An introduction to the birds of Great Britain

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INTRODUCTION
2g 0G oe 7

/ TO THE

BIRDS OF GREAT BRITAIN.

BY

JOHN GOULD, F.R.S., &c., &e.

( FEB go 1932. «|

er 2B, /

LONDON:

PRINTED FOR THE AUTHOR,

BY TAYLOR AND FRANCIS, RED LION COURT, FLEET STREET.

1873.

[Price Five Shillings and Siapence. |

[The Author reserves to himself the right of Translation. |

TO
THE RIGHT HONOURABLE

ROWLAND, VISCOUNT HILL,
OF HAWKSTONE,

LORD LIEUTENANT AND CUSTOS ROTULORUM, COUNTY OF SALOP,

THIS WORK

THE BIRDS OF GREAT BRITAIN

a
~

Is = Dedicated,
- BY THE AUTHOR,

IN
TESTIMONY. OF HIS SINCERE RESPECT AND REGARD
AND IN
COMMEMORATION OF
AN UNINTERRUPTED FRIENDSHIP OF MORE THAN

FORTY YEARS.

Th AOL Re ae B®

oe

PREFACE.

Tux question may naturally suggest itself to some of my readers,
what object I had in view in publishing a work on the Birds
of Great Britain, when I had already completed a similar publica-
tion on the avifauna of Europe. My reasons are simply these :—
Before the latter was completed the entire edition was all or
nearly all sold; and very many persons interested in this depart-
ment of science were disappointed in not being able to procure a
copy of a work which they saw in the hands of so many others.
Consequently, on the completion of my ‘ Birds of Australia,’ at the
solicitation of a large number of private friends and others, and
influenced by the increased taste for natural history that had sprung
up in the interim, I ‘returned to my old love”? by publishing the
British Birds, excluding those of the continent, thus complying with
the wishes of those persons who have especially paid attention to our
native ornithology. I also felt that there was an opportunity of
greatly enriching the work by giving figures of the young of many
of the species of various genera—a thing hitherto almost entirely
neglected by authors; and I feel assured that this infantile age of
bird-life will be of much interest for science, to my subscribers, and
to readers generally.

That my efforts to render this publication a standard work have
been successful is evidenced by its sale being double that of any
other work I have given to the public. Many of the numerous orni-
thologists who have arisen within the last few years have rendered
me much valuable information—a kindness which I duly acknow-
ledge, and trust that, although not specially mentioned in this short
Preface, they will take it for granted they have not been forgotten,
and that their names have been generally associated with the various
subjects to which their communications have reference.

Many of the public are quite unaware how the colouring of

1V PREFACE.

these large Plates is accomplished; and not a few believe that they
are produced by some mechanical process or by chromo-lithography.
This, however, is not the case; every sky with its varied tints and
every feather of each bird were coloured by hand; and when it is
considered that nearly two hundred and eighty thousand illustrations
in the present work have been so treated, it will most likely cause
some astonishment to those who give the subject a thought.

I am truly and sincerely thankful for the blessing of health
which has attended me during the course of my twelve years’
labour on the present work; and it was only while the Introductory
matter was going through the press that a severe blight fell upon
me (the untimely death of my youngest son, Dr. Franklin Gould*),
and cast a gloom over my future happiness. I should not have
alluded to this painful subject here did I not feel it was only doing
justice to his memory, inasmuch as he rendered me much assistance
in the composition of the following Introduction, which, from his
varied acquirements, he was well qualified to give. His loss has
called forth the sympathy of many kind friends, which has in some
measure assuaged the sad affliction which has befallen me. If I
am spared it is my intention not to be idle; for although I do not
entertain the idea of entering upon any new enterprise, I shall still
pursue the subject with the same energy I have hitherto done—
at one period of the year attending to the Birds of Asia, at another
to the recent discoveries in the ornithology of Australia, pursuing
the subject to New Guinea and the adjacent islands, the avifaunas
of these latter countries being inseparable.

It gives me great pleasure to state that my Secretary, Mr. Prince,
after twelve months’ of very severe illness, is again able to render
me his assistance, that Mr. Wolf affords me the benefit of his talented
pencil, and that Mr. Richter and Mr. Hart continue their services as
heretofore.

JOHN GOULD.

November 1, 1873.

* Dr. F. Gould died of fever on board the Steamship ‘ Behar’ on the 19th
of March last, during his passage from India to Suez, and was buried the same
day in the Red Sea.

TO THE READER.

In pursuance of the course adopted when preparing the in-
troductory matter of my works on the ‘ Birds of Australia,’
the ‘Mammals’ of the same country, and the ‘ Monograph
of the Trochilide,’ I have had the ‘ Introduction to the Birds
of Great Britain’ set up in small type for the convenience of
correction before printing it for the folio work ; by this means
I have been enabled to review the entire subject, to draw up a
complete list of the species I have thought it advisable to
include in the British avifauna, and to make those corrections
and additions which have become necessary while the work
was 1 progress.

It should be borne in mind that this ‘ Introduction’ is not
intended in any way in substitution for the letterpress already
published in the folio work, but rather in augmentation of
what is there stated and as a general summary. Those who
do not already possess the folio edition will not be able to
dispense with it on the acquisition of the present volume,
while, it is hoped, it will be found a useful supplement and

index.

INTRODUCTION.

In the olden time when the wolf and the wild boar roamed over
the primitive forests of Great Britain, when the beaver held its own
in our silent and undisturbed streams and lakes, when the red deer
followed our mountain tracks in all the vigour of its pristine con-
dition, when our marshes and great sedge-covered watery wastes
were yearly visited by the Crane and the Spoonbill, the earliest dawn
of natural history which was to herald the light of future ages had
not yet broken upon the untutored Celt, who alone shared with those
animals the possession of our islands. With the progress of civiliza-
tion that obscurity has been gradually dispelled ; and, happily for our
country, from the time when Gilbert White wrote his charming ac-
count of Selborne, the study of natural history, more particularly
with reference to our native birds, has gradually increased, until
its pleasures have become widely known to both young and old. The
talented Bewick rendered the subject still further attractive by his
inimitable and truthful drawings; then followed in the same path
Selby, Macgillivray, Thompson, and Yarrell, whose writings have
made this branch of science so popular that it now engrosses the
minds of thousands. Of the truth of this statement ample evidence
is afforded by the numerous works (both great and small) which
have been recently published, by the many local faunas which have
lately appeared, and by the establishment of naturalists’ clubs and
associations In many parts of the country. Such has been the im-
petus given by these means to the study of natural history that
it will scarcely be presumptuous in me to foretell that a period is
not far distant when our native birds will be far more familiarly
known to the people than they now are. For, although it may appear
surprising to many of my readers, I assert that at the present
time there are but few persons who could enumerate by name even
a fourth part of the birds with which we are surrounded. Country
people are familiar enough with the call of the Wryneck, the voice
of the Cuckoo, and the crake of the Landrail; but few, very few,
would recognize those birds if placed before them. Will it not,
then, be well to encourage the formation of natural-history societies
to the utmost, and doing so enlighten the minds of those who have
hitherto been much in ignorance? With this spread of knowledge,
mythical traditions such as that of the hibernation in caves or under
water of such a bird as our common Swallow (traditions not confined,
as might be presumed, to a remote country village, but which from
time to time have found utterance in the lips of educated people)
will happily cease to exist ; while the timid rustic, gradually freeing
himself from the countless superstitions connected with many of
our birds, will no longer pause with bated breath when startled at
night by the not very cheerful cry of the Screech-Owl. To be in
the country and not to care to recognize or be able to discriminate
between the musical notes of the Thrush, the plaintive song
of the Blackbird, the carol of the Lark, or the exquisite lay of the
B

2

Nightingale, is to me surprising; yet that such people exist is
but too well known. Shakespeare and our earlier poets duly ap-
preciated, however, the varying melodies of our feathered songsters,
and have never been slow to accord to each its well-earned tribute
of praise :—

“Tt was the nightingale, and not the lark,
That pierced the fearful hollow of thine ear ;
Nightly she sings on yon pomegranate-tree ;
Believe me, love, it was the nightingale.’ —
Romeo ‘and Juliet, act iii. scene 5.

Again :—
“The busy larke, messager of daye,
Salueth in hire song the morwe gray:
And fyry Phebus ryseth up so bright,
That al the orient laugheth of the light.”—
Cuaucer, Knightes Tale.
Or :—

“‘ Hark how the cheerefull birds do chaunt theyr laies,
And carroll of loves praise.
The merry larke hir mattins sings aloft,
The thrush replyes, the mavis descant playes,
The ouzell shrills, ine ruddock warbles soft ;
So goodly all agree with sweet consent
To this dayes merriment.’—
Spencer, Epithalamion, 1595.

The study of natural history reveals to us a wide field, pregnant
with interest and pleasure. The geologist, who, from the various
aspects of nature, attempts to form a conception of how this planet
has been formed, and the naturalist, whose senses are keenly alive to
the beauty and importance of the manifold living objects which meet
his gaze on every side, are pursuing a course calculated to lead to the
highest and happiest results. Even the humble cottager who de-
corates his windows with flowers, and the artisan who keeps and
encourages his little birds to sing and to solace him, are imbued with
tastes of a superior order, which, if properly cultivated, cannot
fail to induce a greater intellectual development, and consequently
an increase in happiness.

Granted that the antiquary in poring over some dusty relic of a
by-gone age experiences a thrill of pleasure denied to others, or
that the wealthy man filling his rooms with the finest efforts of the
artist’s pencil, and his cabinets with articles of rare and costly work-
manship, thereby experiences a very high degree of gratification, or
even that the man of pleasure, fulfilling the daily routine demanded by
fashion, finds in it some irresistible attraction—yet what are these en-
joyments compared with those daily and hourly offered to the student
of nature! Does he not see in the growth of a blade of grass, or in
the mechanism which enables the tiny gnat to effect the countless
vibrations of its gauzy wings, or in the majestic ease of the soaring
eagle, evidences of a power and skill immeasurably superior to those

3

ever originated by man? Can he walk in the fields without seeing and
hearing around him sights and sounds which, while tending to make
him more and more thoughtful, deeply impress him with a sense of
the wisdom, the power, ait the beneficence of his Creator? That
man who has passed his allotted time in ignorance of the teeming
worlds of life around him, has had denied to him pleasures and delights
the experience of which must have gone far to elevate the noblest
of God’s created beings. ‘ The study of ornithology has always been
a favourite one with “me,” says the late Mr. Wheelwright, “ and is
one of the few innocent pleasures of youth which follows a man
into maturer years, and upon which he can look back in the decline of
life with feelings of pure and unalloyed delight. Man’s constant
companions in every outdoor occupation, cheering him with their
presence and their songs, and often affording him a principal means of
subsistence, it is little wonder that the study of the habits and in-
stincts of birds should be a favourite one with most persons; and to
him whose time is quietly and happily spent in the forests and
the fields it adds one of the truest zests to rural life.”

