animal matter; and although, in any case, they might serve for skeletons, they would otherwise be quite useless for any examination of the soft parts. The top should he securely closed and pitched or painted over, to prevent escape of spirits during the transmission. Wax is dissolved by spirits, and is therefore objectionable as a closing medium. A thin sheet of Indian rubber is the best material for closing the mouths of spirit jars; next to that is a cork bun., covered with linseed poultice or douo-h and thon Q m n • ° Of leather tied over it If the iS a b,adder ° r P ' CCe or corrosive sublimate, it will “ e 'f' “ enemies Th* ™ , 1 tJie 11101 e secure from insect enemies. The second mode of sending specimens home entire, is by 12 HINTS FOR ORNITHOLOGICAL TRAVELLERS. using strong brine, or salt and water, instead of spirits, using the same precautions in packing and closing up ; and, for the after examination of the soft parts, this is perhaps preferable to spirits. These two materials may be procured almost any where, and will serve every purpose, if the precautions mentioned are attended to. All skeletons and parts of birds should be labelled, stating to what species they belong, and if possible the sexes, 6 ? , marked. The jars or bottles should all be packed in cases. Wide-mouthed pickle and preserve bottles answer the purpose admirably, hold a large quantity, generally as many as should be put together, and are not difficult to procure at foreign stations. They travel well in a moderately sized case, packed with sawdust. ADDRESS. Sir WILLIAM JAEDINE, Bart., JARDINE HALL, LOCKERBIE, N. B. PAPYROGRAPHI AND ITS APPLICABILITY TO THE ILLUSTRATION OF ORNITHOLOGY. Resident in the country, and at a distance from any large town where engraving or lithography were practised, we have for a long series of years felt the want of some mode by which we could trans- fer to paper the work of our own pencil. Engraving requires a large apparatus for its use, lithography still larger, and no person but one who has had occasion to illustrate various departments of natural history, can have felt the delay and expense, or the diffi- culty to obtain fidelity and character, which attends engraving upon either metals, stone, or wood. It is therefore a great satis- faction to state, that a mode has been discovered, that will produce true representations of a sketch or drawing, and which, with a little farther experience and practice, will, we have no doubt, supply this most essential want, and permit a person, far from conveniences, to obtain faithful impressions of what he has himself drawn. It will be one object of these “ Contributions,” to employ the various styles of art at command for their Illustration, and to give every information that can promote Ornithology, either practically or scientifically ; and it is therefore with much pleasure that we now print an account of the process of Papyrograpliy, which, at our request, has been written out by Hugh E. Strickland, Esq., its 18-14 PAPYROGRAPHY. discoverer. In addition to facility of transport', and of giving the exact lines penned or drawn by the artist, it has also the recom- mendation of economy ; and although we do not now mention the cost of the specimens given, until we have more experience in the working of the art, we can state, that it is more moderate than any other style of engraving or lithography we have yet practised. _ et The mode of delineation for which I propose the name of Papyrography, is a peculiar application of the anastatic art. Anastatic printing consists in transferring to a plate of zinc any design made with an oily material on paper. From the impression so transferred, any number of copies can be taken on paper by the same process as in ordinary zincography or lithography. “ The original design on paper, from which the zinc plate is to receive its impression, may be produced either by printing (from fyp e s> copperplate, wood, stone, &c.), or by the manual process of writing or drawing. The only requisite is, that the vehicle for this design be of an oleaginous nature. In the case of letterpress and engravings, the oily matter is supplied by the printer’ s ink ; but in regard to drawings, there are difficulties in the way of using greasy substances, which are avoided by mixing up the colouring matter, not with grease but with soap . Thus (as is the case also m lithography), the inks used for writing, and the chalks for draw- ing, are made with a soapy ingredient. In the act of transferring the design to the zinc, an acid is employed, which neutralizes the condition ^ ^ ^ br ‘ ngS th ® latter back to its original oily “ Anastatic printing was originally applied only to the repro- duce and multiplication of impressions from type or 3 P ates. It was afterwards found, that the soapy ink used by consequently, that any writing or pen etching might be multi- plied to an indefinite extent by this process. But if was not until 2S7 ^ thC ^ 6f anastatic impTessions o chalk drawings was attained fSW Ati v, impressions oi % .««.» Ln t „ aT zc zzr h ■ 12 ,' im) ‘ Of anastatic printing I was iff , 7 Van ° US a PP hcations phic chalk; and I found that \ UC ° C . ° try the effect of Kthogra- 19-is " d that drawings made on paper with this PAPYROGRAPHY. substance could be readily transferred to zinc, arid would supply an indefinite number of impressions. These impressions were not only perfect fac similes of the original drawing, but were so ex- ceedingly similar in appearance to lithographs, that it required a practised eye to detect the difference. “ This new process, the original design being made on paper, I have distinguished by the name of Papyrography. Though it probably admits of being brought to as great perfection as litho- graphy, yet there is no reason to expect that it will surpass that art. Its advantages are therefore practical rather than artistic; but they are not the less deserving of attention on that ground. These advantages may be thus enumerated : — “ The great size and weight of lithographic stones, or even of zinc plates, are very unfavourable to their general use. A person who wishes to practise lithography or zincography, must either reside in the vicinity of a lithographic printer, or incur great ex- pense in the packing and transmission of heavy stones or plates. “ But if he ado P ts the Papyrographic process, he has merely to draw on paper with lithographic chalk instead of a lead pencil, and to send his design by post or otherwise to an anastatic printer' who will speedily strike off the requisite number of impressions.’ “ If a Person is so situate as to be unable to procure lithographic stones, or to send them to a printer, his only resource, if he & wishes to multiply copies of his designs, is to send them to -some litho- graphic artist or engraver, who, however great may be his skill, 01 however perfect may be the copy which he produces, can never enter into the ideas, or fully realize the spirit of the original de- signer. No one who has had an opportunity of comparing prints with their prototypic drawings, when they are the work of different artists, can have failed to be struck by the superior boldness and originality of the latter. Now by the Papyrographic process, all intermediate assistance is dispensed with, the actual touches of the original artist are transferred to the metallic plate, and are repro- duced by the press with unerring fidelity, to an unlimited number of impressions. “ Even when an artist possesses a knowledge of the lithographic art, and the requisite facilities for practising it, he still lies under the inconvenience of being obliged to reverse his drawings, in order that they may assume their true aspect when printed. Those who 20-16 PAPYROGRAPHY. have never tried it, are little aware of the difficulty of drawing backwards — a difficulty which has deterred many artists from the pursuit of lithography. The Papyrographic process is entirely free from this objection ; for the drawing being made direct on the paper, becomes reversed by being transferred to zinc, and the im- pressions taken from the latter are consequently direct , as in the original. “It is thus evident, that Papyrography has great practical ad- vantages, from its ease and simplicity, which render it attainable by any person who can use a pencil. A traveller who wishes to pre- serve for publication the sketches which he may make in foreign regions, is enabled, by the mere substitution of lithographic chalk for plumbago, to reprint, without further trouble, the actual draw- ings made in the field, in all their freshness and originality. I may refer, for examples of the Papyrographic art, to the views of Rodriguez, Plates III.* and IV.* of the History of the Dodo, by Hr. Melville and myself, just published; also to the coloured plate of the Dodo, Plate III. of the same work. Papyrography seems to be more especially adapted for land- scapes and for such other objects as admit of a bold style of draw- ing. It is not, however, unsuited to other subjects, and the present work contains some examples of its use for the illustration of or- nithology. As these are the first experiments of the kind which have been made, they must not be severely criticised, but should e regarded rather as guides to further improvements than as being perfect in themselves. The artist, who is disposed to try his hand at Papyrography, , en . eaToul give to his drawing the effect of a good litho- WpI c !t logiaphic stone, properly prepared, presents a hard evel surface, apparently smooth to the touch, but not so smooth as elevation °* ^ realIy consists of innumerable small conical summitsof J USGd in drawin 2 on the stone touches the the ao^resratioT ® CVa !'° ns ’ P rodu cmg on each a small black dot- characteriftic lithIgrLhy° tS iTTv ^ c"® ^ "' hiCh not of 7 ? ‘ 1 y * ^ ow the surface of paper consists, but , of » ^n examined by a lens 0 ™”°' ’ ^ he " C0 a drawin ? 011 P a P er ’ in a lithograph but „f i, 3 “ legate, not of dots, as 2m 7 P ’ bUt ° f short “regular lines. This discrepancy of PAPYROGRAPHY. surface in the two materials lias not yet been overcome by art, though it seems likely, that by pressing damp paper against a grained stone, or by mixing some finely powdered ingredient (not calcarious) with the fibrous material of the paper, a surface may be produced, which shall possess the desired structure. In the mean- time, this object may be in some measure attained, by using paper of a hard fine surface, and by stretching it upon a smooth drawing board, a slate, or other level and unyielding material. The best kind of paper for Papyrography seems to be good drawing paper, smooth , but not glossy , as in the latter case, the chalk rubs over it without producing a clear definite stroke. The ‘ metallic paper’ used for note books also answers exceedingly well ; but care must be taken that no calcarious matter is contained in it, as sometimes happens, for in that case the acids used in transferring will cause effervescence and spoil the drawing. “ The best lithographic chalk should be used : it ought to be of considerable hardness, and cut to a fine point. The design may first be sketched with a common pencil, so as to admit of altera- tions and corrections ; for the marks produced with plumbago do not reappear in the anastatic impressions, whereas the lines drawn with lithographic chalk are nearly indelible. In drawing with this chalk, the desired effect should, as far as possible, be produced at once, by means of clear well defined strokes ; for if the darker parts are much and repeatedly worked over, they are apt, in printing, to produce a muddy effect, from the blending together of the minute specks which compose the tint. “ When the drawing is thus prepared, the next step is to get it printed. Now, anastatic printers are very scarce, the art having been only recently introduced into this country, and I may there- fore save further trouble, by mentioning the name of Mr. Delamotte, Broad Street, Oxford, as being a skilful printer of Papyrography, and other branches of the anastatic art. The drawings, when sent to the printer, should have a sheet of smooth paper laid over them, to prevent rubbing, and may be packed either flat between two boards, or in a roll of sufficient strength to resist compression.” 22-18 • ■ ■ ; •• .. : .. ’ . ‘ ' ' : : .! " • I.. ’ i ; . ■ "• - ■ ■ ■ - * . • , .... ■ - ■ ■' CALENDAR OF ORNITHOLOGY, 1849 . The importance of the registration of “ periodic phenomena," appertaining to animals and plants, has been long acknowledged and advocated in different periodicals and works, writing of and devoted to natural history; and sundry calendars have been pub- lished, which although they contain many points worthy of observa- tion, and were sometimes very amply made out, were not within the reach of all observers, and did not serve as a guide for the uniform registration of the phenomena. In our numerous works relating to the Ornithology of the British Islands, we have many observations and partial lists of the appearance and disappearance of our winter, summer, and occasional visitants. The migrations ; flocking and congregating of species after incubation ; disappearance of certain species, and their occurrence again after a period of years; the flights and doings of birds have all had some atten- tion given to them. Many of our friends have kept private notes of these occurrences, and we have ourselves observations made over a period of nearly thirty years ; but all these are neither kept to any plan, nor accompanied with notes of the temperature, weather, and other circumstances which would have added greatly to their value. They are made in various localities, and in various 29-19 CALENDAR OF ORNITHOLOGY FOR 1849. years and circumstances ; and however interesting tlie task, it would entail much time and labour to reduce them to any available order. If, then, the more important points in the economy of our native species could be registered on some simultaneous and regular plan, interesting information and details might be elicited, and an insight into the laws which regulate their motions and changes, he in a short time obtained. For the above purpose, a set of Tables have been prepared for the present, the concluding number of the “ Contributions for 1848,” in such time as will enable the month of January, with the next whole year, to be observed and registered ; and accompanying the number, there is a duplicate copy, printed on thin paper and with printed address, which it is requested may be filled up and posted in the first week of January 1850, when, if health and circumstances permit, a summary of the registers and observations returned will be drawn up and printed with an early succeeding number. For the better filling up of these tables, the following observations may not be inappropriate : — The tables have been drawn up, as far as possible, to suit any locality ; at the same time, many omissions may have been made, which experience in a future year may remedy, and there may be many things inserted which are not applicable, and may appear useless in certain districts. Thus, the return filled up in Orkney, vill produce a very different appearance from one made in the middle or southern districts of England. In these returns, it will be very desirable to know the elevation above the sea as nearly as possible; to have a general register of the temperature and weather, with a short description of the country the geological nature of the soil, and the character of its vegetation around the localities where the observations are ticulnr ^ cmious and interesting subject of migration, par- m s of on " 18 T d ' The aVe, ^° ^Perature at the r*enL?T' an f f departure ’ tlle direction of the wind; gencial character of the wenthoi* • « j«,. ■, Of vegetation, should all be observed It that the arrival of the mmratnJJ 1 gl ' 1C Supp0Sed ’ would he influenced more by the T°T ° ther they departed, than of that to Jr i ° f that fr ° m whlC1 frost, or mild weather wool 1 l T ' they came ’ that an ear,,er 30-20 ’ " 01,1(1 have effect of driving them away CALENDAR OF ORNITHOLOGY FOR 1849 . or inducing them to prolong their departure ; in this country, how- ever, though a cold autumn has an evident effect on the time of the departure of the swallows, and many of our summer birds, a mild spring does not always hasten the departure of the winter visitants. The arrival of some summer birds, as the wheatear, does not seem at all influenced by the mildness or continued severity of the spring here ; but we have observed, that mildness and advance of vegetation in this country, does make a difference in the time of appearance of several species, particularly the Sylviadm ; and it may be asked, whether the progression of these and others from Southern Europe and Africa is gradual, advancing with the seasons ? The laws which regulate the migratory zone of some species, are not probably applicable to such as appear to start at once and fly to their destination. The great mass of swallows depart from this country at once, but the appearance of their numbers is somewhat more gradual. The Sylviadce appear gradually. The migratory tlirushes again, come and depart at once. So also do the snipes, woodcocks, and others of the Scolopacidce. If resident on or near the sea-coast, attention should be paid to the ornithology after remarkable storms, particularly during March and April, October and November; and both on the coast and inland, during these months, when migration takes place, and the young are leaving their breeding places and congregating, many rare species have been met with, driven out of their ordinary tract ; and vast flocks of species, geneially few in number, sometimes in the same way appear, show- ing the influence, climate or the seasons may have in the distribu- tion of animal life. On the coast, it is also curious to mark the habits of the different sea- fowl previous to, or after the occurrence of a storm, or any marked change in the weather. Independent of regular migration, by which we mean the arrival of some birds (not at other seasons found in our islands) in spring, foi the purpose of incubation, and then remaining with us during the summer months; or the arrival of some birds in late autumn rom another county, and remaining during the winter months, apparent y to enjoy a larger supply of food and a milder climate, not afforded by their more northern summer quarters ; there are urge accessions made to the numbers of some permanently resident birds, either altogether from another country, or by a partial migra- tion from one locality to another temporarily more suitable. " In CALENDAR OF ORNITHOLOGY FOR 1849. many districts, a large addition is received in autumn to the stock of our common thrush and blackbird. So is there also of the common snipe, in many places where it breeds and is permanently resident. They arrive before or about the usual migratory period, and are probably supplied both from abroad and from the more exposed districts of this country. Many of the hawks disappear altogether during spring and summer, seeking the wilder and more unfre- quented grounds to breed and rear their young. They reappear again in their usual haunts about the middle or end of September. Along our shores and sea marshes, vast numbers of the plovers, sandpipers, curlews, &c., spend the winter, many of which have merely returned with their young from a more inland breeding resort. The numerous congregations of the young, in autumn, assembling in large flocks together, show another kind of migration, very marked in the black and white wagtail, chaffinch, titmice, lapwing and other plovers, &c. A few species, again, which spend the whole season of incubation in other parts, are seen once or twice yearly for a short period only. The short-eared owl, which in some parts of England is met with regularly about the commencement of the winter migratory period, is ill great part only on return from the more northern parts of this country, where it is* known to breed. The ring ousel breeds in the alpine districts of England and Scot- land, but is only seen upon the English downs, and among the mountain ash trees and cottage gardens in Scotland, for a few days, in going and returning to and from their breeding quarters. So it is with the common dotterel upon our lower moors, and large numbers of our sandpipers, &c., are also only seen for a day or two, in similar circumstances. The periodical change of colour in the plumage of birds is often veiy maiked, it is incidental in great measure to the season of incubation previous to which it gradually approaches completion; Sin?> fu 1 T° rtant time arrives > along with the voice, i s ullest vigour, clearness and brilliancy, and sometimes \ vi 1 1 1 r ■ i' ' r l i *1 1 ' i ° gr , eat contrast "'ith the full and usually chaste the wade.- ies e elianges are most characteristic and distinct in are IlnZ " l ^hnaceous birds, and among these always occurs ^ ’ "'l ° th<3r fanillles > though a greater brilliancy In some suer ' ' i' 0> ', ' 111 sorae that the changes are very marked. “ 22 P the Chan ^ e take. Place by a loss of some parts of CALENDAR OF ORNITHOLOGY FOR 1849 . a feather, thereby bringing into view some other portion, and pro- ducing a different tint ; in others, the colour of the feather entirely changes. These variations take place more or less rapidly with the seasons ; but in some instances, the change is effected in a day or two, as in many of the plovers and sandpipers, some ducks, and the^ head of the black-headed gull, &c., so that exactness in the legislation of them should be observed. Some of our summer visitants assume their breeding dress after arrival here, while others are partially changed, as if the operation had commenced and was going on at the same time with the instinctive desire to migrate. And again, on the cessation of the duties of the male, does the brilliancy begin to fade, and the dark or rich con- trasted tints to blend into a plumage broken and worn, and then commencing to be renovated by a new moult — all these mutations are worthy to be noted, and can be easily done at the same time that other facts are registered. It is during this same important period that a great change periodically takes place in the song and voice of birds. Many species sit and utter their call from some selected spot, which is frequented day after day ; but others practise peculiar modes of flight, calling as they fly. The pleasing song of our warblers and thrushes, the call of the pigeons and cuckoo, are familiar examples of the first. The towering flight of the greenfinch, and the rise and tall of the pipits singing as they fly ; the drumming and flight of the snipe, and the shrill shaking whistle of the curlew, are examples of the combined exercise ; but in every species there is a change more or less marked, which will be easily seen and noted by a practised or willing observer. As previously mentioned, the following tables have been drawn out, as far as possible, for Great Britain generally ; at the same tame they may be in part inapplicable to several districts, and par- ticularly to the insular localities in the north, from which, however we would hope for returns; but in these, if there is a scarcity of wood, and a limit in the numbers of the land or arboreal species either migratory 0 r resident, the arrival and departure of the sea- owl to breed, those that surround the shores in winter, and those that return regularly to roost at night, will be of great interest. We have no account of a rock or island, narrow in extent, minutely rCSiUf t0 tbC dally and regn,ar habits of its occupants. CALENDAR OF ORNITHOLOGY FOR 1840. St. Kilda, Ailsa Crag, and even the Bass Rock, would yield an interesting daily journal, and we do hope for some interesting re- turns from our northern islands. There is yet another point worthy of attention, that is, the change in the general ornithology of a district or locality which has taken place within a limited period, by an alteration of its physical cha- racter ; by improvement, cultivation, draining ; by planting and the increase of wood ; by the rooting out and destruction of copse or natural wood; by the introduction of masses of some particular tree or brushwood. All these matters have a much greater in- fluence on animal life than at first imagined ; and in the space of twenty or thirty years, we have seen the character of a locality almost changed, by the forsaking of some species and the coming in of others. These changes go gradually on, but are at last complete, being naturally incidental to the artificial causes above mentioned. CALENDAR OF ORNITHOLOGY, 1849 . Calendar op Ornithology for 1849, kept at in the of ^ Elevation above the sea about feet. 35-25 -j a JANUARY. 1 Occurrence of rare or occasional visitants from severity of season 2 Species leaving their usual haunts, and resorting to other locali- 3 Maritime species moving to rivers and inland lakes. 4 Habits of species common to district — a becoming more domestic 5 Species preparing to incubate — a by commencing song or call Date. PHENOMENA. JANUARY. or other causes, ties for food or shelter. — b. congregating in flocks or small groups — c. change their usual food. b. visiting breeding stations, &c. Temperature. Wind. WEATHER AND REMARKS. I i , ! 1 37-27 FEBRUARY. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Species which had changed locality from severity of season or Species preparing to migrate or partially migrating — a. congrega- Species preparing to incubate — a. by commencing song or call — Species partial migrants returning to summer haunts. Species maritime leaving rivers and inland lakes. Date. PHENOMENA. FEBRUARY. other causes — a. remaining — b. removing, ting — b passing at evening or during night. b. visiting breeding places — - c roosting at breeding places — d pairing. Temperature. Winds. WEATHER AND REMARKS. 1 1 3i«9 MARCH. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Date. Winter migrants congregating previous to departure. Winter migrants passing during night or in evening northwards. Winter migrants departed. Species commence incubation — a. nest completed — b. eggs lay- Partial migrants, temporarily visiting on way to breeding haunts. Summer migrants arrived. PHENOMENA. 40-30 i MARCH ing or laid — c. song matured or perfect — d plumage changed. ! Temperature. Winds. WEATHER AND REMARKS. - 41-31 CO rH ifi CD N APRIL. 1 Summer migrants arrived. 2 Winter migrants still remaining. Migrants and partial migrants temporarily visiting on way to Summer plumage — a. changing — 6. matured. Nidification completed — a. female sitting — b. young hatched— Date. PHENOMENA. APRIL breeding haunts. c. son g, breeding call or flight matured and perfect. Temperature Winds. WEATHER AND REMARKS. I - 43-33 MAY 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Summer migrants arrived. Nidification — a. young hatched and fledged — b. left nest— Date. PHENOMENA. MAY c. song or breeding call and flight ceasing. Temperature Winds. WEATHER AND REMARKS. 