THE LIBRARY

OF

THE UNIVERSITY
OF CALIFORNIA

LOS ANGELES

THE

'HOW TO

KNOW THEM?

SERIES

OUR MIGRANT BIRDS

THE

HOW TO KNOW THEM
SERIES

1 OUR WAYSIDE TREES

2 OUR RESIDENT BIRDS

3 OUR MIGRANT BIRDS

4 OUR WILD FLOWERS

OUR
MIGRANT BIRDS

AND HOW TO KNOW THEM

FOR REVIEW

BY

E. F. M. ELMS

THORNTON BUTTERWORTH LIMITED
15 BEDFORD STREET, STRAND, LONDON, W.C.2

First Published April 1922

INTRODUCTION

THE flattering reception accorded to my previous
volume, " Our Resident Birds, and How to Know Them,"
encourages me to follow it up with the present work
dealing with our summer and winter visitors.

I have adhered to the same general plan as that
followed in the first book.

First, to group the birds under their main habitats, as
follows :

I. Birds of the gardens, orchards and cultivated

districts.

n. Birds of the woods and well-wooded districts,
in. Birds of the commons, downs, moorland and

mountainous districts.

iv. Birds of the streams, rivers, lakes and marshy
districts.

v. Birds of the sea, seashore and cliffs.
Secondly, to sub-divide these groups under :

(A) Colour.

(B) Size.

In the two volumes I have endeavoured to cover the
whole subject of British Birds, and it has been my aim
to provide two little companions which will enable
the bird-lover to identify without trouble any bird he
may see at any season of the year. If this result be
achieved, I shall feel that the work entailed in compilation
has been amply repaid.

E.F.M.E.

S087767

HOW TO USE THIS BOOK

WHEN seeing a bird you do not know, first of all make
a mental note of your environment. This will decide
which of the five Habitat Headings you should look
under.

At the same time try and visualise the colour-
appearance of the bird, and also its size — whether
small, medium or large.

Then turn to one of the appropriate Tables — see
pages 12 to 14 — and you should without much difficulty
be able to place your bird or at any rate find a clue to its
identity.

If at this stage you are not convinced as to the species
turn to the body of the book and read carefully.

In addition to noting its colour and size, you may
have observed some characteristic habit, in flight, gait
or language, and reference to such will be found which
will enable you to settle the question.

To take an example of three of our commonest summer
visitors :

Habitat — the garden, etc. Observed several small,
dusky birds flying rapidly in the air during the summer-
time.

Consult table of Migrant Birds of the Garden, etc.
Look under column " Black or black and white," and
you will find five species mentioned.

You saw one or other of these — the first two you can
probably eliminate as the White Wagtail is only a
casual visitor, and the Pied Flycatcher is local in distri-
bution.

The three remaining possibilities are our old friends
the Swallow, the House Martin and the Swift.

Consult the information as to these birds in the body
of the book, and you should soon be able to decide which
of the three species you saw.

LIST OF CONTENTS

MIGRANT BIRDS OF THE Gardens, Orchards and Cultivated

Districts - 17

.««£ &ie -c«7&w*e«rC Jj*jJlt*J <r££jts, *JU^*uW "&5«lk-»/ct^.$j

MIGRANT BIRDS OF THE Woods and Well- Wooded Districts 31

• '
MIGRANT BIRDS OF THE Commons, Downs, Moorland and

Mountainous Districts - - - - 55

MIGRANT BIRDS OF THE Streams, Rivers, Lakes and

Marshy Districts ----- 69

^ ^^t^U^ <rUt.<*. •fa~L4Ji«^Jt ^t*~*~J*~*M

t*?£j3z§$t ' " '^™*™

MIGRANT BIRDS OF THE Sea, Seashore and Cliffs - - 97

K*+J*~*^t ^

NOTES

Sp. = Spring. A. = Autumn.

S. = Summer. W. = Winter.

MIGRANT BIRDS OF THE GARDEN, ORCHARDS AND

CULTIVATED DISTRICTS.

Black or Black and White.

Small— White Wagtail Sp.

Small — Swallow Sp.toA.

Pied
Flycatcher Sp. to A .

House Martin Sp. to A .
Swift - -Sp.toA.

Black and Pink.

Medium — Rose-coloured Starling - S.

Brown.

Small — Spotted
Flycatcher Sp. to A .
Medium — Redwing - A . to Sp.

Medium — Quail - - Sp.fo A.
Landrail - Sp. to A .

Green and Yellow.

Small — Blueheaded

Small— Yellow

Wagtail - S.

Wagtail Sp.toA.

Variegated Colours.

Small — Redstart - Sp.toA.

Medium — Fieldfare - A.toSp.

Black Redstart A .

MIGRANT BIRDS OF THE WOODS AND WELL-WOODED

DISTRICTS.

Brown or Brown and White.

Small— Nightingale Sp.toA.

Small— Mealy Redpoll W.

Whitethroat Sp.toA.

Wryneck - Sp.toA.

Lesser
Whi te throat Sp.toA.
Blackcap - Sp. to A.

Medium — Hoopoe - - Sp.
Turtle Dove Sp.toA.
Large — Honey

Garden

Buzzard Sp.toA.

Warbler Sp. to A .

Woodcock - W.

Tree Pipit Sp. to A .

Grey and White.

Small— Great Grey Shrike W.

Medium— Hobby - Sp.toA.

Medium — Cuckoo - Sp. to A .

Green.

Small — Chiffchaff- Sp.toA.

Small — WTood

Willow

Warbler Sp.toA.

Warbler Sp.toA.

Yellow and Black.

Medium — Golden Oriole Sp.

Variegated Colours.

Small — Fire-crested Wren W.

Small — Waxwing - - W.

Red-backed

Brambling A.toSp.

Shrike - Sp. to A .

MIGRANT BIRDS OF THE COMMONS, DOWNS, MOORLAND

AND MOUNTAINOUS DISTRICTS.

White.

Large — Snowy Owl - W.

Dusky and White.

Snow Bunting W. \ Medium — Ring Ouzel Sp. to A .
Brown or Brown and White.

Large — Rough-legged

Buzzard - W.
Stone Curlew Sp. to A .

Small-

Smalt—

Whinchat - Sp. to A .
Grasshopper

Medium — Night j ar

Warbler 5*. to A .
- Sp.

yp. to A .

Small—

Wnimbrel - Sp, to A .
Grey, Black and White.

Wheatear - Sp.toA. i Large — Montagu's

Harrier - Sp. to A.
Variegated Colours.
Small — Lapland Bunting W. \ Medium — Dotterel - Sp. to A .

MIGRANT BIRDS OF THE STREAMS, RIVERS, LAKES AND

MARSHY DISTRICTS.

Grey.

Medium — Spotted Redshank - A.
Brown and Brown and White.

Small — Reed

Medium — Common

Warbler Sp. to A .

Sandpiper 5*. to A .

Marsh

Wood

Warbler Sp. to A .

Sandpiper Sp.&'A.

Sedge

Green

Warbler Sp. to A .
Sand Martin Sp. to A .

Sandpiper Sp.&-A.
Greenshank Sp. &-A.

Black-tailed

Medium— Spotted

Godwit - Sp.&'A.

Crake - Sp.toA.

Large — Common Bittern W.

Littie Crake Sp. & A .

Grey-Lag Goose W.

Baillon's

White-fronted

Crake - Sp.&-A.

Goose - - W.

Great Snipe - A .

Bean Goose - W.

Jack Snipe A.toSp.

Pink-footed Goose W.

Variegated Colours.

Small — Red-necked

Large — • Pochard - A. to Sp.

Phalarope Sp.&'A.

Redcrested

Medium— Little

Pochard - W.

Bittern - Sp.&-A.

Tufted Duck - W.

Garganey - - 5*.

Golden eye - W.

Ruff - - Sp.&'A.
Large — Night Heron Sp.&'A.

Ruddy Sheld-Duck W.
Red-necked Grebe W.

Gadwall - Sp. &-A.

Sclavonian Grebe W.

Shoveller - - W.

Eared or Black-

Pintail - - W.

necked Grebe W.

Wigeon - - W.

1.3

MIGRANT BIRDS OF THE SEA, SEASHORE AND CLIFFS.
Black.

Medium — Black Tern - Sp. I Large — Velvet Scoter - W.
Large — Common Scoter W. \

Black and White.

Small—

Little Auk - W.

Large —

Smew - - - W.

Medium-

-Avocet - Sp. &-A.

Great Northern

Black-winged Stilt Sp.

Diver - - W.

White.

Large —

Whooper Swan W.

Large-

Bewick's Swan W.

Grey and White.

Small—

Grey Phalarope A.

Medium— -Little Gull - W.

Little Stint Sp.&'A.

Large —

Sandwich

Medium-

-Grey Plover - W.

Tern - Sp.toA.

Curlew

Roseate

Sandpiper Sp.&-A.

Tern - Sp.toA.

Purple

Common

Sandpiper Sp to A .
Knot - Sp.&-A.
Sanderling Sp.&'A.

Tern - Sp. to A .
Arctic Tern Sp. to A .
Glaucous Gull W.

Bar-tailed

Iceland Gull - W.

Godwit - Sp.^A.

Fulmar - - W.

Little Tern Sp. to A .

Brown and White.

Small—

Shorelark - - W. Large —

Osprey - Sp. &• A .

Kentish

Great Shearwater A.

Plover - Sp.toA.

Sooty Shearwater A .

Variegated Colours.

Small-

Turnstone - - W.

Large —

Long- tailed

Duck - A.toSp.

Large —

Bernacle

Eider Duck - W.

Goose - A.toSp.

Goosander - W.

Brent Goose - W.

Red-breasted

Scaup Duck - W.

Merganser - W

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS

The Nightingale Frontispiece

Swallow to face page 24

Swift „ ,,24

Spotted Flycatcher „ ,,25

Yellow Wagtail „ ,,25

Redstart „ ,,32

Nightingale's Nest ,, ,,32

Whitethroat 33

Blackcap ------ „ 33

Tree Pipit „ ,,4°

Turtle Dove ,, ,,4°

Woodcock „ ..42

Chiffchafi ... - - - - „ „ 41

Red-backed Shrike „ ,,56

Ring Ouzel 56

Whinchat ,, ,,57

Grasshopper Warbler ,, ,,57

Nightjar ,, ,,64

Stone Curlew „ ,,64

Wheatear ,, ,,65

Reed Warbler „ ,,65

Sedge Warbler „ ,,88

M

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS— continued

Common Sandpiper to face -page 88

Garganey ,, ,,89

Pintail „ 89

Tufted Duck „ ,,96

Common Tern „ ,,96

Kentish Plover „ ,,97

Barnacle Goose ,, ,,97

16

Migrant Birds of the Gardens, Orchards
and Cultivated Districts

WHITE WAGTAIL (Motacillaalba).

A somewhat casual visitor, chiefly occurring in the
South. In Ireland practically unknown ; owing to its
close resemblance to the Pied Wagtail, it may have
been overlooked.

Haunts.— Like Pied Wagtail.

Plumage. — Much like Pied Wagtail, but differs in
the greyer back and wings ; more white on head and
sides of neck. Length, 7^ in. Female no black on
nape or back. Young, cheeks and throat washed with,
yellow ; more of an olive-grey on upper parts.

Language. — Similar to Pied Wagtail.

Habits.— Similar to Pied Wagtail.

Food. — Similar to Pied Wagtail.

Nest.— Similar to Pied Wagtail.

Site.— Similar to Pied Wagtail.

Materials. — Similar to Pied Wagtail.

Eggs. — Five to seven. Same as Pied Wagtail, but
said to have a bluer tinge.

17 c

i8 OUR MIGRANT BIRDS

PIED FLYCATCHER (Muscicapa atricapilla).

April to September. Much rarer and more local than
Spotted Flycatcher ; breeding sparingly in the southern
counties, but rather more frequently in the West, Wales,
and the North.

Haunts. — Gardens, orchards, &c.

Plumage. — Upper parts and tail black, greyer on rump
and browner on wings. Forehead, central wing-coverts,
and under parts, white. Bill and legs black. Length
5 in. Female : upper parts browner, and white sur-
faces washed with buff. Young spotted above with
buff, and below with dark brown.

Language. — A far better songster than the Spotted
Flycatcher, song reminding one in turn vaguely of the
Redstart's and Chaffinch's. Alarm-note, " chick."

Habits. — Closely resembles the Spotted Flycatcher.

Food. — Insects chiefly ; small beetles and worms ;
also soft fruits.

Nest. — May or June. One brood.

Site. — In hole in a tree or wall, &c. ; never in an
exposed situation like Spotted Flycatcher.

Materials. — Bents, rootlets, grass, leaves, and moss ;
lined with wool, feathers, and hair, loosely compacted.

Eggs. — Five to nine. Uniform very pale blue. Some-
times faintly speckled with reddish brown.

SWALLOW (Hirundo rustica).

April to October. Well distributed and common,
except in the extreme North.
Haunts. — Country villages and farms.
Plumage. — Forehead and chin chestnut-brown.

BIRDS OF THE GARDENS 19

Upper parts, sides of neck, and belt across chest black
with purplish reflections ; under parts dull reddish
white. Tail long and forked. Bill and legs black.
Length 7^ in. Female, less chestnut on forehead and
less black on chest ; under parts whiter. Young, duller,
chestnut areas whiter.

Language. — Song, pleasing, and rather reminiscent
of the Linnet's ; a twittering kind of warble, consisting
of one note like " le-wit," and another rather metallic
one. Call-note, " whit." Alarm-note, " whit-tit-tit-tit."

Habits. — Flight graceful, gliding and doubling. It
seldom alights on the ground, on which it is very awk-
ward, and even drinks on the wing, skimming the surface
of the water for the purpose. It returns year after
year to the same nest.

Food. — Insects, almost entirely captured on the wing.
Nest. — May onwards. Two broods.
Site. — On top of rafter of purlin in an open shed, in
chimneys, under stone bridges, &c.

Materials. — Mud pellets mixed with dry grass or hair ;
lined with fine grass and feathers. Nest saucer-shaped
and not hemispherical with hole for access as with the
House Martin.

Eggs. — Four to six. White, spotted with rich red-
brown, and greyish purple shell-markings.

HOUSE MARTIN (Chelidon urbica],

April to October. Generally distributed and common,
except in the extreme North.

Haunts. — Country villages, farm-yards, &c.

Observation. — Distinguish from Swallow by shorter and
less forked tail and white throat and rump.

20 OUR MIGRANT BIRDS

Plumage. — Head, nape, upper parts, except rump,
black with purplish reflections ; under parts and rump
pure white. Wings and tail sooty-brown. Bill black.
Legs and toes covered with white downy feathers.
Length 5| in. Female similar. Young, browner above
and under parts dingy white.

Language. — Song, a simple twittering repetition of the
call-note, " szeet."

Habits. — Much resembling the last, but not quite
so quick on the wing. Better able to walk, but its
progress is laboured. It nests in small colonies usually,
and returns to the same place yearly.

Food. — Insects entirely.

Nest. — May onwards. At least two broods.

Site. — Against the wall of some building, generally
with the eaves projecting over it ; under bridges, &c.

Materials. — Mud applied with the beak and giving a
wattled appearance, and in shape hemispherical with
entrance hole near the top ; lined with straw, dry grass,
and feathers.

Eggs. — Four to six. White and slightly glossy.

SWIFT (Cypselus apus).

May to August. Found more or less abundantly
in all localities, but more infrequently towards the
extreme North.

Plumage. — Generally sooty brown. Chin and throat
dull white. Gape very wide. Wings long, pointed, and
sickle-shaped. Tail forked. Bill and legs black. Length
7 in. Female similar. Young, more white on throat.

Language. — A harsh scream, like " swee-ree."

BIRDS OF THE GARDENS 21

Habits. — One of the most aerial of birds, and flying
with extreme rapidity. Especially active and loquacious
in sultry weather, and most susceptible of cold. Prac-
tically incapable of walking, and never perches.

Food. — Insects captured on the wing.

Nest. — May. One brood.

Site. — In holes in ruins, church towers, and sea-cliffs,
under slates of roofs, &c.

Materials. — Straw, grass, feathers, moss and wool,
cemented together with its adhesive, inspissated saliva.
Rude, flat, and ill-compacted.

Eggs. — Two — rarely more. White, rough in texture
and oval in shape.

ROSE-COLOURED STARLING (Pastor roseus).

An irregular visitor which has occurred from time to
time in most counties.

Plumage. — Head, crest, neck and throat glossy purplish
black. Wings and tail glossy greenish-black. Back
and under parts salmon-rose. Bill rose-coloured, black
towards base. Legs yellowish brown. Length 8| in.

In habits and language it much resembles the Starling.
Its favourite food is the locust, hence its erratic migra-
tions. Breeds in Southern Europe and Western Asia.

SPOTTED FLYCATCHER (Muscicapa grisola).

May to September. Pretty common throughout
Great Britain ; rarer towards the north and in Scotland
and Ireland.

Haunts. — Gardens, margins of woods, &c.

22 OUR MIGRANT BIRDS

Plumage. — Upper parts ashy brown. Wings and tail
darker with paler margins ; under parts greyish white,
marked with elongated brown spots. Bill dark brown.
Legs blackish. Length 5| in. ; female similar ; young
more spotted.

Language. — Song a faint utterance, composed of a few
rambling notes delivered in a sotto voce ; really a repeti-
tion, more or less varied, of the call-note, which much
resembles the Robin's. Alarm-note, " chick."

Habits. — Fond of perching on a post, rail, or wire
fence, and making erratic little excursions therefrom
to catch insects, returning to same time after time — a
most distinctive habit. Flight rapid and undulating.
It returns year after year to the same nesting site.

Food. — Insects almost entirely ; spiders, centipedes ;
fruits, and berries, sometimes.

Nest. — June onwards. Two broods sometimes.

Site. — In cavity in tree or wall, on rafter of open
shed, amongst ivy, in evergreens or trained wall-fruit
tree, and many other similar situations.

Materials. — Small twigs, roots, grass, moss, and
spiders' web ; lined with fine grass, rootlets, feathers,
hair, and wool.

Eggs. — Four to six. Bluish or greenish white, spotted
and blotched with reddish brown. Rather variable.

REDWING (Turdus iliacus).

October to April. Generally distributed.

Haunts. — Cultivated districts and grass-lands ; roost-
ing in woods.

Observation. — In appearance a lesser Song Thrush,
but differs in decided white eye-stripe and chestnut-red
on flanks.

BIRDS OF THE GARDENS 23

Plumage. — Upper parts olive-brown, broad white
stripe over eye ; under parts whitish, streaked with
dark brown ; under wing-coverts and flanks chestnut-red.
Bill dark brown. Legs pale brown. Length 8| in.
Female, less bright than male. Young, spotted on
upper and under parts.

Language. — Song, a pleasing fluty ditty, like " trui "
repeated two or three times, then " tri-tri-tri " ; seldom
heard in England. Call-note, " see-you." Another
note like " chack."

Habits. — Gregarious. Flight rapid, much resembling
the Song Thrush. Usually frequenting the same
locality year after year.

Food. — Insects, snails, worms, various berries.

Nidification. — Breeds in Northern Europe.

QUAIL (Coturnix comntunis).

Migrant for the greater part, coming in spring and
departing in October ; but some are resident. Found
less abundantly nowadays in England than formerly.
In Scotland, distribution limited ; in Ireland, rare.

Haunts. — Both cultivated and uncultivated districts.

