''P 1 ^^^ 1 i iltil tl«i.VtHSir> OF CITTSWlJliUr UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH JJarlington ./Vl.einorial L/ibrary HISTORY OF BRITISH BIRDS, INDIGENOUS AND JIIGRATOEY. HISTORY or BRITISH BIRDS, INDIGENOUS AND MIGRATORY: THEIR ORGANIZATION, HABITS, AND RELATIONS; REMARKS ON CLASSIFICATION AND NOMENCLATURE; AN ACCOUNT OF THE PRINCIPAL ORGANS OF BIRDS, AND OBSERVATIONS RELATIVE TO PRACTICAL ORNITHOLOGY. ILLUSTRATED BY NUMEROUS ENGRAVINGS. BY WILLIAM MACGILLIVRAY, A.M., LL.D. PROFESSOK OF XATUKAL HISTORY, AND LECTURER ON BOTANY, IN MARISCHAL COLLEGE, AND UNIVERSITY, ABERDEEN ; MKMBKH OF IHB WEILNERlAN MATCRAL BISTORT AND ROTAL PHYSICAL S0CIETIB8 OF EDINBURGH, OF THE NATURAL UISTOBT SOCIETIES OF BOBTOJf AND PHILADELPHIA^ OP THE LTCEUM OP NEW YORK, OF THE LITERARY AND PHILOSOPHICAL SOCIETY OF BOUTH CAROLINA, ETC. VOL. V. CRIBRATORES, OR SIFTERS. URINATORES, OR Dm:RS. MERSATORES, OR PLUNGERS. LONDON : WILLIAM S. ORR AND CO., AMEN CORNER, PATERNOSTER ROW. 1852. TO II ER MOST GRACIOUS MAJESTY THE QUEEN. THIS HISTOEY OF BRITISH BIRDS, TO WHICH HER MAJESTY HAS BEEN GRACIOUSLY PLEASED TO EXTEND HER PATRONAGE, IS DEDICATED, WITH THE :\r0ST PROFOUND RESPECT, BY HER MAJESTY'S MOST FAITHFUL SUBJECT, AND MOST DEVOTED SERV.\NT, WILLIAM MACGILLIVRAY. KDiNBtiRGH, 1, Wharton Pi.ace, 2ith Juni-, 1810. vol,. V PREFACE. This, the last volume of my History of British Birds, contains descriptions of all our Natatorial or Palmipede species, with exception of those of the families of the Anserinae and Cygnina?, which have already been given. The habits of these birds, not generally so accessible to observation as most of the other families, I have studied, in so far as opportunities occurred, in their places of resort, among rocks and islands, on the sandy shores of the sea, in the firths and estuaries, and on the inland waters. Of many of them, however, and, in particular, of the very rare species which rank with us as stragglers, I have had little to say from my own observa- tion, and not much from that of others. The authors whose works have been most useful to me, and which I have generally consulted, are Montagu, M. Tcmminck, Mr. Selby, Mr. Yarrell, and Mr. Thompson. Some of these birds being common to Europe and America, I have also derived information from the wi-itings of Audu- bon, as well as from my long-continued intercourse with tliat enthusiastic, acute, and most agreeably communicative natu- ralist and painter, who, moreover, supplied me with skins and specimens preserved in spirits. I have not, on the pre- sent occasion, to acknowledge the aid of many other personal friends, as most of my former contributors professed little acquaintance with either the Waders or Swimmers. My old and excellent friend. Dr. Laurence Edmondston, Balta Sound, Shetland, however, has continued to supply notices respect- int:s III. Htdbochelidox. Marsh-Tekn - 657 1. Hydrochelidon nigra. The Black Marsh-Tern - 6.58 2. Hydrochelidon leucoptera. The ^Vllite-winged Marsh-Tern - - - 661 3. HydrocheKdon leucopareia. The Whiskered Marsh- Tern - - - - 668 GENrs IV. Gelochelzdon. Gull-billed Teen - 665 1. Gelochelidon anglica. The Marsh Gull-billed Tern 666 Gentts V. Megalopteeijs. Noddy - - 670 1. Megalopterus stolidus. The Foolish Noddy 672 LIST OF ILLUSTRATIVE FIGURES. PLATES. Y. Digestive Organs of Cribratorial Birds. VI. Digestive Organs of Urinatorial Birds. VII. Digestive Organs of Mersatorial Birds. "WOOD CUTS. Fig. 60. Head of Burrow Shielduck, Tadorna Vulpanser. Reduced, jiage 22 61. Head of Common Duck, Anas Boschas. Reduced, - 31 62 Head of European Teal, Querquedula Crecca. Reduced one- fourth, ----- 48 03. Head of Pintail Teal, Querquedula acuta. Reduced one-fourth, 65 64. Head of Blue-winged Shovel-bill, Rhynchaspis clypeata, - 74 65. Head of European Wigeon, Mareca Penelope. Reduced one- fourth, ----- 83 66. Hind toes of Anatinae and FuligulincE, - - - 100 67. Head of Red-headed Pochard, Aythya Ferina. Reduced one- fourth, - - - - - 103 68. Head of Tufted Scaup-Duck, Fuligula cristata. Reduced one- fourth, - - - - - - 121 69. Head of Black Scoter, Oidemia nigra. Reduced one-fourth, 140 70. Head of Common Eider, Somateria moUissima. Reduced, 1 47 71. Head of Golden-eyed Garret, Clangula Chrysophthalma. Re- duced one-fourth, - - - - 174 72. Head of Long-tailed Hareld, Harelda glacialis. Reduced one- fourth, - - - - - - 192 73. Head of Buif-breasted Merganser, Merganser Castor. Reduced one-third, ----- 207 74. Foot of a Grebe, Podiceps - - - - 248 75. Head of Horned Grebe, Podiceps cornutus, - - 264 76. Head of European Dabchick, Sylbeocyclus Europaeus, 276 77. Foot of a Loon, Colymbu-;, - - - 281 78. Head of Northern Loon, Colymbus glacialis, - - 283 79. Foot of a Guillemot, Uri', - - - -^IS 80. Head of Foolish Guillen. )t, Uria Troile. Reduced one-fourth, 31S 81. Head of Bridled Guillc.uot, Uria lacrymans. Reduced one- fourth, - - - - - 326 82. Head of Little Rotche, ?lergulus AUe, - - 341 xviii LIST OF ILLUSTRATIVE FIGURES. Fig. 83. Head of Common Razorbill, Utaniania Torda. Rediued one- fouith, ----- page 346 84. Head of Arctic Puffin, Mormon arcticus. Reduced one-fourtb, 365 85. Head of Great Cormorant, Phalacrocorax Carbo. Reduced, 380 86. Head of Common Gannet, Sula Bassana. Reduced, - 405 87. Head of Northern Fulmar, Fulmarus glacialis. Reduced one- fourth, ----- 429 88. Head of Cinereous Shearwater, Puffinus cinereus, - - 431 89. Head of Common Storm-Petrel, Thalassidroma pelagica, 460 90. Head of Pomarine Skua, Cataracta Pomai'ina. Reduced one- fourth, - - ... 487 91. Head of Richardson's Jager, Lestria Richardsonii, - - 492 92. Head of Ivory Whale-Gull, Gavia eburnea. Reduced one- fourth, ----- 508 93. Head of Kittiwake, Rissa tridactyla, - - - 515 94. Head of Great Block-backed Gull, Lai'us mai-inus. Reduced, 526 95. Head of Glaucous Gull, Larus glaucus. Reduced one-third, 657 96. Head of Leaden-gi-ey-headed Mew, Gavia Atricilla. Reduced one-foiu-th, ----- 585 97. Head of Brown-headed Mew, Gavia ridibunda, - - 593 98. Head of Sandwich Tern, Sterna Cautiaca. Reduced one- fourth, - ... - 630 99. Head of Common Tern, Sterna Iliiundo, - - 638 100. Head of Foolish Noddy, Megalopterus stolidus. Reduced one- fourth, . . - - - 672 EXPLANATION OF THE PLATES. PLATE V. Digestive Organs of Sifters. Loug-tailed JIareld, Harelda glacialis n, b, c, the oesophagus. b, c, proventriculus. d, stomach. (/, e,f, duodenum. ff, folds of intestine. fi, lower part of trachea. /, tympanum, or bony and membranous enlargements at the lower extre- mity of the trachea. m, m, lateral muscles of the trachea. «, n, stemo-trachoal muscles. 0, the heart. p, a portion of the liver, the rest re- moved. q, air-cells. PLATE A^I. Digestive Organs of Divers. Fio. 1. Digestive Organs of a Grebe, Podiceps. a, b, c, the cesophagus. b, e, proventriculus. rf, stomach. d, e,f, duodenum. g, the rest of the intestine. t,y, cloaca. Fig. 2. Proventriculus and Stomach of the Red-throated Diver, Colymbui Septentrionalis. b, c, proventriculus. ] d, e, commencement of duodenum. d, d, stomach. I Fig. :i. Rectum, Chaca, nrd Cocca of the Red-throated Diver. g, intestine. i i,j, cloaca. h, h, cffica. j y EXPLANATION OF PLATES. PLATE VII. Digestive Organs of Mersatorial Birds. Fig. 1. Ligestive Organs of Wilson' s Storm-Petrel, Thalassidroma Wilsoni. «, oesophagus. b, e, proventriculus, enormously di- lated. d, stomach, extremely diminutive, and directed forwards. d, e,f, duodenum. p, rest of intestine. Fig. 2. Digestive Organs of the Common Gull, Larus camis. flf. b, c, oesophagus. b, c, proventriculus. d, stomach. d, e,f, duodenum. a, h, c, oesophagus. b, c, cloaca. d, stomach. d, e,f, duodenum. g, rest of intestine. h, coeca. i,j, cloaca. Fig. 3. Digestive Organs of Lestris. g, rest of intestine. h, cceca. i, j, cloaca. P1,.VTEX»'1I PLATE XXVTll DiaBsriVB //HtiA.V.S Of DJfUm Fiii I Grebe. ri.A'i'KXxnc ht>.J r.iiU liUiKSTtVK oltllAS.S III-' MhHS.tTOJt.tL UJIID.S Full f 1 Jyiirl „^ flff 3LeslJ-Ls W. Mac etOtv^t^ INTRODUCTOEY OBSERVATIONS. k Thirty years ago, -when I had already made some pro- gress in examining the structure, and observing the habits, of the various Sea-Birds that frequented the wild tract of country in which I then resided, I perceived that a natural arrange- ment of the species would prove little in accordance with that of the great reformer, whose Systema Natura) was the only book I possessed that treated of my favourite Ornithology. I therefore sketched a system for myself, and when I could not find a scientific name for a species, gave it one by which I might, until better informed, know it. This practice may account in part for a propensity, evinced in the earlier volumes of this work, occasionally to prefer what I esteemed appro- priate names to those, often very inapt, imposed by authors. Some would-be legislators, enacting statutes having reference to nomenclature, have, perhaps properly enough, denounced all attempts to improve it by preferring a good name to a bad ; but, in their zeal for maintaining their own fancied pre-emi- nence, have very foolishly recommended that no regard be paid to the writings of any one who, whatever discoveries in structure or function he may disclose, how^ever excellent his descriptions of form and habits may be, has had the presump- tion to set aside a name not to his taste, and use another. These persons had never observed such a rule themselves, and some of them seem to have forgotten their own precept. They appear to consider the naming of objects the essential part of Natural History. But, going beyond mere nomen- clature, I found that every species that came under my B 2 INTRODUCTORY OBSERVATIONS. observation had a character of its own — that character con- sisting of a Mide range of facts and events ; and that the various species coukl be placed in a system according to affi- nities in many cases not difficult to be traced. Since that period I have enjoyed opportunities of extending my observa- tions, and of confirming the views I had then adopted. The generalizations alluded to, and which many others have parti- ally or wholly elaborated for themselves, are briefly expressed in the following Ordinal formula?. The observations necessary in introducing the Water Birds having already been given in the preceding volume, in Avhich also the extended characters of the first order of these birds, and of two of its families, are contained, it is expedient to present here only the particulars necessary for connecting the two volumes. It may be remarked, however, that the study of these birds is beset with more obstacles than that of most of the other tribes — not on account of any difficulty in procuring specimens for dissection or external inspection, but because their habits cannot be satisfactorily observed without numerous Aisits, in varied circumstances, to the places — often wild coasts, magnificent precipices, and remote islands — which they frequent. I have possessed very favour- able opportunities of making acquaintance with many of them, and the exemption from restrictions imposed by our ill-con- trived and crime-producing system of game laws, the adven- tures, sometimes perilous, but always exciting and agreeable, experienced in boat-excursions, in scrambling on the shelves of precipices, in exploring maritime caverns, and in watching the various actions of these birds, always rendered the study of them peculiarly agreeable to me, as I believe it is to mo5t practical ornithologists. HISTORY BHITISH BIRDS, INDIGENOUS AND MIGRATORY. XVII. CBIBRATORES. SIFTERS. XVIII. UKINATOEES. DIVERS. XIX. MERSATORES. PLUNGERS. ESSENTIAL CHARACTERS OF THE ORDERS. ORDER XVII. CRIBRATORES. SIFTERS. Bill covered with a cere, or soft skin, obtuse, and fur- nished with internal or marginal lamellae. Tongue large, fleshy, lamellate or papillate on the sides. (Esophagus nar- row, without distinct dilatation ; proventriculus with a broad continuous belt of oblong or cylindrical glandules. Stomach an extremely muscular gizzard, with a dense epithelium, and two strong grinding-plates. Intestine long, rather wide ; coeca long, of moderate width. Trachea, in the females of nearly uniform breadth, but in the males having diversiform enlargements at its lower extremity; no inferior laryngeal muscles. Feet with four toes, the anterior rather long, and connected by webs ; the hind toe small and free, often with a lobe ; claws generally small and obtuse. AVings convex ; tail short. ORDER XVIII. URINATORES. DIVERS. Bill of moderate length, strong, tapering, compressed, pointed, opening rather widely, and more or less dilatable at the base. Tongue slender, pointed. Oesophagus wide, with moderately thick walls ; proventriculus with a broad belt, not always continuous, of oblong glandules. Stomach rather large, roundish, with the muscular coat rather thick, the 6 CHARACTERS OF THE ORDERS. epithelium moderately thick and rugous. Intestine long and rather wide, with moderate coeca ; rectum with a large glo- bular cloacal dilatation. Legs generally very short, and placed far behind ; tarsus extremely compressed ; toes four, with the hind toe small, or three only, generally long, and connected by webs ; claw^s small and obtuse. Wings narrow, pointed, sometimes very small, but varying greatly in size ; tail extremely short, or of moderate length. ORDER XIX. MERSATORES. Bill of moderate length, generally stout, straight, com- pressed, more or less decurved at the end, opening to beneath the eyes. Tongue fleshy, rather narrow, tapering, pointed, horny beneath at the end. Oesophagus very wide through- out, with its walls thin; proventriculus dilated. Stomach small, muscular, with large radiated tendons, and thick, dense, longitudinally rugous epithelium. Intestine rather long, narrow ; cceca very small, cylindrical ; rectum* with a large globular cloacal dilatation. Legs of moderate length, or short, rather slender, not much compressed ; toes of mode- rate length, slender, connected by webs, spreading, the first very small, elevated, and free, or wanting; claws small, arcuate, rather obtuse. Wings very long, rather narrow, much pointed ; tail generally moderate. The difierences of these three orders, as to habits, as well as structure, arc so obvious, that he who, residing on the sea- shore, and taking daily note of some of the species of which they are composed, is not struck by them, must be peculiarly unobservant, or unaccustomed to compare the objects that attract his notice. High in air, advancing on gently-arched and out-spread wings that winnow a passage for them over the far-spread sea, is seen advancing from the north a flock of large birds, that are observed as they draw nearer to be CHARACTERS OF THE ORDERS. 7 arranged in lines, ever undulating and changing figure, while their clear erics seem to express their joy at having escaped the dangers of their long passage over the isleless waste of waters. Now they descend, mingle their ranks, wheel in dislocated hands, iniite, sweep along, and, clamorous in their joy, at length alight on the open pasture. Having rested awhile, and plumed themselves, they begin to move about in search of food, walking sedately and with docurvcd necks directing their strong bills to the ground, from which they wrench the roots of the grasses and pluck the herbage. Prudent, however, as they well need to be in an unexplored tract, and careful of their safety, they neither scatter about at random nor leave themselves subject to surprise. Should a suspicious object present itself, one of them presently erects himself, and emits a warning cry ; on hearing which they all run together, raise their necks to their full stretch, and carefully inspect the ground. Should the danger be immi- nent they run a few paces forward, spreading their largo wings, ascend into the air, and betake themselves to some distant place. Here, close to the rocks on the shore, a large bird has abruptly emerged from the deep, and is gliding smoothly and rapidly along, his body half-sunk in the water, aiul his bill directed toward it. As suddenly he disappears, gliding noiselessly with vigorous spring into the bosom of the sea. You watch his re-appearance perhaps a whole minute or more, and there, at a great distance, he emerges, bearing in his bill a moderate-sized fish, Avhich he soon swallows with erected neck and widened throat. Now sweeps into view from behind the headland a large bird, gliding on outspread wings, now inclining for a space to this side, now to tliat, then shooting along in a curve, at one time skimming the water, at another ascending to a con- siderable height, and now and then emitting a singular cry, somewhat resembling the sounds of human laughter. He suddenly descends, hovers Avith upraised Avings, lets down his feet, with which he seems to pat the water, dips his beak and head into it, and, exulting, carries up a small fish, which he securely disposes of. He then alights, sitting buoyantly on the sea, but finding that by swimming he 8 CHARACTERS OF THE ORDERS. cannot keep his place in the current, he stretches his large wings, and flies off" to a distant spot, where several birds are hovering over the waves, dipping at intervals, and emitting their harsh screams, they being engaged with a shoal of fish. Now, these three birds are good enough representations of the three orders characterized above. The Cribratores, moreover, feed on vegetable sub- stances, many on mollusca, Crustacea, and insects, and some on fishes. They form a rude nest, generally on the ground, and lay numerous eggs, which are light, or of some light tint, and without spots. The young, covered with stiffish doAvn, are able to run, swim, and dive presently after exclusion, and are carefully conducted by their mother, or for a time fed by her. The males are larger and handsomer than the females, which the young resemble in their first plumage. These birds are more useful to man than the other aquatic species, many of them aflbrding savoury food ; some feathers, quills, or down ; and several, Avhich have been domesticated, being of nearly as much service as the analo- gous Gallinaceous or Rasorial Birds. The Urinatores, on the other hand, are essentially pis- civorous, though several species feed on insects, reptiles, Crustacea, and other small aquatic; animals, and some on mollusca. They nestle on the ground or on rocks ; but some of them deposit then- eggs in holes, or on the bare shelves of cliffs, without any nest. Their eggs are generally few, frequently a single egg of enormous size is all they lay ; but nothing general can be said of their form or colouring. The young, in many cases, remain for some time in the place where they have been hatched. The males are larger than the females. Nearly all the species are most expert swimmers and divers, using their wings as well as their feet for propelling themselves under water. The back- ward position of their feet renders a very inclined or nearly erect position on land necessary to them, and some of them are quite incapable of walking efficiently. Some among them are also incapable of flying ; but even those which have very snuill wings make them the instruments of a rapid and sustaiued flight. CHARACTERS OF THE ORDERS. 9 The Mersatores are birds of less compact form, light- ness, and even buoyancy, as well as strength, being essential to their nature. Their plumage is of looser texture and more bulky. Their long wings arc fitted for a light, gliding, bounding flight, very unlike the straightforward, laboured, though quick aerial progression of the Urinatores. They sit lightly on tlic water, swim, though not rapidly, but are in- capable of diving, and never enter into the deep other- wise than momentarily by plunging or dipping. The larger species are in a measure omnivorous, in so far as regards animal food ; the smaller feed chiefly on small fishes and Crustacea. They usually nestle on the ground, laying from three to five spotted eggs ; but some which lay in holes or crevices have Avhite eggs. The young, at first densely covered with down, can walk and run, as well as swim, from the first ; but usually remain some time in or about the nest, or conceal themselves in suitable places. Most of the birds of this order walk very expertly. The males are little larger than the females, and generally the sexes are coloured alike ; but the young have more mottled and duller colours than the adult. Their flesh is not esteemed, and none of them have been domesticated. 10 XVII. CRIBRATORES. SIFTERS. The detailed characters of this extensive Order having been ah-eady given in the Fourth Volume, and two of the Families — the Anscrince and Cygnince — there described, we have now to introduce the Family of Anatince, or Fresh- water Ducks. ANATIN^. DUCKS AND ALLIED SPECIES. Thebe are no strictly definable limits between the An- serinae and the present group, many species being nearly equally referable to either. However distinct a common Grey Goose and a Teal may appear, they are connected by species so graduating as to leave no palpable line of separa- tion. Yet the two groups, taken in the mass, present obvious differences, and may at least be conveniently admitted as dis- tinct. But all Ducks, popularly so called , are not admitted into the family of the Anatina? ; those which chiefly frequent the sea, and feed on marine mollusca and fishes being kept apart to form the group of the Fuligulinse, or Sea Ducks. The general characters of the Anatinoe, or Fresh Water Ducks, are the following : — Their body is oblong or elliptical, of nearly equal height and breadth; the neck usually rather long and slender; llie head moderate, oblong, compressed, rounded above. The bill about the length of the head, or shorter, higher than broad at the base, gradvuilly depressed, and generally be- DUCKS AND ALLIED SPECIES. 11 coining a little broader toward the end, sometimes more or less i-earcuate ; the upper mandible with the frontal angles moderate and pointed, the ridge flattened at the base, tlie sides convex toward the end, the unguis oblong, decurved, and rather small ; the upper mandible internally concave, with a medium prominent line, and on each side a series of transverse, thin laniellic, the outer extremities of which pro- ject more or less. There are similar, but smaller lamellic, on the sides of the lower mandible. The mouth is rather narrow ; the tongue fleshy, deeply grooved above, with lateral scries of bristles, and a thin, broadly rounded tip. The oeso- phagus is of moderate width, or rather narrow, the stomach a very large, transversely elliptical gizzard, with very large muscles, a thick rugous epithelium, and somewhat concave grinding surfaces ; the intestine very long, of moderate width, with very long coeca. The trachea is of nearly uniform width ; the inferior larynx has an osseous enlargement, gene- rally transverse, and bulging on the left side. The nostrils are oblong, and of moderate or small size ; the eyes small, as are the apertures of the ears. The legs are generally short, sometimes of moderate length, or rather long; the tibia bare for a very short space ; the tarsus compressed, reticulated, and furnished with very small anterior scutclla ; the hind toe very small, elevated, with a narrow lobiform membrane ; the inner toe much shorter than the outer, which is little exceeded by the third ; the interdigital membranes full ; the claws small, little arched, compressed, rather acute, that of the middle toe having its inner edge expanded. The plumage dense, firm, elastic, blended ; the feathers of the head and upper neck small, of the other parts large; the scapulars large ; the wdngs of moderate length, rather naiTOw, pointed, the first and second quills being longest; the inner secondaries oblong ; the tail moderate, of more than twelve feathers. The AnatinsD feed essentially on stems and roots of grasses and other plants, leaves, and seeds, but also on mollusca, in- sects, worms, and occasionally reptiles. They are mostly gregarious, and migratory. The males are always larger, and usually difierently coloured. The outer webs of some of the 12 ANATDf^. secondary quills are highly coloured, Avith silky or metallic lustre, forming a patch named the speculum, or wing-spot. Toward the end of summer, the males assume the plumage of the females, but in autumn resume their proper colours. During the breeding season, the males generally continue with tlie females. The nest is placed on the ground, or in holes ; rarely on trees. The eggs are numerous, white, greenish, or of some uniform light tint. The young, covered with stiifish down, are active from the first, and presently betake themselves to the water, where they swim and dive Avith the greatest agility. Representatives of this family occur in all climates. They frequent marshes, wet places, lakes, and rivers, prociu'e a great part of their food by reaching at it under the water, but seldom dive, unless in sport, or to elude their enemies. Their flesh is esteemed as food, and generally has a high flavour. SYAWPSIS OF TEE BRITISH GENERA AND SPECIES. GENUS I. TADORNA. SHTELDUCK. Bill as long as the head, higher than broad at the base, gi'adually depressed, considerably rearcuate, and becoming a little broader tOAvard the end, Avhich is rounded ; upper man- dible Avith the ridge flattened at the base, on which there is generally a fleshy knob, the unguis oblong, rather abruptly bent doAVUAvards and inwards, the sides convex, at the base nearly erect, the edges rearcuate, the lamellae thin, and not appearing beyond the margin ; legs rather short, tibia bare for a very short space ; tarsus compressed, AA-ith very small anterior scutella ; inner toe much shorter than the outer, Avhich is nearly equal to the third ; interdigital membranes full ; claAVS small, compressed, rather blunt ; feathers of the head and upper neck short and silky ; wings Avith an obtuse tubercle, broad, pointed, the second quill longest ; tail mode- rate, nearly even, of fourteen Aveak rounded feathers. DUCKS AND ALLIED SPECIES. 13 1. Tadorna Casarca. Ruddy Shielduck. Bill slightly rearcuate, without basal protuberance, and, together with the feet, black ; plumage mostly light yellowish-red ; hind part of back and tail, and a narrow ring on the neck, greenish- black ; Aving-coverts white. 2. Tadorna Vulpanser. Burrow Shielduck. Bill bright red, considerably rearcuate, with a fleshy knob at the base ; feet flesh-colour ; head and upper neck greenish-black, lower neck white ; fore part of body light red, the rest white, ex- cepting a medial band on the breast and abdomen, a patch on each side of the back, and the primary quills and coverts, which are black. GENUS II. ANAS. DUCK. Bill about the length of the head, higher than broad at the base, gradually depressed, becoming a little broader toward the end, and very slightly rearcuate ; upper mandible with the frontal angles short and pointed, the ridge flattened and gradually narrowed, the unguis obovate, decurs'ed, the sides convex, at the base nearly erect, the lamellae «-ith their outer ends thin and scarcely apparent externally ; legs short, tibia bare for a very short space ; tarsus short, compressed, anteriorly -vA-ith small scutella, and a shorter outer series, con- tinuous with those of the outer toe ; hind toe very small, with a very narrow membrane ; fourth toe a little shorter than the third; interdigital membranes full; claws small, compressed, rather blunt ; feathers of the head and upper neck short and silky ; wings of moderate length and breadth, pointed, the second quill longest ; inner secondaries elon- gated, broad, rather pointed ; tail short, much rounded, of eighteen acute feathers. 1. Anas Boschas. Common Duck. Bill reddish-yellow, tinged with green; feet orange; head and upper part of neck glossy deep green ; a narrow white collar ; breast dark broAATiish-chestnut ; speculum bluish-green and purple, mar- gined before and behind with black and white ; tail-feathers twenty, the four medial recurved, compressed, black. 2. Anas glocitans. Bimaculated Duck. Bill greenish- 14 ANATIN^. yellow at the base, olive-brown tOAA^ard the end ; feet brown ; upper part of head and hind-neck deep chestnut-brown ; sides of the head and upper neck glossy green ; on the fore part of the cheek au oblong reddish-brown patch, and another on the side of the neck ; breast brownish-red, spotted Avith black ; speculum deep green, glossed with purple, and margined behind Avith whi^e ; tail-feathers all straight, the tAvo medial black. GENUS III. QUERQUEDULA. TEAL. Bill nearly as long as the head, considerably higher than broad at the base, giadually depressed, but scarcely AA-idened toward the end, it being comparatiA-ely slender, Avith the margins nearly parallel ; upper mandible Avith the frontal angles short and pointed, the ridge broad and concave at the base, gradually narroAved, the unguis small, obovato- oblong, decurA-ed at the end, the sides convex, erect at the base, the lamella? projecting a little from the base to tAA'o- thirds of the length of the bill, then shortened; legs very short; tarsus compressed, Avith small anterior scutella ; hind toe Avith a very narroAv membrane ; outer toe considerably shorter than the third, which is longer than the tarsus ; interdigital membranes emarginate ; claAvs small, compressed, rather acute ; feathers of the head and upper neck short ; scapulars elongated and acuminate ; inner secondaries long and taper- ing ; Avings narrow, pointed, of about tAventy-five quills, the first and second longest ; tail tapering, of sixteen stiffish, tajiering feathers. 1. Querquedula Crecca. European Teal. A longitudinal ridge of narroAv decvirved feathers on the head and nape ; head and upper neck chestnut-broAvn, Avitli a green patch behind the eye, margined beneath Avith black and Avhite ; speculum black externally, gi'een internally, edged Avith black ; under the tail a black and tAvo cream-coloured patches. 2. Querquedula Circia. Gargancy Teal. AAvhite streak from over the eye to half-Avay doAvn the neck; scapulars black, Avith a medial Avhite streak ; Aving-coverts bluish- DUCKS AND ALLIED SPECIES. 15 ijrey ; speculum dull green, margined on both sides with white. 3. Qucrquedula %trepcra. Gadwall Teal. Upper part of the head and nape dusky, with small reddish-hrown mark- ings ; lower neck all round and part of the back dusky, with semicircular white lines ; middle of the back, scapulars, and sides finely undulated with dusky-grey and reddish-white ; smaller wing-coverts gi'cy, barred with pale reddish ; middle coverts deep chestnut-red ; speculum black and white. 4. Qucrquedula acuta. Pintail Teal. Head and throat dusky brown ; a longitudinal band of greenish-black on the hind neck, and two white bands continuous with the white of the lower parts ; back and sides finely undulated with grey and white ; wing-coverts grey ; speculum green and black, margined anteriorly with red and posteriorly with white. GEXUS IV. RHYNCHASPIS. SHOVEL-BILL. Bill longer than the head, much higher than broad at the base, gradually depressed and widened toward the end, the breadth of which is double that of the base ; upper man- dible with the ridge broad and concave at the base, gradually narrowed, the sides convex, erect at the base, the very numei-ous, elongated, slender lamella? projecting conspicu- ously from the base to near the broadest part ; legs very short ; tarsus compressed, with small anterior scutella ; hind toe with a very narroAV membrane ; outer toe a little shorter than the third, which is longer than the tarsus ; interdigital membranes emarginate ; claws slender, compressed, acumi- nate; feathers of the head and upper neck short and blended; scapulars elongated and acuminate; inner secondaries long and tapering ; wings narrow, pointed, of about twenty-five quills, the first and second longest ; tail small, much rounded, of fourteen stiffish, tapering feathers. 1. Hhyncliaspis chjpcata. Bluc-ivinged Shoi-el-bill. Breast purplish-chestnut ; back greenish-black ; wing-coverts light blue ; scapulars white, greenish-black, and pale blue ; spe- culum bright green, margined anteriorly with white. 16 ANATINiE. GENUS V. MARECA. WIGEON. Bill considerably shorter than the head, higher than broad at the base, gradually depressed and narrowed toward the end ; upper mandible with the frontal angles very short and obtuse, the ridge broad and flattened at the base, the sides convex, erect at the base, the unguis rather large, obovate, decurved at the end, the extremities of the nume- rous lamellae projecting a little about the middle of the bill ; legs very short, and the other characters as in Querquedula. 1. Mar eca Penelope. European IVig con. Bill pale blue, with the tip black ; upper part of head reddish- white ; cheeks and upper neck brownish-red, dotted with black ; fore part and sides of the neck light vinaceous ; upper parts and sides of the body finely barred with white and dark grey ; wings grey, with a large patch of white ; speculum green, with an anterior and a posterior band of black. TADORNA. SIIIELDUCK. It may at first sight seem difficult to detennine whether our common Shielduck be actually a Duck at all, it having very much of the appearance of a Goose ; and a close inspec- tion rather increases than removes our perplexity. If we refer to authorities, we find some on one side, and some on the other. The bill, however, is decidedly that of a Duck, for besides increasing in breadth toward the end, it has a small, oblong unguis, not only smaller aiul differently formed from that of any Goose, but moreover remarkably incurved at the end ; and, although the genus approaches to Chenalopex l)oth in form and colouring, I think we may safely place it in the gi'oup of Anatina?, assigning it there a station indicative of its approximation to the Anserina?. The body is large, full, rather elongated, about the same height and breadth ; the neck rather long and slender ; the head moderate, oblong, compressed, and rounded above. Bill as long as the head, higher than broad at the base, gradually depressed, becoming a little broader toward the end, and considerably rearcuate ; upper mandible with the lateral siniises semicircular, the upper occupied by a fleshy knob, the dorsal line sloping to beyond the nostrils, then a little concave ; the ridge flattened and gi-adually narrowed, the unguis oblong, rather abruptly bent downwards and inwards, with the end sharp-edged and abrupt, the sides con- vex, at the base nearly erect, the edges rearcuate, the lamellae with their outer ends thin and not appearing beyond the margin, which is somewhat expanded and membranous about a third from the end ; the nasal sinus moderate, elhptical, close to the ridge ; lower mandible considerably rearcuate, with the intercrural space very long, narrow, and bare, the crura slender, with their sides convex, gradually sloping more outwards, the unguis somewhat elliptical, larger than the upper, little convex, broadly rounded at the end. JNIouth rather narrow ; anterior palate concave, with a median prominent line, and on each side a series of trans- voi,. v. c 18 TADORNA. SHIELDUCK. verse, thin, elevated lamellge, which are much larger and more •widely set toward the end. Tongue fleshy, deeply grooved above, with lateral series of bristles, and a thin broadly rounded tip. (Esophagus of moderate width. Stomach a very large, transversely elliptical gizzard, placed obliquely, with very large muscles, thick rugous epithelium, and thick- ened grinding plates. Intestine very long, and of moderate width ; coeca very long. Trachea of nearly uniform width, but a little enlarged within the furcular space, then narrowed ; the lower larynx with two unequal irregularly roundish extremely thin bony sacs, of which that on the left side is much larger. Bronchi of moderate size. Nostrils oblong, moderate, in the lower and fore part of the membrane. Legs short ; tibia bare for a very short space ; tarsus short, compressed, with very small anterior scutella ; hind toe very small, elevated, with a lobiform membrane ; inner toe much shorter than the outer, which is nearly equal to the third, the latter rather longer than the tarsus ; all scutellate above ; interdigital membranes full. Claws small, compressed, little arched, rather blunt, that of the middle toe expanded internally. Plumage dense, soft, and blended ; feathers of the head and upper-neck short and silky, of the other parts large ; scapulars large, oblong, rounded. Wings rather long, broad, pointed ; the second quill longest, the first little shorter ; inner secondaries elongated, oblong. Tail moderate, nearly even, of fourteen weak, rounded feathers. The males differ from the females only in being larger. They continue with the female and young. The food con- sists of vegetable substances and shell-fish. The eggs are numerous, ovate, glossy, and white or cream-coloured. The species of this genus, being of a large size, and rather bulky proportions, bear a considerable resemblance to some of the Geese, especially to those of the genus Chenalopex, and might with almost equal propriety be referred to tliat family, with which they further agree in the similarity of plumage of the two sexes, whereas in the other Anatinje, the males differ from the females in this respect. 19 TADORNA CASARCA. THE RUDDY SHIELDUCK. RUDDT GOOSE. GREY-HEADED GOOSE. Anas Casarca. Linn. Syst. Nat. III. Append. 224. Anas Casarka. Lath. Ind. Ornith. IL 844. Anas cana. Lath. Ind. Omith. II. 840. Canard Kasarka. Anas rutila. Temm. Man. d'Om. II. 832. Ruddy or Casarka Shieldrake. Tadoma rutila. Selby, Illust. II. 293. Casarca rutila. Bonap. Comp. List, 56. Male twenty-three inches long, tvith the hill slightly re- arcuate, destitute of basal protuh trance, the wing with a blunt tubercle, the tail of fourteen feathers ; the bill and feet black ; the head and upper half of the neck pale grey, the latter tinged with yelloxo ; a narroio collar of greenish-black ; the rest of the neck, and the upper and lower parts of the body, light yellowish-red ; the hind part of the back and the tail greenish-black ; the tcing-coverts lohite ; the primary quills and coverts black, the secondary quills deep putplish green. Female smaller, siryiilarly coloured, but iciihout grey on the head, it being pale yellow, and the dark collar loanting, Male. — This beautiful bird is intermediate in form be- tween the Egyptian Goose and the Shielduck, and in its mode of colouring resembles both. Its legs being a little longer, and its bill much less rearcuate, than those of the latter, it might, perhaps, with propriety be referred to the same genus as the former. But as many authors have placed it here, and as I am not acquainted with the structure of its inferior larynx, it may as well remain. It is one of those birds which one might call a Duck, and another, with equal pro- priety, a Goose. The bill is nearly as long as the head, much higher than 20 TADORXA CASARCA. broad at the base, gradually depressed, of nearly equal breadth throughout ; the upper mandible Avith its outline descending and concave, the unguis oblong, much decurved and abrupt at the end, the edges nearly straight, and con- cealing the lamellee; the nasal sinus moderate, elliptical, sub-basal, close to the ridge ; the lower mandible slightly rearcuate, with the intercrural space very long and narrow, the unguis somewhat elliptical, the tip rounded. The nostrils are oblong, a quarter of an inch in length ; the eyes rather small. The legs are short ; the tibia bare for four-twelfths of an inch ; the tarsus short, compressed, covered with small angular scales, and having about twenty anterior scutella. The first toe is very small and elevated, with a small lobifonn membrane, the outer toe nearly as long as the third ; the interdigital membranes a little emarginate. The hind claw is very small and curved ; the outer and inner compressed, the third internally expanded. The plumage is full, soft, and blended ; the feathers of the head and upper neck small and oblong. The Avings, which have a rounded knob at the flexure, are long, extend, when closed, nearly to the end of the tail, and are broad and pointed, the second quill longest ; the secondaries broad and rounded, as are the inner elongated feathers. The tail is rather short, rounded, of fourteen moderately firm rounded feathers. The bill is black ; the iris " yellowish-brown," the feet black ; the general colour of the plumage is a light yellowish- red. About the middle of the neck is a narrow ring of green- ish-black, above which the colour of the plumage is chiefly greyish-white. The wing coverts are white ; the primary quills and their coverts black ; the secondary quills deep green, tinged with purple ; but the inner light red on the outer web, and gTcy on the inner. The hind part of the back and the tail are black, tinged with green. Length to end of tail 2S inches ; wing from flexure 15; tail 5 ; bill along the ridge 1^ ; along the edge of lower man- dible l-f-i- ; tarsus 2^ ; hind toe j\, its claw -p-j ; second toe l-j%, its claw, -j^ ; third toe 2-J^, its claw -j^; fourth toe 1^, its claw -Ar. KUDDY SHIELDUCK. 21 Female. — The female, which is smaller, is similar to the male, hut with the tints less deep and the collar wanting. A specimen from India, in my collection, has the hill and feet hlack ; the luuid greyish-Avhite, tinged with reddish- yellow ; the general colour of the plumage light red, fainter anteriorly ; the middle of the hack, under the scapulars, minutely undulated with dusky ; the rump and tail greenish- black ; the wing-coverts white, primary quills black ; spe- culum deep green ; lower wing-coverts yellowish-white. Length to end of tail 22 inches ; wing from flexure 14 ; tail 5 ; bill along the ridge l-^V '> tarsus 2-^ ; hind toe ^, its claw -^ ; middle toe 2-jL-, its claw -j^. Harits. — This species is very extensively dispersed, being found in India, Persia, and the northern parts of Asia ; at the Cape of Good Hope, and in other portions of Africa; in Austria, Hungary, and Russia. M. Temminck informs us that " it nestles in the holes of the rocks which border the great rivers of Russia, in hollow trees, or in the deserted holes of other animals along the banks ; and lays eight or nine white eggs," in wdiich respects it resembles our common Shiclduck. On the western coasts of Europe it sometimes appears as an accidental straggler, and a few in- dividuals have been obtained in England. One was shot at Bryanstone, near Blandford, in Dorsetshire, in the severe winter of 1776, and is now in the Newcastle Museum. Another, also killed in the south of England, is in the pos- session of Mr. Selby ; and one shot at Ikhn, near Orford, in January, 1834, is the property of Mr. Manning, of Wood- bridge. In the Natural History of Orkney it is stated " a specimen of this rare Duck was shot in Sanday, by Mr. Strang, in October, 1831." 22 TADORNA VrLr.VNSER. THE BURROW SHIELDUCK. SaiEXDBAKE. SKELPRAKE. SKELGOOSE. SKEELING GOOSE. BTTlKO'Wr DUCK. ST. GEORGE'S DlCi. SLT GOOSE. BEKGA>DEK. STOCKAXXET. F;c.. t- Anas Tadorna. Linn. Syst. Nat. I. 195. Anas TadonuL. Latk liid. Om. II. S-54. Shiddnke. Mont. Om. Diet, and Supplt. Canard Tadome. Atir< Tadoma. Temm. Man. d'Om. II. S3S. GoBBton Shieldrake. Tadorna Yulpanser. Selb. Illustr. II. 289. Tkdania BeJlonii Common Shieldrake. Jen. Brit. Yert. An. 229. Tadorna TulpaBser. Bonap. Comp. list, 56. Mah tircnty-four inches long, trith the bill coimderably rearcuaU, and hating a Jl^shy knoh at thf base, the icing tcith a blunt tubcrcl'C. the tail of fourteen feathers ; the bili bright red, the feet Jiesh-cohured ; the head and upper neck black glossed vith green, the lotrer neck white ; the fore part of the body light red ; the rest of the plumage uhite, excepting a medial band on the breast and abdonien, a broad patch on each side of the back including the scapulars, and the prin^ary quills SCRKOW SSaEUfCOL r> mmd eor^trU, uiark or? Uxi ; tih« mtUr mgmmimna frees, •MK arly full-groAvn, prisoners, as it Mere, in one of tlie old peat-holes. Tliey had evidently tumbled in some time before, and had managed to subsist on the insects, &c., that it contained, or tliat fell into it. From the manner in which tliey had undermined the banks of their watery prison, the birds must have been in it for some weeks. COMMON DUCK. 41 The sides were perpendicular, but there were small resting- places under the bank which prevented them being drowned. The size of the place they were in was about eight feet square, and in this small space they had not only grown up but thrived, being fully as large and heavy as any other young Ducks of the same age." In from eight to ten weeks after they are liatched, the young are able to fly. Progress toward Maturity. — The young, when fledged, resemble the female in colouring. I am unable from observa- tion to say when the young male first assumes the full plum- age of its sex ; but it appears to be at the end of its first autumn. Remarks. — Our Domestic Ducks are evidently the ofi"- spring of the Wild Mallard, greatly degenerated as to activity and beauty of form, as well as of plumage, but improved, as the agriculturists say of an unwieldy ox incapable of stepping over a gutter, in bulk and susceptibility of fat. Tame Ducks lose their native delicacy of feeling, the sentimentalism of their aflections, and instead of pairing for life, or at least for the season, become unprincipled socialists, every Drake taking as many wives as he can get. The Mallard is not singular in being thus vitiated by civilization : all thoroughly domesti- cated quadrupeds and birds being similarly changed. 42 ANAS GLOCITANS. BIMACULATED DUCK. Anas glocitans. Gmel. Syst. Nat. I. 526. Anas glocitans. Lath. Ind. Orn. II. 862. Bimaculated Duck. Mont. Om. Diet. Canard Glousseur. Anas glocitans. Temm. Man. d'Omith. TV. 533. Bimaculated Teal. Querquedula glocitans. Selb. Illustr. II. 321. Anas glocitans. Bimaculated Duck. Jen. Brit. Vert., An. 232. Querquedula glocitans. Bonap. Corap. List, 57. Male icWi the bill an inch and ten-twelfths long, eight- ticelfths broad toicard the end, greenish-yelloio at the base, olive-brown toicard the end ; scapulars and inner secondaries elongated and tapering; tail-feathers acuminate ; upper part of the head and hind neck deep chestnut-brown ; sides of the head and upper neck glossy green ; on the fore part of the cheek an oblong reddish-brown j^atch, and another on the side of the neck ; throat greenish-black ; lotcerfore part of the neck brownish-red spotted with black; lower parts yellowish-wliite, minutely undulated with black ; feathers under the tail black ; fore part of back and inner scapulars yellowish-grey, finely 9indulated 2vith black ; outer scapulars black externally, light red on the inner web ; wing-coverts brownish-grey, tJie second- ary coverts tipped uith reddish-white ; primary quills and coverts brownish-grey ; speculum deep green, glossed uith purple, and margined beJiiiul u-itli white ; hind part of back and tail-coverts greenish-black ; tail-feathers broivnish-grey, except the two middle, uhich are black. Femcde with the throat yellowish- white , fore neck, part of the breast and sides, light reddish-brown, spotted with dusky brown ; breast and abdomen white, the latter with faint brown spots ; upper parts deep brown, the feathers edged witJi yellowisJi-grey ; wing- coverts browni>ili-grey, the speculum duller than in tJte male. jM.\t,k. — Not liiiving liad an opportunity of examining specimens of tliis very rare species, wliich is mucli smaller BIMACULATED DUCK. 43 tlian the preceding, I adopt tlie description of it given l)y M. Tennninck : — "U})})er pint of the liead deep cliestnul ; elieeks and sides of tlie neck glossy hot tie-green ; in tlie midst of tliis shining colour are two light red spots, one before and beneath the eye, the other on the side of the neck beneath the ear ; breast (or lower fore neck) bright red, marked with round black spots ; mantle, scapulars, flanks, and thighs marked with black, undulating, close, and very narrow lines, regularly distributed on a pale grey ground ; the longest of the scapulars narrow, acuminate, velvet-black along the shafts and on the outer barbs, and light red on the inner ; wing-coverts brownish-grey ; the mirror of a beautiful bottle-green, defined anteriorly by a light reddish band, behind by a band of white ; rump, up])er and lower tail- coverts, and two middle tail-feathers blackish-gxeen, but the rest of the tail-feathers pale brown, margined with white ; a crescentic band of cream-colour separates the blackish-green of the feathers, under the tail, from the whitish tint of the abdomen. Bill olive-brown, yellowish at the base ; feet brown. Length from sixteen to seventeen (French) inches." Female. — " The female has the head and neck of a brownish-cream colour, marked with very small black spots ; the upper parts of a blackish-broAvn, each feather bordered Avith reddisli-brown ; lower fore neck of a reddish-brown tint, but all the feathers black in the middle ; smaller wing- coverts brownish-grey ; the speculum green, with purple- gloss at its upper part, black toward the primaries, where these feathers are bordered with white ; primaries and tail brown, the feathers of the latter margined with reddish-white ; lower parts greyish-white ; the feet of an orange tint. Variations. — " It appears that the males vary greatly in the tints of their plumage, and in that of the two large spots on the neck, as well as in their outline. I have seen a male only in j)art covered with the variegated plumage of that sex, while all the rest was as in the female, but patched here and there with some feathers of the male ; the top of the head only having red at the tips of the feathers, and the rest black ; the 44 ANAS GLOCITANS. metallic green shaded -with black, the points of the feathers white. This was probably a young male, or rather a male in the act of moulting." Habits. — This species is said to have its principal resi- dence in the northern parts of Asia, being common on the margin of Lake Baikal, the Lena, and the coasts of Corea. It was first described by Pallas in the Stockholm Transactions for 1779. A few individuals have occurred in the north of Europe. In England a male was taken in a decoy, in 1771, and described and figured by Pennant. In 1812, a male and female were captured in the same manner, near Maldon in Essex, and coming into the hands of the late Mr. Vigors, were by him presented to the Zoological Society, in the Museum of which they now are. It does not appear that any other individuals have hitherto been obtained in Britain ; but Messrs. Baikie and Heddle state that, as they believe, it has been twice observed in Orkney, on each occasion in the island of Sanday. 45 QUERQUEDULA. TEAL. If we compare together the common Teal, Anas Crecca of Linnaeus ; the Garganey, Anas Circia ; the Gadwall, Anas strepera ; and the Pintail, Anas acuta, we find that, although there are slight differences in the form of the bill, in the elon- gation of the lamellee of the upper mandible, in the length of the neck and tail, they are all so intimately connected that, unless each species be converted into a genus, there can be no reason fer separating any two of them for that purpose. Anas Crecca, having the neck shorter and the head rather larger, seems to come nearest to the Mallard ; while, as having the neck and tail most elongated. Anas acuta, seems most removed from it. Anas strepera differs in scarcely any character of importance from the Pintail, for the elongation of the laminae of its bill is not greater nor more worthy of consideration than that of the lamina? of the Grey Lag Goose, compared with other Geese. Even those who, for this very reason, consider the Gadwall as entitled to generic distinction, make no account of the elongation or abbre- viation, protrusion or concealment of the laminae, in their genus Anser, which contains, for example, Anser palustris and Anser leucopsis, birds which differ from each other more than any two of the four Ducks mentioned above, as entering into the genus Querquedula, as here constituted. These birds have the body elongated, elliptical, slightly de- pressed, and moderately full ; the neck long and slender ; the head oblong, much compressed, moderately arched above. Bill nearly as long as the head, considerably higher than broad at the base, gradually depressed toward the end, but scarcely widened, it being comparatively slender, with the margins nearly parallel ; upper mandible with the lateral basal sinuses broadly rounded, the dorsal line gently sloping 46 QUERaUEDULA.. TEAL. at first, then nearly straight to the unguis, which is small, ohovato-oblong, decurved at the end, the ridge broad and concave at the base, gradually narrowed, convex toward the end, the sides at the base erect, tOAvard the end convex, the edges slightly sinuous, the extremities of the numerous lamellir rounded or moderately pointed, and projecting a little from the base to two-thirds of the length of the bill, beyond which they are shortened ; the nasal sinus small, elliptical, sub-basal, and near the ridge ; lower mandible very slightly re-arcuate, with the intercrural space long, narrow, and bare, the crura slender, wdth their sides convex, gradually sloping more outwards toward the end, the unguis obovato-triangular, considerably convex, the upper lamellse httle elevated and rounded. Mouth rather narrow ; anterior palate concave, with a median prominent line, and on each side a series of very slight oblique lamellae, besides the lateral series. Tongue fleshy, with a deep median groove, a double lateral series of filaments, its breadth nearly equal throughout, the tip thin and broadly rounded. Oesophagus of moderate width, con- siderably enlarged before entering the thorax, and again narrowed ; proventriculus oblong. Stomach a very large, transversely elliptical gizzard, placed obliquely, with very large muscles, tliick rugous epithelium, forming two roundish, flat, or slightly concave plates. Intestine very long, rather wide, enlarging toward the cceca, which are very long and of moderate width ; rectum very short. Trachea a little enlarged in the furcular space, then nar- rowed; the inferior larynx with an enlargement formed by several of the lower rings imited, and on the left side a rounded or ovate bony expansion of rather large size. Bronchi moderate. Nostrils rather small, oblong, in the fore part of the nasal membrane. Eyes small, as are the ears. Legs very short ; tarsus compressed, with small anterior scutclla; hind toe very small, with a very narrow membrane ; outer toe con- siderably shorter than the third, which is longer than the tarsus ; interdigital membranes eniarginate ; claws small, slightly arched, compressed, rather acute. QUERQUEDULA. TEAL. 47 Plumage dense, soft, and blended ; feathers of the head and upper neck short, of the other parts moderate, ovate, or oblong ; scapulars elongated and acuminate. Wings rather long, narrow, pointed, of twenty-five quills; primaries narrow, the first and second longest ; inner secondaries elongated and tapering. Tail small, short or of moderate length, tapering, of sixteen stiffish, tapering feathers. The males have the scapulars, inner secondaries, and tail- feathers more elongated and acuminate than the females, from which they also differ in having the colours of the plumage more varied. Toward the end of summer the male becomes similar in plumage to the female, but resumes his proper plumage in the beginning of winter. The Teals fre- quent marshes, lakes, and livers, and feed on vegetable sub- stances, as well as mollusca, insects, worms, and other small animals. 48 QUERQUEDULA CRECCA. THE EUROPEAN TEAL. COMMON TEAL. GREEN-WIXGED TEAL. Fig. 62. Anas Crecca. Linn. Syst. Nat. I. 204. Anas Crecca. Lath. Ind. Ornith. H. 872. Common Teal. Mont. Ornith. Diet. Anas Crecca. Flem. Brit. Anim. 125. Anas Crecca. Tcmm. Man. d'Orn. IL 846. Anas Crecca. Teal. Jenyns, Brit. Vert. Anim. 235. Common Teal. Qucrquedula Crecca. Selby, lUustr. II. 315. Querquedula Crecca. Bonap. Comp. List. 57. Male ivith the hill an inch and a half long, seven-twelfths broad toicard the end, black ; scaptdars and inner secondaries elongated and tapering ; tail feathers actnniyiate ; a longi- tudinal ridge of narrow decurved featheis on the head and nape ; head and ttpper-neck chestnut-brown, with a greefi patch behind the eye, margined beneath with black and white, upper parts and sides Jinely undtdated xcith dusky and white ; sca- pulars jtartly grey, yellowish-white , and black; speculum black externally, green internally, edged ivith black ; tips of secon- dary coverts yellowish-white ; fore-neck and part of breast yellorcish-tchite, with black spots, the rest of the breast white ; abdomen undtdated ; under the tail a black and two cream- coloured patches. EUROPEAN TEAL. 49 Male in Wintkr. — The Teal, peculiarly so named, is the smallest species of the Anatinae which occur in Britain, Avhere it is indigenous, although the numbers that breed witli us are very small compared with those which immigrate from the north in autumn, to depart in spring. It is a remarkably beautiful bird, and in colouring, as well as form, is more nearly allied to the Mallard than any of the other species Avhich I have placed in the same genus. The body is rather elongated, moderately full, a little depressed ; the neck of moderate length, and rather slender ; the head of moderate size oblong, compressed, and considerably rounded above. The bill is almost as long as the head, nearly straight, higher than broad at the base, gradually depressed toward the end, with the edges almost parallel, so that the breadth is only about a quarter of a twelfth more toward the end, which is broadly rounded. The upper mandible has the dorsal line at first sloping, then a little concave, afterwards direct, and ultimately dccurved, the ridge flattened, gradually narrowed to beyond the nostrils, the sides nearly erect at the base, con- vex toward the end, the unguis oblong, very small, much decurved at the end, the edges somewhat rearcuate, with about fifty-five lamelhv, of which the outer ends do not project ; the lower mandible with the intercrural space very long and narrow, the unguis obovato-triangular, the edges with more than a hundred outer and more numerous inner lamellae. The mouth five-twelfths in width. The tongue an inch and a half in length, fleshy, deeply grooved above, with thin lamellate and filamentous margins, the tips horny, thin, and semicircular. The oesophagus seven inches long, about four- twelfths in width, enlarging to seven-twelfths, then narrowed to a quarter of an inch ; the proventriculus five-twelfths in breadth. The stomach transversely elliptical, an inch and a twelfth long, an inch and four-twelfths in breadth, with the muscles very thick, the epithelimn dense, w-ith concave grind- ing surfaces. The intestine is three feet ten inches long, its average width nearly two-twelfths ; the coeca four inches and a half long, at first only one-twelfth in Avidth, but enlarging to three-twelfths; the rectum two inches and a quarter iu length. VOL. v. E 50 QUERQUEDULA CRECCA. The trachea is five inches long, moderately flattened, about two-twelfths in breadth ; the inferior larynx with a transversely elongated tympanum, projecting on the left side in the form of a thin bony rounded prominence, its greatest breadth eight-twelfths, its length three-twelfths. The bronchi moderate, with about thirty half-rings. Nostrils small, elliptical, a twelfth and a half in length. Eyes small. Legs short ; tibia bare for nearly three-twelfths ; tarsus compressed, with eighteen small anterior scutella. The first toe very small, with ten scutella ; the second scaly on the first phalanx, and with fifteen scutella on the second ; the third with twenty-eight, the fourth with thirty scutella ; the intcrdigital membranes crenulate, the outer emarginate. The claws arc small, arched, compressed, acute ; that of the hind toe more curved. The plumage is soft, dense, elastic, blended. The feathers on the head and upper neck short and silky, on the hind part of the head and najie linear, and considerably elongated, on the upper parts oblong. The scapulars much elongated, tapering, and pointed. The wing rather long, narrowed, pointed, of twenty-six quills ; the first scarcely shorter than the second, the rest quickly decreasing ; the outer secondaries broad, obliquely rounded ; the inner long, narrow, tapering, a little curved outwards. Tail short, rounded, of sixteen acuminate feathers, of which the medial are eight-twelfths longer than the lateral. The bill is black. The iris brown. The feet bluish-gi*ey, tinged with brown. The head and upper part of the neck are chestnut-brown. From the eye to the nape is a shining green oblong space, narrowed behind, margined anteriorly and below with a black band and a white line ; a curved band of white ascends from tlie base of the lower mandible, and passes over the eye ; the featliers margining the base of the bill dusky ; those of the throat brownisli-black. On the middle of the hind-neck is a black patch. Tlie upper parts may be described as transversely undulated witli brownish-black and white ; the hind part of the back brownish-grey, faintly undulated. The inner webs of the inner scapulars are brownish-grey ; the outer scapulars white, edged with black. The wiiig-coverts, EUROPEAN TEAL. 51 inner secondaries, primary quills, and coverts, are brownish- grey ; the outer secondary coverts are reddish-white toward the end ; the speculum velvet-black externally, edged behind ■with white, bright green, changing to purple internally, one of the inner scapulars externally edged Avith black. The upper tail-coverts are black, edged with yellowish-grey ; the tail-feathers brownish-grey, edged with paler. A portion of the lower part of the neck is barred anteriorly as Avell as behind, the rest, with part of the breast, yellowish-white, with roundish black spots ; the hind part of the breast white ; the sides and abdomen white, undulated with grey. Under the tail are two lateral cream-coloured patches, and a medial black space. The axillar feathers, and some of the lower wing-coverts are white, the rest grey. Length to end of tail 14^ inches ; extent of wings 24 ; wing from flexure 74- ; tail 3^ ; bill along the ridge 1^ ; along the edge of lower mandible 1^ ; its height at the base -f-ry ; its breadth generally j ; near the end -^ ; tarsus 1^ ; hind toe -j^, its claAv -f^ ; second toe \-^ ; its claw -pj-; third toe 1-^, its claw jV; fourth toe IjV, its claw- -fj. Female, — The female has the bill blackish-green ; the feet bluish-grey ; the head light brown, streaked w ith dusky ; the back dark brown, each feather with two transverse bands of brownish-yellow ; the speculum velvet-black externally, bright green internally ; neck anteriorly yellowish-brown, with darker transverse shades ; the breast white ; the rest of the lower parts brownish-w^hite, spotted with brown. Length to end of tail 13 inches ; extent of wings 22 ; wing from flexure T:^ ; tail 3^ ; bill along the ridge Ij^ ; tarsus l-fj ; middle toe 1 j^j its claw -fV. Habits. — The Teal frequents marshy places, the margins of lakes and rivers, seldom betaking itself to estuaries, or the open sea-coast, unless in time of frost. It walks Avith ease, swims Avith the gi-eatest dexterity, has a very rapid flight, and is in every Avay remarkably active. Its food consists of seeds of grasses, slender rhizomata, Avhich it pulls up from the mud, insects, mollusca, and worms. It rises from the 52 QUERQUEDULA CKECCA. water, as well as from the ground, at once, and shoots away with great rapidity, so as to be less easily shot than most other Ducks. In Avinter it is generally seen in small flocks, which for the most part repose by day, either on the water or its banks, and begin to feed in the evening. At that season its numbers are greatly augmented by individuals from the Continent, and it is generally dispersed, although not at all common in the northern parts of Scotland. It has been found breeding in various parts of England, thoiigh not in considerable numbers. Mr. Selby says : — " Our indigenous broods, I am incHned to think, seldom quit the immediate neighbourhood of the place in which they are bred, as I have repeatedly observed them to haunt the same district from the time of their hatching till they separated and paired, on the approach of the following spiing. The Teal breeds in the long rushy herbage about the edges of lakes, or in the boggy parts of the upland moors. Its nest is formed of a large mass of decayed vegetable matter, with a lining of down and feathers, upon which eight or ten eggs rest." The eggs are cream-coloured, an inch and nine-twelfths in length, and an inch and four-twelfths in breadth. Aery few Teals are met Avith in the south of Scotland in summer ; but from the Tay northward, some are to be found scattered here and there, generally in sequestered parts of the moorlands, and even in the glens of the central tracts of mountain-land. Two of my ])upils found a brood at Loch Callater, in Braemar, in the end of July, 1849. One of them, ]Mr. James Farquharson, writes : — " As we were returning from a botanical excursion in Glen Callater, and walking along the margin of the marshy ground at the head of the loch, we raised from the heather a female Teal (Qucrquedula Crecca), with a brood of seven or eight young ones. The old one immediately flew to a deep pool close by ; there she swam about, apparently in great anxiety, until all her ofl'spring had scrambled through the heather to her ; and, though not very expert on land, they proved to be brave swinnners, and quickly sheltered them- .selves among the long grass growing at the margin of the pool, where we left them unmolested. The gamekeeper in the glen informed us that another pair had bred there that season." EUROPEAN TEAL. 53 Mr. Burnett of Kemnay, in a series of notes with which he has favoured me, states that " in -winter it forms large flocks, the Drakes then having a Avhistk' like that of the Plover. It hreeds rather later than the Mallard in our marshes. I found a nest with sucked eggs in a wood. The eggs are not larger than those of a Wood Pigeon, but other- wise resemble those of the Mallard, only they have more of the yellow, and are without spots, although Bewick states the contrary. I have often met Avith the young. In a small lake not far from Banchory, I saw the parent floating on the Avater, with her eight young ones swimming in a line behind. The young are considerably darker than those of the Mallard, with less yellow. One caught I describe thus : — Covered Avith doAvn of a dark olive, approaching to black, each hair tipped with dusky. Under parts dull yellowish, brightest on the sides of the head, Avhich are marked with longitudinal dusky lines. Bill black, tipped a little way up with broAvn- ish. Legs and feet black. They squeak like young Duck- lings. The attachment of the old birds to their young, if possible CA^en exceeds that of the Mallard. On my picking up tAvo large but unfledged young ones, beloAv Edit, the parent came Avithin a fcAv feet of me, lying doAvn, beating her Avings, and uttering her small shrill quack. I never heard the male Avhistle during the breeding season. The Teals feed much on the farinaceous seeds of a common kind of car ex." Mr. St. John, the most interesting and intelligent of our popular Avriters on natural objects, says : — " The Teal can scarcely be called a Avinter bird Avith us, although occasionally a pair or tAvo appear ; but in the spring they come in numbers to breed and rear their tiny young in the SAvamps and lochs. Nothing can exceed the beauty and neatness of this miniature Duck. They fly Avith great SAviftness, rising suddenly into the air Avhen disturbed, and dropping as quickly after a short flight, much in the same manner as a Snipe. In the spring the Drake has a peculiar Avhistle, at other times their note is a low quack. A pair of Teal, if undisturbed, Avill return year after year to the same pool for the purpose of breeding. Like the Wild Duck, they sometimes hatch their 54 QUERQUEDULA CRECCA. young a considerable distance from the water, and lead the young brood immediately to it. I once, when riding in Ross- shire, saw an old Teal with eight newly-hatched young ones cross the road. The youngsters could not climb up the oppo- site bank, and young and old all squatted flat down to allow me to pass. I got off my horse, and lifted all the little birds up and carried them a little distance down the road to a ditch, for which I concluded they were making, the old bird all the time Muttering about me, and frequently coming w ithin reach of my riding-whip. The part of the road where I first found them passed thi'ough thick fir-wood with rank heather, and it was quite a puzzle to me how such small animals, scarcely bigger than a half-grown mouse, could have got along through it. The next day I saw them all enjoying themselves in a small pond at some httle distance off", where a brood of Teal appeared every year. In some of the moun- tain lakes the Teal breed in great numbers. When shooting, in August, I have seen a perfect cloud of these birds occa- sionally rise from some grassy loch." It also breeds, in small numbers, in the tracts north of the Moray Firth, as well as in Orkney and Shetland. In the Hebrides it is extremely rare, but has been seen in Lewis, and more frequently in Skye. In Orkney it is said by Messrs. Baikie and Heddle to be " by no means numerous, but most abundant during winter. Those which remain during spring and summer build in marshy spots, and near lochs." In Ireland it is reported as being plentiful through the winter, and not wanting at any season. From Lapland, Norway, and SAveden, it extends to the south of Europe, northern Africa, the Caucasus, India, China, and Japan. 55 QUERQUEDULA CIRCIA. THE GARGANEY TEAL. GARGANY. PIED WIGEON. CRICKET TEAL. SUMMER TEAL. Anas Circia. Linn. Sys. Nat. I. 20-i. Anas Querquedula. Linn. Syst. Nat. I. 203. Anas Circia. Lath. Ind. Ornith. IL 873. Anas Querquedula. Lath. Ind. Ornith. II. 872. Garganey. Mont. Ornith. Diet, and Supplt. Canard Sarcelle d'ete. Anas Querquedula. Temm. Man. d'Om. II. 844. Garganey Teal. Querquedula Circia. Selhy, Illustr. II. 318. Anas Querquedula. Garganey. Jenyns, Brit. Vert. Anim. 234. Cyanopterus Circia. Bonap. Comp. List, 57. Male tcith the bill an inch and hco-thirds long, seten- hoelfths and a half broad toward the end, blachish-brown ; scapulars and inner secondaries elongated and tapering ; tail- feathers acuminate ; tfpper part of the head and a band along the hind-neck umber-brown ; a xchite band over the eye and along the neck; cheeks and upper part of neck chestnut- brown , finely barred icith xchite; throat black ; upper parts greyish-brown, glossed icith green, the feathers edged tcith paler ; scapulars black, with a medial white streak; loing- coverts pale bluish-grey ; speculum green, margined before and behind with xchite ; fore-neck and part of breast pale yellow, xvith semicircular black bars, the rest of the breast white; abdomen undidated ; lower tail-coterts yelloxcish-ichite, with black spots. Female xcith the throat white, fore-neck streaked and spotted xcith dusky, lower parts white, the sides and abdomen spotted xcith brown ; tipper parts deep broicn, the feathers edged with white; tcing-coterts brownish-grey ; speculum duller than in the male. Young si7nilar to the female, bxit tcith the colours darker ; the speculum greenish- broicn. 56' QUERQUEDULA CIRCIA. Male. — The Gargauey, which is somewhat larger than our common Teal, closely resembles it in form, the body being elongated, elliptical, slightly depressed, moderately full ; the neck rather long and slender ; the head of mode- rate size, oblong, compressed, and considerably rounded above. The bill is as long as the head, nearly straight, higher than broad at the base, gradually depressed toAvard the end, witli edges almost parallel, the breadth being only about a twelfth more tOAvard the end, Avhich is broadly rounded. The upper mandible has the dorsal line at first sloping, then a little concave, afterwards direct, at the end decurved, the ridge concave, gradually narrowed beyond the nostrils, the sides nearly erect at the base, convex toward the end, the unguis obovato-oblong, small, much decurved at the end, the lamellae, of which there are about fifty, slightly pro- jecting to beyond the middle of the bill ; tlie lower mandible with the intercrural space very long and narroAA-, the unguis obovato-triangular, the edges \Adth very numerous lamellae. Nostrils very small, elliptical, one-twelfth in length. Eyes small. Legs short ; tibia bare for three-twelfths ; tarsus compressed, with small anterior scutella. The hind toe very small, with a very narroAV membrane ; the third toe longer than the tarsus ; the interdigital membranes crenulate, the outer emarginate, with an abrupt acute notch. The cla\AS small, arched, compressed, acute. The plumage soft, dense, elastic. The feathers on the head and upper neck short, stiffish, and rather blended ; on the body ovate. The scapulars much elongated, tapering, and pointed. The Aving rather long, narroAv, pointed, of tAventy- six quills, the first slightly longer than the second, the rest quickly decreasing ; the outer secondaries broad, obliquely rounded ; the inner long, narroAv, tapering, a little curved outAvards. Tail short, rounded, of sixteen acuminate feathers. The bill is greyish-black ; ihe iris broAvn ; the feet grey- ish-broAvn ; tlie upper part of the head and the hind part of the neck, to half Avay doAvn, umber-broAvn ; from over the fore part of the eye, a narroAv Avhite band extends more than half Avay down the neck ; tlie sides of the head and upper GARGANEY TEAL. 57 neck dark-brown, ■\^ ith small white lines. The back dark- brown, the feathers edged with light-brown ; scapulars black, with a medial white stripe ; wing-coverts light bluish-grey ; primaries brownish-black ; speculum dark bluish-green, margined externally and internally with white ; inner secon- daries dusky, edged with white. The lower neck and part of the breast dark-brown, Avith paler crescentic markings ; the lower parts white, but the sides undulated with black lines, and having two broad bands behind ; the lower tail- coverts mottled, the feathers being black, with white margins. Length to end of tail 16 inches ; extent of wings 26 ; wing from flexure 7^ ; tail 31^ ; bill along the ridge 1^, along the edge of lower mandible l-y^, its breadth near the end -f:y ; tarsus It^j; liiiid toe -^, its claw -j^; third toe \-^, its At Claw 5 Female. — The female is considerably smaller. The head brown, spotted with dusky ; a brownish-white band, with dusky streaks, over the eye. The feathers of the upper parts dark-brown, mostly tinged with green, and having reddish- brown edges and whitish tips ; the wing-coverts brown ; the speculum as in the male, but of a dull brownish-green. The throat white ; the fore neck and breast greyish-white, varie- gated with brown ; the feathers on the sides of the body brown, with white margins ; the rest of the lower parts white, only the abdominal and subcaudal feathers spotted with brown. Length to end of tail 15 inches; extent of wings 25; tarsus Ixj; middle toe and claw 1^. Habits. — The Garganey Teal has a very extensive range of habitation, it having been found in India, Africa, the south of Europe, and from thence as far north as Russia and Sweden. It is more a southern bird, however, than our other species, and in Europe is met with chiefly in summer. In England it has been obtained in Cornwall, Devonshire, Kent, Essex, Norfolk, Lincolnshire, and Yorkshire. It is also mentioned as occurring in Wales. It had not, I believe, been observed in Scotland until March 1841, when four 58 QUERQUEDULA CIRCIA. individuals, said to have been shot near Stirling, were exposed for sale in the Edinburgh market. Mr. Yarrell also states, that Dr. Edward Clarke sent him notice from Edinburgh that six specimens were shot in Stirlingshire in the last fort- night of March 1841. It is said, also, to have been seen in small numbers in the Montrose Basin. It is also stated to occur, though rarely, in Orkney, appearing chiefly, if not altogether, in spring. It is said to inhabit marshy places, rivers, and lakes, and to feed on slugs, insects, worms, aquatic plants, and their seeds : to nestle in wet meadows, and to lay ten or twelve greenish-yellow eggs. Mr. Thomp- son marks it as " of very rare occurrence in Ireland." E.EMAKKS. — I have not examined the trachea of this species ; but, according to M. Temminck, " it is rather wide at the upper larynx, suddenly becomes very narrow, then gradually acquiring a greater diameter, until toward the lower larynx, it is there composed of rings twice the breadth of those of the middle of the tube ; the loAver larynx forms a large bony protuberance, Avhich dilates beneath." Mr. Yar- rell figures the bony enlargement, and describes it as " nearly oval, and placed perpendicularly, so as to appear like a con- tinuation of the tracheal tube, rather than as an appendage to it ; the enlargement is not on the left side, as in other species, but in the front, and the bronchial tubes come off from the flattened inner surface which lies upon the oesopha- gus." The above descriptions are taken from prepared specimens from India. 59 QUERQUEDULA STREPERA. TEAL. THE GADWALL GADW.VLL. GREY. Anas Strepera. Linn. Syst. Nat. I. 200. Anas Strepera. Lath. Ind. Ornith. II. 859. Gadwall. Mont. Ornith. Diet. Canard Chipeau ou Rideune. Anas Strepera. Temm. Man. d'Om. II. 837. Common Gadwall. Chauliodus Strepera. Selb. lUustr. II. 301. Anas Strepera. Gadwall. Jen. Brit. Yert. Anim. 231. Chaulelasmus Strepera. Bonap. Comp. List, 56. j\Iale iclth the bill an inch and ten-twelfths long, eight- ticelftlis broad toward the end, black ; scapulars and inner secondaries elongated and acuminate ; middle tail-feathers pointed, hut not much longer than the rest; iipper part of the head and nape dusky, icith small reddish-brown markings ; lower neck all round, and part of the back, dusky, icith semi- circular u-hite lines ; middle of the back, scapulars, and sides, finely undulated tvith dusky-grey and reddish-white ; smaller iving-coverts grey, barred with pale reddish ; middle coverts deep chestnut- red ; speculum black and tcJiite ; hind part of back and tail-coverts bluish-black ; tail grey. Female with the scajndars, inner secondaries, and tail-coverts less elongated ; the upper part of the head dusky, a lightish streak over the eye ; the upper parts blackish-brown, the feathers edged with reddish ; the lower parts light reddish, marked with oblong spots of greyish-brown. Male in Winter. — The " Gadwall " so closely resembles the " Pintail " in size, proportions, and plumage, that, I think, there can be little doubt as to its generic identity, although it differs in having the laminee of the upper man- dible considerably projecting, and the middle tail-feathers 60 QUERQUEDULA STREPERA. less elongated. Its body is elongated, moderately full, a little depressed ; the neck rather long ; the head of moderate size, oblong, compressed, and considerably rounded above. The bill is somcAvhat shorter than the head, nearly straight, rather narrow, higher than broad at the base, gradu- ally depressed toward the end, with the edges almost parallel, so that the breadth is scarcely half a twelfth more toward the end ; the upper mandible with the lateral sinuses broadly rounded, the upper rather pointed, the angles short and obtuse, the dorsal line dcclinate to beyond the nostrils, then nearly straight to the unguis, Avhich is small, obovato-oblong, and decurved at the end, the ridge of moderate breadth, and rather concave at the base, gradually narrowed, becoming convex, the sides nearly erect at the base, convex toAvard the end, the edges slightly sinuous, with about fifty lamellae, of which the rather broad and rounded outer extremities project considerably ; the nasal sinus small, ovato-elliptical, sub- basal, close to the ridge ; lower mandible very slightly rear- cuate, with the intercrural space very long, narrow, and bare, the crura slender, gradually flattened, with about sixty outer lamellae on the erect edges, the unguis small, obovato-trian- gular, considerably convex. Mouth of moderate width ; anterior palate deeply concave, with a median prominent ridge, which is papillate behind. The tongue, an inch and ten-twelfths long, is fleshy, with a deep longitudinal groove, two lateral series of filaments, and a thin broadly rounded tip. The oesophagus, ten inches and a half in length, is of moderate width, enlarges to ten-twelfths at the lower part of the neck, and again contracts ; the pro- ventriculus oblong, its greatest breadth tight-twelfths. The stomach is very large, elliptical, compressed, an inch and nine-twelfths long, two inches in brcadtli ; the muscles extremely large, the right ten, the left nine-twelfths thick ; the epithelium thick, rugous, with two roundish, slightly concave, grinding jdatcs. The intestine is very long, and rather wide, its length being six feet ten inches, its width for two feet four-twelfths and a half, then gradually enlarging to half an inch ; the rectum five inches and a quarter in length ; the coeca eleven inches long, two twelfths wide for two GADWALL TEAL. 61 iiicheSj then enlarging to six-twelfths, toward the end nar- rowed to two-and-a-half-twelfths, Avith the tip rounded. Tlie trachea, seven inches and a half in length, at first from four to three-and-a-half-twelfths in breadth, enlarges to five-twelfths, then contracts to three-and-a-half-twelfths ; the lower larynx with an enlargement formed by the union of several of the rings, and on the left side a rounded bony tympanum, the greatest transverse diameter of the Avhole being an inch and a twelfth. The bronchi of moderate size. Nostrils small, elliptical, two-twelfths long. Eyes small. Legs very short ; tibia bare for four-twelfths ; tarsus com- pressed, with twenty small anterior scutella, and about twelve outer, the rest reticulated with small angular scales. The first toe very small ; the second much shorter than the fourth, which is a little exceeded by the third ; the first with ten scutella, the second scaly on the first phalanx, and Avith fifteen scutella on the second, the third with thirty scutella, the fourth thirty-six ; the interdigital membranes crenulato- denticulate, the outer emarginate. The claws are small, arched, compressed, rather obtuse, that of the middle toe little dilated internally. The plumage is soft, close, and blended. The feathers on the head short, on the occiput and nape somewhat elongated, on the other parts moderate, ovate, or oblong. The scapu- lars are much elongated, tapering, and pointed. The wing is rather long, narrow, and pointed, with twenty-five quills ; the primaries little curved, tapering ; the first a tAvelfth shorter than the second, the rest rapidly decreasing ; the outer secondaries broad, incurved, and obliquely rounded, the inner elongated and tapering. The tail small, short, rounded, of sixteen stiffish, pointed feathers, of which the medial project a quarter of an inch beyond the next. The bill is black, shaded Avith blue tOAvard the base. The eyes reddish-broAvn. The feet dull orange ; the Avebs darker ; the claAvs dusky. The upper part of the head and a band doAvn the nape, are dusky, variegated "with reddish-broAvn, the tips of the feathers being of the latter colour. Behind the eye are tAvo faint dull-grey streaks, separated by one dotted Avilh reddish. The forehead and cheeks greyish-Avhite, dotted 62 QUERQUEDULA STREPERA. with dusky, the throat, sides and fore part of the neck yellow- ish-red, similarly dotted, but the markings on the throat almost obliterated. The lower part of the neck all round dusky, undulated with semicircular white bands ; the fore part of the back similar, with the white bands gradually narrowed ; the middle part of the back and the scapulars dusky, finely undulated with dull white ; some of the posterior scapulars grey, and a few margined with reddisli ; the rest of the back black, at first brownish, then gradually tinged with blue; the tail-feathers grey, most of them narrowly edged with white, and the outer three dusky toward the end. The smaller wing- coverts are dull grey, widely undulated Avith reddish-white ; some of the middle coverts deep chestnut-red ; the primary coverts and quills brownish-grey, with the inner webs paler ; the seven outer secondary quills grey, tinged with red at the end, several of the next deep black, the inner deep grey. Two outer secondaries grey, six next gradually changing to deep black, with the terminal margins white, three next white, five inner gi'cy. The wing spot is thus black exter- nally, Avhite internally. The lower parts are greyish-white, the middle of the breast pure white ; the flanks undulated with dusky grey ; the abdomen more obscurely undulated ; the feathers below the tail, like those above, deep bluish- black. The axillars and lower wing-coverts white. Length to end of tail 21 inches ; extent of wings 34 ; wing from flexure 10^4; tail 4h ; bill along the ridge l\^ ; its height at the base -j% ; its breadth toward the end -^ ; tarsus l^ ; hind toe -^, its claw -^ ; second toe 1-^^, its claw -^ ; third toe 1-L^, its claw -f^ ; fourth toe l^^, its claw -j^^. Female. — The female, which is considerably smaller, has tlie upper mandible dusky, on the sides dull orange, the lower mandible chiefly of the latter colour ; the iris brown ; the feet of a paler dull orange. The upper part of the head dusky, variegated with light reddish-broAvn ; a pale streak, dotted with dusky, over the eye ; the sides of the head and upper neck all round light yellowish-red, with small dusky streaks, the throat greyish-white. On the rest of the neck, and all the upper parts, the feathers are brownish-black. GADWALL TEAL. 63 broadly edged with light red. The wing-coverts brownish- grey, edged with paler ; the wing as in the male, but Avith the speculum paler. The tail-feathers are dusky, obliquely barred with pale white, and narrowly edged with reddish- white. The lower parts are light reddish, with dusky Avhite. The scapulars and inner secondaries are less elongated than in the male, as are the middle tail-feathers. Length to end of tail 19 inches ; extent of Avings 30 ; Aving from flexure Og- ; tail of ; bill along the ridge 1-^-^ ; tarsus IjV ; middle toe 1\^, its claAV -p^. Variations. — Great differences as to size occur, as in the Pintail. Habits. — The GadAA^all can scarcely be considered as a regular Avinter visitant, it being very seldom met with near the eastern coast of England, and that chiefly in spring ; nor has it hitherto occurred in Scotland, except in the Montrose Basin, the neighbourhood of Peterhead, and the islands of Sanday and Orkney. Several specimens haA-e been obtained in Ireland. It is said by authors to be plentiful in the marshes in the northern parts of Europe. M. Temminck says it is " very abundant in Holland, Avhere it Ha'cs in the same places as the common Wild Duck." In Avinter it advances southAvard, dispersing along the coasts. It is equally a native of North America, occurring, accor- ding to M. Audubon, both along the coasts and in the interior. According to that enthusiastic naturalist, it " dives Avell on occasion, especially on being Avounded. At the appearance of danger, it rises on Aving, Avhether from the gi'ound or from the Avater, at a single spring, in the manner of the Mallard, and, like it also, ascends almost perpendicularly for scA'cral yards, after which it moves off in a direct course Avitli great celerity. I have never seen it dive on seeing the flash of a gun ; but when approached it always swims to the opposite part of the pond, and, AA'hen the danger increases, flies off. On being Avounded, it sometimes by diving makes its escape among the grass, where it squats and remains concealed. It Avalks Avith ease, and prettily, often making incursions upon the land. 64 QUEHQUEDULA STREPERA. Avhen the ponds are not surrounded by trees, for the purpose of searching for food. It nibbles the tender shoots and blades of grasses with apparent pleasure, and "vvill feed on beech nuts, acorns, and seeds of all kinds of gramineae, as well as on tad- poles, small fishes, and leeches. After rain it alights in the corn-fields, like the Mallard, and picks up the scattered grains of maize. The common notes or cry of the female have a considerable resemblance to those of the female Mallard ; but the cry of the male is weaker, as in that species." 65 QUERQUEDULA ACUTA. PINTAIL TEAL. PINTAIL DUCK. WINTER DL'CK. Y^y/^r^V}'"''-- Anas acuta. Linn. Syst. Nat. I. 202. Anas acuta. Lath. Ind. Orn. II. 864. Pintail Duck. Mont. Orn. Diet, and Supplt. Canard a longue queue ou Pilet. Anas acuta. Temm. Man. d'Om. II. 839. Common Pintail. Querquedula acuta. Selb. Ilust. II. SIL Anas acuta. Pintail. Jen. Brit. Vert, -\iiim. 232. Dafila acuta. Bonap. Comp. List, 56. Male icith the bill tico inches and two-ttvelfths lojig, nine- twelfths broad toward the end, black, with the sides toivardthe base light blue; scapulars and irmer secondaries elongated and acuminate; middle tail-feathers long, and tapering to a fine point; head and throat dusky brown ; a longitudinal band of greenish-black on the hind neck, and tico white bands continu- ous tcith the white of the lower parts ; back and sides finely undulated xoith grey and white; smaller wing-coverts grey ; VOL. V. F 66 UUERQUEDULA ACUTA. speculum green and hlack, margined anteriorly icitJi red and posteriorly loith white; tail grey ; middle feathers browjiish- hlack ; lower tail-coverts black, the outer partially ivhite. Female with the scapidars, inner secondaries, and tail-feathers less elongated ; the head and neck light reddish, streaked with dusky ; the tipjyer parts blackish-broic7i, the feathers edged and variously barred with reddish-white ; the loiver parts yellowish-white, marked with oblong spots of greyish-brown. Male in Winter. — The elongated neck, pointed tail, and variegated plumage of this species, render it one of the most elegant of the family to which it belongs. Its head is of moderate size, oblong, compressed, and considerably rounded above. The bill is scarcely shorter than the head, nearly straight, rather narrow, higher than broad at the base, gradually depressed toward the end, and slightly widened ; the upper mandible with the lateral sinuses broadly rounded, the upper convex, the angles short and rather obtuse, the dorsal line declinate to beyond the nostrils, then nearly straight to the unguis, which is small, ovato-triangular, and decurved at the end, the ridge of moderate breadth, rather concave, and gra- dually narrowed, becoming convex, the sides nearly erect at the base, convex toward the end, the edges slightly sinuous, "with about fifty lamellae, of which the narrowly-rounded outer extremities are scarcely apparent ; the nasal sinus small, elliptical, sub-basal, close to the ridge ; lower mandible slightly rearcuate, with the intercrural space very long, nar- row, and bare, the crura slender, gradually flattened, the unguis small, elongated-triangular, slightly convex. Nostrils small, elliptical, two-twelfths long. Eyes small. Legs very short ; tarsus compressed, with fifteen anterior small scutella, and ten outer, the rest reticulated with small angular scales. The first toe very small ; the second much shorter than the fourth, which is considerably exceeded by the third, the latter Avith thirty-two scutella; the interdigital membranes nearly even, and crenato-denticulate. The claws are small, little arched, compressed, rather obtuse, that of the third toe with the inner edge a little expanded. PINTAIL TEAL. 67 The plumage is close, soft, and blended. The feathers on the head and upper neck short, somewhat velvety ; on the occiput and scape a little elongated ; on the otlicr parts moderate, ovate or oblong. The scapulars are much elon- gated, tapering, and pointed. The Aving is rather long, narrow, and pointed, with twenty-five quills ; the primaries little curved, tapering ; the first two-twelfths longer than the second, the rest rapidly decreasing ; the outer secondaries broad, incurved, and obliquely rounded, the inner elongated and tapering. The tail, although small, is rather long, on account of the extent of the two middle tapering and pointed feathers, which exceed the next by an inch and a quarter, and then the next by ten-twelfths, while the lateral feathers are two inches and a half shorter than the longest. The tail is thus cuneato-acuminate, and consists of sixteen feathers. The bill is black, but with the sides pale blue under the nostrils. The eyes reddish-orange. The feet greyish-black. The head and upper part of the neck, laterally and anteriorly, are dusky-brown, the upper part of the head lighter, and the feathers behind the eyes glossed with purplish-red and pale green. From the nape for three inches down the middle of the neck, a band of brownish-black, tinged Avith green, and on each side of it a line of white, continuous Avith that of the fore part and sides of the neck and breast. The loAver hind part and sides of the neck delicately undulated transversely Avith grey and white lines, as are the sides of the body ; the hind part of the back broAvnish-grey, Avith faint undulations ; most of the tail-coverts greenish-black on the outer, and AA'hite on the inner Avcbs. The tail-feathers grey, narroAvly edged Avith greyish-AAliite, the tint becoming deeper toAvard the tAvo middle, Avhich are broAvnish-black. The elongated scapulars are velvet-black, edged tOAvard the end Avith yelloAv- ish white. The smaller wing-coverts are light bluish-grey, the outer secondary coAcrts tipped Avith light red. The primary quills and coverts light greyish-broAvn, Avith Avhite shafts ; the outer secondaries black, tipped Avith Avhite, and eight of them bronzed green on the outer Aveb ; the inner are black in the middle, and edged Avith a:rey or broAvn. The 68 QUERQUEDULA ACUTA. axillars -white, with grey markings ; the lower wing-coverts grey. On the sides of the rump is a bufF-coloured patch ; the abdomen white, faintly undulated with grey ; the feathers under the tail black, the outer externally white ; the imme- diate coverts long, stiff, and pointed. Length to end of tail 25 inches ; extent of Avings 35 ; wing from flexure 11^; tail6|^; bill along the ridge 2^-2, along the edge of lower mandible 2-^Vj its height at the base \^, its breadth toward the end -^y ; tarsus 1^ ; hind toe -f'-j, its claw -^ ; second toe l^^, its claw -^ ; third toe I^^j ^^^ claw -j^T ; fourth toe 1^, its claw -^. Female. — The female, which is much smaller than the male, is very differently coloured. The bill is greyish-black above, reddish-brown beneath; the feet brown. The head and neck are light reddish-brown, streaked with dusky, the lines very delicate on part of the middle of the neck behind. The upper parts are blackish-brown, the feathers narrowly edged and variously barred with reddish-white. The quills greyish-brown ; the speculum faint, but glossed with green and tinged with reddish ; the secondaries terminally edged with white, and their coverts with reddish-white. The tail- feathers marked like the back. The lower parts are reddish- white, marked with oblong dusky spots ; the longer feathers of the sides obliquely, the axillars transversely barred. The scapulars and inner secondaries are less elongated ; and the tail is much shorter, the middle feathers projecting little beyond the rest. Length to end of tail 21 inches ; extent of wings 33 ; wing from flexure 9^ ; tail 3f ; bill along the ridge 1\^ ; tarsus IjY j middle toe l^Vj i<^s claw -^. Habits. — This elegantly formed and beautifully coloured species is not uncommon in winter and spring in some parts of England, but is of rare occurrence even in the south of Scotland, and very uncommon north of the Tay. It is said, however, to be " pretty abundant in many parts of Orkney, but especially in Sanday, migrating northward commonly in March." In Ireland it is " a regular winter visitant, PINTAIL TEAL. 69 in small numbers, to the coast and inland waters." It is extensively dispersed over the continent of Europe, and not less so over that of North America. Mr. Audubon, Avho has studied its habits, informs us that on the water few birds exhibit more graceful motions. " They swim liither deeply, keep close together, and raise the hind part of the body. On the land they walk with ease, still carrying their tail raised. Their flight is very rapid, greatly pro- tracted, and almost noiseless. They are scarcely nocturnal, but rest much in the middle of the day, basking in the sun- shine whilst on the Avater, whenever they can indulge in this luxury. In feeding they often associate with the Mallard, AVigeon, and Blue-winged Teal. Their food consists of vegetable substances, seeds, and fruits, but also of tadpoles, leeches, insects, and other small animals. On ponds they feed along the most shallow places, or by the edges, im- mersing their heads and necks, and groping with their hind parts elevated, like the Mallard ; but never diving for the purpose, although when wounded they can pass under the surface for a short space." According to Montagu, " the notes of the Pintail are extremely soft and inward ; the courting note is always attended with a jerk of the head; the other greatly resembles that of a very young kitten. In the spring, the male indi- cates his softer passions by suddenly raising his body upright in the water, and bringing his bill close to his breast, uttering at the same time a soft note. This gesticulation is frequently followed by a singular jerk of the hinder part of the body, which in turn is thrown up above the water." Changes of PLrMAGE. — The moult is generally com- pleted by the end of autumn, from which time until the middle of summer the males undergo no other change than what results from the action of the weather. They then, however, as Montagu states, " assume a very near resem- blance to the female, wliich at other times is known to be so extremely dissimilar. In the month of June, or beginning of July, these birds commenced their change of plumage, and by degrees, after making a singular mottled appearance. 70 QUERQUEDULA ACUTA. especially on the part of the body which was white before, became by the first week in August entirely of a brown colour. The beautiful bronze on the head, the white streak on each side of the neck, and all the white beneath, as well as the elegant scapulars, had all entirely vanished, and to all appearance a sexual metamorphosis had taken place. But this change was of short duration, for about the latter end of September one of the males began to reassurae the mascu- line attire ; the white on the under parts of the body, streaks on the neck and scapulars, and some bronze on the head, were evident, and by the middle of October this bird was again in full plumage. The other had then only begun to change, and did not become perfect till the middle of November. " The following is the description of a Pintail after he had thrown off the masculine plumage, taken on the 19tli of August : — Bill as usual. Top of the head, and from thence down the back of the neck, dusky and pale ferruginous, in- termixed in minute streaks, paler on the forehead ; sides of the head and throat brown, with minute dusky specks tinged with ferruginous ; the front and sides of the neck brown, with dusky black spots, which are minute on the upper parts, becoming larger by degrees downwards, where they are also more distinct ; the breast and belly very pale brown, with more distant dusky spots ; the back and scapulars dusky black, with pale margins, each feather having a transverse bar of white near the tip ; the longer scapulars are only margined Avith rufous Avhite, and some are powdered with white ; the rump like the back, but these feathers gradually lose the white bar as they approach the tail, so that the tail- coverts arc only margined with white ; the feathers on the sides of the body being large, have broad margins, Avith the middle dusky black, in which is either a ferruginous white bar or two spots, one on each side of the shaft ; the prime quills dusky grey as usual ; the speculum changeable green or copper, tipped with white, a violet bar dividing the green from the white ; the first tertial is brown on the inner web, grey on the outer near the shaft, and a broad margin of violet ; the rest of the tertials are brown dashed with cine- PINTAIL TEAL. 71 reous, black near the shafts ; the coverts of the wings plain dark cinereous, the largest series tipped with bay ; the tail consists of sixteen dusky feathers dashed Avith cinereous, gradually becoming darker towards the middle feathers, which rather exceed the next in length, making the tail regularly cuneiform ; vent and under tail-coverts rufous white, with distant black spots. " This double moulting in so short a time, peculiar to some species of birds, is a most curious and extraordinary circumstance, that seems to bid defiance to all human reasoning." 72 RHYNCHASPIS. SHOVEL-BILL. In this genus, which differs httle from Querquedula, unless in the expanded form of the bill, and the remarkable elongation of the extremely attenuated lamellse, the body is elongated, elliptical, slightly depressed, and moderately full ; the neck rather long and slender ; the head oblong, much compressed, little elevated above. Bill longer than the head, much higher than broad at the base, gradually depressed and Avidened toward the end, the breadth of which is double that of the base ; upper mandible with the basal sinuses broadly rounded, the dorsal line gently sloping and nearly straight to the unguis, which is small, oblongo-obovate, decurved at the end, the ridge broad and concave at the base, gradually narrowed, convex toward the end, the sides at the base erect, toward the end spreading and convex, the edges sinuate, the very numerous, elongated, slender lamellge projecting conspicuously from the base to near the broadest part, beyond which they are incurved, the nasal sinus small, ovato-elliptical, sub-basal, and near the ridge ; lower mandible less dilated, with the intercrural space very long, rather narrow, and bare, the crura erect at the base, horizontal toward the end, with their former outline considerably rearcuate, the lamellae extremely numerous, the upper filiform, the unguis small, obovate, and little convex. Mouth of moderate width ; anterior palate broadly con- cave, with a median prominent line, having a few papillae toward the base. Tongue fleshy, Avith a deep median groove, and marginal slender lamellae and bristles, its breadth increas- ing to the end, where it is abrupt, but with a semicircular median flattened tip. (Esophagus of moderate width ; pro- ventriculus oblong. Stomach a very muscular, roundish gizzard, placed obliquely, with longitudinal rugous epithelium, KHYNCHASPIS. SHOVEL-BILL. 73 and thick grinding plates. Intestine extremely long and slender; coeca long, rather narrow; rectum very short. Trachea slowly enlarging from the top ; the inferior larynx with a rounded bony expansion, comparatively small on the loft side. IJronchi large, with numerous rings. Nostrils rather small, elliptical, in the fore part of the nasal membrane ; eyes small ; ears very small. Legs very short ; tarsus compressed, with small anterior scutclla ; hind toe very small, Avith a very narrow membrane ; outer toe a little shorter than the third, which is longer than the tarsus ; interdigital membranes emarginate ; claws slender, com- pressed, acuminate, moderately arcuate. » Plumage dense, soft, and glossy ; feathers of the head and upper neck short and blended ; of the other parts moderate, ovate, or oblong ; scapulars elongated and acuminate. Wings of moderate length, narrow, pointed, of twenty-five quills ; primaries narrow, the first and second longest; inner secon- daries elongated and tapering. Tail small, much rounded, of fourteen stiffish, tapering feathers. In this genus, of which very few species are known, the lamellae of the mandibles receive their highest degree of development as to elongation, but are much inferior to those of several other genera in actual size and strength. They appear to be thus modified to be adapted to the separating from the mud of insects, mollusca, worms, and the like, on which, more than on vegetable substances, the Shovel-Bills feed. Some writers have assumed this form of bill as typical, and give the generic name Anas to the group ; but I think the truly typical bill of a Duck, or that which combines all the essential qualities of a bill answering the ordinary pur- poses to which Ducks apply that organ, is to be seen in our common Mallard, to which and its brethren, therefore, I would prefer giving the ancient generic name. The male has the scapulars, inner secondaries, and tail- feathers, more elongated and acuminate than the female, which it also greatly excels in the beauty of its plumage. Toward the end of summer the male becomes similar in plumage to the female, but resumes his gaudy livery in the besinnins: of winter. 74 RHYNCHASPIS CLYPEATA. THE BLUE-WINGED SHOVEL-BILL. SHOVELLER. BLUE-WINGED SHOVELLER. BROAD-BILL. RED-BREASTED SHOVELLER. Anas clypeata. Linn. Sj-st. Nat. I. 200. Anas clypeata. Lath. Ind. Omith. II. 806. Shoveller. Mont. Ornith. Diet, and Supplt. Canard Souchet. Anas clypeata. Temm. Man. d'Omith. II. 842. Common Shoveller. Spathulea clypeata. Selby, Illustr. II. 297. Anas clypeata. Common Shoveller. Jenyns, Brit. Vert. Anim. 230. Rhynchaspis clypeata. Bonap. Comp. List, 57. Male icitli the bill grcyish-hlack, two incites and a half long, an inch and a quarter in breadth near the end ; feet orange-red; head and upper neck glossed with green and purple; lower neck white; breast purplish-chestnut; back greenish-black ; smaller wing-coverts light blue ; scapulars BLUE-WINGED SHOVEL-BILL. 76 ich'de, (jreeiiish-hlack, and 2)ale blue; speculum hr'Kpd green, margliu'd anteriorly with icliltc ; tail short, much rounded, of fourteen iwinted feathers. Female with the bill duskjj above, reddish-brotvn beneatJi, the head and upper neck pale reddish, streaked with dnski/, tJte lower neck and breast similar, with dusky spots ; feathers of the upper parts blackish-brown, edged with reddish-white ; smaller wing -coverts faintly tinged with li()ht blue ; speeuhun duller, and of less extent than in the male. Male in Winter. — The peculiar form of the hill, from which this species derives its name, at once distinguishes it from every other British bird. Its body is rather full and somewhat depressed ; the neck of moderate length ; the head oblong, nearly flat above, and much compressed. The bill is longer than the head, of much greater height than breadth at the base, gradually depressed, and widened toward the end, its breadth there being doubled ; upper mandible with the basal margins broadly rounded, the dorsal line gently sloping and nearly straight to the unguis, which is small, oblongo-obovato, decurved at the end, the ridge broad and concave at the base, gradually narrowed, the sides at first erect, gradually more declinate toward the end, and convex ; the end semicircular ; the edges marginate, sinuous, with about a hundred and seventy lamellae, of which the outer ends are compressed, tapering, and pointed, and project so as to resemble a comb, until the commencement of the broadest part of the bill, where they are more widely set and short, and from thence to the tip, where, although elongated and acicular, they curve inwards ; the nasal groove ovato- elliptical, rather small, sub-basal, and near the ridge ; the lower mandible slightly re-arcuate, with the intercrural space very long and rather narrow, the sides of the crura erect at the base, horizontal at the end ; the unguis small, obovate, little convex, the edges inclinate, with about eighty external and two hundred and twenty upper lamellae, the latter acicular. The mouth is of moderate width ; the anterior palate broadly concave, with a median prominent ridge, becoming 76 RHYNCHASPIS CLYPEATA. papillate toward the base. The tongue, two inches and three fourths in length, is emarginate and finely papillate at the base, fleshy, with a deep longitudinal groove, at first com- pressed and narrow, then gradually expanded, with lateral lamella? and bristles, its breadth toward the end one inch, Avliere it terminates abruptly, but has a median, thin, horny, semicircular tip. The oesophagus is nine inches long, rather narrow, its general width being about five-twelfths. The stomach is roundish, compressed, an inch and a half in length and breadth, with very strong muscles, and radiated tendons ; the epithelium dense, rugous, with two thick grinding plates. The intestine is very long and narrow, being nine feet nine inches in length, two-twelfths in breadth, beyond the middle enlarging a little, until at the coeca it attains a breadth of three-twelfths and a half. The cceca are four inches long, very narroAv at the base, gradually enlarging to three-twelfths- and-a-half, narrowed but obtuse at the end; the rectum three inches and a quarter in length. The trachea gradually enlarges from the breadth of two- twelfths-and-a-half to that of four-twelfths, and is com- posed of about an hundred rings, of which the lower are broader. The inferior larynx has a rounded bony expan- sion, of comparatively small size, on the left side. The bronchi are comparatively large, with about thirty-five half rings. The nostrils are rather small, elliptical, and pervious. The eyes small, as are the ears. The legs are very short ; the tibia bare for about four-twelfths of an inch ; the tarsus much shorter than the outer toes, compressed, with about fifteen small anterior scutella, and about ten in the outer series, elsewhere reticulated with lozenge -shaped scales. The hind toe is very small, with ten scutella, and a nar- row free membrane ; the anterior toes are long and slender ; the inner with a broad, two-lobed, thin margin, and only ten scutella, the basal phalanx being scaly ; the middle toe with twenty-eight, extending to the base ; the outer with twenty scutella and numerous basal scales ; the fourth toe a little shorter than the third ; the inter- digital membranes reticulated, emarginate and crcnato- BLUE- WINGED SHOVEL-BILL. 77 denticulate. The claws are slender, compressed, acuminate, moderately arcuate, that of the middle toe with the inner edge slightly dilated. The plumage is soft, dense, elastic, and glossy. The feathers of the head and upper neck blended, of the occiput and nape considerably elongated, of the rest of the neck and lower parts obovate, of the sides elongated, of the back oblong. The inner scapulars elongated and acuminate. Wings of moderate length, moderately concave, rather nar- row, pointed, with twenty-five quills ; the primaries tapering, the first a twelfth of an inch shorter than the second, which is longest, the rest rapidly decreasing ; the outer secondaries incurvate, and obliquely rounded ; the inner elongated and acuminate. The tail is short, much rounded, of fourteen stifiish tapering feathers, of which the lateral are nearly an inch shorter than the medial. The bill is entirely black, with a tinge of grey. The iris reddish-orange. The feet also reddish -orange, the claws dusky, with the tip horn-coloured. The head and upper half of the neck are glossy green, changing to purple ; the top of the head, fore part of the cheeks, and throat black, with little green, the rest of the neck, and a small part of the breast white, excepting a longitudinal band of dusky behind, continuous with the gTcenish-black of the back, of which the anterior feathers are margined with white, and the posterior become gradiuilly darker and more glossed with green, the tail-coverts having a brilliant tint. The outer anterior scapu- lars are white, the inner chiefly black ; the outer posterior have the outer web pale blue, the inner web white ; most of the rest have a white slender median band, and dusky green sides, the innermost black entirely. The small wing-coverts are light blue ; the primary coverts and quills brownish- black, shaded with gi'ey, and having the shafts white ; several of the outer secondaries are largely tipped with white ; the secondaries are greenish-black, but on eight of them the outer web is shining deep green, and the inner tapering feathers have a white streak toward the tip. The tail-feathers are brownish-grey, undulated and margined with white, which increases from the medial to the outer. The breast, sides, 78 RHYNCHASPIS CLYPEATA. and part of the abdomen are deep chestnut, tinged with purple ; some of the anterior feathers barred and spotted -with black, the ends of those of the sides paler and undulated with dusky lines. The axillar feathers, and most of the lower ■vving-coverts, are Avhite, the larger, and those towards the edge, being pale grey. The sides of the rump are white ; the feathers of the abdomen are obscurely barred with dusky, of those under the tail the anterior are Avhite, undulated with dusky, the rest greenish-black, except the two longest under tail-coverts, which are dusky, variegated with white, and margined with reddish-brown. Length to end of tail 20 inches ; extent of wings 82 ; wing from flexure 9f ; tail 4 ; bill along the ridge 1^, its breadth at the base -^, near the end 1^ ; tarsus 1-j^ ; hind toe -^, its claw -^ ; second toe ^-^, its claw -,V ; third toe 1^, its claw -^ ; fourth toe l^V? its claw -j^. Female in Winter. — The female is considerably inferior in size, and differs greatly in colour. The feathers of the head and upper neck, although blended, are not glossy ; and the scapulars and inner secondaries are much less elongated and pointed. The bill is greenish-brown above, with the unguis paler, and the margins inclining to yclloAV ; the lower mandible dull orange, with the unguis broAvn. Tlie iris yellow. The head and upper neck are pale reddish-broAvn, streaked with dusky, that colour being predominant on the upper part of the head. All the lower parts are of the same pale brown, on the middle of the breast inclining to white, and on the sides deeper, each feather with a dusky patch toward the end. On the upper parts the feathers are blackish- brown, edged with brownish-white. The smaller wing- coverts are brown, tinged with pale blue ; the quills and larger coverts greyish-brown ; the outer secondary coverts tipped with white, but less extensively than in the male ; the green speculum duller and less extended ; and all the second- aries more or less margined with Avhite. The tail-feathers are greyish-brown, obliquely and broadly barred, and mar- gined with white. Length to cud of tail 18 inches; extent of wings 29; BLUE-AVINGED SHOVEL-BILL. 79 bill along the ridge 2^ ; wing from flexure 9 ; tail 3^ ; tarsus Ij; middle toe 1-j^, its claw yV. Variations. — Very great differences as to size occur in this species ; but as it is of rare occurrence with us, I cannot specify instances. Great variations also occur as to colour ; but they depend upon the gradual change of plumage which takes place in autumn, at which season the male assumes the appearance of the female, but resumes his projier colours by the beginning of winter. Harits. — Not having met with this bird alive, I am not qualified to give an account of its habits, of which, however, it is expedient to state what little can be obtained from the most approved authors. All our writers agree in considering it of rare occurrence in England, where it is met with chiefly in winter, and for the most part in the eastern counties. Some pairs, it is said, remain and breed in the marshy parts of the county of Norfolk. To the north of the Humber it is very seldom met with, and in Scotland no authentic instance of its occurrence at any season has come to my knowledge. Messrs. Baikie and Heddle, however, state that a male was shot in Sanday, in Orkney, by JMr. Strang, on the 24th May, 1833 ; and that in the state formerly named the Red-breasted Shoveller is not unfrequently seen on the lochs there. Mr. Thompson states that it is "a regular winter visitant to some parts of Ireland." It resides in marshes, and on lakes and rivers, seldom occurring on the sea-coast, feeds occasionally on vegetable substances, but chiefly on fresh-water mollusca, worms, and insects, for sifting which from among the mud its bill is obviously adapted. But neither in this nor in any other Duck do the lamelloe of the two mandibles fit into each other, as many authors allege. It is impossible that tliey should, for those of the lower are always more slender and much more numerous than those of the upper mandible, and when the bill is closed pass within the upper, Avithout inter- mingling with them. Although uncommon in Britain, it is said to be plentiful in Holland, as well as in France and Germany. It is also 80 RHYNCHASPIS CLYPEATA. met with in various parts of Asia and Africa, as well as in America. Both in the latter country and in Europe, it does not in summer betake itself to the arctic regions, although many individuals of the species do, but disperses over the country, some remaining in the southern, others in the colder parts, whether in the interior or near the coasts. The nest is said to be placed on the borders of rushy lakes, and to contain about a dozen eggs, of a greenish-white colour, two inches and a sixth in length, an inch and a half in breadth. 81 MARECA. WIGEON. The "VVigcons arc in all respects precisely similar to many of the Teals, with the exception of having the bill shorter, proportionally broader, and rather narrowed, instead of be- coming wider toward the end. In this respect they, of courst', also differ from the Ducks properly so called. If our common Wigeon had the bill a little longer and narrower, it would occu])y a position in immediate approximation to the Gadwall and Pintail. As it is, there is perhaps little neces- sity for separating it generically ; but as it may be distin- guished from them by the bill, and as the principle of minute subdivision has hitherto been followed by me, I may be excused for adopting the general opinion in this matter. Bill considerably shorter than the head, higher than broad at the base, gradually depressed and narrowed toward the end, the breadth of which is somewhat less than that of the base ; upper mandible with the lateral basal sinuses broadly rounded, the frontal angles very short and obtuse, the dorsal line gently sloping at first, then slightly concave and still sloping to the unguis, which is rather large, obovate, decurved at the end ; the ridge broad and flattened at the base, gradually narrowed, convex beyond the nostrils, the sides at the base erect, toward the end convex, the edges slightly sinuous, the extremities of the numerous lamellae narrow but rounded, and about the middle of the bill pro- jecting a little, the nasal sinus small, elliptical, sub-basal, and near the ridge ; lower mandible almost straight, with the intercrural space long, rather narrow, and bare, the crura slender, with their sides convex, gradually sloping more out- wards toward the end, the unguis large, roundish, a little convex, the lateral lamellae oblique and prominent, the upper very small, and rounded. Mouth rather narrow ; anterior palate concave, with a median papillate ridge, and on each side a series of striie, besides the lateral lamellse, which are Avell marked, but not VOL. v. (; 82 MARECA. WIGEON. very prominent. Tongue fleshy, with a deep median groove, on each side of which is an oblique series of flattened horny papillae, a double series of lateral filaments, its breadth nearly equal throughout, the tip thin and rounded. (Esophagus of moderate width, considerably enlarged before entering the thorax, and again narrowed; proventriculus oblong. Stomach a very large, transversely elliptical gizzard, placed obliquely, w'ith very large muscles, and thick rugous epithelium, forming two roundish, flat, grinding surfaces. Intestine very long, rather wide, enlarging toward the coeca, which are very long and of moderate width ; rectum very short. Trachea nearly uniform ; the lower larynx with several rings united so as to form an irregular dilatation, bulging out into a rounded sac on the left side ; bronchi of moderate length and width. Nostrils elliptical, sub-basal, in the fore part of the nasal membrane. Eyes small. Aperture of ear small. Legs very short ; tibia bare for a short space ; tarsus compressed, with small anterior scutella ; hind toe very small, with a narrow, but distinct lobe ; outer toe considerably shorter than the third, which is longer than the tarsus ; interdigital membranes full, the outer slightly emarginate ; claws small, well arched, compressed, acute. Plumage dense, soft, and blended ; feathers of the head and upper neck softer, those along the top of the head and nape rather long ; of the other parts moderate, oblong ; sca- pulars elongated and acuminate. Wings rather long, narrow, pointed, of twenty-five quills ; primaries narrow, the first and second longest ; inner secondaries elongated, tapering, acumi- nate. Tail small, short, tapering, of sixteen stiffish, acumi- nate feathers. The males have the scapulars, inner secondaries, and tail-feathers, more elongated and acuminate than the females, from which they also differ in having the colour of the plum- age more vaned. Tlie Wigeons frequent marshy places, pools, lakes, and rivers, feed on seeds, grass, roots, insects, and mollusca ; immerse their necks while swimming ; walk with ease, often betaking themselves to dry pastures, and have a rapid flight. 83 MARECA PENELOPE. THE EUROPEAN WIGEON- COMMON WIGEON. WUEW DUCK. PANDLE-WHEW. YELLOW-POLL. RED-HEADED WIGEON. B.\LDPATE. WIIEWER. WHIM. Eio. G5. Anas Penelope. Linn. Syst. Nat. I. 202. Anas Penelope. Lath. Ind. Om. IL 860. AVigeon. Mont. Om. Diet, and Supplt. Canard siiBeur. Anas Penelope. Temm. Man. d'Orn. IL 840. Common "NVigeon. Mareca Penelope. Selby, Illustr. II. 324. Mareca Penelope. "Wigeon. Jenyng, Brit. Vert. Anim. 236. Mareca Penelope. Bonap. Comp. List, 56. Male xoiih a longitudinal ridge of rather elongated decurved feathers on the head and nape ; bill pale blue, with the tip black ; uptper part of the head reddish-ivhite ; cheeks and upper-neck broionish-red, dotted with black ; a longitudinal band of the latter on the throat ; fore part and sides of the lower -neck light vinaceous ; tipper part and sides below the wings finely barred with ichite and dark grey ; icings grey, with a large patch of white ; the speculum green, tcith ati anterior and a posterior band of black ; inner secondaries xchite, grey, and black; tail grey ; upper tail-coverts partly black; breast and abdomen white ; feathers under the tail black. 84 MARECA PENELOPE. Male in Winter. — This beautiful bird presents nume- rous modifications of colouring, individuals in the perfected plumage of the adult being comparatively rare. The follow- ing description is taken from a fine specimen, shot in the south of Scotland, and selected from a multitude for the purpose. The body is oblong, slightly depressed ; the neck rather long and slender; the head of moderate size, com- pressed, and well rounded above. The bill is considerably shorter than the head, scarcely higher than broad at the base, gradually depressed toward the end, where it is somewhat narrower than at the base. The frontal angles are small, the flattened part of the ridge short, the upper unguis obovato- triangular, convex, and decurved, the lower broad and little convex. On each side of the upper mandible are about forty-five little elevated lamellae, the compressed, narrow, and rounded tips of which project a little beyond the margin, from near the base to the end of the bill ; on the lower are thirty external, and sixty marginal lamellae. The tongue is an inch and five-twelfths long, with numerous straight, pointed papillae at the base, a median longitudinal groove, lateral bristles, and a thin broadly-rounded point. The oesophagus is ten inches long, from five to six-twelfths in width ; the proventriculus nine-twelfths broad. The stomach is oblique, transversely oblong, an inch and ten-twelfths in lenijth, two inches and seven-twelfths in breadth : the lateral muscles extremely developed, the right being an inch and a twelfth and a half thick, the left an inch and three-fourths ; the epithelium dense, rugous, with flat grinding surfaces. The intestine is six feet three inches long, five-twelfths wide in the duodenal portion, gradually decreases, then enlarges to nine-twelfths. The coeca are eleven inches long, two- twelfths wide at the base, six-twelfths in their greatest width; the rectum six inches long. The trachea is eight inches long, with about a hundred and forty rings, of nearly equal width throughout, but at the lower part with a transversely oblong bony dilatation, bulging out on the left side in a rounded form, and an inch in its greatest diameter. The bronchi are of moderate length, but wide, and of about twenty-five lialf-rings. EUROPEAN WIGEON. 85 The nostrils are elliptical, patulous, a quarter of an inch lonpf. The eyes small, three-twelfths and a half across. The aperture of the ear round, two-twelfths in width. The legs very short; the bare part of the tibia five-twelfths long; the tarsus compressed, reticulate, with eighteen anterior scu- telhi ; the hind toe with eight, the inner with fourteen and numerous basal scales ; the third with thirty in its whole length ; the fourth with forty. The claws are small, well arched, compressed, acute, that of the middle toe little dilated, the hind toe more decurved. The plumage is dense, soft, and blended. The feathers of the head and upper neck are slender, those on the upper part of the head and nape considerably elongated. On the other parts they are generally elliptical. The scapulars are elongated, and taper to an obtuse point. The wings are rather long, rather narrow, pointed, with twenty-six quills ; the primaries tapering, but obtuse ; the outer secondaries incurvate and rounded ; the inner elongated, narrow, taper- ing, rather acute. The second quill is scarcely longer than the first, of which the tips of the filaments are separated, capil- lary, and curved outwards, as in all the Teals. The tail is short, rounded, of fourteen feathers, of which the two medial are more pointed, and project two-thirds of an inch beyond the next. The bill is light greyish-blue, with the tip, including the unguis, black. The iris is hazel-brown. The feet light grey- ish-blue, the membranes darker, the claws black. From the base of the upper mandible to the occiput is an oblong, reddish-white patch. The rest of the head and the upper- neck brownish-red, most of the feathers with a small blackish- green spot on the tip ; the tips of those on the throat are black to a greater extent, forming a broad longitudinal band. The featliers on the hind part of the neck, the whole of the back, and the scapulars, are beautifully and delicately trans- versely undulated with blackish-grey and white ; some of the feathers on the rump margined with white. The anterior Aving-coverts, secondary coverts, and tcrtiaries, are brownish- grey, the former faintly undulated Avith greenish-white, but many of the coverts are pure white, forming a large patch ; S6 MARECA PENELOPE. the secondary coverts tipped with black. The alula, primary coverts, and primary quills, are broAvnish-grey ; the outer secondary quills, to the number of nine, •svith their outer webs duck-green at the base, black toward the end ; the next, or first inner secondary chiefly white, narrowly edged with black ; the rest black, edged with white externally, and grey internally. The upper tail-coverts are black, several of those in the middle broadly edged with white internally. The tail- feathers are brownish-gi'ey, narrowly tipped with white. The lower fore part and sides of the neck are of a delicate lilac, or pale purplish-red colour, tinged with grey ; the breast, abdo- men, and side of the rump, pure white ; the sides finely barred Avith dark-grey and Avhite, like the back ; the feathers under the tail black ; the lower wing-coverts most delicately dotted Avith white and grey, the larger coverts pale gi-ey ; the axillars Avhite, mottled Avith grey. Length to end of tail 20f inches ; extent of wings 35 ; Aving from flexure lOf ; tail4|-|; bill along the ridge 1^ J from frontal angles 1\^ ', its height at the base -f-j ; breadth at the middle ^V ', behind the unguis -/-j ; bare part of tibia -f-r^ ; tarsus If^ ; hind toe j\-, its claAv -^ ; second toe 1-/^' i^^ claAV -j^ ; third toe 1^, its claAv ^ ; fourth toe 1 j% ; its claAv -^. Female in AVinter. — The female is much smaller and diflerently coloured. The bill, iris, and feet, however, are as in the male. The head and upper neck are yelloAvish- red, with small greenish-black spots, the feathers being barred Avith that colour, of Avhich there is more on the upper part of the head. The feathers of the upper parts in general are dusky broAvn, edged Avith broAvnish-red or Avhitish, and barred Avitli the same. The wings ai-e dusky grey ; the coA'erts in the part Avliich is Avhite in the male tipped Avith that colour, the secondary coverts with an indication of the dark terminal bar ; the speculum greyish, Avithout lustre ; the inner secondaries marked somcAvhat as in the male, but Avith dark gi-ey in place of black. The tail-feathers brownish- grey, edged Avith broAvnish-Avhite. On the loAvcr fore part and sides of the neck the feathers arc obscurely barred Avith rcddish-broAvn and broAvnish-grey ; the sides are similar ; EUROPEAN WIGEON. 87 the breast and abdomen white ; the feathers under the tail white, barred with brown, as are the smaller lower wing- coverts ; the larger pale grey. The stomach an inch and a half in length, two inches and a quarter in breadth ; the in- testine five feet six inches long ; the coeca nine inches in lengtli, two-twelfths in breadth at the base, and four-twelfths in their widest part. Length to end of tail 19^ inches; extent of wings 32|^ ; wing from flexure 10; tail 4 ; bill along the ridge 1|-, from frontal angles Ij**^, its height at the base -^, breadth at the middle ^, behind the unguis -^\ ; bare part of tibia -^^ ; tarsus 1 J ; hind toe -fV, its claw -fj ; second toe l-f^, its claw -pj ; third toe 1^, its claw -j^ ; fourth toe ly**^, its claw -j^. Variatioxs. — In adult males in winter the Avhite on the upper part of the head varies in extent and in tint, being more or less tinged with red ; the black spots on the head and neck are more or less numerous ; the black on the throat continuous or in spots ; the light vinaceous tint on the lower part and sides of the neck more or less red or gi'ey. The tints on the other parts also vary. The females vary much less in colour. Younger individuals, however, exhibit a great variety of appearances. Habits. — The Wigeons begin to make their appearance in Britain toward the end of September, gradually increase in number, disperse over most parts of the country, continue through the winter and spring, and depart in the end of INIarch and beginning of April. In the north of Scotland they are uncommon ; on its north-west coast scarcely ever seen ; in the outer Hebrides, I believe, never ; but in Orkney they are very numerous, and may be seen on all the lochs ; and as we proceed southward we find them gi'adually be- coming more plentiful, until in the southern parts of England they are more abundant than any other species of Duck. Montagu states that it " appears to be the most plentiful species of Duck that is taken in our decoys. More are caught in the decoys of Somersetshire and Devonshire than Duck, Teal, and all other wild fowl collectivclv, as we are 8S MARECA PENELOPE. assured by an old and experienced decoy-man." They not only frequent rivers and lakes, but occur in estuaries, and even along the open coast, especially in bays where the bottom is more or less muddy. Their food consists of aquatic plants, especially their roots, algse, and mollusca, which they procure, not by diving, but in the same manner as the Ducks and Teals. They are frequently seen in very large flocks, but usually in small bodies, seldom intermingling with other species. They swim with great ease, and have a rapid direct flight, taking wing easily from the water, and pro- ducing a whistling sound as they fly. They are much addicted to garrulity, and at night especially emit a whistling cry, on account of which they have obtained the name of Whew-Ducks. Vast numbers are shot, and from October to April they are the most common Ducks in our markets, perhaps with the exception in some towns of the Mallard. As food they are less esteemed than that bird, but more so than the sea-ducks in general, their flesh being savoury and highly flavoured. Their price varies from eighteenpence to three shillings or more, according to their abundance and the locality. As is the case with the Brent Goose and several species of Duck, their flesh varies in flavour according to the nature of their food, those which have long fed on the sea-coast being less savoury than such as have been obtained inland. It does not appear that any remain in England to breed ; nor was it suspected to make any part of Scotland its summer residence, until a band of naturalists, exploring the wilds of Sutherland in the summer of 1834, found it in the deserted haunts of the Gael. " As the Wigeon," says the historian of the expedition, Mr. Selby, " had not previously been de- tected breeding in Britain, we were much pleased to observe several pairs upon the smaller lochs near Lairg, Avliich we concluded had their nests among the reeds and other herbage which grew in their vicinity. We were not so fortunate, however, as to find one here, though diligent search was made ; but afterwards, upon one of the islands of Loch Laighal, we sprung a female, which we shot, from her nest containing seven eggs. It was placed in the heart of a large EUROPEAN WIGEON. 