. 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 fr 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. ii. 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. SC87G7 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 Page MIGRANT BIRDS OF THE Gardens, Orchards and Cultivated Districts - 17 MIGRANT BIRDS OF THE Woods and Well- Wooded Districts 31 ,^_. JW; «,<- / MIGRANT BIRDS OF THE Commons, Downs, Moorland and Mountainous Districts 55 MIGRANT BIRDS OF THE Streams, Rivers, Lakes and Marshy Districts - - 69 * IGRANT BIRDS OF THE Sea, Seashore and Cliffs - - 97 NOTES Sp. = Spring. S. = Summer. A. IV. Autumn. Winter. MIGRANT BIRDS OF THE GARDEN, ORCHARDS AND CULTIVATED DISTRICTS. Black or Black and White. Small— White Wagtail Sp. I Small— Swallow Sp.toA. Pied House Martin Sp. to A . Flycatchers/), to A. \ Swift - -Sp.toA. Black and Pink. Medium — Rose-coloured Starling - S. Brown. Small— Spotted Medium— Quail - Flycatcher Sp. to A . Landrail Medium— Redwing - A.toSp. Green and Yellow. Small — Blueheaded I Small — Wagtail - S. I Variegated Colours. Small— Redstart - Sp.toA. I Medi Black Redstart A . \ - Sp.ioA, - Sp.ioA. Yellow Wagtail Sp. to A . Fieldfare - A.toSp. MIGRANT BIRDS OF THE WOODS AND WELL-WOODED DISTRICTS. Brown or Brown and White. Small— Nightingale Sp.toA. Whitethroat Sp.toA. Small— Mealy Redpoll W. Wryneck - Sp.toA. Medium — Hoopoe - - Sp. Turtle Dove Sp. to A . Honey Buzzard Woodcock Large— Sp.toA. W. Lesser Whitethroat Sp. to A . Blackcap - Sp.toA. Garden Warbler Sp.toA. Tree Pipit Sp. to A . Grey and White. Small— Great Grey Shrike W. I Medium— Bobby - Sp.toA. Medium — Cuckoo - Sp. to A . ' Green. Small— Small— Chiffchaff - Sp. to A . Small- Willow Warbler Sp. to A . Yellow and Black. Medium — Golden Oriole Variegated Colours. Wood Warbler Sp. Sp.toA. Fire-crested Wren W. Red-backed Shrike - Sp.toA. Small— Waxwing - - W. Brambling A . to Sp. MIGRANT BIRDS OF THE COMMONS, DOWNS, MOORLAND AND MOUNTAINOUS DISTRICTS. White. Large — Snowy Owl - W. Dusky and White. Small — Snow Bunting W. \ Medium — Ring Ouzel Sp. to A . Brown or Brown and White. Small— Mediut Small — Small— Whinchat - Sp. to A . Grasshopper Warbler Sp. to A . -Nightjar - Sp. to A . Large — Rough-legged Buzzard - W. Stone Curlew Sp. to A. Whimbrel- Sp.toA. Grey, Black and White. Wheatear - Sp. to A . i Large — Montagu's Harrier - Sp.toA. Variegated Colours. 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 Warbler Marsh Warbler Sedge Warbler Sp. to A . Sand Martin Sp. to A. Sp. to A . Sp. to A . Large Medium — Spotted Crake - Sp. to A . Littie Crake Sp.&A. Baillon's Crake - Sp.&>A. Great Snipe - A . Jack Snipe A.toSp. Variegated Colours. Medium — Common Sandpiper Sp. to A . Wood Sandpiper Sp.&-A. Green Sandpiper Sp. &-A. Greenshank Sp.&A. Black-tailed Godwit - Sp.&'A. Common Bittern W. Grey-Lag Goose W. White-fronted Goose - - W. Bean Goose - W. Pink-footed Goose W. Small — Red-necked Phalarope Sp.&A. Medium— Little Bittern - Sp.&A. Garganey - - Sp. Ruff - - Sp.^A. Large — Night Heron Sp. S> A . Gadwall - Sp.&A. Shoveller - - W. Pintail - - W. Wigeon - - W. Large — • Pochard - A . to Sp. Redcrested Pochard - W. Tufted Duck - W. Golden eye - W. Ruddy Sheld-Duck W. Red-necked Grebe W. Sclavonian Grebe W. Eared or Black- necked Grebe W. MIGRANT BIRDS OF THE SEA, SEASHORE AND CLIFFS. Black. Medium — Black Tern - Sp. 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— kittle Gull - W. Little Stint Sp.&A. Large — Sandwich Medium — Grey Plover - W. Tern - Sp.toA. Curlew Roseate Sandpiper Sp. &-A. Tern - Sp. to A . Purple Common Sandpiper Sp to A . Knot - Sp.&-A. Sanderling Sp.&-A. Torn Sp.toA. 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. to A . 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 f> ,,24 Spotted Flycatcher tt ,,25 Yellow Wagtail §f ,,25 Redstart 32 Nightingale's Nest „ 32 Whitethroat M ,,33 Blackcap f> ,,33 Tree Pipit (> „ 4o Turtle Dove 4o Woodcock (> ,,42 Chiffchaff 4, Red-backed Shrike ., „ 56 Ring Ouzel (> „ 56 Whinchat >( 5? Grasshopper Warbler --.... c7 Ni8htJar - - - „ .. 64 Stone Curlew 64 Wheatear 65 Reed Warbler „ ,,65 Sedge Warbler „ „ 88 15 LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS— continued Common Sandpiper - - - • - - to face -page 88 Garganey - - - - - - » - ,, ,, 89 Pintail - - - - - - „ „ 89 Tufted Duck „ ,,96 Common Tern ------- If ,,96 Kentish Plover ------- M ,,97 Barnacle Goose ,, ,.97 16 Migrant Birds of the Gardens, Orchards and Cultivated Districts WHITE WAGTAIL (Motaclllaalba). 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 5j 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 communis). 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 bufnsh. 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 6£in. Female shorter ; head less grey ; under parts not so D 26 OUR MIGRANT BIRDS yellow. Young, upper parts greenish brown ; under parts pale yellow. Language. — Call-note, " chit-up " or " scizzur." #afo/s.