Plumage. — Generally sand-brown, with buff shafts to
feathers. Throat and collar white, margined with
black and finishing with black patch on throat. Fore-
chest buff. Three parallel, longitudinal yellowish streaks
on head ; under parts white. Bill, feet, and legs
yellowish brown. Length 8 in. Female paler, and
minus the crescentic collar on throat ; chest more
spotted. Young like female.

Language. — Call-note of male, three piping syllables,
usually written " click-lik-lik," or " wet my lips."

24 OUR MIGRANT BIRDS

Female's call, a low, musical dissyllable. Alarm-note,
much like the Partridge's.

Habits. — An expert runner, spending most of its
time on the ground. On the wing it is like a miniature
Partridge, flying with rapidly vibrated and whirring
wings. Usually monogamous, the males fighting very
fiercely at mating time.

Food. — Insects, small slugs, seeds, and grain.

Nest. — May or June. Two broods sometimes.

Site. — In a little hollow scraped in the ground ;
among growing herbage.

Materials. — If any, a few dead grasses.

Eggs. — Seven to twelve. Yellowish white, spotted
and blotched with umber-brown.

LANDRAIL OR CORN CRAKE (Crex pratensis).

April to October. Somewhat local, but otherwise
generally distributed throughout the British Isles.

Haunts. — Cultivated districts, and very partial to
low-lying meadows.

Plumage. — Upper parts yellowish-brown, with dark
centres to feathers ; areas above eyes and on cheeks
ashy grey. Wing-coverts and quills chestnut. Throat
white. Breast buffish. Belly and flanks well barred
with brown and buff. Bill, legs, and feet light brown.
Length n in. Female, slightly smaller ; less grey on
head, and chestnut on wings. Young, like female.
Nestling covered with black down.

Language. — The well-known grating " crek-crek,"
like the noise produced by drawing one's finger-nail
across the teeth of a comb.

Habits. — It lives on the ground, where, aided by its
thin, wedge-shaped body, it proceeds with great celerity

BIRDS OF THE GARDENS 25

through the densest cover, consequently it is far more
frequently heard than seen. Always reluctant to take
to wing, but if forced to do so it flies clumsily and
sluggishly, with dangling legs, and soon drops into
cover again. If occasion demands it will feign death.
Not aquatic like the Water Rail.

Food. — Small snails, worms, slugs, insects, lizards,
seeds, &c.

Nest. — May or June. One brood.

Site. — On the ground, among some kind of growing
herbage.

Materials. — Dead grass, leaves, and roots, lined with
finer grass.

Eggs. — Seven to ten. Reddish or huffish white,
spotted and blotched somewhat sparingly with red-
brown and violet-grey under-markings.

BLUE-HEADED WAGTAIL (Motacilla flava}.

A casual visitor only, generally in spring, and has
bred with us on a few occasions. Has been observed
chiefly in the south-eastern, south-western, and southern
counties.

Observation. — Very like the Yellow Wagtail, but note
white streak over eye (not yellow) and double yellowish
bars on wings.

Plumage. — Crown and nape bluish grey. Lores and
ear-coverts dark grey ; white superciliary streak ;
upper parts yellowish olive-green. Wings dark brown,
tipped with yellowish white, forming two bars. Tail-
feathers blackish brown. Chin white ; under parts
bright yellow. Bill and legs black. Length 6Jin.
Female shorter ; head less grey ; under parts not sa

D

26 OUR MIGRANT BIRDS

yellow. Young, upper parts greenish brown ; under
parts pale yellow.

Language. — Call-note, " chit-up " or " scizzur."
Habits. — Resembling the other Wagtails.
Food. — Insects and their larvae, &c.
Nest. — May. Probably one brood only.

Site. — On the ground in corn-fields, on bank, &c.,
amongst herbage.

Materials. — Dry grass, roots, moss, lined with hair
and a few feathers.

Eggs. — Yellowish white, clouded and mottled with pale
brown ; usually a hair-like streak, like next.

YELLOW WAGTAIL (Motacilla raii}.

April to September. Well-distributed though not
abundant except in Devon and Cornwall. Local in
Scotland, Ireland, and Wales.

Haunts. — Pasture-lands, ploughed fields, commons,
and brickfields ; usually near water.

Observation. — Distinguish from Grey Wagtail by the
brownish (not dark grey) upper parts and relatively
shorter tail.

Plumage. — Upper parts generally greenish olive,
bright yellow streak over eye. Wings brown, tipped
and edged with buff. Tail-feathers blackish brown,
two outer pairs white, conspicuous in flight ; under parts
bright yellow. Bill and legs black. Length 6J in.
Female browner above and paler below ; eye-stripe
less yellow. Young even browner than female ; throat
buffish ; sides of neck and breast streaked and spotted
with brown.

BIRDS OF THE GARDENS 27

Language. — Song, not extensive and infrequently
uttered, somewhat like the Swallow's ; call-note a soft
whistle, and another note much like the " chizzic "
utterance of the Pied Wagtail.

Habits. — Closely resembling the other Wagtails, but,
unlike them, keeps away from human habitations.
It is most active and graceful, running about quite
unconcernedly around the hoofs of beasts when grazing,
leaping into the air at intervals to take an insect.

Food. — Insects and their larvae, spiders, and worms.

Nest. — April onwards. Two broods.

Site. — On ground, in a natural depression or cart-rut,
&c., concealed by growing herbage.

Materials. — Grass, bents, and moss, lined with finer
materials ; sometimes some wool hair, and a few feathers.

Eggs. — Four to six. Greyish white, mottled with
pale ash and olive-brown ; usually a dark hair-like
streak at the large end.

REDSTART (Ruticilla phcenicurus)

April to September. Well distributed though not
common. Local in some parts. In Scotland and
Ireland rather rare.

Haunts. — Ivy-mantled ruins, old broken walls,
orchards, gardens, groves, and wild, uncultivated land.

Plumage. — Forehead white ; ear-coverts, chin, and
throat black ; upper parts slaty-grey. Wings brown.
Breast, rump, and tail bright chestnut-red (hence
Firetail). Belly buffish white. Bill black. Legs dark
brown. Length 5 J in. Female, duller colouring
throughout ; upper parts grey tinged with red. Throat

28 OUR MIGRANT BIRDS

and belly dingy white. Breast, flanks and tail pale red.
Young, spotted above and below.

Language. — Song, rather reminds one of the Wren's
but much feebler and lower ; also not unlike the White-
throat's ditty, a short, jerky strain. Call-note, a short
kind of squeak. Alarm-note, " weet-chick-chick," first
syllable being a kind of whistle, the two following like
striking two pebbles together.

Habits. — The fiery colouring and the white splash on
the forehead always attract the eye as it performs
lightning-like dashes from one point of vantage to
another ; always on the move, the tail being incessantly
and quickly agitated laterally. Flight rapid. It is an
adept at suddenly doubling in the air when taking
insects. On the ground it takes short leaps.

Food. — Insects and their larvae, spiders, soft fruits,
and even grain.

Nest. — May onwards. Two broods.

Site. — A great variety ; a hole in a wall or tree, &c.,
much the same as the Robin.

Materials. — Dry grass, roots, and moss, lined with
hair and feathers, loosely put together.

Eggs. — Usually six. Uniform pale greenish-blue,
not so beautiful as Hedge, Sparrow blue. Sometimes
a few reddish dustings.

BLACK REDSTART (Ruticilla titys).

Autumn to April. Rather rare ; most commonly
met with in Devon, Cornwall, and south-western counties.
Has been noted in Ireland, and very rarety in Scotland.
Haunts. — Orchards, gardens, &c.

BIRDS OF THE GARDENS 29

Observation. — Distinguish from last by absence of
white forehead splash, and conspicuous white wing-patch
absent in Redstart.

Plumage. — Upper parts slate-grey. Forehead, face,
throat, and breast black paling into grey on belly.
Wings brown, with conspicuous white patch. Rump
and tail chestnut. Bill and legs black. Length 5| in.
Female fuller colouring ; upper parts smoky brown.
Young, like female.

Language. — Song, simple and short, but rich in tone.
Call-note a low " sit." Alarm-note, " tek."

Habits. — Not unlike the Robin in the way it stoops
its head and jerks its tail.

Food. — Insects and their larvae, spiders, beetles,
small Crustacea and small soft fruits.

Nidification. — It may stay to breed here occasionally.
It rather resembles the Robin, but the five to six eggs
are white, occasionally minutely dotted with brown.

FIELDFARE OR FELT (Turdus pilaris).

October to May. Generally distributed.

Haunts. — Meadows and fields ; roosting in trees.

Observation. — Might be confounded with Missel Thrush
but is smaller, and the grey rump, contrasted with
dark wings and tail, is conspicuous, as is also the white
belly.

Plumage. — Head, nape and rump slate-grey. Mantle
chestnut-brown. Throat and breast golden brown
streaked with black. Flanks marked with deep brown.
Belly and under wing-coverts white, conspicuous in
flight. Bill yellowish. Legs dark brown. Length 10 in.
Female less bright. Young spotted above and below.

30 OUR MIGRANT BIRDS

Language. — Song, " a wild desultory warble," not
heard in England. Another note a harsh " chak."

Habits. — Gregarious. Shy and wary. Flight strong,
rapid and rather undulating. Vagrant in their move-
ments. When feeding the flock always moves in the
same direction, and not at random, and when perched
they always face one way. Extremely clamorous
just before roosting time.

Food. — Insects and worms, soft fruits in season. In
winter on any kind of berries, especially those of the
juniper and hawthorn.

Nidification. — Breeds in Northern Europe.

Migrant Birds of the Woods and
Well-Wooded Districts

NIGHTINGALE (Daulias luscinia).

April to September. Extremely local, but occurring
in nearly all counties. Very rare in the North and some
parts of the West. Unknown in Ireland.

Haunts. — Thickets in copses, woods, plantations, and
shrubberies in gardens.

Observation. — In appearance like a large Robin without
ruddy breast.

Plumage. — Upper parts russet brown. Tail tinged
with chestnut. Breast grey, under-parts buffish grey ;
flanks pale ash. Bill and legs brown. Length 6J in.
Female similar. Young, darker ; spotted above with
yellow-brown, and barred beneath with greyish brown.

Language. — Song, the best melody of all our birds,
and must be heard to be appreciated. Its chief character-
istics lie in the liquid quaverings and rollings, giving
way at intervals to a sad wailing note. Sings by day
as well as at night. Soon after the young are hatched
the song degenerates into a dismal croaking. Note of
anxiety, " wate-wate-cur-cur."
31

32 OUR MIGRANT BIRDS

Habits. — It is a skulker and loves the densest thicket.
It sings from the lower branches of some bush, but
dislikes an audience, whereupon it croaks dismally.
When perched it incessantly flirts its rather long tail.
Food is taken on the ground. It proceeds with long hops,
punctuated with statuesque motionless movements.

Food. — Insects and their larvae, spiders, small worms,
beetles, ants' eggs, fruit, and berries.

Nest. — About mid-May. One brood.

Site. — Very low down or on ground, studiously
concealed by dense cover, in base of small bush.

Materials. — Dead leaves, grasses, &c. ; loosely and
untidily put together ; lined with fine grass, fibres, and
sometimes hair.

Eggs. — Four to six. Uniform olive-brown.

WHITETHROAT (Sylvia cinerea).

April to September. Abundant throughout Great
Britain, but rarer in extreme North.

Haunts. — Woodsides, thickets, brambly heaths, com-
mons, and hedgerows. Fond of nettle-beds (hence
Nettle-creeper).

Plumage. — Head and neck ashy grey ; upper/ parts
greyish brown, darker on wings and tail. 'Breast
white, faintly suffused with rose. Flanks buff. Bill
brown. Legs pale brown. Length 5^ in. Female,
similar, but no grey head or rosy tinge on breast. Young
more of a ruddy brown.

Language. — Excitement is the key-note of its rapid,
erratic, love-song. Call-note, " pweet-pweet." Note
of anxiety, a harsh, chiding sound like "Chuck-uck-
uck-uck."

REDSTART (page 27)

BIRDS OF THE WOODS 33

Habits. — Like many other small birds, it is uneasy
and fidgety, fond of flitting from spray to spray down
some ragged hedgerow, pausing to deliver its little
torrent of song with distended throat, erected forehead
feathers, and odd gestures of its tail. Occasionally
it springs up into the air singing. When alarmed it
skulks, uttering its scolding notes.

Nest. — Mid-May onwards. Two broods.

Site. — In middle or base of low, thick bush, among
nettles, brambles, &c.

Materials. — Dry grass and stalks, lined with finer
grass, bents and horsehair. Cup deep and flimsily
constructed.

Eggs. — Greenish white, mottled and blotched with
olive and slaty grey ; variable.

LESSER WHITETHROAT (Sylvia curruca).

May to September. More local than last ; scarce
in West and North, unknown in Ireland.

Haunts. — Thickets, copses, shrubberies, &c., much
as last.

Observation. — Slightly smaller than last, and, unlike
it, has darker lores.

Plumage. — Crown of head, neck, and back greyish
brown. Lores almost black. Wings ash-brown, with
pale tips and margins. Breast and flanks white, tinged
with yellowish brown ; under parts white. Bill black.
Legs slate-grey. Length Sjin. Female, smaller and
duller. Young browner.

Y: Language. — Song, a short, vigorous strain, consisting
of the rapid repetition of one whistling kind of note ;

E

34 OUR MIGRANT BIRDS

anxiety note, " kek-kek," and another, " tse-tse,"
somewhat like one of the Blue Tit's utterances.

Habits. — Closely resembling the last, extremely rest-
less, and a great skulker when alarmed, not easily
flushed from nest. Flight undulating, with quickly
beating and somewhat feeble agitations of the wings.

Food. — Insects and their larvae principally ; in-
ordinately fond of raspberries and currants.

Nest. — May onwards.

Site. — In thick hedges, brambles, and other bushes ,
not so low down as last, and always well concealed.

Materials. — Bents and rootlets, neatly intertwined
with cobwebs, lined with finer materials and horseha.r ;
cup shallower than last.

Eggs. — Four to five. Dull or creamy white, spotted
and blotched with slate or purplish grey and olive-brown ;
often zoned ; variable.

BLACKCAP (Sylvia atricapilla) .

April to September ; sometimes winters here. Rather
local, but found in most counties. Rarer in Scotland
and Ireland.

Haunts. — Thickets and wild places, abounding in
tangles of brambles and the like ; also gardens.

Plumage. — Head above eyes jet-black. Throat, chin,
and flanks ash-grey ; upper parts grey, tinged with
olive ; under parts ash-grey, paler on abdomen. Bill
horn-brown. Legs lead-colour. Length 5| in. Fe-
male : chocolate-brown head, and rather browner
colour generally. Young : like female until the young
male assumes the black head.

BIRDS OF THE WOODS 35

Language. — On its first arrival it records or rehearses
its song in a sotto voce till early May, when the true song is
commenced, which is second only to the Nightingale,
and reminds one of a piccolo. It has certain powers
of ventriloquism and mimicry. Alarm-note, a harsh
" tac." When angry it scolds rather like the White-
throat.

Habits. — It loves to sing perched in its shady brambly
home. Song ceases when young are hatched ; the cock
bird assists in incubation. Very restless and shy, like
others of the family. Flight rather hesitating.

Food. — Insects and their larvae, spiders, soft fruits
(especially raspberries and currants), also berries.

Nest.— Hay.

Site. — Low down in thick bush, in nettles and brambles
and privets, and other situations.

Materials. — Dry grass and fibres, lined with horsehair
— a slight structure.

Eggs. — Dirty white, or light red spotted and blotched
with dark red and ruddy brown ; variable. Smaller
than Garden Warbler's.

GARDEN WARBLER (Sylvia hortensis).

May to September. Less abundant than last, but
generally distributed. Rare in Ireland, Cornwall, and
some parts of Wales.

Haunts. — Like last, but where the Blackcap is scarce
the Garden Warbler is frequently common, and vice versa.

Observation. — Distinguish from last by absence of
black crown.

Plumage. — Upper parts olive-brown, darker on wings
and tail ; faint light streak over eye ; area at back of eyes

36 OUR MIGRANT BIRDS

ash-grey ; under parts huffish white ; under tail-coverts
white. Bill brown. Legs lead-colour. Length 5f in.
Female similar but paler. Young rather greener than
adults.

Language. — Much like the Blackcap's, but lower
in tone and more mellow and continuous. Alarm-note,
a harsh " tac."

Habits. — Very similar to last. It is a close sitter, and
when flushed it dives in the undergrowth, fidgeting about
and uttering its alarm-note.

Food. — Insects and their larvae, spiders, small soft
fruits and berries.

Nest. — May. One brood.

Site. — Near ground in brambles or low bush, in
shrubberies, etc.

Materials. — Dry grass, lined with finer grasses and
hair, loosely put together.

Eggs. — Four to five. Dull white, blotched and spotted
with brown and greyish olive ; no ruddy suffusion as
in last.

TREE PIPIT (Anthus trivialis).

April to September. Occurring commonly in most
localities, except the most western parts of Cornwall
and Wales. More local in Scotland. Practically un-
known in Ireland.

Haunts. — Outskirts of woods, shrubberies, gardens,
parks, &c., where there are some good-sized trees.

Observation. — Distinguish from Meadow Pipit by
larger size, warmer tint, and paler legs.

Plumage. — Upper parts ashy olive, each feather having
a dark centre. Wings darker, with pale margins. Tail

BIRDS OF THE WOODS 37

dark brown, with two outer feathers white, conspicuous
in flight ; superciliary stripe huffish. Throat dull
white ; under parts buff, with dark brown spots and
streaks. Bill brown above, paler below. Legs flesh-
coloured. Length 6 in. Female slightly smaller, with
spots on breast less clear. Young more spotted than
adult.

Language. — Song may be syllabised thus : " chee-
chee-chee-chee-e-chaw-e-chaw-whee-whee-whee," the last
syllables repeated several times ; call-note, a prolonged
" see " ; alarm-note, a sharp " chip."

Habits. — Much like the Wagtails in the way it fans
its tail and walks or runs. It usually has a favourite tree
from which it at intervals springs up into the air with
rapidly beating wings. When about 30 or 40 feet up it
commences to sing, descending to the tree from which
it started, or an adjacent one, in a series of graceful curves
and with wings held open in a parachute-like manner ;
it also sings when perched. Flight wild and jerky.

Food. — Insects and their larvae, spiders, seeds of cereals,
&c.

Nest. — May onwards. Two broods.

Site. — On the ground ; often at foot of male's favourite
tree, in some depression concealed by growing herbage.

Materials. — Bents, roots, dry grass, and moss ; lined
with fine bents, grass, and hair.

Eggs. — Four to six. Most variable in colour and
markings. Dull white, densely spotted or mottled
with greyish olive-brown.

MEALY REDPOLL (Acanthis linarid).

A winter visitor ; chiefly observed in the east of
Scotland and the north of England.

38 OUR MIGRANT BIRDS

Observation. — Distinguish from resident Lesser Red-
poll by generally lighter appearance.

Plumage. — Lores black. Forehead crimson. Upper
parts dark brown, mottled and streaked with blackish
brown. Wings blackish, edged with pale brown and
whitish. Tail dark brown with pale margins. Chin
black. Sides of neck and breast carmine ; under parts
dingy white, streaked on flanks with dark brown. Bill
horn-colour, yellower towards base. Legs dark brown.
Length 5 in. In autumn, colouring altogether paler
and carmine areas more or less concealed. Female,
smaller, darker above, and more streaked below ; less
carmine on head and none on breast.