89 rush bush, and was made of decayed rushes and reeds, with a lining of warm down from the bird's body. The eggs were smaller than those of the Wild Duck, and of a rich cream- white colour." In Ireland, " the Wigeon is plentiful in the numerous suitable localities around the coast, and on the lakes and rivers ;" but has not been found breeding there. On the continent it resorts to the northern regions in summer, and returns southward in winter. It is said to occur in the northern parts of Asia. I have specimens from Bengal precisely similar to others obtained in Scotland. The American Wigeon, so similar as to be scarcely distin- guishable, if not indeed the same, occurs from the extreme north to the Gulf of Mexico. The Wigeon is easily reconciled to captivity, but has not been known to breed in that state, although, as related by Lord Stanley to Montagu, the male has bred witha female Pintail, as well as with a common Duck. Young. — The appearance of the young in their down covering I am unable to describe. In autumn they resemble the adult female ; but so many gradations of colouring are presented by individuals at this period, as well as subse- quently, that I do not consider it expedient to attempt their description. 90 MARECA AMERICANA. AMERICAN WIGEON. Anas Americana. Wils. Amer. Omith. VIII. 86. Anas Americana. Aud. Amer. Omith. Biog. IV. 337. Anas Americana. Nuttall. Man. II. 389. American "Wigeon. Yarr. Brit. Birds, III. 196. Mareca Americana. Bonap. Comp. List, 56. Male with a longitudinal ridge of rather elongated decurved feathers on the head and nape ; hill pale blue with the tip black ; upp>er part of head white ; cheeks and upper neck brownish-red dotted with black; a broad band from the eye to the occiput deep green; throat broicnish-black ; fore part and sides of the loiver neck light vinaceous; upper parts and sides below the ivings finely barred with white and dusky ; wings broicnish-grey, the secondary coverts white, tipped with black; the speciduni green, %vith an anterior and a posterior band of black; inner secondaries white, grey, and black; tail light broicnish-grey : iqiper tail-coverts partly black; breast and abdomen ivhite; feathers under the tail black. Male. — The Wigeon of America so closely resembles that of Europe, Africa, and Asia, that, after comparing a great number of specimens, I am unable to find any characteristic differences that can be depended upon. The American birds generally have the head and neck more dotted ■with black, a larger gi'cen band behind the eye, the bill slightly narroAver, and the osseous expansion of the lower part of the trachea much smaller. In this latter respect, however, I have examined only one specimen of the American bird. The form and proportions, the texture of the plumage, and the relative length of quills and tail-feathers being the same in both, I shall confine my description to that of the colouring. The bill is light greyisli-blue, with the tip, including the unguis, and a portion of the margins, black. AMERICAN WIGEON. 91 The feet light bluish-grey, the membranes darker, the claws black. The whole upper part of the head reddish-white, a broad band from the eye to the occiput deep green ; the loral spaces and cheeks reddish-white, dotted with greenish-black ; the upper neck brownish-red, similarly dotted. The feathers on the hind part of the neck, the fore part of the back, and the scapulars, are minutely transversely undulated with dusky and pale red, passing behind into grey ; the hind part of the back similarly undulated with dusky and greyish-white. The anterior wing-coverts brownish-grey ; the primary coverts dusky ; the secondary coverts white, tipped with black. The alula and primary quills brownish-grey ; the outer secondary quills, to the number of nine, have their outer webs duck- green at the base, black toward the end ; the next, or first inner secondary, chiefly white, narrowly edged with black ; the rest black, margined with white, their inner webs brown- ish-gi-ey. The tail-feathers light brownish-grey. The throat brownish-black ; the lower fore part and sides of the neck light brownish-red ; the breast, abdomen, and sides of the rump Avhite ; the sides of the body under the wings finely undulated with white and dark grey ; the rump beneath and the lower tail-coverts black. Length to end of tail 22 inches ; wing from flexure 1 1 ; tail 4^ ; bill along the ridge 1^, from frontal angles l\^, its height at the base -f-^^, its breadth at the middle -j% ; hare part of tibia -j^; tarsus l-j% ; hind toe -^, its claw -fj ; third toe 1^, its claw -j^j. Female. — The female is much smaller, and diflerently coloured. The bill and feet, however, are as in the male. The head and upper neck are reddish-white, streaked with brownish-black, the top of the head barred. The feathers of the upper parts in general are dusky-brown, edged with brownish-red, and barred with the same. The wings are greyish-brown ; the secondary coverts white toward the end ; the primary quills greyish-brown, the outer secondary quills brownish-black, the inner greyish-brown, with the outer margin Avhitc. The tail-feathers brownish-grey, margined with white. On the lower fore part and sides of the neck 92 MARECA AMERICANA. the feathers are dusky, barred and broadly margined with reddish-brown. The feathers of the sides, and under the tail, are broadly barred with dusky and light reddish-brown, as are the smaller lower wing-coverts, the larger grey ; the other lower parts white. Length to end of tail 19 inches ; wing from flexure 9^ ; tarsus 1-j^ ; middle toe l-^, its claw -j^. Variations. — Among males I have never seen two indi- viduals exactly alike. The females are pretty uniform. The young vary extremely. The differences observed I am unable to refer to any distinct formula. The European birds are similar in this respect ; and they so resemble the American, that in a collection of both I could not distinguish with cer- tainty those of the two continents. Habits. — Viewed as British, the American "Wigeon has been recognised by Mr. Bartlett, in London, in the winter of 1837, two specimens, a male and a female, having attracted his regard in the midst of a row of common Wigeons. He left the female, however, but preserved the male, which has been figured and described by Mr. Yarrell. Mr. Blyth had previously given an account of it in the third volume of the Naturalist. Its " tracheal labyrinth " was small, " scarcely exceeding in magnitude that of a Teal." This was also the case with that of a male from America, which I dissected for Mr. Audubon, and of the digestive and respiratory organs of which I have given an account, together with a figure, in the fourth volume of the Ornithological Biography of that enthu- siastic ornithologist, who, however, on bringing together a number of American and European skins, could no more than myself see any specific difierence among them. It is not known where Mr. Bartlett's London specimens were shot. Mr. Thompson mentions an adult male shot on Strangford Lough, in the spring of 1844, by Henry Bell, a Wigeon- shooter, who had killed other but less mature individuals in Belfast Bay. 93 FULIGULIN^. SCAUP-DUCKS AND ALLIED SPECIES As between the Anserinse and Anatinsc, so between the hitter and the Fuligulina.' there are no precise hmits, although the three groups present peculiarities of form and habits sufficient to give countenance to their separation. The Fuligulina-, popularly designated as Sea Ducks, have the body of a less elongated form, fuller, and more depressed .; the neck shorter, and generally much thicker ; the head larger ; and the hind toe with a conspicuous membranous lobe. Bill about the length of the head, or shorter, nearly as broad as high at the base, gradually depressed toward the end, where it is rounded ; the upper mandible with the basal lateral sinuses and frontal angles various, the ridge flattened at the base, the sides convex toward the end, the unguis obovate, or roundish, decurved. Mouth rather narrow ; the upper mandible internally concave, with a median prominent line, and on each side a series of transverse thin lamellae. Similar, but smaller, and more numerous lamellfc on the sides of the lower mandible. Tongue fleshy, with a deep medial groove above, lateral series of bristles, and a thin broadly-rounded tip. (Esophagus of moderate width, or rather narrow ; stomach a very large, transversely elliptical gizzard, placed obliquely, with very large muscles, thick and rugous epithelium, and somewhat concave grinding surfoces ; intestine very long, and of moderate Avidth ; coeca long, and rather wide. Trachea often with dilatations ; the lower larynx with a very large osseous or partly membranous dila- tation, bulging more on the left side. Nostrils moderate or small, oblong, in the fore part of the 94 FULIGULIN.E. nasal sinus ; eyes small, as are the apertures of the ears. Legs very short, placed rather far behind ; tibia bare for a very short space ; tarsus very short, compressed, with anterior short scutella ; hind toe small, with an inferior compressed lobe ; two outer toes about equal, and longer than the tarsus ; interdigital membranes full ; claws small, slender, arcuate, compressed, obtuse, that of the third toe with the inner edge expanded. Plumage dense, elastic, firm, glossy ; feathers of the head and neck slender, and blended ; wings short, convex, narrow, pointed, the first and second quills longest ; inner secondaries elongated and tapering ; tail generally small, much rounded or tapering, of more than twelve feathers. The Fuligulinse are essentially carnivorous. Some of them, approaching the Anatinae in form and habits, frequent fresh-water, and feed on mollusca, insects, and occasionally plants. Most of them, however, are essentially marine birds, frequenting bays and estuaries, or the shallow parts of the open coasts, and feeding on mollusca, Crustacea, and sea- plants, for which they dive. They are all expert swimmers, as well as divers, and have a rapid and direct flight ; but walk little and ungracefully, owing to the shortness and position of their feet. They are gregarious and migratory. The males are larger, and usually differently coloured. They form their nests on the shores of the sea, on islands, or un- frequented headlands, but also by lakes or rivers, often lining them, or covering their eggs, with down plucked from their bodies. The eggs are moderately numerous, smooth-shelled, white or greyish, greenish or blueish, but always of one colour. The young, densely covered with stiffish down, presently betake themselves to the Avater, where they swim and dive with the greatest expertness. When incubation has com- menced, the males desert the females, and flock by them- selves. Representatives of this family occur in all climates, but are more numerous in the temperate and cold regions. Their flesh is little esteemed, being generally very dark-coloured and rank, though a few species are lauded for their peculiarly rich flavour. SCAUP-DUCKS AND ALLIED SPECIES. 95 SYNOPSIS OF THE BRITISH GENERA AND SPECIES. GENUS I. AYTIIYA. POCHARD. Bill as long as the head, higher than hroad at the base, becoming depressed toward the end, of nearly equal breadth throughout ; upper mandible with the frontal angles acute, the basal lateral sinuses short and wide, the ridge broad and flat at the base; the sides at first nearly erect, the edges soft, marginate, concealing the ends of the numerous little elevated lamellae ; the unguis small, oblong, flattened, and decurved ; that of the lower mandible obovate, rather small, and little convex ; legs very short ; tarsus compressed ; hind toe very slender, wdth a narrow membrane ; outer toes about equal, and double the length of the tarsus ; interdigital membranes emarginate ; claws small, slender, rather pointed ; wings short, convex, narrow, pointed, the first quill longest ; tail very small, much rounded, of fourteen stiffish tapering feathers. 1. Aythya Ferina. Red-headed Pochard. Bill black to a little beyond the nostrils and at the end, the intermediate space light greyish-blue ; head and upper neck brownish- orange, lower part of neck black ; fore part of the back minutely undulated with dark grey lines on a greyish-white ground. 2. Aijthya rujina. Red-crested Pochard. Bill and feet vermilion ; head tufted, and with the upper neck brownish- red ; lower neck, breast and abdomen blackish-brown ; back light brown ; an oblong spot on the shoulders, the edge of the wing anteriorly, the outer secondary quills, and the sides of the body white. GENUS II. FULIGULA. SCAUP-DUCK. Bill nearly as long as the head, about the same height and breadth at the base, becoming depressed and enlarging in breadth to the end, which is very broad and semicircular ; upper mandible with the frontal angles obtuse, the basal 96 FULIGULINiE. lateral sinuses very sliort and wide, the ridge broad and fiat at the base, the sides at the base rapidly sloping, the edges soft, niarginate, concealing the ends of the numerous, little elevated lamellne, the unguis small, obovato-oblong, flattened and decurved ; that of the lower mandible obovate, rather small, and nearly flat ; legs very short ; tarsus compressed ; hind toe very slender, with a broad membrane; outer toes about equal, and double the length of the tarsus ; interdigital membrane emarginate ; claws small, slender, rather pointed ; wings short, convex, narrow, pointed, the first quill longest ; tail very small, much rounded or cuneate, of fourteen stifiish, tapering feathers. 1. Fidigula Nyroca, Ferruginous Scaup- Duck. Bill dusky-blue ; head, neck, fore part of breast, and sides, chest- nut-red ; the neck with an obscure brown ring ; upper parts blackish-brown, glossed with green ; speculum white, with a terminal black bar ; lower parts white. 2. Fidigula Marila. Broad-hilled ScaupDuck. Bill light greyish-blue, with the unguis blackish ; head and upper- neck greenish-black ; lower-neck and fore part of breast and back black ; back and wing-coverts greyish-white, finely undulated with dusky ; speculum and lower parts white. 3. Fuligida cristata. Tufted Scaup-Duck. Bill greyish- blue, Avith a terminal black band ; feathers of the head elon- gated into a large decurved crest ; head and upper-neck purplish-black ; back black, minutely dotted with white ; speculum, breast, and sides, white. GENUS III. OIDEMIA. SCOTER. Bill nearly as long as the head, about the same height and breadth at the base, becoming depressed and flattened toward the end, which is rounded ; upper mandible with a prominence at the base above, and a more extended enlarge- ment on each side, the basal lateral sinuses very wide, the sides at the base erect, the edges thin, concealing the ends of the not very numerous lamelljo, the unguis very large, broadly elliptical, little convex, at the end decurved ; that of the lower mandible very large, broadly elliptical ; legs very short ; SC^AUP DUCKS AND ALIJKD SPECIES. 97 tarsus compressed ; hind toe slender, with a pretty large mem- brane ; outer toes about equal, and nearly double the length of tlie tarsus ; interdigital membranes full ; claws small, compressed, obtuse ; ■wings rather short, convex, narrow, pointed, the first and second quills longest ; tail very short, much rounded, or tapering, of fourteen or sixteen stiffish, narrow feathers. 1. Oidcmia perspicillata. Surf Scoter. Bill mostly orange-red ; upper mandible with a nearly square patch on each side at the base, margined anteriorly with a bluish- white space, unguis greyish-yellow ; feet orange-red, with dusky membranes ; plumage black ; a patch of white on the top of the head, another on the hind-neck. 2. Oiderma fusca. Velvet Scoter. Bill with the base and margins of both mandibles black, the unguis of both red, the sides of the upper orange ; feet orpiment-orange on the inner, lake-red on the outer side ; plumage black ; speculum, and a spot below the eye, white. 3. Oklemia nigra. Black Scoter. Bill black, with an orange-yellow patch on the upper mandible, including the nostrils ; feet dusky ; plumage entirely black ; first quill very narrow. GENUS IV. SOMATERIA, EIDER. Bill nearly as long as the head, higher than broad at the base, becoming depressed toward the end, where it is consi- derably narrowed, but rounded ; upper mandible with the lateral sinuses very large, the upper long and very narrow, the frontal angles elongated, soft, and tumid, the sides erect at the base, the edges thin, concealing the not very numerous slender lamellae, the unguis extremely large, elliptical, con- vex, moderately decurved ; that of the lower mandible very- large, broadly elliptical, little convex ; legs very short ; tarsus compressed ; hind toe slender, with a broad lobifomi mem- brane ; outer toes nearly double the length of the tarsus ; interdigital membranes emarginate ; claws small, compressed, obtuse ; wings rather short, very convex, narrow, pointed, the first and second quills longest ; inner secondaries elon- VOL. V. H 98 FULIGULIN.E. gated, tapeiing, curved outwards ; tail very short, much rounded, or tapering, of fourteen or sixteen stiffish, narrow, pointed feathers. 1. Somatcria onollissima. Common Eider. Bill with the frontal angles very narrow, fleshy, little elevated ; head black above, with a medial white band ; hind part of the cheeks and nape pale gi-een ; back white ; breast and abdomen black ; tail of sixteen feathers. J?. Somafcria spectabilis. King Eider. Bill with the frontal angles very broad, rounded, fleshy, and much ele- vated ; upper part of the head and nape light greyish-blue ; cheeks pale-green; two black bands meeting anteriorly at a very acute angle on the throat ; back black, as are the lower parts ; tail of fourteen feathers. GENUS v. STELLERIA. Bill shorter than the head, as high as broad at the base, gradually depressed to the end, which is rounded ; upper mandible Avith the lateral sinuses large, the frontal angles short, the sides erect at the base, concealing the lamellae, the unguis large, elliptical ; legs very short ; tarsus compressed ; outer toes nearly double the length of the tarsus ; wings rather short, convex, pointed ; inner secondaries elongated, tapering, curved outwards ; tail very short, rounded, of six- teen stiffish feathers. 1 . Stelleria disjxir. Pied Stelleria. White above, ferru- ginous beneath ; throat, a broad ring on the neck, and back, black ; speculum green ; elongated secondaries white on the inner, bluish-black on the outer web. GENUS VI. CLANGULA. GARROT. Bill shorter than the head, much higher than broad at the base, becoming gradually depressed and considerably nar- rowed to the end, which is rounded ; upper mandible with the lateral sinus broad and rounded, the basal angles short or moderate, the edges thin, concealing the not much elevated lamella?, the unguis large and convex; that of the lower SCAUP ])U(;KS and allied species. 99 mandible very large, broadly elliptical, little convex ; legs \ery short ; tarsus compressed ; hind toe very slender, with a broad lobiform membrane ; outer toes nearly double the Icngtli of the tarsus ; interdigital membranes full ; claws small, compressed, rather obtuse ; wings short, narrow, con- vox, pointed ; second quill longest, but scarcely exceeding tlic first; iunor secondaries elongated, and curved outwards ; tail short, graduated, of sixteen stiffish, pointed feathers. 1. Ckinffula /t/sfn'onica. Harleqnin Garrof. Bill yellow- ish-brown ; feet greyish-blue ; membranes dusky ; head, upper-neck, and upper parts of the body, dusky greyish-blue ; a triangular white patch before the eye, a round spot behind tlie ear, a longitudinal mark on the neck, a narrow collar about its middle, a band across its lower fore part, some of the scapulars, the tips of the secondaries, and a spot on the side of the rump, white ; lower parts purplish-blue and brownish -grey. 2. ClanguJa chrysophthahna. Golden-eyed Garrot. Bill black ; feet orange-yellow, with the membranes dusky ; head and upper-neck glossy deep-green, with purple tints ,■ a large ovate white spot between the cheek and the bill ; lower-neck, sides, and abdomen, white ; upper parts black ; a large white space on the wing. 3. Clangula Alheola. Buffcl-lieaded Garrot. Bill dusky- grey ; feet pale flesh-colour, with the membranes dusky ; head and u])per-neck glossy green and purple ; a triangular band of white from the cheek to the nape ; loAver neck, sides, aiid abdomen, white ; upper parts black ; a large patch on tlie wing, and some of the scapulars, white. GENUS VIT. HARELDA. HARELD. Bill much shorter than the head, of the same height and breadth at the base, narrowed toward the end ; upper man- dible with the frontal angles obsolete, the dorsal line sloping j the ridge broad at the base, roundish, convex, decurved, the laminae projecting considerably beyond the margin, the unguis large, roundish, convex, decurved ; that of the lower mandible broadly elliptical, little convex ; legs very sliort ; tarsus 100 FULIGULINJE. compressed ; hind toe very small, with a lobiform membrane ; outer toes equal, and about double the length of the tarsus ; membranes full ; claws small, slender ; wings short, convex, acute ; the first and second quills about equal and longest ; tail small, pointed, of fourteen feathers. 1. Harelda glacialis. Long-tailed Hareld. Bill black, red toward the end, the unguis black ; feet dull orange-red ; head and neck Avliite ; cheeks grey ; fore part of breast, back, wing-coverts, and elongated tail-feathers, blackish-brown ; scapulars and lower parts white. The subjoined figures represent the hind toes of the Anatinae and Fuligulinae, the marginal membrane being nar- row in the former and very broad in the latter. Fig. 66. 101 AYTHYA. POCHARD. The Pochards, of which the most characteristic species are the celebrated Canvas-back of America, and the common Red-headed Pochard of that continent as well as of Europe, differ from the Scaup-Ducks in no other essential respect than in having the bill narrower and more elongated, and the membrane of the hind toe of less breadth. They may be described as having the body very large, full, and de- pressed ; the neck moderate ; the head rather large, oblong, compressed, and rounded above. Bill as long as the head, higher than broad at the base, becoming depressed toward the end, of nearly equal breadth throughout ; the upper mandible with the basal lateral sinuses short and wide, the upper sinus rather narrow, the frontal angles acute, the dorsal line declinate for half its length, then direct to the unguis, which is small, oblong, flattened, and decurved ; the ridge broad and flat at the base, gradually narrowed, convex toward the end, the sides at the base nearly erect, toward the end gradually more spreading and convex ; the edges soft, marginate, concealing the ends of the numerous, little elevated lamellae ; the nasal sinus rather small, oblong, sub-basal ; lower mandible with the intercrural space very long, rather narrow, the crura slender, with their lower outline slightly recurvate, the outer lamellae small, the unguis obovate, rather small, and little convex. Mouth rather narrow ; anterior palate broadly concave, with a median prominent line, on which are a few tubercles ; the lateral lamellae slender, little elevated ; those of the lower mandible about double the number. Tongue fleshy, with a deep median groove, papillate at the base, lamelloso- filamcntous on the margins, with the tip thin and somewhat 102 AYTHYA. POCHARD. semicircular. (Esophagus rather wide ; proventriculus oblong. Stomach a very muscular gizzard, of a transversely elliptical form, placed obliquely, with longitudinally rugous epithe- lium, forming thick, somewhat concave circular grinding plates. Intestine very long and wide ; coeca long, of mode- rate width ; rectum very short. Nostrils small, in the lower and fore part of the nasal sinus ; eyes small ; ears very small. Legs very short, placed rather far behind ; tarsus compressed, with small anterior scutcUa ; hind toe very slender, with a narrow membrane ; outer toes about equal, and double the length of the tarsus ; interdigital membranes emarginate ; claws small, slender, little arched, rather pointed. Plumage dense, firm, glossy ; feathers of the head and neck very soft, blended, silky or velvety ; of the other parts moderate, ovate. Wings short, convex, narrow, pointed, of twenty-six quills ; primaries narrow, the iirst longest. Tail very small, much rounded, of fourteen stiffish, tapering feathers. Brown, grey, white, and brownish-red are the prevailing colours of the plumage. The females have the colours less decided, brown being substituted on the upper parts and sides, and the markings larger. The young resemble the females. This genus is one of those which approach nearest to the Anatinac, and the species are by no means exclusively marine, although in Avintcr they frequent estuaries, and even the open shores, feeding chiefly on the rhizomata of Yalis- neria, Zostera, and other plants. In summer they reside chiefly in fresh-water marshes and lakes, where they breed, and feed on larvir, insects, and mollusca. They are not expert at walking, but swim and dive witli great ease, and have a rapid, direct flight. AVhen fed on vegetable sub- stances they afford good eating, the flesh of one species, Aythya Valisneriana, being in America celebrated above that of ever}' other Duck, although it is very probably in no degree dittereut from that of Aytliya Ferina, which, altlioiigh well-flavoured, is not, I think, to be compared witli tliat of Anas Boschas, or any of the Teals. Three species occur in Britain. 103 AYTHYA FERINA. THE RED-HEADED POCHARD. POKER. UED-HEADED POKER. GREAT-HEADED POKER OR WIGEON. DUNBIRD. DUNCUR OR DUNKEU. Fig. 67. Anas Ferina. Linn. Syst. Nat. I. 203. Anas Ferina. Lath. Ind. Ornith. II. 862. Canard ^Vlilouin. Anas Ferina. Temm. Man. d'Ornith. II. 868. Pochard. Mont. Ornith. Diet, and Supplt. Red-headed Pochard. Fuligula Ferina. Selby, Illustr. II. 347. Common Pochard. Fuligula Ferina. Jenyns, Brit. Vert. Anim. 241. Aythya Ferina. Bonap. Comp. List, 58. Male eighteen inches long, ivith the hill rather narrow, two inches in length, of the nearhj uniform hreacWi of eight-twelfths, black at the base and tip, dull light blue elsewhere ; feathers of the forehead stiffish; head andhalf of neck brownish- red, lower part of neck and hind part of back brownish-black ; back greyish-white, minutely undulated with dark-grey ; secondary quills ash-grey ; lower parts greyish-ivhite, minutely undulated ; hind part of abdomen and lower tail-coverts dusky ; tail greyish-brown, of fourteen feathers. Female with less blue on 104 AYTHYA FERINA. the bill, the head and hind neck I'cddish-broun ; the fore part of the cheeks jmler ; the lower part of the neck all round and the hack greyisJi-broicn, the latter obscurely vndulatcd icith white ; the rest as in tJic 7nale, but duller, and the sides dusky. Young like the female. Male in Winter. — The Red-headed Pochard, aUhough nearly resembling the celebrated American Canvas-backed Duck, is not liable to be mistaken for any British species* Its body is large, full, depressed, of an elliptical form ; the neck rather long, and thick ; the head large, oblong, com- pressed, rounded above. The bill is about the same length as the head, higher than broad at the base, of almost equal breadth throughout, being but very slightly "svider toward the end, Avhich is rounded ; upper mandible with the lateral basal margins concave, the upper acutely emarginate, the frontal angles narrowly pointed, the ridge broad, rather concave, gradually narrowed, convex toward the end, the dorsal line straight and declinate to beyond the nostrils, then slightly concave ; the sides nearly erect at the base, becoming gradually more declinate and convex, the edges marginate, concealing the internal oblique lamella?, of which there are about sixty, the unguis small, oblong, abruptly rounded at the end ; nasal space small, ellip- tical, sub-basal ; lower mandible flattened, with the intcrcrural space very long and rather narrow, the crura slender, their lower outlines slightly rearcuate, the dorsal line nearly straight, the edges erect, with about seventy lamella?, the unguis obovato-triangular, being abruptly rounded. Tlie mouth is rather narrow. The tongue fleshy, deeply grooved above, an inch and ten-twelfths long, six-twelfths and a half in breadth, its sides furnished with two series of bristly filaments, the tip thin, horny, rounded. The oeso- phagus is eleven inches long, of moderate width, from five to eight-twelfths in breadth ; the proventriculus nine-twelfths in breadth, its glandules cylindrical, and two-twelfths long. The stomach extremelv muscular, oblique, elliptical, coni- ])ressed, two inclies and a half in length, an inch and three- fourths in breadth ; the lateral nniscles more than half an RED-HEADED POCHARD. 105 inch thick ; the epithcHiim rather thin, dense, slightly rugous, with two circular grinding jdates of thicker texture ; the upper part forming a small pyloric sac ; the pylorus Avithout valve. The intestine is five feet four inches long, four- twelfths in width at its upper part, at the middle six and a half-twelfths, near the coeca five-twelfths. The coeca seven inches long, nearly cylindrical, four-twelfths in width, a little nurroAver toward their commencement, and five and a half inches distant from the extremity of the intestine. The nostrils are oblong, three-twelfths in length, suh- mcdial, near the ridge, pervious ; the eyes small, three- twelfths across ; the aperture of the ear only a twelfth and a half. The feet are very short, and placed rather far behind ; the tarsus very short, compressed, with seventeen anterior small scutella, eight outer scutella, the rest covered wdtli angular scales. The hind toe small, with eleven double scales, and a narrow inferior membrane ; the inner toe with thirty scutella, the third thirty-six, the fourth forty ; the two outer toes about equal, and nearly double the length of the tarsus ; the interdigital membranes anteriorly emarginate. The claws are small, slender, arched, compressed, obtuse, that of the third toe with its inner edge expanded. The plumage is dense, soft, glossy, and blended ; the feathers of the fore part of the head small, and stiffish ; of the rest of the head and neck very soft, and silky ; of the lower neck obovate and abrupt. The Avings are short, curved, nar- row, and pointed; the primaries strong, tapering, the first longest, the second slightly shorter, the rest rapidly decreas- ing ; the secondaries fifteen, broadly rounded, the outer some- what emarginate, the inner elongated and tapering. The tail is very short, much rounded, of fourteen stiffish, narrowly rounded feathers. The bill is black to a little beyond the nostrils, and at the end, the intermediate space light greyish-blue. The iris orange-yellow. The feet leaden-grey, with the Avebs and claAvs black. The head and half of the neck all round are of a fine broAvnish-orange tint ; the lower part of the neck broAvnish-black, the terminal filaments of its anterior part stiffish, glossy, and greyish-Avhite ; the hind part of the back 106 AYTHYA FERINA. and upper tail-coverts brownish-black ; the tail greyish-brown. The rest of the upper parts are minutely undulated with dark- grey lines on a greyish-white ground. The primary quills are brownish-grey, tipped with dusky-brown ; the secondaries ash-grey, terminally edged with Avhitc, but the inner like the back ; the coverts grey, obscurely dotted and undulated with whitish. The breast is pale grey, its hind part and sides un- dulated like the back, but more obscurely ; on the abdomen, Avhich is also undulated, greyish-broAvn prevails, and the feathers under the tail are blackish-brown. The axillars are white, the lower wing-coverts greyish-Avhite. Length to end of tail 18 inches ; extent of wings 25 j ; bill along the ridge 2, from frontal angles 2^, along the edge of lower mandible 2, its breadth -j^ ; wing from flexure 8j ; tail 2jV; tarsus l-j^ ; first toe -^, its claw -^; second toe 1^,-4, its claw^; third toe 2j, its claAV -^ ; fourth toe 2-j^, its claw -j%. Female. — The female, which is considerably less than the male, has the bill, eyes, and feet similarly coloured, but with the blue band on the bill narrower. The head and hind part of the neck are reddish-broAvn, the fore part of the cheeks, a space beneath and behind the eye, and the throat paler ; the lower part of the neck all 'round, with a portion of the breast greyish -brown, the feathers terminally edged with brownish-white. The upper parts of the body are dull grey- ish-brown, the fore part of the back and the scapulars slightly undulated with whitish ; the Avings as in the male, but tinged Avith broAvn, and Avithout dots ; the tail greyish-broAvn. The middle of the breast is grcyish-Avhite, the flanks dusky, the hind part of the abdomen greyish -brown ; the loAver Aving-coverts pale grey ; those in the middle and the scapulars Avhitc. Length to end of tail IT inches ; extent of Avings 24; bill along the ridge 2 ; Aving from flexure 8 ; tail 2^ ; tarsus 1-pV j middle toe 2jij, its claAv -fV- Vakiations. — Adult males vary considerably in size ; tlie red of the head and neck varies in tint ; the loAver neck and KED-HEADED POCHAKD. 107 fore part of the breast may be brownish-black, or greyish- black, and sometimes the latter is deep grey. The white of the back, and its dark lines, vary in intensity, as is equally the case witli the lower parts. Otherwise I have not seen any remarkable differences. Habits. — The Red-headed Pochards arrive on our coasts in the end of October, some betaking themselves to marshes and poolSj others remaining in the bays and estuaries. They are, however, not common in the firths of Scotland, or in any part of that country ; but on the eastern coasts of England, south of the Ilumber, they are still plentiful, although, owing to the draining of the fens, they are much less nume- rous now than formerly. This species feeds chiefly on the rhizomata of grasses, their leaves, and other vegetable sub- stances, but also on Zostera marina, other salt-water plants, worms, and mollusca. The individual described above as representing the adult male had its stomach and oesophagus filled with fragments of slender plants resembling the sub- terranean parts of grasses. In the stomach was a large quan- tity of fragments of quartz, varying from the smallest size to three-twelfths in diameter, all Avhite, and generally highly polished, together with some earth. It swims strongly, sitting rather deep in the water, and dives habitually for its food. Its flight is rapid, and generally low ; but farther I cannot speak respecting it, unless by bor- rowing from other observers. It also occurs in America ; at least the specimens from that country which I have examined diff'ered only in being considerably larger. Dr. Richardson states that it breeds in all parts of the fur countries, from the fiftieth parallel to their most northern limits, and Mr. Audu- bon describes it as very abundant during winter about New Orleans, in East Florida, and in Chesapeake Bay : — "Although they dive much, and to a great depth, while in our bays and estuaries, yet, when in the shallow ponds of the interior, they are seen dabbling the mud along the shores much in the manner of the Mallard ; and on occasionally shooting them there, I have found their stomach crammed Avith young tad- poles and small water-lizzards, as well as blades ol" the grasses 108 AYTHYA FERINA. gi'omng around tlie banks. Nay, on several occasions, I have found pretty large acorns and beecli-nuts in their throats, as well as snails, entire or broken, and fragments of the shells of various small unios, together with much gravel." When caught, it soon becomes reconciled to confinement, and readily feeds on grain and other vegetable substances. Its flesh is moderately good, probably not inferior to that of the Canvas-back, Avhich very closely resembles it in colour, but is of still more marine habits during the cold season. This species has been found breeding at Scoulton-mere in Norfolk, but not elsewhere in any part of Britain. Mr. Hewitson states that a few remain to breed in Holland. In more northern European countries, however, it has not, appa- rently, been traced to its haunts ; but its appearance in Britain in the end of autumn, its remaining there all winter, and its departing in spring, indicate its northward migiation at the latter season, notwithstanding its occurrence in nor- thern Africa, Egypt, and India. In Orkney, " flocks often appear in September, and usually remain till the end of March. They abound on the Loch of Skaill, and various other sheets of fresh water. In 1831, one Avas shot in Sanday so late as the 28tli of June ; it seemed, however, to be a soli- tary bird." — Nat. Hist, of Orkney, p. 79. It also occurs in Shetland as a winter visitant, but is not knoAvn to breed there. In Ireland it " is a regular winter visitant, but varies much in numbers in different years." M. Tcmminck says it is rather abundant in Ilussia, Denmark, and even the north of Germany. All that is stated as to its breeding is, that it nestles in marshy places, and lays ten or twelve greenish- white or yellowish-white eggs, about two inches in length. YorNG. — The young males, when fledged, resemble the female. Progress toward Matirity. — According to M. Tem- minck, the young males of one or two years have the red of the head and neck less briglit ; the black of the breast gene- rally brownish, often even tinted with ])ale brown; and the back and sides sometimes marked with spots. loy AYTHYA RUFINA. THE RED-CRESTED POCHARD. Anas rufina. Gmel. Syst. Nat. I. 541. Anas rufina. Lath. Ind. Ornith. II. 870. Anas rufiiia. Temm. Man. d' Ornith. II. 864. Fidigula rufina. Selby, lUustr. Brit. Ornith. II. 350. Fuligula rufina. Jen. Brit. Vert. Anim. 240. Callichen rufinus. Bonap. Conip. List. 58. Male twenty-two inches long, loitli the bill rather narrow, two inches and two-twelfths long, vermilion, as are the feet ; feathers of the uppei' part of the head and nape elongated ; head and upper neck hroxonish-red ; lower part of neck, breast, and abdomen blackish-brown ; back, wings, and tail light br 0X071 ; sides of the body, outer secondary quills, anterior edge of the wing, and an oblong spot on each shoulder white. Female loith the bill bright red ; the upper part of the head and nape deep brown ; the throat, cheeks, and sides of the neck greyish-white ; upper parts br own, lower brownish-white ; lower fore-neck and sides mottled with brown. Male. — This species, considerably larger than the last, is remarkable for its tufted crest, and, although nearly of the same form and proportions, seems to present some affinity to the Mergansers, in having the bill more slender, with the lamellae of the upper mandible projecting a little, and the unguis more decurved. The tarsi are very short and com- pressed ; the outer two toes nearly equal, and about twice the length of the tarsus. The wings are pointed, with the outer quills longest ; the tail short and rounded. The bill and feet are vermilion ; the interdigital mem- branes dusky. The head and upper fourth of the neck all round are brownish -red ; the rest of the neck, the breast, abdomen, hind part of the back, and upper and lower tail- 110 AYTHYA RUFINA. coverts blackish-brown ; the sides of the body white, partly undulated with dnsky lines. An oblong spot on the sides of the back anteriorly, the margin of the wing at the carpal joint, and the outer webs of the secondary quills white ; the primary quills and tail-feathers greyish- broAvn. Length to end of tail 22 inches ; bill along the ridge 2^ ; wing from flexure 10|^; tarsus l^^ ; middle toe 2-p^, its claw -f^. Female. — According to M. Temminck, " the female has the top of the head, the occiput, and the nape deep broAvn ; the crest less tufted ; the cheeks, throat, and sides of the neck greyish-brown ; the breast and sides yellowish-brown ; the breast and abdomen grey ; the back, wings, and tail brown, slightly tinged with ochre-yellow. There is no white spot on the sides of the back ; the speculum is one half greyish-white, the other light brown ; the base of the quills white, shaded with brown. The bill, tarsi, and toes reddish- brown." Habits. — The Red-crested Pochard is said to inhabit the eastern parts of the north of Europe ; to be found in Austria, Hungary, Turkey, the countries about the Caspian Sea, Switzerland, Provence, Genoa, Italy, Northern Africa, and India. Its range of migration does not ordinarily extend so far westward as Britain ; and it had not been recorded as occurring there until Mr. Yarrell noticed it in the second volume of the Zoological Journal, p. 492, as an occasional visitant, a male having been shot near Boston, while feeding on fresh water along with some AVigeons. A few other indi- viduals have been obtained. Several occurred the same winter in the London markets. One was subsequently killed at Yamiouth, and a female, out of a flock of eighteen, on the Thames. Remarks. — The above account is entirely compiled, chiefly from Yarrell and Tcunminck, the bird never having come mider my notice, unless in jNluseums, and there being no specimen in my collection. Ill FULTGULA. SCAUP-DUCK. The Scaup-Ducks, of which Fuligula Marila, F. rufitor- ques, and F. cristata may be considered as the most charac- teristic species, differ from the Pochards chiefly in having the body shorter, tlie bill much broader, and less elongated, and the membrane of the hind toe wider. They may be described as having the body very large, short, full, and depressed ; the neck moderate or rather short ; the head rather large, oblong, compressed, and rounded above. Bill nearly as long as the head, about the same height and breadth at the base, becoming depressed, and enlarging in breadth to the end, which is very broad and semicircular ; the upper mandible with the basal lateral sinuses very short and wide, the upper sinus short, the frontal angles obtuse and little extended, the dorsal line gently declinate for half its length, then nearly direct to the unguis, which is small, obovato-oblong, flattened, and decurved, the ridge broad and flat at the base, gradually narrowed, convex toward the end, the sides at the base rapidly sloping, toward the end gradually more spreading and convex, the edges soft, marginate, con- cealing the ends of the numerous little elevated lamellae ; the nasal sinus small, sub-elliptical, sub-basal ; lower mandible with the intercrural space long and rather wide, the crura slender, with their lower outline nearly straight, the outer lamelljc small, the unguis obovate, rather small, and nearly flat. Mouth of moderate width ; anterior part of palate broadly concave, with a median prominent line, on which are a few tubercles ; the lateral lamella? slender, little elevated ; those of the lower mandible about double the number. Tongue fleshy, with a deep median groove, papillate at the base, lamelloso-fllamentous on the margins, with the tip thin and 112 FULIGULA. somewhat semicircular. (Esophagus ratlier wide ; proventri- culus oblong. Stomach a very muscular gizzard, of a trans- versely elliptical form, placed obliquely, with longitudinally rugous epithelium, forming thick, somewhat concave cir- cular grinding plates. Intestine very long and wide ; coeca long, of moderate width; rectum very short. Nostrils small, in the lower and fore part of the nasal sinus ; eyes small ; ears very small. Legs very short, placed ratlier far behind ; tarsus compressed, with small anterior scutella ; hind toe very slender, with a broad membrane ; outer toes about equal, and double the length of the tarsus ; interdigital membranes emarginate ; claws small, slender, little arched, rather pointed. Plumage dense, firm, glossy ; feathers of the head and neck very soft, blended, silky, or velvety ; of the other parts moderate, ovate, wings short, convex, narrow, pointed, of twenty-six quills ; primaries narrow, the first longest. Tail very small, much rounded or cuneate, of fourteen stiffish, tapering feathers. Black, Mhite, and grey are the prevailing colours of the plumage. The females have the colours less decided, brown being generally substituted for black, and the markings larger. The young resemble the females. The birds of this genus, fi'om the shortness of their legs, and the great size of their anterior toes, walk with difficulty, but swim and dive with ease. They are essentially marine in the winter season, although even then they not unfrequently betake themselves to fresh Avater. They feed on vegetable substances, shell-fish, Crustacea, insects, and larvse. In summer, when they resort to the arctic marshes, they reside chiefly in fresh water. Their flight is strong, direct, and quick. According to the kind of food principally used, and which they procure chiefly by diving, their flesh varies in flavour, but is generally good, being, although dark-coloured, savoury, and highly flavoured, but rather difficult to be digested. IIJ FULIGULA NYROCA. THE FERRUGINOUS SCAUP-DUCK. FERRUGINOUS DUCK. RED DUCK. CASTANEOUS DUCK. WHITE-EYED DUCK. NYROCA DUCK. AFRICAN TEAL. NYROCA POCHARD. Anas Nyroca. Gmel. Syst. Nat. I. 542. Anas Nyroca. Lath. Ind. Om. II. 869. Anas leucophthalmos. Bechst. Naturg. Dent. IV. 1009. Anas leucophthalmos. Temm. Man. d'Ornith. II. 876. Nyroca leucophthalmos. Flem. Brit. Anim. 121. Fuligula N}Toca. Selb. Illustr. Brit. Ornith. II. 354. Fuligula Nyroca. NjToca Pochard. Jen. Brit. Vert. An. 242. Nyroca leucophthalma. Bonap. Corap. List, 58. Male sixteen inches long, with the bill dusky-blue ,- the unguis black; the head, neck, fore part of breast, and sides chestnut-red; the neck with an obscure brown ring; upjper parts blackisli-broivn, glossed icith green; secondary quills ichite, with a terminal black band; loicer parts ichite. Female with the head, neck, fore part of the breast, and sides reddish- brown ; upper parts dusky, the feathers edged with paler; lower parts white; wings as in the male. Male. — The Ferruginous or White-eyed Pochard resem- bles the Common or Red-headed Pochard in general aspect ; but is much smaller, and diiFerently coloured. The bill is rather shorter than the head, higher than broad at the base, gradually depressed toward the tip, which is rounded, the unguis oblong and convex. The feet, wings, and tail are nearly as in the other species. The bill is dusky-blue, with the unguis black ; the feet bluish-black, the interdigital membranes darker. " The irides white." The head and neck all round, the fore part of the breast, and the sides chestnut-red ; a white spot on VOL. V, I 114 FULIGULA XYROCA. the chin, and a dusky ring about the middle of the neck. The back and wing-coverts dusky-brown, tinged Avitli green. The primary quills brownish-black ; the outer secondaries white, with a black bar at the end ; the lower parts of the body white. Length 16 inches ; wing from flexure 7f . Female. — According to Temminck, '' the female has the head, neck, breast, and sides of the body brown, but all the feathers tipped with light reddish ; there is no ring on the neck ; the feathers of the upper parts are blackish, and ter- minated with pale brown ; the other parts as in the male. Length 15 inches. Habits. — This species, respecting the habits and distri- bution of which very little is known, is said to inhabit chiefly the eastern parts of Europe. India, Persia, Egypt, northern Africa, southern Europe, Russia, and Iceland are mentioned in connection with it. Temminck says it is a regular migrant in Germany, and appears accidentally, or in small numbers, in Holland, France, and England. In the latter country it is occasionally met Avith, and has been killed in Norfolk, Cambridgeshire, and Oxfordshire. ]\Ir. Yarrell states that it is not unfrequently to be found in the London markets, the individuals there exposed being " generally received from the eastern counties between the Thames and the Humber." I have not met with it in Scotland ; but Sir William .Tardine recollects having seen a fresh specimen in the Edinburgh market, and Messrs. Baikic and Heddlc say it has been observed in Orkney, though very rarely. M. Temminck states that it feeds on insects, small frogs, aquatic plants, and seeds, rarely on small fishes ; nestles among the rushes that border the large rivers and marshes ; and lays nine or ten eggs of a white colour, slightly tinged with greenish. Young. — The young, when fledged, according to Tem- minck, have the top of the head dusky-brown ; all the feathers of the u])])er parts bordered and terminated with FERRUGINOUS SCAUP-DUCK. 116 reddish -brown ; tlie Avhite of the belly tinged with light l)roAvn. Remarks. — The above account is entirely compiled, chiefly from Temminck and Yarrell. A female from India, in my collection, however, shows that the species, although somewhat allied to the Pochards in colouring, belongs to the genus Fuligula, its bill being shorter, and much broader than that of the Aythyee. IIG FULIGULA MARILA. THE BROAD-BILLED SCAUP-DUCK. SCAUP DUCK. SPOON-BILL DUCK. WHITE-FACED DUCK. Anas Marila. Linn. Syst. Nat. I. 196. Anas Marila. Lath. Ind. Omith. II. 853. Scaup Duck. Mont. Omith. Diet, and Supplt. Canard Milouin. Anas Marila. Temm. Man. d'Om. II. 865. Scaup Pochard. Fuligula Marila. Selby, Illust. II. 354. Fuligula Marila. Scaup Pochard. Jenyns, Brit. Vert. Anim. 243. Fuligula Marila. Bonap. Comp. List, 58. Male twenty inches long, with the hill broad, enlarged toward the end, two inches long, an inch and a twelfth in breadth, dull light greyish-blue, icith the nngia's blackish ; feathers of the head short ; the head and tipper part of the neck greenish-black ; the rest of the neck, fore part of the back and breast, and hind part of the back, black ; the rest of the back and icing-coierts greyish-white, finely undulated with dusky ; the outer secondaries partly ichite ; the breast and sides lohite ; hind part of abdomen and loiver tail-coverts dusky ; tail broionish-grey , of fourteen feathers. Female with the head, neck, and fore part of the back and breast, brown ; a broad band of xchite on the forehead ; upper parts blackish-broion , in part undulated with ichitish ; middle of the breast ichite ; sides and hind parts dusky brown. Young nearly similar to the female. Male in Winter. — The Scaup Pochard, a little larger and more rohu.st than the Tufted, is of the same form and proportions, having the body very full and considerably de- pressed, the neck of moderate length, the head large, oblong, compressed, and rounded above. The bill is of the same length as the head, about the same BROAD-BILLED SCAUP-DUCK. 117 height and breadth at the base, becoming depressed and enlarging in breadth to the end, which is semicircular ; the Tipper mandible with the basal sinuses nearly semicircular, the dorsal line declinate to beyond the nostrils, then direct to the unguis, which is small, obovate, decurved, the ridge broad and concave, gradually narrowed, and ultimately rounded, the sides at the base rapidly sloping, toward the end convex, the edges soft, concealing the ends of the oblique, little elevated lamella?, of which there are forty- five ; the nasal space small, elliptical, sub-basal ; lower mandible flat, with the inter- crural space very long, rather wide, bare, the crura slender, with their outline very nearly straight, the erect, inflected edges with about sixty outer and eighty-five inner lamella^, the unguis obovato-triangvilar, nearly flat. The mouth an inch in width ; the palate concave ; the posterior aperture of the nares linear-lanceolate, margined with numerous fine papillse ; the anterior part very broadly and deeply concave. The tongue is very large, fleshy, two inches long, Avith papillate flaps at the base, a prominent edged pad above, a deep medial groove, the upper surface smooth ; the margin pectinato-lamellate, with five large tooth- like papillae on each side toward the base ; the tip thin-e:lgcd and semicircular. The nostrils are small, three-twelfths long, situated at about a third of the length of the bill. The eyes very small, their aperture only two-twelfths and a half ; the aperture of the ear only a twelfth and a quarter ; the feet are very short, placed rather far behind ; the tarsus very short, w-ith twenty small scutella, and eight in the outer row ; the hind toe very small, with eleven scutella ; the second with twenty-five, the third with thirty-six, the fourth forty scutella ; the hind toe with a small inferior membrane, the inner Avith an enlarged somewhat two-lobed membrane ; the interdigital membranes somewhat emarginate. The claws small, slender, little arched, laterally grooved, rather obtuse, that of the middle toe little dilated. The plumage is dense, soft, glossy, blended ; the feathers of the head and upper-neck short and velvety ; the wings short, narrow, concave, with twenty-six quills, and five 118 FULIGULA MARILA. humerals ; the primaries narrow, tapering, decurved, the first longest, the second scarcely shorter, the rest rapidly gradu- ated ; the secondaries tapering. The tail is very small, much rounded, of fourteen moderately firm rather pointed feathers, of which the medial are nine-twelfths longer than the lateral. The bill is light greyish-blue, or dull lead-colour, with the unguis blackish. The iris rich yellow ; the edges of the eye- lids dusky. The feet pale greyish-blue, darker on the joints ; the membranes dusky ; the claws black. The head and upper half of the neck black, strongly glossed with green and purple ; the rest of the neck and part of the back and breast black, toward the margin of which colour on the breast some of the feathers are terminally edged with greyish-white ; the hind part of the back brownish-black ; the tail greyish-brown. The middle of the back, the scapulars, and wing-coverts, white, transversely undulated with dusky lines, which are broader on the hind part of the scapulars, three of the larger of which, however, are dusky, glossed with green ; the primary coverts blackish-brown ; the primaries partly gi-eyish-brown, but from the fourth primary to the tenth secondary is a broad white band, including the whole length of three quills except the tips ; the inner secondaries and the ends of the rest blackish-green, the inner three dotted with Avliite. The breast and sides are white ; the abdominal region anteriorly greyish-white, undulated with dusky brown, that colour increasing, so that the feathers under the tail are brownish- black ; the axillars and middle lower wing-coverts white, the rest grey or dotted with that colour. Length to end of tail 20 inches ; extent of wings 32 ; bill along the ridge 2 ; from the frontal angle 2yV ; along the edge of lower mandible 2^ ; its greatest breadth l-jV ; wing from flexiire 9 ; tail 2f ; tarsus 1^ ; first toe ^, its claw ij ; second toe -f^, its claw -pV j third toe 2j'^, its claw y^; fourth toe 2-pj, its claw ■^. Femai-K. — The female lias the bill coloured as in the male, but darker ; the feet dull leaden-grey, with the webs dusky ; the head, nock, and fore part of the back and breast, are brown, darker on the head, tinged with red on the fore-neck. BROAD-BILLED SCAUP-DUCK. 119 The upper parts are brownish-black, tlic j^'oatcr part of the back, scapulars, and wing-coverts finely undulated with white ; the winfjs and tail as in the male ; the middle of the breast white ; the sides undulated and broadly patched or banded with brown ; the hind parts undulated with brown and white ; the axillars white ; the lower wing-coverts as in the male. A broad band of white on the forehead, becoming- narrow along the basal margin of the lower mandible. Length to end of tail 18 inches ; extent of wings 28 ; bill 1-|-| ; wing 8^ ; tail 2^ ; tarsus l-^ ; middle toe 2-^, its claw Habits. — The Scaup Pochard arrives on our coasts in the end of October, and continues to increase until the middle of winter. In the estuaries, and along the flat shores, it is met with ])lentifully, often in very large flocks. It is very rarely met with in fresh Avater, its food consisting chiefly of marine testaceous mollusca,for which it dives, like the Scoters, often mingling with them and other species. Its flight is moderately quick, usually performed at no great height above the water, on which it alights abruptly on its hind part. Although it rises without difficulty, it usually prefers diving to escape pursuit ; and so expert is it in this act, that it is very difficult to shoot it on the water. It swims strongly, sitting rather deep, and on diving remains long before it emerges. Being generally abundant during winter and spring, it is common in the markets, but is not much esteemed as an article of food, its flesh being rather rank. Montagu states that both the male and the female have a habit of tossing up their heads and opening their bills, which in spring is con- tinued for a considerable time while they are swimming and sporting on the water, and they emit a grunting sort of cry. At high Avater it is seen resting in flocks at some distance from the shores, which it approaches Avhen the tide recedes. In the end of March and beginning of April they disappear from our coasts, and are said to resort to the northern parts of Europe, Avhere they rear their young. The species occurs equally in North America, frequenting in Avinter the large riAers, as Avell as the bays, and feeding partly on vegetable substances. When kept in confinement it readily cats gi"ain. 120 FULIGULA M ARIL A. " During the summer months," says Montagu, " when the larvfe of various insects are to be found in the mud at the bottom of tlie pond, these birds are continually diving ; but they are perfectly contented with barley, and are become so tame as to come to the edge of the water for a bit of bread. Of all the aquatic birds we have had, that have been taken alive from their natural wild habits, none have appeared so familiar as the Scaup; and after feeding a few days with bread soaked in water, they take to eating barley freely." Variations. — Great differences are observed in the size of individuals of both sexes ; but the colours of the males vary little, some, however, having much more white on the back than others. Young. — When fledged, the young nearly resemble the female. The male has the upper part of the head and neck dark brown, the fore part of the neck above variegated with brown and greyish-white ; a band of white, mottled with brownish-black on the fore part of the head; the upper parts dull brown, undulated with gi-eyish-white ; the wings and tail as in the adult ; the lower fore-neck and part of the breast dark brown, lunulated Avith greyish-white, the stiffish terminal margins of the feathers being of the latter colour; the rest of the breast dull Avhite ; the sides, abdomen, and lower tail-coverts greyish-brown ; the lower wdng-coverts grey, but the axillai-s Avhite. The females are similar, but Avith little of the greyish-Avhite lines on the upper parts. Remarks. — The description of the male is from a fine specimen obtained in Edinburgh, in the beginning of .January, 1841. Some reference requires to be made here to the American Fuligula mariioides. A bird purchased several years ago in Leadcnhall Market has been considered by Mr. YarrcU and Mr. Henry Doubleday as of this so-called species, the distinctness of Avhich from the ^common Scaup- Duck is, hoAvever, extremely doubtful. Young individuals of that species that I have examined differ in no respects from the one described and figured by Mr. Yarrell. 121 FULIGULA CRISTATA. THE TUFTED SCAUP- DUCK. TUFTFD DUCK. BLACK DUCK. BLACK WIGEON. Anas Fiiligula. Linn. Syst. Nat. I. 543. Anas Fuligula. Lath. Ind. Omith. II. 869. Tufted Duck. Mont. Omith. Diet, and Supplt. Canard Morillon. Anas Fuligula. Temm. Man. d'Omith. II. 873. Tufted Pochard. Fuligula cristata. Selby, Illustr. II. 357. Fuligula cristata. Tufted Pochard. Jenyns. Brit. Vert. Anim. 244. Fuligula cristata. Bonap. Comp. List, 58. Male seventeoi inches long, with the hill broad, enlarged toward the end, an inch and eight-twelfths long, eleven-twelfths and a half in breadth, leaden grey, with a terminal black band including the unguis; feathers of the head elongated into a large decurved crest; the head and upper part of the neck purplish -black ; the upper parts black, obscurely and minutely dotted with white; a white band from the fourth primary to 122 FULIGULA CRISTATA. the tenth secondary, the ti})s black; the breast and sides white; hind paii of abdomen and lower ta il- coverts dusky ; tail greyish-black, of fourteen feathers; iris bright yellow. Female much smaller, with the crest shorter; the head and iipper neck brownish-black ; the upper parts blackish-brown, more faintly dotted with whitish; the breast xchite, the sides and lower fore-neck dusky brown, the feathers edged with whitish; hind part of abdomen and loner tail-coverts dusky, variegated with icltitisli; iris pale yellow. Young similar to the female, but with the bill and feet darker, the plumage more brown; a white patch on each side before the eye, and a triangular whitish patch on the chin. Male in Winter. — This species^ easily distinguished hy its large decurved crest, dusky upper plumage, and white, black-edged wing-band, is of a remarkably short and compact form, ha^ang the body broadly elliptical, depressed, and plump ; the neck of moderate length ; the head rather large, oblong, compressed, and rounded above. The bill is a little shorter than the head, about the same height and breadth at the base, becoming depressed and en- larging in breadth to the end, which is rounded ; the upper mandible with the basal sinuses short and angular, the dorsal line dcclinate, a little recurved, the ridge broad and flat, gradually narrowed and becoming convex, the side at the base rapidly sloping, toward the end convex, the tip semicircular, with the unguis small, obovate, decurved ; the edges soft, marginate, with a deep linear groove, and con- cealing the scarcely elevated outer ends of the nearly direct, recurved, little elevated lamellae, of which there are about forty ; a curved groove on each side of the tip ; the nasal space small, elliptical, sub-basal ; the lower mandible flat, with the intercrural space very long, rather narrow, bare, the crura slender, with their lower outline very slightly convex, the sides with about thirty-iive outer and sixty inner lamcllcc, the unguis obovato-triangular. The mouth is of moderate widtli. The tongue fleshy, deeply grooved above, an inch and a half in length, with a deep medial groove, its sides with two scries of bristly fila- TUFTED SCAUP-DUCK. 123 ments, the tip thin, horny, and rounded. The oesophagus is nine inches long, of moderate width ; the proventricuhis nine-twelfths in breadth, its glandules cylindrical. The stomach is a very poAvcrful gizzard, of an elliptical form, compressed, and situated obliquely ; its greatest diameter two inches and a quarter ; the lateral muscles an inch thick ; the epithelium dense, slightly rugous, with two circular grinding surfaces. The intestine is seven feet three inches long ; its width four-twelfths for about a foot, then to the coeca averaging five-twelfths. The coeca are seven inches long, and come off at the distance of four inches from the end. The rectum is four-twelfths in width. The nostrils are small, two-twelfths long, situated at about a third of the length of the bill ; the eyes small, as is the aperture of the ear. The feet are very short, and placed rather far behind ; the tarsus very short, compressed, with seventeen anterior small scutella, eight outer scutella, the rest covered with angular scales. The hind toe very small, with twelve double scales ; the second with twenty-five scu- tella, the third with thirty-four, the fourth with forty-eight ; the outer toes about equal, the inner with a two-lobed margin ; the hind toe with a small inferior membrane ; the interdigital membranes emarginate. The claws are small, very slender, slightly arched, rather acute, the inner edge of the third little expanded. The plumage is dense, firm, soft, glossy, and blended ; the feathers of the head and upper part of the neck short and velvety ; those on the top of the head elongated, linear, decurvcd, forming a large longitudinal crest, of which the longest feathers measure three inches. The Avings are short, narrow, concave, and pointed, with twenty-six quills ; the primaries narrow, tapering, the first longest, the second scarcely shorter, the rest rapidly gi-aduated; the secondary quills incurved, short, broad, obliquely rounded, the inner elongated and tapering. The tail is very small, much rounded, of fourteen stiffish, pointed feathers. The bill is of a light greyish-blue colour, willi the unguis black. Tlie iris bright vellow. The feet bluish- grey, the webs dusky, the claws black. The head and upper 124 FULIGULA CRISTATA. part of the neck are black, with gi*een and purple reflections. The general colour is brownish-black ; the feathers of the fore part of the back and the scapulars sprinkled with minute white dots. Toward the margin of the black on the fore part of the breast, the feathers are terminally margined with greyish-white. The breast and sides are Avhite ; the abdominal region anteriorly gi-eyish-white, mottled with dusky in undulating lines, its hind part and the lower tail- coverts brownish-black. The axillars and lower wing-coverts are white, those toward the margin brownish-grey. There is a white band on the wing, from the fourth primary to the tenth secondary ; the inner secondaries and the tips of the rest black, glossed with green. Length to end of tail 17 inches ; extent of wings 30 ; bill along the ridge l-j%, from frontal angles 2, along the edge of lower mandible 1-^, its greatest breadth \^ ; wing from flexure 85- ; tail 2^ ; tarsus 1^ ; first toe -^, its claw yV ; second toe l-jV j i^s claw -j^; third toe 2^, its claw -j^; fourth toe 2^, its claw -^. Female in Winter. — The female, which is much smaller, has the bill and feet of a somewhat darker tint, the iris yel- low ; the crest smaller, and with the rest of the head and the upper part of the neck blackish-brown ; the lower fore neck dusky, the feathers edged Avith brown ; the back and wings brownish-black, faintly dotted with whitish-brown ; the white band on the wings as in the male ; the breast white, the sides patched with brown ; the abdominal feathers and those under the tail dusky tipped with whitish. Length to end of tail 15 inches ; extent of wings 28 ; bill along the ridge l-^; tarsus l^ ; middle toe 2, its claw -j^. Variations. — Considerable difierenccs in size, and in the tints of the plxunage occur. Ha HITS. — The Tufted Pochard arrives in October, and departs in April. It is g(,'nerally dispersed over the country, frequenting lakes, pools, marshes, and the still parts of rivers, where it feeds chiefly on insects, testaceous mollusca, and TUFTED SCAUP-DUCK. 126 worms, in quest of which it dives. It very seldom appears in Hocks of large size, from two to six or eight individuals being more commonly met with. Like the other species of this genus, it has a rapid, direct flight, swims with rapidity, dives most expertly, and is with difficulty shot on the water. It rises with ease on wing, alights abruptly, and in its habits resembles the Golden-eyed Garrot. AVhen the fresh waters are frozen, it betakes itself to the sea, like all the other species, and subsists chiefly on bivalve mollusca. Even during open weather it is often seen in the shallow bays, and especially in estuaries. Montagu states that it is often " shot on Slapton Ley, in South Devon, a large piece of water close to the sea, and is by the natives called Black Wigeon." From thence northward on both sides of the island it is not uncom- mon, imtil beyond the Firths of Clyde and Tay, when it becomes of less frequent occurrence. In Ireland it " is a regular winter visitant." Although its flesh is good, it is not in much request as an article of food, but it is not uncommon in the markets. It retires to the arctic regions to breed, although some, according to M. Temminck, remain in the temperate climates. In winter it is dispersed over the western and southern parts of Europe ; but it is not met with at any season in America. Young. — In their first plumage, according to M. Tem- minck, the young have no appearance of a crest. " There is a large whitish spot on the sides of the bill (on the sides of the head close to the base of the bill) ; white on the forehead and sometimes behind the eyes ; the head, neck, and breast dull brown, varied on the breast with reddish-brown ; the feathers of the back and wings blackish-brown, margined with lighter brown ; the flanks of a reddish-brown ; the band on the wing small and whitish ; the abdomen variegated with grey and brown ; the iris pale yellow. The young males have the breast of a purer white than the young females." Young in Winter. — The following description is from a young bird shot by my son on Duddingston Loch, on the 18th February, 184L The bill light greyish-blue, with a 126 FULIGULA CRISTATA. black band at the tip including the unguis ; the feet paleish- greVj witli tlie Avebs dusky ; the iris broAvnish-Avhite. There is a small longitudinal crest of linear dccurved feathers, some of Avhich are an inch and two-twelfths long. The plumage is finn, and on the loAvcr parts highly glossed. The head and part of the neck are broAvnish-black ; there is a Avliite patch dotted with black on each side margining the upper mandible, and a very small triangular spot on the feathered portion of the intercrural space, the feathers behind it light brown. On the lower fore-neck the feathers are dusky, edged with light brown, the lower Avith Avhite ; those on the sides before the A\ing greyish-broAA'u ; the breast AA'hite ; the sides and abdo- men dusky grey Aariegated with white ; the hind part of the sides light gi-eyish-broAAii, partially dotted with AAhitish ; the loAAer Aving-coA'erts Avliite, except the marginal, which are dusky-grey. The upper parts are brownish -black, the smaller AAing-coverts broAvn, minutely dotted Avith AAhitish. The Avhite band on the wing is the same as in the adult, and the tail is dusky-brown. Length 15|^ inches; extent of wings 27; bill along the ridge 1^, along the edge 1-^ ; tarsus 1 j ; middle toe 2, its claAv ^. In this state it might be mistaken for Fuligula leucoph- thalmos, as defined by M. Temniinck. " Bill long ; iris Avhite ; Aving-spot white tipped AA'ith black ; a Avhite spot under the bill," all which characters agree AA-ith it, excepting the first. OIDEMIA. SCOTER. The Scoters, which are remarkable for their black colour and tumid bill, are birds of large size, having the body very full, much depressed ; the neck of moderate length, or rather short and thick ; the head large, oblong, compressed, and rather flattened above. Bill nearly of the same length as the head, very broad, of about equal height and breadth at the base, depressed and flattened toward the end, which is rounded ; upper mandible with a prominence at the base above, and a more extended enlargement on each side, the dorsal line at first convex, before the nostrils concave, the unguis very large, broadly elliptical, little convex, at the end decurved, the sides erect at the base, gradually more convex toward the end, the edges thin, concealing the not very numerous slender lamellae ; lower mandible flattened, with the intercrural space very long, rather narrow, bare for more tlian half its length, the lower outUne of the crura slightly convex, the unguis very large, and broadly elliptical ; the gape-line gently rearcuate. Mouth of moderate width ; anterior palate broadly con- cave, with a median prominent line, on which are some tubercles, and from thirty to forty marginal lamellae. Tongue large, fleshy, with numerous conical papillaj at the base, a deep median groove, two lateral series of bristles, and a thin rounded tip. CEsophagus wide. Stomach a powerful gizzard of a roundish form, with very large lateral muscles, longitu- dinally rugous epithelium, and thick grinding plates. Intes- tine of moderate length, wide ; coeca rather long, and narrowed. The trachea is remarkable for two abrupt bony expansions, one at the vipper larynx, the other roundish and flattened. The lower larynx is large, but symmetrical ; the bronchi wide, and of moderate length. 128 OIDEMIA. Nostrils elliptical, large, sub-basal. Eyes rather small. Aperture of ear small. Legs very short, and placed rather far behind ; tarsus very short, compressed, with small scutella. Hind toe small, slender, with a pretty large membrane, con- nected at the base with the bilobate marginal membrane of the inner toe ; anterior toes long, the third nearly double the length of the tarsus ; all scutellate ; interdigital membranes full. Claws small, slightly arcuate, compressed, obtuse ; that of the middle toe with the inner edge dilated. Plumage full, dense, and soft ; on the head and neck blended and velvety ; the feathers on the other parts ovato- oblong, rounded, dense, glossy. Wings rather short, convex, narrow, pointed ; primaries acuminate, the first and second longest ; inner secondaries oblong. Tail very short, narrow, much rounded, or tapering, of fourteen or sixteen stiffish, narrow, obtusely pointed feathers. The Scoters inhabit the open sea or estuaries during the greater part of the year, feeding chiefly on bivalve shell-fish, for which they dive in shallow or moderately deep Avater. In summer they betake themselves to the arctic regions, where they nestle on the shores of the sea, lakes, or marshes, forming a bulky nest, lined with down, and laying numerous white eggs. Their flight is moderately rapid, direct, and performed by quick beats. They swim and dive with ease, remain long under the water, are gregarious unless in the breeding season, and even then the males, which have left the females, keep together in flocks. The males have the plumage chiefly black, the bill and feet red ; but the females are brown, and are destitute of the enlargements at the base of the bill so remarkable in the males. Four species are known to me, of which three occur in Britain. The name ought to be ffidcmia, in correspondence with (Edicnemus, Gildipus, and words of like derivation. 129 OIDEMIA PERSriCILLATA. THE SURF SCOTER. BLACK DUCK. SURF DUCK. GREAT-BILLED SCOTER. Anas pcrspicillata. Linn. Sys. Nat. I. 201. Anas pcrspicillata. Lath. Ind. Omith. IL 847. Canard Marchand. Anas pcrspicillata. Temm. Man. d'Ornith. IL 853. Surf Scoter. Oidcmia pcrspicillata. Selby, lUustr. II. 335. Oidemia pcrspicillata. Surf Scoter. Jen. Brit. Vert. Anim. 240. Oidcmia pcrspicillata. Bonap. Comp. List. 57. Male with the bill having a gently sloping protuberance in front, the very large lateral prominences bare, the upper man- dible xcith a nearly square black patch on each side at the base, margined with orange, unless anteriorly, where there is a bluish-white patch, the prominent part over the nostrils red' dish-orange, paler at the margins, the sides toicard the end red, the unguis greyish-yellow ; the lower mandible Jlcsh-coloured, with the unguis darker ; tarsi and toes orange-red, tvcbs dusky ; plumage deep black glossed ivith blue ; a patch of white on the top of the head, and another on the hind neck ; tail of fourteen feathers. Female loith the bill greenish-black, its based pro- minences less elevated ; the feet yellowish-orange ; the plumage brownish-black, darker on the top of the head and upper parts of the body. Young like the female. Male in Winter. — This species, which in Aviuter is abundant on the eastern coasts of North America, and in summer extends from Labrador northward, having in a few instances been met with on the coast of Scotland, chiims our regard as a British bird. My descriptions, however, are taken from .\nierican specimens. The male, which is considerably larger than the female, has the bill nearly as long as the head, of about the same height and breadth at the base, VOL. V. K 130 OIDEMIA PERSPICILLATA. depressed toward the end, Avhcrc it is narrower, but rounded. The upper mandible has a protuberance above, with a convex and descending outline ; the sides at the base are erect, bulg- ing, of great breadth, bare, and extending far back toward the eye ; the unguis very large, obovato-triangular, convex, dccurved and rounded, the edges thin, soft, niarginate, some- what rearcuate ; the lower mandible with the intercrural space, long, rather narrow, and bare, the lower outline of the crura slightly convex, the unguis very large. The moutli is of moderate width ; the anterior palate con- cave, with a soft median ridge, on which are about ten short conical papillte, and on each side about thirty-five slender lamella}, of which the ends are not protruded. Tlie tongue is an inch and three-fourths in length, thick, fleshy, with numerous conical papilla? at the base, a deep median groove, two lateral series of bristles, and a terminal, thin, rounded lobe. The oesophagus is eight inches and a half in length, from an inch to three-tAvelfths more in width ; the proventri- cular belt of cylindrical glandules an inch and a half in breadth. The stomach is large, roundish, an inch and ten- twelfths in length and breadth, with very strong lateral mus- cles, and dense rugous epithelium forming two roundish grind- ing plates. The intestine is sixty-seven inches long, and half an inch Avidc ; the coeca about four inches in length, and two-twelfths and a half in width ; their distance from the extremity seven inches and a half. The trachea of the male, seven inches and a half in length, presents at the upper part a large bony expansion, seven-twelfths of an inch in length, and eight-twelfths in breadth. Beyond tliis part its width is five-twelfths, gradually diminishes to three-twelfths about the middle, then enlarges to five-twelfths ; after Avhich it presents a second enlarge- ment, nine-twelfths in length, an inch and two-twelfths in breadth, convex anteriorly, slightly concave behind. The trachea then contracts to four-tAvelftlis, and presently ex- pands to form tlie lower larynx, Avhich is large and osseous, but symmetrical. The bronchi arc large, of twenty-five carti- laginous half-rings. Tlie rings of the tracluM are firm and osseous, nine at the upper part, then the first bony expan- SURF SCOTER. 131 sion, then seventy-eight rings, followed by the lower ex- pansion, which is formed of about twelve united rings, and at the lower part six distinct and ten united rings. The nostrils are elliptical, large, submedial, near the ridge. The eyes rather small. The feet very short ; the tarsus compressed, with small anterior scxitella. The hind toe is small, with a lobiform membrane ; the outer toes nearly equal, and almost double the length of the tarsus ; the interdigital membranes full. The claw of the hind toe is very small and curved, that of the middle toe with the inner edge dilated, those of the rest slender, little arched, compressed, rather obtuse. The plumage is soft, dense, and glossy ; the feathers of the head and neck blended and velvety. The wings are rather short, narrow, and pointed ; the primary quills curved, strong, tapering, pointed ; the first longest, the secondaries broad and rounded, the inner elongated and tapering. The tail is very short, narrow, cuneate, of fourteen stiff, pointed feathers. The upper mandible is orange-red, with the unguis yellowish-grey, and on the protuberance of each side at the base a large square patch of black, margined with orange- red, unless in front, where there is a patch of greyish-white ; the lower mandible flesh-coloured, with the unguis darker. The iris yellowish-white. The tarsi and toes are orange- red ; the webs dusky ; the chnvs black. The plumage is deep black, glossed with blue, of a lighter tint beneath. On the top of the head is a roundish patch of Avhite, and on the hind-neck a larger, elongated patch of the same. Length to end of tail 20 inches ; wing from flexure 9f ; tail 3f ; bill along the ridge Ij, along the edge of lower mandible '■Z-fhy ; tarsus 1^ ; hind toe -^, its claw ^ ; middle toe and claw 2^. Female. — The female has the base of the bill much less protuberant, its colour greenish-black ; the iris yellowish- white ; the feet yellowish-orange, with the webs dusky and the claws black. The general colour of the plumage is browuish-black, the lower parts being lighter. 132 OLDEMIA PERSPICILLATA. Length to end of tail 11) inches ; wing from flexure 8f ; tarsus If ; middle toe and claw ^f . Habits. — This species is described by Mr. Audubon as abundant in winter on the eastern coasts of America, ex- tending as far southward as the mouths of the Mississippi. In Labrador he found a few in summer, and in a marsh came upon a female sitting on her eggs. " The nest was snugly placed amid the tall leaves of a bunch of grass, and raised fully four inches above its roots. It was entirely composed of withered and rotten weeds, the former being circularly arranged over the latter, producing a well-rounded cavity, six inches in diameter, by two and a half in depth. The borders of this inner cup were lined with the down of the bird, in the same manner as the Eider Duck's nest, and in it lay five eggs, the smallest number I have ever found in any Duck's nest. They were two inches and two and a half eighths in length, by one inch and five-eighths in their greatest breadth, more equally rounded at both ends than usual, the shell perfectly smooth, and of a uniform pale yelloAvish or cream-colour." Its habits arc represented as similar to those of the other species, its food consisting of shell-fish, for which it dives in shallow water, often even amidst the breakers, Avhence its name of Surf Duck. That of pcrspicillata, or spectacled, has reference to the two black, margined patches on the sides of its bill. Mr. Gould states that he has received a female killed in the Firth of Forth ; and Mr. Bartlett had a recently killed specimen sent to him for preservation, from which jNlr. Yarrell derived some particulars of his description of the species. This, I believe, is the only positive evidence of its occurrence in Britain ; for although Dr. Fleming and other British writers, as well as M. Tcmminck, speak of its being occasionally found among the Shethuid and Orkney Islands, they do not specify instances. Messrs. Baikic and Ileddle, however, state that in Orkney " Surf Scoters appear in small fiocks in the sounds during winter." " They generally arrive in October, and have been observed till the end of March." Mr. Thompson has recorded the capture of one in Belfast SURF SCOTER. 133 Bay. It has been met witli in various parts of Europe, but is of rare occurrence there, its proper country, it appears, being America. Young. — According to Mr. Audubon, " in the young males, in the month of September, the whole upper plumage is mottled with darkish brown and greyish- white, the latter colour margining most of the feathers. The neck has a con- siderable extent of dull greyish-white, spread over two or three inches, and approaching toward the cheeks and throat." Progress toward Maturity. — About the beginning of January, according to the same observer, " they become of a more uniform dark tint, the upper part of the head brownish- black, without any white spot. There is a patch of brownish-white at the base of the upper mandible on each side, another of an oblong form over the ear, and on the nape are elongated greyish-white marks. The bill and feet dusky green ; the iris brown." 134 OIDEMIA FUSCA. THE VELVET SCOTER. ^'ELVET DUCK. BLACK DUCK. \^'HITE-^VI^•GED BLACK DUCK. BLACK DIVER. DOUBLE SCOTER. Anas fusca. Linn. Syst. Nat. I. 196. Anas fusca. Lath. Ind. Om. IL 848. Velvet Duck. Mont. Om. Diet. Canard double macrcuse. jVnas fusca. Temm. Man. d'Om. IL 854. Velvet Scoter. Oidemia fusca. Sclb. Illustr. II. 333. Oidcmia fusca. Velvet Scoter. Jen. Brit. Vert. An. 239. Oidemia fusca. Bonap. Comp. List, 57. Male with the hill protuberant, and sloping at the base above, the rounded lateral protuberances partially feathered, the base and margins of both mandibles black, the ungnis of both red, the sides of the upper orange; inner side of the tar. sus and toes orpiment orange, outer lake-red; plumage black, glossed ivith blue and green above; outer secondary quills, tips of their coverts, and a spot beloiv the eye white; tail of four- teen feathers. Female zvith the bill dusky, its basal prominence less elevated; the feet coloured (is in theinale: the phimage sooty-broicn, the breast and abdomen paler; outer secondaries and tips of their coverts white ; two ivhitish spots on each side of th e head. J 7) u ng I i ke th e fema le. Male in Winter. — The Velvet Scoter, which is much larger than the otlicr species, and at once distinguisliahle by tlic Avhite hand on its Avings, lias the body large and much depressed; the neck thick and of moderate length; the head large, ohlong, com])ressed. The hill is nearly of the same length as the head, as high as broad at the base, depressed and flattened toward the end, Avhich is rounded ; the u])])(>r niandil)le with a moderate pro- tuberance at tlie base, its dorsal line rapidly sloping to beyond VELVET SCOTER. 13a the nostrils, then slightly concave, and at the end decurved, the ridgo on the prominence very broad and flattened, towards tlie end broadly convex, the sides convex, the edges tliin and obtuse, with about thirty lamella;, the unguis very large and broadly elliptical ; the lower mandible flattened, with the intercrural space very long, rather narrow, rounded anteriorly, bare for more than half its length, the crura slender, rearcuate, the dorsal line slightly convex, the edges with about twenty- five lamella;, the unguis very large and broadly elliptical ; the gape-line gently rearcuate. Nostrils elliptical, very large, sub-basal, sub-vertical, pervious, their upper margin membranous, their length four- twelfths-and-a-quarter. The eyes are rather small. The legs are very short, and placed rather fir behind ; the tarsus very short, compressed, witli small scutella in front, a partial series above the outer toe, the rest reticulated with small angular scales. The hind toe is small, slender, with a pretty large membrane, connected at the base with the marginal membrane of the inner toe, which is also pretty large, and formed into two lobes. The anterior toes are nearly double the length of the tarsus, the inner much shorter than the third and fourth, which are nearly equal ; the outer with a thick margin ; the interdigital membranes with their free margin concave ; the first toe with about ten, the second with about forty, the other two about fifty scutella. The claws are small ; that of the hind toe very small, arcuate, and compressed ; of the second and fourth slender, slightly arcuate, compressed, obtuse, of the middle toe with the inner edge dilated. The plumage is full, dense, and soft ; on the head and neck blended and velvety ; those on the fore part of the head extremely small ; on the neck oblong ; on the other parts ovato-oblong, rounded, dense, and glossy. The wings, which reach to two inches from the tip of the tail, are rather short, narrow, and pointed. The primaries of moderate breadth, acuminate, the first longest, the second scarcely two-twelfths of an inch shorter, the rest more rapidly decreasing; the secondaries broadly rounded, the inner oblong. The tail is very short, narrow, much rounded, or wedge-shaped, of four- 136 OIDEMIA FUSCA. teen slightly arched, stiffish, narroAV, tapering, obtusely- pointed feathers, of ^vhicli the lateral are an inch and a half shorter than those in the middle. The upper basal proniinence of the bill, the nostrils, part of the lateral prominences, the margins of the upper mandible, and a streak on each side of the unguis black ; the sides rich orange, the unguis and part of the ridge reddish flesh-colour ; the basal half of the lower mandible black, the rest lake-red. The iris is greyish-white, with an external dusky ring. The inner side of the tarsus, of the hind toe and its web, as well as of the other toes, with the whole loose web of the inner orpiment orange ; the outer side of the tarsus, hind toe and its web, as well as of the other toes, bluish-carmine or lake ; the sole of the foot, and the webs above brownish-black ; the claws black. The general colour of the plumage is brownish-black ; the head and neck with violet reflections, the back with gi*een and blue. A narrow oblong spot of white extends from the anterior angle of the eye to a quarter of an inch behind it. On the wing is a large patch of white, the greater part of the outer eleven secondaries, and the tips of their coverts being of that colour. Length to end of tail 21 inches ; extent of wings 37 ; wing from flexure 11^; tail 3^; bill along the ridge lyj ; along the edge of lower mandible 2-^ ; its greatest breadth l-[2j ; tarsus 1-J4- ; hind toe -^, its claw -^ ; second toe 2-^, its claw -ySj ; third toe 2-L|-, its claw -f^ ; fourth toe 2-L^, its claw -j^. Female in Wintek. — The female has the basal promi- nence of the bill much less elevated, and the plumage less glossy. The bill is entirely of a dusky colour ; but the feet are coloured as in the male, though the tints are duller. The general colour of the plumage is broAvnish-black, the lower parts lighter. Near the base of the upper mandible on each side is a gr(>yish-white spot, and behind the eye another. Outer secondaries white as in the male. Length to end of tail 21 inches ; extent of wings 36 ; wing from flexure 11 ; tail o] ; tarsus l{% ; middle toe 2j-^, its claw jij ; bill along the ridge l-J-^-. VELVET SCOTER. 137 Variations. — Individuals vary considerably in size. Males vary in the degree of prominence of the basal parts of the bill, and in its colour, some wanting the two dusky streaks at the side of the unguis. The feathers also encroach on the lateral prominence to a variable extent. The plumage is sometimes more tinged with brown as above described. The females also differ in size, and somewhat in the tints of their plumage and feet. Habits. — The Velvet Scoters make their appearance on our coasts in the end of autumn, and depart about the middle of April, although individuals may be seen as late as the middle of May. They frequent the estuaries and bays, espe- cially those of which the bottom is sandy, and the water not of great depth. At this season they procure their food entirely by diving, at which they seem almost as expert as the Ducks and Guillemots, although their speed under the water must be much inferior to that of those birds, as they do not pursue fishes, but live solely on bivalve moUusca of the genera Mactra, Tellina, Solen, Mytilus, Cardium, and others. Some which I have examined from the Bay of Kirkaldy had their gizzards filled with Donax Trunculus exclusively ; but the particular species taken depends upon the locality. When the weather is not boisterous, they fly out to sea in the evening, and return toward the shores or shallows early in the morning, coming generally in small flocks of from five to fifteen or twenty. They fly very low, or at a moderate height, with considerable speed, moving their extended wings quickly, and on arriving at a suitable place relax their speed a little, and alight on their hinder end, the body being kept oblique. They then trim themselves, look into the water, and commence their operations. They sit lightly on the water, swim Avitli moderate speed, dive by sinking head fore- most, rather than by plunging violently, like the fish-pursuing divers, and remain from one to three minutes under. It is of course beautiful to see a flock of any birds emerging in suc- cession ; and I have several times been so near them on such occasions as to see pretty distinctly the colours of their bill and feet. If disturbed by the approach of a boat or other vessel. 138 OIDEMIA FUSCA. they generally dive ; but often also take to wing and remove to some distance. They rise heavily from the water, ascending at a very small angle, and striking the surface with their wings for some yards. It is perhaps when on wing that they look most beautiful, the conspicuous white patch on their wing contrasting with their black plumage. Thousands of these birds may often be seen in the Firth of Forth, often intermingled with Black Scoters, and sometimes with other birds. The Velvet Scoter occurs in winter, here and there, along the Avhole cast coast of Scotland, as well as among the Orkney and Shetland Islands. Although in estuaries it usually appears in small flocks, along the open coast it often collects into very numerous bodies, which may be seen fisliing in shallow water, just behind the breakers. In Ireland, as Mr. Thompson infomis us, " it has hitherto been observed chiefly on the eastern side of the island, and there very rarely." In winter this species extends to the southern coasts of England, but is not common there. In so far as I know, it does not breed in any part of Britain. In summer it betakes itself to the arctic regions of both continents, it being as common along the shores of America as of Europe. Mr. Audubon found them in vast multitudes in Labrador, about the middle of June ; but although some remained to breed on its southern shores, the greater part advanced further north- ward. " The nests were placed Avithin a few feet of the borders of small lakes, a mile or two distant from the sea, and usually under the low boughs of the bushes, of the twigs of which, Avith mosses and various plants matted together, they are formed. They are large and almost flat, several inclies thick, with some feathers of the female, but no down, under the eggs, Avhich are usually six in number, intermediate in size between those of the Eider and King Ducks, measur- ing an inch and three-quarters in length, one and seven- eighths in breadth, of a uniform pale cream colour, tinged with green, not pure white, as stated by some authors." The young, when about a Aveek old, he found to be covered Avith " rather stiff' and hair-like doAvn, of a black coloiir, excepting under the chin. Adhere there Avas a small patch of VELVET SCOTER. 139 white." The young males at this age had also a white spot under the eye. Young. — When fledged, the young males, according to M. Temminck, " are similar to the old females, but are distin- guished from them by the rose-red of the tarsi and toes, as well as by the white spots before and behind the eyes, which are smalller." In Summer. — The colours are the same as in winter, the plumage becoming tinged with brown toward the end of the season. That of the female also fades greatly. I have exa- mined specimens from the Firth of Forth as far in the season as the 5th of May. 140 OIDEMIA NIGRA. THE BLACK SCOTER. COMMON SCOTER. BLACK DUCK. FiQ. C9. Anas nigra. Linn. Sj'st. Nat. I. 196. Anas nigra. Lath. Ind. Ornith. IL 848. Anas nigra. Temm. Man. d'Omith. II. 356. Oidemia nigra. Flem. Brit. Anini. Oidemia nigra. Selby, Illustr. Brit. Oniith. II. 239. Oidemia nigra. Jen. Brit. Vert. Anim. 239. Oidemia nigra. Bonap. Comp. List, 58. Male with the hill having a large protuberance at the base above, the roimdcd lateral ptTominences jmrtially feathered ; both mandibles black, but the upper tvith an orcmge-yelloio jmtch above, including the nostrils; feet dtisky ; jyUanage entirely black ; tail pointed, of sixteen feathers ; first quill very narroio. Female with the bill dusky, its basal pt'omi- nence less elevated / plumage sooty-brown, breast and abdomen paler. BLACK SCOTER. 141 Male in Winter. — The Black Scoter, somewhat smaller than the Velvet, and much less common on our coasts, is of the same form and proportions as it, the body being large and much depressed ; the neck rather short and thick ; the head large, oblong, compressed. The bill is nearly of the same length as the head, higher than broad at the base, depressed and flattened toward the end, which is rounded ; the upper mandible with a some- what rounded, compressed knob at the base, its dorsal line rapidly sloping towards the nostrils, then slightly concave, and at the end decurved ; the ridge broad and slightly con- cave at first, toward the end broadly convex, the edges thin, with about thirty lamellae; the unguis very large and broadly elliptical; the lower mandible flattened, with the intercrural space very long, rather narrow, rounded ante- riorly, bare for about half its length ; the crura slender, re- arcuate, the edges Avith twenty -five lamella? ; the unguis very large and broadly elliptical ; the gape-line gently re- arcuate. The tongue, which is an inch amd ten-twelfths long, and ten-twelfths in its greatest breadth, has the basal papillae long and pointed, the sides with two rows of bristles, the tip thin-edged and rounded. The oesophagus is eleven inches long, about ten-twelfths in width ; the breadth of the proventriculus about an inch. The stomach is extremely muscular, transversely elliptical, an inch and a half in length, and nearly two inches in breadth ; the epithelium dense, rugose, forming two slightly concave grinding sur- faces. The intestine is five feet long, of the nearly uniform width of five-twelfths. The coeca, only four inches distant from the extremity of the intestine, are nine inches in length, scarcely three-twelfths in their greatest width. The trachea, seven inches long, is flattened, about five- twelfths in widtli, narrowed below to three-tAvelfths, but without any remarkable dilatations. There are about a hun- dred rings, cartilaginous behind, in the trachea, and tliirty in the bronchi, which are very large and inflated. The nostrils are elliptical, per\ious, four-twelfths long. Eyes rather small. The legs very short, and placed rather 142 OIDEMIA NIGRA. far behind ; the tarsus very short, compressed, with small scutella in front, a partial series above the outer toe, the rest reticulated with small angular scales. The hind toe is small, slender, Avith a pretty large membrane, connected at the base with the marginal membrane of the inner toe, which is also pretty large, and formed into two lobes. The anterior toes are nearly double the length of the tarsus, the inner much shorter than the third and fourth, which are nearly equal ; the outer toe with a thick margin. The claws small, arcuate, compressed, that of the first toe very small and curved, of the middle toe largest, with a dilated inner edge. The plumage is full, dense, soft, slightly glossed ; the feathers of the head and neck very small, oblong, velvety ; those of the body ovato-oblong, rounded at the end. The wings narrow, pointed, rather short; the primaries strong, pointed, the first longest, Avith the inner Aveb cut out to a great extent. The tail very short, graduated, acuminate, of sixteen pointed feathers. The bill is black, but on the upper mandible there is an orange-yellow patch above, including the nostrils ; the feet brownish-black, the membranes of a deeper tint. The plum- age is deep black, tinged above Avith green, below Avith brown. Length to end of tail 19^ inches; extent of Avings 33; bill along the ridge 2 ; wing from flexure dj ; tarsus 2 ; hind toe -^f its claAv -j^^^ ; third toe 2\%, its claAv -f%. Female in Winter. — The female has the bill dusky; the feet greenish-broAvn ; the intcrdigital membranes dusky. The plumage of the upper parts is sooty-broAvn ; the sides of the head and neck paler ; the lower part of the neck, the breast, and abdomen, greyish-brown. Length to end of tail 18 inches ; bill l-\% ; Aving from flexure 9 ; tarsus 1-L^ ; third toe and claAvs 2^. Habits. — This species arrives on our coasts after the middle of autumn, and is to be seen here and there, often in considerable flocks, along the Avhole eastern side of Britain, from Shetland and Orkney, Avhere it is not unconnuon, to its southern extremity. It frequents the sandy shores and shell- BLACK SCOTER. 143 banks, where it obtains its subsistence by diving, muscles, mactra, fellina?, and other species of bivalve mollusca consti- tuting its food. Its habits are essentially the same as those of the Velvet Scoter. I have seen large flocks fishing along the sandy coasts of Aberdeenshire, just beyond, sometimes among, the breakers, seldom within shot from the shore. It swims with moderate speed, dives expertly, and remains long under water. It flies low, with considerable speed, alights heavily on the water, and on rising from it ascends at a very small angle, splashing with the tips of its wings. It is seldom that any are shot along the east coast of Scotland, insomuch that a specimen, obtained at St. Cyrus, and preserved in the Montrose INIuseum, was considered there, when it Avas shown to me, as a great rarity. During winter it occurs in the Firth of Forth, but not plentifully, though sometimes considerable numbers are seen. It is said to be abundant on some parts of the coasts of England. In Ireland, also, it " is a regular visitant to certain localities on the coast." Although some individuals have been seen there in summer, it is truly mig- rant, leaving us for the north in April, and even in Orkney and Shetland is not known to breed. Very abundant in winter along the coasts of France and Holland, where it is shot and otherwise procured in great numbers ; it is said to be in summer dispersed over the north- ern parts of Europe and Asia. The American Scoter, Oidemia Americana, between which and the European I camiot dis- cover any essential difference, after examining several speci- mens of both, is represented as abundant along the eastern coast in Avinter, and as breeding in Labrador and more northern tracts. Mr. Audubon's account of it is as follows : — " On the Uth of July, 1833, a nest of this bird was found by my young companions in Labrador. It was placed at the distance of about two yards from the margin of a large fresh- water pond, about a mile from the shore of the Gulf of St. Laurence, under a low fir, in the manner often adopted by the Eider Duck, the nest of which it somewhat resembled, although it was much smaller. It was composed externally of small sticks, moss, and grasses, lined with down, in smaller quantity than that found in the nest of the bird just mentioned. 144 OIDEMIA XIGRA. and mixed with feathers. The eggs, which were ready to be hatched, were eight in number, two inches in length, an inch and five-eighths in breadth, of an oval form, smooth, and of a uniform pale yellowish colour. I afterwards found a female with seven young ones, of which she took such effectual care that none of them fell into our hands. On several occasions, when they were fiitigued by diving, she received them all on her back, and, swimming deeply, though very fast, took them to the shore, where the little tilings lay close among the tall grass and low tangled bushes. In this species, as in others, the male forsakes the female as soon as incubation commences." Young. — M. Temminck states that " the young males scarcely differ from the adult females, the colours being only paler ; the space between the eye and the bill, the top of the head, the occiput, nape and breast, of a deep broAvn ; the space under the eyes, the sides and fore part of the neck, pure white ; all the rest of the plumage of a sooty brown ; the base of the bill raised ; the two mandibles of a livid brown, except- ing the nostrils, which are flesh-colour ; iris brownish-grey ; feet dull yellowish-green ; membranes blackish. The young females always have the tints lighter. Remarks. — It appears strange that the trachea of this species, which is so very closely allied to the Surf Scoter and the Velvet Scoter, should difter entirely from them in being destitute of the singular-looking dilatations for which these are so remarkable. The trachea of the male Black Scoter, in fact, diflers from the simple trachea of the female only in having the bronchi larger, and resembles that of female Ducks in general. This Mould tend to show that no good generic distinction can be obtained from the trachea. H5 SOMATERIA. EIDER. The Eider Ducks are birds of large size, having the body of an elliptical form, and considerably depressed ; the neck of moderate length and thick ; the head large, oblong, com- pressed. Bill nearly as long as the head, higher than broad at the base, depressed toward the end, where it is considerably narrowed, but rounded ; upper mandible wath the lateral sinuses very large, the upper very long and narrow ; the frontal angles very long, soft, and tumid, in the males forming a protuberance, on Avhich is a medial band of feathers ; the ridge beyond the nostrils becoming convex ; the dorsal line straight and sloping to the unguis, which is extremely large, elliptical, convex, and moderately decurved ; the sides erect at the base, the edges thin, concealing the not very numerous slender lamellae ; lower mandible flat- tened, with the intercrural space long, pointed, and partially bare ; the unguis very large, broadly elHptical, little convex ; the gape-line gently rearcuate. Mouth of moderate Avidth ; anterior palate broadly con- cave, with a medial prominent line, on w^hich are some tubercles, and from thirty to forty marginal lamellae. Tongue large, fleshy, with numerous conical papillae at the base, a de ep median groove, two lateral series of bristles, and a thin rounded tip. (Esophagus of moderate width. Stomach a poAverful gizzard of a transversely elliptical form, its muscles very large, the epithelium longitudinally rugous, and forming thick grinding plates. Intestine of moderate length, wide ; coeca moderate, narrow. The trachea of nearly uniform width, but having at the lower end a transversely oblong dilatation, projecting more VOL. V. L 146 SOMATERIA. EIDER. on the left side ; the bronchi of moderate length and con- siderable width. Nostrils oblongo-elliptical, large, submedial. Eyes small. Aperture of car small. Legs very short, and placed rather far behind ; tarsus very short, compressed, with small scu- tella. Hind toe small, slender, with a broad lobiform mem- brane, connected at the base with the bilobate marginal membrane of the inner toe ; anterior toes long, the third nearly doiible the length of the tarsus, all scutellate ; inter- digital membranes emarginate. Claws small, arcuate, com- pressed, obtuse, that of the middle toe with the inner edge dilated. Plumage dense, firm, on the head and neck short and blended; the feathers on the other parts ovato-oblong, rounded, dense, somewhat glossy. Wings rather short, very convex, narrow, pointed ; primaries acuminate, the first and second longest ; inner secondaries elongated, tapering, curved outAvards. Tail very short, much rounded or tapering, of sixteen or fourteen stiffish, narrow, pointed feathers. The males have the plumage varied with white and black, while that of the females is spotted or streaked with dusky and dull reddish or yellowish-grey. These birds inhabit the cold and frigid zones of both continents, living in the open sea, or in channels and bays, during the greater part of the year, and feeding chiefly on bivalve shell-fish, for which they dive. In summer most of them betake themselves to the arctic regions, where they nestle on the shores of the sea, on islands, or in the turf of rocky places, forming a bulky nest, lined with down, and laying a moderate number of large, smooth, gi-eenish-white eggs. Their flight is steady, direct, moderately rapid, and performed by quick beats. They swim and dive expertly, remain long under the water, and are more or less gregarious, even in the breeding season. The down, which lines the nests, or is intermingled with the eggs, and ha.s been plucked by the female from her breast, is collected in large quantities in some northern localities. 147 SOMATERIA MOLLISSIMA. THE COMMON, OR WHITE-BACKED EIDER. EroER DUCK. ST. CUTHBERT'S DUCK. DUNTER GOOSE. Via. 70. Ana3 mollissima. Linn. Syst. Nat. I. 338. Anas mollissima. Lath. Ind. Omith- II. 845. Eider Duck. Mont. Omith. Diet, and Supplt. Canard Eider. Anas mollissima. Temm. Man. d'Omith. II. 848. Common Eider. Somateria mollissima. Selby, Illustr. II. 338. Somateria mollissima. Jen. Brit. Vert. Anim. 237. Somateria mollissima. Bonap. Comp. List, 57. 3Iale tvith the frontal angles of the hill very narrow and, though fleshy, little elevated; the head black above, with a medial xchite band; the hind part of the cheehs and nape pale green; the throat, hind-nech, back, scapidars, smaller wing -coverts, and inner secondary quills xchite ; the breast, sides, abdomen, and rump black; the fore-neck cream- coloured; tail of sixteen feathei^s. Female with the frontal 148 SOMATERIA MOLLISSIMA. (mglos less elevated and shorter; the head and 7iech pale reddish-brown, finehj streaked wifh dusky; the loicer parts similarly coloured, hut with the mar/cinys tra^isverse, and the ground colour passing gradually into dusky brown; the upper parts dark broicn, transversely lunulated xcith light red. Young nearly similar to the female. Male in Simmer. — The Common or ^Vllite-backed Eider, although remarkable for the beauty of its plumage, is what may, without mucli impropriety, be called a very clumsy bird. Its body is bulky, much depressed, and of an ellip- tical form ; the neck of moderate length ; the head large, oblong, and compressed. The bill is nearly as long as the head, higher than broad at the base, depressed toward the end, where it is consider- ably narrowed, but rounded ; the upper mandible with the lateral sinus very large and rather pointed, the upper sinus very long and narrow ; the frontal angles very long, nanow, soft, and tumid, as is the ridge as far as the nostrils, and marked with oblique divergent lines ; the dorsal outline nearly straight and sloping to the unguis, which is extremely large, elliptical, convex, and moderately decurved, Avith a thick grooved edge, the ridge broad, slowly narrowed, and becoming more convex ; the sides sloping, the edges margi- nate, scrobiculate externally, with about fifty internal lamella?, the outer ends of which do not project, but are marked by a series of external scrobiculi ; nasal sinus narrow- elliptical, sub-basal ; lower mandible with the intercrural space long, rather wide, pointed, and partiall)' bare ; the outline of the crura nearly straight, their sides gradually more inclined outwards, the edges with about sixty external lamella;; the unguis very large, broadly elliptical, little convex. The mouth is an inch in width ; the anterior palate concave. The tongue, two inches in length, is fleshy, very thick, Avith a deep median groove, two lateral series of bristles, and a semicircular, thin-edged, sub-cartilaginous tip. The o-'sophagus, eleven inches long, one incli in width, enlarges on the lower part of the neck to an inch and two- COMMON, OR WHITE-BACKED EIDER. 149 thirds, then narrows to an inch ; its Avails very thick, the inner coat longitudinally plicate ; the proventricular part an inch and a quarter in breadth. The stomach, an extremely large and muscular gizzard, situated obliquely, two inches and a half in length, three inches in breadth, the muscles an inch and a (piarter in thickness ; the epithelium thick, dense, ■with two elliptical grinding plates. The intestine is six feet four inches long, half an inch in width, enlarging a little toward the coeca, which are three inches and three-fourths long, only one-twelfth wide at the base, their greatest width four- twelfths, narrowed to two-twelfths at the end, which is obtuse ; the rectum four inches long, gradually enlarging to ten-twelfths. The trachea, nine inches long, is nearly uniformly five- twelfths in breadth, with a transversely oblong dilatation at the lower end, projecting more to the left side, an inch in breadth, and half an inch in length. The bronchi are very wide, of moderate length, and with about thirty rings. The nostrils are large, oblongo-elliptical, five-and-a-half- twelfths long, sub-medial, nearer the ridge than the margin. The eyes small, as are the apertures of the ears. Legs very short, stout, placed rather far behind ; a very small part of the tibia bare ; tarsus compressed, with eighteen medial and ten outer scutella, the rest reticulated. Hind toe small, with a broad lobiform membrane connected at the base with the loose bilobate membrane of the second toe ; the anterior toes long, the outer about equal, the third Avitli thirty-two scu- tella, and double the length of the tarsus ; interdigital mem- branes emarginate and denticulate. The claws are small, compressed, blunt, arcuate, that of the hind toe more curved and slender, of the middle toe curved outwards, internally expanded and rounded. The plumage is rather short and dense. The feathers of the head short, soft, blended, rounded, with the terminal filaments disunited ; the occipital, and upper posterior and lateral cervical, are rather long, stiff, linear, and terminated by a pencil of disunited stiffish filaments, with silky lustre ; feathers of the neck and breast softish, blended, and rounded; of the upper parts obovate, and rather distinct. The wings 150 SOMATERIA MOLLISSIMA. are rather short, very concave, narrow, and pointed ; the primary quills curved, strong, tapering, the first a twelfth of an inch shorter than the second, the rest quickly decreasing ; the outer secondaries broad and rounded, the inner eight elongated, tapering, and curved outwards. The tips of the wings extend only to the base of the tail, which is very short, rounded, sHghtly decurvate, of sixteen stiffish pointed feathers. The rough tumid basal part of the upper mandible is oil- green, the rest bluish-grey tinged with green, the unguis greyish-yellow ; the unguis and end of the lower mandible pale greenish-grey, the rest bluish-grey tinged with green. The iris is deep brown. The feet are oil-green, the mem- branes and soles pale greenish-brown, the claws pale brown. The upper part of the head is black, that colour including the lower eyelids, and margining the lateral sinus above as far as the nostrils ; from near the middle of the head above to the occiput, a medial band of white. The sides of the head, the throat, and the neck are white ; but the hair-like feathers on the hind part of the cheeks and nape are of a delicate pale gi'een ; and the lower neck all round, but especially before, is cream-coloured. The back, smaller wing-coverts, and inner elongated curved secondary quills are white, tlie scapulars tinged with yellow. The alula, primary coverts, and quills are greyish-brown, the outer secondary quills and their coverts brownish-black. The breast, abdomen, sides, and upper tail-coverts, with the medial part of the rump, brownish-black ; the lower wing- coverts jjartly white, but chiefly grey ; the tail greyish- brown. The gloss on the black parts is ordinary, on the white dullish, on the pale green of the head and neck silky. The above description is taken from a recent specimen, shot near North Jk'rwick, in the beginning of May, 1824, and corrected by comparing many others at various times. Length to end of tail 2(3 inches ; extent of wings 40 ; wing from flexure 11^; tail 4; bill along the ridge 2-^, from the frontal angles 3, along tlie edge of lower mandible 2-/?.j, its height at the base -^, its breadth behind the unguis -j^; tarsus 1 j^ ; hind toe -/^, its claw j\; second COMMON, OR WHITE-BACKED EIDER. 1>1 toe 2, its claw -^ ; third toe 2h , its claw -^ ; fourth toe 2-^, its claw j^. Female. — The female, which is not much smaller, has the plumage less blended, the scapulars and inner curved secondaries shorter, and the featliers of the upper parts very broad, distinct, and rounded, of the lower less distinct, none of the feathers on the cheeks and nape hairlike. The colours ai*e also very different. The bill, which is shorter, with its basal part less tumid, is of a greenish dusky tint, with the unguis of the upper mandible bluish horn-colour, that of the lower purplish. The feet are greenish dusky, the scutella approaching to oil-green. The upper part of the head is deep brown, with longitudinal streaks of brownish-wliite ; its sides and the throat liglit grey, with small longitudinal dots of deep brown ; the upper part of the neck all round light brownish- red, with small dusky streaks ; the lower neck all round with semilunar spots of deep brown, pale yellowish-brown, and dull white, each feather haxang toward the end, first a bar of dusky not seen, then a band of pale brown, then another of blackish-brown, and the disunited margins greyish-white. On the lower neck anteriorly the Avhite of the margins predominates, and is deeply tinged with brownish-yellow. The feathers of the back and the scapulars are brownish-black, with pale yellowish-brown margins ; the hind part of the back is similar, but with the markings smaller, all being transverse. The wing-coverts similar, but lighter. The quills are deep brown, the outer secondaries with the terminal margin of the outer Aveb white, the inner secondaries with the outer web pale reddish-brown ; the primary and secondary coverts correspond in colour with their quills, and there is a bar of white along the tips of tlie secondary coverts. The tail-feathers are deep brown, with ash-grey margins. The fore part of the breast is dull red- dish, barred with dusky ; on the rest of the breast and the abdomen the ground colour becomes deep gi'eenish-brown, and the bars more obscure, but the sides are brightly coloured ; the axillars and some of the lower wing-coverts wliite, but the lower surface of the wing in general is grey. 152 SOMATERIA MOLLISSIMA. Length to end of tail i34 inches ; extent of wings 38 ; Aving from flexure 11:^ ; tail 4; bill along the ridge 2-^; tarsus 1-fj ; middle toe and claw 2^. Variations. — The males vary little in colour, but con- siderably in size ; the extremes of length in those which I have examined being 24|^ and 21, those of extent of wings 39 and 42. The females vary in colour nearly as much as the " Red Grouse," the dark tints of the back shading between brownish-black and dark broAvn, the light tints between brownish-white and yellowish-red. The tail-feathers are generally much worn, and their tips broken in summer. Habits. — The Eider Duck or Goose, as it has been vari- ously called, is reported by travellers and voyagers to be very abundant in the arctic regions of both continents, on the coasts of Norway, Sweden, Iceland, and Labrador, and to occur, in diminished numbers, some degrees farther south- ward. It is not unfrequent along the shores of the northern parts of Scotland, the Hebrides, Shetland and Orkney Islands. In the outer Hebrides arc many places in which it breeds, although noAvhere in great numbers. The same may be said of Shetland and Orkney, and some occur in summer about the Bass Rock, and even on the Fern Islands, on the coast of Northumberland. They betake themselves to their breeding places in the beginning of May. The eggs are deposited in the end of that month or the beginning of June. It has been alleged by some that the males leave the females after incu- bation commences, and this is true to a certain extent, for the males having nothing to do with that process, do not remain constantly with the females, but engage in their ordinary pursuits, often collecting into flocks of a few or many individuals, although they remain in the neighbouring parts, and occasionally visit their mates, or at least are seen on shore near them. The nest is usually made in a superti- cial cavity in the turf, aiul is composed of sea-Aveeds and withered ""rass, together witli various maritime jdants, as Statice Armeria and I'lantago maritima and (.oronopus. The eggs, which vary from five to eight, are of a longisli oval COMMON, on WHITE-BACKED EIDER. 153 form, smooth and glossy, and of" a pale greenish-grey, gene- rally three inches in length, an inch and eleven-twelfths, or two inches in brcadtli. When they have been laid, the female plucks tlie down from her breast, and deposits it among them. I have never found it in a pure state, it being intermixed with fragments of plants, on being freed from which the quantity in a nest may be compressed within a space less than two inches in diameter, although, on being shaken out, it will extend to nine or ten inches. If the ejrirs are removed the female will usually lay again, in which case the down is so entirely plucked from her lower parts, together with the finer filaments of the feathers themselves, that the breast and abdomen present a very singular appearance, inducing one to think that the bird must be in in a most uncomfortable state. Soon after the young are hatched they follow their mother to the water, or in certain cases, as when the nest has been placed on a rock, are carried there successively in her bill. This I have never seen done ; but several writers — none of whom, however, seem to have seen it either — declare it to be true ; and it is certain that Ducks which build in trees must remove their young in that way. The young, at first covered with dusky doAvn, are very expert swimmers and divers ; but their food at this early age has not been determined, although it must consist of small marine animals. They are anxiously tended by the mother, who does all in her power to protect them from Gulls and men, by diving with them, fluttering on the water, and leading their pursuers away by pretending to be crippled. The food of the Eider consists of bivalve mollusca, which it obtains by diving, as well as of Crustacea, fishes, and the roe of both. I am not aware of its ever feeding on vegetable substances in its natural state, and yet, when domesticated, it has been found readily to eat grain. This remarkable facility of transition from an animal to a vegetable food appears to be very common in this family of birds, and is said to produce a corresponding change in the character of their flesh as an article of food. That of the Eider, under its com- mon regimen, is, I think, fully as palatable as the flesh of 154 SOMATEKIA MOLLISSIMA. the Mallard. The flight of this bird is direct, steady, and moderately rapid, being performed by continuous quick beats of the Avings, generally low over the water. It swims well, sitting lightly, although, from the flatness of its body, it seems to sink considerably, and on diving is capable of remainins: a considerable time under the water. In all these respects it difiers little from the Scoters and Fuligulae. It is difficult to shoot, being wary, and diving rapidly. In Scotland the Eiders are not sufficiently numerous to be of any importance in an economical point of view ; but in the northern countries of Europe their down, with that of other sea-birds, forms an article of commerce in much request, being employed for coverlets and quilts, for which, from its extreme lightness, elasticity, and non-conduction of heat, it is well adapted. In these quahties I do not find it superior to that of the King-Duck, which is, in fact, somewhat finer, nor to that of Aythya Ferina, Fuligula cristata, and Marila, although that of the latter bird is coarser. All the Anatiuie that I have examined with this view, as well as all the Anserinae — of which, however, the doAvn, although finer, is less elastic — are pretty much alike, and the Eider down has obtained its celebrity simply because it is the only kind easily procured in quantity. It has been alleged that " as plucked from the living bird it is much more elastic than when taken from the body after death;" but on comparing some down plucked from a Davis' Straits' specimen now before me with some collected in nests in the outer Hebrides, I find that the down from the dead bird is rather superior in elasticity, probably because it has not been in any degree crumpled or entangled, as the other has slightly been. Mr. Audubon, who gives by much the best account of the habits of this bird that I have seen, states that " in Labrador the Eider Ducks begin to form their nests about the last week of May. Some resort to islands scantily furnished with grass, near the tufts of which they construct their nests ; others form them beneatli the spreading boughs of the stunted firs, and in such places five, six, or even eight are sometimes found beneath a single bush. ]Many are ])laced on tlie shel- tered shelvings of rocks a few feet above high-water mark. COMMON, OR WHITE-BACKED EIDER. 15.; but none at any considerable elevation, at least none of my party, including the sailors, found any in such a position. The nest, which is sunk as much as possible into the ground, is formed of sea-weeds, mosses, and dried twigs, so matted and interlaced as to give an appearance of neatness to the central cavity, which rarely exceeds seven inches in diameter. In the beginning of June the eggs are deposited, the male attending \ipon the female the whole time. The eggs, which are regularly placed on the moss and weeds of the nest, with- out any down, are generally from five to seven, three inches in length, two inches and one-eighth in breadth, being thus much larger than those of the Domestic Duck, of a regular oval form, smooth-shelled, and of a uniform pale olive-green. When the full complement of eggs has been laid, the female begins to pluck some down from the lower part of the body ; this operation is daily continued for some time, until the roots of the feathers, as far forward as she can reach, are quite bare, and as clean as a wood from which the shrubbery has been cleared away. This doAvn she disposes beneath and around the eggs. When she leaves the nest to go in search of food she places it over the eggs, and in this manner it may be presumed to keep up their warmth, although it does not always ensure their safety, for the Black-backed Gull is apt to remove the covering, and suck, or otherwise destroy the eggs. No sooner are the young hatched than they are led to the water, even Avhen it is a mile distant, and the travelling diffi- cult, both for tlic parent bird and her brood; but when it happens that the nest has been placed among rocks over the water, the Eider, like the Wood Duck, carries the young in her bill to their favourite element. The care which the mother takes of her young for two or three weeks, cannot be exceeded. She leads them gently in a close flock in shallow water, where, by diving, they procure food, and at times, when the young are fatigued, and at some distance from the shore, she sinks her body in the water, and receives them on her back, where they remain several minutes. At the approach of their merciless enemy, the Black -backed Gull, the mother beats the water with her wings, as if intending to raise the spray round her ; and, on her uttering a peculiar 156 SOMATERIA MOLLISSIMA. sound, the young dive in all directions, while she endeavours to entice the marauder to follow her, by feigning lameness, or she leaps out of the water and attacks her enemy, often so vigorously, that, exhausted and disappointed, he is glad to fly off, on which she alights near the rocks, among which she expects to find her brood, and calls them to her side. Now and then I saw tAvo females which had formed an attachment to each other, as if for the purpose of more effectually contri- buting to the safety of their young, and it w as very seldom that I saw these prudent mothers assailed by the Gull. The young, at the age of one week, are of a dark mouse- colour, thickly covered with soft w arm down. Their feet at this period are proportionally very large and strong. By the 20th of July they seemed to be all hatched. They gi-ew rapidly, and when about a fortnight old were with great diffi- culty obtained, unless during stormy W'cather, Avlien they at times retired from the sea to shelter themselves under the shehangs of the rocks at the head of shallow bays. It is by no means difficult to rear them, provided proper care can be taken of them, and they soon become quite gentle and attached to the place set apart for them. I have no doubt that if this valu- able bird were domesticated, it would prove a great acquisi- tion, both on account of its feathers and down, and its flesh as an article of food. When in captivity, it feeds on difierent kinds of grain and moistened oatmeal, and its flesh becomes excellent. Indeed, the sterile females which are procured at Labrador in considerable numbers, tasted as well as the Mallard. The males were tougher and more fishy, so that we rarely ate of them, although the fishermen and settlers paid no regard to sex in this matter. When the female Eider is suddenly discovered in her nest, she takes to wing at a single spring ; but if she sees her enemy at some distance, she walks off a few steps, and then flies away. If unseen by a person coming near, as may often liappen, when the nest is placed under the boughs of the dwarf fir, she will remain on it, altliough she may hear people talking. On such occasions my party frequently discovered the nests bv raising the ])iiie branches, and were often as much startled as the Ducks themselves could be, as the latter COMMON, OR WHITE-BACKED EIDER. 