Notwithstanding the limitation of area implied in a work entitled
‘The Birds of Great Britain,’ the most elementary student of
natural history must acknowledge that in numbers and in interest, if
not in beauty of marking, our avifauna will bear a favourable com-
parison with that of other countries of similar extent. The one most
closely approximating to it would appear to be that of Japan—a fact
sufficiently surprising when we remember the vast continent em-
bracing many degrees of longitude stretching between the two. But
the resemblance may possibly be explained by the similarity existing in
their physical conditions and in the general character of their natural
productions. Both countries are blessed with a temperate climate
especially suited to similar forms of bird-life, some species identically
the same occurring in each; but, in addition, Great Britain offers in
its numerous islets, its rocky promontories and extensive marshes, its
natural forests and heathy expanses, certain advantages of locality
not perhaps enjoyed by Japan to the same extent, and which are
singularly well adapted to forms of the most opposite kinds.

One feature of especial interest must always strike the naturalist in
studying the birds of the temperate zone, viz. the alternation of its
feathered immigrants, which lends such a charm to the scenery, a
charm which is greatly enhanced when we reflect that these migratory
movements are governed by certain infallible laws. Thus the arrival
and departure of the Swallow, the Cuckoo, the Landrail, &c. is as
strictly regulated as the recurrence of the seasons :

“Yea, the Stork in the heavens knoweth her appointed times; and the Turtle
and the Crane and the Swallow observe the time of their coming.”

Besides being tenanted by about one hundred and fifty stationary
species, Great Britain has migrants and occasional visitants from the
four points of the compass; thus, in spring, nearly fifty species visit
us from the south—whilst in the autumn our milder and more equable
climate attracts a still larger number from the north, who instinctively

know they will here find that food and shelter which the rigorous
B2

4

winters of more northern regions deny to them. In addition to this
true and characteristic migration, our islands are occasionally resorted
to by certain species which, from some unknown cause, make a move-
ment from east to west; whilst the pseudo-migration from west to
east is exemplified in the rarely occurring American forms which
from time to time have been recorded, and which, blown off from
their native shore, find in the masses of seaweed, uprooted trees, and
portions of wreck constantly approaching our coasts through the
agency of the Gulf Stream, that means of rest and recruitment which
finally enables a few of them to reach a welcome though far distant
haven. A remarkable degree of capriciousness, which to me has always”
appeared mysterious, occurs in the choice of localities affected by
certain of our migrants: thus the Pied Flycatcher will not rest
until it has reached the middle and northern counties of England,
while the Nightingale almost restricts its visit to the southern, eastern, .
and central ones, never favouring Cornwall with its presence, and
but rarely going into Devonshire or Wales, or further north than
Yorkshire or iarhan Again, some species, exemplified in many
of the Plovers and Sandpipers, make our islands but a halting-place,
pausing for rest only on their way to unknown and probably far
distant regions.
The mysterious law or laws which govern migration must always
be regarded by the naturalist with the utmost interest. Within our
own “Yslands hardly a month passes by without the movement of
some species occurring to remind us of the existence of such
a principle. In the early spring, before the Wheatear, that earliest of
our visitors from the sunny south, has arrived, the Fieldfare and Red-
wing which during the winter have peopled our hedgerows and
fields, the Geese, Ducks, and numerous wading-bir ds Rrhich have been
frequenting our broads and rivers, have, in obedience to nature’s
prompting, commenced a movement northward, en route for localities
better suited, by their quietude and by the nature of the food found
there, for the propagation and rearing of their progeny; then, as
the rays of the life-inspiring sun strike upon our earth with daily
increasing strength, we begin to welcome in quick succession those
little feathered arrivals which make the spring and early summer
seasons of so much enjoyment and anticipation to all true lovers of
nature. March, besides the Wheatear, brings us the Chiffchaff and
the Sand-Martin ; April’s earliest days herald in the Swallow, Wry-
neck and Martin; by the middle of that month the Nightingale has
made its appearance, together with a host of other sylvan species ;
soon after, the Cuckoo and Landrail arrive ; and on the joyous First of
May the latest of all comers, the Swift, the Nightjar, and Flycatcher
may be looked for. A pause of a few weeks follows; and, repro-
duction having been accomplished, then commences, as it were, the
ebb of the great tide of migration. The Swift, which, as we have
seen, was one of the latest to arrive, is the first to depart ; then the
Landrail makes good its retreat to the more southern country of
Africa ; other kinds follow in succession, all hastening to make their
escape before such changes of climate and natural conditions have

5

set in as would prove fatal to their existence, either on account of the
lowering of the temperature or the cessation of suitable food. By the
end of September the great mass have departed, and only a scanty
remnant are to be met with. With this same ebb, the autumnal
months bring to our sight again strings of grallatorial and nata-
torial birds, urged by similar causes from the northern regions
back towards the south in search of that food and aquatic life which
the icy hand of winter had already begun to grudge them and their
progeny in their summer location. ‘To follow the sun appears
to be the course of true migration; but the promptings of instinct
which lead the Swallow and many other species to quit our shores,
after a brief sojourn, for Africa, or those which lead the Fieldfare
and the Redwing to quit the Norwegian ‘fjelds’ for our cultivated
lands, must surely be connected in some way with, 1f they have not
for their sole object, the provision of food and climate suitable to the
species. The Rey. H. b. Tristram remarks that ‘‘ those species which
have the most extended northerly have also the most southerly range,
and that those which resort to the highest latitudes for nidification
also pass further than others to the southward in winter. Thus the
migratory Fieldfare and Redwing, visiting regions north of the limits
of the Thrush and Blackbird, on their southern migrations likewise
leave their more sedentary relatives behind. The Brambling, which
passes the Chaftinch in Norway, leaves it also in Europe, and crosses
the Mediterranean every winter to the Barbary states.” (Ibis, 1865,
await)

The regularity, however, which occurs in the arrivals of our summer
visitants is not quite so strictly adhered to in their departures.
Having accomplished the purpose for which they came, these depart
again at varying periods, but mostly as soon as the renewal of their
primaries will admit of their flying across the channel, leaving their
young to follow instinctively ( when their muscular development has
been sufficiently matured) the same route by which their parents have
preceded them. This apparent desertion of the young birds at a
period when one would imagine the presence of their parents as
leaders would be absolutely essential, seems to prevail amongst many
of our migratory species. That the old birds should be able instine-
tively to wing their way back to whence they came is not half so
marvellous as that the newly fledged nestling, urged by some mys-
terious power, should undertake a flight extending over hundreds of
miles and many variations of climate in search of a temporary home
it has never scen. This irresistible impulse, which prompts the ne-
cessity of a migration somewhither, is but too sadly seen in the rest-
less actions and almost frantic efforts of the caged Turtle Dove,
Nightingale, or Whitethroat during the period at ‘which, were they
free, they would be leaving our shore; once let that period be passed,
their efforts cease, and apparent resignation to their prison ensues.
“Tt sometimes happens,” says Mr. R. Gray, “ that Swifts, obeying
their unconquerable instincts, will at the close of a stormy season
desert their unfledged young, and leave them to perish of hunger,
Late breeds especially are subject to this unnatural desertion,

6

Oftener than once I have seen the little round sooty faces of the
young ones peering out of their holes and plaintively crying for food,
after which they have crept back to die. In these very nests, on the
return of another season, the same old birds have been known to
rearrange their building-materials, a few straws being merely laid
over the bones of the abandoned to receive a new family.”

It is a matter of surprise to some persons, as indeed it may be to
the most astute philosopher, how such frail little birds as the Chiff-
chaff and its allies can cross the sea from France or Portugal with-
out exhibiting any very apparent signs of fatigue; yet we know
that they do so, and moreover that a still smaller species, the Gold-
crest (Regulus cristatus), effects a much longer passage when crossing
the German Ocean in its migration from the opposite parts of the Conti-
nent. I must not omit to mention, however, that occasionally hundreds
of these diminutive birds are found in an exhausted state in the early
morning on the Northumberland and Norfolk coasts; and in sup-
port of this I may quote here a very interesting passage from the
work of the late gifted Mr. Selby, which runs thus :—* On the 24th
and 25th of October 1822, after a very severe gale, with thick fog,
from the north-east (but veering towards its conclusion to the east and
south-east), thousands of the Goldcrests were seen to arrive upon the
sea-shore and sandbanks of the Northumbrian coast, many of them
so fatigued by their flight or perhaps by the unfavourable shift of
the wind, as to be unable to rise again from the ground; and great
numbers were in consequence caught or destroyed. The flight must
have been immense in number, as its extent was traced through the
whole length of the coasts of Northumberland and Durham. There
appears little doubt of this having been a migration from the more
northern provinces of Europe (probably furnished by the pine-forests
of Norway, Sweden, &c.), from the circumstance of its arrival being
simultaneous with that of large flights of the Woodcock, Fieldfare,
and Redwing.”