Language. — Song, a vibrating kind of trill. Call-note,
" tewey."

Habits. — Very Tit-like in its actions, being most
restless and fidgety.

Food. — Insects and their larvae, but usually seeds of
many kinds.

Nidifaation. — Breeds within the Arctic Circle.

WRYNECK (lynx torquilla).

Mid-April to September. Most common in the
southern and south-eastern counties ; rarer and more
local in the North. Rare in Scotland, and almost un-
known in Ireland.

Haunts. — Woodland districts.

Plumage. — Upper parts reddish grey, spotted and
barred with brown and black ; nape and scapulars
streaked with black, a blackish line through eye to nape.
Wings tawny brown, finely reticulated with black, and
marked with alternate black and yellowish red spots ;
under parts pale bufnsh-white barred with dark brown ;

BIRDS OF THE WOODS 39

on breast and belly markings arrow-headed in shape.
Tail ashy brown, mottled with black, and barred with
black and buff. Bill and legs horn-brown. Length 7 in.
Female : upper parts tipped with sandy brown and
narrowly barred with black ; wings sandy brown ;
smaller than male, and bill shorter. Young more
heavily barred on the under parts.

Language. — A sharp rapid whistle, like " qui-qui-qui,"
rather like the Kestrel but not so loud. Alarm-cry,
" tuck," or " kuck."

Habits. — It is a difficult bird to observe, on account
of its wariness and unobtrusive plumage, and it is far
more often heard than seen. It darts out its long
exsertile tongue and hisses like a snake (hence Snake-
bird). When disturbed on its nest it contorts its head
in a most surprising manner, erects its crest and hisses.
If forcibly removed from nest hole it may feign death.
Flight wild and erratic. It shuffles up tree-trunks
somewhat like the true Woodpeckers. On the ground
it hops jerkily, often using the wings at the same time.
Often called " Cuckoo's mate," on account of its punctual
appearance each year shortly before that bird.

Food. — Ants, chiefly taken with its long snake-like
tongue, which is coated with an adhesive secretion ;
also other insects and berries.

Nest. — May. One brood.

Site. — In hole in a tree-trunk, often near the foot of the
tree. It does not excavate the hole itself.

Materials. — None.

Eggs- — Six to ten. Pure white, and glossy.

HOOPOE (Upupaepops).

A regular spring migrant in small numbers to our
southern and eastern districts. It has nested with us,

40 OUR MIGRANT BIRDS

and doubtless would establish itself as a breeding species
if the greed of the collector could be curbed.

Haunts. — Pastures, meadows, and well-timbered dis-
tricts.

Plumage. — Crest cinnamon-brown, tipped with black,
and fan-shaped when fully erected. Head, shoulders,
and under parts cinnamon. Rump white. Wings
black, variegated with white bands conspicuous in flight.
Tail black, banded with white about the centre. Bill
black, flesh-coloured at the base ; long and slightly
arched. Legs deep brown. Length gf in. Female
slightly smaller ; crest and bill also smaller. Young,
duller.

Language. — Alow " hoop-hoop," or " bu-bu," repeated
two or three times.

Habits. — It runs about very actively, bobbing its
crested head. Flight undulating, and not long sustained.
Rarely perches, being terrestial in habits. Tame and
confiding. Fond of dusting itself.

Food. — Insects and their larvae, worms, spiders, &c.

Nest. — May. One brood.

Site. — In a hole in a tree, especially in willows and
ashes, or hole in wall.

Materials. — Twigs, straw, rootlets, and feathers,
cemented by an evil-smelling ordure.

Eggs. — Five to seven. Pale greenish blue at first,
but they soon become stained.

TURTLE DOVE (Turtur communis).

April to September. Local ; found principally in
the southern and western counties, and in Wales ; in
Scotland and Ireland rare.

TREE PIPIT (page 36)

BIRDS OF THE WOODS 41

Observation. — Our smallest Dove. Much browner
than other Doves, with longer tail tipped with white.

Haunts. — Woods, plantations, &c.

Plumage. — Head and nape ash-colour, tinged with
vinous ; a patch of black feathers tipped with white on
either side of the neck. Neck and breast vinous red.
Back ash-brown. Scapulars and wings rusty red with
dark centres. Primaries dusky. Secondaries bluish
ash ; under parts white. Tail tipped with white, con-
spicuous in flight. Bill brown. Legs and feet red.
Length n| in. Female rather smaller and browner.
Young, no white on neck and brownish above.

Language. — A soft plaintive sound like " tur-turre."

Habits. — Much like the other Doves.

Food. — Much like the other Doves.

Nest. — May. Two broods.

Site. — In hawthorn or small tree, &c., never very
high up.

Materials. — Slender twigs and small sticks, laid cross-
wise.

Eggs. — Two. White suffused with creamy. Much
like Stock Dove's, but smaller.

HONEY BUZZARD (Pernis apivorus).

May to November. Nowadays very rare, and will
continue so as long as British collectors give fabulous
prices for their skins or eggs.

Plumage. — Head ash-grey ; upper parts brown. Tail
greyish brown, with three dark bands ; under parts
white, barred and spotted with reddish brown. Feathers
of lores close and scale-like. Beak rather feeble, and

42 OUR MIGRANT BIRDS

greyish brown. Cere and legs yellow. Length 20 in.
Female, rather larger and browner. Young, rather paler ;
immature plumage rather variable.

Language. — A shrill " kee-kee-kee " ; rather silent.

Habits. — It is chiefly an insectivorous bird, and the
scale-like feathers of the lores are practically impervious
to an insect's sting — an admirable provision. It runs
more freely than other birds of this family. Flight
heavy. In disposition it is sedentary and spiritless.

Food. — Chiefly wasps and bees, both in the larval
or perfect state ; also other kinds of insects, small
mammals and birds, reptiles, eggs and worms.

Nest. — May or June. One brood.

Site. — Usually in some tall tree ; sometimes on a ledge
of a cliff.

Materials. — Sticks and twigs, lined with green leaves.

Eggs. — Two or three. Creamy white, blotched and
marked with rich ruddy brown. Variable.

WOODCOCK (Scolopax rusticula).

Most abundant in autumn and winter. A consider-
able number breed in suitable localities in most counties
but nowhere commonly.

Haunts. — Woods, preferably those in the vicinity of
damp places.

Plumage. — Upper parts rich reddish brown, beauti-
fully mottled, barred, and vermiculated with black.
Under parts fawn-brown, delicately barred with dark
brown. Bill long and tapering, light brown, darker
at tip. Legs and feet yellowish brown. Length 14! in.
Female similar. Young, more barred on rump and

BIRDS OF THE WOODS 43

tail-coverts. Nestling : covered with fawn-coloured
down, striped all down centre of back with chestnut
and bordered with cream-colour ; black line through eye.

Language. — Two notes — one a sharp and the other a
deep kind of whistle, something like a frog's croak.

Habits. — Nocturnal, spending the day under some
umbrageous bush, coming forth at night with curious
zigzagging flight, and probing soft, damp places with its
long, sensitive bill for food. Note the backward position
of eyes, a provision of nature enabling the bird to probe
in the mud without choking the eyes with it. If danger
threatens, the parents will remove their young to a
place of safety.

Food. — Worms especially ; also beetles, insects, small
Crustacea, &c.

Nest. — March or April. One brood.

Site. — In a slight hollow, sheltered by long grass,
bracken, and the like, in sequestered woods.

Materials. — If any, a few leaves, grasses, or fern-fronds.

Eggs. — Four. Pale drab-yellow or stone-colour,
spotted and blotched rather sparingly with light yellowish
brown, umber-brown, and ash-grey. Not very pyriform
in shape.

GREAT GREY SHRIKE (Lanius excubitor).

A fairly frequent visitor in autumn and winter ;
it has not been proved to breed here.

Plumage. — Eye-stripe white ; lores and ear-coverts
black ; upper parts pearl-grey, whiter on the scapulars.
Wings black ; primaries and secondaries tipped with
white, making two white bars. Tail black, tipped with
white ; outer tail-feathers white ; under parts white.

44 OUR MIGRANT BIRDS

Bill black, and slightly hooked. Legs black. Length
9^ in. Female duller, and faintly barred on under
parts with greyish brown.

Language. — Call-note, " tru-i-i " : alarm-note, " shake-
shake."

Habits. — Flight strong and undulating. Like the
other Shrikes, it is predaceous, perching like a sentinel
at the top of some tree, watching its quarry, upon
which it pounces, and either tears it to pieces like a
hawk, or impales the writhing victim on stout thorns.

Food. — Small birds and mammals, lizards, frogs,
insects, beetles, and grasshoppers.

Nidification. — Breeds in Europe.

CUCKOO (Cuculus canorus).

Mid-April to August or September. Generally dis-
tributed and abundant. Found everywhere in the
country.

Observation. — The general appearance of the Cuckoo
is distinctly Hawk-like, the long tail and barred under-
parts much resembling the Sparrow Hawk ; but note
shorter wings.

Plumage. — Upper parts bluish ash-grey. Wings
darker, and inner webs barred with white. Tail dark
slate-grey with white flecks, and rather long. Throat
and breast ash-grey ; under parts dull white, trans-
versely barred with dull brown. Bill blackish, with
yellow edges ; gape wide. Legs yellow. Length 13^ in.
Female similar, but slightly rufous on the breast. Young :
upper parts ash, barred with reddish brown, white spot
on nape.

Language. — The well-known " cuckoo," sometimes
" cuck-cuck-oo," and more rarely " cuckoo," &c., and

BIRDS OF THE WOODS 45

ending in an abrupt " cuck." These latter variations
occur when the voice is " breaking " In July the
bird becomes silent. The female utters a curious
bubbling kind of noise.

Habits. — It is parasitical, laying its eggs on the ground,
and conveying them in its beak to the nest of some
other bird, which hatches same and acts as foster-parent
to the young Cuckoo. When old and strong enough
the young Cuckoo at once ejects the rightful tenants
of the nest. Flight fairly rapid and direct, but some-
what laboured. It seldom alights on the ground, on
which it is awkward, owing to its short legs.

Food. — Insects principally ; specially fond of hairy
caterpillars.

Nest. — Upwards of sixty different kinds of British
birds have done duty as foster-parents to the young
Cuckoo ; but most usually the female deposits her egg
in the nests of the Meadow and Tree Pipits, Reed Warbler,
Pied Wagtail, and Hedge Sparrow. Five to eight eggs
are said to be laid in a season, though it is rare to find
more than one Cuckoo's egg in any nest. The egg is
absurdly small for the bird's size, being no larger than
a Skylark's. It varies, as a rule, according to the kind
of eggs among which it is placed, sometimes resembling
them but often not having the slightest resemblance.
Usually dull greenish or ruddy white, spotted and mottled
with darker shades of the same colours.

HOBBY (Falco subbuteo).

End of May to September. Very local ; found most
usually in the southern, western, and midland counties ;
elsewhere much rarer.

Haunts. — Woodland districts.

46 OUR MIGRANT BIRDS

Observation. — In general appearance like a Lesser
Peregrine Falcon.

Plumage. — Upper parts bluish black ; cheeks and
moustache black. Wings long ; under parts buffish
white, longitudinally streaked with black. Thighs rusty
red. Bill horn-colour, darker at the tip. Legs, cere,
and orbits yellow. Length 12 in. Female duller,
length 14 in. Young, plumage tinged with rufous.
Nestlings covered with white down.

Language. — A shrill cry, somewhat like the Kestrel's.

Habits. — Much resembles the Peregrine Falcon. The
long pointed wings, exceeding the tail when closed, are
always noticeable in flight. Flight very rapid.

Food. — Various kinds of insects chiefly ; also small
birds like Larks.

Nest. — May or June. One brood.

Site. — Some old Crow's or Magpie's nest is appro-
priated.

Eggs. — Three or four. Pale ochreous, speckled and
dusted with dark red. Very like Kestrel's.

CHIFFCHAFF (Phylloscopus rufus).

April to September. Fairly commonly distributed,
being most abundant in the south and south-western
counties. Rare in Scotland and Ireland.

Haunts. — Woods and well-timbered districts.

Plumage. — Pale yellow superciliary streak over eye.
Lores olive ; upper parts olive-green. Breast and flanks
greyish white, suffused with yellow. Wings and tail
brown, edged with olive-green ; under wing-coverts
yellow ; under parts white, slightly washed with yellow-
ish. Thighs yellow. Bill brown. Legs dark brown.

BIRDS OF THE WOODS 47

Length 4f in. Female similar. Young, greener, and
eye-streak ill-defined.

Language. — Song, a monotonous " chiff-chiff," or
" chiff-cheff." Alarm-note, " tewy."

Habits. — Flight undulating. It sings from the top
of some tall tree, when its sombre plumage and small
size can make it difficult to observe. When not singing
it actively and restlessly pursues its insect prey among
the leaves. Rarely seen on the ground.

Food. — Small insects and their larvae and soft fruits.

Nest. — May onwards. Two broods.

Site. — On or near the ground in hedgebank, or in patch
of rankly growing grass, in lower part of small bush, &c.

Materials. — Dry grass, dead leaves, rootlets and moss,
lined with fine rootlets, a little hair, and many soft
feathers. Nest cave-shaped.

Eggs. — Five to seven. White, more or less spotted and
speckled with brown and purplish brown.

WILLOW WARBLER OR WILLOW WREN

(Phyllo scopus trochilus).

April to September. Found generally throughout
Great Britain, but in some parts of Cornwall, Wales and
Ireland it is rarer.

Haunts. — Woodland districts, but less a bird of the
woods than the last. It has no especial predilection
for willow trees, as the name might imply.

Observation. — Rather larger and altogether yellower
than the Chiffchaff.

Plumage. — Sides of head, superciliary streak over
eyes and throat bright yellow ; upper parts yellowish

48 OUR MIGRANT BIRDS

olive-green. Breast and flanks yellowish olive ; wings
olive-brown, tipped with yellowish ; under wing-coverts
bright yellow ; under parts yellowish white, more yellow
on thighs and rump. Bill and legs brown. Length 5 in.
Female similar. Young, generally yellower.

Language. — Song, a little reminiscent of the Chaffinch's
ditty, in that it mounts up and then hurries down the
scale in a staccato, irregular manner, and ends in a
subdued kind of whisper. Alarm-note like the Chiff-
chaff's " tewy."

Habits. — When seeking food amongst the leaves of
some moderately tall tree, it reminds one of the Tits
with its odd acrobatic actions. Flight undulating.
It sings persistently from April to July. It rarely
alights on the ground, but when it does it hops much
like a Robin.

Food. — Insects chiefly ; soft fruits in summer.

Nest. — May onwards. Often two broods.

Site. — On or very near the ground among thick
grass, &c., or under bush or hedge.

Materials. — Dry grass, dead leaves, and moss, lined
with wool, rootlets, hair, and feathers. Nest cave-shaped.

Eggs. — Five to eight. White, spotted and speckled
with reddish sienna-brown, much like some of the Tits'
eggs.

WOOD WARBLER OR WOOD WREN

(Phylloscopus sibilatrix).

April to September. Generally distributed ; local
in Scotland, rare in Ireland.

Haunts. — As last, but essentially a bird of the woods.

Observation. — Distinguished from its congeners by its
larger size, brighter appearance, rather longer wings and
white under-parts.

BIRDS OF THE WOODS 49

Plumage. — Superciliary streak over eyes bright yellow.
Chin, throat, and breast white, suffused with yellow,
upper parts yellowish green ; wings and tail greyish
brown, edged with yellowish and tipped with white.
Belly white. Rump and thighs yellow. Bill and legs
brown. Length 5 J in. Female similar. Young, yellower
than adults.

Language. — Song, clear and sweet, beginning slowly,
then becoming faster, and ending in a tremulous, sibilous
note, thus : " twit-twit-twit-tit-tit-tit-ti-ti-ti-i-i-i."
Call-note, " too-er." Alarm-note, " pi-o."

Habits. — Very similar to last two. Very restless and
active in its movements. Specially fond of beech and
oak trees, especially the uppermost parts of same.

Food. — Insects and their larvae. Small soft fruits.

Nest. — May. Probably one brood only.

Site. — On or very near the ground, well concealed by
growing herbage, and nearly always in a wood, copse,
or the like.

Materials. — Dead leaves, grass, and moss, lined with
finer grass and horsehair. Note. — Feathers never used
as a lining, like the last two. Nest cave-shaped.

Eggs. — Five to seven. White, well spotted and
speckled with dark brown and purplish grey. Often
zoned.

GOLDEN ORIOLE (Oriolus galbula}.

An annual but rare spring migrant, more especially
in the South. It has bred with us, and doubtless would
do so annually if " collectors " would allow it.

Haunts. — Gardens, plantations, woods, &c.

Plumage. — Lores black ; wings black, margined and
tipped with yellowish white. Tail yellowish, tipped

G

50 OUR MIGRANT BIRDS

with black ; otherwise golden yellow. Bill red. Legs
lead-colour. Length 9^ in. Female duller and greener,
with reddish markings rather than black ; under parts
streaked with greyish. Young duller than female.

Language. — Song not extensive, but melodious and
flute-like — " weet-li-wee-o." Call-note, a harsh " khrr."

Habits. — Although not averse to man's haunts, it
is very shy, and prefers to sit in the umbrageous shelter
of some thick tree, as though self-conscious of its brilliant
exotic colouring. It flies like a thrush, only more
undulatingly, and in other habits reminds one of the
Thrush.

Food. — Insects and their larvae, spiders, &c. ; specially
fond of cherries.

Nest. — May or June. Probably one brood only.

Site. — Usually suspended at the end of some small
bough of an oak or fir tree.

Materials. — Bark-strips, grasses and wool lined with
grass ; hammock-like in appearance.

Eggs. — Four to five. Glossy white, spotted with
dark brown.

FIRE-CRESTED WREN (Regulus ignicapillus) .

A casual visitor, usually between October and April,
and chiefly noted in the South and East.

Plumage. — Much like the resident Gold Crest, but
differs in the more developed white superciliary streak
and yellowish frontal band ; also a black streak from
gape through eye, and slight moustachial streak. Neck
and shoulders brighter green. Bill black. Legs brown.
Length 3^ in. Female, duller and paler crest. Young,
no crest.

BIRDS OF THE WOODS 51

Language. — Song, not unlike the Gold Crest, but less
shrill ; a low " zit-zit."

Habits. — Generally much like the Gold Crest.
Food. — Insects and spiders principally.
Nidification. — Breeds in Southern Europe.

RED-BACKED SHRIKE (Lanius collurio).

April to September. Common enough in certain
localities ; most abundant in southern counties, except
Cornwall ; rarer towards the north ; rare in Ireland.

Haunts. — Margins of woods, commons, and the like,
where there are good thick hedges.

Plumage. — Band passing from base of bill through
eyes to lores black ; upper parts grey, except mantle,
which is chestnut-brown. Wings dark brown, edged with
chestnut. Two central tail-feathers black, the rest
black at the end and white at the base ; chin, white ;
under parts buff suffused with rose. Bill and legs black.
Length 7 in. Female : upper parts reddish brown,
slightly barred ; no black on head, and pale buff eye-
stripe. Young almost similar to female.

Language. — A great mimic, uttering notes like several
other birds ; one note like a House Sparrow's attempt
at song. Call-note a harsh chirp. Alarm-note a harsh
" chack."

Habits. — It resembles the other Shrikes in its raptorial
habit of capturing its prey and spitting it on thorns
near its nest (hence Butcher Bird). When perched at
the top of some hedge or tree — like a sentinel — it utters
its chattering notes and jerks its tail. Flight undulating.