45-35 JUNE 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Incubation completed. — a. young abroad. Species commence second incubation. Song — breeding call ceased. Moult commencing. Date. PHENOMENA. 46-36 JUNE Temperature. Winds. | WEATHER AND REMARKS. . | I ' 1 • 47-37 JU LY 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Second incubation completed. Song — breeding call and flight ceased. Young assembling in groups in gardens, &c. Species that have left their breeding stations. Moult, state of. Young plumage, state of. Date. PHENOMENA. 48-38 JULY Temperature. Winds. WEATHER AND REMARKS. 49-39 AUGUST. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Species congregating and feeding together — a. incessores — Partial migrants left breeding haunts. Summer migrants commence to congregate before departure. Moult completed — Winter plumage commencing. Young plumage — state of. Date. PHENOMENA. 50-40 AUGUST b. rasorial — c. grallatorial — d. natatorial. ! Temperature. Winds. WEATHER AND REMARKS. ! - 1 SEPTEMBER. 1 Summer migrants congregating. 2 Partial migrants, leaving breeding places and congregating else- 3 Summer migrants on passage (making autumnal passage). 4 Summer migrants departed. 5 Breeding plumage gone — state of. 6 Maritime species coming regularly inland and departing daily. 7 Permanent residents congregating. Date. PHENOMENA. 52-42 SEPTEM BER where. Temperature. Winds. WEATHER AND REMARKS. i • 1 53-43 OCTOBER. 1 Species still congregating. 2 Species leaving high grounds for low lands. 3 Partial migrants, temporarily visiting on way from breeding 4 Species resident have accession to numbers by migration or 5 Winter migrants arrived. 6 Maritime species coming inland. 7 Winter plumage commencing. Date. PHENOMENA. 54-44 OCTOBER haunts. partial migration. Temperature. Winds. WEATHER AND REMARKS. J I 1 1 1 . i 1 55-45 lo CD NOVEMBER. 1 2 3 4 Winter migrants arrived. Species resident have accession to their numbers. Winter migrants passing. Partial migrants — still congregating. Maritime species gone inland. Winter plumage complete. Date. PHENOMENA. 56-40 NOVEMBER Temperature. Winds. WEATHER AND REMARKS. CO *«* *0 DECEMBER. 1 2 7 Date. Occurrence of rare or occasional visitants from severity of Species affected by severity of weather — change locality. Maritime species move to rivers and inland lakes. Species passing to feeding grounds during evening or night. PHENOMENA. DECEMBER season or other causes. Temperature. Winds. WEATHER AND REMARKS. 59-49 ■ ILLUSTRATIONS OF ORNITHOLOGY. TURDUS XANTHOSCELUS, Jardixe. Turdus xanthoscelus, Jard., Ann. of Nat. Hist. yol. xx. p. 329, 1847.— Birds of Tobago, Three specimens of this bird were sent to us by Mr. Kirk, from the Island ot Tobago, with the following note attached : — “ Remark- ably shy ; a rich mellow note all this month (April) and until July.” We have been unable to find it described or figured, and indeed have not seen it in any collection. The male is from 8. 5 . to 9. in length ; length of the wing to the end of the longest feather, 4. 5. * The plumage is of a uniform deep black ; the feathers on the vent and under tail-covers tipped with greyish-white; the bills and legs , and according to age, will be thus more or less marked. Ti 14-1 ILLUSTRATIONS OF ORNITHOLOGY. CHRl r SOPTILUS KIRKII, Malherbe. Chrysoptilus kirkii, Jard., Ann. of Nat. Hist. vol. xx. p. 333, 1847 — Birds of Tobago. This bird was submitted to the examination of M. Malherbe, while in London, collecting materials for a monograph of the genus Picus : he considered it undescribed, and suggested the specific name which we have adopted above. The species most nearly allied to this, is the “ Petit pic de St. Domingue ” of Brisson, on which is founded the Picus passerinus, Linn. ; but it differs from that as well as from the P. affinis of Swain., in the markings of the wings and tail, and in the rump and upper tail-covers being red, whereas in the others these parts are olive or yellowish. Sent by Mr. Kirk from Tobago, the only locality from which we have seen specimens. The following note accompanied them : — “ Native. The note of this species is three syllables, sounding like the words, c Click, click, click,’ pronounced very sharply towards the end.” In the male, the crown of the head, with the rump and upper tail-covers are bright vermillion or scarlet ; the crown, towards the occiput shades into yellow, and the base of the feathers are greyish- black, and appear occasionally through the scarlet. The back, shoulders, and outer webs of the quills and secondaries are bright brownish-yellow, the small feathers on the shoulders having a pale \ ellow or reddish spot at the tip, and another about the centre of the shaft ; the inner webs of the quills and secondaries are umber brown, barred with yellowish-white ; the tail is dark umber brown, the outer feathers indistinctly clouded ; the cheeks and auriculars yellowish-brown, streaked along the shafts, and barred with yel- lowish-white ; the remaining under parts barred alternately with dark hair brown and yellowish-white, the pale bars being slightly narrower. The bill, legs, and feet, appear to have been blackish- > ue. The female is nearly in all respects similar, except in the scarlet part of the head being yellowish-brown, shading into a narrow nuchal collar of dull yellow; the tips of the feathers, in some lights, appear paler. The entire length, 6. 2. to 6. 5. ; of wing to end of longest quill, 3. 4. to 6. 15-2 ILLUSTRATIONS OF ORNITHOLOGY. At the dispersion last year of Captain W. J. Boys’ Ornithological collections, in the sale room of Messrs. Stevens in London, a con- siderable number of birds were purchased by Mr. Strickland and myself, many of which have proved highly interesting. Lor the following three descriptions and illustrations of part of that col- lection, we arc indebted to Mr. and Mrs. Strickland. The descrip- tions will show the interest belonging to some of the species. The illustrations will present the results of the first experiments in Papyrography as applicable to Ornithology. PERICROCOTUS ERYTHROPY GIUS, Jerdon. Turdus speciosus, var. B. Lath., Gen. Hist., vol. y. p. 97. — Cawnpore Fly- catcher, vol. vi. p. 176, pi. 98.* Muscicapa erythropygia, Jevd., Madras Journ. Lit. and Sc., vol. xi. p. 17. Perierocotus erythropygius, Blyth, Journ. As. Soc. Beng., vol. xv. p. 310. No. 216 of Captain Boys’ Col- lection. “ Among the valuable zoological collections lately brought to England by Captain W. J. Boys, the result of many years’ resi- dence in the upper Gangetic provinces of India, was an extensive series of birds, amounting to between 500 and 600 species, some of them new and many of them rare. The bulk of this collection has been dispersed by auction ; but it may be useful to the scientific student to be informed, that a nearly complete set of these birds has passed into the possession of E. Wilson, Esq., and is destined to be added to the magnificent museum now being formed by his public spirited brother at Philadelphia. This collection is the more importty^ from the specimens being ticketed with numbers, refer- ring to a valuable mass of MSS. notes, made by Captain Boys, the substance of which will, it is hoped, be ultimately added to our zoological literature. “ The three species which I now propose to illustrate, will serve as samples of the treasures of Captain Boys’ collection, and though the species are not new, yet they are very little known, and two of them have never yet been figured. The genus Perierocotus, though somewhat insulated, is undoubtedly a member of the family Musci- capidce , and of the sub-family Muscicapince, and is but remotely ILLUSTRATIONS OF ORNITHOLOGY. connected with Campephagince, to which it is commonly referred. The structure of the beak, wings, and feet, is entirely that of the M use leap ince, and the shafts of the dorsal feathers are nevei thickened as in the Campephagince. <£ In the male, whole head, chin, hind neck, scapulars, lessor wing-covers, spurious wing, primary-covers, and upper tail-covers, glossy bluish black ; secondary covers, and outer half of tertials, white, forming a broad longitudinal stripe on the wing; quills black, paler towards the ends ; the fifth and sixth primary, with a basal interior white spot ; the three next, and all the secondaries, white at the base, on both webs, for one-third the length; tail black, the five outer pairs of rectrices largely tipped with white ; rump vivid orange red; breast pale blood red; belly, vent, and lower wing-covers, white ; beak and legs black. Length, 5.o f beak to front, 3J; to gape, 6; height, 1 J ; breadth, 2; wing, 2.7; medial rectrices, 3; external, 1. 8; tarsus, 6; middle toe and claw, 5^ ; hind ditto, 3J. “ Mr. Jerdon describes the female as ashy brown where the male is black (except the tail, which is deep black) ; front whitish, rump, edges, and tips of lateral rectrices, and beneath, white, tinged with ashy on breast. “ Form slightly aberrant, the beak being rather shorter and more depressed than in others of the genus. The distribution of light and dark colours is similar to that of the other species, hut this one is remarkable from the wing spots and tips of rectrices being pure white, instead of being concolorous with the red rump and breast. This species inhabits Cawnpore (Hardwicke) ; Ghauts near Ajunteh, in South India (Jerdon) ; Sucktusghur, Chunar (Boys). 24-4 ^■acyia //, ILLUSTRATIONS OF ORNITHOLOGY. MUSCICAPA HEMILEUCURA, Hodgson. Muscicapa hemileucura, Ilodgs. in Cat. of Mamm. and Birds presented to Brit. Mus., pp. 91, 155; Ic. ined. Pass., t. ccvi. f. 4. No. 779 of Mr. Hodgson’s Collection. No. 329 of Captain Boys’ Collection. “ This is one of the Blue Flycatchers of which Southern Asia is prolific, and which have been referred by Mr. Blyth, in the Journ. As. Soc. Beng., to several new genera ( Cyanoptila , Cyornis , Stopa- rola, Muscicapula, &c.) The bird before us is probably referible to Muscicapula; but as I am not yet satisfied as to the generic value of these groups, I retain it for the present under Muscicapa. Its form closely agrees with M. atricapilla of Europe ; but the beak is rather more depressed, and the ridge of the culmen more acute. The rictal bristles are short and feeble, not exceeding 2 in length. The upper surface and sides of the neck and breast deep indigo blue, lighter on front and sides of crown; a streak of pure white over the eye; remiges and rectrices black, margined externally w itli blue ; basal third of four outer pairs of rectrices white ; chin, throat, middle of breast, lower wing-covers, abdomen, and vent, white; beak and legs black. “ Total length, 4. 2; beak to front 4; to gape, 5J; height, 1 ; breadth, 2; wing, 2. 5; medial rectrices, 2. i'; external, 2; tarsus, 6 ; hind toe and claw, 4. “ Inhabits Nepal (Hodgson) ; Sucktusghur, Chunar (Boys).” ILLUSTRATIONS OF ORNITHOLOGY. HETERUBA SYLVAN A, Hodgson. Heterura sylvana, Ilodgs., in Proc. Zool. Soc., pt. 13, p. 33 ; Ic. ined. Pass, t. cxxiii. f. 1, 2 ; cxxiv. f. 4. Gray, Cat. Mamm. and Birds presented to Brit. Mus., p. 108. Blyth, in Joum. As. Soc., Beng., vol. xiv. p. 556. No. 436 of Hodgson’s Collection. No. 568 of Boys’ Collection. “ Mr* Hodgson lias been misled by the lengthened tertials and the striated plumage, into placing this bird, at present a unique species, among the Larks, in which arrangement Mr. Blyth follows him. Mr. Gray seems to me equally wide of the truth in placing this bird among the Emberizince. It appears to he a nearly typical genus of the Malurince, and consequently belongs to the Dentirostres, not the Conirostres. The flattened forehead, the compressed eniargi- nate . beak, the wiry plumage of the head, the narrow and worn rectrices, the strong feet, lengthened toes, and curved claws, as well as the striated coloration, are precisely what v r e find in the Malurine genera, Megalurns , Cinclorhamphus , Sphemira, Sphe- nceacus, Malacocercus, Prinia, Ac. ; the arched and indurated m on i bran e which overhangs the nostril is repeated in Sphenceacus, Sphenura, Malacocercus, and Prinia , , and the pointed and length- ened tertials occur in Megalurus and Cinclorhamphus . The only generic peculiarity of this bird seems to be, that the first four piimaries are of equal length, while in the Malurince , generally, t i 1S mUCh r ° Unded hy the ^nation of the two first quills.” J ° Ie "PP er P arts Pale rufous brown, with a broad longitudi- s * reak deep fuscous down the middle of each feather; brow- ■streak and chin whitish, ear-covers brown ; a row of small fuscous ‘ , 0rm J ng a broken Lne al «ng each side of the chin; lower feather 01 tl^ ' V* °'f brown > w * tk a medial fuscous streak on eacb Some; a T, ^ Iin ° ar °" the "-Idle of the breast and rectZsCo 7 C / a ‘ her br0ad0r at ^ sides. Remiges and triceTl7lT7 ° i 7 th Pa, ° rufescent ; the enter pair of rec- Upper manrh'l 1 f S ‘ ghtIy> t, PP ed obliquely with dirty white. “ Wh 1 17\ °r r and ,egS P ale yellowish.” breadth, = 2 ;' wing’ 2 | ^ , T"*’ 6; to g?P e ’ L height, 2 ; ztar. ILLUSTRATIONS OF ORNITHOLOGY. AV e are again indebted to Mr. and Mrs. H. E. Strickland and Papyrography, for the following Illustrations and Descriptions : — SCOPS CRISTATA, Daudin. Var. Chouette a aigrette blanche, Levaill., Ois. Af. pi. 43. Strix cristata, Baud., Tr. Orn. y. ii p. 207. Lath. Ind. Orn. Sup. p. 15. Lophostrix cristata, Gray, List. Brit. Mus. p. 47. Ephialtes cristatus, Gray, Gen. Birds, sp. 17. Strix superciliosa, Shaw, Zool. v. vii. p. 250 (exc. syn.). Syrnium griseatum, Less., Traite Orn. p. 113. Lophostrix griseata,Zm. The specimen here figured was obligingly presented to me by L. L. Dillwyn, Esq. of Swansea. A ticket attached to the bird gives Coban as its habitat. This bird is identical in form and structure with specimens of Scops cristata (Lophostrix griseata) m the British Museum, from Cayenne, and I do not therefore ven- tuie to separate it specifically, though it presents considerable iversity in its coloration. The Cayenne specimens have more white on the forehead than the present bird, the rufous on the cheeks extends over the whole of the ear-covers, and the secon- daries, as well as the primaries, are marked with pale fulvous bars. I follow Mr. Gr. R. Gray in uniting Lophostrix to Scops, from which it seems to differ only in size. Mr. Gray, however, adopts for this united genus the later name Ephialtes in place of Scops, because the name Scops was originally giyen by Moehring, in 1752^ to the Numidian Crane. After a mature consideration of this question, which I discussed in 1842 (Ann. Nat. Hist. vol. viii. p. 368), I am still of opinion, that Moehring’ s generic names should not be adopted. The binomial system of nomenclature was first introduced by Linnseus in the tenth edition of the Sy sterna Natures, published in 1758, and that year ought consequently to be taken as the datum line beyond which no claim for priority of nomenclature can be entertained. It follows, that if we reject the name of Scops in the Moehringian sense, on the ground of its having been proposed previously to 1752, we must retain the term Scopes, as proposed by Savigny, in 1809, for the genus of Owls before us. 60-7 ILLUSTRATIONS OF ORNITHOLOGY. Crown uniform sepia brown ; superciliary streak and anterior feathers of the temporal tufts white, the medial feathers of these tufts are pale fulvous on their inner, and speckled brown and ful- vous on their outer webs ; the posterior ones are nearly uniform brown. Round the eye is a narrow ring of black feathers, and beneath it a patch of rufous, blending into the deep fuscous of the auricular regions. The bristly feathers of the lores and chin are white at their base and black at their ends ; they project one fourth of an inch beyond the tip of the beak. Back, scapulars, tertials. and wing-covers, deep fulvous, densely and minutely speckled wit fuscous. The external row of scapulars have a large, rounded, subterminal white spot, and three or four fulvous bars on then outer webs. There is a similar round white spot on the outer veh> of five or six of the medial wing-covers. All the remiges fuscous, margined externally with rufous brown, and furnished with three 01 four broad sub-basal bars of pale fulvous on their inner webs. The third, fourth, and fifth primaries, have each three sub-basal fulvous spots on the outer webs. Lower wing-covers fulvous, barred with fuscous. Under parts pale fulvous, densely speckled with fuscous. The feathers of the throat have an indistinct medial brown streak on each. The breast is considerably darker and more thickly speckled than the rest. On the belly the speckling assumes au indistinctly barred or zigzag appearance. Tarsi feathered to the base of the toes, fulvous, with remote zigzag brown bars. Under tail-covers very pale fulvous, with very remote pale brown bars. Medial rectrices and outer webs of the lateral ones rufous, speckled with fuscous ; inner webs of the latter fuscous, with eight or niue broad bars of pale fulvous, confluent at the margin of the feather. Beak and toes yellowish ; claws black. Primaries 2 — 6 con- siderably emarginate on the distal half of tlieir outer webs, and primaries 1 — 5 similarly emarginate on the inner webs. Orifice of ear small (about 5 in diameter). Total length, 14; beak to front, i. 2; to gape, i. 3; wing, 11 • 5; medial rectrices, f. 6; external, 7. 2; tarsus, 2; middle toe and claw, l. 5 . Gl-8 Jctyza, sos'ti? z .a,??KV. ILLUSTRATIONS OF ORNITHOLOGY. TITYRA SURINAMA, Linnaeus. Syn,— Muscicapa surinama, Linn. Syst. Nat. p. 3 25. — Lath. Gen, Hist. v. vi. p. 248. This elegant species of Tityra agrees sufficiently well with the short description given by Linnaeus of his Muscicapa surinama , to justify us in regarding them as identical, at least till the contrary can be proved. The only discrepancy is in the white markings of the scapulars, which are not mentioned by Linnaeus ; but these are so much overhung and concealed by the black feathers of the upper back, that they might easily escape notice. The particular habitat of the specimen before us is unknown ; but it may very probably be from Surinam, a part of South America, whose zoology is much less known than that of the Brazilian territories further south. We are indebted to L. L. Dillwyn, Esq., Swansea, for the use of the specimen figured. Crown, lores, ear-covers, and whole upper parts glossy blue black ; inner margins of scapulars and basal half of dorsal feathers snow white, forming a partially concealed white spot ; two outer pair of rectrices narrowly tipped with white. Whole lower parts pure white ; beak cinereous ; margins of lower mandible whitish ; feet cinereous. Feathers of front and crown somewhat lengthened, and curled downwards at their tips, forming a slight crest. Second primary pointed and suddenly emarginated near the tip, and 8 shorter than the first ; it is also remarkable for a medial longitudinal streak of white on the inner web, which is wanting on all the other remiges. Total length, 5. 5 ; beak to front, 5 ; to gape, 7 ; breadth, 3 ; height, 2 ; wing, 3 . 3 ; medial rectrices, 2. 3 ; external, 2 ; tarsus, 7 . 62*9 ILLUSTRATIONS OF ORNITHOLOGY. TIM ALIA LEUCOTIS, Strickland. A typical Timalia, closely allied to T. nigricollis, lemm. PI. Col. 594, fig. 2, and to T. pectoralis , Blytli, Journ. As. Soc. Beng. v. xi. p. 783, but distinguished (inter alia ) by the long super- ciliary streak, and by the white patch immediately behind the ear orifice. Received from Malacca. Crown olivaceo-fuscous, passing into olive on the upper hack, and into deep rufous on the rump, wings, and upper tail-covers. Feathers of the lores whitish with dark shafts. A pure white superciliary streak, margined on both sides with black, commences above the eye, and passes down the side of the neck, where are also some detached white spots (which, however, may be owing to mis- placement of the skin beneath). Sides of the head very dark grey, auricular feather margined below by an elongate white spot. Wing- covers rufo-fuscous, all of them tipped wfith pale rufous. Bemiges rufous externally, fuscous within ; and all narrow 7 ly tipped with pale rufous. Rectrices rufo-fuscous, darkest towards the ends, and nar- rowly tipped with rufous. Chin and throat black ; breast and upper belly dark cinereous ; lower belly, vent, and under tail-covers, rufous. Upper mandible fuscous, lower, whitish ; feet, pale brown. Total length, 5. 8 ; beak to front, ej ; to gape, 7 ; height, 3 ; breadth, 2 ; wing, 2. 5 ; medial rectrices, 2. 4 ; external, 2 ; tar- sus, 9 ; middle toe and claw, 8 ; hind ditto, 6 . 63-10 /iis. NOTES ON THE STRUCTURE OF BIRDS. OETALIDA RUFICAUDA, Jabdine. Many forms of the Craosiclce, with others allied to them, present remarkable conformations in the structure of the trachea. That of a duplicature upon the breast, just within the skin, occurs in several of them, as well as in some aquatic birds, some of the waders, and in a few incessorial birds. It is a structure of which we do not perceive the use or intention, and one which would apparently ex- pose a very important organ more readily to injury. Most of the species of Penelope and Ortalida possess a very loud and shrill voice, often harsh and discordant, and which at times they utter incessantly; some of the notes have a deep or internal sound, as if produced from within, and several have the power of modifying their tones, and of making them appear as if uttered at various distances ; a power however which is possessed even in a greater degree by many species that have no winding or analogous structure of the trachea. In the species before us, for which we are indebted to our Tobago correspondent Mr. Kirk, and which we have ventured elsewhere to characterize as undescribed, a comparison of the structure with that of the trachea of the Parraka described and represented by Dr. Latham, and with M. Temminck’s plate of the same organ, from his Penelope Parrakoua , presents some differences. In both these the trachea is seen with the sternal keel in the centre, the duplica- ture running down the one side and up the other. In the Parraka 16-1 NOTES ON THE STRUCTURE OF BIRDS. the duplicature does not descend so far, “ descending on the breast more than half way before it makes a turn upwards.” It may be observed, that in both these birds (the marail and parraka) the descent is on the left side, the ascent on the right. In Ortalida ruficauda , the trachea, after leaving the furcatorial opening, turns down the breast on the left* side of the sternal keel, runs for its whole length, takes a simple turn at the extremity, and returning parallel with and on the left of the descending branch, follows the oesophagus in its usual course. The dupli- cature of the trachea is felt from the outside, and on putting aside the feathers, its track can be easily traced. On remov- ing the skin, it is seen covered with a transparent sheath, and in its passage it indents or grooves the muscle of the breast. At the furcatorial opening it is bound over by two muscles, arising from the centre of the os furcatorius, and joining over the trachea with a strong fascia, where there are also transverse fibres. These muscles are seen in our plate, dissected off from each side. At the lower end, where the duplicature takes place, it is bound down by a strong fascia attached to the curve, and giving rise to a mus- cular stripe, which is inserted into the extremity of the cartila- ginous end of the sternum, and keeps the tracheal curve in its place, preventing it from slipping forward. This cartilaginous end, or termination, is much elongated, and serves as an admirable yielding stay. • The bird is supposed to be placed upon its back, with the head from tie Cartilaginous End of Sternum. ILLUSTRATIONS OF ORNITHOLOGY. TIM ALIA LEUCOTIS, Strickland. A typical Timalia, closely allied to T. nigricollis, Temm. PI. Col. 594, fig. 2, and to T. pectoralis, Blytli, Journ. As. Soc. Beng. y. xi. p. 783, but distinguished ( inter alia ) by the long super- ciliary streak, and by the white patch immediately behind the ear orifice. Received from Malacca. Crown olivaceo-fuscous, passing into olive on the upper hack, and into deep rufous on the rump, wings, and upper tail-covers. Feathers of the lores whitish with dark shafts. A pure white superciliary streak, margined on both sides with black, commences above the eye, and passes down the side of the neck, where are also some detached white spots (which, however, may be owing to mis- placement of the skin beneath). Sides of the head very dark grey, auricular feather margined below by an elongate white spot. Wing- covers rufo-fuscous, all of them tipped with pale rufous. Remiges rufous externally, fuscous within ; and all narrowly tipped with pale rufous. Rectrices rufo-fuscous, darkest towards the ends, and nar- rowly tipped with rufous. Chin and throat black ; breast and upper belly dark cinereous ; lower belly, vent, and under tail-covers, rufous. Upper mandible fuscous, lower, whitish ; feet, pale brown. Total length, 5. 8 ; beak to front, 6 j ; to gape, 7 ; height, 3 ; breadth, 2 ; wing, 2. 5 ; medial rectrices, 2. 4 ; external, 2 ; tar- sus, 9 ; middle toe and claw, 8 ; hind ditto, 6. 63-10 m /Bi# . A NOTES ON THE STRUCTURE OF BIRDS. PENELOPE CRISTATA. In order to compare the structure of some of the Rasorial Birds with that of the Australian Menura , we give a figure and some notes to illustrate parts of the intestinal canal of a form belonging to the first, which we consider aberrant. This will be useful to compare with the structure of the more typical species, but espe- cially interesting to contrast with that of a bird nearly equal in size, the habits of which are very little known, but which, looking at its size and shape, plumage, and colonial name, was considered, until very lately at least, as being closely allied to the Gallinaceous Order. In the intestinal canal of Penelope cristata, the oesophagus is very wide and membranous : before entering the body of the bird it exhibits a slight dilatation analogous to a crop a, after which it contracts previous to forming the second glandular stomach b, whence it opens into a small gizzard or true stomach c. The walls of the wide oesophagus and almost membranous crop begin to thicken at the entrance of the glandular stomach, and presents at this part strong plicae or folds d. The walls of the glandular stomach e , are of more than usual thickness, and seem composed of a series of glands in its substance, which open interiorly by numerous oval points. The true gizzard is in all its parts small when compared with the size of the bird, or with the typical Ra- sores ; at the same time, it exhibits a very powerful development in its muscular and internal arrangements. Interiorly it enters from the glandular stomach, by a prominent coriaceous constric- tion /, and the inner surface is thickly studded with points and rounded elevations of the same structure, feeling to the touch rough and hard, and the inner lining is distributed in rounded ridges, which will work upon or against each other like rollers, and will act with great power. The muscles exterior to, or working these 9, are of considerable strength and thickness. The canal terminates in a wide cloaca. At about 3. 