— 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. £ggs— Yellowish white, clouded and mottled with pale brown ; usually a hair-like streak, like next. YELLOW WAGTAIL (Motacilla rait). 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 bufnsh ; 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 5jin. 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 (Rutidlla titys). Autumn to April. Rather rare ; most commonly met with in Devon, Cornwall, and south-western counties. Has been noted in Ireland, and very rarely 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 5f 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 6 J 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 bufi. 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 (fiage 27) NK;HTIN<;ALKS NKST :/>afe 31) 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 5 Jin. Female, smaller and duller. Young browner. !'f Language. — Song, a short, vigorous strain, consisting of the rapid repetition of one whistling kind of note ; 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 sf 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.— May. 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 5| 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 buffish. 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 linaria). 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. Nidification. — 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 9! in. Female slightly smaller ; crest and bill also smaller. Young, duller. Language. — A low " 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 (fage 36) TURTLE DOVE (page 49) 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 F 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 bisects, 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 (Scohpax 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 verj' 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 canows). 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 " Click." 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 4! 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 (Phylloscopus 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 Chiff chaff. 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, hi 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' 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 5j 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 hi 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. — Small 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. WAXWING (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-iire." 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 ( f-a?e 51) RING OUZEL (Mire 56) WH INCH. M (faSe 57) GRASSHOPPKR NVAKHLER (page 59) BIRDS OF THE COMMONS 57 tipped with black. Legs brownish black. Length lo^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 hi 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 H 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 J 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 navia). 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 europoeus). 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 bufnsh 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 (Nutnenius pheeopus}. 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 ananthe). 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. -. ' ^iifeMi1 NKJHTJAR STONE CURLEW (page 6.) 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 1 9 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 J 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 then* 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 9 in. 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 : buffish 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 hi 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 hi 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 J 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 hi 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. K 74 OUR MIGRANT BIRDS SPOTTED CRAKE (Porzanamaruetta). 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 times 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, necked 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 *j\ 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 Sin, 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 " gift." 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 9! 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 buffish 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. 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 7^ 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. Nldification. — 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. GADWALL (Anas strepera). 