Food. — SmaU birds, mammals, and reptiles ; also bees,
wasps, beetles, &c.

Nest. — June. One brood only.

52 OUR MIGRANT BIRDS

Site. — In fork of thick hawthorn hedge, usually.

Materials. — Stalks, roots and moss, lined with bents,
horse-hair, and occasionally some wool ; nest rather
large.

Eggs. — Four to six. Dull pinky or buffy white,
spotted or zoned with reddish and olive-brown, and pur-
plish grey underlying. Variable.

WAX WING (Ampelis garrulus).

An irregular visitor, usually to the northern and eastern
districts, often in considerable numbers.

Plumage. — Frontal band, lores, and chin black.
Forehead and crest chestnut-brown ; upper parts light
greyish brown, shading into ash-grey towards rump.
Wings black, tipped with white ; outer webs of second-
aries tipped with white, and with several red sealing wax-
like appendages (hence Waxwing). Tail black, broadly
tipped with yellow ; under parts rosy brown, whiter on
the belly ; under tail-coverts chestnut. Bill and legs
black. Length 7^ in. Female duller. Young browner,
and no black chin.

Language. — Usually rather silent ; it has a note not
unlike the Blue Tit's, thus : " cir-ir-ir-irre."

Habits. — Flight not unlike the Starling's. In its
movements and actions it reminds one of the Tits.

Food. — Insects, but fond of many kinds of berries,
especially mistletoe berries.

Nidification. — Breeds in Northern Europe, &c.

BRAMBLING (Fringilla montifringilla) .

An irregular winter migrant. Commoner in the North,
and much rarer in the South and West ; it may breed in
the extreme North.

BIRDS OF THE WOODS 53

Haunts. — Vagrant while with us, but partial to beech-
grown districts.

Plumage. — Head, cheeks, nape, and upper part of
back black (tipped with light brown in winter). Scapulars
tawny brown. Wings black, variegated with orange-
brown and white. Rump white mottled with black,
noticeable in flight. Tail black ; white bases to outer
pair of feathers. Throat and breast reddish tawny,
fading into white on the belly. Flanks spotted with
black. Bill bluish black. Legs brown. Length 6 in.
Female, no black areas and all colouring duller. Young,
like female.

Language. — Song, much like Chaffinch's without the
terminal notes, and also long-drawn, monotonous
" zshweo," much like the Greenfinch's. Call-note, a
harsh " chib " or " whit."

Habits. — Much like the resident Chaffinch.

Food. — Insects in summer. In winter, beech-mast
and various seeds.

Nest. — May or June. One brood.

Site. — In fork of some birch or fir tree. Sometimes in
bushes.

Materials. — Birch bark-strips, lichens, and moss, lined
with fine grass and feathers. Not unlike the Chaffinch's.

Eggs. — Five to seven. Much like Chaffinch's, but
greener and less marked.

Migrant Birds of the Commons, Downs
M oorland and Mountainous Districts

SNOWY OWL (Nyctea scandiaca).

A fairly regular, though not abundant, cold-weather
visitor, chiefly to the North.

Plumage. — White, spotted, and barred with blackish
or dark brown. Bill black. Legs feathered. Length
22 in. Female, larger, and more marked.

Language. — A harsh " krau-krau," several times
repeated ; also a loud " rick-rick-rick."

Habits. — Diurnal. Bold and ferocious. Flight power-
ful. It pursues and seizes its prey much like a Falcon

Food. — Various mammals up to the size of a hare, and
birds up to the size of a grouse ; also fish.

Nidification. — Breeds in circumpolar regions.

SNOW BUNTING (Plectrophenax nivalis).

A winter visitor. Much more commonly met with in
Scotland, rarer in England. A few individuals remain
to breed in the extreme North.
55

56 OUR MIGRANT BIRDS

Haunts. — Waste lands, &c., usually near the sea.

Plumage. — Head, neck, part of the wings, and under
parts white ; upper parts black. Bill and legs black.
Length 6| in. Female : head and upper parts mottled
with dull black, and otherwise duller ; winter plumage,
upper parts edged with chestnut ; bill yellow, tipped
with black. Young, greyish brown, and darker above
and below.

Language. — Song, a low melodious warble, uttered
either when perched or fluttering in the air like a Tree
Pipit. Call-note, " tsee." Alarm-note, " tweek."

Habits. — Flight vacillating. It feeds principally on
the ground, where it runs quickly or hops.

Food. — Insects, seeds, and grain.

Nest. — June or July. One brood.

Site. — In clefts in rocks, amongst a heap of stones, &c.

Materials. — Dry grass, roots, and moss, lined with
hair, wool, and feathers.

Eggs. — Four to six. Greyish white, spotted and
blotched with reddish brown and purplish black.

RING OUZEL (Turdus torquatus).

April to Autumn. Local, though abundant in the
North. Breeds in West, and in suitable localities
in the Midlands, east and south.

Haunts. — Moorland and mountainous districts.

Observation. — Distinguished at once from Blackbird
by white throat band.

Plumage. — Generally sooty, with greyish white edgings
to the feathers. There is no complete ring ; it is a
broad white crescentic-shaped gorget. Bill yellowish

RED-BACKED SHRIKE (page 51)

RING OUZEL

WHINCHAT (faSe 57)

GRASSHOPPER WARBLER (page 59)

BIRDS OF THE COMMONS 57

tipped with black. Legs brownish black. Length
io£ in. Female browner, gorget less developed and
dingy. Young, back and breast barred with black, and
wing-coverts tipped with buff.

Language. — Song, loud, rather fluty and wild.
When alarmed it utters harsh cries, like "tack-tack-tack.'*
much resembling the Blackbird. Call-note, a shrill
kind of whistle.

Habits. — Much like the Blackbird ; very similar in the
way it hops about when seeking food, in its flight with
the inevitable flirt of the tail when alighting, and in its
behaviour when alarmed. On their return in April
they consort in flocks until paired off.

Food. — Worms, grubs, slugs, snails, and insects ;
soft fruits and various berries in season.

Nest. — April or May. Probably two broods.

Site. — On the ground, in holes of banks, amongst
rocks concealed by furze or heather. Sometimes in
low bushes.

Materials. — Pieces of heather, dead leaves, moss,
and roots, compacted with mud, lined with fine dry
grasses. Much like the Blackbird's.

Eggs. — Four or five. Resembling the Fieldfare's
and Blackbird's. Bluish green, spotted and mottled
with reddish brown.

WHINCHAT (Pratincola rubetra).

April to October. Possibly some remain throughout
the winter, in mild parts. Local, though pretty generally
distributed throughout Great Britain, rarer towards
the North. Very local in Ireland.

Haunts. — Open commons, heathy hill-sides, and
meadow lands, where there are furze-tracts, but it is

58 OUR MIGRANT BIRDS

by no means so inseparable from furze-clad wastes
as the Stonechat.

Plumage. — Upper parts dusky brown ; feathers edged
with reddish yellow, white stripe over eye. Lores and
cheeks dark brown. Throat and sides of neck white.
Wings dark brown with white spot. Tail dark brown,
basal portion white. Throat and breast yellowish
red ; under parts yellowish white. Bill and legs black.
Length 5^ in. Female, duller colouring, with white
spot on wing smaller, and eye-stripe buff. Young
much resemble female, but breast more spotted.

Language. — Song, a pleasing warble ; short, impetuous,
and rather resembling the Redstart's. While singing it
fans its tail. Call-note, " utic-utac " or uchack."
Note of anxiety, a weak " twzee."

Habits. — Partial to grass-lands (hence Grasschat).
Fond of perching on the summit of low, stunted bushes,
all the while fidgeting extremely, fanning its tail, and
making little excursions into the air with undulating
flight to take an insect, and returning to the same bush
or one adjacent. Most of its food is obtained on the
ground. Flight fairly rapid and direct.

Food. — Largely insects and their larvae, spiders,
grubs, wire-worms, and small beetles.

Nest. — May onwards. Two broods.

Site. — On the ground, under a clod of grass, under
thick furze or other bush, always studiously concealed —
usually a little tortuous tunnel through the tangle
leading to the nest.

Materials. — Bents, grass, rootlets, and moss, loosely
compacted, lined with finer materials and hair.

Eggs. — Four to six. Greenish blue, not unlike the
Hedge Sparrow's. Usually faintly speckled and zoned
with red-brown.

BIRDS OF THE COMMONS 59

GRASSHOPPER WARBLER (Locustella ncevia).

April to September. Found pretty generally through-
out Great Britain, but more local in Scotland.

Haunts. — Both dry and marshy ground, copses,
choked ditches, wild commons, and wastes.

Observation. — When close to this bird, note spots on
neck and breast and slight bars on tail.

Plumage. — Feathers of neck and breast whitish, with
dark centres ; upper parts light olive-brown, each feather
having a dark centre ; under parts pale brown. Abdo-
men lighter. Tail brown and slightly barred. Bill
brownish above and yellowish below. Legs yellowish
brown. Length 5 in. Female almost similar, but
lacking spots on neck and breast. Young, more buffy
on under parts.

Language. — Song : much resembling the stridulous
noise of the grasshopper (hence its name). There is no
music in it. It is a thin, monotonous burring, not unlike
an angler's reel being wound up at great speed. This
" song " is persistently uttered, and may be heard at
night. Another note, " tzic-tzic-tzac."

Habits. — It usually comes to the top of some spray to
deliver the song, when the body quivers as though an
electric current were running through it. When
alarmed it at once glides into the tangle like a mouse,
and skulks. Extremely difficult to observe.

Food. — Insects and their larvae, spiders ; also soft
fruits and berries.

Nest. — May onwards. Two broods.

Site. — In thick tuft of grass on or near the ground, at
bottom of furze bush, etc. ; most carefully concealed.

Materials.- — Dry grass, dead leaves and moss lined with
fine grasses and fibres.

Eggs. — Five to seven. Pinkish white, well speckled
with reddish brown ; often zoned.

60 OUR MIGRANT BIRDS

NIGHTJAR (Caprimulgus europceus).

Mid-May to September. Most abundant in the
southern counties ; rarer towards the North.

Haunts. — Commons, moors, stony wastes, &c. ; near
woods, especially where bracken is abundant.

Plumage. — Ash-grey, barred and spotted with black,
brown, and cinnamon ; white tips to the outer tail-
feathers, and large white spots on the inner web of the
first three primaries ; middle toe pectinated ; gape very
wide ; rictal bristles strongly developed. Bill dark
horn-brown. Legs horn-brown. Length 10 Jin. Female,
white spots less distinct and less bright. Young, spots
on wing and tail buff.

Language. — It makes a most extraordinary sound,
which may be called purring, reeling, spinning, or
vibrating ; a good idea may be obtained by vibrating
the tongue against the roof of the mouth, only the bird's
noise is louder ; it also reminds one of a policeman's
rattle, but not so loud. Call-note, " pee-ep."

Habits. — When perched lengthwise — not crosswise as
in most birds — on a dead branch lying on the ground, it
provides an instance of protective resemblance, harmonis-
ing perfectly with the bark. Chiefly nocturnal, flying
round and round like a big moth in the dim light,
doubling here and turning there, uttering its weird note.
Very awkward on the ground, and if disturbed at once
takes wing.

Food. — Moths and cockchafers, principally ; also
other kinds of insects.

Nest. — June. One brood.

Site. — On the ground, among bracken ; under
brambles ; frequently quite exposed.

Materials. — None.

BIRDS OF THE COMMONS 61

Eggs. — Two. White ; blotched, mottled, clouded,
veined and marbled with brown of two or three shades
and lilac. Oval in shape.

ROUGH-LEGGED BUZZARD (Buteo lagopus).

A more or less regular winter visitor, haunting moun-
tainous districts and waste lands.

Observation. — Distinguish from Common Buzzard by
the creamy white on head and white on tail.

Plumage. — Head and neck creamy white streaked
with reddish brown ; upper parts dark brown, blotched
and marked with dull white and rufous. Base of tail
white and conspicuous, barred near tip with brown ;
under parts buffish white barred with brown. Bill,
blackish. Feet and cere yellow. Legs feathered to
toes, unlike Common Buzzard. Length, 23 in. Female
similar, but larger, 26 in. Young browner above, with
less white on tail, and under parts streaked and not
barred.

Language. — Like Common Buzzard, and resembling
the mewing of a cat.

Habits. — Flight more powerful than Common Buzzard,
and rather resembling that of an Eagle when it soars
and circles high in the air.

Food. — Mammals up to the size of a leveret ; also
birds and reptiles.
Nidification. — Breeds in Northern Europe and Asia.

STONE CURLEW ((Edicnemus scolopax).

April to October. Very local, being almost confined
(at any rate in the breeding season) to chalk-downs.

62 OUR MIGRANT BIRDS

Found in most of the southern, midland, and eastern
counties, being commonest in Norfolk (Norfolk Plover).

Plumage. — Irides large and yellow ; upper parts
mottled with dark and light brown ; white bar on wings.
Throat and stripe under eye white ; under parts buff
streaked with dark brown. Bill black at tip ; yellowish
green at base. Knee-joint rather large (hence Thick-
knee). Legs and feet yellow. Length 16 in. Female
similar. Young, duller, and more barred on tail.
Nestling : mottled with sandy grey and pale brown ;
black stripe each side of head and down centre of back ;
legs bluish grey.

Language. — A loud tremulous wailing cry, especially
at night ; rather silent by day.

Habits. — Semi-nocturnal. It runs very swiftly. When
the nest is in danger the parent at once quietly runs
away, sometimes feigning injury, or squatting motionless
with neck extended where its plumage harmonizes with
the ground, and is very difficult to see. The young
always do the same if frightened. Gregarious in winter.
Flight strong, with legs stretched out behind.

Food. — Insects, beetles, worms, and slugs ; also mice,
frogs, and reptiles.

Nest. — May. Probably two broods.

Site. — On the ground, among pebbles or stones.

Materials. — Perhaps a few grasses.

Eggs. — Two. Buff or clay-colour, spotted, streaked,
and blotched with dark brown and bluish grey.

WHIMBREL (Numenius phceopus}.

A well-distributed though not common visitor to our
shores in spring and autumn. Breeds only on the Shet-
lands and Orkneys.

BIRDS OF THE COMMONS 63

Haunts. — Mountainous and moorland districts when
breeding, otherwise meadows and pasture lands near sea.

Observation. — In general appearance like a lesser
Curlew.

Plumage. — Crown of head dark brown, with broad pale
streak down middle ; upper parts like Curlew, but
darker ; axillaries white, barred with brown ; under parts
like Curlew. Bill decurved, black at tip, yellowish at
base. Legs and feet lead-colour. Length 17 in. Female
rather larger. In winter, paler below ; chest and neck
only striped, not spotted as in summer. Young : well
spotted above with buffish white ; rump streaked ;
axillaries slightly barred. Nestling : buffish white
above and below, with two dark stripes along crown,
and black markings and mottlings on back.

Language. — A clear short whistle, repeated seven or
eight times in succession, like " tetty."
Habits. — Generally much like the Curlew.
Food. — Generally much like the Curlew.
Nest. — May or June. One brood.

Site. — In slight depression in the ground, sheltered by
heather or coarse grass.

Materials. — A few heather-stalks, grasses or leaves.

Eggs. — Four. Pale olive-green, spotted and blotched
with reddish brown ; much like the Curlew's, but
smaller.

WHEATEAR (Saxicola cenanthe).

March to September. Local. Towards the North
more abundant, but it breeds in many suitable localities
in the South, and other districts abounding in rough,
broken ground, rabbit warrens, and open wastes near
the coast.

64 OUR MIGRANT BIRDS

Plumage. — Upper parts bluish grey. Forehead and
streak over eyes white. Lores and ear-coverts black,
under parts white, tinged with buff. Wings almost
black. Rump white ; two middle tail-feathers black,
rest white, tipped with black. Bill and legs black.
Length 6 in. Female, upper parts yellowish brown ;
ear-coverts dark brown, superciliary streak dingy white.
Young, spotted above and below, and wing and tail-
feathers margined with buff.

Language. — Song, a short and somewhat insignificant
warble. It has some powers of mimicry. Call-note,
a sharp metallic " chack " or " tack," like striking
two pebbles smartly together.

Habits. — Always conspicuous, for it readily takes to
wing, when the white rump at once attracts the eye.
Fond of perching on any little proclivity or point of
vantage on the rock-strewn and broken land which it
always affects ; it is constantly flitting about from one
rock to another, seldom alights on a bush. Insects
captured on the wing, though food is usually taken on
the ground, where it runs rapidly, staying its progress
at intervals, and flirting its tail up and down.

Food. — Insects largely, and their larvae ; spiders,
worms, grubs, and small beetles.

Nest. — May onwards. Two broods.

Site. — In holes in the ground, often in disused rabbit-
burrow, amongst heaps of stones, in stone walls, in
banks, under clod of turf, &c., and always well con-
cealed.

Materials. — Dry grass, roots, moss, wool and hair,
loosely put together.

Eggs. — Five, six, or more. Pale greenish blue ;
sometimes faintly freckled at the large end with rusty
or purple.

NIGHTJAR (page 60)

STONE CURLEW (page 61)

BIRDS OF THE COMMONS 65

MONTAGU'S HARRIER (Circus cineraceus}.

April to September. The commonest of the Harriers,
but nevertheless rare. Found in suitable localities in
the south, south-western counties, and in East Anglia.

Haunts. — Open country. Plains and marsh-lands.

Observation. — Of slimmer build, comparatively longer
wings, and darker mantle than Hen Harrier. Also
note black bands on secondaries, and chestnut markings
on under parts.

Plumage. — Upper parts bluish grey. Primaries black.
Secondaries have three dusky transverse bars. Side
tail-feathers barred with reddish orange. Throat and
breast ash-grey ; under parts greyish white striped with
reddish orange. Bill dark horn-colour. Cere and legs
yellow. Length 17 in. Female : upper parts generally
of a warm brown tint ; under parts pale reddish-yellow,
longitudinally streaked with rusty brown. Length
19 in. Young, chocolate-brown above, and nearly
chestnut-brown on the under parts.

Language. — A harsh shriek, somewhat like the Kitti-
wake's cry.

Habits. — Very similar to the other Harriers.

Food. — Small mammals, birds and reptiles ; also
eggs and insects.

Nest. — May. One brood.

Site. — On the ground, under some bush, or amongst
heather.

Materials. — Sticks, grass, and stalks, lined with fine
grass.

Eggs. — Four to six. White suffused with blue,
occasionally marked with rusty brown.

66 OUR MIGRANT BIRDS

LAPLAND BUNTING (Calcarius lapponicus).

An irregular visitor, usually observed in autumn
and winter.

Observation. — Distinguish from resident Reed Bunting
by white stripe above and not below eye.

Plumage. — Crown, cheeks, throat and chest black ;
white stripe over eye and down sides of neck ; chestnut
band across back of neck ; upper parts tawny brown,
centred with blackish and with pale margins. Tail
dark brown. Belly white, streaked with black on flanks.
Bill yellow, tipped with black. Legs black. Length
6 £ in. Female : no black on head and chest, but
streaked with brownish black, paler above. In winter
plumage of both sexes more tawny.

Language. — Song, not unlike the Tree Pipit's, and
delivered in a similar manner. Call-note, a plaintive
whistle. Another note, like " chee-up."

Habits. — Flight rapid and undulating.

Food. — Insects and their larvae, and various seeds.

Nidification. — Breeds in circumpolar regions.

DOTTEREL (Eudromias morinellus}.