Woodcocks, we know, generally arrive in fair condition on our
north-eastern shores at dawn, with a wind that is either easterly or
within a point or two of that direction ; but should the wind shift
after their flight has commenced, the increased muscular effort
required lands them on our coast in an exhausted and emaciated state.
Assuming, however, that birds, both great and small, have availed
themselves of a favourable slant of wind, no great amount of mus-
cular effort would be requisite, inasmuch as those arriving from
the south will require little more than an hour to cross the Channel,
while the passage of the German Ocean by those coming from the north
may occupy a short night*. It is interesting to note that some of our
migrants effect the passage to our shores during the night, and others
by day; as a rule, it is the small sylvan birds which come at the
former time, as is evidenced by numbers being found at the base of
the various lighted beacons of our southern and south-eastern coasts,
against which, attracted by the light, they have flown and killed

* Asan evidence that birds are capable of taking very long flights with
apparent ease, [ may quote a letter to ‘The Times’ of June 27, 1872, which

ri

themselves; the Swallows, the Cuckoo and the Turtle Dove, on the
other hand, wing their way across in broad day-light.

Besides the regular migration of certain species,.a remarkable
shifting of locality occurs with others, not only in our own, but in
many other parts of the world, the cause of which is totally unknown.
Starlings are now very abundant in Cornwall, and Missel-Thrushes
in Scotland—in which they were formerly not to be seen.
Such interchanges of locality are doubtless occasionally due to alter-
ations in the face of the country: but this was not the cause in the
case of Cornwall; for no county can have undergone less alteration ;
as it was in the days of Julius Cesar so it is now, unless we except
the operations of mining, which naturally only affect the surface
of a district to a small extent. The sudden appearance of Pallas’s
Sandgrouse (Syrrhaptes paradowus) in our islands and on various
parts of the Continent, in 1859-60, must be in the recollection of
every one. ‘This irruption of a strange bird from the distant country
of Siberia, perhaps from China, was very astonishing; and it well
illustrates my meaning, which may be further exemplified by the
mention of two similar occurrences in Australia. In the year 1839
the whole of the southern and eastern portions of that country was
suddenly visited by millions of the little Grass Parrakeet (Melopsit-
tacus undulatus); and a year or two later swarms of a species of
Water-hen (Zribonya ventralis) spread themselves like a cloud over
the Swan- River district, destroying fields of corn and garden-produce
and committing ravages unheard of before ; and both these species
have kept their hold until the present day, but of course in much
smaller numbers. Although not necessarily bearing upon the pre-
ceding remarks, it may be here mentioned that young birds appear
to wander further from their native homes during the first autumn
or year of their existence than they do afterwards, going out, as it
were, to see the world before settling down for the proper business of

further shows that the electric telegraph has not wholly deprived us of the use-
fulness of the Carrier Pigeon. The communication alluded to runs as follows :—

“ Srr,-—The promoters of the system of electric telegraphy insist on its im-
mense superiority over the older plan of pigeon-despatches. How far these
pretensions are founded on facts is shown by the results of the pigeon-race to
Brussels, which started from the Crystal Palace on Thursday last, when 72 birds
were flown at noon. Immediately on their departure I telegraphed to the secre-
tary of the society whose members had forwarded the birds, announcing their
departure. The first birds arrived in Brussels at 5.28 p.m., and the telegram at
5.30 P.M.

“ Another example, and I hayedone. During the Crimean War the intelligence
was conveyed to Colombo, Ceylon, 70 miles north of Point de Galle, where the
ships to India landed their despatches, and the salute fired on the news of the
fall of Sebastopol resulted from information brought by them. The electric
telegraph was established, and the pigeon-post abolished. I have recently been
requested to restock Colombo with Belgian “ voyageurs,” as the information
brought by the electric wire is neither so speedy nor so correct as that conveyed
by the birds. The Prussians, wise in their generation, have taken lessons from
the Parisians, and established pigeon-posts in Metz and their other fortified
towns. In the event of a war in which we may be engaged, what would be the
value of birds that would convey messages to Jersey, Guernsey, &c., when the
telegraphic wires had been cut by the enemy ? W. B. TEGETMEIER,”

8

their lives ; hence, doubtless, it is, that the young of so many of the
rarer northern species (Eagles, Gulls, Divers, &c.) are found fur-
ther to the south than the old birds.

With respect to the autumnal departure of many kinds of our
smaller migrants, it would appear that most, if not all of them,
assemble along our south coast ready for departure on the occurrence
of a favourable wind. Having once crossed the channel to France or
Portugal, their further southern journey becomes an easy one, and is
doubtless performed by short stages until they reach the shores of the
Mediterranean, which in the case of our own birds is probably crossed
at the narrowest portion, viz. Gibraltar, or some other promontory of
Southern Spain, their destination being the coast of Morocco; on the
other hand, those of Central Europe migrate by the way of Sicily
and Malta to Algeria, while those which have passed the summer
still further east proceed in a direct line to Egypt. North and
south, and vice versd, is in my opinion their instinctive movement ;
and this natural impulse is so blindly followed that the Quail, when
migrating, will, if possible, fly through a house or over a mountain
rather than turn aside from its course, which would not be the case
were reason its guide; in this respect it resembles the Norwegian
Lemming, whose onward course is stopped neither by lakes nor hills,
and some species of ants, whose movements are equally undeviating.

The British Islands and Europe generally, to which the fore-
going remarks on migration almost solely refer, are, however, only
a small portion of the globe subject to such interchanges of bird-
life at different seasons of the year; the avifauna of the great
continent of Asia, a continent having the loftiest mountains, the
most elevated plateaux, and the richest forests in the world, is subject
to similar laws. So, again, if we cross the equator and take a view
of what occurs in the southern hemisphere, we shall find that a
precisely similar movement takes place there, but of course at
opposite seasons, the antipodean summer being coincident with our
winter. In many instances bird-life is there represented by species of
a similar form to those we find in our own country, and which evince
a tendency to a movement north and south at certain periods of the
year as with us.

Although in the foregoing remarks I have used the terms migrant
and migratory in their ordinary acceptation, it will be as well before
quitting the subject of migration to place before my readers what I
consider should be the strict meaning of the word migrant. The
country a bird resorts to for the propagation of its species should be
regarded as its true habitat: thus the Swallows and others, although
they pass only half the year in the British Islands, are really not
migrants in the same sense of the term as that in which we.should
so regard the Fieldfare and Redwing, who, although resident with us
during the winter, retire to Norway and other northern regions for
the purpose of breeding, and who are impelled to visit our country
solely to obtain the food necessary for their existence. But whilst
regarding the species visiting us from the north during the winter
months, such as the Woodcock, Ducks, Fieldfares, Redwings, &c., as

9

true migrants only, it must be recollected that the Swallow, Chiff-
chaff, Cuckoo, &e., species leaving us at the same portion of the year,
are migrants so far as the countries they respectively winter in are
concerned,

Could acensus be taken of the smaller birds inhabiting Great Britain,
such as Sparrows, Chaffinches, Buntings &c., and of the same birds
frequenting a similar area on the Continent, there can be little doubt
that the former would greatly outnumber the latter—a circum-
stance which may be partly due to our islands affording many more
favourable localities, and partly to the fact that our smaller birds are
not, as a rule, killed or captured for the purposes of the table, a practice
which prevails abroad : of these latter, the Wheatearand the Lark are
almost the only kind that are thus utilized ; but to form an estimate
of the numbers of the latter obtained by means of the trammel-nets
of the birdcatcher, or of the former captured on the downs of
Sussex and Kent, is quite impossible. The numbers of many species
are, indeed, so great that no just estimate of the whole can be
formed. Thus it has been computed that the Gannets frequenting
the Bass rock cannot be less than twenty thousand ; how vast, then,
must be the number of that species alone around our coasts, when we
take into consideration that they are proportionally as numerous on
Ailsa Craig and the other rocks on which they are known to breed ;
the myriads also of the Dunlin and other strand-loving birds fre-
quenting our bays and inlets are beyond all computation.

Unfortunately, however, of late years vast numbers of certain
species have been destroyed, either wantonly, or for senseless
purposes of decoration instigated by fashion ; and to such an extent
has this been carried that it has become necessary to enact laws for
their protection. Whether such enactments will tend to prevent the
wholesale and cruel destruction of Robins, Kingfishers, Chaffinches,
&e. is yet to be seen; at all events if a law can be framed to
put a stop to these proceedings, it will be most desirable. The
magistrate, however, should have the power of acting according to
his judgment when such malpractices are brought under his notice ;
for to say that the St. Kildan (for whom, however, special excep-
tion has been made) should not take the Fulmar or its eggs, which
constitute almost his sole subsistence, or that the proprietor of the
Farn Islands should not collect the down of the Eider, though it may
interfere with the health of the birds, ar that those delicate morceaux,
Plovers’ eggs, should not be taken, would be absurd. Bird-catching
should be restricted to certain seasons; the idler who spreads his nets
for the capture of the Swallows that skim over the mead, or who
hangs his invisible snare across the brook for the beautiful King-
fisher to fly into, the man who professedly catches every Chaffinch
in a lane, and the clever secamp who prowls round the edge of every
shrubbery at daybreak for the newly arrived Nightingale, should be
made to know that such practices are inadmissible, and that they have
no moral right to srch a course of procedure, compared with which
the conduct of the old Whitechapel bird-catcher is an honest calling.

The following extract from ‘ Land and Water’ of August 29, 1868,

19

embodying a letter to ‘The Times,’ aptly bears out my previous
remarks on the wholesale destruction recently dealt out to certain
species.