157 instantly sprung past them on wing, uttering a harsh cry. Now and then some were seen to ahght on the ground witliin fifteen or twenty yards, and Avalk as if lame and broken- winged, crawling slowly away, to entice their enemies to go in pursuit. Generally, however, they Avould fly to the sea, and remain there in a large flock until their unwelcome visitors departed. When pursued by a boat, with their brood around them, tliey allowed us to come up to shooting dis- tance, when, feigning decrepitude, they would fly off", beating the water with partially extended wings, while the young either dived or ran on the surface with w'ondcrful speed, for forty or fifty yards, then suddenly plunged, and seldom appeared at the surface unless for a moment. The mothers always flew away as soon as their brood dispersed, and then ended the chase. The cry or note of the female is a hoarse rolling croak ; that of the male I never heard." Young. — When completely feathered, the young males and females resemble the adult female. Progress towards Maturity. — In the first winter and spring, the males have the upper part of the head, its sides, and the upper part of the neck, greyish-brown, spotted with deep brown ; the lower part of the neck and the breast barred with black and white ; the upper parts blackish-brown, the feathers edged with pale brown ; the wing-coverts and inner secondary quills Avhitish ; the bill and legs greenish-grey. In the second year the white patches are seen on the neck, back, and wings ; the greater part of the back is black ; and the lower parts of the body are variegated wdth light red, whitish, and black spots. In the next stage the colours are nearly as in the adult, the full colouring of which is not assumed, it is stated by various writers, until the fourth year. Remarks. — It seems rather strange that in Ireland this bird ranks only as " an extremely rare visitant," only two individuals being positively announced by jNIr. Thompson as having been obtained there, although some others are men- tioned. lo« SOMATERIA SPECTABILIS. THE KING, OR BLACK-BACKED EIDER. KING DUCK. Anas spoctabilis. linn. Syst. Nat. I. 195. Anas spectabilis. Lath. Ind. Ornith. II. 845. King Duck. Mont. Omith. Diet, and Supplt. Canard a tete grise. Anas spectabilis. Tenim. Man. d'Omith. II. King Eider. Somateria spectabilis. Sclby, Illustr. II. 343. Somateria spectabilis, King Duck. Jenyns, Brit. Vert. Anim. 238. Somateria spectabilis. Bonap. Comp. List, 57. Male ivith the frontal angles of the hill very broad, rounded, fleshy, and much elevated, so as to form a large compressed protuberance ; the upper part of the head and nape light grey- ish-blue ; the cheeks pale green ; the throat white, with two hands of black meeting anteriorly at a very acute angle ; the hind-neck and part of the back white ; the fore-neck richly cream-coloured ; the back, scapulars, and inner secondary quills, black, as are the breast, sides, abdomen, and rump ; a spot on each side of the latter, and the middle smaller wing- coverts, white; tail of fourteen feathers. Female tcith the frontal angles less elevated and shorter ; the head and neck pale reddish-brown, finely streaked zvith dusky ; the lower parts similarly coloured, but with the markings transverse, and the ground colour p)<^ssi)tg gradually into dusky brown; the upper parts dark brown, transversely lunulated with light red. Young nearly similar to the female. Male in Summer. — The " King Duck " is so very similar in funn and style of coloiiring, tliat ornithological systeni- inaki-rs liave hoen deterri'd from referring it to a ffcnus dis- tinct from that of the " Eider Duck," although the protube- rance caused by the modification of the frontal angles of the bill would probably have induced them so to act, had the KING, OR BLACK-BACKED EIDER. 159 colours of the plumage been very different. In most respects the description of the one applies to the other, and tlie females, even in colour, are extremely similar. The present species I must describe from arctic specimens, " in the skin," or more correctly, without flesh, as I have never had a fresh individual, or seen more tlian one killed in Britain, and it imperfect. The general form is that of the other species. The bill is shorter than the head, higher than broad at the base, depressed toward the end, where it is considerably nar- rowed, but rounded ; the upper mandible with the lateral sinus very long, and extremely narrow, or linear, being encroached upon by the frontal angles, which are soft, tumid, coarsely ridged, broad, rounded, and causing a large com- pressed prominence at the base of the bill, the dorsal line declinate to the unguis, which is large, elliptical, convex, and moderately decurved, with a thick grooved edge, the ridge broad and flattened at the base, with a medial ridge, slowly narrowed and becoming convex, the sides sloping and convex, the edges marginate, scrobiculate externally, with about forty- five internal lamella?, of which the outer ends do not project ; nasal sinus elliptical, rather small, sub-basal ; lower mandible with the intercrural space long, rather wide, pointed, and partially bare, the outline of the crura nearly straight, their sides gradually more inclined outwards, the edges with about fifty external lamellae, the unguis very large, broadly elliptical, little convex. The nostrils are rather large, oblong, four-twelfths long, sub-basal near the ridge. The legs are very short, stout, placed rather far behind ; a very small part of the tibia bare ; tarsus compressed, with sixteen medial and eight outer scu- tella, the rest reticulated. Hind toe small, with a broad lobi- form membrane connected at the base with the loose bilobate membrane of the second toe ; the anterior toes long, the outer about equal, the third with forty-four scutella, and nearly double the length of trie tarsus ; interdigital membrane emarginate and denticulate. The claws are small, com- pressed, bluntish, arcuate, that of the hind toe more curved and slender, of the middle toe curved outwards, internally expanded, and roinided. i6« SOMATERIA SPECTABILIS. The plumage is rather sliort and dense. The feathers on the head very small and blended, on its upper part very nar- row and soft, on the cheeks very stiff, hair-like, and glossy ; on the neck and breast softish, rounded, and blended ; on the upper and lower parts oblong and blended. The wings are rather short, very concave, narrow, and pointed ; the primary quills narrow and pointed, the first two-twelfths of an inch shorter than the second, the rest quickly decurving; the outer secondaries broad and rounded, the inner eight elongated, tapering, and curved outwards. The tips of the wings do not extend beyond the base of the tail, which is very small, rounded, of fourteen stiff, narrow, pointed feathers. The bill is flesh-coloured ; the sides of the upper mandible and the basal lobes orange. The iris yellow. The feet dull orange, with the webs dusky, and the claws dark-brown, blackish toward the end. The base of the upper mandible is margined by a narrow black back, running between the lobes, and sending off posteriorly a line passing in the loral space, and beneath the eye ; on the throat are two black bands meeting anteriorly at a very acute angle. The upper part of the head is light greyish-blue, that colour passing continu- ously along the nape, and then expanding laterally ; the cheeks pale green, that colour separated from the blue of the nape by an obli(|ue white line ; the throat white ; the lower fore part of the neck rich cream-colour ; its hind part, a por- tion of the back, a patch on the wing-coverts, and a round- ish spot on each side of the rump, white. The rest of the back, the scapulars, and the secondary wing-coverts, black ; the smaller wing-coverts, alula, and primary quills and coverts, brownish-black externally, greyish-brown on the inner webs ; the secondary quills darker. The lower parts of the body brownish-black ; the lower Aving-coverts grey, but some of them, as well as the axillary feathers, white. Length to end of tail 23 inches ; wing from flexure lOf ; tail 3i ; bill along the ridge l-pj ; along the edge of lower mandible 2^ ; its height at the base before the prominence -^ ; its height behind the unguis -^ ; tarsus If^ ; first toe -j%, its claw -fV; second toe l-^\, its claw -j^ ; third toe 2j\, its claw -j^ ; fourth toe 2^^, its claw -j^j. KING, OR BLACK-BACKED EIDER. 161 Female. — The female of this species is so very similar to that of the coniinon Eider that it is difficult to distinsuisli them. It is considerably smaller than the male, and has the plumage less blended, the scapulars and inner curved second- aries shorter. The bill, uliich is shorter, Avith its tumid basal angles narrow, not expandi!d as in the male, is of a pale greenish-grey tint, with the unguis of the upper man- dible bluish-grey tinged with yellow. The feet are dull greenish-grey. The head and neck are light greyish-yellow, with small streaks of brownish-black; the throat paler; the lower neck all round, with the fore part of the breast and the sides, yellowish-grey variegated with dusky, each feather having a brownish-black central patch and a sub-marginal band of the same. The lower parts generally are of a uni- form pale yellowish-brown ; the feathers of the sides and the lower tail-coverts spotted and barred with brownish-black. The feathers of the back and the scapulars are brownish- black, with yellowish-grey margins. The quills and tail- feathers are deep greyish-brown ; the recurved inner second- aries dusky, with their outer margins yellowish-grey. Length to end of tail 21 inches; bill 1^^; tarsus 1^; third toe 2^, its claw -f^. Habits. — The " King Duck " is described as resembling the " Eider Duck " in its habits, and as equally numerous in the arctic regions, whence, however, it does not extend so far southward, a very few individuals only having been obtained in Britain. Montagu, in the supplement to his Ornithological Dictionary, says : — " We are assured by Mr. Bullock that he found this bird breeding in Papa Westra, one of the Orkney Islands, in the latter end of June. It lays six yellowish- white eggs, rather less than those of the Eider Duck, and, like that bird, covers the eggs with its OAvn down. The nest was on a rock impending the sea." Mr. Jenyns states that it has been killed on the coast of Suffolk ; and ]Mr. Thompson mentions one killed in Ireland. Mr. Dunn, who visited Papa Westra, and the most northern of the Orkney Islands, where it was reported to breed, searched there for it in vain. Messrs. Baikie and Ileddle say it has not been known to VOL. V. M 162 SOMATERIA SPECTABILIS. breed there for several years, and is now only a rare occasional visitant to Orkney. Mr. St. John says it is sometimes seen at the Kyle of Tongue, in Sutherland. It is said to be of rare occurrence in Denmark and Nor- way ; to breed in small numbers in Feroe and Iceland ; but to be plentiful, in the breeding season, in Nova Zembla, Spitzbergen, Greenland, the North Georgian Islands, and other parts of the extreme north. " Vast numbers of this beautiful Duck," Captain James C. Ross states, " resort annually to the shores and islands of the arctic regions in the breeding season, and have on many occasions afforded a valuable and salutary supply of fresh provision to the crews of the vessels employed on those seas. On our late voyages comparatively few were obtained, although seen in very gieat numbers. They do not retire far to the south during the winter, but assemble in large flocks ; the males by themselves, and the females with their young brood, are often met with in the Atlantic Ocean, far distant from any land, where the numerous cristaceous and other marine animals afford them abundance of food." Mr. Audubon says it rarely advances farther south than the neighbourhood of the Bay of Boston, although formerly it was not at all of rare occurrence there during winter, and a few had been known to breed in company Avith the Eider along the coast. He saw some in Labrador, but did not find any nests. Remarks. — This species, extremely rare in Scotland, has been found in Ireland, although there also " extremely rare," more frequently than in Britain. Mr. Tliompson records the occurrence of a female shot at Kingstown Harbour in Octo- ber 1837 ; two specimens, females or immature males, obtained by Mr. R. Chute, one in the winter of 1843, from Dcrrynane, the other in that of 1846, from Tralee Bay ; a fourth bird, a female, shot in March 1850, in Belfast Bay. 163 STELLERIA. A genus, to which various names, as Stelleria, Polysticta, Macropus, has been given, seems to many ornithologists neces- sary for the reception of a Duck, first named Anas dispar by Gmelin, and which some have considered as a Pochard, others as a Scaup-Duck, a Garrot, or an Eider. Not having seen this bird, I am not qualified to speak decidedly as to its posi- tion ; but, judging from the figures and descriptions of recent authors, I should feel disposed to agree with Mr. Yarrell in placing it among or near the Eiders. 161 STELLERIA DISPAR. THE PIED STELLERIA. WESTERN DUCK. STELLER'S DUCK. Anas dispar. Gmcl. Syst. Nat. I. 53o. Anas dispar. Lath. Ind. Oruitli. II. 866. Fiiligula dispar. Selby, Illustr. Brit. Ornith. II. 360. Faligula dispar. "Western Pochard. Jcnyns, Brit. Vert. Anim. 213. Anas dispar. Tcmm. Jlan. d'Ornith. IV. 547. SteUaria dispar. Bonap. Comp. List, 57. Male. — Various descriptions arc given by British and American avithors, from whose statements one might com- pile a pretty good account of this rare bird, of wliich only a single specimen has been obtained in England. Tliis speci- men, -svliich "was shot in February, 1830, at Caistor, near Yarmouth, has been figured in Mr. Audubon's " gigantic work," from a drawing made by his son, John "NVoodhouse ; as well as by Mr. Yarrell, in his deservedly esteemed History of British Birds, from a drawing made by Mr, Charles Buckler. It is described in Mr. Audubon's work, partly from the plate and partly from notes taken by Mr. Audubon, jun., part of the description being as follows : — " l]ill dull greyish-blue, as are the feet ; the claws yel- lowish-grey. The upper part of the head and a broad band surrounding tlie neck are white ; tlie throat and sonic feathers surrounding tlie eye are black ; a light green patcli in the loral space, and a transverse patcli of the same on the nape, margined behind and laterally with black. A broad band on the neck and the whole of the back are velvet- black, with gi"een reflections; the smaller wing-coverts white ; the secondary coverts (it ought to be the outer secondary quills) bluish-black, tcrniiiiatiiig in a broad white band ; llie elongated secondaries and scapulars with the inner web PIED STELLEllIA. 165 white, tlie outer black Avitli blue reflections ; the primaries and coverts brownish-black, the tail black, as are the lower tail-covcrts and abdomen ; the rest of the lower parts deep reddish-buff, fadin«>- towards the shoulders and neck into pure white ; there is a bluish-black spot on each side of the lower part of the neck anterior to the wing. " Length to end of tail IG inches ; bill along the ridge -/V; wing from flexure 8| ; tail 4j tarsus l^ ; inner too and claw U; middle toe and claw 2|; outer toe and claw 2^ ; breadth of unguis of upper mandible f ; breadth of bill at base f ." Mr. Yarrcll gives a description of an adult male taken from a specimen belonging to Mr. John Leadbeater. But, to avoid extracting too much from an esteemed fellow- student, I may give M. Temminck's account : — " Space be- tween the bill and the eye, and a large occipital patch, of a fine pistachio-green ; throat, fore part of neck, and a spot behind the eyes, pure black ; all the rest of the head and the upper part of the neck pure white ; at the lower part of the neck a broad bottle-green collar ; this tint a little darker extends over the feathers of the back ; the thoracic region, the wing-coverts, and the greater portion of the scapulars, pure white ; the longest of the scapulars curved like a sickle ; these feathers have the outer barbs (webs) broad, and of a glossy blackish-blue ; their inner barbs (webs) are very narrow and white. (He omits the blue speculum, tipped with white, of the outer secondary quills.) Breast and lower parts of a fine yellowish -red, deeper on the abdomen ; there is on each side of the breast a large ovoidal black spot ; quills and tail-feathers blackish-brown. Bill and feet blackish-grey; iris light brown. Length 17 to 18 inches. The old male three years old." Female. — "The female and the young male have the head and neck cream-coloured, Avith brown streaks ; back black, with the edges of the feathers light red ; breast deep brown, marbled with red and chestnut ; wing-coverts slate- colour, the largest tipped Avith AA'hitc ; that colour forms a transverse band ; a second white band is produced by the 186 STELLERIA DISPAR. extreme tip of the secondaries ; the space between these two bands foiins a blue speculum, ynih steel-blue reflections ; the scapulars are a little curved at their extremity, but not nearly so much so as in the old male, which has them falcately curved ; all the lower parts, the quills, and the tail are blackish-brown." Habits. — Scarcely anything seems to be known respect- ing its habits. It is said to inhabit Asia and North America. It was first described from specimens obtained by Steller in Kamtschatka, where it is said to nestle on inaccessible rocks. Specimens have been brought from the north-west coast of America, but it has not been seen on the eastern coasts. An individual is stated to have been obtained in Yorkshire, in August, 1845. hu CLANGULA. GARROT. The species of -which this genus is composed are inferior in size to the Eiders and Scoters, from which they are dis- tinguislied hy luiving the hill shorter, and destitute of the fleshy elongated frontal angles of the former, and of the late- ral bulgings of the latter. Their body is full, ovate, compact, and slightly depressed ; the neck rather short and thick ; the head large, compressed, and rounded above. Bill shorter than the head, much higher than broad at the base, gradually depressed, and becoming considerably nar- rowed to the end, which is rounded ; upper mandible with the lateral sinuses broad and rounded, the basal angles short or moderate, the ridge broad and flattened at the base, the unguis large and convex, the edges thin, concealing the not much elevated lamellae ; lower mandible flattened, with the intercrural space long, rather wide, pointed, and partially bare ; the unguis very large, broadly elliptical, little convex. Mouth of moderate width ; anterior palate broadly con- cave, with a median prominent tuberculate line. Tongue fleshy, very thick, deeply grooved above, the edges posteriorly serrate, anteriorly lamelloso-fibrillate, the tip thin-edged and semicircular. (Esophagus of moderate width ; stomach large, transversely elliptical, its muscles very large, the epithelium dense and rugous, with two elliptical grinding plates. In- testine of moderate length, wide ; coeca long, and rather narrow. Trachea in the male generally much enlarged about the middle, and having at the lower end an extremely large bony and membranous dilatation. Nostrils oblong, large, medial. Eyes small. Aperture of ear small. Legs very short, and placed rather far behind ; tarsus compressed, with small scutella. Hind toe small. 168 CLANGULA. very slender, with u broad lobifurin membrane connected at the base with the bilobate marginal membrane of the inner toe ; anterior toes long, the third nearly double the length of the tarsus ; intcrdigital membranes full. Claws small, arcu- ate, compressed, rather obtuse, that of the middle toe curved outwards, internally expanded, and rounded. Plumage dense, blended, soft ; t)n the head very soft and rather long ; wings short, narrow, convex, pointed ; the second (]uill longest, but scarcely exceeding the first ; inner secondaries elongated, and curved outAvards. Tail short, gi-aduated, of sixteen stiffish pointed feathers. Tliese birds inhabit the cold and temperate regions of the north. They feed chiefly on mollusca, for which they dive ; have a quick direct flight, sit rather lightly on the water, and are more active than the Scoters, which they, however, resemble in their habits. lOU CLANGIILA TIISTRIONICA. THE HARLEQUIN GAIIROT. IL\RLEQUIN DUCK. Anas histrionica. Linn. Syst. Nat. I. 204. Anas minuta. Linn. Syst. Nat. I. 204. Anas histrionica. Lath. Tnd. Omith. IL 849. Harlequin Duck. Mont. Orn. Diet. Canard a collier ou Histrion. Anas histrionica. Temm. Man. J'(3rnitli. II. 878. Harlequin Garrot. Clangula histrionica. Sclby. lUustr. II. 371. Clangula histrionica. Harlequin Garrot. Jenyns, Brit. Vert. Anini. 24G. Clangula histrionica. Bonap. Comp. List, 58. Male about setenteen inches long, with the hill yelloicisJi- hrovyn, the feet greyish blue, the webs dusky ; the head, upjier nech, and upper parts of the body dushj greyish blue ; a trian- gular white patch before the eye, a round spot behind the ear, a longitudinal mark on the neck, a narrow collar about its middle, a band across its loiver fore part, s6me of the scapu- lars, the tips of the secondaries, and a spot on the side of the rump, white ; a band of white and light-red over the eye to the nape ; the space between the lohite bands on the neck, and the fore part of the breast, light greyish-blue, the hind part tinged with brown, the sides light-red, the feathers tinder and above the tail bluish-black ; all the white markings on the head and neck edged with black. Female about fifteen inches long, ivith the hill and feet dull greyish-blue, the general colour of the plumage greyish-broicn, lighter beneath ; the fore j^art of the head broicnish-tchite, and a roundish ivhite spot behind the ear. Young simdar to the female, having the tipper parts dull brown, the lower broumish-ivhite , transversely undulated with brown. 170 CLANGULA HISTRIONICA. Male in Winter. — This species, of which only a few individuals have been found with us, has the body full, ellip- tical, and depressed ; the neck rather short, and thick ; the head rather large, oblong, compressed, rounded above. The bill is much shorter than the head, tapering, of nearly the same height and breadth at the base ; the upper mandible with the lateral sinuses wide and rounded, the upper acute, the frontal angles short and rather obtuse, the dorsal line straight and sloping to the middle, then nearly straight, at the end decurved, the ridge broad and flattened at the base, the unguis large, elliptical, convex, the edges soft, with the slender lamcllne slightly projecting toward the base ; the lower mandible flattened, with the intercrural space long, moderately naiTOw^, and bare, the unguis large, and ellip- tical. The mouth is of moderate width ; the anterior palate deeply concave, with aboiit thirty-five slender lamella? on each side ; the lower mandible with about sixty. The tongue is an inch and a third in length, fleshy, papillate at the base, grooved above, laterally fringed, with a thin roimded tip. The oesophagus, seven inches and a quarter long, and two- thirds of an inch in width. The stomach, a strong muscular gizzard of a roundish, compressed form, an incli and a-half in breadth, with large tendons, and dense epithelium. The in- testine is five feet long, rather wide ; the coeca four inches in length, very narrow at the base, enlarging to a quarter of an inch. The trachea, at first a quarter of an inch in breadth, pre- sently enlarges to four-twelfths and a-half, and so continues for two inches, after which it contracts to two-twelfths and a- half, and again enlarges to five-twelfths and a quarter, ter- minating in a very large tympanum, seven-twelfths and a- half in length, an incli and two-twelfths in breadth, projecting on the left side with a rounded protuberance. The bronchi are of moderate length and width. The nostrils are medial, elliptical, two- twelfths and a quarter in length. The eyes small, as are tlie apertures of the ears. The legs are very short, jdaced f;ir behind ; the tibia bare for four-twelfths of an incli ; the tarsus compressed. HARLEQUIN GARROT. 171 reticulate, with about twenty small, anterior scutella. The hind toe small, with twelve scutella, and alohiform reticulate membrane ; the anterior toes scutellate ; the outer two about equal, and half as long again as the tarsus. The claws small, compressed, obtuse, that of the third toe dilated. The inter- digital membranes emarginate. The plumage is dense, soft, of moderate length, and blended ; the feathers generally oblong. The wings are rather short, narrow, convex, and pointed ; the primaries narrow, the outer two sinuate on the inner web; the first two-twelfths of an inch shorter than the second, tlie rest rapidly decreasing ; the secondaries of moderate breadth, and rounded, the inner little elongated, rather pointed. Tail very short, graduated, of sixteen stiff, tapering feathers. The bill is yellowish-brown ; the iris reddish-brown ; the feet light gi*eyish-blue, with the membranes greyish-black, and the claws pale brown. From the base of the bill to the nape is a broad band of bluish-black, margined on each side behind with light red, before w^ith white, continuous with a large patch of the same occupying the space between the eye and the bill. The sides of the head and the neck all round are purplish-blue. Behind the ear is a roundish white spot, and on each side of the neck a longitudinal band of the same. About the middle of the neck is a ring, and at its lower part a curved band of white, margined with black. The fore part of the back is light purplish-blue, the hind part darker, the rump black all round, with a white spot on each side at the base of the tail. The scapulars are for the most part white ; the wing-coverts, alula, and primary coverts, are purplish- blue ; the quills dusky brown, with reddish-brown shafts ; the tips of the secondaries, and outer webs of the inner, white. The tail is brownish-black, tinged with grey. The fore part of the breast is purplish-blue ; its hind part and the abdomen brownish-grey, the sides light red. Length to end of tail 17 inches ; extent of wings 26 ; Aving from flexure 7^ ; tail Sj ; bill along the ridge 1 ^-^ ; its height at the base 7-,^^, its breadth "7^, near the end j\ ; tarsus l-L^ ; hind toe y%, its claw -^ ; second toe Ij^, its claw -^ ; . third toe Ij^, its claw -^ ; fourth toe 2, its claw -j%. m CLANGULA HISTRIONICA. Female. — The female has tlic bill and feet dull greyish- blue ; the iris brown. The general colour of the plumage is greyish-brown, darker on the upper part of the head, and hind part of the back, lighter on the fore neck, and mottled or barred with greyish-white on the breast. Before the eye is a brownish-white patch, and behind the ear a roundish-white spot. Length to end of tail 15|^ inches ; extent of wings 24 ; wing from flexure Sj ; tail 3^ ; bill along the ridge 1^ ; tarsus I5- ; middle toe 1-f^, its claw -^. Habits. — This species, of which the adult male is a re- markably beautiful, and singularly variegated bird, A\liile the female and young are almost as remarkable for the dullness of their tints, is described as of common occurrence on the eastern coasts of North America, breeding in suitable places, from the Bay of Fundy to the highest latitudes visited. It is said to be abundant in the north-eastern parts of Europe, and in the north of Asia, but to be seldom met with along the shores of our continent. Its food, consisting chiefly of mol- lusca, larv'aj, insects, and Crustacea, is obtained by diving. The nest, composed of dry plants, is lined with down, and the eggs, five or six in number, according to Mr. Audubon, measure two inches and a sixteenth in length, an inch and four-eighths and a half in breadth, their colour a uniform greenish-yellow. A few instances of its occurrence in Britain are mentioned. Montagu first added it " to the list of British birds, on the authority of !Mr. Sowerby, in whose collection of the more rare English birds," he says, " we had an opportunity of exa- mining both sexes, which were killed on the domain of Lord tScaforth in Scotland, a few years since, and presented to liini by that nobleman." It is also said to have been obtained in Orkney, at Yarmouth, in Devonshire, and in Cheshire. Young. — The young in tlieir first winter resemble the adult female, having the upj)er parts of a sooty-brown, the lower of a lighter brown, undulated with greyish-white ; tbe forehead and anterior p:irt of the cheeks brownish-white. HARLEQUIN GARROT. 173 Progress toward Maturity. — The females have their rolouring eompleted at the end of their first year ; but tlic males not until the fourth. In the second year the male has the upper parts of the body and wings greyish-brown, the lower parts brownish-grey ; the head and neck dull Icaden- bluc. The white patch before the eye is partially mottled with grey, as is the white band over the eye, and the occiput is margined with dull reddish-brown. The round white spot behind the ear, and the elongated white mark on the neck, are formed ; but the white collar is only indicated by markings on the tips of the feathers, and the band on the lower fore-neck by a patch on each side before the wing. There is a little white on some of the scapulars, but none on the secondary quills ; the primaries and tail-feathers are grey- ish-brown ; the upper tail-coverts black. In the third year the tints approximate to those of the adult bird: the white markings on the neck are educd with black ; the upper parts are dull greyish-blue, the lower paler ; the sides tinged with red. Remarks. — In this species the bill is proportionally nar- rower, and has the unguis much larger than in Clangula chry soph th alma. In the latter respect it more resembles the next genus, with which it might with equal propriety be associated. In fact, were differences not greater in degree than those assumed as indicative of generic distinction among the Land Birds, to be considered as of equal validity among the Cribratores, almost every species would make a genus. 174 CLANGULA CHEYSOPTHALMA. THE GOLDEN EYED GARROT. GOLDEX-EYED DUCK. GOWDY DUCK. PIED WIGEON. WHISTLER. Fig. 71. Anas Clangula. Linn. Syst. Nat. I. 201. Anas Clangula. I.ath. Ind. Omith. 11. 867. Anas Glaucion. I. inn. Syst. Nat. I. 401. Female and Young. Anas Glaucion. Lath. Ind. Oniith. IL 888. Female and Young. Golden-eye. Mont. Oniith. Diet, and Supplt. Canard Garret. Anas Clangula. Temm. Man. d'Oiiiith. IL 870. Common Goldcn-cye Garrot. Clangula ■v-ulgaris. Selby, Illustr. IL 3fi7. Clangula Chrysophthalmus. Golden-eye Garrot. Jon, Brit. Vert. An. 245. Clangula Glaucion. Bonap. Comp. List, 58. Male about nineteen inches luny, with the bill black, an inch and a third in length, tvith the frontal sitius acute; the head and i/pper neck glossy deep green, with purple re- Jlections ; a large ovate white spot on each side betweeti the cheek and the bill, beloic the level of the eye; the loicer neck all round, with the breast, sides, and abdo?nen, tchite, the elongated feathers of the latter edged with black; upper parts GOLDEN-EYED GARROT. 175 black; the outer scapulars ichitc, some of them edged toith black ; on the wing a large undivided transverse white space, including mang of the smaller coverts, some of the seco?idarg coverts, and eight secondai-y quills ; feet orange, webs dusky. Female much smaller, loith the bill broion, toward the end yellowish; tlie head and upper neck dxdl reddish-brown, the lower neck grey, the upper parts grey, darker behind, the lower tohite, but with the sides and part of the abdomen broxonish- grey, seven of the secondary quills and their coverts tohite, feet yellowish-broion. Young similar to the female, but with the bill and feet darker, as are the tints of the plumage ; the white on the wing traversed bxj a band of dusky , the tips of the ivhite secondary coverts beijig of that colour. As diflferences of opinion exist respecting this bird, some asserting that three distinct species are confounded under the common name of Golden-eyed Duck or Garrot, while others maintain that these three alleged species are merely varieties dependent upon age or season, 1 may with pro- priety premise that my descriptions will be taken exclu- sively from specimens obtained in Scotland, where indi- viduals arc sufficiently common in winter and spi'ing to enable one to institute as extended an examination as he may desire. I shall afterwards refer to specimens procured in England, the north of Europe, Greenland, and North America. Male in Winter. — The body of this bird is full, com- pact, ovate, depressed ; the neck rather short and thick ; the head large, oblong, compressed, and rounded above. The bill is shorter than the head, much higher than broad at the base, gradually depressed, and with its breadth moderately diminished to the end, w^hich is rounded. The upper man- dible has the lateral sinuses broad and rounded ; the upper sinus rather wide, but pointed ; the basal angles moderate and acute ; the dorsal line straight and sloping to beyond the middle, then nearly direct, and tinally dccurved on the unguis, which is oblong, decurved, and strong-edged ; the ridge flattened, broad, generally narrowed, toward the end 176 CLANGULA CHRYSOPTHALMA, convex ; the sides erect at the base, gi-adiially sloped and convex ; the edges marginate or grooved, soft, projecting a little beyond the lanielliv, of Avhich there are about thirty above ; the nasal sinus large, elliptical, sub-medial, close to the ridge ; the lower mandible with the intcrcrural space very long, of moderate Midth, and bare ; the crura a little rearcuate at first, then nearly straight ; the edges with about thirty-five external and forty-five upper lamellae ; the unguis obovate. The nostrils are linear-oblong, two-aud-a-half-twelfths in length, medial; the eyes of moderate size. The legs are very short, and placed rather far behind ; the tibia bare to a very small extent ; the tarsus compressed, reticulate, but with an anterior series of twenty-six medial and nine outer small scutella. The hind toe is very slender, with fifteen scutella, and a lobiform thick scaly membrane ; the anterior toes long, the inner with forty-two scutella, and a two-lobed free membrane ; the third nearly double the length of the tarsus, with forty-six scutella ; the fourth almost of the same length, with sixty scutella ; the interdigital membranes full, the outer a little emarginate. The claws are small, slender, compressed, little arched, rather blunt, the third with its inner edge a little dilated. The plumage is dense, soft, and blended. The feathers on the cheeks and fore part of the head very smaU, oblong, on the upper and hind part of the head, as well as on the hind part and sides of the upper neck, linear, elongated ; on the fore part and middle of the neck short ; on the body moderate, oblong, and rounded ; on the sides elongated and pointed ; the scapulars also long, but obtuse. The wings arc short, convex, narroAv, and pointed ; the outer primaries very narroAv, tlie second longest, the first scarcely shorter, the rest ra])idly graduated ; the secondaries incurved and rounded, the inner elongated. The tail is short, graduated, of sixteen stifhsli rounded feathers, of which the medial exceed the lateral by an inch and a half. The bill is black ; tl;e iris yellow ; the feet orange-yellow, with the webs dusky, tlie daws br(»wnish-black. Tlie head and uj)per jjart of the neck are glossy deep green, when seen GOLDEN-EYED GAKROT. 177 in a light reflected at a small angle, but otherwise purple ; the throat brownish-black. Between the lateral basal sinus of the upper mandible and the check is an ovate patch of white, an inch in its greatest diameter, and ten-twelfths across. The lower neck all round, the breast, fore part of the abdomen, sides, and lower tail-coverts white ; but the axillar feathers and lower wing-coverts are blackish-brown, and the edges of tlio posterior elongated feathers on the sides black. The back, and the inner and posterior scapulars, are black ; the outer scapulars Avhite, with the margins black. The tail is deep brown tinged with grey ; the sides of the rump and tibia) dusky-grey, and the feathers on the hind part of the abdomen dusky at the base. The wing may be described as bi'ownish-black, with a large patch of white, which includes many of the small coverts, several of the secondary coverts, and eight of the secondary quills. These white secondary coverts have their basal half black, but that colour is not apparent when the feathers are laid. The mouth is of moderate width ; the anterior palate concave ; the lateral lamellae broad, depressed, tapering out- Avards to a point. The tongue, an inch and a half in length, and half an inch in breadth, is fleshy, with a double row of conical papillae at its base, a deep broad medial groove, the edges thin, posteriorly serrate, anteriorly lamellate, the free part beneath broad, soft, and flattened, with a medial and two lateral prominent lines, the tip thin, cartilaginous, semi- circular. The space between the base of the tongue and the glottis, the edges, and a space on each side of the latter, as well as a large pad behind, divided by a deep gi'oove, covered with conical horny papilla?, directed backwards. The oeso- phagus eleven inches long, ten-twelfths wide at the com- mencement, contracts to eight-twelfths, and, in entering the thorax to half an inch, then enlarges a little. Its walls are thick, and the proventriculus, which is an inch and a half long, has its glandules cylindrical or oblong. The stomach is large, transversely elliptical, little compressed, two inches two-twelfths in breadth, an inch and a half in length, placed obliquely, Avith very large muscles, three fourths of an inch in thickness, large tendons, a dense middle coat, and thick, VOL. V. N 178 CLANGULA CHRYSOPHTHALMA. longitudinally rugous epithelium. The intestine, five feet eight inches long, varies in width from six-twelfths to four- twelfths, and enlarges a little toward the coeca, which are three inches and a half in length, and nearly a quarter of an inch in width, unless at the base. The duodenum turns at the distance of four inches and a half from the pylorus ; the rectum is four inches and a half in length ; and the intestine makes sixteen turns. The trachea, which, moderately extended, is nine inches long, has two enormous dilatations, one about the middle, the other at the lower end. For four inches, its wadth is four-twelfths-and-a-half ; and in this part the rings, which are sixty in number, are narrow and cartilaginous. It then, being extended, forms an oblong expansion two inches and a half in length, and for an inch and a half one inch in breadth. This part, Avhich is composed of thirty thin, flattened, osseous rings, narrowed behind, and placed obliquely, is shortened and collapsed when the bird's neck is contracted, the rings passing witliin each other, so as to form an obliquely-flattened expansion, which at first one could scarcely conceive to be capable of being extended into so large a cavity. It then contracts to the width of five-twelfths, and in this part has sixteen bony flattened rings, which are narrowed and little ossified behind ; but below this the rings, twenty-five in number, become united, and gradually expand into an irregu- lar cavity, curving tOAvard the right side, and having anteriorly a broad, thin, bony frame, posteriorly a membrane partly ossified. At its lower part this apparatus has in front a large prominent bony rim, which winds upwards to the left side, and ends at the bronchus. The greatest breadth of this enormous tympanum is an inch and seven-twelfths. The bronchi, which arc separated to the distance of an inch, are very large, with twenty rings, of which all are cartilaginous except the first. The left broncluis, wliich is longer and wider, has its rings complete, while the ends of those of the other do not meet. Lengtli to end of tail 19 inches ; extent of wings 32 ; wing from flexure 9 ; tail 1 ; bill along the ridge 1-^, along the edge of lower mandible 1 ',4] ; tarsus l^Vj hind toe i^, its GOLDEN-EYED GAKROT. 170 claw -^ ; second toe 1-j^, its claw -f'^ > third toe 2f'.j, its claw Y^ ; fourth toe 2-^, its claw -j3^-. Female in Winter. — The female, which is much smaller, has the bill less stout, the feathers of the head less elongated and less glossy, as are the scapulars and the feathers of the sides. The bill is light brown, yellowish on the ridge toward the end, with the upper unguis dusky, the lower yellowish- brown. The tarsi and toes are of a dingy yellowish-brown, the interdigital membranes dusky, the claws brown. The head and upper neck are umber-brown ; the lower neck all round dull ash-grey, the feathers terminally edged with paler. The lower parts are white ; but the sides of the body and rump, with part of the abdomen, are grey ; the axillars and lower wing-coverts broAvnish-grey. The back and scapulars are deep ash-grey, but on the hind part of the back that colour shades into black. The tail dark brown, tinged with grey. The smaller wing-coverts are deep grey, many of them tipped with pale giey. The primaries, their coverts, four outer secondaries and five inner, with their coverts brownish- black, the seven other secondaries pure white, as are their coverts, unless at the base. Length to end of tail 16 inches ; extent of wings 28 ; wing from flexure 8^ ; tail S} ; bill along the ridge 1 j\ ; tarsus 1^ ; hind toe -fj, its claw ^ ; second toe l-f^j its claw -^ ; third toe 2^, its claw ^ ; fourth toe 1-^, its claw -j^. The tongue an inch and four-twelfths long. The oeso- phagus nine inches and a half in length, at first nine-twelfths wide, contracting to five-twelfths, then for nearly four inches eight-twelfths, in entering the thorax four-twelfths ; but the provcntriculus seveu-and-a-half-tAvelfths in breadth, and an inch and a half in length. The stomach is an inch and a half in length, nearly two inches in breadth ; its articular lining with irregular longitudinal fissures. The intestine is five feet four and a half inches long, its width half an inch, but about the middle less ; the rectiun four inches and a half in length, and eight-twelfths in width ; the caxa three inches and a half in length, at their lower parts two-and-a-half- 180 CLANGULA CHRYSOPHTHALMA. twelfths in width, but toward the end enlarged to four- twelfths, and rounded. Variations. — In adult individuals examined in winter, the differences are not generally very remarkable. The males differ considerably in size, from eighteen to twenty inches in length, from tliirty to thirty-four in extent of wing. The bill is stouter, higher, and broader at the base, appa- rently in proportion to the age of the individual. The fea- thers of the head are much longer in some than in others ; and in some the first quill is longer than the second, in others equal, but generally, I think, the second is the longest. The green feathers extend farther down the neck in some than in others, there being a difference of an inch in this respect. The white spot on the fore part of the cheek varies in form from roundish to oval, or even oblong. Although the large white space on the wing is continuous in all the specimens which I have seen excepting one, it is in it divided by a transverse narrow black band. In that individual, shot late in spring, the feathers are considerably worn on the neck, and the partial appearance of the black of the Avhite-tipped secondary coverts seems to be owing to the abrasion of the tips of the white feathers lying over them. Females differ somewhat in size, and slightly in colour. The intestinal canal varies some inches in length in both sexes, and the enlarge- ments of the trachea may be more or less ossified, and are variable in extent, though not so much in form. Habits. — I have not met with individuals of this species beyond the beginning of May, although I have then seen them in pairs in the Island of Harris, always on small fresh- water lakes ; nor does it appear that any have hitherto been found breeding in Scotland, or even in the Shetland Islands. Like most of our Diuks, they betake themselves to the arctic regions, whence they return in autumn, making their appear- ance in the beginning of October, and continuing to increase in number until the winter lias fairly set in. During winter they are met with in all parts of the country, from Shetland and Orkney on the one side, and the Lewis Islands on the GOLDEN-EYEL) GARROT. 181 Other, to the southern extremity of England. In Irelund, also, accordinj^ to Mr. Thompson, they arc regular winter visitants. It is chiefly to lakes, pools, and rivers, that they resort, generally in small flocks, hut sometimes in great numhcrs ; and their food consists principally of the larva? of aquatic insects, for M'hich they dive in the clear water. In most of the individuals which I have examined, the gizzard contained some of the larva?, of a whitish or greenish colour, with a dusky case, intermixed with sand and small fragments of quartz ; and I have seen the whole intestinal tube filled with the cases of these larvae, in the same manner as that of a gallinaceous bird is filled with the undigested ligneous parts of its food. In such instances sand is usually mixed with the refuse, but not the fragments of quartz, although the pylorus is wide, and has no valve. They also feed on small fresh- water mollusca ; but I have not observed any vegetable sub- stances in their oesophagus or stomach, beyond a few flies, which perhaps might have been swallowed accidentally. In one instance I have seen remains of small fishes in the gizzard. But, although essentially lake Ducks, they often, especially in frosty weather, resort to estuaries, as Avell as the open coasts, where they procure testaceous mollusca, Crustacea, and fishes. Their flesh is very dark coloured, and although savoury, not at all pleasant, unless its natural fishy flavour be concealed by arts known to the cook and the epicure. Yet they are generally plentiful in our markets, but especially the young and females, which go under the comprehensive name of Wigeons. Owing to the pied appearance of the males, the Golden- eyes make a fine show on the water, and especially on those dull dark pools of the north Highlands and Hebrides, of which the surrounding scenery is dismal enough at all seasons, but especially in winter. When undisturbed they float lightly ; but if alarmed, have the faculty of sinking deeper. They swim with great speed, dive instantaneously, and are active and lively in all their movements, unless, as some say, when on land, where hoAvever I have never seen them walking. They fly with rapidity, in a direct manner, their small, stiff", sharp-pointed wings, producing a Avhistling sound, which in 1S2 CLANGULA CHRYSOPHTHALMA. calm weather may be heard at a considerable distance. At night they repose chiefly on the water, but sometimes on points of land. If shot at while feeding, they dive, and appear after a considerable interval, at a gi'eat distance ; but owing to their vigilance and activity, it is diflficult to get near them, although, when withoiit a gun, I have several times been allowed to approach within shooting distance, and on such occasions they merely swim slowly away. In rising from the Avater, they strike it with their feet and wings, to the distance of several yards, but, on occasion, they can rise at a single effort, especially when there is a breeze. The young and females of this species are greatly more numerous, in proportion to the males, in the southern parts of the country, and in the northern flocks are sometimes seen, composed entirely of males. It is said that in their southward migration the males advance first, the young remaining a considerable time behind the females, and in proceeding northward the males again take the lead, being several days in advance The nest is described as being formed of grass and herbage, and placed on the ground, or sometimes in crevices of rocks, as well as holes in trees. The female plucks the down from her breast to cover the eggs, which are nume- rous, elliptical, smooth, and of a gi-eenish tint. Young. — When the young arrive in Britain they resemble the female, difiiering only in having the upper parts darker, the brown on the head of a deeper tint, the greyish-brown more extended on the abdomen, and including the lower tail- coverts, which are white in the adult female, many of the feathers on the hind part of the breast being very slightly tipped with l)rown. .Seven of the secondary quills arc Avhite, as in the adult, as are their coverts, of which the tips, as well as the bases, are black. The bill and feet are also darker tlian in the adult female. Young males are distinguishable by their greater size and darker tints. Progress toward Maturity. — The young females under- go little change. The males in the second year have their dark parts of a deeper tint, the head and upper neck glossy GOLDEN-EYED GARROT. 183 black, tinged with green ; the lower neck white ; white feathers intermixed with black before the eyes ; a white patcli on the wing, but variegated with black, the tips only of the feathers being of the former colour. In the next stage the feathers of the head are elongated, and the colours nearly completed ; but the white less extended on the scapulars and wings ; the tips of the white secondary coverts being also still dusky. Remarks. — On comparing British with European, and both with American skins, I am unable to detect any essen- tial difference, individuals from the one continent differing from individuals from the other only in the same degree as British specimens differ from each other. I have also ex- amined the digestive and respiratory organs of an American adult male, and find them to correspond with those of the many British males which I have dissected. On what grounds the Prince of Canino institutes an American species, Clangula Americana, differing from our Clangula chrysoph- thalma, or C. Glaucion, as he names it, I, of course, cannot conjcctiu-e. The specimens described by Dr. Richardson or Mr. Swain- son, in the Fauna Boreali-Americana, under the name of Clangula Barrovii, present no other differences, that are not met with in undoubted specimens of Clangula chrysoph- thalma, than that of having a semilunar white band before the eye, in place of an ovate or oblong band, and a transverse black band on the white of the wing, arising either fi'om the shortening of the white feathers covering the black-based secondary coverts, or from the elongation of the black upon these latter. Now, all the specimens hitherto obtained, and they are very few in number, have been killed in summer ; and whether the oval spot on the head be at that season usually converted into a crescent-shaped spot, or whether the indivi- duals described are merely such as have the spot of an un- usual form, or lastly whether the crescent-spotted birds really form a species distinct from those with roundish, oval, or oblong spots, I think can be determined only by more ex- tended observation of the Garrets in their summer haunts. 184 CLANGULA CHRYSOPHTHALMA. Mr. Audubon considers Clangulu Barrovii as C. chrysoph- tlialma in summer ; but to tbis opinion it may be objected tbat tbe latter bas been found at tbat season -with its white spots the same as in Avinter. In my opinion these crescent- spotted individuals are young males in their second or third year. All their allci^ed distinctive characters seem to me to countenance tbis idea. The bill is said to be shorter and narrower, as it surely would be in a young bird ; the head is glossed with purple in place of green, as we see to be the case in very many birds, Quiscali, Icteri, and Swallows, for example, toward the end of summer ; the black bar on the wing may depend upon the abrasion of the tips of the coverts ; the black tips of the posterior lateral feathers I have seen in many individuals of the common kind ; there being fewer of the small wing-coverts white indicates apparently that the individual is young ; and the crescentic white spot differs from the common form only in having the upper part elongated. The enormous enlargements of the trachea in the male of this species, seems to indicate an affinity to the Mergansers, which is moreover somewhat apparent in the foim and habits of the bird ; but of what use they can be in the economy of the individiuil, it seems in our present state of knoAvledge impossible to discover. They cannot have reference to diving, or the retention of the breath, as they do not exist in the female, which dives as well and as long as the male. We may conjecture that they refer to the voice, both in this and the other ducks and mergansers. In those species, the Geese and Swans, in which the males do not differ from the females in the form of tlu; windpipe, the voice is the same in both sexes ; but in birds like this, the voice of the male is more raucous and less loud than that of the female. Dr. Latliam errs when he remarks, " whatever share the structure of this singular kind of trachea may have in promoting the loudness of the voice, I will not here insist on ; but it is notorious that the cry is heard further ofi' than many others of the genus." Now, the cry of this bird is a mere grunting croak, and is never beard to any considerable distance ; and the epithet clangula given to it by the earlier ornithologists had reference not to its voice, but to the whistling of its w-ings. 18 j CLANGULA ALBEOLA. THE BUFFEL-HEADED GARROT. BUFFEL-IIEADED DUCK. SPIKIT DUCK. MARIONETTE. Anas Albeola. Linn. Syst. Nat. I. 199. Anas Albeola. Lath. Ind. Ornith. IL 867. Fuligula Albeola. Audub. Ornith. Biogr. IV. 217. Clangula Albeola. Rich, and Swain's Fauna Bor. Amer. II. 458. Clangula Albeola. Buffel-headed Garrot. Jen. Brit. Vert. Anim. 246. Clangula Albeola. Bonap. Comp. List, 58. Bill light greyish-blue ; feet pale Jiesh-colour ; head and upper neck deep green and bluish-purple, icith a broad white band from one cheek to the other over the occiput ; upper parts black ; lower neck, breast and abdomen, outer scapidars, and a large patch on the wing, white. Female much smaller, with the bill darker, the feet greyish-blue, the membranes dusky ; head, upper and hind parts of neck, back, and wings greyish-broicn ; lower parts u-hite. This species, smaller than the Golden-eyed, but much resembling it in general aspect, though easily distinguish- able, has only in two instances been detected as occurring in Britain, one individual having been procured at Yarmouth, the other in Orkney. In North America it is very plentiful and extensively dispersed, and it is from specimens obtained there that the following description is taken : — Male. — Body full, compact, depressed ; neck short and thick ; head rather large, compressed, rounded above. Bill much shorter than the head, higher than broad at the base, gradually depressed and -with its breadth moderately dimi- nished to the end, which is rounded. The upper mandible has the lateral sinuses broad and rounded, the upper sinus ISa CLANGULA ALBEOLA. rather wide but pointed, the basal angles short and acute, the dorsal line straight and sloping to beyond the middle, then nearly direct, and finally decurved on the unguis, Avhicli is oblong, decurved, and strong-edged ; the ridge broad and flat at the base, gradually narrowed, toward the end convex, the sides erect at the base, gradually sloped and convex, the edges soft, marginate, projecting a little beyond the lamellae, of which there are about thirty-five ; the nasal sinus large, elliptical, submedial, close to the ridge ; the loAver mandible with the intercrural space very long, of moderate width, and bare ; the edges with about forty external and fifty upper lamellsc ; the unguis broadly elliptical. The nostrils are linear, pervious, two-twelfths long, medial ; the eyes of moderate size. The legs very short, and placed rather far back ; the tibia bare to a very small extent ; the tarsus compressed, reticulate, but having ante- riorly in its whole length a series of small scutella, and above the outer toe a few broad scales. Hind toe very small, Avith a thick lobiform membrane ; anterior toes long, the inner with a two-lobed marginal membrane ; the third and fourth about equal and nearly double the length of the tarsus ; the interdigital membranes with a sinus on their free margin. The claws are small, slender, compressed, httle arched, obtuse, that of the third toe with the inner edge a little dilated. The plumage is dense, soft, and blended. The feathers on the fore part of the head very small and rounded, on the upper and hind parts linear and elongated, as they also are on the lateral and hind parts of the upper neck, so that when raised they give the head an extremely tumid appear- ance ; on the fore ])art and middle of the neck short ; on the body moderate, oblong, and rounded ; on the sides elongated and pointed ; the scapulars also long, but obtuse. Wings very small, decurved, pointed; the outer primaries pointed, the first longest, the rest rapidly giaduated ; the secondaries incurved, obliquely rounded, the inner much elongated and pointed. The tail is .short, graduated, of sixteen stiffish feathers. Bill light greyish-blue. Feet pale flesh-colour, with the BUFFEL-HKADED GArtROT. 187 webs dusky, tlie claws brownish-black. The head and upper part of the neck seem black, but the fore part of the head is deep green, the upper bluish-purple, as are the fore part and sides of the neck, while its hind part is deep green. A broad band of white, which extends from one cheek over the occiput to the other. The rest of the neck, the lower parts, the outer scapulars, and a large patch on the wing, including the greater part of the smaller scapulars, and some of the secondary coverts and quills, pure white, the scapulars nar- rowly margined with black, as are the inner feathers of the sides under the wings. The back, inner scapulars, and inner secondary quills velvet- black. The feathers on the anterior edge of the wing are black, narrowly edged with white ; the primary quills and their coverts black ; tail- feathers brownish-grey, -with the edges paler and the shafts dusky. Length to end of tail 15 inches ; bill along the ridge l-^, along the edge of lower mandible l-p^ ; wing from flexure 6|4 ; tarsus l-j^g- ; hind toe and claw ^ ; third toe 2, its claw -j^. Female in Winter. — The female, which is much smaller, has the bill less stout, the feathers of the head less elon- gated, as are the scapulars and the feathers of the sides. The bill is blackish-grey ; the feet dull greyish-blue, the membranes dusky. The head, upper and hind parts of the neck, the back, and wings are greyish- brown. There is a short transverse white band from beneath the eye, and a slight speck of the same on the lower eyelid. Six of the secondary quills are white on the outer web. The tail dull greyish-brown. The lower parts are white, the sides light greyish-brown. Length to end of tail 13 inches ; bill along the ridge 1-jL- ; -sving from flexure 6^ ; tarsus 1^ ; third toe 1^, its claw jJj. Habits. — To study the habits of this species it would be necessary for us to betake ourselves to America, where it is said to be verv common. Mr. Audubon's account of them is 1S8 CLANGULA ALBEOLA. to the following effect : — " In autumn and winter this beau- tiful miniature of the Golden-eyed Duck is generally dis- persed over the United States, whence it returns northward from the beginning of March to the end of May, It does not breed within the limits of the Union, nor, as it appears, in Labrador or Newfoundland. During the periods of their movements toward the north, I found them exceedingly abundant on the waters of the Bay of Fundy, the males in flocks and in full dress, preceding the females about a fort- night, as is the case with many other birds. The Mario- nette— and I think the name a pretty one — is a very hardy bird, for it remains at times during extremely cold weather on the Ohio, when it is thickly covered with floating ice, among which it is seen diving almost constantly in search of food. "When the river is frozen over they seek the head- waters of the rapid streams, in the turbulent eddies of which they find abundance of food. Possessed of a feeling of security arising from the rapidity with which they can dive, they often allow you to go quite near them, though they will then watch every motion, and at the snap of your gun, or on its being discharged, disappear with the swiftness of thought, and perhaps as quickly rise again within a few yards, as if to ascertain the cause of their alarm. Their flight is as rapid as that of our Hooded Merganser, for they pass through the air, by regularly repeated beats of their wings, with sur- prising speed ; and yet this is the best time for the expe- rienced sportsman to shoot them, as they usually fly low. Their note is a mere croak, much resembling that of the Golden-eye, but feebler. At the approach of spring the males often swell their throats, and expand the feathers of the head, whilst they utter these sounds, and Avliilst moving with great pomposity over the waters. "When these birds return to us from the north, the number of the young so very much exceeds that of the old, that to find males in full j)lumage is much more uncommon than toward the time of their departure, when I have thought the males as numerous as the females. Altliough at times they are very fat, their flesh is fishy and disagreeable. Many of them, however, are oftered for sale in our markets. Their food is much varied, according to BUFFEL-HEADED GARROT. 189 situation. On the sea-coast or in estuaries they dive after shrimps, small fry, and bivalve shells ; and in fresh water they feed on small crayfish, leeches, and snails, and even grasses." Only three instances, at the most, are known of its capture with us. Donovan inserted it in his British Birds, though without mentioning any authority. One was shot near Yarmouth, in the winter of 1830. In the autumn of 1841, a specimen was obtained in Orkney, by Mr. Mum- mery, curator of the Museum of Natural History at Margate. 190 HARELDA. HARELD. I AM acquainted -with only one species of this genus, to vhich the name of Harelda has been given by Leach and others, apparently a misprint of Havelda or Haveld, which is said to be the Icelandic appellation of this bird. Imagining in my simplicity that the use of barbarous names for genera, however well they may answer for species, ought to be accord- ing to acknowledged rules rejected, and considering that it is a peculiarly arctic bird, nestling " sur les bords de la mer glaciale," and in winter merely keeping on the limits of extreme cold, I thought that Crymonessa, compounded of KpvfxoQ, ice, and vijaaa, duck, might be as good a generic name as could be found for it. For the present, however, I follow the multitude. The body is full and depressed ; neck rather short ; head moderate, oblong, compressed, rounded above. Bill much shorter than the head, of the same height and breadth at the base, toward the end narrowed ; upper mandi- ble with the frontal angles obsolete, the dorsal line sloping, the ridge broad at the base, the unguis large, roundish, con- vex, decurved, the lamina? projecting considerably beyond the margin ; lower mandible with the intercrural space long and narrow, the outer laminae prominent, the unguis broadly elliptical, little convex. The tongue fleshy, thick, medially grooved, papillate at the base, laterally ciliated, with the tip thin and rounded. Oesophagus rather wide. Stomach roundish, very muscular, with rugous epithelium, having the grinding plates roundish. Intestine of moderate length and width ; ca'ca rather long ; rectum very short. Trachea gradually narrowed, at the lower part expanded, having six rings extremely narrowed before, with a trans- versely oblong tympanum, membranous in front. Nostrils large, oblong, sub-basal. Eyes ratlier small. HARELD. 191 Legs very short, and placed far behind ; tarsus compressed, ■with anterior small scutella. Hind toe very small, with a lobiform membrane ; outer toes equal, and about double the length of the tarsus ; membranes full ; claws small, slender, little arched. Plumage firm, blended ; the feathers moderate and oblong ; scapulars and middle tail-feathers much elongated and taper- ing in the male, wings short, convex, acute ; the first and second quills about equal and longest ; tail small, of fourteen feathers. This genus appears to be more nearly allied to Clangula than to any other. The form of the trachea indicates an affinity to the Mergansers. The only known species is en- tirely marine, unless in the breeding season, and feeds on bivalve shell-fish, asterise, and Crustacea, 192 HARELDA GLACIALIS. LONG-TAILED HARELD. LONG-TAILED DUCK. SHARP-TAILED DUCK. CALLOO. COAL-A^D-CANDLE- LIGHT. Fio. 72. Anafl glacialia. Linn. Syat. Nat. I. 203. Winter. Anas hyemalis. Linn. Syst. Nat. L 202. Summer. Anas glacialis. Lath. Ind. Ornith. IL 864. Long-tailed Duck. Mont. Ornith. Diet, and Supph. Canard de Mielon. Anas glacialis. Tcmm. Man. d'Orn. IL 860. Long-tailed Hareld. Harelda glacialis. Selby, Illust. IL 363. Harelda glacialis. Long-tailed Hareld. Jenyns, Brit. Vert. Aiiim. 247. Harelda glacialis. Bonap. Comp. List, 59. Male with the tiro middle tail-feathers extremehj narrow^ elongated, and somewhat rccuriate ; female xcith the tail very short and rounded. 3Iale in wi7iter with the hill black in its basal half, red toioard the end, tcith the unguis black ; the feet dull orange-red ; the head and neck ichite ; the cheeks grey ; an oblong black and brown patch on each side of the neck ; tlie fore 2^01'f of the breast, the back, wing-coverts, and elongated tail-feathers, blackish-brow?i ; the quills dark LONG-TAILED HARELD. 193 brown; the scapulars and lower parts white ; the tail-feathers chiejly ichite. Female with the bill deep bluish-grey ; the feet reddisli-brown ; the tipper part of the head and nape choco- late-broivn ; the sides of the head and neck, and middle part of the hind-7ieck, ichite ; the throat, an oblong patch on the sides of the neck, and the loiccr neck, cdl round, greyish- broicn ; the lower parts xohite ; the upper deep chocolate- brown ; the tail brownish-grey . Male in summer with the upper part of the head and nape brownish-black ; the sides of the head greyish-white ; the neck all round, and the fore part of the breast, dark chocolate-brown ; the back and wing- coverts broivnish-black ; the scapulars margined with reddish- broivn. Male in Winter. — This beautiful and lively inhabitant of the nortliorn seas has the body compact, rather elongated, and considerably depressed ; the neck rather short, and of moderate thickness ; the head oblong, compressed, rounded above, and -with the forehead convex. The bill is much shorter than the head, of about the same height and breadth at the base, gradually depressed and narrowed toward the end, which is rounded ; the upper mandible with the basal sinus bounded by a line ascending obliquely to near the nostril, the upper siniis broadly rounded, the frontal angles obsolete, the dorsal line descending and straight to the unguis, which is large, roundish, convex, and decurved, the ridge broad and flattened to beyond the nostrils, the sides convex, the edges soft, marginate, with the pointed lamella; projecting a little, the marginal line nearly straight, toward the end ascending and rounded, the nasal sinus oblong, sub-basal ; lower mandible with the intercrural space long, narrow, half bare, the crura little convex, the outer laminae very prominent, the unguis large, broadly elliptical, little convex. The mouth is of moderate width ; the anterior palate concave, with a papillate median ridge, and on each side about thirty-five short lamella?, of which the outer ends are pointed, and project considerably. The tongue is an inch and five-twelfths long, fleshy, grooved along the middle, VOL. v. o lOi HARELDA GLAClALIS. papillate at the base, and \\ ith t^vo lateral series of filaments. The Q?sophagus is eight inches long, eight-twelfths in width, dilated at the lower part of the neck to an inch. The stomach is large, roundish, an inch and ten-twelfths in length, two inches and two-twelfths in breadth, with the lateral muscles nearly an inch in thickness ; the epithelium dense, slightly rugous, with thick grinding plates. The intestine is five feet eight inches long, four-twelfths in width ; the cceca four inches and ten-twelfths in length, three-twelfths in breadth ; the rectum only two inches and a quarter long. The nostrils are oblong, direct, sub-basal, large, near the ridge, a quarter of an inch in length. The eyes rather small. The aperture of the ear small. The legs are very short, and placed far behind ; the tarsus very short, compressed, with about twenty anterior scutella. The hind toe is very small, Avith a lobiform membrane, and about fifteen scutella ; the second toe with a twolobed expanded marginal membrane, and eighteen scutella beyond the second joint; the third toe with thirty-eight, the fourth with fifty-six ; the outer toes equal, and about twice the length of the tarsus ; the interdi- gital membranes full. The claws are small, slightly arched, slender, rather blunt. The plumage is dense, elastic, firm, and blended ; the feathers rather small and oblong, those on the upper part of the head and nape rather elongated. The scapulars are elon- gated and acuminate, the posterior curved outwards. Wings short, narrow, convex, pointed ; primary quills tapering, stiff, the second longest, but barely exceeding the first ; secondaries rovmded, the inner rather broad, but pointed. The tail is small, of fourteen pointed feathers, of which the two medial are extremely attenuated, a little recurved, with their webs decurved. These feathers exceed the next by four-twelfths, and the lateral by six inches. The basal half of the bill is black, the rest orange-red, but with the ungues black. The iris red. The tarsi and toes dull yellow ; the membranes dusky ; the claws black. The forehead and cheeks are ash-grey ; the upper part of the head yellowish-white ; the neck white, with a large oblong patch on each side, of which the 'anterior part is blackish-brown. LONG-TAILED HARELD. 195 The posterior yellowish-brown. The breast, back, wing- coverts, and inner secondaries, are deep chocolate-brown ; the quills greyish-brown ; the scapulars white. The middle tail- feathers, like the back, the next pair partially so, being margined with white, the rest chiefly white. The hind part of the breast, abdomen, and lower tail-coverts, are white ; part of the sides ash-grey ; the lower wing-coverts gieyish-brown. Length to end of tail 25 inches ; extent of wings 30 ; wing from flexure 9| ; tail 8j ; bill along the ridge l^ ; along the edge of lower mandible 1-j^ ; its greatest breadth at the base -^ ; bare part of tibia -^ ; tarsus 1-^ ; hind toe -^, its claw -j2j ; second toe I-j^^j ^ts claAv -fV ; third toe 1^, its claw ■j\ ; fourth toe 2^, its claw -f^. Female in Winter. — The scapulars are not elongated, and the tail is short and rounded. The bill is deep bluish- grey ; the iris yellow ; the feet greenish-grey. The upper part of the head and nape are chocolate-brown ; the throat of a lighter brown ; the sides of the head and neck, with a band over the eye, and part of the hind-neck greyish-Avhite ; a brown patch behind the cheek. On the lower part of the neck, all round, the feathers are greyish-brown, edged with paler. The rest of the lower parts white, excepting part of the sides, which is greyish-brown ; the lower wing-coverts light chocolate brown. All the upper parts are gi-eyish cho- colate-brown ; the scapulars edged with light brown ; the lateral tail-feathers shaded with gi'eyish- white. Length to end of tail 16 inches ; extent of wings 26 ; wing from flexure 8 ; tail 2|- ; bill along the ridge 1-^ ; tarsus 1-^ ; middle toe 1-j^, its claw -^. Habits. — The Long-tailed Ducks inhabit the arctic regions of both continents, in summer extending to the mar- gins of the polar ice, and in winter moving southward along the coasts, but not advancing far into the temperate regions. M. Temminck states that they nestle in Spitzbergen, Iceland, and the Hudson's Bay country, on the borders of the sea. Mr. Audubon found them breeding in Labrador, and describes the nest as formed of gi-ass, lined with down. The eggs are 196 HARELDA GLACIALIS. from six to eiglit, of a broad oval form, from au inch and eleven-t^velfths to two inches and a twelfth in length, and generally an inch-and-a-half in breadth ; when recent of an asparagus green colour, approaching to apple-green, with the shell smooth. Young birds caught by the ornithologist above-named in Labrador, were covered with stiffish down, and had the upper parts chocolate brown, a small spot of white under the eye, the throat and lower parts whitish, as well as an oblong patch on the cheek. Among the northern islands of Scotland, and along the coasts of the mainland, these birds make their appearance in October, in small flocks, which gradually enlarge by the accession of new families. Many remain all Avinter in these parts, while others advance southward. In the Firths of Clyde and Tay, they are not usually very uncommon, and Mr. Selby informs us that a few appear on the coast of Nor- thumberland. They have been seen, however, on most parts of the coast of England. On that of Ireland it occurs " in very limited numbers." M. Temminck describes them as often occurring on the coasts of Holland, though not in bands, and on those of France in still smaller numbers, while the young have been found even in the Adriatic. The extent of their equatorial migration in Europe is, however, exceeded by their range in America, where some proceed, according to Mr. Audubon, as far as the mouth of the Mississippi. Although in autumn they generally arrive in small bands, and in winter are often found scattered solitarily or in pairs, they advance northward in spring in large bodies, generally flying in extended lines. At this season large flocks occur in the seas of the outer Hebrides, where they are hailed by the natives as the harbingers of summer, their loud cries render- ins: them familiar. I have had good op])ortunities of observing the habits of these birds. In tlie Bay of Cromarty, where they are very common, it is pleasant to see them in small flocks scattered over the water. They are most expert swimmers, and like many other species of this family, live on bivalve shell-iish and Crustacea, which they obtain by diving in shallow or moderately deep water. In small flocks, in which there are LONG-TAILED HAIIELI). 197 two or throe males, they may be seen reposing on the open seas, or in the bays at high water. Should a boat approach them they begin to move about in different directions, or plunge and reappear at. a distance, seldom allowing one to get within shooting distance ; but when at their feeding grounds they permit a nearer approach, so as to be shot with- out difficulty. The male in swimming raises his tail obli- quely, in rough water almost erects it, and is remarkable for the grace and vivacity of his movements. Their flight is rapid, direct, and generally performed at the height of a few feet. They rise easily from the water, especially when facing a breeze, and alight rather abruptly. Sometimes during the day, but more frequently at night, they emit various loud rather plaintive cries, as well as cacklings of shorter guttural notes, which I think can neither be easily imitated nor well expressed in words, althougli Mr. Nuttall attempts to de- scribe them by the syllables " ogh, ough, egh." In the north-eastern Isles, this bird is knoAvn by the name of Caloo, as well as the whimsical one of Coal-and-candle-light, both derived from its cries ; and in the Hebrides it is named lan- bhochail, ian signifying a bird, and bochail expressing its soft protracted note. Among these islands it is chiefly to be seen in the open sounds or pretty far out at sea, when the tide is up, but at low w-ater along the shores and over the shoals. The flesh of this bird is not held in estimation, being said to be rank and fishy ; but I cannot speak of its qualities from my own experience. The down is considered equal to that of the Eider, Avhich it resembles with the exception of being of a greyish-white colour. According to a note with which I am favoured by Dr. Edmondston, " Anas glacialis is a regular winter visitant in Shetland, where, however, not a single individual remains during the summer. It appears to be as regularly attached to its winter haunts as we may believe it to be to its breeding retreats, as about the same nimibers freqvient the same bays every winter. The colour of the male is at all seasons various, hardly any two being alike. He is lively, playful, and quar- relsome, and is chiefly heard in calm, frosty weather. Th(> syllables a-a-alloo, in a tenor clear key, the last higher and 198 HARELDA GLACIALIS. more acute, express the extent of their Avinter language. The male is one of the most elegant of the duck tribe They are never seen on land, or on fresh water, except when breeding. On the lakes in Iceland they are numerous. The young usually five. They feed in the same manner as the Eider Duck ; but the bird is altogether more shy and active." Young in Winter. — The young Avhen they appear on our coasts have the bill dusky-bluish-grey, the iris brown, the feet grey. In this state they differ little from the adult female, but have the plumage softer, especially on the neck, and the scapulai-s still shorter, and usually edged with grey, while the Avhite of the lower parts is more or less tinged with brownish-grey on the breast and sides. Progress toward Matiritt. — It appears that at the age of one year the young assume the adult plumage ; but on this subject I have not been able to make any observa- tions. Male in Summer. — At this season the upper part of the head and the nape are brownish black, the sides of the head greyish-white ; the neck all round and the fore part of the breast dark chocolate-brown ; the back and wing-coverts brownish-black ; the scapulars similar, but margined with reddish-brown ; the quills dark-brown ; the tail as in winter. Female in Summer. — The female is of the same coloui-s as in winter. 199 MERGANSERIN/T.. GOOSANDERS AND ALLIED SPECIES. Intimately allied, in many respects, to the Anatinse and Fuligulinse, and in others to the Divers and Cormorants, the Mergansers, although few in number, seem yet to form a very distinct family. They are generally characterised by having the body large, elongated, elliptical, and depressed ; the neck long and slender ; the head oblong, compressed, and anteriorly nar- rowed. Their bill is rather long, straight, or a little rearcuate, slender, higher than broad at the base, tapering, and toward the end becoming nearly cylindrical, the edges of both man- dibles furnished with lamclla3 much narrower than in the Ducks, and in the larger species conical, acuminate, and directed backwards, so as to resemble the teeth of an Indian saw ; the unguis oblong, of the same breadth as the mandibles, and the upper abruptly decurved. The mouth, although narrow, is dilatable ; the tongue fleshy, narrow, furnished with lateral bristles, and having the tip lacerated ; the palate and pharynx papillate. The oesophagus is very wide in its whole extent, with thick walls ; the proventiicular glandules are small, and form a broad belt, at the upper margin of which, as well as here and there in the oesophagus, are large mucous crypts. The stomach is rather small, roundish, very muscular, with a thick rugous epithelium. The intestine is long, and rather wide, with moderately large coeca, and a globular cloaca. The trachea, composed of numerous well-ossified rings, is simple and uniform in the females, but in the males vari- ously enlarged, and always having an enormous dilatation at its lower extremity, partly bony and partly membranous ; the 200 MERGANSERIX.E. bronchi wide, and of about twenty half rings. The muscles as in the Anatinae. The eyes are rather small, the eyelids feathered. The nostrils oblong, sub-medial, in the fore part of the oblong nasal sinus, which is covered by the soft membrane of the bill. The apertures of the ears are extremely small. The legs are short, and placed far behind ; the tibia bare for a very short space ; the tarsi very short, much compressed, stout ; the toes four, of which the first, very small, elevated, and arched, has a lobiform membrane, the anterior long, and scutellate, the inner with a two-lobed membrane, the outer a little shorter than the third ; the interdigital membranes full, and concave on the margin. The claws are small, little arched, compressed, that of the third toe rather depressed toward the end, which is rounded. The plumage is moderately full, firm, and glossy ; the feathers curved, with a small down-plumule. There is a general covering of fine down. All the species have the fea- thers of the hind head and nape elongated into a crest in both sexes ; and in the males the feathers of the head and upper neck are small, blended, and silky. The wings are short, of moderate breadth, convex, pointed ; the first primary longest ; the inner secondaries elongated and tapering. The tail is short, much rounded, of from fom-teen to eighteen stiffish tapering feathers. Grey, white, and black are the predominant colours in the males ; grey, brown, white, and reddish-brown in the females and young. There is a speculum on the wing, as in the Ducks. The males, which are larger than the females, assume in s\immer somewhat of the appearance of the females. The Mergansers frequent lakes and rivers, as well as occasionally the sea. They swim and dive with great ease and rapidity, feed on fishes, and other aquatic animals, as reptiles and Crustacea — never, T believe, using vegetable substances, although fragments of quartz are generally found in their gizzards. They are extremely voracious, their diges- tion being rapid, and, like other piscivorous birds, they some- times gorge to excess, although, when apprehensive of danger, GOOSANDERS AND ALLIED SPECIES. 201 they can easily rid themselves of part of their burden. Their flight is quick, direct, and performed by regular beats. They pass the summer in the colder regions, and in autumn advance southward, although, not requiring a high temperature, many remain in the northern parts. Their nests, rather bulky, and lined with down, which the female plucks from her breast, are placed on the borders of lakes or on islands. The eggs are numerous, elliptical, cream-coloured, or white. The young, covered with stiffish down, presently betake themselves to the water, under the protection of the female, who is deserted by the male as soon as incubation commences. When fledged they resemble the females. The young males acquire their perfected plumage at the second or third moult. All the birds of this family were included by Linnaeus in his genus Mergus, to which we usually give the name of Merganser. Of the four species that inhabit Europe and North America, one, IMcrgus Albellus, differs from the rest in having the bill so much shorter and broader as to resemble that of a Duck, while its marginal lamellae are oblique, and not pointed as in the larger species. Another, of about the same size as the last, has the bill more elongated, but with the lamella? compressed and abrupt at the end. It has been thought expedient to form the first of these small species into a genus, and I think not without reason. The other small species, although it has a longer bill, is otherwise so very similar in form and size, that, rather than make a genus of it, one might attach it to its neighbour, until other species having similar cliaracters cast up ; but it is still more nearly allied to the larger species. Now, the Linnacan generic name, Mergus, ought to be continued with the larger, more conspicuous, and best known species : thus, Mergus Merganser and Mergus 8errator. But as Brisson, a contemporary of Linnoeus, named the same genus Merganser, it has been thought more expedient to make that the generic name of the large species, and employ the Linnaean name, Mergus, for the small species. If, on the other hand, Merganser, which signifies Diver-Goose, be applied to the large species, why should not Merganas, or Diver-Duck, be applied to the smaller ? There is no consistencv in the nomcnclatui*e of 202 MERGANSERIN.E. natural objects ; but, to prevent tbe necessity of using a new generic name, I shall adopt those of Merganser and Mergus already used. Four species occur in Britain : two common, one rather rare, the fourth a straggler. SYJ^OFSIS OF THE BRITISH GENERA AND SPECIES. GENUS I. MERGANSER. GOOSANDER. Bill about the length of the head, nearly straight, taper- ing, toward the end cylindrical, the edges with tapering, acute, dentiform lamellae, directed backMards, the upper unguis oblong, abruptly decurved ; tarsus very short, com- pressed, with numerous small anterior scutella, reticulated on the sides with flat angular scales ; hind toe very small, arcuate, lobate ; anterior toes long, scutellate in their whole length, the outer nearly as long as the third ; interdigital membranes full, slightly concave on the margin ; claws small, compressed, little arched, the third depressed and rounded ; wings short, convex, acute, the first quill longest ; tail short, much rounded, of eighteen stiffish feathers. 1. Mergansei- Castor. Buff -breasted Goosander. Male with the head and upper neck greenish-black ; the lower neck, breast, abdomen, and sides reddish-yellow ; the wing- spot white. Female with the head and upper neck broAvnish- red, the lower neck pale grey barred with white, the breast and abdomen white. 2. Merganser Serrator. Bed-breasted Goosander. Male Avith the head and upper neck greenish-black, the loAver neck light red streaked Avith dusky, the breast and abdomen AA'hite, the sides minutely undulated, the A\'ing-spot Avhite, AA'ith tAvo transverse black bands. Female AA'ith the head and upper neck reddish-broAvn, the loAvcr neck broAvnish- grey barred Avith Avhite, the breast and abdomen Avhitc, the Aving-spot white, Avith a single black band. GOOSANDERS AND ALLIED SPECIES. 203 3. Merganser cucuUatus. Hooded Goosander. Male with the bill nearly as long as the head; a large, longi- tudinal compressed, semicircular black crest, with an angular patch of white behind ; the head and upper neck black ; the upper parts chiefly black, the lower white, the sides yellowish- brown undulated with black ; feet yellowish-brown. Female with the crest smaller and deeurved, the head reddish- brown, the throat greyish-white, the upper parts dusky, the lower white, the sides dusky brown. GENVS II. MERGUS. SMEW. Bill shorter than the head, rather stout, straight, taper- ing, the edges with narrow, oblique lamellae, of which the outer ends are erect, dentiform, and rather acute ; the upper unguis elliptical, deeurved ; tarsus very short, compressed, with numerous small anterior scutella, reticulated on the sides with flat angular scales ; hind toe very small, arcuate, lobate ; anterior toes long, scutellate, the outer nearly as long as the third ; interdigital membranes full, concave on the margin ; claws small, compressed, little arched, rather acute ; Mings short, convex, acute, the first quill longest ; tail short, much rounded, of sixteen stiffish feathers. 1. Mergus AlheUiis. Pied Smew. Male with the bill much shorter than the head ; a deeurved longitudinal white crest, a greenish-black patch on the fore part of the cheek ; the head and upper neck white ; the upper parts chiefly black and grey, the lower white, the sides partly grey ; feet greyish-blue. Female with the crest smaller ; the head, cheeks, and hind-neck brownish-red ; a reddish-black patch before the eye, the throat pure white, the upper parts black and grey, the lower white, the sides grey. 204 MERGANSER. GOOSANDER. Bill about the length of the head, nearly straight or slightly rearcuate, rather stout and of greater height than breadth at the base, tapering to the middle, beyond which it is slender and cylindrical ; upper mandible Avith its dorsal outline declinate for half its length, then direct and straight to the oblongo-elliptical convex unguis, which is abruptly decurved and rounded at the end, the lateral sinuses shortly rounded, the upper rather acute, the ridge broad at the base, gradually narrowed, the nasal sinus oblong, sub-basal, the edges marginate, serrate, with dentiform compressed, tapering lamellae; lower mandible Avitli the intercrural space very long, narrow, toward the end linear, the crura slender, slightly rearcuate at the base, laterally grooved, their erect edges with dentiform lamella^, the unguis obovate and con- vex ; the gape-line nearly straight. The mouth narrow, but dilatable ; palate flat ; roof of upper mandible nearly flat, narrow, with a medial prominent line, a series of slight oblique lamellae on each side, sepa- rated by a groove from the marginal scries. Tongue slender, fleshy, papillate or bristly above and on the edges, with the tip narrow and lacerated. Oesophagus very wide in its whole length, more dilated within the thorax ; the proven- tricular belt continuous. Stomach roundish, of moderate size, very muscular, with a dense rugous epithelium. Intes- tine long, rath(>r wide anteriorly, narrowed toward the coeca, which are moderate, narrow at the base, cylindrical, obtuse ; rectum with a large globular dilatation. Trachea in the female sim])le and uniform ; in the nuile with one or two dilatations, and an enormously large laby- rinth at the lower end, partly bony and partly membranous. Nostrils oblong, pervious, in the fore part of the nasal MERGANSER. GOOSANDER. 20ci space. Eyes rather small. External aperture of the ear extremely small. The body large, elongated, elliptical, depressed ; the neck long ; the head moderate, oblong, anteriorly narrowed. The legs very short, and placed far behind ; tarsus very short, stoxit, compressed, covered with small angular scales, ante- riorly with a series of small scutella, and a short outer series. Toes four, the first very small, elevated, and lobate ; the anterior long, the inner with a bilobate membrane, the third longest,^ but the outer little shorter, all scutellate in their whole length ; the interdigital membranes full. Claws small, slightly arcuate, compressed, rather acute, that of the third toe a little enlarged internally, depressed toward the end, which is rounded. Plumage moderately full, firm, glossy, more or less blended ; feathers of the head and neck small and narrow, on the occiput and nape elongated and slender. Scapulars and inner secondaries elongated. Wings short, of moderate breadth, acuminate, with twenty-six quills ; primaries stiffish, tapering, the first longest. Tail small, much rounded, of eighteen stiffish, tapering, but rounded feathers. Piscivorous, swimming, and diving birds. The general habits already given. Although the determination of the tail-feathers is not particularly difficult, it seems on this, as well as on some other occasions, to have sadly puzzled the ornithologists. Thus, Mr. Jenyns, in his generic character of Mergus, says " tail of twelve feathers." Mr. Selby says of Mergus Ser- rator, " tail composed of sixteen feathers ;" and of Mergus cucullatus, " tail composed of fourteen feathers." Montagu, in speaking of the Goosander and Dundiver, says, " we can speak with certainty as to the Dundiver having twenty." Mr. Ord says the Goosander has " eighteen feathers " in the tail ; and "Wilson gives the Hooded Merganser " twenty feathers," which, perhaps, may be the reason why Mr. Mudie has done the same. In Mr. Audubon's Ornithological Bio- graphy, Mergus Merganser and Mergus Serrator are said to have eighteen, Mergus cucullatus and Mergus Albellus six- teen. Now, the true state of the case is this : — Mergus 206 MERGA^'SER. GOOSANDER. Merganser and Mergus Senator, male, female, and young, have undoubtedly eighteen tail-feathers. There is no lack of specimens in Old Scotia, and I have examined many, both entire and " in skin." Mergus Albellus has certainly six- teen ; but of Mergus cucullatus I cannot speak decidedly. A specimen in my collection, however, has eighteen, but there seems to he a gap in the tail ; and after finding the most trustworthy authors so often wrong in this matter, I have ceased to repose unnecessary confidence in them. •20^ MERGANSER CASTOR. THE BUFF-BREASTED GOOSANDER. GOOSANDER. DIN DIVER FEM. GREATER GOOSANDER. SAW-BILL. JACK-SAW. Fig. 73. Mergus Merganser. Linn. Syst. Nat. I. 208. Male. Mergus Castor. Linn. Syst. Nat. I. 209. Female and young. Mergus Merganser. Lath. Ind. Omith. II. 828. Male. Mergus Castor. Lath. Ind. Ornith. II. 829. Female and yoimg. Grand Harle. Mergus Merganser. Temm. Man. d'Ornith. II. 881. Goosander. Mergus Merganser. Selby, Illustr. II. 375. Mergus Merganser. Goosander. Jennyns. Brit. Yert. Anim. 248. Goosander. Mont. Ornith. Diet, and Supplt. Male. Dun Diver. Mont. Ornith. Diet, and Supplt. Female and young. Merganser Castor. Bonap. Comp. List. 59. Male twenty-six inches long, with a broad longitudinal rather inconspicuous crest of oblong feathers ; the bill and feet r£d ; the head and upper neck greenish-black ; the back black 208 MERGANSER CASTOR. before, grey behind; the loiver fore neck, breast, sides and abdomen pinkish-buff- colour, sides of the rump undulated icith grey and white; outer scapulars, wing-coverts, and secondary quills icJiite. Female u-itJi the crest longer and more slender ; the bill and feet of a duller tint; the head and upper neck light reddish-broivn, the throat ichitish, the lower neck pale- grey, the feathers edged with white, the breast and abdomen ichite, the sides grey ; the upper parts deep ash-grey, as are the smaller wing-coverts ; some of the secondary quills and their coverts wliite unless at the base. Young similar to the female. ]\L\LE IN Winter. — This beautiful bird, the hirgest of its family, on which account probably it has obtained the name of Goosander, has the body of an elongated elliptical form, and much depressed, although stout ; the neck rather long and thick ; the head rather large, ovato-oblong, narrowed anteriorly. The bill is about the length of the head, rather stout and higher than broad at the base, tapering, beyond the middle slender and cylindrical. The upper mandible with its dorsal line declinate and somewhat concave to the middle, then straight and slightly ascending to the unguis, which is ob- long, convex, abruptly dccurvcd in the middle, the ridge broad, flattened, and little narrowed to the middle, where it becomes convex, the nasal sinus naiTOw, oblong, sub-basal, with a groove running from its anterior part to the side of the unguis, the limbs very slender, convex, the edges with thirty- six narrow, tapering, acuminate, dentifomi lamellae, directed backwards. Tlie lower mandible slender, with the inter- crural space very loug, pointed, anteriorly a mere groove, the crura with their lower outline gently rearcuate, the sides con- vex below, longitudinally grooved above, the unguis ellipti- cal, convex, witli a broad median groove, the edges inclinate, Avith about forty compressed, tapering, acute serriform lameller. The mouth, although narrow, is dilatable to an inch and three-fourths. The palate flat, anteriorly with a median serrulate elevated line, and on each side a series of small, acute lamella?, besides those of the margin. The tongue, two BUFF-BREASTED GOOSANDER. 209 inches in length, is fleshy, tapering, emarginate and papilhite at the base, ^vith a loiigitndinal double series of slender, acute, reversed papilla? on its upper surface, and two series of bristly filaments on each side, its tip flattened, lacerated, and horny beneath. The oesophagus, sixteen inclies long, is very wide, being an inch and a half in breadth at first, but in en- tering the thorax contracts to an inch, to expand into an elongated sac, including the proventriculus, three inches and a half in length, and two inches in width. The proventri- cular belt is two inches in breadth, its glandules very numer- ous, cylindrical, two-twelfths in length. The walls of the cesophagns are very thick, its two layers of fibres very dis- tinct, its inner coat longitudinally plaited when contracted. The stomach is muscular, being in fact a strong gizzard, of moderate size, roundish, two inches long, with the lateral muscles half an inch thick, the epithelium nearly a twelfth in thickness, rather soft, and rugous. The intestine is six feet seven inclies in length, and from half an inch in width in the duodenal part to three-twelfths and a half. The coeca are two inches long, cylindrical, obtuse, narrow at the base, their greatest breadth four-twelfths. The rectum is eight inches long, cylindrical, but enlarged into a globular cloaca, an inch and a quarter in width. The trachea, which is about a foot in length, when mode- rately extended, is for a short space only four-twelfths in breadth, gi-adually expands to eight-twelfths, then as gra- dually contracts to four-twelfths, but again enlarges to six- twelfths, and slowly contracts to three-twelfths. The upper dilatation is much flattened, the lower less. The number of rings in this extent is an hundred and forty-eight. At the lower part is formed, by the union and expansion of a number of rings, an enormous long dilatation of an irregular form in- clining to the right side, separated longitudinally on the right side by a membrane, from a very large recurvate tympanum, into which it opens below, and which is three-sided, the edges being bony and rounded, and the sides membranous. The right bronchus, having twenty half-rings, comes off" from the lower curve of the first dilatation, and the left, which although longer, has the same number, from the lower VOL. V. p 210 MERGANSER CASTOR. part of the tympanum ; the distance from their bases being nearly an inch. The expanded part is two inches in length, an inch and five-tAvclfths in breadth, its greatest diameter two inches and two-twelfths. Having described this curious apparatus, I must apply to the system-makers, who are in- dignant at being supposed ignorant of anything, for its uses. The nostrils are oblongo-elliptical, four-twelfths long, sub-medial, lateral, pervious. The eyes small, as are the apertures of the ears. The feet are very short, strong, and placed far behind. The tibia is bare for about a quarter of an inch. The tarsus very short, much compressed, with an anterior series of twenty-five, and twelve outer scutella, the sides with small, angular scales. The first toe very small, elevated, arched, with about ten scutella, and a lobiform membrane ; the second with a two-lobed inner membrane, and about thirty-five oblique scutella ; the third with forty- two, the fourth, a little shorter tlian the third, and with forty scutella. The interdigital membranes cmarginate. The claws are small, a little arched, compressed, obtuse, that of the hind toe very slender and more curved, that of the third somewhat depressed and rounded. The plumage is moderately full, dense, soft, and glossy. The feathers on the head and neck silky, blended, along nearly the whole breadth of the head and on the nape elon- gated so as to foiTQ a broad short crest, not very conspicuous. On the back the feathers are rather compact, on the lower parts blended. The Avings are short, of moderate breadth, with thirty-six quills ; the primaries narrow, tapei'ing, stiffish, the first longest, the rest rapidly decreasing, the outer second- aries rather short, rounded, the inner elongated and tapering, but obtuse ; the scapulars also very long. The tail is short, much rounded, of eighteen rather narrow, stiffish, obtuse feathers, of wliich the medial are an inch and three-fourths longer than the lateral. The bill is bright vermilion, with tlie unguis black, and the ridge of the upper mandible, and jiart of the crura of the lower, dusky. The iris bright red. The feet bright vermi- lion, the claws reddish at tlie base, gn^y toward the end. The head and upper half of the neck are black, with bright green BUFF-BREASTED GOOSANDER. 211 and purplish reflections ; the lower part of the neck white behind ; its anterior part, and the whole lower surface and side of the body, of a most beautiful and delicate reddish- buff j some of the feathei-s over the tibia minutely undulated with giey, and the larf^er inferior wing-coverts of that colour. The fore part of the back, and the inner scapulars black ; the hind part ash-grey, undulated on the sides of the rump ; the tail ash-grey, with black shafts. The outer scapulars are white, and conceal a band of black margining the wing ante- riorly, and crossing its base. The wing-coverts are white; the alula, primai-y coverts, and quills blackish-brown, lighter and tinged with grey on the inner webs ; some of the outer secondaries black, the rest white, six of the inner margined with a black line externally, and the last internally also. The outer secondary coverts are black at the base, that colour forming a bar across part of the wing. Length to end of tail 26 inches ; extent of wings 36 ; wing from flexure IH ; tail i>^ ; bill along the ridge 2j*V, along the edge of lower mandible 3 ; tarsus 1-L^ ; first toe -^^ its claw -j3^; second toe 2, its claw -yj) third toe 2^, its claw Yj ; fourth toe 2-f-^, its claw ^l.. Female. — The female, which is considerably smaller, has the crest more elongated behind, some of the feathers being two inches and a half long, whereas in the male they are little more than one inch ; but, on the other hand, the scapu- lars and inner secondaries are much shorter. The bill, eyes, and feet are coloured as in the male. The head and upper part of the neck are broAvnish-rcd, but the upper part of the throat is white. All the upper parts of the body are deep ash-gi-ey, with the margins of the feathers paler. The smaller wing-coverts, and the inner secondary quills and coverts, are also grey. The alula, primary coverts, and primaries brown- ish-black; the outer secondaries black, the middle secondaries white, as are the ends of their coverts. The lower fore part of the neck is white, faintly tinged with gi-ey ; the breast and abdomen white, tinged with buff ; the upper part of the sides, and some of the lower Aving-coverts grey. The oesophagus sixteen inches long ; the intestine five feet 212 MERG.\NSER CASTOR. eleven inches ; the coeca an inch and three-fourths. The trachea is much flattened, and of nearly equal width through- out, its average hreadth being nearly four-twelfths, but to- Avard the end only three-twelfths ; its rings uniform, slender, an hundred and forty-five in number. At the lower end five rings are united, and the large ring thus formed dilates and bifurcates below, forming two limbs, of which the right is longer. The bronchi, which come ofi" at the distance of four- twelfths from each other, are of moderate size, and composed of about twenty half-rings. Length to end of tail 24 inches ; extent of wings 33 ; wing from flexure lO^^ ; tail 4j ; bill along the ridge 2^ ; tarsus 1-j^ ; middle toe 2^, its claw -^. Yariatioxs. — Considerable differences as to size are ob- served, the longest males measuring twenty-seven inches, the shortest twenty-four. The females are always smaller than the males, but young males, being similar in plumage to the females, are apt to be mistaken for them. Adult males differ very little in the colours of the plumage, and this is equally the case with adult females. The bill of the male is repre- sented by some as entirely red, but I have never seen one in which it was not partially black or dusky. Habits. — The Goosander, or Buff'-breasted Merganser, which is widely dispersed in summer over the northern regions of both continents, is at that season very seldom met with in Britain, and that only in the remotest parts and islands of Scotland. The number of individuals there seen is very much inferior to that of the Red-breasted Mergansers. In the outer Hebrides, where I resided several years, although I have several times met with them on the lakes in summer, I never found a nest ; but Mr. John MacGillivray, who visited these islands in the summer of 1840, was more fortunate, or more observant, for he found it pretty common, breeding by the larger lakes, and occasionally by the sea, as near Loch Maddy, in North Uist. In Orkney, on the other hand, it is only a winter visitant, leaving very early in spring. In win- ter it is met with sparingly in all parts of Scotland, as well BUFF-BREASTED GOOSANDER. 213 as in many districts in England, in the southern parts of which it is, however, of very rare occurrence. In Ireland, also, it occurs " in very limited numbers." At all seasons, it prefers lakes and rivers to estuaries, but may be seen, even in summer, fishing in the sea, especially in the lochs or inden- tations so common in Scotland. Being a heavy bird, with the body much depressed, and the plumage not remarkably full, it has the appearance of sitting deep in the water. It dives with extreme agility, remains long under the surface, and swims there with great speed. Its food consists of fishes of various kinds, but with us more especially trouts, of which eighteen were found in the gullet of one killed on the Tweed in the winter of 1838. Being shy, vigilant, and active, it is not easily obtained, as it neither admits a near approach, nor usually remains above water until the shot reaches it. In rising on wing it proceeds at a low angle, striking the water with its feet and wings, to the distance of several yards. Its flight is rapid, like that of a Duck, and performed at a consi- derable height, when it is travelling toward a distant place. The male emits a rough grunting cry, which, however, is very seldom heard. In the northern estuaries and bays, pretty large flocks are sometimes seen ; but it is much more com- mon to meet with the bird in pairs, or even singly, in most parts of the country. Although not very unfrequently seen in our markets, it is not there held in estimation, its flesh being coarse, and having the fishy flavour^ of that of the Divers and Cormorants, to which the Mergansers are allied in their mode of living. The nest is said to be placed near the water, among the herbage, and to be composed of dry grass, sedge, fibrous roots, and other similar materials, with a lining of down plucked by the female from her breast. As observed by him in Ame- rica, it is described by Mr. Audubon as being " very large, at times raised seven or eight inches on the top of a bed of all the dead weeds which the bird can gather in the neigh- bourhood. Properly speaking, the real nest, however, is not larger than that of the Dusky Duck, and is rather neatly formed externally of fibrous roots, and lined round the edges with the down of the bird. The interior is about seven and 214 MERGANSER CASTOR. a half inches in diameter, and four inches in depth. There are seldom more than seven or eight eggs, -which measure two inches and seven-eighths in length, by two inches in breadth, are of an elliptical fonn, being nearly equally rounded at both ends, smooth, and of a uniform dull cream colour." The young, at lirst covered with down of a greyish colour on the body, and reddish on the head, betake themselves at once to the water, and are tended by their mother with the greatest care, the male having deserted her after incubation commenced. In the end of October numbers arrive in Britain from other countries, many remaining during the winter. Those which harbour in the southern parts return northward by the end of April. Young. — In their first winter, the young of both sexes resemble the female, having the colours of the plumage as well as the crest similar, the males distinguishable from the females only by their greater size. Progrf.ss toward Maturity. — In its second year, the male is still similar to the female, with the exception of hav- ing the breast of a beautiful pinkish-buiF, as in the adult, the sides under the wings partially marked Avith grey lines, the smaller wing-coverts of a paler grey, the white secondary coverts greyish-black at the base, and grey at the end. At the next change the plumage is completed. Remarks. — It was long supposed that the young males and the females of this bird formed a distinct species, to which the names of Mcrgus Castor and Dun Diver were given. It is certainly very extraordinary to find an adult male with a crest broad and comparatively short, while in the females, and even the young of both sexes, it is narrow and elongated. Ihit ropeatetl observations and dissections lead to the conclusion that the Dun-Diver and Merganser are specifically identical. The female of Merganser Castor may be distinguished from that of Merganser Serrator by attending to the following BUFF-BREASTED GOOSANDER. 215 circumstances : — The female of Merganser Castor is consider- ably larger, with the bill thicker in proportion to its length, and especially at the base. The crest-feathers of the former are not, as in tlie latter, shorter in the middle, and longer at the fore and hind parts. The grey of the back is uniform, and the Avhite wing-spot entire, in Merganser Castor, while in Merganser Serrator the back is brownish-grey, and the white wing-spot crossed by a black band. 216 MERGANSER SERRATOR. THE RED-BREASTED GOOSANDER. RED-BREASTED MERGANSER. HARLE. EARL-DUCK. SIOLTE. Mergus Serrator. Linn. Syst. Nat. I. 208. Mergus Senator. Lath. Ind. Ornith. IL 829. Ked-breasted Merganser. Mont. Ornith. Diet, and Supplt. Harle huppe. Mergus Serrator. Temm. Man. d" Ornith. IL 884. Eed-breastod Merganser. Mergus Serrator. Selby, Illustr. Brit. Ornith. IL 379. Mergus Sen-ator. Eed-breasted Merganser. Jen. Brit. Vert. Anim. 249. IVIerganser Serrator. Bonap. Comp. List, 59. jMale twenty-four inches long, u-'ith a longitudinal crest of linear feathers, of which two separate tufts are longer than the rest ; the bill and feet red ; the head and upper neck greenish- black ; the back black before, grey with dusky lines behind ; the middle fore-neck light-red, streaked witJt dusky ; breast and abdomen pure white; sides and hind part of back undu- lated with dark-grey lines ; a white patch on the icing, includ- ing the smaller wing-coverts, with two transverse black bands. Female with the crest smaller ; the bill and feet of a duller tint ; the head and upper neck light reddish-brotcn ; the throat wliitish ; the lower neck brownish-grey ; the feathers edged ivith white ; the breast and abdomen white ; tlie sides grey ; the feathers edged with imlcr ; the white patch on the wing as in the male, but not extending to the smaller wing- coverts, which are grey, and thus having only one dark band. Young similar to the female, but more brown above. Male in Winter. — This species, not very fitly named the Rcd-brcastod Merganser, the lower part of its neck, ■whicli is reddish and .streaked Avitli black, having been mis- taken for its breast, -whicli is pure white, is inferior in size to the Buff-breasted Merganser, or Goosander, and of a more RED-BREASTED GOOSANDER. 217 slender form. The body is elongated, depressed, and tapering at both ends ; the neck rather long, thick below, and much contracted above ; the head rather large, oblongo-ovate, nar- rowed and compressed anteriorly. The bill is about the length of the head, nearly straight, being but slightly rearcuate, slender, tapering, cylindrical toward the end, but higher than broad at the base. The upper mandible with its dorsal line gently declinate to the middle, then straight or slightly ascending to the unguis, which is elliptical, convex, and decurved, the ridge broad and flattened at the base, convex in the rest of its extent, the nasal sinus oblong, basal, with a groove running from its anterior end to the side of the unguis, the limbs slender, con- vex, the edges with thirty-two naiTOw, tapering, acuminate, dentiform lamellae, directed backwards. The lower mandible slender, with the intercrural space very long, pointed, ante- riorly a mere groove, the crura with their lower outline gently rearcuate, the sides convex, longitudinally grooved toward the margin, the unguis elliptical, convex, the edges inclinate, with about forty-five compressed seiriform lamellae, much smaller, and directed less backwards than the upper. The mouth is dilatable to an inch and a half. The palate is flat, anteriorly with a median ridge, and on each side a series of small, acute lamellae, separated by a groove from those of the margin. The tongue, an inch and nine-twelfths in length, is fleshy, tapering, with two series of acute reversed papillae above, and a double series of bristly filaments on the sides. The oesophagus, twelve inches and a half in length, is very wide, having an average diameter of an inch and a half along the neck, an inch in entering the thorax, and after- wards nearly an inch and a half. The proventriculur part is two inches long, its glandules cylindrical and very numerous, from two-twelfths to three-twelfths in length, forming a belt an inch and a half in breadth. The stomach is rather small, being an inch and a half in length, an inch and ten-twelfths in breadth, of a ro\indish form, compressed, with moderately- developed muscles, a quarter of an inch thick ; the tendons very large, being ten-twelfths in breadth, and seven-twelfths in length ; the inner coat thick and irregularly rugous. The 218 MERGANSER SERRATOR. intestine is five feet long, from five-twelfths to three-twelfths in width. The coeca are oblong, an inch and a half in length. The rectum is five and a half inches in length, its cloacal dilatation an inch and three-fourths in width. The trachea, which is about eleven inches in length, when moderately extended, is at first, for two inches and a quarter, nearly four- twelfths in Avidth, but then expands into an oblong dilatation three inches long, and ten-twelfths in breadth, after which it contracts to less than three-twelfths, enlarges a little to nearly four-twelfths and a half, and so continues to the tympanum. The number of rings is an hundred and fifty, of which tAvcnty-eight at the lower part are very broad behind, and very narrow before. The form of the enormous dilata- tion differs from that of the Merganser. Several of the lower rings unite and become enlarged, passing nearly in the median line ; but there are two tympaniform expansions, one on the right side, with two membranes, another on the left with one large membrane. The bronchi, short and wide, with twenty half-rings, come off" at the distance of ten-twelfths from each other, the right longer than the left. The greatest length of the tympanum is two inches, the greatest breadth an inch and a half. The nostrils are oblong, two-twelfths and a half in length, sub-basal, lateral, pervious. The eyes small, two-twelfths and a half in breadth. The aperture of the ear scarcely one- twelfth across. The feet, Avhich are short and strong, are ])laced far behind. The tibia is bare for a quarter of an inch. The tarsus very short, much compressed, anteriorly with a series of twenty-five rather small, narrow scutclla, and about twelve external, the sides reticulated with small flat scales. The first toe is very small, elevated, arched, with twelve scutella, and a lobiform membrane ; the second toe about half an inch shorter than the third, with thirty-five oblique scu- tella ; the tliird forty-two ; the fourth of about the same length, with forty-six scutella ; the second toe witli a two- lobed membrane, the outer with a thick margin ; the interdi- gital membranes reticulated, with concave margins. The hind claw very small, curved, compressed, the rest small, compressed, convex, obtuse, that of the third toe depressed. RED-BREASTED GOOSANDER. 219 The plumage is full, close, and firm ; the feathers curved ; those of the head linear, soft, glossy, with velvety texture ; on the crown elongated into a longitudinal crest of linear feathers with disunited filaments, two tufts more elongated than the rest, the longest three inches and a quarter in length. The feathers of the upper parts are generally broad, of the lower narrow, all rounded and blended. The lower surface is glossy, as in the Grebes and many Ducks. The wings are short, convex, of moderate breadth, and pointed, of twenty-seven quills. The primaries tapering, stiff, the first longest, the rest rapidly diminishing; the secondaries sixteen, the outer broad, incurved, rounded, the inner long and tapering. There are six humerals, and the scapulars are long and tapering. The tail is very short, much rounded, and emarginate, of eighteen tapering feathers, of which the lateral are an inch and ten-twelfths shorter than the medial. The bill is deep vermilion, with the ridge somewhat dusky, the unguis pale yellowish-grey. The iris blood-red. The feet deep vermilion externally, paler internally, the webs of a duller tint, the claws light grey. The head is black, its sides glossed with green ; its upper, lower, and hind parts tinged with purplish-blue. A band of black runs down the hind-neck ; a broad band of white across the narrow part of the neck ; the lower part of the neck ante- riorly and laterally is light red, streaked and undulated Avith brownish-black. The lower parts of the body are glossy white, with a faint tinge of cream-colour; the sides under the wings, the outer tibial feathers, and the lateral inferior tail-coverts, minutely undulated with black. The axillars and lower wing-coverts white, the larger grey. The lower part of the neck behind, and the fore part of the back, glossy black. A tuft of large feathers anterior to the shoulder- joint white, with broad black margins. The inner long sca- pulars purplish-black, the outer white. The upper wing- coverts are brownish-grey, but the larger are white, forming a transverse patch of that colour. The alula, primary coverts, primaries, aud four outer secondaries are blackish- brown, as are the outer four secondary coverts ; the rest of the secondary quills and coverts are black at the base, white 220 MERGANSER SERRATOR. toward the end, four of the secondary quills having black margins ; but the three inner secondaries and their coverts are brownish-black. The hind part of the back is light ash- grey, minutely undulated with black ; the tail brownish- grey. Length to end of tail S-Jrj- inches ; extent of wings 30 ; wing from flexure 9^ ; tail 3f ; bill along the ridge 2^, along the edge of lower mandible 2-L^, its height at the base -f^ ; tarsus l-]-j ; first toe -j%, its claw -j3^ ; second toe l\^, its claw j^ ; third toe 2-pj, its claw -j^ ; fourth toe 2^, its claw -^. Female. — The female is considerably smaller than the male, and has the plumage much less variegated. The feathers of the crest are shorter, and the tuft anterior to the wing-joint is wanting. The oesophagus is twelve inches and a half long; the stomach an inch and a half; the intestine five feet, from half an inch to three-twelfths in Avidth ; the coeca an inch and a half long. The bill is dusky above, ver- milion beneath and on the edges ; the feet of a paler tint than in the male. The head, and the hind part and sides of the neck to half-way down, are light reddish-brown ; the throat greyish-white ; the lower part of the neck all round greyish-brown, the anterior feathers tipped with Avliite ; the rest of the lower parts pure white, excepting the sides under the wings, and some of the lower wing-coverts, which are brownish-grey. The upper parts are brownish-grey, the feathers edged with grey ; the smaller wing-coverts grey, without the white patch seen in the male. The quills are brownish-black, the inner secondaries tinged with grey, and there are two white patches formed by the outer secondaries and their coverts, as in the male, but of less extent. The hind part of the back and the tail-feathers are dusky grey. Length to end of tail 22k inches ; extent of wings 28^ ; wing from flexure 9k ; tail 3-^ ; bill along the ridge 13 jV ; tarsus l-j^; middle toe 2-^, its claw -j^. Variations. — Very considcraldc differences as to size occur in both sexes. The digestive organs vary several RED-BREASTED GOOSANDER. 221 inches in length in the same sex. The males, when full- grown, vary little in colour, and the same may be said of tlie females ; but the former change colour in summer, like many Ducks. The lower parts are sometimes, especially in rather young males, of a fine ochraceous tint, richest in winter and spring, and fading in summer. Habits. — The summer residence of this species is in the northern parts of both continents, from the colder temperate regions to the borders of the polar ice. In winter it advances southward, in America as far as the Gulf of Mexico, and in Europe to the coasts of France, as well as to Switzerland and Italy. It seems, therefore, somewhat strange that in Eng- land it is of rare occurrence at that season in the southern districts, while in the firths and lakes of Scotland it is not uncommon. In the latter country it is generally dispersed, but in summer is not met with to the south of the Moray Firth on the eastern side, or to that of the Clyde on the western. In winter it betakes itself chiefly to streams and lakes, resorting to the sea when they are frozen, and in sum- mer it seems to prefer the same situations, although it may often be seen on the sea. In the outer Hebrides, in March, April, and part of May, and again in autumn, I have seen very large flocks in the small sandy bays, fishing day after day for sand-eels. They sit in the water much in the manner of the Cormorants, but without sinking so deep, unless when alarmed, and advance with great speed. It is a pleasant occupation to an idle scholar or wandering ornithologist to watch one of these flocks as it sw^eeps along the shores. I have many times engaged in it, both with the desire of shoot- ing some of them, and of studying their manners, which are very graceful. You may suppose us to be jammed into the crack of a rock, with our hats off", and we peeping cunningly at the advanced guard of the squadron Avhicli is rounding the point at no great distance. There they glide along, and now, coming into shallow water, they poke their heads into it, raise them, and seem to look around, lest some masked bat- tery should open upon them unawares. Now one has plunged with a jerk, another, one here, one there, at length the whole 222 MERG.\NSER SERHATOR. flock. Now start up, and if you wish a shot, run to the waters' edge and get down among the sea-weed behind a stone, while I from this eminence survey the submersed flock. How smartly they shoot along under the water, with par- tially outspread wings, some darting right forward, others wheeling or winding, most of them close to the sandy bottom, but a few near the surface. Some flounders, startled by the hurricane, shoot right out to sea, without being pursued. But there, one is up, another, and I must sink to repose in some hole. How prettily they rise to the surface, one here, another there, a whole covey at once emerging, and all with- out the least noise or splutter. But they are far beyond shot range. However, having come near the next rocky point, they now turn, dive in succession, and will scour the little bay until arising here at hand they will be liable to receive a salute that will astonish them. A whole minute has elapsed, half another ; but now one appears, two, many, the whole flock ; and into the midst of them pours the duck shot, while the noise of the explosion seems to roll along the hill side. In a twinkling all are down, save six tliat float on the Avater, four dead, one spinning round, and the other striving in vain to dive. In less than two minutes they are seen emerging, more than a quarter of a inile out at sea, and presently again they are out of sight. On such occasions, they sel- dom fly. In the middle of May, having paired, they disperse, betak- ing themselves to the lakes and pools, but some also to the little sea-islands. The nest is placed among the grass or heath, near the edge of the water, and is composed of withered herbage, not very neatly arranged, but lined with the down which the female plucks from her breast. The eggs, from five to ten, are of a regular oval form, cream-coloured, or very pale bufi", averaging two inches and a-half, by an inch and three-fourths ; but they vary considerably in size. AVhen in- cubation has commenced, the male, having nothing to engage his attention, and feeling no desire to help his mate, leaves her, and joins his fellows, or goes a-flshing by himself. The female, meanwhile, sits very assiduously, so as to allow a per- son to advance very close to her before rising ; and, liaving at RED -BREASTED GOOSANDER. 223 length accomplished her task, helps her young ones from the shells, and presently takes them with her to the water, where they swim and dive as expertly as if it were their native element. This hird flies with rapidity, in the manner of a duck, its wings Avhistling as it speeds along. It is very shy, vigilant, and active, so that the only good chance one has of shooting it on the water, is either when it is floating with its head below, or just as it emerges after diving. Its flesh, how^ever, is not in request, being tough, oily, and with what is called a fishy flavour. On ordinary occasions, it rises from the water at a very low angle, striking the surface with its feet and wdngs, but it is able also to spring up directly either from the ground or from the water. Its food consists of fishes of various kinds, sand-eels, podleys, fresh-water eels, and trouts. The moult takes place from the middle of summer to the middle of autumn. The males after leaving the females imdergo a change of plumage, which assimilates them in some measure to them ; but in this state I have not observed them. Nor have I taken note of the young birds in their down covering, in which condition they are, however, de- scribed by Mr. Audubon : — '' When about a fortnight old, the young, such as I found them in Labrador, are entirely covered with soft down, which is dusky reddish-brown on the head and hind neck, greyish-brown on the back, with three white patches on each side, one terminating the wing, another a little behind it, the third, which is larger, behind the leg ; the lower parts gi-eyish- white ; a white band from the eye to the bill, a reddish-brown band under the eye and along the side of the neck." In Ireland it is also indigenous, though " the numbers are greatly increased in winter by migration from the north." Young. — When fledged, the young are similar to the adult female ; but have the bill and feet duller, the iris yel- low, the throat dotted with light red, the brownish-red of the neck less extended, and most of the feathers tipped with 224 MERGANSER SERRATOR. whitish, the lower fore neck of a lighter tint, and the upper parts darker with less grey. Progress toward MAxrRiTY. — M. Temminck states, that " at the age of one year, the young males have the upper parts varied with blackish, the neck and head still retaining their reddish tints," and several authors assert that when two years old they acquire the fully-coloured plumage of the adult. 225 MERGANSER CUCULLATUS. THE HOODED GOOSANDER. HOODED MERGANSER. Mergus cucullatus. Linn. Syst. Nat. I. 207. Mergus cucullatus. Lath. Ind. Ornitli. II. 830. Hooded Merganser. Mergus cucullatus. Audubon Om. Biog. III. 246, v. 619. Ilarle couronne. Mergus cucullatus. Temm. Man. d'Omith. IV. 557. Hooded Merganser. Mergus cucullatus, Selby, lUustr. II. 383. Mergus cucullatus. Hooded Merganser. Jen. Brit. Yert. Anim. 249. Mergus cucullatus. Bonap. Comp. List, 59. Male with the hill nearly as long as the head, an inch and three-fourths in length, three-ttoelfths i?i breadth behind the unguis ; a large longitudinal compressed semicircidar black crest, tcith an angidar patch of ichite behind ; head, upper neck, hind part of lower, and the greater part of the back, black ; lower fore-neck and breast white ; txco transverse curved lines on each side before the wing ; sides yellowish- hrown, finely undulated icith black ; primary quills and coverts broicnish-black ; outer secondary quills and coverts greenish-black, tchite toward the end ; inner xohite, with black margins. Female with the crest smaller and decurved ; the upper part of the head reddish-brown ; cheeks and upper neck greyish-broicn ; throat grey ish-xchite ; lower part of neck grey ; hack hlackish-broicn ; icings icithout white on the inner secon- daries ; loicer parts greyish-tohite ; the sides dusky broicn. Young similar to the female, more tinged with brown above, and faintly barred tcith grey beneath. Male in Winter, — The Hooded Goosander, scarcely inferior in beauty to the Pied Smew, and sHghtly exceeding it in size, is precisely similar to that species in form, but with VOL. V. u 226 MERGANSER CUCULLATUS. the bill longer and more attenuated, and thus agi-eeing better with that of the Mergansers. Its body is oblong, full, much depressed ; the neck of moderate length ; the head rather large, oblong, and compressed. The bill is about the same length as the head, straight, slender, considerably higher than broad at the base, tapering, and becoming nearly cylindrical beyond the nostrils ; the upper mandible with its dorsal line gently dechnate for half its length, then direct, on the unguis suddenly deciu'ved, the ridge broad and flattened at the base, gradually narrowed, toward the end convex, the sides with a faint groove near the margin, less distinct than in the Mergansers, but more so than in Mergus albellus, the edges marginate, straight, with about thirty short, oblique, dentiform lamellae, of which the outer ends are rather broad and abrupt, and project conside- rably, the unguis elliptical, convex, much decurved, the nasal sinus oblong, sub-basal, covered by the soft membrane of the bill ; lower mandible with the intercrural space very long, extremely narrow, and partially bare, the crura slender, with their outlines straight, the sides convex, grooved above, the margins with about twenty-five distinct dentiform la- melltc, and an anterior nearly continuous plate, with fifteen grooves, the unguis ovato-triangular, convex in both direc- tions. The mouth is narrow, measuring seven-twelfths and a half across. The palate is flat, as is the anterior part of the roof of the mouth, on which, besides a median ridge, are two longitudinal series of slender oblique lamellae, independently of the dentiform lamina? of the margin. The tongue is fleshy, slender, an inch and a half in length, with two rows of reversed horny papilla; above, and on each side two series of bristly filaments. The oesophagus, seven inches and a quarter in length, an inch in width along the neck, but considerably enlarged within the thorax, has the walls thick, with distinct muscular fibr(>s ; the proventricular belt of very small cylin- drical glandules, an inch and a quarter in breadth. The stomach is muscular, being a gizzard of moderate strength, an inch and a half in length, an inch and a third in breadth, with the lat(.ral muscles seven-twelfths thick; the epithelium HOODED GOOSANDER. 