April to September. Usually observed as a passing
migrant. It may still breed, in limited numbers, in the
mountains of the Lake District. Breeds more commonly
on the loneliest mountain districts of the Highlands.

Plumage. — Crown blackish, bordered with white
band extending round to the nape ; upper parts ash-
brown. Tail tipped with white. Throat dull white.
Breast ash-brown, with white band below. Flanks

BIRDS OF THE COMMONS 67

chestnut. Belly black. Tail-coverts white. Bill black.
Legs and feet dusky green. Length gin. Female,
rather larger and brighter. Young : crown and upper
parts margined with rufous buff ; breast mottled with
greyish brown ; under parts dull white. Young in
down : huffish with blackish and rufous markings.

Language. — Said to be a low, unmusical chirp ; very
silent.

Habits. — On its first arrival it moves about the country
in small flocks known as " trips " but soon goes north
to breed. It is almost foolishly tame, and its name is
probably derived from " dotard." It runs with great
rapidity.

Food. — Insects and their larvae, beetles, wire-worms,
&c.

Nest. — June. One brood.

Site. — On the ground, among short grass growing
near a mountain-top.

Materials. — None.

Eggs. — Three. Yellowish olive, blotched and spotted
with brownish black.

Migrant Birds of the Streams, Rivers,
Lakes and Marshy Districts

SPOTTED OR DUSKY REDSHANK
(Totanus fuscus).

An uncommon and irregular visitor chiefly to the East
Coast, during migration in the Autumn.

Haunts. — Lakes, marshes, rivers, sometimes brackish
waters.

Plumage. — Generally sooty, the upper parts having
white triangular spots ; rump and upper tail-coverts
white, well barred with black. Bill blackish. Legs
and feet purplish red. Length 13 in. Female rather
larger, under parts paler and mottled. In winter
upper parts ash-grey mottled with white, under parts
dull white ; axillaries white. Young browner above and
marked with dusky below.

Language. — A loud and clear " chooee."
Habits. — With us usually met with in small parties,
69

70 OUR MIGRANT BIRDS

and is always most wary and difficult to approach.
Like the resident Common Redshank it sometimes
perches on trees. Though seeking food by means of
wading it often voluntarily swims in an able manner.

Food. — Insects, beetles, small molluscs, &c.

Nidification. — Breeds in Northern Europe and Asia.

REED WARBLER (Acrocephalus streperus).

April to September. Local, but abundant enough
in suitable places in the south and south-eastern parts,
rarer towards the north. Practically unknown in
Scotland and Ireland.

Haunts. — Reed-grown margins of rivers, lakes, ponds,
&c.

Plumage. — White streak over eye ill-defined ; upper
parts reddish brown ; breast and flanks reddish buff ;
under parts pale buff. Rump and upper tail-coverts
brown, suffused with chestnut ; under tail-coverts buff,
tinged with red. Bill horn-brown above and yellowish
below. Legs slaty brown. Length 5| in. Female
similar, but less rufous. Young more tawny on the
under parts.

Language. — Very loquacious, its notes reminding one of
the incessant chiding chattering of the Sedge Warbler ;
it is poor music. When alarmed, even if by night, it at
once bursts into a torrent of harsh, scolding notes. It is
somewhat of a mimic.

Habits. — Very restless, and for ever climbing about the
reed stems of its home. Not easy to observe, as,
when alarmed, it immediately drops down into thick
cover.

Food. — Insects and their larvae, especially young

BIRDS OF THE STREAMS 71

dragon-flies, spiders, slugs and worms ; also soft fruits
and berries.
Nest. — May onwards. Probably two broods.

Site. — Generally supported between reed stems ; also
in osier and willow twigs. Always over water.

Materials. — Dry grass, bents, pieces of reeds, moss, and
cobwebs, lined with fine grass and horsehair. A very
deep cup.

Eggs. — Five to six. Dull greenish white, freckled and
blotched with dark olive and grey.

MARSH WARBLER (Acrocephalus palustris}.

April to September. Decidedly local and uncommon.
It breeds in Somersetshire, Gloucestershire, and Oxon,
and, no doubt, in other suitable counties.

Haunts. — Usually swampy places and osier beds.

Plumage. — Very similar to last, but differs in being
less rufous and greener on upper parts. Wing-feathers
tipped and edged with pale buff, under parts yellower,
and legs pale brown. Length 5 £ in.

Language. — Superior to and more melodious than last.
It is also a mimic, and sings at night.

Habits. — Resembling the last but not so skulking.

Food. — Similar to last.

Nest. — June. One brood.

Site. — Never overhanging water like last. In low
bushes, meadowsweet, or nettles, near water.

Materials. — Grass, moss, and leaves, lined with
horsehair ; cup deep, but not so deep as last.

Eggs. — Five to seven. Whiter ground-colour than
last ; spotted and blotched olive-brown and grey.

72 OUR MIGRANT BIRDS

SEDGE WARBLER (Acrocephalus phragmitis).

April to September. Local in extreme North ;
otherwise common and generally distributed.

Haunts. — River banks, marshy places, and the like.

Observation. — Distinguish from the Reed Warbler by
lighter upper parts and more pronounced eye-stripe.

Plumage. — Head-feathers black, with brown edges ;
pale buff superciliary streak over eyes. Lores smoky
brown. Chin and throat white ; upper parts greyish
golden-brown, with dark centres to feathers. Primaries
greyish brown, narrowly edged with white ; under parts
buffish, passing into white on abdomen. Rump and
upper tail-coverts reddish brown. Bill dark brown
above, lighter below. Legs light brown. Length 5 in.
Female similar but duller. Young spotted with brown
on breast.

Language. — An incessant singer, the song being harsh
and chiding, interspersed here and there with notes
very similar to those of several species. It sings by
night as well as by day. Alarm-note, " chuck-uck-uck-
uck-churr." Call-note, " chiddy-chiddy."

Habits. — Not particularly shy, but difficult to observe,
owing to its intense restlessness. When alarmed it at
once rattles out its curious babbling song.

Food. — Aquatic insects and their larvae, slugs, and
worms ; also soft fruits, e.g., elderberries.

Nest. — May onwards. Two broods.

Site. — Low down amongst thick aquatic herbage, or at
foot of hedge or bush amongst undergrowth.

Materials. — Dead leaves, grasses, and stalks, lined
with fine grass, hair, vegetable-down, and perhaps a
few feathers and a little wool. Cup fairly deep.

Eggs. — Four to six. Dull white, mottled and clouded

BIRDS OF THE STREAMS 73

with yellowish brown ; almost invariably a dark hair-like
streak at the large end.

SAND MARTIN (Cotile riparia}.

April to September. Somewhat local, but occurring
abundantly enough in suitable places.

Haunts. — Gravel and sand-pits, waste, broken land ;
partial to rivers.

Observation. — Distinguish from Swallow and Martin
by prevailing mouse-brown upper plumage.

Plumage. — Upper parts, cheeks, and band on breast
mouse-brown. Throat and under parts white. Wings
and tail blackish brown. Bill black. Legs dark
brown. Length 5 in. Female, similar with narrower
bar across breast. Young, upper parts tipped with
whitish buff ; under parts dingy white.

Language. — Rather like the Martin, but sharper and
coarser in tone. Call-note, " sweer."

Habits. — It feeds like the Swallow on the wing, but the
flight is far more vacillating. Although weak-billed,
it tunnels into the faces of sand and gravel-pits for the
purpose of nest site. Breeds in colonies and shuns
human habitations, unlike Swallow and House Martin.

Food. — Insects.

Nest. — May onwards. Two broods.

Site. — In gravel or sand pits, in railway cuttings, &c.,
the tunnel being two or three feet long, terminated by
the nest cavity.

Materials. — Dry grass, straw, and rootlets loosely
put together, with a lining of feathers.

Eggs. — Four to six. White and slightly glossy.

74 OUR MIGRANT BIRDS

SPOTTED CRAKE (Porzana maruetta) .

March to October. A regular visitor, but very
local and uncommon. Breeds in many suitable localities.

Haunts. — Marshy and swampy places.

Observation. — Distinguish from Landrail by smaller
size and generally flecked appearance.

Plumage. — Upper parts olive-brown with dark centres,
and flecked all over with small white spots. Crown
of head dark brown. Eye-stripes and face grey. Breast
brown, with white spots. Belly greyish white ; flanks
barred with brown and white. Bill yellowish. Legs
and feet yellowish green. Length 9 in. Female rather
smaller and duller. Young, throat white and spottings
less distinct. Nestling covered with lustrous greenish-
black down.

Language. — A loud " kweet " or " whuit."

Habits. — Generally much like the Landrail, being
most secretive and loth to fly unless positively obliged.
The nest is frequently so placed that the parents must
swim to it.

Food. — Much like the Landrail.

Nest. — May or June. One brood.

Site. — On boggy ground, in reed-bed or tuft of rushes.

Materials. — Sedges, flags, and the like ; lined with
fine grass.

Eggs. — Eight to ten. Olive-buff, spotted and speckled
with dark reddish brown, and ash-grey under-markings.

LITTLE CRAKE (Porzana parva).

A rare visitor, chiefly to the East Coast, in spring and
autumn. Several examples have been reported from

BIRDS OF THE STREAMS 75

time to time in various counties, but it has not been
recorded as found breeding. Although called " Little,"
it is rather larger than the next species. Generally
the plumage is olive-brown above (hence its other name,
Olivaceous Gallinule) and slate-grey below. In habits it
resembles the other members of this family. Its note
is a loud " kik " two or three tunes repeated.

BAILLON'S CRAKE (Porzana bailloni}.

A rare visitor, usually in spring and autumn, and
has been observed in several counties from time to time ;
it has also been found breeding. It is the smallest of
our Crakes, the plumage generally being warm brown,
flecked with black and white above, slate-grey below.
Its language and habits are much like the last.

GREAT SNIPE (Gallinago major).

A regular autumn visitor in small numbers — usually
young birds. Generally observed in the East and South
of England. In appearance it is like a larger edition of
the Common Snipe and in habits much resembles it, but
its flight is heavier, slower, and less erratic.

JACK SNIPE (Gallinago gallinula).

A winter visitor but much less common than Common
Snipe. Fairly well-distributed in suitable places.

Haunts. — Marshy and fenny districts.

Observation. — In general appearance much like the
Common Snipe, but smaller.

Plumage. — Upper parts mottled with buff, reddish

76 OUR MIGRANT BIRDS

brown, and black, with metallic green and purple
reflections. In winter the reddish brown is replaced
by a greyish tinge. Neck and breast spotted ; under
parts white. Bill dusky at tip and lighter at base.
Legs and feet grey. Length 7! in. Female, slightly
larger and duller. Young, no reflections on upper parts.

Language. — Much like the Common Snipe.

Habits. — Much like the Common Snipe.

Food. — Much like the Common Snipe.

Nidification. — Breeds in Northern Europe.

COMMON SANDPIPER OR SUMMER SNIPE
(Totanus hypoleucus}.

April to September. Fairly common, breeding pretty
abundantly in Wales, Northern England, and in Scotland
and Ireland. Breeds also in other districts, though less
commonly.

Haunts. — Gravelly margins of lakes, swiftly running
mountain-streams, &c.

Plumage. — Upper parts bronze-brown, flecked and
minutely barred with umber-brown. Three outer pairs
of tail-feathers well tipped with white (conspicuous in
flight) and barred with black. Chin and under parts
white ; neck and breast pale ash, streaked with dusky.
Bill dark brown, lighter at base. Stilt-like legs and feet
greenish grey. Length 8 in, Female, rather smaller
and less well-marked. In winter, upper parts more
uniform in colour. Young, upper parts margined with
buff, and no dark streaks on throat. Nestling : hair-
brown above, with black stripe through eye, and another
from bill over head and down centre of back ; dingy
white below ; legs and feet greenish.

BIRDS OF THE STREAMS 77

Language. — A pleasant, melodious, tremulous whistle,
like " wheet," thrice repeated.

Habits. — Restless, always running nimbly along the
margin of some stream, or flying rapidly from one point
to another. It swims and dives well. If neither
flying, running, nor swimming, it stands bobbing its head
and jerking its stumpy tail at intervals.

Food. — Insects and their larvae, worms, small Crustacea,
&c.
Nest. — May. One brood.

Site. — On shingle and unconcealed, or among grass
or rushes at the water's edge.

Materials. — A little moss and a few dead grasses or
leaves.

Eggs. — Four. Reddish buff or yellowish white,
spotted and speckled with ruddy dusky brown and grey.
Much like Landrail's, only pyriform shape. Large for
the bird's size.

WOOD SANDPIPER (Totanus glareola).

An irregular visitor, chiefly to our east coasts on
autumn and spring migrations. Its nest has been
found once or twice, but it can scarcely be regarded as a
breeding species.

Haunts. — The sea-shore, and swampy and muddy
places inland.

In general appearance it much resembles the next
species, but may be distinguished from same by its
white axillaries and white shaft to first primary. Its
note is a sharp " giff."

78 OUR MIGRANT BIRDS

GREEN SANDPIPER (Totanus ochropus).

A not uncommon visitor on spring and autumn
migrations. It may occasionally breed here, although
there is no proof of it.

Haunts. — Inland waters and swamps near woods.

Observation. — Distinguished from the last by the
blackish axillaries narrowly barred with white, and shaft
of first primary dark.

Plumage. — Upper parts olive brown, glossed with green
and spotted with white and dusky ; under parts white ;
tail white (conspicuous in flight), central feathers barred
with black. Bill dusky and light brown at base. Legs
and feet greenish grey. Length g| in. Female, similar
to male. Young, less glossed with green above, and less
spotted with white, which is dull.

Language. — A shrill yelping " tui-tui-tui."
Habits. — Very shy and wary. Flight rapid and
erratic, and rather like the Snipe's. Usually seen
either alone or in pairs.

Food. — Insects, worms, freshwater snails, beetles,
and small Crustacea and mollusca.
Nidification. — Breeds in Northern Europe.

GREENSHANK (Totanus canescens).

An annual but uncommon visitor on spring and autumn
migrations. Breeds in some numbers in Scotland
and the adjacent islands.

Haunts. — Marshes, brackish waters, and mud-flats-

Plumage. — Head and neck greyish white, streaked

with blackish brown ; mantle and secondaries almost

BIRDS OF THE STREAMS 79

black, the feathers being edged with grey. Rump and
tail-feathers white, the latter barred and mottled with
brown ; under parts white, streaked and spotted with
ash-brown. Bill blackish and slightly curved upwards.
Legs and feet olive-green. Length 14 in. Female similar.
In winter, greyer above and pure white below. Young :
tinged with rusty above ; chest and flanks clouded with
blackish grey Legs greenish grey. Nestling : light grey
above, mottled with black ; black stripe from bill to eye,
and black marking on crown of head ; dingy white below.

Language. — Rather like the Redshank's note, being a
loud clear " chee-weet," three or four times repeated.

Habits. — Generally much like the Redshank.

Food. — Worms, beetles, Crustacea, and mollusca ;
also fish-fry, tadpoles and small frogs.

Nest. — May. One brood.

Site. In a slight depression in the ground, more
or less concealed by growing herbage, and generally
near water.

Materials. — A few grasses or leaves.
Eggs. — Four. Stone-colour, spotted with brown, and
blotched with purplish grey ; very pyriform shape.

BLACK-TAILED GODWIT (Limosa belgica).

Once a breeding species, now extinct as such, and
visiting our East Coast chiefly on autumn and spring
migrations.

Haunts. — Marsh- and fen-districts.

Observation. — Distinguish from Bar-tailed Godwit by
straighter bill and white rump.

Plumage. — Head, neck, and breast rufous, with dark
shaft-stripes on crown, and blackish bars on breast ;

8o OUR MIGRANT BIRDS

chin white ; upper parts brown, mottled with black ;
primaries and secondaries nearly black, with white
shafts and bases forming conspicuous white bars in
flight ; rump white. Tail-feathers white, broadly
banded with black ; under parts white, barred with
dusky brown. Bill nearly straight, and longer than in
Bar-tailed Godwit. Legs and feet blackish. Length
i6in. Female larger and duller. In winter, ash-brown
above, and greyer ash below. Young, almost similar
to adults in winter plumage.

Language. — Not very loquacious. Its note is a loud
" tritte-tue."

Habits. — Resembles the Sandpipers'.

Food. — Aquatic insects, worms, Crustacea, etc.

Nidification. — Breeds in Europe.

COMMON BITTERN (Botaurus stellarus).

Or, more properly, Bittern, since it is now extinct as a
breeding species, though it annually visits this country
in winter, and might, possibly, again breed if it were
allowed.

Haunts. — Marshes, swamps, and fen-districts.

Plumage. — Crown and nape black, chin bufnsh white,
otherwise generally buff, barred above and streaked
below with black. Feathers of neck long, erectile, and
forming a ruff. Bill greenish yellow. Legs green.
Length 30 in. Female similar, but slightly smaller.

Language. — A curious booming, somewhat like the
bellowing of a bull. It also has a harsh scream.

Habits. — Very nocturnal, spending the day-time in
dense reed-beds, with which the colouring of the plumage
harmonizes. On the wing it is rather like the Heron.
Very shy and solitary. It seeks its food by night.

BIRDS OF THE STREAMS 81

Food. — Fish, frogs, small mammals, birds, &c. ; little
comes amiss.

Nest. — March or April.

Site. — On the ground in a reed-bed or swamp.

Materials. — Sticks, reeds, and rushes.

Eggs. — Four. Uniform olive-brown or green.

GREY-LAG GOOSE (Anser cinereus).

From which our domesticated geese are descended.

Once a resident and breeding in East Anglia, now a
winter visitor. It still remains to breed in decreasing
numbers in the north of Scotland.

Haunts. — Marshes and waste lands near the sea.

Plumage. — Head, neck, and upper parts greyish
brown ; rump and wing-coverts bluish grey ; under
parts dull white with a few dusky spots. Bill orange but
pink towards end ; nail white. Legs flesh-coloured.
Length 35 in. Female similar, but smaller. Young
darker, and no dusky spots on under parts. Young in
down, olive brown.

Language. — A gaggle, much like the farm-yard Goose.

Habits. — Gregarious. Flight rapid and powerful, with
the neck outstretched ; the flock usually flies in wedge-
form. Always very shy and wary. Like all the mem-
bers of this order, it is a good swimmer.

Food. — Largely graminivorous. Grain in winter.

Nest. — April. One brood.

Site. — On the ground, amongst heather or grass.

Materials. — Sticks, reeds, grass, and moss. Eggs
buried in greyish-white down from the female's breast.

Eggs. — Six to eight or more. Dull yellowish or creamy
white.

L

82 OUR MIGRANT BIRDS

WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE (Anser albifrons).

A winter visitor. Local, but found in suitable
localities. More abundant in Ireland.

Haunts. — Fenny districts and the like.

Plumage. — The most distinguishing feature is the
prominent white forehead. Under parts more marked
with black than in Grey-Lag Goose ; upper parts brown-
ish ash. Bill orange-yellow ; nail white. Legs orange.
Length 27 in. Female smaller, and less marked on the
breast.

Language. — A hoarse laughing kind of " ha-ha,"
several times repeated, hence " Laughing " Goose.

Habits. — Like the last.

Food. — Like the last.

Nidification. — Breeds in Arctic regions.

BEAN GOOSE (Anser segetum).

A winter visitor, more especially to Scotland, north
and east coasts of England and Ireland.

Haunts. — Pastures, wolds, stubbles, &c., near the sea.