5 from the extremity, it contracts rather suddenly to less than half its width, giving off at this point two caeca of nearly equal length, but very narrow in diameter, and dilating slightly at the tip, where the main 27-3 NOTES ON THE STRUCTURE OF BIRDS. intestine again begins to widen. It will be hereafter represented. The accompanying figure of the sternum is reduced, the greatest length in the skeleton being 3. 7. 28-4 CONTRIBUTIONS TO ORNITHOLOGY FOR 1849 . BY Sir WILLIAM JARDINE, Bart. F. R. S. E., F. L. S., ETC., ETC. EDINBURGH : AV. II. LIZARS, 3, ST. JAMES* SQUARE. IiMN : REEVE, BENHAM & REEYE, KING WILLIAM STREET, STRAND. A PRINTED BY \Y. H. LIZARS, EDJNBVRGH. CONTENTS. Notes on the Habits of some Birds Collected on the Coast of Western Africa, by C. A. Gordon, M. D., Surgeon, 57th Regiment Systematic Index to a series of Descriptions of Birds, pub- lished by C. J. Temminck, in his “ Catalogue Systematique du Cabinet D’Ornitholgie, etc.,” of the Year 1807 Illustrations of Foreign Oology — Tanagra cana, Swainson Unpublished Correspondence of Linnaeus Continued Ornithology of Quito Continued Oreotrochilus jamesonii, Jardine Notes on the Structure of Birds — Menura On the Form of the Posterior Margin of the Sternum of the Vul- turidse, by T. C. Eyton, Esq., F.L.S., Observations on the Systematic Position of the Genus Arta- mus, Yieillot Monograph of the Falconid.e, Systematically Arranged by Dr. T. T. Kaup Continued Ornithology of the Bermudas Illustrations of Ornithology — Drymoica mentalis, Fraser Drymoica erythroptera, Jardine Hirundo albigularis, Strickland Momotus gularis, Lafresnaye Holocnemis nsevius, Omelin Ploceus personatus, Vieillot Phrygilus unicolor, Tschudi Tsenioptera alpina, Jardine Page 1 19 19-1 27 37 41 66 67 48-1 132-3 50 68-1 96-9 76-1 14 - 1 15 - 2 17-4 33 - 5 34 - 6 35 - 7 46 - 8 47 - 9 CONTENTS. . Page Illustrations of Ornithology — Continued. Saxicola opistholeuca, Strickland 60-10 Nectarinia natalensis, Jar dine 62-12 Pionus gulielmi, Jardine 64-14 Erythaca flavolivacea, Hodgson. Fig. 1 68-16 Ianthia hyperytlira, Blyth. Fig. 2 69-17 Pacliycepliala macrorhyncka, Strickland 61-19 Brachypteryx poliogenis 63-21 Pericrocotus minutus 64-22 Cyanocorax nanus, Dubns 122-23 Phylloscopus trivirgatus 123-24 Pycnosphrys grammiceps 124*25 Trichostoma umbratile 126-27 Trichistoma celebense, Strickland 128-28 Goldana capistratoides 128-29 Pacliycepliala orplieus, Jardine 126 Descriptions of New Birds by T. C. Eyton, Esq. Nasica bridgesii, Eyton 16° Capito sulphureus, Eyton 16° Capito capistratus, Eyton 161 Anabates flamrnulatus, Eyton 161 Notice of the New or Rare Birds which have occurred in the British Islands in 1849 . Scolopax brehmi, Kaup 161 U ria lacrymans 136 Occasional Visitants to Orkney 166 Breeding Place of Thalassidroma pelasgica ... ... 166 Boschas bimaculata 137 British Distribution of Motacilla boarula ... ... 16? Upupa epops 138 NOTES ON THE HABITS OF SOME BIRDS, COLLECTED ON THE COAST or WESTERN AFRICA. BY C. A. GORDON, M. D., Surgeon, 57th Regiment. From the dangerous nature of the climate of Western Africa, and the little knowledge we have of the country or its productions beyond a few miles inland, the ornithology of that portion of the continent has hitherto possessed much interest. A few years since, collections of considerable extent, both in numbers and species, were brought to this country from the “ Coast,” and their examination formed the basis of Mr. Swainson’s two volumes of “ Birds of Western Africa.” The unfortunate “Expedition to the Niger” brought a small collection of birds on its return, a few of which were described by Mr. Fraser and Mr. Strickland, in the proceedings of the Zoological Society ;* and one or two were figured by myself * In the Appendix to the “ Expedition to the Niger,” published in 1848, all the species, amounting to forty -five in number, are described. 1 NOTES ON THE HABITS OF SOME BIRDS, and Mr. Selby in our “ Illustrations of Ornithology.” Last year, by the attention of Maxwell Hyslop, Esq., the exertions of the officers in charge of the Liverpool Palm Oil Ships, procured for us a few specimens from the Old Calabar river ; some of which proved new, and were described in the “Annals of Natural History:” and these are all the sources of information, which of late years have occurred to us in respect to the ornithology of this interesting region. A few weeks since, Dr. Gordon, 57th Regiment, per- mitted us to examine, and kindly presented to us, a part of a col- lection made by himself during his medical attendance upon his regiment on service at Accra and Cape Coast Castle. One or two birds appeared to differ from any we had before seen from the same districts ; and on requesting to be informed of the particulars of their capture, &c., Dr. Gordon was so kind as to forward his notes made upon the spot, and to accede to our desire to publish a selection from them ; and we would direct attention to them, as well for their value in adding to the history of species very seldom accessible in their native country, as an example of what we pointed out in our “ Hints for Preparing and Transmitting Ornithological Specimens from Foreign Countries,” * of how much could be done by many of our officers, or other gentlemen, though employed in active service. The character of the ornithology of the west coast, on both sides of the line, is either peculiar, or partakes more of that of Northern and North-eastern Africa than of the south. Several of the species met with by Riippell on the north and north-east — such as Sector - nis climaturus, in Sennaar ; Cypselus ambrosaicus, in Egypt and Nubia; ffirundo senegalensis , &c., Abyssinia; Malaconotus chry- sogaster , common in Abyssinia ; Ploceus larvatus, Euplectes ftammiceps , Emberiza septemstriata, in Abyssinia ; Pyrgita sim- p ex, common in Kordofan, Sennaar, and Abyssinia, &c., with many others, are found also far to the south of the line, and lave a veiy extensive range; at the same time, a great many • f 6 s l )eci ® s found along the western coast are migratory, but norma ion is still wanting to determine their zones or geogra- P ica range; and the shorter-winged birds, as the species of Dry- mozca, and many of the Sylviadm; the former, very numerous, 2 * Contributions to Ornithology for 1848. COLLECTED ON THE COAST OF WESTERN AFRICA. seem to be more local, and though migratory, do not take the extensive range the others do. The greater portion of the birds to be noticed were procured near Accra, and within a circle of six miles round Cape Coast Castle. Dr. Gordon observes regarding these districts — 44 The country surrounding Accra is for several miles in every direction open, flat and dry, the greater part covered with rank reedy grass, with occasional patches of low brushwood ; a comparatively small portion is under cultivation. At a distance of about six miles to the westward of the town, there is a river of considerable size, and in the immediate vicinity there is a salt water lake, which covers probably ten or twelve square acres, and is the resort of myriads of aquatic birds.” 44 The country around Cape Coast Castle is undulating, and as it were, dotted over with numbers of coarse granitic hills, of 150 to 200 feet in height, which, with the intervening valleys, are covered with low brushwood, of so dense a nature, as to be in most parts impenetrable to man. A few occasional patches have been cleared for agricultural purposes, but even these (so very rapid is vegetation) would in the course of a couple of seasons, run into their original wild state, were the young bushes, as they grow up, not frequently burnt or cut down.” 44 Hir undo senegalensis — (34*) — Shot, Cape Coast Castle, 5th July. The species is rare in this vicinity ; one couple have been observed about the fort during the last month, and a party of six or eight has been occasionally seen in the vicinity during the same period. The two which hovered about the fort, and which appeared to have a nest somewhere about the ramparts, were usually seen during the mornings, before the sun attained its great heat, and in the cool of the evening ; but the specimen now before me, was shot in the middle of the day, the sky being at the time rather cloudy, and the temperature as low as 76°. The legs are only covered to the knee, and the narrow black stripe along the edge of the lower * These numbers refer to the numbers attached to the specimens, and cor- respond with Dr. Gordon’s notes. 3 NOTES ON THE HABITS OF SOME BIRDS, mandible, as mentioned by Swainson, is not apparent. In the gizzard was a quantity of the soft remains of insects, as well as the hard parts of tolerably entire small coleoptera. Its flight is rapid; and it has the same capability of turning abruptly which charac- terizes the entire genus. While flying, either after insects, or two playing together, they keep constantly uttering a very soft and peculiar note, which, though by no means loud, is nevertheless audible at a considerable distance, and serves immediately to detect this species among the crowds of swallows which fill the air during the cool parts of the day. It is most difficult to describe its note, but it may be likened to the word ( elm,' pronounced in a soprano- guttural and half-whistling manner. I may remark, that I have never seen this bird except while on the wing, and that it often takes long flights in a circular direction, so that by waiting when it is first seen, a person is pretty certain to have a shot at it as it circles round and round in the same line ; the circles which it forms including perhaps upwards of a square mile.” (39) — “ Shot at Cape Coast Castle, 9th July. It was flying over on an open piece of meadow, covered with grass and reeds, in the vicinity of the salt lake. The species does not appear common in this vicinity.” This is Hirundo ( cecropis ) melanocrissus , Rupp. It was found by Ruppell during summer ( J uly to October) upon the table lands of Dembea, and in the valleys of Sennaar. They had their nests upon the precipices, and in their habits agreed with the European H. rustica. The young birds have a delicate brown streak along the shafts of the breast feathers.— -Rupp. Vdg. N. 0. Afrika. ■ — A Hock was seen on tue ground, but they rose before I could get within gunshot ; a couple ep ymg about, apparently in pursuit of insects, when the speci- men v as s lot Two have a nest in the walls of the castle, but he speeies does not appear frequent in this vicinity.” i 1S !r • ( cecropis J s trio lata, Rupp. — Ruppell states, that . S . a ' V *" a ] 0W abundant in the meadows of the Abyssinian ^ ^ and G ° ndal ' in COLLECTED ON THE COAST OF WESTERN AFRICA. — - (53) — “ Shot 12th August. They abound on this part of the coast.” This is Cypselus ambrosaicus, Temm. C. parvus , Lichten. (35) — “ g shot in Cape Coast Castle, 5th July. This is the most common of the swallows of this part of the coast, the recesses of the ramparts being crowded with their nests, and during the cool of the mornings and evenings, myriads of them soar in the air in pursuit of insects, at one time so high as to be out of gunshot, and on another occasion so low as almost to touch the ground. There was one remarkable peculiarity ob- servable in this species, in the enormously developed sublingual glands, they being so large as completely to fill up the space between the rami of the lower mandible. They had a minutely granulated appearance, as if a quantity of millet seed were adhered together. The layer of subcutaneous fat was enormously developed, reminding one of the Gull genus in this respect, for the same liquid adipose tissue soiled the feathers very considerably notwithstanding the greatest care in skinning it.” This is Cypselus affinis . — The occurrence of this bird on the west coast of Africa is exceedingly remarkable, if we are correct in its identity with the species of India. We have compared Dr. Gordon’s specimen with a series from various parts of India, and cannot satisfy ourselves as to any distinction either in colour or size; and being so abundant, as described in the above notes, prevents our considering it as a temporary or stray visitant. In India, 0. affinis is a common though sometimes local species ; and according to Blyth, is resident throughout the year. It builds, according to Jerdon, in large pagodas, large old choultries, and other similar buildings ; the nests are often thickly crowded together. Captain Tickell remarks, the salivary glands furnish a supply of glutinous substance, used in cementing the materials of the nest* “ Scotornis climaturus, Sw. — (62) — Shot at Cape Coast Castle, 20th September. This beautiful species appeared just to have returned to this part of the country after its migration, which * Blyth, Plan of an Indian Ornithology, Cypselidm, p. 5. NOTES ON THE HABITS OF SOME BIRDS, took place after the commencement of the rainy season ; when shot, its gizzard contained the remains of apparently large insects, and one very entire part of a beetle. One of the most characteristic marks of the bird, is the elegant white gorget on the breast ; the rami of which, commencing at the angle of the lower jaw, become gradually broader and join in the centre, at which part it projects to a point anteriorly, so as, at first sight, to appear almost as a tri- angular spot. The nostrils project in a very peculiar manner, appearing like small tubercules on the bill.” “ Halcyon cyanotis — (26 . 50) — Both shot at Cape Coast Castle in June and July. The latter at a salt pond. In this speci- men there was a small spot of white, immediately behind the auriculars, at the point where the rufous collar commences to extend from the sides. When shot, it was perched on a small low bush ; and like the other members of the family, it did not appear timid. The stomach contained the remains of small fish. “ Ispida bicincta — (51) — A male, shot on the salt pond, Cape Coast Castle, July 19. It was first seen playing with two or three others over the water ; after a short time they separated, and this one dived, apparently after its prey, and was shot as it rose. I may remark, that I have also seen the Halcyon cyanotis dive in this way. It always makes its dart from the branch of some of the small bushes which grow close to the water, and then returns to the place where it had previously been perched, there to await the approach of the minute fish upon which it feeds.” JS ectarinia splendida — (61) — This bird was presented to me m a fresh state by a native. Its food was found to consist of ants and other small insects, which these birds no doubt find in the flowers, e nectar of which they have so long been thought only to sip.” . (16.59) — shot 11th June, 184 ? ^ )Cr i C . 1 ^ UI30n a * ow k lls k in one of the open spaces betwei the low Ms that abound in the vicinity of Cape Coast Cast! dious anil h "tv i" 1 t ' 16 aCt s ”' g ' n = ; its note was most mel sters than t ’ T m ° re a PP roac hing those of our English son; sterstfmn any tlnng I hare hitherto heard on the coast It is COLLECTED ON THE COAST OF WESTERN AFRICA. be remarked, however, that this bird had not a prolonged song like those of Britain, but it consisted of a few soft apd melodious notes, which it keeps repeating over and over, sometimes for a consider- able period together. This is the first specimen of the bird that I have seen, being very shy ; hut about sunset, its note may be heard among the jungle in every direction, as we walk along the narrow paths in the vicinity. In the fresh state, the iris was of a bright orange colour ; the feet and bill leaden blue — with the exception of the upper mandible, along the whole length of which a black stripe extended ; the front of the head is chesnut-brown ; between the eye and nostril, on each side, is a triangular spot of white, the base of which is posteriorly, the apex directed forward ; the auri- cular feathers are somewhat bristly — the centre rib being white, the rest light rufous ; from the gape, a narrow white (pale) stripe extends backwards to behind the ear ; a blackish streak runs along the inferior edge of the lower jaw ; the chin white. All these various colours become imperceptibly blended posteriorly with the greyish-brown, various shades of which pervade the plumage of this very modestly coloured bird. The feathers of the rump are pro- longed to a remarkable degree, and having been erected to some extent when the bird was shot, gave it a very peculiar appearance. The gizzard contained remains of insects, and a large spider in a tolerably entire state. The Fantee name is “ Apetapru.” The bird above described appears to be the Drymoica mentalis , Frazer, procured at Accra, and described in the proceedings of the Zoological Society for 1843. That description appears to have been taken from an imperfect specimen, the dimensions not being fully given, so that Dr. Gordon’s account of its habits, and the accom- panying figure, in our “ Illustrations,” may not be unacceptable to Ornithologists. “ Budytes — (71) — Shot at Cape Coast, 6th November. The wagtails, which were seen in considerable numbers in this vicinity during the dry season, disappeared on the setting in of the rains, and did not return until early this month, when after some rain had fallen, a few of these birds were observed about the roads, and often in pairs.” This is either the B. flava or flaveola , but from the immature state of the specimens, it is difficult to determine. 7 NOTES ON THE HABITS OF SOME BIRDS, “ Petrocincla albicapilla — (2) — Had the stomach filled with sand and the remains of fruits.” “ Platysteira lobata — (45) — Specimen mutilated ?. but corres- ponding with Birds of Western Africa. The wattles in the fresh specimen are bright red (scarlet.)” bush, in a field of ground nuts, near Cape Coast Castle. This shrike is exceedingly uncommon in this vicinity, having only seen two or three specimens. They are so shy as to render it almost impossible to approach within gunshot. The markings of the bird give it a very elegant appearance when flying ; the white on the scapulars, and on the proximal half of the primary quills and rump, elegantly contrasting with the clear black of the fore-part of the back, neck, and head.” The nearest description we can find of this species is that of Collurio (Lanius) smithii , of Fraser (Proceed. Zool. Soc. for 1843, p. 16), which agrees with it exactly in characters and size, except that no mention is made of the white rump conspicuous in our specimen. Mr. Fraser’s bird was also procured at Cape Coast. “ Malaconotm barbarus — (31) — Shot at Cape Coast Castle, 2d July, on a low shrub in a cultivated field. It is one of the handsomest birds found in this vicinity. It seldom leaves the dense us , and is rarely to be seen for more than an instant as it darts aci oss the narrow paths through it. It is very timid, flying into e ensest part of the forest on the approach of any person, and , G1 , a second time in the same place when once fe (30) — shot while perched on a tall (/5) Shot at Cape Coast Castle, is so remarkably wary in this vicinity, COLLECTED ON THE COAST OF WESTERN AFRICA. that it is almost impossible to get a shot at it. But at Accra, where they occur iu very great numbers, and are probably but little annoyed, they are tolerably tame. They are generally seen perched on a tall tree in the distance, or flying across the impenetrable jungle. The note, although resembling that of the English rook, is yet different, being a deeper hoarse scream.” “ Ploceus textor — (13) — Shot at Cape Coast Castle, 5th June, 1847, while perched on a bombax tree, from the boughs of which hung several scores of bottle nests. Irides of a bright orange red. A similar species, which is yery common in India during the grain season, is occasionally taught tricks by the natives, such as loading and firing a small cannon, &c. I have myself witnessed a most extraordinary arrangement in the nest of this bird ; on one side of the interior, a piece of clay may be seen adherent to the nest, into this the bird, during the season of incubation, places a glow-worm or fire-fly diming the night.” “ Euplectus ignicolor — (6 . 17) — Fantee name Akhim butukra. —Cape Coast Castle, 2d June, 1847. Have made their appearance since the commencement of the rainy season. Are seen in great abundance in this vicinity, in small flocks of males and females. Note, a short sharp chirp.” “ Euplectes flammiceps — (15) — Cape Coast Castle, 1st June, 1847. (Dr. Gordon criticises the figure in the 4 Birds of Western Africa,’ as scarcely doing justice to the elegant and graceful form of this bird.) They are very familiar, and hop from branch to branch, within a few yards of the person who visits their re- treats.” “ Spermophaga cyanorliynchus , Sw. — (69) — Shot 18th October. Birds of this species seem to have only lately made their appearance in this vicinity, that is, within the last few weeks, during which time the various species of ploceus , but especially the red and black- headed, have been gradually disappearing, and now there are but a few to be seen about the old Indian corn fields.” “ Crithagra chrysopogon $ — (29) — Shot 30th J une, at Cape o NOTES ON THE HABITS OF SOME BIRDS, Coast Castle ; and as it is the only specimen of the bird I hare hitherto met, I am inclined to consider it rare in this vicinity.” “ Pyrgita simplex — (12.36) — Cape Coast Castle, 7th July, 1847, very common. The only external character which appears to distinguish the male of this bird from the female, is, that upon the outer part of the lesser wing-covers of the former, there are two or three feathers tipped with white, so that when resting on the ground, a small white spot is apparent upon each shoulder. In the female there is no such spot. Sparrows would appear to be much less impertinent on this coast than they are proverbial for being in all other parts. They do occur in the streets, although not in any great abundance, nor do they allow the near approach of persons. It is in the lanes, about the outskirts of the town, that they are most frequent, and there they keep hopping on the road before whoever disturbs them ; but seldom allows one to approach nearer than a distance of twenty or twenty- five yards.” “ Vidua erythroryncha — (27 . 28) — ‘ Fetish bird’ of the Fantees. Shot 30th June, 1847, in a piece of ground covered with grasses, and interspersed with a few low shrubs, chiefly acacise, in the imme j diate vicinity of a salt water lake, situate a little to the westward of the c Castle.’ Both are males ; and these elegant little birds were seen, among a considerable flock of others, which appeared to be females, as they kept flying with a peculiar jumping flight, at one time after one and then after another. When about to perch, they hover for a few seconds over the tree or bush ; and being ex- ceedingly tame, allowed persons to approach very close. Their crops were filled with small seeds like millet.” “ Vidua chrysonotus — (7 . 18)— The bird appears rather rare in he vicinity of Cape Coast Castle ; its note is a sharp short chirp, hrom what I have seen of this bird, both flying and perched, I am not aware that it spreads out its tail in the form of a boat, or elevates it as Mr. Swainson suspects.” A “J*ac T y„ yWn^,-. ( 55)- T his is the first specimen of ae bird I have met with here, we may therefore consider it some- a ^uncommon. I had not an opportunity of hearing the note of COLLECTED ON THE COAST OF WESTERN AFRICA. this bird. It was shot while flying with a short jerking flight over an open plain, on which reeds and grasses grew thickly, to the height of about a foot and a half. Its gizzard was filled with remains of grasses, and insects, apparently beetles.” “ Corythaix senegalensis — (56) — Shot in the dense forest in the vicinity of Cape Coast Castle, September 9. This bird is very frequently seen on this part of the Gold Coast; hut being very wary, and seldom leaving the highest trees, it is extremely difficult to shoot. The note is a very hoarse kind of crow. “ The bill, in afresh state, is all of a pale orange colour ; the iris light chestnut. The arrangement of the feathers in front of the eye is peculiar, pointing upwards, covering the nostrils, and joining at the forehead, conceals about the proximal half of the upper man- dible. The nostrils are oval, large, and open, but covered by the feathers. “ This bird seems to approach very closely that which Swainson alludes to (p. 226) as described by Edwards, except that in this the crest is of a uniform grass green colour, wffiereas the one figured by Edwards is described as tipped with red. The white streak, which Mr. Swainson states as not existing in any of his specimens, is very distinct under the eye of mine, so is also the glossy black streak, or rather spot, which occupies the anterior and lower third of the orbit, and separates this white streak from the one which extends upwards and backwards to about a third the extent of the upper eyelid. The arrangement of the legs and feet are peculiar. The whole length of the posterior surface of the tarsus is rough, as if covered with small warty excrescences. The outer toe is ver- satile, as I have myself witnessed in a bird of this species, which was for some time kept in a cage. Although these birds are doubt- less exceedingly beautiful, I cannot agree with the description given by Le Vaillant: — When flying in the rays of a powerful sun, their various colours contrast beautifully, but their flight is rather clumsy than elegant ; and when perched on a tree, they always seem as if cowering from a person’s view.” “ Centropus senegalensis — (58) — Called by the F an tees ‘ Berak - ^Oo,’ and known among the residents on the gold coast as the ‘ Scotchman,’ probably on account of its being such a remarkably 11 NOTES ON THE HABITS OF SOME BIRDS, cautious bird ; always inhabiting the very thickest of the bush, so that it is very difficult to be got at. It is, without exception, the most offensive bird that I have ever met. It is infested with myriads of insects, in form and appearance precisely similar to the ticks found upon dogs — and having been left in my quarters for a night previous to being skinned, it rendered it so offensive, that it had to be regularly fumigated before the stench could be got rid of. Iris, crimson. “ Leptosomus ery thropterus, Sw. — (81) — This bird is usually seen sitting on the ground, and when disturbed, its flight is low and very heavy.” “ Vinago nudirostris — (38) — £, shot at Cape Coast Castle, 9th July. In its crop were a few soft berries. The only addition that I can make to the description of this bird, given in the ‘ Birds of Western Africa,’ is to state, that the colour of the feet, in the fresh specimen, is very light gilvous (sulphur colour) ; the his consists of two differently coloured rings — the inner of a yellow or saffron colour, the outer beautifully pink, both of the same breadth ; the basal half of the bill is very bright red, and the feathers arise from its base in such an abrupt manner, that they appear as if some of the smaller ones had been rubbed off. The most minute examination of the bird, when first shot, however, did not detect any remains oi such an accident. This bird does not appear common, at least at this season.” Turtur semitorquatus — (46) —Shot, Cape Coast Castle, 10th July. Was sitting with a large flock in a newly cultivated field. The crop, full of grain and berries ; bill, black ; the orbits naked, of a dull red ; the feet dull red. The specimen differs, in many respects, from Swainson’s descrip ti°n of T - semitorquatus, although in the greater number of char acters they are precisely similar. In this, the front, instead o “ vmaceous,” is very light grey ; the chin is whitish— but the vina ceous, on the under parts, extends to the belly, and blends withth °f« a “ d Under tail “ f eathers ; the wing-covers are th « " T T) ' ^ th<3 ° Uter sca P ulars (but have no whit edges), with a slight violet gloss upon the shoulders; the “ out; COLLECTED ON THE COAST OF WESTERN AFRICA. toe” longer than the “inner;” the basal, two-thirds instead of “half” of the four outside pairs of tail-feathers deep black; the tips white, the two central are entirely of the same drab-brown as the greater part of the back ; the bill is “ black,” but the feet “ dull red;” the orbits are “naked,” and, like the feet, of a dull red colour ; on the outer edge of the primaries a very narrow line of white, gradually becoming narrower and less distinct, until it is lost in the secondaries. After all, this would appear to be the female of Swainson’s Turtur ery throphrys , as the marked difference in the relative length of the lateral toes distinguishes it entirely from the one just described ; yet, in other respects, there is such a marked resemblance, that the little differences would be easily accounted for by mere sexual peculiarities. The two would be best distin- guished by comparison. 