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 1* 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- C.ARCIANKY (/-age 85» 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. Eg§s- — 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 bufnsh 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 bumsh 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 hi 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 igj 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 glaucion). 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. Nidification. — 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 (Podiclpes 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 (Podictyes auritus) . 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) 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 9^ 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 sln^t. 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. zoo 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 albellus). 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 hi. 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, 8J 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. Nldification. — 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 bufnsh 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 whiter 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 buflish 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. Nidifaation. — 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 8| in. Female similar, but rather larger. In winter, upper parts sooty ; breast dark ash-brown, indistinctly mottled. 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 15^ 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. ridibundus. 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 i6in. 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 Scilly 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 isjin. 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 H4 OUR MIGRANT BIRDS it is distinguished from same by its nearly white wings and no black back. Breeds in circumpolar regions. ICELAND GULL (Larus 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 haUcetus). 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 interpres). 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 (Bernicla 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 marila). 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 dives for its food. Food. — Mollusca and Crustacea chiefly ; also various sea-plants. Nidification. — Breeds in Northern Europe. LONG-TAILED DUCK (Harelda glacialis). 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 ntollissima). 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 (Mergus serrator). 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 Auk, Little Avocet ... Page 99 99 Gadwall Garganey ... Page 87 Godwit, Bar-tailed IO7 Bittern, Common Little - Blackcap - Brambling - Bunting, Lapland Snow 80 84 34 52 66 Black-tailed Golden-eye Goosander - Goose, Bean Bernacle Brent •**/ 79 93 122 82 118 " Butcher Bird " (Red- backed Shrike) Buzzard, Honey - Rough-legged 55 51 41 61 Grey Lag Rnk-footed White-fronted - " Grasschat " (Whinchat) Grebe, Black-necked - 57 95 , Eared - 95 Chiffchaff - Crake, Baillon's Corn Little Spotted Creeper, Nettle 46 75 24 74 74 Red-necked , Sclavonian Greenshank Gull, Glaucous - ,, Iceland ., Little 94 95 78 "3 114 109 " Cricket Teal " (Garganey) Cuckoo - . . " Cuckoo's Mate " (Wrynecl Curlew, Stone 61 Harrier, Montagu's Heron, Night Hobby 65 87 45 Hoopoe ... 39 Diver, Great Northern Dotterel 101 66 Knot 106 Dove, Turtle Af\ Duck, Eider 4U 121 Landrail ... Long- tailed 120 Lark, Shore 24 * Ruddy Sheld 94 Scaup ,. Tufted 120 Martin, House Sand 19 Merganser, Red-breasted 73 123 " Felt " (Fieldfare) Fieldfare- " Firetail " (Redstart) - 29 27 Nightingale Nightjar - £ Flycatcher, Red - 18 Spotted Fulmar 21 Oriole, Golden Osprey - 49 116 125 126 INDEX Page Page Ouzel, Ring 56 Snipe, Great - -$ 75 Owl, Snowy 55 , Jack 75 Summer (C. Sand- 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 - 36 104 115 Swallow Swan. Bewick's - Whooper - 18 IO2 101 Norfolk - 61 Swift 2O Pochard ., Red -crested 92 Tern, Arctic 112 Black 97 Quail 23 Common Little in 108 Roseate no Sandwich - IOO Rail, Land Redpoll, Mealy - Redshank, Dusky 24 8 "Thick Knee" (Stone Curlew) 61 Turnstone - - - 118 Spotted 69 Redstart - 27 Wagtail, Blue-headed 25 Black 28 White - I 7 Redwing - 22 Yellow - 1 / 26 Reeve ... 86 Warbler, Garden 35 Ruff 86 Grasshopper - 59 Marsh - 71 Reed - 70 Sanderling - 1 06 Sedge - 72 Sandpiper, Common - 76 Willow 47 Curlew 104 Wood - 48 Green 78 Waxwing Purple 105 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 50 Shrike, Great Grey 43 Willow - 47 Smew IOO Wood 48 " Snake-bird " (Wryneck) Wryneck - Bristol: Burleigh Ltd., at the Burleigh Press. JB 000 Bow 3 QL 690 G?E5o I