Plumage. — Generally much like the Grey-Lag, but
differing in the black to base and nail of bill, orange in
the middle, its darker colour with no bluish grey on the
shoulder, and no black markings on the breast. Legs
orange-yellow. Length 34 in. Female slightly smaller
but similar.

Language. — Much like the Grey-Lag.

Habits. — Like the Grey-Lag.

Food. — Grain chiefly, although it is also herbivorous.

Nidification. — Breeds in northern regions.

BIRDS OF THE STREAMS 83

PINK-FOOTED GOOSE (Anser brachyrhynchus) .

A winter visitor, chiefly to the east coast of England
and Scotland.

Haunts. — As last.

Plumage. — Much like the last, but with bluish grey on
the shoulder like Grey-Lag. Bill pink in the middle ;
base, edges, and nail black. Legs pink. Length 28 in.
Female similar.

Language. — Much like the last.

Habits.— Resembling the last.

Food. — Grain, clover, trefoil, &c.

Nidification. — Breeds in northern regions.

RED-NECKED PHALAROPE (Phalaropus hyperboreus)

An irregular winter visitor. It remains to breed in the
Shetlands, Orkneys, and outer Hebrides.

Haunts. — Brackish waters, fresh-water ponds, and
the like.

Plumage. — Male smaller and duller than female.
Head, back of neck, and shoulders ash-grey. Upper
parts darker grey, mixed with rufous. White bar on
wings. Neck chestnut. Chin white. Upper breast
ash-grey. Under parts white. Bill black. Legs and
feet greenish. Toes lobed. Length y| in. In winter :
forehead, eye-stripe, throat, sides of neck, breast,
and under parts white ; feathers of back well margined
with chestnut and sometimes with white ; most of wing-
coverts tipped with white ; legs and feet bluish grey.
Young : rufous margins to feathers of upper parts.
Nestling : covered with yellowish brown down, mottled

84 OUR MIGRANT BIRDS

above with dark brown, and with longitudinal stripes ;
under parts white.

Language. — A low " wit-wit-wit."

Habits. — It swims well, and floats buoyantly on water.
On land it trips nimbly about, reminding one of a
Wagtail. Tame in disposition.

Food.— Water insects, &c.

Nest. — On the ground, among thick grass, in some
swampy place.

Materials. — A few dry grasses.
Eggs. — Four. Pale buff or olive, spotted and blotched
with blackish brown. Very pyriform shape.

LITTLE BITTERN (Ardetta minuta).

Not infrequently met with in spring and autumn,
usually in the southern and eastern districts. It has
bred in Norfolk.

Haunts. — Marshes and swamps.

Plumage. — Crown, nape, and back black, glossed
with green. Primaries and tail brownish black. Small
wing-coverts, neck, throat, plumes, and under parts
vinous buff. Bill yellow. Legs greenish yellow. Length
13 in. Female : rather smaller, and has a browner
appearance above, and under parts well streaked with
umber-brown.

Language. — The male utters a kind of boom, less
pronounced than the Common Bittern. The female
utters a sharp " gett-gett."

Habits. — By day it is a great skulker amongst thick,
tangled reed-beds, through which it can run with extra-
ordinary rapidity. It has a curious habit, when seeking

BIRDS OF THE STREAMS 85

concealment, of drawing itself up and pointing its beak
upwards, when it harmonizes with its surroundings,
and often escapes observation. Except when migrating,
it seldom resorts to flight.

Food. — Fish, frogs, reptiles, and water insects.

Nidification. — Breeds in Europe and Asia.

GARGANEY (Querquedula circia}.

A spring visitor. Very local and uncommon as a
breeding species. It nests sparingly in the Fen and
Broad and other suitable districts.

Observation. — Distinguish at a distance from Teal by
bluish wings and broad white eye-stripe.

Plumage. — Forehead, nape, and back dark brown ;
white stripe commencing just before the eye and extend-
ing to back of neck. Cheeks and neck light brown
with short white lines. Wings bluish grey. Speculum
green, edged with white bar. Tail brown. Chin
black. Breast pale brown, marked with dark crescentic
bands. Belly white ; under tail-coverts mottled with
black and white. Bill black. Legs and feet greyish
brown. Length 16 in. Female : smaller, mottled with
brown ; eye-stripe washed with yellow ; speculum
duller green between two white bars. Young, like
female.

Language. — A sharp quack ; also another note re-
motely resembling the noise of the cricket (hence Cricket
Teal).

Habits. —Closely resembles the Teal.
Food. — Small fishes and water insects.
Nest. — May. One brood.
Site. — Amongst rank grass, in reed-beds, &c.

86 OUR MIGRANT BIRDS

Materials. — Dry grass, reeds, leaves, &c., profusely
lined with down, differing from the Teal's in being
darker and tipped with white.

Eggs. — Seven to ten or more. Creamy white. Like
the Teal's, but rather larger.

RUFF (FEMALE, REEVE) (Machetes pugnax).

Now extinct as a breeding species. Usually seen on
the autumn migration, less often in spring, chiefly on
the east coast.

Haunts. — Marsh and fen districts.

Plumage. — Face covered with yellowish caruncles.
Tuft of curled feathers on each side of head. An erectile,
shield-like ruff round neck, which is variegated with
purplish, chestnut, grey and white. Plumage generally
mottled with, ash, black, brown, yellowish and white.
Bill brown, darker at tip. Legs and feet yellowish
brown. Length 12 in. Plumage very variable. The
foregoing is the male's nuptial dress, worn only in May
and June. After moult, the male resembles the female,
but is larger. Face feathered, and no ruff and head-
tufts ; upper parts dark brown, with buff margins ;
neck and breast buff ; other under-parts dull white.
Young, well-margined with buff on upper parts.

Language. — A low " tu-whit."

Habits. — Polygamous, fighting most desperately for
the hens. Nowadays we see the Ruff only in its winter
plumage, and generally in small flocks, on our coasts.
Flight rapid.

Food. — Insects and their larvae, worms, small Crustacea
and mollusca, and vegetable substances.

Nidification. — Breeds in Europe.

BIRDS OF THE STREAMS 87

NIGHT HERON (Nycticorax griseus).

It may be regarded as an almost annual visitor in
spring and autumn. It is possible that, if not molested,
it might even breed in southern districts.

Haunts. — Marshes and swamps.

Plumage. — Crown, nape, back, and scapulars black,
washed with green. Neck, wings, and tail lavender-grey.
From three to ten long white neck plumes. Forehead
white ; under parts white. Bill rather short and
blackish. Legs yellow. Length 23 in. Female smaller.

Language. — More silent in the daytime, but at night
it utters a melancholy " qua-a " or " waak."

Habits. — Very largely nocturnal, spending the day in
some retired place. It flies with measured flappings
of its rounded wings.

Food. — Fish, frogs, snails, and water insects.

Nidification. — Breeds in Europe, Asia, and Africa.

GAD WALL (Anas strep era}.

Rather a rare visitor from autumn to spring, remaining
to breed in Norfolk, and sparingly in other suitable
parts. It is a fresh-water Duck.

Observation. — In general appearance much like female
Wild Duck, but note conspicuous white speculum.

Plumage. — Head and neck light brown, mottled with
darker brown. Back marked with greyish crescentic
markings on a darker ground. Greater wing-coverts
blackish ; median wing-coverts chestnut. Primaries
brown ; secondaries black and brown ; speculum white ;
rump and upper tail-coverts bluish black. Tail dark

88 OUR MIGRANT BIRDS

brown, edged with paler brown. Breast and belly
blackish, with whitish crescentic markings ; under
tail-coverts bluish black. Bill greenish yellow. Legs
and feet orange-yellow. Length 21 in. Female : head
and upper neck light brown, spotted with darker brown ;
upper parts brown, with pale edges ; under parts white ;
speculum white. Young : reddish brown above, speckled
with darker brown ; speculum white.
Language. — Rather like the Mallard's.

Habits. — Flight very rapid, the pointed wings being
conspicuous. It is a night-feeder, and rather a skulker.

Food. — Grain, seeds, and various vegetable matters ;
also tadpoles, small fish, &c.

Nest. — May. One brood.

Site. — On the ground under a bush, or amongst rushes
and sedges near water.

Materials. — Grass, leaves, and rushes ; lined with down
like the Mallard's.

Eggs. — Eight to thirteen. Creamy or buffish white.

SHOVELLER (Spatula clypeata).

A winter visitor. It remains to breed regularly in
small numbers in the eastern counties of Scotland, on the
east coast of England, and more sparingly in the southern
and western counties ; not uncommon in Ireland where
suitable.

Haunts. — Sheltered lakes, &c., not caring so much for
open water.

Observation. — Distinct on account of the broadly
spatulated bill.

Plumage. — Head green ; neck and scapulars white.
Back dark brown ; scapulars pale blue ; greater wing-

PIN I AIT. (page Sc)

BIRDS OF THE STREAMS 89

coverts white ; secondaries dark brown ; speculum
green ; primaries, rump, and tail-coverts blackish ;
broad white band across chest. Breast and belly
chestnut ; vent white. Bill lead-colour and broadly
spatulated. Legs and feet orange-red. Length 20 in.
Female mottled with light and dark brown. After
summer moult the male assumes the mottled plumage
of the female. Young, like female.

Language. — Resembles " tuck-tuck." Usually a very
silent bird.

Habits. — When taking to flight the wings clap loudly.
Fond of floating on the water, dabbling the bill in it and
sifting same for food. It also feeds by turning itself
upside down like the Mallard.

Food. — Small fish, aquatic insects, tadpoles, worms,
Crustacea, and mollusca ; also water-plants, &c.

Nest. — April or May. One brood.

Site. — Usually near water on the ground among
rushes, heather, or other herbage.

Materials. — Dry grass and sedges, lined with neutral
greyish down tipped with white.

Eggs. — Six to ten or more. Pale greenish buff.

PINTAIL (Dafila acuta).

Coming in autumn, and usually leaving in April.
Breeds occasionally in Scotland and Ireland. In a semi-
domestic state it frequently breeds.

Observation. — Distinct on account of the white stripe
down each side of the neck and the long pointed tail
feathers.

Haunts. — Estuaries, sea-shores, and inland waters,
preferring shallow waters with muddy bottoms.

M

90 OUR MIGRANT BIRDS

Plumage. — Head and neck bronze-brown ; nape
black ; conspicuous white stripe down each side of neck.
Back and flanks pencilled with grey in undulations ;
greater wing-coverts buff ; speculum green, bordered
with black and white. Tail black ; two central feathers
much elongated ; under tail-coverts black. Breast and
belly white. Bill, legs, and feet slaty grey. Length
28 in. Female mottled with brown above, and greyish
white below ; speculum green. Young, like female.

Language. — Silent in the daytime ; by night it utters
a low quack, and in the love season a pleasing double
whistle.

Habits. — It feeds with its head below water, and is
usually seen in flocks often in company with Wigeon.
Flight rapid. It walks with greater ease than most
Ducks.

Food. — Insects and their larvae, water-weeds, crus-
tacea, mollusca, &c.

Nest. — May or June. One brood.

Site. — On the ground amongst herbage near water.

Materials. — Dead grass, lined with brown down tipped
with white.

Eggs. — Seven to ten. Pale buffish green.

WIGEON (Mareca penelope).

Common in winter. Remaining to breed in small
numbers in Scotland and the Orkneys and Shetlands.
In England it probably breeds only in a semi-
domesticated state.

Haunts. — Usually near the sea, but also inland waters.

Plumage. — Forehead creamy white. Neck and throat
chestnut. Mantle vermiculated with grey. Shoulder

BIRDS OF THE STREAMS 91

white, ending with a black bar, to which succeeds a
green speculum tipped with black. Wings and tail
dark brown. Breast white ; under parts grey ; flanks
pencilled with dark grey. Bill bluish lead-colour. Legs
and feet dark brown. Length 18 in. Female : smaller,
and mottled with greyish brown above ; speculum
greyer green ; under parts mottled with buffish white.
Young, like female.

Language. — A shrill whistle of two syllables, like
" whee-oh." The female utters a kind of croak.

Habits. — Very shy and wary, and feeding both by
day and by night. Like the Ducks already treated,
it is a rapid flier, and feeds on the surface, submerging
the head and neck. It can also dive, but does not do
so from choice. Very gregarious. It grazes much like
a Goose.

Food. — Aquatic plants, grass, &c.

Nest. — May. One brood.

Site. — In tuft of rushes, grass, heather, &c.

Materials. — Dry grass and reeds, lined with sooty
brown down tipped with white.

Eggs. — Seven to ten or more. Creamy white, and
oval in shape.

POCHARD (Fuligula ferina).

Chiefly a winter visitor but partially resident. Breeds
more or less commonly in Norfolk, Lincolnshire, York-
shire, Lancashire, and Dorsetshire, and in other counties
in England, Scotland, and Ireland where suitable.

Haunts. — Chiefly shallow inland waters where bottom
is weedy.

92 OUR MIGRANT BIRDS

Plumage. — Head and neck chestnut. Breast and
upper back black ; upper parts whitish, minutely
and wavily lined with black. Speculum grey and in-
distinct ; under parts greyish white. Tail-coverts
black. Bill black, with blue band across middle.
Legs and feet bluish grey. Length 19^ in. Female,
dull brown on head, neck and breast, and generally
browner than male. Young : like female.

Language. — Call-note, a low whistle. Alarm-note, a
harsh croak resembling " dun-curre."

Habits. — Flight rather heavy, but nevertheless rapid.
An excellent diver, and obtaining most of its food in
this way.

Food. — Vegetable matters principally ; also worms,
Crustacea, mollusca, &c.

Nest. — Mid-May. One brood.

Site. — Well concealed in aquatic herbage, and always
near water.

Materials. — Dry grass and sedges, lined with down,
somewhat resembling the Mallard's, and also the Tufted
Duck's, but browner.

Eggs. — Seven to ten or more. Pale greenish buff.

REDCRESTED POCHARD (Fuligula rufina).

A rare and irregular straggler, often seen in semi-
domesticated state on ornamental waters, and at once
distinct on account of its crimson bill, bright chestnut
head and erectile crest.

TUFTED DUCK (Fuligula cristata).

The majority chiefly winter visitors, but some are
resident. Breeds in Nottinghamshire, Norfolk, North-

BIRDS OF THE STREAMS 93

umberland, Lancashire, Hants, Sussex and Yorkshire,
and other counties where suitable. Also abundantly
in Scotland and Ireland.

Haunts. — Small shallow ponds, lakes, &c., where the
bottom is weedy.

Observation. — Distinct on account of its pied plumage
and crest.

Plumage. — Head, crest, and upper part of neck black,
with green and purple reflections ; upper parts brownish
black ; under parts white. Speculum white, bordered
with black. Bill slaty grey, with black nail. Legs and
feet slate-colour. Length 17 in. Female : dark brown ;
under parts brownish white ; rather smaller. Young,
much like female.

Language. — A guttural " kurruk."

Habits. — Largely a night-feeder. In the day-time
it is fond of floating lazily on the water, preening its
feathers. When feeding it dives incessantly.

Food. — Vegetable matters principally ; also insects,
mollusca, &c.

Nest. — May. One brood.

Site. — Amongst rushes or other aquatic herbage near
water.

Materials. — Dry grass and sedges, lined with blackish
down.

Eggs. — Eight to twelve or more. Greenish buff.

GOLDEN-EYE (Clangula glamion).

A common winter visitor ; more abundant towards
the north. It is possible it may breed in Scotland.

Haunts. — Sea and inland waters.

94 OUR MIGRANT BIRDS

Plumage. — Head, neck and rudimentary crest green,
with white spot under the eye. Back black. Neck,
scapulars, speculum, and under parts white. Thighs
dark brown. Bill bluish black. Irides golden yellow.
Legs and feet yellow ; webs blackish. Length 19 in.
Female : dark brown above, minus white face-spot ;
under parts white. Young, similar.

Language. — Very silent, but it sometimes utters a
low croak.

Habits. — Flight rapid and violent, with the result
that the wings produce a whistling kind of sound.
Food obtained by diving.

Food. — Water insects, small fish, etc.

Nidifaation. — Breeds in Northern Europe.

RUDDY SHELD-DUCK (Tadorna casarca).

A rare visitor, but it has occurred in large numbers
from time to time. In a semi-domesticated state it is
often seen on ornamental waters, and is at once attractive
on account of its prevailing orange-brown plumage, and
its buff head with narrow black collar.

RED-NECKED GREBE (Podicipes griseigena).

A rare winter visitor to our coasts, sometimes appear-
ing in considerable numbers. It has a small, almost
black crest, lost in winter ; the cheeks and throat are
greyish white, and the upper parts dark brown, with
conspicuous white patch on the secondaries. Front of
neck chestnut-red ; under parts silky white. Length
18 in. In general habits, language, and food it resembles

BIRDS OF THE STREAMS 95

the resident Great-crested Grebe. It breeds in sub-
Arctic regions.

SCLAVONIAN GREBE (Podidpes auritm) .

A not uncommon winter visitor from northern parts,
chiefly to Scotland, Ireland, and north and east coasts
of England. Some have been observed late in the spring
in breeding plumage, when it is a handsome bird, with
its pale chestnut crest and brownish black ruff. In
winter these are absent. Upper parts dark brown ;
secondaries mainly white. Neck, breast, and flanks
chestnut. Belly white. Length 13! in. In habits and
food it resembles the other Grebes. Breeds in sub-
Arctic regions.

EARED OR BLACK-NECKED GREBE

(Podicipes nigricollis).

An irregular visitor, usually in spring, to the southern
and eastern districts of England. It may possibly breed
sometimes in the eastern counties. It is a southern
species. In breeding plumage it has a tuft of straw-
coloured feathers on the head, and a small ruff. These
ornaments are lost in winter. Upper parts dark brown.
Secondaries white. Breast and belly white ; flanks
dull chestnut. Length 12 in. In habits and food
it resembles the other Grebes.

TUFTED DUCK (page 92)

COMMON TERN (page in)

Migrant Birds of the Sea, Seashore
and Cliffs

BLACK TERN (Hydrochelidon nigra).

Once a breeding species ; now a passing visitor on
spring and autumn migrations chiefly to our eastern
and southern coasts and inland waters.

Plumage. — Head, neck, breast, and under parts
black. Back, wings, and tail slate-grey. Vent white.
Bill black. Legs and feet reddish brown. Length g| in.
Female : rather paler below, otherwise similar ; after
moult, forehead, throat and nape white ; under parts
white, barred with grey. Young : mottled with brown
above ; full dress not assumed till the second spring.

Language. — A shrill " crik."

Habits. — Flight rapid, buoyant, dashing, reminding
one of the Swallow's. It catches insects on the wing,
and plunges precipitately into the water Gannet-like
after surface-swimming fish. Like other Terns, it
hovers with bill pointing downwards when looking
for food.

Food. — Aquatic insects, small fish, &c.

Nidification. — Breeds in Europe.

97 N

98 OUR MIGRANT BIRDS

COMMON OR BLACK SCOTER ((Edemia nigra).

A common winter visitor to most of our coast-lines ;
as a breeding species it is rare, nesting sparingly in the
extreme north of Scotland. Its proper breeding
stations are much further north.

Haunts.— The sea.

Plumage. — Black, glossy above, but duller below.
Bill and protuberance black ; central ridge of upper
mandible orange-yellow. Legs and feet black. Length
20 in. Female : sooty black above, dark brown below ;
no protuberance or orange-yellow ridge on upper man-
dible. Young, like female, but under parts mottled
with brown and white.