13 A SYSTEMATIC INDEX TO A SERIES OF DESCRIPTIONS OF BIRDS, PUBLISHED BY C, J, TEMMINCK, IN HIS “CATALOGUE SYSTEMATIQUE DU CABINET D’ORNITHOLOGIE, ETC.,” OF THE YEAR 1807. Catalogue Systematique du Cabinet d’Ornithologie, et de la Collection de Quadrumanes, de C. J. Temminck, 8vo. Amsterdam, 1807 , is the original title to the above little tract, which is very rare— and the only copy of it which I have ever seen belongs to Dr. Lichtenstein, at Berlin. Many of the descriptions of new species, which it contains, are long prior in point of date to those given by later authors ; but as M. Temminck followed the defec- tive practice of the Buffonian school, in only giving vernacular names to the species, the priority of their systematic designations belongs to others. The descriptions, however, are valuable from their accuracy ; and we are now indebted to Dr. Hartlaub of Bremen, for the following “ Concordance ,” in which this early work of the venerable Temminck is adapted to the present state of science. Dr. Hartlaub states, that many of Vieillot’s descriptions were either copied from this pamphlet, or founded on an examination of the same specimens ; and that most of the South African birds, in the collection, had been brought home by Le \ aillant, — H. E. Striclcland. l A SYSTEMATIC INDEX 1 . 2 . 3. 4. 5. 6 . 7. 8 . 9 . 10 . 11 . 12 . 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20 . 21 . 22 . 23. 24. 25. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30. 31. 32. 33. 34. 35. 36. 37. 38. 39. 40. NAMES GIVEN BY TEMMINCK. Le petit Vautour noir a caleson blanc, p. 199. Am£r. ... Le Faucon gris raye, p. 199. Guiana Le Rollier a calotte aigue marin, p. 200. Otaheite Le Carouge gorge rousse, p. 200. Am6r. merid Le Cassique cuivre, $ $, p. 200. Louisiana Le Troupiale masque noir, $ p. 201. Pays de Namaquoi Le Cassique violet a fraise, p. 201. Am£r. sept Le Loriot bicolor, p. 202. S6n6gal Le Loriot grivele, p. 202. Java Le Loriot masque noir, p. 203, $ £. Afrique mdrid. Le petit Mainate verd a capuchon noir, p. 204. Nouvelle Hollande Le Mainate verd a gorge et ventre tachetds, p. 204, $ $. Nouv. Hollande Le Martin a joues rouges, p. 201. Bengale Grand Couroucou a ventre blanc, p. 205. Surinam Petit Couroucou a ventre rouge, p. 206. Guiana Le Couroucou narina, p. 201. Afrique mdrid Le Coucou gris bronze, p. 207. C6te d’Angole Le Coucou roux a bee rouge, p. 208. Java Le Coucal geant, ib. Nouvelle Zdlande Le Malcoha rouverdin, p. 209. Ceylan Le tres petit Coucou dor6, p. 210, $. Java Le Coucou a queue frangde, p. 210. Nouvelle Hollande ... Le Pic a ventre ensanglantd, p. 210. La Trinitd Le Pic brun raj6 de noir, p. 210. lies de l’Oc^an Indien Le Pic tachetd a dos rouge, p. 211. Java Le Pic barbaresque, p. 211. Barbarie Le petit Pic rougeatre, p. 212. Ceylan Le petit Pic a baguettes d’or, p. 212. Afrique Le Pic a moustaches noires, p. 213. Pays des Caffres ... Le petit Martin-pdcheur aigue marin, p. 213. Java Le Martin-chasseur, p. 214. Pays des Caffres ... Le Martin-pdeheur a ventre sabld, p. 215. Cdte d’Angole Le Martin-pdcheur a plastron, p. 215. Antique Le petit Guepier a hausse-col noir, p. 216. Senegal Le Promefil, p. 216. Nouvelle Guin^e Le Promerops namaquoi, p. 217 Le Souimanga a bee droit, p. 218. Pays des Caffres Le Souimanga violet & ventre jaune, p. 218. Desert de Zahara Le Souimanga ventre aurore, p. 218. lies de l’Ocdan Pacif. Le Souimanga jacinthe, p. 219. lies de l’Ocdan Pacif. ... 42' T ! ® , T- ga a - flanCS 60UCi ’ p - 219 - Pa 7 s des gr- Namaquois 42. Le Htaotaro gns-graculd, p . 220. Nouvelle zllande .. 43. Le Hdorotaire veloutd, p. 220. Nouvelle Galle mdrid. ... TO TEMMINCK’S DESCRIPTIONS OF BIRDS. MODERN SCIENTIFIC NAMES. 1. Ibider aquilinus, (Gm.) I. leucogaster, Vieill. 2. Asturina nitida , (Lath.) Asturina cinerea, Vieill. 3. Coracias temminchii, Vieill. 4. Agelaius frontalis, Vieill. 5. Quiscalus versicolor, Vieill. 6. Ploceus velatus, Vieill. Encycl. p. 701. 7. Quiscalus major , Vieill. 8. Oriolus bicolor, Temm. 9. Oriolus chinensis, Gm. av. jun. 10. Oriolus larvatus, Licht. 11. Sphecotheres viridis, Vieill. 12. Ptilonorliynchus smithii, Vig. 13. Pastor temporalis, Temm. 14. Trogon leverianus, Vieill. Enc. 1360. T. albiventer, Voigt. 15. Trogon collaris, Vieill. 16. Trogon narina, Temm. 17. Zmclostorms asratus (Vieill.) Enc. 1333. Z. flavirostris, Swains. 18. Za/nclostomwi melanogaster, Vieill. Ib. 1337. Melias eorallirhynchns, Less. 19. Centropus giganteus, Vieill. 20. Phoenicophaus viridis , V. P. melanognathus, Horsf. 21. Ohalcites plagosus, Lath. ay. jun. 22. Cuculus prionurus, Illig. Licht. Douhl. Catal. 23. Picus rubidicollis, Vieill. 24. Picus brachyums, Vieill. Wagl. spec. 71. 25. Picus erythronotos, Vieill. Enc. p. 1306. P. neglectus, V a g • 27. 28. 29. 30. 31. 32. 33. 34. 35. 36. 37. 38. 39. 40. But not the miniatus of Wagler. Quid? Picus rubescens, Vieill. Enc. 1317. Picus fulviscapus, 111. P. fuscescens, Vieill. Picus biarmicus, Cuv. P. mystaceus, Vieill. Alcedo beryllina, Vieill. A. biru, Horsf. Halcyon fuscicapilla, Lafresn. Mag. de Zool. Halcyon cyanoleuca, Vieill. Enc. p. 395. Ceryle amazona, (Lath.) A rubescens, Vieill.^ Merops erythropterns, Lath. M. minutus, l ieill. Ptiloris magnificus, (Vieill.) Promerops cyanovnelas, Vieill. Nectarinia elegcms , Vieill. Anthreptes javanica, (Horsf.) Nectarinia subjlava, Vieill. Enc. 598. . , v - .,i Nectarinia cuprea, Shaw. Cinnyris nibarus, Vieill. and C. tricolor, t lull. Enc. 597, 598. Nectarinia fnsca, Vieill. Vaill. Afr. pi. 296. 42. Manorhina melanocephalct , (Lath.) 43. Manorhina viridis, Vieill. M. melanophrys, Lath. A SYSTEMATIC INDEX NAMES GIVEN BY TEMMINCK. 44, 45 46 47. 48. 49. 50. 51. 52. 53. 54. 55. 56. 57. 58. 59. 60. 61. 62. 63. 64. 65. 66 . 67. 68 . 69. 70. 71. 72. 73. 74. 75. 76. 77. 78. 79. 80. 81. 82. 83. 84. 85. 86 . 87. Le H^orotaire albicapil, p. 221. Nouvelle Hollande L’Oiseau-mouche verd de mer, p. 221. Am&r Le Merle guttural, p. 222. Nouvelle Zelande $ 2 Le Merle grimpeur, $ 5, p. 223. Nouvelle Galle m£rid. ... Le Merle a croissants, p. 224. Nouvelle Zelande Le grand Fourmilier ray6, p. 224. Guiane Le Fourmilier acutipenne, p. 225. Guiane Le Fourmilier gris-noir, p. 225, $. Amerique Le Fourmilier a calotte noir, p. 225. Guiane Le Fourmilier sourci-blanc, p. 226. Guiane Le tres petit Fourmilier grivele, p. 226. Guiane Le Cotinga flarou, p. 226. Guiane Le Cotinga a flancs violets, p. 227. P4rou Le Coliou joue-nue, p. 227. Pays des Caffres Le Coliou a gorge noire, p. 228. Malimbe Le Gros-bec mangeur de riz ou le Padda gris, p. 228. Isle de France Le Gros-bec a ventre perle, p. 229. C6te d’Angole Le Gros-bec col coupd, p. 228. Pays des Caffres Le Cardinalin, p. 229. S&n$gal Le petit Gros-bec a couronne et plastron couleur de feu, p. 229. Le,\erdier a ventre jaune, p. 230. Afrique m^rid Le BouvTeuil gris, p, 232. Cap de bonne Esp^rance L’Angroyan gris, p. 232. Nouvelle Galle mdrid. L’Angroyan longibande, p. 232. Bes de l’Ocean Austral Le Republicain namaquois, p. 233 Le Republican! a ventre et gorge jaunes, p. 234. Angole Le Pvepublicain a capucbon ecarlate, p. 234. Congo Le Bruant a collier, p. 235. Java ... .. L’ArchevSque a epaulettes bleues, p. 235. P^rou Le Tangara negrin, £ p . 236. Guiane Le Tangara bleu a ventre jaune, p. 236. Amerique Le Tangara isabelle, $ p . 237. Guiana Le Capi h croupion rouge, p. 237. Pays des Caffres Le Capi a fraise jaune, p. 238. lies de l’Ocean Pacif. T f Uipi a gorge et sourcils oranges, S 2, P- 238. La Trinite T p r^ Sa i n T { e P aiile ttes blanches, p. 239. Senegal T ’F b e '^° U< * e k sou rcils blancs, p. 240. lies de l’Ocean Austral LEchemlleur long-bec, p. 240. Bengale Le Gont mOUC ^ bi °° l0r ’ P ‘ 24L NoUTelle GaUe merid. ... rsx 241 - - L’Alouette strife, p. 242. Nouvelle GaUe m'drid." L Sf griS ; bin ’ I" 2 «' He de France 3 ® cercIe -en-queue, p. 243. Guiane TO TEMMINCK’S DESCRIPTIONS OF BIRDS. MODERN SCIENTIFIC NAMES. 41. Melithreptus lunulatus, Sh. M. albicapillus, V. Enc. 606. 45. Tro chilus albiventris, Less. ? 46. Cinclosoma punctatum, (Lath.) 47. Orthonyx spinicauda, Temm. 48. Myrmeciza domicella, (Licht.) 49. Incomplete description ? 50. Tinactor caudacutus , (Vieill.) T. fuscus, Wied. 51. Formicivora atricapilla , Vieill. Enc. 683. 52. Thamnophilus cnstatus, Pr. Wied.? 53. Formicivora leucophrys , Vieill. M. superciliaris, Licht. 54. Formicivora melanoleuca, Vieill. Enc. 683. 55. Lipangus hypopyrrhus, (Vieill.) Enc. 761. Muscicapa sibilatrix, Pr. Wied. 56. Iodopleura fusca , (Vieill.) Enc. 761. I. laplacei, Eyd. G. 57. Colius guiriva,. Le Vaill. C. erythromelon, Vieill. 58. Colius nigricollis, Vieill. Enc. 865. 59. Spermophaga oryzivora, (Gm.) Pale variety. 60. Spermophaga guttata , Vieill. Enc. 1007. 61. Amadina fasciata, (Gm.) 62. Euplectes ignicolor , Vieill. 63. Fringilla aurea, Vieill. Enc. 962. (Quid?) 64. Sycohius gregalis, (Licht.). Ploceus bicolor, Vieill. Enc. 698- 65. Quid? 66. Artamus cinereus, Vieill. 67. Artamus albovittatus Cuv. A. lineatus, Vieill. 68. Philetcerus socius, (Lath.) P. lepidus, Sm. 69. Ploceus jonquillaceus, Vieill. Enc. 700. 70. Sycohius rubricollis, Sw. S. cristatus, Vieill. $ <1. Euplectes melanogaster, (Lath.)? 72. Tanagra cyanoptera, Vieill. T. cana, Swains. 73. Tachyphonus niger, Vieill. Enc. 794. 74. Pyranga cyanictera , Vieill. Enc. 798. 75. Quid? /6. Fringilla erythronotos, Vieill. Enc. 979. H. Fringilla ornata, Vieill. Enc. 979. *8. Spermophila olivacea, (auct.) Emberiza, Lath. /9. Quid? Vieill. Ois. chant, pi. 38. 80. Rhipidurci tricolor , (Vieill.) Enc. 822. R. motacilloides, Vig. H. ? 81. Oreocincla varia, (Pall.) Blyth, Ann. and Mag. 75, p. 98. 82. Campephaga humeralis , Gould. 83. Monarcha carinata , Temm. Muse, melanopsis, Vieill. Enc. 826. 84. Tyr annulus elatus, Vieill. 85. Quid? 86. Zosterops (?) borbonicus , (auct.) Enc. 460. 87. Myrmothera surinamensis, (Lath.) Gen. Hist. iv. pi. 62. A SYSTEMATIC INDEX NAMES GIVEN BY TEMMINCK. 88. Le Figuier lancifer, p. 244. Nouvelle Galle m^rid. ... 89. 90. 91. 92. 93. 94. 95. 96. 97. 98. 99. 100 . 101 . 102 . 103. 104. 105. 106. 107. 108. 109. 110 . 111 . 112 . 113. 114. 115. 116. 117. 118. 119. 120 . 121 . 122 . 123. Le Manakin cotimanac, p. 245. Guiane L’Hirondelle verte, p. 245. lies Sandwich Le moyen Engoulevent griveld, p. 246. Guiane L’Engoulevent pygme, p. 247. Guiane Le Rainier bleu a nuque ecaillee, p. 248. La Trinite ... Le Ramier £clatant, p. 248. lies des Am is Le Pigeon a eeinturon noir, p. 249. lies de l’Ocean Indien Le Rainier rameron, p. 249. Pays dAuteniquoi Le Pigeon a front nu, p. 250. Cote d’Angole La Tourterelle velout^e, p. 251. Res Sandwich La Tourterelle a calotte violette, p. 252. lies Sandwich ... Le Pigeon cuivreux, p. 252. Tonga Tabu La Tourterelle verte a plastron rouge, p. 253. Java La Tourterelle si ventre blanc, p. 253. Pays d’Auteniquoi La Tourterelle pourpr^e, p. 254. Pays d’Auteniquoi Le Pigeon ramier ardoise, p. 254. Otaheite Le Heron bullaragang, p. 255. Nouvelle Hollande Le petit Blonjios manteau noir, p. 255. Caienne Le Crabier noir a cou tachetd, p. 256. Le Courlis gris a ailes cuivrdes, p. 257. Le Courlis, p. 258. Sdndgal Le Maubeche a poitrine rousse, p. 259. Le Vanneau nain, p. 259. Nouvelle Galle mdrid. Le grand Vanneau arnid a lambeaux rouges, p. 260. Le Vanneau echassier, p. 261. Egypte Le Pluvier a poitrine rousse, p. 262. Pays d’Auteniquoi Le petit Pluvier k double collier, p. 263. Pays des Namaquois Le Coure-vite a double collier, p. 263. Pays des Namaquois... Le Rale d’eau k gorge blanche, p. 264. Cap de bonne Espdrance Le Rale deau de St. Dominique, p. 264 Le grand Jacana verd a crSte, p. 265. Ceylan!.. .!. La Poule d’eau noirette, p. 266. Cote d’Angole La Marouette piquets, £ $, p. 266. Pays d’Auteniquoi Le Castagneux a cou roux, p. 267. Pays d’Auteniquoi L Anhinga a cou isabeRe, p. 268. Pays d’Auteniquoi Bengale Pays d’Auteniquoi Guiane. . . Temate 4 TO TEMMINCK’S DESCRIPTIONS OF BIRDS. MODERN SCIENTIFIC NAMES. 88. Chthonicola minima , Vig. H. (Gould.) Sylvia nitida, Vieill. Enc. 454 , and S. pyrrhophrys. Y. ib. 464. 89. Pachyrhynchus splendidus, Pr. Wied. P . Spixii, Swains. 90. Procnias ventralis, Ulig. $. 91. Caprimulgus leucopterus. Pr. Wied, Beitr. iii. p. 311. 92. Quid? 93. Columba lamprauchen , Wagl. spec. 46. 94. Caipophaga spadicea, (Latb.) Wagl. spec. 12. 95. Ptilonopus ’cinctus, (Temm.) Wagl. spec. 19. 96. Columba arquatrix, Temm. Wagl. spec. 50. 97. Treron calva, (Temm.) Wagl. spec. 3. 98. Ptilonopus holosericeus, (Temm.) Wagl. spec. 25. 99. Ptilinopus mperbus , Temm. Wagl. spec. 32. 100. Carpophaga cnstata, (Temm.) Wagl. spec. 14. 101. Ptilonopus jambu, (Gm.) Wagl. spec. 28. 102. Peristera tympanistria, (Temm.) Wagl. spec. 102. 103. Peristera larvata , (Temm.) Wagl. spec. 67. 104. Phaps picata, (Latb.) Col. armillaris, Temm. Wagl, spec. 42. 105. Ardea pacifica, Lath. Wagl. spec. 5. 106. Ardetta exilis, (auct.) Wagl. spec. 43. [Very small specimen.] 107. Ardetta nigra , (Vieill.) Enc. 1118. 108. Ibis hagedasch, (Sparrm.) 109. Schoeniclus mbarquatus, (Gm.) 110. Tringa canutus, L. ptilos. aestiv. Pr. Wied, Beitr. iv. p. 735. 111. Erythrogonys cinctus , Gould. 112. Lobivanellus gallinaceus, Temm. 113. Vanellus lencurus, Licbt. Eversm. Both., p. 137- V. grallarius, Less. 114. Cha/radrius pecuarius, Temm. PI. col. 183. 115. Charadrius tricollaris, Vieill. C. bitorquatus, Licbt. 116. Cursorius africanus , Temm. Catal. Syst. p. 175. C. bicinctus, Temm. 117. Rallus fuscescens, Vieill. Enc. 1065. 118. Ortygometra olivacea, (Vieill.) Enc. 1068. Crex gularis, Jard. 119. Parra indica, Latb. P. aenea, Ciiv. 120. Ortygometra nigra , (Gm.) G. flavirostra, Sw. 121. Ortygometra rufa, Vieill. Enc. 1070. Crex ruficollis, J. E. Gray. 122. Podiceps minor, Lath. 123. Plotus levaillanti, Temm. Catal. System, p. 196. Dr. G. Hartlaub. i UNPUBLISHED CORRESPONDENCE OE LINNAEUS. All the unpublished letters of Linnaeus must possess great interest . One of the following letters is in the possession of Mr. Gould, and the second, with two others, were procured by him for our inspec- tion, and with permission to publish if we deemed them sufficiently interesting. Both the following letters are written to the Rev. John White, brother to White of Selborne, and the last is addressed to him at Gibraltar, at the period when he meditated his Fauna Calpensis. Allusion is made to this work in the two other let- ters, which will be given in an early number, but so far as we have been able to discover, we cannot find that this work was ever published, neither can we trace the MSS. Dr. White must have been some time in correspondence with Linnaeus, as he is mentioned as about to write to him, in a letter from Dr. Solander to Mr. Ellis in 1762. The present letters bear a date ten years later, or about the time when the correspondence of Linnaeus was at its fullest, and embraced that of nearly every naturalist in the world. To the ornithologist these letters are interesting, as pointing out that the authority for Hirundo ( cypselus ) melba , in the 12th edition of the Sy sterna, 1766, was probably taken from Edwards, and that the species was first seen at the date of this letter ; while the H. rupestris does not occur in the 12th edition at all, and was probably only referred to from some question put by Mr. White. In the 12th edition, the Pratincole is placed with the swallows, and the remarks will be read with interest. Linnaeus bad apparently not seen this form in 1772. Motacilla tithys is omitted in the 12th edition as a species, though noticed as p. under the Phcenicurus . 27 UNPUBLISHED CORRESPONDENCE OF LINNjEUS. YIRO REYERENDISSIMO D»? JOHANN WHITE. S. pi. D. -Car. Linne. Literas tuas V. R. die 30 Junii ante octiduum plane consternatus aperui, dum tuq. cui nunquam mihi fortuna innotescere concessit, mihi offers tuam gratiam, tuas divitias naturalium rerum. Mihi verba deficiunt explicandi affatum meum sincerum in drum tanto virtutis robore. Gratulor scientise, quam ambo in deliciis habemus, quod qui fata rerum gubernat te excitaverit in admira- tionem mundani operis Artificis. Nullum ego novi, in regione quam inbabitas, cui Deus antea concessit apertos oculos in regione intueri naturalia ubi concurrunt Hispanicse, Lusitanicse, Barbaric Plantse, Insecta, Aves, reliqua Animalia ; ad Fretum penetrabunt Pisces omnes qui ex oceano in M. Mediterraneum ire efc redire debent. Tu profecto, si in Europa ullus, videbis plurima Crea- toris miracula. Piscium nominatorum nullum majori desiderio examinarem, quam Lepadogastrum, cujus ideam nequeo mihi a Grouani opere rite fonnare, ut cert us evadam, utrum novum formet genus, necne. Hodie accipio lagenulam a te generosissime mihi oblatam, in qua reperio rarissima tua Insecta. Spheoo ista cum maculis 4 dorsalibus abdominis, a me nunquam antea visa fuit. Addidisti et ejus varietates cum capite yariegato, cum antennis luteis, cum maculis dorsalibus tantum Duobis. Sphex altera non minus rara et admodum singularis alls (Iaci- nmtis v. erosis ?) ferrugineis apice nigris ; neq. ilia a me visa fuit. Mutilla an apud vos frequens ? bic rarissima, anne innotuerit ejus ceconomia? babeo jam earn alatam. Chrysis species varias vidi. Sed quid in his sit sexus differentia, non potui adhuc addiscere. . ‘ ^ U} 1 it us ad me antea tantum e I) orb aria missus fuit. me jaisito de sexu, alia mea individua habent antennas magnas ensitormes; alia antennas minutas sctaceas. Qiueso inquiras in tuis Grylhs turritis nnm uterq. sexus habeat similes antennas. anus iste ibi ma muscee itidem mihi novus et rarissimus fuit. UNPUBLISHED CORRESPONDENCE OF LINNAEUS. Panorpa coa, cum yobis vulgatissima, omnium in yotis esset ejus metamorphosin habere notissimam. Gryllus turritus habet caput accuminatum, sed os versus terram adeoq. nutans dici potest. Neq. Sphex fisipes , neq. clavipes erant in vitro ; quas inclusas scribis. Chrysis tua viridis ano cseruleo videtur nova species. Mutilla tua vix diversa est a mea. Lucanus tuus erat Lucanus parallelipepidus . Cancer lateribus 3 spinosis milii antea visus non fuit. Si unquam capere posses, et me donare velles Pratincola Trachelia, esset miki munus quod cum Lepadogastro pree reliquis maxime delectarer. Tracbeliam aliquis miki dixit debere amandari ad kirundines ; sed maxime dubito adhuc de veritate. Pennant a te dives factus fuit raris naturae Cimeliis. Utinam possem aliquid tibi prestare pro tanto dono ; anxius ero. Upsalice, 177 2, d. 20 Januarii. This letter is addressed — To the Rev* M? John White, To the care of Mr. White, Bookseller in Fleet Street, London. Franco Amsterdam. 29 UNPUBLISHED CORRESPONDENCE OF LINNAEUS. VIRO REVERENDISSIMO D N . 35 >°° 0 on his shelves, which formed his chief a rticle ot trade.- II. p. 23, S chomburglc and Taylor's Translation. ORNITHOLOGY OF QUITO. only 37, dependent upon the climate, and its influence on insect and vegetable life. Of these 37 species, notwithstanding the great distance, 8 are still met with, which are at the same time common to the 15° of latitude, and to the mountain ranges, exceeding 11,000 feet in elevation — leaving to this zone of latitude only 29 as properly belonging to it. Observing the distribution according to elevation, D’Orbigny found, in the first zone, the pntire number of species only 83, of which 51 descend to the plains, leaving only 32 peculiar or proper to the mountains of this zone, or the warm region, which is ex- tremely few when compared with the number (189) proper to the ^Equatorial plains. In the second zone of elevation, 60 species were observed, a number comparatively with the first zone of elevation as of three- fourths, and with the second zone of latitude which corresponds with it of one-twelfth. These comparisons show, that if there is a small relative proportion between the gradual diminution of the numbers incidental to the two first zones of latitude and elevation, there is a very large one between the numbers in the zone of lati- tude which corresponds with it. In this zone there are 31 species proper to the mountains. The third zone of elevation presents only 22 species, being, in comparison with the third zone of latitude which corresponds with it, of only four-sixteenths. Of the 22 species, 8 are also found between the 34° and 45° of south latitude ; whence it results, that there are only 14 species peculiar to these very elevated mountain ranges. These observations relate to the eastern aspect or exposure of the Andes, for on the opposite or western aspect, the discrepancy in numbers is very great. This is caused by the mountains on the one side being clothed with impenetrable forests, where fruitful rains encourage an active and luxuriant vegetation, and where their plains are covered with wood, interspersed with the variation of clumps and open glades, water, and marshy grounds. The west- ern slopes, on the contrary, scarcely exhibit a stunted brushwood, or groups of Cactus springing up from among the dry and parched rocks, where it seldom rains, and where the torrents are supplied by the perpetual snows of the elevated peaks. On the eastern slope, then, of the Andes, 374 species exist, while on the western 43 ORNITHOLOGY OF QUITO. 48 only were met with, and 25 species being common to both aspects, it follows, that on the eastern, 252 only are peculiar- 20 only to the western slope. D’Orbigny has thrown these observations into a table, which both exhibits his views of the classification of the “ Passeraux,” as well as the numbers of species and distribution of genera according to latitude and elevation. The preceding summary, with a copy of this table on the opposite page, we consider may be interesting, when commencing observations on the ornithology of a region, situate in continuation with that to which his remarks refer; and we only regret, that his observations, on distribution and migra- tion, run to such a length as would much exceed our limits. We may, however, have again to recur to them. The species which we have received in this small collection are— Cotinga arcuata , De Lafresn. — “ From the forest on the western side of Pichincha ; inhabits the cold region.” Tcenioptera alpina , Jard. — “ This species occurs on the highest ridge of the Andes, rarely descending below the snow.” — (See Plate and Description.) Phrygilus unicolor , De Lafresn. — “ On the elevated pastures of the Andes, 13,000 to 14,000 feet.” — (See Plate and Descrip- Pichincha; frequenting sides of streams.” Diglossa cyanea , De Lafresn. — “ From the forest on the eastern side of Pichincha; in the cold region.” Trochilus ensiferus . — ££ Humming bird ; occurs on Pichincha, in the shrubby region, 11,000 to 12,000 feet above the sea level.” We would wish much to ascertain the habits of this most remark- ably formed species. The length of the bill equals that of tie whole bird, and must be suited to some noonW W,;i nr mode of tion.) Limnornis, From the lofty pastures of “" co “ l,,e Anaes i to 14,000 feet of elevation.” 44 COM PARA TIVE TA BLEof the Habitat in Latitude , and in Elevation above the Level of the Sea, on the Eastern and Western Slopes of the Andes , of the Passeres which we have observed in South America ; showing, at the same time, the Number of the Species of each Genus and of each Family, together with the Classification which a. Study of their habits obliged us to adopt. CLASSIFICATION OF PASSERES. NAMES of GENERA and SUB-GENERA. Limits of the Habitat of the Genera. East to West of Andes. Latitude South. Elevation in feet above the level of the sea to 15° of lat. south. Nnmber of Species of Genera. Number of Species of Families. I .re Famille. ( Laniadees. ( Il.e Famille. Myotherindes. J" Dumicoles . . (Humicoles . . ni.e Famille. f Rhinomydees. ( rv.- Famille. J • • Turdusinees. { Ara „ a °£,^ V.e Famille. Sylviadees. I Vl.e Famille. Tanagriddes. Sylvicoles Dumicoles [ Humicoles Sylvicoles Dumicoles Vll.e Famille. J Pipraddes. 1 YHI.e Faruille. ) Coracindes. j IX.e Famille. J Ampelidees. ^ X.e Famille. Muscicapiddes. ccG GCJ-i Sylvicoles Dumicoles Sc Humicoles . . I. re Famille. f Caprimulgiddes 1 II. e Famille. j Hirnndindes. 1 I .re Famille. ) Alaudinees. J { Dumicoles et Graminicoles Il.e Famille. Fringilliddes. (_ Sylvicoles IH.e Famille. 