227 dense, and forming two flat grinding plates. The intestine is four feet three inches long, from three-twelfths and a half to two-twelfths and three-fourths in width ; the ca>ca nine- twelftlis long, and two-twelfths in width. The rectum is three inches long, five-twelfths wide at first, but dilating into a globular sac, an inch in width. The trachea, six inches and a quarter in length, is much flattened, at first three-twelfths and a half in breadth, then contracting gradually to tAvo-and-a-half-twelfths, but at the lower part of the neck enlarging to four-and-a-half twelfths, then assuming a trigonal form, with an anterior acute carina. The rings, an hundred and two in nimiber, are broad and osseous, in the lower carinated part slender and widely sepa- rated ; but besides these, eight are united to form part of the expansion on the lower larynx, Avhich is of an irregular form, projecting anteriorly with a rounded bulge, and dilated on the left side, its greatest breadth nine-twelfths of an inch. The bronchi are of moderate length, with about thirty half- rings. The nostrils are nan-ow, oblong, three -twelfths long, sub- medial near the margin ; the eyes small. The legs are very short, and placed far beliind ; the tibia bare for a quarter of an inch ; the tarsus extremely short, much compressed, with about sixteen medial and six outer small scutella, the rest reticulated with small angular scales. The hind toe very small, slender, with a lobifomi membrane, and twelve scu- tella ; the second with twenty-five scutella extending from the base to the end; the third with thirty-two; the fourth with forty scutella, and a little shorter than the third, which is double the length of the tarsus ; the outer interdigital membrane emarginate. The claws small, arcuate, com- pressed, rather acute, the inner edge of the third a little dilated. The plumage is full, soft, firm, and blended. The feathers of the upper part of the head and nape are elongated, linear, and erectile, fonning a narrow crest ; of the rest of the head and upper neck small ; of the lower parts oblong, firm, and glossy ; of the sides elongated and curved ; of the shoulders abrupt ; of the upper parts ovate ; the scapulais of moderate 228 MERGANSER CUCULLATUS. length. The wings are very short, narrow, convex, and pointed ; the primaries stout, tapering, pointed, the outer two sinuate on the inner Aveb toward the end, the first longest, the second scarcely shorter, the rest rapidly decreasing j the secondaries thirteen, the outer short, incurvate, obliquely rounded, the inner tapering and elongated. The tail short, straight, much rounded, of eighteen rather naiTow, obtusely pointed feathers, of which the outer is an inch and a half shorter than the medial. The bill is black, with the unguis whitish. The iris yellow. The feet yellowish-brown, the claws dusky. The upper part of the head is brownish-black, with a large patch of white on each side behind the eye, conspicuous in the erected crest ; the rest of the head, the neck half-way down, two semi-lunar bands before the wings, and the hind part of the neck gieenish-black ; the upper parts of the body brown- ish-black, the tail greyish-black ; the smaller wing-coverts partly deep grey ; the primary quills and their coverts brown- ish-black ; the outer secondary quills and coverts greenish- black, toward the end white, the inner white, with black margins. The lower parts are white, but the sides finely undulated with yellowish-brown and brownish-black, and the lower tail-coverts are similarly marked; the axillars and some of the lower wing-coverts white, the rest grey. Length to end of tail 19 inches ; extent of wings 28 ; wing from flexure 1^ ; tail 4^^ ; bill along the ridge 1-f^, along the edge of lower mandible l\^, its height at the base -j^j-, its breadth behind the unguis -^ ; tarsus 1^ ; first toe -j%, its claw j^ ; second toe 1^, its claw -^ ; third toe l-j-^, its claw -f^ ; fourth toe l|f , its claw 3 Female. — The female, which is much smaller, has the crest less elongated, and composed of more slender feathers of looser texture. The upper mandible is dusky, with the margins orange, and tlu> uni:;uis whitish ; the lower mandible dull orange, dusky near tlie unguis, which is whitish. The feet are olivaceous. Tlie upper part of the head and the nape are reddish-brown ; the sides of the head, and the upper half of the neck greyish-brown, but the throat brownish-white. HOODED GOOSANDER. 229 The lower neck anteriorly brownish-gTey, behind brown ; the upper parts in general blackish-brown, the feathers edged with paler ; the tail dark greyish-brown ; the primary quills and coverts greyish-brown ; the outer secondary quills broadly edged externally with white, and their coverts with a white mark toward the end. The lower parts are greyish -white, the sides greyish-brown, and the lower tail-coverts marked with the same. The trachea of the female, similar to that of Merganser Castor, is considerably flattened, and of nearly equal breadth throughout, its average width being nearly four-twelfths, but toward the end only three-twelfths ; its rings uniform, slen- der, an hundred and fifty in number. At the lower end several rings are united, and the large ring thus formed dilates and bifurcates below, forming two limbs, of which the right is longer. The bronchi, which come off at the distance of four-tAvelfths from each other, are of moderate size, and composed of twenty half-rings. Length to end of tail 17 ; extent of Avings 25 ; bill along the ridge 1^ ; wing from flexure 7^ ; tail 3| ; tarsus 1^ ; middle toe I^Vj its claw -j^. Habits. — The proper country of this beautiful bird is North America, where its habits have been studied by Mr. Atidubon, whose account of them I here present in an abridged form : — The Hooded Mergansers arrive on the waters of the western and southern states early in October, generally later than many species of Duck, but sooner than the Goosan- der and Red-breasted Merganser. They prefer long, narrow, and moderately deep creeks and ponds, and are seldom seen on the sea-coast. Their food consists of small fishes, in pur- suit of which they are extremely active, being most expert divers. Their flight is also very rapid, and it is difficult to shoot them either when flying or when on the water. They range throughout the whole United States during winter, feeding in the bays and estuaries of the eastern coast, as well as in the inland streams, pools, and lakes. Those which remain in summer breed in holes in trees, like the Wood Ducks, forming a slight nest of a few dry weeds and feathers. 230 MERG-\NSER CUCULLATUS. lined with a small quantity of down, and laying from five to eight eggs, an inch and three-fourths in length, an inch and three-eighths in breadth, and of a reddish-white colour. The young, at first covered with down of a very dark brown tint, are conveyed to the water by their mother, who carries them gently in her bill, without the aid of the male, who deserts her after incubation commences. Those which leave the United States set out from the middle of March to the begin- ning of May. When migrating, they fly at a great height, in small loose flocks, without any regard to order. Their notes are a sort of rough grunt, resembling the syllables croo, croo, and are the same in both sexes. The males at first resemble the females, and do not acquire the full beauty of their plumage until the third spring. In only a few instances this species has been met with in Europe. Mr. Sclby first added it to the British Fauna, *' upon the authority of a specimen that was killed at Yar- mouth, in Norfolk, in the winter of 1829, the skin of which " he obtained. It appeared to be a young female, and it is added — " I have been informed that more instances have occurred, all apparently females, or young males in the garb of that sex." In Ireland it has once been obtained, at Dingle Bay, on the coast of Kerry, by Dr. Chute. YouxG. — When fledged, the young difler little from the adult female; their colours being similar, but the upper parts more brown, the white on the throat dottetl with pale red, the white of the breast faintly barred with grey, and the brown of the sides and below the tail more ex- tended. Remarks. — Although not much superior in size to the Smew, this species differs from it in having the bill longer, and more slender, with the lamella; less numerous, much more compressed, and abruptly terminateil. Although these lamclljc differ from those of the large Mergansers, the Hooded may Ixj placed with them until some species having similar characters be discovered. Mr. Selby states that the number of tail-feathers in the present species is fourteen, and others HOODED GOOSANDER. 231 that it is sixteen, but the true number is eighteen. The account of the digestive and respiratory organs I have derived from the examination of a male preserved in spirits, and which I dissected for Mr. Audubon, the notice in the fifth volume of his work being, like all the anatomical notices there, exclusively my own, as, indeed, is acknowledged by the author. 232 MERGUS. SMEW. Bill shorter than the head, straight, rather stout as com- pared Avith that of a Merganser, rather slender compared with that of a Duck, and in fact combining the characters of both, higher than broad at the base, tapering to the end, where it is nearly cylindrical ; upper mandible with its dorsal line declinate nearly to the unguis, which is oblongo-elliptical and abruptly decurved, the lateral sinuses short and rounded, the upper broad and rather angular, the ridge broad at the base, gradually naiTOwed, broadly convex toward the end, the nasal sinus oblong, sub-basal, the edges marginate, serrate with the dentiform, tapering, slightly reversed ends of the oblique short lamella; ; lower mandible with the intercrural space long, narrowly-pointed, but much wider than in the INIerganscrs, the crura slender, nearly straight, laterally grooved, their erect edges serrate with minute erect dentiform lamellae, the unguis oblongo-trigonal and convex. The mouth rather narrow, but dilatable ; palate flat, roof of upper mamlible considerably concave, with a medial rough- ish ridge, and on each side a series of very small lamellae, separated by a gi'oove from the marginal series. Tongue ratlier slender, fleshy, grooved above, papillate at the base, bristly above and on the edges, the tip narrow, concave, and rounded. The other characters are similar to those of the Mer- gansers ; but the tail has only sixteen feathers. The only species of this gen\is known to me is in external form almost as much a Duck as a Merganser, and, were the latter genus unknown, Avould no doubt rank as an " aberrant" Fuligula. As its history will be found in the following pages, it is needless to say more on the present occasion. 233 MERGUS ALBELLUS. THE PIED SMEW. SMEW. WHITE NUN. PIED DIVER. VARE WIGEON. MergTis Albcllus. Linn. Syst. Nat. I. 209. Mergus Albellus. Lath. lud. Ornith. II. 831. Mergus miuutus. Linn, and Latb. Young. Smew. Mont. Ornith. Diet, and Supplt. Harle Piette. Mergus Albellus. Lath. Ind. Ornith. II. 887. Smew or White Nun. Mergus Albellus. Selby, Illustr. II. 385. Mergus Albellus. Smew. Jenjms. Brit. Vert. Anim. 250. Mergus Albellus. Bonap. Comp. List. 59, Male with the hill shorter than the head, an inch and a quarter in length, three-twelfths and-a-half in breadth behind the unguis ; a decurved longitudinal xohite crest; a patch of greenish-hlach on the fore part of the cheek, and a band of the same along the side of the occiput ; the neck, scapulars, smaller wing-coverts, and loioer ^mrts, ivhite ; the bach black, shaded into grcg behind ; a transverse black line on each side before the icing ; primary quills and coverts hrownish-black ; secondary quills and coverts black, tippted with white ; scapu- lars edged with black ; sides partly grey. Female xoith the upper part of the head, hind part of cheeks, and nape, brown- ish-red ; a blackish-broicn patch on the fore part of the cheek ; throat ichite ; loiccr part of neck all round ash-grey, darker above ; back blackish-grey , its hind part and scapulars ash- grey ; icings as in the male ; lower parts white, with the sides partly grey. Young with the upper part of the head, cheeks, and nape yellowish-brown ; the upper parts dark brownish- grey ; the lower white, but with the sides, fore neck, abdomen, and loxcer tail-coverts grey, patched with dusky ; in other respects nearly like the female. Male in Winter. — This beautiful bird, which is some- 234 MERGUS ALBELLUS. 'what larger than our common Teal, seems nearly as much allied to the Ducks as to the Mergansers. Its body is oblong, full and much depressed ; the neck of moderate length ; the head rather large, oblong, and compressed. The bill is rather shorter than the head, straight, rather slender, considerably higher than broad at the base, tapering, and becoming nearly cylindrical toward the end ; the upper mandible with its dorsal line gently declinate and nearly straight to beyond the middle, then direct, abruptly decurved on the unguis, which is oblongo-elliptical and transversely convex, the ridge broad and flattened at the base, gradually narrowed, toward the end convex, the edges marginate, nearly straight, with about forty short, oblique lamelloe, of which the outer ends are dentiform, tapering, and project consider- ably ; the nasal sinus oblong, sub-basal, covered by the soft membrane of the bill ; lower mandible with the intercrural space long, narrowly pointed, partially bare ; the crvu'a slen- der, with their lower outline straight, a little convex at the base, the sides convex, sloping outwards, grooved, the mar- gins with about sixty minute, erect, dentiform lamellae, the unguis oblongo-triangular, convex in both directions. The roof of the mouth is nearly flat, Avith a median ridge, and on each side a series of very slender oblique lamellae besides the marginal plates. Nostrils oblongo-elliptical, two- twelfths and a quarter in length, sub-medial, near the margin. Eyes small. Legs very short, and placed far behind ; tibia bare for only a quarter of an inch ; tarsus very short, much compressed, with about twenty small medial, and six outer scutella, the rest reticulated with small angular scales. The hind toe very small, slender, with a rather large lobiform membrane, and ten scutella ; the basal part of the second scaly, its terminal part with eighteen scutella ; the third toe a little longer than the outer, and double the length of the tarsus, with forty scutella ; the fourth with forty-six. The claws small, arcuate, compressed, rather sharp, the inner edge of the third a little dilated. The tongue, one inch five-twelfths long, is broader than in the Mergansers, fleshy, papillate at the base, deeply grooved above, covered there and on the edges Avith reversed PIED SMEW. 235 short bristles ; the tip thin, horny, and channelled. The (Tsophagus, nine inches long, is of moderate width, varying about an inch, the proventriculus an inch and two-twelfths. The stomach is a muscular gizzard, of a transversely elliptical form, an inch and four-twelfths long, an inch and three- fourths in breadth, its muscles very thick, the epithelium rugous, with two grinding plates. The intestine very long, of moderate width; the coeca three inches in length, and placed at the distance of two inches and a quarter from the extremity. The contents of the stomach, in this individual, grains of quartz, mud, and small seeds. It has been asserted that this bird has no coecal appendages, but resembles the herons in having a single caput ccecum to the colon or rec- tum ; but this, like many other assertions of the " ornitholo- gists," I find incorrect. The trachea of a male of this species, which I have pre- pared from a specimen obtained in Edinburgh, difiers greatly from that of the other species, as well as from those of the Goosanders. It is nine inches in length ; for two inches and a half considerably flattened and very narrow, its average breadth being only two-twelfths. It then gradually enlarges to five-twelfths, becomes round, and so continues to the end. The rings, an hundred and twenty-three in number, are rather broad and finn, gradually more so toward the lower end. There, several united rings form the lower larynx, of which the right side is scarcely enlarged, being similar to that of the female Goosanders ; but the left expands continu- ously from the right in front, into an obliquely ascending rounded bulge, terminating behind in a very thin and naiTOw, semi-circular ridge, with two lateral membranes, of which the posterior is largest. This, properly the tympanum, commu- nicates with the larynx and gives ofi" the left bronchus, at the distance of two-thirds of an inch from the other. The gi-eatest diameter of the dilatation is an inch and four-twelfths. The bronchi are short, with twenty half-rings. It is pretty well described by ]M. Temminck, who, however, errs egregiously in saying that the tube of the trachea is composed of " demi- anneaux qui altcrnent," he having been deceived by the manner in which the rings lock into each other. This I 236 MERGUS ALBELLUS. have already very correctly explained ; and to see it in the present or in any other instance, one has only to hold the extended trachea between him and a strong light. The plumage is full, soft, firm, and blended. The fea- thers of the u])per part of the head and the nape are elongated, linear-oblong, dccurved, with disunited filaments, forming a gradually narrowed crest ; of the rest of the head and upper neck small and soft ; of the lower parts oblong, firm, and glossv, of the sides elongated and curved ; of the shoulders abrupt, of the upper parts ovate ; the scapulars long. The wings are short, rather narrow, convex, and pointed, of twenty-six feathers; the primaries stout, tapering, pointed, the outer two sinuate on the inner neb toward the end, the first longest, the second almost equal, the rest rapidly decreas- ing ; the secondaries sixteen, the outer short, incurvate, ob- liquely abrupt, the inner tapering to an obtuse point. The tail short, straight, graduated, of sixteen rather narrow, ob- tusely pointed feathers, of Avliich the outer is an inch and two-twelfths shorter than the medial. The wings when closed reach to an inch and three-quarters from the end of the tail. The bill is greyish-blue, with the unguis greyish-white. The iris bright red. The feet light greyish-blue, the webs dusky ; the claws brown, lighter on the ridge. The elon- gated feathers on the head and nape arc Avhite ; a broad patch on the fore part of the cheek and lore, continuous by means of a narrow band with a patch bordering the crest behind, and crossing the occiput, grccnish-black ; the rest of the head, throat, neck, and lower parts white; the upper part of the sides minxitely undulated with ash-grey ; some of the smaller wing-coverts and the axillars white, the rest grey. A narrow cresccntic band across the lower hind-neck, a short transverse bar on each side before the wing, the middle of the back, the anterior edge of the wing, and the outer edges of the outer and inner webs of the inner sca- pulars, black ; the rest of the scapulars and the smaller wing-coverts Avhitc. The alula, primary coverts, and quills brownish-black ; the secondary quills and coverts deep greenish-black, tipped with white, one of them white on PIED SMEW. 237 the outer web, except the margin ; the inner four greyish- black. The hind part of the back is giadually shaded into deep ash-grey, of Avhich colour are the upper tail-coverts and the tail-feathers. Length to end of tail 17^ inches ; extent of wings 27^ ; w4ng from flexure Sh ; tail 3;^ ; bill along the ridge 1-j^, along the edge of lower mandible 1^, its height at the base -^, its breadth behind the unguis jV ; tarsus 1^ ; hind toe -^, its claw -j^ ; second toe l-^^, its claw -^ ; third toe 2-Jj, its claw -^ ; fourth toe 2, its claw y\. Female. — The female, which is much less, has the crest considerably shorter, and the plumage in general more blended. The bill is pale blue, with the unguis whitish; the iris red ; the feet greyish-blue, w^th a tinge of green, and the webs dusky. The upper part of the head and the hind-neck nearly half-way down are brownish-red ; the loral space and fore part of the cheek reddish-black, its hind part brown. The throat is pure white half-way down ; the lower neck all round ash-grey, darker behind ; the rest of the lower parts pure white, except the upper part of the sides and some of the lower wing-coverts, which are ash-gi-ey. The middle of the back is greyish-black ; the hind part, sides, and the scapulars grey, as is the tail. The wings as in the male, but with none of the smaller coverts dark- coloured. Length to end of tail 15| inches ; extent of wings 24; bill along the ridge l^, along the edge of lower mandible 1-;^ ; wing from flexure 7^^ ; tail 3^ ; tarsus 1^ ; first toe -j^, its claAv -f^ ; second toe 1^, its claw -j^ ; third toe l-fi, its claw -^ ; fourth toe 1-L|, its claw -^. Habits. — This Smew, Avhich is said to be a native of the arctic regions of both continents, but of much rarer occur- rence in America than in Europe, retires southward as the winter approaches, appearing in gi-eat numbers in Germany, Holland, France, and Italy, from the middle of October to the end of November, and returning in April. Considerable numbers also betake themselves to the eastern and southern 238 MERGUS ALBELLUS. parts of England ; but to the north of the Humber few are met with, and in Scotland it is everywhere rare, and more so in the more northern districts. It prefers lakes and rivers to the estuaries and open sea, to which it resorts only during severe frost. Its food is said to consist exclusively of fish, for which it dives with the same dexterity as the Mergansers ; but its habits have not been well studied with us, on account of the few opportunities of seeing it alive that have occurred to persons qualified to observe its movements with any degree of interest. I have never met with it on any of my excur- sions, and have not examined more than tAvo recent entire specimens. Montagu says " this is by fiir the most plentiful species of Merganser that frequents our (southern) coasts and fresh waters in the winters, but, we believe, has never been known to breed in this country. It is naturally shy, and readily takes wing, being as expert in air as it is in water, Avhere indeed, if it is surprised, it is with difficulty shot, by reason of its incessant diving. At the time of writing this account, there are two White Wigeons, as the full-plumed males are sometimes called by the natives, on a piece of fresh-water not very distant from us, but too wary to be shot. The females and young birds are called in the northern parts of Devonshire Vare-Wigcon, from a supposed similitude to the head of a Weesel, which is denominated Vare." In Ireland it " is nuich less common than in England, but more so than in Scotland." According to M. Temminck, it " nestles on the borders of lakes and rivers, and lays from eight to twelve whitish eggs. YoLNG. — The young, when they appear with us in the beginning of winter, are not entirely similar to the adult female, as has been alleged. One examined by me in January, 1836, was as follows : — Bill bluish-grey ; feet pale greenish-blue, their webs dusky. The upper part of the head, including the loral space, a portion of the cheeks, and the occiput, with the hind part of the neck half-way down, yellowish-brown. The upper parts in general ash-grey, tinged with dark brown. PIED SMEW. 239 The throat, sides of the head, and upper anterior and lateral parts of the neck, pure white. Tlie alula, primary coverts, and primary quills are dark greyish-brown ; the secondary quills greyish-black, as are their coverts, both having the tips pure white, forming tAvo bands across the wing. Tbe lower part of the neck is ash-grey, ftxintly spotted with dusky ; the sides, abdomen, and lower tail-coverts similar ; the breast silvery-white. Length to end of tail 15f inches ; extent of Aviugs 2S^ ; bill along the ridge 1-^, along the edge of lower mandible Iyj', wing from flexure 7; tail 2f ; tarsus 1-fj ; first toe -j^, its claw ^ ; second toe l-^, its claw -j^ ; tliii'd toe 1^^, its claw -fV; fourth toe l-^V? its claw ^. PnociRESS TOw^\RD MATURITY. — After tlic sccond autumnal moult, the males, according to M. Temminck, " are distin- guished by small blackish feathers, w^hich foiin the large spot at the lateral part of the bill ; by some whitish and white feathers dispersed over the head and nape ; by the part of the anterior back which is variegated with black and grey feathers ; and by the indications of the two black cres- cents on the sides of the breast. The young of both sexes have the large wing-coverts terminated by a large white space, Avhile the old have Avhite only at their tips." I have before me a specimen from Holland passing from this to the adult state, having nothing remaining but the reddish-brown feathers of the head and hind-neck, Avhich are variegated with Avliite ; but the smaller Aving-coverts are only partially white, most of them being ash-grey, and the feathers of the black spot on the cheeks are very slightly edged Avith Avliitish. It is not until its third autumn, therefore, that the male acquires its full plumage. Whether the male changes his colours in summer I have not learned. Remarks. — The description of the male aboA'e giA'cn is from a specimen, obtained fresh on the 2nd of February, 18-11, compared Avith others ; that of the female from a skin in perfect plumage. The young birds Avhich I have had opportunities of examining Avere in the proportion of five to one adult. 240 URINATORES. DIVERS. Among the Palmipede, or truly aquatic birds, are some, "wliieli feeding essentially on fishes obtained in the living state, pursue their prey in its native element, into which they dive for that purpose, not from on wing, but when scattered on its surface, A more appropriate name than that of Urina- torial or Diving birds, could not, I think, be applied to them. Certain other birds, as the Mergansers, are equally divers, and some of themselves feed occasionally on other substances than fish ; but such indications of affinity between contermi- nous groups present themselves in every department of organic nature, and furnish no argument against the correctness of the nomenclature proposed. The general characters of this order may be expressed thus : — Birds especially adapted for diving and swimming both in and on the water, and having the body of an elliptical, more or less depressed form ; the neck strong, mostly of moderate length, often elongated ; the head oblong, anteriorly com- pressed. The bill is strong, tapering, compressed, pointed, opening rather widely, and more or less dilatable at the base, sharp-edged, without lamella? or denticulations. The tongue slender, trigonal, and pointed ; the oesophagus w-ide, with moderately thick parictes, and a large proventriculus, having a broad belt of gastric glandules ; the stomach rather large, roundish, with tlie muscular coat of moderate thickness; the epithelium rather tliick and rugous ; the intestine long, and rather wide, with coeca of moderate length ; the rectum ending in a very large, globose, cloacal dilatation. The nostrils are small, oblong, and basal ; the eyes rather small ; the aper- ture of the ears very small. The legs generally very short, and much compressed, are placed very far behind, in some of them at the extremity of the body, so as to render a nearly URIXATORES. DIVERS. 241 erect attitude necessary in standing, and to make it impos- sible for them to walk -with speed, or even with ease. The tibia is bare for a very short space only ; the tarsus in most cases extremely compressed ; the toes four, all much com- pressed and scutellate ; the anterior lon^^-, and connected by interdigital membranes ; the claws small, and obtuse or fat- tened. The plumage is close, short, on the head and neck blended ; on the u])per parts of the body firm and com])aft, on the lower short, and soft or even silky. The wings small, narrow, and pointed ; the tail extremely short. Although some of the species feed partly on insects, rep- tiles, Crustacea, and moUusca, the general regimen is piscine. They swim, dive, and shoot along in the water, using their wings as well as feet for propelling themselves, with wonderful address and effect. Their heavy body and small wings render it impracticable for them to float, hover, wind, or even turn with quickness, in the air. In flying to and from their places of fishing, repose, or breeding, tlioy proceed with great rapi- dity, in a direct course, with quick arid regular beats of their wings. They stand in an inclined, or nearly erect posture, walk very little, some even being obliged to lie flat and push themselves onward with their feet. They nestle on the ground, or on rocks, sometimes deposit their eggs on the bare surface, or lay them in holes, which they dig for themselves. The yotnig of those that nestle on the ground presently betake themselves to the water, while those produced in ele- vated places continue some time in the nest. The eggs of most of them may be eaten, and those of some of them are excellent as food ; but the flesh of these fish-eating divers is dark-coloured, rank or disagreeably flavoured, and not relished, unless by those who can procure nothing better. Four families may be distinguished in this order. The Podicipxnce, or Grebes, are characterized by their silky plu- mage, most diminutive tail, and the peculiar conformation of their feet, of which the tarsus is nearly as thin as the blade of a knife, and the toes furnished Avith expanded lobes in place of membranes. The Cohjmhincc, or Loons, have the body and neck elongated ; the bill slender and pointed ; the tar- sus extremely compressed ; but the anterior toes regularly vol.. v. R 242 URINATORES. DIVERS. ■webbed. The Alcince, or Auks, are of a shorter form, with a thicker neck, the bill much compressed, being expanded in a vertical direction ; the hind toe wanting ; the anterior toes webbed. The last group, that of the Pelecanhicc, although it presents a most uniform organization with respect to the digestive organs, contains species very different in form and habits, some of them being adapted for swimming and diving, -while others, indicating a transition to the next order, that of the Mersatores, plunge from the air into the water, and, in correspondence with this mode of procuring their food, have larger wings and more pointed bills. These four groups, however, are perfectly natural and intelligible. Only nineteen species of this order occur in Britain ; but most of them are extremely numerous in individuals. The most extraordinary composition of an order of birds known to me is that of M. Temminck's Pinnatipcdes, in which are placed the genera Fulica, Phalaropus, and PocUceps. 243 PODICIPINiE. GREBES AND ALLIED SPECIES. The Podicipinse, of peculiar aspect, and readily distin- guishable from all other birds, have the body of an elliptical form, varying, however, in proportionate length, depressed, especially behind, where it forms, when the legs are extended, a broad, thin edge ; the neck long and slender ; the head small, oblong, compressed, gradually tapering anteriorly. The bill is about the length of the head, slender, tapering, compressed, and pointed ; the mouth dilatable ; the tongue slender, trigonal, tapering, with the tip slit ; the a?sophagus wide ; the proventriculus ovate or bulbiform ; the stomach rather large, roundish, with the muscular coat rather thick ; the epithelium longitudinally rugous ; the intestine long ; the coeca rather long and slender ; the cloaca very large. All this indicates a piscatory mode of life, and the small linear or oblong nostrils, eyes of moderate size, and extremely narrow nasal apertures, accord with their diving habits. Their feet are placed at the extremity of the body, or rather the tibia is covered by the skin of the body, the extremely compressed tarsus only coming off free ; the toes, webbed at the base, and lobed, are so disposed that they fold together into a thin blade, which, in giving the propelling stroke, is expanded into a broad lobate paddle. Their plumage is remarkably soft and blended, on the lower parts silky ; their wings small and pointed, with eleven primaries ; their tail a mere tuftlet of downy plumules. The head and neck are frequently ornamented with crests, ruffs, or tippets, which are developed in spring, and disappear in autumn. 244 PODICIPIN^. The other characters and the modes of life of these birds, will be found in the account given, in the next pages, of the genus Podiceps. SYNOPSIS OF THE BRITISH GENERA AND SPECIES. GENUS I. PODICEPS. GKEBE. Bill slender, much compressed, tapering, pointed ; tarsus extremely compressed ; hind toe very small, Avith two lateral lobes ; anterior toes long, obliquely flattened, the outer longest, all with lateral expansions, and connected at the base by webs ; claws small, depressed ; wings small, with eleven small primaries ; tail a slight tuft of minute downy feathers ; head and neck decorated with tufts or ruffs. 1. Podiceps cristatiis. Crested Grehe. About two feet in length ; the bill longer than the head, carmine-red, with the tips yellowish-grey; a transverse occipital crest, with two more elongated tufts, and a large ruff on the cheeks and fore-neck. 2. Podiceps ruhricolUs. Ped-neckcd Grehe. About eighteen inches long ; the bill an inch and two-thirds, black, with the base yellow ; a short transverse occipital crest, with two more elongated tufts, and a slight ruff on the cheeks and fore-neck. 3. Podiccjis cormdus. Horned Grehe. About fourteen inches long ; the bill nearly an inch in length, much shorter than tlie head, black, Avith the tips yellow ; two large occipital tufts and an ample ruff. 4. Podiceps auritus. Eared Grehe. About thirteen inches long ; the bill nearly an inch in length, much shorter than the head, depressed at the base, black, tinged Avith blue; tAvo slight occipital tufts, a short ruff, and a tuft of elongated feathers behind each eye. GENUS II. KYI.HEOCYCLUS. DABCHICK. Bill moderately stout, much compressed, tapering, pointed; tarsus extremely coin])rcsscd; hind toe small, broadly mar- GREBES AND ALLIED SPECIES. 245 giiied ; anterior toes low^, obliquely flattened, the outer longest, all with lateral ex])ansions, and connected at the base by ■\vel)s ; claws small, depressed ; wings small, with eleven small primaries ; tail a slight tuft of minute downy feathers ; head and neck tuftless. 1. Sylheocyclus Earopceus. European Dahchick. About ten inches in length ; the bill ten- twelfths long, black, with the tips pale ; head and neck without tuft or ruff. 24t; PODICEPS. GREBE. The Grebes have the bod)- of an elliptical form, much depressed, especially behind, ^vhere it presents, -when the legs are laterally extended, a broad thin edge ; the neck very long and slender ; the head small, oblong, compressed, gradually tapering forward. Bill rather long, slender, straight, much compressed, tapet-ing, pointed ; upper mandible mobile at the base as if jointed, Avith the dorsal line nearly straight, being slightly declinate and convex toward the end, the ridge convex, the nasal groove basal, narrow, and of considerable length, the sides nearly erect and convex, the edges very sharp and a little inclinate, the tip direct, rather acute ; lower mandible «ith the intercrural space very long and narrow, partly bare, the dorsal line ascending and nearly straight, the crura with their lower outline straight, the sides nearly erect and con- vex, the edges very sharp and a little inclinate, the tip rather acute. The mouth, which docs not extend so far back as the eyes, is rather narrow, but dilatable by the elasticity of the lower mandible ; the palate longitudinally ridged ; the upper mnndible Avith a lateral groove in its whole length on each side, and anteriorly two other grooves ; the lower more deeply concave, also with two lateral grooves. The tongue long, slender, fleshy, trigonal, nearly flat above, tapering to a slit ])oint. The oesophagus is wide, with moderately thick parietes ; the provcntriculus ovate, with a broad belt of large cylindrical glandules. The stomach is rather large, roundish, compressed, with the muscular coat rather tliick, but not divided into distinct muscles, the tendons roundish, the epi- tlielium longitudinally nigous. The intestine is long and GREBE. 247 rather wide, with ratlicr k)ng and slender ca3ca, and a very hirfre glohiihar cloaca. Nostrils hasal, linear-ohlonf^, in the fore and lower part of the narrow meinhrane. Eyes rather small ; eyelids fea- thered ; a hare space from the eye to the hill. Aperture of car extremely small. The femur short, ohliquely directed ; the tihia long, hut passinf^ directly haclvAvard, parallel to the spine, and with its muscles enveloi)ed hy the skin to near the end, so that the legs are situated at the posterior extremity of the body ; tibia bare for a very short space ; tarsus short, extremely com- pressed, its narrow anterior ridge with small scutella, the posterior with two series of small prominent scales separated by a groove. The toes disposed so that with their webs they may fold into a compressed paddle, Avhich in swimming is expanded into wide-spreading lobes ; the hind toe very small with two lateral lobes, the upper narrow ; anterior toes long, obliquely flattened, the outer longest, all with stiflish lateral expansions marked above with oblique parallel lines, and connected at the base by webs. Claws small, depressed, the inner and outer narrow, the third expanded, and serrulate to the end. Plumage very soft and blended, on the lower parts silky ; on the neck and hind part of the back almost downy, com- pact on the fore part of the back and wings ; the scapulars very long, and decurved ; the feathers of the lower parts much curved, very elastic, with the filaments separated and downy, but firm. Wings small, appearing when folded extremely short, owing to the comparative shortness of the hand ; pri- maries eleven, small, the outer two longest ; secondaries twenty, short, rounded ; humerals ten. Tail a slight tuft of minute downy feathers scarcely distinguishable. The Grebes are essentially diving piscivorous birds, ex- tensively distributed, but not numerous as to species, inhabit- ing chiefly fresh water, but also occurring on the sea, and especially in estuaries. They float lightly, but can sink on occasion so as to present to view only the neck and head. In swimming and diving, at which they are extremely expert, their feet, being placed at the posterior extremity of the body, 248 rODlCEPS. seem to render a tail iiiineeessary, that organ being reduced to a diminutive tuft of downy feathers. The extreme com- pression of the tarsus, and the arrangement of the toes, -svhich folds so as to have little more breadth than it, enable the foot to be brought forward -without receiving almost any opposi- tion from the -water. The tibio-tarsal joint is so constructed that the tarsus when extended is in a right line with the tibia, and on being contracted continues in the same plane until it comes to form a right angle, hut then inclines more and more outward, so that it can not only be bent back so as to be parallel with the tibia, but to extend far beyond it, and tlms the sweep of the paddle is very much increased, and to facilitate this the tibia rotates on the femur. In swimming, these birds propel themselves entirely by the feet, and in diving never use the wiiigs. When molested they seldom rise on wing, but e.sca])e by ])assing into the water. They rise heavily, but have a rather rapid, direct flight, performed by regular beats, and mIu n alighting on the water, come down with fj^reat force, gliding along its .surface until (lu^ momen- GREBE. 2-i'J turn is overcome. This probably arises from tlieir want of tail, the great size of which in birds of prey and others en- ables them to alight without receiving any shock. It would appear that a Grebe cannot alight on land, at least on its feet, and that it even stands with difficulty, generally apply- ing the tarsus to the ground. Tliey feed cliiefly on fish, but also on insects, reptiles, mollusca, and sometimes seeds. It is very remarkable that all of them employ feathers, apparently their own, for the purpose of aiding digestion. They nestle among reeds, sedges, and other aquatic plants, forming a bulky nest, and laying from throe to five or six oval, white eggs. The young, covered with down, immediately betake themselves to the water. The moult takes place in summer and autumn. Adults have the head and neck ornamented with elongated feathers, which are produced in spring and fall in autumn. The prevailing colours are dusky or blackish-gi-ey on the upper parts, silvery white beneath. Their flesh is remark- ably dark-coloured, disagreeably flavoured, and unfit for food. The silvery white plumage of their lower parts is used for tippets. 2/>0 PODICEPS CRISTATUS. THE CRESTED GREBE. GREATER CRESTED GREBE. TIPPET GREBE. CRESTED DUCKER. GAUNT. CVRGOOSE. Colymbus cristatus. I-inn. Sj'st. Nat. I. 222. Colymbus Urinator. Linn. Syst. Nat. I. 223. Young. Podiceps cristatus. Lath. Ind. Oniith. IL 780. Crested Grebe. Mont. Ornith. Diet. Grebe huppe. Podiceps cristatus. Temm. Man. d'Omith. IL 717. Crested Grebe. Podiceps cristatus. Selby, Illustr. IL 394. Podiceps cristatus. Great Crested Grebe. Jen. Brit. Vcit. Anim. 2-51. Podiceps cristatus. Bonap. Comp. List, 65. Male about twenty-four inclies in Icngtli, with the hill two inches long, slender, compressed, carmine, the ridge dusky, the tips yellowish-grey ; a transverse occipital crest, with two more elongated tufts, and a large ruff on the checks and fore neck; the npper parts greyish-hlack, the lower silvery -white, the ruff light red anteriorly, Hack hcliind, the sides of the body rcddish- brown, most of the secondary quills, tltc liumerals, and anterior edge of the wing ichite. Female smaller, similar to the male, hut with the tufts and ruff' sJiorter. Young without crest or ruff, dusky-grey above, silvery-ivhite beneath, with tJie sides dusky, and the wings as in the adult. In the second year with the crest and rvff distinct, but short. Mai.k. — Tlie Crested Grebe, -ivliicli is the largest species of its genus, lias the body of an elongated elli])tieal form, much depressed ; the neck long and slender ; the head rather small, oblong, and compressed. The bill is about the length of the head, straight, slend(>r, compressed, and tapering. The upper mandible, which is possessed of very considerable mobility, has the dorsal line almost straight, shghtly decli- nate and convex toward the tip, the ridge convex, as are the CRESTED GREBE. 2.'1 sides ; the edges sharp and inflected, the tip narrow hut rather obtuse. The lower mandible has the intercrural space very lonj; and narrow, the orural outline straight, the dorsal lino ascending and straight, the sides convex, the edges sharp and inclinate, the tip narrow and somewhat obtuse, Internally the up])(!r mandible presents a rather deep and narrow channel, with a lateral groove on each side in its whole length, and anteriorly two other grooves. The lower mandible presents a still deeper and naiTOWcr channel. The t»)ngue, an inch and two-thirds in length, is very slender^ slightly emarginate, and papillate at the base, trigonal, a little concave above, tapering to a slit point. The oesophagus, which is twelve inches in length, is ten-twelfths in width at the upper part, contracts to six-twelfths as it enters the thorax, then enlarges to nine-twelfths ; its walls rather thick, and its inner coat longitudinally plicate. The proventriculus is ovate, an inch and two-thirds in breadth, with very strong muscular fibres and cylindrical glandules, three-twelfths long, and nearly one-twelfth in breadth. The stomach is large, of a roundish compressed form, two inches four -twelfths in breadth ; its muscular coat very thick, but composed of single fasciculi, not separated into distinct muscles, the tendons roundish, and half an inch in diameter ; the cuticular lining very thick, moderately dense, and rugous. There is a rather large roundish pyloric lobe, and the pylorus has a thickened margin, but no valves. The intestine, which is forty-three inches long, is half an inch wide in its duodenal portion, then gradually contracts to four-twelfths, but enlarges to five- twelfths near the coeca, which come off at the distance of three inches from the extremity, and are an inch and a half in length, narrow at first, enlarged to three-twelfths near the end, ■with their extremity rounded. The rectum is half an inch in width, and enlarges into a globular cloaca, nearly two inches in diameter. The eyes are small, their aperture three-twelfths. The nostrils linear-oblong, pervious, three-twelfths-and-a-quarter in length, sub-basal. The aperture of the ear, which is round, measures only one-twelfth across, being so small as to be with difficulty found. The feet being placed at the poste- 252 PODICEPS CRISTATUS. rior extremity of the body, the tibia, which is long, is enve- loped by the skin, which leaves only a quarter of an inch of it exposed and bare ; the tarsus short, extremely compressed, having a breadth of scaixely two-twelfths of an inch, but a depth of eight -twelfths at its lower part ; on its anterior edge is a row of small scutella, twenty in nimiber, externally three TOWS of plates, and behind two series of small prominent scales, separated by a groove. The first toe is very small, elevated, with two lateral membranes, of which the outer or upper is very narrow ; the anterior toes long, connected at the base by a membrane, and having on both sides an ex- panded margin, marked Avith oblique parallel lines ; the first and second toes destitute of scutella, the third with thirty, the fourth, which is longer, also with thirty, but both without any tOAvard the end. The claws are flattened, that of the middle toe broader, and, with the fourth, serrulate, The plumage is very soft and blended, on the upper parts slightly glossed, on the lower silky. There is on the occiput a transverse crest of linear-oblong feathers, of which the lateral are elongated into two tufts ; and on the sides and upper part of the neck is a large ruff. The wings are small, narrow, acute, very concave, with eleven primaries, twenty- four secondaries, and ten tertiaries or humerals. The second quill is longest, the first scarcely two-twelfths shorter, the other primaries rapidly graduated ; the secondaries abrupt, with an acumen. The scapulars are very large and oblong. The tail is a slight tuft of fourteen feathers, circularly arranged, about an inch aiul a half long, with feeble shafts and loose downy filaments. The first and second qiiills are distinctly cut out on their inner web toward the end, the second and third on the outer. The upper mandible has the ridge blackish-brown, the sides carmine to beyond the nostrils, in the rest of their extent and along the edge to the base yellowish-grey : the lower mandible carmine, with the edges and tip yellowish-grey. The iris is bright carmine, the edges of the eyelids of a duller tint of the same ; a bare space from the eye to the moutli dusky-green. The tarsi are dusky-green externally, greenisli- yellow internally ; the toes dusky beneath, greenish-yellow CRESTED GREBE. 253 above, dusky toward the margins, as are the claws. The upper part of the head and the occipital tufts are greyish- black tinged with green ; the ruff light brownish-red anteri- orly, greyish-black behind ; from the upper mandible over the eye is a reddish-white band, and part of the throat and cheeks is white. Below the rutf the fore part of the neck is white, tinged with brown on the sides, the hind parts black- ish grey. The lower parts of the body, and the under surface of the wings, are silvery-white ; the sides under the wings reddish-brown, streaked w-ith dusky. The upper parts are greyish-black, tinged with browai. The anterior edge of the w ing, all the feathers on the humerals, with a few of the lower scapulars, and all the secondary quills, except part of the first and three of the inner, are white. Length to end of tail ~o inches, to end of wings 20^, to end of toes 25^ ; extent of wings 34 ; bill along the ridge 2 j'y, along the edge of lower mandible 2f ; wing from flexure 7-j^ ; tarsus 2fV ; hind toe -f'V, its claw -f^ ; second toe 2-3^, its claw -^ ; third toe 21, its claw 4-jV ; fourth toe 2|4, its claw -fij. Female. — The female, which is considerably smaller, diifers from the male in having the ruff and occipital tufts shorter ; but in other respects is similar. Length to end of tail 19 inches ; extent of wings 32 ; bill along the ridge 1-p'V, along the edge of lower mandible 2j ; wing from fliexure 1^ ; tarsus 2-^. Variations. — In both sexes great differences are observed as to size, but the colours undergo little change. Habits. — Few birds are more peculiarly aquatic than the Grebes, and of them none is more so than the present spe- cies, which swims and dives with surprising dexterity, prefers plunging into the water to using its wings when in any way alarmed, and seldom betakes itself to land, where it is unable to walk. In winter it occurs along our sea-coasts, and espe- cially in estuaries, but seldom in large numbers, and scarcely ever associating with other birds ; none in fact, unless per- 254 rODICEPS CRISTATUS. haps the Red-throated Diver, agreeing so closely in habits as to render companionship with them advantageous. It has the appearance of sitting deep in the water, the breadth of its body being greater than its hciglit ; and, "when appre- hensive of danger, it sinks still more, in the manner of the Loons and Cormorants, which it also resembles in its mode of diving. If pursued with a boat, it still prefers gliding beneath the Avaters, and, on emerging at a distance, merely raises its head and neck in order to breathe, when it again dives, and, unless severely wounded, is sure to make its escape. In open weather in winter it is also seen on lakes and rivers, and in summer it resides exclusively in fresh water. Its food consists of fishes of various kinds, aquatic insects, reptiles, and Crustacea. Along with remains of these are usually found in its stomach numerous large curved feathers, which it probably picks up as they float on the water, and which are, no doubt, intended to facilitate digestion. Although indigenous, it is much more uncommon in summer than in winter, so that most of the individuals seen on our coasts are probably migratory. Montagu states that it breeds in the meres of Shropshire and Cheshire, and in the fens of Lincolnshire. The nest, he says, is large, com- posed of a variety of aquatic plants, and is not attached to anything, but floats among the reeds and flags, penetrated by the water ; the eggs four, about the size of those of a pigeon. They are, however, much larger. Not having seen a nest of this species, I can only compare the accounts of it given bv authors, and state the result, which is, that it is bulky, rudely constructed, composed of flags, rushes, leaves, and stems of reeds, as well as other plants, and placed either on the ground among rushes or reeds, or over the water, and supported by the broken stems, or secured by being jammed in amongst them. Dr. Richardson, who states that this species is abundant in the secluded lakes of the mountainous districts of the fur countries of North America, says the nests are formed of a large quantity of grass, placed among reeds and carices, and rise and fall with the water. Mr. Audubon, describing its habits as observed in the CRESTED GUEBE. 26fi United States, informs us that it returns from the north ahout the beginning of September, and proceeds as far as tlie Mexican territories, a few only remaining on the lower parts of the Ohio, the Mississippi, and the neighbouring lakes. " They pass swiftly through the air, at a height of about a hundred yards, in Hocks of from seven or eight to fifty or more, proceeding in a loose body, and propelling themselves by continued flappings, their necks and feet stretched out to their full length. I have observed them thus passing in autumn, for several years in succession, over different parts of the Ohio, at all hours of the day. When about to alight on the water, these birds glide swiftly down- ward, with their wings half-closed, and produce a sound not unlike that of a hawk stooping toward its prey. Their velocity is so great at this moment, that on alighting they glide on the surface of the water for twenty or thirty yards, leaving a furrow in their wake. In a few moments they are all engaged in washing and cleaning themselves ; after which they dive in pursuit of the fishes on which they feed, and which they secure by following them in the manner of Divers and Cormorants. They are exceedingly quick-sighted, and frequently elude by diving the shot intended for their de- struction, seldom, after being chased, raising more than their bill above the water, and but rarely making for the shore, unless when nearly exhausted. When in ponds, they may easily be caught with fishing-hooks placed on lines near the bottom. They very rarely fly in your presence, and they leave the ponds at night. If forced to rise on wing, they run paddling on the water for several yards before they rise, and fly several times round a pond of thirty or forty yards before they attain the level of the tree tops, for they never fly through the woods. When once high in the air, they move in a direct course with speed towards some other pond or the nearest river. The food of this species consists of fishes, aquatic insects, and small reptiles, together with the seeds of water plants." The eggs, three or four in number, are of a rather elon- gated form, tAvo inches and a quarter in length, an inch and a half in breadth, smooth unless at the two ends, greenish- 2J6 POUICEPS CKISTATLS. white, but generally soiled to a Yello^vish-^vhite, and covered "with dirt in the form of brown streaks and spots. Young. — In their first winter the young have no appear- ance of a ruff, and very little of the occipital tufts. The bill is yellowish-green, with the ridge dusky, and the tips paler. The feet arc dusky greenish-brown, the inner part of the tar- sus, and tlie upper surface of the toes lighter. The upper part of the head is greyish -black, tinged with brown, the hind neck more grey. From the bill to the eye is a band of yellowish-grey, which does not extend over the eye ; the cheeks and sides of the neck are pale brownish-grey ; the lower parts silvery-white, the sides dusky ; the upper parts blackish-grey, and the wings marked with Avhite, as in the adult. Progress toward INIaturity. — M. Tcmminck informs us that " the young, Tip to the age of two years, have no in- dication of crest or ruff; the forehead and face are white ; on tliese parts, as well as on the upper part of the neck, arc bands of a blackish-brown, disposed in all directions, and forming zig-zags ; the iris of a pale yellow ; the bill of a livid reddish tint. At the age of two years and after the moult, both sexes have a very short occipital crest, bordered with white feathers ; the face, which is white, is not shaded into HMldish ; a blackish band of irregular form extends from the bill under the eyes, and ends at the occiput." I have never seen individuals agreeing with these descriptions, and am in- clined to think that the young ac(|uire their full ])luniage wlicu two years old. In the state presently to be described, and in wliich I have frequently found them, I imagine they nnist be in tlieir second winter, when the crest and ruff are formed, tliougli short, and the latter already tinged m ith red. A male, killed near Stirling, in the middle of December, 1838, and examined when fresh, had the occi])ital crest and tlie ruff both distinct, the longest featlicrs in each an inch and two-twelfths long. The u])per mandible \\itli llie ridge duskv, the point and edges liorn-eolour, and a eannine streak from the base to beyond the nostrils ; the lower mandible CRESTED GllEBE. 2.37 carmine with tlie ed^vs and point liorn-culonv. The iris briglit carmine, the ed^es of the eyelids paler : the l)are space from the eye to the hill dusky. The feet are greenish-brown externally and beneath, greenish-yellow internally and al)ove, dusky toward the edges. The upper parts are greyish-black, the ruff and sides of the neck tinged with brown, the former with several dusky longitudinal streaks. The same parts of the wing -white as in the adult. A band from the nostril to the eye, the cheeks, and lower parts white, but the sides dusky. The stomach large, moderately muscular, with the inner coat rugous, contained remains of fishes, numerous ver- tebra? and other bones, with some green conferva), and a quantity of feathers. Length to end of tail 2^ inches, to end of Avings 11)|, to end of claws 26^ ; bill along the ridge 1-f^, from nostril to point l-j%, along the edge of lower mandible 2|- ; wing from flexure T-^L; tail 1-|4 ; tarsus 2^; hind toe -^, its claw -j2;j- ; second toe 2-L, its claw -j^; third toe 2^, its claw -j^^-; fourth toe 2-j^, its claw ^. A female, also killed on the Forth, and examined on the 9th January, 1841, had the occipital crest considerably deve- loped, the longest feathers being an inch in length, the longest ruff-feathers an inch and two-twelfths. The upper mandible dusky grey, passing into pale bluish-grey at the end, the sides to beyond the nostrils faint carmine ; the lower mandible light carmine, with the margins and tips pale bluish-grey. Tlie iris deep cannine ; the margins of the eye- lids paler ; the bare loral space dusky. The feet dusky- brown with a tinge of gi-ey, the upper surface of the toes dull greenish-yellow, Avith irregular dusky marks over the joints. The upper part of the head glossy greyish-black ; an oblong spot before the eye white ; the throat and cheeks Avhite, the latter becoming tinged with brown behind, and faintly mot- tled with dusky ; many of the ruff feathers black, mixed with brownish-white toward the end, so as to seem streaked ; the hind neck dark grey ; the upper parts of the body blackish- grey ; the wings dusky-grey, with thirteen secondaries white, four partly so, the rest dusky ; the fore edge of the wing, and all the feathers of the humerus, with a few of the lower sca- VOL. V. s 2JS PODICEPS CRISTATUS. pulars, white ; all the lower parts pure silky white, including the lower wing-coverts, but not the feathers on the upper part of the sides under the wings, which are greyish-black toward the end. The oesophagus twelve inches long, nine- twelfths wide at the top, narrowed to five-twelfths, and in the thorax widened to one inch ; the stomach an inch and five-twelfths in breadth. Length to end of tail 20| inches ; extent of wings 32 ; wing from flexure 7^^; bill along the ridge I^Vj along the edge of lower mandible 2^ ; tarsus 2-j^ ; first toe -j-V ; its claw -[ij ; second toe 2, its claw -^ ; third toe 2^, its claw -^ ; fourth toe 2/o-, its claw -^. lo9 PODICEPS RUBllICOLLIS. THE RED-NECKED GREBE. GKEY-CIIEEKED GREBE. Colymbus rubricollis. Gmol. Syst. Nat. I. -592. Podiceps rubricollis.. Lath. Iiid. Ornitli. II. 783. Eed-necked Grebe. Jlont. Ornith. Diet, and Supplt. Grebe jou-gris. Podiceps rubricollis. Temm. Man. d'Orn. II. 720. Iled-nocked Grebe. Podiceps rubricollis. Selby, Illust. II. 392. Podiceps rubricollis. Red-necked Grebe. Jeuyns, Brit. Vert. Aiiim. 252. Podiceps rubricollis. Bonap. Comp. List, 6-5. Male about eighteen indies long, icith the hill an inch and two thirds, rather stout, coinpressed, black, with the base tjel- loio ; a short transverse occipital crest, with two more elongated tufts, and a slight ruff on the cheeks and fore neck ; the upper parts greyish-black, the lower sihery-white, the ruff light grey edged with white, the fore part and sides of the neck rich brownish-red, the sides of the body streaked icith dusky, several of the outer secondary quills white. Female smaller, similar to the male, but icith the tufts and ruff shorter. Young loith- out crest or ruff, dusky-grey above, sihery-white beneath, the cheeks greyish- white, the fore neck brownish-grey; the loicer part of the neck and the sides of the body spotted or streaked with dusky. Male. — The Red-necked is considerably inferior in size to the Crested Grrebe, from which it differs in having the bill stouter and differently coloured, the body proportionally shorter and broader, and in other particulars easily discovered on comparing specimens or good descriptions. The bill is nearly as long as the head, straight, rather stout, compressed, and tapering. The upper mandible, which, as in all the other species, is very flexile, has the dorsal line straight for 260 PODICEPS KUBRICOLLIS. half its length, then declinate and a little convex, the ridge convex, as arc the sides, the edges sharp and inflected, the tip narrow but rather blunt. The lower mandible has the intercrural space very long and narrow, the crural outline straight, the dorsal line ascending and slightly convex, the sides nearly erect and flattened, the edges sharp and inclinatc, the tip narrow and somewhat obtuse. Internally the upper mandible presents a very narrow groove, with three longitudinal ridges. The lower mandible forms a still narrower groove. The tongue, an inch and a lialf in length, is very slender, trigonal, tapering, with a thin horny point. The oesophagus, ten inches and a half in length, is nine-twelfths in width at the upper part, then contracts to half an inch ; but the proventriculus forms a large ovate sac, an inch and three fourths in breadth. The stomach is very large, of a roundish compressed form, moderately muscular, its tendons circular, and the epithelium thick, soft, and with prominent longitudinal rugse. The proventricular glandules are very large, being nearly half an inch in length. There is a small pyloric sac. The intestine, which is thirty-five inches long, is half an inch wide in its duodenal part, but diminishes to a quarter of an inch. The caxa are two inches long, two-twelfths in width, narrower at the commencement, and three inches distant from the extremity of the rectinn, which has a large globular cloaca an inch and a half in width. The eyes are small, their aperture three-twelfths. The nostrils linear, tw^o-and-a-half-twelfths long. The tibia bare for a quarter of an inch ; the tarsus extremely compressed, seven-twelfths in depth, with large lateral plates, sixteen anterior small seutella, and behind a double row of prominent, compressed, rounded scales ; the hind toe very small, with an inferior lobe ; the second toe with twenty-five seutella, the third with thirty-five, the fourth forty-five ; the anterior toes connected by membranes at the base, and in the rest of their extent margined with broad lobes marked with parallel oblique lines. The claws are flattened, that of the middle toe largest and serrulalc The plumage is soft, blended, glossy above, silky beneath ; IIED-NECKED GREBE. 261 on the head and neck very soft ; tlie occiput -with a flattened crest, forming two tufts, and the feathers on the cheek and tliroat elongated behind into a slight ruff. The wings are small, narrow, acute, concave, with eleven primaries, twenty- four secondaries, and ten humerals ; the first and second quills are about equal, and have the inner web cut out toward the end, the second and third on the outer. The tail extremely diminutive, rounded, being a tuft of downy feathers an inch and a quarter in length. The bill is black, paler at the end, and light yellow at the base, the ridge excepted. The eyes are carmine. The feet greenish-black externally, yellow internally, with the margins of the lobes dusky ; the claws dusky, edged with paler. The upper part of the head is greyish-black ; the cheeks and throat ash-grey, the rufl" edged above with white. The fore part and sides of the neck are rich brownish-red ; the loAver i)arts silvery-white, the sides streaked with dusky. The upper parts are greyish-black, with the edges of the feathers lighter. The outer secondaries, to the number of about twelve, are white, the rest and the humerals dusky. The anterior edge of the wing is narrowly marked with Avhite ; but the feathers on the liumerals are not of that colour, as in the Crested Grebe. Length to end of tail 18 inches ; extent of wings 30 ; wing from flexure 7 ; tail Ij ; bill along the ridge l-p'^, along the edge of lower mandible 2-^ ; tarsus 2-f-^ ; hind toe ^, its claw-jV; second toe 2, its clawy\; third toe 2jL, its claw -^ ; fourth toe 21, its claw j^. Female. — The female is similar to the male, but smaller. Habits. — This species is said by various authors to be common in the eastern provinces of Euro])e, but of compara- tively rare occinrence in the western. It does not appear that it has been found breeding in any part of Britain, although in winter it is not more rare with us thaii the Crested Grebe, being occasionally found along the coasts, and in estuaries, as ■well as sometimes in fresh water. I have procured it, as well as all our other species, from the Firth of 2R2 rODICEPS lU'BiaCOLLIS. Forth, and it has hcon fouiul in Xoithmnberland by Mr. Solhy, in iSlajiton l>cy in Devonshire, and in varioiis other parts, bnt only in winter and springs, and in so far as I have seen, only in the imniatnre state. Dr. Eichardson fonnd it very common in the fur countries of North America, and Mr. Audubon met Avith it " from New York to Maine, in the winter season, when old and young' were generally in about e([ual numbers." I am not aware of any direct observations that have been made respecting its habits, which, however, judging from its size and form, mav be inferred to be similar to those of the Crested Grebe. M. Temminck indeed states that it " inhabits rivers, lakes, and the margins of the sea, but in greater number on fresh water ; feeds on small fishes, fry, reptiles, hard-winged insects, and plants." The sub- stances which I have fonnd in its stomach were remains of fishes, green fibrous matter, apparently confervre, some par- ticles of quartz, and a great quantity of feathers, either its own, or of some other Grebe. According to the author above mentioned, its nest is similar to that of the Crested Grebe, and it lays three or lour eggs of a whitish-green, appearing as if soiled with yellowish and brown. One described by Mr. Audubon was two inches in length, an inch and a quarter in breadth, and of a uniform pale greenish-white. YouKG. — The young when newly fledged 1 have not seen. In Avinter, when they first appear on our coasts, they are as follows : — There are two slight tufts on the occiput, and the cheeks are rather full, but neither the crest nor the ruft' are distinct. The upper mandible is entirely yellow, with the exception of a dusky streak on the ridge near the end; the lower mandibli' black, with the sides of the base yellow, and the tip dusky horn-colour. The upper part of the head blackish-grey ; the hind-neck dusky-grey ; the upper parts of the body gieyish-black, all the feathers edged with dull grey; some of the humeral-coverts are white, as are about twelve of the secondary (piills ; the throat and che(>ks are white, shaded into gi'ey ; the fore i)art and sides of the neck dull grey ; its lower part beneath, with the breast silvery white ; but the sides of the lower neck faintlv streaked with duskv, and those RED-NECKED GREBE. 2G3 of the body more distinctly so. The feet dark greenish- brown externally, paler internally. Progress towards Maturity. — A male individual shot near Stirling, in December 1838, and which appears to be in its second winter, may be described thus : — The occipital tufts and the rulf are pretty distinct. The bill is black, irregularly streaked with yellow, and paler toward the tip, with the basal margins of the upper mandible and the base of the lower, to the extent of half an inch, pale yellow. The feet greenish- black externally, dull ycllowish-gi-een internally. The upper part of the head is dusky-grey, its sides gradually shaded into greyish-white, of which colour is the throat ; below the ruff, the neck for two inches and a half, is pale grey in front and on the sides, and beyond this the loMcr parts are silvery- white ; but the lower part of the neck, its sides, and those of the body, are spotted with dusky, and the shafts of the feathers toward the end, are black. The hind-neck is dusky- grey, tinged with brown. The upper parts of the body are greyish-black, with the feathers margined with dull grey. The primary quills are greyish-black on the outer, dusky- grey on the inner web ; the two first secondaries similar, the next with a patch of white, the next ten almost entirely white, three with white toward the base, the rest and the tertiaries black; the lower wing-coverts, some of the feathers on the fore edge of the wing, and a patch across the humerus, wliite. The contents of the stomach were vertebrae and other bones of fishes, green conferva?, and a quantity of feathers. Length to end of tail 17-^ inches ; extent of wings 30 ; bill along the ridge 1-L^ ; along the edge of lower mandible 2-Jj ; wing from flexure 1^ ; tarsus 2-^ ; outer toe 2/^, its claw jij. Remarks. — In all stages this species may easily be dis- tinguished from Podiceps cristatus, by the form and colour of its bill, which is much thicker, and has the base coloured with yellow instead of carmine. 264 rODICEPS CORNUTUS. THE HORNED GREBE. SCLAVONIAN GREBE. HORNED DOBCHICK. ColymbuR romntus. Gnicl. Syst. Nat. I. 591. Podicops cnnuitus. Lath. Ind. Omitli. II. 782. kSclavonian Orobc. Mont. Ornith. Diet, and Supplt. Grebe cornii ou Esclavon. Podiccps cornutiis. Tcmm. Man. d'drnitb. II. 721. Ilomed Grebe. Podiccps conuitns. Solby, Illnstr. II. 307. rodiecpa comtitus. Sclavonian Grebe. Jennyns. Brit. Vert. Anini. 2-52. Podiccps comutus. Bouap. Comp. List. 65. ^^lde about fourteen inches hnp,7rith the Jnllmuch shorter than the head, nearlji an inch in length, rather stout, com- pressed, lilack, with ilx li])s j/cllou- ; two large Jhiht-rcd occi- ]iif(d tufts, and an }dc tiJacI: rujf; tlie upper jnirts (jreyish- HOXERl) GREBE. 265 Hack ; the lower silvery -iLld'.e ; uith the fore part of the neck and the sides of the body red. Female similar, but somewhat smaller. Younrj with the bill (jrcyish-bluc, with the base and tip yellow ; slight occipital tufts, but no ruff; the upper p>arts grcyisli-black ; the lower silvery -white, ivitli the sides dusky ; the cheeks and throat white ; part of the fore-neck light grey. Male. — Tliis species is very much inferior in size to the Red-necked Grebe, and slightly superior to Podiceps auritus, from -which, however, it is easily distinguished by its diffe- rently-formed bill. The body is elliptical and depressed; the neck long and slender , the head small, oblong, and com- pressed. The bill is shorter than the head, straight, rather stout, compressed, acute, being of the same form as that of Podiceps rubricollis, though proportionally shorter. The upper mandible has the dorsal line straight for half its length, then declinate and convex, the nasal sinus oblong, more than a third of its length, the ridge convex, gradually narrowed. The lower mandible with the angle long and very narrow, the dorsal line short, ascending, and straight, the sides a little convex, the tip acute, the gape-line straight. The oesophagus is eight inches and a half in length, of the uniform width of three-twelfths. The proventricular part very large, being an inch and three-fourths in length, and nine-twelfths in breadth ; its glandules very large and cylin- drical. The stomach is an inch and three-fourths in length, an inch and an eighth in breadth when contracted, but when dilated an inch and a half. Its walls are moderately mus- cular, nearly in the same degi-ec as in the Rook, and showing some appearance of a division into lateral muscles ; the ten- dons roundish and defined, or elliptical when contracted. There is a small pyloric lobe. The intestine is three feet five inches in length, from four to two-and-a-half-tAvelfths in width; the rectum two inches and a half; the cceca two inches and a quarter, two-twelfths wide at the commence- ment, enlarging to three-twelfths, and rounded at the end. The nostrils oblong, a twelfth and a half in length ; the apertin-e of the eye nearly three-twelfths. The tibia is feathered to within a quarter of an inch of the joint ; the 26G rODICEPS CORNUTUS. tarsus short, extremely compressed, five-twelfths in depth, Avith a double tow of prominent scales behind ; the toes as in the other species, as are the cLiavs. The plumage downy on the hind-neck, firm and glossy on the upper parts of the body, silky on the lower. On the head is a tuft of elongated soft feathers on each side of thp occiput, and a more expanded tuft on each side of the upper part of the neck. The wings are small and convex ; the jirimaries rounded at the end, the first abruptly cut out on the inner Aveb, and slightly shorter than the second. The tail a slight tuft of downy feathers. The bill is bluish-black, Avith the tips of both mandibles yelloAv. The iris is carmine, AA-ith an inner circle of Avhite ; the basal loral space carmine ; the edges of the eyelids paler. The feet are dusky, tinged Avith grey externally, dull yelloAv internally arid on both edges of the tarsus ; the chiAvs broAAu. The upper part of the head and the ruif are glossy black, as are the cheeks and throat ; a band from the bill over the eye, including the elongated occipital tuft, yelloAvish-red. The fore part of the neck, to the extent of three inches, is broAvn- ish-red, as are the sides of the body ; the rest of the loAver parts silvery-Avhite. The upper parts are greyish-black ; the feathers edged with dull grey. About ten of the secondary quills, Avith some of the feathers on the himierus, are Avliite ; the other quills and the tertials greyish-black. Length to end of tail 14 inches ; extent of Avings 24 ; Aving from flexure 5f ; tail 1^ ; bill along the ridge -[4 ; along the edge of lower mandible 1^ ; tarsus If ; hind toe ■^, its claAv -jV ; second toe 1-fV, its claAv -fj ; third toe IyV, its claw -fV ; fourth toe l\^, its claAv j\. Female. — The female is similar to the male, but some- Avhat smaller, Avith the tufts and rutf a little shorter and less deeply coloured. IIauits. — This species is not extremely uncommon in Scotland during the Avinter, and in frosty Aveather, Avhen it betakes itself to th(^ estunrics, is sometimes s1iot in consider- able numbers. In mild Aveather it resorts to lakes and rivers. HORNED GRERE. 2GT As it does not bveecl with us, its habits are little known ; for ill winter, it is im])0ssible at any distance to distinguish it from the next species ; and all that can he said of either is equally applicable to the other. They swim and dive in the most expert manner, feed on fishes, and swallow feathers, like the rest. In two individuals, from the river Forth, Mliich I examined in January, 1838, the stomach was filled with green confervge, feathers, some shells, coleopterous insects, and i)articles of quartz. It occurs equally in winter on the eastern and southern coasts of England, and has been found breeding in the fenny districts, though in very small num- bers. According to M. Temminck, it is more abundant in the eastern and northern ports of Europe than elsewhere, occurring only accidentally in Holland, France, and Switzer- land. It appears to be at least as common in North America as in Europe. " The Horned Grebe," says Mr. Audubon, " is abundant during autumn and winter on the large rivers or inlets of the Southern States, but rare along the coasts of the middle and Eastern Districts. It is particularly fond of those streams of which the borders are overgrown by rank sedges and other plants, and are subject to the influx of the tide. In such places they enjoy greater security while searching for their food, than in ponds, to which, however, they for the most part retire at the approach of the pairing season, which com- mences early in February. At that time one might be ajjt to think that these birds could scarcely fly, as they are then rarely seen on wing ; but when they are pui'sued, and there happens to be a breeze, they rise from the water with consi- derable ease, and fly to a distance of several hundred yards. In December and January I have never procured any having the least remains of their summer head-dress ; but by the 10th of March, when they are on their journey towards the north, the long feathers of the head were apparent. These tufts seem to attain their full development m the course of a fortnight or three weeks, the old birds becoming plumed sooner than the young, some of which leave the country in their winter dress. " Although the greater number of these birds go far north- 268 PODICEPS CORXUTUS. Avard to hvced, some remain uitliiu the limits of the United States during the whole year, rearing their young on the bor- ders of ponds, particularly in the northern parts of the State of Ohio, in the vicinity of Lake Erie. Two nests which I lound were placed at a distance of about four yards from the water's edge, on the top of broken doAvn tussocks of rank weeds. The materials of which they were composed were of the same nature, and rudely interwoven to a height of upwards of seven inches. They were rather more than a foot in diameter at the base, the cavity only four inches across, shallow, but more neatly finished with finer plants, of which a quantity lay on the borders, and was probably used by the bird to cover the eggs Avhen about to leave them. There were five eggs in one nest, seven in the other ; they measured one inch and three-quarters in length, by one inch and two- and-a-half eighths ; their shell was smooth, and of a uniform yellowish cream colour, without spots or marks of any kind. I could not ascertain if both the parent birds incubate; but as I saw two pairs on the pond, I am inclined to think that they do. The nests were not fastened to the weeds around them, nor do I conceive it probable that they could be floated, as various writers assert they are at times." Thus M. Tem- minck : — " Nestles among the reeds, or constructs a floating nest, composed of plants, and attached to the stems of rushes ;" and Mr. Selby : — " It breeds among the reeds and sedges, const]*ucting a large nest of decayed vegetables, roots, &c., and which is calculated to rise and fall under the in- fluence of the tide." Yoi'Nn. — In its first winter, the young bird has the bill dark bluish-groy, with the basal half of the lower mandible, the basal margins of the upper, and the tips of both yellow. The iris is carmine ; tlie loral space dusky. The feet bluish- grey externally, tinged Avith greenish-yellow internally. There .are slight occijiital tufts, but no ruff". The upper part of the head and the hind neck arc greyish -black, as are the u]iper parts of the body, witli the feathers edged with greyish. 'J'he throat, cheeks, and space ultimately occujiied by the ruff, are white ; below this the fore neck for nearly two HORNED GREBE. 2G9 inches, is pale grey ; the rest of the lower parts silvery white, but tlie sides marked with dusky. Tlie same parts of the wing are white as in the adult. In a male in this state, shot in December, 1838, the a'sophagus was eight inches long ; the proventricular part an inch and a quarter ; the stomach broadly elliptical, an inch and three-fourths in length, an inch and a-half in breadth ; its walls moderately muscular ; the intestine three feet four inches long ; the coeca two inches and a quarter. Remarks. — A curious mistake has been made by Mr. Jcnyns in describing the young. He says : — '* Throat and cheeks pure white ; a narrow line of the same colour extends from beliind the ears on each side to the back of the head." This arises from ^I. Tennninck's having said, " Ic blanc pur de la gorge s'etend au-dessous des yeux en ligne horizontale, et te dirige j usque tres en arriere sur I'occiput ;" which is correct, only when thus translated : the pure white of the throat extends over the cheeks in a horizontal direction, and proceeds very far back on the nape, leaving but a narrow band of dusky in the middle of that part. / 270 PODICEPS AURITUS. THE EARED GREBE. Colymbus auritiis. Linn. Syst. Nat. I. 222. Podiceps auritus. Lath. Ind. Omith. IL 78L Eared Grebe. Mont. Ornith. Diet, and Supplt. Grebe Oreillai-d. Podiceps auritus. Temm. Man. d'Omith. II. 72.5. Eared Grebe. Podiceps amitus. Selby, lllustr. II. 1.37. Podiceps auritus. Eared Grebe. Jenyns, Brit. Vert. Anini. 253. Podiceps auritus. Bonap. Comp. List. 64. Male about thirteen inches lonrj, with the hill much shorter ihan the head, nearly an inch in length, rather slender, de- pressed at the base, compressed and a little recurved toicard the end, black tinged with bine; tico slight dusky occipital tufts, a short black rvjf, and a tuft of elongated orange-red feathers from behind each eye ; the upper parts greyish-black, the loicer silvery-white, the sides light red streaked with black. Female similar, but somewhat smaller. Yonng without tufts, the upper parts blackish-brown, the lower silvery ivhite tvith the sides dusky, the throat and part of the cheeks greyish- white, part of the fore neck brownisli-grcy. Male. — Somewhat inferior in size to the Sclavonian Grebe, this species is distinguished from it by the pecuhar form of its bill, which is curved a little upwards at the end, and depressed at tlie base. The body is elliptical and de- pressed ; the neck long and slender ; the head small, oblong and compressed. The bill is shorter than the head, slender, as broad as high at the base, compressed and slightly re- curved toward the end. The upper mandible has the dorsal line slightly dedinate and straight to near the middle, then direct or a very little elevated, and at the tip slightly dedi- nate, the ridge convex, as are the sides, the edges inclinate, and the tip rather acute. The lower mandible witli the angle long and very narrow, the outline of the crura slightly THE EARED GREBE. 271 convex, the dorsal line ascending and slightly convex, the sides sloping- a little outwards, the edges direct, the tip nar- row and ascending ; the gape-line slightly rearcuatc. The oesophagus is seven inches and a-half in length, four- twelfths in width. The proventriculus ovate, ten-twelfths in breadth. The stomach is very large, elliptical, somewhat compressed, two inches in length, an inch and a-half in breadth ; its muscular coat moderately thick, its tendons roundish, the epithelium thick and longitudinally rugous. There is a small pyloric lobe. The intestine is three feet nine inches long, from four-twelfths to two-and-a-half- twelfths in width ; the cceca two inches long, two-twelfths- and-a-half wide; the rectum two inches in length, with a globular cloaca eight-twelfths in diameter. The nostrils linear, a twelfth-and-a-half in length ; aper- ture of the eye two-twelfths-and-a-half. The tarsi, toes and claws as in the last species. The plumage very soft and blended, glossy on the upper parts, silky beneath. The fea- thers of the occiput are a little elongated, and form two small tufts. On each side of the head is a tuft of very long, linear, glossy feathers, rising from over and behind the eye ; and there is a slight ruff on the cheeks and neck. The wings are small and convex ; the outer three primaries acute, the first longest, and with the inner Aveb abruptly cut out ; the inner primaries rounded ; the secondaries obliquely rounded, w ith an acumen. The tail a slight tuft of downy feathers, an inch and a half in length. The bill is black, tinged with blue. The iris deep car- mine. The feet greyish-black externally, gi-eyish-green in- ternally. The head and upper part of the neck all round, the hind-neck, and the upper parts of the body, and wings, are brownish-black. The lower parts silvery-white, but the sides light red, streaked with black. The primary quills and coverts are greyish-brown, with a large portion of their inner webs white, of which colour also are most of the secondary quills. Length to end of tail 13 inches ; extent of wings 22 ; wing from flexure 5j\ ; tail H ; bill along the ridge J-i, along the edge of lower mandible l-j^j ; tarsus l-j'V > hind toe 272 PODICEPS AURITUS. -frr, its claw -f^; second toe I3, its claw -f .,- ; third toe ly^, its claw -j3j ; fourth toe '2, its claw ^V* Female. — The female resembles the male, but is some- what less. Habits. — Little can be said of the habits of this species as distinjiuishcd from those of the preceding. It is said to be abundant in the northern parts of Europe, to occur also in America, and to be less addicted to betake itself to the sea than the larger species, its principal food being aquatic insects, small fishes, and seeds. During snow, however, it is occasionally met with in our estuaries and along the coasts, and in winter is not very rare in many parts of England, although I have not seen many that were obtained in Scot- land. Montagu states that it inhabits the fens of Lincoln- shire, where it breeds, making a floating nest, and laying four or five white eggs. Young, — In their first winter the young have very slight occipital tufts, but no elongated feathers behind the eyes. The upper part of the head is blackish-brown, darker behind, shaded laterally into greyish-brown, Avhich extends a little below the eyes, covering part of the cheeks ; the rest of which and the throat are greyish-white. The hind part of the neck is dusky brown, its fore part for about two inches brownisli-grey ; tlie rest of the lower parts silvery-white ; ])ut the sides of the neck and body clouded Avitli blackish- grey. The upper parts of tlie body are brownish-black; the wings more brown, and with the same white markings as in the adult. The young in this state is easily distinguished from that of Podiceps cornutus by its recurved bill. R KM AUKS. — If slight differences in the form and com- ])arative length of tlie bill were sufficient to constitute genera, as they are assumed to be in very numy cases, the four Grebes here described ought to belong to as many distinct genera, for no two of them agree ])recisely in the form of the bill, and yet all are most intimately allied in form, colours, EARED GREBE. 273 and habits. Perhaps it may be that in families of which the species are few, as in this, these species vary more in the form of the bill, so that each in reality may represent a genus in those families of which the species are very numerous. On account of a slight difference of this kind, although, perhaps, more obvious than in the other species, our conmion Dabcliick has been promoted to generic dis- tinction. vnr,. V. 274 SYLBEOCYCLUS. DABCHICK. The Little Grebe of authors, Podlceps minor, and the American Dabchick, Podiceps CaroHnensis, have been sepa- rated from the other species generally referred to the genus Podiceps, by the Prince of Canino, "svho has formed them into a distinct genus bearing the name of Sylbeocyclus. It differs from Podiceps chiefly in having the body short and full, and the bill not so long as the head ; but, to preserve the uniformity of the generic characters, it is necessary to present them in full. Bill rather short, moderately stout, much compressed, tapering, pointed ; upper mandible mobile at the base, with the dorsal line straight and slightly declinate as far as the middle, convex toward the end, the ridge narrow, the nasal groove basal, half the length of the bill, and of considerable width ; the sides convex toward the end, the edges sharp and a little inclinate, the tip direct, acute ; lower mandible with the intcrcrural space long and very narrow, partly hare, the dorsal line ascending and straight, the crura with their lower outline straight, the sides nearly erect and slightly convex, the edges very sharp and direct, the tip acute. Nostrils sub-medial, linear-oblong, in the fore and lower part of the membrane. Eyes rather small ; eyelids feathered ; a bare space from the eye to the bill. Aperture of ear ex- tremely small. Tibia long, but passing directly backward, and with its muscles enveloped by the skin to near the end, so that the legs come off from the posterior extremity of the body ; tibia bare for a very short space ; tarsus short, extremely com- jnessed, its narrow anterior ridge with small scutella ; the posterior with two series of small, prominent, pointed scales SYLBEOCYCLUS. DABCHICK 275 directed downwards, and separated by a gi-oove ; tlio sides with broad scutella. The hind toe small, elevated, broadly niargint'd ; the anterior toes long, obliquely flattened, the outer longest, all with stiffish lateral expansions, marked above with oblique parallel lines, and connected at the base by webs. Claws small, depressed, oblong, the third ex- panded, and pcctinato-serrate at the end. Plumage very soft and blended, on the lower parts silky, on the neck and hind part of the back almost downv ; the scapulars very long and dccurved ; the filaments of all the feathers free. Wings small, narrow, convex ; primaries eleven, small, the outer two longest ; secondaries short and rounded. Tail a slight tuft of minute downy feathers. 276 SYLBEOCYCLUS EUROP^US. THE EUROPEAN DABCHICK. DIPPER. DIDAPPER. DOBCHICK. DABCHICK. LITTLE DOUCKER. Fig. 7C. Colymbus minor. Gmul. Linn. Sj-st. Nat. I. 591. Podicepa minor. Lath. Ind. Ornith. IL 784. Young. Podiceps hebridicus. Lath. Ind. Ornith. IT. 785. Adult. Black-chin Grebe. Mont. Ornith. Diet, and Supplt. Adult. Little Grebe. Mont. Ornith. Diet, and Supplt. Young. Grebe Castagneux. Podiceps minor. Tcmm. Man. d'Ornith. IL 727. Little Grebe. Podiceps minor. Sclby, Illustr. II. 401. Sylbeocyclua minor. Bonap. Comp. List, 64. Male about ten tncJies in length, with the hill tcn-ticelfths long, stout, cojnpresscd. Hack, with the ti2)s pale; head and neck tuftless ; tarsus with the posterio)' scales very 2^1'ominent; tipper part of the head and throat black; sides and fore part of the neck chestnut; breast and sides of the body dusky ; upper parts greenish-black ; primary quills greyish-brown, most of the secondaries white, unless o?i the oute»' web toxcard the end. Female similar to the male, but smaller. Young with the loicer tnandible, and basal sides of the upper pale- hrown, the tipper part dusky ; the head and hind neck brown- ish-grey, the checks and sides of the neck i)ale reddish. EUROPEAN DABCHICK. 277 mixed toith hroton; the fore part of the breast and the sides of the body Vujht ycllowiah-brown, the rest of the lower parts and the throat white; the npjicr parts dusky, the fore part of the bach and the scapulars greyish-yellow. Male. — This curious little bird being sufficiently described, as to form and plumage, in the generic character already given, it is only necessary here to mention some additional particulars, and give an account of its colours. The bill is very similar in form to that of the Corncrake, and of a dusky colour, the basal part of the lower mandible, the extreme tips of both, and the bare spaces between the eyes and the bill, brownish-white. The iris is brownish-red. The feet are olivaceous externally, flesh-coloured on the inner side. On the tarsus are sixteen anterior scutella ; on the toes the scutella are not distinct from the lateral plates. The upper part of the head, occiput, hind-neck, and throat are greenish- black ; the cheeks, sides, and fore part of the neck chestnut ; the lower part of the neck in front, and the sides blackish- grey, the latter tinged with red ; the rest of the lower parts blackish-grey, mixed with white. The upper parts greenish- black, the scapulars tinged with yellowish-brown ; the quills brownish-grey ; most of the secondary quills white, unless on part of the outer web toward the end. Length to end of tail 10 inches ; wing from flexure 4 bill along the ridge \^, along the edge of lower mandible 1 bare part of tibia -f^ ; tarsus 1-j^ ; hind toe -^, its claw -jL- second toe 1^, its claw -^ ; third toe 1^, its claw -^ ; fourth toe 1^, its claw -j^^. Female. — The female is similar to the male, but some- what less. Variations. — Individuals vary considerably in colour, the lower parts, in particular, being more or less dusky. Habits. — Common as this little bird is, its habits have not often been well described by scientific writers. One quiet evening in the beginning of March, as I was 278 SYLBEOCYCLUS EUROP^US. resting on an eminence overlooking a small lake, margined with marshy ground, and thinking it strange that nothing -was to he seen upon it excepting a pair of tame Swans, I observed a small bird rise from near the edge, and fly in a fluttering manner to a short distance, when it ahghted on the water, and instantly dived. In a very short time it rose, at the distance of about twenty paces, floated a few moments, turning briskly about, dived, emerged, and thus continued to exercise itself At this place the bottom of the lake was covered with weeds of a greyish-green colour, among which some straggling reeds shot up. I saw that on diving it shot along at the depth of a foot or two, flying with surprising speed. Another individual now appeared, and both continued for a long time to dive at intervals, passing in various directions, and apparently pursuing insects or small fishes. Having lost sight of them, I directed my eyes along the tufty margin of the lake, and unexpectedly came upon a larger bird, Avhich showed much less activity, and w hich, from its peculiar move- ments, I at once knew to be a Water-Hen. It advanced slowly, jerking its upraised tail, and moving its head and neck at each step, now waded among the sedges and reeds, looking here and there, then floated on the water, seeming at equal ease there, and thus went on ([uietly searching for food, and picking up something now and then. The little Grebes, on the contrary, kept entirely to the Avater, showed the great- est activity, bobbed up like corks, sat lightly too, but, from their peculiar form, rose less above the surface, and kept their tails, or all they had for them, on the level of the water. In swimming they did not advance by jerks, but stiflly, with raised necks ; in diving they slii)ped l)eneath so gently that the rip])le wliich they caused was little apparent; and in emerging tbey seemed to glide up without the slightest effort. Now, all tliis is very trite, and yet who among our ornitholo- gists has said so much of the Uabchick, common as the little thing is in many parts of the country? It is a curious and interesting little creature. When surprised it eludes its enemy by slipping beneath the surface, and not a])pearing until a good way off. It is seldom seen to tly, and when it does get on wing it proceeds in a direct EUROPEAN UABCHICK. liT'J course, with a fluttering motion of its wings, and its large paddles projecting beyond its blunt end. Its activity is amusing, and contrasts witli the slowness of the graceful Swan. When frightened it sinks, so as to leave nothing exposed but the head, or shoots away under water, and after a while thrusts up its bill to breathe. Its food consists of small fishes, acpiatic coleoptera, mollusca, and sometimes seeds. It is seldom heard to emit any cries, but in spring makes a low clicking and chattering sort of noise. The nest, which I have never seen, is variously described by authors. Some say it floats, others view it as floating only through accident; some even allege, that when drifting along, the sitting bird thrusts its feet through it, and paddles away to a safe place. The truth appears to be, simply, that the nest is very large, formed of a mass of acpiatic plants, and placed among the reeds or sedges. On leaving it, the bird is said to cover the eggs with dry gi'ass, probably with the view of concealing them. They are five or six in number, dull white, and of an elliptical form. The young presently betake themselves to the water. This bird can hardly walk, and even in standing rests on the hind part of its tarsi. Although it can easily rise from the water on wing, it is unable to spring from the ground, and may thus be caught Mith the hand. Mr. Selby has even found that when, having in winter betaken themselves to the sea-coast, " they happened to be left in small pools after the recess of the tide, they first dived, and afterwards invariablv attempted to conceal themselves among the fronds of the algje, rarely attempting to escape by flight." I have never observed them in full open flight, although in this respect they probably resemble the other species. When the waters are frozen they betake themselves to estuaries, and even the open shores of the sea, where they are said to feed on small fishes and shrimps. In summer, this species is not uncommon even in the most northern parts of Scotland, as well as in the Outer Hebrides, where, however, I think, it is not found in winter. Although generally dispersed, it is not plentiful in the middle and southern parts of Scotland, nor in the northern districts 280 SYLBEOCYCLUS EUROP^US. of England, in the southern portions of Avhich, hoAvever, it is said to be very common. On the Continent, also, it is gene- rally distributed, but in America is not met with, the species ■\vhicli had been mistaken for it there being probably Podiceps Carolinensis, "vvhich, however, is much larger, although usually bearing the same name of Dobchick. Young. — When fledged, the young have the bill flesh- coloured below, and on the basal sides of the upper mandible, the rest dusky-broAvn ; the iris brown; the feet brownish- black externally, olivaceous internally. The upper parts of the head and hind neck are greyish-brown ; the throat Avhite ; the sides of the head and neck, with part of the latter ante- riorly light dull reddish, mixed with brown ; the lower part of the neck, and the sides of the body pale yellowish-brown ; the breast silvery-white. The upper parts are dusky-brown, the scapulars and fore part of the back tinged with yellowish- brown, as are the sides of the rump ; the wings as in the adult, but lighter. 2S1 COLYMBINiE. LOONS AND ALLIED SPECIES. If the birds commonly known by tlie name of Divers, or Loons, form a well-defined and easily distinguishable genus, they are also all that we have to make a family of; for they certainly differ, in that extended point of view, from both the Grebes and the Auks, sufficiently to render them members of a separate group of that station, although the smallness of their number might induce a behef of their being with more advantage referable to either of the conter- minous series. As the genus is fully characterized in the following pages, I shall here present only a few distinctive marks. The body is elongated, narrow, tapering at both ends; the neck long, but stout ; the head oblong, compressed, nar- rowed anteriorly. The bill is about the length of the head, much compressed, tapering, and pointed ; the mouth of mode- rate width, but expansile ; the tongue long, trigonal, and Fio. 77. 282 COLYMBIN^. pointed ; the oesophagus Avide ; the stomach moderately mus- cular ; the ca?ca rather large. It is, however, in their feet that tliey differ essentially from the Grehes, the toes being connected by regular webs. The tail also, though small, is formed of feathers of the ordinary kind, not of downy plu- mules. The wings, very small, narrow, and acute, do not differ materially from those of the Auk family. In the celerity with which they dive and proceed under water, they are not exceeded by the Mergansers, Cormorants, or perhaps any other birds. ST^-OFSIS OF THE BRITISH GENERA AND SPECIES. GENUS I. COLYMBUS. LOON. Bill about the length of the head, rather slender, much compressed, tapering, pointed ; feet short, and placed at the extremity of the body ; tarsus extremely compressed, edged before and behind, covered all over with sub-hexagonal scales ; hind toe extremely small, connected with the next by a membrane, whicli is j)artly free and lobiform ; anterior toes long ; interdigital membranes narrow ; claws small, convex above, rounded ; wings short, narrow, pointed ; tail extremely short, rounded, of about twenty fcatheis. 1. Cohjmbus glaciaUs. Northern or Ring-ncckcd Loon. About three feet long; head and neck deep bluish-green, glossed with purple ; a patch on the throat and a broad ring, incomjdete in front, on the neck, white, longitudinally streaked with black. 2. Cohjmbus arrticus. Black-throated Loon. About tA\ o feet eight inches long ; upper part of head and hind-neck light grey ; fore-neck puri)lish-black. 8. Cohjmbus srptenfrionoh's. lied-throated Loon. About two feet live inches long; sides of the head bluish-grey; upper part of the head grey, with small dark s])ots ; nape, hind and lower parts of neck, streaked with black and white ; fore-neck with a broad longitudinal band of deep oraniie-red. 283 COLYMBUS GLACIALIS. THE RING-NECKED LOON. GREAT NDRTIIKU.N DlVKll. GREATEST SPECKLED DIVER. IMMER, EJIMER, OR lO.MBER GOOSE. GUNNER. N.V.VK. MUR-BIIUACUAILL, OR SEA-HEKDS- MAN. COBBLE. Fig. 78. Colymbus glacialis. Linn. Syst. Nat. I. 221. Adult. C\>lymbus Immcr. Linn. Syst. Nat. L 222. Young. Colymbus glacialis. Lath. Ind. Ornith. XL 790. Adult. Colymbus Immcr. Lath. Ind. Ornith. II. 800. Northern Diver. Mont. Ornith. Diet, and Supplt. riongeon Imbrim. Colymbus glacialis. Tcmm. Man. d'Ornith. II. 910. Northern Diver. Colymbus glacialis. Sclby, Illuslr. II. 406. Colymbus glacialis. Jenyns. Brit. Vert. Anim. 255. Colymbus glacialis. Bonap. Comp. List. 65. Adult about three feet loiuj ; with the hill black, almost straight, three inches in length along the ridge, an inch in height at the base, with the sides flattened, the base of the 284 COLYMBUS GLACIALIS. loiccr mandible icith a ridge and several strue, the edges little inflected, and the commissure grooved beneath ; the head and neck deep bluish-green glossed uith imrple ; a patch on the throat, and a broad ring, incomplete in front, on the 7ieck, of white longitudinally streaked with black; the upper parts black, the middle of the back and the scapulars with quadran- gular, its fore a)td hind parts, and the icings with small round white spots, of ichich there are two on each feather ; the sides of the lower neck streaked icith icJiite and black ; the lower parts wJiite, but the sides black, spotted with white, and a nar- row dusky band across tltc hind part of the abdomen. Male in Summer. — This beautiful bird, the largest of its genus, has the body of great bulk, elliptical, and much depressed ; the neck long and thick ; the head of moderate size, oblong, anteriorly narrowed. The bill, as long as the head, is almost straight, stout, much compressed, tapering, and pointed ; the upper mandible with the dorsal line gently descending, slightly convex beyond the middle, the ridge con- vex, the sides nearly erect, little convex, the edges sharp, little inflected, the tip narrow and rather bluntly pointed ; the lower mandible with the intercrural space very long and narrow, with a groove continued beyond the junction of the crura, Avhich have their lower outline nearly straight, their sides nearly erect, with numerous fine striic at the base, and a prominent ridge near the edge, the dorsal line ascending and straight, the edges sharp and little inclinate, the tip acuminate ; the gape-line slightly arcuate. The mouth is of moderate width, but extensile, the gape- line commencing under tlie eyes ; the palate flattened, Avith six series of reversed papilla; ; the tongue two inches in length, fleshy, trigoual, tapering, longitudinally grooved above, with the point slender and horny. The oesophagus, seventeen inches long, is two inches and a-half in width along the neck, but contracts considerably in entering the thorax, and again enlarges ; its walls thin, with the outer layer of circular and the subjacent layer of longitudinal fibres very distinct, the inner or mucous coat plicate. The proventricular portion three inches long, its transverse fibres very strong ; the glan- RING-NECKED LOON. 285 dules very numerous, large, oblong or roundish, and arranged in a continuous belt. The stomach is moderate, elliptical, tln-eo inclics in lengtli, two inches and eight-twelfths in breadth ; nuiscular, with large tendons, and moderately thick lateral muscles, composed of strong fasciculi ; the epithelium dense, thick, with large longitudinal transversely fissured ridges, and roundish, concave, irregularly fissured gi'inding surfaces. The pyloric orifice is wide, but has a strong pro-, minent margin. The intestine, six feet ten inches in length, varies in width from nine-twelfths to half an inch. The cccca are an inch and ten-twelfths in length, nine-twelfths in breadth, and rounded at the end. The rectum is three and a half inches long, with a globular dilatation, three inclies in diameter. The nostrils are small, linear, direct, sub-basal, pervious, four-twelfths long. The eyes rather small, their aperture four-twelfths. That of the ear only two-twelfths. The feet are short, and placed at the extremity of the body ; the tibia long, but covered with the skin so as not to be free, and fea- thered almost to the joint ; the tarsus short, extremely com- pressed, edged before and behind, covered all over with sub- hexagonal scales. The hind toe extremely small, elevated, connected with the second by a membrane, which is partly free and lobiform ; the anterior toes long, the outer longest ; the inner with a two-lobed membrane ; the interdigital mem- branes narrow ; the middle toe with fifty-six scutella. The claws are small, depressed, convex above, rounded at the end. The plumage is short, dense, and firm ; on the head and neck very short and blended ; the feathers oblong ; those on the upper parts compact, glossy, oblong, and abruptly ter- minated ; on the lower oblong, rounded, and rather blended. The wings are short, narrow, convex ; the primaries strong, tapering, the first longest, the second two-twelfths of an inch shorter, the rest rapidly decreasing ; the secondaries rather broad, and rounded. The tail extremely short, rounded, of twenty moderately firm feathers. The bill is black, with the tips horn-coloured ; the iris bright-red ; the tarsi and toes purplish-blue externally, tinged with pale yellowish-red internally ; the claws bluish-grey ; 286 COLYMBUS GLACIALIS. the interdigital membranes brownish-black, paler in the middle. The head and neck are deep bluish-green, glossed Avith purple. On the throat is a small transverse patch of Avhite and black streaks, and farther down the neck on each side is a large transverse patch of the same, the two patches meeting behind, but separated before by a space an inch in breadth. The lower parts are glossy white, with the excep- tion of the sides of the lower part of the fore-neck, which are stiiated with black, the sides of the body, which are greenish- black, sprinkled with small round, white dots, the axillar feathers, and large wing-coverts, which have a medial dusky band, a narrow transverse band of dusky feathers, each having two whitish spots across the hind part of the abdomen, and the lower tail-coverts, w'hich are also blackish-brown, and tipped or spotted with white. The upper parts are glossy black, beautifully variegated with white spots, arranged in trans- verse bands, small and roundish toward the neck and on the wings, larger and somewhat rectangidar on the middle of the back, on the scapulars largest and square, on the hind part of the back very small and round. There are two of these spots on each of the feathers toward the end, and the striated parts of the neck have the feathers black, with two lateral white spaces, on which the filaments are bent upwards, so that these feathers arc longitiulinally concave. The alular feathers, primary coverts, primary and secondary quills, are brownish- black, glossed with green, some of the inner secondaries with two subterminal white spots. The tail is brownish-black. Length to end of tail SO inches ; extent of wings 55 ; wing from flexure 15^; tail 3; bill along the ridge S^; along the edge of lower mandible 4^ ; its height at the base 1 ; tarsus S-^ ; first toe -pj, its claw -^ ; second toe S^V, its claw YV ' third toe 4^, its claw -pj ; fourth toe 4-j^, its claw -j^. Female in Summer. — The female resembles the male, but is considerably smaller. The oesophagus, fifteen inches long, two inches wide, contracted witliin the thorax to an inch and three-fourths ; the belt of proventricular glandules two inches and two-twelfths. The stomach is two inches RING-NECKED LOON. 287 and eight-twelfths in length, and of the same breadth ; with the lateral muscles very thick, the upper and lower distinct ; the epithelium dense, rugous, and of a yellowish tint. The intestine is five feet five and a half inches in length, about half an inch in width ; the caca an inch and a quarter long, and of considerable width ; the rectum five inches and a half long, with the cloacal dilatation two inches in diameter. Length to end of tail 32 inches ; extent of wings 52 ; wing from fiexure 14|- ; tail 2f ; bill along the ridge 3 ; along the edge of lower mandible 45- ; its height at the base -|-^ ; tarsus S^ ; first toe ^V, its claw -^ ; second toe 3-,^, its claw -j^ ; third toe 4^^, its claw -f^ ; fourth toe 4-j^, its claw ^. Habits. — The Great Northern Diver is among the most beautiful of those birds which seek their food in the waters of the great deep. It is not with us a very numerous species, and can scarcely be called gregarious, although adults some- times, and the young more frequently, form small parties of from two to five. A wanderer on the ocean, it not only fre- quents the margins of the sea, fishing in the bays and estu- aries, but may often be met with many miles from land, although seldom at such distances as the Gulls and other hovering birds. Narrow channels, firths, voes, sea-lochs, and sandy bays, are its favourite places of resort. There it floats, lightly it may be, but apparently deep in the water, its body being so much depressed that little of it seems exposed, com- pared with what we see of the Black-backed Gull, the one like a deeply-laden ship, scudding steadily along, the other in ballast, with scarce a hold on the water, as it mounts the heavily-rolling waves, and again descends into the trough. But though the Gull floats thus lightly, the Diver soon over- takes and shoots far a-head of it. In turning, the Gull has the advantage, for it moves round with ease as on a pivot, while the Diver slowly but steadily and majestically. This, one may say, depends on their comparative length of keel, or rather of hull. But, to observe the manner of life of this celebrated fisher, the best plan is for one to conceal himself among the 288 COLYMBUS GLACIALIS. rocks of some little bay or creek frequented by it, and there "watch its movements. It is now the end of spring, when the returning warmth gives an increase of animation to the wan- dering tribes of the winged inhabitants of the ocean air. But the Loon makes comparatively little use of his wings, and his great bulk and robust frame would be ill adapted for the hovering flight of the Gulls and Petrels. There he comes, followed by his mate, advancing with marvellous speed. They have rounded the point, and now stop for a moment to cast a searching glance along the shore, lest an enemy should be lurking there. Forward they start, the smooth water rippling gently against their sides. Small effort they seem to make, and yet powerful must be the stroke of the oars that impel masses so large at so rapid a rate. Now and again they dip their bills into the water, then the head and neck, one glides gently into the water, without plunge or flutter, and in a few seconds appears with a fish in his bill, which with upstretched head and neck he swallows. The other, having also dived, appears with a fish larger and less easily managed. She beats it about in her bill, plashing the water, and seems unable to adapt it to the capacity of her gullet ; but, at length, after much striving, masters it, and continues her search. Backward and forward over the clear sand of the shallow bay they glide in their quiet way, and now they have both dived with their heads toward us. One rises close to the sea-weeds, and so near to us that we might almost count the spots on his back. The other, in emerging, has perceived us, and somehow communicates the discovery to her mate. They swim about for a short while Avith erected necks, then sink into the water, their heads disappearing last, and when Avhen we see them again, they are three hundred yards dis- tant, standing out to sea, with half-emerged bodies. I have several times seen this bird shot by lying in wait for it in a place thus frequented, but have myself only on a single occasion killed one from the shores. The best time to shoot is when it floats witli its head under the water, or Avhen it raises itself up and sliakes its wings. In the former case, it seems to see nothing above the surface, whether owing to the great refraction of the light, or to its being intent on RING-NECKED LOON. 289 what is passing below. It is very seldom that in a boat one has a chance of procuring it, for it is generally shy, and always extremely vigilant. If shot at, and not wounded, it never flies off, but dips into the water, and rises at a great distance ; and unless shot dead, there is little chance of pro- curing it, its tenacity of life being great, and its speed exceed- ing tluit of u four-oared boat. Sometimes when surprised, or apprehensive of danger, I have heard it omit a low croaking sound. On ordinary occa- sions it is quite silent, but often, even at night, its loud, clear, melancholy cry, may be heard from the sea, and in calm weather at the distance of half a mile or more. It is very seldom seen on wing, but in the estuaries and channels, at the turn of the tide, or early in the morning, and again in the evening, it may be seen flying at a gi-eat height, with a direct rapid flight, performed by quick beats of its expanded wings, which even then seem too small for its body, and con- trast strangely with those of the Gulls. But in a direct course this bird rapidly overtakes and passes a Gull flying at its utmost speed. I have never seen it on shore, but have been informed that there it is xniable to walk, or even to stand, and is obliged to push itself forward on its belly. An acquaintance of mine caught one that had by the ebbing of the tide inadvertently allowed itself to be left in a very shallow pool. Montagu states that '•' in the spring of 1797, one was taken near Penzance in Cornwall, at some distance from the water. It appeared incapable of raising itself from the ground, though it did not seem to have any defect, as it lived for six weeks in a pond," and died for want of a sufficient quantity of food. Another, taken alive, and kept for some months in a pond, was also incapable of walking. From the middle of spring to the end of May it is very common along the shores of the Outer Hebrides, where I have seen several hundreds, all of which were in mature speckled plumage. They disappear in the beginning of June, or sometimes earlier, and do not reappear in autumn, at least in the same plumage; for those which I have seen there in winter had no spots on the back. At that season it is met with from the most northern parts to the south of VOL. V. u 290 COLYMBUS GLACIALIS. England, but is of rare occurrence beyond the middle parts of the latter country. The young birds proceed farther south than the old, of -which very few at any season are met Avith on the southern coasts of England. It is more numerous on the western than on the eastern coasts of Scotland, where it is chiefly seen in the firths. Mr. Dunn says it " is plentiful both in Orkney and Shetland in the Avinter and spring. It leaves about the latter end of May, by which time it has acquired its perfect summer plumage." It appears that all, or nearly all, the individuals of this species that frequent our coasts in autumn, Avinter, and spring, retire farther northward in summer to breed. At that season it has been found in the northern parts of the continent of Europe, in Iceland, Greenland, and the northern regions of America, from the shores of the icy sea to Mary- land. Mr. Audubon, Avho gives by far the best account of the habits of this bird that I have seen, is the only person Avho has minutely described its nest, and the circumstances relative to it. In presenting the following extract from his Ornithological Biography, I have to premise that it breeds on the borders of rivers, lakes, and marshes, never on the sea-shore: — "The situation and form of the nest differ according to circumstances. Some of those which breed in the State of Maine place it on the hillocks of weeds and mud, prepared by the musk-rat, on the edges of the lakes, or at some distance from them among the rushes. Other nests, found on the head-waters of the Wabash liiver, were situated on the mud, amid the rank Aveeds, more than ten yards from the water. One that I saw after the yomig had left it, on Cayuga Lake, in 18J34, Avas almost afloat, and rudely attached to the rushes, more than forty yards from the land, though its base Avas laid on the bottom, the water being eight or nine inches deep. Others examined in Labrador were i)la(ed on dry land, several yards from tlie Avater, and raised to the lieight of nearly a foot above the decayed moss on Avhich they Avere laid. IJut, in cases Avhere the nest Avas found at any distance from tlii' A\ater, we dis- covered a well-beaten \rd{\i leading to it, and very much resembling those made by the Beaver, to which the hunters KING-NECKED LOON. 291 give the name of cr:nvls. The nest, however placed, is bulky, and formed of the vegetable substances found in the immediate vicinity, such as fresh or withered grasses, and herbaceous plants. The internal part, or the true nest, which is rarely less than a foot, and is sometimes fifteen inches, in diameter, is raised upon the external or inferior mass, to the height of seven or eight inches. Of the many nests which I have examined, I have found more containing three than two eggs, and I am confident that the former number is that which more frequently occurs. The eggs average three inches and three quarters in length, by two inches and a quarter in their greatest breadth, and thus are considerably elongated, being particularly narrowed from the bulge to the smaller end, which is rather pointed. They are of a dull greenish-ochry tint, rather indistinctly marked with spots of dark umber, which are more numerous toward the larger extremity. On approaching the female while sitting on her eggs, I assured myself that she incubates with her body laid flat upon them, in the same way as the domestic Duck ; and that, on perceiving the intruder, she squats close, and so remains until he is almost over her, when she springs up Avith great force, and makes at once for the water, in a scrambling and sliding manner, pushing herself along the ground. On gaining the w ater she dives at once, emerges at a great distance, and very rarely sufiers herself to be approached Avithin gun-shot. The young are covered at birth with a kind of black stiff down, and in a day or two after are led to the water by their mother. They swim and dive extremely well even at this early stage of their exist- ence, and, after being fed by regurgitation for about a fortnight, receive portions of fish, aquatic insects, and small reptiles, until they are able to maintain them- selves." The food of this species, while it remains with us, con- sists of small fishes, herrings, young coalfish, sometimes even young flounders, and crabs. In its stomach are generally found small pebbles and gravel. Its flesh is dark-coloured and rank ; but of its quality as food I am unable to speak from experience, although authors condemn it. 292 COLYMBUS GLACIALIS. Young. — As tlie bird does not bleed with us, I cannot describe the young when fledged. In October and No- vember, however, they are as follows : — The bill has the ridge of the upper mandible dusky, its edges and basal part, with the whole of the lower mandible, greenish-yellow. The iris brown. The feet dusky externally, yellowish-flesh- coloured internally ; the webs flesh-coloured ; the claws brownish-yellow, dusky at the end. The upper part of the head and the nape dark greenish-brown ; the hind part and sides of the neck greyish-brown, the latter mottled with greyish-white. The feathers of the head and neck are soft and almost downy ; those of the back rounded at the end, and not truncate, as in the adult. The feathers of all the upper parts are brownish-black toward the end, broadly margined with ash-grey ; the margins larger and paler on the feathers of the middle of the back, and especially the scapulars ; on those of the hind part of the back narrow. The quills and tail-feathers are blackish-brown, with a greenish gloss. The fore part of the neck is greyish-white, minutely and faintly mottled with grey ; the cheeks also variegated ; the lower sides of the neck streaked with grey ; all the lower parts pure white, excepting under the Avings, where the feathers are like those of the back, the axillars, which are streaked with grey, and a band of brownish-grey across the hind part of the abdomen, together Avith the feathers under the tail, which are grey tipped with whitish. This, I think, must be the first plumage, as some individuals seen in it wore very small. Some of the dimensions of two are as follows : — Malk. — Lengtli to end of tail ;>l inches; extent of wings 49 ; wing from flexure 13] ; tail i2i ; bill along the ridge 2jV, along the edge of lower mandible 4,2^- ; tarsus 3-,V ; outer toe 4j*j, its claw ■^. Femai.k. — Length to end of tail 29 inches ; extent of wings 46 ; wing from flexure lo^-; tail 2f ; bill along tlie ridge 2,^t,, along the edge of lower mandible 4 ,'7, ; tarsus 3-j2j ; outer toe 4-^, its claw ,V. RING-NECKED LOON. 293 Progress toward Maturity. — In this state they con- tinue \nitil the next autmnnal moult, accor(linerfect." Nothing further is to be found on the subject in the writings of any subsequent author. It is by no means in a satisfactory state. 294 COLYMBIIS ARCTICUS. THE BLACK-THROATED LOON. BLACK-THROATED DIVER. Colymbus arcticus. Linn. Syst. Nat. I. 221, Colymbus arcticus. Lath. Ind. Omith. II. 800. Black-throated Diver. Mont. Ornith. Diet. '. Plongeon Lumme. Colymbus arcticus. Temm. Man. d'Ornith. II. 913. Black-throated Diver. Colymbus arcticus. Sclby, lUustr. II. 411. Colymbus arcticus. Jcnyns. Brit. Vert. Anim. 256. Colymbus arcticus. Bonap. Comp, List. 65. Adult about two feet eight inches long ; with the bill black, straight, two inches and a half along the ridge, tico-thirds of an inch in height at the base, ivitJi the sides prominent, the edges in part involute, but direct at the base and toward the end ; the npper part of the head and the hind neck light-grey, the fore part and sides of the head darker / the fore 7ieck pur- plish-black, ending angularly bcloiv, and having a transverse interrupted white band above ; sides and lower part of the neck in front dusky, streaked with white ; the nptpcr parts black, glossed witli green anteriorly, and sJiaded witJt, brown bcliiiid ; two dorsal bands of ivhite square spots in transverse rows ; sca- pidars with larger wltite spots ,- the lower imrts of the body white, with a longitudinal dusky band on the sides. Male in Summer. — Tliis species lias the same general form as the last, its body being elongated, rather slender, and much depressed ; the neck long and rather thick ; the head of moderate size, oblong, and anteriorly narrowed. The bill is about as long as the head, straight, stout, compressed, ta])er- ing, and pointed ; the upper mandible with the dorsal line almost straight and direct, the ridge convex, the sides convex beyond the nostrils, the edges involute for half their length BLACK-THROATED LOON. 295 in the middle, direct at the base and toward the end, the tij) narrow and poiiitcnl ; the h)wor mandible with the intcrirural space very long and extremely narrow, the lower outline of the crura straight, the dorsal line ascending and very slightly convex, the edges sharj) and involute, the tip attenuated. The mouth is of moderate width, but extensile, the gape- line commencing under the eyes. Nostrils small, sub-basal, linear, direct ; eyes of moderate size ; apertures of ears very small. The feet are short, and placed at tlie extremity of the body ; the tibia covered by the skin of the body almost to the end, the tarsus short, extremely compressed, edged before and behind, covered all over with angular scales. The hind toe extremely small, elevated, connected with the second by a membrane, which is partly free, forming a lobe narrowing to the end ; the ant( rior toes long, the outer longest ; the inner with a two-lobed membrane ; the in terdigital membranes nar- row, and emarginate ; all the toes with numerous scutella. The claws are small, depressed, convex above, obtuse. The plumage is short, dense, and firm ; on the head and neck very short, soft, and blended ; the feathers of the upper parts oblong, glossy, those of the fore part of the back, and the scapulars, truncate ; of the lower parts short, blended, but stiffish, and considerably glossed ; those on the loAver parts of the sides of the neck much incurved, with the terminal fila- ments stiff. The wings are of moderate length, narrow, and convex ; tlie primaries strong, tapering, the first longest, the second scarcely shorter, the rest rapidly decreasing ; the secondaries very short, broadly rounded. The tail is ex- tremely short, rounded, of eighteen rather firm, rounded feathers. The bill is black ; the feet greyish-blue externally, pale flesh-coloured internally ; the webs flesh-coloured ; the claws dusky, yellowish at the base. The upper part of the head and tlie hind neck are of a hoary bluish-grey, the fore part and sides of the head darker ; the throat and fore part of the neck are purplish-black, that colour extending about six inches, and ending in an angle. On the upper part of this dark bajid is a transverse narrow interrupted band of linear white streaks. The sides of the neck are blackish-brown, 296 COLYMBUS ARCTICUS. with several longitudinal white streaks, the margins of the featliers heing of that colour. On the lower part of the neck anteriorly is a hroad space similarly marked. The upper parts of the body are glossy black, tinged with gi-een. On the fore part of the back are two longitudinal bands of trans- verse white bars, fanned by the tips of the feathers. The scapulars, excepting the outer, are also marked with trans- verse rows of rather large square spots. Wing-coverts black, most of them with two roundish white spots near the end. The quills are blackish-brown, tinged with grey on the outer, and paler on the inner webs. Tlie lower parts of the body are pure white, excepting a longitudinal band on the sides under the wing, which is dusky. Length to end of tail 28 inches, to end of wings 26 ; wing from flexure 12|- ; tail 2f ; bill along the ridge 2^, along the edge of lower mandible 3-^ ; its height at the base -j^; tarsus 3-^ ; hind toe -f^, its claw -y-^ ; second toe 3-^, its claw j^j- ; third toe 3^, its claw -j^ ; fourth toe 4-^, its claw -f^. Female. — The female is similar to the male, but smaller. Length to end of tail 25 inches. Habits. — The Black-throated Diver begins to appear along our northern coasts about the end of September, fre- quenting the bays and estuaries, but in small numbers. In winter it is to be seen here and there along all the coasts of Britain, the immber of young birds greatly exceeding that of adult, but not nearly so great as that of the young Ked- throated Loons. Most of them depart by the end of April, a few only remaining to breed in the more northern parts of Scotland, and some of its islands. It sits deep in the water, when alarmed often ])roceeds with little more than its neck and head apparent, swims with surprising speed, flies gene- rally high, with rapidity, in a direct course, with outstretched neck, and quick beats of the wings. Its food consists of fishes, Crustacea, and sometimes testaceous mollusca. In winter it is schlom seen on rivers or lakes ; but in sunnner it betakes itself to inland waters, and tliere constructs its nest, which, however, I have not met with. Mr. Selby gives the BLACK-THROATED LOON. 297 first account of its breeding in Scotland. In his report on the quadrupeds and birds observed on an excursion made in tlie summer of 1834, he says : — " This beautiful species, ■whose breeding station had never before been detected, we found upon most of the interior Sutherland lochs. The first we noticed was at the foot of Loch Shin, where we were so fortunate as to find the nest, or rather the two eggs, upon the bare ground of a small islet, removed about ten or twelve feet from the water's edge. The female was seen in the act of incubation, sitting horizontally, and not in an upright posi- tion, upon the eggs. In plumage she precisely resembled the male, and when fired at immediately swam, or rather dived off to a short distance. Our pursuit after them was, however, ineffectual, though persevered in for a long time, as it was impossible to calculate where they were likely to rise after diving. Submersion frequently continued for nearly two minutes at a time, and they generally reappeared at nearly a quarter of a mile's distance from the spot Avhcre thev had gone down. In no instance have I ever seen them attempt to escape by taking wing. I may observe, that a visible track from the water to the eggs was made by the female, whose progress upon land is effected by shuffling along upon her belly, propelled by her legs behind. On the day following (Saturday, the 31st of May), Mr. J. Wilson was fortunate enough to find two newly-hatched young ones in a small creek of Loch Craggie, about two and a half miles from Lairg. After handling and examining them, during which the old birds approached very near to him, he left them in the same spot, knowing that we were anxious to obtain the old birds. Accordingly, on the Monday morning we had the boat con- veyed to the loch, and, on our arrival, soon descried the two old birds, attended by their young, and apparently moving to a different part of the loch. Contrary to their usual habit at other times, they did not attempt to dive upon our approach, but kept swimming around their young, which, from their tender age, were unable to make much way in the water, and we got sufficiently near to shoot both of them through the neck and head, the only parts accessible to shot, as they swim with the whole body nearly submerged. The female could 298 COLYMBUS ARCTICUS. only be distinguished from the male by a slight inferiority of size, and both were in the finest adnlt or summer plumage. We afterwards saw several pairs, upon various lochs, and upon Loch Kay a pair attended by two young ones, nearly half-grown. AVhen swimming, they are in the constant habit of dipping their bill in the water, with a graceful motion of the head and neck." It is said to be of extremely rare occurrence in Shetland. Mr. Dunn says he never saw it there, although there is no doubt of its visiting occasionally. It is, he says, extremely rare in Orkney; but ^Messrs. Baikie and Heddle give a dif- ferent statement : — " This bird, in its perfect, and in its immature state, though not uncommon, is by no means so abundant as the Great Northern Diver. By some it is stated to be exceedingly rare, but within the last few years it has been shot at South Ronaldshay, at Scapa, at Kirkwall, at Sanday, &c. It is very shy. A few remain with us the whole year." In the Hebrides it has escaped my notice ; but Mr, John MacGillivray, who visited some of them in 1840, says : — " Cohjmbus arcticus, Black-throated Diver, was ascer- tained to breed in North Uist. I did not, however, find its nest, but mention the fact upon the authority of several of my friends who did so, and know the species well — among others. Lieutenant Macdonald, of North Uist." Mr. Thomas Jamieson, in his Notes on the Birds of Skye, writes : — " I saw an individual of this species, in the adult plumage, on the morning of the ~4th September, when down by the sea- shore. I am not aware of their occurrence in Skye during summer, but have reason to think that they breed on the opposite shore of the Long Island. Divers, I Avas informed by those who have shot them, occur in greatest numbers along the coast of Skye in tlie beginning of spring." In the Cromarty Firth it is not very uncounnon in winter ; in the estuaries of the South Esk andTay it is also met with, and a few are to be seen in the Firtli of Forth ; but farther soutlnvard it becomes very rare, althougli individuals have been shot on many parts of the coasts of England. It is said to breed in Norway, Sweden, Lapland, and the extreme north of Europe generally, and in winter to exteud BLACK-THROATED LOON. 299 to the south of Europe. In Nortli America it extends as far south as the Gulf of Mexico. " One of the most remarkahle circumstances rehitive to this beautiful bird," says Mr, Audu- bon, " is the extraordinary extent to which the wanderings of the young are carried in autumn and winter. It breeds in the remote regions of the north, from Avhich many of the old birds, it would seem, do not remove fiir, while the young, as soon as they are able to travel, take to wing and disperse, spreading not only over the gi^eater part of the United States, but beyond their south-western limits," The eggs, of Avhich there are only two, sometimes three, are of a very elongated oval form, three inches in length, two inches in their greatest breadth, brownish-olive, sprinkled all over with black and dark brown, with larger spots of the same at the broader end. The young are said by Mr. Audu- bon to be of a uniform brownish-black colour, when in their first downy plumage ; by Sir W. Jardine to be greyish-black, paler beneath. YorxG. — In October, the young have the bill light grey- ish-blue, dusky along the ridge, whitish at the base of the lower mandible ; the iris brown ; the feet dusky-grey, paler on the inner side. The upper part of the head and the hind neck are dark greyish-brown ; the cheeks greyish-Avhite, mi- nutely streaked with dusky ; the fore part of the neck also greyish -Avhite, faintly dotted, its sides below streaked with brown. The upper parts of the body are brownish-black, the feathers all broadly margined with light grey ; the hind part of the back dull brownish-grey. The quills are brown- ish-black, the secondaries of a lighter tint, and margined with grey ; the tail-feathers dusky, similarly margined. The lower parts of the body are pure white, the feathers on the sides, and some of the lower tail-coverts dusky, edged with bluish- grey. Progress toward Maturity. — According to M. Tem- minck, " the young, when a year old, have the head and hind neck pale grey ; the throat and fore part of the neck white ; but ou the throat, and sometimes on the fore part of the 300 COLYMBUS ARCTICUS. neck, there appear some violet-black feathers mixed Mith white feathers ; the longitudinal streaked band of the sides of the neck begins to form ; the streaks of the lower part of the neck equally appear, and some black feathers, without spots, appear on the back, rump, and sides. " At the age of two years, the gi'ey of the head and nape become deeper, and assume a blackish tint, but only on the forehead ; the violet-black of the throat and fore part of the neck appear, but arc variegated with some white feathers ; the longitudinal bands are formed ; the feathers of the sides and of the upper part of the back, the scapulars, and Aving- coverts assume the white bands and spots ; the upper man- dible becomes blackish, but its base, as well as a portion of the lower mandible, are still of a grey colour. "At the age of three years the plumage is perfect, although it still happens that some individuals have the violet-black of the neck sprinkled with some white feathers." 