‘““No words can convey any adequate idea of the wanton, wicked
cruelty perpetrated by these ruthless slayers of unoffending birds.
Broken-winged birds are abandoned, and drift away to perish by slow
degrees ; badly wounded birds are allowed to flutter and struggle in
the bottom of the boat, their sufferings unheeded and uncared for ;
while many fearfully hurt manage to reach the shore to die in
lingering agony: and, lamentable to say, all this butchery is committed
for no good purpose. We find a letter in ‘ The Times’ headed ‘A Plea
for the Kittiwake,’ in which it is remarked that ‘some months ago a
contributor to a popular journal of natural history, writing from
Lincolnshire, disclosed the fact that London and provincial dealers
now give one shilling per head for every ‘ White Gull’ forwarded—
that one man (a stranger drawn thither for profitable occupation)
boasted of having last year killed with his own gun at Flamborough
Head 4000 of these gulls—and that another sea-fowl shooter had
an order from a London house for 10,000, all for the ‘ plume trade.’
During the present summer,’ it is added, ‘one of these plumassiers
has visited various breeding-stations of the Kittiwake in Scotland,
and laid his plans for having supplies of birds sent to him. At Ailsa
Crag alone, he gave an order for 1000 Gulls per week, and there
stated that he was prepared to take any quantity. To meet this
demand the tacksman of the rock spread his nets while the birds
were sitting on their newly hatched young, which were left in
hundreds to perish on the ledges.’ By reference to the letter from
which the above is extracted, and which appeared in ‘The Times’ for
August 21st, it will be seen that an Act has this year received the
Royal Assent for the preservation of sea-fowl in the Isle of Man,
and that its preamble states that ‘the said birds are considered of
great importance to the fishermen in guiding them to shoals of fish,
and also for sanitary purposes by removing offal of fish from the
harbours and shores,’ ”

Again, in a communication to the ‘ Zoologist’ for January 1869,
Mr. John Cordeaux says :—‘ The following paragraph is copied from
the ‘Guardian’ of November 18, 1868. Comment is unnecessary.
‘On a strip of coast 18 miles long, near Flamborough Head, 107,250
sea-birds were destroyed by pleasure parties in four months, 12,000
by men who shoot them for their feathers to adorn women’s hats,
and 79,500 young birds died of starvation in emptied nests. Com-
mander Knocker there stationed, who reports these facts, saw two
boats loaded above the gunwales with dead birds; and one party of
eight guns killed 1100 in a week.’”

Nature on the other hand herself at times effects similar wholesale
destruction ; thus asevere winter may prove fatal to many thousands
of the feathered creation: in support of this assertion I annex some
extracts from various sources, Under the heading “ Severity of the
Weather ” we read in ‘ Land and Water’ for January 26, 1867.

““We receive from yarious parts of the country accounts of the

leh

effects of the recent cold upon all kinds of game. A correspondent
of the Inverness Courier says that in Strathnairn, in common with
other parts of the country, not a sprig of heather is visible anywhere,
and there can be no doubt that if the snow and frost continue any
length of time the destruction among all kinds of game will be beyond
all precedent. Already Muirfowl are flocking in thousands to the
low-lying grounds, and on Saturday last we noticed the birchwood
around Craggie literally swarming with them. A farmer in Strath-
nairn told us that one day lately, as he entered his stable, the entire
area of his courtyard was covered as ‘thick as they could stand’
with grouse picking up anything they could get among the dung-heaps;
and similar ‘ gatherings’ could be told by many other farmers.”

Again, in the same journal, for August 3, 1867, Mr. Henry Lee,
writing of the ‘destruction of small birds by rain,” says :—

*« My friend Dr. Millar, of Bethnal House, Bethnal Green, writes
me as follows :—‘ Good evidence of the severity of the rain during
Thursday night (July 25th) has been afforded here in the destruction
of nearly all the sparrows which congregate in our trees. My under-
gardener picked up one hundred and twenty-four on the following
morning, and in sweeping up the fallen leaves of to-day the dead
birds are being found in considerable numbers. We estimate that
more than two hundred were killed.’ ”

Mr. EK. H. Rodd writing to me from Penzance under the date of
January 8, 1867, says, ‘I foresaw that there was hard weather
somewhere, although the thermometer never showed a greater amount
of frost than one degree, which was the lowest reading here; 60
miles to the eastward the reading was on Wednesday nine degrees
above zero, and on Thursday only tive: so much for our climate. The
heavy weather to the eastward has driven millions of Linnets, Star-
lings, Larks, Redwings, Fieldfares, Peewits, and Golden Plovers to
this district.” As I was at the time on a visit to Lord Falmouth at
Tregothnan, most of the facts mentioned by Mr. Rodd came under
my own observation; and I may add that the destruction of these
birds was immense; I myself saw lying dead on the frozen snow
hundreds of Starlings, Song-Thrushes, Missel-Thrushes, Redwings
and Fieldfares, but none of the Common Blackbird, and noticed that
several of the weakly birds were attacked and eaten by the Rooks,
which, themselves in an exhausted state, flocked round the house and
at times even approached the drawing-room windows.

Violent and heavy gales also frequently lend their aid towards
the destruction of bird-life, as evidenced by our shores being often
found after their occurrence literally strewn with Guillemots, Razor-
bills, and other sea-birds; in proof of which the following instances
recorded in the ‘ Zoologist’ for 1872 may be cited.

‘* After the severe storm of January” says Mr. H. Rogers (writing
from the Isle of Wight) “our shores from Compton Bay to Water-
combe Bay were lined with Razorbills, Guillemots &e. I had up-
wards of a hundred brought to me between the 25th and 31st, most
of them in a very bad condition, which had evidently perished for
want of food. Seven Ggnnets were also picked up and brought to

12

me; this I consider very remarkable: we do occasionally get a
specimen in very hard winters ; but for seven of these powerful birds
to be driven dead upon our shores shows the severity of the storm.”

Mr. Stephen Clogg, writing from Looe two days later (February 20),
says, “The south-eastern shores of Cornwall have been covered with
the dead bodies of various birds during the present month. In a
walk of about a mile I numbered no less than sixty-nine dead bodies
of Razorbills, in various stages of decay. This state of things ex-
tends for upwards of ten miles; and when we consider the great
numbers that have been carried away for the purpose of making
plumes for ladies’ hats, and others that did not come ashore, I think
we may safely conclude that thousands of the above-named species
of birds have perished in this immediate neighbourhood within a
fortnight; and if such has been the case in other parts of England
how vast must have been the mortality amongst them!”

To the above instances Mr. Newman, the indefatigable editor of
the ‘ Zoologist,’ adds in a note, “This morning (February 21st) I
met a man going over London Bridge with a clothes-basket full or
Razorbills: he could not, or would not, tell me how he came by
them ; but by the blood on the plumage, I think they had come by a
violent death.”

Lastly disease, the greatest of all misfortunes, plays its sad part
among birds as well as among quadrupeds and man. Grouse,
as we all know, are frequently visited with great severity, and the
sweeping hand of death is not satisfied until all but a remnant have
succumbed to its ravages. Nature, in her wisdom, may cause all
these various modes of destruction to take effect for some good end,
—to check, perhaps, an inordinate increase of a particular species :
quite certain it is that she never intended that five thousand Grouse
should be bred on a Lancashire moor, or that a thousand Blue
Hares should inhabit the crown of a single Scottish hill, as is often
the case.

This unnatural over-crowding of the Grouse and Hares may have
arisen in the case of the former from the extreme care and attention
bestowed upon them, and, as regards the latter, from the killing
down of the Golden Eagles and Foxes, of whose food the Blue Hare
constitutes a large proportion, and upon the undue increase of which
they were doubtless intended to afford a wholesome check.

“The jealous care,” says Mr. Robert Gray, in his ‘ Birds of Western
Scotland,’ “‘ with which this beautiful bird is protected appears of
late years to have affected the wellbeing of the species; ” and “I
cannot withold expressing a fear that the Red Grouse of Scotland,
if not soon left to its own resources, may ultimately become a victim
to overprotection. The great changes that have taken place within
the last thirty years in the management of moorland tracts, and the
excessive rents now derived from such properties, induced both land-
owners and lessees to clear the ground of all kinds of animals that
would prey upon those birds which are not strong enough to protect
themselves ; hence sickly broods of Grouse perpetuate other broods,
that year by year degenerate, until disease ensues, and in some

13

instances almost depopulates an entire district. There can be no
doubt that this unwarrantable destruction of Hawks and Buzzards
affects adversely the condition of the birds with which our Scottish
mountains are stocked—the number of wounded birds alone which
survive the unprecedented annual slaughter through which the Red
Grouse is now obliged to pass being an argument ‘sufficient to show
that such merciful agents are wauted to prevent the spread of en-
feebled life. In other sections of the animal kingdom epidemics
similar to that affecting Grouse have been noticed ; and, so far as my
own observations have enabled me to judge, I am disposed to regard
these periodical outbreaks of disease as more or less associated with
a derangement of Nature’s laws. In almost every case where undue
protection is given to certain animals by the mgorous destruction of
others, man’s interference is followed, sooner or later, by evils of a
graver nature than those which the protective measures were in-
tended to cure; and until some more rational plan is tried for the
restoration of the Red Grouse to its original vigour, no one can say
what may be the final issue of the somewhat anomalous position in
which, as a species, the bird is now undoubtedly placed.”

T can fully indorse the general remarks of Mr. Gray respecting
the inconvenience arising from the undue protection afforded to cer-
tain species by the rigorous destruction of others. Strange as it may
appear, the keeper who supposes that he is zealously guarding the
interests of his employer by ruthlessly destroying all vermin “from
the estate is in some instances committing an error. As an ex-
ample in point, and one not mentioned by ‘the writer above quoted,
I may remark upon the destruction of the White Owl, which, injur-
ing the game to a very small extent, confers much compensatory
benefit in the destruction of the mice, rats, and weasels upon which
it feeds. Our pretty Kestrel, too, often suffers an ignominious fate
without a reasonable excuse, its food generally consisting of moles,
mice, lizards, frogs, and the larger insects. Considerable latitude
must, however, be accorded to the keeper, who, with all his care
and anxiety, is frequently nonplused by the continued loss of
his young game, and that coming from a quarter little to be sus-
pected. Some of the more intelligent of his class have, by constant
watching, detected the Brown Owl habitually haunting the vicinity
of his pens, and seizing, as occasion offered, two or three of his chicks.
The Moorhen (Gallinula chloropus), too, stealthily threading its way
through the grass, is no less to be dreaded, its presence among the
coops not resulting solely in the abstraction of the scattered grain,
but frequently in the death of a chick from a blow of its pointed
bill, a considerable portion of the victim being afterwards eaten. No
one who has lived much on the Thames, or other localities frequented
by this bird, can have failed to be struck by the fury and boldness
with which it will attack a rat, a duck, or even so large a bird as a
swan, if it approaches its nest.

‘«« At the beginning of July,” says H. J. Partridge, Esq., of Hock-
ham Hall, near Thetford, in Norfolk, ‘‘ the keeper having lost several
Pheasants about three weeks old from a copse, and having set traps

14

in vain for winged and four-footed vermin, determined to keep
watch for the aggressor, when, after some time, a Moorhen was
seen walking about near the copse. The keeper, supposing it only
came to eat the young Pheasants’ food, did not shoot it, until he
saw tke Moorhen strike a young Pheasant, which it killed imme-
diately and devoured, except the leg- and wing-bones. The remains
agreed exactly with eight found before. Perfect confidence may be
placed in the correctness of this statement.”—Zoologist, 1854, p. 4255.