1 Corviddes. j IV.e Famille. j Sylvicoles . . Sturniddes. ) Graminicoles Laniagra . I Vireo . . . C Thamnophilus -l Formicivora. ( Myrmothcra j" Conopophaga 1 Myothera . Rhinomya . Pteroptochos Turdus . . . Orpheus . . Donacobius Sylvia . . . Hylophilus Dacnis . . . J Synallaxis . ( Troglodytes i Anthus . . . { Nemosia . . Tachyphonus Euphonia Tanagra . Pyrauga . r Ramphocelus Embernagra Saltator . . Phytotoma . Rupicola . . Pipra .... Cephalopterus Querula Ampelis Tersina . Psaris . Pachyrhynch Tyrannus . Ilirundinea Muscipeta . Muspicapa . Alecturus . Tachuris . . Culicivora . Guhernetes Fluvicola . Muscigralla Pepoaza . . Muscisaxicola N yctibius Caprimulgus Hirundo . . Cypselns . . Certhilauda Emberiza . Passerina . Fringilla . . Carduelis . Linaria. . , . Pitylus . . . Pyrrhula . . Garrulus . . I. re Famille. Certhiddes. II. e Famille. Sittaddes. } . . . . I Grimpenrs Dumicoles Cassicus . . Icterus . . , Stumella . , IH.e Famille. \ Uppucerthiddes j IV.e Famille. j Ccerdbiddes. 1 V.e Famille. J Trochiliddes. J | Dendrocolaptes S Xenops . . . ( Anabasitta Anabates . Anumbius . . Furnarius . Uppucertliia Coereba . . . Serrirostmm Trochilus Ornismya Prionites . Alcedo . . E. 11° to 28° 0 to 5,000 E. 11° to 2S° 0 to 5,000 E. 11° to 32° 0 to 7,000 E. 11° to 18° 0 to 6,000 E. 11° to 18° . E. 11° to 23° 0 to 5,000 E. 11° to 23° . , E. 41° to 45° , , , W. 33° to 53° . , , E. to W. 11° to 45° 0 to 11,000 E. to TV. 11° to 45° 0 to 11,000 E. 11° to 28° E. to W. 11° to 28° o’ to 5,000 E. 11° to 28° . . E. 11° to 23° 0 to 6,000 E. to W. 11° to 45° 0 to 11,000 E. to W. 11° to 45° 0 to 11,000 E. to W. 11° to 45° 0 to 11,000 E. 11° to 23° 0 to 5,000 E. 11° to 28° 0 to 5,000 E. 11° to 28° 0 to 5,000 E. to W. 11° to 34° 0 to 11,000 E. 11° to 28° 0 to 5,000 E. 11° to 23° 0 to 5,000 E. 11° to 43° 0 to 8,000 E. 11° to 34° 0 to 11,000 E. to W. 11° to 34° 5 to 11,000 E. 11° to 18° 0 to 5,000 E. 11° to 28° . E. 11° to — ° 0 to 5,000 E. 11° to 20° E. 11° to 28° o' to 5,000 E. 11° to 23° . . E. 11° to 23° E. 11° to 23° . , . E. 11° to 45° 0 to 8,000 E. 11° to 28° 0 to 8,000 E. to W. 11° to 34° 0 to 5,000 E. 11° to 34° 0 to 8,000 E. 11° to 34° E. to TV. 31° to 34° E. to W. 11° to 45° 0 to 11,000 E. 11° to 23° . . . E. 11° to 45° 0 to 11,000 W. 18° to — ° . E. to W. 11° to 45° 0 to 18,000 E. to W. 11° to 45° 0 to 18,000 E. 11° to 28° . . . E. 11° to 41° E. to W. 11° to 45° o’ to 18,000 E. to TV. 11° to 23° 0 to 18,000 E. to TV. 11° to 45° 0 to 18,000 E. to W. 11° to 34° 0 to 13,000 E. to W. 11° to 45° 0 to 18,000 E. 11° to 34° . . . E. 11° to 45° 0 to 11,000 E. 11° to 23° 0 to 11,000 E. 11° to 28° 0 to 9,000 E. to TV. 11° to 23° 0 to 5,000 E. 11° to 28° 0 to 5,000 E. 11° to 28° 0 to 5,000 E. to W. 11° to 45° 0 to 18,000 E. to TV. 11° to 45° . E. 11° to 28° 0 to 5,000 E. 11° to 28° 0 to 6,000 E. 11° to 28° 0 to 5,000 E. 11° to 45° . E. 11° to 45° 0 to 8,000 E. 11° to 34° 0 to 8,000 E. to TV. 11° to 45° 0 to 18,000 E. 11° to 28° 0 to 5,000 E. 11° to 21° 0 to 7,000 E. , to TV. 11° to 34° 0 to 11,000 E. 11° to 28° 0 to 11,000 E. 11° to 23° 0 to 5,000 E, , to TV. 11° to 34° 0 to 8,000 1 1 13 6 3 3 2 1 4 6 5 2 5 1 4 15 7 5 3 6 4 14 2 1 4 9 3 1 2 5 1 14 1 17 14 4 2 4 1 8 1 12 4 1 5 8 3 3 5 22 1 2 2 3 9 6 14 2 10 2 4 4 5 1 3 2 25 11 1 4 27 37 46 f 88 11 44 22 10 16 36 1 4 Total . . . 395 45 ORNITHOLOGY OF QUITO. ( Continued from page 45.) In our last Number we promised to continue the illustration of the ornithology of Quito and its vicinity by every opportunity ; and since the present Number has been in type, we have received intimation from our friend and correspondent, Mr. .Jameson, that a large case has been despatched, which we fully expect during the present month of October. The same letter contained skins of a beautiful Humming Bird, which although we are aware that spe- cimens have been among the London dealers during the last month, it has not, we believe, been yet described or published ; and as we are anxious to secure for Mr. Jameson the credit of discoveries he is so well entitled to, we now give the description, delaying any figure until our other specimens arrive, when we shall be able also to accompany it with that of the plants which the species chiefly frequent. It will also form the subject of an early illus- tration in Mr. Gould’s splendid monograph of the family. 66-1 ORNITHOLOGY OF QUITO. OREOTROCHILUS JAMESONH, Jardine. October, 1849. This beautiful species forms part of Mr. Gould’s genus Oreotro- chilus, all the known species of which inhabit the highest peaks of the Andes, bordering upon the limit of perpetual snow. Mr. J ameson writes, £e It inhabits the rocky summit of Pichincha, and extracts its food from the flowers of Cliuqueraga insignis. It is limited to a narrow zone, commencing immediately under the snow line, and extending about 500 feet.” Three fine specimens of Oreotrochilus have already been figured, all haying a brilliant green gorget. The one before us resembling the others in the arrangement of the markings, has this conspi- cuous ornament of a rich purplish-blue ; the bill is black ; edge of the mandible at the base yellowish ; the crown, cheeks, and nape, deep blue ; back and upper tail-covers greyish-green, with partial reflections, and on the lower back and rump marked with fine pale undulations ; wings brownish-black ; tail, with the centre feathers, shining blackish-green ; the others with the inner webs white ; the tips and outer webs of the feathers black — the propor- tion of black increasing on those to the outside ; and on the last or exterior, the greater part of the feather is black; beneath, the chin appears almost black ; next the characteristic gorget of the form, of a rich purplish-blue, showing various shades according to the position. This is succeeded by a narrow band of deep black, as in those species already figured by Mr. Gould ; the breast and sides of the belly are pure white ; the under tail-covers and flanks greyish-black, the same colour running up the centre of the vent. The entire length is 5 . i ; bill to forehead, 9 ; wing to end of longest feathers, 3 . 67-2 NOTES ON THE STRUCTURE OF BIRDS. MENUKA. In a former number wo figured a part of the intestinal canal of Penelope cristata , that it might be compared with a plate to be given afterwards of that of the Australian Menura. On one of the plates of the present number, we have represented the cloaca and csecal appendages of both birds ; and on the other, a portion of the intestinal canal of Menura. In the first, the difference in the structure of the cseca of Penelope, referred to at p. 27-3 of “ Contributions ” for 1848, is very marked. In Penelope they are very long and narrow in diameter, as in most rasorial birds ; in Menura , on the contrary, they are extremely short, almost abortive. On our other plate devoted to the structure of Menura, we see the oesophagus wide and capacious, narrowing at about half its length, and again dilating to form the proventri cuius («) which is, a simple lengthened oval dilatation of about i . 2 or 3 in diameter. When inflated, it constricts before entering the very small but muscular gizzard (6). The pylorus externally seems to leave the gizzard near to the entrance of the proventriculus, and soon dilates into a duodenum (c) of moderate size. The gizzard, when laid open, showed considerable strength ; the two muscles, when transversely cut, being nearly 4 across . The epithelium is strong ; the opposing surfaces deeply furrowed, and apparently possessing great power. The proventriculus, which appears externally more than usually 48-1 NOTES ON THE STRUCTURE OF BIRDS. large, has the walls rather thin, but is thickly studded with oval glands ; immediately above, we have the usually found plicae, which continue upwards until the position of the true crop, where the walls become slightly thick and partially glandular. The gizzard contained remains of hard coleoptera (among others fragments of curculionidm), one or two hard seeds, and bits of quartz. The entire length of the intestinal canal measured 51 . 6 . At the distance of about 7 from the external pylorus, the hepatic duct ( d ) is given off i .3 in length, crossing the regular gall duct and terminating in two branches, which, in common with the regular gall duct, seem to communicate with a large sinus in the liver. About i farther on arises the real gall duct ( e ) curving abruptly at about an inch in length, to enter a pyriform gall bladder, and at the same time to send a continuous branch (/) to the sinus above alluded to. On inflating from the bladder, the communica- tion is direct to the duct, the continuous branch not inflating until the other has been filled. 49-2 Teuelap e Meuura. 1843 . NOTES ON THE STRUCTURE OP BIRDS. ON THE FORM OF THE POSTERIOR MARGIN OF THE STERNUM OF THE VULTURID.E. ✓ By T. C. EYTON, Esq., F.L.S., &c. Mr. Gray, in his excellent and most useful work, “ The Genera of Birds,” divides the Vulturidm into the following genera:— Gypcetos , Neophron , Sarcoramphus , Cathartes, Vultur , Otogyps, Gyps , and Gypohuraoc , excluding Serpentarius, which he classes with Circus , hut which must he again restored to the Vulturidce , the whole skeleton being that of a true vulture. Of the above nine genera, I have obtained the skeletons or made drawings of those of seven. On examining the accompanying plate, the first six appear to resolve themselves into a consecutive series, thus 4, 6, 5, 3, 1, 2. No. 7 appears at first sight not to belong to the series, but upon comparing it with No. 2, we shall find some points of resemblance. In figure 2, representing the posterior margin of the sternum of Cathartes aura , the liyposternal portion is elongated laterally ; the drawing was taken from the skeleton of .a young bird, and it is probable that this process would be more developed in an older specimen. The posterior part of the entosternal portion is also elongated ; not so much so, it is true, as in Serpentarius , figure 7, but more so than in the other genera of vultures. Serpentarius differs however from Cathartes , in not having any orifices on each side of the sternum, but this we find also to be the case in Sar- coramphus, figure 4. I have given, for the sake of comparison, outlines of four other forms of the posterior margins of the sternum in the order Raptores , viz. — Aquila chrysactos , figure 8 ; Circus ceruginosus, figure 9 ; Nyctia nivea, figure 10 ; and Polyhorus hraziliensis, figure 11 ; to none of these, with the exception of the last, does Serpentarius present the least resemblance ; the 132-3 NOTES ON THE STRUCTURE OF BIRDS. whole osteology of Polyborus , indeed, comes so near that of the vultures, that I have some doubts whether that genus ought not to be arranged with them instead of with the hawks. There is, however, a resemblance to the hawks in the form of the posterior margin, in the central or entosternal portion not being prolonged beyond the hyposternal or lateral portions, or, in other words, beyond the general line of the posterior margin. In all the vul- tures I have examined this is the case, distinguishing their skele- tons at once from that of the other Raptores. On this account, therefore, I shall for the present exclude the Polyborina from the true Vulturidce. Having now pointed out my reasons for including Serpentanus among the Vulturidce , I shall endeavour to show, in a tabular form, how that family may be arranged by the forms of the posterior margin of the sternum only : — VULTURIDCE. The Entosternal portion not prolonged backwards beyond the Hyposter- nal portion: — Keel not prolonged to the posterior margin of the Entosternal por- tion f Gypaetinje | Gypaetos | CaTHARTINA2 . . . { | Cathartes I Neophroninas . . . Neophron ^ Gy pokier ax (?) f Lateral orifices large — ■j Hyposternal portion slightly ( elongated laterally. f Lateral orifices of mode- rate size — Hyposternal por- tion much elongated. f Lateral orifices small — j Hyposternal portion not [ elongated. Keel prolonged to the posterior margin of the sternum f Serpentarinas | Serpentarius . . . f Without lateral orifices— •j Entosternal portion much [ elongated. VuLTURINAS. Vultur .... Gyps Otogyps .... With lateral orifices — Entosternal portion very slightly elongated. 133-4 Sa RCORAMPHINA3 l Barcoramphvs Without lateral orifices— Entosternal portion very slightly elongated. / da rbatu s. 2 ciarct- 3 A^o/i/if'OH /i#?*cno/iferug. 4 Sapioram/ihus ftnyftAdS. 5 S^fts ^Cill/US. 6 l/aku7- cinzreus* fjgirfitntoLWu* re/itit Qjfyui/cL c/irysaetos- g Ci?' <-Us & nay in as as. 10 jtyjscfect 7i( . // ' fto/yl/V 1'ltS IrasiHcnsiS . jslcl r /H$‘ iuo^us. . i OBSERVATIONS ON THE SYSTEMATIC POSITION OF THE GENUS ART AMU S, Vieillot. This very curious and interesting form, for it possesses modifica- tions of structure that has rendered its position in our systems questionable, was originally known by one species, the Lanius leucorynchus of Linnseus, an inhabitant of the Philippine Islands. Another was subsequently found in Continental India; while the discovery of New Holland, and the various expeditions to the in- terior of that continental island, have now augmented the genus to a considerable number, some of which exhibit a greater variety of form, and less uniformity in the colouring of the plumage, than those with which we were previously acquainted. By some of our latter systematists (Kaup.) the Artami have been considered as the fissirostral type among the Conirostres ; but by the greater number they have been arranged among the Laniadce, and lately with one of the flycatching families of that group, the Dicrurince or Drongo Shrikes. They are acknowledged to be at least a “ representative” of some portion of the Fissirostres. It is there we would wish at once to remove them ; and if we shall attempt now to change their arrangement, we trust we shall be able to bring forward some grounds for the foundation of that opinion. It has frequently been found, that names given provincially, or by natives and settlers, or by those who at the time looked only at some resemblance, and not to scientific affinities, are often cor- rect indications of the position and real situation of the species. The Artami have received the titles of “Wood Swallows” from the colonists of Australia — “ Swallow Shrikes ” from the con- tinental ornithologists. There are two ways of attaining to the 50 OBSERVATIONS ON THE same result ; the one is by an examination of structure, the other by the knowledge and comparison of the habits of the individuals. To procure authentic information of the latter is generally the most difficult ; but in the present instance, besides the notices of some of the earlier known species, we are, thanks to the enter- prise of Mr. Gould, in possession of a considerable store of mate- rials which can be relied upon, and we shall shortly run over these, comparing them afterwards with what we know of the Hirundinidce • They will be found to coincide remarkably. Sonnerat, in the “ Voyage a la JYouvelle Guinee,” relates of the true Lanius ( Artamus ) leucorynchus there described. “ Cet oiseau vole ayec rapidite, et en se balangant en fair, comme les hirondelles. II est ennemi du corbeau ; et quoique heancoup plus petit, il ose nonseulment se mesurer avec lui, mais meme il le provoque. Le combat est long, opiniatre, dure quelquefois une demi-keure, et fhiit par la retraite du corbeau ; peut-etre meprise t-il cet ennemi trop foible, qui ne fait que le harcelcr, et n’echappe & ses coups que par la facility qu’il a ft les esquiver, h s’eloiner et a revenir en prenant son avantage.” — Sonnerat Voy. a la Nouv- Guin. iii. p. 56. The account given of the habits of these birds by Mr. Gould will be read with much interest, and on comparing it with the general manners of our most common swallows, a remarkable similarity will be noticed. Writing of the “ wood sw'allow,” A. sordidus, he says, This, “ besides being the commonest species of the genus, must, I think, be rendered a general favourite with the Australians, not only from its singular and pleasing actions, but by its often taking UP lts abode and incubating near the houses, particularly such as are surrounded by paddocks and open pasture-lands skirted, by large trees. It was in such situations as these in Van Dieman’s Land, at the commencement of spring, that I first had an opportunity of o ser\in 0 this species ; it was then very numerous on all the cleared estates on the north side of the Derwent, about eight or ten being en on a single tree, and half as many crowding one against another on the same dead branch, but never in such numbers as o eserve the appellation of flocks. Each bird appeared to act independently of the other; each. as the desire of food prompted J. 8 .,° lt 1 11 ” m t ' le branch to capture a passing insect, or to 51 ie ti ee and return again to the same spot ; on alighting SYSTEMATIC POSITION OF THE GENUS ARTAMUS. it repeatedly throws up and closes one wing at a time, and spreads the tail obliquely prior to settling. At other times, a few were seen perched on the fence surrounding the paddock, on which they fre- quently descended, like starlings in search of coleoptera and other insects. It is not however in this state of comparative quiescence that this graceful bird is seen to the greatest advantage ; neither is it that kind of existence for which its form is especially adapted ; for although its structure is more equally suited for terrestrial, arboreal and serial habits, than that of any other species I have examined, the form of the wing at once points out the air as its peculiar province ; hence it is, that when engaged in pursuit of the insects which the serene and warm weather has enticed from their lurking places among the foliage to sport in higher regions, this beautiful species, in these serial flights, displays its greatest beauty while soaring above in a variety of easy positions, with white tipped tail widely spread.” Another very extraordinary and singular habit of the bird, is that of clustering like bees on the dead branch of a tree. Mr. Gilbert thus writes to his employer from Swan River. “ The greatest peculiarity in the habits of this bird, is its manner of suspending itself in perfect clusters, like a swarm of bees ; a few birds suspending themselves on the under side of a dead branch, while others of the flock attach themselves, one to the other, in such numbers, that they have been observed nearly of the size of a bushel measure.” Of A . minor , Mr. Gould writes, “The present bird is still more serial, a circumstance indicated by the more feeble form of the foot, and the equal if not greater develop- ment of the wing. During fine weather, and even in the hottest part of the day, it floats about in the air in the most easy and graceful manner, performing in the course of its evolutions many beautiful curves and circles, without the least apparent motion of the wings, whose silvery whiteness as seen from beneath, together with the snowy tips of its wide spread tail, offer a strong contrast to the dark colouring of the other parts of its plumage.” The young “ were constantly being fed by their parents, who were hawking about in the air over and around the trees, while the O young were quietly perched on some dead twig.” And again, we have observations on the habits of A. leucopygialis : — - C£ In the Christmas week of 1839, at which time I was on the plains of the interior, in the direction of the Narnoi, the young progeny of OBSERVATIONS ON THE the second brood were perched in pairs or threes together, on a dead twig near their nest. They were constantly visited and fed by the adults, who were hawking about for insects in great numbers, some performing their evolutions above the tops and among the branches of the trees, while others were sweeping over the open plain with great rapidity of flight, making in their progress through the air the most rapid and abrupt turns, at one moment rising to a considerable altitude, and the next descending to within a few feet of the ground, as the insects of which they were in pursuit arrested their attention. In the brushes, on the contrary, the flight of this bird is more soaring and of a much shorter duration, particularly when hawking in the open glades, which frequently teem with insect life. When flying near the ground, the white mark on the rump shows very conspicuously, and strikingly reminds one of the house marten of our own country.” Captain Sturt, in his last arduous expedition into Central Australia, writes of Artamus sordidus , “ The flight and habits of this bird are very like those of the swallow tribe. They huddle together and roost, selecting a flat round stump, round the edge of which they sit, with their heads inwards, and presenting a singular appearance; or else they cling together, to the number of thirty or forty, on a branch, like a swarm of bees. They were seen in every part of the interior, over the whole of which they appear to range.” In these observations we find pourtrayed the exact habits of many of the swallows. Like them, the Artanni feed almost entirely on the wing, sweeping, soaring, or skimming over the surface of the country, and in pursuing a similar prey, of necessity pursuing similar evolutions ; or if we do find some species selecting a different food, or living partially upon berries, we have parallel instances among the strong-billed American swallows and others. The purple marten occasionally feeds on berries ; and Wilson tells us, that the little marten, Hirundo bicolor , “ for some time before their departure, subsist principally on the jnyrtle berries (Myrica cceriferaj , and become extremely fat.” The food of the more slender-formed Steatornis also tells us, that insect support is not a peculiar though it is a general character of the Fissirostres. In at family also, the weak feet, ill formed for walking, seldom per- a "- v 01 the members to feed upon the ground. In the Artami, SYSTEMATIC POSITION OF THE GENUS ARTAMUS. the feet are proportionally stronger; and we have seen that these birds sometimes feed “ starling like.” The swallows are more awkward; but those of Britain frequently settle and pick up insects from bare ground, or about parcels of dung on roads ; and m a note to Wilson’s North American Ornithology, we stated, that several hundreds of the H. riparia were collected upon the flat and sandy beach of the Solway, upon a space not exceeding two acres, feeding on a small fly that bad apparently come newly o existence, and covered the sands in immense profusion. “ Horse- men, * writes White, “ on wide downs, are often closely attended by a little party of swallows for miles together, which plays before hem and behind them, sweeping around and collecting all the s u mg insects that are roused by the trampling of the horses’ feet; when the wind blows hard, without this expedient, they are often forced to settle, and pick up their lurking prey.” Sonnerat’s description of the daring of Artamus, and its attacks on all intruders, is characteristic also of the swallows. “ The swallow ” says White, “ probably the male bird, is the excubitor to the house mar ens and other little birds, announcing the approach of birds o prey. For as soon as a hawk appears, with a shrill alarming note he calls all the swallows and martens about him, who pursue in a body, and buffet and strike them enemy till they have driven him from the village, darting down from above on his back, and rising in a perpendicular line, in perfect security and Wilson relates, “The purple marten is the terror of crows, hawks, and eagles. These he attacks wherever they make their appearance, and with such violence and rapidity, that they instantly have muse to flight. Mr. Gilbert’s description of the manner in which A Uucopygialh feeds its young, is exactly that of our com- mon swallow. Every observer must have observed the pairs or branch T “T’ ^ y0U “ g swalWs ’ Polled on some dead n tlr w'l ’ °V' a ' ng ’c 0V bar " r °° f ’ and fed the parents ; and Mr. Goulds figure of the young is a counterpart of what may e seen every autumn in this country. The familiarity of swallows about dwelling places is also great; and they abound and are favourites, like the Australian birds, from similar causes. he presence of man and animals collects insects; and the 54 * P. ] /0, quarto edition. OBSERVATIONS ON THE annoyance of these tiny tribes hinders molestation to the birds, which soon take up an abode where they receive at the same time protection and food. Most of the Artami migrate, a fact universal among the swallows, and the manner of performing it simultaneously appears similar. “ A. sordidus ,” again writes Mr. G-ould, tc was very numerous in the town of Perth until about the middle of April, when I missed it suddenly ; nor did I observe it again until near the end of May, when I saw it in countless numbers, flying in com- pany with the common swallows and martens, over a lake about ten miles north of the town ; so numerous in fact were they, that they darkened the water as they flew over it.” The migration was, in fact, performing at the same time, and in company by all these birds. It is now known in those countries where some attention has been given to the habits of animals and birds, that swallows, after assembling and preparing, move off in large flocks, and have been met with in vast numbers by vessels at sea, when thus on their journey. A pamphlet published at York in 1815, describing the departure of the swallows at Rotherham, tells us, that “ their numbers became daily augmented, until they became a vast flock ; that “ on the morning of the 7th October, their mighty army broke up their encampment, debouched from their retreat, and rising} covered the heavens with their legions and we have ourselves often witnessed their autumnal congregations, and sudden simul- taneous departure. The economical habits are also in many respects remarkably alike. How often do we see our native house swallow, on a close or damp day, perched in rows on the project- ing ledge of some building, on a rail, or on some bare branch of a tree, resting or pluming, “ sallying forth to capture a passing insect, and after a short excursion, returning to the same perch, regaining its place with a repeated motion of the wings from and to the body. The young, possessing less strength of wing, often huddle together, when a like solicitude is displayed by the parents, both in feeding, and in attempting to make them exert, or as it were, practice themselves in flight. The remarkable habit of the Artami clustering like bees to the dead branch of a tree, remains w ithout any suggestion as to the cause by our intelligent author ; and the reason is not mentioned, or whether it took place parti- cularly soon before migration, nevertheless, it is a habit not to be o3 ' SYSTEMATIC POSITION OF THE GENUS ARTAMUS. lost sight of, a tendency to huddle together, or “ cluster, being prevalent among the Hirundinidce ; and this is just another link in the chain of alliance. The word “clustering” has been used by many writers in describing the manners of the swallows. “ I w r as travelling, and out early in the morning,” writes White of Sel- borne, “ and I could discern, as the mist began to break away, great numbers of swallows, clustering on the stunted shrubs and bushes, as if they had roosted there all night.” Sir Charles Wager relates, that in one of his voyages home, a great flock of swallows settled on his rigging ; “ every rope was