Language. — Male's call-note resembling " tiii-tiii-tiii-
tiii." Female utters a harsh, grating " re-re-re-re-re."

Habits. — The most marine of all Ducks, feeding in
deep water. It is an expert diver, and remains under
the water for forty or fifty seconds at a time. Gregarious.
Flight rapid, and near the surface of the sea.

Food. — Mollusca and Crustacea chiefly.

Nest. — June. One brood.

Site. — On some islet, among coarse herbage, &c.

Materials. — Grass, twigs, leaves, and moss, lined
with down resembling the Mallard's, but darker.

Eggs. — Six to nine. Pale greyish buff.

VELVET SCOTER ((Edemia fusca).

A much less common winter visitor than the last.
Although essentially marine in habits, it has been
observed more commonly on inland fresh-water lakes, &c.,

BIRDS OF THE SEA 99

than the last. It differs from same in its larger size,
the white patch behind each eye, and the conspicuous
white bar across the wings. In all other respects it
closely resembles the Common Scoter.

LITTLE AUK (Mergulus alle).

An irregular winter visitor, sometimes occurring in
considerable numbers. It is a circumpolar species.
It may be distinguished by its short, stout bill, small
white spot over the eye, sooty black upper parts, sooty
black throat (which in winter becomes white), and
white under parts.

AVOCET (Recurvirostra avocetta).

Now a rare straggler only. A few generally put in an
appearance in spring on our East Coasts, and would,
perhaps, breed as it used to years ago, but they are
invariably sh9t. Sometimes observed in autumn.

Haunts. — Coast-lines and estuaries.

Plumage. — Crown, forehead, side of head, scapulars,
median and tertiary wing-coverts, and some of the
primaries black. Remainder of plumage white. Bill
black, long, flattened, and turned up at the point.
Legs long, and pale blue. Length 18 in. Female
similar, but rather smaller. Young, duller.

Language. — A clear " kluit."

Habits. — Feeding principally on surface food, it
wades through the water, sweeping its curiously up-
turned bill from side to side much like a man mowing
grass with a scythe. It is also a capable swimmer.
Usually shy and quiet.

loo OUR MIGRANT BIRDS

Food. — Small Crustacea, worms, insects.
Nidification. — Breeds in Europe and Africa.

BLACK-WINGED STILT (Himantopus candidus).

An irregular visitor, chiefly to the south and east
of England, from southern Europe. In appearance
it much resembles the Avocet in its pied plumage,
but has longer pink legs and a straight bill. Its note
is a clear " pee-pee-pee."

SMEW (Mergus albettus).

A winter visitor to our coasts.

Haunts. — The sea, inland fresh-water lakes, &c.

Plumage. — Forehead, crown, crest, neck, and under
parts white ; black patch before or below the eye, and
greenish black triangular patch on crest. Back black.
Scapulars white, edged with black. Lesser wing-coverts
white ; greater coverts black, barred narrowly twice
with white. Quills and tail-feathers brownish black.
Flanks finely vermiculated with grey. Bill, legs, and
feet lead-colour. Length 17! in. Female : much
smaller ; head reddish brown ; nuchal stripe and collar
ash-grey ; otherwise resembling male. Young, upper
parts mottled with grey.

Habits. — Very wary and shy. Flight very rapid. An
excellent diver, seeking its food under water. It is
altogether out of its element on land, walking awkwardly
owing to the backward position of the legs.

Food. — Fish, Crustacea, &c.

Nidification. — Breeds in Northern Europe and Asia.

BIRDS OF THE SEA 101

GREAT NORTHERN DIVER (Colymbus glacialis).

Best known as a winter visitor all round our coasts.
It is doubtful if it breeds in these islands, but may do so
in some secluded spots on the western isles of Scotland.

Plumage. — Head and neck black, glossed with purple
on throat and green on neck. Two bands of black,
barred with white, on throat. Mantle black, with white
spots ; under parts white. Bill, legs, and feet black.
Length 32 in. Female similar, but smaller. In winter
the throat bands are lost. Young : upper parts greyish
black, with pale edges ; under parts dull white ; bill
brownish. Young in down, blackish brown above and
pale brown below.

Language. — It utters a cry like screams or shrieks of
insane laughter ; also a trumpeting noise.

Habits. — Admirably equipped for aquatic life. It
swims and dives expertly. It flies well when occasion
demands. It comes only to land to breed, where it is
extremely awkward, owing to the very backward
position of the legs.

Food. — Fish and Crustacea.

Nest. — June. One brood.

Site. — On an islet in a fresh-water loch, or at margin
of lake.

Materials. — Aquatic herbage and moss, untidily heaped
together.

Eggs. — Two. Dark olive-brown, thinly spotted with
deep umber-brown and black.

WHOOPER SWAN (Cygnus musicus).

A winter visitor, not uncommonly met with on our
coasts.

102 OUR MIGRANT BIRDS

Plumage. — White. Bill tipped with black, otherwise
lemon-yellow. Legs black. Length 60 in. Female
smaller.

Language. — Loud, and rather like a trumpet ; thus —
" who-who-who."

Habits. — Flight strong and powerful, with the long
neck outstretched ; not of so graceful an appearance as
the Mute Swan. It frequents shallow waters, and feeds
by thrusting its long neck down to the bottom, where the
food is found. A powerful swimmer, like all the Swans.
Flocks fly in formation like geese.

Food. — Aquatic weeds and grass.

Nidification. — Breeds in northern regions.

BEWICK'S SWAN (Cygnus bewicki).

A rarer winter visitor than last to suitable parts of
our coasts.

Observation. — Smaller than last, and has greater area
of black on bill.

Plumage. — White, rather more black on bill than in the
last. Length 46 in. Female similar.

Language. — A metallic " tong-tong-tong."

Habits.— Like the last.

Food. — Aquatic plants.

Nidification. — Breeds in northern regions.

GREY PHALAROPE (Phalaropus fulicarius).

An irregular visitor, sometimes appearing in consider-
able numbers on our south-eastern, south-western, and
southern coasts.

BIRDS OF THE SEA 103

Plumage. — It has not been observed here in breeding
plumage, in which the predominant colouring is chestnut.
In autumn and winter the prevailing tint is grey. Back
of head black. Forehead, sides of head, throat, and
under parts white. Back of neck, secondaries, and back
pearl-grey. Bill black. Legs and feet yellow. Toes
lobed. Length j\ in. Female : larger, 8| in., and
brighter. Young : in winter dress more sandy above,
and tawny on breast.

Language. — A sharp " tweet."

Habits.— A good swimmer, being aided by its lobate
toes. Fond of paddling about in shallow water looking
for food, and keeping up an incessant twittering.

Food. — Small Crustacea, marine insects, larvae, and
other small aquatic creatures.

Nidification. — Breeds in circumpolar regions.

LITTLE STINT (Tringa minuta}.

A visitor in small numbers on migration, usually
observed in autumn and again in spring, more particularly
on the east coast.

Haunts. — Mud and sandy flats.

Observation. — In general appearance like a diminutive
Dunlin, without black on lower breast.

Plumage. — Upper parts variegated with rufous and
black. Throat and upper breast tinged with rufous, and
speckled with dark brown ; under parts white. Bill,
legs, and feet black. Length 6 in. Female similar, but
rather larger. In winter upper parts greyish brown,
and rufous on throat is lost. Young : feathers above
margined with buffish white.

Language. — A sharp " wick." When heard in a flock,
the noise seems like that of grasshoppers.

104 OUR MIGRANT BIRDS

Habits. — When with us they usually consort in small
flocks, sometimes keeping company with Dunlins and
Sanderlings. Very tame in disposition.

Food. — Aquatic insects, worms, small Crustacea and
mollusca.

Nidification. — Breeds in Northern Europe and Asia.

GREY PLOVER (Squatarola helvetica}.

A winter visitor ; has not been known to breed here.
It greatly resembles the Golden Plover, but is rather
larger. Axillaries black (not white, as in Golden Plover),
and the white tail-coverts are conspicuous in flight.
It has a rudimentary hind toe, unlike the Golden Plover.
In habits it resembles the Golden Plover, but is exclu-
sively a shore bird. Alarm-note, a plaintive " klee-eep."
Call-note is much like Golden Plover's, but uttered in a
higher key.

CURLEW SANDPIPER (Tringa subarquata}.

An annual visitor on migration in small numbers,
chiefly to the east coast.

Haunts. — Mud and sand-flats. Sometimes penetrat-
ing inland.

Plumage. — Head, neck, and mantle chestnut, streaked
and barred with black and grey. Upper tail-coverts
buffish white, and barred with black. Quills and tail-
feathers ash-grey. Under parts chestnut, barred indis-
tinctly with brown and grey on belly and flanks. Bill,
legs, and feet black. Note slighty down-curved bill.
Length 8 in. Female similar, but slightly larger.

BIRDS OF THE SEA 105

In winter, upper parts ash-brown, mottled with dark
and pale brown ; under parts and upper tail-coverts
white. Young : feathers above edged with buff ; tail-
coverts white ; throat and breast tinged with buff and
streaked with light brown ; under parts white.

Language. — Like Dunlin, but more prolonged.

Habits. — It derives its name from its curved bill,
which somewhat resembles the Curlew's. It is usually
seen in small flocks, often with Dunlins and other waders,
whom it greatly resembles in habits. On the wing the
white tail-coverts are conspicuous.

Food. — Aquatic insects, small Crustacea, worms, &c.

Nidification. — Very little is known of its breeding
habits, but it probably nests within the Arctic Circle.

PURPLE SANDPIPER (Tringa striata).

An autumn and winter visitor to our coasts. It
breeds on the Faroe Islands, and may possibly do so in
the extreme north of Scotland, but there is as yet no
proof of it.

Haunts. — Rocky sea-coasts where there is plenty of
seaweed. Occasionally found on inland waters.

Observation. — Distinguishable on account of its dark
colour, rather short legs (for a wader), and stout figure.

Plumage. — Head and neck dusky brown, tinged with
grey. Upper parts blackish, with purple reflections and
ashy margins. Throat, neck, and breast greyish, with
brownish streaks ; under parts white. Two of the
secondaries white and conspicuous in flight. Bill
blackish. Legs and feet ochreous yellow. Length 8f
in. Female similar, but rather larger. In winter, upper
parts sooty ; breast dark ash-brown, indistinctly
mottled.

o

io6 OUR MIGRANT BIRDS

Language. — A low " whit-whit." Usually very silent.

Habits. — With us it is seen in small parties, often with
other waders. It swims well, and seeks its food rather
after the manner of the Turnstone. Very tame in dis-
position.

Food. — Marine insects, small Crustacea, and mollusca.

Nidification. — Breeds in Arctic regions.

KNOT (Tringa canutus).

A regular visitor on migration in autumn and spring,
chiefly to the east coast.

Haunts. — Sand- and mud-flats.

Plumage. — Crown and neck reddish brown, with dark
brown streaks. Mantle blackish, the feathers being
spotted with chestnut and margined with white. Tail-
coverts white, barred with black. Cheeks, throat, and
breast chestnut. Flanks and under tail-coverts whitish,
mottled with black. Bill, legs, and feet black. Length
10 in. Female similar. In winter, upper parts ash-grey,
and under parts white, flecked with grey. Young :
upper feathers narrowly edged with black, followed by a
sandy margin ; under parts dull buff, spotted with
dusky.

Language. — Usually very silent. It utters a twittering
kind of " twih."

Habits. — Generally much like all the other waders.

Food. — Small Crustacea, mollusca, &c.

Nidification. — Little is known of its breeding habits,
but it probably breeds within the Arctic Circle.

SANDERLING (Calidris arenaria).

A regular visitor on migration in autumn and spring,
some remaining throughout the winter.

BIRDS OF THE SEA 107

Haunts. — Sandy flats.

Observation. — At close quarters easily recognisable by
the absence of the hind or fourth toe ; and in flight by
dark shoulders contrasted against the white under-parts.

Plumage. — Upper parts black, the feathers being
spotted with rufous and margined with grey. Wings
nearly black. Bases of inner primaries and edge of
greater wing-coverts white ; outer feathers of tail-coverts
white. Sides of head, neck, and upper breast pale
chestnut, spotted with dark brown ; under parts white.
Bill black. Legs and feet dark olive. Length 8 in.
Female similar, but slightly larger. In winter, upper
parts ash-grey ; under parts white. Young : upper
parts black, variegated with white and buff ; under parts
white, with buffish band across chest.

Language. — Usually very silent. It utters a low,
unmusical " wick."

Habits. — Generally it much resembles the other waders.

Food.— Like the last.

Nidification. — Breeds in Arctic regions.

BAR-TAILED GODWIT (Limosa lapponica).

An annual but uncommon visitor on spring and autumn
migrations, especially to the East Coast.

Haunts. — Sandy and muddy seashores.

Plumage. — Head, neck, and under parts chestnut-
red, with some dark streaks ; upper parts mottled with
brown and black. Rump white, streaked with brown.
Tail buffish white, barred with dark brown. Bill long,
slightly upcurved and dark brown. Legs and feet
blackish. Length I5|in. Female, rather larger and
less ruddy. In winter, chestnut colouring absent ;

io8 OUR MIGRANT BIRDS

upper parts ash-grey, striped and barred with brownish
grey; under parts white with some dark streaks on
neck and breast ; rump white ; tail-feathers ash-brown,
with dark shaft-streaks ; long tail-coverts barred.
Young : much like adults in winter, but tinged with
buff above ; dull buff with dusky streaks below.

Language. — A loud double whistle-like " eou-ey."

Habits. — Sociable, often consorting on their feeding-
grounds with other species. No doubt when breeding
it is very wary, but, with us, at least when it first arrives,
it is very tame and confiding. In other respects it
much resembles the Sandpipers.

Food. — Aquatic insects, worms, Crustacea, &c.

Nidification. — Breeds in Northern Europe.

LITTLE TERN (Sterna minuta).

May to September. Rather local, and nowhere
really abundant, but found breeding almost throughout
our coast-lines, where there are flat, sandy or shingly
shores.

Plumage. — Crown and nape black. Forehead, sides
of face, rump, tail, and under parts white ; upper parts
pearl-grey. Bill reddish yellow, tipped with black.
Legs and feet orange-yellow. Length 9 in. Female
similar, but slightly smaller. In winter the black head
is duller. Young : head and nape suffused with buff,
and streaked with black ; mantle greyish, with buff
tinge, mottled with umber-brown ; black loral patch
of adult only indicated in immature birds by a dark line ;
rump and tail not so pure white as in adult. Nestling :
covered with buff down ; head black ; back grey ;
under parts whitish fawn.

BIRDS OF THE SEA 109

Language. — Similar to the other Terns but thinner
and shriller.

Habits. — Generally much the same as the other
Terns.

Food. — Generally much the same as the other Terns.

Nest. — May or June. One brood.

Site. — In hollow in shingle, and not far above high-
water mark.

Materials. — If any, a few grasses or bits of seaweed.

Eggs. — Two or three. Like smaller editions of the
Common Tern's.

LITTLE GULL (Larus minutus).

An irregular visitor from Europe. Occurrences of it
are reported almost every year. In general appearance
it may be described as a Lesser Black-headed Gull,
only the head is really black, and not brown, as in
L. ridibundus. The black head is the nuptial dress,
which, when visiting us, is whitish, more or less streaked
with ash-colour. Under sides of wings black and con-
spicuous in flight. It is about five inches smaller than
L. ridfamdus. Breeds in continental Europe.

SANDWICH TERN (Sterna cantiaca) .

March to September. Local and uncommon. Breeds
in some numbers on the Fame Islands, Walney Island,
and other districts on the Scotch and Irish coasts.

Plumage. — Crown of head black ; upper parts pearl-
grey. Rump, tail, and under parts white, the breast

no OUR MIGRANT BIRDS

only being suffused with rose-colour. Bill black,
yellow at tip. Legs and feet black. Length 16 in.
Female : similar, but smaller ; after the moult black
head practically lost ; feathers at back of head bluish
black with white edges, and rose tinge to breast paler.
Young : head and nape white, mottled with brownish
black ; upper parts like adult, but marked with reddish
and blackish brown. Nestling : covered with down ;
upper parts greyish buff, mottled with greyish black ;
under parts white.

Language. — A harsh, grating scream like " kirhitt."
Habits. — Like the other Terns it is a dashing and rapid
flier, and procures its prey by plunging itself violently
into the water, transfixing fish with its bill. Breeds in
Terneries, and the nests are usually quite close to one
another.

Food. — Fish chiefly.

Nest. — May or June. One brood.

Site. — In a slight hollow scratched in the sand or
shingle of the sea-shore, usually quite unsheltered.

Materials. — If any, a few bents.

Eggs. — Two or three. Warm stone-colour, boldly
spotted and blotched with black, deep brown, and grey.

ROSEATE TERN (Sterna dougalli).

April to September. Local, uncommon, and de-
creasing in numbers. Breeds sparingly on the Fame
and ScUly Islands, on Walney Island, and on some of
the Scottish is ands.

Haunts. — The sea.

Observation. — Distinguish from last by slimmer build,
and rather longer forked tail and shorter wings.

BIRDS OF THE SEA in

Plumage. — Generally much like the next, but the
mantle paler grey, and lower parts suffused with rose-
colour. Tail long and very forked. Bill black, orange-
red at base. Legs and feet orange-red. Length iS^in.
Female like male. In winter forehead almost white.
Young : crown white, streaked with black ; head and
nape greyish black, streaked with white ; blackish grey
band on wings, with white edges ; back and wings bluish
grey, mottled with greyish black and yellowish white ;
throat, collar, and under parts white ; legs and feet
yellow. Nestling : buff above, marked with grey and
white ; pure white below.

Language. — A harsh " crake," if anything rather more
musical than last.

Habits. — Closely resembling the other Terns.

Food. — Fish.

Nest. — June. One brood.

Site. — Same as last, and usually on some isolated
and uninhabited island.

Materials. — Same as last.

Eggs. — Two to three. Creamy white, blotched and
spotted with dark brown ; indistinguishable from the
next two species.

COMMON TERN (Sterna fluviatilis).

May to September. Well distributed, being found
pretty abundantly all round our coast-lines except
towards the north, where its place is taken by its near
relative the Arctic Tern.

Observation. — This bird differs from the Arctic Tern by
its more slender build, whiter under-parts, and its dark-
tipped but otherwise orange-red bill.

H2 OUR MIGRANT BIRDS

Plumage. — Head and nape black ; upper parts pearl-
grey. Rump and tail white ; under parts vinous grey.
Bill orange-red, with horn-coloured tip. Legs and feet
orange-red. Tail well forked. Length 14^ in. Female
similar. In winter forehead flecked with white ; under
parts purer white, and bill and feet duller. Young :
brownish white forehead ; upper parts bluish grey,
mottled with greyish brown ; brownish grey band on
upper wing-coverts ; under parts white ; legs and feet
reddish brown. Nestling : covered with down ; yellow-
ish brown above, mottled with black ; throat and fore-
head brown, white below ; feet yellow.

Language, — A harsh cry, like " cree-cree-cree-ee."

Habits. — Its method of fishing is like that of all Terns,
viz., precipitating itself into the water to catch surface-
swimming fish. On the wing it is an adept at doubling
and wheeling most rapidly, almost vying with the
Swallow (hence Sea Swallow). It swims well, but is a
poor walker. Breeds in Terneries.

Food. — Fish, sand-eels, and Crustacea.

Nest. — May to June. One brood.

Site. — In a hollow in the sand or shingle, not far above
high-water mark ; also on tumbled masses of isolated
rocks.