For further evidence in proof of the correctness of these statements
see my account of the Moorhen in the fourth volume.

In case what I have here and there said respecting the pugnacious
and carnivorous propensities of the Moorhen should excite surprise, I
may mention that they appear to be shared in common with all the
other members of the group to which it belongs, from the delicately
formed Rail to the most robust Porphyrio; and that they are all of a
combative disposition is evidenced by possession of a sharp spur on
the wing, short in some of the species, and prolonged in others.

The question has arisen whether, when we consider the pre-
sent comparative scarcity of the Peregrine and other of their ene-
mies, it will be really advisable to encourage the breeding of the
marine or cliff birds, many persons being fearful that such a measure
would lead to a great decrease in our edible fish, upon which they
solely subsist. The daily quantity consumed by the Gannet and
Cormorant, to say nothing of the Guillemots, Terns, &c., is greatly
beyond conception, thus showing that both care and judgement is
necessary with regard to the new laws about, to be enacted.

Had a measure been passed fifty years ago and penalties enforced
for killing the Great Auk and the few remaining Bustards that then
stalked over our great plains, we should doubtless have still had
these two fine birds gracing our islands; as it is, the former (Alca
impennis or Gare Fowl) is wholly extirpated from the waters, not
only of our own country, but of the universe ; the Bustard still holds
its own on the Continent, whence now and then in the course of a
few years one strays over the seas, and visits the haunts of those
of its kind which formerly existed here; its permanent residence
again among us, however, is rendered impossible by the gradual
disappearance under cultivation of the vast plains and wolds over
which it roamed, whereby they have been rendered incompatible with
its existence. The Capercaillie, which probably died out from natural
causes, was wholly absent for a hundred years, but owing to the re-
planting of pine-forests, the conditions favourable to its welfare are
returning, and a fresh introduction has reinstated it. Other birds,
such as the Crane, Spoonbill, Bittern, Avocet, and the Ruff, which
were once very common, have now, owing to the draining of our
fens and marshes, no resting-places where they could dwell in peace
and unmolested. Thus it will be seen that by man’s industry in
effecting improvements certain natural productions are greatly in-
terfered with.

With regard to the exact enumeration of the birds frequenting
the British Islands there must always be considerable difficulties,

15

inasmuch as many persons would hesitate to include in our lists such
species as have from time to time strayed over from America, or others
which we may reasonably suppose to have escaped from confine-
ment. With these difficulties in view I have restricted the additions
to our list of native birds, with only a few exceptions, to those
species pertaining to the fauna of the Old World which, without con-
stantly residing in our islands, have from time to time appeared
therein, and whose visits oft repeated may ultimately entitle them
to a permanent place in our lists. I may state with tolerable accu-
racy that the total number of our species is about three hundred
and fifty.

If the supposed number) of birds inhabiting the globe be about
10,000, it must be admitted that the British Islands have their due
proportion of them; of course it would be quite out of place to in-
stitute a comparison between our country, or even the whole temperate
region of either hemisphere, and the tropics, where bird-life is so re-
dundant, in accordance with the profusion of fruits and insects upon
which they mainly subsist.

It must be conceded by every one who has paid attention to general
ornithology, that very considerable difficulties exist in the formation
of a perfect scientific arrangement of the Birds of the British Islands,
since these are but an appendage of a vast tract embracing the
two continents of Europe and Asia, sections of the world assimilating
in their bird-life, not only as regards genera, but in many instances
also with respect to species. Hence in our own lists there will be
occasionally breaks, as it were, that would be filled up by forms
which, while found not far distant from us, still have never been
actually killed in our islands. Far wider gaps will of necessity occur
through the absence of such genera as are peculiar to Australia—
the Bower-, Lyre-, and Mound-raising birds, or of those which are
confined exclusively to the New World—Toucans, Trogons, Humming-
birds, &e.

Man has frequently been induced to try his hand at the in-
troduction of certain species the acquisition of which he has
considered desirable; such attempts have generally proved futile ;
Nature having adapted each for a certain locality, the climate
and the condition of the country must be altered and rendered
fit for the reception of either bird or quadruped before there
is the slightest chance of their successful naturalization. Many
persons have been desirous of establishing the North-American
Prairie-hen (Cupidonia cupido) on our moors, and the Ortya
virgumanus or American Partridge in our fields and coverts; but
what good would be effected thereby? The Prairie-hen would
but displace a better bird, the common Grouse; and the little Par-
tridge would be no improvement upon our familiar species. There
is no fear, however, that this will ever be accomplished ; and the
sooner such fallacies are ended the better. It would be far wiser
were the efforts of our well-meaning patrons of acclimatization di-
rected rather to that interchange of blood among the same species
which is essential to the maintenance of a healthy stock. I am sure

16

it is all-important with regard to our birds, particularly those that
are stationary. Itis well known that species which have lived long
on au island without a sufficient interchange will diminish both in size
and brilliancy of tints; and hence, perhaps, may be explained the
smaller size and more subdued colouring of many of our birds, com-
pared with continental examples. The Blackcock of Norway and
Switzerland will be found to have the tone of its plumage more inten-
sified than those inhabiting Scotland, the black being unmistakably
of a darker hue, and the gloss of the feathers more resplendent. The
Norwegian Ptarmigan, too, is of a purer white compared with our
own bird, while its full summer dress is much darker. So, again, the
Longtailed Tit (Mecistura caudata) of Norway and Denmark differs in
having a white head, while that of Great Britain has the crown and
face dark or obscurely striped; and the Cole Tit (Parus ater) of
Belgium in having the back grey, instead of the slight olive tint
seen in British examples. To make such differences, however,
grounds for specific distinetion, as has in some cases been done, is
in my opinion playing with science. That the drier and more rarified
air of the Continent, coupled with the more direct influence of the
solar rays, contributes to cause these slight differences, seems to me
highly probable; and [am strengthened in this view by noting that
among such groups as the 7’rochilide, or Humming-birds of Ame-
rica, some of the richest and finest colours are seen in species that
frequent lofty situations.

Most of the Pheasants now spread over every county of the British
islands are mongrels, brought about by the interbreeding of three
kinds, and their progeny are but too often rickety and sickly creatures.
Those of our sportsmen who have flushed a true Phasianus torquatus
in England, or killed the same bird in China, its native country, must
have been astonished at the quickness of its arrow-like flight, and
the wildness of its actions.

The scientific naturalist of course repudiates all varieties such as
the Pheasants alluded to, no two of which are alike in colour or
markings, and whose promiscuous interbreeding can lead to no im-
portant result. We see this intercrossing carried to a still greater
extent in our domesticated Pigeons and Fowls; but beyond the
acquisition of certain variationsin plumage, or of qualities rendering
them more highly esteemed for the table, nothing of interest is
attained.

Whilst on the subject of interbreeding I should wish to draw the
attention of sportsmen to the advantages likely to accrue from the
interbreeding of our Grouse with that of Norway (Tetrao salicet?).
Ornithologists are questioning whether these are not one and the
same species, and if the differences existing between the two may not
be due to the influence of climate, Should such be the case (and I.
think it probable), then the introduction of the original stock would
doubtless effect an improvement 7n the health and vigour of our birds.
Prof. Rasch, of Christiania, believes the two so-called species to be
identical, and is introducing our Grouse into his country, partly to
determine this point, and partly for the sake of the infusion of fresh

i

blood; but more on this subject will be found in my account of the
Red Grouse. As bearing upon their unity, I may mention that
I made a journey to Norway for the sole purpose of studying the
habits of Zetrao saliceti, and observed that they differed in little or
no respect from those of our Grouse, and that its crow was also
similar.

Mr. Robert Gray remarks that, as a rule, all the Grouse from Lewis,
Harris, North and South Uist, Barra, &c. “‘may be said to be
smaller and lighter in colour than those from moors on the main-
land, especially the mountain-ranges of the north-east of Scotland,
which invariably yield in good seasons the largest and most beau-
tifully marked birds. In many districts the native Grouse par-
take of the coloration of the ground in their markings: thus
the finest and darkest birds are those frequenting rich heathy
tracts ; while on broken ground of a rocky character, such as may
be seen in Wigtownshire, the grouse are either more or less mottled,
or are altogether lighter in colour, and less in size and weight.”

Before closing my remarks on the Tetrao saliceti and the English
Grouse, it may be interesting to note that the extent of the southern
range of the former, whether we look at it in Norway, Sweden, or
Russia, is restricted to much about the same degree of southern lati-
tude as that of our own bird in England and Wales, thus adding one
more indirect proof of their probable identity. On the other hand
the Blackcock and Ptarmigan have a more extended southern
range, both being found in Switzerland, if not in Northern Italy.

Although in a previous page I have discountenanced the introduc-
tion of new species, I may be here permitted to make an exception
by advocating the claims of the Gelinotte or Hazel-Grouse (Bonasa
betulina) to a trial of acclimatization in this country. Without put-
ting forth this suggestion as original, I may state that having seen
much of this excellent bird in Norway and other parts of Europe,
and noticed that it there dwells in woods very similar to those which
occur in Kent and other counties of England and Scotland, I see no
reason why it should not be successfully naturalized; and I would
suggest that those who are of the same opinion and have the means
of making the experiment should do so.