covered with them ; they hung on one another like a swarm of bees. ’ W hen roosting, this propensity is peculiarly observable ; and the vicinity of water seems the most favourite resort after incubation has been com- pleted. We have frequently observed numbers take up their retreat in alder or willow bushes fringing a river side ; while in the south, reed beds and willow holts are the favourite resort. They there cluster together, so that “ the reeds are bent down even to the water by their weight.” In another pamphlet, dated Wilts, 1780 , we have the account of a party, who went with torches to a little isle in the Thames, and in less than half an hour brought ashore fifty dozen. “ The branches of the trees were loaden with them in such a manner, that they had nothing more to do than to draw them through their hands, the birds never moving till they were secured.” The account of the {C swallow trees of America, where thousands of the Chcetura pelasgica roost in the hollow boles, clinging and clustering around the inside, may be quoted as another instance of this habit being frequent in the family an instinctive provision for warmth, after the duties of incubation have been completed, and the advance of the season may have decreased the heat. In the outward form and structure of these birds, we have nothing to militate against their admission among the Fissirostres as an aberrant form. The flight and attitudes are all swallow-like or resembling the bee-eaters ; and the colours of the plumage equally assimilate with these two forms much more than with the shrikes or drongos. The gape is comparatively wide, the bill dilated at the base, and its strength or robust form is not greater than in Podarqus or Eurystomus , or even than the strong-billed Ameri- can swallows, forming the genus Progne of Boie. The tarsi and 56 OBSERVATIONS ON THE feet, if compared with those members in the Fissirostres, are strong and powerful ; but if looked at in regard to the size and proportions of the birds, there is a shortness and want of develop- ment observable, which points out, that they are not essential to any part of the economy of individuals. The claws are strong and hooked, and fitted for giving support by clinging ; but as yet, we have no account of the place or manner of roosting employed by the Artami when not breeding. The internal structure of foreign birds, particularly the smaller species, is often very difficult to examine correctly, from the de- struction of the parts by spirit or preserving liquor ; hut however mutilated, whatever notes can be obtained of their comparative anatomy, is worthy of being recorded. From a specimen of A. sordidus, presented to us by Mr. Grould, the following notes were taken. It had been preserved in salt, and having been killed with large shot, was a good deal injured:' — The sternal appear- ance of the body, when skinned, gives an idea of power; and although slightly rigid, from the salt in which the birds were pre- served, appeared muscular. The general muscular system, never- theless, except when seen in this aspect, and those connected with flight, together with the skeleton, are weak. The sternum has the keel considerably arched, is narrow at its anterior portion, dilating to the posterior edge, and there cleft for one-third of its length by a wide oval fissure. It approaches to the form of the same part in Trogon and Priorities, except in having only the one fissure. The upper trachea, with the lateral muscles dividing almost at their 01 ig in, and sending a strong lengthened slip to be inserted by expansion into the skin ; lower trachea bound down to the opening of the os furcatorius, by a rather strong ligament ; sterno tracheal muscles extremely weak ; tongue about two-thirds of the length of the bill, large, slightly fringed at the tip. Stomach of a lengthened oval form, walls thin, the muscular part veaK , t lc epithelium of a thin horny consistence, the rugosities , eve °ped , it enters the pylorific orifice, and is sepa- H 6 1 ++ 10 U ^f ei f rom bhe proventriculus by a fringed edge, 1 P ? riapS CaUSGd by aeration; proventriculus very t \ auc 11 ar ’ er drance from above without plica. The * ™ com P Iet ely distended with insects, principally minute coleoptera, and of these the thorax, elytra, or legs, remained; no SYSTEMATIC POSITION OF THE GENUS ARTAMUS. transparent wings could be discovered ; the skin of a single large soft-like larva was observed. The insects must either have been powerfully triturated by the action of the stomach, or much broken by the bill of the bird. Cloaca apparently extending for an inch in length, oval, slightly dilated, but not very wide ; also filled with the hard parts of insects, passing through in that state. In Artamus leucorhynchus, which Mr. Blyth kindly remitted to us from Calcutta in spirits, the structure generally agreed with that of the Australian species. In the muscular arrangement of the sternum and pectoral de- velopment of these birds, compared with that of the Herundinidce , there is no great difference, according to their relative size, though, in comparison with Cypselus , where there is immense power, it is much weaker, particularly as regards the pectoral muscles. In like manner, the skeletons of Hirundo and Artamus resemble each other, differing from others of the Fissirostres in the structure of the sternum. In Cypselus , the sternum is remarkable for the depth of its keel, and in the broad posterior margins being entire, and without any fissure, allowing no space to be wanting for the support of the powerful muscles used in flight.* In Trogon , Halcyon , Pr ionites, Merops, Coracias, &c., the sternum is cha- racterized by less elevation of keel, and by great breadth of the posterior margins, but which have two fissures of considerable ex- tent. Between the swallows, again, and Artamus, except in regard to size, there is a great similarity; both have an elevated keel — both are nearly of equal proportional breadth — and in both the posterior margin has only one fissure, proportionally longest in the swallow. When all these parts are compared with those of the Fringillidm, the marked difference is in the narrowness of the sternum of the latter, particularly at its posterior end. In the muscles of the lower larynx, the sterno tracheals are as in Hirundo , very weak and slender. The tongue resembles that of the Fissirostres, while the struc- ture of the intestinal canal is essentially that of an insectivorous bird, more so indeed than in Hirundo. The stomach, in A. leuco- rhynchus, is stronger and more muscular than in A. sordidus ; in * It is curious, that the nearest resemblance to the sternum of the Swift is found in that of Procellaria pelasgica — the more curved or boat-like appearance of which, however, tells that it belongs to an aquatic type. 5 a OBSERVATIONS ON THE, ETC. the former it was also crammed with insects Coleoptera, Diptera and other winged insects ; in both it is less gizzard-like than in Hirundo. It is in fact more a bag or pouch than a gizzard, the walls comparatively thin, the proventricular dilatation very slight, and there is no indication of any crop as in Fringilla. In com- parison with the organ in Trogon , Prionites, and Halcyon , it is more fissirostral than in the two first, and approaches closest to that of Halcyon , which may be accounted for by the food of the latter being more insectivorous than that of either of the two first. The termination of the canal is in a gently dilating cloaca, the cecal appendages being merely rudimentary, thus agreeing with Hirundo. From these comparisons, then, we are led to the opinion, that the position hitherto assigned to Artamus is erroneous, and that its proper station is among the Fissirostres, probably immediately after or following the swallows, and leading by them to the bee- eaters, &c., by means of A. superciliosus. Reference to Plate. a Cypselus. b Artamus sordidus. c Hirundo rustica. d Artamus leucorhynchus. e Trojon. 59 0c Z»? /

y ^ le ^ rst subkingdom. That classification could only be pro- -with JL ^ eis0I1 ' s " 10 wot recognise the nerve-element in the Psittacidce, or M-16 ’ ” 0t ackno " k} myself, will yet appear, which will serve to prove still more the genera already fixed. Future times will not be contented with outward analogies alone, but search for them even in the skeleton and body, in which a new series of distinctive characters will pre- sent themselves. 1 When all this at some later time shall have been done then the zoologist may, from the retirement of his museum, advise the 120-33 * Or Corvidce. MONOGRAPH OF THE FALCONIDiE, traveller what he has to observe or not in one or other genus with respect to their habits, whenever the genus has found its proper station according to a natural system. At that time we shall admire the infallible order of nature; and those men who have guessed and devised these strict iron laws of nature, will no longer, in a futile and awkward manner, be vi- tuperated and compared with Procrustes. That time will, when treed from scientific pedantry, surely with better reason, compare with that fabulous giant, those naturalists, who, from the mere existence or want of two pairs of muscles on the lower larynx, &c., have forcibly torn asunder and mutilated nature by artificial sections. 121-34 ORNITHOLOGY OF THE BERMUDAS. The animal and vegetable productions of islands always present some interesting inquiries. It is a general law, that the animal forms are identical with those of the nearest continent, although the species may, and in some remarkable instances do differ, and are in a manner insulated. The ornithology of the West Indian Islands, which we have been endeavouring to procure and work out, exhibits some curious instances of one species being peculiar to an island and not known upon the continent ; of others known in the interior of the mainland, far from the coast, and met with again only on a distant island, other islands at the same time interven- ing between ; of few of the islands possessing similar ornithological faunas ; and of neighbouring islands, without any apparent cause, differing materially in their ornithology. Though not properly belonging to the group commonly called West Indian Islands, the Bermuda or Somer’s Islands, form a part of the American world zoologically considered ; and from their position far in the wide sea, and being in the tract of the migra- tory species from both continents, it becomes a matter of interest to watch, if possible, those which rested there on their migrations, or if any had taken up a continuous abode. We are enabled to fill up this blank by the kindness and at- tention of two gentlemen. Lieutenant Wedderburn of the 42 d Regiment, which has been for some time quartered in Bermuda lias devoted his spare time to the investigation of its ornithology • and the Rev. H. B. Tristram, now of Castle Eden, Durham, havdn^ resided three years in these islands, attended generally to their zoology, and the following list is the result of their notes, observe- tions, and specimens : — 76-1 ORNITHOLOGY OF THE BERMUDAS. The manner in which islands became inhabited by living beings, or clothed with vegetation, is a subject of great interest. Birds, of all other creatures, possess the greatest facilities for passing over vast distances, and in general will be found to be the most numerous inhabitants, both numerically and specifically, particu- larly those belonging to the waders and aquatic tribes. Mammalia and reptiles are generally extremely limited, while insects and the flora of the island depend more on accessary causes, and sometimes exhibit geographical differences not presented by other groups. The flora of the Bermudas presents varied features; in a list of about 130 species commonly met with, now before us, we see that the hand of man has been much employed in their distribu- tion, and we can only thus account for the appearance of common European and British plants, such as Lepidium ruderale, Mercu - rialis annua , Cerastium viscosum, Runex ascetosa , Anagallis arvensis, See., as carried thither with the various economic seeds, which from time to time have been attempted to be introduced. The animals yet observed, except imported ones (such as rats an mice), consist of only a single species, referred by Mr. Tris- tram to Vespertilio pruinosus, or Hairy Bat of North America, s extends fiom Philadelphia to the Saskatchewan, in latitude 54°. epti es, as we might anticipate, are equally limited, they perhaps enip t e most unlikely to be introduced, the tortoises excepted, w ch are ascertained to have escaped from confinement. +1 tv pomology is more extended. The Lepidoptera present . mei lcan tyP es as Danais archippus ; but some European P e ?, iaYe a ^ so ^ een me f with, the appearance of which is not si y accounted for. Mr. Tristram has taken Cinthia cardui, onZ w/r 5 at f anta ’ volychloros, sphinx, convolvuli, &c. ; and !f Se t0 the cx “tion of an entomological friend, form S T! 16 CXCOpti °“ 0f K at Vanta, which is the American v 2 ml r T%T reP ° rted t0 b6 idcntical 5 and he presumes that were cTnt °° ^ introduced > the only spot where they had an a, n,M “V” gardGn of Mr ' Kennedy who for years had an annual importation of plants from England. Mr Tristrlm 0 th ®. Bermudas is essentially North American. occrnSf o • Prmt . ed a . Kst in t,1C isIa “ d ^ of all the birds that had ocemred to Ins not.ee 1847; and that list, drawn up with the ORNITHOLOGY OF THE BERMUDAS. assistance of any authorities that were accessible to him, together with the information afforded by Mr. Wedderburn and himself, up to the present date, are the authorities for the following catalogue. We may add, that nearly all the specimens have been submitted to our examination, and compared with American and European birds. Mr. Tristram arranged his list under “constant — sum- mer — autumnal and winter — vernal and accidental residents or visitants;” and we have preferred keeping that to a systematic arrangement, as it more easily shows the proportions under which the species are found. From this catalogue it will be observed, that among the whole number, no true South American species has been met with ; that in all, there are only seven or eight constantly resident species ; and that the great mass of the birds are either those which pass the summer in the United States, or similar climates in North America, and which reach the Bermudas in their autumnal migra- tion southward, and again on their return in spring ; or of the Grallatores and Natatores, which breed still farther northward, and returning in autumn, are stopped by these lands, and there spend their winter, finding a suitable shelter and food around their shores or among their marshes. Of the first of these Mr. Tris- tram observes, “ that though not unfrequent, and many of them very common, they did not seem guided by any regular seasons of migration, but constantly appeared during the latter part of the year; indeed, from August to February, though visiting us in great- est numbers during October and November.” Of the Natatores , ” the Anatidai are always later in their visits than any of the W aders. The earliest, indeed the only one I have noted before November in any year, was one Scaup, in October, 1847 ; the various ducks are not unfrequently captured in the marshes in company with the domestic ducks of the islands. The gulls have only been shot in winter, chiefly late in the season, except the hittiwake, which is obtained in all states of plumage, and occa- sionally at all times of the year.” Additional attention will, no doubt, add a few more species to the ornithology of the Bermudas ; and violent storms or hurricanes occur- ring about the periods of migration, will occasionally drive birds from their courses which would not have made these islands, and which could not be ranked beyond occasional stragglers. Such will be the 78-3 ORNITHOLOGY OF THE BERMUDAS. case with the ruby throated Humming Bird. Mr. Tristram states, that several residents had informed him (and there can be no reason to doubt the information), “ that vast numbers resorted to Bermuda in the autumn of 1814. Vast numbers were captured, but many remained until spring, particularly on David’s Island, when they all disappeared, and have not been observed since.” In like manner, a few species may be lost, as in an old work on Bermuda, by Captain John Smith, who, in enumerating the birds, reckons “ numbers of small birds, like sparrows aud robins, which have lately been de- stroyed by the wilde cats,” and who also mentions the “ Cohow,” of which Mr. Tristram remarks, in his printed list, “ that a few are known still to breed on or near Cooper’s Island.” This is a noctur- nal bird, and although the descriptions of the fishermen are very vague, in all probability it will turn out to be one of the petrels. CONSTANT RESIDENTS. Sialia wilsonii. Mimus carolinensis. — Mr. Wedderburn has “heard this bird imitating the harsh cry of the belted kingfisher.” Guiraca cardina lis . Vireo noveboracencis. Corvus americanus. — Mr. Wedderburn states, “introduced into Bermuda some years since, and used to be very rare.” It now however has naturalized itself, for in a letter received by the same gentleman, when on a visit here in 1849, it is mentioned, “ young crows were observed in the neighbourhood of Warwick church during the first week of April.” Chamcepelia passer ina. Gallinula galeata. — This is given in Mr. Tristram’s list among the constant residents, but Mr. Wedderburn’s note is, “ not un- common in winter, but whether a resident or not is a matter of doubt.” Ortyx virginianus. — “ Formerly abundant when barley was more cultivated, now nearly extinct,* and probably a bird of pas- sage, and more properly belonging to the next sections.” 79-4 ORNITHOLOGY OF THE BERMUDAS. SUMMER RESIDENTS. Phceton flavirostris. — This species was confounded by both Wilson and Audubon with P. cethereus, and as such is men- tioned in their works ; Audubon’s plate, however, represents the present bird. According to Wilson’s list, it is “ common during summer on the coasts of the Southern States ; ” and Audubon’s specimens “ were obtained in summer on the Tortugas. ” It might have been anticipated, therefore, that this would be the Bermuda species, although Mr. Strickland possesses a specimen, which he considers P. flavirostris, from a very different locality, the island of Mauritius ; while again the species which breeds on St. Giles’ Rocks, off the coast of Tobago, is P. cethereus. Mr. Wedderburu states of the Bermuda Phceton , “ very common during summer, arrive about 10th March, and depart middle or end of September. They breed among the rocks, make no nest, and lay a single egg, of a reddish-brown colour, mottled with dark brown. They never attempt to leave their nests, but allow themselves to be taken.” Mr. Tristram, who has kept a register of the appear- ance and disappearance of many of the migratory birds, for three years that he resided on these islands, gives the dates - First observed. Plentiful. Last observed. 1847, 5th March. 20th March. 1846, Nov., a straggler. 1848, 10th March. 1847, 9th October.^ 1849, 12th March. 1848, 27tli September. Sterna dougalii.—Ylvst observed by Mr. Wedderburn. Arrive in June, and breed on the farthest rock off St. George’s. Mr Tris- tram says, “ first week of May till end of August not scarce.” Sterna hirundo. AUTUMNAL AND WINTER VISITANTS. Many of these are accidental and very rare ; those which visit Bermuda in spring, on their return northward, are marked V. ORNITHOLOGY OF THE BERMUDAS. Falco columbarius. Circus cyaneus. Surnia nyctea. Otus americanus. Otus br achy otus. Pandion halicetus. — First observed by Mr. Weddcrburn. Only three specimens, obtained in 1847-48 — in October, 1847— W.; October, November, and December, 1848 T. Falco per eg rinus . — This will be F. anatum of Bonap., &c. Falco sparverius. ' ) ^ r * Wedderburn states, that “ these five birds are rare, or of unfrequent appearance but Mr. Tristram re- marks, “ j Falco columbarius occasion- ; j ally seen throughout the winter and until the month of May, when I have observed it for the last three ycais. Though not uncommon, it appears rather a straggler than a migiatory visitant. Two specimens of Surnia nyctea were shot in Octobei, 1846. They were observed sitting on a prostrate spar, m a little sandy bay, and were mistaken for gulls. Otus aineri- canus mot uncommon in November, December, and January, 1846-7. tus i achy otus by no means uncommon in November, and up to February in each year. Scotopkilis acadica. — One specimen was shot by Mr. Wedder- urn m anuary, 1849. T. Mr. Tristram mentions, in a note from ermuda, that he had obtained a specimen of Tengmalm’s owl in e ruary, which had lighted on a schooner, 150 miles N.N.W. of m r'/ 1 * -r» lrGlls G y aneus and Otus brackyotus we cannot distin- S UIO P ean specimens. They are respectively C. ameri- canus and O. ulginosus of Bonap. and others. Ortnir 61 6S y* nianus - Wedderburn states, “numerous in October; seen occasionally on their way north in spring; got a specimen this year (1848), in September, which is unusually early. virqinianul m S ^ communicati on, observes, that Chordeiles besinnincr c ^® aie 111 £ reat numbers, invariably about the tWL fcl i by the 24th almost aI1 had disappeared, TOver mo^ff^ ^ers remained u n ti, l 2tl , November, 1847 They land in the wl 1 • f ** W ° to £ etber ’ but there was not an acre of cMc for oi r 1 ; Whidl ^ 110t its tenailt hunting in a small inte ZZZ, T aftGr nightfalL In tbe time they lay hid before thev w 1 1 + C i .™ 01 ° tllan . once 1 have almost trod on them pleasing- chirr 1 ^ c n ° wIllcb tIie y do, uttering their sharp yet 81-a ’ ’ 1 ^ CW were s °en apparently going north. ORNITHOLOGY OF THE BERMUDAS. This is the only instance I know of in which they reappeared in spring; though so numerous are they, and so constant in their autumnal visits, that they are the only one of our visitors with which the Bermudians seem generally acquainted.” Hirundo rufa . — “ A few arrive in August, but do not remain above a few days. They are constantly seen sitting on the dead branches of the cedar.” — W. “ In large flocks for not more than one or two days, in 7th August, 1847—23(1, 1848. Mr. Hurdis shot one female adult on 10th May, 1847.” — T. II. riparia . — “ Congregated in company with II. americana, 9th August, 1847.” Ceryle alcyon. — Mr. Wedderburn states, “ arrives beginning of eptember; remains all winter; is very common at the different mangrove swamps.” Mr. Tristram remarks, numerous every where in winter, and very bold, darting and fishing among the mangrove trees, and seen perching on roofs, and frequently on the higher boughs of the cedars. They appeared, September 7, 1847. „ 24, 1848. Left for the North, May 9, 1847. June 2, 1848. May 5, 1849. I watched minutely; but although a few remain so late, I could never discover that they ever bred about the islands. In April hey begin to be scarce, but the whole generally reappear about the same period in September.” SylmoUi coronata. “ The different SylvicoUrm have been Tlth dT p’ “V? fr ° m the e “ d ° f Se P tember ^ late a v 849 a r r ' t* am ~ in ^rden in Janu- ary, I84y, alter a westerly gale.”— T. Sylvkola petechia, first noticed by Mr. Wedderburn, who shot the first specimen seen, on 17th December, 1847. S. discolor. S. americana. Unaria minor. Stragglers in November and March.”-!. ORNITHOLOGY OF THE BERMUDAS. Dolichonyx orizivorus . — Mr. Wedderburn states, that all the specimens obtained were in winter plumage. Plectrophanes nivalis . — “ A specimen was procured by Mr. Wedderburn on 15th February, 1848. Appears in winter after heayy northerly and westerly gales. A flock in January and February, 1848 and 1849.”— T. Lanins ludovicianus . — “ One example only in spring of 1847. — W. “ Three shot in March 1847.” T. Bomby cilia americana. — Mr. Wedderburn observes, “ I found a small flock of these birds, 11th October, 1847, in winter plumage. Again, on 17th December, I got four specimens, but only one had a tew of the beautiful wax-like tips to the secondaries. They had not been observed here before.” Mr. Tristram remarks, of this same flock, that they were young birds, and that three of them were little more than nestlings. Another flock appeared in No- vember, 1848. Ficus varius. — “ These birds may remain all the year, but are >eiy rare. W. Mr. Tristram believes it to be a constant resi- ent, but from their extreme shyness, and the part of the islands they inhabit, he had failed in finding the nest. “ It has been shot m every state of plumage, and at all times of the year.”— T. Coccyzus americanus. — “ Shot on 15th October, 1847, and severa times during the last September and October; but single ir s on y, and always after or during heavy weather. On two occasions, it boldly sought refuge in dwellings, and was taken by the hand alive.” T. Ectopistes carolinensis . Bquatarola helvetica. JRSz&Sr-’ °— ~ fron a*-** jS-f® voci f erus —“ Sometimes met with in winter.”- 5S; Ko * ~~ •" Calidris avcnavia. Strepsilas interpret.-" Common in winter ”_W. TrinaaKrf t ° r +°^' S \ cT ^ * 0lln< ^ them not uncommon during JrZXn '" C ° mm0n in -dSepibe, To be generally i„ company w.th the semipalmated Sandpipers.”-W, ORNITHOLOGY OF THE BERMUDAS. Tringa maritima. Tringa semipalmata. — “ Common in August and September.” — W. “ Of all the Tringce, the T. semipalmata is the most numerous, and they resorted to some little salt ponds in David’s Island, from August to February. The various species of Tringce and Totani seem to feed and live in common, as I have frequently found one or two Stints, Schintz, Pectoral and Spotted Sandpi- pers, in company with large flocks of our familiar semipalmated. On the brink of a pond in Ireland Island, where they were never fired at, they became in a few days so tame, that I have often watched them not two yards distant, feeding and running along with perfect unconcern, and shaking their tails with that unceasing restlessness which the whole tribe exhibit.” — T. Phalaropus lobatus. — “ A pair were obtained in March, 1848. One I picked up in a little bay, dead, but uninjured, and quite fresh. The female was on the same day caught by Mr. Marriot, who struck it with his oar as he was boating.” — T. Totanus maculavius . — “ Not uncommon in summer and until the end of September. I think a few must breed.” W. Totanus solitarius . — “ Common in September.” W. Totanus flavipes.— “ Common in August.” — W. Totanus vociferus.—“ Met with in October. It is almost im- possible to approach these birds, they are so shy.” W. Catatrophorus semipalmatus. Himantopus nigricollis. Scolopax wilsonii . — “ Common during October.” W. Macrorhamphus griseus. Rusiicola americana — “ Yery rare.” W. Numtnius borealis . — “ Very rare.” W. Numenius hudsonicus. Fulica americana “ Occasionally met with in winter ”-W Ortygometra Carolina*.