Materials. — If any, a few bents.

Eggs. — Two or three. Yellowish stone to olive,
spotted and blotched with deep brown and grey. Like
Arctic Tern's, but less boldly marked.

ARCTIC TERN (Sternus macrura).

May to September. Especially abundant on the
northern and western coasts. In the south it breeds on
the Scilly Islands, and sparingly at a few places on the

BIRDS OF THE SEA 113

southern and eastern coasts. On Walney Island it
breeds abundantly, as it also does in Ireland, Scotland,
and the Fame Islands.

Observation. — Distinguishable from the last by its
blood-red bill, greyer under-parts, with no vinous
suffusion, and the slightly longer tail.

Plumage. — Head and nape black ; upper parts pearl-
grey. Rump and tail white ; under parts pale pearl-
grey. Bill blood-red. Legs and feet coral-red. Length
14! in. Female similar. In winter, forehead flecked
with white ; under parts whiter, and bright red of the
bill and legs loses its brilliancy. Young : these go
through several changes between the nestling and fully
adult stages ; generally they resemble the adults in
winter dress, the plumage showing signs of immaturity
in its more sombre and mottled effect. Nestling :
almost similar to Common Tern.

Language. — Like the Common Tern.

Habits. — Like the Common Tern.

Food. — Like the Common Tern.

Nest. — Early June. One brood.

Site. — In hollow scooped out by the bird on shingle,
not far above high-water mark.

Materials. — If any, a few pieces of seaweed or bents.

Eggs. — Two or three. In colour, markings, and extent
of variety, practically indistinguishable from those of
Common Tern ; perhaps rather darker and more boldly
blotched, but smaller and slightly pyriform.

GLAUCOUS GULL (Lams glaucus).

A winter visitor to the northern parts of these islands.
In size it almost equals the Great Black-backed Gull, but

p

ii4 OUR MIGRANT BIRDS

it is distinguished from same by its nearly white wings
and no black back. Breeds in circumpolar regions.

ICELAND GULL (Lams leucopterus).

A straggler in autumn and winter from circumpolar
regions. It has very pale wings like the last, which
generally it much resembles, but is smaller, being about
the size of the Lesser Black-backed Gull.

FULMAR (Fulmarus glacialis).

A rare straggler to our coasts in winter, though it is
more commonly met with farther out to sea. It breeds
on St. Kilda, and is said to have established itself, as a
breeding species, in the Shetlands.

Observation. — The largest of our Petrels ; rather
Gull-like, but distinguish by nasal tubes.

Plumage. — Head, neck, and under parts white. Back
and tail grey ; more dusky on the quills. Bill yellow,
except nasal tubes, which are olive. Legs and feet
yellowish flesh-colour. Length 19 in.

Language.. — Usually very silent. It utters a cry like
" kaka," and another like " wib-wib-ua-ua."

Habits. — It is rather Gull-like in its appearance and
mode of flight. Except when breeding, it spends its
whole time on the sea, picking up various floating
matters. When captured it vomits an amber-coloured
oil, on which the young are fed.

Food. — Offal and various fatty and greasy matters
found floating in the water.

BIRDS OF THE SEA 115

Nest. — May or June. One brood.

Site. — On edge of a cliff, or in slight cavity on the cliff-
side, &c.

Materials. — If any, a slight lining of grass, &c.

Eggs. — One. White, with sometimes a few small
reddish brown spots. Shell rough, and smells strongly
of musk.

SHORE LARK (Otocorys alpestris).

An irregular winter visitor.

Observation. — Distinguish at once from other Larks by
black lores and band on chest.

Plumage. — Band on crown, erectile tuft of feathers,
lores, and cheeks, and band on chest black. Forehead,
throat, and space at back of lores yellowish white.
Nape, mantle, and tail vinaceous brown. Wing-coverts
tipped with white ; under parts dull white, streaked with
brown on flanks. Bill and legs black. Length 7 in.
Female, smaller and less black on head ; duller through-
out.

Language. — Song, short but melodious, delivered either
on the ground or when soaring.

Habits. — Except when soaring it spends nearly all its
time on ground, seldom perching. Generally seen here
in flocks.

Food. — Insects and their larvae, small mollusca and
Crustacea ; seeds, &c., in winter.

Nidification. — Breeds in Northern Europe, Asia, and
America.

KENTISH PLOVER (Mgialitis cantiana).
April to September. Very local, and nowhere com-

n6 OUR MIGRANT BIRDS

mon ; found in the south and south-eastern counties,
and Channel Islands. Very rare in Ireland.

Observation. — Distinguish from Ringed Plover by
rather smaller size, paler appearance, and absence of
black gorget.

Plumage. — Forehead, stripe over eye, chin, and under
parts white. Top of forehead, and band from base of
bill through eye and patch just below scapulars black.
Back of head brownish red ; upper parts ash-brown.
Outer tail-feathers white. Bill, legs, and feet black.
Length 6| in. Female, no black on forehead, and
duller. Young, stull duller, and more or less mottled
above. Nestling, much like the Ringed Plover.

Language. — A sharp whistle, not unlike the Ringed
Plover's.

Habits. — Much like the Ringed Plover, but exclusively
confined to the seashore, whereas the Ringed Plover is
found sometimes inland.

Food. — Similar to Ringed Plover.

Nest. — May. One brood.

Site. — On bare ground, among shingle, pebbles, &c.

Materials. — None.

Eggs. — Three or four. Stone- or drab-colour, spotted
and scrawled with black and grey ; smaller than Ringed
Plover's ; much like Little Tern's, but pyriform shape.

OSPREY (Pandion haUatus).

It appears as a rare spring and autumn migrant.
It may still breed in some favourable spots in Scotland.

Haunts. — Sea-coast, estuaries, and inland waters.

Plumage. — Head and nape white, streaked with brown.
Upper parts dark brown, glossed with purplish. Tail

BIRDS OF THE SEA 117

dark brown and barred ; under parts white. Band of
pale brown spots across breast. Bill blackish horn-
colour. Cere and legs lead-colour. Length 22 in.
Female : brown marks on breast more distinct ; length
24 in. Young : paler above, and tail distinctly barred.
Nestling covered with blackish down.

Language. — A sharp, shrill cry or scream.

Habits. — It hovers much like the Kestrel, and plunges
down into the water to take its prey. Flight rapid and
graceful.

Food. — Fish.

Nest. — April or May. One brood.

Site. — At the top of some tree, or on some isolated
rock ; always near water.

Materials. — Sticks and turf, lined with wool and moss.

Eggs. — Two or three. Creamy white, well blotched
with chestnut-red and claret, with purplish underlying
markings.

GREAT SHEARWATER (Puffinus gravis).

A fairly regular visitor to our waters, usually in autumn,
more especially to the south-west. The upper parts are
ash-brown, the feathers having lighter edges on the
mantle ; under parts white. Length 19 in. In habits
it much resembles the other Petrels ; it dives well, and
feeds principally upon squid. Its nest and eggs are
unknown.

SOOTY SHEARWATER (Puffinus griseus).

Occasionally met with in autumn and winter, but
rarer than the last. In appearance it is very dark.
Length 18 in. Breeds in the Southern Hemisphere.

n8 OUR MIGRANT BIRDS

TURNSTONE (Strepsilas interpret}.

An autumn and winter visitor from circumpolar
regions. Considerable numbers spend the winter with
us in the south and west.

Haunts, — Rocky sea-coasts.

Plumage. — Head, neck, breast, and shoulders varie-
gated with black and white. Mantle streaked with
chestnut and black, giving " tortoise-shell colouring."
Rump white and conspicuous. Tail dark brown ; under
parts white. Bill black. Legs and feet orange-red.
Length 9 in. Female, slightly larger and duller. In
autumn both sexes lose much of the chestnut colouring.
Young : forehead and cheeks brown, collar dark brown ;
feathers of back tipped with dingy white.

Language. — A clear whistle ; also a twittering or
chuckling, uttered when on the wing. Usually rather
silent.

Habits. — When feeding it has a curious habit of turning
over stones with its bill, sometimes aided by its breast,
to find insects or other small creatures lurking there.

Food. — Small Crustacea and mollusca, marine insects,
&c.

Nidification. — Breeds in circumpolar regions.

BERNACLE GOOSE (Bernicla leucopsis).

A winter visitor, occurring chiefly on the western
coasts, Scotland and Ireland.

Observation. — Distinct on account of its white cheeks
and black head and throat.

Haunts. — Mud-flats on the sea-coast, but not so mari-
time as the next.

BIRDS OF THE SEA 119

Plumage, — Head, neck, and throat black ; forehead,
cheeks, and chin white, tinged with buff ; mantle laven-
der-grey, barred with black and white ; wings and tail
blackish ; under parts greyish white, flanks barred with
grey ; whiter on the vent and under tail-coverts. Bill
and legs black. Length 25 in. Female slightly smaller.

Language. — A harsh cackling.

Habits. — Like the other Geese. Feeds at night.

Food. — Largely graminivorous, but also animal matters
picked up on mud-flats.

Nidification. — Probably breeds in Arctic regions,
but breeds here in a semi-domesticated state.

BRENT GOOSE (Bernida brenta).

A winter visitor, chiefly to the north-east of England ;
but pretty generally distributed in suitable localities.

Haunts. — Mud- and tidal flats ; very maritime.

Plumage. — Head, throat, and neck black, white patch
on each side of neck ; mantle brownish black, with
lighter edges ; wings, rump, and tail black ; under
parts slate-grey ; tail-coverts white. Bill and legs
black. Length 23 in. Female rather smaller.

Language. — A loud " cronk " or " honk."

Habits. — Resembling the other Geese, but more
marine, spending the night on the sea, and coming to
shore in the day-time to feed.

Food. — Marine plants, wrack-grass, &c., found on
oozy mud-flats.
Nidification. — Breeds in Northern Europe and Asia.

120 OUR MIGRANT BIRDS

SCAUP-DUCK (Fuligula mania).

A common winter visitor to our coast-lines. Doubtful
if it ever breeds in the British Islands, but may do so
in far north.

Haunts. — Oozy flats at the mouth of rivers and the
like.

Plumage. — Head, neck and chest black, with green
and purple reflections. Mantle minutely vermiculated
with greyish brown and white. Speculum white,
bordered with greenish black. Rump, wings, and tail
brownish black, under parts white. Bill bluish grey,
with black nail. Legs and feet lead-colour. Length
19 in. Female : broad white band at base of bill ;
head and neck sooty black ; under parts dull white ;
flanks and under tail-coverts mottled with brown
Young, much like female.

Language. — A harsh discordant " scaup."

Habits. — Gregarious. Flight rapid, and wings quickly
vibrated. Except when feeding on mud-flats, it dive
for its food.

Food. — Mollusca and Crustacea chiefly ; also variou
sea-plants.

Nidification. — Breeds in Northern Europe.

LONG-TAILED DUCK (Harelda glaciatis).

A regular winter visitor, especially to our eastern
coasts and to the north. It may possibly breed in the
extreme north of these islands.

Haunts. — The sea, except in bad weather.

Plumage.— Head and neck white. Cheeks brownish

BIRDS OF THE SEA 121

grey. Back, rump, and tail-feathers — the central pair
being much elongated — black. Scapulars elongated,
and outer tail-feathers and under-parts white. Breast,
wing-coverts, and primaries blackish brown. Bill rose-
colour ; nail and basal portion black. Legs and feet
lead-colour ; webs blackish. Length 26 in. Female :
upper parts dark brown ; dull white stripe over eye ;
under parts white ; no long tail-feathers. Young,
similar.

Language. — A loud, clear " our-o-u-ah."

Habits. — Very marine when in these islands. It
dives, but takes most of its food from the surface.
When swimming, the long tail is held aloft in its restless
and gambolling actions ; in flight the tail is depressed.

Food. — Mollusca, Crustacea, sea-plants, &c.

Nidification. — Breeds in Arctic regions.

EIDER DUCK (Somateria mollissima).

An uncommon visitor to the more southern coasts ;
commoner towards the north and in Scotland. Breeds
in the Fame Islands and other suitable localities in
Scotland.

Haunts. — The sea.

Plumage. — Crown and forehead black ; a white line
bisecting the crown and extending to the pale green
nape, and divided by another white line proceeding from
the green portion on either side of the neck. Cheeks,
back, and wing-coverts white. Secondaries yellowish
white. Primaries, rump, and tail blackish, with white
patch on either side of : the tail. Breast rosy buff.
Belly black. Bill greenish, with wedge of black feathers
extending centrally towards nostrils. Legs and feet

Q

122 OUR MIGRANT BIRDS

dull green. Length 23 in. Female, ruddy brown,
barred with blackish brown. Young, much like female.

Language. — Usually very silent. It utters a moaning
cry, like " ah-woe-o-a-woo," much like the Long-tailed
Duck. Female utters a harsh croak.

Habits. — Gregarious throughout the year. It is a
powerful swimmer and expert diver, and flies rapidly
at no great elevation above the water. Its food is ob-
tained at the bottom of the sea. The hen bird is tame
when sitting, but if rudely disturbed she squirts a
stinking fluid over her eggs.

Food. — Many kinds of Crustacea, sea-weed, &c.

Nest. — End of May. One brood.

Site. — Amongst coarse herbage, &c., near water.

Materials. — Grass, sea-weed, and heather, profusely
lined with the celebrated down, which is mouse-brown in
colour with whitish centres, and very elastic.

Eggs. — Five to eight. Dull greyish green.

GOOSANDER (Mergus merganser}.

A not uncommon winter visitor to our coasts, estuaries,
and fresh-water lakes. Breeds sparingly in the highlands
of Scotland.

Plumage. — Head, short crest, and upper neck dark
green ; lower neck and under parts white, suffused with
pink ; upper back and scapulars black. Wing-coverts
white. Primaries ash-brown. Lower back and tail
ash-grey. Bill blood-red and serrated. Legs and feet
orange-red. Length 26 in. Female, much duller, and
head and neck reddish brown ; white speculum. Young,
much like female.

BIRDS OF THE SEA 123

Language. — Male utters a harsh " karrr " ; also low
whistling kind of cry.

Habits. — When swimming it rather reminds one of the
Grebes, and is also much like the Cormorant in the way
in which it submerges the body. An expert diver, it
pursues and captures its finny prey under water, remain-
ing submerged some considerable time.

Food. — Fish exclusively.

Nest. — May. One brood.

Site. — In a hole in a tree-trunk or under rock.

Materials. — Dry grass, weeds and moss, lined with
greyish white down.

Eggs. — Eight to thirteen. Creamy white.

RED-BREASTED MERGANSER (Margins senator).

A common winter visitor on our coast-lines, usually
preferring tidal waters. In Scotland, resident and breed-
ing on fresh-water lochs. Also breeds in Ireland.

Observation. — Distinguish from last by spotted appear-
ance of lower neck, and rather less white in the whole
plumage.

Plumage. — Head, crest, and upper neck dark green >
collar white ; a black line running through same on the
nape to back, which is also black ; outer scapulars white ;
inner ones black. Rump, flanks, and tail-coverts ver-
miculated with grey. Speculum white, barred with
black. Lower neck pale chestnut, streaked with black ;
under parts white. Bill red and serrated. Legs and
feet orange-red. Length 24 in. Female : smaller and
duller, somewhat resembling female of last species, but
much smaller ; head and neck reddish brown ; distinct
black bar on wings. Young, like female.

124 OUR MIGRANT BIRDS

Language. — Usually very silent. It sometimes utters
a harsh kind of " quack."

Habits. — Very similar to the last.

Food. — Fish.

Nest. — May to June. One brood.

Site. — On the ground among heather or other coarse
herbage, under rocks, &c., near water.

Materials. — Heather-sprigs, leaves, and grass, lined
with brownish grey down, having rather paler tips and
centres.

Eggs. — Six to ten or more. Pale olive or buffish grey.

INDEX

p

zge

Page

Auk, Little

99

Gadwall

87

Avocet -

99

Garganey -

85

Godwit, Bar-tailed

107

Black-tailed

79

Bittern, Common

80

Golden-eye

93

Little -

84

Goosander -

122

Blackcap -

34

Goose, Bean

82

Brambling -

52

, Bernacle

118

Bunting, Lapland

66

Brent

119

Snow -
" Butcher Bird " (Red-

55

, Grey Lag
Pink-footed

81
83

backed Shrike)

51

White-fronted -

82

Buzzard, Honey -

41

" Grasschat " (Whinchat)

57

„ Rough-legged

61

Grebe, Black-necked -

95

Eared

95

,, Red-necked

94

Chiffchaff - - '-.

46

Sclavonian

95

Crake, Baillon's -

75

Greenshank - »

78

Corn - - - .

24

Gull, Glaucous -

Little

74

,, Iceland

114

Spotted -

74

,, Little

109

Creeper, Nettle -

32

" Cricket Teal " (Garganey)
Cuckoo
" Cuckoo's Mate " (Wryneck)
Curlew, Stone

85

$

61

Harrier, Montagu's
Heron, Night
Hobby

65
87

45

Hoopoe -

39

Diver, Great Northern

IOI

Knot

1 06

Dotterel

66

Dove, Turtle

4°

Duck, Eider

121

Landrail -

24

,, Long-tailed

1 2O

Lark, Shore

"5

,, Ruddy Sheld

94

Scaup

120

Martin, House

19

,, Tufted

92

Sand

73

Merganser, Red-breasted

123

" Felt" (Fieldfare)
Fieldfare-
" Firetail " (Redstart) -

29
27

Nightingale
Nightjar

60

Flycatcher, Pied -

18

Spotted

21

Oriole, Golden

49

Fulmar -

114

Osprey ...

116

I

25

126

INDEX

Page

Page

Ouzel, Ring

56

Snipe, Great

75

Owl, Snowy

55

„ Jack
,, Summer (C. Sand-

75

piper) -

76

Phalarope, Grey
Red-necked

102

83

Starling, Rose-coloured
Stilt, Black- winged

21
IOO

Pintail

89

Stint, Little

103

Pipit, Tree
Plover, Grey
Kentish -

36
I04

"5

Swallow
Swan, Bewick's -
Whooper -

18

102
101

Norfolk -

61

Swift

20

Pochard ...

91

„ Red-crested

92

Tern, Arctic

112

, Black

97

, Common

III

Quail -

23

, Little

1 08

Roseate

no

, Sandwich -

IOO

Rail, Land
Redpoll, Mealy -
Redshank, Dusky

24

37
69

" Thick Knee" (Stone Curlew) 61
Turnstone - - - 118

Spotted

69

Redstart -

27

Wagtail, Blue-headed

25

Black

28

White -

17

Redwing

22

Yellow -

26

Reeve ...

86

Warbler, Garden

35

Ruff

86

Grasshopper -

59

Marsh -

7i

Reed -

7°

Sanderling -

1 06

Sedge -

72

Sandpiper, Common

76

Willow

47

, , Curlew

104

Wood -

48

,, Green

78

Waxwing

52

Purple

i°5

Wheatear

63

Wood

77

Whimbrel -

62

Scoter, Common or Black

98

Whinchat -

57

„ Velvet

98

Whitethroat,

32

Shearwater, Great

117

Lesser

33

Sooty

117

Wigeon

90

Shoveller

88

Woodcock

42

Shrike, Red-backed

51

Wren, Fire-crested

5°

Shrike, Great Grey

43

Willow -

47

Smew ...

IOO

Wood

48

" Snake-bird " (Wryneck)

Wryneck -

38

Bristol : Burleigh Ltd., at the Burleigh Press.

"000870

101 3

QL
690