“Tt is to me a mystery,” says Mr. Lloyd, in his ‘Game-birds and
Wild Fowl of Sweden and Norway,’ “why the Hazel-Hen, which, from
its English name, would almost seem to have been a former inhabitant
of the British Isles, has not been naturalized with us, inasmuch as it
is, of all game-birds, the most delicious, of consummate beauty, and of
unconquerable hardihood, ‘ and adapted, moreover,’ according to Mr.
George Chichester Oxenden, who has seen and shot these birds in
most European countries, ‘to every variety of cover, from pine-
forests to hazel- and oak-copses.’ But it is not too late in the day
for the Acclimatization Society to take the Hazel-Hen in hand; and
if the localities were suitable for the purpose (and such there are, no
doubt, in England and Scotland), and the attempt were made with
from twenty to fifty brace of these birds, I see no reason why it
should not succeed.”

ty

18

That the introduction of the Pheasant, the Guinea-fowl, and the
Turkey has been to a certain extent successful must be admitted ;
but it is to a certain extent only ; for it is believed by competent
authorities that the Pheasant if left to itself would die out in
thirty years, and the Guinea-fowl and Turkey in a much shorter
time. Nurses, feeders, and watchers are absolutely necessary for
the preservation of these three birds, just as the safety and health
of the Elands in Lord Hill’s Park, at Hawkstone, are dependent
upon the keeper who feeds and nightly shelters them during incle-
ment seasons.

Had I not had ample experience on the subject of naturalization, I
should not have prolonged these remarks ; but having for the last forty
years been a close observer of the denizens of the Gardens of the Zoolo-
gical Society of London, a Society justly popular for its interest and
usefulness, [ have not failed to note that however high our hopes may
have been raised respecting the probability of the successful introduc-
tion of many valuable species, nothing but bitter disappointment has
been the result. Two or three instances will suffice. Soon after the
arrival of the beautiful Mandarin Ducks they commenced laying, and
hatched out several clutches of young ; it was therefore only natural
to infer that this lovely denizen of the Celestial Empire would here-
after grace our ponds and lakes; but such has not been the case, and
very sparingly indeed does the bird breed after the second or third
year of its introduction. Three species of the equally beautiful Ceri-
ornithes, or so-called Horned Pheasants, have at one time or other
also graced the gardens, and gave early evidence that they would
reproduce their kinds; and many of them did so; but, alas! the
same result followed; for in a very few years all, both old and
young, sickened and died. A like fate attended the fine Crossopti-
lons: they laid freely, and a numerous progeny were raised during
the first two or three years; but they ultimately all perished; and
thus these fine and rare members of the Phasianide, which formed
unrivalled ornaments to the Gardens in 1870, were, in 1872, not to
beseen. Many other instances might be cited in support of this view
of the impossibility of naturalizing a foreign species. Nature, as a
rule, places each species in the locality best adapted to it; and its
removal to any other is pretty certain to end in failure.. The at-
tempts at introduction of these and other birds by such a society
as the Zoological, however, have this good end—that they enable the
public and the scientific ornithologist to view in a living state objects
of which otherwise they could only inspect the dried skins, and,
when they breed, to make themselves acquainted with the colour and
markings of their eggs, the downy state of their young, and the
changes of plumage they undergo until they attain that of the adult.
Still it is to be regretted that their existence is not further prolonged.

Hach season of the year possesses its peculiar attractions; but
spring has especial claims upon our notice. The sun, awakened from
his winter lethargy, ushers in this delightful season with his genial
warmth ; and all nature greets with joy the presage of coming
summer, and its many pleasing and interesting associations. The.

19

smaller birds are now prompted to exercise their vocal powers, filling
the woods and hedge-rows with their joyous harmony; and prepara-
tions for pairing forecast the breeding-season. The Grouse tribe
resort to their “ lek-stilles*,” the Rufts to their hillocks ; the Rooks
return to their ancestral elms, and the Daws to the nooks and eran-
nies of the castellated tower.

it is at this particular season that birds assume their gayest
colours, and oftentimes appear in accessory plumes. The Pea-
cock now spreads his magnificent train to the greatest advantage,
the Ruffs display their curious neck-plumes, the Grebes their tippets.
and the Egret its flowing back-feathers. In short, every species is
now arrayed in its newest and most showy dress. Pairing haying
been accomplished, each species sets about the serious responsibili-
ties implied in the propagation of its kind. Some, during this sea-
son, delight to nest in company, as seen in our own familiar Rook,
which will occupy in immense numbers the lofty trees of many a
noble avenue, returning, year after year, for centuries, to the same
spot. Such places, again, as Ailsa Craig, Handa, and Flamborough
Head attract myriads of cliff-haunting species, which evince a similar
tendency to reproduce in colonies. Few more wonderful sights can
be seen during the month of June than the precipitous face of one
of these places, say Handa. Viewed from the sea, there may be
descried tier upon tier of Guillemots and Razor-bills, &c., almost
jostling one another, from the manner in which they are closely
packed. Each species constitutes a separate community, and
strictly confines itself to its own ledges. The Cormorants and
Gulls have also their selected situations. Far above all, in their
curious rabbit-like burrows, in the sandy earth covering the sum-
mit, congregate those oddest of all birds, the Puffins. The din and
noise of such an assemblage is indescribable, and, when a gun is
fired, almost unendurable ; while the circling, swooping flight of the
countless myriads thus disturbed communicates the sensation of
complete bewilderment. Usually among these great gatherings will
breed a pair of some raptorial bird, such as the Peregrine, or more
rarely the White-tailed Eagle, while in some of the more southern
cliffs the Chough nestles, and adds its cackling cry to the universal
hubbub. The Common Heron, again, is a bird nesting in communi-
ties, choosing, as a rule, large pine-woods,—notable examples being
the celebrated heronry on the property of Sir George Musgrave,
Bart., at Eden Hall, in Cumberland, which comprises about one
hundred nests, and that on the estate of W. Amhurst T. Amhurst,
Esq., at Didlington Park, in Norfolk. Other and most interesting
colonies of birds are to be seen, such as those of the Black-headed
Gulls, in various counties, particularly at Scoulton and other meres
in Norfolk.

With respect to the receptacles for their eggs when laid, birds offer

* Tek and lek-stille are Norwegian terms, applied to localities ‘‘ where
affairs matrimonial are carried on.” We find them frequently used by Mr. Lloyd
in his ‘Game-birds and Wild Fowl of Sweden and Norway,’ when alluding to
the courting assemblies of the Capercailie, Blackcock, Snipe, &e. 5
; c

20

many interesting peculiarities. Some will content themselves with
the bare ledge of a rock, the pyriform shape of their eggs being the
only safe-guard against their falling over the precipice; others deposit
their eggs on a mass of sea-weed or in a floating nest composed of
rotten aquatic plants, as is the case with the Grebes. Where a more
ambitious structure is erected, we find every degree of complication,
from the loosely built platform of the Wood-Pigeon to the elegant
lichen-crusted nest of the Long-tailed Tit. Hach species shows in its
nesting a most perfect adaptation to the exigences of the situation.
Where, like the nest of the Sedge Warblers, it is swayed to and fro
amidst the reeds by every passing wind, the deep purse-like shape of
the interior is a safe provision against the eggs being blown out;
under our eaves the homely Martin plasters its nest of mud; the
Golderest hangs its hammock-like cradle beneath the tip of a
pendent fir bough; and in holes of trees and walls the Tits delight
to construct their felted nests.

I should fatigue my readers and exceed the latitude allowed me in
this introduction, were I to dwell longer upon the situations affected
by various species in their nidification or the wondrous forms shown
in the construction of their homes; otherwise I might dilate upon
the ingenuity displayed in the dome-like nests of the Magpie, in
the approach to that shape seen in those of the common House-Spar-
row when built in trees, or in the fish-bone floor of the Kingfisher’s
retreat ; but all these will be found more fully dwelt upon in the
descriptions attached to the representation of each species in the body
of the work ; I may, however, remark in passing that the structural
skill displayed by many of our birds is far surpassed by that of certain
foreign species ; and we are struck with astonishment when we gaze
upon such nests as those of the Tailorbird, the Sociable Grosbeak,
the Weaverbird, the /ctert or Hang-nests.

In writing upon subjects connected with ornithology I find the
associations of my boyhood ever flitting before me. Well can I re-
collect the dried body of the brightly coloured Kingfisher hanging
from the cottager’s ceiling, and supposed by its movements to point
the direction of the wind*—a superstition now, like many others,
happily abandoned. We'll do I recollect also the particoloured strings
of eggs with which I and my companions delighted to festoon the
walls, and which were-rigorously destroyed in our games, before the
termination of the year, in order to ward off the ill-luck otherwise
supposed to ensue. [can still remember with what intense admiration
I was filled in gazing upon the nest and lovely blue eggs of the com-
mon Hedge-Sparrow, and the pride I had in consigning them, when
blown and thus bereft of half their beauty, to that string which was
to hold so many of my subsequent findings. Coequally with the
spread of natural history generally, has advanced the interest felt in
the collecting of eggs—so much so that even amongst school-boys
they now find their way into carefully appointed cabinets, in place

* « But how now stands the wind ?

Into what corner peers my halcyon’s bill ?
Martown’s Jew of Maite,

21

of being used only as the plaything of anhour. The study of Oology
at the present day may fairly claim an important place amongst the
sciences; and, to speak more specially on the subject, I could name
several men, whose studies have taken this direction, who follow
their taste with such ardour that neither distance nor expense
suffice to deter them. One of the most enthusiastic of these was
the late Mr. John Wolley, who immured himself in the heart of
Lapland for two or three winters for the sole purpose of being
sufficiently early on the breeding-grounds to procure such rare eggs
as those of the Gyrfalcon, Pine-Grosbeak, Waxen Chatterer, and
Smew. To enhance still further the interest attaching to the study of
Oology, I have only to refer to the beautiful form, colour, and mark-
ings of most eggs, and to the difference in the number that are laid by
various species. ‘The Common Guillemot and the Razorbill lay but
one, and that very large in comparison with the bird; on the other hand
the Grouse will lay nearly a dozen; the Swift lays invariably two, and
the Swallow four, while some of our Tits deposit from twelve to
fourteen. Those eggs which are white are frequently placed in dark
situations ; but this is by no means a constant rule, since in the case
of the Wood-Pigeon and Turtle-Dove the eggs are not only fully ex-
posed to light, but owing to the slight structure of the nest, may be
frequently descried through it. Their allies the Stock-Dove and
Rock-Pigeon, however, lay theirs in the dark, as does also the Wry-
neck, all three having white eggs. On the other hand the Nuthatch,
Creeper, and many of the Tits, producing speckled eggs, deposit them
in holes of trees and other places inaccessible to the light of day.
From the egg to the chick is a natural sequence; and here com-
mences a stage in the life of birds which has been regarded by my-
self with more than ordinary interest. If any one feature in my
illustrations to the ‘ Birds of Great Britain’ has special claims to
originality, it is the representation of the young or infantine state of
many of the species ; and this, I trust, will be duly appreciated by
those who possess the work. In the imagination of most people
young birds are blind, callow, helpless creatures, depending in every
way on the fostering care of their parents, and instinctively opening
their gaping bills to receive the food assiduously brought to them.
Such a helpless condition as this undoubtedly prevails amongst
the young of nearly all, if not all, the Jnsessorial birds; but com-
pare these with those of other forms, and what vast differences are
seen! The tiny offspring of the Grebe, emerging from its burst-
ing shell in all the vigour and activity of a fully organized being, is
immediately capable of clambering, should danger approach, upon its
mother’s back, or of seeking security and concealment by diving
under a floating leaf. Who is not familiar with the Duckling, which,
from birth, equals, if it does not surpass, its parents in the quick-
ness of its movements, and in the skill with which it darts over the
surface of the water in pursuit of flies or other insects? As ameans
to an end (that of continuing its existence unaided), the young Duck
is as perfect as the old bird, though destitute of the power of flight,