301 COLYMBUS SEPTENTRIONALIS. THE RED- TllKOATED LOON. RED-TimOATED DIVER. SPECKLED DIVER. SPRAT LOON. Colynibus scptcntrionalis. Linn. Syst. Nat. T. 220. Colynibus aeptentrionalis. Lath. Ind. Ornith. IL SOL Colymbus borealis, striatus, and atcUatus. Lath. Ind. Ornith. IL 800, 801, 802. Young. Red-throated Diver. Mont. Ornith. Diet, and Supplt. Speckled Diver. Mont. Ornith. Diet, and Supplt. Plongeon cat-niarin ou a gorge rouge. Colymbus septentrionalis. Temm. Man. d'Omitli. IL 916. Red-throated Diver. Colymbua septentrionalis. Selby, Illustr. IL 414. Colymbus septentrionalis. Red-throated Diver. Jen. Brit. Vert. Anim. Colymbus septentrionalis. Bonap. Comp. List. 65. Adult about tioo feet five inches long ; with the bill bluish- black, slightly curved upwards, two inches and a third cdong the ridge, two-thirds of an inch in height at the base, with the sides prominent, the edges much inflected ; the sides of the head and neck, with the throat bluish-grey, the upper p)art of the head marked icith small dark spots, the nape, hind and lower parts of the neck streaked with black andtohite, the fore part of the neck xcith a broad longitudinal band of deep orange-red ; the upper parts greenish-black, icithout spots ; the loioer white, but the sides greyish-black, and a narrow dark grey band across the hind part of the abdomen. M.\i-E IN Summer. — The Red-throated Diver, which is considerably less than the Black-throated, and readily distin- guished from it by the diflference in the form of its bill, inde- pendently of its colouring, which is very dissimilar, has the body elongated, rather slender, and considerably depressed ; the neck long and ratlier thick ; the head of moderate size, 302 COLYMBUS SEPTENTRIONALIS. oblong, and anteriorly narrowed. The bill is nearly as long as the head, almost straight, being but slightly recurved, rather slender, but strong, compressed, tapering, and pointed ; the upper mandible •with the dorsal line almost straight and direct, the ridge convex, the sides prominently convex, the edges sharp, much inflected, the tij) narroAv and pointed ; the lower mandible with the intercrural space very long and ex- tremely narrow, the lower outline of the crura straight, the sides prominently convex, the dorsal line much ascending and straight, the edges sharp and much inflected, the tip acumi- nate ; the gape-line a little recurved. The mouth is of moderate width, but extensile, the gape- line commencing under the eyes ; the palate Avith two promi- nent papillate ridges, and six medial series of reversed papillse merging anteriorly into three ; the tongue, an inch and nine-twelfths long, fleshy, trigonal, tapering, longitudi- nally grooved above, with the point extremely slender and horny. The oesophagus, fourteen inches long, is two inches in width along the neck, but contracts considerably in enter- ing the thorax, and again enlarges, the proventriculus being two inches in breadth. The stomach is rather large, muscu- lar, roundish, an inch and ten-twelfths in breadth, two inches in length, its lateral muscles of moderate thickness, the epi- thelium dense, thick, and rugous, with roundish, concave grinding surfaces. The intestine, five feet two inches long, varies in width from eight-twelfths to five-twelfths. The cocca are two inches and nine-twelfths in length, half an inch in breadth near the end, Avhich is rounded. The rectum, only two inches in length, has a globular dilatation, an inch and a half in diameter. The nostrils, small, linear, direct, and pervious, are four- twelfths long, and have a curious slender lobe-like flap above ; the aperture of the eye fom-and-a-half-twelfths ; that of the car nearly a twelfth-and-a-quarter. The feet are short, and placed at the extremity of the body ; the tibia covered by the skin of the body to the end ; the tarsus short, extremely com- pressed, edged before and behind, covered all over with angu- lar scales. The hind toe extremely small, elevated, connected with the second by a membrane, which is partly free and RED-THROATED LOON. 303 lobiform ; the anterior toes long, the outer longest ; the inner ■\vitli a two-lobed membrane ; the interdigital membranes nar- row, and emarginate ; the middle toe with fifty-four scutclla. The claws are small, depressed, oblong, convex above, rounded at the end. The plumage is short, dense, and firm ; on the head and neck very short and blended ; the feathers oblong, all rounded at the end ; those on the body glossy. The wings are of moderate length, narrow, and convex, of thirty-two quills ; the primaries strong, tapering, the first longest, the second scarcely sliorter, the rest rapidly decreasing ; the secondaries broadly rounded. The tail is extremely short, rounded, of twenty rather firm, rounded feathers, of which the medial are eight-twelfths longer than the lateral. Tlic bill is bluish-black. The iris briglit red. Tlie feet brownish-black externally, pale bluish flesh-coloured inter- nally ; the webs flesh-coloured ; the claws yellowish-brown at the base, dusky at the end. The fore part and sides of the head, with the throat and the sides of the neck more than halfway down, are bluish-grey ; the upper part of the head grey with small dusky spots ; the nape and hind neck longi- tudinally streaked with greenish-black and white, the edges of the featluns being of the latter colour and elevated. On the fore part of the neck is a broad band of deeji orange-red about three inches in length. The lower part of the neck all round is longitudinally streaked or spotted with brownish- black and white. The upper parts are brownish-black, glossed with gieen, and without any white spots ; the lower parts glossy white, excepting the sides, which are greyish- black, the uxillar feathers, wliich have a narrow medial dark grey streak, a narroAv band of dark dusky grey across the hind ])art of the abdomen, and most of the feathers under the tail, which are of the same colour. Length to end of tail 26 inches, to end of wings 2-1 ; ex- tent of wings -44 ; wing from flexure llf ; tail 2|- ; bill along the ridge 2-^, along the edge of lower mandible 3-j%, its height at the base -^ ; tarsus 3 ; hind toe ^, its claw ^ ; second toe 2-^\, its claw -~^ ; third toe 3, its claw i\ ; fourth toe 3^, its claw -yj. 804 COLYMBUS SEPTEXTRIONALIS. Female. — The female is similar to the male, but smaller. Length to end of tail 23 inches ; extent of wings 41. Habits. — From the beginning of October to the middle of May, numerous individuals of this species are met with on most parts of our coasts, but more especially in bays and estuaries, the youg birds being proportionally more n\mierous in the southern than on the northern shores, although many remain all winter even among the Shetland and Orkney islands. At that season they arc very abundant in the Firths of Forth and Clyde, where I have often had occasion to observe their movements. When proceeding to a distance they advance in a direct course, rapidly moving their outstretched wings, and keeping at a great height. Their flight is surprisingly quick, or at least ought to seem so in the eyes of one who has been taught that large Avings and promi- nent sterna indicate the greatest vigour in this respect. They fly, I think, with even more speed than the Great Northern Divers, and even outstrip the Auks and Guillemots, not to speak of Gulls and other hoverers. These Avhite-breasted birds, with their long outstretched necks, and ever-moving wings, present a curious and interesting sight to him who traverses these naiTOw seas in an open boat in quest of game. But small indeed is his chance of shooting a Red-throated Diver, that bird, w hen on the water, being extremely vigilant, and seldom permitting a boat to approach within shot, although it will often alloAv a large vessel to pass quite near, and I have seen it rise from almost under the bows of a steamer, along with the Auks and Guillemots. When then, or on other occasions, taking wing from the water, it flies for many yards along its surface, its feet and wings plashing in a very curious manner. In alighting it comes down nearly erect, ploughing up tlic water for a short Avay. Its activity in its proper element is astonishing ; it swims with extreme speed, keeping deej) in tlie water, and sometimes only allow- ing its bead and neck to emerge. In diving it slij)s as it were out of sight without noise or flutter, and under the water it pursues its way with great speed, using its wings as well as its feet. Its food consists of small fishes, especially RED-TH1U)ATE1) 1,()0X. 305 sprats, young- Itoniiigs, aiul todiish, as well as ciustacca, and I liavo generally found numerous pebbles and bits of gravel in its stomach. It is neither gregarious, nor yet solitary, several individuals being often seen together, although they seldom keep very near each other, and in most cases the birds occurring dispersed at great distances. In the end of spring, having paired, they retire north- Avavd, the greater number probably betaking themselves to the arctic regions, although very many remain to breed by the inland lakes of the Highlands, Ilelnides, Orkney, and Shetland Islands. In Lewis, North Uist, and Benbecula, Avhich are singularly intersected by arms of the sea, and covered with pools and lakes, great numbers are seen during the breeding season. The sea being at hand, they usually tish there, returning at intervals to the lakes, until incubation has commenced. The nest is placed on an island, or tuft, or among the herbage near the margin, or even on the stony beach, of a lake or pool, and is composed of grass, sedge, and heatli, or other easily-procured plants, generally in small quantity, and neatly put together. The eggs, in so far as I am aware, are always two ; but it is stated by some that three as frequently occur. They are of an elongated oval form, the two of the same nest very unequal, the larger three inches in length, and an inch and eleven-twelfths in breadth. They are of a deep or pale olive-brown, or dull greenish-brown, or pale brownish-green colour, spotted and dotted with umber, more densely at the larger end. The male continues with the female, and is said to take his place on the eggs occasion- ally. The female continues to sit, crouching over her eggs, until a person comes very near, when she starts forward, plunges into the water, and on emerging usually takes to wing, but sometimes swims about with great anxiety, as does the male, should he happen to be present. On being de- prived of their eggs, they may be heard for several evenings lamenting their loss with loud melancholy cries. The usual notes, however, are harsh, and somewhat resemble those of the Gannet. The young, at first covered with greyish-black down, betake themselves to the water soon after birth, and continue there under the guidance of their parents until able VOL. v. X 306 COLYMBUS SEPTEXTllIONALIS. to flvj when tlioy all wiii^ tlieiv way to the sea. The eggs are laid in tlu> hegiuning of June, and the young fledged by the middle of August. Like the Great Northern Diver, this species is more easily procured by lying in wait on the shoi*e in places frequented by it ; but it is less addicted than that species to fishing close to the margin of the sea, by far the greater number keeping well out in the firths and lochs, and many frequenting the open sea at a great distance from land. In the breeding season, when on fresh-water lakes, it is extremely vigilant and suspicious, swims off to the opposite side, with elevated head, when a person appears even at a distance, and cannot be shot without much trouble. I have seen it caught on one of the hooks of a fishing-line baited with a sand-eel, and it is sometimes entangled in the herring and salmon nets. It is very tenacious of life, and although severely wounded com- monly escapes, as it can easily outstrip a boat. Young. — When fledged, the young are said by ^I. Tem- minck to be " of a pretty uniform blackish-brown on the u])per part, and whitish on the lower." I have not examined them in that state ; but from November to February they are as follows : — Young in Winter. — The bill is flesh-coloured at the base, pale bluish-grey toward the end, the ridge dusky-brown, becoming pahn- beyond the middle. The iris broAvn. The feet externally dusky, internally and with the ridge of the tarsus light bluish-grey ; the membranes dusky at the sides, dull flesh-cohtined in the middle ; the claws pale flesh-colour, brown at the end. Tlie upper part of the head and the hind- neck are greenish-grey, finely streaked with pale grey, the latter pvedoniinaling on the neck ; the cheeks and sides of the neck white, with faint grey markings ; the fore part of the neck also white, and still more faintly marked with gi"cy in small specks; the tips of the feathers being of that colour for half way down the neck. All the upper parts are of a deep greenish-grey, glossy, and finely speckled with greyish- white, of wliirli tluMC are two oblniii^- diverLTent spots on eaeli itKi) rHi{()Ari:i) i.oon. 307 feather, those on tlu- liiiid pint ut the hack siiiallcr and fainter. The i)rimary quills are blackish-grey, tinged with ■;reen, tlu' see(jiularies like the feathers of the hack ; the tail- featliers tipped with greyish-white. From the middle of the neck the K)W(r parts are pure white, excepting the sides under the wings, which are dark-grey, speckled with white, tlie axillar feathers, which have a medial streak of grey, a faint hand across the hind part of the abdomen, formed by tlie grey margins of the feathers, most of those imder the tail being also similarly tipped. There is no obvious difference between the male and the female at this age. The dimen- sions of two are as follows : — ^I.VLE. — Length 24 inches ; extent of wings 41 ; wing from flexure 10-/^; tail 2k; bill along the ridge 2^; along the edge of lower mandible 3^ ; tarsus 2\% ; outer toe oyV, its claw jij. Female. — Length 24^ inches ; extent of wings 40 ; wing from flexure lOi ; tail 2} ; bill along the ridge 1-J4 ; along the edge of lower mandible 2|f ; tarsus S-jQj ; outer toe S-fj, its claw -j3j. Progress toward Maturity. — Li the first spring the feathers of the throat and neck are partially shed, and a patch of velloAvish-red appears on the fore part. After the autumnal moult the bill is nuich darker ; the sides and hind part of the neck are grey ; the upper parts brownish-black, tinged with green, and still speckled with white spots, which however are much smaller ; the lower parts pure white, excepting the sides, which are as dark as the back, the streaks on the axil- lars, and the band across the abdomen, which is dusky ; most of the lower tail-coverts pure white, the immediate scries only being dusky, unless at the end. In spring the head and neck become coloured as in the adult ; the bill is now nearly all black, and much stronger ; but the feathers of the body remain until the autumnal moult. The plumage is then that of the adult in winter, with the exception of some white spots on the back and scapulars. 308 ALCIN^. A UKS AND ALLIED SPECIES. Some of the Alcinte approximate to the Colymhinw in the form of their hill, Avhile others have that organ of a peculiarly vertically-expanded form ; but all differ from the family just mentioned in having the body very compact, the neck short and thick, the head large and broadly ovate, and the feet not placed so far behind. The bill is short, or of moderate length, much compressed, pointed, but varies from slender and tapering to cultriform, or even, viewed laterally, sub-triangular. The mouth of mode- rate width ; the palate flat, with longitudinal ridges ; the tongue slender, trigonal, thin-edged, pointed ; the oesophagus very wide, generally much dilated at its lower part ; the stomach roundish, with a moderately thick muscular coat, and dense, plicate epithelium ; the intestine rather long, with moderate coeca. The nostrils small, linear, basal, sub-marginal ; the eyes small ; the apertures of the ears very small. The feet short, placed far behind ; the tibia bare for a short space ; tarsus very short, compressed, scutellate ; toes three, of moderate length, connected by membranes ; claws rather small, arched, com- pressed, acute. The plumage is dense, short, soft, and blended. The wings small, narrow, convex, pointed ; the tail very short and rounded. These birds belong entirely to the northern hemisphere, and inha])it the seas and coasts of the cold and temperate regions (»f both continents. Fitted by their comjiact form and dense short phmiage to bear all vicissitudes of \>eather, they AUKS AND ALLIED SPECIES. 309 seek their food as well on the open sea as along the shores. Their short firm winpjs, while they enable them to fly to great distances, are also the principal instruments by which they pursue under water the small fislies and Crustacea on which thev feed. In summer, vast multitiules hetake themselves to the most northern regions, while others of the same species occupy suitable places in the northern temperate and inter- mediate zones. Thus, the Razor-bill, Guillemot, and Auk, are to be found, in June and July, equally in Scotland, Feroe, Iceland, and Spitzbergen. It is on the shelves or in the crevices of precipitous rocks that they breed, few or none of them forming a nest, though some of them conceal them- selves in burrows. In most of the species only a single very large c^i;^ is laid. The young soon betake themselves to the sea, and toward the middle of autumn they and the old birds remove southward, few of them, however, proceeding so far as the Mediterranean. They are seldom seen on shore, unless at their breeding places, the position and form of their feet being very unfavourable to walking, and on the rocks they stand in a much inclined position. Eight species rank as British. SYNOPSIS OF THE BRITISH GENERA AND SPECIES. GENUS I. L'RIA. GLILLEMOT. Bill of moderate length, nearly straight, stout, compressed, tapering, acute ; nostrils sub-basal, longitudinal, linear ; tarsus short, stout, compressed; toes of moderate length, the middle toe longest ; claws rather small, arched, compressed, acute ; wings rather small, narrow, acute, the prinuiry quills incurvate ; tail very short, rounded, of twelve or fourteen feathers. 1. Una Brunnichii. Bnmnich's Guillemot. Bill stout, considerably decurved at the end, black, with the basal mar- gin of the upper mandible whitish, the angle of the lower prominent, its sides concave ; tail of fourteen feathers. 310 • ALCIN^. 2. Uria Troile. Foolish Guillemot. IJill rather stout, slightly decurved toward the end, hlack, the angle of tlu> lower mandible sliohtly prominent, its sides convex ; tail of twelve feathers. 3. Uria lacrt/mojis. Bridled Guillemot. Bill rather slender, straight, black, the angle of the lower mandible slightly prominent ; tail of twelve feathers ; eye encircled by a white line, wliich extends backwards and downwards to the length of an inch and a half. 4. Uria Grylle. Black Guillejnot. Bill black ; feet coral- red. In summer the plumage black, excepting a patcli on the wing ; the lower wing-coverts and axillars, which are white. In winter the prevailing colour white, variegated with black. GENUS II. MERGLLUS. ROTCHE. Bill very short, stout, a little decurved, as broad as high at the base, moderately compressed toward the end ; nostrils basal, oblong, w4th a horny operculum ; tarsus very short, compressed, with anterior oblique scutella ; toes of moderate length, the inner much shorter than the outer, which is about equal to tlic middle toe; claws moderate, arcuate, compressed, acute ; wings small, narrow, acute ; tail very short, slightly rounded, of twelve feathers. 1. Mer(/ulus Alle. I Attic liotche. Black above, Avhitc beneath. In summer the throat and fore-neck brownish- black. GENUS III. UTAMANIA. RAZOR-BILL. Bill shorter than the head, very high, much compressed, with tlie outline of tlie upjier mandible arcuato-decurvate, the sides nearly fiat and t'rtct, with several transverse curved grooves, the edges inficcted and sharp ; tarsus short, stout, compressed ; toes of nio(k'rate li-ngth, tlu; outer slightly shorter tlian tlie middle toe ; claws rather small, arched, compressed, acute ; wings rather short, very narrow, pointed ; tail short, narrow, cuncale, of twelve feathers. AUKS AND ALl-IKl) Sl'KClKS. 311 1. Utamania TonJa. Common liazor-blll. I Jill black, with (our (raiisversc grooves, one of which is wliite. GENUS IV. ALCA. AUK. Hill lonuer tlian the head, very high, much com])ressed, with the outline of the upper mandible arcuato-dccurvatc, the sides nearly fiat and erect, with numerous transverse grooves, the edges inflected and sharp ; tarsus very short, stout, com- pressed ; toes of moderate length, the outer shghtly shorter than tlie middle toe ; claws rather small, arched, compressed, rather obtuse; wings extremely small, much pohited; tail short, pointed, of fourteen feathers. 1. Alca imj)cn?iis. Great Attic. Length about a foot and a half. GENUS v. MORMON. PUFFIN. Bill about the length of the head, nearly as high as long, extremely compressed, oblicpiely grooved on the sides ; nos- trils linear, marginal ; tarsus very short, little compressed, scutellate ; outer and middle toes about equal ; claw^s strong, arched, acute, that of the inner toe hooked ; wings short, narrow, much curved, acute ; tail very short, slightly rounded, of sixteen feathers. 1. Jformofi arcticus. Arctic Puffin. Bill with three curved furrows on each mandible ; the basal rim and first ridge of both mandibles dull yellow, the intervening broad space greyish-blue, the rest bright red ; a flattened triangular horny body on the upper eyelid, and an elongated adherent plate on the lower. .31*2 URIA. GUILLEMOT. The genera of this family are so closely allied to each other, that descriptive characters, such as are given in this Avork, must in many particulars be nearly the same in all. In the present group, the body is full, ovate, and rather depressed ; the neck short and thick ; the head large, ovate, anteriorly narrowed. Bill of moderate length, stout, nearly straight, compressed, tapering, acute ; upper mandible with the nasal sinus broad and feathered, the dorsal line straight, becoming arcuato- decurvate toward the end, the ridge narrow but obtuse, the sides ra])idly sloped, the edges sharp and inflected, with slight notches close to the small, bluntish tip ; lower mandible with the angle rather long and narrow, the dorsal line ascending, and straight or slightly concave, the back very narrow, with a groove at the base, the edges sharp and inflected, the tip very acute. Mouth rather wide ; anterior palate flat, with five promi- nent lines. Tongue slender, trigonal, tapering, pointed, thin -edged at the end. CEsophagus wide, much dilated below ; stomach moderately muscular, with a dense plicate epithelium ; intestine long and rather wide, with moderate ca>ca. Nostrils sub-basal, longitudinal, linear. Eyes rather small. Aperture of ear very small. Legs short, placed far behind ; tibia bare for a short space ; tarsus stout, compressed, scutellatc ; no hind toe ; anterior toes webbed, the inner much shorter than the outer, which is nearly as long as the middle toe ; claws rather small, or moderate, arched, com- ]>resscd, rather acute. Plumage dense, blmdcd, liim but soi't, on the head and llunjit \clvrtv. ^^'ill^s latlui >^iiiiill. iiarmw. acute : ]uiiuaiN GUILLEMOT. 313 (luills Uipcrinfj;, curved, the first iind second longest; second- aries very sliort, rounded. Tail very short, rounded, of twelve or fourteen feathers. The Guillemots are active and rather lively birds, which inliabit the northern seas, procurin*;- their food, which consists of small fishes and Crustacea, by diving from the surface and pursuing- it under water, in which they glide with great ra})i(lity by means of the action of their wings. These organs, though snuxU, being quickly moved by strong muscles, enable them to fly with great speed. Their feet, however, having a position and fornr unfavourable to locomotion on land, are scarcely used for that ])urpose, but enable them to paddle along- very e\i)ertly on the water. They form no nests, but deposit their extrenudy large pyriform eggs on the bare surface of rocks ; and there also their young ones crouch until partially or entirely fledged. The eggs afford good eating; but the flesh of both young and old is rank and unpleasant. Fio. 79. 314 URIA BRUNNICIIIT. BRUNNICH'S GUILLEMOT. THICK-BILLED GUILLEMOT. LARGE-BILLED GUILLEMOT. Uria Bninnichii. Sabine. Trans. Liun. Soc. XII. Una Bruimicbii. Flem. Brit. Anim. 134. Guillemot a gros bee. Uria Brunnichii. Temm. Man. d'Ornith. II. 2"24. Uria Bninniehii. Bonap. Comp. List, 65. Bill stoid, considerably cleciirvcd at the end, black, icitli the basal margins of the upper mandible tohitish, the angle of the lower pro7nine?it, and its sides concave ; 2^lfffnage deep black above ; sides of the head and fore part of upper neck tinged xoith hroicn ; loioer parts and tips of secotidaries tchitc ; sides streaked with black ; tail of fourteen feathers ; interdigital membraiicsfull. In summer, the whole head and throat blackish-broicn. In tcinter, the sides of the head behind the eyes and the throat white. Male in Summt.u. — Bninnich's Guillemot, Avliich may readily be distiuguislied from the other species by its shorter, deeper, and thicker hill, has the body stout and rather depressed ; the neck short and thick ; the head large, broadly oblong, narrowed before. The bill is much shorter than the head, stout, compressed, tapering, pointed ; upper mandible \\\\\\ the dorsal line arcuato-decurvate, the ridge rather broad and rounded at the base, gradually narrowed, the sides sloj)ing, the edges inflexcd for half tlieir length, shai]) and direct toward tlie end, witli a distinct notch close to the tip ; lower mandible witli a prominent angle, beycmd which to the acute tij) the dorsal liiu' is vi-ry considerably incurvate. the sides somcwhal concave ; ^aj)e-line extending to benealli the eyes. Nostrils linear, al the Inwer anterior edge of the nasal BRUNNICH'S GUILLEMOT. 315 sinus ; eyes of moderate size ; apertures of ears very small. Feet short, placed far behind ; tibia bare and roughly scaly at its lower ])art ; tarsus stout, compressed, anteriorly with a single row of small scutella, interiorly with large scutelli- form scales, exteriorly with smaller, the hind part with very small tubercular scales. Outer toes nearly equal, and longer than the tarsus ; third toe with thirty-five scutella ; inter- digital membranes full; inner toe with a narrow two-lobed membrane, outer toe marginate ; claws strong, gently arched, rather acute ; inner side of the third toe expanded. The plumage is dense, very soft, and blended ; on the head very short, stiffish, but velvety. Wings of moderate length, narrow, incurvate toward the end, pointed ; tlie first quill longest ; secondaries short, rather broad, rounded. Tail very short, of fourteen soft, broad, narrowly rounded feathers. Bill black, the basal half of the margin of the upper mandible gieyish-white. Feet dusky, tinged with flesh- colour ; claws black. The sides of the head, the throat, and the sides of the neck, sooty-brown ; the upper part of tlie head, hind-neck, back, and wings glossy black, wdth a slight tinge of green anteriorly, and of brown behind ; primary quills and tail-feathers blackish-brown ; secondaries, the inner four excepted, tipped with white ; all the lower parts Avhite, except some dusky streaks under the wing, the ante- rior edge of the Aving, and the primary coverts, which are brownish-grey, as are the quills on their inner webs. Length to end of tail 18 inches ; bill along the ridge l-Y-j, along the edge of lower mandible 2-j^, its height at the angle -^, its breadth at the nostrils -^ ; wing from flexure 85 ; tarsus 1 -j^ ; middle toe l^V? its claw -j^. Female in Summer. — Similar to the male, and nut much smaller. Length about IT inches. Habits. — Brunnich's Guillemot frequents the arctic seas in great numbers during the summer. It has been observed at Spitzbergen, Greenland, Davis' Straits, Baffin's Bay, Ice- 316 URIA BRUNXICHII. laud, and Feroo, as well as on the coasts of Norway. But it does not migrate so far southward as the Common Guille- mot, and is of very rare occurrence in the British seas. It was seen by Colonel Sabine, in July, on the coast of Kerry. Captain Sir James C. Ross met with it at Unst, the most nortliern of the Shetland Islands, as well as in several parts of Scotland. The only British specimen I have seen I found among some skins from Orkney, belonging to the late ^Ir. Wilson, Janitor to tlie Edinburgh University, in the museum of which it was soon after deposited. Mr. Audubon was informed that it occurs in winter as far south as the Bay of Boston, but did not meet with any there, or even in Labrador, although he received a specimen from Eastport, in Maine. On the other hand, it is represented as very plentiful in the arctic seas in summer. ^ly descriptions are taken from specimens obtained there. Appended to one of them by the donor, the surgeon of a whaler, is the following note : — " Uria Brunnichii (Loom). Coccygeal glands large ; two large apparently sanguiferous oblong flat bodies, lying obliquely from before backwards over the orbits. Food am- j)hi])oda. Stomach lined with a hard horny substance, easily separated from the fibrous coat. Egg rather pyramidal, o\ inches long axis, 1^ to 1^ short axis, of a green colom-, with black spots. Hatches in clefts of the rocks, from the 20th of June to the 15th of July. Iris of a dark brown colour; eye not at all prominent, sunk deep into the orbit, and well covered with the eyelids. Rather shy, never appearing to come near the sliips for the purpose of eating any ofl'als of the whale, &c. Swim in numbers from two to three \ip to forty or fifty. They never fly high, but along the surface of the ice or water." The habits of this species arc represented as being in all respects very similar to those of the Common Guillemot. Yoi'NG. — We have no satisfactory accounts of the young, or of their progress toward maturity. Am i.r IN WiNii.i;. — An iu(li\i(liial figured liy Mr. Au- dulinii is tlius (1ps( ribcd : — '' Hill black. fris dark brown. BRUNNICH'S GUILLEMOT. 317 Fcot dusky, tinged with rod, The general colour of the plumage is greyish-black on the upper parts, on the head tinged with brown. The sides of the head and neck, its fore part, the breast, abdomen, edges of the wings, and the tips of the secondaries, white ; the sides shaded with greyish- black ; a line of the same behind tlie eye. "Length ISMnchesj extent of wings 30; wing from flexure 8 ; bill along the ridge l-f-r" Remarks. — The tail-feathers have been said to be twelve ; but in an arctic specimen before me I find thirteen, Avith a gap left by the wanting one. The white of the lower parts terminates on the throat in an acute angle, whereas in the Common Guillemot it is broadly rounded there. The intcrdigital membranes are full, the margin of the outer rounded ; whereas in the Common Guillemot they are emar- ginate, the outer deeply cut out. 318 URIA TllOILE. FOOLISH GUILLEMOT. COMMON GUILLEMOT. WILLOCK. HM. LINGY. LAMIII, or LAW. MUKRE, MURSE. MARROT. TIXKERSIIEER. SCOUT. SKIDUAW. SE.\-HEX. SCUTTOCK. Colymbus Tioilo. Linn. Syst. Nat. I. 220. Uria Troile. Lath. Ind. Ornith. II. 795. Guillemot a capuchon. Uria Troile. Temm. Man. d'Ornith. II. 921. Foolish Guillemot. jNIoiit. Ornith. Diet, and Supplt. Lesser Guillemot. Mont. Ornith. Diet. Foolish Guillemot. Uria Troile. Selby, Ilhislr. ISrit. Ornith. 120. Uria Troile. Jonyns, Krit. Vert. Anim. 2oS. Uria Troile. 15onap. Comp. List, 65. Hill rather stout, slujlitly dcciirvcd toivard the end, blaek, the angle of the lower mandible slightly j)m7Hi»cnf, and its sides convex ; 2>lu7nagc greyish-hlack above ; sides of the head and fore part of vi^jwr neck iinged with brown; lower xwrts and tips of secondaries white ; sides streaked witJi blaek; tail of twelve feathers ; interdigital membranes eniarginate. In Slimmer, the irhole head and throat brown. In winter, the sides of the head behind the eyes and the throat white. FOOLISH GUILLEMOT. 319 Male in Summku. — Tlie Common GuillcMiiot, so plentiful alon epithelium. The intestine is three feet long, from four-twelfths to three-twelfths in widtli ; the coeca an inch and a third in length, three-twelfths in width ; the rectum two inclies and a quarter long, Avith an elliptical cloaca. The nostrils arc sub-basal, linear, three-twelfths long, in the lower part of the memluane, which forms a thin flap above, and partially concealed by the feathers ; the eyes small ; the aperture of the ear very small. The feet, placed far behind, are very small ; the tibia feathered almost to the joint ; the tarsus short, compressed, reticulate, but with an anterior inner series of larger scales. The toes, three in num])er, are rather small, scutellate, the lateral marginate ; the inner with about twenty scutclla, the next with twenty- eight, the outer longest, not including the claws, and with about thirty scutella ; the membranes full. The claws are BLACK GUILLEMOT. 33.5 rather small, arched, compressed, rather acute ; that of the middle toe Avith the inner edge dilated, and notched near the end. The pluniage is dense, soft, blended, and velvety ; tlie featliers oblong, on the back rather abruptly terminated. The Avings are small and narrow, Avith twenty-eight quills ; the primaries curved and rather acute, the first longest ; the secondaries incurved, broadly rounded, the inner rounded. The tail is very short, narrow, rounded, of twelve soft, rather pointed feathers. The bill is black ; the inside of the mouth vermilion ; the iris dusky ; the feet vermilion; the claws bluish-black. The general colour of the plumage is Avhite, with a tinge of grey. The upper part of the head is obscurely mottled with greyish-black ; the featliers of the back and the scapulars black, tipped w'ith greyish-white ; the wings and tail brownish-black, the former with a large patch of white, including the secondary coverts and many of the smaller coverts. Length to end of tail 13 inches; extent of wings 22; wing from flexure 6-j^; tail 2; bill along the ridge Ij*^, along the edge of lower mandible I-L4 ; tarsus 1^ ; inner toe ^ ; its claw -^ ; middle toe 1^, its claw ^ ; outer toe IjVj its claw -pSj. Female ix Winter. — The female differs from the male only in being a little smaller. Length to end of tail IH inches; extent of wings 21. Changes of Plumage. — The moult takes place in autumn, and is completed by the beginning of November. Early in spring another moult commences, which is com- pleted by the end of April, and changes all the feathers, excepting those of the wings and tail. In summer the bird has a very different appearance, being chiefly of a black colour, glossed with green above, and tinged with brown or red below. Male in Summer. — The bill, iris, and feet as in winter; 334 LKIA GRYLLK. but the latter are of a richer and deeper tint, like that of red coral, or carmine and vermilion. The general colour of the plumage is black, on the back and Avings tinged -with green, on the breast and abdomen Avitli brown. On the wing is a conspicuous patch of ■white, including the secondary coverts and many of the smaller ; and the axillar feathers and lower wiug-covcrts are also white. Female in Summer. — Like the m.ale. Habits. — This, I think, is one of the most beautiful of our sea-birds. The lively little creature I have always found to be a kind of favourite in the places frequented by it. jNJany hundreds of the young have their lives every year sacrificed to the mistaken kindness of children who try to rear them, always without success. I have kept them alive for several weeks, but somehow they never thrived, and I never saw one that attained the age of three months. Now, suppose yourself floating on the heavy swell of the Atlantic along the base of a cliff decorated with luxuriant tufts of Rhodiola rosea, Silene niaritima, and Statice armeria, and inhabited by Guillemots, Auks, and Starlings. Here and there arc narrow cracks, perpendicular and inclined. In most of them, after a shot has been fired, you will see one, two, or more, of the Black Guillemots looking down upon you, half afraid to remain, and loth to leave their eggs or young. Another shot is fired, and you see them bounce away on rapidly-moving wings. There, on a shelf, a dozen of them have alighted in a row. Their black plumage, enlivened by the two white wing-spots, and their singular-looking red feet, contrast with the brown rock. You may approach and shoot the half of them if you will, for they are by no means shy. Such are their usual breeding-places ; for they never, like the Auks and other Ciuillemots, deposit their eggs on the exposed ledges of the cliffs. They differ from them also in laying two or three eggs. I have never, however, obtained them from such places, although I know those who, clinging to the face of the rifted crag, have done so, foolishly, 1 thought, and at the peril of life ; but T have many times taken tliem from J} LACK GUILLEMOT. 33^ luick'r tilt' large blocks of stone near liigli-water mark. Nests tlicy lia\c' none, unless a little gravel or some ])ebl)les may be so called. Tlie eggs, frecjuently tbree, but I tbiiik more eomnu)nly two, are about the same size and shajjo as those ot" a domestic fowl, being regularly ovate, from two inches and a half to two inches and a quarter in length, from an inch and sevcn-twi'lfths to a twelfth less in breadth, sometimes smooth, often rough with little flattened prominences ; grey- ish-white, yellowish-white, bluish-white, or sometimes pale greenish-blue, and marked with blotches, spots, and dots of dark brown, varying in tint from brownish-black to umlxv, together with faint purplish-grey spots, the markings larger and more numerous near the broader end. The eggs are deposited in the beginning of June, and early in August the young are abroad. Their food consists of small fishes and Crustacea, in search of which they frequent less the sounds and bays than the open sea. On all the coasts of Scotland, the fry of the Coal-fish is a very common article of food with them, as Avith many other sea-birds. About most of their breeding-places, I have not observed them to proceed daily to a great distance ; but on leaving the rocks with their young they disperse over the ocean, entirely deserting their breeding-places until the next spring. Yet they do not migrate far southward with us, most of them remaining all winter in the north. This species sits lightly on the water, on which it paddles about in a very lively manner. It dives with rapidity, like a shot as it Avere, opening its wings a little, and under water actually flies, as I have often seen. If shot at on the water, it will often dive, but also frequently rise on wing, and. in so doing it strikes the Avater Avith its wings and feet for some distance. Its flight is quick, direct, performed by a perpetual rapid beating of the Avings. In proceeding to a distance, they often fly, in small strings, Ioav oA-er the Avater, now inclining a little to one side then to the other. When their nests or roosting-places are high on the rocks, they gradually curve upAvard as they approach them, and alight abruptly. On the groTind they move little about, although on occasion they Avalk moderately well, and prettily, Avith short steps, 336 UKIA GKYLLE. and nearly erect. They repose either standing' or lying Hat on the rock. Tlie eggs, Avhen hard hoiled, are remarkably good ; hut the flesh of the bird, being dark-coloured and rank, is not agreeable, although better than that of the Auk or other Guillemots. These are the principal facts which I have observed with regard to this bird, and with all of them I was well acquainted more than thirty years ago, when nature, without books, was my teacher. It may be amusing now to see Avhat other Avriters have said ou the subject. Martin, in his Voyage to St. Kilda, writes thus : — " The Scraher, so called in St. Kilda ; in the Farn Islands, Puffi- net ; in Holland, the Greenland Dove ; its bill small, sharp- pointed, a little crooked at the end, and prominent ; it is as large as a Pigeon, its whole body being black, except a white spot on each wing ; his e^^ gi'ey, sharp at one end, blunt at the other. It conies in the month oi March, and in the night- time, without regard to any winds ; it is always invisible, except in the night, being all day either abroad at fishing or all the day under ground upon its nest, which it digs very far under ground, from whence it never conu^s in daylight ; it picks its food out of the live whale, with which, they say, it uses sorrel, and both are found in its nest. The young Puffin is fat as the yoiuig Fulmar, and goes away in August if its first egg be spar'd." Now, Mr. ^Martin has committed the grievous error of confounding two very different birds. That called Scraher in St. Kilda is Proccllaria Pvffinus, not Uria Grylle, which is named Gcara hrcac all over the Hebrides. His description, then, applies to the latter bird, but all the habits which he has attributed to it belong to the Petrel or Pufiinet. This is all very obvious, and there is no need of saying a word more on the subject ; but we may anticipate the continuation of these errors among the compilers. Montagu, not a compiler, gives a remarkably poor account of this bird, and repeats the errors of its being named Scraber and having one es,^, which he, however, describes as " dirty white, blotched witli ])alc rw<\ colour," and in this comes near the trutli. BLACK CU ILLEMOT. :iM Dr. Fleming, who, f()ll()winr, tliree- twelfths in width at the com- mencement, gradually enlarging into a globular cloaca, nine- fwtdfths in breadth. The nostrils are very small, ()l)U)ng, witli a strong, angular, horuy o])ercuhnn. The eyes small, their apcrtun* mcasuviTig a twelfth ;iiid ;i lialf That of tlu^ cnr oue- twelftli. LITTLE ROTCHE. 343 Tlic ))luiii;ij4f is dense, blended, soft, on iIk; u|H)cr parts ••lossy. The wings arc short, narrow, convex, and pointed, with the first (piill hmgcst, the second scarcely a twelfth shorter, the other primaries rapidly decreasing, the secon- daries short and rounded. The tail is very small, nearly even, the lateral feathers being only a twelfth and a half shorter than the medial. The bill is black. The iris deep brown. The feet dusky. The throat, lower part of the cheeks, the breast, and abdomen are white. The upper part of the head, in- cluding part of the cheeks, the hind-neck, and all the upper parts, are black ; the back glossed with greenish. There is a white spot on the upper eyelid. The scapulars are streaked with white, and the secondary (piills are tipped with the same. The uppermost feathers on the sides under the wings have their inner webs })lack, and the lower wing- coverts are greyish-brown. Length to end of tail i)j inches ; extent of wings 14^ ; wing from flexure 4^4 ; tail 1^^ ; bill along the ridge -[^, along the edge of lower niandil)le 1 ; tarsus -/^ ' i'^ner toe -^, its claw -Jj ; middle toe 1 , its claw j\^ ; outer toe \^, its claw J--J. Female in Wintek. — The female is similar to the male, but smaller. Male in Summer. — The bill, iris, and feet as in winter. The whole head and the neck all round are brownish-black ; the upper parts glossy greenish-black ; the lower white. There is a white spot on the upper eyelid, and the scapulars and tips of the secondary quills are white. In short, the colours arc the same as in winter ; but the head is tinged with brown, and the throat and fore-neck are black in place of being white. Habits. — The habits of this bird have not been minutely described. In summer it is found in very high latitudes, and in winter retires southward, along the coasts of both continents. It is said to be more abundant in the seas of 344 MEltGULUS ALLE. Amciica tlifu in those of Europe. Its food consists of small Crustacea and fishes, which it procures by diving, its habits being- similar to those of the Auks and Guillemots. Some writers say that it lays two eggs, others that it has one only. My acquaintance with it in the living state is extremely slight, as I have had only a single opportunity of seeing it, having observed two individuals perched on the cliffs of the Bass Rock, one day in the month of May. I have been crediblv informed of its breeding in considerable numbers at St. Abb's Head. The e^y^y, according to Mr. Audubon, " measures one inch and nearly five-eighths in length, one inch and an eighth in its greatest breadth. It is remarkably large for the size of the bird, and of a dull uniform pale gicenish-blue." On their arrival from the far north, these birds are seen occasionally in considerable nimibers among the Shetland and Orkney Islands. Dr. Edmondston, however, in his Notes, calls it a rare winter visitant in Shetland ; while, in Orkney, Messrs. Baikie and Heddle inform us that they " occasionally appear in great numbers during winter. They were very abundant in 1803, in January 1812, and again during winter 1846-7. They usually keep to deep water, and approach the shore only during bad weather. One season they were frequently observed swimming on fresh- water lochs." They are seen occasionally along the east coast of the middle division of Scotland, especially in the Bays of Banff, Peterhead, and Aberdeen, In November 1840, an individual, caught near the mouth of the harbour at' Aberdeen, was ])rought to me by Mr. Alexander Chal- mers ; anotlicr found dead near Don Mouth I saw with Mr. Thomas M'Kenzie ; a third was sent to me from Rosehcarty, by Dr. Wisely, who stated that they come sometimes to the coast tliere in very severe storms in winter, (irreat numbers were seen that winter along the eastern coast of Aberdeen- shire. Mr. Yarrell gives an account of the occurrence of these birds in October 1841, after a vioh^it storm from the N.N.l'i., on th(^ eastern coasts of England, from Yorkshire to Kent and Sussc^x ; and nienlioiis \iiri(»us instances of tlicir hiiving been driven far inland. 345 UTAMANIA. RAZOR-BIT.L. The liazor-bills differ from tlie Guillemots chiefly in tlie dilated form of their bill, and in having- the tail cuneate. Their jiroportions otherwise are the same. l)ill rather shorter than the head, stout, very higli or vertically expanded, but much compressed ; upper mandible with the nasal sinus broad and feathered, the dorsal line arcuate and decurvate, the ridge extremely narrow, the sides erect and transversely grooved, the edges sharp and inflected, with very slight notches close to the small decurved tip ; lower mandible with the angle long, and a small horny appen- dage in it, the dorsal line ascending and toward the end con- cave, the edges sharp and inflected, decurved and direct at the end. Mouth of moderate width ; anterior palate flat, with five prominent lines. Tongue slender, trigonal, tapering, pointed; oesophagus wide, excessively dilated in the lower part ; stomach small, elliptical, Avith the muscular coat rather thin, with round tendinous spaces ; the epithelium thin, dense, longitudinally plicate ; intestine of moderate length and width, with small coeca. In other respects they resemble the Guillemots, and their habits are the same as theirs. ;ii(5 UTAMANIA TORDA. THE COMMON RAZOR-BILL EAZOR-BILL. COMMON AUK. GURFEL. FALC. MURRE. MARROT. Alca Torda. I, inn. Syst. Nat. 1. 210. Summer. Alca Torda. Latli. Ind. Oraith. II. 793. Ilazor-bill. Mont. Ornith. Diet. Adult in summer. Auk, Black-billed. Mont. Ornith. Diet, and Supplt. Young in winter. Alca Pica. Linn. Syst. Nat. I. 210. Winter. I'ingouin macropterc. Alca Torda. Tcmm. Man. d' Ornith. II. 93G. Razor-bill Auk. Alea Torda. Selby, Illustr. II. 435. Ftamania Torda. Bonap. Comp. List. 66. Length about setcntcen inches ; wings reaching to the middle of the tail, tvhich has tivclve feathers ; hill tvith four transverse grooves, one of ichich is tchite. Adult in summer icith the head and ivpper part of the neck all round hrownish- hlarh, the up-per parts greenish-hlarh, the lower tchite y a nar- roio line from the hill to the eye, and the terminal margins of the secondary quills white. Adult in tvinter with the upper parts of the head and nape yr<'yish-hhirk ; the throat and sides of the head tvhite, with a dusky hand hehind the eye ; COMMON KAZOU-BII-L. 347 the other pen ts Hiiirly us in suwnwr. Yoiaiii at Jirst colaurcd like the adult in summer, afterwards like the adult in winter, hut al/eai/s distiixjidshahlr hy hariny the hill smaller, mvrh less elecatcd, without yrooces, and hlach. iSFalk in Winiek. — Tlie Kiizor-lnlk'd Aiik, -which closely rcsomblcs tlic JSh'iidcr-bincd (iuillomot in t'orni and colour, is sonicwhiit less tliiiii that species, and distinguished from it by its much deeper compressed hill, somcAvhat rescmblin<^' the blade of a knife. The body is rather elongated, full, and somewhat depressed ; the nock short and thick ; the head large, ovato-oblong, anteriorly narrowed. The bill is shorter than the head, very high, much compressed ; the upper man- dible Avith its lateral or nasal sinuses extremely large, extend ing to more than half its length, leaving only a narrow mar- gin below, forming an angle before, and covered with feathers, its upper margin oblique, forming a narrow ridge, the outline of the horny part arcuato-decurvate in the third of a circle, the ridge very narrow but convex, the sides nearly flat and erect, with five transverse curved grooves, of which that next the basal rim is deepest, the edges inflected and sharp, the tip decurvcd and narrow, but blunt ; the lower mandible with the intercrural space long and very narrow, the crura for half their length covered with feathers, leaving only a very narrow horny margin, but ultimately enlarged, the dorsal line ascending and slightly concave, the sides nearly flat, with four transverse shalloAv grooves, the edges sharp and inflected, the tip somewhat decurvcd, the gape-line straight, at the end decurvcd. The mouth is of moderate width, opening far before the eyes ; the palate with two papillate ridges, and several series of reversed papilla^ ; its anterior part with five prominent lines. The tongue, an inch and a quarter in length, is slen- der, fleshy, flat above, with a medial groove, and tapers to a thin horny point. The asophagus, eight inches long, is about an inch in Avidth, but on entering the thorax enlarges to an inch and three fourth?, forming an enormous proventri- cular sac, the gieator part of which is occupic d by the very nimierous glandules. The stomach is small, elliptical, ten- 348 UTAMANIA TORIJA. twelfths long, eiglit-twch'tlis in breadth, its nuiscular coat rather thin, the tendons round, the epithelium thin, dense, and longitudinally plicate. The pylorus is very small ; the intestine four feet two inches long, fi-om five-twelfths to two- twelfths in -width ; the coeca eight-twelfths long, a twelfth and a half in breadth ; the rectum two inches, with a globular cloaca, an inch in diameter. The nostrils linear-oblong, marginal, medial, two-twelfths and a half long. The eyes small, and the aperture of the ears more so. The feet, which are placed far behind, are short, and rather strong ; the tibia bare for a short space ; the tarsus very short, compressed, anteriorly edged, posteri- orly rounded, with about twenty small anterior scutella, on the sides and behind reticularly scaly. The hind toe is wanting, the anterior toes of moderate length, the inner shortest, the middle toe slightly longer than the outer, their scutella thirty-two, forty, and forty-two ; the interdigital membranes full. The claws rather small, arcuate, compressed, pointed, that of the middle toe with the inner margin enlarged. The plumage is dense, blended, glossy, very soft ; on the head very short, close, and velvety. The wings are rather short, very narrow, concave, pointed, with eighteen quills ; the first primary longest, the second scarcely shorter, the rest rapidly decreasing ; the primaries narrow, acute ; the second- aries broader, curved downwards and inwards, and obliquely rounded ; the tertiaries short, straight, and rounded. The tail short, narrow, cuneate, of twelve tapering feathers, of which the medial are an inch longer than the lateral. The bill is bluish-black, with a white band crossing each mandible ; the basal margins and the inside of the mouth yellow. The feet black. The up})er part of the head, the hind part and sides of the neck, and all the upper part of the body and wings, black, with a tinge of green. From the base of the ridge of the upper mandible to the eye on each side is a narrow line of minute white feathers, tipped with dusky. The secondary quills are terminally margined with white, and the primaries have their inner Avebs shaded into light ])rownish-grey. The throat, sides of the head, and ujiper jieck, fore part of the m^ck, and the rest of the lower parts. COMMON KAZOR-BILL. 340 white. Hcliiiul the eye is a narrow blackish-grey band, aiul tlic sides of" the neck, nearly half way down, are mottled with tlio same. Length to end of tail 11^ inches; extent of wings 28; wing from flexure S-^ ; tail S-fj ; bill along the ridge l^^^; along the edge of lower mandible 2-j% ; its greatest height -[4 ; tarsus Ij ; inner toe 1-j^, its claw -j^^ ; middle toe 1-j^, its claw -^ ; outer toe 1-^, its claw -pL.. Female. — The female differs from the male only in being somewhat less. Length to end of tail 16|- inches ; extent of wings 27. Change of Tlumace. — In adult birds the quills, tail- feathers, and apparently those of the body, are changed in autumn, from August to the middle of October, there being at that season a complete moult, during part of which the birds are often found unable to fly. In spring the i)lumage of the head and neck is changed, the new feathers being dif- ferently coloured. As the summer advances, the black plum- age gradually fades to brown, often in a very i-emarkable degi'ee, the primary quills and coverts at length becoming brownish-grey. By this time the quills and tail-feathers have become ragged. Male in Summee. — A partial change of the plumage having been effected in spring, the bird differs considerably in its summer dress. The colours of the bill and feet remain as before, but the inside of the mouth is of a brigliter yellow, the basal margins of the bill orange. The head, and ujiper part of the neck all round are black ; the throat and cheeks tinged with purplish-red ; the narroAv bands from the bill to the eyes pure white and conspicuous. The rest of the plumage coloured as in winter, but the wings tinged witli brown, and gradually becoming more so as the season advances. Fkmale in Summer. — The female cannot be distinguished from the male. ;j50 UTAMANIA TORDA. IIahits. — ill auluniii greiit uuiabers of Razor-bills make their appearance ou the bays and estuaries of most parts of Scotland and England. As the season advances they become more numerous to the southward, and in Avinter the northern coasts are almost entirely deserted by them. In the firths and other inlets, when frequmited by shoals of young herrings or other fishes, they are often seen in great abundance, and in fine weather are occasionally met with in the open seas. Toward the end of spring they collect into parties, and pro- ceed toward certain breeding-places, which are always abrupt cliffs along the shores, or precipitous islands, where they nestle along with the Guillemots and Kittiwakes. Of this kind are St. Abb's Head in Berwickshire, the Bass Rock, and Fowlsheugh near Stonehaven. The Hebrides afford many such retreats, one of the most interesting of Avliich is the little island of Berneray, called by mariners Barray Head, about ninety miles distant from the coast of Ireland ou the one hand, and St. Kilda on the other, and one of a group of islets named the South Isles of Barray. In the summer of 1818, 1 accompanied Mr. Macneil of Vetersay, and Mr. Nicol- son, the minister of Barray, to these islands. Soon after landing, avc betook ourselves to a hut, which had been cleared for our reception, and regaled oui'selves with roasted mutton, Avild fowls' eggs, and whisky. As our boat was rather large and heavy, it was substituted by a smaller one belonging to the people of the island. Rowing round its eastern extremity, we came upon some high cliffs, covered with Guillemots, of which about forty were killed, together wath a few Gulls. Passing round the island, we returned to our lodging, and in the evening I accompanied Mr. Nicolson to the summit of a ridsie, on which were the remains of a rude fort, and where we had a fine view of the islands. Patches of Avhite vapour floated on the surface of the ocean, and the summit of the cliffs were enveloi)ed in mist. The Aveather had been so sultry for many weeks, that where the soil lay thin on the rt)cks, the herbage was scorched, the brooks, and even the fountains, were dried u}), and in this usually cold and wet climate we experienced many of the disagn-eable (effects of a >\armer region, without any of its advantages. But the COMMON HAZOU-BILL. ;551 islanders clioered themselves with (he hope of a speedy fall ot rain, llie sea having been unusually disturbed, although the weather had been calm, and this phenomenon, they said, invariably indicated a change. The Island of Berneray is of an elliptical form, al)out a mile in length, and upwards of half a mile in breadth. It presents the appearance of a mass of rock, considerably in- clined, the northern side dipping into the water, and the southern exhibiting an abrupt section rising to the height of several hundred feet. On a kind of peninsula, jutting out from the face of this precipice, is the rude fort mentioned above, in the form of a double wall laid across the isthmus, and roofed with long slabs. Viewed from the sea, the rocks present an imposing spectacle, exhibiting masses of hiclined. perpendicular, and projecting cliffs, smooth, largely cleft, or minutely fissured. The whole face of the precipice, to the extent of half a mile, was covered with birds which had assembled there for the purpose of breeding. Only four species were seen by nie : the Guillemot, the Auk, the Puffin, and the Kittiwake. These birds inhabit the cliffs, not promiscuously, but with a degree of regularity and dis- tinction which seems not a little wonderful. On the grassv summits breed the Puffins, burrowing in the turf. From thence to half way down is the space selected by the Auks, while in the remaining division are stationed the Guillemots and Kittiwakes, the latter coming almost to high-water mark. The Auks and Guillemots lay each a single egg, which is placed on the bare rock. On a shelf about three yards in length, and as many feet in breadth, one may often see fifty or sixty crowded into a solid mass, and each sitting on its own egg. Such masses are of frequent occurrence, the shelves being larger or smaller ; but in general two, or three, or four are seen together, and sometimes an individual is seen sittin" solitarily, if one may say so, when it is surrounded by others at no greater distance than three or four feet at farthest. The Gull, on the other hand, forms a nest of grass and sea- weeds, and lays two or three eggs. This, I believe, is the most numerous species, and in many places covered the face of the rocks ; but, in truth, the number of all the species 352 UTAMAXIA TORDA. excited astonishment. When a shot was fired, most of the birds in the neighl)ourhood k^ft tlieir nests and flew abont, while some, in their hurry, fell into the sea, and, on emerging, raised with their wings an uninterrupted splashing of the water some hundred yards from the base of the rocks. After a succession of shots, almost the whole body seemed to be on wing, presenting the appearance of a kind of cloud, whicli occupied a quarter of a mile square, and through which one could scarcely distinguish the blue sky from the flakes of white vapour. In their flight the birds did not cross much, but generally moved in the same direction, wheeling in a circle. This disposition probably arose from their number being so great that they could not conveniently fly at random. The mingling screams produce a general mass of harsh sound, in which the cries of individuals cannot be distinguished. The weather being very hot, and the light reflected from the rocks and the sea, while the steam from the rowers, shooters, and tar of the boat was sickening, I at length became aflected with severe headache, which was increased by gazing on the birds as they sat far above us, and the frequent fulmi- nations intended for their destruction. The noise and bustle of these winged inhabitants of the rocky isle reminded me of the stir of some great city, and their prodigious numbers I could compare to nothing that I had seen but the shoals of some species of fish. jNIany were fishing on the smooth sea around the island, many flying from the rocks, many returning to their eggs, many resting on shelves and crags along the edge of the water ; but by far the gi'eater number Avere seated on their eggs. Such was the ai)])earance of the place Avhen the birds were not disturbed ; and they were not very excitable, for, mdess after a shot, none stirred on our account, however close the boat ( anic It was not uncommon to see them arranged in a line extend- ing several yards along a fissure, and this formed a very pretty sight, especially when their white breasts appeared, for, excepting the Gulls, these birds stand nearly eri'ct. The rocks scenu'd woiulerfully adapted for the purpose of breeding, being very closely inler>-eelt'd li\ fissures of various sizes, and ruiniin'r in all directions. COMMON RAZORBILL. 353 Having left the landing-place about ten in the morning, we passed along the rocks Avestward, three of my companions shooting joyously as we proceeded. About fifty birds -were killed, principally Guillemots, the Auks being for the most part, and tlie Puffins entirely out of reach, while the Kitti- wakes, although nearest, not being in groups, were not molested. Some Puffins were procured by our guide, who went on shore for them. About twelve, the wind began to come in gusts, and the agitation of the sea increased, particu- larly at the western extremity of the island, where a strong current ran, producing a jumble of short waves. These cir- cumstances prevented us from visiting several places said to be equally interesting, particularly an islet on which the Puffins breed in vast numbers, and induced us to return to our anchorage through the narrow channel between Berneray and Minglay. The predicted change of weather had com- menced : some rain fell, and the wind blew freshly from the south. About two o'clock we set sail with a favourable breeze, and in an hour and three quarters performed the voyage, which, when outward bound, had taken us about four hours, the distance being ten miles. This is one way of examining such places, and pleasant enough it is ; but there is a better. Let the observer, having discovered a crack in the rock affording a somewhat perilous descent, cautiously, with knees and elbows, unshod feet and grasping fingers, make his way into the midst of the birds. There thev are around you. Collect yourself, breathe freely, deeply, hold on with feet and hands, take one comprehensive glance, but look not again to the deep-green sea beneath, lest you become giddy. Most of the birds that have been here have fled, leaving their large, oblong, blotched eggs on the bare rock. You wonder at their security, but touch one of them, and you will find that it rolls in a semicircle, or, if there be any asperities beneath, scarcely at all. The Auks that come in from the sea ascend curving toAvard you, with a quick direct flight, far from buoyant, however, and merely with force enough to clear the edge of the shelf. They alight abruptly and heavily, and stand nearly erect, with their whole tarsus on the rock. Those on their eggs are in a horizontal VOL. V. 2 A 854 UTAMANIA TORDA. position, and one must think it an uncomfortable one, from the size of the object of their care. If you shout, some, in their haste, may drive their eggs over the edge ; at all events, most of them will fly off". But your position is uneasy, and it is safer to ascend, taking with you as many eggs as you can carry, leaving the hands free. It is pleasant, at a distance from their breeding-places, to see these birds flying over the sea in small troops, generally in single file, with a direct and rapid flight, beating their short wings without intemiission, but frequently turning a little to either side, so as at one time to present the breast, at another the back to the spectator. In flying, the head, body, and tail are direct, the wings extended, and never brought close to the sides, but acting by alternate movements in a nearly vertical direction. In alighting they settle abruptly, but as they never alight from above, they sustain no injury from the slight shock. On the rocks, they have an awkward and hobbling motion, and can scarcely be said to be capable of walking. I have never seen them alight on a sandy beach, or on pasture-ground. It is usxially on the open sea, around their breeding-places, but often at the distance of many miles from them, that they search for their food, which consists chiefly of small fishes — young herrings, for example — and Crustacea, which they pro- cure by diving. In swimming, they keep the body nearly horizontal, the neck retracted, and, as they proceed, frequently immerse their head as if exploring the deep. In diving, they suddenly elevate the hind part of the body, spread out their wings a little, plunge with great force, and tlius fly ofl", using their Avings under water much in the same manner as when flying in the air. They can remain a considerable time under, and are often seen to rise at a great distance. In general, it is not difficult to approach them on the water, as ihey allow a boat to come witliiu sliooting distance ; but as they dive very suddenly, it is not always easy to shoot them. I have never heard them emit any other cry than a low croak- ing sound. If a wouud(>d bird is seized, it is apt to bite smerely, and to be with difficulty disengaged. The flesh of tliis bird is very dark-coldured, and do(\x not COMMON liAZOllBILL. 3J.3 afford a^-ceablo catinj]^ ; but its egg, wlieii hard boiled, is excellent, the albuiuiuous part being tender, and of a bluish tint. The young birds are eaten in some places. The (!gg, I think, is invariably single, although sometimes one may see two or three that have accidentally come close together in a confined space. It is excessively large, of an oblong shape, somewhat pyriform, but more rounded at the small end than that of the Guillemot, its average length three inches, or rather less, its greatest breadth two inches. The gi-ound colour is wliite, greyish-white, or brownish-white, largely blotched or clouded, and spotted and sprinkled with deep brown or black, with spots of paler brown and light purplish- blue interspersed. The eggs are laid in the beginning of May, and the young come out in about four weeks. They are at first covered with down, and they remain on the rocks until fully fledged. As the changes Avhich they undergo have not been, in so far as I know, hitherto described, I shall give a particular account of them. Young. — During the first week the bill is black, with an oval white knob on the upper mandible, and the tips whitish ; the iris black; the feet brownish-black tinged with green, the claws brownish-black. The covering is a short, dense, soft down. The head, neck, and lower parts, are pale grey or grej-ish- white ; the upper and lateral parts of the body dark grey, especially the hinder. When about a fortnight old, the yoimg bird has the bill small, extremely compressed, higher in proportion to its length than afterwards, bluish-black, with the tips horn- colour, the basal margins dull yellow, the knob gone ; the feet black, slightly tinged with green, the claws brownish- black. The covering is not down, properly so called, but a downy plumage, composed of regularly-formed, downy, ob- long, veiy soft, weak feathers, with disunited downy filaments; those on the head and neck extremely soft, on the lower parts a little firmer, and on the upper somewhat more so. There are regular primary and secondary quills, as well as tail- fcathei's, but all of looser texture than afterwards. The head, 356 UTAMANIA TOHDA. throat, hind neck, and the rest of the upper parts, are broA^niish-bhick, tlie throat jjaler, Avith many whitish fila- ments. The white hncs from the bill to the eye are distinct, but the secondary quills have no white at the end. The feathers at the lower part of the tibia are dusky. Gradually, these first feathers are substituted by others of a firmer texture. Greenish-black quills, coverts, and tail- feathers sprout forth ; the secondaries terminally margined witli })ure white. The other parts are then invested with the new feathers. The cheeks and throat now become Avhite ; so that in this stage the colouring resembles that of the adult in winter, whereas formerly it resembled that of the bird in summer. The bill gradually elongates, assumes a darker tint, and assumes some slight appearance of rugae ; and the feet also become darker. On the head, neck, and lower parts, the feathers are again changed, and at length, by the end of September, the bird has acquired its full winter plumage. It is then as fol- lows : — Young in first Winter. — The bill is much smaller than in the adult, and in particular of much less height, and still without any decided appearance of giooves. It is of a iniiform bluish-black colour, Avith the extreme tips horn- coloured, and the upper with distinct notches. The feet and claws are brownish-black. The upper part of the head, including the space from the eye to the bill, is greyish-black, as is the nape ; all the upper parts black tinged with green, excepting the tips of the secondary quills, which are white. The throat, and lower parts in general, are Avhite ; but a dusky baud runs along the crura of tlie lower mandible, a greyish-black streak passes from the cheek over the ear, the white of the side of the head extending beyond it, and the black of the hind neck on each side conies forward on the middle of the throat, becoming ])ointed and mottled, so as almost to meet that of the other side, and indicating the lower limit of the black in the summer plumage. The white lines from the bill to the eye are faint, the feathers being tipped with black. COMMON RAZORBILL. ;{oT Progress toward Maturity. — Next .spring the l)iid assumes the appearance of the adult in summer, but has the l)ill still smaller, although with two or throe pretty distinct grooves. The white band on the middle groove is not gene- rally assumed until the second spring. Remarks. — The history of this bird, as above detailed, is more nearly complete than that of many others. The young birds in their first winter were long taken for a distinct species, to which the names of Alca Pica and Black-hiUcd Auk were given. But the reasonings on which this supposed species were based being incorrect, it is unnecessary to adduce them here. This species, besides inhabiting the northern parts of Europe, and in winter appearing on the coasts of Britain, Holland, and France, occurs equally in North America, Avhere in winter it extends as far southward as New York. Mr. Audubon found it breeding on the islands in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, and on the coast of Labrador. Other observers have met with it in Greenland, Iceland, Spitzbergen, and in general dispersed over the arctic seas. 3oS ALCA. AUK. The genus Alca of LinnoDus included tlie Razorbill, the Puffin, the Kotche, and the Great Auk, each of ^vhich has been made the type of a genus. The Great Auk and the Kazorbill, hoAvever, are by many ornithologists of the present day considered as of one and the same genus. The gi-eater length of the bill, its more numerous furrows, and the ex- tremely small size of the wings, seem to distinguish the great Auk generically, and, as it is the most remarkable bird of the family, it has been selected as the type, and allowed to retain the Linnecan name. No other species of this geniis is known. Bill as long as the head, vertically expanded, exceedingly compressed ; upper mandible with its outline at first straight, then declinate and decurvate to the end, the ridge very nar- row, the sides nearly flat, with numerous oblique curved ridges and grooves, the edges sharp toward the end, the tip decurvate and obtuse ; lower mandible with the angle long, the dorsal line at first convex, then ascending and concave to the end, the sides flat, grooved, the edges sharp, the tip deflected. Nostrils linear, marginal. Eyes rather small. Apertures of cars very small. Feet short, very strong ; tarsus com- pressed, anteriorly scutellate ; hind toe wanting ; outer toe slightly shorter than the middle ; interdigital membranes entire ; claws rather small, arched, obtuse. Plumage dense, blended, very soft. Wings extremely small, but perfectly formed; first quill longest. Tail short, pointed. 3j9 ALCA IMPENNIS. THE GREAT AUK. GAREFOWL. PENGUIN. Alca impennis. Linn. Syst. Nat. I. 210. Alca impennis. Lath. lud. Omitb. IL 791. Great Auk Mont. Omith. Diet, and Supplt. Pingonin brachipterc. Alca impennis. Temm. Man. d'Omith. II. 939. Alca impennis. Flem. Brit. Anim. I. 127. Great Auk. Alca impennis. Selby, Illustr. Brit. Ornitb. II. 43.3. Alca impennis. Jenyns. Brit. Vert. Anim. 261. Alca impennis. Bonap. Comp. List, C6. Bill much compressed, sulcate ; an oval white spot before each eye. This bird has never come under my observation in the living state ; nor have I seen more than two prepared speci- mens— one in the British Museum, the other belonging to Mr. Audubon, and procured by him in London. From this latter I have taken the following description : — Adult in Summer. — The body is of a full and compact form ; the neck short and thick ; the head large, oblong, anteriorly narroAved. Bill longer than the head, stout, very high, extremely compressed. Upper mandible with the dorsal line straight at first, then declinato-decurvate to the end, the ridge very narrow, broader at the base ; the sides nearly flat, with a basal marginal ridge, succeeded by a deep narrow gi-oove, then a large flat space, followed by eight oblique curved ridges and grooves, the edges sharp and direct toward the end, the tip decurved, and rather obtuse. Lower mandible with the angle long, the sides for half their length extremely narrow and linear, beyond the angle broad. 360 ALCA IMPENXIS. tliat part being liigli and compressed ; tlie dorsal line at first convex, tlien ascending and concave to the end ; the sides flat, witli twelve transverse grooves, fainter than those of the upper mandible ; the edges sharp, the tip deflected. Nostrils basal, linear. Eyes rather small. Apertures of ears very small. Feet placed far back, short ; tarsus short, compressed, anteriorly scutellate, scaly on the sides. Hind toe wanting ; outer toe nearly as long as the third or middle, inner toe much shorter ; all with numerous scutella and several rows of angular scales, and connected by naiTow reticulated membranes ; the inner and outer toes connected at the base, the middle toe only for a quarter of an inch. Claws rather small, narrow, arched, convex above, obtuse. Plumage dense, blended, very short, on the head and nock short and velvety. Wings extremely small, but of the same form and structure as in the Razorbill and Guillemots ; the primaries narrow and tapering to an acute point, the first longest, the rest rapidly graduated, their coverts long ; secondaries short and broad, scarcely longer than their coverts. Tail short, pointed, of fourteen feathers. Bill black, with the grooves wliite. Feet and claws black. The head, throat, sides, and hind part of the neck, and all the upper parts, black ; the throat and sides of the neck ting(Hl with chocolate-brown ; the wings with greyish- brown ; the head, hind-neck, and back glossed with oHve- green. A large oblong patch before each eye, the tips of the secondary quills, and all the lower parts, white. Lengtli to end of tail 25 inches ; wing from flexiu-e 7 ; tail 3 ; bill along the ridge 3^, along the edge of lower mandible 4^, its deptli at tlie angle l-^ ; tarsus 2 ; middle toe 2-[^, its claw -fj ; outer toe 2j\, its claw -^ ; inner toe 2-^, its claw yV- Adult in Winter. — It appears to undergo, in autumn, the sam(.' change as the (guillemots and Ra/orbill, as Dr. P'leming states : — " Tn winter, the brownish-bhtck of the tliroat and fore-neck is rcjilaced l)y wliite, as I had an oppor- tunity of observing in a living bird, brought from St. Kilda, in 1822." GREAT AUK. 361 IImuts. — This very romarkuble bird is an inhabitant of the art-tic seas, and in its habits resembles the Razorbill and Guillemots ; Imt its history has not been satisfactorily traced, and of its distribution we know only that it extends from the extreme north to the Orkney Islands and St. Kilda, a few, however, havin<^ been seen as far south as Devonshire and Waterford. It appears to be gradually diminishing in numbers, and is generally considered as a very scarce bird. It is certainly so as British, for not more than ten indi- viduals are alluded to as having occurred in our seas. " One was seen off Fair Isle in June 1798. A pair bred in Papa Westra for several years." " The natives of the Orknies," says Montagu, " informed Mr. Bullock, in his late tour through those islands (in 1813), that one male only had made his appearance for a long time, which had regularly visited Papa Westra for several years. The female (which the natives called the Queen of the Auks) was killed just before Mr. Bullock's arrival. The King, or male, Mr. Bullock had the pleasure of chasing, for several hours, in a six-oared boat, but without being able to kill him ; for, though he frequently got near him, so expert was the bird in its natural element, that it ap])cared imj)ossible to shoot him. The rapidity with which he pursued his course under water was almost incredible " Very soon after, however, the male bird was obtained and sent to Mr. Bullock, at the sale of whose collection it was purchased for the British Museum, where it is still to be seen. Dr. Fleming has given an account of one taken at St. Kilda, in 1822, but which made its escape. Another was obtained there in 1829, by Mr. Murdoch M'Lellan, and presented to the late Mr. Stephenson, who intended it for the Edinburgh Mu- seum ; but it afterwards made its escape. One, said to have been taken in a pond of fresh water, two miles from the Thames, on the estate of Sir AVilliam Clayton, in Bucking- hamshire, is also mentioned by Dr. Fleming, on the authority of Mr. Bullock. Another, on that of Sir W. J. Hooker, is noticed in the Catalogue of Norfolk and Suffolk Birds ; Dr. Edward Moore alludes to one found dead near Lundy Island, in 1829 ; and Mr. Thompson, of Belfast, mentions 362 ALLA IMPENNIS. an individual taken, in 18.34, otf the coast of Waterford, and preserved in Dr. Biirkitt's collection. It docs not appear to have been met with of late years hy any of our arctic voyagers, nor do any of the American writers profess to have seen it. Mr. Audubon states that Mr. Henry Havell, when on his passage from New York to England, hooked one on the banks of Newfoundland, and hauled it on board, but after several days restored it to freedom. He was informed that it breeds on a low rocky island to the south-east of Newfoundland, but had no oppor- tunity of ascertaining the accuracy of the report. Various authors state that the egg is about five inches long, and nearly three in breadth ; pyriform, like that of the Common Guillemot ; yellowish-white, with numerous irregular lines and blotches of brownish -black. 3g;j MORMON. PUFFIN. The Puffins, of which several species are known, though only one of them belongs to our seas, are smaller than the Razorbills or Guillemots, which they resemble in form and structure, as well as in habits. They have the body ovate ; the neck short and thick ; the head large, roundish, ante- riorly compressed. Bill as long as the head, stout, vertically expanded, so as to occupy at the base the whole height of the face, much compressed, and obliquely furrowed on the sides ; upper mandible with the dorsal line decurved, the ridge extremely narrow, the sides nearly flat and erect, the edges sharp, the tip small and deflected, the basal margin with a prominent dotted rim ; lower mandible with the angle very narrow and perpendicular, the dorsal line ascending, more or less convex, the sides erect, the edges thin, the tip narrow and blunt. Mouth of moderate width ; anterior palate flat, with five prominent lines. Tongue slender, trigonal, pointed. Oeso- phagus wide, much enlarged below ; stomach moderately muscular, with a dense plicate epithelium ; intestine rather long and wide, with moderate coeca. Nostrils basal, marginal, linear. Eyes rather small, generally Avith small horny plates on the eyelids. Aperture of ear very small. Legs very short, placed far behind ; tibia with only a very small space bare ; tarsus stout, not much compressed, anteriorly with small scutella ; no hind toe ; anterior toes webbed, the inner much shorter than the outer, which is nearly as long as the middle toe ; claws of moderate length, arcuate, compressed, pointed, the inner iiucinate. 364 MORMON. PUFFIN. Plumaj^^e dense, blended, firm, but soft. Wings short, narrow, much ciuved, acute ; tail very short, slightly rounded, of sixteen feathers. They differ from the other birds of this family in digging holes in the turf, in rocky places, in which they nestle and rear their young. Their eggs are white, one only in each nest. The vertically expanded form and bright colouring of the bill render them easily distinguishable, and have pro- cured for them the popular name of Sea-parrots. 3()6 MORMON ARCTICUS. THE ARCTIC PUFFIN. PUFFIN. POPE. SE.V PARROT. COULTERNEB. GULDER-HEAD. T.\.MMY-.\ORRIE. BUIKIR. MULLET. BOTTLE-NOSE. Alca arctica. Linn. Syst. Nat. I. 211. Alca arctica. Lath. Ind. Omith. II. 792. Puffin. Mont. Ornith. Diet, and Supplt. Fratercula arctica. Flom. Brit. Auim. 130. Macai-aux moinc. Mormon Fratercula. Teium. Man. d'Ornitb. II. 933. Common Pufiin. Fratercula arctica. Selby, Illustr. Brit. Ornith. II. 439. Fratercula arctica. Jen. Brit. Vert. Anim. 2G0. Mormon arcticus. Bonap. Comp. List, G6. Bill tvith three curved furrows on each mamUhle toward the end ; the basal rim andjirst ridge on both dull ijellow, the intervening space greyish-blue, the rest bright-red ; an oblique, pointed, horny appendage above, and an elongated narrow plate below the eye ; upper parts greyish-black ; lower white ; sides of the head greyish-white ; throat grey ; a band of brownish-grey on the neck. 366 MORMON ARCTICUS. Male in Summer. — Our common Puffin is of a very com- pact fonn, the body being ovate ; the neck short and very thick ; the head large and roundish ; the feet, wings, and tail, short. The bill is about the length of the head, vertically ex- panded and compressed, so as when viewed laterally to present a nearly triangular form ; its base occupying the whole height of the face. Upper mandible having a prominent minutely punctate rim along its basal margin, its dorsal outline decur- vate from near the base, the ridge very narrow, but obtuse, the sides nearly erect, flattened, and having, besides the basal rim, three curved, oblique ridges, and three gi'ooves, together with a flat sub-basal space, the edges nearly straight, sharp, the tip small and declinate. Lower mandible with the basal outhnc on each side inflexed beyond the perpendicular, the dorsal outline slightly convex for half its length, then straight, the sides erect, flat, with a large triangular space, and three narrow ridges, the edges direct and sharp, a little decurved at the tip. The gape-line straight, extending a little beyond the base of the mandibles, w^hcre its margins are formed by a corrugated extensile membrane. Eye rather small, Avith a narrow, sub-triangular, horny body, directed upwards and backwards, on the upper, and an oblong, horizontal body on the lower eyelid. Nostrils linear, direct, four twelfths of an inch long, basal, marginal. Tibia bare for a small extent ; tarsus very short, little com- pressed, anteriorly with short scutella, excepting the upper third, the sides reticulated. Toes of moderate length, scutel- late, comiected by entire webs, the middle toe longest, the outer slightly, the inner much shorter. Claws of moderate length, strong, the inner hooked, the rest slightly arched. IMumage dense, firm, soft, very short on the head. Wings short, narrow, incurvate, pointed ; the first ipiill slightly shorter than the second. Tail very short, slightly rounded, of sixteen soft, obtuse feathers. The basal rim and first ridge of the upper mandible are dull yellow, the intervening triangular space greyisli-blue ; the basal margin of the lower bright red ; the first ridge and ihc inlervening space as in the upper ; the rest bright car- ARCTIC PUFFIN. 367 mine-red ; the membranes at the base of the bill yellow. The bare margin of the eyelids vermilion, their liorny appendages gi-cyish-bliie. Feet vermilion ; claws liglit-brown, dusky at the end. All the upper parts black, tinged with grey, glossed with gicenish-blue on the back ; continiious with the black of the liind-neck a broad band of blackish-grey across the neck. The sides of the head from over the eye to the throat, Avhite ; the cheeks tinged with grey ; and the throat with a deeper tint of the same. The lower parts white. Length to end of tail 12 inches ; extent of wings 23 ; wing from flexure G\ ; bill along the ridge 1-|4 ; its height at the base 1-j^ ; gape-line l-j% ; tarsus 1 ; middle toe l-fj, its claw -j'v. Female. — The female is not distinguishable from the male unless by dissection. The size, hewever, is somewhat less. Habits. — The Puffin makes its appearance on our coasts from the middle of April to the beginning of May, presently betaking itself to various breeding stations, scattered here and there from the British Channel to Shetland and the remote Hebrides. " On the stupendous cliffs of Dover," says Mon- tagu, " and such other places, they burrow like rabbits, if the soil is light, but more frequently take possession of rabbit-bur- rows, and lay their eggs many feet under ground. This is the case in Priestholm Isle, off the coast of Anglesea, and other small islands off St. David's, where the soil is sandy." They also frequent the Scilly Islands, Cornwall, the Isle of Wight, some parts of Yorkshire, the Fern Islands, and in Scotland so many places that it is unnecessary to specify them. The Bass Rock, Dunbye, near Slains Castle, on the coast of Aber- deenshire, and Berneray of Barray, the southern extremity of the Outer Hebrides, are the breeding-places at which I have particularly attended to their habits, Avhich are very similar to those of the Razor-bill. They sit lightly on the water, swim with celerity, turn and move about with smartness, dive headlong and fly under the water in pursuit of small fishes and crustacea, or betake 368 MORMON ARCTICUS. themselves to the bottom to search for mollusca. When pro- ceeding to a distance tlioy fly in small bands, in file, just above the waves, and on a})proaching their nests, which are often at the height of a lunulred feet or more, curve upwards and alight abruptly. On the water they usually allow a near approach, and when stationed on the rocks they seem almost quite fearless, and may be shot in great numbers, or even taken with a noose. In the places where I have seen them, thev formed the holes themselves, by digging with their strong bills, to a depth varying from one to two feet or more. There is no nest, the single egg being laid on the floor at the further end. The bird sits assiduously, and may be taken with the hand, which it is, however, apt to bite very severely. The egg varies in shape and size, being oval, ovato-pyriform, or somewhat oblong, and from two inches and seven-twelfths to two-twelfths less in length, and from an inch and three- fourths to four-twelfths less. It is roughish, with minute gi-anules, and at first pure white, but soon becomes soiled. Some of the eggs are very faintly freckled with grey or pale- brown. The young continue in their nest or near it until able to fly. About the middle of August they all leave their breeding-places, and proceed southward. The desertion of the clifls by the various sea-birds at this season produces a strange and disagreeable contrast to their crowded state during the summer, and is viewed by the poor islander with a. kind of melancholy regret, less intense, hoAvever, than the joy he experiences when he finds them, for the first time for the season, returned to their favoiirite haunts. How many hearts have tlirilled with ])leasurc when the early notes of the Corn C'rake or Cuckoo came on the ear! But how faint is the sen- timental feeling of happiness so caused compared with the delight wliicli pervades the whole frame, moral and physical, of the Escjuimaux, Avho has been buried all winter in snow, \\ hen lie hears the trumpet-cries of the Wild Goose, or of the native of St. Kilda, whoso stock of salted fowl has been exhausted, when, on visiting the long deserted clifls, he finds its shelves covered with Razor-bills, and its grassy summits peopled with Puffins. ISIany persons liave wrillen of St. Kilda, from " M. Martin, (ientleman," to Dr. M'C'ulloch ARCTIC PUFFIN. 3G9 Geologist, and among them some who never saw it. A friend of mine, Mr. John MacGillivray, made a hurried visit to it in 1839, and having scrambled to the top of a high hill, came suddenly upon the edge of a magnificent precipice. "Far below me could be seen the long heavy swell rolling in from the Atlantic, and climbing up the dark rock whose base it clothed with sheets of snoAV-whitc foam, as it broke with a sound at times scarcely perceptible, but at intervals falling upon the car like distant thunder. In many places the rock was scarcely visible on account of the absolute myriads of sea-birds sitting upon their nests ; the air was literally filled with them, and the water seemed profusely dotted with the larger fowl, the smaller ones being nearly invisible on account of the distance. The sound of their wings as they flew past, joined to their harsh screams as they wheeled along the face of the cliff", startled me from the reverie into which I was thrown by the strange scene before me. Every little ledge Avas thickly covered with Kittiwakes, Auks, and Guillemots ; all the grassy spots were tenanted by the Fulmar, and honeycombed by myiiads of Puffins ; while close to the water, on the wet rocks which Avere hollowed out into deep caves, sat clusters of Cormo- rants, erect and motionless, like so many unclean spirits guarding the entrance of some gloomy cavern. On rolling down a large stone from the summit, a strange scene of confusion ensued. It would, perhaps, fall on some unhappy Fulmar sitting upon the nest, crushing her in an instant ; then rolling down the crags, which reverberated its echoes far and near, tearing long furrows in the grassy slopes, and being shivered into fragments upon some projecting crag, scattering in dismay the dense groups of Auks and Guille- mots. Its progress is all along marked by the clouds of birds which aff'righted shoot out from the precijiice to avoid the fate which, nevertheless, would befal many, until at length it reaches the bottom, and is received into the water along with its many victims. The startled tenants of the rock now return to their resting-places, and all is again comparatively quiet. " By far the most abundant species in St. Kilda is the VOL. V. 2 B 370 MORMON ARCTICUS. Puffin, Mormon arcticus (Buikir or Boujer), which breeds in the crevices of the rocks, as ^vell as in artificial burrows in almost every situation, sometimes at a considerable distance from the water's edge. This bird is taken by the fowlers in two ways : when on its nest, by introducing the hand and dragging out the bird, at the risk of a severe bite ; and when sitting on the rocks, by means of a noose of horse-hair attached to a slender rod, generally formed of bamboo-cane (procured probably from some wreck). The latter mode of fowling is most successful in wet weather, as the Puffins then sit best upon the rocks, allowing a person to approach within a few yards ; and as many as three hundred may be taken in the course of the day by an expert bird-catcher. " Of all the St. Kilda birds, the Puffin probably affords the greatest amusement to the sportsman, as well fi'om the rapidity of its flight as its habit of congregating in dense masses when sitting upon the rocks. As many as a dozen may often be secured at a single shot ; and I have more than once seen a small shelf, about the size of a table, which was swept bare at a single discharge, the birds falling into the sea below. The smoke had scarcely cleared aAvay, when the scene of slaughter was as thickly crowded as ever, and many more might have been easily procured. The food of the Puffin during my visit T believe to have been chiefly the fry of the coal-fish, Gadus carbonarius, from having repeatedly shot the birds flying to their nests with this fish in their bills ; and I thus found that both males and females supply the young witli food. The Puffin forms the chief article of food with the St. Kildians during the summer months, and is usually cooked by roasting among the ashes." Dr. Kdmoiulston, in his Notes, says it is " very numerous in Shetland, breeds in holes in tlie green or disintegrating precipices, and lays one egg. The young are full-grown before tlicy quit the nest." Extending in summer to Feroe, Iceland, various parts of Scandinavia, and even Nova Zembla, it is found in winter on tlie coasts of France and Spain, althougli the limit of its southward migration is not known. On th(> eastern side of America it extends from Georgia to Labrador. Mr. Audubon gives an excellent ARCTIC PUFFIN. 371 account of its habits, part of which, referring more especially to its breeding, it may be proper to present. There is on the eoast of Labrador a small island, " known to all the cod-fishers, and celebrated for the number of Puffins that annually breed there. As wc rowed towards it, although we found the water literally covered with thousands of these birds, the number that flew over and around the green island seemed much greater, insomuch that one might have imagined half the Puffins in the world had assembled there. This fav-fanied isle is of considerable extent, its shores are guarded by numberless blocks of rocks, and within a few yards of it the water is several fathoms in depth. The ground rises in the form of an amphitheatre to the height of about seventy feet, the greatest length being from north to south, and its southern extremity fronting the Streight of Belleisle. For every burrow in the island previously visited by us there seemed to be a hundred here ; on every crag or stone stood a Puffin ; at the entrance of each hole another ; and yet the sea was covered and the air filled by them. I had tAvo double-barrelled guns and two sailors to assist me, and I shot for one hour by my watch, always firing at a single bird on wing. How many Puffins I killed in that time I take the liberty of leaving you to guess. (Naughty John ! Have I not heard you say, " I hate to see birds shot when breeding ;" to which the very apt reply was made, " By any person but yourself." See vol. ii. p. 466. But, however — ) The burrows were all inhabited by young birds, of diffi^rcnt ages and sizes ; and clouds of Puffins flew over our heads, each individual holding a ' lint ' by the head. This fish, which measures four or five inches in length, and is of a very slender form, with a beautiful silvery hue, existed in vast shoals in the deep water around the island. The speed with which the birds flew made the fish incline by the side of their neck. While flying the Puffins emitted a loud croaking noise, but they never dropped the fish ; and many of them, when brought down by a shot, still held their prey fast. I observed with concern the extraordinary afl!ec- tion manifested by these birds towards each other ; for, whenever one fell dead or wounded on the water, its mate 372 MORMON ARCTICUS. or a stranger immediately alighted by its side, swam round it, pushed it with its hill as if to urge it to fly or dive, and seldom would leave it until an oar Avas raised to knock it on the head, when at last, aware of the danger, it would plunge below in an instant. Those which fell wounded imme- diately ran with speed to some hole, and dived into it, on which no further eflbrt was made to secure them. Those which happened to be caught alive in the hand bit most severely, and scratched Avith their claws at such a rate that we were glad to let them escape. The burroAVS here com- municated in various Avays Avith each other, so that the Avhole island Avas perforated as if by a multitude of subter- ranean labyrinths, over Avhich one could not run Avithout the risk of foiling at CA'ery step. The Aoices of the young sounded beneath our feet like A'oices from the grave, and the stench Avas extremely disagreeable ; so that as soon as our boats were filled Avith birds Ave Avere glad to get aAvay. During the Avhole of our visit the birds never left the place, but constantly attended to their avocations. Here one Avould rise beneath our feet, there, Avithin a fcAv yards of us, another Avould alight Avith a fish, and dive into its burroAV, or feed the young that stood Avaiting at the entrance. The young birds were far from being friendly tOAvards each other, and those which Ave carried Avith us kept continually fighting so long as Ave kept them alive. They used their yet extremely small bills Avith great courage and pertinacity, and their cries resembled the Availings of young whelps. The smaller indi- viduals Averc fed by tlic parents by regurgitation, or received little pieces of fish Avhich Avere placed in their mouth ; the larger picked up the pieces of fish that were dropped before them ; but ahnost all of them seemed to craAvl to the entrance of the holes for tlie purpose of being fed. In all the burroAvs that communicated Avith others, a round place was scooped out on one side of the aveiuu^, in the form of an oven, Avhile in those Avhich Averc single, this oven-like place Avas found at tlic end, and was larger tlian tlic corridor. All the passages Avere fiattish above, and rounded beiu'ath, as Avell as on the sides. In many instances Ave found two birds sitting each on its oAvn egg in the same hole." ARCTIC PUFFIN. 373 Young. — The young are at first covered with very stiffish down of a brownish-black colour, part of the abdomen being white. The bill, at first extremely small, oblong, and com- pressed, attains a considerable size, but still has not the fur- rows distinctly marked, when the young is fledged, which is about the end of July. I have not taken note of the changes which take place as the bird advances in age. M. Temminck, however, states that " the young of the year have the bill much smaller, smooth on the sides, destitute of furrows, and of a yellowish-brown ; the space between the eye and the bill of a blackish-grey ; the cheeks and the throat of a deeper grey than in the old birds ; the broad collar shaded anteriorly with blackish-grey ; the feet dull red." 374 PELECANIN^. PELICANS AND ALLIED SPECIES. There is not a more intelligibly instructive family of birds than that of the Pelecanina?. Placed on the confines of the two conterminous orders of the Urinatores and Mersatores, they exhibit in the genus Phalacrocorax, and especially in Plotus, a perfect conformity uitli the former, and in Sula an alliance to the latter, so perfected in Phaeton that it Avould seem doubtful to -which of the two "orders that genus ought to be referred. With all this, there pervades the whole group a unifonnity of structure, evident in the skeleton, and especially in the digestive organs, which no unprejudiced examiner could mistake, however much it runs into modifi- cations suitable to the differences of habits which the species present. But as it might be unsuitable here to offer a view of the gradations alluded to, we having too few species to illustrate them, I shall briefly give the more obvious cha- racters of the Pelecanina?. They are birds mostly of large size, having the body elongated and rather slender ; the neck long ; the head vari- ous in size and form, generally moderate. The bill longer than the head, rather slender or stout, straight ; the upper mandible with the ridge separated from the sides by grooves, and terminated by a narrow, generally decurved, pointed unguis ; the lower man(lil)le witli the crura elastic, extensile, and not united until near the tip. There is generally a bare space around and befire the eye, extending to the bill, and the skin of tlie throat is bare, in some sjiecies forming a large pouch. The tongue is extremely diminutive; the oesophagus excessively wide ; the belt of proventriciilar glandules gcue- PELICANS AND ALLIED SPECIES. 375 rally discontinuous ; the stomach very small, and but slightly muscular, -with the epithelium smooth ; there is always a round hollow appendaj^e at the ])yloius ; the intestine is very lon^ and slender, with small cylindrical cccca, and a large globose cloaca. The nostrils arc basal, lateral, linear, small, or altogether obliterated. The eyes of moderate size. The apertures of the ears small. The feet short and stout ; the tarsus com- pressed ; the toes four, all connected by membranes, the fourth toe longest ; the claws short, strong, curved, that of the third toe generally pectinate on the expanded inner edge. The plumage is soft, blended, on the back and wings compact and imbricated. The wings are long ; the tail of moderate length, and narrow. The habits of these birds are very different ; for, while the Cormorants pursue their prey much in the same manner as the Mergansers and Loons, and the Anhingas are still more strictly urinatorial, the Pelicans combine the characters of urinatorial and mersatorial birds ; the Gannets fly about in quest of food, plunging upon it from on high ; the Frigate- Birds range over the seas with scarcely-rivalled speed of wing, and the Tropic-birds resemble Terns in their- mode of flight. They all feed on fish, however, and all are very voracious. They nestle on rocks, bushes, or trees, forming a clumsy and ill-constructed nest, and lay a small number of bluish-white eggs, crusted over with an irregular layer of calcareous granules. The young, at first almost naked, and generally black, continue in the nest until able to fly. Only two genera have representatives in Britain. SYNOPSIS OF THE BRITISH GENERA AND SPECIES. GENUS I. PHALACROCORAX. CORMORANT. Bill about the length of the head, rather slender, nearly straight, compressed toward the end ; upper mandible with the dorsal line concave, the ridge convex, with a narrow 376 PELEC.\NIN^. groove on each side, the sides convex, the edges sharp, the unguis decurved, acute ; lower mandible with the angle long, filled by a bare extensile membrane, the sides convex, the edges sharp and inflexed, the tip compressed, with its upper outline decurved. Nostrils obliterated. Feet stout; tarsus very short, strong, covered all round with angular scales ; toes all in the same plane, and connected by webs, the fourth longest ; claws strong, arched, compressed, that of the third pectinate. Pkmiage soft ; wings of moderate size, broad, the second quill longest ; tail of moderate length, very narrow, much rounded. 1. Pludacrocorax Carlo. Great Cormorant. Tail of fourteen feathers ; a small longitudinal occipital crest in summer ; throat, and a patch over each thigh white. 2. PhaJacrocorax Graculus. Green Cormorant. Tail of twelve feathers ; a crest of oblong, erect, incurvate feathers ; plumage blackish-green ; feathers of the back ovate, with velvety margins. GENUS II. SrLA. GANNET. Bill longer than the head, stout, conical, straight, mode- rately compressed toward the end ; upper mandible with the ridge broadly convex, with a narrow groove on each side, the sides erect, the edges sharp and serrate, the tip a little deflexcd ; lower mandible with the angle long, filled by a bare membrane, the edges sharp and serrate, the tip com- pressed. Nostrils obliterated. Feet stout ; tarsus very short, strong, sharp behind, reticulated, but having narrow lines of scutella continuous with the toes ; which are all in the same plane, and webbed, the third longest ; claws arched, com- pressed, tliat of tlie third toe pectinate. Wings long, rather narrow, pointed ; tail rather long, graduated, 1. Sula Bassaua. Common Gannd. Bill bluish-grey; b;ire })arts on the head blackish-blue ; plumage white ; head and nick tinged with reddish-yellow; primary quills dusky. 377 PHALACROCORAX. CORMORANT. The Cormorants are birds of large or moderate size, hav- ing the body elongated, lather full, depressed ; the neck long and stout ; the head rather large, oblong, anteriorly narrowed. The bill about the length of the head, straight, rather slender, compressed, opening from far behind the eyes ; upper man- dible with the dorsal line slightly declinate and somewhat concave, then nearly direct, at the tip decurved, the ridge broad and rounded, separated by a very narrow groove from the sides, which are convex, erect, and irregularly scaly, with a slender separate piece at the base; the edges sharp and somewhat inclinate, the unguis narrow, convex, decurved, thin-edged, but obtuse ; lower mandible with the angle very long and narrow, the intercrural membrane partly bare, the outline of the crura nearly straight, the dorsal line decHnate, the sides scaly, erect, and somewhat convex, the edges sharp and inflexed, the tip compressed, obliquely truncate, formed of an involute unguis, with a slender intercalated piece ; the gape-line ascending at the base, then straight, at the end decurved. Mouth wide, and capable of being much dilated by the flexibility of both mandibles toward the base, there being on both a kind of joint on each side ; the palate flattened, with two prominent ridges ; the posterior aperture of the nares linear. Tongue extremely small, ovate-lanceolate, thin, carriate above. CEsophagus extremely wide, contracting considerably as it enters the thorax, then dilated into an enonnous sac ; its transverse muscular fibres very distinct, as are the internal longitudinal, the inner coat when contracted forming prominent longitudinal plica? ; proventricular glands arranged in two opposite round disks, sometimes, however, forming a continuous belt, narrowed at two places. Stomach 378 PHALACROCORAX. CORMORANT. roundish, large, with the muscuLir coat very thin, being reduced to a single series of slender fibres, the inner coat soft and smooth. There is a distinct roundish pyloric lobe. The duodenum at first curves upwards or forwards, then retiirns and assumes its ordinary course, forming a loop ; the intes- tine of moderate length and width ; the cceca very short and obtuse ; the rectum with a large globular cloaca. Nostrils obliterated in the adult, the internal passage remaining open, but the outer filled up. Eyes rather small, with the eyelids bare, as is a large space at the base of both mandibles. Aperture of ear very small. Feet short, stout, placed far behind ; tibia feathered in its whole length ; tarsus very short, much compressed, reticulated with scales, of Avhich the inner are transversely elongated, the outer sub-hexagonal, the posterior very small. Toes four, in the same plane ; the first directed inwards and small, the fourth longest, all Avith numerous oblique scutella, and connected by webs. Claws strong, curved, compressed, acute, that of the third toe with a pectinate inner edge. Plumage of the head, neck, lower neck, and hind part of the back, glossy, blended, and silky ; of the wings and fore part of the back compact, the feathers ovate, imbricated, with loose silky margins. Wings rather large and broad, convex ; primaries short, strong, tapering, obtuse, the third longest ; secondaries broad, rounded ; scapulars large and strong. Tail rather small, rounded, of from twelve to sixteen, narrow, straight feathers, having very strong shafts and firm webs. Species of this genus occur on almost every rocky coast, and often on low coasts having trees along the water edge. In searching for their food, which consists entirely of fish, they seldom go to a great distance from the land. They swim and dive with extreme agility, sink in the water when alarmed, have a moderately quick, even flight, perch on rocks or trees, and nestle in both situations. The nest is bulky and rudely constructed ; the eggs from two to five, oblong or narrow-elliptical, bluish-white, crusted with white calcareous matter, as in the Pelicans and Gannets. Tlic voung at first black, blind, and naked, are soon partially covered witli down, and are fed with half-digested fish from the gullet of PHALACROCORAX. CORMORANT. 379 their mother. They remain in the nest until fledged, when their nostrils become obliterated. The Cormorants never fish by plunj^ing from on wing. They generally in diving leap out of the water in a curve, and descend with great force. In their digestive organs they resemble the Pelicans and Gannets. Two species occur in Britain, both generally distributed, and permanently resident. 380 PHALACROCORAX CARBO. CORMOR.AXT. THE GREAT GREAT CORMOR.\>'T. WHITE-HEADED CORMORANT. WHITE-SPOT CORMO- RANT. CRESTED CORMORANT. GREAT SC.\RT OR SCARVE. COAL GOOSE. BROUGIE. SCARBH-BUILL. Fio. 85. Pelecanus Carbo. Linn. Syst. Nat. I. 216. Pelecanua Carbo. Lath. Ind. Omitb. IL 886. Cormorant. Mont. Ornith. Diet, and Supplt. Grand Cormoran. Carbo Cormoranus. Tenim. Man. d'Ornith. IL 894. Common Cormorant. Pbalacrocorax Carbo. Selby, Illustr. IL 446. Phalacrocoras Carbo. Common Cormorant. Jenyns. Brit. Vert. An. 263. Length about three feet ; tail of fourteen feathers ; imbri- cated feathers of the back and wings ovate, rounded, with silky margins. Adidt in winter crcstlcss ; the head, neck, lower parts, middle and hind part of the back, greenish-black, tinged with blue ; the feathers of the fore part and sides of tlie back, xvith the wing-coverts and secondary quills, greyish- GREAT CORMORANT. 381 brown or bronzed, tvith greenish-black margins ; a greyish- white band on the throat, ascending to the eyes ; some scat- tered, extremely minute, filiform, jiencil-tipped, white j)lumu- lets on the head and neck, and a few white streaks over the thigh. Adult in spring coloured as in winter, with the addition of a longitudinal greenish-black crest, numerous linear white feathers on the head and neck, the throat-band pure luhite, and a roundish patch of that colour over the thigh. Young with the dipper part of the head and the neck dusky-brown, finely streaked with brow nish- grey ; cheeks and fore-neck greyish-white, mottled withbrownish-gr ey ; abroicnish- white band on the throat; loicer parts greyish-white, mottled with dusky, becoming darker behind ; upper parts nearly as in the adult. Male in Winter. — Although not of an elegant form, nor remarkable for beauty of colouring, the Great Cormorant has a conspicuous appearance when, perched on some surf-beaten crag, he stands nearly erect, -writhing his long neck, as he eyes the approaching boat with suspicion. His body is large, full, depressed and elongated, his neck about a fourth shorter, and very thick ; his head oblong, flattened above, anteriorly narrowed. The bill is shorter than the head, but opens to beyond the eyes, stout, firm, but rather slender, compressed, nearly straight, at the tip dccurved, and having the sides irregularly scaly. The upper mandible has the dorsal line considerably concave, the ridge rounded, with a narrow groove on each side, the sides convex, the unguis narrow, decurved, thin-edged, but rather obtuse, the edges sharp and a little inflexed, the separate basal piece on each side elongated and narrow ; the lower mandible Avith the basal portion rather broad and laterally somewhat concave, the crura rather narrow, their sides erect and convex, the lower outline straight, the intercrural space very long, narrow, with a bare extensile membrane, the intercalated piece slender, the dorsal line slightly descending, the tip compressed, and obhquely trun- cate, the edges sharp and inflexed ; the gape-line ascending at the base, then straight, at the end decurved. The mouth is rather wide, and capable of being much 382 PHALACROCORAX CARBO. distended ; the palate flat, Avith two very prominent ridges ; the posterior nasal aperture linear. The tongue is oblong, carinate above, extremely small, being only seven-twelfths long, and three-twelfths in breadth. The oesophagus, twenty-two inches long, is very wide, with extremely thin ■walls, measuring when inflated from two and a half to two inches in width, and within the thorax dilated to three inches. The walls of the proventriculus are very thick, and its glan- dules, which arc large, disposed in two circular patches about two inches and a half in diameter, and separated by two spaces of about a quarter of an inch. The stomach is com- paratively small, of a semicircular shape, forming the bottom of the proventricular sac, somewhat compressed, with its walls very thin, the muscular coat being composed of a single scries of fibres, with rounded thin tendinous spaces, and a rather thick, soft, and rugous epithelium. There is a round- ish pyloric lobe. The intestine, eight and a half feet long, varies in width from four to three-twelfths, at first curves forwards, then describes the usual duodenal curve, and is convoluted with ten folds. The cccca are only four-twelfths long, and three-twelfths in breadth ; the rectum seven inches in length, with a very large cloacal dilatation of a globular form, two inches and a quarter in diameter. The nostrils are completely obliterated by ossification, although their place is faintly indicated externally ; but the nasal cavity is open and continuous with the posterior nares. The eyes arc small ; the aperture of the ear only a twelfth in width. The feet are short, very strong, and placed far behind ; the tibia feathered to the joint ; the tarsus com- j)rcsscd, reticulated, with about twenty scutella; the second toe with thirty -five, the third with fifty-two, the outer, which is longest, w ith seventy-five ; the intcrdigital webs full. The claws moderate, compressed, arched, strong, rather acute, that of the third toe pectinate. The plumage is dense and rather short ; on the head, neck, lower ])arts in general, and hind part of the back, silky aiul blended ; on the wings and fore part of the back firm, imbricated ; the feathers ovate, satiny, with silky margins. On the occiput and nape the feathers are slightly longer ; and GREAT CORMORANT. 383 on the head and upper neck are interspersed very slendc^r Avhite filaments havini? a pcncillate tip. The space round tlie eyes, and along the base of the bill, together ■vvith the gular membrane, are bare. The Avings are rather large and broad, convex, and somewhat rounded, but when folded seem short, the primary quills being comparatively small, and the longest not extending beyond the base of the tail ; they are very strong, tapering, obtuse ; the third longest, the second nearly two-twelfths of an inch shorter, and exceeding the first by four-twelfths ; the secondaries eighteen, of moderate breadth, and broadly rounded. The tail is of moderate length, narrow, straight, much rounded, of fourteen stiff, strong-shafted, rounded feathers, of which the outer is an incli and a half shorter than the middle. The bill is greyish-brown on the sides, dusky on the ridge, with the tips brown, the base yellowish-white. The iris bright green, the edges of the eyelids dusky. The bare space around the eye is dull greenish-brown, below it bright yellow, as is the gular sac. The feet and claws are greyish- black. The silky plumage of the head, neck, lower parts, a medial band down the back, and its middle and hind parts, are black, glossed with bluish-green. A broad band of white crosses the throat from one eye to the other ; the filamentous plumelets on the head and neck are also white, as is a broken patch on each side over the thigh, composed of elongated linear feathers. The feathers on the fore part and sides of the back, the scapulars, the wing-coverts, and secondary quills, are greyish-brown, with bronze and green reflections, and edged with greenish-black. The primary quills and tail- feathers are greyish-black. The shafts of all the feathers are greyish-blue at the base, becoming black toward the end. Length to end of tail 38 inches ; extent of wings 60 ; w ing from flexure 14 ; tail 6 ; bill along the ridge 3-^, along the edge of lower mandible 4-^ ; tarsus 2j2_ ; hind toe 1^^, its claw -j% ; second toe 1^4, its claw -^ ; third toe 2-^, its claw -^ ; fourth toe 3-Lf , its claw -f-j. Female in Winter. — The female is similar to the male, but smaller. 884 PHALACROCORAX CARBO. Length to end of tail 35 inches ; extent of wings 58 ; \\-ing from flexure ISh ; tail 6; bill along the ridge 2; tarsus 2 ; outer toe and claw 4-p5-. Variations. — Great diflferences are observed as to size in adult birds of the same sex, some individuals being so much smaller as at first to seem of another species. Unless in the tint of the feathers of the back and wings, which may be lighter or darker, sometimes approaching to grey, old birds do not appear to vary much. Changes of Plumage. — The general moult takes place from the middle of summer to September. The plumage continues as described above until March or April, when a partial change takes place, consisting chiefly of the production of numerous slender white feathers on the head and neck, as well as on the thighs, together with an elongated crest of linear feathers. As the summer advances, the bronzed tints of the upper parts become of a paler brown. Male in Summer. — The bare parts at the base of the bill are of a purer yellow. There is an elongated longitudinal crest of greenish-black feathers on the head and nape ; the band on the throat and cheeks is pure white; among the feathers of the head and upper neck are numerous linear loose-edged white feathers, giving those parts a hoary appear- ance ; and over each thigh is a large patch of similar more elongated white feathers. Female in Summer. — The female is similar to the male. Habits. — The Great Cormorant occurs in considerable numbers, here and there, on all our rocky coasts, frequenting bold headlands, high cliffs, and rugged insular crags. It generally keeps apart from the Crested Cormorant, and, when tlic two species occur in the same locality, assumes a more elevated station, tlic otlier betaking itself to the caves, or perching on the lower shelves. At certain states of the tide, chiefly, I think, about low water, and not at any particular GREAT CORMORANT. 385 time of the day, for I have observed tliom early in the morn- ing, at noon, and in the evening, the Cormorants may be seen standing hazily on the rocks, some with outspread wings, as if sunning themselves, or drying their plumage, others repos- ing, with the head under one of their wings, or directed forwards on their retracted neck. Should a boat approach thorn they soon become alarmed, raise one foot after the other, and throw their long necks about in a singular manner, straining themselves to perceive the intruders, their sight being apparently not very clear in the open air, however penetrating in the water. I have thought it remarkable that they will allow a vessel propelled by steam to pass much nearer than an ordinary boat, without removing ; but this is equally the case with many other sea-birds. When fairly alarmed, they take to wing, launching in a curved line, and then flying low over the water, with a moderately quick, sedate, and even flight, usually in silence. Sometimes, however, they plunge headlong into the Avatcr, and emerge at a great distance. I have never seen them alight on land anywhere but on rock, and there, besides being restrained by the nature of the place, their motions are aAvkward, they not being at all fitted for walking. They alight heavily, and rather abruptly, keep in a much inclined position, and seldom remove to any distance. On the sea also they alight heavily, and sit deep in the water, having the faculty, when apprehensive of danger, of sinking still deeper, so as to leave little exposed to view. They swim with surprising speed, often immerse their bill, and even the whole head, as they proceed, and dive with extreme agility, with a sudden dart, and without opening their wings until they are under the surface, but then using them, as well as their feet, to propel themselves. In rising from the water into the air, they advance several yards, flapping the sea with their wings and feet, before they obtain a free coiu-se. Their food consists of small fishes, up to the size of a herring. On seizing their prey they come to the surface, toss their head until the fish assumes a proper position, and swallow it head- foremost ; or occasionally toss it up in the air, and seize it again with open throat. Should it be too large to be swal- lowed, they beat and tear it with their bill, sometimes retiring VOL. v. 2 c 386 PHALACROCORAX CARBO. on shore for the purpose. I have usually found fragments of quartz and bits of stone in the stomach ; but these may have been swallowed by the fishes on which they had fed ; for the membranous structure of the stomach incapacitates it from pounding or grinding the food. These birds seldom roost all the year round in the places where they nestle, but generally after the breeding season repose at night on some rock at a convenient distance from their fishing-stations, which, during winter, are chiefly in estuaries, bays, and creeks, although often also in the open sea. In one of the islands in the sound of Harris is a rock on which these birds rest at night, especially in winter. A person \\oll acquainted with the place, as I have been informed, has ascended the cliff in the dark, and moving cautiously, has secured a considerable number of individuals before the rest became alarmed, breaking by a sudden bend the neck of each as he caught it. The natives of St. Kilda use the same method in catching Gannets. The Cormorants fly to and from these places in strings, at no great height over the water, with a steady and moderately quick flight, strongly contrasted with that of Gulls and Terns, which are ever deviating to either side, and resembling that of the Gannets, which, however, have a lighter flight, and sail at frequent intervals. Shy and suspicious, they seldom, even in the most unfrequented places, allow a near approach, and when fishing in a creek, or place overlooked by high banks, are particularly vigilant. If they see a person at some dis- tance, they sink their body deeper in the water ; and should one come nearer, they keep it entirely submersed, the head and part of the neck only being visible. As they dive with extreme rapidity, it is very diflicult to shoot them while they are fishing. They are not much in request, however, among sportsmen and poachers, for, although in some remote parts their flesh is esteemed tolerable eating, it is of a dark-red colour, disagreeable to the eye not less than to the palate ; but its being strong-flavoured or fishy renders it not inapt for soup, in llie state of which the juices of the Cormorant are not unpleasant. The young are somewhat better, but the eggs are never eaten. GREAT COllMORANT. 387 In spring, when the nuptial dress is advanced, they pair, and soon after hetake themselves to their breeding-places, usually shelves of exposed rock, at a considerable height, and easily discovered by the quantity of white dung spread around. The nest is very large, and rudely formed, being composed of sticks and sea-weeds, heaped up sometimes to the height of a foot or more, with a shallow cavity at the top. The eggs, generally three, sometimes four, are of an oblong form, two inches and eight-twelfths in length, an inch and three-fourths in breadth, and, like those of every other species of Cormo- rant, may be described as having a thick roughish bluish- white shell, irregularly crusted over with a layer of white calcareous matter, easily removed with a sponge and water. There is nothing particularly estimable in the character of the Cormorant. It is extremely attentive to its young, quiet and inoffensive in its general conduct, of a sluggish disposi- tion, unless when in the water, and then exhibiting the greatest activity. Its voice is a low, hoarse croak, seldom heard. Extremely voracious, it swallows an enormous quan- tity of food ; but in this respect is rivalled by the Gannet, the Goosanders, and indeed almost all sea-birds, ^yllen it betakes itself, as it sometimes does in winter, to fish-ponds, it commits great havoc. At that season, it often ascends rivers, and is sometimes seen perched on the trees, which is noways remarkable, as the Cormorants of warm climates, when the shores are low, not only perch, but nestle, on the mangi-oves. It is easily tamed, and is then familiar, and even manifests an affectionate disposition. An interesting account is given by Montagu of one which he kept for a long time ; but as his nar- rative is too lengthy to be inserted here, I shall present it in an abridged form. The bird in question was surprised by a Newfoundland dog, belonging to a fisherman, under the banks of a rivulet that ran into the Bristol Channel. In about a week it was perfectly familiarized, making one in the family circle round the fire, and suffering the caresses of the children, who were very unwilling to part with it. On being conveyed to the ornithologist's, and liberated, it was offered every sort of food at hand, there being no fish, but refused it, and therefore 388 PHALACROCORAX CARBO. was forcibly crammed witli flesh. On being removed to an aquatic menagerie, and let loose, it instantly plunged into the water, and dived incessantly, but not obtaining a single fish, appeared to be convinced there were none, and made no other attempt for three days, during which it Avas crammed ■with flesh. Its proper food, however, was at length pro- cured for it. It dived and seized its prey with surprising dexteritv, frequently proceeding under the surface to the place where a fish had been thrown, and, when the water was clear, taking it with certainty, often before it fell to the bottom. It readily devoured three or four pounds of fish twice a-day, so rapid was its digestion. When a large fish stuck in the gullet, it inflated that part, and shook the head and neck violently to promote its passage. In fishing it always carried the head under water, in order, apparently, to discover its prey at a greater distance, and with more certainty. All fish were invariably turned in the bill, so as to present the head foremost ; and when an eel, the most favourite food, was not seized favourably, it was thrown up to some distance, and caught in such a manner as to render deglutition easy. It had a habit of beating the water with its wings ■sdolently, without moving from the spot, each beating being succeeded by a shake of the whole body and a rufllinn: of all the feathers, at the same time coverin": itself with the water. This action it repeated ten or twenty times with small intervals of rest, and then repaired to a tump, or •some elevated place on shore, and spread or flapped its wings until thi-y were dry. It lived in perfect hai'mony with other birds, and never attempted to ramble, but walked to the house, entered the first open door without deference to any one, and in fact was ti'oublcsomely tame. Mr. Aiidubon accounts for the flappings above mentioned in this manner: — " Cormorants, Pelicans, Ducks, and other water-birds of various kinds, are, like land-birds, at times infested with insects, which lodge near the roots of their feathers ; and to clear themselves of this vermin, they beat up the water about tluni by flapping their wings, their feathers being all the while ruflled up, and rub or scratch themselves with their feet and claws, much in the same GliEAT CORMORANT. 