-" Numerous from September ^ December. I have seen these birds, when alarmed by my dog among the mangrove trees, freqnently fly and perch on them many feet from the ground ”-W. “ Arrived in 1847 as early as 31st U f St ' lwo on 3d Se P*ember, several on 7th, after which plen- tiful. Not observed after March.”— T. P Ortoometm noveborace Only two found by me in October, 1847, when it was first noticed W 84-9 ORNITHOLOGY OF THE BERMUDAS. Ortygometra jamaicensis. — ce The only one yet seen, was found by me in Not ember, 1847.” Nycticorax gardeni. — “ Very rare. — W. “ The young are frequent, but we never obtained a specimen in adult plumage until one in November, 1848.” Botaurus lentiginosus. — “Not uncommon in winter.” — W. “Fre- quently obtained from October to December in every year.” — T. Ardeola exilis. Ardeola virescens. — “ One or two are generally met with every winter.” — W. Egretta leuce. Ardea herodias. — “ Remains through the winter, and occasion- ally seen through the year ; great numbers were brought over by a gale. It was the first appearance of the heron that year, and the birds seemed perfectly exhausted. Five of them took refuge in a convict hulk, and one flew into the barracks. I obtained one, and kept it in my garden for some months, when it died suddenly, apparently from overgorging itself with flesh, which the servant liad given to it instead of fish. It enjoyed much standing vitk its legs in a pail of salt water, and always preferred its morsels of fish from the water rather than on the ground. When it had food before it, it was bold enough to attack either men oi dogs ; at other times it was to me perfectly tame and fami- liar. It was not a young bird of the year, as were most of the other refugees.” — T. Anser hyperboreus. j Anser canadensis. I “ Very rare.” W. Anas obscura. J Anas discors. ) “ Four kill ed 12th October, 1847” — T. Anas carolinensis | ** are occasionally met with in win- J ter.” — W. Dendronessa sponsa.-“ A female bird was once shot.” ynchapsis clypeata.—“ Occasionally met with in winter.”— W. Fajita acuta . Fuligula marila. Mergus merganser , Mergus cuculatus. Fuligula mariloides. 1 Fare * W . Clangula albeola. — “ Rare.” W. 85-10 ORNITHOLOGY OF THE BERMUDAS. Phalacracorax dilophus. Plotus anhinga. Tachy petes aquila. Pelicanus fuscus. Podiceps cornutus. Podiceps carolinensis. Larus occidentalis. — “ Three specimens met with in 1847.” — W. Larus zonorhynchus. Larus argentatus. 1 t . • 7 . 7 ( • — “ A few arrive m winter.’ — W. Larus tndactylus. J Xema atricUla.} „ , . , „ w Xema sabinii J — rare ’ on v once me f with. — W. Sterna fuliginosa. — “I have only once met with this bird.” — W. Thalassidroma wilsonii. — “ Common outside the reefs, never seen inside, and not known to breed on any of the rocks or islands.”— W. “ The fishermen tell me, that T. wilsonii breeds on the same rocks (Cooper’s Islands) where the cinereous sheerwater’s eggs have been this year obtained. The rock is very difficult of access, and it is only in a perfect calm that a boat can land.”* T. VERNAL VISITANTS. — ('Accidental.) Myiodoctes mitratus . — 30th March, 1847. Milvulus tyrannus. — In March, 1847-8. Nycticorax cayenensis. ACCIDENTAL STRAGGLERS FROM THE EASTERN HEMISPHERE. Saxicola oenanthe. Crex pratensis. “ Once met with. Shot on 25th October, 184 ,. -W. This specimen was sent to Mr. Yarrell from Ber- mu< a, and in reply to my inquiries regarding it, he writes, “ It is a young bird of the year, perhaps bred in a northern latitude, and forced westward hy the strong winds of the autumnal equinox when crossing the sea on its way south.” Sco^ galUnago.-^M a couple in December, 1847. The bills of these being much longer, their size less, and haring hC h “’ °“ * adult bird and 86-11 ORNITHOLOGY OF THE BERMUDAS. fourteen instead of sixteen feathers in the tail, made me observe them as different from the common Snipe.” — W. This Snipe, of which Mr. Wedderburn brought one specimen, is closely allied to that of Europe ; the tail, however, is imperfect, and the feathers are of unusual breadth. On showing it to the Prince of Canino, who has paid much attention to this genus, he was inclined to consider it different from either S. gallinago or wilsonii ; and we would request, if possible, that one or two spe- cimens can be yet procured for us. DOUBTFUL. Buteo vulgaris. Ectopistes migratoria. Tringa bartramia. Larus marinus. Sterna anglica. 87-12 ILLUSTRATIONS OF ORNITHOLOGY. DRYMOICA MENTALIS, Fraser. Crymoica mentalis, Fraser, Proc. Zool. Soc. Lond., 1843, p. 16.— Trotter and Allen, Narr. of Exped. to River Niger, ii. p. 490. App. The description in the proceedings of the Zoological Society seems to have been taken from an imperfect specimen, so that we trust the accompanying figure, with the account of its habits previously given (p. 7), may not be unacceptable to ornithologists. Dr. Grordon presented a specimen to the Museum in Edinburgh, which hears his Number 16. We add the dimensions from the specimen our possession. Entire length, 8 ; bill to forehead, 6 ; to gape, 1 ; wing, 2. 9 ; tail, 3.4; tarsus, i. 14-1 ILLUSTRATIONS OF ORNITHOLOGY. DRYMOICA EltYTHItOPTERA, Jabdine. This species formed part of Dr. Gordon’s collection of birds from M estern Africa, but bad no number of reference to his notes at- tached. We do not find any description agreeing with it in the works where birds from that country are mentioned ; and the con- spicuous rufous colour of the wings, from which we hare named it, would have been an easy mark of detection. There is a great alliance between this bird and a few others, to the Indian form which we know under the designation of Prinia, and which, if the characters are found to agree, must be from priority the name used for the whole. In Africa, they are extremely numerous, much moie so than in India; the greater number of them are larger, stionger, and more robust, and for the present, we prefer retaining Di ymoica for the African form to joining them with Prinia. The forehead, back, and shoulders, are a pale reddish-grey, very distinctly separated from the light under parts. The shoulders, essei co\ ers, and edges of the quills and secondaries, with the upper ai co\eis, are clear reddish chestnut-brown ; quills and second- aries, with the tail, umber-brown ; the latter, with a white tip and aarii bar succeeding it, much graduated and of a slender form. w]] e C r! u and tliroat nearl y pure white, gradually shading into is wood-brown, which becomes darkest on the vent, thighs, thp I” 1 ^ l ail ; C0VerS ! bliI is of considerable strength, black, except yello^ILbrotn. “ laXllIa ’ " ydW ; tarsi ’ feet ’ and claWS ’ taiflY; § 35 b ' U t0 forehea<1 ’ i; t0 8*Pe»8; m g, Ui 15-2 m •- / 848 . ILLUSTRATIONS OF ORNITHOLOGY. HIRUNDO ALBIGULARIS, Strickland. I have long possessed a specimen of this bird, but was unac- quainted with its locality till lately, when I procured a second individual, in a collection of birds from South Africa, which I . therefore conclude to he its true habitat. As, however, I find no such bird in the works of Le Vaillant or Dr. Smith, and as no specimen exists in the British Museum, I conclude it to be a rare and probably new species. Lesson’s description of Hirundo rufi- frons (Traite d’Orn. p. 268 ), is apparently meant for this bird; but the true rufifrons, Shaw (Le Vaill. Ois. Af., pi. 245 , f. 2 ) has the whole throat and upper breast black. Front, deep ferruginous ; whole upper parts glossy blue-black ; feathers of the nape and upper back whitish at their bases ; wings and tail, blue-black ; rectrices, except the two middle ones, with a large medial, subquadrate white patch on the inner webs, extending from the shaft to the margin, and becoming longer and more acutely pointed on the outer rectrices ; lores, and lower margin of eyes, black ; chin and throat, pure white ; a distinct black bar across the upper breast ; rest of lower parts white, with a very pale greyish tinge; lower wing -covers, white; beak and legs, black. A typical hirundo. Tail deeply forked ; the external rectrices narrow and elongate ; secondary quills, and three or four of the proximate primaries, considerably emarginate at the tips ; first quill longest. Total length, 7; beak to front, ; to gape, 5; wing, 5.2; me- dial rectrices, 2; external, 3.4; tarsus, 5. — Strickland , February, 1849 . 17-4 ILLUSTRATIONS OF FOREIGN OOLOGY. TANAGRA CANA, Swainson. Mr. Swainson gives Brazil as the native country of this bird. We possess it from Bogota, and have received specimens of what we consider to be only a variety of it from Mr. Kirk, our cor- respondent in Tobago, to whom also we are indebted for the nest and eggs now represented. “ The blue bird builds on middle sized trees, and lays from three to four eggs.” In structure, the nest shows considerable resemblance to that of some of the buntings, and t e colour and marking of the eggs is somewhat intermediate be- tween that of the buntings and finches. The eggs varied, as repre- sented in our plate ; and a third was nearly intermediate in the lstiibution of the markings. The foundation of the nest is com- pose of dried leaves, roots, small sticks, &c. The upper part is ormed of the leaves of some reed like plant, intermixed with slender oo s and tendiils of some creeper. The inside showed almost no ng, and is formed of the same dried reeds, and a few finer tendiils a single feather. Our plate is slightly less than the original, e interior diameter being nearly three inches. 19-1 ILLUSTRATIONS OF ORNITHOLOGY^ MOMOTUS GULARIS, Lafresnaye. Prionites gularis, -Lafresnaye , in Rev. Zool., 1840, p. 130. This elegant little Motmot conducts us at once from the larger species to the diminutive Hylomanes momotula of Lichtenstein, and seems to justify us in reuniting under one genus the closely allied groups of Momotus and Hylomanes. It also serves to illus- trate the close and indisputable affinity between the Motmots and the Bee-eaters, an affinity which is hy no means so generally recog- nised as it ought to be. I should be inclined to regard Momotus as merely the American form of the sub-family, Mer opines, just as the Cuckoos, the Barbets, the Trogons, and the Parrots, have each their peculiar generic forms in the old world and the new. In Momotus and in Merops, we have the same lustrous sea-green plumage, the prevalence of a black streak through the eye, and of a black spot on the breast, an almost identical form of foot, and a similar prolongation of the medial rectrices. Momotus is mainly distinguished by the rounded form of the wing, in accordance with its more indolent habits, and by the serration of the mandibles, a character of little weight in questions of affinity, as it breaks out, pro rt natd, in many remote groups of birds, unaccompanied by any other peculiarity of structure. Momotus gularis was first described by Baron de Lafresnaye. It inhabits Guatemala, and appears to be very rare. The upper plumage is a bright sea-green, passing into blue towards the end of the tail ; sides of face round the eyes, light chestnut, with an oblong black spot on the ears ; throat azure blue, a black spot on the breast, formed of two or three elongate feathers, as in other species of Momotus ; lower parts pale green, with a fulvous lustre, passing into light azure on the belly, and into chestnut on the lower tail-covers ; lower wing-covers, and inner margins of remiges, also chestnut ; beak horn-colour, paler at the tip ; feet brown. Total length, 10 ; beak to front, i.'i; to gape, i .4 ; height, 4; breadth,!; wing, 3.9; medial rectrices, 5.8; external, 2; tarsus, 9; middle toe and claw, 9; hind ditto, 5j. — II. E. Strickland. 33-5 ILLUSTRATIONS OF ORNITHOLOGY. HOLOCNEMIS NLEVIUS, Gmelin. Syn. — Wall-creeper of Surinam, Edw. Birds, pi. 340. Sitta nsevia, G-m. Syst. Nat. p. 442. Lath. Ind. Orn., p. 203. Lath. Syn. vol. ii. p. 634. Shaw, Zool. vol. viii. p. 114. Holocnemis flammatus, Strickland, in Ann. and Mag. Nat. Hist. vol. xiii. p. 415, pi. 13 ('female.) I described and figured the $> of this curious bird in 1844, in the Annals of Natural History, supposing it to be a new species, and adopted it as the type of my genus Holocnemis , distinguished from most other of the Formicariince, by the absence, or very slight indication of scuta on the tarsi. I subsequently suspected it to he identical with the “ Wall-creeper of Surinam ” of Edwards (Sitta ncevia , auct.) ; but as Edwards describes his bird as of a “ dark bluish lead colour,” I was unable to identify it with certainty. I recently, however, met with a pair of birds in the collection of T. B. L. Baker, Esq. of Hardwicke Court, Gloucester, which clearly prove, that Edwards’ bird is the 6, and my 44 Holocnemis flammata ” the?. In my description of the latter bird I stated, that the habitat was unknown, but doubtless (reasoning from its organic structure, as we may often safely do) American. This conjecture is now confirmed; Edwards’ bird having been procured in Surinam, and Mr. Baker s specimens in the adjacent, and comparatively little known island of Trinidad. £. — Dark slaty grey above, paler on the rump; wings nearly black, all the upper wing-covers with a sub-triangular terminal white spot on each feather ; tail nearly black, rectrices obtusely pointed, the two external pair narrowly tipped with white ; lower parts slaty grey, paler than the back ; ear-covers with white shafts; throat white, mottled with slate grey ; breast and middle of belly with a pointed white streak on each feather, bordered by slate grey, and the latter slightly margined with white ; lower tail-covers with a white streak down the shafts, and a narrow white margin ; beak horn-colour ; feet and claws pale yellowish. ? Olive brown where the $ is slaty grey ; otherwise similarly marked ; lower mandible paler than the upper. Total length, 6 ; beak to front, 8 ; to gape, i ; wing, 2.7 \ medial rectrices, 2 ; external, i.8 ; tarsus, 9; middle toe and claw, 9; hind ditto, 7. — II. E. Strickland. ~ 34-0 ft/oceas /itrs Quotas 7Jiz)ll (*A8. ILLUSTRATIONS OF ORNITHOLOGY. PLOCEUS PERSONATUS, Vieillot. This very pretty species of Ploceus was procured for us by the ex- ertions of Maxwell Hyslop, Esq. of Liverpool, and brought by the ships in the palm oil trade, preserved in spirits, from the vicinity of the Old Calabar river. From these we skinned and preserved our specimens of both sexes. And we mention this, that persons on a station, where time and opportunity are wanting to prepare specimens properly, may see that small birds, which .can be put in spirits with very little trouble, will not be much injured after- wards. We do not recommend this practice, at the same time, under some circumstances, very valuable specimens may often be thus saved. The figure most closely resembling our Calabar river specimens, is that in “ Vieillot' s gallerie but it is represented not nearly so pure or distinct in its colours. Malimbus aurantius, ci Vieillot Oiseauw chanteures ,” may probably bo the female. The birds we represent, were put into the same bottle as 6 and we have no reason to doubt the correctness of the tickets. We could not ascertain the sex upon dissection, the female, or perhaps males immature, and without the black head, were most abundant, pro- bably three or four to one. $— Forehead, checks and throat, deep velvet black ; crown, occiput, sides of the neck and breast, rich orange-yellow, shading into greenish-yellow on the back and upper parts, and into gam- boge-yellow on the low’cr breast and under parts ; wings and tail umber brown, margined with greenish-yellow ; bill black ; tarsi mid feet flesh colour. $ — Without the black head ; crown and upper parts brownish-yellow; under parts gamboge-yellow, paler und slightly tinted with olive on the vent ; wings and tail as in the <5 ; bill brownish-black ; tarsi and feet flesh colour . — Entire length, 4 ; bill to forehead, 4 ; to gape, 5| ; wing, 2.3 ; fail, i .'f ; tarsus, 8. ? — Nearly equal, slightly less. Embenzd iiriicoToT_z^t/7%f/^. May7848. ILLUSTRATIONS OF ORNITHOLOGY. PHRYGILUS UNICOLOR, Tschudi. Pkrygilus unicolor , Tschudi Wiegm. Arch., 1844, p. 262. Tschudi and Laban. Fauna peruana, Ornitli., p. 219. Emberiza unicolor , De Lafresn., Syst. av. D’Orbig., p. 262. This modestly coloured bird is a native of Peru and Bolivia, having been met with by both D’Orbigny and Tschudi on the plains of Oruro in Bolivia, and on the Cordilleira of Tacora in Peru ; and to this range may now be added that of the Andes, in the vicinity of Quito, reaching an elevation of from 13,000 to 14,000 feet above the level of the sea. The structure of this bird recedes considerably from that of the true buntings, and is perhaps more tanagrine than otherwise. There is no palatial knob, and the proportions of the quills vary slightly. The tarsi and feet are rather proportionally lengthened, together with the hind claw. Tschudi considers that it holds a place intermediate between Euspiza and Fringilla, differing from them chiefly in the longer and more com- pressed bill, want of the palatial knob, shorter wings and tail. He arranges them following Zonotrichia, and appears to consider that P. gayi, atriceps and some others from those ranges, form a se- parate group, which in all probability they do. Above, the plumage is uniform blackisli-grey, darker on the crown, and on the quills, secondaries, and tail, nearly black. The quills are margined with a narrow edging of pale greyish-white, which appears light and silvery on the dark quills. Below, and on the cheeks, the colour is of a uniform paler tint, nearly greyish- white on the vent and under tail-covers. The bill, tarsi, and feet, appear to have been pale umber brown. Entire length, 5.8; bill to forehead, 5; to gape, 6; wing, 4.5; tail, 2.5 ; tarsus, 9 to i. 46-8 ILLUSTRATIONS OF ORNITHOLOGY. TJENIOPTERA ALPINA, Jardine. We cannot identify tliis species with any of those described in works devoted to the natural history of Chili or Peru, though it seems to resemble the bird figured by Tscliudi, under the name of Ptyonura albifrons . As already stated, it occurs on the highest ridges of the Andes, rarely descending below the snow limit; and from its general appearance, at once conveys the idea, that it performs there the ofi&ce of the saxicoline birds of Europe. The crown, cheeks, nape, back and wings, are brownish -grey, having in some sj)ecimens a more umber tint ; the quills are brownish- black ; from the nostrils to the eyes, and shading gradually over them is white ; the rump, upper tail-covers and tail are black — the outer feather of the latter edged with greyish-white ; the throat and breast are pale brownish-grey, shading into white on the belly, vent, and under tail-covers ; the bill, the feet, and tarsi, are black —the latter very saxicoline in form. The entire length, 7 ; bill to forehead, 6 ; to gape, 9 ; wing, 4.9 t° 5.5; tail, 3 .4 to 5 ; tarsus, i .2 to ’ 3 . ILLUSTRATIONS OF ORNITHOLOGY. SAXICOLA OPISTHOLEUCA, Strickland. Saxicola leucura, Blyth, in Journ. As. Soc., Beng., vol. xvi. p. 131. This is evidently the bird referred to as Saxicola leucura by Mr, Blyth, as he states it to differ from his S. picata only in having the breast and belly black, while in the latter species they are white. As I have before me specimens of S. picata , I can confirm Mr. Blyth’s statement of the close agreement in size and coloration of these two birds. They form in fact a parallel case to that of the Saxicola aurita and 'S. stapazina of South Europe, which only differ in the presence or absence of black on the throat, and whose specific distinctness is still a matter of controversy among naturalists. It is very possible, that some species of Saxi- cola may, at certain periods of life, assume additional portions of Black or white into their plumage, just as many of the rufous Tchitrece ( Muscipetce , Auct.) acquire more or less of a white co- loration in old age. This may perhaps account for the immense number of species of Saxicola described by Biippell, Ehrenberg, and others, as inhabiting the deserts of Africa and Western Asia. Conformably with this view, we find that in a specimen of S. opis- tholeuca before us, some of the black abdominal feathers are narrowly tipped with white, as if in the act of changing colour. Further researches, however, are required to decide this question ; and meanwhile we have no choice but to regard S. opistholeuca as distinct from picata , until their identity be proved. Saxicola opistholeuca agrees closely in coloration with S. leu- CUr a ($. cachinnans , Temm.) of Europe, but is considerably inferior m size. It also differs in having the lateral rectrices tipped by a continuous patch of black, while in a specimen of S. leucura before me j they have merely a longitudinal black spot on each side, sepa- rated by a white space, which extends to the extreme tips. The whole head, neck, upper back, wing-covers, breast, belly and lower wing-covers, deep sooty black ; remiges and primary covers fuscous, narrowly edged with pale rusty ; secondaries nar- rowly tipped with whitish ; tibiae mixed brown and whitish ; rump, ILLUSTRATIONS OF ORNITHOLOGY. vent, upper and under tail-covers and greater part of tail, snow white ; medial pair of rectrices black at the extremities, for about one and a half inch, and the remainder for about half an inch. Beak and feet black. Female similar, but brown where the 6 is black. Length, 5.7; beak to front, 5 ; to gape, 7; wing, 3.7; medial and external rectrices, 2. 7; tarsus, li. The specimen here figured was procured by Captain Boys in Northern India, and is now in the collection of P. L. Sclater, Esq., Corpus Christi College, Oxford. Mr. Blyth states, that it is com- mon about Agra. — H. E. Strickland. 61-11 w / ISTectarinia natal ensis, Jarl. voun Zanzibar. yst.184,9. ILLUSTRATIONS OF ORNITHOLOGY. NECTARINIA NATALENSIS, Jardine. Far. Zanzibar. Mr. Edward Wilson haying purchased Mon. Bourcier’s collection of Nectar inice for his brother’s extensive ornithological museum in New York, kindly transmitted them to me for examination before being sent abroad. The collection was accompanied by M. Bourcier s list of the species, to which M. Verreaux, the well known collector in Paris, had added observations chiefly based upon his experience of these birds, gained during his residence at the Cape of Good Hope. In the list of the former, the species which we have now figured w as marked “ espece nouvelle but M. Verreaux observes regarding it, “ Cette espece indique conime nouvelle sur le catalogue fie Bourcier, ne m’a jamais paru d’etre la ineme que celle decrit et figuree par Sir W. Jardine dans le Nat. Lib. pi. 12. Tous les individus que j’ai vu venant du cap, n’etoient jamais du meme rouge Vermillion de cette individu que j’ai vu venir assez souvent de Zan- zibar, j’engage dont Sir W. Jardine a bien comparer les deux oiseaux, que je regard comme deux especes parfaitment character- ises, et veuillez je vous prie, m’en faire savoir le nom. On comparing this bird with M. Bourcier’s specimen of N. na- talensis in its ordinary plumage, and my own specimen, which was used for the figure referred to by M. V erreaux, the distribution of the markings is almost identical, as much so as in any two 01 three specimens slightly varying in size ; my Natal specimen is father larger than M. Bourcier’s, and both are larger than the Zanzibar bird. The principal distinction is in the coloui of the throat and breast, which M. Verreaux states is similar and con- stant in specimens from Zanzibar, in these the throat and breast are of a vivid vermillion red, whereas in the others the same par ts are scarlet or a rich carmine red. In the Zanzibai specimen t ie c °ronal patch seems to extend rather farther back, but wit ou seeing more specimens, this can scarcely be judged oi e e 1 tensions of the three specimens now before us, aie as fo ows * 62-12 ILLUSTRATIONS OF ORNITHOLOGY. Jardine Hall Specimen. — Entire length, 5.9; bill to fore- head, i ; wing to longest quill, 3. M. Bourcier’s Specimen. — Entire length, 5. 2 ; bill to fore- head, 9 ; wing to longest quill, 2. 7. Zanzibar Specimen. — Entire length, 4. 5; bill to forehead, 9; wing to longest quill, 2 . 7. There is a considerable difference in the size of the three speci- mens ; but the length of the wing, which is most to be depended upon, is the same in two of them, and not very different in the large one ; upon the whole, we incline to consider the Zanzibar species as only a local variety. 63-13 '?•"/ 'IUJ-T91TU§ STIUOTJ ILLUSTRATIONS OF ORNITHOLOGY. PIONUS GULIELMI, Jardine. “Congo Jack,” the parrot represented on the accompanying plate, was brought home alive by my son from the West Coast of Africa, on his return from a three year’s cruise in H. M. S. Favourite. Seve- ral birds were brought down from the river Congo, together with a large lot of the common grey parrot, Psit. erythacus , hut possessing no accomplishments, and being unacquainted with the modern lan- guages, one only of this species was retained. This form of parrot, belonging to Wagler’s restricted genus Pionus , is very limited in Africa, they are P. meyeri , flavifrons, rufiventris , Riipp., rup- pellii, Gray, and probably timneh , Fras., and after making every examination that has been accessible, we have been unable to re- concile the bird in our possession with the description of any of them. Since its arrival in this country, it has got into good health and fine plumage, and is now perfectly tame and gentle with those it is accustomed to, though it still expresses its dis- trust to strangers, or to a dog coming near it. Its accomplish- ments consist only of a whistle or scream. We have no information its habits or food in Africa ; on the voyage home it was fed on ground nuts, the seed of arachis lvypogea , which it preferred to every thing else here so long as they lasted. Now, maize, millet and hemp seed are its chief food, the last being the most preferred. It is difficult to measure a living bird accurately ; but so far as we could, the dimensions given are nearly correct. The tip of the maxilla and the whole of the mandible, greyish-black ; the base of the maxilla, cere and bare space surrounding the eye, flesh colour. Tbe forehead and crown in a line with the posterior edge of the or hit; the bend and edge of the wing and lower part of the thigh ior garters as they are called) bright yellowish scarlet ; the space between the eye and bill, and surrounding the lower part of the n aked skin, greyish-black, which shades into greyish-green on the cheeks and auriculars ; the occiput, nape, sides of the neck, breast a ud belly, are bright yellowish-green ; the rump, vent, under tail- covers and thighs, greenish-yellow, the centre of the feathers tinted with yellowish-scarlet, giving in some lights a reddish appearance to those parts ; the back and all the wings, except the quills, black, ILLUSTRATIONS OF ORNITHOLOGY. each feather edged with a bright green, darker in tint than that of head and neck ; the green edges on the back being very broad, and in some positions having little of the black seen; on the wings, narrow, except on the greater covers, where they are broad and conspicuous on the outer webs ,* the tail is black, the two centre feathers cuneated, and having a very narrow green edge ; tarsi and feet, greyish-black ; claws, black. The entire length, as near as could be ascertained, 10. 