22

to be accorded to it hereafter. What the webbed feet and swimming-
capabilities are to the immature birds above mentioned, the organs
of flight are to the chick of the Gelinotte or Hazel-Hen, which,
within a day of its exit from the shell, is endowed with such a deve-
lopment of its primaries and secondaries, that it can fly from branch
to branch, or dart after its parents through the wood, with an ease
and rapidity equal to that of any other little bird. At this early
stage the Gelinotte appears all wings, and, from the down which alone
covers its body, presents somewhat the appearance of a gigantic
moth. The young of the Heron exhibit a very low degree of per-
fection ; but those of the Crane, the Bustard, and the Plover are agile
on exclusion. The colouring of the downy stage of young birds is,
in many instances, very beautiful, and fantastic indeed in form—
exhibiting itself in stripings amongst the Grebes, yellow moss-like
marblings amongst the true Plovers, paintings on the face of the
Coot, and tortoiseshell blotches on the Black-headed Gull, This
peculiar phase in bird-life exists but for a short period—six or
eight days; a change then takes place, in the course of which the
downy dress, with all its pretty markings, is thrown or, rather,
pushed off by a succession of real feathers. In the Starling, among
the Insessorial birds, it is exchanged for a uniform coat of brown,
which, before the summer is over, is again transformed into a
spangled dress of great beauty, In the Golden Plover the moss-like
marbling is exchanged for a yellow speckled plumage; the Grebe
loses its dorsal stripes, and assumes a silken white breast ; the young
Coot, deprived of its painted face, soon presents an approach to the
colouring of its parent; the grey middle dress of the young Heron
gradually merges into that of the adult; and the newly hatched
Falcons, which are blind, white-down-covered, sprawling creatures,
pass through a variety of changes between their birth and the com-
mencement of the second year of their existence, when they attain
their perfect adult plumage, never again to be altered. Changes
of a similar description also occur among the Owls. Many, if not
most, birds, in fact, undergo a succession of alterations in their
costume between birth and maturity ; but as there is no rule without
an exception, so there are some birds which are not subject to any
great change of this kind: for instance, the Kingfisher from the first
is nearly as fine in colour as when adult, as are also the Roller, the
Waxen Chatterer, the Tree-creeper, and the Nuthatch.

Tn the foregoing passages | have described some of the remarkable
changes which birds undergo between youth and maturity; but
however interesting and curious may be the details of their infantine
states, their progress through middle life is not less so—while the
culminating point, so far as costume is concerned, has not yet
been reached ; for, wonderful as are the phases through which they
have progressed, these are as nothing compared with the assumption
of the richer dress and colouring that obtains at the pairing-season.
The transformations that take place in the Ployers and many other
species at this period are indeed most remarkable, and, I believe, little

23

known to any but ornithologists. The white breasts of the Golden
and Grey Plovers now become of a jetty black, and the same part of
the Godwits of a rusty red; the Lesser Gulls assume hoods of brown,
and the Terns caps of glossy black, presenting a striking contrast to
their coral-red feet ; the Divers doff their brown dress for a chequered
one of black and white; the Sparrow acquires a black bill, the
Chaffinch and the Hawfinch blue ones ; and the whole are now decked
for their summer duties, after the performance of which they
again resume the garb of winter, and retain it until the following
spring.

, Of the myriads of created beings which adorn our globe, birds must
necessarily rank highly in the estimation of man, and be to him at
all times objects of the greatest interest, inasmuch as they not only
contribute in a hundred ways to his delight, but many of them to his
sustenance. The buoyant Eagle, soaring in aérial evolutions towards
the sun, elicits his admiration ; and the rapid stoop of the Falcon ex-
cites his wonder. The Owl, which with noiseless flight crosses his
path during its nocturnal prowlings, induces his surprise at the readi-
ness with which it discerns the agile mouse and other small quadru-
peds among the grass. If the fields attract him to roam in the day-
time, the Lark and the Corn-Bunting are his companions; and he hears
the voice of the Yaffle, proclaiming the approach of rain. If in the
woods he is induced to stroll, the coo of the Pigeon strikes his ear,
or the tapping of the Woodpecker arrests his attention, the songs of
the Thrush, the Ouzel, the Blackcap, and other sylvan birds, with
the Nightingale at their head, afford food to his mind and sweet music
to his ear; the Crows, the Rooks and the Daws attract his notice ;

__. and he does not fail to observe the difference in their cries, actions,
¢ ~ sand economies. In the neighbourhood of streams the bright meteor-
a _/like flash of the Kingfisher, the heavy flutter of the Moorhen, and the

~ skimming flight of the Summer Snipe induce him to note how dif-
ferently birds pass through the air, and to contrast the comparatively
slow movements of the latter with the sweeping flight of the Swift,
which nearly outstrips the wind. On the shores of the ocean a
flood of new objects meet his gaze—the fairy-like Tern, the more
robust Gulls, with Cormorants and many other aquatic species.
In the marsh he hears the Snipe drum, the Bittern boom, and the
plainly coloured Reed Warblers pour forth a succession of querulous
sounds when intruded upon. While enjoying the invigorating air of
the downs, though now deprived of the pleasure of seeing the stately
Bustard, perchance his attention is arrested by the trippings of the
Dottrel ; the Stone-Plover may rise at his feet, and wing its way over
the hill to a place of security ; or the Wheatear and the Furze-Chat
may attract his notice, the former by the whiteness of its ramp, and
the latter by being perched on the very top of a furze-bush ; and if
it be autumn, the heavy, flapping flight of the Pewit will show him
that its structure is not so well adapted for passing through the air
as that of the sharp-winged Golden Plover.
In studying the denizens of our inland waters other opportunities
for drawing a comparison will present themselves; he will not fail

24

to remark the wondrous principle of adaptation, which enables the
frightened Grebe after its plunge to progress with the aid of its wings
as rapidly beneath the surface as the Coot with drooping legs over
it. Instances almost without end of the delight which the study of
birds affords might be cited ; but I will now say a few words on their
uses as articles of diet.

As a rule, birds are far less utilized in this country than on the
Continent, where even the smallest are eaten, the Robin, the Wry-
neck, and the Wren not excepted, as a visit to the markets of Paris
and Rome will testify, the sylvan Beccaficos and the Ortolans being
specially regarded as bonnes bouches.

Among the water-birds, the Scoters and other diving ducks, being
regarded as partly fish and partly fowl, are allowed to be eaten on
fast days, and are therefore in great request; and Mr. Augustus Smith
of Scilly tells me that the French sailors who land on those islands
frequently ask his permission to kill Cormorants and Shags, consider-
ing them, as they do, the best of fowl. The Gannet is largely eaten in
the northern parts of the kingdom, while the Fulmar not only forms the
principal diet of the St.-Kildan, but its feathers constitute his bed,
and its oil furnishes him with medicine and the means of light. The
late Mr. John Macgillivray states that the eggs ‘‘ are much esteemed
by the natives, who gratify their partiality by robbing all the nests in
the month of May, and apparently trust to the bird laying a second
time ;” and, adds Mr. Robert Gray, “the young is valued more than
all the other tribes of birds taken together; it may be said to be their
staff of life. The 12th of August, if a notable day on the moors, is
more so on the rocks of St. Kilda; for it is the harvest of the people,
who are aware that it will only last eight days; and therefore sleep
itself is banished for this space, seeing that the millions that may be
left on the eighth day after the 12th are sure to be off to their own
fairy world for a season. The number killed in this one week may
be from eighteen to twenty thousand.” In a valuable paper on the
Solan Goose or Gannet by Dr. R. O. Cunningham, published in ‘ The
Ibis’ for 1866, it is stated, on the authority of the celebrated Harvey,
that ‘the young, when they attain the magnitude of the domestic
Goose, are sweet and fit for eating; but the flesh of the old birds is
hard, lean, and dry.” And Ray in his ‘Itineraries’ mentions that
‘the young ones are esteemed a choice dish in Scotland. As the bird
feeds upon mackrel and herring, the flesh of the young smells and
tastes strong of these fish.”

At the present time, according to Dr. Cunningham, “from one to
two thousand of the young birds are killed annually for sale, and
after being plucked obtain a price of from sixpence to a shilling each ;
at one time they figured at the tables of the Scottish monarchs, and
more recently were esteemed by the citizens of Edinburgh and other
towns, being roasted and eaten as a relish before dinner. Now I be-
lieve their consumption is chiefly limited to the lower classes ; and I
have been informed on good authority that, after being parboiled and
having had their legs cut off, they are sold in considerable numbers
to the Irish peasants who come oyer to Scotland at harvest time.”