389 nmnncr as Turkeys and must land-birds act, when scattevinj^f up the dry warm earth or sand over tliem. The wattr- birds, after tlms cleaning themselves, remove, if perchers and able to fly, to the branches of trees, spread out their wings and tail in the sun, and after a while dress their plumage. Those which are not perchers, or whose wings arc too wet, swim to the shores, or to such banks or rocks as are above water, and there perform the same process." This species is not nearly so common in the Hebrides, or along the western and northern coasts of Scotland, as the Crested Cormorant. In Shetland, as Dr. Edmondston in- forms me, "it is pretty numerous, though not by far so much so as the Shag. It is," he continues, " social in the breeding season, several pairs having their nests near each other on the same cliff, and at a greater altitude than the other species. It also at other seasons perches and roosts in higher situations, and has a more lofty and easy flight. Its mode of diving is somewhat like that of the Great Northern Diver, gliding gently under, not like the Sha^^, per salt um. It is very easily tamed, and displays great sagacity, gentle- ness, and affection. I see no reason why it might not be made of as great use as its fishing relative in China. The young often frequent fresh-water lochs. It is a beautiful, intelligent, and interesting bird, and does not deserve the popular odium which Milton — it may be justly as a poet, but most unjustly as a naturalist — has affixed to it. It pro- duces usually three, seldom four young." Mr. Low says it " is very frequent " in Orkney, " both in salt and fresh water ; continues all the year, living on fish, of which it destroys great numbers. The Corvorant seems to have but little other concern than how to eat enough ; it is, indeed, surprising what quantities of fisli it will gorge itself Avitli, and, when it has filled itself to the throat, retires to some point, where it sits till hunger compels it to the water aaain." I have seen Cormorants at the entrance of the Cromarty Firth, and on various parts of the coast, as far south as the Firth of Forth, on the rocky islands of which they are not uncommon. Some rocks off Seaticld Tower, near Kirkaldy, are a favouiite resting-place with this and 390 PHALACROCORAX CARBO. our other species, as are several of the rocky islets farther up the firth. Mr. Selby describes its nests as examined by hini on the Fern Islands. Whether there be any breeding- places farther south or not, individuals are seen and occa- sionally procured along the eastern and southern coasts ; but it docs not appear to become numerous until we arrive on the coasts of Wales, where Montagu says he has seen " an insulated rock covered with their nests, which are composed of sticks and sea-weed." From thence northward they appear to be more numerous. It occurs equally on the coasts of the continent of Europe, extending as far as the Mediterranean. M. Teni- minck states its occurrence even in the Ganges. In North America, according to Mr. Audubon, it is rarely seen farther soutli than the extreme limits of Maryland, becomes more plentiful from Chesapeake Bay eastward, and is abundant on tlie coasts of the northern states. Nova Scotia, and Labrador. Young. — Like those of other Cormorants, the young at first have a very singular appearance, OAving to their dusky colour, and the disproportionately large size of their feet. Their skin is bare, and of a dull livid tint; the bill flesh- coloured at the base, dusky toward the end ; the feet bluish- black, with the Avebs light brown. In a few days they become covered with brownish-black down, except the head, upper part of the neck, lower surface of the wings, and abdomen ; and in about eight weeks are able to fly, until •which time they remain in the nest. When fully fledged, they are as follows : — The bill is pale brown, dusky on the ridge ; the iris brown ; the bare skin at the base of the bill flesh-coloured ; the feet black. The up])er ])arts are greenish-brown, the head and neck streaked with ]iakr; the feathers of the fore part and sides of tlie back, witli the Aving-coverts, brownish- grey, bordered Avith dark broAvn ; the fore-neck and lower parts of the body grcyish-broAvn, shaded into brownish- Avliite on tlie middle of the breast and abdomen ; the quills and tail-feathers broAvnish-black. The throat-band obscurely indicated, being greyish-Avhite, Avith faint broAvn streaks. GREAT CORMORANT. 391 Progress toward Maturity. — The young moult in the middle of autumn, and in the beginning of winter are as follows : — The bill is blackish-brown on the ridge and dorsal part of the unguis^ brownish-grey on the sides, approaching to flesh-colour at the base, with the bare skin yellow. The upper part of the head and the hind-neck are brownish- black ; the back greenish-black ; but the feathers of its fore part, the scapulars, and wing-coverts brownish -grey, edged with greenish-black ; the larger wing-coverts with an external narrow edging of brov/nish-white ; the quills brownish- black, the secondaries shaded with greyish-brown; the tail- feathers greyish-black, with lead-coloured shafts. The throat-band brownisli-whitc ; the fore part of the neck greyish-white, mottled with light brown ; the breast and abdomen greyish-white, shaded into gi-cenish-black on the sides ; the lower wing-coverts sooty-brown, as are the feathers under the tail. The feet are black ; the claws brown. The nostrils, which are at first basal, being placed at the commencement of the longitudinal groove bordering the ridge, and of a linear form, continue open for some weeks, but before the bird is fledged are found to be closed exter- nally by horny scales, and in the bone by ossification. o92 PIIALACROCORAX GRACULUS. THE GREEN CORMORANT. GREEN CORMORANT. BLACK CORMORANT. CRESTED CORMORANT. SUAG. SCART. SCARY. SCARBU. GREEN SCOUT. iVlccanus Graculus. Linn. Sj'st. Nat. I. 217. Pelecanus Graculus. Lath. Ind. Ornith. II. 887. Shag and Crested Shag. Mont. Ornith Diet, and Supplt. Cormoran largup. Carbo cristatus. Temm. Man. d'Ornitb. II. 900. Crested Shag, or Green Cormorant. Phalacrocorax cristatus. Selb. Illustr. II. 450. Phalacrocorax cristatus. Crested Shag. Jenyns. Brit. Vert. Anim. 262. Length about iico feci and a quarter ; tail of twelve feathers ; imbricated feathers of the back ovate, rather acute, tcith velvety margins. Adult in winter crestless ; the head, neck, lower parts, middle and hind imrt of the bach, blachish- grcen ; the feat! lers of the fore part and sides of the back, U'ith the wing-coverts and secondary quills of a lighter green, tcith deep black margins ; some scattered, extremely minute, filiform, pcncd-tippcd white pdumidcts on the neck. Adult in spring colour id as in winter, with the addition of a tuft of oblong, erect, incurved feathers, about two inches in length, on the top of the head. Young with the upper p)art of the head and the neck grecnish-broivn ; the rest of the upper parts darker, the imbricated feathers of the back and icings tcith glossy margins; the lower parts brownish-grey; the throat and part of the breast inclining to tcliite. M.M.E IN WiXTKU. — TIk" Green or Crested Cormorant is much inferior in size to tlic species already described, which it closely resf-mhles in form ; havin;^ the body elongated and depressed ; the neck lonj; and rather tliiek ; the head ohloiif^, flattened above, and narrowed anteriorly. The bill is pro- GREEN CORMORANT. 393 portionally longer and more slender than that of the Great Cormorant, being of about the same length as the head ; but may be described in the same terms, only its upper outline is straight, not concave, or very slightly so ; the gape-line almost quite straight, and commencing behind the eyes. The nostrils ol)literated ; the eyes small, their aperture three-twelfths and a half; that of the ear scarcely one-twelfth. The feet are short and strong ; the tibia flattened to the joint ; the tarsus very short, compressed, externally covered with large hexagonal scales, internally with transversely elongated scales or plates, those behind small. The toes gradually increasing in length, from the first, which has about twenty scutella, to the outer, on which are fifty-five, the second hav- ing thirty-four, the third forty-five. The webs are full ; the claws moderate, compressed, arched, strong, rather acute, that of the third toe pectinate. The plumage is dense, short, and highly glossed. The feathers of the head, neck, lower parts, and back soft, blended, and silky ; those of the fore part of the back, unless in the middle line, with the scapulars and wing-coverts, shortish, ovate, but rather acute, compact, imbricated, smooth, and satiny, -with a velvety margin. On the neck are some fila- mentous pencil-tipped plumelets, so small as not to be readily perceived. The wings when folded reach only to the base of the tail, and are rather short, but broad ; with the primary quills short, tapering, with stifi" shafts, the third longest, and exceeding the first by half an inch ; the secondaries nar- rowly rounded. The tail is of moderate length, being to the body as one to three, but naiTOW, straight, much rounded, of twelve strong-shafted feathers, of -which the lateral are an inch and three-fourths shorter than the medial. The bill is black, with the unguis brownish ; the base of the lower mandible and the basal margins of the upper, yellow, streaked with black ; the membrane at the angle of the mouth orange ; that between the crura of the lower man- dible black, spotted with orange ; the bare space round the eye and from thence to the bill black. The iris sea-green. The feet black. The general colour of the plumage is black- ish-green, with silky lustre ; the imbricated feathers of the 394 PHALACROCORAX GRACULUS. back and wings of a lighter tint, and margined with velvet- black. The primary quills and the tail-feathers greyish-black. Length to end of tail 29 inches ; extent of wings 42 ; wing from flexure 10^ ; tail 5^ ; bill along the ridge 2\^ ; along the edge of lower mandible S^ ; tarsus 2-j% ; first toe 1, its claw -j^ ; second toe l-^, its claw -j%; third toe 2^, its claw -fj ; fourth toe 3^, its claw -^. Female ix Winter. — The female is similar to the male. Length to end of tail 26 inches ; extent of wings 38 ; tarsus 2Jj ; outer toe and claw 3|. Variations. — Individuals vary considerably as to size, but otherwise very slightly ; the largest measuring thirty inches in length, the smallest twenty-five. The following are some of the dimensions of seven individuals. M. M. F. Y. Y. Y. Y. Length 29 30 25 26^ 29 28^ 26 Extent 42 42 38 36 40 38 — 1JM1 o Ol 03 Ol 03 Oi Ol 0 xJlil O -vo le-gTeen ; the claws bluish horn-colour. The general colour of the plumage is white ; the head and hind neck pale reddish-yellow ; alula, primaries, and first second- ary brownish-black, their shafts Avhite toward the base. Length to end of tail oG inches ; extent of wings 70 ; wing from flexure 20 ; bill along the ridge 4, along the edge of lower mandible 6 ; tarsus 2^ ; first toe and claw 1| ; middle toe and claw 4:|. 408 SULA BASSANA. Female. — The female is similar to the male. Length S3 inches ; extent of wings 67 ; bill along the ridge 4^ ; tarsus 2-^^ ; middle toe and claw 4^, The above descriptions are from a very fine male shot on the liass, by ^Ir. Do Jersey, in the beginning of May 1824, and a female from the same place, examined in July of the same year. The digestive organs, however, are described from a male shot on the Bass in August, 1836. IIahits. — Ganncts appear to be constantly resident on the coasts of Britain, though they change their stations, and may disappear entirely at one season from a place w hicli they had frequented in another. In winter they are often to be seen in the Channel, and even among the Orkney Islands, and I have seen some in the Firth of Forth in the beainnins: of February. It is not, however, until they resort to their breeding-places that they attract much notice, and then they are all day long to be seen, often in great numbers, dispersed over the surrounding seas to the distance of fifty or more miles. Their breeding-stations are not numerous, however, those mentioned by observers being, on the west side of Britain, Lundy Island, on the coast of Devonshire ; Ail^^a Craig, off xVyrshire ; St. Kilda, to the west of the Outer Hebrides ; Suliskerry, between the Butt of the Lewis and the Orkneys ; and on the east coast of Scotland the Bass liock, in the Firth of Forth. It is in the latter station that I have made most of my observations on this bird. The Bass is an abrupt ruck, having a basis of about a mile iu circumference, and of an oblong form. The cliffs are per- pendicular in some places, overhanging in others, and every- where ])rccipitous, excejiting at the narrow^ extremity next' the land, where, slo])ing less abruptly, they form at the basis a low projection, on which is the only landing-place. Above this are the ruins of the fortifications and houses, the Bass having formerly been used as a state jjrison. The rocks are in some places ajjparently two hundred feet in height, and the sunnnit, towards which tlie .surface rises in an irregular manner, is probably a huiulred and fifty feet higher. In as far as 1 have observed, the whole mass is of a uniform struc- COMMON GANNET. 409 tare, consisting of trap, intermediate between greenstone and clinkstone, ^Yitll an uneven fracture, approaching to conchoi- dal, sometimes splintery ; glimmering lustre ; dull brownish- red colour, with specks of dull pale green interspersed ; and snuill granular structure. It is scratched by the knife "with- out difficulty, tough and hard under the hammer. The scams have a dark red, rusty appearance, sometimes tinged with dull brownish-black. Felspar and augite are the constituent minerals, the latter in small quantity. The lustre and tex- ture are similar to those of the rock of North Berwick Law, but the colour of the latter is greenish-grey, with interspersed patches of reddish-brown. Although a great portion of the upper surface of the island is composed of rock, there is an abundant vegetation, consist- ing chiefly of Festuca ovina, F. duriuscula, and a few other grasses, mixed with plants usually found in maritime situa- tions. Among other species, the following were observed by me : — Silene maritima, Cochlearia officinalis, Plantago Coro- nopus. Lychnis dioica. Geranium molle, Statice Armeria, Draba vcrna, Urtica dioica, Rumex crispus,Sonchus olcraceus, Leontodon Taraxacum, Yicia lalhyroides, Viola canina, Bellis perennis, Lycopsis arvensis, iNIyosotis collina, Cerastium semi- decandrum, Luzula campestris, Bromus mollis, Aira pripcox, and, lastly, Lavatera arborea and Beta maritima, the two latter growing in great abundance among the ruins, which harbour gi-eat numbers of Helix aspersa. But the circumstance connected with the Bass most inte- resting to the zoologist, is its being one of the few places in Britain to Avhich the Gannet resorts during the breedincr- season. The number which I saw on the loth May 1831, when I for the first time visited it along with some friends, might be estimated at twenty thousand. Every part of the mural fiices of the rock, especially towards their summits, was more or less covered by them. In one spot near the landing- place, about forty yards in circumference, and on a gentle slope of gravelly ground, about three hundred individuals were sitting in peaceful security on their nests. The Gannets arrive about the middle of February or the beginning of March, and depart in October ; some years, a 410 SULA BASSANA. few individuals remain during the winter. The nests are composed of grass and sea-weeds, generally placed on the bare rock or earth, elevated in the form of a truncated cone, of ■which the base is about twenty inches in diameter, with a shallow terminal cavity. On the summit of the island are numerous holes in the turf, formed by the Gannets in pulling away grass and turf for their nests. Tliey are placed in all parts of the rocks where a convenient spot occurs, but are much more numerous towards the summit. Some of them on tlie face of the rock, or in a shallow fissure, and Avhich have been occupied for years, are piled up to the height of from three to five feet ; but in this case they always lean against the rock. Tlie e^g, which is solitary, and presents nothing remarkable in its position, is of an elongated oval form, white, dull, with a chalky surface, usually sullied or patched with yellowish-brown dirt. It is subjected to what might appear rough usage, for the bird in alighting, flying off, or when disturbed by the intrusion of human visitors, tosses it about, and often stands upon it. All the movements of the Gannet on land are very awkwaid : it hobbles and Avaddles when it tries to walk, stares at you with its goggle, white eyes, opens its ugly black throat, and emits a torrent of crackling sounds. When sitting, the Gannets usually allow a person to approach within tlnce feet, sometimes much nearer, so that one may even touch them. When one approaches them, they merely open their bill, and utter their usual cry, or they rise on their feet and express some degree of resentment, but seem to have very little apprehension of danger. They take advantage of the absence of their neighbours to pilfer the materials of tlieir nests, frequently two join in the act, and occasionally two may be seen tugging at the same buncli, endeavouring to wrest it from each other. They are con- stantly repairing their nests, which being composed in a great measure of sea-weeds, shrink up in dry weather and decompose in wet ; and w hen seated close together they have frequent quarrels. I saw one seize its neighliour by the back of the iKck, and hold fast, until the assaulted bird, I may say, roared out ; but in general they are satisfied with menac- COMMON GANNET. 411 ing cuch other with their open hills and loud clamour. In leaving the nest they generally scatter about a quantity of the materials of which it is composed, for they are extremely awkward in their motions when on the ground, hobbling and limping along, aiding themselves with their wings, and drag- gling the abdominal feathers and tail. In launching from the cliffs, they frequently utter a single plaintive cry, perform a curve, having its concavity upwards, then shake the tail, fr('([uently the whole plumage, draw the feet backwards, placing them close under the tail, on each side, and cover them with the feathers. In some the feet were entirely covered, while in others parts of the toes Avere apparent. In flying, the body, tail, neck, and bill, are nearly in a straight line, the wings extended, and never brought close to the body, and they move by regular flappings, alter- nating with short sailings. In alighting, they generally ascend in a long curve, keeping their feet spread, and come down rather heavily, often finding it difficult to balance themselves, and sometimes, when the place is very steep, or when another bird attacks them, flying off, to try it a second time. On the rocks they stantl with the body nearly hori- zontal, or they lie on their belly, although some may be seen in an oblique or nearly erect posture. They usually repose with the head resting between the shoulders, the bill con- cealed among the feathers of the back. I caught one in that state, by Avalking up to it, and seizing it by the tail and the tips of the wings, which cross each other over it. Owing to their so often interfering with each other, a constant noise is kept up amongst them. Their cry is hoarse and harsh, and may be expressed by the syllables carra, carra, or kirra, kirra, sometimes it is crac, crac, or era, era, or cree, cree. The cry varies considerably in different indivi- duals, some having a sharper voice than others, and when unusually irritated they repeat it Avith great rapidity. The young are at first covered with very beautiful close snow-white down ; at the age of about six weeks the feathers make their appearance among the down; when about two months old the birds are pretty well fledged, aiul at the end of three months thev are able to flv. The old bird at first 412 SULA BASS ANA. feeds the young "Nvith a kind of fish soup prepared in its gullet and stomacli, and which it introduces drop by drop, as it -were, into its tlnoat. But -when its nursling is pretty -well grown, it places its bill within its mouth, and disgorges the fish either entire or in fragments. They never carry fish to the rock in their hills. The smallest number of young killed in a year is a thousand, the gi-eatest two thousand ; but in general the number is fifteen or sixteen hundred. After being plucked they are sold at from ninepence to a shilling each. The price of a young bird for stufiing is two shillings, of an old bird five, of an egg one. For the information con- tained in this paragraph I am indebted to the keeper or farmer of the rock, of whom, however, I did not think of asking to whom the birds were sold. At the period of my second visit, with Mr. Audubon, on the 19th of August 1835, the nests in most places had almost entirely disappeared ; for it is only during incubation that the birds keep them in constant repair. The young were in various stages, a few quite small and covered all over with white down, the greater number partially fledged, with the down remaining on the head and neck, and some nearly ready to fly, and having merely a few tufts of down on the hind- neck. The young lay flat, either on the remnants of their nest, or on the bare rock or ground. They are very patient and uncomplaining ; in fact, none uttered a single cry while we were inspecting them. I observed an old bird, with its own young one beside it, squeeze the neck of another young- ling Avith considerable force. The poor bird bore the perse- cution with perfect resignation, and merely cowed under the bill of the tyrant. The young of the latter also attacked its neighbour, but was instantly checked, on which it meekly desisted. One of the men informed me that last year there were fourteen nests, each with two eggs. In such cases one of (he young is said to be much smaller than the other. Having visited one of the must celebrated of the breeding- places of the Gannets, let us now observe their habits at a distance from their retreat. In the Outer Hebrides they are to be seen, soon after sunrise, comiiitr in strintrs of from three or four to twenty or so, from the Atlantic, and wending their COMMON GANNET. 413 ■svay lip the sounds, generally along the shore. They fly steadily, and with considerable rapidity, moving in a uniform manner, without undulations, by moans of rather quick motions of the extended wings, which are never brought against the sides. They proceed to great distances, many of them going as far as the coasts of Skye, others dispersing along the western and eastern shores of the Long Island. When they reach the places where they are accustomed to fish, they slacken their flight, move backwards and forwards along the coast, at a height of from flftecn to thirty feet above the surface of the water, now and then dart down to seize a fish, and, rising again, pursue their occupation. When the wind is high, and beats against a rocky promontory, one may in favourable situations have good shooting, for in doubling the cape they come very close upon the rocks. In the evenings, before sunset, they are seen retiiing westward in strings, with the same rapid and steady motion as in the morning. The Gannet never swims continuously on the water, although it floats there buoyantly, nor is it capable of diving from its surf\icc. When, in flying about in search of food, it perceives a fish, it suddenly turns, and descends headlong, with such force as to leave, where it has disappeared, a spot covered with foam, as if a large stone had fallen from a great height into the sea. It rises in a few seconds, and so light and buoyant does it seem that in emerging it nearly springs out of the water. It then rests a few moments on the sur- face, and taking wing, ascends to renew its search. It rises heavily, however, making a splutter with its wings for several yards, before it gets fairly on wing. A common opinion, even of those who see it daily, is, that on perceiving a fish, it immediately throws itself on its back, and so darts down. I have often closely watched its motions, but never observed this reversion, although it certainly does take an abrupt turn in certain cases, as when a fish glances in the water at some distance behind it, or on either side, and then, in executing a sudden turn or oblique motion, it seems to turn upon its back, as I have frequently observed. It very seldom flies across a neck of land, but doubles the point. I saw an instance, however, where one had adventured across an isth- 414 SULA BASSANA. mus nearly half a mile in breadth. Unfortunately for it, an eagle that happened to be flying past, observed it, and struck it down. It was taken up dead by some people near the place and brought home. AVhen it meets with a shoal of herrings it gorges exces- sively, so as sometimes to be unable to rise from the water for a time. Crossing from Lewis to Pollen, on the mainland, in the summer of 1821, 1 sailed over a dense shoal, in the midst of which were numerous Ganncts, some of which seemed unable to rise, while the rest Avcre voraciously feeding. It Avas remarkable that even here, where the fishes were so crowded as to cause a ripple on the surface, the birds did not pick them up as they sat among them, but first rose in the air and then darted upon them in the usual way, frequently plunging before rising to the height of half a dozen feet. On another occasion, hoAvever, 8th August 1840, 1 saw a Gannet in the Firth of Forth, descend among herring fry, not in the usual manner, but like a Gull ; it hovered over the shoal, and picked up the fishes. In the middle of summer there seems to be an annual mortality among them in the Hebrides, many being then found dead on the water, and others, on being taken up, are found to be much emaciated. The Gannet may be caught by laying a herring on a piece of wood, and dragging it after a boat, with a long cord fastened to it. The bird descends, and either dislocates its neck by the shock, or transfixes the board with its bill, and is thus cap- tured. The late Mr. Macneil of Lingay informed me that being once on his way to St. Kilda, of which he Avas tacksman, in a large o\)cn boat, he was once startled by the sudden descent of a Gannet ui)on a piece of flesh suspended Avithin the gun- Avale. The force Avith which tlie bird came doAvn Avas so great as to drive its bill through the ])lank. The following statement by Mr. John MacGilliA'ray refers to the most celebrated of all the breeding-places of this bird : — " The Gannet, or Solan Goose, Sula alba (An sulair), is to be seen in vast numbers about St. Kilda, from Avhence a portion of them take tlieir dejjarture every morning to fish in the bays and channels of the Outer Hebrides, the nearest of Avhich is about fifty miles distant. I have even seen them in COMMON GANNET. 415 Dunvegan Loch, in the Isle of Skyc, about ninety miles from St. Kikl.i, to whicli I have no douht thoy all retire at niglit. In fact, lung- strings of Gannets may he seen on tlie approach of evening winging their Avay westward. This bird is appa- rently very select in the choice of its breeding-i)laces, which it occupies to the exclusion of every other species. None are to he found in Ilirta, but the island of Borreray is almost exclusively oecupied with them, as are also the adjacent rocks Stack Ly aiul Stack Narmin. The two latter, renuirk- able for their pointed summits and great height, along with portions of Borreray, appear even from the distance of many miles as if covered with snow, this deceptive appearance being caused by th(> myriads of Gannets with which the rock is thickly covered, as well as the clouds of these birds passing aiul repassing in the neighbourhood of their nests. The young birds are fledged in August if the produce of the first laying, but not till September if the first egg has been taken away, as it always is in spots of easy access. The ascent of Stack Ly, a rock -which seems absolutely inaccessible, is con- sidered the greatest of all the dangers to which a St. Kildian can expose himself. Only a single man can land at a time, and that only in fine weather. Even then there is great danger in a near approach, on account of the heavy swell, wliich many years ago drove u])on the rock the only boat belonging to the island, when all on board, with one excep- tion, perished. A second boat had previously been lost on the same place, but the crew were so fortunate as to effect a landing, and were taken off the island a few days after by a boat from Harris, sent to collect the rent. The man who lands first, after scrambling to the top, lowers a rope, by which the rest easily ascend, and commence plundering the nests, throwing down into the sea, to be afterwards picked up, the bodies of the young birds, and such of the old ones as they can secure. The old birds, however, are generally caught in gins, or killed under night Avhen asleep. Great caiition is required to prevent any of the Gannets from giving the alarm, in which case the courage and ingenuity of the fowler will be exerted in vain. Great numbers of Gannets are taken not only in St. 416 SULA BASSANA. Kilda, but also throughout the Hebrides, by eautiously ap- proaching them in a boat under sail, when gorged with fish and asleep upon the -vvater. It requires great dexterity, however, to succeed in this ; and I have often seen it fail, especially in calm weather, or when there is only a slight breeze, the bird being awakened by the noise of the gliding of the boat through the water, and rising on wing, when it invariably disgorges with a loud harsh scream. The pasture on the island of Borreray is nearly destroyed by the Gannets, which have dug great numbers of large deep holes in the turf, to procure materials for their nests, which are composed externally of sea-weed. The latter substance many of them must procure from a distance of sixty miles or more, there not being a sufficiency in any of the St. Kilda isles. In fact, I have seen a Gannet flying, apparently from Harris, with a large quantity of sea-weed in its bill. The force with which the Gannet plunges from on wing in pursuit of a fish is astonishingly great. The following story, illustrating this point, was related to me by more than one person, both in St. Kilda and Harris, and I believe it to be true: — " Several years ago, an open boat was returning from St. Kilda to Harris, and a few herrings happened to be lying in the bottom, close to the edge of the ballast. A Gannet passing over head, stopping for a moment, suddenly darted doAvn upon tlie fish, and passed through the bottom of the boat as far as the middle of the body, which being retained in that position by one of the crew, effectually stopped the leak until they had reached their destination. The long streak of foam which follows the plunge of the Gannet may be distinctly seen at the distance of more than a mile, when the bird itself is far below the surface, and of course invisible." The inhabitants of St. Kilda use the young birds as food, and kill vast numbers of the old solely for their feathers, which they give as rent to the tacksman. The gullet, however, is ke])t as a receptacle for the oil of the Fulmar. The beautiful white down of this bird answers, as well as tliat of the Swan, for ti])pets, being left upon the skin after the feathers have been removed. As already stated, there is generally but a single egg in COMMON GANNET. 417 tlic nest. The egc^s vary considerably in size, and are more or less crusted with white calcareous matter, under wliich the colour is pale blue. The form is oval or oval-oblong. One from the Bass measures 3 inches by 2^ ; another 2-^ by 1 u- ; one from St. Kilda 2-L2- by l-^V. Young. — At first the young bird resembles that of a Cormorant. One, about four days old, from the Bass, seen •with Mr. Wilson, on tlie 20th July 1824, was almost bare; the general colour of the skin dark leaden-blue, deepest on the head, paler and mixed with red (derived from the soil I) on the belly. Down very sparse, pure white. Bill and feet of the same colour as the skin ; claws and tip of the bill pale horn-colour. Iris very narrow, whitish. The down gradually increases. A young bird, about five weeks old, from the Bass, seen with Mr. Wilson, 20th July, 1824, had the bill and bare part of the face and throat, which is very extensive, bluish-black ; the iris lightish ; the feet brownish-black, the lines paler ; the claws light grey, tinged with brown ; the whole body covered with very fine, soft, pure Avhite down. It continues thus, the white down becoming longer, until the feathers sprout. In its first plumage the young is of a dark brown colour above, paler beneath, but all the feathers tipped Avith Avliite. One from the Bass, examined in August 1831, had the whole plumage deep brown, excepting the under parts, Avhich Avcre paler, and towards the abdomen approaching to whitish ; the feathers all tipped with a triangular Avhite spot, excepting the primary quills, primary coverts, alula, and tail-feathers. It is a very remarkable circumstance that the middle claw, which in the adult is serrated, is quite entire in the young bird, until after it has begun to fly ; and that the edges of the bill, which are irregularly serrated in the adult, have no appearance of cuts in the young. A more curious fact still is the entire closing of the external nares. Progress toward Maturity. — In the first autumn the plumage changes to a uniform dark greyish-brown on the upper parts, the lower becoming whiter. In the next summer VOL. V. 2 E 418 SULA BASSAXA. the plumage of the adult appears, and is completed by the end of the autumn ; but individuals examined at different periods are more or less spotted or patched Avith the one or the other. An individual in the second year, shot on the Bass by W. Stables, Esq., had the bill pale greyish-blue, tinged with greenish ; the eyelids light blue ; the iris silvery; the bare skin about the eyes livid blackish-blue ; the feet brown ; the lines dull yello-svish-green ; the claws pale bluish-grey. The head, neck, and inidcr parts coloured as in the adult ; the back of brown and white feathers inter- mixed ; the scapulars and wing-coverts, some deep brown, others white ; quills, both primary and secondary, primary coverts, alula, and little primary coverts, brown ; secondary coverts, some brown, some white ; tail dark brown ; upper larger coverts white ; the skin hght blue ; the middle of the mouth dull livid blue. Length 35|- inches ; extent of wings 70 ; bill along the ridge 4, along the edge 6 ; tarsus 2 ; middle toe 4^. Remarks. — x\lthoiigh the history of the Gannct is given much more fully above than in any British work known to me, it is yet very imperfect, there being many details of its organization of great interest, but for which I have scarcely space left. The skin, which can be inflated by blowing into a puncture made in it, appears as if connected with the sub- jacent parts only by shreds and points of cellular tissue. Montagu found, from repeated experiments in the dead bird, that there is a communication between the lungs and cellular inrml)rane covering the greater part of the body, as well as with the whole cavity of the body; but that the skin could not be inflated through the lungs, although air would readily pass in a contrary direction ; and there also exists a sepa- ration between the cellular sub-cuticular cavities of each side of the body, which prevents their being continuously inflated. Tlu* skin is also furnished witli a transparent cel- hilar mi'nil)vane, the cells bcin;^ ret;ularly perforated close to the base of each feather. At tlie upper part of the breast is a lart^e bag, which extends some way up the neck, but no opening was discovered into it, although it was found by COMMON OANNET. 419 inflation to communicate with tlio cavity of the body and the tiaclioa. Monlaf^u imap^nes this singulai* conformation in the (iannet to he intended chiefly for tlie retention of heat, as \vell as to give hglitness and buoyancy to the bird, and thereby enable it to exist in the midst of tempests, far from hand, where it is necessary for it to remain, while in pursuit of its food. It appears, however, much more pro- l)ablc that the singular anatomy of the Gannet is connected with its mode of plunging after its prey. In dissecting a male bird of tlie same species from Boston, Massachusetts, I observed, among many other details, some of which are related in the fourth volume of jNIr. Audubon's work, the peculiarities above alluded to. " The cellular tissue of the back exhibits vacuities of very large size, inter- vening between the skin and the muscles : one, at the lower part of the neck behind, being 0 inches in length ; another 5^ inches long, extending from the furcula down the humerus ; and behind the wings four others, extending to the last rib. Jiranches from these pass between the muscles, which present the appearance of having been, as it were, dissected. A cell of enormous size covers the side of the abdomen, and another pair run down the middle of it, separated l)y a partition in the median line. That part of the cellular tissue which adheres to the bases of the feathers is also remarkably loose ; and close to each of them is a roundish aperture of large size, communicating with the great cavities mentioned above. Between the pectoralis major and the subjacent muscles is a large interspace, formed by a great cell. The internal tho- racic and abdominal cells are also very large." American specimens have been compared by me Avith Scottish, both by inspection of the exterior and by dissection, and I have no doubt as to their being of the same species. Mr. Audubon found it breeding on a rock in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, and frequently saw it on the Gulf of Mexico in winter. I have still to say a few words respecting a Black-tailed Gannet. Whether Mr. Gould's Suia mdamira be a good species, or whether the specimen to which I allude belong to it, I 420 SULA BASSANA. camiot presume to determine from few facts and small data. The bird in question Avas caught on the Bass in May 1831, and sent to nio for description by Mr. Stables. Apparently adult, and having the general appearance of the Common Gannet. Primaries 10, secondaries 26, tail- feathers 12. The principal diifercnces are the following: — The bill is shorter, and at the base thicker. The space from the eye to the base of the bill is shorter. The black line of bare skin is extended down the neck to more than lialf its length, whereas in the Common Gannet it is only about 2 inches long. Tlie secondary quills are dark purplish-brown ; white in the Common, but still dark brown in its second year. The tail is dark brown ; white in the Common, but still dark brown in its second year. Length 36 inches ; extent of wings 64 ; bill along the ridge 3|, along the edge 5^ ; tarsus 2f ; middle toe 4h In specimens from the Bass, the dimensions of the diges- tive organs vary considerably, as in many other species of birds. Thus : — In an adult male shot in May 1824, and of Avhich the length was 36, extent 70, bill 4, tarsus 2^, toe 4f ; the oeso- phagus 15, intestine 60. An adult male, 23d August, 1836. — Length 37 inches, extent 72; oesophagus 18; stomach If; intestine 64. An adult male, 8th July, 1837. — (Esophagus 15 ; intestine 60^, of which tlie rectum 4^ ; coeca 5-^. An adult female, 8th July, 1837. — (Esophogus 14; in- testine 61-^, of wliich the rcct\nn 4^; cooca ^. An adult, 20th July, 1824.— Length 33, extent 67, bill 41, tarsus 2^, toe 4JL-. A second year bird. — Length 35^, extent 70; bill4|-; tarsus 2, middle toe 4\. Tlic American birds Avhich I have seen were mostly a litth,' larger. Three jueservcd in rum measured: — Length 38:], 38^, 37; extent 73, 72, 68^. Of one of them, oeso- phagus 18|-, stomach l-/^ ; intestine 58^, of which the rectum 5 j ; cocca -^. 421 MERSATORES. PLUNGERS. Among the numerous birds that seek their subsistence in or upon the waters, and are fitted for an aquatic life, by hav- ing tlicir toes connected by a thin and ])liant indiiphcature of tlic skin, converting- their feet into paddles, arc many, Avhich roaming abroad over the face of the ocean, or folloAving the sinuosities of its shores, pick up their food from its surface, or by plunging or dipping into it, "without pursuing their prey into its depths. They are of lighter construction than the other sea-birds, with more plumage in proportion to their bulk, and furnished with wings of large size, generally elon- gated and narroAV, which enable them to perform a more varied and extended flight, and to accomplish with ease the evolutions frequently necessary to them. Sitting lightly on the water, chiefly for repose, they swim Mith ease, but not with speed at all approaching to that of the diving birds, and none of them are capable of sinking, or propelling themselves into the water, from its surface. Their food consists of fishes, Crustacea, mollusca, and other animals, the larger feeding also in the manner of vultures on dead cetacea, land mammalia, and birds. The order is of universal distribution on the seas, many also frequenting fresh water, and even the species extend to vast distances. Enlivening the monotony of the vast expanse, they occasionally cheer the mariner, and afibrd the wearied passenger to distant lands a little of that amuse- ment Avhicli he longs for, but which the deep yields in pro- fusion only to tlic naturalist, and not always even to him. Without them the coasts would often seem lifeless ; and when busy crowds of them are in pursuit of shoals of fishes, or searching the estuaries, they give an animation to the scene, which contrasts with the eftoct caused by their absence. 422 MERSATORES. PLUNGERS. Peculiarly erratic, they settle for a time only to rear their young, after "which they disperse ; yet some are to be seen at every season, in almost every climate, on the barren shores of Iceland, the picturesque coasts of Greece, the luxuriantly- wooded bays of the Indian islands, amidst the floating ice of Nootka Sound, and on the sunny bosom of the Pacific Ocean. They may be generally characterized as having the body ovate, rather light in proportion to their bulk ; the neck of moderate length, or short; the head large, broadly ovate, anteriorly narrowed. Tbe bill of moderate length, generally stout, but often slender, straight, compressed, more or less decurved at the end, and opening to beneath the eyes. The mouth is rather wide, and extensile ; the tongue fleshy, tapering, pointed, horny beneath at the end. The oesophagus very wide, its walls thin ; the proventricular portion dilated ; the stomach small, muscular, with large radiated tendons, and thick, dense, rugose or plicate epithelium ; the intestine rather long, narrow, or of moderate width ; cceca very small, cylin- drical ; rectum with a large globose cloaca. The nostrils are rather large, sub-basal, or medial ; the eyes rather small, with feathered eyelids, having crenulate margins. The apertures of the ears of moderate size. The legs never of great length, generally short, rather slender ; tibia bare to some extent ; tarsus little compressed ; toes of moderate length, slender, spreading, webbed, the first very small and elevated, or wanting ; claws small, arcuate, rather obtuse. The plumage full, close, and soft ; the feathers generally oblong and rounded ; the wings very long, rather narrow, much pointed ; the tail generally moderate, and mostly of twelve feathers. The ^lersatorial Order, of which any member may be at once recognized, is more homogeneous than the others. It may, however, be divided into a few somewhat distinct fami- lies. The Procellauiinvt;, of Avhich the greater number of species belong to the southern heniisphere, and of which many are of gigantic or large size, have few representatives with us, and they, with exception of one, among the smallest of all sca-bivds. The genera are Diunu'dea, which includes the most celebrated of the sea-birds, the Albatross, Procel- MERSATORES. PLUNGERS. 423 laria, a immcrous group, in which arc also many large species, Da])ti()ii, l*rion, and l^iifHnuria, none of whicli have S])ecies in the European seas, Puflinus, and Thalassidroma, of which two of the first, and four species of the last, are reckoned in our Famia. The LariN/i:, or family of the Gulls and their allies, none of which approach in magnitude to the Diomedese and Pro- cellaria;, or are so diminutive as the Thalassidronijc of the last family. Some authors distinguish the LESXRiNii-: from the Larina;, as a family or suh-family, and many unite with them the Sterninm;, Avhich, however, might, I think, with pro- priety, be kept distinct. The Larina; have the bill strong, more or less decurved or declinate at the end; the wings rather broad and somewhat rounded, the tail short or of moderate length ; while in the Sterninai the bill tapers to a fine point, the wings are narrow and acuminate, the tail mostly rather long, and usually forked. About thirty-five of these birds rank as British. Some are permanently resident, but the greater number migratory. The males are somewhat larger than the females, and gene- rally the sexes are coloured alike ; but the young are diffe- rently coloured from the adult, being usually mottled with broAvn. They nestle on the ground or on rocks, laying a few oval spotted eggs ; but some lay in holes, and have wliite eggs. The young, densely covered with down, are active from the first ; but, unless annoyed, seldom remove from the nest until they are able to fiy. The flesh of tliese birds is not esteemed as food ; nor are they in any way of much evident utiHtv to man. 424 PROCELLAMIN^E. PETRELS AND ALLIED SPECIES. The Procollariinre, some of which arc of gigantic, and others of very diminutive size, are oceanic birds, of -which no general definition has been given by any author known to me. It is very easy to inform \is that the mariner meets with tliem far from hind, and that ornithoh)gists are now pretty well agreed as to the forms that ought to be included in the group, or to present a long survey of heterogeneous and dis- cordant opinions on the subject ; but the question with us is, what are the Proccllariinae ? They are mersatorial birds distinguishable by a peculiarity in the disposition of their nostrils, which are more or less tubular and dorsal, and still more by an enormous dilatation of the proventricular portion of their oesopliagus, which, when filled, occupies by far the greater part of their abdomi- nal cavity. Any bird presenting these two characters may be at once referred to the Procellariinre. Otlierwise, they differ from each other in size and propor- tions ; but may be generally described as having the body ovate ; the neck of moderate length ; the head rather large ; the hill not longer than the head, moderately stout, com- pressed ; the upper mandible with the ridge formed of two generally united plates, at the anterior end of which are the nostrils, the tip decurved, compressed, and pointed ; the edges of both mandibles sharp ; tlie tip of the lower with its edges decurved. The mouth is widcuid dilatal)l«' ; tlie ]ialate longitudinally ridged ; tlie tojigue tapering, jiointrd, flat above ; tlie ceso- ])liagus of mo(k'rate width along the neck, but within the thorax dihited into an enormous sac ; the stomach, on the PETRELS AND ALLIED SPECIES. 425 contrary, very small, and usually reversed ; the intestine long and slender ; the ca'ca very small, or wanting. The feet are of moderate lenj^th, sometimes rather lon Yorkshire coast, was procured by IMr. Strickland, who subsequently met with a second. Some CINEREOUS SHEARAVATER. 439 Others arc added by Mr. YarrcU. But differences in the colours of the phimage and bare parts, as well as the dimen- sions of tlieso birds, have rendered their determination some- Avliat uncertain. Mr. Selby describes his specimen thus : — " Bill, from the forehead to the ti]), one inch and three-quarters long, slightly recurved, witli the dertrum arclied and strongly hooked ; nasal tubes obliquely truncated and open in front. Tip of tlie lower mandible bent down, and following the curve of tlie upper one. Head, back, j)art of the neck, and the upper plumage, blackish-brown, with the margins and tips of the feathers of tlie scapulars lighter. Throat, lower part of the neck, and the whole of the under plumage, deep ash-grey, with a tinge of broccoli-brown. Quills and tail brownish- black. Legs having the outer part of the tarsus deep grey ; the inner part and Avebs yellowish. Tarsus two inches and one-eighth long. Middle and outer toes two inches and a half in length." Mr. Strickland's specimens are figured by Mr. Gould as Puffinus cinereus, but doubtfully. M. Temminck, however, asserts that two species have been confounded under the name of Puffinus cinereus ; one, that long known, or at least described or referred to, and belonging to the southern tracts, another, which is "very abundant in high latitudes, and extremely common on the banks of Newfoundland, and which is Puffinus major of Faber." The three British specimens above mentioned, he refers to this latter. But neither Puffinus cinereus, nor Puffinus major, has been satisfactorily described, in so far as I am aware ; nor, if they be different, have they been compared and contrasted. M. Temminck states that in P. major the nostrils are distant, which is not said to have been the case in the English speci- mens. His assertion that it nestles in thousands on the banks of Newfoundland, would, if true, be a most interesting announcement. In Mr. Aiulubon's Ornithological BiogTaphy is a full description of a North American bird, which he refers to Puffinus cinereus, but which, from its size, and some other characters, ought to belong to P. major, if, indeed, the two be not identical. 440 PUFFINUS CIXEREUS. In short, so much vagueness and uncertainty exists with respect to these Puffins, and so ill qualified am I to throw any- light on the subject, that I think it best to refer the matter to those who may have opportunities of examining fresh speci- mens. Mr. Thompson indicates its occasional occurrence on the coast of Ireland, and gives some statements furnished by !Mr. Kobert Davis, of Clonmel, who, on visiting Dungarvan, Watcrford, in the summer of 1840, learned that it "is never met with near the shore, but only far out, and is occasionally taken on the hook and line employed in hake-fishing. The fishermen sometimes keep them for weeks about their houses, and in some instances the birds have become tame ; they never attempt to fly." Two individuals which he kept for some time alive, scrambled or ran along with their breasts about an inch and a half or less from the ground, and never attempted to fly, but even allowed themselves to fall from a height without so much as opening their wings. 441 PUFFINUS ANGLORUM. THE MANX SHEAR- WATER. LYRE. LYRIE. SCRABE. SCRABER. Procellaria Puffinus. Lath. Ind. Oraith. II. 824. Shearwater Petrel. Mont. Omith. Diet, and Supplt. Petrel Manks, Procellaria Anglorum. Temm. Man. d'Omith. II. 806 ; IV. 509. Manks Shearwater. Puffinus Anglorum. Selby, Illustr. Brit. Birds, II. 529. Pufiinus Anglorum. Bonap. Comp. List, G4. Length about fifteen inches ; hill about an inch and two- thirds long, slender ; tarsus an inch and three-fourths ; tail rounded; upper parts deep greyish-black, lotoer white ; sides of the neck indistinctly barred icith grey and white. Male. — This species, much smaller than the last, and in form and habits intimately allied to the next gi'oup, has the body rather slender and elongated ; the neck of moderate length ; the head ovate, anteriorly narrowed. Bill about the length of the head, rather slender, somewhat compressed, nearly straight, with the tips decurved ; the upper mandible with the nostrils approximated, the sides convex, the edges sharp and slightly inflexed, the unguis stout, decurved, rather acute ; loAver mandible with the angle very long and narrow, the dorsal Une short and decurved, the sides convex, the edges sharp and inflected, the tip decurved. The eyes and aural apertures rather small. The legs of moderate length ; tibia with a small portion bare ; tarsus much compressed, edged before and behind, with a series of large scales on the inner side. Hind toe a shght knob, with a deflexed conical claw ; anterior toes rather long, the third and fourth about equal, the membranes striated, with the 442 PUFFINUS ANGLORUM. margin concave ; claws small, slightly arched, compressed, rather obtuse. riuniage dense, soft, blended, on the back and wings rather compact. Wings long, narrow, acute ; primaries tapering, with the tip rounded, the first longest. Tail rounded, of twelve feathers. Bill brownish-black, paler at the base ; iris dark brown. Outer side of the tibia behind, the outer toe, and the outer side of the tliird dark brown ; inner and anterior part of outer side of the tarsus, with the inner side of the third toe, and the whole of the second, reddish flesh-colour ; interdigital membranes paler ; claws brownish-black. All the upper parts glossy gi-eyish-black ; the lower white ; the sides of the neck and breast transversely barred with giey and white. Length to end of tail 15 inches; extent of wings 28; wing from flexure 9-^ ; tail Sj ; bill along the ridge 1 j^, along the edge of lower mandible 2 ; tarsus 1^ ; middle toe l-f^, its claw -j^. Female. — Similar to the male. Habits. — The most northern British station for this bird is Shetland, whence my esteemed friend and fellow- student. Dr. Edmondston, thus writes to me respecting it : — " It breeds, like the Stormy Petrel, in holes in grassy declivi- ties. The nest is difficult to find. The bird is not seen, unless on the ocean, during the day, or it remains concealed in its boh", and only in the twilight can it be detected by the vigilant and hardy fowlers, who, from their great partiality for the young, regard the discovery of their nests as a sort of treasure, wliich they bequeath as an heirloom to their sons. It produces only a single young one, which, though excessively fat, it must bo confessed, justifies the epicurean taste of the fowlers. It is rather strange that the young of sea-birds, although uniformly fed on fish, should be totally free from a fishy taste, wliilf the ilcsh of adults is almost always harsh, and often nauseous." Mr. Dunn states that " the Shear- Matcr is tolerably plentii'ul both in Orkney and Shetland during the summer season. Considerable numbers breed in MANX SHEARWATER. 443 Foula and Unst in tlie latter country, and in Orkney their favourite residence is upon some rocks near Pai)pa Westra. They huikl their nests in holes and fissures of the cliffs, in situations similar to the Puffin." According to Messrs. Baikie and Ileddle, " This is a migi"atory species, arriving fin Orkney) in February and March, and remaining until autumn. It is not very nume- rous, and its breeding-spots are confined to Papa Westray, AVestray, and Waas." In Mr. Low's time, or about forty years ago, it was more numerous, and in greater request. " This bird," says he, " is the chief acquisition our rock -men get for all the danger in climbing the most dreadful precipices ; for this, one sitting on the brink of the rock, with a coil of rope made of hair on his arm, will let his neighbour many fathoms over the steepest rocks, such as Avould make others shudder only to look at, and yet these people think no more of it than an airing ; and though few years pass Avithout some or other of them perishing, yet that never deters the survivors. It is really dreadfid to see people let over a rock several hundred fathoms height, with the deep below them, supported only by the single arm of their comrades, who have nothing to rest themselves against, but must depend on their strength for both their preservation : sometimes, indeed, both slip together. The Lyre comes to these rocks in February or March, and some time after their arrival build in holes of the little earth that is to be found in the interstices of the rocks. It lays a single white egg, something like a hen's, but blunt at each end. In August the young are fit for taking, and are very much sought after as delicacies by those who love good cheer. They are, indeed, very fat, but are nauseously rank and fishy-tasted ; however, they sell pretty high, and are lucrative to the captors. The country people salt them down for winter provision, and boil them with cabbage; what sort of a dish this makes I cannot say, but suppose not extra- ordinary. They likewise take the old ones in jSIarch, but these are poor, and not near so good as the young." The next place frequented by it is St, Kilda. Mr. John MacGillivray's statement respecting it is as follows : — " Puffinus anglorum, the Shearwater, or Manx Petrel, is not 444 PUFFINUS ANGLORUM. uncommon in St. Kilda, where it breeds in excavations formed by itself in the soft earth, filHng many of the fissures among the rocks. Comparatively few are taken by the fowlers, for it is never made a regular object of pursuit ; and yet I have seen a bunch of several dozens brought by one of them from the Island of Ivay. It lays but a single egg, which I was told it deposits upon a slight nest of dried grass at the bottom of its burrow, Avhere it spends most of the day, during which time fcAv arc to be seen, it being, in a manner, nocturnal in its habits. Its flight is very characteristic, and, joined to its dark colour, renders even a single individual very easy of detection, though among a flock of other birds, and at a con- siderable distance." A small island called the Calf of Man, close to the main- land at its south end, Avas formerly inhabited by it in great numbers, but is now said to be deserted. The Isle of Annet, one of the Scilly Islands, is still frequented by it, as Me know from the account given to Mr. Yarrcll by Mr. Mitchell. Mr. Gould has had specimens sent him from the coast of South Wales, where it is said to be abundant in spring. On the southern coast it becomes rarer eastward, and has very seldom been obtained on the east coast of England or Scot- land. In winter it is dispersed over the seas, and probably migrates southward. Its flight is gliding, rapid on occasion, buoyant and easy. It flies low over the sea, descending into the troughs of the waves, and mounting again. AVhen hovering over an object seen in the sea, it lets down its feet, and pats the water with them. In dark or storaiy weather it has an ominous aspect as it glides rapidly along, and dis- appears in the haze. Its food consists of various animal substances; but the particular kinds have not been deter- mined, its gullet and stomach having usually been found filled with decomposed matter and oil, which it vomits on being seized. In ]March and April great numbers betake themselves to certain localities, where they reside until the end of August, wlien their young are fledged. They form holes in the soft earth, in the crevices of rocks, or on grassy slopes, each female depositing a single elliptical white egg. MANX SHEARWATER. 443 At this season, they keep all day in their holes, unless in dark or stormy weather, and come abroad in the evening, at which time, and in the early dawn, it is that they are usually met with. In Ireland, according to INIr. Thompson, it is " a regular sunmier migrant to some parts of the coast, and breeds on the larger Skellig Island off the coast of Kerry. The extent of its distribution is not known. It is said to be common in Fcroe, rare in Iceland, plentiful on the banks of Newfoundland, seldom met with in Norway, or along the western coasts of Europe, not uncommon on the Dardanelles and Bosphorus. 446 TIIALASSIDROMA. STOHM-PETREL. The birds of which this genus is composed are the smallest of those which, being furnished with interdigital membranes, are peculiarly adapted for swimming. Diminutive as they are, and therefore, as one might naturally think, less able than the larger species to withstand the violence of the winds and waves, they are, of all birds, those which venture to the greatest distance from land, being often met with in the very middle of the Atlantic Ocean. As, in searching for food, they fly close to the surface, and while hovering or stooping, let down tlieir'Yeet, and pat the water with them, they seem, as it were, to run on the waves ; whence the name of Thalas- sidroma, or sea-runner, applied to them, as well as that of Petrel, or Little Peter, in allusion to the Apostle. They are of a slender form, having the body very small, compared with the bulk of plumage with Avhich it is covered ; the neck short and slender ; the head ovate, and compressed. Bill shorter than the head, slender, much compressed, de- curved at the end, and acute ; upper mandible with the d()r- sal line at first direct or concave, then abrupt at the end of the nasal tube, afterwards nearly straight for a short space, and finally much decurved, the ridge elevated and separated by a groove from the sides, which are convex at the base, the edges sharp, sinuate, approximating toward the end, the tip compressed, decurved acute ; the nostrils dorsal, submedial, opening in front by two a})proximated tubes ; lower mandible with the intercrural space narrow and pointed, the lower outline of the cnna decurved, tlie dorsal line declinate and concave, the edges sharp, approximated or even in contact toward the end, the tip compressed and decurved. The mouth of moderate width, but dilatable ; the palate convex, with four ridges, anteriorly very narrow, with a THALASSIDROMA. STORM-PETREL. 447 medial prominent line. The tongue somewhat triangular, much flattened, toward the end horny and pointed. The oesophagus of moderate width, but enlarged below into an enormous proveutricular sac, covered with scattered glandules, and at its lower part recurved toward the right side, so that the stomach, which is small, elliptical, and muscular, is reversed in position. In consequence of this derangement, the pylorus is placed on the left side, and the intestine arched upward and to the right, before forming the usual duodenal curve. The intestine is rather long and narrow, with small coeca or none, and a globular cloaca. Nostrils small, tubular, placed close together, and opening on the ridge. Eyes rather small, with the eyelids feathered. Aperture of ear rather small. Legs slender, placed well for- ward; the tibia long, bare for about a fourth; the tarsus moderate or rather long, very slender, little compressed, an- teriorly reticulate. The hind toe extremely diminutive, with a small conical claw ; the fore toes rather long, slender, scutellate, the third longest, the fourth little shorter ; the interdigital membranes striated, and emarginate. The ante- rior claws are small, little arched, compressed, rather acute. The plumage is full, very soft, and blended. The wings very long and narrow, with twenty-four quills ; the primaries very long, tapering, and obtuse, the second longest, the third longer than the first. The tail moderate or long, of twelve broad soft feathers ; but varying in its termination, being cuneate, rounded, even, and emarginate or forked in different species. The predominating coloiirs are greyish-black and sooty brown. The sexes are similarly coloured, and the young differ only in having the tints lighter. The Petrels are in a great measure nocturnal, being most active in the dusk, during the summer nights, and in gloomy weather. During winter and spring they roam over the seas, and in the begin- ning of summer collect in bands, uhich resort to particular breeding-places, on headlands, or unfrequented islands. They nestle in the crevices of rocks, in holes in the turf, or under stones on the beaches. The female lays a single, large, elliptical, white egg. The young remain in the nest until 448 THALASSIDROMA. STORM-PETREL. able to fly. The sitting birds are easily caught in their nests, as they seldom attempt to fly off". On being seized, these birds, like the Fulmars, discharge the contents of their sto- machs, generally consisting of oil. They feed on oily and fatty substances, small Crustacea and mollusca, which they pick up as they skim over the waters. They float lightly, like Gulls, but are incapable of diving. Their flight is buoy- ant and rapid, somewhat resembling that of swallows. The species, which are not numerous, are distinguished chiefly by their relative size, and the form of the tail. One, Thalassi- droma pelagica, is common in the British seas, and breeds in our northern islands ; another, Thalassidroma Leachii, al- though uncommon, breeds in St. Kilda. Some individuals only of other two species have been met with in Britain. These birds are confounded by navigators under the general name of Mother Carey's Chickens, so that the limits of the distribution of the species are not well known. They are held in abhorrence by sailors, being supposed to prog- nosticate stormy weather, especially when they fly around, or in the wake of the ship. The circumstances under Avhich they approach vessels have not, however, been correctly de- scribed. Some say they come up before a gale for shelter, being able, by their rapid flight, to outstrip it; while others allege that in rough or calm weather, before a gale or before a calm alike, they make their appearance, and that their purpose is simply to pick up the objects of food raised by the agitation of the water, or such as are thrown overboard. 449 TIIALASSIDROMA BULWERII. BULWER'S STORM-PETREL. Procellaria Bulwcrii. Bulwer's Petrel. Jardine and Sclby, Illustr. pi. 05. Bidwer's Petrel. Thalassidroma (?) Bulwcrii. Goiild. Birds of Europe, pi. 419. Thalassidroma Buhverii. Bonap. Comp. List, 64. Tail cuncatc ; hill and feet hlacJc ; plumage deep sooty- hlack, on the loicer parts slightly tinged xcith brown ; secon- dary coverts paler ; length ten inches. This species was first described and figured by Sir William Jardine, Bart., and Prideaux John Selby, Esq., in the second volume of their Illustrations of Ornithology, in ■which is represented a bird of the Petrel genus, Avith dusky- brown plumage, inclining to bluish-grey on the breast, and with the secondary quills rose-coloured, accompanied with the following description : — " The length of our specimen is about ten inches : it Avill come under that division of the group Avhcrc the nostrils are contained in one tube, but have a division between them. The plumage is entirely of a deep sooty-black, paler upon the throat, and on the breast and belly slightly tinged with brown. The form of the tail is the greatest peculiarity ; this contains twelve feathers, and is very much cuneated, the central plumes being above two inches longer than the exterior, thus giving us a form at variance with the smaller and true Petrels, where we find it either square or forked." It inhabits Madeira or the small islands adjacent. It was afterwards described and figured by Mr. Gould in the fourth volume of his Birds of Europe. The figure here differs from that in the work referred to above, in agreeing with the description, if so brief a notice as the following may VOL. V. 2 G 450 THALASSIDROMA BULWERII. be so called : — " The whole of the plumage is of a deep sooty- black, becoming paler upon the throat, and brown on the edges of the greater wing-coverts ; bill black ; legs and feet blackish-brown." Mr. Gould prefaces this description with the following notice : — " On the authority of Col. Dalton of Slenningford, near Ripon, we are enabled to add this rare species to the Fauna of Britain, from a fine specimen which was found on the banks of the Ure, near Tanfield, in York- shire, on the 8th of May, 1837, and which could not have been long dead, as it admitted of being mounted into a good cabinet specimen. It is now in the possession of Col. Dalton, Avho doubtless regards it as one of the greatest treasures in British Ornithology." An individual was procured at Scar- borough in the spring of 1849, as stated in the Zoologist, p. 2569, by E. T. Higgins. 4ul THALASSIDROMA LEACIIII. LEACH'S STORM- PETREL. FORK-TAILED PETREL. Petrel do Leaeh. Procellaria Lcachii. Tcmm. Man. d'Oniith. II. 812. Fork-tailed I'etrel. Thalassidronia Leachii. Audubon, Ornith. Biog. IV. 434. Fork-tailed Storm-Pctrel. ThalassidromaBullockii. Selby, Illustr. II. 537. Procellaria Leachii. Leach's Petrel. Jenyns, Brit. Vert. Anim. 286. Procellaria Leachi. Bonap. Comp. List, 64. Tail forked ; hill and feet hlach ; plumage greyish-Hack ^ tinged with brown ; quills afid tail brownish-black ; smaller wing-covcrts and innci' secondaries light greyish-brown ; feathers of the rump, sides of abdomen, and outer tail-cocertSy lohite ; iipper tail-coverts white, tipped with black ; length nearly eight inches. Male in Winter. — This, the largest British species, and distinguished from the others by its forked tail, has the body slender, the neck short, the head oblong and compressed. The bill is shorter than the head, slender, much compressed, decurved at the end, and acute. The upper mandible with its dorsal line direct at the base, abruptly deflected at the nostrils, then for a short space straight, finally arcuate and much decurved, the ridge narrow at the base, narrow and convex in the rest of its extent, separated by a narrow groove from the sides, which are convex, the edges inclinate and sharp, the unguis narrow, decurved, and pointed ; the lower mandible with the intcrcrural space narrow and pointed, the crura narrow, with the sides erect, the outer outline slightly decurved, the angle slightly prominent, the dorsal line concave and declinate, the edges sharp, decurved at the end ; the gape- line sinuous. The nostrils opening directly forward from the tube at the 452 THALASSIDROMA LEACHII. base of the ridge. The eyes of moderate size. The feet are of moderate length ; the tibia bare to a small extent ; the tarsus of ordinary length, very slender, covered with longitu- dinally oblong scales. The hind toe is extremely diminutive, Avith a small, conical, acute claw ; the anterior toes long and slender, the outer two about equal, the inner considerably shorter, the second -with eighteen, the third twenty-eight, the fourth also twenty-eight scutella. The interdigital mem- branes slightly emarginate. The anterior claws slender, compressed, pointed, slightly arcuate. The plumage is full, very soft, and blended; the feathers ovate. The wings are very long, exceeding the tail by half an inch, narrow, and pointed, Avith twenty-four quills ; the pri- maries tapering, but rounded ; the third longest, the second two-twelfths shorter, and so much shorter than the first ; the rest rapidly graduated ; the secondaries incurved, obliquely rounded, the outer web being shortened ; the inner quills straight and elongated. The tail long, deeply forked, of twelve broad feathers, of which the medial are ten-twelfths shorter than the lateral. The bill and feet are black ; the iris dark brown. The general colour of the plumage is blackish-grey, tinged with brown, especially on the breast ; the large scapulars grey at the end, and narrowly edged with white ; the wing-coverts, especially the secondary coverts and inner secondary quills, are brownish-grey ; the quills brownish-black ; the feathers on the hind part of the rump, some of those on the hind part of the sides, and the outer lower tail-coverts, are white ; some of the immediate upper tail-coverts are grey, and the white feathers on the rump have the shafts black. The tail- feathers brownisli-black. Lengtli to end of tail 7-1-5- inches ; extent of wings 20 ; wing from flexure ()jV ; tail 3-[^; bill along the ridge -fV ; along the edge of lower mandible |-!} ; bare part of tibia j^ ; tarsus 1 ; hind toe jV> its claw jL ; second toe -f^, its claw -^ ; tliird toe \^, its claw -j^ ; fourth toe i^, its claw yV- Femalk. — The female differs from the male only in being son-iewhat less. LEACH'S STOKM-PETREL. l.>3 Variations. — The above description is taken from a recent individual procured in December, 1840, besides Avhicli I have examined about half a dozen skins, both European and American. Slight differences in tint are observed, and in summer the wing-coverts in particular are lighter, while the greyish-white at the ends of the longer scapulars and secondaries has disappeared. The extent of white on the rump varies, apparently, according to age. Hahits. — This Storm-Petrel was discovered in 1818 by Mr. llullock in the Island of St. Kilda. Although long sup- posed to be extremely rare, it has since been repeatedly met with on various parts of the coast. Still it is of very uncommon occurrence, compared with Th. pelagica ; but is said to be plentiful on some of the coasts of North America, and on the banks of Newfoundland. Mr. Audubon being the only person Avho has given a good account of its habits, I cannot do better than present an abstract of his observations. " The Fork-tailed Petrel, like the other species, feeds chiefly on floating mollusca, small fishes, Crustacea, which they pick up among the floating sea-weeds, and greasy sub- stances, Avhich they occasionally find around fishing-boats or ships out at sea. "When seized in the hand, it ejects an oily fluid through the tubular nostrils, and sometimes disgorges a quantity of food. It emits its notes night and day, and at not very long intervals, although it is less noisy than Wilson's Petrel. Its flight difl'ers from that of the other two species, it being performed in broader wheelings, and with firmer flappings, in Avhich respect it resembles that of the Night Hawk, Caprimulgus Virginianus, while that bird is passing low over the meadows or the waters. It is more shy than the other species, and when it wheels ofl" after having approached the stern of a ship, its wanderings are much more extended before it returns. I have never seen it fly close around a vessel, as the others are in the habit of doing, especially at the approach of night ; nor do I think that it ever alights on the rigging of ships, but spends the hours of darkness either on the water, or on low rocks or islands. It also less fre- quently alights on the water, or pats it with its feet, probably 454 THALASSIDROMA LEACHII. on account of the shortness of its legs, although it frequently allows them to hang down. In this it resembles Thalassi- droma pelagica, and Wilson's Petrel has a similar habit during calm weather. I have seen all the three species immerse their heads into the water, to seize their food, and sometimes keep it longer under than I had expected. About the 1st of June the species collect in numbers, and return to their breeding-places. They now fly in front of the high rocks, passing and repassing a thousand times in the day, enter their dark and narrow mansions, or stand in the passage, and emit their cries. Now they alight on some broad shelf, and walk as if about to fall down, but with considerable ease, and at times with rapidity. Now and then the mated birds approach each other, and, I believe, disgorge some food into each other's mouths. They collect grass and pebbles, of which they form a flat nest, on which a single white egg is deposited, which measures an inch and a quarter in length, by seven-eighths in breadth, is nearly equally roimded at both ends, and looks very large for the size of the bird. When boiled it has a musky smell, but is palatable. When you pass close to the rocks in which they are, you easily hear their shrill querulous notes ; but the report of a gun silences them at once, and induces those on the ledges to betake themselves to their holes." Like some of our other species, this has repeatedly been found dead, or in an exhausted state, near the coast, and even far inland, during or alter stormy weather in winter. Many instances of its occurrence in various parts of Ireland are mentioned by Mr. Thompson. Remarks. — Although discovered by Mr. Bullock, who, it appears, knew it to be a distinct species, it was first described ])y M. Temminck, who dedicated it to Dr. Leach, of the Ikitish Museum. Dr. Fleming afterwards named it Procel- laria J5ullockii, in honour of its discoverer, and " in order to do an act of common justice to the individual Avho had energy to undertake a voyage of inquiry, and sagacity to distinguish the l)ird in question as an undescvibcd species." INIr. 8clby has followed Dr. Fleming in this matter, while others retain LEACH'S STORM-PETREL. 456 M. Tcmminck's name. Dr. Fleming gives, as part of the specific character, " tlie -wings, Avhen closed, not extending beyond the tip of the tail ;" and Mr. Jenyns, " the ^ings not reaching beyond its tip ;" but these authors, I suppose, had not examined a fresh specimen, and in the one -which I -was so fortunate to jjrocure, the Avings extended half an inch beyond the longest tail-feathers. This Avas also the case -svith a fresh male measured by Mr. Audubon : " length to end of tail 8 inches ; to end of Avings 8^." This species differs from Wilson's Petrel in being larger, in having the bill stronger, the tail forked instead of even, and the intcrdigital webs black instead of yellow and black. It has no chance of being mistaken for Thalassidroma pela- gica, which is very much smaller, with the tail rounded. If such differences in the form of the tail are merely specific in their genus, why should they be held as generic in analogous cases, but because system-makers are often very poor logicians ? 456 THALASSIDROMA WILSONII. WILSON'S STORM- PETREL Thalassidroma "Wilsonii. Bonap. Synops. 367. ^Vilson's Petrel. Thalassidroma "Wilsonii. Aud. Oruitb. Biogr. III. 486, V. 64.5. Thalassidroma Wilsoni. Bonap. Comp. List. Tail even ; hill and feet black, hut the interdigital tncm- hranes yellow in the middle ; i^lumarje greyish-hlack, tinged with hroion abocc, sooty-hroicn beneath ; outer secondary wing- coverts and so)ne of the secondary quills light-hrownish-grey, terminally edged with white ; rump, sides of abdomen and outer lower tail-coverts lohite ; length, seven inches and a half Male. — Having examined several specimens of this species, both skins and entire individuals preserved in spirits, I am enabled, throiigli the liberality of Mr. Audubon, Avho pre- sented me with them, to give a detailed description of it. As in the other species, the body is slender, the neck short, the head of moderate size, and ovate. The bill is shorter than the head, slender, as broad as high at the base, much compressed toward the end, -with the tip decurved and acute. The upper mandible has the dorsal line a little eoncave to the end of tin; tube of the nostrils, ■which appear to open by a single aperture, tlie septum being considerably withdrawn, beyond them for a short space nearly straight, then decurved, the ridge narrow, and separated by a deep groove from the sides, which are convex, the edges sharp and intlexed, the tip sh-nder, compressed, descending, and acute. Tbc lower mandible has the intercrural space narrow and pointed, tlie lower outline of the crura little decurved, the dorsal line very slightly concave, the sides erect, toward WILSON'S STORM-PETRF.L. 457 llic ciul inflexed, so as to be almost in contact, the tip less (lecurved than in any other species. The mouth is of moderate width, but dilatable ; the palate convex, with four longitudinal papillate ridges behind, and three before. The tongue, half an inch long, is triangular and acuminate, at the base enuirginate and serrulate, flat above, with a slight medial groove. The oesophagus, for the length of an inch and a-half, is three-twelfths wide, but on entering the thorax expands into an enormous ovate sac, two inches in length, and an inch and two-twelfths in its greatest breadth. This sac, which is proventricular, is studded all over with small roundish glandules, and curves forward beneath, to end in a very diminutive muscular gizzard, which is reversed in its position, its fundus being directed forward. It is of an elliptical form, three-twelfths and a half in length, and three-twelfths in breadth, muscular, with a rugous epithelium, and, in short, a true gizzard. From its left side comes off the intestine, which curves forward over the fundus, then forms the usual duodenal loop, makes nine turns, and, from above the proventiculus, passes directly to the cloaca. Its width is at first a twelfth and three-fourths, but beyond the middle it gradually contracts to three-fourths of a twelfth ; its entire length fourteen inches. There are no coeca, but the cloaca is globular. The plumage is full, very soft, and blended ; the feathers ovate, and distinct only on the wings, as in the other species. The wings 'are very long, extend, when closed, three-fourths of an inch beyond the tail, and have twenty-four quills. The primaries tapering, but rounded ; the third longest, the second four-twelfths shorter, and exceeding the first bv eleven-twelfths ; the secondaries short, the outer incurved and obliquely rounded. The tail is rather long, almost even, of twelve broad rounded feathers, of which the outer are about a twelfth of an inch longer than those in the middle. The feet are long and very slender; the tibia bare for seven-twelfths of an inch ; the tarsus very slender, reticulate, anteriorly with a long plate on which the divisions are very obscure. The hind toe is so extremely minute as to be scarcely perceptible, its claw resembling the tip of a small 458 THALASSIDROMA WILSONII. needle. The anterior toes are long, very slender, obscurely scutellate; their claws slightly arched, rather depressed, acute. The interdigital webs are very narrow, and deeply emarginatc. The bill and feet are black, but on each of the webs is an elongated yellow patch. The general colour of the plumage is greyish-black, tinged with brown, the lower parts of a sooty brown ; the quills and tail brownish-black ; the outer secondary wing-coverts brownish-grey, as are four of the secondary quills, w^hich are also externally margined witli Avhite. Tlie upper tail-coverts, some of the feathers on the rump, the sides of the abdomen, and the lateral inferior tail- coverts, with the basal part of the tail-feathers, are white. Length to end of tail T| inches ; extent of wings 16 ; Aving from flexure 6 ; tail 2f ; bill along the ridge -j^; along the edge of lower mandible -^ ; tarsus l-^ ; hind toe and claw -fV ; second toe, if, its claw -{^ ; third toe \^, its claw -^ ; fourth toe 1, its claw y2_. Female. — The female is similar to the male. Habits. — This species, named by the Prince of Canino, in honour of the celebrated Scoto-American ornithologist, is represented as breeding on various parts of the eastern coast of North America, and as occurring plentifully on the Atlantic Ocean, although little is known as to the extent of its distribution. Mr. Audubon states that he has rarely seen it on the Gulf of INIexico, and never farther northward than lat. 51 degrees, while to the eastward few were observed by him beyond the Azores. The following extract from the Ornithological Biography of that excellent observer will afford a sullicient idea of its habits : — " Wilson's Petrel breeds on some small islands situated off the southern extremity of Nova JScotia, and called ' Mud Islands,' but wliich are formed of sand and light eartli, scantily covered witli grass. Thither the birds resort in great numbers about the beginning of June, and form burrows of tlie depth of two or two and a half feet, in the bottom of whidi is laid a single white egg, a few bits of dry grass, scarcely deserving the name of a nest, having WILSON'S STORM-PETREL. 459 been placed for its reception. The egg measures an inch and a half in length, by seven-eighths of an inch in breadth, is almost equally rounded at both ends, and has a pure white colour. These Petrels copulate on the water, in the same manner as the Hyperborean Phalarope. By the beginning of August the young follow their parents to sea, and are then scarcely distinguishable from them. During incubation, they remain in the burrows, or at their entrance, rarely going to seek for food before the dusk. " On wing, this species is more lively than the Forked- tailed, but less so than the Connnon Stormy Petrel. It keeps its wings nearly at right angles with its body, and makes considerable use of its feet, particularly during calm weather, when it at times hops or leaps for several feet, or pats the water, whilst its wings are extended upwards with a flutter- ing motion, and it inclines its head downwards to pick up its food from the water, and I have observed it immerse the whole head beneath the surface, to seize on small flshes, in which it generally succeeded. It can walk pretty well on tlie deck of a vessel, or any other flat surface, and rise from it witliout much difficulty. Its notes are different from those of the Forked-tailed Peti*el, and resemble the syllables kee-ree- hee-kce. They are more frequently emitted at night than by day. This species, like the other, feeds on mollusca, small fishes, Crustacea, marine plants, excrements of cetaceous animals, and the greasy substances thrown from vessels. AVhen caught, they squirt an oily substance through the nostrils, and often disgorge the same." A few specimens have been obtained in England. I have not met with any statement indicating its occurrence in Scotland. Mr. Thompson does not consider himself autho- rized to admit it as Irish, but remarks that there can be little doubt, from the distribution of the bird, of its occasionally visiting that country. 460 THALASSIDROMA PELAGICA. THE COMMON STORM-PETREL. MOTHER CAKEY'S CHICKEN. STORM-FIXCH. LITTLE PETEEL. WATEK-WITCU. AL.\MOLTI. ASILAG. SPENCY. SEA SWALLOW. MITTY. l-K. S9. Proccllaria pelagica. Linn. Syst. Xat. T. 212. Proccllaria pelagica. Lath. Lid. Ornith. IL 826. Stormy Petrel. Mont. Ornith. Diet, and Supplt. Petrel tempetc. Procellaria pelagica. Temm. Man. d'Ornith. IL SIO. Common Storm-Petrel. Thalassidroma pelagica. Sclby, Illustr. II. 53S. Proccllaria pelagica. Stormy Petrel. Jen. Brit. Ycrt. iVnim. 285. Thalassidroma pelagica. Bonap. Comp. List, G4. Tdi'f sli(jjtfhj rounded ; hill and feet black; plumage (jrcij- isli-blarh above, soofij-broiim beneath; seco}idary covciis inar- (jincd cxtei-naUy with dull grey ish-icliitc ; feathers of the rumj) and sides of abdomen v:hite ; upper tail-coverts white, broadly tipprd v:ith black; length nearly six inches. Young of lighter tints, icith the feathers edged icith reddish-broicn. ^Iai.k in "SViNTF.u. — This species, the smallest of its {;enus, and of the entire' .'^eries of sea-birds, hears, not only in its form and colours, but also in its mode of flying, a great rcscinbla]u(> to some swallows. Its body is slender, the neck short, the head oblong and compressed. The bill is shorter COMMON STORM-PETREL. 461 tliivu the liead, slender, much compressed, decurved at the end, and acute. The upper mandible •with its dorsal line concave and ascending to the nostrils, then suddenly deflected, afterwards for a short space straight, finally arcuate and much decurved, the ridge carinate, Avith its sides sloping, rising into a tube for the nostrils, beyond Avhich it is nar- rowed, the sides convex, and separated from the ridge by a groove ending before the point, the edges thin, approximating toward the end so as to form a deep groove, the unguis nar- row, decurved, and pointed ; the lower mandible Avith the intercrural space narrow and pointed, the sides erect at the base, inclinate toward the end, their lower outline slightly decurved, ending in a slight prominence, beyond which the dorsal line is declinate and slightly concave, the edges approxi- mating so as to come in contact near the tip ; the gape-line sinuous. The mouth is of moderate width, the palate convex, Avith two lateral ridges, the upper mandible with a medial promi- nent line. The tongue, five-twelfths and a half in length, is much flattened, at the base emarginate and serrulate, horny and tapering at the point. The oesophagus, an inch and six- twelfths long, has a nearly unifomi width of two-twelfths and a half, and op])osite the heart expands into an enormous sac, which gradually enlarges to the width of seven-twelfths, forming a broad rounded fundus, then curves forwards on the light side, and terminates in a very small gizzard. This enlarged part, over Avhich the gastric glandules arc dispersed at considerable intervals, is the proventriculus ; its length to tlie fundus is an inch and a twelfth, but along its greater curve nearly two inches. The stomach is very small, a quarter of an inch in length, and nearly of the same breadth, elliptical, with rather strong muscles, roundish tendons, and rugous epithelium. It is resupinate, or reversed in its posi- tion, so that the duodenum comes off from the left side, and in order to gain its usual situation curves upwards and to the light, behind, and in contact with the upper surfaces of the lower, then forms the usual duodenal fold, on receiving the biliary duct curves backward beneath the kidneys, and forms several convolutions, which terminate above the proventri- ■1G2 THALASSIDROMA PELAGICA. cuius. It now becomes much narrower, and passes directly backward, ending in the rectum, which is four-twelfths in length, nearly one-twelfth in width, but enlarges into a globular cloaca nearly tliree-twelfths in diameter. The cceca are a twelfth and a quarter in length, and nearly half a twelfth in breadth. The entire length of the intestine is nine inches, its width from two-twelfths to three-fourths of a twelfth. The nostrils are dorsal, submedial, and open abruptly in the form of two approximated tubes. The eyes small. The feet are of moderate length ; the tibia bare for four-twelfths of an inch ; the tarsus very slender, rather long, flat before, rather sliarp behind, covered with subhexagonal scales. The hind toe extremely minute, with a conical acute claw ; the anterior toes long and slender, the outer a little shorter than the middle, the second with twelve scutella on the second joint, the third twenty-eight, the fourth twenty-eight. The interdigital membranes emarginate. The anterior claws small, slightly arched, compressed, pointed. The plumage is full, very soft, and blended ; the feathers ovate. The wings are very long, when closed extending about half an inch beyond the tail, narrow and pointed, with twenty-foin- quills ; the primaries tapering, but obtuse; the second longest, the third scarcely shorter, the first a quarter of an inch shorter, and a little longer than the fourth ; the secondaries curved inwards, short, rounded, obliquely emargi- nate, the inner short. The tail is broad, straight, slightly roimded, of twelve broad abrupt slightly emarginate feathers, of wliidi tlie medial is a quarter of an inch longer than the lateral. The bill and feet are black, as are the eyes. The general colour of the plumage is greyish-black above, with a tinge of greyish-brown on the forehead, sooty-brown beneatli. The secondary coverts are more tinged with grey, and are mar- gined externally toward tlic end and at the tip with greyish- wliite. A broad baiul of wliite passes across the rump, including the tail-coverts, which, however, are black at the end, and extending to the hind part of the sides beneatli. The feathers under the tail are also wiiite at the base, as are the tail-feathers, although that colour does not appear until COMMON STORM-PETREL. 46:i the feathers are put aside. The axillar feathers, and some of the lower wing-coverts, are white toward the end. Lenotli to end of tail 5-|4 inches ; extent of wings 131 ; bill along the ridge -j^-j, along the edge of lower mandible -f"^ ; ■wing from flexure 4-^ ; tail 2-j4j ; tarsus \4^ ; hind toe and claw yV ; second toe -^, its claw -jV ; third toe -^j its claw -f^ ; fourth toe -pj, its claw j'^. Femat.t;. — The female is similar to the male, but some- what smaller. Length to end of tail 5-^^ ; extent of wings 13|-. Variations. — Adult birds, having the plumage fresh, differ very little in colour. In that state they have the upper parts of a glossy greyish-black, the secondary quills distinctly edged with white toward the end, the lower tail-coverts about a fourth of an inch shorter than the middle tail-feathers, Avhich exceed the lateral by about half an inch. But in summer? when the feathers have been worn, the tail is often almost or entirely even, the lower coverts of the same length ; the secondary quills have no white, and they, as well as the wing-coverts, have assumed a brownish colour. The white feathers of the rump have the shafts generally, but not always black. Considerable differences arc observed in size. Thus, in four specimens before me, the wing is 4|^, 4-fV, 4-}-i-, 5jV long ; the tarsus -J-f , \^, \^, -/V ; the middle toe and claw T?' T2> T5"' yf • I^ appears that, like the Skua, it sometimes has a few white feathers ; at least, an individual caught off the Isle of May, in June, 1832, had four on the breast ; and another from Shetland, in my collection, has one on the nape. Habits. — The Petrels have received their name for a habit, common to them and the smaller Gulls, of letting their legs hang down, and patting the water with their feet, when hovering over it for the purpose of picking up some article of food. On such occasions they seem to walk upon the sea, although, in fact, entirely sustained by their outspread wings and on this account they have been likened to the Apostle Peter, whose miraculous, though, through want of faith, only 4G4 THALASSIDROMA PELAGICA. paitially successful attempt to walk on the sea of Gennesaret is recorded in the Gospels. Petrel, then, is the diminutive of Petrus, or Peter. But tlic I'etrcls neither walk on the water, nor are otherwise tlian momentarily and in part sup- ported by it. In the open ocean, they are met with by day as well as by night ; but when breeding, they are seen in the neiuhbourhood of their haunts, tliat is, to the distance of twenty or more miles around, chiefly in the dusk and dawn, and during the day remain concealed in their holes. Stormy Avcather doi'S not prevent their coming abroad, nor are they less active during calms. When the waves are high and the wind fierce, it is pleasant, even amidst the noise of the storm and the heavings of the vessel, to watch the little creatures as they advance against the gale, at the height of scarcely a foot above the surface of the water, which they follow in all its undulations, mounting to the top of the wave, there quivering in the blast, and making good their way by repeated strokes of their long narrow wings, then sliding down the slope, resting a moment in the shelter of the advancing mass of water, gliding up its side, and again meeting on the sum- mit the force of the rude w ind that curls the wave and scatters abroad its foam-bells. I have seen them thus advancing apparently with little labour, and in such cases less eff"ort, I tliink, must be required than when they have to encounter a gale before it has blown long enough to raise the waves, which afford it partial shelter. Tlu-ir manner of flying is similar to that of the smaller Gulls, that is, they glide lightly along with expanded wings, sailing or gliding at intervals, aTid then plyiii<4 their feathery oars. It is only when picking lip thiir food that, with upraised wings, they hover over the spot, and pat the water with their feet ; although many per- sons have described this as their ordinary nu)de of progression. In (aim weatlier, wlien the sea is smooth, they hover, skim, and wlieel around, much in tlu- nianner of Swallows, though with less velocity. Tliey have, in fact, a striking resemblance (o these birds, aiul certainly nuMit the name of Sea-Swallows at least as much as the Terus. It is only among the Outer llebiides that I have seen this species, and there but in small numbers, so that my opportunities of observing its habits COMMON STORM-PETREL. 465 liave not enabled me to present a full account of them. This deficiency, however, is supplied by other observers. Mr. Martin, who visited St. Kilda in the summer of 1697, gives the following brief notice of it, accompanied by a figure : — " The Assilag is as large as a Lint-White ; black bill, wide nostrils at the upper part, crooked at the point ' like the Fulmar's bill. It comes about the twenty-second of March, without any regard to winds, lays its e^^g about the twentieth of May, and produces the fowl towards the middle of October ; then goes away about the end of November." Brief as it is, this account is incorrect with regard to the time at which the young is produced. Montagu's account of its habits is as follows : — " Stormy Petrels fly in small flocks, and are the only species of the feathered creation that dare venture so far from shore as the middle of the Atlantic ocean, where they appear to find sub- sistence, and only retire during the breeding season. In a voyage to America we noticed two or three small congre- gations, and these generally followed the ship for several hours, flying round, and playing about in the manner of Swallows, frequently stooping to pick up bits of biscuit thrown over for the purpose. Fortunately, however, we looked in vain each time for the accompanying tempest, Avliich these bewitched chickens of Mother Carey were sup- posed to forbode. Sailors, naturally superstitious, have always considered this little bird the forerunner of stormy and tempestuous weather, as the appearance of the King- fisher denoted fine weather, denominated the halcyon davs by the ancients. These auguries, however, may be founded in fact ; for as the Kingfisher is only seen on the sea-shore, or on the coasts of bays and estuaries in the temperate months, so the Petrel, whose rapid Aving outstrips the wind, flies from the storm, and in its passage over the vast Atlantic may truly warn the mariner of the approaching tempest. " It is no uncommon occurrence to find birds of this species dead in places contiguous to the coast, and some- times remote. Such we have had brought to us several times in the months of October and November. A specimen VOL. V. 2 H 466 THALASSIDROMA PELAGICA. was killed near Bath, and one is said to have been shot so far inland as Derbyshire. From these circumstances it is understood that they sometimes fly across the land; but what occasions the annual mortality which has been noticed in different parts is difficult to determine. Perhaps illness is the occasion of their flying to the shore, to make a short cut across promontories, or, in a weak state, to avoid a storm or an opposing wind ; and being unable to proceed far, they arc found dead on land." He further states that, as it breeds on the rocky coast of the north of Cornwall, and, according to Dr. Fleming, in all the islaiuls of Zetland, it is truly indigenous, although not generally dispersed. Mr, Hewitson, who visited Shetland in search of " rari- ties " for his beautiful and most accurate British Oology, found it breeding in great numbers on several of the islands, principally Foula, the north of Unst, Papa, and Oxna. At the last of these it had not arrived on the olst of May; and on the 16th of June, although it had revisited its breeding- places in Foula, it had not yet begun laying. Visiting Oxna again, on the 30th of June, he found them just beginning to lay their eggs. " In Foula they breed in the holes in the cliff", at a great height above the sea; but here, under stones which form the beach, at a depth of three or four feet or more, according to that of the stones, as they go down to the earth beneath them, on which to lay their eggs. In walking over the surface, I could hear them, very dis- tinctly, singing in a sort of warbling chatter, a good deal like Swallows when fluttering above our chimneys, but harsher ; and in this way, by listening attentively, was guided to their retreat ; and, after throwing out stones, as large as I could lift, on all sides of me, seldom failed in capturing two or three, seated on their nests, either under tlic lowest stone or between two of them. The nests, though of much the same materials as the ground on which they were placed, seemed to have been made with ease: they were of small bits of stalks of plants, and pieces of hard dry earth. Like the rest of the genus, the Stormy Petrel lays invariably one egg only. During the day-time they COMMON STORM-PETREL. 467 remain witliin tlieir liolcs ; and though the fishermen are constantly passing over tlieir heads, the beach under which tliey breed being appropriated for tlie drying of fish, they are tlien seklom heard, but toward night become extremely querulous, and, when most other birds are gone to rest, issue forth in great numbers, spreading themselves far over the surface of the sea. The fishermen then meet them mimerously, and, though they have not previously seen one, are sure to be surrounded by them upon throwing pieces of fish overboard." The v^\^ is nearly elliptical, the small end being little narrower or less rounded than the other, with a rather thick shell, somewhat roughish, without gloss, white, with a belt of minute dark reddish dots at the large end. The average size is an inch and a twelfth and a half in length, ten- twelfths in breadth. I have not seen any without some dots at the large end, although there is seldom a distinct belt there. The food of this species is said by authors to consist of oily and fatty substances, small Crustacea and moUusca, fishes, animal matter of any kind, garbage thrown from ships, and even sea-weeds. It frequently appears in the wake of vessels, especially before or during stormy weather, but also when it is calm ; and then picks up portions of animal and vegetable substances, even fragments of biscuits, that are thrown to it. But, generally, its stomach and gullet are found to contain oily matter, which, on being seized, it vomits, like the other species of this family. The extent of distribution of this species is not ascer- tained, as by mariners it is confounded Avith others ; but it has been observed on the coasts of most parts of Europe, on the Atlantic, especially on the banks of Newfoundland, and in a few places on the eastern coast of North America. In Britain, although the northern isles are those to which it chiefly resorts to breed, it has been found occasionally every- where along the coast. It is very remarkable that in all the places where it has been found breeding, as in Shetland, Orkney, and St. Kilda, it disappears after its young are reared, and does not return until the beginning of next 468 THALASSIDROMA PELAGICA. summer, but seems to reside on the open sea during -winter. In Ireland, according to Mr. Thompson, it " is to be met with at all seasons about some parts of the coast, and breeds in several of the islets." It is rather surprising to ■what an extent destruction is caused to this species by gales and hurricanes, dead or dying birds being often found on such occasions, not only on or near the coast, but far inland. The continued prevalence of a strong sea-wind occasionally drives them in great numbers to the coast. Thus Mr. Thompson relates that, in October 1843, hundreds appeared about Anstruther, in Fifeshire, after a storm from the east. Mr. Harry D. S. Goodsir, his informant, stated that " some of them appeared about the town ; but as the storm died away, they gi-adually went farther out to sea. He one day followed them, and in a heavy sea captured thirty, by flinging pieces of the liver of cod-fish over the gunnel of the boat, when several fighting for the food were caught at a single sweeji of a landing-net. Single birds, too, were captured by the hands of the boat- men. The folloAving day my friend took about fifty in the same manner, and many more might have been procured." YoiNG. — The young, which do not leave the nest until fledged and able to fly, are similar to the adult, with this diflerence, that the feathers of the upper parts are of a lighter tint, and margined with reddish-brown. 469 LAEINtE. ' gulls and allied species. There are differences of opinion as to the species of Mer- satores that ought to be included in the group of which the genus Larus is to be taken as the type, some including in it the Terns and Petrels, others considering these latter as forming two families equivalent to that of the Gulls. As usual in such cases " a great deal might be said on both sides of the question." In the present state of ornithology it is not of great importance, there being no criterion for distin- guishing groups of any kind, — ordinal, or sub-ordinal. In this family I include all birds that present the following characters : — Body more or less compact, generally light ; neck of moderate length ; head ovate, of ordinary size. Bill gene- rally shorter than the head, straight, compressed, somewhat declinate at the end ; upper mandible with the ridge convex, the nasal groove rather long, the edges sharp and direct, the tip declinate, rather acute; lower mandible with the angle long and very narrow, an angular prominence at the com- mencement of the dorsal line, which is more or less concave and ascending. Mouth of moderate width, opening to beneath the eyes ; palate flat, with two prominent ridges, and four scries of reversed papillcc. Tongue fleshy, papillate at the base, rather narrow, tapering to a naiTowly rounded point, and horny beneath. (Esophagus very wide ; proven- tricuhis dilated ; stomach rather small, elliptical, moderately muscular, with large radiated tendons, and very dense, thick, longitudinally ridged epithelium ; intestine rather long, nar- row ; coeca very small, cylindrical. 470 LARIN.E. Eyes rather small ; nostrils oblong or linear, pervious ; aperture of ear moderate. Legs short or of moderate length ; tibia bare to some extent ; tarsus rather short, somewhat compressed, -with nimierous, much curved scutella ; hind toe very small and elevated ; middle toe longest ; fore toes of moderate length, slender, interdigital membranes full, their margins only a little concave ; claws generally small, arcuate, more or less compressed, acute. Plumage very full, moderately close, clastic, soft, and blended, on the back and wings rather compact ; the feathers generallv oblong and rounded, on the fore part of the head short. Wings very long, rather broad, pointed. Tail rather short, even, rounded, cuneate, or forked, of twelve broad feathers. These birds inhabit the shores of the ocean, along which they wander in search of food, the larger species preying on fishes, Crustacea, and mollusca, and occasionally feeding on the carcases of cetacea, seals, and other marine mammalia, while the smaller feed chiefly on fishes, articulated and mol- luscous animals. They all pursue shoals of fishes in the open sea, often to great distances from the shores, and many of them make occasional excursions over the land, especially in stormy weather. They Avalk with considerable ease, wade in shallow pools or by the shore, swim moderately avcII, and sit very lightly on the water, but are incapable of diving. Their flight is buoyant, in general moderately rapid, easy, glidinj;, and protracted. Hovering over the water, they sometimes plunge headlong upon their prey, but more fre- quently seize it only when it is near enough the surface to render it unnecessary to immerse more than the bill and head. AN hen thus looking for food, they sustain themselves by a quivering movement of their upstretched wings, and occasionally by jiattinc^ the water with their feet. They generally congregate, often in vast numbers, in particular places, as headlands, clifts, rocky islands, some of them in marshes, or u])()n islets iu lakes, for the purpose of breeding. 'I'heir nests are bulky or rudely constructed, and they lay from two to four, seldom tiv(>, large oval eggs, of an olivaceous or greyish colour, patched or spotted with dusky. The GULLS AND ALLIED SPECIES. 471 young, at first clothed -with close variegated down, very soon walk, and readily take to the water, but, if not disturbed, generally remain about the nest until they are able to fly. SYNOPSIS OF TUB BRITISH GENERA AND SPECIES. GENUS I. LESTRIS. SKUA. Bill shorter than the head, nearly as broad as high at the base, compressed toward the end, with the tip decurved ; upper mandible cerate, with the ridge broad, the nostrils linear-oblong ; lower mandible with the crura broad and erect, the angle little prominent, the tip compressed. Feet of moderate lengtli, rather stout ; tarsus moderately com- pressed, with anterior decurved scutella, the posterior scales convex and prominent; claws much curved, acute. Wings very long, pointed ; tail of moderate length, of twelve feathers, of which the two medial are more or less elongated. 1. Lestris Catarractes. Common Skua. Bill two inches and a quarter in length ; tarsus two inches and a half ; middle tail-feathers scarcely an inch longer than the rest. Bill and feet black ; upper parts dark greyish-brown, streaked with brownish-yoUow. 2. Lestris Pomarinus. Pomarine Skua. Bill an inch and three-fourths in length; tarsus two inches, very rough behind with pointed scales ; middle tail-feathers about two inches longer than the rest. Bill greenish-grey ; feet black ; upper parts blackish-brown ; throat and lower parts white. 3. Lestris Riehardsonii. Richardson'' s Skua. Bill an inch and a third in length ; tarsus an inch and two-thirds ; middle tail-feathers three inches longer than the rest, taper- ing moderately until near the end, when they rapidly narrow to a fine point ; feet black. 4. Lestris parasitica. Parasitic Skua. Bill an inch and a twelfth in length; tarsus an inch and a half; middle tai]- feathers six or more inches longer than the rest, tapering to a fine point. 472 LARIN.E. GENUS II. CETOSPARACTES. WHALE-GrLL. Bill short, robust, compressed, straight ; upper mandible with the ridge broadly convex, the nostrils mcdio-basal, linear-oblong, wider anteriorly, covered above and behind with a sloping thin-edged plate, the edges thin, direct, the tip slightly decurved, obtuse ; lower mandible with the crura somewhat convex, their lower outline straight, forming a very slight prominence at the commissure, the dorsal line ascend- ing, the edges thin and somewhat inflected, the tip narrow, rather obtuse. Legs very short ; tibia bare to a small extent ; tarsus very short, little compressed, covered anteriorly with nearly straight scutella, laterally and behind with very small prominent scales ; hind toe very small, little elevated, with a stout decurved claw ; fore toes short, prominently papillate beneath, the latter thickly margined ; interdigital membranes emarginate ; claws strong, well curved, rather acute. Wings very long, rather broad, pointed. Tail of moderate length, a little rounded. 1. Cetosparactes eburyieus. Ivory WTiale-Gull. The only species. Plumage white. GENUS III. RISSA. KITTIWAKE. Bill rather short, moderately stout, compressed, nearly straight ; upper mandible with the ridge convex, the nostrils sub-medial, linear-oblong, wider anteriorly, covered above and behind Avith a sloping, convex, thin-edged plate, the edges thin, direct, the tip slightly decurved, narrow, rather acute ; lower mandible compressed, with the lower outline of the crura slightly concave, forming a slight prominence at the commissiHT, the dorsal line distinctly concave, and scarcely ascending, the edges thin and inflected, the tip compressed and rather acute. Legs very short ; tibia bare to a moderate rxtent ; tarsus very sliort, considerably compressed, covered anteriorly with decurved scutella, laterally and behind with small nearly flat scales. Hind toe extremely diminutive, with a minute claw, obsolete in old individuals ; fore toes of GULLS AND ALLIED SPECIES. 473 moderate length, flattened beneath ; interdigital membranes slightly emarginate ; claws rather small, compressed, mode- rately arched, rather acute. Wings very long, rather narrow, pointed. Tail of moderate length, even. 1 . Ri'ssa tridactyla. Black-footed KitthcaJce. The only species. White, tlic back and wings light bluish-grey ; tips of five outer primaries and outer web of first, black. GENUS IV. LARUS. GULL. Bill of moderate length, stout, straight, compressed, higher near the end than at the base, decurved at the end ; upper mandible with the ridge rather broad, convex, the nostrils medio-basal, linear-oblong, wider anteriorly, covered above and behind Avith a sloping thin-edged plate, the edges very thin, direct, the tip narrow, obtuse ; lower mandible much compressed, the lower outline of the crura concave, forming an obtuse angle at the commissure, the dorsal line ascending, somewhat concave, the edges very thin and some- what inflected, the tip narrow, but obtuse. Legs of moderate length, slender ; tibia bare for a short space ; tarsus rather short, somewhat compressed, covered anteriorly with nume- rous, much-curved scutella, laterally with angular scales, posteriorly with numerous small rectangular scales ; hind toe very small, and elevated ; fore toes of moderate length, slen- der ; interdigital membranes with the margin a little concave ; claws small, slightly arcuate, obtuse. Wings very long, rather broad, pointed. Tail rather short, even, or slightly rounded. 1. Larus mariyitis. Great Black-bached Gull. Bill two inches and two-thirds along the ridge, which is much decurved, one inch high at the angle, which is prominent ; tarsus three inches long ; Avings slightly surpassing the tail. Bill yellow, with a bright red patch on the lower mandible ; plumage white ; the back and wings gi-eyish-black, tinged with purple ; the quills largely tipped with white. 2. Larus fuscus. Lesser Black-hacked Gull. Bill two inches along the ridge, eight-twelfths high at the angle, which is moderately prominent ; tarsus two inches and a half long ; 474 LARIN^. wings about two inches longer than the tail. Bill yellow, with an orange-red patch toward the end ; tarsi and toes yellow ; plumage white ; the back and wings blackish-grey, tinged with purple ; the quills tipped with white. 3. Lams argoitatus. Herring Gull. Bill two inches and a fourth along the ridge, which is much decurved toward the end, nine-twelfths high at the angle, which is prominent ; tarsus two inches and a half long ; wings surpassing the tail by an inch and a half. Plumage white ; back and wings light bluish-grey ; quills largely tipped with white, the outer six in part black, two of them with a large white spot toward the end. 4. Lartis glaiiciis. Glaucous Gull. Bill two inches and three-fourths along the ridge, which is moderately decurved toward the end, ten-twelfths high at the angle, which is pro- minent ; tarsus three inches long ; wings about an inch shorter than the tail ; total length from twenty-six to thirty - two inches. Plumage white ; back and wings light bluish- grey ; quills all white at the end. 5. Larus leucopterus. JVIiite-winged Gull. Bill nearly two inches along the ridge, which is moderately decurved toward the end, eight-twelfths high at the angle, which is little prominent ; tarsus two inches and a half long ; wings a little longer than the tail ; total length from twenty to twenty- five inches. Plumage white ; back and wings light bluish- grey ; quills all white at the end. 6. Larus canus. Grecn-hillcd Gull. Bill greyish-green, or greenish-yellow, an inch and a half along the ridge, which is gently decurved toward the end, five-twelfths high at the angle, which is little ])rominent ; tarsus two inches long ; wings surpassing the tail by two inches. Plumage white ; back and wings light bluish-grey ; the quills largely tipped with white, the outer five in part black, two of them with a large white spot toward the end. GENUS V. GAVIA. MEW. Bill rather long, or of moderate length, slender, much compressed, slightly decurved at the end, acute; upper man- GULLS AND ALLIED SPECIES. 475 dible with tlic ridge convex at the base, narrow beyond the nostrils, which are sub-basal, long, linear, a little wider ante- riorly, margined above with a sloping thin-edged membrane, the edges very thin, inclinate, the tip narrow, rather acute ; lower mandible very much compressed, the lower outline of the crura a little concave anteriorly, forming a slight angle with the dorsal line, which is nearly straight, the edges very thin and inflected, the tip rather acute. Legs of mode- rate length, rather slender ; tibia bare for one-third ; tarsus rather short, compressed, anteriorly covered with numerous curved scutella, laterally with angular scales, behind with numerous small rectangular scales ; hind toe very small and elevated ; fore toes of moderate length, slender ; interdi- gital membranes with the margin concave; claws small, slightly arched, rather acute. Wings very long, rather narrow, pointed. Tail of moderate length, even or emarginatc. 1. Gavia Atricilla. Lcaden-grey -hooded Mew. Bill rather stout, an inch and three-fourths long, rich carmine, as are tlic feet; outer quills black, the next five with that colour gradually diminishing, their tips white, those of the outer two excepted. In summer the head aiul part of the neck dark leaden-grey. 2. Gavia ridibunda. Broivn-hooded Mew. Bill an inch and a third in length, rich carmine, as are the feet ; outer four quills and their coverts white, the first quill with the greater part of its outer margin, the tip, and a narrow band along its inner edge, black ; on the next five, no black on the outer web, that on the tip more extended, the black band on the inner edge broader, the tips white, those of the outer two excepted. In summer, the head and part of the neck deep brown, becoming brownish-black behind. 3. Gavia cajiistrata. Broicn-maskcd Mew. Like the last, somewhat less. In summer, a light-brown mask, not extend- ing far beyond the eyes. 4. Gavia Sahini. Sabine's Meic. Bill black, at the end yellow, an inch in length ; tarsus an inch and a half ; wings two inches longer than the tail, which is forked. In summer, the head and upper part of the neck all round blackish-grey. 5. Gavia Bonajpartii. Bonaparte's Mew. Bill an inch 476 GULLS AND ALLIED SPECIES. and a third in length, black ; tarsus an inch and a third ; ■wings an inch and two-thirds longer than the tail, which is even at the end. In summer, the head and throat greyish- black. 6. Garia inimita. Little 3Ieiv. Bill scarcely an inch in length, black ; tarsus an inch long ; wings three-fourths of an inch longer than the tail, which is slightly rounded. In summer, the head and upper part of the neck all round grey- ish-black. GENUS VI. RHODOSTETHIA. ROSY-GULL. Bill short, rather slender, compressed; upper mandible with the dorsal line arcuato-decurvate toward the narrow tip ; lower mandible with the angle slight, the dorsal line concave, the tip small ; legs short ; bare part of tibia very small ; tarsus rather stout, anteriorly scutellate, rough behind ; first toe short, with a large curved claw ; fore toes moderate ; in- terdigital membranes entire ; claws rather large, arched, com- pressed, acute ; wings long, rather narrow, pointed ; tail cuneate. 1. Rhodostethia Rossii. Rosses Rosy -Gull. The only species. Bill black ; feet vermilion ; fore part of back and both surfaces of wings pale bluish-grey ; lower parts white, tinged with rose-colour. 477 LESTRIS. SKUA. A group of birds nearly allied to the Petrels, and more intimately to the Gulls, from which they are readily distin- guishable by their bolder and somewhat falconine aspect and habits, has generally been considered as forming a single genus, to which some give the name of Cataractes, others that of Lestris. They who divide the Gulls into two or more series ought not, perhaps, to object to an arrangement of the birds in question into two genera, especially if they consider them as forming a sub-family. Considering that they scarcely merit generic distinction, and that no other very obvious external character than that presented by the form and elongation of the two middle feathers of the tail can be adduced, we may, notwithstanding the method of rather minute division followed in this work, refer them to a single genus. The body is of a compact and robust form ; the neck of moderate length ; the head large, ovate, anteriorly narrowed. Bill shorter than the head, about as broad as high at the base, compressed toward the end, straight, with the tip decurved ; upper mandible cerate for half its length, with the ridge broad and rounded, the nasal space covered by a thin plate ; nostrils linear-oblong, wider anteriorly, pervious ; edges sharp and inflected ; tip very strong, laterally convex, much decurved, thin-edged, rather obtuse ; lower mandible with the intercrural space long and narrow, the branches broad and erect, the prominence formed at their junction slight, the edges sharp and inflected, the tip compressed, thin-edged, obtuse. Mouth rather wide and dilatable ; tongue broadly chan- nelled above, contracted and induplicate toward the end ; oesophagus very wide ; stomach small, moderately muscular. 478 LESTRIS. SKUA. Avitli dense, rugous epithelium; intestine rather short and wide, coeca rather long. Eyes rather small, eyelids feathered. Feet of moderate length, ratlicr strong ; tibia bare below ; tarsus moderately compressed, with anterior decurved scutella, the lateral and posterior scales convex ; hind toe elevated, very small, with a ratlicr large, arcuate, acute claw ; anterior toes rather long ; interdigital membranes entire ; claws much curved, com- pressed, acute. Plumage full, close, firm, on the back and wings compact. Wings very long, rather broad, pointed. Tail of twelve fea- thers, of wliich the two middle are elongated. These birds are especially remarkable for their habit of pursuing and harassing Gulls and Terns, to cause them to disgorge a portion of their food, on which they seize as it falls from tliem. If they ever fish for themselves it must be sel- dom, as they who have had opportunities of watching or oc- casionally observing, have not recorded instances, although some allege that they feed on the carcases of whales and other animals, especially fishes. Their flight resembles that of the Gulls, but is more bounding, and at the same time capable of being urged to much greater speed. The curvature of their claws must be intended for prehension, though they certainly do not seize upon the birds which they pursue. There is difficulty in determining the correct generic appellation of those birds. I think, however, that as no ac- curate ideas of either generic or specific nomenclature were entertained before the time of Linnaeus, we ought to adopt Ilhgcr's name Lcstn's. " Skua " has been used by j\Ir. Selby as generic, and adopted by Mr. Thompson. " The Skua," or " Skua Gull," however, is properly a specific name, analogous to "The Knot " or "The Dunlin :" and as Lestris means a robber, and a sea-robber is a " pirate," I should prefer the latter word. 479 LESTRIS CATARIIACTES. THE COMMON SKUA. SKUA GULL. BONXIE. Larus Catarractes. Linn. Syst. Nat. I. 226. Larus Catarractes. Lath. Ind. Omith. IL 818. Skua Gull. Mont. Omith. Diet. Stercorairc Catarractc. Lestris Catarractes. Temm. Man. d'Omith. IL 729. in. 494. Common Skua. Cataractes vulgaris. Selby, Illustr. II. 514. Cataraeta Skua. Bonap. Comp. List, 63. BUI two inches and a quarter in length, tarsus two inches and a half, rough hehind, icith small 2^1'ominent scales ; middle tail-feathers scarcely an inch longer tha?i the rest, broad and rotmdcd. Adult xcith the hill and feet black, the feathers of the neck acuminate ; the general colour of the vjjper jjarts dark greyisli-brown, streaked with brotcnish-yellow ; primary quills hroicnish-black, xcith their shafts and basal po?is white, there being a conspicuous patch of that colour on the icing; tail blackish-brown, white at the base, but that colour not appiarent there. Adllt IX Summer. — This bird approaches in size to the Herring Gull ; but is of a more compact and robust form, having the body full, the neck of moderate length, the head large, broadly ovate, anteriorly narrowed. The bill is shorter than the head, very stout, nearly as broad as high at the base, compressed tov^ard the end, straight, with the tip decurved ; the upper mandible with the dorsal line straight to the end of the cere, then much decurved, the ridge broad and rounded, with a shallow groove on each side, the nasal space covered by a thin plate, the sinus very short, broad, and feathered, the branches narrow and convex, the edges sharp and inflected, the tip very strong, laterally con- 480 LESTRIS CATARRACTES. vex, much decurved, thin-edged, rather obtuse; the lower mandible -with the intercrural space long and narrow, the branches broad, erect, Avith an obliquely-ascending groove, and two ridges, their lower outline straight, the angle little prominent, the dorsal line ascending, straight, or very slightly convex, the edges sharp and inflected, the tip compressed, obtuse, thin-edged ; the gape-line straight, at the end de- curved. The nostrils are linear- oblong, much wider anteriorly, fivc-twclftlis long. Eyes rather small ; eyelids feathered, with a bare crenulate margin. Feet of moderate length, rather stout ; tibia bare for an inch ; tarsus moderately com- pressed, Avith eighteen decurved scutella ; the lateral and posterior scales small, roundish, convex, so as to be rough to the touch, especially those behind. The hind toe is elevated, very small, covered with scales, its claw rather large, com- pressed, acute, arcuate; anterior toes rather long, slender, the inner much shorter than the outer, and having tw'enty- two scutella, the middle toe Avith thirty-tAvo, the outer Avith twenty-eight ; the lateral toes margined externally Avith small prominent scales. The interdigital Avebs arc nearly straight anteriorly, the iimer a little convex. The claAV of the inner toe is strong, compressed, acuminate, extremely curved ; that of the middle toe less curved, and Avitli its inner edge expanded ; that of the outer toe much smaller, compressed, acute, and much curved. The })luniage is full, close, firm, and elastic, on the back and Avings compact ; the feathers ovate, those on the neck taper -])()inted, Avith their terminal filaments stifRsh, and soniewliat silky. AVings very long, rather broad, pointed, and reaching almost to the end of the tail; the primaries rather broad, and tapcrin<;- to a rounded })oint, the first longest, the second half an inch shorter, the rest rapidly decreasing ; the outer secondaries incurved, broad, and rounded, the inner elongated and more narroAvly rounded. The tail is of mode- rate length, of tAvelve rather broad abruptly lounded feathers, of Avhicli the outer are three-fourths of an inch shorter than those next the middle, Avhich are also broadly rounded, and project nearly an inch. COMMON SKUA. 4H1 Thu bill is black, tinged with grc} isli-blue ; the iris brown ; the feet black, the claws bluish-black. The ground colour ol' the plumage is dec]) greyish-brown ; on the breast and abdomen passing into brownish-grey. On the upper part of the head the feathers are slightly tipped with yellowish- ■ brown ; on the neck their acuminate terminations are brown- ish-yellow ; on the back a considerable portion of each is light reddish-brown, on the scapulars is a larger irregular variegated whitish patch. The wing-coverts are less marked ; the primary coverts and quills are brownish-black, with their shafts white unless toward the end, and a large portion of their base of the same colour, which thus forms a conspicuous j)atcli on the wing, but does not extend to the outer web of the outer quill, and is not apparent on the seventh. The secondaries gradually l)ecome lighter, the inner being brown. The tail-feathers are blackish-brown, white at the base, but that colour not ap])arent until the coverts are raised. On the lower parts the light greyish-brown feathers have a brownish- red medial and terminal mark, which beyond the middle of the breast becomes more diffuse, and blended. The lower wing-coverts are dark brown. The white on the primaries forms a large patch, similar to that on the under surface of the Aving in Buzzards and Eagles. Length to end of tail 24 inches ; extent of wings 55 ; wing from flexure IG^ ; tail 7:^ ; bill along the ridge 2j, along the edge of lower mandible 2-j^, its height at the base •^, at the knob -j^ ; tarsus Sj ; hind toe -pr, its claw -^ ; second toe 1-j^, its claw -p^ ; third toe 2-j^, its claw -f^; fourth toe 2-^, its claAv -^. ': , Habits. — From the hook-pointed strong bill, and curved acuminate claws of this bird, together with its compact form, one might suppose that its obvious analogy in structure to the rapacious birds would lead to a corresponding similarity of habits. The inference proves, in fact, to be in a great measure correct, for the Skua has much of the aquiline cha- racter, although it is not known to poinice on its prey and carry it off in its claws. On the other hand, it bears a great resemblance to the Gulls properly so called, both in form and VOL. \ . 