5 ; of wing to end of longest quill, 8. G5-15 ILLUSTRATIONS OF ORNITHOLOGY. Mr. Blyth, the curator of the Calcutta Museum, who has most zealously pursued the zoology of India, has lately forwarded to us a series of drawings of those species which run most into the European forms. Many of these are very remarkable, and in- crease genera to several species, which previously contained only a single one, or were extremely limited. These drawings are executed by a native artist, very minutely and accurately, hut in most instances with an Indian mannerism ; nevertheless, we have thought it better to give, as far as possible, fac-similes of them, than to attempt to introduce accessories. They will appear from time to time, and will have the advantage of Mr. Blyth’s remarks. ERYTHACA FLAY OLIYACE A, Hodgs., Fig. 1. Nemura flavolivacea, Hodgs., in Proc. Zool. Soc., 1845, p. 27. Ianthia flavolivacea, Blyth, in Journ. As. Soc. Beng., vol. xvi. p. 133, 474. The genus Erythaca, typified by the common Robin of Europe, has hitherto been very limited in extent, containing, besides the type, only one or two little known species from the Japanese Islands ( Sylvia akahige , and perhaps S. komadori of Temminck, Ph Col. 570, 571). The researches of Mr. E. Blyth, Curator of the Asiatic Society’s Museum at Calcutta, have, however, brought t° tight at least one more species of genuine Erythaca .” This bird is thus described by Mr. Blyth: — “ Upper parts Uni- term fulvescent olive ; loral region and throat, rufescent white ; rest °f lower parts dilute rusty ; beak dusky ; base of lower mandible Pale; legs pale. Total length, 5.5; wing, 2.8; tail, 2.3; tarsus, i.I.” He adds, in a note accompanying the drawing, “ I consider this f lull coloured species to be a typical Erythaca , having merely the hill somewhat more slender than in the European bird ; and I have little doubt that the sexes will prove to be similar, as all that I have seen have been alike.” Inhabits Nepal and Darjeeling. ILLUSTRATIONS OF ORMTIini.OM IAXTHIA HYPERYTHRA, Bi.ytm. I JBlyth, in Journ. As. Soc. Bon#., v. xvi j> KW “ There is in India, a group of birds, which it identical with Erythaca, are evidently in do>r w ' genus. Two of the species are distinguish'd h\ t! (most conspicuous in the males) of their upper part *•» ■ ' herein the allied American genus Sialia. T < tin gives the generic title Ianthia , to which In* n^i . • * ‘ a more delicate conformation than Eryfh<< - > (reaching halfway down the tail); much weaker «?er i more slender claws, especially that of tin- bin d t sexual diversity of colouring.’ The species tl 1. I. Jiyperythra , Blyth ; and, 2. I. ruftlntn. II. fess, however, that after a careful comparison • ‘ • •* • rufllatus), and of Mr. Blvth’s drawing of tin * «i* British Erythaca rubecula , I do not see sufficient •• i$r»l ference to warrant their generic separation, alt) 1 - : m ventured to change the names attached by Mr. Hlvtl t ’ ings which he has kindly sent us, .and of whj.h < r oewd to publish fac-similes. These blue robins present a remarkable analog in ■’--•iwf with the blue flycatchers of India ( not improbable that this analogy may be a tru. imvii the 'Sylviadce with the the Mmcica Lpper parts of 3 deep indigo blue, briirhti , • — ■** on the forehead and above the ey< g and up hoakhrsTtk wing; the wings and tail black, the t ith.-i nod with U* externally; lower parts bright yellowisl - narrowish streak on the middle of tin tail-covers and centre of the belly white. Tl ■ . approaching the colour of Erythaca ; nr rath*. tW feathers are merely lipped with thig eoh or, showing m* «r \m of the cinereous dusky tint within : tail 1 1 m in the < 5 : tWraf er m ° re hl ™ ; then also a littlr Mnr m t 89 -i 7° the Wlngs and ipm-iliwe ■v>. r V '7i> .% J‘ ILLUSTRATIONS OF ORNITHOLOGY. posteriorly ; lower parts tawny brown or subdued fulvous, except the lower tail-covers, which are white. Bill and feet, dusky in both sexes. “Total length, 5 . 5 ; beak to gape, 5 ^ ; wing, 3 . 1 ; tail, 2 . 3 ; tarsus, i. “ Inhabits Darjeeling.” — E. Blyth. 00-18 ILLUSTRATIONS OF ORNITHOLOGY. PACHYCEPHALA MACRORHYNCHA, Strickland. “ The specimen here figured, was purchased by E. Wilson, Esq., from M. Ed. Verreaux, with the label — 1 Pachycephala albicol- laris , Amboina,’ attached. This name has, I believe, never been defined or published, and much confusion is caused by the objec- tionable practice of supplying museums with specimens which have these unauthenticated MS. names attached. It is not, however, on this ground, that I have altered the specific name invented by M. Yerreaux, but because the designation itself is wholly incorr'ect, the bird being merely white throated , and not white collared , as the name albico llaris would imply. Indeed, the whole arrange- ment of the colours so nearly agrees with the well known Pachy- cephala gutturalis , P. melanura , &c., of Australia, that it would not be easy to found an appropriate title on the coloration alone, and I have therefore adopted the more expressive name of macro- rhyncha. “ The discovery of a bird of the Australian genus Pachycephala, so far to the north as Amboina, is a very interesting circumstance, the more so as its peculiar form appears to furnish a clue to the true affinities of what has hitherto been an anomalous and puzzling genus. The small group of birds comprising the genera Pachy- cephala and Eopsaltria, has been classed quite at random by most previous writers, who seem to have had no idea of its real affinities, and have been content to place it, from some fancied resemblance, in the utterly remote American families, Ampelidce and Vireoince. The bird before us, though unquestionably a true Pachycephala, is distinguished by a beak considerably longer and more compressed than in the other species. In this respect it offers so much resem- blance to certain genera of Laniidce , as to leave scarcely any doubt that the Pachycephalince ought to stand as an Australian subfamily of that extensive group. This view" is confirmed by the observations of Mr. Gould, who has shown, that their habits are similar to those of the Shrikes, and who was the first to class them in that family- It is more especially the African subfamily of Laniidce, comprising Laniarius, Telophorus , &c., to which the Pachycephalince show an affinity ; and this relationship is indicated, not merely by the pecu- 91-19 W', ■ ILLUSTRATIONS OF ORNITHOLOGY. liar form of the beak, hut by great similarity of colouring, as will be evident on comparing the African Telophorus zeylonus (Linn.) or Laniarius olivaceus (Shaw) with their Australian representatives. “ Crown and sides of head deep black ; chin and throat white, below which is a narrow black hand; lower parts, and a band across the nape, deep gamboge yellow ; back and scapulars dark olive green, with a few obscure narrow transverse bars of black on the medial portion of some of the feathers ; wing-covers and remiges dusky black, narrowly bordered with olive green ; tail plain dusky black ; beak black ; feet flesh colour. “Total length, about 7 ; beak to front, 7 ; to gape, 8 |; height 2 £; breadth, 2 £; wing, 3 . 8 ; medial and external rectrices, 3.1; tarsus, 9; hind toe and claw, 6; middle ditto, 8; outer toe about i longer than the inner.” — H. E. Strickland. 92-20 ILLUSTRATIONS OF ORNITHOLOGY. BEACHYPTEEYX POLIOGENIS. “ This curious bird was obtained by Mr. Wilson from M. Verreaux, with the words ‘ Myiothera poliogenys, Boie, Borneo,’ attached. It evidently belongs to the genus Brachypteryx of Horsfield, but differs from his type-species in the shortness of its tail, which gives it a great analogy (though in my opinion no affinity) to some of the American Formicariince, such as Formicarius, Leptorhynchus , &c. Like the other Timaliine birds which abound in the Malasian Ar- chipelago ( Malacopteron , Macronus , &c.) the rump feathers are remarkably long and dense, and when expanded laterally, seem admirably adapted to protect the bird from tropical showers. “ I have altered the spelling of the specific name from poliogenys to poliogenis , as the former word would imply grey-bearded in- stead of grey-cheeked. “ Crown dirty brown, with a rufous tinge ; back and wings pure brown, passing into tawny towards the rump ; rectrices fuscous brown, margined with rufous ; circuit of the eye and cheeks pure grey, passing into black towards the angle of the mouth; lores whitish ; chin white ; breast, sides, lower wing-covers, thighs, and lower tail-covers, pale tawny ; middle of belly white ; upper man- dible corneous ; lower whitish ; feet and claws pale yellowish. “ Total length, 4.5; beak to front, 6; to gape, wing, i. 5; medial rectrices, i .2; external, i.i; tarsus, i.'i; hind toe and claw, 6; middle ditto, 8.” — H. E. Strickland. 93-21 a ILLUSTRATIONS OF ORNITHOLOGY. PERICROCOTUS MINUTUS. “Mr. Wilson purchased this beautiful little species from M. Verreaux, under the MS. name, ‘ Phcenicornis minutus The locality is stated to be Borneo. In the same collection is another specimen, also from Borneo, slightly larger, with the wing 2 longer, and the beak a mere trifle longer and broader ; but in all other respects of form and colour the two birds are identical. I do not, therefore, venture to separate them, although M. Verreaux has labelled one specimen with the title, ‘ Phcenicornis brevirostris minor .’ “ The plumage of this bird closely resembles that of the larger scarlet and black species of Pericrocotus , viz. — P. speciosus, miniatus, jlammeus , and brevirostris , from all of which it is at once distinguished by its diminutive size, which does not exceed that of the small grey-headed P. peregrinus . “ 6. Whole head, neck, and upper hack, deep glossy black ; wings black ; first and second primaries plain black ; third and fourth with a sub-basal yellowish spot on the inner web ; rest of primaries, and all the secondaries, with a large medial patch of scarlet covering both webs, but divided by the .black shaft ; greater wing-covers largely tipped with scarlet ; tertials plain black ; tail black, the four lateral pair of remiges largely terminated with scar- let; rump, upper tail-covers, breast, and lower parts, vivid orange scarlet; lower-wing covers orange yellow; beak and legs black. “ $. Grey above ; wings and tail black, marked with orange yellow ; rump and upper tail-covers orange scarlet ; lores, chin, and lower parts yellowish. “ Total length, 5.7 ; beak to front, 4 ; to gape, 5j ; wing, 7 ; me- dial retrices, 2.5; external, i. 4; tarsus, 6; middle toe and claw, 6; bind ditto, 4.” — H. E. Strickland. 94-22 5fS 'T Ditlus ? ILLUSTRATIONS OF .ORNITHOLOGY. CYANOCORAX NANUS, Dubus.? Cyanocorax nanus, Dubus, in Bulletin Acad. Roy. de Bruxelles, Revue Zoologique, 1848, p. 243. The Mexican bird above described by Vicomte Dubus, agrees in every respect with the specimen here figured, except as regards his expression, <£ gutture alboccerulescente ; ” while in my bird the throat is deep blue-black. Should it prove to be distinct, I would propose for it the name of Cyanocorax pumilo. This elegant little bird is about the size of Turdus musicus, and is probably the smallest species, not only of its genus, but of the whole family of Corvidae. But small as it is, the curved culmen of the beak agrees rather with that of the robust blue crows (Cyano- corax ) of South America, than with the slender formed blue jays, (Cyanocitta ) of Mexico and North America. Plumage deep indigo-blue, brightening into Prussian blue on the crown, hind neck and upper breast, and passing into blue- black on the throat and chin ; front, lores, and ear-covers, deep •black; a narrow line of bluish-white feathers extends across the front and over each eye to the temples; remiges and rectnces black on the under sides ; beak and feet, black. ' Total length, 9.2; beak to front, 8}; to gape, i; height, 3; breadth, 3^ ; wing, 4.5; medial rectrices, 4.5; external, 3.8 , tar sus, i.2. I received this rare and beautiful species from Guatima a. H. E. Strickland. 122-23 ILLUSTRATIONS OF ORNITHOLOGY. PHYLLOSGOPUS TRI VIRGATUS. “ Sylvia trivirgata, Temm” — Verreaux MS. The genus Phylloscopus, of which three species inhabit the British Islands, attains its greatest development in continental India, where Mr. Blyth has discovered and described numerous species. Some of these, instead of being unicolorous on the upper parts, as in the majority of Phylloscopi , exhibit a yellowish streak on the crown, and thus lead us to the genus Regulus, which is distinguished by the vivid tint of its coronal feathers. The bird before us belongs to this aberrant division. It inhabits the Island of Java, from which we already possess another species of true Phylloscopus, P.javanicus (Horsf.) In plumage it greatly resembles the broader billed but closely allied Culicipetct bnvlcei of India. Middle of crown olive yellow, which occupies the inner webs of the feathers, the outer webs being deep fuscous, nearly black, with an olive tinge, forming a broad dark stripe on each side of the ciown. Between this and the eye is a superciliary streak of clear yellow ; a streak of fuscous passes through the eye ; the cheeks, thioat, and lower parts, are light yellow, with an olive tinge , back and wings yellowish olive ; remiges and rectrices fus- cous, maigined externally with yellowish olive; beak horn coloured; base of lower mandible pale ; legs brown. Total length, 4, beak to front, 4; to gape, 5; wing, 2.2; medial rectrices, i .'8; external, 1.6; tarsus, 7. — II . E. Strickland. 123-24 Pycnosplnrjs gramma ceps. Ptiyll o s c opus tnvir g atus . Mv T 184B. / ILLUSTRATIONS OF ORNITHOLOGY. PYCNOSPHIIYS GRAMMICEPS. “Sylvia grammiceps,” — Verreaux, MS. This curious little bird appears to belong to a new genus, which I propose to designate Pycnosphrys , from noxvo?, thick, and 6?.” — Verreaux MS. This bird, named on our plate Hylocharis oiyheus, is another of the interesting species sent to us by Mr. Wilson, and the figure is now given to direct attention to those very curious but unob- trusive forms that appear to swarm over the islands of the Indian Archipelago. The generic name on M. Verreaux’s MS. ticket, which is inscribed upon the plate, has been already applied to a genus of Humming Birds ; but independent of that, after a close examination as to its proper position, we have been unable to separate it from Pachycephala, to the females of which it closely assimilates in colour and markings ; and as we have already seen the figure of P. macrorhyncha, in our last Part, that the form reaches from Australia to the Indian Islands, the bird before us is of additional interest on that account. We give the description and measurements, and ask our friends to look out for us for the male of this species.' — The ticket is marked Timor. Above, the crown is of a greyish brown ; the back is yellowish oil-green, shading into dull Indian yellow on the rump and upper tail-covers, and the tail is nearly of the same tint ; the wings umber-brown ; the outer edges of the quills and secondaries yel- lowish-white — beneath, the chin and throat are white ; the breast and belly pale reddish ochre-yellow, shading on the vent and thighs to pale Indian yellow, and again on the vent and under tail-covers to clear and bright Indian yellow ; bill dark umber brown ; feet and legs grey or lead colour. Length, 5; bill to forehead, i; to gape, 7; wing, 2.9; tail, 2.5; tarsus, 9. 129-30 Mv’JS49. r,/ - DESCRIPTION OF SOME NEW SPECIES OF BIRDS. BY T. C. EYTON, Esq., F.L. S., &o. NASICA BRIDGE SII, Eyton. Nasica, doro coudaque ferrugineis, fronte verticeque brunneis linea lata snperciliari, gula et singulis pennis pectoris, abdominis, crissique mediis partibus late albis, his marginibus atris et brunneis fimbriatis : rostro, mandibula superiore atra, inferiore carnea tarsis pedibusque atris. Long. corp. 13 ; tarsi, 15; rost. front. 2.2. This species may be at once distinguished from Nasicc i longi rostris, by the more slender and curved bill, in which respect it approaches the genus Xiphorhyncus. The back and tail also are not nearly of so bright a ferruginous as in the first named bird. The first specimen I observed was in Lord Derby’s museum, and was obtained by Mr. Bridges in the interior of Bolivia, since whic 1 time I have obtained one from the same source, and purchased another in Liverpool ; one of my specimens has a few spots ot white on the centre of each of the feathers on the back of t le neck. CAPITO SULPHUREUS, Eyton. Capite atro coccineo, occipite phureis, pectore aurantiaco, hoc viridibus. Long, corp, 5.5; rost. fronte, sed capite nigerrimo. 130 cinereo, gulfi abdomineque sul- viridi strigato, reliquis partibus i ; tarsi, 9. Juv. adulto similis DESCRIPTION OF SOME NEW SPECIES OF BIRDS. I observed the above new species of Capito in Lord Derby’s museum at Knowsley ; it is nearly allied to C. richardsonii, Gray, but differs from it in having the head black, and the tips of the feathers deep crimson, while in the latter, the feathers are entirely crimson, and not of so deep a tint. CAPITO CAPISTRATUS, Eyton. Viridis fronte, genis lineaque superciliari cinereis, gula notaque supra naribus ad basin rostri atris, vertice, occipite capistroque loete aurantiacis, partibus inferioribus sulphureis viridi strigatis reliquiis viridibus, tarsis pedibusque atris, rostro marginibus llavis reliquis atratis. Long. corp. 5.2 ; ros. iron. 8 ; tar. 9 . The above bird is nearly allied to JMicropogon haurtlaubii , Rev. Zool. 1845, but differs from it in wanting the black band on the breast. Specimens of it are in the Knowsley Museum and my own. Mine were purchased from Mr. Warwick, but I am not aware of the locality from which they were obtained. ANABATES FLAMMULATUS, Eyton. Anabates capite, pectore, collo dorsoque atris singulis pennis medio flavo brunneo late strigatis, dorso imo rectricibusque alarum oliyaceo castaneis, ventre crissoque ochraceo flavis similiter pectore strigatis cauda ferruginea rostro pedibusque nigris. Long, corp 3.5; ros. from lb; tarsi 1 . 1 . My specimen was obtained from New Grenada. I observed also two specimens in the Knowsley collection. The form of the bill in this bird precisely resembles that of Anabates cristatus, Spix. 131 NOTICE OF SOME NEW OR RARE BIRDS WHICH HAVE OCCURRED IN THE BRITISH ISLANDS IN 1849. SCOLOPAX BREHMI, Kaup. The number of the feathers composing the tail of birds has been by most ornithologists considered of sufficient importance to form a specific distinction, where the species were otherwise nearly allied. This was the case in the genera Scolopciw and Phalacracoraoc. In the Snipes it was one of the first characters almost that were exa- mined ; but some ornithologists of great experience appear to con- sider number as of no specific consequence. Temminck states, that the common snipe possesses fourteen tail-feathers in its normal state, but that birds which have sixteen or twelve feathers, and otherwise, are very similar in plumage, are only abnormal variations from the ordinary or normal form ; and from this opinion he makes the S. brehmi of Kaup, with sixteen tail-feathers, and the S. pere- grina of Brehm, with twelve feathers, as only abnormal or occa- sional variations from S. gallinago. In like manner he carries out this theory with the cormorants. Of the P. cormoranus or carbo he writes : “Be nombre des pennes caudales n’est pas un indice pouvant servir de charactere distinctif de l’espece ; leur nombre, a J’etat normal, est a la verite de 14, mais nous avons vu des in- dividiis ayant seulment 12 pennes, et plus rarement portant 16 rec- trices Mon. Schlegel, in his “ Revue critique,” considers, that in the Snipes, described as S. gallinago and brehmi, “ Le nombre et la 134 NOTICE OF THE NEW OR RARE BIRDS WHICH distribution des teintes des pennes de la queue, sont sujets a varier selon les individus and lie does not allow either S. brehmi or peregrina to be species. But while holding this opinion in regard to the Snipes, he differs from Temminck in Phalacrocorax , for he writes : “ II n’existe, dans l’Europe septentrionale, que deux espe- sces de cormorans, qu’il est aise de distinguer, l’une de l’autre dans tous les ages, par le nombre des pennes de la queue” The only Snipe which we do know to have the number of the tail- feathers uncertain, is the remarkable *$*. stenura of India, which varies in having from twenty to twenty-six tail-feathers. In this bird the want of size and development of the tail seems to be com- pensated by numbers, and one or two pairs of the very abortive external feathers may occasionally be wanting. Those specimens of S. major which we have examined have been constant in the num- ber of their tail-feathers, and the bird may be easily distinguished otherwise. So also are those of wilsonii. In S. gallinago the tail, when expanded, forms a perfect circle. In the S. brehmi , independent of number (sixteen tail-feathers), the outer feathers are longest, so as to form as it were a double fork. The occurrence of two Snipes with this structure, at Jardine Hall, in October last, induced us to announce its capture as the S. brehmi; and the accom- panying illustrations of the form of the tail, the distinctions given by the Prince of Canino, with those observed in the specimens killed here are now given, with the view of drawing attention to the subject, and to endeavour to ascertain whether these variations in structure and number should be considered as specific, or only accidental state of the different parts. On the 7th and 8th of October, the wind had been east and north-east, and a gale of considerable force. On the 9th and 10th the fiost was hard, and a good deal of ice on the springs, and on ese days there were a large number of Snipes on all the higher grounds. They lay very close, were evidently fatigued, and were no oubt portions of a flight on their passage. Eight were put up 10 m a few rush bushes, growing in a space of twenty yards square, rom which the specimen alluded to was shot. Next day scarcely a ompe was to be found. 135 HAVE OCCURRED IN THE BRITISH ISLANDS IN 184!). URIA LACRYMANS. Specimens of this bird were sent to us this summer from the coast of Caithness, by the attention of Mr. R. Shearer of Thrumster. The accompanying letter stated, that it is found in considerable abundance around the rocky shores. They commonly sit mixed with the common Guillemot, but are too far distant to be distin- guished, and are therefore only obtained accidentally. If, however, a Guillemot is observed on a ledge of rock by itself, and within range of shot, it seldom fails to be one of the bridled sort ; and although it may be considered rare in comparison with the common Guillemot, which breeds in thousands, it may be found on all our east coast, extending from Wick to the Ord Head. OCCASIONAL VISITANTS TO ORKNEY. A note from Mr. Heddle, the co-author with Dr. Blackie of The Natural History of Orkney, dated 13th April last, mentions, that “ a long succession of easterly gales brought us the other day two grey Shrikes, a willow Warbler, and a hedge Accentor, all with us extremely rare visitants.” BREEDING PLACE OF THALASS1DR OMA PELASG1CA. A NOTE from the Rev. Henry Graham, Iona, describes the breeding place of this bird on the small island of Soy, about three miles south of Iona. “ The nest is formed in a burrow, varying from three to four feet deep ; they are made in the grassy banks ; the soil being soft and unctuous, cuts with a spade like new cheese ; the nest itself is formed of a little dined grass or moss ; the birds make no attempt to escape when their nest is dug up. I should add, the burrows all face to the north, and are about eighty feet above the* level of the sea.” From the date of the above note, the birds would arrive at their breeding place about the beginning of July, and are very late in breeding; for a second note, in reply to some queries, NOTICE OF THE NEW OR RARE BIRDS WHICH dated 22d October, was accompanied with a specimen of the young, only about half fledged, which had been procured on the 13th, and stated, that they would be fully fledged in a week or so. Mr. Graham adds, “ The burrows are most undoubtedly made by the birds them- selves ; the entrance is large, and has the appearance of a rabbit hole ; but from this there branches off two or three small passages, penetrating deep into the bank, and each of which is occupied by a nest ; the nest is not at the extreme end of the passage, for it ex- tends beyond, and when disturbed, the birds retreat off the nest to the farthest end of the hole.” BOSCHAS BIMACULATA. Mr. Gould writes, that a specimen of this bird was sent to him in December for inspection, by Gardener of Oxford Street. “ It was a male, somewhat indistinctly marked about the neck, but in other respects agreed with .Vigors’ specimen. It had been caught in a decoy in Norfolk, and I believe sent to Leadenhall market ” BRITISH DISTRIBUTION OF MOTACILLA BOARULA. The instances of this species incubating to the southward of York- shire are exceedingly local, and its appearance as a winter visitant is even accounted somewhat rare. Mr. Gould writes, in reply to some other queries, “ During a trout excursion in June last, to Chernies * in Buckinghamshire, Mr. J olin Dodd called my attention to a species of Wagtail, which had built its nest in a rose bush, trained against a wall in his garden. Judge my surprise when I there found a beautiful black-throated M. boarula, sitting on four eggs, and so fearless of observation as almost to admit of my touch- ing her. Mr. Dodd permitted me to take the eggs for my son’s collection ; and a greenfinch having a nest close bye, four of its eggs were transferred to that of the Wagtail ; they were hatched in • Chernies is about twenty-five miles north-west of London, situate in a beautiful valley , between chalk hills, clothed with beech-wood. 137 HAVE OCCURRED IN THE BRITISH ISLANDS IN 1849 . due time, and the young partially reared by their foster parents. The circumstances above detailed induced me to seek for others in the same districts, and I met with a second pair the next day at Elliot’s Mill, about two miles and a half higher up the stream. I farther ascertained, that this species was not uncommon as a sum- mer resident, and that the yellow Wagtail, Budytes flova , so uni- versally dispersed over the country, was seldom or ever seen there. UPUPA EPOPS. A specimen was killed near Budle Bay in April last, and had been observed for two or three days before its capture. It proved to be a female, and is now in the collection of W. Broderick, Esq., Belford. 138 / PW mm* %,