2 1 482 LESTRIS CATARRACTES. habits ; keeping its body nearly horizontal when standing, ■walking and running -with quick steps, and having a light and buoyant flight, more rapid and direct, however, than that of the Gulls. Its voice resembles that of a young Gull, being sharp and shrill, and it is from the resemblance of its cry to that of the -word Skua or Skui that it obtains its popular name. This bird has seldom been met with on the coasts of England or Ireland, or even on those of the south of Scot- land ; nor does it occur, in so far as I know, among the Hebrides, and but rarely even in the Orkneys. In the Shet- land Isles, however, it was formerly not imfrequent, although even there it had but a few breeding-places. Several persons have siipplicd from their own observation various particulars relative to the habits of this remarkable bird. Of one of these, Dr. Edmondston, who has enjoyed the best opportunities of becoming familiar with it, has favoured me with tlie following notes : — " The Skua is now become rare in Zetland, in consequence of proprietors permitting rapacious bird-collectors to shoot them indiscriminately during the breeding season. In Unst there is only one locality frequented by them, and in all the country there are not more than four or live. In the one alluded to, the colony had been reduced to a single pair some years ago. Since then it has been, through my instru- mentality, efliciently protected, and now it reckons more than ten jiairs. This is, I suppose, the most northern preserve in Great Britain, and as such, perhaps, deserves to be recorded. It is surprising tliat proprietors arc in general so careless of the j)r('servati()n of these ornaments of their properties and cheerers of these bleak and Avild solitudes, Avhich they possess in the wild fowl that frecpient them, or will persist in shutting tlieir eyes to the fact that if once a colony inhabiting a certain situation is extirpated, by a law of instinct very general and very imj)erative, it will never a^ain be tenanted by the same species, altliough it may be numerous at no great distance. And nothing can be more easy or more just than to prevent depredations, whatever jurists may learnedly talk about Fene uaturie, or demagogues ignorantly or insidiously declaim COMMON SKUA. 48a against riches and oppression. Why shoukl men of warm hearts and clear heads expend all their sympathies on the poor, and reserve none for the rights and remedies of the rich ? That system of ethics has yet to he promulgated which estahlishes that affluence is synonymous with happiness and vice, and indigence with misery and virtue. " The Skua is hardy and easily tamed. He does not possess the liabit of his congener the Arctic Gull, that of making some other Avater-birds not only cater fish but cook it for his table. Up has a good beak and pinions of his own, and he disdains to soar7i for the disgorgement of others. In some countries he is proscribed, as well as the Raven and Eagle, and a price set on his head, from the notion that he is injurious to young lambs ; but this, I think, is incorrect. Small sea-birds he docs occasionally attack and devour. In captivity he is gentle and affectionate, and will feed on almost anything. When offended he raises his wings and yelps in the manner of the Eagle, but his bearing is much more digni- fied and magnanimous. The nest is on the bare heath, the young two in number, and their colour like that of the Golden Eagle. " They remain with us only during summer, but I hardly think they migrate to other countries, but roam over the ocean in quest of food, having no longer the tie of incubation to fix them to a circumscribed range, and this doubtless is the case with many other birds that leave at certain seasons particular countries, and yet are not found in others." The Rev. Mr. Low gives the following account of the Skxux, as seen on the Island of Foula, to the westward of the Shetland Isles : — " As I approached the summits of the high mountains, I came near the Skua's quarters, which are affixed on the very peaks. I no sooner a])proachcd but I was attacked with so gieat fury, that every one of those who were with me, as well as myself, were obliged to do him obeisance at every stroke. He beat my dog entirely out of the ])it, insomuch that he was obliged to run in among our legs for shelter, and could not be forced out again, for though Bonxie, as he is called, had some regard for us while we kept together, on him he had no mercy, every whip he fetched him made his own 484 LESTRIS CATARRACTES. ■vvings crack, and the dof? crouch into the hollows of the moor, till Ave camo up and relieved him. I followed one of them to some distance from the rest, -which made me part good company, and received some rude salutes for my imprudence from three of these hirds that made at me Avith the utmost rage. I defended myself tlie hest way I could Avith my gun, fired several times at them, but, as none dropped, the report did not startle them in the least, hut rather seemed to enrage them the more. When the inhabitants are looking after their sheep on the hills, the Skua often attacks them in such a manner that they are obliged to defend themselves Avith their cudgels held above their heads, on Avhich it often kills itself." lie further states that it has a hoarse and strong cry, and }\\es much in the manner of the " Parasitic Gull," attacking the larger kinds of Gulls, as the other does the lesser ; hut never meddles Avith birds to destroy them, nor attacks the lambs on the island, but in its opposition to all formidable intruders protects them from the Eagle, who dares not venture to prey there during the breeding season. In gratitude for its services it Avas protected by a penalty of sixteen shillings and eightpence for every individual shot, and when met Avith at sea by tlie fishermen ahvays had a share of Avhatever fish might be in the boat. Captain A'etch's account in the fourth volume of the Memoirs of the Wernerian Society, agrees Avith the above : — " The Bonxie, or Skua Gull, I believe, in the British islands, Inccds only in Slietland, and there only on three hills, the Snuke in Foula, Bouas, and Saxafiord, Avhicli are also the tliree liighest. On Foula they seem to have taken exclusive ])()ssessi()n of tlic Snuk(\ In its nature it appears to partake both of the nature of the Gull and Eagle tribes. On Foula it breeds generally about a height of 1300 feet, and noAvhere but on the Snuke. It is easily tamed, and is, I understand, a very ducik- bird. I often ol)served it Avalking about Avithin a few yards of the tent, and Avithout fearing our approach, "NNlii'u, liowevcr, liis nest is apjiroached, he shoAvs a determi- nation to defend liis ])ossessit)n Avitli his lif(\ Bavens, Eagles, Hawks, or otlier birds, are soon pursued from tlie COMMON SKUA. 485 territory they inhabit. On approaching the nest an attack instantly commences ; male and female in rapid succession descend from a considerable height, with a velocity and noise truly startling ; horses, cattle, and sheep, arc immediately put to flight, and receive no intermission of attack till well driven from the nest ; and if man, bent on sinister purposes, continues to brave the Bonxie's fury, he will seldom accom- plish his aim without carrying away marks of war. The nest is a mere concavity in the ground ; the number of eggs two ; the month of breeding July. The young bird is a nimble, gallant little animal, and almost as soon as hatched leaves the nest. On the approach of danger he secretes himself in holes, or behind stones, with great art ; and when captured, at least makes a show of defence that is quite amusing. The number of these birds that annually breed at Foula probably does not exceed thirty pair." Mr. Dunn, who visited the Shetland Islands in 1831 and 1833, and shot a considerable number of Skuas, states that several parties from the south, and the officers of a cutter stationed in Rona's Voc for two or three months, had almost extirpated them in that part. He says he once " saw a pair completely beat off a large Eagle from their breeding-place on Rona's Hill. The flight of the Skua is more rapid and stronger than that of any other Gull. It is a great favourite ■with the fishermen, frequently accompanying their boats to the fishing-ground or haaf, which they consider a lucky omen ; and in return for his attendance they give it the refuse of the fish which are caught. The Skua Gull does not asso- ciate in groups, and it is seldom that more than a pair are seen together. The nest is constructed amongst the heath or moss; the female mostly laying two eggs, but sometimes three." Young. — The young differ very little from the adult, the feathers generally, being, however, more broadly margined with reddish-brown. Remarks. — One of the most remarkable circumstances relative to the history of this species is its occurrence in the 486 LESTRIS CATARRACTES. southern hemisphere, Avhere it has been met ^vith in the Straits of Magellan, and plentifully at Port Egmont in the Falkland Islands. It has not been recorded as occurring on the coasts of North America ; hut in Iceland, Spitzbergen, and Nova Zembla, it is said to be indigenous. Specimens have also been procured on the western coasts of Europe, as far south as France. 487 LESTRIS POMAHINUS. THE TOMARINE SKUA. Cataractfs romariiius. Stcph. Sh. Zool. XIII 216. Stercoruire Poniariu. Lestris Poinarinus. Temm. Man. d'Orn. II. 793. Pomarino Skua. Cataractcs Pomarinus. Selby, Illustr. Brit. Uru. II. -517. Lestris Pomaiimis. Lonap. Conip. List, 63. BUI an inch and three-fourths in Icmfth ; tarsus two inches, very rough behind, icith pointed scales ; middle tail- feathers about two inches longer than the rest, broad and abrupthj rounded. Adult leith the bill light greenish-grey ; the feet black ; the feathers of the neck with stijfish glossy filaments ; the general colour of the upper parts blackish- broxon ; throat and lower parts white. Adult Male in Summer. — The Pomarine Skua, inferior in size to the Common, is also of a somewhat less rohiist form, though still strongly constructed, the body being full, the neck of moderate length, the head large, ovate, ante- riorly narrowed. The bill i.>< shorter than the head, stout, nearly as broad 488 LESTRIS POMARINUS. as high at the hase, moderately compressed toward the end, straiglit, Avitli the tip decurved; the upper mandihle -svith the dorsal line straight to the end of the cere, then much decurved, the ridge broad and rounded, with a shallow groove on each side ; the nasal spacfe covered by a thin plate ; the sinus very short, broad, and feathered ; the branches narrow and convex ; the edges sharp and in- flected ; the tip very strong, slightly convex on the sides, much decurved, thin-edged, pointed ; the lower mandible with the intercrural space long and narrow ; the branches broad, erect, convex, with an obliquely ascending groove at the base, their lower outline nearly straight, the angle little prominent, the dorsal line ascending, slightly concave, the edges sharp and inflected ; the tip compressed, obtuse, thin- edged ; the gape-line nearly straight, at the end decurved. The nostrils are obovato-oblong, four-twelfths long. Eyes rather small ; eyelids feathered, with a bare crenulate margin. Feet of moderate length, rather slender ; tibia bare for three-fourths of an inch ; tarsus moderately compressed, with tw^enty decurved scutella ; the sides reticulated ; the hind part very rough, with pointed dcflexed scales. The hind toe extremely small and elevated, its claw large, arcuate, deflected, pointed ; anterior toes of moderate length, the third longest, the fourth nearly as long ; the inner Avith twenty scutella, the middle toe with thirty, the outer with twenty-eight. The interdigital membranes full, margined ■with small prominent scales. The claw of the inner toe strong, compressed, acuminate, imcinate ; that of the middle toe less curved, and with its inner edge expanded ; that of the outer toe much smaller, compressed, acute, and much curved. The ])lumage is close, elastic, soft, and blended ; on the neck with stiflish glossy barbs ; on the back and wings rather compact. Wings very long, rather broad, pointed ; primary quills tapering, rounded at the tip, the first longest ; secoiulary quills rather short, rounded. Tail of moderate length, the feathers broad and rounded, the two middle two inches longer. liill bluish-gi'cy, tinged with green, dusky at the end. POMARINE SKUA. 489 Feet l)l;ick ; the iip[)c'r half of the tarsus greyish-blue. Upiicr part and sides of the head blackish-brown ; upper part of nock all round yellowish-white ; the rest of the neck white, barred with dusky, each feather with two bars ; lower parts white ; the sides, abdomen, and lower tail-coverts barred with brownish-black. Back and wings brownish-black ; (juills and tail-feathers white on the inner web toward the base. Length to end of tail ~~ inches ; wing from flexure 14 ; tail Of ; bill along the ridge 1-J-^ ; tarsus 2 ; middle toe l-[4-, its claw jV. Female. — Similar to the male. One figured by Mr. Audubon measured : — Length '20^ inches ; extent of wings 48 ; wing from flexure 14 ; tail 6-^ ; bill along the ridge l-^, along the edge of lower mandible 2t ; tarsus 2yV ; middle toe 1-^, its claw -j^. Habits. — This handsome bird inhabits the arctic seas, extending as far southward as Nova Scotia, and along the coasts of Europe beyond the British Channel. The young, M. Temminck says, occasionally stray to the lakes of Ger- many and Switzerland. It does not appear to be perma- nently resident in Britain, or to have been found breeding there ; but considerable numbers must frequent our coasts in autumn, winter, and spring, as many are recorded to have been seen, and not a few killed, in various parts of Scotland and England. It is not mentioned by my correspondent. Dr. Edmondston, or by Mr. Dunn, as occurring in Shetland. In Orkney it must be rare, as only one specimen is recorded by Messrs. Baikie and Heddle as having been obtained there. I have seen it several times, and once shot at it, near Aberdeen. In the Firth of Forth it is not extremely unfre- quent. Mr. Solby mentions cases of its occurrence on the coasts of Durham and Yorkshire, and Mr. Yarrell records others in various parts of England. Young birds are more frequently seen than adults, and are much less shy, though far more so than most Gulls. 400 LESTRIS POMARINUS. It seems to food ohioliy, if not entirely, at the expense of the smaller Gulls, which it causes to disgorge their newly- obtained food, to be caught in its descent. Its flight is extremely rapid, ordinarily performed by rather quiet flaps of its long Mings, but, in pursuit, by various movements, in the manner of a Hawk. It has not been seen to prey upon birds of any kind, nor even to strike with its wings or other- wise those which it chases for the contents of their gullet. Mr. Audubon saw it, in stormy weather, eat the fishes that had been cast ashore ; and Dr. Richardson states that, in the arctic seas and northern inlets of Hiulson's Bay, where it is not uncommon, it subsists on putrid fish and other animal substances thrown up by the sea, as well as on the matter which the Gulls disgorge Avlien pursued by it. Young. — The young, in their first autumn, difibr from the adult in more respects than in colouring. The tarsi are covered on the sides and behind with thin flat hexagonal scales ; whereas in the adult, the scales on the sides are convex, like tubercles, and those behind conical. The middle tail-feathers are but slightly longer, and the feathers of the neck are of ordinary texture. The bill is much smaller, bluish-grey, with the tip blackish ; the tarsi greyish- yellow, dusky for a short space above, and on the outer side below ; toes and membranes blackish. The head and hind- neck greyish-brown, the feathers faintly margined with pale brown. The upper parts are dark brown, the feathers faintly margined with pale brown, the larger having two sub-ter- minal marginal spots. Quills and tail-feathers brownish- black, with their bases, a great part of the inner webs, and the shafts to near the end, white. Upper tail-coverts dark brown, with four or five bars of light brownish-red. Lower ])arts barred with dull yellowish-grey and greyish-brown, more conspicuously the abdominal feathers and lower tail- coverts ; axillar feathers and lower wing-coverts barred dusky brown and white. The concealcil part of the plumage white on tlie lower, greyish-white on the upper parts. The feet differently coloured in some individuals. Length 1!) inches ; extent of wings 45 ; wing from flexure POMARINE SKUA. 491 13^ ; tail () ; bill along the ridge Ij^^ ; tarsus 2 ; middle toe 1-fV, its claw -j^. PiioGUKss TOWARD MATURITY. — M. TciTiminck represents iniddU'-agcd individuals as having the whole plumage of a very dark brown. A specimen of this kind in my collection has the appearance of being (piite adult, its bill being very strong; its tarsi very rough, with convex and conical scales; and its claws strong and much curved. The bill has the tips black, the rest greyish above, dusky brown beneath; the feet and claws black. The plumage is of a imiform blackish- brown on the upper ])arts, of a lighter or sooty-brown on the lower ; the bases and shafts, with part of the inner webs of the (piills and tail-feathers, white. The feathers on the neck are stiffish and glossy. Length 20 inches ; wing from flexure 14|^ ; tail 6-j^ ; bill along the ridge l-j^; tarsus 2 ; middle toe l-|-f, its claw -j^7. 492 LESTEIS RICHARDSONIT. RICHARDSON'S SKUA. ARCTIC GILL. MAN-OF-WAR BIRD. BOATSWAIN. TEASER. DUNG-BIRD. DUNG-HUNTER. DIRTEN ALLEN. SCOUTE-ALLEN. ALLEN. SCULL. BADOCK. FASGADIR. Fig. 91. Stcrcoraire Richardson. Lestris Eichardsonii. Temm. Man. d'Ornith. III. 499. Lestris Kichardsonii. Richardson's Jager. Swains, and Richards. Fauna ]5or. Amor. Part II. 433. Young. Richardson's Jagcr. Lestris Richardsonii. Audub. Anicr. Ornith. Biogr. III. 503. Young. , Arctic Gull. Mont. Ornith. Diet. Adult. Black-toed Gull. Mont. Ornitli. Diet. Young. Arctic Skua. Cataractes parasiticus. Selby, lllustr. II. 620. Lestris Richardsonii. Richardson's Skua. Jenyns, Brit. Vert. Auim. 282. Lestris Richardsonii. Bouap. Comp. List, G3. Bill an inch and a tliird in length, tarsus an inch and tico- thirds ; middle tail-feathers three inches longer than the rest, hraad, tapering moderately nntil near the end, when they rapidly narroio to a Jinc point ; feet hlach. Male in summer with the upper j>^'>'t of the head blachish-hrown ; the nape and upper sides of the neck ycllowish-whitc; all the upper parts mCllAltUSON'S SKUA. 493 hhiclish-hrown, the ength to end of tail 25 inches ; wing from flexure V2] : tail 11 ; bill along the ridge l-j2j, along the edge of lower mandible 1^^; tarsus 1^; middle toe lj\, its claw -j^. PARASITIC SKUA. 305 Variations. — Individuals ajjpaicully adult have; the lower parts brownish-grey. These arc considered by some to be younger birds. Habits. — It is said to inhabit the arctic regions gene- rally, the coasts of Norway, and the east coast of North America, as far south as the Gulf of Mexico. Very few individuals have been obtained in Britain. One in the Ihitish Museum is mentioned ; the skin of another, procured in Orkney, was sent to the Zoological Society of London, in 1832; one was shot in October, 1837, near Whitburn, in Durliam ; and " young birds have been killed in the vicinity of the Tyne, and on the coast of Durham, in the month of September." I have not met with it alive, or, at least, did not distinguish it from the other species. Very little is known of its habits, which, however, in so far as they have been described, resemble those of Richardson's Jager. In Mr. Thompson's Natural History of Ireland, Avhich contains a vast amount of ornithal statistics, sporting information, and various other matters, but ordinarily no descriptions or even specific characters of the species, nor even continuous accounts of their habits, this species is stated to be " of occasional occurrence in autumn on some parts of the coast." Young. — " The young of the year are blackish -brown, each feather of the back being bordered with yellowish, more or less tinged with brown ; belly streaked with dull white on a brown ground ; lower tail-coverts streaked with brown and ochre-coloured bands ; wings and tail blackish-brown, without spots; base of the bill ochre-coloured ; tarsus, hind too with its claw, and the base of the membranes dull yellowish ; the feathers of the tail rounded ; the middle pair not projecting." — Temminck. 50G CETOSPARACTES. WHALE-GULL. Most authors have considered the only known species of this genus as in no way remarkable among other Gulls, unless on accoixnt of its white plumage ; several, however, have taken notice of its comparatively stout bill, very short rough tarsi, and crenated interdigital membranes ; while a few hold it to be entitled to generic distinction. With these latter I agree, although differing from them in their applica- tion to this new genus of the name Gavia, which having been by Brisson bestowed upon the smaller Gulls, ought, I think, to be left with them. The name which I have chosen for it, Cetosparactes, compounded of KijroQ, whale, and I,irapaKTT)c, tearcr, is suggested by its well-known habit of attending on the whale ships, and gi-eedily devouring blubber and other animal matter. Bill short, robust, compressed, straight ; upper mandible with the dorsal line somewhat concave at first, then arcuato- declinate, the ridge broadly convex, narrowed but convex beyond the nostrils, the lateral sinus rather short, wide and feathered, the nostrils medio -basal, linear-oblong, wider anteriorly, covered above and behind with a sloping thin- odged plate, the branches convex, the sides beyond the nostrils sloping and convex, the edges thin, direct, the tip obtuse, very slightly prolonged ; lower mandible narrower, compressed, with the intercrural space rather long and narrow, the crura slightly inclined outwards, and a little convex, their lower outline straight, forming a very slight prominence at the commissure, tlie dorsal line ascending and almost straight, tlie edges thin and somewhat inflected, tlie tip narrow, rather obtuse ; the gape-line commencing beneath the eyes, nearly straight initil beyond the nostrils, wlien it becomes arcuato- dedinate. WHAlJvOl :JJ.. 307 Head rather large, ovato-oblong, anteriorly narrowed. Myes rather small ; eyelids feathered, with bare crenulate margins. Aperture of ear of moderate size, roundish. Neck stout, and of moderate length; body rather full. Legs very short ; tibia bare to a small extent ; tarsus very short, little compressed, covered anteriorly with nearly straight scutella, laterally and behind with very small prominent scales. Hind toe very small, little elevated, with a stout decurved claw ; fore toes short, though long in comparison with the tarsus, the outer little shorter than the third, all with numerous scutella, flattened and prominently papillate beneath ; the lateral thickly margined. Claws of moderate length, strong, well-curved, moderately compressed, rather acute, that of the middle toe with a broadly-expanded thin inner edge. Inter- digital membranes emarginate, strongly crenulate, the outer with a sinus. Plumage very full, close, elastic, soft, and blended ; on the back and wings compact. Wings very long, rather broad, pointed, with thirty quills ; primaries broad, the outer two with a sinus on the inner web near the obtuse tip, the first longest ; secondaries rounded. Tail of moderate length, a little rounded, of twelve broad rounded feathers. The only species as yet known inhabits the arctic seas, lives on fish and the flesh of dead cetacea, breeds on high clifls, and in autumn advances southward, but only as far as the northern borders of the temperate regions. This genus may be considered as forming the transition from Larus to Procellaria, as well as to Lestris. The young are dappled with black and white, like Daption capensis, the adult unspotted white. 508 CETOSPARACTES EBURXEUS. THE IVORY WHALE-GULL. IVORY GULL. wniTE GULL. SENATOR. SNOW-BIRD. I.aru.s cburncus. fimcl. Syst. Xat. I. o96. Larus eburncus. Lath. Tnd. Ornith. II. 816. Moriette blanche ou Seuateur. Larus eburncus. Tcmni. i\I.an. d' Ornith. II. ICO; III. 474. Ivorj- Gull. Larus eburncus. Sclb. lUustr. II. 49". Larus eburncus. Ivory Gull. Jen. Brit. Vert. An. 276. Gavia cburnea. Bonap. Comp. List. Bill short, stout, an inch and a third in length, half an inch hiijh at the knob ; tarsus vert/ short, roiifjh, an inch and a half lonssed, mod( rately arched, rather acute, that of the middle toe with tju- inner edge expanded. BLACK-FOOTKD KITTIWAKE. 517 The plumage is full, close, clastic, and blended ; but ou the back and wings somewhat comjiact. The lower surface of the quills and tail-feathers with silky lustre. The wings are very long, extending an inch and a half beyond the tail, rather narrow, acute, with twenty-eight quills ; the first longest, the second slightly shorter, the other ])rimaries rapidly graduated ; the outer secondaries obli({uely rounded, the inner elongated. The tail is even, and of moderate length. The bill is pale greenish-yellow ; the angles of the mouth and the edges of the eyelids bright orpiment, inclining to scarlet; iris ha/el ; feet brownish-black, with a green tinge ; claws bluish-black. The head, neck, all the lower parts, a portion of the back anteriorly, the upper tail-coverts, and the tail, are pure white ; the back, scapulars, and ui)i)cr surface of the wings, including their edges, are light bluish-grey, of which there is a slight tinge on the marginal lower wing- coverts. The outer web of the first quill, unless just at the base, and its inner web, for two inches and a half at the end, are deep glossy black ; the ends of the next four quills are of the same colour, diminishing in extent ; the fourth and fifth with a small white space at the tip. There is a little white on the tips of the other primaries, and the secondaries are largely tipped Avith the same, the inner excepted. Length to end of tail IT inches ; extent of wings 3() ; wing from flexure 12-^; tail 5; bill along the ridge l^, along the edge of lower mandible ^-yj', tarsus 1^^; first toe-pV, its claw -J^ ; second toe l-jV, its claw -j^ ; third toe l-^^^, its claw -j^ ; fourth toe 1-^, its claw ■^. Female. — The female is similar to the male, but some- what less. Length 1()|^ inches ; extent of wings 35 ; bill along the ridge Ij ; tarsus Ij ; middle toe and claw '2. The above descriptions are fiom individuals killed on the Firth of Forth, in May LSJi4, compared with others. Variations. — In size this species varies little, the greatest length being 17.1, the least 1(3 inches, and the extended 61R RISSA TRIDACTYLA. wings measuring from o4 to o7. The bill, however, varies considerably in length and thickness. In one specimen before me it is only an inch and a quarter along the ridge, while in another it is an inch and seven-twelfths ; in the former nearly half an inch high at the knob, in the latter four-twelfths and a half. The hind too in young birds has two distinct scutellu, and an obvious decurved claw, whereas in very old birds the scutella are converted into thick scales, and the claw is straight, much smaller, or almost entirely oblite- rated. This fact, curious as it is, occurs also in the Sea Mews. Sometimes the sixth quill is marked M'ith black, and sometimes only four quills are so marked. The tint of the feet varies from greenish-brown to gi"eenish-black, and that of the bill diflfers considerably. The bluish-grey of the back and wings bccoTues paler as the season advances, and the deep black markings on the outer quills change to brown. In the beginning of summer, I have seen the breast with a beautiful full ])ale purplish-blue tinge. Habits. — The Kittiwakes arrive along our coasts in the end of ]March, and disappear in October. It has been asserted by some and conjectured by others, that they re- main with us during the winter, if not in the bays and estuaries, yet on the open sea or somewhere ; but I find no evidence in support of this doctrine, although individuals are met with at that season, in the estuaries of Scotland, and along the southern coast of England. They betake them- selves to high maritime cliffs, selecting those most inacces- sible, and geiu'rally such as are frequented by Auks, Guille- mots, and other sea-birds. To these fiivourite resorts they return year after year ; nor am I aware that with us new stations are ever occ»i])ied, or colonies formed. In Scotland their principal breeding-places are St. Kilda, IBerneray of IJarray, tlie Shiant Isles on the cast side of Lewis, the Flan- nan Isles on the west side, some of the Shetland Islands, the liullers of I'uchan near Peterhead, Fowlsheugh near Stone- haven, the Red Rock near Montrose, the Isle of May and the Mass Rock in the niuiith of iho Firth of Forth, and St. Abb's Head to the southward of it. England, however, is less plen- liLACK-lreocular bristly feathers blackish; the lower hind-neck nearly wliitc ; the back and wings pale blue ; the middle wing-coverts dark brown, forming an irre- gular bar, ^\ liich is longitudinal, when the wing is closed ; the alula, outer webs of the first five primary coverts, outer web, half of the inner longitudinally, and tips of first four primaries, together with the tips of the next tAvo, blackish- brown. In summer the plumage is that of the adult at that season, and in the next autumn is as follows : — • Adult in Winter. — The plumage as described in sum- mer, only the hind-neck, its sides, and part of the head are light bluish-grey. He.marks. — The specific name tridactyla is not strictly correct, inasmuch as the bird has four toes, although one is so small as hardly to deserve being considered as such. Nor is the generic name Rissa better, it being barbarous and meaningless. But I feel that I must leave the final refor- mation of ornithological nomenclature to a Linna'us, wiser and more consistent than the first. All that I can do is to try to rectify the most glaring errors. As every species nuist liave an English specific name, I have cliosen Black- footed in preferend' to Grey-backed or Three-toed, because the single cliaracler indicated by it, togetlier Avitli tliat pointed out by the Latin specific nam(>, will suffice at once to distinguish tliis from any otlier British bird of the family tbat mav occur to tlie student. 523 LAIIUS. GULL. I'm; (lulls, properly so called, are birds of large or niuderate size, having the body full ; the neck thick and of moderate length ; the head large, broadly ovate, narrowed anteriorly. Bill of moderate length, stout, straight, decurved at the end, compressed, higher near the end than at the base ; upper mandible with the dorsal line straight for half its length, then areuato-decurvate, the ridge rather broad, convex, the lateral sinus rather short, wide, and feathered, the nostrils medio- basal, linear-oblong, wider anteriorly, covered above and behind with a sloping thin-edged plate, the branches convex, the sides beyond the nostrils sloping and a little convex, the edges very thin, direct, the tip narrow, obtuse, a little pro- longed ; lower mandible naiTOwer, much compressed, with the intercrural space long and narrow, the crura nearly erect, flattened, their lower outline concave, forming at the commis- sure an obtuse angle with the dorsal line, which is ascending and somewhat concave, the edges very thin and somewhat inflected, the tip narrow, but obtuse; the gape-line com- mencing beneath the eyes, nearly straight until beyond the nostrils, when it becomes declinato-decurvate. Mouth of moderate width ; palate flat, Avith two very prominent papillate ridges, and four series of intervening papilltc ; five ridges along the upper mandible ; posterior nasal aperture linear. Tongue emarginate and finely papil- late at the base, fleshy, rather narrow, deeply channelled above, tapering to a narrowly-rounded point, and horny be- neath. (Esophagus very wide throughout ; its proventricular portion wide, with a continuous belt of very small, oblong glandules, and transversely very prominent ruga*, continuous with those of the stomach. That organ rather small. eUipti- 524 LAllUS. GULL. (ill, muscular; its lateral muscles of moderate size, the loAver prominent, the tendons large and radiated, the epithelium extremely dense, thick, with strong longitudinal ridges. Intestine rather long, narrow ; cocca very small, narrow, cylindrical ; rectum short, with a large globular dilatation. Eyes rather small ; eyelids feathered, with hare crenulate margins. Ajjcrture of ear of moderate size, roundish. Legs of moderate length, slender ; tibia bare for a short space ; tarsus rather short, somewhat compressed, covered anteriorly A\ ith nmnerous much-curved scutella, laterally with angular scales, behind with numerous small rectangular scales. Hind toe very small and elevated ; fore toes of moderate length, slender, the fourth a little shorter than the third, and about a fifth longer than the second, all scutellate above, and con- nected by reticulated membranes, of which the anterior edge is a little concave ; the lateral toes margined externally by a thick scaly membrane ; the soles flat and granulated. Claws small, slightly arcuate, somewhat compressed, toward the end depressed, obtuse, that of the middle toe with an expanded thin inner margin. Plumage very full, close, elastic, soft, and blended ; on the back and wings somewhat compact. Feathers generally oblong, or elliptical, and rounded ; on the fore part of the head short. Wings very long, rather broad, pointed, with thirty, or a few more, quills ; the primaries nearly straight, tapering, obtuse, the first and second longest and about equal, the rest ra})idly graduated ; the secondaries broad and rounded. Tail rather short, even, or slightly rounded, of twelve broad, rounded feathers. The Gulls, wliich are generally distributed along the coasts, from the arctic to the antarctic ice, are vagrant, vora- cious birds, which seek their subsistence on the shores, or on the surface of the sea. They are incapable of diving, hut swim with ease, sitting very lightly on the water. They have a strong, buoyant flight, performed by slow beats of their long, extended, arched wings ; walk and run with short steps ; emit a loud, clear, or harsh cry, and a succession of .•jhorl sounds somewhat resinnhling a laugh. They perform a singular action with tluii ft et ujjon the sands, patting them LARUS. (JILL. 52/5 repeatedly with consideiublo celerity, iuid at the same time retirin<]j backwards. Their food consists of fish, Hesh of dead retacea, and land quadrupeds, young sea-birds, Crustacea, mol- lusca, astevicu, woims, and larvae. In stormy weather they often leave their ordinary haunts, and proceed inland, to pick up tlu^ larva; and worms exposed by the plough, or found in the pastures. In winter they congregate in large flocks at the mouths of rivers, or on the sands. They rest by day either on shore or floating on the water, by night on the sands or rocks, or in the fields, either standing on one foot, with retracted neck, or lying down. In the breeding season they generally keep in flocks, nestling on rocks, headlands, or islands. The nests are composed of dried grass, bits of tmf, or sea weeds. The eggs, generally three, are large, oval, greyish or greimish-brown, spotted and blotched with brown and grey. The young, at first covered with parti-coloured down, soon leave the nest, especially if molested, and conceal themselves in crevices or behind stones. The bill, iris, and feet, are generally at first dark, and become lighter as the bird advances in age. The plumage, at first mottled with broAvn or dusky, gradually becomes lighter, the ])ermanent colours not being acquired until they are three years old. The ]n-edominant tints are pure white, pale greyish-blue, or deep slate purple, seeming black at a distance. In Avinter the head and neck are streaked with brown, in summer pure white. The genus Larus has various affinities. It passes so directly into Gavia and Ivissa, that these gi'oups cannot easily be defined, the whole forming a very natural group, allied on the one hand to the Petrels and Albatrosses, on the other to the Terns and Skimmers. 520 lARUS MARINUS.. TTTE GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL. COBB. CARRION GULL. I'-ARSPACn. Larus marinus. Linn. Syst. Nat. I. 225. Lams marinus. Lath. Ind. Omith. II. 813. Great lUack-backod Gull. Mont. Omith. Diet. Goeland a mantcau noir. Larus marinus. Temm. Man. d'Ornith. II. 7fiO. Great lUaek-backcd Gull. liarus marinus. Selby, Illustr. II. 507. Icarus marinus. Gnat lUaek-backcd Gull. Jen. Brit. Vert. Anim. 278. Larus marinus. Bonap. Conip. List, 62, liill two inches and tu-o-thirch alonr/ the ridfje, uhieh is much decuned toicard tlic end, one inch h'vjh at the angle, uhich is inomincnt; tarsus three inches long; icings sliglithj fiitrpassing the tail. Adult in u'inter with the hill light yelloU) the lower mandible uitJi an orange-red patch toicard the end; the margins of the eyelids red; the feet Jicsh-coloured; the hack and nings gregish-black tinged icith pur2de, or darkslate- ioloured, the quills largely ti])pcd uitJi white; the head and CHEAT HLACK-l'.ACKKl) ClLl,. 527 /////(/ iti'rk white, u-iUi iKjIit hrtiuit streaks; all tin: uthcr j)arts ])iire white. In summer, the hill pure yellow, the patch on the lower )nau(HJ)le hrirjht carmine, as arc the cdrjes of the eyelids; the head and neck pure white, the other parts as in winter. Young with the bill hrownish-hlack, as are the edges of the eyelids; the head and neck greyisJi-wliite streaked with brown; the npper parts mottled icith brownish-black, greyisJi-broicn, and wliite; the lower parts grey ish-2vhite, barred and spotted iritJi brown ; the quills brown, narrowly tipped with white, the outer primaries brownish-black; tiie middle tail-feathers baired with brown and white, the lateral nearly ichite, with brown toward the end. Male in Winter. — This is the largest of our resident species, scarcely if at all yielding in size to the Burgermeister (iull, which is but an irregular, or at least a not common visitant. It is rather stout in proportion to its length, the body being to appearance large and full ; the neck of mode- rate length and very thick ; but this fullness depends, as in other Gulls, upon that of the plumage. The head is large, ovate, considerably rounded above, and narrowed before. The bill is shorter than the head, stout, higher toward the end than at the base ; the upper mandible with the dorsal line nearly straight at first, then rising a little, and toward the end decurved, the ridge convex, the sides slightly so, the nasal groove very narrow, the edges sharp, direct, toward the end arcuato-declinate, the tip narrow but rather obtuse ; the lower mandible with the angle long and narrow, the outline of the crura rather concave, the commissure prominent, the dorsal line ascending and a little concave, the sides nearly fiat, the edges sharp and inflected, toward the end decurved, tlie tip obtuse. The mouth is of moderate width, measuring an inch and three-fourths across ; the palate flat, with two very prominent papillate ridges, and four intervening series of papilla^ ; on the upper mandible five longitudinal ridges. The tongue is two inclu's and a (piarter in length, cmarginate, and finely papillate at the base, rather narrow, fleshy, deeply channelled above, horny lioncath. its ti]i narrowly rounchMl. Tlic cpso- 528 LARUS MARINUS. phajifus, wliicli is til'tccn inc lies long, is about \\\(> inches and a lialf in width, wlicn niodcvatcly inflated, ])ut can be dihited to rather more than three indies. Its walls arc ihin, its inner coat strongly plicate when contracted. The proventri- cular belt is an inch and a (piarter in breadth, its glands very small and cylindrical. The stomach is small, two inches and a (piarter in length, an inch and three-quarters in breadth ; its lateral nmscles moderate, the loAver prominent, the tendons large and radiated ; the epithelium very dense, thick, with prominent longitudinal ridges. The intestine is fifty-three inches long, narrow, its greatest width being four- twelfths and a half ; the ca'ca cylindrical, only half an inch in length, and a quarter of an inch iu "width ; the rectum five inches long, eight-twelfths wide, and dilating into a globular sac, an inch and a half in diameter. The nostrils are linear-oblong, wider anteriorly, seven- twelfths of an inch long, pervious, nearer the edge than the ridge. The eyes are rather small, their aperture five-twelfths. That of the ear roundish, and rather small. The feet are of moderate length ; the tibia bare for about an inch ; the tarsus slender, somewhat compressed, with twenty-four anterior scutella. The hind toe is elevated, very small, with four scutella ; the anterior toes of moderate length, rather slender, the second considerably shorter than the fourth, Mhich is exceeded by the third in the same proportion. The second and fourth have thick expanded margins, the soles are flat- tened, and the webs wiUi their edges concave. On the second toe are twenty, on the third thirty-six, on the fourth thirty-four scutella. The claws are small, slightly arched, depressed, rounded, that of the middle toe with a thin ex])an(led inner edge. 'I'he plumage is full, close, elastic, soft; on the head, neck, and otlier parts blended, on the back and wings compact ; the feathers in general broad, rounded, and cinv(Hl. The wings are very long, of moderate breadth, pointed, with tliirty-four quills ; the first longest, the second scarcely sliorter ; the secondaries l)road and rounded, the inner nar- rower. The tail is rather shoit, and even. The liill i>- liglit M'llou. the lo\\('r mandible witli an GREAT BLACK-BACKED Gl'I.L. 529 orangjc-red patch near the end ; the edges of the eyehds oraii^n.-ved, tlic iris pale yellow ; the feet flesh-coloured, the claws dusky. The head, neck, lower parts, upper tail-coverts, and tail are white ; but the head and hind neck are longi- tudinally streaked with greyish-brown. The back and wings are of a deep slate-colour, or greyish-black tinged with purple. The edge of the wing is white. The outer five primaries become dee]) black toward the end ; all the quills are largely tipped with white ; that on the end of the first quill is two inches and a quarter in length ; on the second an inch and nine-twelfths, but crossed by a black band ; on the third half an inch. Length to end of tail 29 inches ; extent of wings 64 ; bill along the ridge 2-/V, along the edge of lower mandible 3jL, its height at the angle 1 ; wing from flexure 19^ ; tail 7-^ ; tarsus 2-S4-; first toe -,3^, its claw -^; second toe l|f, its olaw-rV; third toe 2^, its claw -fj; fourth toe 9^, its claw -p5- Female in Winter. — The female resembles the male, being only smaller. Length to end of tail 'Zl inches ; extent of wings 60 ; bill along the ridge 9,^ ; wing from flexure 19 ; tail 11 ; tarsus 2|^ ; middle toe 2^, its claw -{'^. Variations. — The dark tint of the back and wings varies a little ; the streaks on the head and neck are more or less numerous, darker or lighter ; and the markings on the outer primaries differ a Httle. Sometimes there is a band on the white space of the first ; that of the second is generally on both webs, sometimes on the inner only ; and sometimes the sixth has a black band or spot close to the white tip. Indi- viduals vary considerably in size. The largest that I have seen was 30 inches in length, the smallest 26 ; sometimes the bill measures 3 inches along the ridge, and the tarsus 3, or even 3^ inches. Male in Summer. — The bill is pure yellow, with the patch bright carmine ; the edges of the eyelids of the latter VOL. v. 2 M 530 LARUS MARINUS. colour. Tlu' colonic of the plumage as in winter, but the head and neck pure white, without streaks. Female in Summer. — Similar to the male. Hahit>;. — The Great Black-backed Gull is among the most beautiful of a tribe remarkable for beauty. The contrast between the dark purple tint of his back and wings and the snowy white of the rest of his plumage, with the bright car- mine-patched yellow^ of his powerful bill, and the delicate pinkish hue of his feet, render him an object at all times agreeable to the sight. No sprinkling of dust, no spot of mud, ever soil his downy clothing ; his bill exhibits no tinge derived from the subject of his last meal, bloody or half- putrid though it be ; and his feet, laved by the clear brine, are ever beautifully pure. There he stands on the sandy point, the guardian as it w^ere of that flock of not less cleanly and scarcely less lovely Herring Gulls and Sea Mews. But, not giving us more credit for our good intentions than we deserve, he spreads out his large wings, stretches forth his strong neck, runs a few paces, and, uttering a loud screaming cry, springs into the air. Some gentle flaps of those vigorous wings carry him to a safe distance, when he alights on the smooth water, and is presently joined by his clamorous com- panions. Buoyantly they float, each with his head to the wind, like a fleet of merchantmen at anchor, secured from the attacks of pirates by the presence of their gallant convoy. If in mere wantonness you discharge your artillery, sending a bullet skipping among the flock, they hurriedly rise on wing, fill tlie air with their cries, and wheel around at a safe distance, while the JJlack -backed Gull, disdaining to mingle with the clamorous crowd, after a few wide circlings flies off" seaward, and is soon out of sight. When watching for Eagles in a covered pit, I have seen it come to the carrion, aliglit at a little distance, look around, walk up to it with sliort steps, and commence tugging at the entrails or tearing morsels from the flesh. In this it is some- times joined by till,' Herring (hill. Should a Raven arrive, the Gulls continue their repast, the parties not interfering GREAT BI.ACK-BACKED GULL. 531 with each otlior, if the object be hirge ; but to tlie Eagle, whether the Golden or the White-tailed, they feel obliged to yield, retiring to a short distance, and walking impatiently about, until the unwelcome intruder departs. The history of this bird may be given in few words. In Britain it is generally dispersed, some individuals remaining all the year in the neighbourhood of those places Avhich it selects for breeding, and which occur chiefly in the northern parts, while others advance southward in autumn, and in winter and spring may be seen on all parts of the coast. Vigilant and suspicious, it is not easily approached at any season, it being of all our Gulls that which forms the most correct estimate of the destructive powers and propensities of man. C'liief of its tribe, and tyrant of the seas, it evinces a haughty superiority which none of our aquatic species seem inclined to dispute. Little disposed to associate with its inferiors, it passes its leisure hours, or periods of repose, on unfrequented parts of the sands, or on shoals, or islets, often on the bosom of the sea, just behind the breakers, where it floats lightly on the waves, presenting a beautiful appearance as it rises and falls on the ever-varying surface. In winter it is scarcely gi'egarious, more than a few individuals being seldom seen together ; but when there are shoals of fish in the bays or creeks it mingles with the other Gulls, from which it is always easily distinguished by its superior size and very loud clear cry, Avhich may be heard in calm weather at the distance of a mile. Frequently when flying it emits also a loud rather hoarse cackle, having affinity in sound, although not analogous in nature, to a human laugh. All the larger Gulls are in one sense laughter-loving birds ; but if we take note of the occasions when their cachinnations are edited, we discover that so far from being the expressions of unusual mirth, they are employed to express anxiety, alarm, anger, and revenge. Its flight is strong, ordinarily sedate, less wavering and buoyant than that of smaller species, but grace- ful, effective, and even majestic. There, running a few steps, and flapping its long wings, it springs into the air, wheels to either side, ascends, and on outspread and beaiitifully-curved pinions, hies away to some distant plac(>, In advancing 532 LARUS MARIXUS. against a strong breeze, it sometimes proceeds straight for- ward, then shoots away in an oblique direction, now descends in a long curve so as almost to touch the water, then mounts on high. "NVhen it wheels about, and sweeps down the wind, its progress is extremely rapid. It Avalks with ease, using short steps, runs with considerable speed, and, like the other Gulls, pats the sands or mud on the edge of the water with its feet. It generally rests standing on one foot, with its head drawn in ; but in a dry place it often reposes by laying itself down. Its food consists of small fishes, which it picks from the water while flying, of larger fishes cast on the shore, of Crustacea, shell-fish, echini, and marine worms. In Avinter it frequents the liills and moors in search of carrion, and in summer and autumn often preys upon the young of various sea-birds, I have seen it eating the flesh of a stranded Avhale along with the Haven, and carrion on the hills along with that bird and the Eagle. Sometimes, but not often, it searches the ploughed fields for worms. On the coasts of England there are few places in which it considers it safe to breed ; nor are there many in the south of Scotland ; but on the islets and rocks of the Hebrides, Shetland, and Orkney Islands, vast numbers annually nestle, although not many are often met with in one spot. I have, however, scon a small green islet in a lake in the Island of Lewis, wliicli was almost covered with birds of this species ; and in all the Outer Hebrides it frequently breeds in such places. Tlie nest, which I have often found, is made in a cavity in the turf, sometimes on the bare rock, or in a hollow or fissure, and is composed of grass, tufts of Statice armeria, and sea weeds, with occasionally a few feathers. The eggs, generally tliree, sometimes two, never four, arc regularly ovate, from two inches and ten-twelfths to three inches long, two inches and one to two-twelfths in breadth, rather rough, pale ycHowish-gi-ey or greenish-grey, spotted, and blotched witli blackish-brown, imiber-brown, and pale purplisli-grey. The young, at first covered witli grey down, variegated with dusky, remain some weeks in the nest if unmolested, but, slioidd a person ajijiroarh them, run off' and conceal themselves in crevices or among stones, or betake tliemselve to the water. GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL. 533 Let us view the nuiiiue \'ulture in u different way. Here we are, in a small boat, rowed by four persons, on tlie smooth bosom of the Atlantic, two miles from that grim promontory of Toe-head, and dvaAving near to the little island of Copay. It is a bright day, in the beginning of June, the elements have proclaimed a cessation of hostilities, and we are ready to wage war upon nature, having our two guns in trim, and a large basket to contain the spoils of many nests. Some Cormorants on the headland, stretching out their long necks, seem to be preparing for flight ; a flock of Grey Geese has already left the island ; many Gulls have taken the alarm, and are hovering over the crags ; a little band of Oyster- catchers on the shore seem, by their cries, to be consulting among themselves ; and there, as we draw near, one after another, the spotted Guillemots, leaving their nests, arrange themselves in lines, along the edges of the shelves. Now then fire ! Eight or ten of them remain. But what an up- roar ! The isle has been " frightened from her propriety." Herring Gulls, Common Gulls, and Oyster-catchers, wlieel and scream in alarm, confusion, and despair. We are now at the landing-place, which is rather slippery ; but we have nimbly leapt on shore, and advance toward the grassy bank. Under these large stones, confusedly heaped together, are many nests of the spotted Guillemot, which, contrary to the assertions of many authors, lays three eggs, on the bare gravel or rock. In these holes, which seem to have been originally made by rats in the turf, are nests of the Star- ling. Here is the first Gull's nest, Avith its three eggs ; another, and another; but you must look well, otherwise many ^vill escape notice. Let us leave our guns here, and fill our hats Avitli eggs. There ! a Duck has flown, and we find a nest of the Eider, with its five eggs wrapped in grey down. The screams of the poor Gulls are almost deafening; yet few of these birds come very near, and of the fifty or sixty black-backed species which we see, some are hovering far aloft, some ])erched on distant crags, and some running for- \vard and backward on the grass, within gunshot. Their eggs are larger than those of the Herring CiuU, otherwise vou can hardlv distinguish them here. Those of the Oyster- 5;J4 LARUS MARINUS. catcher, generally three, are easily known by having their spots darker and more defined than those of the smaller Gull. The wild Geese have nibbled the grass quite bare in most places ; l)ut tlicir nests are never found in this island. The crew of our boat are running about gathering eggs ; but we have had enough of them, and therefore we shall return for our guns, and endeavour to procure some specimens of the Great Gull, which even here, in presence of their nests, it is not very easy to do, some of them even having flown far off to sea. It is a lovely night in June ; the moon slowly emerges from beliind tlie distant mountains — the northern hori/on is still red with the glare of the departed sun — the winds have sunk to rest, and no sound is heard save the faint murmur of the waves that clash over the distant reefs. Yet hark ! the Terns are abroad, and their shrill cries come faintly on the ear, from the far-off sand-point, where, no doubt, they are engaged with a shoal of launces. Listen again! The Oyster- catchers intermingle their clamorous and curiously modulated cries ; and now, louder than all, is clearly heard the call of the Black-backed Gull, faintly seen in the dim light. Here is one of his breeding-places, a turf-crow-ned crag, torn, as it were, from the rocks, and forming an inlet inaccessible to human feet. Creeping stealthily among the crags, we faintly perceive the birds as they sit on their nests ; but some of them have observed us. All spring on their feet, and a few launch into the air, uttering loud cries, which alarm the birds around. It is vain, you perceive, to try to surprise them by night or by day. Wander as long as you will in these places what more can you see ? Perhaps a more acute observer may. Dr. I'ldmondston, however, has favoured me with only a l)rief notice of liis fibservations. " This species breeds on the flat grassy tops of a few inaccessible holms, or small islands, as tlie far-fanu'd Cradle-hobu of Noss, in considerable nmn- bers, never in dills, and excludes every other bird from such localities. A pair or two, we may suppose the melancholy remnant of a more nunuMous class, may now and then be met with oM l()\V(>r and more at cessihle, liut still flat situations. 1 1 usually pidducf's three \uuug, wliieh, independently of GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL. 635 tlieir size are easily distinguished from the other Wagels or IJurgoinasters by the more distinct speckling with Mack of tlieir grey plumage. Like all the large Gulls, it is fond of carrion. In winter, they all feed much on star-fish, a maigre and frugal diet, it must he admitted. JJut the plethora of herring in summer amply compensates for the abstinence of winter. When flocks of Shags are passing their gluttonous siesta on the rocks, a Marinus is very often perched near them, and on such occasions he acts as tlieir sentinel, by giving the alarm by his hoarse voice, or his taking flight when we endeavour to approach within shot. His deport- ment is dull and solitcU-y, always, no doubt, having the star fish in his gaze." Many interesting facts respecting it are given by Mr. Thompson, who states that it is found around the coast of Ire- land throughout the year, though a few only appear to breed there. Young. — When fledged, the young have the bill brownish- black, the base of the lower mandible flesh-coloured, the tips yellowish ; the iris dark brown ; the feet livid flesh- colour. The head aud neck are greyish-white, streaked with brownish-grey, the streaks broader on the hind-neck. The upper parts are mottled with brownish-black, brownish-gi'ey, and dull white ; the rump ])aler ; the wing-coverts barred with greyish-brown. The primary quills are blackish-brown, slightly tipped Avith brownish-white. The tail-feathers are white, Avith a patch of brownish-black toward the end, larger on the middle feathers, which are also barred toward the base with dusky. The lower parts are greyish-white, tinged with brown, spotted and barred with dark brown. When about a Aveek old, the young are covered Avith long, soft, rather sparse doAvn. The bill is broAvnish-black, the tips for a considerable space horn-coloured, tinged Avith yelloAV. The feet greyish-black, the claAvs broAvnish-black. The general colour of the down is greyish-white, tinged Avith yellow, spotted all over on the upper parts Avith deep broAvn, the breast free of spots, those on the rest of the loAver parts paler. This description is taken from tAvo specimens taken 530 LARUS MARINUS. fioiu the Bass Ruck, in the end of June 1824, by Mr. Do Jersey. Progress toavard Maturity. — After the first autumnal moult, the colours arc as follows : — Young in the First Winter. — The bill is bluish- black, the extreme tips and a small portion of the base of the lower mandible dusky yellowish-grey ; the iris and edges of the eyelids brown ; the feet flesh-coloured, tinged with pale blue, about the tibio-tarsal joint inclining to verdigris- gi-een ; the claws blackish-brown. The head is light grey, streaked with pale brown ; the throat greyish-white. The back is confusedly mottled with hair-brown, on a brownish- white ground, tinged Avith yellow, in patches increasing in size and depth of tint backwards ; the wings mottled in the same manner, but the brown deeper ; the primaries, primary coverts, and secondaries blackish-brown, narrowly tipped with greyish-white. The arrangement of the dark colour on the back is in single spots on each feather, as is also the case DU the wing-coverts ; but the secondary coverts have the inner webs brown, with processes to the number of four shooting into the light colour of the outer webs, the intervals ash-grey. The bases of the feathers of the back are pale ash ; their edges and tips brownish-white. On the rump and tail-coverts Avhite predominates. The tail-feathers are white at the base, brownish-black toward the end, tipped with white ; the middle feathers barred with brown for two- thirds, the outer white until near the end. The lower parts are whitisli, tinged with grey and yellow, and marked with very pale brown spots ; the lower wing-coverts mottled with brownish-grey and pale brown; the axillar feathers brownisli- grcy, barred witli pale brown. Skcono Wintkh. — Bill deep brown, tinged with blue toward the end, the tips yellowish-grey ; the base, especially of the lower mandible, yellowish, tinged with brown ; the basal margin of the mouth and the bare edges of the eyelids yellowish ; the feet more decicU dlv flesh-coloured. The fore GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL. 537 part and sides of the head, the fore part of the neck, and the h)wcr surface in general, pure white ; a few pale brown spots still remaining on the sides, the axillar feathers, and lower Aviny;-coverts. Tlie jrround-colour of the head and hind-neck white, slightly tinged Avith grey, streaked with pale brown. The back confusedly mottled with pale brown and yellowish- white, tinged with ash and purplish-brown, the markings somewhat transverse, there being several bars on each fea- ther ; the tips still whitish, those of the scapulars of con- siderable extent. The wings of a deeper tint than the back, hair-brown, tinged with giey and a little purple, the spots disposed in irregular bars, the tips and intervals reddish- white, tinged with brown. The primaries are blackish- brown ; the secondaries pale brown, tinged with grey and tipped with white ; the inner barred with deep brown and whitisli at the end. The rump and tail-coverts whitish, slightly mottled with pale brown ; the tail-feathers nearly all white, with a few very deep brownish-black spots and patches ; an irregular bar of the same deep brown at the end; the tips whitish. 538 L.^RUS FUSCUS. THE LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL. YELLOW-FOOTED GULL. Larus fuscus. Linn. S5-st. Nat. I. 225. Larus fuscus. Lath. lud. Ornith. IL 815. Lesser lilack-baeked Gull. Mont. Ornith. Diet. Goeland a picds jaunes. Larus fuscus. Temm. Man. d'Oriiith. IL 767. Larus flavipes, IV. 471. Lesser Black-backed Gull. Larus fuscus. Selby, Illusti-. II. 509. Larus fuscus. Lesser Black-backed Gull. Jen. Brit. Vert. An. 277. Larus fuscus. Bonap. Comp. List, 63. Bill two inches along the ridge, eight-tic elf ths high at the commissure^ which is moderately prominent ; tarsus two inches and a half long ; wings about tioo inches longci' than the tail ; tarsi and toes yellow. Adult, in winter, tcith the hill greenish- yellow, the lower mandible with an orange-red patch toward the end ; the margins of the eyelids light vermilion ; the back and icings blackish-grey, tinged with purple, or dark slate- coloured, the qiiills tipped with white ; the head and hind neck white, tcith light broicn streaks ; all the other parts pure white. In summer, the bill light orange, the patch on the loicer matidible vermilion, or orpiment, tinged with carmine, as are the edges of the eyelids ; the head aiid neck pure white, the other parts as in winter. Male in Winter. — This species, -which in the colour of its plumage resembles the Carrion Gull, is inferior in size to tlie Herring Gull, and of rather a more elegant form than either of these species. The body, although slender, seems rather full, on account of the great mass of plumage ; the neck is of moderate length ; the head of ordinary size, broadly ovate, narrowed anteriorly. The bill is rather long, but shorter than the head, higher toAvard the end than at the base : the upper uiandible with its dorsal outline straight for LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL. 639 two-thirds, then (It'clinato-decuvvate, the lidgc convex, tlie sides sloping and convex, until near the tip, when tliey are flattened and erect, the edges sharp, the tip narrow and sharp- edged ; tlie lower mandible witli the angle long and very narrow, the outline of the crura concave, and descending to the angle, where an obtuse prominence is formed, the dorsal line ascending and concave, the sides convex at the base, sloping outwards, and flattened towards the end, the edges sharp, toward the end dccurved, the tip narrow, but obtuse. The nostrils are linear-oblong, wider anteriorly, four- twelfths of an inch long, pervious, a little nearer the edge, than the ridge. The eyes are rather small, their aperture three-twelfths and a half. That of the ear roundish, and rather small. The feet are rather short and slender ; the bare part of the tibia slender, and with very small roundish scales ; the joint large and similarly covered ; the tarsus com- pressed, anteriorly with eighteen scutella, which are narrow, transversely elongated, and arcuate ; the hind part with several longitudinal series of small roundish subangular scales. The first toe is exceedingly small, with only one scutellum ; the second with nineteen, the third Avith thirty-two, the fourth with twenty-two ; the claws are small, curved, strong ; that of the middle toe much larger, curved outwards, with a dilated thin inner edge. The plumage is full, clastic, soft, excepting on the back and Avings blended ; the featlicrs much curved, broad, and rounded. The wings are very long, rather narrow, and pointed ; the quills thirty-two ; the primaries tapering to a rounded point ; the first longest, the rest rapidly decreasing ; the secondaries incurved and truncato-rotundate, excepting the inner. The tail is of moderate length, nearly even, the lateral feathers four-twelfths shorter. The bill is rich yellow, Avith an orange-red patch on the loAver mandible, the edges at the base pale vermilion, as are the margins of the eyelids. The iris pale or straAv yellow, the sclerotic purplish-grey. The feet are rich gamboge-yellow, becoming paler upAvards ; the claAvs black. The plumage, Avith exception of the back and Avings, is snoAv-Avhitc, but the head and neck are longitudinally streaked Avith pale broAvn. 540 LARUS FUSCUS. The fore part and middle of the back, the scapulars, upper Aving-coverts, and secondary quills are dark purplish-grey, or blackish-grcy with a pur])lc tinge. The primaries and their coverts are darker, their shafts black above, white beneath ; all the quills tipped -with white, the inner more largely, the outer two very obscurely. Female. — The female is similar to the male in colour, but somewhat smaller. Length to end of tail 21 inches ; extent of wings 54 ; wing from flexure 17^ ; tail 6 ; bill along the ridge 2^, along the edge of lower mandible 2-f-^ ; bare part of tibia 1 jV ; tarsus 2-^; first toe -fj, its claw -f:^ ; second toe IjV, its claw ^ ; third toe 1-J4j its claw -f^ ; fourth toe 1-^, its claw -j^. Variations. — Excepting slightly as to size, individuals vary little. The colour of the dark plumage changes when old to a much lighter tint, approaching to deep leaden-grey. •Some individuals have a white spot on the first, others on the first and second primaries, and one which I shot on the Frith of Forth has none. Male in Summer. — From April to October, there are no streaks on the head and neck, but otherwise the plumage is as in winter. The bill is of richer tint, or light orange, with the patch on the lower mandible, the edges of the mouth and eyes, vermilion, and the feet rich yellow. Length to end of tail 22^ inches ; extent of wings 55 ; wing from flexure 17-L ; tail 6^ ; bill along the ridge 2-f^, along the edge of lower mandible oi, its height f ; tarsus 2J ; first toe -j^j^, its claw -i^ ; second toe ly'-j, its claw-^V; third toe 1-^, its claw ^ ; fourth toe 1-^-^, its claw -^. The dinunisions of another male: — Length 22; bill alonu' the ridge 2i|, along the edge of lower mandible o-i-, its height ■^ ; tarsus 2-^ ; middle toe and claw 2^. The males described above wi'ie shot near North Berwick in tlie end of .lune 1S21 ; a fcniali', twenty-one inches in Icnj^lli. w;is kill( (1 li\ inysc If, at rrestonpans, in 183G. LESSER BLACK-HACKED GULL. 541 Fkmale in Summer. — The female is similar to the male. Habits. — This species, which at a distance can scarcely be {listin<]juishcd from the Great Black-backed Carrion Gull, Avhith it also resembles in its habits, is generally dispersed along the coasts, and permanently resident. In some districts it is of very rare occurrence, in others plentiful, and in the northern more so than in the southern parts, Avhich is pro- bably owing to their being more adapted for affording secure breeding-places. In May they betake themselves to unfre- quented islands, headlands, and sometimes inland lakes, often in considerable numbers, and there remain until their young are able to fly, although they make extensive excursions around in search of food. Their nests, composed of withered grass, and other herbage, are placed in hollows foraied in the turf, or in superficial chinks of the rocks. The eggs, gene- rally three, differ considerably in size, and much in colour, but are usually about two inches and nine-twelfths in length, an inch and ten-twelfths in breadth, their ground colour dull yellowish-grey, light brown, or olivaceous, with spots and patches of purplish-grey and dark brown. The young leave the nest at any time if molested, but generally remain a fort- night or longer. If pursued, they readily betake themselves to the water, where they swim with ease, although not with much speed. The flight of this bird is peculiarly elegant, resembling, however, that of the Greater Black-backed Gull, but more easy and buoyant, with the Avings considerably curved. Its ordinary cry is loud, mellow, and somewhat plaintive, and when a number join in emitting it, which they sometimes do, when assembled for repose on an unfrequented beach or island, may be heard at a great distance, and is then far from being impleasant. It also emits occasionally a cackling or laughing cry, more mellow than that of the species above named. It searches for food on the open sea, in estuaries, on the beaches, and frequently on the land, sometimes flying to a great distance from tlie coast. Small fishes, Crustacea, echini, shell-fish, land-mollusca, and earth-worms, are its habitual food, but it also eats of stranded fishes, and devoins 542 LARUS FUSCUS. young birds. When shoals of young herrings are in the bays, creeks, or estuaries, it may often be seen in great num- bers, intermingled -with other Gulls ; but when reposing, Avhether on the sea or on land, it generally keeps separate in small flocks. In -winter few individuals remain in the most northern parts, the greater numl)er advancing southward. They are usually not uncommon at that season in the Firths of Tay, Forth, and Clyde, where very fcAV, however, remain to breed. On the other hand, they are represented as numerous at all seasons on the coasts of Northumberland, the south-eastern and southern counties of England, and along the western coast. It is remarkable how much the habits of a species may vary. This, for example, is represented as in some dis- tncts breeding chiefly in marshy plains, or on islands in lakes, in others exclusively on maritime clifis. Although I have robbed many Gulls' nests, I have never been attacked, or even menaced by any of the larger species. Other indivi- duals, however, have experienced a different treatment. Thus, Mr. Ilewitson relates of the present species: — "After they have begun to sit, they become very bold in the defence of their eggs ; whilst amongst them, I was amused with one near the nest of which I was sitting : it retired to a certain distance to give it full force in its attack, and then made a stoop at my head, coming within two or three yards of me ; this it continued to do incessantly till I left it. Mr. Barling, the keeper of the light-house on the island, informs me that an old woman, who was in the habit of gathering their eggs, had her bonnet almost torn to pieces, it being perforated through by their bills." Mr. Thompson states that this species is resident in Ire- land, where it is extensively distributed, but has never been observi'd by him anywhere so a])undant as at Lough Neagh. The coasts of Norway, the countries on the Baltic, Holland, France, northern Africa, and other countries are said to be inhabited by them. Yoi NO. — The young, according to M. Tenmiinck, have tlif " throat and fore part of the neck whitish, with longitu- LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL. .543 (Unal light brown streaks ; tlu; nock and lowor parts of a whitish colour, almost entirely covered with large spots of a very deep brown ; the upper parts, and all the feathers of the Avings, of a blackish-brown in the middle, all bordered with a narrow yellowish band ; tail-feathers at their base of a pale grey, marbled with black ; the other parts of a very deep dusky, terminated "with white ; the quills deep black, with- out any white spot toward the end ; beak black, brown at its base ; feet dull ochrc-yellow. .")il LAEUS ARGENTATUS. THE HERHING GULL. SILVERY GULL. Larus argentatus. Gmcl. Linn. Syst. Nat. I. 600. Larus niarinus. Var. B. Lath. Ind. Ornith. IL 814. Herring Gull. Mont. Ornith. Diet. Goeland a manteau bleu. Larus argentatus. Temm. Man. d' Ornith. IL 764. Herring Gull. Larus argentatus. Selby, Hlust. II. 504. Larus argentatus. Jen. Brit. Vert. Anim. 276. Larus argentatus. Temm. Man. d'Ornith. 63, Bill two inches and a fourth along the ridge, which is tnuch decKrved totcard the end, nine-txcclfths high at the angle, tchich is prominent ; tarsus two inches and a half long ; icings surpassing the tail hg an inch and a half Adult in winter with the bill gclloio ; the loicer mandible with an orange-red patch toivard the end ; the margins of the eyelids yclloxo ; the feet flesh-coloured ; the back a)id icings light bluish-grey, very slightlg tinged with purple ; the quUls largely tipped xoitli white, the outer six in part black, two of them with a large white spot toivard the end ; the head and hitid-neck white, with light brown streaks ; all the other parts pure white. In summer the bill ^j?/re yellow ; the patch on the lower mandible bright orange, inclining to carmine ; mar- gins of eyelids yellow ; the head and neck pure white ; the other imrts as in winter. Young with the bill brownish- black, paler at the base of the lower mandible ; edges of eye- lids dusky ; feet purplish flesh-colour ; head and neck greyish- white, streaked with greyish-brow7i ; lower parts greyish- white, spotted with greyish-brown ; upper parts variegated with dark greyish-brown a?idbroicnish-white, the feathers being nuirginrd with the latter ; the quills greyish-black, as is the tail, unless at the base, where it is burred with white. HKRIUNG GULL. '>A.j AI AI,K IN WiNTKK. — The Jleviiiiy; Gull is next in size to the Great Black-backed and Glaucous Gulls, being consider- ably larger than the Yellow-footed Gull or the Iceland Gull. It is stouter also than either of the two latter, its body being to appearance large and full ; the neck of moderate length and very thick ; the head large, ovate, considerably rounded above, and narrowed before. The bill is shorter than the head, stout, compressed, rather higher toward the end than at the base ; the upper mandible with the dorsal line nearly straight for half its length, then decurved, the ridge convex, the sides slightly so, the edges sharp, direct, toward the end arcuato-declinate, the tip narrow but rather obtuse ; the lower mandible with the angle long and narrow, the outline of the crura straight, concave toward the angle, the commissure prominent, the dorsal line ascend- ing and very slightly concave, the sides nearly flat, the edges sharp and inflected, toward the end decurved, the tip obtuse. The nostrils arc linear-oblong, much wider anteriorly, four-and-a-half-twelfths long, pervious, nearer the edge than the ridge. The eyes are rather small, their aperture four-and- a-half- twelfths. That of the ear roundish and rather small. The feet are rather short and slender ; the tibia bare for about eight-twelfths ; the tarsus slender, compressed, with twenty-four anterior scutella. The hind toe elevated, ex- tremely small, with two scutella ; the anterior toes of mode- rate length, slender, the second considerably shorter than the fourth ; the second and fourth with tliick expanded margins, the soles flattened, and the webs with the margins nearly straight. On the second toe are twenty, on the third thirty- four, on the fourth thirty scutella. The claws are small, slightly arched, depressed, obtuse, that of the middle toe with a thin expanded inner edge. The plumage is full, close, elastic, soft ; on the head, neck, and lower parts, blended ; on the back and w ings rather com- pact ; the feathers in general broad, rounded, and curved. The wings are very long, of moderate breadth, with tliirty- four quills ; the first longest, the second scarcely shorter ; the secondaries broad and rounded, the inner narrower. The tail is rather short and even. vol,. V. 2 y ,'i46 LAKUS ARGENTATUS. The bill is pure yellow ; the lower mandible with an oiange-red patch toward the end ; the edges of the eyelids yellow ; the iris pale-yellow ; the feet flesh-coloured ; the claws brownish-black. The head, neck, lower parts, upper tail-coverts, and tail, are white ; but the head and neck, the throat excepted, are longitudinally streaked with very pale brown. The back and wings are light bluish-grey. The edge of the wing is white, the outer six primaries are deep greyish-black toward the end, the outermost nearly to the base, the sixth only for a very short space ; all the quills largely tipped with white, the outer with an additional white patch. Length to end of tail 23 inches ; extent of wings 54 ; wing from flexure 18; tail 7; bill along the ridge 2^; along the edge of lower mandible 2^ ; its height at the angle -j% ; tarsus 13^ ; hind toe and claw -^ ; second toe l-j%, its claw j\ ; third toe 2^^, its claw -^^ ; fourth toe 2-jV, its claw -j-3j. Female in Summer. — The female resembles the male, being only somewhat smaller. Length to end of tail 22 inches ; extent of wings 53 ; wing from flexure 17^; tail 7 ; bill along the ridge 2-^ ; its height at the angle -^ ; tarsus 2-^ ; middle toe 2^, its claw -jL-. VAKTArioNs. — Individuals vary considerably in size, and more especially in the length and height of the bill ; but the colours exhibit little difference, Tinless on the outer quills. In one individual tlie first quill is white at the end to the length of two inches and a third, the second white for four- and-a-half-twelfths, with a round spot on both webs. In another the tip of the first quill is white for half an inch, with a large white band, while the second has a white spot on both webs. In a third the first (piill has a round white spot on both webs, and the tip white, while the second has a white spot on the inner web only, A fourtli has a white spot on the inner web of the first quill, and none on either web of \hr vji-coiid. If is ill vr-rv old individuals that there is a larffo HEKItlNCi (lULL. 547 white space on the first quill, and in young ones that there is no spot or band on the second. Male in Summer. — The bill is of a richer yellow ; the spot on the lower mandible inclining to carmine ; the feet of a purer tint. There are no streaks on the head or neck, but otherwise the plumage is the same as in winter. Female in Summer. — The female is similar to the male. Habits. — The Herring Gull, which is not more addicted to follow the shoals of herrings than several others, is by far the most numerous of our larger species, there being in all parts where I have seen it at least an hundred individuals for one of the Yellow-footed Gull, and double that number for one of the Greater Black-backed. The proportions of course vary in diflfe- rent localities. Thus I have seen a rock tenanted by the latter species almost exclusively, and many by the present. Mr. Selby states that it is comparatively rare on the coast of Nor- thumberland, where the Lesser Black -backed Gull is common. During the winter it is dispersed along the coasts, chiefly in the inlets and estuaries, where it assembles in vast numbers, when the young herrings are congregated in them. Compa- ratively few are then seen in the northern parts of Scotland, and scarcely any of the young, which on the other hand are numerous on the southern coasts. On extensive beaches, and especially on such as run out into an angle or point, multitudes may be seen reposing, often intermingled with Common Gulls, and sometimes with individuals of the two Black-backed species. The flight of this Gull is strong, but buoyant, direct and unwavering when the bird is proceeding toward a distant place, and then usually elevated, but on ordinary occasions somewhat devious, although from its size this species is not capable of turning and Avinding so dexterously as the smaller kinds. When engaged with a shoal of fry, the Herring Gulls hover over the water, now ascending to the height of perhaps twenty feet, then skimming close over the surface, and, on obserA-ing an object, stretching upward and vibrating tlieir 548 LARUS ARGENTATUS. wings, and lotting down tlieir feet, so as to touch and some- times pat tlie water, they pick it up without alighting. Sometimes they phmge partly into the water, and occasion- ally j)ick up their prey while swimming. All this while they emit now and then a loud and rather shrill cry. Their food consists of fishes of small size, occasionally large dead fish, crahs, echini, asteriae, and mollusca. In winter and spring they often travel in bands over the fields, searching the pas- tures, and more especially ploughed land, for worms, grubs, and insects. At that season they may sometimes be seen on lakes, either solitary or in small flocks. They walk, and even run with ease, and not ungracefully. Often, on the sands, they may be seen rapidly patting the surface with their feet; but the purpose of this action is not understood, although some have supposed it to be the causing of worms to emerge. In frequented parts they are very shy, seldom allowing a person to come within two hundred yards ; but where they are little disturbed they are less suspicious, although under any circumstances they keep out of reach of ordinary shot. They repose on beaches and headlands, sometimes standing on one leg, but generally lyiug down. During very tempes- tuous weather they fly inland, or betake themselves to some partially sheltered place, near high water mark, and then lie flat (m the ground. On siich occasions I have seen them detained several days in one place, apparently Avithout food, the wind being so high that their excursions were but short. Tliey may then be more easily approached ; but as their flesh ran scarcely be rclislied as food, tlicy are not jnucli liable to be molested, imless in the neighbourhood of towns. In the beginning of May they resort to their various breeding places along the coasts, often in great numbers betaking themselves to small unfrequented islands, frequently also to the faces of abrupt cliffs, but sometimes settling here and there in ])airs. The nest, which is often bulky, is formed of grass and herbaceous ])lants of various species, according to the locality. The eggs, which are generally three, vary greatly in size and colour, the smallest being two inches and a half in length, the largest two inches and ten-twelfths, their breadth from one ijicli and eight-twelfths to two-twelfths more; HERRING GULL. 549 the ground colour pule ycllowish-gTcy, browiiisli-grcy, light- brown, or olivaceous, sometimes dotted with dark-brown and ])ur])lisli-grcy, sometimes clouded in large patches, and some- times dotted, spotted, and clouded, or even covered with tortuous and angular markings. In fact, in a place strewn witli their nests, one may have difficulty in fiiuling the eggs of any two very similar. Generally the eggs of the same nest are coloured nearly alike, but sometimes otherwise. If unmolested the young renuiin in the nest until their feathers are somewhat grown ; but they are always ready to leave it on being alarmed. They then conceal themselves by squat- ting among the herbage, or in crevices. If pursued they will not hesitate at any age to betake themselves to the water. When the young are fledged, all the birds leave the breeding places, and disperse along the coasts, frequenting estuaries especially, and sands at the mouth of streams. The young birds of different flocks keep much together during the winter. The larger Gulls take three years before their plmnagc acquires its permanent hues, and one might suppose them capable of breeding the second year ; but, whether this be the case or not, I have never seen either a pair of imma- ture Herring Gulls having a nest, or an immatured paired with an adult bird. Sometimes, however, immature birds may be seen in the breeding })laces, and, on the other hand, flocks of matui-e birds, which seem barren, may be seen during the summer frequenting places where there are no nests. When one invades a breeding place, the birds for the most part leave their nests, and fly about, uttering loud undulated cries, now and then alight on the grass or rocks, and manifest much anxiety, but neither feign lameness, nor approach very near. In Shetland, as Dr. Edmondston informs me, " the Her- ring Gull breeds almost always in cliffs of difficult access, hardly ever in flat situations." Now, as in the Outer Hebrides, it very often breeds on islands as flat as they can be in a gneiss country, and very seldom in cliffs, the difference in habits must depend upon circumstances, perhaps not easily appreciable. On an island in the Bay of Fundy, ^Nlr. Audu- bon found it nestling on fir trees, and was informed that 550 LARUS AHGENTATUS. some time before it had bred on tlie flat ground in the neighbourhood. " It is," Dr. Edmoudston continues, " the most elegant and sagacious of all our birds. Of all birds this is tlie most indefatigable persecutor of the sportsman. At all seasons it is the watchful guardian of all wild animals. This habit, so generous and interesting, is, however, often fatal to itself, by exciting the vindictive feelings of man. Its carriage is stately and dignified. The young are generally three in number, and long after they have left the nest the parents continue to watch and feed them. Altogether it is a most interesting and delightful bird. Those who have made the name of Gull synonymoiis with stupidity have known little of the Herring Gull, or they have meant the contrary to what tliey have said. In spring it is found in flocks on the corn fields, picking up wliatever seed the harroAv may have left uncovered, and at this season it is excellent eating. The change of food seems to produce a change of structure in the stomach, which is then like the gizzard of poultry. A similar change I have seen produced on the stomach of a tame Kaven, long fed on vegetable food, and this may lead to the opinion that structure is not, at least of the soft parts, an unerring or undeviating specific character. This and the Larger and Lesser Black -backed Gulls are really omnivorous, and hence they are the most frequent pets of the children of the fishermen. The young of all of them before leaving the nest are as di'licate eating as young Pullets. They are here called Skories." Li the maritime Highlands and Hebrides young Gulls are called Scairags, which I suppose is the same word modified. As to the stomach, it is in all (J nils at all seasons muscular, and if it assume more of the character of a gizzard by being made to grind corn instead of digesting fish, this is not at all wonderful. The fact was known to John Hunter. Similar changes haj)pen in other birds. I have seen the membranous stoinach of cveji the Snowy Owl become extremely thickened, apparently frnm a similar cause. If all the Herring Gulls in Shetland become granivorous in spring, and feed so long on oat seed tliat their stomach is enlarged by it, thev must be very injurious lo the jioor liusl)andmen. HERRING GULL. o.'A Young. — When about a wutk old, tlie young, covered with long soft down, have the bill brownish-black, the tip to a considerable extent reddish-white, the knob on the upper mandible whitish. The general colour is yellowish-white, tinged with red, all spotted over with blackish, the s]iots more distinct and darker on the head, lighter on the lower parts. Tbe feet pale brown, as are the claws. This descrip- tion is taken from two specimens brought from the Bass Kock, in the end of June 1824, by Mr. Ue Jersey. When fully fledged, the young have the bill brownish- black, with the base of the lower mandible flesh-coloured ; the iris brown ; the edges of the eyelids dusky ; the feet of a dingy flesh-colour ; the claws black. The head and neck are greyish-white, streaked with brownish-grey. The upper parts are variegated with deep greyish-brown and reddish-white ; the feathers being margined with the latter colour ; the lower parts greyish-white, streaked and spotted with pale brown. The quills and primary coverts are brownish-black, very nar- rowly edged at the tip with grey. The tail is black, narrowly tipped and at the base irregularly barred with white. Progress toward Maturity. — After the first autumnal moult the colours are as follows : — Young in the First Winter. — The bill is bluish- black, the base of the lower mandible flesh-coloured ; the iris brown ; the feet purplish flesh-coloured. The head and neck are greyish-white, streaked with greyish-brown, the throat without streaks ; the lower parts greyish-white tinged with yellow, the feathers spotted and barred with light greyish- brown. The upper parts are variegated with greyish-brown and greyish-white, each feather being margined and indented, or sometimes barred with the latter colour. The primary quills and their coverts are greyish-black, with their inner webs paler toward the margin, their tips narrowly-edged with dull white ; the secondaries are greyish-white at the base, then grey, toward the end gi-eyish-brown, their terminal margins greyish-white ; the inner secondaries like the back. The tail is greyish-black, narrowly tipped with greyish-white. 552 LARUS ARGENTATUS. toward the base irregularly barred with white, of w hich there is gradually more ou the outer feathers. Second "Winter. — Bill brown, dusky toward the end, with the tips yellowish-grey ; iris yellowish-brown ; feet flesh-coloured. The plumage is still coloured in the same manner, but the lower parts are nearly white, the brown spots and bars of the upper parts are more grey and nar- rower, aiul there is more white at the base of the tail and ([uills. After the next Movlt. — The bill is dull yellow, with a dusky patch on each mandible, and a little red on the lower ; the iris yellow ; the feet flesh-coloured. The head, neck, and lower parts are white ; the back is bluish-grey, as are the wings in part, most of the small coverts being light brown. The tail is w^hite for two-thirds, but with some narrow dusky bars, and dark brown toward the end. The primaries and their coverts are greyish-black tipped with white ; the outer quill with a white spot toward the end ; the secondaries are bluish-gi'ey, with an irregular dusky patch near the end, which is white. When three years old, the bird is as described in the adult state. Remarks. — Having carefully examined specimens fi-om various ])arts of North America, I find them clearly to belong to the same species. One brought by Mr. Fisher, surgeon of the Hccla, from the Arctic Expedition of 1821, is as follows : — The bill and feet as described above ; the wings about an inch longer than the tail ; the latter slightly rounded. The l)ill is greenish-yellow, the upper mandible light yellow before the nostrils, the lower with a crimson spot, dusky in the centre, near the end. The feet pale flesh-colour, the claws blackisli-brown. The jdumage pure white, excepting tlic bai k and up])('r surface of the wings, which are purplish pair l)lur. An oblicnic bar of brownish-black on the outer five (|uills, largest on the first, on tlie liftli rechiced to a band. Tlie i)riiiiiny (|iiills are tipiK d wjtli wliite, the first to the HERRING GULL. " 553 extent of two indies, but havin<^ a small brown mark near the end of the inner web, and the second quill with a white spot near the end ; the secondaries are largely tipped with white, as are the larger scapulars. Length 23 inches ; extent of wings 49 ; bill along the ridge 2^, its height at the angle -ffy ; tarsus 2|- ; middle toe 2f . A male, marked Winter Island, July 1, 1822, has the bill gamboge-yellow, with the spot on the lower mandible deep orange. The })lumage coloured as above, the outer six quills Avith an oblique band of brow^nish-black ; the first with a large white spot near the end, then a dark bar, and the tip white; the second with a white spot on the inner web. Length 24 ; extent of wings 40 ; bill 2^, its height -i% ; tarsus 2h ; middle toe 2f . Another female, killed on Winter Island on 29th June 1822, is similar to the last in its markings. Bill 2f , its height f ; tarsus 2^ ; middle toe 2f . An individual shot in the beginning of February 1824, and in its second winter plumage, has the bill horn-colour, tinged with yellow, from the base to near the fore part of the nostrils, lighter on the lower mandible, the remaining parts of both mandibles bluish-black, excepting the tips, which are yellowish-grey ; the iris dark brown, the edges of the eyelids dusky ; the angle of the mouth flesh-coloured ; the feet pale flesh-colour tinged with blue, at the tibio-tarsal joint Avitli green ; the claws brownish-black. The forehead is whitish ; the rest of the head and the neck ashy-white, streaked with pale brown; the back mottled with bluish -grey, pale brown, and yellowish-white ; the rump brownish-ash, w ith indistinct marks of pale brown ; the scapulars bluish-grey toward the base, with the principal part toward the end pale brown, a considerable portion of the end yellowish-white, of which there are also in-egular spots along the edges. Primaries pale brown, deepening toward the end, the tips margined with brownish-white; w4ng-coverts ash-grey, mottled with hair-brown, the tips of the larger brownish-white ; the pri- mary coverts all grey, tinged with hair-brown. The secondary coverts similar, but speckled \\ith yellowish- 554 LARUS .\ltGENTATUS. white ; all more or less tipped with dull white ; the inner secondaries and their coverts barred at the end. The tail-covorts are whitish, barred with very pale brown ; the tail-feathers white, with irregular brown spots at the base, deep brown toward the end, and tipped with brownish- white. The throat is white ; the lower surface in general whitish, with indistinct spots and streaks of very pale brown ; the axillaries dusky-ash, with spots of very pale brown on both webs ; the lower tail-coverts white, with a few bars of brown at the end. Length 25 ; bill 2-j^, its height -fj^- ; tarsus 2-f^ ; middle toe 2^. Having seen many Gulls of a much larger size than is usual in Larus argcntatus, I was led to suspect that two distinct species might have been confounded under that name. An examination of several specimens showed that^ although these large individuals are precisely similar in their plumage, they differ considerably in the form of the bill, which is much stronger, higher, and with a greater promi- nence on the lower mandible. Tlic tarsi arc stouter, a little longer, as are the toes, and the small scales and reticular spaces on the interdigital membranes are somewhat smaller, or at least less distinct and less prominent. But such ditier- ences, if we judge from analogy, are not sufficient to constitute species. Individuals of the Glaucous and Black-backed Gulls differ quite as much ; and among land-birds the Golden Eagle, Sea Eagle, Raven, Blackbird, Bullfinch, and very many others, exhibit differences in size, as well as in the form and magnitude of the bill, still greater. If species are to be formed on such grounds, Larus marinus, L. glaucus, L. leu- copterus, L. canus, Avill each constitute at least two species. To dcscril)e this large race of the Herring Gull would be merely to rej)eat what I have said respecting it. Yet having two individuals before me, one from the Firth of Forth in 'vinter plumage, the other from Grand Manan, in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, I may without impropriety give a short comparative account of them. Sui)posing them to represent a species, I would define it thus: — I5ill two inches and ten-twelfths along the ridge, which i.s a little raised above (he nostrils, aiul much dccurved HERRING GULL. 5o5 towuid the end, ten or cleveu-twcU'llis high ut tlie aiigk', which is very prominent, the lower mandible witli two (tl)li(|iio ridges at the base ; tarsus two inches and eight- twelt'tlis long ; wings surpassing the tail by two inches. Adult in winter with the bill yellow, tlie lower mandible with an orange-red patch toward the end ; the margins of the eyelids yellow ; the feet flesh-coloured ; the back and wings light bluisli-grey ; the quills largely tipped with white, the outer six in part black, two of them with a large white spot toward tlie end ; the head and hind neck white, Avith light brown streaks ; all the other parts pure white. In sunniier, tlie bill pure yellow, the patch on the lower mandible bright orange, inclining to carmine, margins of eyelids yellow ; the head and neck pure white, the other parts as in Avinter. The first individual approaches in size to the Black -backed Gull, and has the bill as large as in many individuals of that species. The sides of the lower mandible have two oblique ridges at the base, and its angle is very prominent, leaving the outline on either side considerably concave. The nostrils are linear-oblong, five-twelfths long. On the tarsus are twenty-four scutella, on the hind toe two, the second toe twenty-five, on the third thirty-six, on the fourth thirty-eight. The wings and tail are in all respects as in Larus argentatus. The first quill is white for two inches at the end, the second white at the tip, and with a white spot near the end, the rest tipped with white ; five of the primaries more or less black, the sixth with a faint dusky mark. Length to end of tail 2() inches ; wing from flexure 18f ; tail 7^ ; bill along the ridge 2-L| ; along the edge of lower mandible 3^ ; tarsus 2-j^ ; first toe -j^, its claw -^ ; second toe 1^-, its claw -^ ; third toe 2-j^, its claw -{^ ; fourth toe J2 jV, its claw jL. The American specimen, although probably not more than three years of age, two of the tail-feathers having a dusky spot upon them, measures as follows : — Length to end of tail 27^ inches ; wing from flexure 18^ ; tail 71 ; bill along the ridge 2^, along the edge of lower mandible S, its height at the knob ]4r ; tarsus J^ySr : hind toe 556 LARUS ARGENTATUS. ^, its claw -^ ; second toe 1-,^, its claw -^ ; third toe 2^, its claw -j^ ; fourth toe 2-^, its claw -Jj. There is no real difterence, I think, between such birds and those of smaller size. Were we to distinguish species by characters so sliijht as tliey exhibit, Ave nii7. Iceland Gull. Edmondston. Mem. Wem. Soc. IT. 176, 182. Larus glacialis. Greenland Gull. MacGillivray. Mem. Wem. Soc. V. 270. Glaucous Gull. Ijarus glaucus. Sclb. Illustr. II. 498. Larus glaucus. Glaucous Gull. Jen. Brit. Vert. An. 279. Larus glaucus. Bonap. Comp. List, 63. Bill two inches and three-fourths along the ridge, xchich is moderately decurved toicard the end ; ten-ticelfths high at the angle, which is 2^1'ominctit ; tarsus three incites long; tcii^gs about an inch shorter than the tail ; total length from ticenty- six to thirty-ttco itiches. Adult in winter icith the bill wine- yellow, the lower mandible with an orpiment-red patch toward the end ; the margins of the eyelids straw-yellow ; the feet flesh-coloured; the back and wings light bluish-grey; quills 5oS LAHIS GLAUCUS. all ichitc at the eml ; thr head and ncrk white, streaked ivith very pale brown ; All the other parts pure white. In simnner, the hill gamhoge-yellow, the patch on the lower mandible car- mine, as are the cdc/es of the eyelids ; the head and neck imre irhite, the other parts as in winter. Young xcith the bill brownish -black toward the end, at the base greyish-yellow, the feet Jlesh-coloured ; the general ground colour of the plumage pale yelloicish-grey ; the head and neck longitudinally streaked with veni pale brown; the upper parts icith transverse irregu- lar bands ; the lower confusedly mottled and barred \cith p)ale hroton and yellowish-xchite ; the quills greyish-tcliite, irregu- larly marked with pale-brown ; the tail pale-grey spotted and barred with pale-brown. Male in Winter. — This species, which is about the same size as the Bhick-backed Gull aud equally robust, has the body large and full ; the neck of moderate length and thick ; the head large, ovate, anteriorly narrowed. The bill is shorter than the head, stout, less compressed than usual, slightly higher toward the end than at the base ; the upper mandible with tlic dorsal line nearly straight for half its length, arcuato-declinate toward the end, the ridge broadly convex, the sides rapidly sloping and slightly con- vex, the nasal groove very narrow, the edges sharp, direct, toward the end arcuato-declinate, the tip obtuse ; the lower mandible with the angle long and narrow, the outline of the crura nearly straight until near their junction, when a mode- rate ])rominence is formed, the dorsal line ascending and very slightly concave, the sides nearly erect and flat, the edges sharp and slightly inflected, toward the end dccurved, the ti]> narniu l)ut obtuse. Tlie nostrils are linear-oblong, wider anteriorly, five- twelftlis of an inch long, medial, neariT the margin. The eyes are rather small, their tiperture five-twelfths. The feet are of moderate length and rather sleiuler ; the tibia bare for three-fourths of an inch ; the tarsus slender, compressed, with twen. The three last specimens were in their first winter j)lumag(>. Mr. Selby states that a few occasionally stray as far southward as the coast of Northumberland, where he has obtained three or four specimens, all immature birds. Mr. Yarrell mentions an adult specimen taken in Yorkshire, another in the collection of John Malcolm, Esq., and a young bird obtained in the London market by Mr. Bartlett in the winter of 1838. On the west coast of Britain, it has been seen by John Sinclaire, Esq., in the Island of Arran, and at Ballantrac, in Ayrshire, as stated by Mr. Thompson, who also gives a few instances of its occurrence in Ireland. Its habits are described by Faber, as observed by him in Iceland, where, however, it does not breed, it being the only Gull that passes the winter there without breeding in sum- mer. He represents it as so tame that it came to the house to obtain the garbage thrown away by the inhabitants. Mr. Yarrell, in his condensed account of Faber's remarks, says : — " Its manners differ from those of the Glaucous Gull, which has the habits of the Great Black-backed Gull, and moves with more energy. The nature of the White-winged Gull more resembles that of the Herring Gull ; its deportment and flight are more graceful ; it hovers over its prey, is some- what greedy, always active, and is not afraid to fight with cqiial or superior antagonists for its food." Dr. Edmondston states that it is of much less frequent occurrence in Shetland than the Glaucous Gull, with which, however, it associates, and to which it is similar in its habits and instincts, although somewhat more lively and active. YorxG. — When they appear on our coasts in the end of autumn, the young are as follows : — The bill is very pale flesh-coloured as far as the anterior extremity of the nostrils, beyond which both mandibles are brownish-black. The feet are pale flesh-coloured, the claws brownish-black. The plu- mage is very pale yellowish-grey ; the head and neck streaked, the upper parts marked with narrow, undulated bars of pale greyish-brown ; the tail spcUted and barred with the same ; 570 LARUS LEUCOPTERUS. the first five quills without markings, and of a greyish-white colour. The lower parts are a confused mixture of pale grey, very light brown, and yellowish-Avhite. Some of the dimen- sions of two individuals in this state are as follows : — Length 2o, 520 ; hill along the ridge 1|, l\^, its height at the knob f, -j^; tarsus 2^, 2 ; middle toe and claw 2f, 2^. Remakks. — In size and proportions the species is nearly alli(^d to Larus argentatus ; from which it differs in having the bill smaller, the nostrils narrower, and the outer primaries without any black markings at any age. Although much inferior in size, it is more nearly allied to Larus glaucus, which it entirely resembles in colour, the bluish-grey tint of the back and wings being merely paler. In a paper read to the Wernerian Natural History Society, on the 534th March, 1821, Dr. Edmondston described, as having been observed by him in Shetland, a large Gull, known to the Shetlanders under the name of Iceland Gull, or Iceland Scorie, although neither he nor they had any certainty of its occurring in that country. On the 538d March, 1822, another paper was read describing an adult individual of the same species, to which he proposed giving the name of Larus islandicus, or Iceland Gull. This bird, however, Avas found to be the Burgomaster, or Glaucous Gull, Larus glau- cus of Temmiiick and others, of which the first satisfactory account is that given in a Memoir of the Birds of Greenland by Captain Edward Sabine, in which he enimierates the species observed by the Expedition under Captain Ivoss in 1818, Linn. Trans. XII. 527. His description is sufficiently detailed and con'cct to remove all doubt as to the species. He observes that, from specimens in his brother's possession, lie is enabled to render the history of the plumage complete, and at the same time to add it to the British Fauna ; from wliicli we have to infer that one or more specimens in Mr. Sabine's collection were from Shetland or Orkney. This part of the volume was published in 1818. In 1820, INI. Tem- miiick, in the second edition of liis Manuel d'Ornithologie, gave a full account of the species, under the same name of Larus glaucus, describing it with his usual accuracy and WHITE-WINGED GULL, 571 precision, but only in its summer plumage. A detailed description of the bird in its mature and young states, in winter plumage, was afterwards given, in the fourth volume of the Memoirs of the Wernerian Society, by Dr. Edmondston, in two separate papers, in the first of which, read on the 24th March, 1821, he introduces it as a new species, and in the other, read on the 2od March, 1822, remarks definitively, that although it might have previously been obscurely known, it was now for the first time described as a British species, and might be named Larus Islandicus, that name being both desijmative of its " arctic haunts" and commemorative of the " vulgar appellation by which it is known in the Zetland Islands." In a paper read on the 8th March, 1828, in which he alludes to an opinion long before adopted by him of there being two species in Shetland to which the name of Iceland is applied by the natives, " the one having to the other a relation analogous to that which exists between the Greater and Lesser Black-backed Gulls," he describes the Larus leucopterus of the present article, and proposes transferring to it from the larger species the name of Larus islandicus. This species I afterwards described under the name of Larus arcticus, which I conceived to be more appropriate, the bird not being, in fact, known to breed in Iceland. Most authors, unless when it suits a special purpose, take priority of name as an established rule ; and if Dr. Edmondston first described the bird in question, they would call it, as he has done, the Iceland Gull. Others, discarding priority, would hold tliat a naturalist, in naming an object, must describe it intelligibly, otherwise his name cannot be adopted. Now, it is maintained by M. Temminck that Faber made mention of it in 1820, and gave a correct description of it in his Prodromus of the Birds of Iceland, under the name of Larus leucopterus ; so that, on the principles of both priority and intelligibility, Faber's name ought to be adopted. Unless we were to give the bird a more appropriate name than either islandicus or leucopterus, I do not see how we can with propriety reject the latter, even although the bird was unknown to the orni- thologists of Great Britain and Ireland until they were favoured with Dr. Edmondston's description of it. That .372 L.VRUS LEUCOPTEllUS. gentleman has, among other notes respecting the birds of Shetland, sent me the following, having reference to this very question. The reader, after perusing them, will be enabled to judge for himself : — " Greater and Lesser Iceland Gulls. Almost all I have to sav t»f these is to be found in my papers regarding them in the Wernerian Transactions, published some years ago. 1 saw and shot the first specimen, a young bird, of the Great species, in autumn 1809. In the spring of 1814, I sent a similar specimen, and remarks on the species, almost verbatim what are contained in my first paper in the Wernerian Memoirs, to Mr. Bullock, of London ; and that specimen, the only one which that acute and experienced observer had ever seen, continued to be exhibited in his Piccadilly Museum until its dispersion. This specimen Mr. Bullock told me was purchased by Mr. Sabine. I intended that the observations sent should be laid before the Linnsean Society ; but I went shortly afterwards to the Continent. On my return, Mr. Bullock mentioned to me that the paper had been sent for perusal to a Mr. Sabine, from Avliom he had not again been able to obtain it. Mr. Bullock further told me that the dirterent Loiulon ornithologists, among the rest Dr. Latham, who saw and examined my specimen, knew^ nothing of the species to which it belonged. Before 1814 I had imbibed the opinion, and expressed it in the paper above alluded to, of the existence of another species, the Lesser Iceland Gull, the accuracy of which my later observations, and those of others, have confirmed. Thus stand the facts, as far as I am concerned. Although it is not my nature to be obtrusive, common justice entitles me to assert that I was the first, more recently, who drew attention to these two species, dearly distinguished, and vernacularly named them, and, moreover, jjroved that they were regular winter visitants of the British Isles. AVhatever might be the claims of the older writers, or opinions on the Continent, these birds had been, until my specimens and paper appeared, forgotten by British zoologists. When an ornithologist such as Latham kiu'w nothing of such a species, it was not to be supposed that a Sjietland youth, immersed in the obscurity of his WHITE-WINGED GULL. 573 native islands, and iinacquainted with the literature of natural history, should, previously to his own observations, have been aware of those of others ; and, as far as he was concerned, they were therefore known and described for the first time. It is easy now to give them names, and talk of them as species that had always been familiarly known, but such was not the case previous to 1814 ; and if, after all, I am still not to be considered as having discovered one of these species, I still must insist that I possess the humble honour of restoring them to their specific rank, though this in orni- thological heraldry be decided to be only a civic (Burgomaster) one. It is yet, however, to be proved whether the names Burgomaster and Wagel were not by many writers applied indiscriminately to the young of all the larger Gulls ; thus committing the double error of exalting a young bird of a known species into a new species, and of confounding the young of the one species with that of another ; nor does it appear that other trivial names, such as Glaucus, &c., were more accurately or regularly applied. In the Ferroe Isles it is known by a similar name, Uislands Mauge, that is, Iceland Gull, as it is here. It is there, also, only a winter visitant. Why it has received this name from the inhabitants of these two groups I know not, for it does not occur very numerously, nor does it, I believe, breed in Iceland. In the high rocky cliffs in Davis' Straits it is found in great numbers, and the nest generally contains three young. They are, I think, easily domesticated, more so than any others of the large Gulls. The instinct that leads the Greater and Lesser Black- backed and Herring Gulls to constitute themselves, pro tempore, the coast-guard against sportsmen, I have observed no traces of in them." No one acquainted with Gulls can have any hesitation in according to Dr. Edmondston all the merit of having made us acquainted with these two species ; nor can it, on the other hand, be denied that one of them, the larger, was well described before his first paper on it made its appearance. The smaller species he may lay claim to, but even it has also been distinguished by one who has taken precedence. The comparative terms Greater and Lesser, applied to Wood- 674 LARLS LEUCOPTERUS. peckers. Tits, Terns, and Gulls, ought to be applied only so long as there are none larger or smaller. Neither of the two Gulls in question can with propriety be named Icelandic, they being mure common elsowlicre than in Iceland, where they never breed. But they might both be named White-winged, the smaller, however, having the better title to that designa- tion ; and, if so, the one Avould be the Larger White-winged Gull, the other the Smaller. But he who named the former Larus glaucus gave it a not inappropriate name ; and he who named the latter Larus leucopterus cannot very reasonably be censured. The birds having been so named before Dr. Edmondston described them, ought to continue so, unless the names were false, or much more appropriate names could be apphed. I should prefer glacialis and arcticus, which are correct, and in all respects unobjectionable ; but must yield to the general opinion. 575 L^iRUS CANUS. THE GREEN-BILLED GULL. COMMON GULL. SEA MAW, MEW, on M^VLL. Larus canua. Linn. Syst. Nat. I. 224. Adult. Larus canus. Lath. Ind. Ornith. II. 815. Adult. Common Gull. Jlont. Ornith. Diet, and Supplt. Mouette a picda bleus. Larus canus. Tcmm. Man. d'Omith, II. 771. Common Gull. Larus canus. Sell). lUustr. II. 190. Larus canus. Common Gull. Jon. Brit. Vert. Anim. 275, Larus canus. Bonap. Comp. List, 63. Bill an inch and a half along the ridge, ivliich is gently decurved toward the end; five-twelfths high at the angle, which is little pi'ominent ; tarsus two inches long ; icings sur- passing the tail by two inches. Adult in winter rvith the bill greyish-green, shaded into ochre-yellow at the end; margins of eyelids brown; feet deep greenish-grey ; back and icings light bluish-grey, the quills largely tipped with white, the outer five in part black, two of them with a large white spot toward the end; the head and hind-neck ichite, icith brownish-grey streaks and spots; all the other parts pure white. In summer, the bill greenish-yellow ; margins of eyelids vermilion; the head and neck pure white; the other parts as in winter. Young with the bill brownish-black, fiesh-coloured at the base; edges of eyelids dusky; feet purplish-flesh- colour ; head and neck greyish-white, streaked with greyish-brown ; lower parts white, spotted with broicn ; upper parts variegated with greyish-broicn and broicnish- white, the feathers being mar- gined with the latter; the quills brownish-black; the tail ichite, with a broad band of black at the end. Male in Winter. — This very common, lively, and beau- tiful species, although much inferior in size to Larus argen- tatus, is nearly allied to it in fonn and colouring. It is 576 LARUS CANl S. rather slender tlian stout, with tlie neck of moderate length, the head rather large, ovate, and anteriorly narrowed. The bill is considerably shorter than the head, moderately stout, compressed, rather hi<;hcr at the angle than at the base ; the upper mandible with the dorsal line straight for half its length, then arcuato-declinate, tlie ridge convex, the edges direct, very thin, nearly straight, arched toward the end, the tip rather acute ; the lower mandible with the angle long and narrow, the prominence small, the dorsal line ascending and slightly concave, the sides nearly erect and a little convex, the edges somewhat inflexed, very thin, a little decurved toward the point, which is very narrow. Mouth ten-twelfths in width ; palate with two very pro- minent papillate ridges, and intervening reversed papillw, its anterior part with a medial papillate ridge and two lateral elevated lines. Tongue an inch and a half long, emarginate and finely papillate at the base, narrow, trigonal, tapering to a slender slit point. The oesophagus is nine inches long, an inch and a quarter in width, contracting to one inch, and again enlarging to an inch and five-twelfths. The belt of proventricular glandules is eleven-twelfths. The stomach, although small, being only one inch in external diameter, is a true gizzard, having the lateral muscles strong, the tendons large, the epithelium dense and prominently rugous. The intestine is three feet three inches in length, from four- twelfths to two-and-a-half-twelfths in width ; the ca-ca seven- twclftlis long, two-twelfths in breadth ; the length of the rectum three inches ; the cloaca globiilar. The nostrils are linear-oblong, four-and-a-half-twelfths long ; the eyes ratlu-r small. The feet are rather short and slender ; the tibia bare for half an inch ; the tarsus com- pressed, witli twi'iity-six narrow, curved scutella. The hind toe is very small, with two scutella; on the second toe are about twenty, on tlie third thirty-six, on the fourth thiity- four. The iuterdigital membranes are emarginate, the soles flattened, and the margins thick and prominent. The claws are small, compressed, arched, rather blunt, that of the third toe nuirh curved outwards, with its inner margin moderately expanded. GREEN-BILLED GULL. 577 The plumage is full, soft, and elastic, generally blended, on the back and wings rather compact. The wings arc very long, rather narrow, pointed, and exceed the tail by about two indies ; tlie primaries very long, tapering, and rounded ; the secondaries twenty, a little incurved, rather narrowly rounded. The tail is almost even, the middle feathers exceeding the lateral by only a quarter of an inch. The bill is of a uniform grcyish-gi-een tint, shaded at the end with ochre-yellow ; the basal margins and mouth orange ; the edges of the eyelids dull reddish; the iris brown. The feet deep greenish-grey ; the claws black. The head, neck, lower parts, rump, and tail, are white ; but the upper part of the head, the cheeks, the hind part, sides, and lower part of the neck, are marked with oblong or roundish spots of dark brownish-grey. On the outer five quills is a band of greyish-black, largest on tlie outer, gradually diminishing, and on the fifth reduced to a broad band near the tip. The first quill is white at the end for nearly three inches, with a black spot on the inner web at the end ; the second has a white space of an inch and a half, Avith a band of black, and the tip white ; on the third is a white spot near the end ; the tips of all the quills white, that colour more extended on the secondaries. There is a semicircle of blackish-bristly feathers before the eye. The back and wings are light greyish-blue ; the shafts of the primaries of the colour of the webs, the outer two being black nearly in their whole length. Length to end of tail 18 inches; extent of wings 3G; wing from flexure 14| ; tail 5 ^; bill along the ridge 1-^'^ ; along the edge of lower mandible 2 ; tarsus 2 ; first toe -^, its claw -fj ; second toe l-J^, its claw -f'-j ; third toe 1^, its claw -Jj ; fourth toe 1-^, its claw -f^. Female in Winter. — Similar to the male, but somewhat smaller. Variations. — Considerable differences are observed as to size, the thickness of the bill, and the length uf tlit- tarsus. Variations also occur in the markings of the outer prinuiries, just as in Larus argentatus. VOL. V. 2 p 578 LARUS CAXUS. Male in Winter. — The bill is grcenish-ycllow, purer toward the end ; the margins of the eyelids vermilion. The plumage is coloured as in winter, the only difference being that the spots on the head and neck have disappeared. Female in Summer. — Similar to the male. Habits. — The fields having been cleared of their produce, and partially ploughed, to prepare them for another crop, the ** Sea Maws," deserting the coasts, appear in large flocks, which find subsistence in picking up the Avorms and larvae that have been exposed. These flocks may be met with here and there at long intervals in all the agricultural districts, not only in the neighbourhood of the sea, but in the parts most remote from it. Although they are more numerous in stormy weather it is not the tempest alone that induces them to advance inland ; for in the finest days of winter and spring they attend upon the plough, or search the grass fields as assiduously as at any other time. Frequently they have no companions of other species, but often they mingle with Tar- rocks, and sometimes with Herring Gulls. Should the country become covered with snow they retreat to the shores ; but when the thaws have partially exposed the ground they ieturn. At this season they almost entirely desert the more northern sterile parts of Scotland, advance southward, and are dispersed over the whole country. At length, in the end of April they disappear from the interior, and betake them- selves to their breeding places. In the Shetland and Orkney Islands, in the Outer Hebrides, on the northern and western coasts of Scotland, here and there in the rocky places along its eastern shores, and much more rarely on the western coasts of Englaiul and Wales, they are then to be found, often congregated in vast numbers, but alstt dispersed in pairs. The lower parts of (TiiiXgy cliffs, rocky ])eninsulas, and small unfrequented isl;in(ls, are their favourite stations. I have often, however, Inund their nests on the turf, along with those of the Herring CiuUs. They are conqjosed generally of fuci, occasionally of grass, bits of turf, and other vegetable substances. The eggs, GREEN-BILLED GULL. 579 usually three, sometimes two, are of a broadly ovate form, olive-brown, yellowish-brown, oil-green, greenish-grey, or greenish-white, irregularly dotted and spotted with dark- brown and purplish-grey, the markings generally larger and more numerous on those whieh have the ground-colour deep- est. They vary in length from two inches and one-twelfth to two-twelfths more, and have an average breadth of an inch and a half. This species has a light buoyant flight, during which it often inclines to either side. It walks and runs prettily with short steps, pats the sands at the edge of the water with its feet, emits a shrill somewhat harsh cry, and is apt to give the alarm to other birds at the approach of the sportsman. It is not however nearly so timid, or at least so sensible of danger, as the larger Gulls, and either in the fields or on the sea-shore, often allows a person to come within shot. Often also, when one has been killed or wounded, its companions, after flying oft', collect again, hover around, or even alight, when some of them may often be obtained. When feeding along with Rooks, in pastiire ground, they are often found to be less Avary than these birds, especially in places where they are not much liable to be molested. They never, I think, molest any other bird, nor are they at all addicted to quarrel- ling among themselves. Their food consists of small fishes, such as sand-eels and young herrings, which they pick from the water, first hovering Avith extended and elevated Avings, then descending, spreading their tail, and letting down their feet, Avith which I have often seen them pat the Avater, as if they Avcrc running on land. They ncAcr plunge so as to be immersed, but merely seize on Avhat comes close to the surface. They also feed upon stranded fishes of large size, asteriaj, mol- lusca, shrimps, and other small Crustacea. Sometimes also they pick up grain in the fields, and in a state of domestica- tion may be partly fed on bread. They are easily tamed ; but unless in a garden, or Avhere they are not liable to be teased, they are seldom found to live long in this condition. Young. — The young, at first covered Avith down, of a light grey colour, spotted Avith brown and black, remain in 580 LARUS CANUS the nest until able to fly, unless it happens to be in a place where they can run, and then they will readily leave it on beinji: alarmed. "When fledLjed, they are as follows : — Tiie bill is black, at the base livid flosh-colour ; the iris dusky ; the edges of the eyelids brown ; the feet flesh-colour, tinged with yellow. The upper parts are gi-eyish-brown, variegated with brownish-white, the feathers being margined with the latter colour. The primary quills are blackish- brown, narrowly tipped with paler ; the secondaries brown toward the end, light grey at the base. The tail is white for two-thirds, the remaining part brownish-black, the tips nar- rowly edged with white ; the upper tail-coverts white, with a brown spot toward the end. The forehead is white, anterior to the eyes is a semicircular band of black ; the cheeks streaked with brown ; all the lower parts pure white ; the neck and breast marked with roundish or transverse small spots of light brownish-grey ; the sides with large markings ; the axillaries irregularly barred toward the end ; the lower wing- coverts and the small feathers on the edge of the wing brown toward the end ; the abdomen pure white ; the lower tail- coverts with a broAvn spot toward the end. FiusT Winter. — After the first moult, which is completed in November, the bill has its dark-coloured part less extended, and the feet are of a more yellow tint. The head and hind- neck are white, streaked Avith brownish-grey ; the back is greyish-blue, but with a mixture of brown feathers ; a large portion of the inner primaries has become grey ; the secondary coverts an- dull bluish-grey, brown toward the end ; the rump and up]H'r tail-coverts nearly white, the spots being very small ; and all the lower parts are much whiter. The ci)l(iiirs remain in this .stat(> during the summer, merely fading from the action of the weather. Skcond Wintkr. — ]5ill yellowish-green, with the end dusky ; feet livid yclluwish-greiMi. Head and neck pure white, the former witli short streaks, the latter with round or transverse spots, as in the adnlt ; all the lower parts white, but the sides, part of the breast, the axillaries, and lower GREEN-BILLED GULL. 581 coverts of tlu* wings and tail faintly markoJ with brownish- grey ; the fore part of the back and the scapulars pure grey- ish-blue ; the wing-coverts tinged with brown ; the quills nearly as in the adult, but the outer primaries still without white at the end ; the upper tail-coverts pure white, and the dark band on the tail reduced to the breadth of an inch and a quarter on the middle feathers, and much less on the lateral. Third Year. — In summer, the plumage is as described in the adult at that season. Remakks. — This species is nearly allied to Larus zonor- hynchus, an American bird not hitherto observed in Europe, and which has often been confounded with it. As our Larus canus is vulgarly named the Common Gull, and as the American Larus zonorhynchus bears the same name of Com- mon Gull, one or other of these vernacular names must yield in correct nomenclature. Is it not much better at once to call the European bird the Green-billed, and the American the Barred-billed ? Any name is better than " Common " for any bird. The species now described, namely, Larus marinus, L. glaucus, L. argentatus, L. leucopterus, L. flavipes, and L. canus, all clearly belong to one and the same group. Al- though they do not differ very much from the other British Gulls, they yet differ fully as obviously as the acknowledged genera of the Sylviina*, Passerina?, Picinac, Turdina^, and many others differ from each other. If we proceed upon the principle of minute subdivision, we must, to be consistent, separate the Gulls into several genera, as well as the Snipes, or Plovers, which differ as little from each other as they do. 582 GAVIA. MEW. The Sea-Mews, or smaller Gulls, differ from the birds of the last genus in being inferior in size, of a more slender form, and especially in having the bill and feet compara- tively feeble. Bill rather long or of moderate length, slender, much compressed, slightly decurved at the end, acute ; upper man- dible -with the dorsal line straight for half its length, then slightly arcuato-declinate, the ridge convex at the base, narrow beyond the nostrils ; the lateral sinus rather long, narrow, and feathered ; the nostrils sub-basal, long, linear, a little wider anteriorly, margined above Avith a sloping thin-edged membrane, the branches narrow and convex, the edges very thin, inclinate, the sides beyond the nostrils nearly erect and flattened, the tip narrow, rather acute, very slightly prolonged, and with a fiiint sinus on the margins; lower mandible very much compressed, with the intercrural space very long and extremely narrow, the crura erect, convex, their lower outline a little concave anteriorly, forming at the commissure a slight angle Avith the dorsal line, which is nearly straight, the edges very thin and inflected, the tip rather acute ; the gape-line commencing beneath the eyes, straight, slightly arcuato-declinate at the end. Moutli of moderate width ; palate fiat, with two very prominent i)a])illate ridges and intervening papilla?, ante- riorly witli five ridges; posterior nasal aperture linear. Tongue emarginatc and minutely papillate at the base, fh'sliy, slender, tapering, horny beneath. (Esophagus very wide throughout, its walls extremely thin ; proventricular portion wide, with a continuous narrow belt of very small, oblong glandules, and traversed by very ])rominent rugsc, continuous with those of the stomach, which is rather small. GAVIA. MEW. oH3 oblong, witli the lutoial muscles rather thick, the teuduiis large, the epithelium thick, horny, and having very promi- nent longitudinal rugix}, its upper margin abrupt. Intestine of moderate length and very narrow ; ca'ca extremely small, cylindrical ; rectum short, with a large globular dilatation. Eyes rather small ; eyelids feathered, with bare, crenu- late margins. Aperture of ear of moderate size, roundish. Legs of moderate length, rather slender ; tibia bare for one- third ; tarsus rather short, compressed, anteriorly covered with numerous curved scutella, laterally with angular scales, behind with numerous small rectangular scales. Hind toe very small and elevated ; fore toes of moderate length, slender, the fourth a little shorter than the third, and about a fifth longer than the second, all -with numerous scutella, and connected by reticulated membranes, of which the an- terior edge is concave ; the lateral toes margined externally by a thick scaly membrane, the soles flat and granulated. Claws small, slightly arched, compressed, rather acute, that of the middle toe with an expanded thin inner margin. Plumage full, close, soft, and blended ; on the back and wings rather compact. Feathers generally oblong or ellip- tical and rounded, on the fore part of the head short. Wings very long, rather narrow, pointed, with thirty quills ; the primaries nearly straight, tapering, obtuse, the first and second longest, the rest rapidly graduated, the secondaries broad and rounded. Tail of moderate length, even or emar- ginate, of twelve broad, abruptly rounded feathers. The Sea-Mews are of moderate or small size, in form diflfering little from the Gulls, but more slender. The bill especially differs in being almost always slender, much com- pressed, pointed, sometimes smaller than in the genus Sterna. They swim with considerable celerity ; sit very lightly on the water ; have a very light, buoyant, wavering, flight, performed by rather quick beats of their long ex- tended, arched wings ; walk quickly and run with ease. Being incapable of diving, they pick up their food from the water, dipping for it, but seldom so as to immerse more than the head. It consists chiefly of small fishes ; but they also eat Crustacea, mollusca, asterite, larva?, worms, and insects. 584 GA^^A. MEW. Their cries are loud, shrill, and harsh ; and they have also a laughter-like cry. Much more active than the Gulls, they perfonn their aerial evolutions with great celerity. Species are found on all the maritime coasts ; but in the cold season they desert the frozen regions. They are all gregarious, feeding and breeding in society, some forming their nests on the sea-shore, in rocky or grassy places, others on inland marshes or in islands of lakes. They are composed of dry grass or sea-weeds, and generally contain three eggs, which are broadly ovate, olivaceous, brown, or grey, dotted or blotched with dark brown and grey. The young, at first covered with parti-coloured down, leave the nest if molested, and conceal themselves by squatting. The plumage, at first mottled with brown, becomes lighter at the first moult, and in two years or less is perfected. The prevailing colours are white and light greyish-blue, with black on the wings. In winter the head is light-coloured ; but in summer generally deep grey, brown, or black. This genus is directly connected with Lams on the one hand, and with Sterna on the other. Several of the species, the Fork-tailed at least, have been generically named Xema ; but as that name appears to be mere " nonsense," it having no etymology, it ought to be treated as such. The genus itself so called is not the genus above defined, most of the species of which are included in Brisson's genus Gavia, which name I therefore adopt, though it also is not classical. 585 GAVIA ATRICILLA. THE LEADEN-GREY- HOODED MEW. AUGinNG GULL. BLACK-HEADED GULL. Fio. 96. Linn. Syst. Nat. I. 225. Lath. Ind. Om. II. 813, Black-headed or Laughing Gull. Mont. Om. Diet. Larus ridibundus. Audub. Om. Biopr. Temm. Man. d'Om. Larus Atricilla. Larus Atricilla. Lams Atricilla, in. 118. Laughing Gull. Mouctte a capuchon plombe II. 780. Larus Atricilla. Laughing Gull. Jen. Brit. Vert, .t^jiim. 273. Xema Atricilla. Bonap. Comp. List, 62. Bill an inch and three-fourths in length; tarsus nearly two inches; wings three inches longer than the tail; bill and feet rich carmine ; outer quill black, the next Jive with that colour gradually diminisJiing, the tips white, those of the outer tivo excepted. In winter, the back and wings light bluish-grey ; the other parts white; the head faintly marked with broicnish- 586 GAVIA ATRICILLA. grey; a black crescent before the eye, and a grey patch behind it. In summer, the colour simihir, but the head and part of the neck blackish leaden-grey, the lower parts tinged with rose- colour. Young with the bill and feet olive-broicn ; the upper parts brownisJi-grey. variegated u'ith paler ; the first four quills without white at the end; the tail pale greyish-blue, with a broad band of brownish-black at tlie end, and narrouly tipped with white; lower parts greyish- white, the neck brownish-grey, ax'dla rs ash -g rey . Male in Winter. — Tho proper country of this species is North America, and the following description is taken from specimens procured there, the instances of its occurrence in Britain being extremely few. It is a little larger than our common Gavia ridibunda, and precisely of the same form, having the body compact, the neck of ordinary length, the liead broadly ovate, much narrowed anteriorly. The bill is rather shorter than the head, moderately stout, compressed, slightly arcuate, pointed ; the upper mandible with the dorsal line moderately decurved beyond the nostrils, which are linear-oblong, the tip narrow, rather obtuse, with a slight sinus on the margins ; the lower mandible with the angular prominence rather conspicuous, the dorsal line ascending and slightly concave, the sides erect and nearly flat. The mouth is of moderate Avidth; the tongue slender, trigonal, pointed, an inch and a quarter in length. The opsophagus is six inches and a half in length, generally an inch in w idth, within the thorax dilated to an inch and a half; the proventricular belt seven-twelfths in breadth. The stomach is oblong, aji inch and a half in length, ten-twelfths in breadth, w ith rather strong muscles, radiated tendons, and dense, longitudinally rugous epithelium. The intestine is twenty-two inches long, from four-twelfths to two-twelfths in width ; tlie cuca three-twelfths long, and only half a twelfth in breadth ; the rectum an inch and a half long, the cloaca globular, an inch in width. The feet are of moderate length, rather slender; the tibia bare for three-fourths of an iiu h ; the tarsus compressed. LEADEN-GKEY-HOODED MEW. 587 with miiucvous anterior scutellu ; the interdigital membranes emarjTfiuato. The claws are small, slightly arched, compressed, pointed, the inner edge of that of the third toe considerably expanded. The plumage is full, soft, and blended, unless on the back and wings, Avhere the feathers arc somewhat firm. The wings are very long and pointed, and extend two inches beyond the tail, which is even. The first quill is longest, the second slightly shorter, the rest rapidly diminishing ; the outer secondaries incurvate and obliquely rounded. The bill, inside of the mouth, edges of the eyelids, and the feet, are of a deep carmine tint, the claws broAvnish- black ; the iris bluish-black. The head, neck, lower parts, and tail white ; the head faintly mottled with brownish- grey ; a dusky crescent before the eye, and a patch over the ear. The back and wings are light bluish-grey ; the margin of the wings, and a large terminal portion of the secondaries Avhite. The first primary is black, with the basal part of the inner web tinged with grey ; the second and third also black, with the grey more extended ; the fourth having two-thirds occupied by it ; the fifth w'ith a large subter- minal black band, and the sixth with a slight mark ; the tips of all white, except the outermost ; the other primaries like the back, as are the secondaries, of which the tips are white. Length to end of tail 18 inches ; extent of wings 40 ; wing from flexure 13;^ ; tail 5 ; bill along the ridge l\%, along the edge of lower mandible 2^ ; tarsus 1{-^ ; hind toe fV, its claw -^ ; second toe 1, its claw^ -^ ; third toe 1-j^, its claw -/^; fourth toe lyV, its claw -^. Fe:mai,e in Winter. — The female resembles the male in colour, but is considerably smaller. Length 16|^ inches; Aving from flexure 12f ; tail 5; bill along the ridge l-^j ; tarsus 1^4 ; third toe and claw 1-^. Variations. — As in other species of this and the preceding genus, the dark markings on the wings vary ; but I have never seen a bird with all the primaries black and destitute 588 GAVIA ATRICILLA. of white on tlieir tips, as they are represented by M. Tern- mi nek. Male in Summer. — The bill and feet of a brighter tint. The colours of the plumai^c as in winter ; but the lower parts tinged Avith rose-colour, and the head, with a portion of tlie neck all round, deep leaden-giey, darker on the upper part of the head and along the posterior margin, which descends lower anteriorly, or to the extent of two inches and a half from the base of the lower mandible ; on each of the eyelids is a narrow white streak. Female in Summer. — Similar to the male. IIaiuts. — This species, which properly belongs to Ame- rica, was made known as a visitor to the shores of England l)y Montagu, who, in his Ornithological Dictionary, has the following statement: — "In the month of August, 1774, we saw five of them together feeding in a pool upon the Shingly Flats, near Winchelsca ; two only were black on the head, the others were mottled all over with brown. One of them was shot ; but although the remaining four continued to resort to the same place for some time, the old ones were too shy to be procured. We also saw two others near Hastings, in Sussex. They may easily be known from the Black- lieaded Gull even flying; the flight is different; the bird appears much larger, and the tail shorter in proportion." The specimen obtained is preserved in the British Museum. It does not appear that any other has been obtained in Britain. Part of a very extended account of this bird, given by Mr. Audubon, is as follows : — " The Black-headed Gull may be said to be a constant resident along the southern coast of the United States, from South Carolina to the Sabine Iliver ; and 1 have found it abundant over all that extent, both in winter and in summer, but more especially on the shores and keys of the l*'loridas, where I found it ])reeding, as well as on some islands in tlie Bay of Galveston, in Texas. A very gjeat number of these birds, however, remove, at the LEADEN-GREY-IIOODED MEW. 589 approach of spring, towards the middle and eastern districts, along the shores of which they breed in considerable num- bers, particularly on those of New Jersey and Long Island, as well as on several islands in the Sound. They constantly evince a dislike to rocky shores, and therefore ate seldom seen beyond Massachusetts, in which state, indeed, they are exceedingly rare. " At all periods of the year, the Black-headed Gulls keep in flocks formed of many lamilies ; and in the breeding season, or even as soon as their courtships have commenced, they assemble by hundreds of pairs, or even by thousands. At this time they are so clamorous as to stun your ear with their laughing-like cries, though at other seasons they are generally silent, unless when suddenly alarmed or when chased by the Jager. Their loves arc conducted with ex- treme pomposity : they strut and bow to the female, throwing their head backwards, like all other Gulls. You see them first stretching their heads forwards ; then with open bill, vibrating tongue, and eyes all glowing, they emit their loud laughing notes, which, in a general sense, resemble those of many other species, though they arc not precisely similar to those of any. " Whilst at Great Egg Harbour, in May 1829, shortly after my return from England, I found this species breeding in great numbers on the margins of a vast salt marsh, bor- dering the sea-shore, though separated from the Atlantic by a long and narrow island. About sunrise every morning, an immense number of these birds would rise in the air, as if by common consent, and wing their way across the land, probably intent on reaching the lower shores of the Dela- ware River, or indeed farther towards the head waters of Chesapeake Bay. They formed themselves into long strag- gling lines, following each other singly, at the distance of a few yards. About an hour before sunset, the same birds were seen returning in an extended front, now all silent, although in the morning their cries were incessant, and lasted until they were out of sight. On arriving at the breeding-ground, they immediately settled upon their nests. On a few occasions, when it rained and blew hard, the 690 UAVIA ATRICILLA. numbers tliat left tlio nests were comparatively few, and those, as I thought, mostly males. Instead of travelling high, as they are wont to do in fair and cahn weather, they skimmed closely over the land, contending with the wind with surprising pertinacity, and successfully too. At such times they were also quite silent. " This species breeds, according to the latitude, from the 1st of March to the middle of June ; and I have thought that, on the Tortuga Keys, it produced two broods each season. In New Jersey, and farther to the eastward, the nest resembles that of the Ring-billed Gull, Larus zonorhyn- chus, being formed of dried sea-weeds and land-plants, two and sometimes three inches high, wdth a regular rounded cavity, from four and a half to five inches in diameter, and an inch and a half in depth. This cavity is formed of finer grasses, placed in a pretty regular circular form. I once found a nest formed as it were of two ; that is to say, two pairs had formed a nest of nearly double the ordinary size, and the two birds sat close to each other during rainy Aveather, but separately, each on its own three eggs. I ob- served that the males, as well as the females thus concerned in this new sort of partnership, evinced as much mutual fondness as if they were brothers. On the Tortugas, where these Gulls also breed in abundance, I found their eggs deposited in slight hollows scooped in the sand. Whilst at Galveston, in Texas, I found their nests somewhat less bulky than in the Jerseys, which proved to me how much birds arc guided in these matters by differences in atmospheric temperature and locality. " I never found more than three cjjfffs in a nest. Their average length is two inches and half-an-eighth, their greatest breadtli a tritle more than an inch and a half. They vary somewhat in their general tint, but are usually of a light earthy olive, blotched and spotted with dull reddish- brown and some black, the markings rather more abundant towards the larger end. As an article of food they are ex- cellent. These Gulls are extn-inely anxious about their eggs as well as their young, which are n\)t to wander away from the nest while yet quite small. They arc able to fly at LEADEN-GREY-IIOODED MEW. 591 the end of six weeks, and soon after this are abandoned by their parents, when the ohl and young birds keep apart in flocks until the following spring, when, I think, the latter nearly attain the plumage of their parents, though they are still smaller, and have the terminal band on the tail." YoxTNG. — When fledged, the young have the bill, inside of the mouth, edges of the eyelids, and feet, olive-brown. The upper parts are brownish-grey, variegated with })uler, the margins of the feathers being brownish-white ; the hind part of the back light bluish-grey ; the upper tail-coverts nearly white. The primaries are brownish-black, the outer four without white at the tip. The tail is pale greyish-blue, with a broad band of brownish-black at the end ; the feathers narrowly tipped with brownish-white. The lower parts are greyish-white ; the lower part of the neck brownish-grey ; the axillars ash-grey ; the lower wing-coverts dusky-grey. Remarks. — M. Temminck describes his Larus Atricilla as having " toutes remiges noire," and " pennes secondaries de couleur de plomb; extremite des pennes secondaries blanches; toutes les remiges sont d'un noir profond, sans aucun pointe blanche." Again, in his supplementary fourth volume, he says that in a specimen in its first adult winter plumage, the primaries (remiges) are " noires, terminees par une pointe blanche ;" but that old birds, whether in summer or in winter, have no longer any indication of white spots at the end of the quills, they being of a perfect black, with the base slate-colour. He further observes that, notwithstanding the remarks made by Meyer and others, as to his Larus Atricilla not being that of Catesby and Brisson, he can positively assert tliat it is the same Gull. Now, Brisson describes his Gavia ridibunda, the Atricilla of Linnccus, and the Laughing Gull of Catesby, as having not all the ten primaries black, but the outer three black, but grey at the base, the next three grey at their origin and black toward the end, the latter colour gradually occupying less space the nearer the feather is to the body, and the six being moreover tipped with white. Loose descriptions, in species so nearly allied, and so difficult 592 GAVLV ATRICILLA. to characterize as the Dark-headed Mews, are of necessity liable to lead into error. The nonnal state of the six outer quills is to have white tips, except the outer two, or some- times three, but as these tips are small, they are liable to be t;oon partially or entirely obliterated by the abrasion of their points. 593 GAVIA RIDIBUNDA. THE BROWN-HOODED MEW. LAUGHING GULL. BLACK-HEADED GULL. BLACK-CAP GULL. BLACK CAP. HOODED MAW. RED-LEGGED GULL. PEWIT GULL. MIRE CROW. SEA CROW. PICKMIRE. PICTARN. Lams ridibundus. Linn. Syst. Nat. I. 225. Adult in summer. Larus cinerarias. Linn. Syst. Nat. I. 224. Adult in winter. Larus ridibundus. Latb. Ind. Orn. II. 811. Black-headed Gull. Jlont. Orn. Diet. Mouctte rieuse ou a capucbou brun. Larus ridibundus. Temm. Man. d'Omith. II. 780. Black-headed Gull. Larus ridibundus. Selb. Illustr. II. 486. Larus ridibundus. Black-beaded Gull. Jen. Brit. Yert. An. 273. Xema ridibundmn. Bonap. Comp. List, 62. Bill an inch and a third in length ; tai'sus an inch and three-fourths ; icijigs two inches and a half longer than the tail ; bill and feet rich carmine ; outer four quills and their coverts white, the first xcith the greater part of its outer mar- gin, the tip, and a narrow band along its inner edge, black ; on the next fee no black on the outer tccb, that on the tip VOL. V. 2 Q 594 GAVIA RIDIBUNDA. more extended^ the black hand on the inner edge broader ; the tips white, those of the outer two excepted. In icinter, the back and icings light bluish-grey ; the other parts ichite ; the head faintly marked tcith grey ; a black crescent before the eye, and a blackish-grey 2)atch behind it. In sianmer, the colours similar, but the head and throat deep brown, becoming brownish-black behind, the loicei' parts slightly tinged with rose-colour. Young icith the hill flesh-coloured or ptale brown, toxcard the end blackish-broicn ; feet brownish flesh-colour ; the head and nape pale brown ; ear-coverts ichite ; back and smaller wing-coverts brown, the feathers edged with paler ; hind part of back and tail white, the latter with a broad ter- minal bar of dark-brown ; quills with their outer webs black, the inner white ; loxocr parts greyish-white. ISIale in Winter. — This species, the common " Black- headed Gull," -which is generally dispersed in Britain, and permanently resident there, is very similar to the last in colour, and of the same form, hut somewhat smaller, Avitli the hill and tarsi considerahly shorter, and the "mask" deep hrown instead of leaden-blue. The body is compact, rather slender, the neck of moderate length, the head broadly ovate, much narrowed anteriorly. The bill is rather shorter than the head, slender, much coinprcsscd, nearly straight, and pointed ; the upper man- dible with the dorsal line moderately decurved beyond the nostrils, which arc linear-oblong, four-and-a-half-twelfths long, the tij) acute, with a very slight sinns on the margins ; the lower mandible witli the angular prominence very slight, the dorsul line slightly ascending and somewhat concave, the sides erect, considerably convex toward the base, the tip acute. The aperture of the eye is three-twelfths in diameter ; that of tlie ear four-twelftlis. The feet are of moderate li-ngtli, and slender; the til)ia bare for tliree-fourths of an incli ; the tarsus much compressed, witli eighteen scutella ; llie hind toe very small and elevated, with a minute, straight, bluntish claw, its scutella tliree ; the second with twenty, the third thirty-two, the fourth thirty scutella ; the fourth a little shorter than the third, the webs emarginate, the lateral toes BROWN-IIOODEI) MEW. 585 ivitli tliick margins, the soles flat. The toes small, com- pressed, deeply grooved at the base, rather acute. riumage full, soft, blended, on the back and wings rather compact. Wings about tAvo inches and a half longer than the tail ; the primaries tapering to an obtuse point ; the secondaries twenty-two, the outer incurved. The tail of moderate length, even. Tlie bill, edges of the eyelids, and feet, arc deep carmine ; the inside of the mouth of a lighter tint ; the iris brown ; the claws brownish-black. Tlie head, neck, lower parts, edge of the wing, outer four primary coverts, upper tail-coverts, and tail, are pure white. The feathers of the upper part of the head, however, arc dark-grey, unless at the tip, and that colour appears on the crown and occiput ; before the eyes is a crescent of black, and over the ear a blackish-grey spot. The first quill is white, with a large portion of the outer web and its tip deep black, and a narrow band along the margin of tlie inner web of a lighter tint, or brownish-black ; the second white, with the tip black, and its inner margin to a greater breadth brownish-black ; the third with part of the outer web, near the end, the tip, and a broader band along its inner margin, black, with a slight mark of white on the tip ; the fourth similar, with a band of greyish-blue within the black band on the inner web ; the fifth like the fourth, with a tinge of blue on the outer web, and the whole of the inner web greyish-blue, unless toward the margin, which is black ; the next bluish-grey, with a black band at the end ; the third, fourth, fifth, and sixth quills tipped with white ; all the other quills like the back, the inner four primaries and outer five or six secondaries not tipped with white, but the rest having a considerable terminal space of that colour. The axillar feathers are pure white, as are the smaller lower wing-coverts next the edge of the wing ; but all the other coverts are pale greyish- blue. On the lower surface the primaries have the parts which are black above of a blackish-grey colour, and the inner four also have their inner webs so tinged, although they are light bluish-grey above. The secondaries are of a silvery- grey tint, with a sattiny lustre beneath ; the lower surface of the tail-feathers is also sattiny, though white. 596 GAVIA RIDIBUNDA. Length to end of tail 16 inches ; extent of wings 38 ; ■wing from flexure 17^- ; tail 5 ; bill along the ridge Ij'j ; along the edge of lower mandible 2 ; tarsus 1^ ; hind toe -^, its claw -ji^- ; second toe 1-Jj, its claw -^; third toe 1-^, its claw -^; fourth toe 1;^, its claw y^. Female in Summer. — The female is smaller, but in colour the same. Length 15 inches; extent of wings 37; bill l-j^j^; tarsus If^ ; third toe 1-{Kt, its claw ^. Variations. — There are considerable differences in size ; the tarsus, in particular, varies from an inch and seven- twelfths to an inch and nine-and-a-half-tAvelfths. The grey tint on the head varies in depth and extent, as does the black on the outer quills. Mai,e in Sumisier. — The bill and feet are of a brighter tint. The colours of the plumage as in winter ; but the lower parts faintly, sometimes strongly tinged Avith rose-colour, and the head of a sooty-brown, lighter anteriorly, biit becoming browniish-black behind ; the space thus coloured ending on the occiput, but on the fore-neck extending to two inches and a half from the base of the lower mandible. Both eye- lids have a band of white feathers, unless at their fore part. Female in Summer. — Similar to the male. Habits. — The lirown-hoodcd Mew, commonly but errone- ously named the lilack-headcd Gull, is generally dis])ersed along the shores, but is found congregated more especially in estiuiries, aiul near the mouths of rivers, during the cold season. Its food then consists of small fishes, which it picks up from the surface of the water, as well as of Crustacea, asterioD, and marine worms, Avhich it finds on the shores. Frequently, however, it makes excursions inland to search llie ])astur(^s and plouglied fields for worms and larva", especially during stormy weather, IJoth then and at other times it mingles with Gulls, aiul is frequently seen in com- BROWN-HOODED MEW. G97 puny with Rooks, Flocks often select an open field or plain as a resting station, reposing there at night and during part of the day, and flying off" to feed in the surrounding fields, or on the shores of the sea. When shoals of young herrings or other fishes appear on the coast, they congregate in vast nunihers, along with Gulls of various species, and continue to feed upon them so long as they remain. A very remarkable scene of this kind occurred in the Firth of Forth, in the winter of 18o7. On the ;37th December, accompanied by my son, I crossed by the ferry-boat from Trinity to Kirkaldy. The water was exceedingly smooth, for although fleecy clouds drifted rapidly eastward, it was calm below, and the sun emerging from the clouds gave promise of a fine day. At first no birds were to be seen, excepting one or two wandering Gulls which hovered and wheeled in silence over the water ; but when w^e had proceeded about a mile, small parties of Tarrocks, Larus ridibundus, advanced screaming, and now and then dipping in pursuit of their prey. Farther on, numerous little bands of Guillemots and Auks, Uria Troile and Alca Torda, were seen flying up the Firth, or floating on the water. These birds, which are precisely similar in their manners, and differ very little in appearance, float lightly, with erect necks, dive with rapidity, partially opening their wings as they plunge headlong into the water, and fly in strings, at the height of two or three feet from the surface, with a direct and rapid motion, simultaneously inclining themselves alternately to either side. Six large Cormorants, Phalacrocorax Carbo, with sedately-flapping wdngs and long outstretched necks, presented an interesting sight as they flew past in a line, almost touching the smooth water. Small groups of Red- throated Divers, Colymbus septentrionalis, composed of from two to four or five individuals, now and then shoot past in rapid flight, and scarcely at a greater height than the Guille- mots, although on many occasions I have seen them fly at a great elevation, especially in rough weather. A few Great Northern Divers, ColjTnbus glacialis, also made their appear- ance, flying precisely in the same manner as the Red-throated species, but with somewhat less rapid motions of the wings. 598 GAVIA RIDIBUNDA. A single Great Black-backed Gull, Larus marinus, sailed quietly along at a considerable height, and now numerous groups of the " Black-headed Gulls," at this season of the year, however, unhooded, danced buoyantly and gaily at the distance of a few yards from the water, often wheeling, and occasionally stooping to pick up some small fish. The tide was rising, and almost all the birds were advanc- ing in the same direction, toward the entrance of the inner firth or estuary. Passing Kinghorn, and entering the Bay of Kiikaldy, we found the number of Guillemots and Auks diminished, while the Gulls had disappeared ; but here vast numbers of Velvet Ducks, Oidemia fusca, were dispersed over the waters in groups of from two to fifteen or twenty. In a flock that rose before us, however, I counted thirty- eight indi- viduals. These birds, on account of their black colour and large size, have a remarkable appearance, which is rendered still more so when they are on wing, as then the white patch across that organ becomes exceedingly conspicuous. They swim lightly, and fly with moderate speed, at the height of three or four feet. In rising from the Avater, they ascend very gradually, striking it with their wings along a distance of two or three yards, and in alighting they settle as it were upon their hinder part, and then fall forward. Interspersed among them, in smaller numbers, were groups of the Black Duck, Oidemia nigra, a species very similar, but inferior in si/e, and destitute of white on the wing. It exhibited pre- cisely the same modes of flying and swimming. A shot fired by a person on board at the Ducks started from a rock off" S(>aficld Tower a large flock of Turnstones, Strepsilas collaris, and fniiu another in its vicinity a smaller flock of what seemed to be Dunlins, Tringa alpina. Finally, on approach- iiii^ the harbour of Kirkahly, we saw a single beautiful Long- tailed Duck, Alias glaeialis. Having walked to Quecnsferry, we were pleased to hear in tlie dusk the Black-headed Gulls screaming out their jn'culiar cry of kree, kree, krek, at a distance. Next morn- ing, on going to the pier, we saw vast numbers of Gulls congregated on tlie water in the eddies along the shore. At eleven o'clock we went on board the steamer from Newhaven BUO^^^-HOODED MEW. 599 to Stirling. The wcatlicr had been dull in the morning, but just at this moment the sky cleared, and the sun shone out bright and da/zling to our eyes, accustomed to the gloom of the foir. The uater was most beautifully smooth. The main current run landward, and with considerable rapidity, while the little bays showed a gentle eddy. All the way from Quconsforry to ("harleston, the whole surface of the Firth was sprinkled with Guillemots, Auks, Divers, and especially Gulls. The latter, however, were chiefly congre- gated, to an extent that one could hardly have conceived, along the northern shores, over the eddies of which they hovered in pursuit of the young herrings, or " Garvies," as they are here called, that had been stationary there for several weeks. The number seen at one glance along the shore, in a space of about two miles, could not be less than a hundred thousand ; but the entire number in this part of the Firth probably did not fall short of at least a million. The different species Avere easily distinguishable. Possibly nine-tenths o^ the individuals belonged to the Brown-hooded kind, Larus ridibundus — a most inappropriate name by the by, as its cries bear no resemblance to laughter. The young birds of this species were comparatively few, and did not generally keep apart, though sometimes small groups of them might be seen. Of the remaining tenth, one-half belonged to the Common Gull, Icarus canus, of which there seemed to be more young than old birds. The other half was composed of Herring Gulls, Larus argentatus, young and old. Smaller Black- backed Gulls, Lams fuscus, and Greater Black -backed Gulls, Icarus marinus, the latter in very small numbers. Two Feasors were seen, both young birds, of a dusky colour, with the w ings mottled with whitish, the tail even, and therefore pro- bably Lestris pomarinus. They did not attack the Gulls, but fished for themselves, picking up the small herrings from on wing, which it was certainly much easier to do than to force the birds to disgorge them. The cries of these Gulls arc very different. Larus ridi- bundus has a harsh, softish, creaking cry, somewhat resem- bling the syllables kree, krec, kreck, kirreek ; Larus canus emits a softer, modulated, and lengthened cry, somewhat 600 GAVIA RIDIBUNDA. resembling the sounds of laughter ; Larus argentatus has a louder chuckling cry, perhaps still more resembling laughter ; Larus marinus, a strong, clear, loud barking or yelping note. The young of Larus ridibundus emit a shrill scream ; those of Larus canus an undulated scream ; and those of Larus argentatus a continuous louder scream. The Guillemots, which were very numerous, but kept chiefly in the open part of the firth, sometimes rose as the vessel approached them, and ran, as it were, along the sur- face in a straight line, flapping their wings all the while, to the tUstance of a hundred yards or more, although most of them dived when Ave came near them. The Red-throated Divers, which, although similar in colour to the Guillemots, were easily distinguished by their superior size and the com- paratively greater length of their necks, also frequently rose and splashed along to the distance of from two to four hundred paces. Although they fly Avith great speed when fairly on wing, they are heavy birds, and, in removing to a short distance, apparently do not think it necessary to rise into the air, as a Gull or Tern would do, but shoot out in a straight line, striking the water with their wings and feet, the latter, in particular, throwing it to a distance behind. Above Charleston, the Gidls and Divers disappeared from the open water, and the flocks of the former seen along the bays were not more numerous than they would be in ordinary cases. At Bo'ness, on the southern side of the firth, not a single bird of any description was to be seen. Near Alloa, however, I observed a flock of Larus fuscus composed of thirty-eight individuals, and farther up many birds of the same species, with a few of Larus canus, Larus argentatus, and Larus ridibundus, were seen here and there, little bands of them floating in the bays. In the narrow part of the estuary, of which the flat margins are secured by low em- bankments, and sometimes fringed with very tall reeds, Arundo phragmites, a Heron, Ardea cinerea, a flock of Knots, Tringa cinerea, several Mallards, Anas Boschas, and three Ked-breasted jNIcrgansers, Mergus Serrator, were ob- served. On the whole, few sights could be much more interesting BROWN-HOODED MEW. 601 to a true field-aiul-flood ornithologist tliau that of the vast number of sea-birds then coHeeted in tlie firth, and es])ecially in tlie part above Queensferry, to wliieh they "were attraeted by the great shoal of small herrings which had sought refuge there, and wliieh Avere caught in great quantities by the tishcrnien, and sold in the neighbouring towns as an article of food. In the beginning of January, 1841, during severe frost, hearing that many Gulls were in Leitli Harbour, I went there to observe them, and counted two hundred and fifty of the present species, together with a very few individuals of Larus canus. The sea being smooth, they presented a beautiful sight as they swam in groups, each intent on the water into which it now and then dipped its bill, or hovered over it in search of food. But as nothing occurred beyond wliat I have already related, I was coming away, when I observed two Lesser Black-backed Gulls coming up. The Mews seemed uneasy on seeing them, and as they advanced most of them screamed and rose on wing. The Gulls flew among them, and chased them in the manner of the Lestres, but apparently Avith little success, as, although they flew faster-, they could not turn so quickly ; and the Mcavs, knowing their advantage, kept wheeling in small circles. Two more of these large Gulls noAv joined the rest, but presently gave up the chase. I had not before been aware of this habit in the Gulls, Avhich are certainly less adapted for it than the Pirate-birds. The flight of our Brown-headed Sea-Mew is very light, buoyant, and Avavering, having a considerable resemblance to that of a Tern. It Avheels, turns, ascends, and descends Avitli great ease and dexterity; spreading out its tail and elevating its wings, it hovers over the Avater, which it seems to pat Avith its feet, as it meditates a descent upon its scaly prey. Even Avhen solitary, it emits a crocking cry at in- tervals ; but when multitudes are assembled, it becomes clamorous, their cries filling the air around. It rests on the Avaters, unless in rough Aveather, but often also on the shores ; Avalks and runs gradually Avith A'ery short steps ; pats the sand Avith its feet; lives on friendly terms Avith 602 GAVIA RIDIBUNDA. those of its own species, and is not molested by its stronger neighbours. On the water it sits very lightly, with the tail and tips of the wings considerably elevated, turns with great case, and swims prettily, but with no great speed. In spring, from the middle to the end of INIarch, these birds betake themselves to particular marshes or lakes in the interior, whether near the coast or at a great distance from it. On the tufts or along the shores they form their nests, which are composed of withered sedges, rushes, and other plants, laying generally three, sometimes two, very rarely four (;ggs, of an olivaceous, oil-green, or light broAvn colour, spotted and blotched with brownish-black and purplish- grey. They are of a rather elongated oval form, somewhat pointed, and vary greatly in size, the largest measuring two inches and four-twelfths by an inch and five-twelfths, the smallest (in my collection at least) an inch and eleven-and- a-half-twclfths, by an inch and three-and-a-half-twelfths. The young, which are hatched in the beginning of June, are covered with rather long very soft down, of a pale brown colour above, spotted with black, lighter beneath, with a large dusky spot on the throat, and several small spots on the sides ; under each eye a whitish patch, and the ends of the wings pale brownish-grey ; the bill greenish-brown ; the feet olivaceous. The eggs, A\hich afford delicate eating, are collected for sale, and the young, which are equally so, were formerly held in estimation, although not now brought to the market. Even the old birds, at any season, are by no means disagreeable to the palate. During the breeding season, these birds feed on worms, larvic, and insects, as well as fresh-water fishes. When the young are able to fly, they and their parents betake them- selves to the sea-coasts, and resume their ordinary habits. liy the middle of August, sometimes by the end of July, they have all left their breeding-jilaces. YouNfi. — When fledged, tlie young have the bill greenish flrsh-coluurcd or pale brown, at the end blackish-brown; the feet pule brown tinged with flesh-colour, the hind part of the tarsus darker, the claws dark brown. The upper part of the 1JR0\VN-H00DED MEW. 003 head and the nape are pale brown, a line from near the bill to above the eye, and the ear-coverts white ; the upper parts arc brown, variegated with brownish-white, the margins of the feathers being of the latter colour. The secondary wing- coverts are grey ; the quills have their outer webs and tips brownish-black, their inner webs white, of which colour are the edge of tlie wing and some of the primary coverts. The rump and tail are white, the latter with a broad band of black at the end. The lower parts are greyish-white. First Winter. — Bill -flesh-coloured, brownish-black at the end ; feet flesh-coloured, claws dusky. Upper part of the head greyish-white, the feathers dark grey at the base ; fore part and sides wliite ; a small black crescent before the eye, and a blackish-gi-ey patch behind it ; the hind neck greyish-white ; the back, scapulars, and secondary coverts pale bluish-grey ; the smaller wing-coverts partly of the same colour, but most of them brown toward the end, and termi- nally margined with light grey. Some of the primary coverts are white, but the outer is dusky, and the next has its outer web of that colour. The first primary quill has the whole outer web, the tip, and a narrow band on the inner margin black, the rest white ; the second, third, and fourth white, with a large portion of the outer web toward the end, the tip, and an inner band black, on the rest the black gra- dually diminishes, the inner webs are gi'ey, the outer tinged with the same, and the tips greyish- «• hi te to a small extent ; the secondaries light bluish-grey, with a patch of dusky- brown on the outer web toward the end ; some of the inner, however, are still brown. The rump and tail white, the latter with a terminal brownish-black band, broader on the middle feathers, on the outer reduced to a slight mark. The lower parts are white ; most of the lower wing-coverts pale bluish- grey. Second Summer. — When a year old, the bill and feet are pale browuish-red ; the head brownish-grey, space about the eye white, unless anteriorly ; back and wing-coverts as in the adult ; but the quills and tail-feathers remain as in the 604 GAVIA RIDIBUNDA. preceding winter. The brown hood is acquired, and the wliite of the lower parts is faintly tinged with red. An individual killed in the beginning of May, compared with several others, may be described as follows : — The bill brownish-red, of a deeper tint at the end ; bare margins of eyelids also deep red, iris dusky ; feet pale brown- ish-red, claws blackish-brown. The head, and a small portion of the neck greyish-brown, that colour descending more on the throat than on the nape ; a narrow white space on the eyelids, excepting their fore part. The neck, lower parts, upper tail-coverts, and tail white ; the back and wings very jiale bluish-grey ; the middle wing-coverts pale brown tOAvard the end, tipped with whitish. The outer web, margin of inner web, and terminal part of the first quill, blackish- brown ; part of the outer web toward the end, the tip, and inner margin of the next three, also blackish-brown, as are the inner margins of all the other primaries ; the secondaries have a brown patch near the end, their tips white. The tail-feathers with a narrow bar of pale blackish-brown at the end. It thus appears, that although the smaller feathers are changed in spring, the quills and tail-feathers remain until the autumnal moult. Second "Winter. — The winter plumage is now as described in the adult, and the bill and feet are deep red. 60.5 GAVIA CAPISTRATA. THE BROWN-MASKED MEW. MASKED GULL. Mouette a masque brun. Larua eapistratus. Tt-mm. Man. d'Ornith. II. 785. Masked Gull. Yar. Brit. Birds, II. 430. Brown-headed or Masked Gull. Larus capistratus. Thompson, Nat. Hist, of Ireland, III. 334. *' A light-broton mask, ending at the occiput ; length of the tarsus an inch and a half / the outer quills with white shafts.'^'' — Temminck. *' Winter Plumage. — The winter plumage of this new species being absolutely, without any exception, the same as that of the Laughing Mew, its repetition is omitted. In this state it is still very easy to distinguish the species ; that of the present article, always smaller, measures in entire length thirteen inches four lines ; its bill is much smaller and more slender, and its tarsi as well as its toes, constantly shorter, have a reddish-brown tint." — Temm. " Summer Plumage. — Forehead dull brownish-grey ; top of the head, checks, orifice of the ears and throat light brown ; occiput, nape, and fore part of the neck, pure white ; the brown on tlie throat much darker than on the head ; bill slender, reddish-brown ; feet pale reddish-brown." — Temm. Remarks. — A bird considerably smaller than Gavia ridi- bunda, but not much more so than individuals of many species are found to be ^^lu'n compared with others, and having the same proportions and plumage, but differing in having a brown mask in place of a hood, that is, the brown 606 GAVIA CAPISTRATA. of the head not extending far beyond the eyes ; and the feet reddisli-brown, in place of being blood-red ; the bill, also, shorter and more slender ; the legs shorter ; and the feet smaller. Mr. Yarrel describes an indi^ddual, in summer plumage, from Shetland, thus : — " The bill brownish-red ; the head and ui)pcr part of the neck on the sides and front hair- brown, bounded by blackish-brown ; no dark colour on the occiput, but descending low on the fore part of the neck, where some of the dark feathers were tipped with white ; the remaining portion of the neck, the breast, abdomen, vent, and tail, pure white ; upper surfeice of the wings pale ash- grey, under surface greyish-white ; primaries white, edged and tipjicd with black, broadest on the inner web, the shafts Mhite ; logs and toes brownish-red." i\I. Temminck, who first characterized it, says it occurs in Baffin's Bay and Davis' Straits, and is common in the Ork- neys, in Scotland, and showing itself on the coast of England. Mr. Thompson, having critically examined a number of specimens seen in Ireland and elsewhere, at various seasons, considers L. capistratus specifically identical with L. ridi- bundus. The reasons for this apparently correct conclusion may be seen in the third volume of the Natural History of Ireland. I have met with individuals presenting characters similar to those given as distinctive by Temminck ; but not having paid more attention to them than was necessary to note variations in size and colouring, I have nothing to add. <)0; GAVIA SABINI. SABINE'S MEW. SABINE'S GULL. FORK-TAILED GULL. Xcma sabini. Leach in Ross's Voy. App. p. Ivii. Larus sabini. Sab. in Linn. Trans. XIL 520. Larua sabini. Jenyns, lirit. Vert. Anim. 270. Mouetto de Sabine. Larus Sabinci. Temm. Man. d'Oruith. IV. 488. Bill an inch in length ; tarsus an inch and a half ; xoincjs two inches longer than the tail, which is forked ; hill black to a little before the nostrils, then yellow ; outer four quills black, tcith the tips and inner half of inner iveb to near the end ichite. In summer the head and upper imrt of neck all round blackish-grey, becoming deep black behind ; the hack and wings bluish-grey ; the other parts white. Not having seen this species, of which only a very few individuals have heen met with in Britain, in its winter plumage, I must confine my description of the adult to its summer state, taking for that purpose a specimen from West Greenland. Male in Summer. — With the general aspect of the smaller Gavite, this has somewhat of the appearance of a Tern, its hody heing slender, and its tail somewhat forked. The neck is short, the head of moderate size, ovato-oblong. The bill is rather shorter than the head, straight, slender, nnich compressed, and pointed ; the upper mandible with the dorsal line straight for half its length, then arcuato-dedinate, the ridge convex, the sides nearly erect and little convex toward the end, the nostrils nearly linear, the edges sharp and somewhat inflected, the tip very narrow ; the lower man- dible with the iutercrural space long and very narrow, the prominence slight, the dorsal line almost straight, being very 608 GAVIA SABINI. slightly concave, the sides erect and nearly flat, the edges sharp and inflected, the tip very narrow. The feet are of moderate length, rather slender ; the tibia bare for nearly half an inch ; the tarsus compressed, with numerous anterior scutclla ; the hind toe elevated and very small, with a minute blunt claw ; the anterior toes slender, •with numerous scutclla, the second much shorter than the fourth ; the lateral slightly margined ; the interdigital mem- branes witli tlieir margin slightly concave. The claws are short, slightly arched, compressed, obtuse, that of the middle toe with the inner edge expanded. The plumage is soft, close, and blended, on the back and wings rather dense. The wings are very long, exceeding the tail by about two inches, rather narrow, and pointed ; the primaries tapering to a rounded point, the first longest, the second slightly shorter, the rest rapidly decreasing ; the outer secondaries obliquely rounded, the outer web not reaching to the tip ; the inner secondaries elongated. The tail is of moderate length, deeply emarginatc or slightly forked. The bill is black to a little beyond the nostrils, then yellow ; the angles of the mouth, its interior, and the edges of the eyelids vermilion ; the feet black. The head and upper part of the neck all round blackish-grey, that colour more extended on the throat than on the nape, and terminated by a ring of deep black. The rest of the neck, all the lower parts, the upper tail-coverts, and the tail, pure white. The back and upper surface of the wings bluish-grey ; the edge of the wing from the flexure black ; the first five ])iimaries, their shafts included, black, but with half of their inner webs to near the end, and the tips, white. The secondaries and their coverts are largely tipped with white. Length to end of tail 14 inches ; extent of wings about '.V2, ; wing froni flexure 11^ ; tail to end of lateral feathers 5; bill along th(> ridge 1-jV ; along the edge of lower mandible I'j ; its height at the knob -,\ ; tarsus \\ ; middle toe 1, its claw ,\. I''i.MAi,r,. — 'J'lie fi-male is ^inular to the male, but somc- wliat less. SABINE'S MEW. 609 Length to end of tail 13 inches ; wing from flexure 10| ; tail 5 ; bill 1 ; tarsus 1-f^ ; middle toe 1, its claw -^. Variations. — Not having seen more than half a dozen specimens, I have not observed any remarkable variations. The first quill in one specimen had no white mark at the tip. Habits. — This species was discovered by Captain Sabine on the Avest coast of Greenland, at a breeding station, on some low^ rocky islands, where it associated with the Arctic Tern. Like that species, it shoAved great boldness in pro- tecting its young, and flew Avith impetuosity tOAvards a person approaching its nest. Many specimens were procured, in the course of Sir EdAvard Parry's second voyage, on Melville Peninsula. It arrives in the arctic regions in June, and deposits on the bare ground its two eggs, Avhich are of an olivaceous colour, blotched Avith brown. In August it takes its departure, and during Avinter and spring is seen along the coasts of Nova Scotia, and occasionally as far south as New York. Its habits do not appear to difier from those of several other species of the genus. It was first announced as a member of the British Fauna in April, 1834, by Mr. Thompson, Avho exhibited to the Linna^an Society a specimen shot in Belfast Bay, in Septem- ber, 1822, and made mention of another, in the Museum of the Royal Dublin Society, shot by Mr. Wall, near Kingstown. A third specimen, shot in September, 1834, on the shore of Belfast Bay, and a fourth, killed in the Bay of Dublin, in September, 1837, arc subsequently recorded by him. All these birds were in their first year's plumage. Mr. Yarrell mentions one as having been killed at Milford Haven, in the autunm of 1839, and another as haAing been obtained in Cambridgeshire. A few indiA'iduals are also stated to have been procured on the coasts of Holland and France. VOL. V. y R 610 GAVIA BONAPARTII. BONAPARTE'S MEW. BONAPARTIAN GULL. Lotus Bonapartii. Bonapartian Gull. Richards, and Swains. Fauna Bor. Amcr. II. 42.5. Bonapartian Gull. Larus Bonapartii. Aud. Omith. Biogr. IV. 212. Bonapartian Gull. Larus Bonapartii. Thomps. Nat. Hist, of Ireland, in. 317. BUI an inch and a third iii length, slender, black; tarsus an inch and a third; feet red ; icings an inch and three- fourths longer than the tail, xohich is eten at the end ; outer web of first quill black, of the next three ichite. In summery the back a?id icings light bluish-grey ; the lower parts and tail tohite; the head and throat greyish-black ; the female brown. ]\[r. TiiOMrsoN announced, in 1848, the capture of an individual of this species at Belfast, and at the same time gave a very minute description of it. The following, how- ever, is taken from American specimens : — Male in Si'm>[er. — Of smaller size and more slender form than Xcma ritlibunda. Head rather small, ovate- oblong, narrowed and compressed anteriorly. Bill shorter than the head, nearly straight, slender, compressed. Upper mandible witli its dorsal outline straight for half its length, then gently arcuato-declinate, the ridge narrow, the edges sharp and somewhat inflected, the tip narrow, with slight notches. Lower mandible with the angle long and very narrow, the prominence slight, the dorsal line ascending and slightly concave, the tip acute. Nostrils linear, pervious, rather more than a quarter of an inch in length. Legs rather short ; tibia bare for eight-twelfth.s of an inch ; tarsus BONAPARTE'S MEW. Gil compressed, covered anteriorly with numerous scutella, pos- teriorly with very small oblique scutella. Toes slender, the first extremely small, the outer slightly shorter than the third ; interdigital membranes deeply emarginate. Claws small, compressed, moderately arched, rather obtuse. riumage full, rather close, blended. Wings very long and pointed ; primaries tapering, narrow but rounded at the end ; secondaries obliquely rounded, the inner web extending beyond the outer. Tail of moderate length, almost even. Bill black, inside of mouth vermilion. Feet " orange, slightly tinged with vermilion ;" claws brown. Head and upper part of neck all round greyish-black. Back and wings light greyish-blue. Lower part of neck all round, breast, sides, abdomen, lower wing-coverts and tail-coverts, edge of the wings, hind part of the tail, tail-feathers and their coverts, white. Four outer primary coverts, shaft and inner web of the outer primary, both webs of the second, outer webs of the third and fourth, white, as are their shafts. Outer web of first primary, excepting a small portion toward the end, and its tip to the length of half an inch, black, as are the ends of the next, which, however, have a small white tip, the black on the third and fourth quills about an inch in length, and extending along their inner edges about two inches and a half from the end. The closed wings of this species and Gavia ridibunda resemble each other in having a white longitudinal band, margined by the black of the outer web of the first primary. Length to end of tail 1-4 inches; wings extending beyond the tail 1^; wing from flexure lOf ; tail 4^^ ; bill along the ridge 1-^ ; tarsus l-j^^ ; middle toe l-^, its claw -^. Female in Summer. — Mr. Audubon states that " the female is somewhat smaller, and resembles the male, but has the head and upper part of the neck umber-brow n." Young in Winter. — According to the same author, the young in December have the " bill greyish-black, iris dark brown ; feet flesh-coloured, claws dusky. Head and neck greyish-white ; a small black patch about an inch behind 612 GAVIA BONAPARTII. the eye on each side. Upper parts dull bluish-grey; many of the wing-coverts greyish-brown, edged with paler ; quills as in the adult ; rump and tail white, the latter with a broad band of black at the end, tlie tips narrowly edged with whitish." Habits. — This species, which was first described in the Fauna Boreali-Americana of Swainson and Richardson, who state tliat it is common in all parts of the fur countries, has also been met with by Mr. Audubon in various parts of the east coast of North America, as well as on the Mississippi and Ohio. Its flight, he says, is " light, elevated, and rapid, resembling in buoyancy that of some of our Terns more than that of most of our Gulls, which move their wings more sedately." Mr. Thompson's specimen, the first knOAvn to have visited Europe, was killed on the tidal portion of the river Lagan, at Belfast, on the 1st of February 18-18. It was a young bird, which, he considers, would have attained full plumage at the next moult. All the particulars may be seen in the Annals of Natural History for 1848, p. 192, or the Natiu-al History of Ireland, vol. iii. p. 317, r.i3 GAVIA MINUTA. THE LITTLE MEW. LITTLE GULL. "Lams minutus. Pallas. Reis. III. 702." Larus minutus. Lath. Ind. Omith. II. 813. Little Gull. Mont. Ornith. Diet. Supplt. Moucttc pygmce. Larus minutus. Temm. Man. d'Ornith. II. 787. Little Gull. Larus minutus. Selby, lUust. Brit. Ornith. II. 484. Larus minutus. Jen. Brit. Vert. Anim. 271. Bill scarcely an inch in length, hlach; tarsus an inch long, red ; hack and icings light hluish-grey, lower parts white ; outer icehs of outer primaries grey ; inside of icings blackish- grey. In summer, the head and throat black, the bill tinged %oith red, the feet vermilion. In lointer, the head ivhite, its hind part and the nape streaked with dusky, the bill black, the feet purplish-pink. Not having seen more than three specimens of this species, of none of which I have taken descriptions, I must have recourse to the accounts of it given by various writers. Adult in Winter. — " Forehead, space between the eye and the bill, a large spot behind the eyes, throat, all the other lower parts and the tail, pure white ; occiput, nape, a spot before the eyes and over the orifice of the ears, greyish- black ; all the other upper parts pale bluish-grey ; all the tail-feathers of that colour, terminated by a large pure white space ; interior of the wings blackish ; bill and iris blackish- brown ; feet of a very bright vermilion. Length ten inches two lines ; the wings extend an inch beyond the end of the tail." — Temminck. Mr. Thompson gives the following description of the adult male shot near Belfast in December, 1847 : — " Length 614 GAVIA MINUTA. (total) from point of bill to end of tail 10^ inches, of bill above -^, of bill to rictus l-j^; of wing from carpus 9-j^ ; of tarsus 1 ; of middle toe exclusive of nail 1. ' Forehead, cheeks, and a [small] space behind the eyes pure -white ' (Jenyns, p. 271). All the under plumage of a beautiful roseate tint ; a spot at the anterior angle of the eye black ; occiput, nape, and ear-coverts dark grey of different shades, darkest or blackish-grey on ear-coverts; upper part of the body and wings pale bluish-ash ; plumes beautifully firm in texture, so as to exhibit a uniform mass of one tint ; primaries and secondaries ' broadly tipped with white ; inside of wings deep blackish-gi-ey ;' tail pure white ; bill black ; inside mouth dull orange ; sides black, Avith brownish tinge; tarsi, toes, and webs of feet, both on upper and under side, of the same uniform hue of pale salmon-colour. Its weight rather exceeded 3j oz." Adult in Summer. — " The whole head, and the upper part of the neck, enveloped by a black hood ; a white crescent behind the eyes ; part of the lower neck, and all the lower parts, roseate - white ; rump and tail pure white; back, scapulars, and the entire wing of a pure and very pale bluish- grey ; the primaries grey, and, with the secondaries, tipped with white; bill of a very deep lake-red; iris deep brown; feet crimson. Length eleven inches five lines." — Tem- MINCK. Habits. — Should one assert that this bird lives upon small fislics and Crustacea, it is probable that actual observa- tion would ultimately confirm his conjecture. M. Temminck feeds it with insects and Avorms. Scarcely anything of importance, however, respecting its habits seems to be known. Russia, Siberia, the Caspian Sea, the Mediterranean, the Swiss lakes, and the lialtic, are mentioned as included in its distribution. As a liritish bird, it was first described and figured by Montagu, from an individual in its first winter ])lu7nage, shot on the Thames, near Chelsea. Several indi- vidiials have since been obtained in various parts of England, from Cornwall and Devonshire to the mouth of the Tync. LITTLE MEW. 615 Mr. Selby has figured and described a specimen in its first plumage, killed on the Firth of Clyde, and preserved in the Museum of tlie University of Edinburgh, -where there is also another said to have been shot on the Solway. Mr. Thomp- son mentions an adult specimen in the Museum of the Dublin Natural History Society, shot on the Shannon in May, 1840. A second adult individual, a male, shot in the estuary about three miles distant from Belfast, in December, 1847, has been briefly described by the same naturalist, who also makes mention of three other birds of this species, one of them, an adult, seen on Strangford Lougli in January 1848, one wounded there in February, 1849, the third, in adult plumage too, shot in Belfast Bay in November, 1848. Young. — " Forehead, region of the eyes, all the lower parts and two-thirds of the tail white ; top of the head and occiput blackish-grey ; nape and back brownish-grey ; small wing-coverts whitish, spotted with grey and blackish ; the middle coverts blackish-grey, bordered with pale brown ; the larger whitish externally and at the end ; the first four quills black on the outer webs and at the end, but white on the inner webs ; tlie next three grey externally, and with the point white ; tail a little forked, terminated by a broad black band, which is not so large on the outermost feather ; bill blackish-brown, feet livid flesh-colour." Progress toward Maturity. — A young bird killed in the middle of November, is thus described by Mr. Yarrell : — " Bill black, irides very dark brown ; forehead and lore white ; top of the head, occiput, and ear-coverts, greyish-black ; nape of the neck white, forming a collar by uniting Avith the white of the front ; below the nape a broader black band extending towards, but not reaching, the wings ; back, scapulars, and tertials pale pearl-grey, with a few black feathers appearing through ; wing primaries and secondaries greyish - blacky tipped with white, nearly the whole of the inner webs white ; greater wing-coverts pearl-grey ; smaller coverts black, edged with grey ; upper tail-coverts Avhite ; upper surface of tail- feathers white, with a broad terminal band of black, which is 616 GAVIA MINUTA. broad on the middle feathers, the outer tail-feathers on each side -Nvholly Avhite ; all the under surface of the body and •wings, under tail-coverts, and each outside tail-feather white, the other tail-feathers white, with a narroAver margin of grey- ish-black ; legs, toes, and interdigital membranes in this preserved specimen pale yellowish-brown. Whole length ten inches and one-eighth ; wing from the wrist eight inches and three-quarters." r.i7 miODOSTETHIA. ROSY-GULL. A SINGLE species, remarkable for its wedge-shaped tail and the beautiful roseate tint of its plumage, has been con- sidered by some ornithologists as entitled to generic distinction. I am not prepared to say that it is not. The Prince of Canino, in his " Comparative List," names this genus Rossia, after Captain Sir James Ross, to whom also Mr. Owen has dedicated a genus of Cephalopodous mollusca, under the same name. This latter genus has been defined and charac- terized, and therefore must remain ; while the other, being nothing but a name, must vanish. The other proposed name ought, accordingly, to be adopted. The following generic character is taken from the only specimen I have seen : — Body moderate ; neck rather short ; head ovate. Bill short, rather slender, compressed ; upper mandible with the dorsal line straight for half its length, arcuato-decurvate toward the narrow tip ; lower mandible with the intercrural space very narrow, the prominence shght, the dorsal line concave, the tip small. Legs short ; tibia bare for a very short space ; tarsus rather stout, anteriorly scutellate, rough behind ; first toe short, mth a large curved claw ; anterior toes moderate, with the membranes entire ; claws rather large, arched, compressed, acute. Plumage soft and full ; wings long, rather narrow, pointed ; tail cuneate, of twelve feather^, of which the central are much longer than the lateral. 618 RHODOSTETHIA ROSSII. ROSS'S ROSY GULL. ROSS'S GULL, CUNEATE-TAILED GULL. Larus Ilossii. Cuneate-tailed Gull. Richards' Fauna Bor. Amer. II. 427. Ross'a Gull. Larus Rossii. Audub. Amer. Ornith. Biogr. V. 324. M^ings aboitt an inch longer thayi the tail, of ivhich the medial feathers exceed the lateral by about an inch. In summer the bill black; margins of eyelids reddish-orange ; feet vermilion ; fore part of back, and both surfaces of wings, j)ale bluish-grey ; outer web of first quill blackish-browfi ; a narrow ring on the tieck, and some feathers near the eyes, hrownish-black ; the rest of the plumage ichite, but all the lower parts richly tinged with rose-colour. The above description and the generic character are taken from a sjiccinien in the Museum of the University of Edin- burjj;h. The species was first alhided to by myself, in a paper on Gulls, under the temporary name of Larus roseus. Sir William Jardine described and figured it under the same name. Dr. Richardson then named it Larus Rossii, Cuneate- tailed (iiiU, "svhich may be considered the first authentic name, though Ross's Gull ought to have been the English name. As to the *' priority," ^vhich is now the fashion, Sir W. Jardine unquestionably has it, he having adopted my name, to which, however, I lay no claim, as I used it simply for convenience, in alluding to a pccular form of tail among Gulls, and then threw it to the east wind. Its appearance, liowever, caused some small yelpings. The species is thus characterized and described in the Fauna Boreali-Americana : — ROSS'S ROSY GULL. 619 " Cuneate-tailed Gull, with a pearl-grey mantle. Wings longer than the cuneiform tail. The outer web of the first tail-feather blackish ; a slender black bill ; tarsi an inch long, and, as well as the feet, vermilion-red. " Descriptioji of a specimen killed, June, 1823, at Alag- nak, Melville Peninsula, Lat. 60J\ N. " Colour. — Scapulars, interscapulars, and both surfaces of the wing, clear pearl-grey ; outer web of the first quill blackish-brown to its tip, which is gi'ey ; tips of the scapulars and lesser quills whitish. Some small feathers near the eye, and a collar round the middle of the neck, pitch-black. Rest of the plumage white ; the neck above and the whole under plumage deeply tinged witli peach-blossom-red in recent specimens. Bill black ; its rictus and the edges of the eye- lids reddish-orange. Legs and feet vermilion-red ; nails blackish. " Form. — Bill slender, weak, with a scarcely perceptible salient angle beneath ; the upper mandible slightly arched and compressed towards the point ; the commissures slightly curved at the tip. Wings an inch longer than the decidedly cuneiform tail, of which the central feathers are an inch longer than the lateral. Tarsi rather stout ; the thumb very distinct, armed with a nail as large as that of the outer toe. " The other specimen killed by Mr. Sherer a few days later differs only in the first primary coverts having the same dark colour, with the outer web of the first primary itself. " Length to end of tail 14 inches ; tail 5|- ; wing 10| ; bill along the ridge | ; rictus 1^ ; from nostril to tip of bill four-twelfths and a half; tarsus l-Jj ; middle toe ten-twelfths and a half, its nail -^." Only two specimens were obtained on the Arctic Expedi- tions, and one of them was given to Sir Joseph Sabine. In my " Manual of British Birds," I stated that " this species has once occurred in Ireland." But, as I did not see it there, and probably was misinformed, and cannot recollect anything about tlie matter, I must now state, as Mr. Thompson, our great Irish authority, has had no announcement of its occur- rence there, that it remains to be added to the Fauna of that country. Since then, however, it has been introduced into 620 RHODOSTETHIA ROSSII. the English Fauna, an individual having been killed by a gamekeeper, in February, 1847, near Tadcaster, as is authen- ticated by Mr. Charlesworth, whose notice in the Proceedings of the Yorkshire Philosophical Society, has been copied into the Zoologist, vol. v. p, 1782 — a statement which I take from Mr, Thompson. 621 STERNIN^. TERNS AND ALLIED SPECIES. Although there is a great affinity between Gulls and Terns, the smaller species of the one group and the larger of the other being very similar in form, colouring, and habits, the differences which they present are as great as those between several other equally alUed families. The Steminse are easily recognized by their slender, elongated form ; nearly straight, compressed, exceedingly attenuated bill ; very di- minutive feet ; and very long, narrow, acuminate wings. The bill is about the length of the head, straight or slightly arcuate, tapering, compressed, very acutely pointed. The tongue is long, slender, and pointed. The oesophagus wide ; the stomach rather small, moderately muscular, with a dense, longitudinally rugous epithelium ; the intestine of moderate length and width, with small coeca, and a large globose cloaca. The nostrils are direct, linear, pervious; the eyes of moderate size, as are the aural apertures. The legs are very small, slender, with the tibia bare to a considerable extent ; the tarsus little compressed ; the hind toe very small, the anterior toes rather short and slender ; their webs eraarginate ; the claws arcuate, compressed, acute, that of the third toe proportionally large. The plumage is soft, of rather loose texture ; the feathers broad and rounded. The wings extremely elongated ; the secondary quills of moderate length or rather short ; but the primaries very long, the outer tapering to a narrow point. The tail various, often forked, of twelve feathers. White, pale bluish-giey, and black are the prevailing 622 STERNIN^. colours. The females are coloured like the males, but the young are mottled "Nvith brown. These birds are remarkable for their very buoyant, bounding, and gliding flight. They feed on small fishes and Crustacea, seeking their food chiefly along the shores of the ocean ; some, however, subsist on insects, which they obtain on fresh water. They nestle on the ground, some- times in bushes, laying from two to four spotted eggs. The young, covered with down, soon walk, but generally remain about their birthplace until able to fly. The genera are Rhynchops, Megalopterus, Sylochelidon, Gelochelidon, Sterna, Hydrochelidon, and some others not well defined. SYNOPSIS OF TEE BRITISH GENERA AND SPECIES. GENUS I. SYLOCHELIDON. STRONG-BILLED-TERN. Bill nearly straight, compressed, tapering, stout, with the edges sharp, and the tip elongated and pointed ; the upper mandible with its outline gently arcuate, the lower witli the junction of the crura beyond the middle and slightly prominent ; legs short, slender ; anterior toes small ; wings very long and acuminate ; tail forked. 1. SylocJtcUdon Caspia. Caspia?i Stro7ig-hillcd Tern. Tarsus an inch and two-thirds long ; bill vermilion ; feet black ; tail short. GENUS II. STERNA. TERN. Bill about the length of the head, nearly straight, slender, compressed, tapering, with the edges sharp, and the tip elongated and pointed ; the upper mandible with its outline gently arcuate, the lower witli the junction of the crura medial, scarcely prominent ; legs very short, slender ; anterior toes small, their membranes emarginate ; wings very long and acuminate ; tail forked. TERNS AND ALLIED SPECIES. 628 1. Sterna velox. RuppelVs Tern. Bill yellowish-hom- colour ; feet black ; tarsus an inch long ; tail and wings about equal. 2. Sterna Cantiaca. Sandwich Tern. Bill black, with the points yellowish ; feet black, with the soles yellow ; tarsus an inch long ; tail shorter than the wings. 3. Sterna Hirimdo. Common Tern. Bill rather slender, coral-red, black at the end ; feet red ; tarsus about ten- twelfths long ; tail about the same length as the wings. 4. Sterna arctica. Arctic Tern. Bill slender, vermilion ; feet crimson ; tarsus about six-twelfths long ; tail about half an inch longer than the wings. 5. Sterna Dougallii. Roseate Tern. Bill slender, black, at the base orange-red ; feet vermilion ; wings about three inches shorter than the tail. 6. Sterna minuta. Little Tern. Bill light orange-yellow, with the tip black ; feet light orange-red ; wings an inch longer than the tail. GENUS III. HYDROCHELIDON. MAKSH-TERN. Bill about the length of the head, nearly straight, slender, compressed, tapering, with the edges sharp, and the tip elongated and pointed ; the upper mandible with its outline gently arcuate, the lower with the junction of the crura mesial ; legs very short, slender ; anterior toes small, their membranes deeply emarginate ; wings very long and acumi- nate ; tail of moderate length, emarginate. 1. Hydrochclidon nigi'a. Black Marsh-Tern. Bill black; feet dark reddish-brown ; tail about two inches shorter than the wings ; head, neck, breast, and abdomen greyish-black ; upper parts dark bluish-grey. 2. Hydrochclidon leucoptera. White -winged Marsh- Tern. Bill rcddish-broAvn ; feet coral-red; tail about two inches and a half shorter than the wings ; head, neck, fore part of breast and abdomen black ; upper wing-coverts, rump, tail, and its coverts white. 3. Hydrochelidon leucopareia. Whiskered Marsh-Tern. Bill rather stout and, with the feet, red; tail about two 624 STERXIN^. inches shorter than the wings ; upper part of head black ; a white band from the bill under each eye ; back, wings, and tail deep leaden-grey ; lower parts grey, becoming darker on the sides and abdomen. GENUS IV. GELOCHELIDON. GULL-BILLED -TERN. Bill about the length of the head, nearly straight, rather slender, compressed, with the tips less elongated and the angle more prominent than in the last genus ; legs very short, slender ; anterior toes small, their membranes emar- ginate ; wings very long and acuminate ; tail emarginate, the lateral feathers rounded. 1. GelocJiclidon Anglica. Marsh Gull-hilled- Tern. Bill and feet black ; hind claw straight. V. MEGALOPTERUS. NODDY. Bill longer than the head, nearly straight, compressed, very acute. Feet very short ; toes slender ; intcrdigital membranes full, the inner slightly concave. Wings very long, narrow, pointed ; tail long, graduated. 1. Mcgalojitcrus stolidns. Common Noddy. Bill rather stout ; ])lumage sooty-brown ; primary quills and tail-feathers brownish-black ; ujjper part of the head pale ash-grey ; a black spot before each eye. fi'J.j SYLOCIIELIDON. STR0NG-15II.LED-TE1IN. TiiK <^eiius St(>rna of Tjiniircus is a very luituial asst'in- Llage, cuniposod of iiunit'TOus f^pecies, which, if not fioni any absolute neeessity, resultinjj from strongly-marked diti'erences, yet from analogy of similar cases, in which expediency fur- nishes a jm'tence, if not a reason, nuiy be placed in small groups, to be considered as genera. Some of those pro])osed by authors are quite incapable of being defined or charac- terized, although they are distinguishable by one who is satisfied with minute difi'erences. The large-billed species form a genus which in reality differs very little from the smaller billed, and which I cannot define better tlum as follow s : — Body moderately stout, w ith the neck short ; the head broadly ovate, anteriorly narrowed. Bill nearly straight, tapering, compressed, stout, with the edges sharp, the tips elongated and i)ointed ; the upper mandible gently arcuate, the lower with the junction of the crura beyond the middle and slightly prominent ; legs short, slender ; anterior toes small ; wings very long and acuminate ; tail forked. Being the largest species of their family, with the bill more developed, they have been assumed to be more rapa- cious, and accordingly named: — 2i)\o»', prey ; KeXi^iov, swallow. One or two compilers write Stylochelidon ; and not a few are quite pu/zled as to the gender of ('helidon, some making it neuter, others masculine or feminine. Even the learned Prince of Canino makes Sylochelidon and (jelochelidon feminine, and llydrochelidon neuter. VOL. v. 62G .SYLOC'IIELIDOX CA^Si'lA. THE CASPIAN STRONG-BILLEU-TERN. Sterna caspia. Lath. Ind. Dinith. II. 803. Hirondelle-ilc-nicr Tchograva. Sterna caspia. TLmiii. ^lau. irOinith. II. 733. Caspian Torn. Sterna caspia. Selby, lUustr. I'rit. Oniith. 4():>. Sterna caspia. Jen. Brit. Vert. Anini. 264. Sylochelidon caspia. Bonap. Comp. List, 62. Bill vermilion ; tarsus an inch and tico-tkirds long ; feet black ; tail short, forked. In winter, the forehead and part of the crown white, the hind part of the head black. In .vimmer, all the upper and hind piarts of the head black. Plumape irliite; back and wing-coverts bluish- g reg ; tail of a jnder ti)it ; qniUs grei/lslt-brown. Skveuai, specimens of this, the largest European species of its family, have of Lite years been obtained in England. 1 have not seen any of them, however, and am therefore obliged to describe it from foreign sources. .Vnii.T IN 8i .MMKH. — J>ill rather longer than the head, stout, compressed, tapering, pointed. Feet rather small ; the tibia bare for nearly an inch ; the tarsus little com- prt'ssed ; the iuterdi<;ital membranes with the margin con- cave ; the claws rather long, arcuate, compressed, acute. Tlie plumai^e soft and mostly l)k'nded ; the wings very long, extending far beyond the forked tail, which is of moderate leni^th. l>ill v( rniilion, the tij) paler. Feet black. All the upper p;nt (if tilt' lirad and the na])r deep black ; sides of the head, uf'ck all Kiiiiid. and all the lnw cr parts pnrc white. Hack, CASPIAN STRONG-BILLED-TERN. 627 wings, and tail light bluish-grey ; the outer six primaries of a darker tint. Length about 20 inches ; bill 2^-^, along the edge of lower mandible 3-^ ; wing from flexure 16^ ; tail 6 ; tarsus l-j% ; middle toe l-j^, its claw -f^. Adult in Winter. — The head white, its hind part variegated with black. Otherwise as in summer. Habits. — It is said to inhabit the Caspian Sea, the Grecian Archipelago, some other parts of the Mediterranean, the Baltic, and occasionally to be seen in various parts of Denmark, Germany, Holland, France, and Switzerland ; as well as to have been found at Senegal and the Cape of Good Hope. Two individuals are mentioned by Messrs. Paget as having been killed near Yarmouth ; one of them in October, 1825. One, killed at Aldborough, is, according to Mr. Jenyns, in the Museum of the Cambridge Philosophical Society. Mr. Yarrell mentions another shot in Norfolk in 1839. It does not appear to have been met with in Scot- land. It is said to feed on fishes, to nestle on the sand or on bare rocks on the sea-shore, and to lay two or three eggs of a greyish-green or yellowish-grey colour, marked with large brown and dusky spots. Young. — According to Temminck, the young when fledged have all the lower parts pure white ; the upper greyish-brown, marked with large spots and transverse bars of blackish-brown ; the tail-feathers with a large blackish- browu terniiual space; the quills almost entirely blackish- brown. 628 STERNA. TERN. The Terns properly so called may Le described as being of a very slender, elongated form, Avitli the neck short or of moderate length ; the head oblong. The bill about the same length as the head, nearly straight, compressed, tapering, liiiely pointed ; the upper mandible -with the dorsal line blightly arched, the lower with the junction of the crura medial, the dorsal line straight ; the edges of both sharp, and the tips extended into very slender points. The tongue slender, tapering, horny, and slit at the point. The oesojjhagus very wide ; the stomach muscular, with a dense rugous epithelium ; the intestine of moderate length and widtli, with small caeca, and a large cloaca. Nostrils sub-basal, linear-oblong, direct, pervious. Eyes of moderate size. Ajjcrtures of ears moderate. Feet very sm.ill ; tibia bare below ; tarsus very short, scutellate ; toes small, slender, the first very diminutive, the third longest; interdigital meml)ranes emarginate ; claws arched, com- pressfd, acute, that of the third toe proportionally large. riiimage mostly blended ; the feathers broad and rounded. Wings very long, narrow, with long tapering j)rimaries, the outer longest. Tail of moderate length, or long, forked of twelve feathers. These birds are all of small size, and remarkable for the elegance of their form, and their buoyant, gliding ilight. They are geueially white beneath, ])ale bluish-grey on the hack, ^\ith tlu- ui)per part of tiie head black. The occipital featliers elongated. The young are mottled with brown. Se\cial (>l ilie iceenll\ |)ro[>oseil geuera are ineliided in this. d'li) STERNA VELOX. RUPPELL'S TERN. In the Aiimils of Niituval History for September, 1847, and in the third vohime of his Natural History of Ireland, iNlr. Thompson gives an account of a specimcMi of this species, killed near Sutton, a place on the road between Dublin and Howth, in the end of December, 1846. Two others were stated to have been in company with it. The following particulars were noted down respecting it : — " Length, total (stuffed) to the end of longest bill-feathers 20-,3j inches ; of bill above from forehead to point 2^ ; from rictus to point S-^ ; of Aving from carpus lo^V j of tarsus about 1 ; of middle toe to base of nail ^ ; of nail itself, measured in a straight line, about y*j. " Wing and longest tail-featliers about of equal length ; outer or longest tail-feathers exceed the middle by three inches. Bill wholly yellowish horn-colour ; legs and toes wholly black. Colour of the entire plumage the same as that of the Common Tern (S. hirundo), but the back is rather of a darker shade than that of the latter when adult. The black of the head dues not reach within one-third of an inch of tlie bill ; space between the termination of the black plumage and the bill, pure white. The specimen is evideutly adult." 630 STERNA CANTIACA. THE SANDWICH TERN. Sterna Cantiaca. Gmel. Syst. Nat. I. 606. SUrna Boysii. Lath. Ind. Om. II. 806. Sandwich Tern, Mont. Om. Diet. Supplt. Hirondelle-de-mer Caugck. Stoma cantiaca. Temm. Man. d'Om. 11.735. Sandwich Tcra. Stema cantiaca. Selh. Illustr. II. 464. Sterna Cantiaca. Sandwich Tern. Jen. Brit. Vert. An. 265. Thalasscus Cantiacus. Bonap. Comp. List, 61. Bill rather lunger than the head, black, with the points yellowish ; feet black, with the soles yelloio ; tarsus an inch long ; tail much forked, shorter than the icings. In sionmer the upper part of the head and nape deep black. In winter these parts white, spotted with black ; throat, cheeks, neck all round, hind part of back, tail, and all the loiver parts, white, tinged tctth rose-colour, which is brighter in sumincr. Young with the upper part of the head variegated with black, white, and pale reddish ; fore part of back and scapulars reddish, barred with blackish-brown; lower parts white; bill livid, wtth the crtrevie tips yellowish. SANDWICH lllKN. Giil Tins specii'S, sinalliT and less rubust than tlu.' (-aspiaii T«^rii,is considerably larj]fer and stontcr tlian tluj Roseate and ('oininon Terns, from wliieh it is at once distiiiguisliable by its black, yell()\v-ti])i)ed bill. Althougb not of frequent occur- rence on any jiart of our coasts, I have been able to procure recent and entire specimens for description. Male in Winter. — The general form is slender ; the body rather lout;-, somewhat compressed, but -with the pecto- ral muscles well developed ; the neck of moderate length ; the head rather large, considerably compressed. The bill is rather longer than the head, almost straight, being very slightly arched, much compressed, and acuminate. The upper mandible has the dorsal line slightly declinato-arcuate, the ridge convex, narrowed beyond the nostrils, the sides convex, nearly erect toward tlie end, the edges sharp, direct, overlapping, the nasal groove of moderate length, narrow, with a shallow groove passing obliquely from the nostrils to the margin. The lower mandible has the angle long and very narrow, the commissure somewhat prominent, the dorsal line stright, the sides erect, a little convex, the edges very (bin, with an external groove for the reception of the upper, the tip extremely slender and acuminate. The gape-line, which commences below the middle of the eye, is a little arcuate. The mouth is rather wide, measuring nine-and-a- half-twelfths across, and considerably dilatable. The tongue is an inch and seven-twelfths long, very slender, trigonal, emarginate, and papillate at the base, horny, and thin-edged in its terminal two-thirds, channelled above, the tip of two very slender points. The nostrils are linear-elliptical, sub-basal, equidistant from the margin and ridge-line, four-twelfths long. The eyes are of moderate size, the width of their aperture being four-twelfths. That of the ear very small, measuring two- twelfths. The feet are very small ; the tibia very short and slender, as is the tarsus, which has fifteen anterior scutella. The first toe diminutive, with six scutella ; the second consi- derably shorter than the fourth, and with fifteen scutella ; the third with twenty-four, and not much longer than the 032 STERNA CANTIACA. fourth, which has twenty-two ; the webs with their margin deeply concave. The chiws arc well arched, much com- pressed, laterally sulcatc, bluntish ; that of the hind toe almost straight and conical. The plumage is rather compact, with a little silky gloss ; on the lower j)arts ratlier blended ; the feathers mostly ellip- tical and rounded ; but on the hind-head and nape elongated, lanceolate, and acuminate. The wings are very long, surpas- sing the tail by two inches, extremely narrow, and with thirty-two quills ; the first quill longest, the other primaries very rapidly graduated; their shafts very large and strong, their webs narrow ; secondaries incurved, a few of the outer emarginate, the rest obliquely rounded, the inner rather pointed. The tail is moderate, or rather long, deeply forked ; the two lateral feathers tapering, and longer than tlie inedial by an inch and three-fourths. The bill is black, but with the tips of a yellow horn- colour for five-twelfths of an inch. The mouth internally is dull flesli-colomed. The iris brown. The feet black, with a tinge of brown ; the soles of the toes dull reddish-yellow. The upper part of the head is variegated with white and black, the feathers being white, with a medial black spot or patch ; but on the occiput and nape they arc all bluish-black, with white margins. There is a black crescentic patch before the eye. The tlnoat, cheeks, neck all round, breast, abdo- men, and sides, as well as the lower coverts of the tail and wings, all white, with a delicate tinge of rose-colour, which is little apparent tnitil the feathers are put aside. The back and upper surface of the wings are light greyish-blue. The outennost four quills have the outer webs and rather more tlian file same breadth of the inner blaekisli-grey. The shafts ot" all tlie (piills, tlie greater part of the inner webs, their tips, and those of the scapulars, are white ; as are the upper tail- coverts and tail. Len;4tli to end of tail 1() inches ; extent of Avings 3.S] ; l)ill aloii;; llie ridge ^^^ ; along the edge of lower mandible .) ; wing from Hexure V2\ ; tail 5^ ; bare part of tibia -j'V ; tarsus ^-^ ; first toe y-V, its claw -['^ ; S(>cond toe -^'^, its claw ■j^r. ; third toe J-L, its claw /j ; foiirtli toe |'._,, its claw j^. SANDWICH TERN. 633 Kkmai.k i\ Wintkk. — The fomalL' is in all respects simi- lar to the male. Length to end of tail 15| inches ; extent of wings 3.3 ; tarsus -fj ; middle toe 14, its claw -^. V.vniATioNs. — It has been alleged hy some authors thaf llic pink blush is not perceptible in the winter plumage; but my observation enables me to contradict this opinion. As the jdumage becomes old, the pale grey tint on the outer quills disappears, in conseq\ience of the abrasion of the barbules, and the exposed surface is black. Other- wise I am not aware of any remarkable changes, until the spring moult, after which the appearance is as fol- lows : — Male in Summer. — The bill and feet as in winter. The whole upi)er part of the head, inchuling the forehead, and the elongated feathers on the nape, deep black. The other p.arts are coloured as in winter, only the pink tinge of the neck, breast, and sides, is richer. Female in Summer. — Similar to tlie male. IIaiuts. — This Tern has repeatedly been shot along the shores of the Firth of Forth. In the end of September, 1840, I proc-ured these two individuals, an adult male of which the plumage was already complete, and a young bird, which had undergone its first moult. BeAvick describes a pair that were shot on the Fern Islands, on the coast of Northumberland, in 180:3 ; and INIr. Selby, Avho has found them resorting in great numbers to these islands, as well as to the Isle of Coquet, a few miles to the southward, gives the following account of them: — "Here a station is selected a])art from the other species, generally on a higher site, and the nests are so close to each other as to render it difficult to cross the ground without breaking the eggs, or injuring the unfledged young. Upon this coast it is caWcd, par excellence, 'The Tern,' all the other species passing under the general name of ' Sea Swallows.' Its habits strongly resemlde those of its genus. 634 STERNA CANTIACA. and it subsists upon similar kinds of fisli, the sand-launcc and youny soa-iisli loiinin<; the ])iincipal su])ply, and upon -vvhicli it precipitates itself as they rise near to the sxnface of the orean. Its flight is strong and rapid, making a great advance at each stroke of the pinions, and, except -when engaged in incubation, it is almost constantly on the Aving, uttering at intervals a hoarse and grating cry, Avhich can be heard at a very great distance, and gives notice of its approach long before it is discoverable by the eye. If much disturbed by being fired at, or if the eggs be repeatedly taken at the com- mencement of the season, it deserts the station first selected, and retires to some other place less liable to molestation. As soon as the young birds become tolerably fledged, but before they are altogether able to fly, they frequently take to the water, swimming off to the smaller rocks, where they con- tinue to be fed by the parents until capable of joining them in their fishing excursions. The time of their arrival is about the middle of May ; incubation commences in the first week of June, and nearly the whole have again taken their dej)ar- ture for more southern latitiules by the end of September. The eggs are three or four in number, for the reception of \\hi(h a shallow hole is scratched amongst the sea-campion ( Silene maritima), or other plants that may happen to grow on the selected place. In size they are about equal to those of the Golden Plover, and are usually of a cream or wood- brown colour, blotched Avith dark brown and black, and with other spots of a lighter shade appearing as it were beneath the shell. The common varieties of them are either with fewer spots and blotches upon a white ground, or of a deej) oil-giTcn, with si)ots of a darker shade." On the southern coasts of Englanathers are less compact and glossy, and those of the occiput are still rounded. The upper jiarts of the head and nape are variegated with black and white. The fore part and sides of the neck, with all the lower parts, are pure white ; as are the hind-neck and runi]), but most of the feathers there have a crescent at the tij). The fore part of the back, the scapulars, and the smaller wing-coverts, are light greyish-blue, with similar black bars ; the secondary coverts unspotted, and toward tlic end wliite ; the secondaries white, with an oblong dark SANDWICH TERN. 637 y;ioy murk toward the end, the primaries and their coverts of a darker ^;Ycy on the outer and a great part of the inner webs. The tail-feathers pale grey, sliaded with darker toward the end, where they are margined with white. Tlie specimen from which I take this description was shot in .September. 638 STERNA IIIRUNDO. THE COMMON TERN. riCTAUNE. TARNEY. TAUUKT. PICKET. SPURRE. SCRAYE. KIRMEW. ;1^|^^-iS^i^ Fig. 99. Sterna Hirundo. Linn. Sj-st. Nat. I. 227. Sterna Hirundo. Lath. Lid. Oniith. IL 807. Greater Tern. Mont. Ornith. Diet, and Supplt. llirondelle-de-mer garin. Sterna Hirundo. Tcmm. Man. d'Oniith IL 740. Common Tern. Sterna Uii-undo. Selby, Illustr. Brit. Ornith. IL 468. Sterna Hirundo. Jenyns. Brit. Vert. Anim. 26G. Sterna Hirundo. Bonap. Comp. List, GL Bill about tlic length of the head, rather slender, coral-red for tico-thirds, black at the end ; feet light coral-red; tarsus about ten-tuelfths long; tail about the same length as the icings. Upper part of the head and nape deep black; back and icings light grcgish-blue ; sides of head, fore neck, and all the lower parts white, the breast with a slight tinge of bluish- grey. Male in Simmer. — The body seems very slender, but is anteriorly compaet and museular ; tlie neek rather short ; the head of moderate size, oblong. Hill about the same length as the head, rather slender, nearly straight, com]>ressed, tapering, very acute. U|)])er mandible \vith the dorsal line ^H'_ditlv arcuato-declinatc, the ridjie narrowed towards the COMMON TERN. (>:5 9 end, the sides convex, the edges sharp and inflexed, the tip very acute. Nostrils linear, parallel, basal, pervious ; a faint groove and ridge extending objicjuely beyond tluin to the edge of the mandible. Lower mandible with the angle very narrow, the junction of the crura mesial, little prominent, the sides erect and slightly convex, the edges sharp and inflexed, the tip extremely acute. The eyes rather small, as are the a])ertures of the ears. Feet very small ; tibia bare to a considerable extent ; tarsus very short, slender, somewhat compressed, covered anteriorly with small scutella, elsewhere with roundish scales. Hind toe extremely small, the rest very slender, the third longest, the fourth considerably shorter, the membranes with a deeply concave margin. Claws rather long, arcuate, compressed, acute, that of the middle toe very much larger, and having the inner edge dilated. Plumage close, blended, soft ; the feathers broad and rounded. Wings very long, narrow, pointed ; primary quills very narrow, tapering, slightly incurved, the first longest ; secondaries short, broad, incurved, rounded. Tail long, very deeply forked, the lateral feathers attenuated, the medial short and rounded ; the fork rounded. Wings about as long as the tail. Bill coral-red, black toward the end, but with the tips light yellow. Iris brown ; edge of eyelids black. Feet light coral-red ; claws brownish-black. Head above, and upper part of hind neck deep black, tinged with greenish-blue. Sides of the head, fore neck, and all the lower parts white, with a faint tinge of greyish-blue on the breast. Back and wings pale greyish-blue ; the hind part of the back, upper tail-coverts, and edge of the wings white. Outer web of first quill black, toward the end grey, of the next five hoary-grey, as is a longitudinal band on the inner web, widening toward the end ; the other quills like the back, but margined and tipped with white. Tail-feathers with the inner webs white, the outer grey, very pale on the middle feathers, gradually deepening in tint, until on the outer it becomes blackish. Length to end of tail 16 inches ; extent of wings S2 : wing from flexure 10/j ; tail 7 ; bill along the ridge 1^, alono rAO STERNA HLRUNDO. the edge of lower inaiulible ^-^ ; tarsus -^ ; middle toe and claw 1-fL. Female. — The female differs externally from the male only in being a little smaller. Length to end of tail 15 inches; extent of wings 30; wing from flexure 11; bill IjV; tarsus \% ; miildle toe and claw 1-fL. Hap.its. — The Common Tern frequents many parts of the coasts of Britain and its islands during summer, and the first half of autumn. It arrives in the south of England in the beginning of May, colonies remaining there, while others proceed along the shores, on both sides of the island. It is stated to be less common on the eastern side, and more plenti- ful on the southern. There are few extensive tracts of coast, however, on Avhich it is not to be met with. Montagu says it is found in great abundance on part of the Sussex and Kentish coasts, particularly about Winchelsea, and from thence to Dungeness. Mr. Selby has found it breeding abundantly on certain situations in the Solway and the Firth of Clyde. I have met with it in gTcat numbers in Barry, South Uist, and the whole range of the Long Island. Messrs. Baikie and Heddle note its arriving in Orkney annually in May, in considerable numbers, and remaining till the end of August. Dr. Edmondston alleges that it is the only Tern that visits Shetland, while Mr. Dunn says he has never seen any other Tern in Shetland or Orkney than the Arctic. It visits most of the countries of Europe, from the Adriatic to the Baltic ; and has been found at Madeira, the Canary Islands, Senegal, and the southern extremity of Africa. With us the Terns arrive in straggling flocks in the beginning of May, and soon after betake themselves to their breeding-jdaces, which are sandy tracts, gravelly or pebbly I id;,M's on the shore, rocky ground, or sometimes low rocks. In the latter kind of situation, they make an im})erfect nest • 'fbits of grass or fragnu'Uts of dry sea-weeds ; but on sand ihi \ nurelN form a (lej)ression. The eggs, generally threi . ."'••nitiiuM - two i>\ four, are almul an inch and two-thirds in COMMON TERN. 641 length, an inch and two-twelfths in breadth ; l)nt they vary much in si/c, and considerably in foi-m, being roundish-oval, regular oval, oblong-oval, sometimes rather pointed ; their ground colour yellowish-grey, pale greenish-brown, greenish- blue, with l)lotches and spots of brown, sometimes mixed with purplish-grey. The birds usually sit upon them by day, iniless in simny weather, or when they are much dis- turbed, and always at night, as well as when the air is moist. On going up to a breeding-place, which may always be dis- covered from a distance, as some of the birds are to be seen flying about it, one is sure to be met by several of them, which hasten to remonstrate with him by harsh cries and threatened blows; as he draws nearer, more of them leave their nests ; and at length they are all on wing, wheeling and bounding, now high now low, at times coming quite close, and increasing their cries, which resemble the syllables cree, cree, crcc-ae. When walking along the sandy shore — no bird nearer, perhaps, than a quarter of a mile — you may see one or two of them coming up from a distance, increasing their cries as they approach, then wheeling and plunging over and around you, and at length flying off. Proceeding at a moderate height, they stop now and then, hover a moment, dip into the water, and secure a sand-eel or young coal-fish. Many attend on the fishermen or others who are catching sand-eels for bait or food, to pick up those which slip from tllem disabled. On such occasions they are very vociferous, as they also are when they have fallen in with a shoal of fry. They never dive ; but I have often seen them alight on the water and swim a little, and sometimes a whole flock may be observed reposing on the placid bosom of the waters, affording a very pleasing spectacle. They are very bad walkers, but on wing their movements are easy and elegant ; they skim along, boundingly, with great speed, ascend or descend, deviate to either side, stop short in an instant, hover in one spot like a hawk, drop, dive, or plunge headlong with surprising adroitness. Their mode of flying, however, does not resemble that of a swallow, and they obtain the popular name of Sea-Swallows rather on account of their forked tail. VOL. V. 2 T 642 STERNA HIRUNDO. In very stormy weather they fly httle, but shelter them- selves by lying on the shore. AVhen satiated with food, or tired, they rest in the same manner, and, when the young are able to fly, the whole colony often settle at night on some sand-point projecting into the sea, or on an elevated beach. During moonlight their cnes may often be heard at night, and sometimes, at low water, they search the shores for sand- eels at that season. When the young have been fed for some time by their parents after leaving the breeding-places, they begin to separate from them, and at length live mostly apart. By the middle of September they have all left our northern coasts, and by the end of that month they have disappeared from the soutliern. Some indi%4duals occasionally remain during winter in the south of England. Young. — The young arc at first covered with light brown- ish-yellow down, patched with dark brown. When fledged, they have the bill reddish-yellow at the base, dusky in the rest of its extent ; the feet reddish-brown. The forehead brownish-white, the rest of the head and the nape, with the ear-coverts, black ; the neck all round and all the lower parts white ; the feathers of the back and wings are pale bluish-grey, terminally margined with greyish-brown. 643 STERNA ARCTICA. THE ARCTIC TERN. llirondelle-do-mer arctique. Sterua arctica. Temm. Man. d'Om. II. 742. Arctic Tern. Sterna arctica. Selby, lUustr. Brit. Ornith. II. 473. Sterna arctica. Jcnyns, Brit. Vert. Anim. Sterna arctica. Bonap. Comp. List, 61. Bill about the length of the head, slender, vermilion ; feet crimson; tarsus ahout six-ticelfths long; tail about half an inch longer than the icings. Upper part of the head and nape deep black ; general colour of the plumage pale bluish- grey ; tipper and lower tail-coverts white. It is not difficult to distinguish this species from the Common Tern, thougli they -were formerly confounded, and at a little distance seem identical. The hluish colour of the lower parts, the much shorter tarsus, the greater extent of the tail heyond the wings, and the uniform deep red tint of the bill, though the tip is sometimes more or less dusky, are easily-observed characteristics. Male in Summer. — The general aspect and proportions are those of the Common Tern. The bill is about the same length as the head, slightly arched, slender, compressed, tapering, very acute. Upper mandible with the dorsal line gently arcuato-declinate, the ridge narrowed towards the end, the sides convex, the edges sharp and inflexed, the tip very acute. Nostrils linear, parallel, basal, pervious, the nasal groove extending beyond them nearly to the tip. Lower mandible with the angle extremely narrow, the junction of the crura mesial, little prominent, the sides erect and slightly convex, the edges sharp and inflexed, the tip extremely acute. The eyes rather small, as are the apertures of the ears. 644 STERNA ARCTICA. Feet very small ; tibia bare to a considerable extent ; tarsus extremely short, roundish, covered anteriorly with small scutella, elsewhere with roundish scales. Hind toe extremely small, the rest slender, the third longest, the fourth not much shorter, the membranes with a concave margin. Claws rather long, arcuate, compressed, acute, that of the middle toe very much larger, and having the inner edge dilated. Plumage close, blended, soft ; the feathers broad and rounded. Wings very long, narrow, pointed ; primary quills very narrow, tapering, somewhat incurvate, the first longest ; secondaries short, broad, incurved, rounded. Tail long, very deeply forked, the lateral feathers attcnixated so as to become nearly filiform, the medial feathers shortish and broadly rounded ; tlie fork rounded. Wings to half an inch of the end of the tail. Bill carmine, inclining to vermilion. Iris brown ; edge of eyelids black. Feet deep rich crimson ; claws bluish- black. Head above and upper part of hind-neck deep black, tinged Avith green. The general colour of the plu- mage, on the lower as well as the upper parts, is pale bluish- grey ; the upper and lower tail-coverts, the tips of the secondary quills, and the under surface of the wings white. Outer web of first quill black, grey toward the tip, part of inner web along the shaft, outer web and part of inner of all the primaries bluish-grey ; outer web of outer tail-feathers bluish-grey, the rest white. Length from end of tail 15^ inches ; extent of wings 31 ; wing from flexure 10-V ; tail 7^ ; bill along the ridge l-L, along the edge of lower mandible 1-L^ ; tarsus j\ ; middle toe and claw 1. Another individual : — Length 15} inches ; extent of wings 29i ; bill 1 -p\ ; tarsus -j^j- ; middle toe |^. Both from the Bass Rock, June, 1824. Fkmalr. — The bill and tail-feathers somewhat shorter ; otherwise no external difference is observable. Length to end of tail 15 inches ; extent of wings 30. Variations. — Slight differences are observed in the tint of the plumage, especially that of the breast, which is some- ARCTIC TERN. 645 times deeper than that of the back, and often with a slight purplish liue. The bill is often more or less dusky at the end. Habits. — The Arctic Tern appears on our coasts in the beginning of May. It is very abundant in the outer He- brides, in Shetland and Orkney, on the northern and eastern coasts of Scotland, on the Isle of May, the Bass Rock, the Fern Islands, and in many other localities ; but is unfrequent on the coasts of England. Northward, it extends to Norway, Iceland, and Greenland. Mr. Audubon found it in Labrador ; and the arctic voyagers met with it abundantly on the shores of the Frozen Ocean. It is only in the summer season, how- ever, that it frequents these northern tracts, for in autumn it disappears even from our own somewhat temperate seas. M. Temminck supposes it to belong permanently to the north, and to represent the common species in the regions of the arctic circle. Its habits differ little from those of the Common Tern ; but its flight is more bounding, and its cries shriller. Fre- quently the two species are found mixed at their breeding- places, though they often also keep separate ; and in neither case could a person Avho had not paid considerable attention to them distinguish them with certainty until shot. They nestle on the bare sand, or among small pebbles, in which case a slight hollow receives the eggs ; but also on low rocks, or in craggy places, when a kind of nest is often formed of a little dry grass and herbage. The eggs, generally three, sometimes two, rarely four, are scarcely, if at all, distinguish- able from those of the Common Tern, though mostly some- what smaller, measuring about an inch and from five to eight- twelfths in length, and an inch and one or two-twelfths in breadth. They are light yellowish-brown, brownish-yellow, brownish-grey, or pale bluish-green, blotched and spotted with imiber-brown. An undoubted specimen in the Edin- burgh Museum, brouglit by ]Mr Fisher from Parry's second expedition, is broadish-oval, one inch and six-and-a-half- twelfths, by one inch and two-twelfths, pale greyish yellow, irregularly blotched with light umber and very pale purplish- gi^ey. 646 STERNA ARCTICA- Wlien its breeding-places are invaded, it evinces great anxiety and petulance, flying up and meeting the intruder, screaming out its creaking cries, hovering and bounding around him, sweeping close to his head, and sometimes, though very rarely, hitting him with its wings. In some localities, the nests are so thickly placed that one must pick his steps to avoid trampling upon them. The young remain in the neighbourhood of their birth-place until they are able to fly, when they accompany their parents to the sandy shores, and are for some time fed by them with sand- eels and other small fishes, which are their common food. Flocks of young birds are often seen by themselves, and are more easily approached than the old Terns. By the middle of September they have mostly disappeared ; but to what coast they direct their flight seems to be quite unknown. They are certainly not arctic residents, as M. Temminck imagines, otherwise we should have them in abun- dance on our shores all winter. A fact which tends to show that they pass the cold season far south, possibly on the shores of Africa, occurred in the south-west of England in the beginning of May, 1842, when vast numbers were dispersed over a large tract of country which they had not been known to visit before. ^Ir. Strickland, in the ninth volume of the Annals and Magazine of Natural History, states that a flock made its appearance on the 8th May, on the River Avon, in Worcestershire, and that great numbers occurred simultane- ously over a large extent of country. The Bristol Mirror announced, that " during the high winds that had prevailed, the harbour and floating docks had been visited by large flights. Tlie birds were assembled in such vast numbers, that two or three liundred were killed with stones and other missiles, whilst several were caught alive ; and so tame were they, that many were observed to pitch on the backs of passers-by. Flocks of these birds were also observed the same day at Clevedon, Weston, and other places along the Channel coast." The editor adds that '' numbers made their a])pearance at Swansea, (.'ornwall, and at llridgewater on the east." Mr. Strickland thinks " we may attribute their un- fxauipled uj)pearance so far inland to the westerly winds ARCTIC TERN. 647 which prevailed on the 7th and 8th, combined with the pecu- liar funnt'l-sliaped form of" tlie Bristol Channel, which seems to act like the ' pipe ' of a decoy pond." As to the persecu- tion which the poor bewildered pilgrims underwent, it is simply a fact in the civilization of England, in the middle of this most humane and woudrously enlightened century. YoT'Xo. — The young are at first covered with yellowish- grey down, variegated with brown. When fledged, they have the feathers of the upper parts pale bluish-grey, tipped with pale yellowish-grey, more continuously on the wing-coverts ; the hind part of the head and the ear -coverts greyish-black ; the lower parts white, but usually more or less tinged with blue on the breast. 648 STERNA DOUGALLII. MACDOUGALL'S, OR ROSEATE TERN. Roseate Tern. Sterna Dougallii. Mont. Ornith. Diet. Supplt. Sterna Dougalli. Flem. Brit. Anim. I. 143. llirondcUc-dc-nier Dougall. Tomm. Man. d'Ornith. II. 738. Roseate Tern. Sterna Dougalli. Selby, lUustr. Brit. Ornith. 470. Sterna Dougallii. Jenyns, British Vert. Anim. 265. Sterna Dougalli. Bonap. Comp. List, 61. Bill rather lunger than the head, slender, black, at the base oranije-red ; feet vermilion ; wings about three inches sliorter than the tail. Upper part of the head and nape deep black ; hack and wings light greyish-blue; sides of head and hind neck white ,- all the lower parts of a delicate roseate tint, fading to white. Male in Summer. — Of the same form as the last two species, Avith the tail more elongated. Bill rather longer than the head, slender, nearly straight, compressed, tapering, very acute. Upper mandible with the dorsal line slightly arcuato- declinate, the ridge narrowed toward the end, the sides ra])idly sloping, the edges sharp and inflexed, the tip very acute. Nostrils linear-oblong, pervious, a slight groove ex- tending lialf way beyond them. Lower mandible with the junction of th(^ crura a little beyond the middle, the dorsal line straight, the edges sharp and inflexed, the tip extremely slender. The eyes rather small, as are the apertures of the ears. Feet very small, tibia bare for about half an inch ; tarsus very short, slender, somewhat compressed, covered anteriorly with small scutella, elsewhere wi(h roundish scales. Hind toe extremely small, the rest very slender, the third longest ; the membranes with a deep concave margin. Claws arcuate. MACDOUGALL'S TERN. 619 compressed, acute, that of the middle toe curved in a semi- circle. Plumaring, obtuse feathers. Bill black. " Iris brown." Feet dull reddish-brown, the webs dusky, the claws black. The general colour of the plumage is sooty-brown, becoming blackish-brown on the tail and primary quills, which in some lights are glossed with purple. The upper part of the head anteriorly white, shaded behind into ash-grey ; the sides of the head, the throat, and part of the neck, strongly tinged with grey ; a triangular greyish-black spot before the eye, a very small spot of the same behind. Length to end of tail 16 inches ; extent of wings 33 ; wing from flexure ll;}-; tail o-L ; bill along the ridge 1-,%, along the edge of lower mandible 2j*-j ; tarsus -fS ; middle toe 1-f^, its claw jL. Female. — Similar to the male. vol.. V. J* X r,74 MEGALOPTERUS STOLIDUS. Habits. — A very good account of the breeding habits of this bird is that given by Mr. Audubon, from whom I obtained the specimens which have suppHed the above de- scription. " About the beginning of May, the Noddies col- lect from all parts of the Gulf of Mexico and coasts of Flo- rida, for the purpose of returning to their breeding-places, on one of the Tortugas called Noddy Key. They form regular nests of twigs and dry grass, which they place on the bushes and low trees, but never on the ground. On visiting their island on the 11th of May 1832, I was surprised to see that many of them were repairing and augmenting nests that had remained through the Minter, while others Avere employed in constructing new ones, and some were already sitting on their eggs. In a gi-eat many instances, the repaired nests formed masses nearly two feet in height, and yet all of them had only slight hollow for the eggs, broken shells of which were found among the entire ones, as if they had been purposely placed tlicrc. The birds did not discontinue their labours, although there were nine or ten of us walking among the bushes ; and when we had gone a few yards into the thicket, thoiisands of them flew quite low over us, some at times coming so close as to enable us to catch a few of them with the hand.. On one side might be seen a Noddy carrying a stick in its bill, or a bird picking up something from the ground to add to its nest ; on the other, several were seen sitting on their eggs, unconscious of danger, while their mates brought them food. The greater part rose on wing as we advanced, but re-alighted as soon as we had passed. The bushes were rarely taller than ourselves, so that we could easily see the eggs in the nests. This was quite a new sight to me, and not less pleasing than unexpected. " The Noddy, like most other species of Terns, lays three eggs, which average two inches in length, by an inch and three-eighths in breadth, and are of a reddish-yellow colour, s])otted and patched with dull red and faint purple. They afford excellent eating, and our sailors seldom failed to col- lect buckftfuls of them daily during our stay at the Tortugas. The wreckers assured me that the young birds remained along with tlie old through the winter, in which respect the Noddy, COMMON NODDY. 676 if this account be correct, differs from tlie other species, the young of whieli keep by themselves until si)ring. " At the approach of a boat, the Noddies never flew off tlieir island, in the manner of the Sooty Terns. They ap- peared to go farther out to sea than those birds, in search of their food, which consists of fishes mostly caught amid the floating sea-weeds, these Terns seizing them, not by plunging perpendicularly downAvards, as other species do, but by skim- ming close over tlu' surface, in the manner of Gulls, and also by alighting and swinnning around the edges of the weeds. This I had abundant opportunities of seeing while on the Gulf of Mexico. " The flight of this bird greatly resembles that of the Night Hawk when passing over meadows or rivers. When about to alight on the water, the Noddy keeps its wings extended upwards, and touches it first with its feet. It swims with considerable buoyancy and grace, and at times immerses its head to seize on a fish. It docs not see well by night, and it is perhaps for this reason that it frequently alights on the spars of vessels, where it sleeps so sound that the seamen often catch them. When seized in the hand, it utters a rough cry, not unlike that of a young American Crow taken from the nest. On such occasions, it does not disgorge its food, like the Cayenne Tern and other species, although it bites severely with quickly repeated movements of the bill, which, on miss- ing the object aimed at, snaps like that of our large Fly- catchers. Some which I kept several days refused all kinds of food, became dull, and languid, and at length died. " While hovering over or near their nests, these birds emitted a low querulous murmur, and, if unmolested, would attempt to alight on our heads. After a few visits, however, they became rather more careful of themselves, although the sitting birds often suffered us to put a hat over them. Like the Sooty Tern, this species incubates both day and night." INIr. Nuttall also gives an excellent description of its habits : — " Familiar to mariners who navigate in the equatorial regions, the Noddy, like the voyager, frequents the open seas to the distance of some hundreds of leagues from the land, and Av ith many otlier birds of similar appetites and propensi- 676 MEGALOPTERUS STOLIDUS. ties, they are seen in gieat flights, assiduously following the shoals of their finny prey. They pursue them by flying near the surface of the water, and may now be seen continually dropping on the small fish, which approach tlie surface to shun the persecution of the greater kinds, by which they are also harassed. A rippling and silvery whiteness in the water marks the course of the timid and tumultuous shoals ; and the whole air resounds with the clangour of these gluttonous and greedy birds, who, exulting or contending for success, fill the air with their varied but discordant cries. Where the strongest rippling appears, there the thickest swarms of Noddies and sea-fowl are uniformly assembled. They fre- quently fly on board of ships at sea, and are so stupid or indolent on such occasions as to allow themselves to be taken from the yards on which they settle ; they sometimes, how- ever, when seized, bite and scratch with great resolution, leading one to imagine that they are disabled often from fliglit by excessive fatigue or hunger. Some have imagined that the appearance of the Noddy at sea indicates the proxi- mity of land ; but in the manner of the Common Tern they adventure out to sea, and, like the mariner himself, the shelter of whose friendly vessel they seek, they often voyage at random for several days at a time, committing themselves to the mercy of the boundless ocean, and having at certain seasons no predilection for places, where the climate suits, the roving flocks or stragglers find equally a home on every coast, shoal, or island." Individuals, it is stated, occasionally appear in St. George's Channel ; and in the summer of 18-10, as recorded by Mr. Thompson, two were taken between the Tasker Lighthouse and Dublin Bay. CONCLUSION. I HAVE finislied one of tlie many diflicult and laborious tasks which I had imposed upon myself. Twelve years have elapsed since the first three volumes of this work were issued to the public, and I liad scarcely hoped to see its completion, when I was most unexpectedly encouraged to revise the CONXXUSION. 677 manuscript of the two remaining volumes, containing the Wading and Swimming Birds, of which the history, in so far as I am accjuaiuted with it, is now given on the same plan as that adopted for the Land IJirds. Commenced in hope, and earned on with zeal, thougli ended in sorrow and sickness, I can look upon my work without much regard to the opinions whicli contemporary writers may form of it, assured that Avluit is useful in it will not be forgotten, and knowing that already it has had a beneticial effect on many of the present, and will more powerfully influence the next generation of our home-ornithologists, I had been led to think that I had occasionally been somewhat rude, or at least blunt, in my criticisms ; but I do not perceive wherein I have much erred in that respect, and I feel no inclination to apologize. I have been honest and sincere in my endeavours to promote the truth. With death, apparently not distant, before my eyes, I am pleased to think that I have not countenanced error, through fear of favour. Neither have I in any case modified my sentiments so as to endeavour thereby to conceal or palli- ate my faults. Though I might have accomplished more, I am thankful for having been permitted to add very consider- ably to the knowledge previously obtained of a very pleasant subject. If I have not very frequently indulged in reflections on the power, wisdom, and goodness of God, as suggested by even my imperfect understanding of his wonderful works, it is not because I have not ever been sensible of the relation between the Creator and his creatures, nor because my chief enjoyment when wandering among the hills and valleys, exj)loring the rugged shores of the ocean, or searching the cultivated fields, has not been in a sense of His presence. " To Him who alone doeth great wonders," be all glory and praise. Reader, farewell. INDEX TO THE SPECIES DESCRIBED. The Approved Names only are emploijcd, the Syiionyines ami Froviiuial Xames being excluded. Alca inipennis, American Wigeon, . Anas Boschas, . Crecca, glocitans, Arctic Puffin, Tern, Aythya Ferina, rufina, Bimaculated Duck, . Black-backed Eider, footed Kittiwake, Guillemot, Marsh-Tern, . Scoter, . throated Loon, Blue-winged Shovel-bill, Bonaparte's JIcw, Bridled Guillemot, . Broad-billed Scaup-Duck, Brown-hooded Mew, masked Mew, Brunnich's Guillemot, Biifl-breasted Goosander, Buffel-hcadcd Garrot, Bulwer's Storni-retrcl, Burrow Shielduck, Caspian Strong-billed Tern, Cctosparactes ebumeus, . Cinereous Shearwater, Claiigula Albcola, Chrj'sophthalma, histrionica. Page 359 90 31 48 42 365 643 103 109 42 158 515 331 658 140 294 74 610 326 116 593 605 314 207 185 449 22 626 626 438 185 174 169 Colymbus areticus, glacialis, . septentrionalis. Common Duck, Eider, Gaunet, Noddy, . Razor-bill, Skua, ■- Storm-Petrcl, Tern, Cormorant, Great, Green, . Crested Grebe, Dabchick, European, Duck, Bimaculated, Eared Grebe, Eider, Common, Black-backed, "White-backed, European Dabchick, Teal, Wigeon, . Fenniginous Scaup-Duck Foolish Guillemot, Fuligula cristata, . Marila, Nyroca, . Fulmar, Xorthern, Fulmarus glacialis, . Gadwall Teal, Page 294 283 301 31 147 405 672 346 479 460 638 380 392 250 276 42 270 147 158 147 276 48 83 113 318 121 116 113 429 429 59 680 INDEX TO SPECIES. Gannct, Common, Gargancy Teal, Garrot, BuS'el-lieaded, Harlequin, . Golden-eyed, Gavia Atricilla, Bonapartii, capistrata, minuta, . • ridibuuda, Sabini, . Gelochclidon Anglica, Glaucous Gull, Golden-eyed Garrot, Goosander, BufF-brcasted, Hooded, . Great Auk, Black-backed Gull, Cormorant, Grebe, Eared, Horned, Green-billed Gull, . Cormorant, Guillemot, Black, . Bridled, Brunnicli's, Foolish, G ull-billed Tern, JIarsh, Gull, Glaucous, Green-billed, Great Black-backed, Herring, . Lesser Black-backed Ross's, White-winged, Harelda glacialis, Harcld, Long-tailed, Harlequin, Garrot, . Herring Gull, Hooded Goosander, . Homed Grebe, Hydrochelidon leucopareia • Icucoptcra, Ivory AVhale-Gull, Kittiwake, Black-footed, Larus argcntatus, canus, fuscus, glaucus, loTicopterus, niarinus, Leaden-grcy-hoi)(led Mew, LcRsrr Blnck-barked Gull, I>eslris Catarrnctcs, rage 405 55 185 1G9 174 585 610 605 613 593 607 666 557 174 207 225 359 526 380 278 264 575 392 331 326 314 318 666 557 575 526 544 538 618 566 192 192 169 544 225 264 663 661 658 508 515 544 575 538 557 566 526 585 53S 179 Lestris parasitica, . Page 503 pomarinus, . 487 Richardsonii, . 492 Leach's Storm-Petrel, . 451 Little Mew, . . 613 Rotche, . . 341 Loon, Black-throated, . 294 Red-throated, . 301 Ring-necked, . . 283 Long-tailed Hareld, . 192 MacdougaU's Tern, Manx Shearwater, Mareca Americana, . Penelope, Marsh Gull-billed Tern, Tern, Black, Whiskered, White- winged, Megaloptcrus stolidus, Merganser Castor, cucullatus, ■ — serrator, • Red-breasted, Mergulus Allc, Mergus Albellus, Mew, Bonaparte's, Brown-hooded, masked, Leaden-grey-hooded. • Little, Sabine's, Mormon arcticus, Noddy, Common, . Northern Fulmar, Nyroca, Fuligula, . Oidemia fusca, nigra, pcrspicillata. Parasitic Skua, I'halacrocorax Carbo, Graculus Pied Smew, Stclleria, Pintail Teal, Pochard, Red-crested, headed, Podiceps auritus, corn ut us, cristatus, . nibricoUis, Poniarine Skua, Puffin, Arctic, . PufHnus Anglorum, - cinercus, Querqucdula acuta. INDEX TO SPECIES. G81 Querquedula Circia, . Tmje 55 Crecca, . 48 strepera, . 69 Razor-bill, Common, . 346 lied-brcasted Merganser, . 216 crested Pochard, . 1 09 headed Pochard, . lOU throated Loon, . 301 Rhodostethia Eossii, 618 Rhynchaspis clypeata, 74 Richardson's Skua, . 492 Ring-necked Loon, . 283 Rissa tridactyla, . 515 Ross's Rosy Gull, . . 518 Rotche, Little, . 341 Ruddy Shiclduck, . .19 Euppel's Tern, . 269 Sabine's Mew, . . 607 Sandwich Tern, . 630 Scaup-Duck, Broad-billed, . 116 Ferruginous, 113 Tufted, . 121 Scoter, Black, . .140 Surf, . . 129 Velvet, . .134 Shearwater, cinereous, . 438 Manx, . .441 Shielduck, Burrow, . 22 Ruddy, . 19 Shovel-bill, Blue-winged, 74 Skua, Parasitic, . 503 Pomarine, . . 487 Richardson's, . 492 Smew, Pied, . . 233 Solan Goose, . . 405 Somateria mollissima, 147 spcctabilis, . 158 Stellcria dispar, . . 164 Pied, . . 164 Sterna arctica, . .643 Cantiaca, . 630 Dougallii, . . 648 Sterna Tlirundo, niinuta, velox, ■ Storm-Petrel, Common, Leach's, "Wilson's, Sula Bassana, . Surf Scoter, Sylbeoeyclus Europa^us, Sylochelidon Caspia, Tadoma Casarca, Vulpanser, Teal, European, Gadwall, — — Garganey, Pintail, Tern, Arctic, Common, Little, Macdougall's, Roseate, Euppel's, Sandwich, Thalassidroma Bulwerii . Leachii, pelagica, ■ — — — — Wilsonii, Tufted Scaup-Duck, Uria Brunnichii, Grylle, . lacrs-mans, Troile, . Utamania Torda, . Velvet Scoter, "Whiskered ISIarsh-Tem, White- winged Gull, "White- winged Marsh-Tern, Wigeon, American. European, Wilson's Storm-Petrel, . Page 63S 652 629 460 451 456 405 129 276 626 19 22 48 59 55 65 643 638 652 648 648 629 630 449 451 460 456 121 314 331 326 318 346 143 663 566 661 90 83 456 GENERAL INDEX Acuta, Querquedula, 65. African Toal, 113. Alamouti, 400. Albellus, Mcrgus, 233, Albeola, Clangula, 185. Alca, 358. impcnnis, 359. Alc'ina\ oOS. Alio, Mergidus, 341. Allen, 492. Americana, Mareca, 9. American XVigeon, 90. Anas, 29. Boschas, 31. Crecca, 48. glocitans, 42. Anatina;, 10. Anglica, Gelochelidon, 6fi6. Anglorum, Pufiinus, 441. Anuct, 515. Arctica, Sterna, 643. Arctic Gull, 492. I'ufRn, 365. Tern, 643. Arcticus, Colymbus, 294. , Mormon, 365. Argentatus, Larus, 544. Asilag, 460. Atricilla, Gavia, 585, Auk, 358. , Common, 346. , Great, 359. , Little, 341. Auks and allied species, 308. Auritus, Podicepa, 270. Aytbya, 101. Fcrina, 103. rufina, 109. Badock, 492. ]!iildi)atc, 83. ]!;issana, Sula, 405. Hergandcr, 22. Himaculatcd Duck, 42. Pinker, 305. Plack-backed Eider, 158. Cap, 593. cap Gull, 593. Cormorant, 392. Diver, 134. Duck, 121, 129, l.'M, 140. Black Duck, "White-winged, 134. footed Kittiwalce, 515. Guillemot, 331. headed Gull, 585, 593. Marsh-Tern, 658. Scoter, 140. Tern, 658. throated Diver, 294. throated Loon, 294. Wigeon, 121. Blue Darr, 658. winged Shovel-bill, 74. winged Shoveller, 74. Boatswain, 492. Bonaparte's Mew, 610. Bonapartian Gull, 610. Bonapartii, Gavia, 610. Bonxie, 479. Boschas, Anas, 31. Bottle-nose, 365. Bridled Guillemot, 326. Broad-bill, 74. billed Scaup Duck, 116. Brougie, 380. Brown-hooded Mew, 593. masked Mew, 605. Brunuichii, Uria, 314. Brimnich's Guillemot, 314. Butf-brcastcd Goosander, 207. BufFel-headed Duck, 185. headed Garrot, 185. Bulwerii, Thala.'=sidroma, 449. Bulwer's Storm Petrel, 449. Burrow Duck, 22. Shielduck, 22. Burgomaster, 557. Burgermeister, 557. Calloo, 192. t'untiaca. Sterna, 230. Canus, Larus, 578. Capistrata, Gavia, 605. Carbo, Phalacrocoiax, 380. Cargnosc, 250. Carrion (Jull, 526. Car Swallow, 258. Caspian Strong-billed Tern, 626. Caspia, Sykxlu'lidon, 626. Castaneous Duck, 113. Castor, Merganser, 207. Calariiictes, Lestris, 479, GENERAL INDEX. 68;{ Cotosparactes, 506. cburncus, 508. Chrysophtlialina, C'langula, 174. Cincreus, I'iittiiiu3, 438. Cinereous Shearwater, 438. Circia Qucrquediila, 55. Clangula, 1(57. Albeola, 185. Chrysophthalnia, 171. histrioiiica, ICt). Clypcata, Rhynchaspis, 74. Coal-and-candle-light, 192. Coal-Goose, 380. Cobb, 5-26. Cobble, 283. Colymbinx, 281. Colymbus arcticus, 294. — ^^ glacialis, 283. septentrionalis, 301. Common Auk, 346. Duck, 31. Eider, 147. Gannet, 405. Gull, 575. Guillemot, 318. Noddj-, 672. — Razor-bill, 346. — Scoter, 140. — Skua, 479. — Storm-Petrel, 460. — Teal, 48. Tern, 638. "Wigeon, 83. Cormorant, 377. Black, 392. Crested, 380, 392. Great, 380. Green, 392. White-headed, 380. White-spot, 380. Cornutus, Podiceps, 264. Coultcrneb, 365. Crecca, Anas, 48. Qerquedala, 48. Crested Cormorant, 380, 392. Ducker, 250. Grebe, 250. Cribratores, 5, 10. Cricket Teal, 55. Cristata, Fuligula, 121. Cristatus, Podiceps, 250. Crow, Sea, 593. Cucullatus, Merganser, 225. Cuneate-tailed Gull, 61S. Dabchick, 274, 276. European, 276. Homed, 264. Didapper, 276. Dincur or Dunker, 103. Dipper, 276. Dispar, Stelleria, 164. Dirten-AUen, 492. Diver, hlack, 134. lUack-throatcd, 294. Great Northern, 283. Greatest Speckled, 283. Pied, 233. Red-throated, 301. — Speckled, 301. Divers, 5, 240. Dabchick, 276. Double Scoter, 134. Doucker, Little, 276. Dougalii, Sterna, 648. Dove, Grcenhead, 331. Dovekey, 331. Duck, 29. Bimaculatcd, 42. Black, 121, 129, 134, 140. Butfcl-headed, 185. Burrow, 22. Castancous, 113. Common, 31. Ducker, Crested, 250. Duck, Eider, 147. Ferruginous, 113. Golden-eyed, 174. Gowdy, 174. Harlequin, 169. King, 158. ■ Long-tailed, 192. Nyroca, 113. PintaU, 65. Sharp-tailed, 192. Spirit, 185. Spoonbill, 116. St. Cuthbert's, 147. St. George's, 22. Steller's, 164. Surf, 129. Tufted, 121. Velvet, 134. Western, 164. White-eyed, 113. White-faced, 116. Wild, 31. Winter, 65. Ducks and allied species, 10. Dunbird, 103. Dun Diver Fern, 207. Dung-bird, 492. Dung-hunter, 492. Dunter Goose, 147. Eared Grebe, 270. Earl-Duck, 216. Ebumeu.s, Cetosparactcs, 508. Eider, 145. Common, 147. 684 GENERAL INDEX. Eider, Black-backed, 158. AVliite-baeked, 147. Duck, 147. Emmer or Ember Goose, 283. Essential characters of Orders, 5. Europreus, Sylbeocyclus, 276. European Dabchick, 276. Teal, 48. "Wigeon, 83. Falc, 346. Farspach, 526. Fasgadir, 492. Fcriua Aythya, 103. Ferruginous Duck, 113. Soaup-Duck, 113. Foolish Guillemot, 318. Fork-tailed Gull, 685. Petrel, 451. Fuligula, 111. cristata, 121. Marila, 116. Xyroca, 113. Fuligulina;, 93. Fulmar, 4:^8, 429. Northern, 429. Fulmarus, 428. glacialis, 429. Fusca, Oidemia, 1.34. Fuscus, Larus, 538. Gadwall, 59. Teal, 59. Gannet, 250, 403. common, 405. Garefowl, 359. Garganev Teal, 59. '-, 56. Garrot, 167. Buffel-headed, 185. Harlequin, 169. Golden-eyed, 174. Gavia, 582. Atricilla, 585. Bonapartii, 610. ■ capistrata, 605. minuta, 113. ridibunda, 593. Sabini, 607. Geara-brcac, 331. Gelochelidon, 605. — Anglica, 666. Glacialis, Colymbus, 283. Fulmarus, 429. Ilarelda, 192. (ilaucouH Gull, 557. (ilaucus, Larus, 557. (ilocitans, Anas, 42. Goldcn-oyid Duck, 171. Garrol, 171. Goose, Dunter, 147. Grey-headed, 19. Ruddy, 19. Skelling, 22. Sly, 22. Goosander, 204, 207. Butf-breasted, 207. Greater, 207. Hooded, 225. Goosanders, and allied species, 199. Gowdy Duck, 174. Graculus, Phalacrocorax, 392. Great Auk, 359. billed Scoter, 121) Black-backed Gull, 526. Cormorant, 380. ■ headed Poker, 103. - Northern Diver, 283. • Scart or Scarve, 380. Greater-Crested Grebe, 350. Goosander, 207. Greatest Speckled Diver, 283. Grebe, 246. Crested, 250. Eared, 270. Greater Crested, 250. Grey-cheeked, 259. Horned, 264. Red-necked, 259. Sclavonian, 264. Tippet, 250. Grebes and allied species, 243. Green-billed Gull, 575. • Cormorant, 392. Scout, 392. --winged Teal, 48. Greenland Dove, 331. Grey-cheeked Grebe, 259. headed Goose, 19. Grylle, Uria, 331. Gulder-head, 365. Guillemot, 312. — ■ Black, 331. • Bridled, 326. Brunnich's, 314. Common, 318. Foolish, 318. Large-billed, 314. Little, 341, 331. Ring-eyed, 326. Ringed, 326. Spotted, 331. Thick-billed, 31 1. Gull, 523. Arctic, 492. billed Tern, Marsh, 666. Tern, 665. Blaek-i;ap, 503. Black-headed, 593, 58.i. - — Bonaparlian. 610. GENERAL INDEX. G80 Gull, Carrion, 526. Common, 575. Cuueate-tailfd, 618. — — Fork- tailed, 605. — Glaucous, 557. Green-billed, 575 Great Black-backed, 526. Ilerrinf^, 514. Iceland, 557. Ivory, 508. Laughing, 585. Lesser Black-backed, 538. Lesser Iceland, 566. Little, 613. JIasked, 605. Pewit, 593. Red-legged, 593. Ross's, 618. Sabine's, 607. Silvery, 544. Skua, 479. White, 508. Wliite-winged, 566. Yellow -footed, 538. Gulls and allied species, 469. Giinner, 283. Gurfel, 346. Hareld, 190. • ■ — long-tailed, 192. Harelda glacialis, 192. Harlequin Duck, 169. Herring Gull, 544. Ilirundo, Sterna, 638. Histrionica, Clangula, 169. Hooded Goosander, 225. Maw, 593. Merganser, 225. Homed Dabchick, 264. Grebe, 26. Hydroehelidon, 657. leucopareia, 663. leucoptera, 661. nigra, 658. Iceland Gull, 557. Immer Goose, 283. Impennis, Alca, 359. Ivory Gull, 508. Whale-Gull, 508, Jack-saw, 207. King-Duck, 158. Kirmew, 638. Kittiwake, 513, 515. Black-footed, 515. Tiacrymans, Uria, 326. Lamhi, 318. Ijarge-billed Guillemot, 314. Larus, 523. argentatus, 544. canus, 575. fuscus, 53 S. glaucus, 557. leucoptorus, 566. marinus, 526. Larinoe, 469. Laughing Gull, 585, 593. Lavy, 318. Leadcn-grey-booded Mew, 585. Lesser black-backed Gull, 538. Iceland Gull, 566. ■ — • Sea Swallow, 652. Lestris, 477. Catan-actes, 479. parasitica, 503. Pomarinus, 487. Richardson ii, 492. Leachii, Thalassidroma, 451, Leach's Storm-Petrel, 451, Leucopareia, Hydroehelidon, 663. Leucoptera, Hydroehelidon, 661. Leucopterus, Larus, 560. Little Auk, 341. ■ Doucker, 276. Guillemot, 331, 341. Gull, 613. Mew, 613. Petrel, 460. Rotchc, 341. • Tern, 652. Long-tailed Duck, 192. Loons, and allied species, 281. Loon, Black-throated, 294. Red-throated, 301. Ring-necked, 283. Sprat, 301. Long-tailed Hareld, 192. Lum, 318. Lungv, 318. Lyre," 441. Lyrie, 441. Macdougall's Tem, 648. Macropus, 163. Mallard, 31. Mallemoko, 429. Man-of-War Bird, 492. Manx Shearwater, 441. Mareca, 81. Americana, 90. Penelope, 83. Marila, Fuligula, 116. Marinus, Larus, 526. Marsh Gull-billed Tom, 666. Tern, 657. Black, 658. Whiskered, 663. Whito-winged, 661. 686 GENERAL INDEX. Marrot, 318, 34€. Marionette, 186. Masked Gull, 605. Maw, Hooded, 593. Megalopterus, 670. stolidus, 672. Merganser, 204. Castor, 207. cucullatus, 225. serrator, 216. Hooded, 225. Red-breasted, 216. Merganserinaj, 199. Mergulus, 339. Alle, 341. Mergus, 232. Albellus, 233. Mersatores, 6, 421. Mew, 582. Bonaparte's, 610. Brown-hooded, 593. Brown-masked, 605. Leaden-grev-hooded, 585. — — Little, 613." Sabine's, 607. Minuta, Gavia, 613. Sterna, 652. Mlrc-erow, 593. Mitty, 460. Mollisima, Somateria, 147. Mormon, 363. arcticus, 365. Mother Carey's Chicken, 460. Mullet, 365. ]\Iur-bhuachaill, 283. Murre, 318, 346. Mursc, 318. Naak, 283. Nigra, Oidomia, 140. Ilydrochelidon, 658. Noddy, efO. Common, 672. Northern Fulmar, 429. Nun, Wliite, 233. Nyroca Duck, 113. Fuligula, 113. Pochard, 113. OiJcmia, 127. fusca, 134. nigra, 140. perspicillata, 129. Pandlc-whew, 83. Parasitica, Lestri.s, 503. Parnaitic Skii;i, 503. I'aiTot, Sea, 365. JVlagiia, Tlialassidroma, 460. Peleennina-, .'574. Pelicans and allied species, 374. Penelope, Mareca, 83. Penguin, 359. IVrspiciUata, Oidemia, 129. Petrels and allied species, 424. Petrel, Fork-tailed, 451. Little, 460. Pewit Gull, 593. Phalacrocorax, 377. Carbo, 380. Graculus, 392. Picket, 638. Piikmire, 593. Pictarn, 593. Pictarne, 638. Pied Diver, 233. Smew, 233. Stelleria, 164. Wigeon, 55, 174. Pintail Duck, 65. Teal, 65. Plungers, 421. Pochard, 101. Nyroca, 113. Eed-crested, 109. Eed-headed, 103. Podieipina;, 243. Podiceps, 246. auritus, 270. curnutus, 264. cristatus, 250. rubricollis, 259. Polysticta, 163. Poiuarine Skua, 487. I'omarinus, Lestris, 487. Pope, 365. ProceUariinae, 424. Poker, 103. Great-headed, 103. Red-headed, 103. Puffin, 363, 365. Arctic, 365. Puffinet, 331. Puffinus, 437. cincreus, 438. Anglorum, 441. Querquedula, 45. acuta, 65. Circia, 55. Crecca, 48. Strepera, 59. Razor-bill. 345, 346. Common, 346. Red- breasted Merganser, 216. Shoveller, 74. Red-crested Pochard, 109. Duck, 113. headed Poker, 10;j. GENERAL INDEX. 68"; Red-headed Wigeon, 83. legj,'cd Gull, 593. necked Grebe, 'loO. throated Diver, 301. Loon, 301. Ehodostethia, G17. Kossii, G18. Rhynchaspis, 72. clypeata, 74. Riehardsonii, Lcstris, 492. Kiehardsou's Skua, 492. Ridibunda, Gavia, 593. Ringed Guillemot, 326. Ring-eyed Guillemot, 326. necked Loou, 283. Rissa, 513. tridactyla, 515. Roseate Tern, 648. Ross's Gull, G18. Rosy Gull, 618. Rosy GuU, 617. Rotche, 339. Little, 341. Rubricollis, Podieeps, 259. Ruddy Goose, 19. '- Shielduck, 19. Rufina, Ay thy a, 109. Ruppell's Tern, 629. Sabine's Gull, 607. Mew, 607. Sabini, Gavia, 607. Sandwich Tern, 630. Saw-bill, 207. Scarbh, 392. buill, 380. Scart, 392. Scarv, 392. Scaup-Duck, 111, 116. Broad-billed, 116. Ferruginous, 113. Tufted, 121. Scaup-Ducks and allied species, 93. Sclavonian Grebe, 264. Scoter, 127. Black, 140. Common, 148. Double, 134. Great-biUed, 129. Surf, 129. Velvet, 134, Scout, 318. Green, 392. Scoute-allen, 492. . Scrabe, 441. Scraber, 441. Scraye, 638. Scull, 492. Scuttock, 318. Sea Crow, 593. Sea Dove, 341. — Hen, 318. — Herdsman, 283. — Maw, 575. — Mall, 575. — Mew, 575. — Parrot, 365. — Swallow, 460. Lesser, 652. Sea Turtle, 331. Senator, 508. Septcntrioiiallis Colyrabus, 301. Senator, Merganser, 216. Shag, 392. Sharp-tailed Duck, 192. Shearwater, 437. cinereous, 438. Manx, 441. Shieldrake, 22. Shielduck, 12, 17. Burrow, 22. Buddy, 19. Shovel-bill, 71. Blue-winged, 74. Shoveller, Red-breasted, 74. Sifters, o, 10. Silvery Gull, 544. Siolte, 216. Skeeling Goose, 22. Skeldrake, 22. Skiddaw, 318. Skua, 477. Common, 479. Gull, 479. Pai-asitic, 503. Pomarine, 487. Richardson's, 492. Sly Goose, 22. Smew, 232, 233 Pied, 233. Snow Bird, 508. Solan Goose, 485. Somateria, 145. mollisima, 147. spectabilis, 158. Speckled Diver, 301. Spectabilis, Somateria, 158. Spency, 460. Spirit Duck, 185. Spoon-biUed Duck, 116. Spotted Guillemot, 331. Sprat Loon, 301. Spurre, 638. St. Cuthbert's Duck, 147. St. George's Duck, 22. Stelleria, 163. dispar, 164. Pied, 164. Steller's Duck, 164. Sterna, 628. 688 GENERAL INDEX. Sterna, Arctica, 643. Cantiaca, 630. Dougallii, 648. Hirundo, 638. minuta, 652. vclox, 629. Sternina?, 621. Stockannet, 22. Stolidus, Megalopterus, 672. Stonu-Finch, 460. Petrel, 446. Bulwer's, 449, — . Common, 460. Leach's, 451. Wilson's, 456. Strepera, Querquedula, 59. Strong-billed Tern, 625. Caspian, 626. Sula, 403. Bassana, 405. Summer Teal, 55. Surf Duck, 129. Scoter, 129. Sylbeocyclus, 274. Europaeus, 276. Sylochelidon, 625. Caspian, 626. Tadoma, 12, 17. Casarca, 19. Vulpanscr, 22. Tammy-norrie, 365. Tarney, 638. Tarret, 638. Tarrock, 515. Teal, 45. African, 113. Common, 48. Cricket, 55. European, 48. Gadwall, 59. Garganey, 55. Green-winged, 48. Pintail, 65. Summer, 55. Teaser, 492. Tern, 628. Arctic, 643. Black, 658. Common, 638. Little, 652. Macdougall's, 648. Roseate, 648. Rupcll's, 629. Sandwich, 630. AVhiskered, 663. Tenis and allied species, 621. Thalassidroma, 446. Bulwerii, 449. Thalassidi-oma pclagica, 460. Wilsonii, 456. Thick-hilled Guillemot, 314. Tinkersheer, 318. Tippet Grebe, 250. Torda Utamania, 346. Tridactyla, Rissa, 515. Troile, tjria, 318. Tufted Duck, 121. Scaup-Duck, 121. Tystie or Tystey, 331. Uria, 312. Brunnichii, 314. GryUe, 331. lacrymans, 326. Troile, 318. Urinatores, 5, 240. Utamania, 345. Torda, 346. Tare Wigeon, 233. Velox, Sterna, 629. Velvet Duck, 134. Scoter, 134. Water-witch, 460. Western Duck, 164. Whale Gull, 506. AVhew-Duck, 83. Whewer, 83. Whim, 83. Whiskered Tern, 660. Marsh-Tern, 663. Whistler, 174. White-backed Eider, 147. — eyed Duck, 113. faced Duck, 116. Gull, 508. headed Cormorant, 380. Nun, 233. spot Cormorant, 380. winged Black Duck, 131. — — — - winged Gull, 566. winged Marsh-Tern, 661. — JiCacbii, 151. Wigeon, 81. American, 90. Wigeon Black, 121. Common, 83. European, 83. Red, bo, 174. Red-headed, 83. Vare, 233. Wild Duck, 31. Willock, 318. Wilsonii, Thalassidroma, 456. Wilson's Storm-Petrel, 456. Winter Duck, 65. Yellow-footed Gull, 538. Yellow-poll, 83. '' , \