95

It is quite impossible to give au estimate of the numbers of wild
Ducks and Geese that are yearly consumed in the three kingdoms ;
but that they are immense will be readily conceived when it is
stated that from the various decoys, and from the Continent, hun-
dreds, if not thousands, are weekly sent to the markets of the metro-
polis and other large towns, to which the professed wild-fowl shooter
also transmits his quota of Wigeons, Pochards, and Brent Geese.
The Common Pewit and the Golden Plover are largely consumed, as
are also the Stints and other strand-loving birds. The supply of
Snipes and Woodcocks is dependent in a great measure upon the nature
of the season, as is also, to a certain extent, that of the Wood-Pigeon,
the Partridge, the Grouse, the Pheasant and other game-birds. The
Dottrel, which passes over our islands from south to north during
the month of May, is subjected to a large annual toll, and, with the
imported and fattened Quail and the Ortolans, forms delicate viands
for the tables of the wealthy and of the epicures who require such
whets for their appetites, and who can afford their purchase. Be-
sides the species above mentioned, many other kinds, and even the eggs
of several, are diligently sought for; those of the Lapwing, Black-
headed Gulls, and Guillemots, especially the former, being in great
request. These remarks may appear trite, but they serve to show
that many of our birds are extensively utilized.

Much has been written upon the classification, general structure,
power of flight, and senses of birds; but were I to go into detail on
these matters I should only be reproducing what has been so ably
treated by such men as Macgillivray, Owen, Jerdon, Flower, Huxley,
Parker, and others. J cannot, however, conclude the present intro-
duction without touching lightly on some of these points.

Most writers on Natural History have placed the class Aves imme-
diately above the Reptiles and below the Mammals, from either of
which they are clearly separated by the distinctive characteristics
shown in their general form, habits, feathered covering, and powers
of flight. It is in regard to some of these that I would now wish
to say a few words. All those who have studied the anatomy of
birds, even but cursorily, must have become specially aware of the
wonderful adaptation shown by nature in fashioning the skeleton so
as to enable the creature to support itself in the air with the least
possible exertion, and propel its body with varying degrees of swift-
ness through that element; they will have noticed that this power of
flight is aided to a considerable extent by the fact of the bones being
hollow, and their cavities communicating for the most part with the
cells of the lungs—a provision ensuring the maximum of strength
with the minimum of weight.

The wings of birds modify in various ways the velocity with
which they are capable of cleaving the air. Some, like the Land-
Rail and the Bittern, with rounded wings, evince considerable reluct-
ancy to quit the ground, and, when they do so, merely fly to a short
distance; others, such as the Auks and Penguins, have, indeed, but
the rudiments of those organs; while others, again, have their wings
and pectoral muscles developed to such an extent that extraordinary

26

rates of velocity and distances traversed have been recorded. Thus
Mr. Charles Boner states, in his ‘ Forest Creatures,’ that the flight of
the Kagle is sixty feet per second, being at the rate of somewhat
more than forty miles per hour; and my friend W. White Cooper
mentions, in his ‘ Zoological Notes and Anecdotes,’ that ‘the flight
of a Hawk is calculated at one hundred and fifty miles an hour;
and the anecdote of the Falcon belonging to Henry LY. of France,
which flew, in one day, from Fontainebleau to Malta, a distance of
thirteen hundred and fifty miles, is well authenticated.”

Mr, Harting, in his interesting ‘Ornithology of Shakespeare,’ men-
tions that the flight of the Common Swallow (Hirundo rustica) has
been computed to be at the rate of ninety miles an hour. If this be
a just computation, that of the Alpine Swift must be twice as great ;
but these are as nothing when compared with the velocity of the
Frigate-bird (Tachypetes aquilus), which, says Audubon, ‘is possessed
of a power of flight I conceive superior to that of perhaps any other
bird. However swiftly the Cayenne Tern, the smaller Gulls, or the
Jager moye on the wing, it seems a matter of mere sport to it to
overtake any of them.”

«‘There are two facts observable in all birds of great and long-
sustained powers of flight,” remarks the Duke of Argyll, in his
admirable ‘ Reign of Law:’ “ the first is that they are always provided
with wings which are rather long than broad, and sometimes ex-
tremely narrow in proportion tu their length; the second is that the
wings are always sharply pointed at the ends. Let us look at the
mechanical laws which absolutely require this structure for the pur-
pose of powerful flight, and to meet which it has accordingly been
devised and provided. One law appealed to in making wings rather
long than broad is simply the law of leverage ..... and a long
wing is nothing but a long lever. The mechanical principle or law,
as is well known, is this:—that a very small amount of motion (or
motion through a very small space) at the short end of a lever, pro-
duces a great amount of motion (through a long space) at the opposite
or longer end. This action requires, indeed, a very intense force to
be applied at the shorter end ; but it applies that force with immense
advantage for the purpose in view, because the motion which is trans-
mitted to the end of a long wing is a motion acting at that point
through a long space, and is therefore equivalent to a very heavy
weight lifted through a short space at the end which is attached to
the body of the bird. Now, this is precisely what is required for
the purpose of flight.” The preceding extract is sufficient for my
present purpose ; but my readers will find many other interesting
remarks, on the laws affecting and governing the flight of birds, in
the work above mentioned, to which I would earnestly direct their
attention.

Birds, like other animals, are endowed with the usual senses; but
these vary in degree of perfection in accordance with the variety in
their habits. That that of sight is very highly developed is amply
testified in the Kestrel, whose eyes must be almost telescopic to
enable it to see an insect or a mouse on the ground from the great

27

elevation at which it usually hovers; the familiar Robin, who dis-
covers the wriggling worm at a distance of many yards, must also
be endowed with acute powers of vision; nor can it be less perfect
in the Shrike, who sallies fourth from his chosen branch to secure
with unerring aim the passing fly or beetle. The Vulture, provided
with organs of equal if not even greater power, descries from an
enormous distance a dying camel, a stranded sheep or any other
earthly creature which has met with misfortune, and by his peculiar
motions gives the cue to others of its kind from still greater dis-
tances and various points of the compass; for “‘ wheresoever the
carcase is, there will the Eagles be gathered together.”

The sense of smell is most acute in the Anatide or Duck tribe,
but according to my experience seems to be entirely wanting in the
Raptores, Vultures, Eagles, &c.

That of hearing would appear to be most perfect in the Owls, as
testified by their highly developed auditory conch; at the same time
it is by no means wanting in many other families of birds.

Neither can the sense of feeling be absent from the probing bill
of the Woodcock and the members of the Scolopacide generally.

Should any of my readers wish to enrich their knowledge in this
direction, I must refer them to the works of the writers mentioned
above. In ‘The Birds of Great Britain’ my chief aim has been to
give a faithful representation of the various species, and to record, in
addition to the notes of others, such observations as my lengthened
study in this branch of science has enabled me to make.

The following arrangement will give a general view of ‘ The Birds
of Great Britain,’ with some additional information respecting them
obtained during the progress of the work, and notices of those species
which have occurred in the British Islands but which are not, in my
opinion, entitled to a place in our fauna and consequently have not
been figured.

ORDER RAPTORES.
Family VULTURID&.

' The Vultures, a family of birds whose proper home is the warmer
countries of the world, are but feebly represented in the British
Islands, where, indeed, the appearance of the two species which have
occurred therein must be regarded as purely accidental, our islands
being fortunately exempt from those visitations which render the
presence of these useful scavengers a matter of great importance.
The family comprises about twenty-four species, divided among ten
or twelve genera, fhe greater part of which inhabit Eastern Europe,
Africa, and India; the remainder frequent America, and extend their
range from the United States to Chile.

28

Genus Nrornron.
1. NEOPHRON PERCNOPTERUS <« . . s+ « «.¢ ¢. Nol; 1; Pl ZL.
Eeyprian VULTURE.

We have very positive evidence that this bird has been killed in
Somersetshire and Essex, of which occurrences the particulars will
be found in my account of the species.

Genus Gyps.
2. Gyps FULVUS.

Griffon Vulture.

This bird has still less claim to a place in the British Fauna than
the Egyptian Vulture, I have therefore not given a plate of it, not-
withstanding that its occurrence has been recorded by Thompson,
and that Yarrell has figured it from a specimen “ caught by a youth
on the rocks near Cork harbour in the spring of 1843. The bird
was full grown; the plumage perfect, without any of the appearances
consequent on confinement; it was very wildand savage, and was in
perfect health.”

This Vulture is of large size and proportionate strength, possesses
great sustaining powers of flight, and enjoys a widely extended geo-
graphical range, being found in Germany, France, on the Pyrenees,
in Spain. It also occurs in the Grecian archipelago, Candia, Egypt
and other parts of North Africa; and Dr. Jerdon states that it also
inhabits Western Asia and the Himalaya Mountains. It makes a
large nest, 3 or 4 feet in diameter, on rocks and high trees, and lays
two, or sometimes three, elongated white eggs nearly as large as
those of a Goose.

Family FALCONIDA.
Subfamily AQUILIN.

Eagles are very generally spread over the temperate and warmer
portions of the globe. our species frequent the British Islands—
namely, two of the genus Aquila, one of Haliaétus, and a Pandion.

Genus AQuIma.
3. AQUILA CHRYSARTOS; . <6 = (/ scene) ie) ve OIE oleate

GotpEn Hacie.

A bird of the northern portion of Britain, where it still breeds,
as it formerly did in Derbyshire, as it is also said to have done in
North Wales. The young are apt to wander southwards ; and hence
we occasionally see immature examples in England, but seldom adults.
A. AGQUILACNAIVIA 5 ss. Se csl seh =, 2 soy oie neeO lem lameeelnle

Sporren Kaci.

The native home of this bird is the eastern portions of Europe,

29

North Africa, and India. To England its visits are purely accci-
dental; yet it has been killed therein six or seven times—namely,
once in Hampshire, twice in Cornwall, and thrice in Ireland.

When mentioning in my account of this species that the second
Cornish example, killed near Carnanton, is now in the Truro Mu-
seum, I ought to have added “ to which institution it was presented
by E. Brydges Willyams, Esq.”—an omission which I now rectify.

Genus Hatratsrvs.

METAR AT DICINEA 2.6 2 <« «-. « .« « Vol. 1. PL IV.
Spa-Eacre.

Inhabits Greenland, Europe, and North Africa. More maritime
in its habits than the Golden Eagle. Breeds in the north. Feeds
on fish and garbage of any kind thrown up by the sea.

Since my account of the Sea-Eagle was printed, Captain Elwes
has published, in ‘ The Ibis’ for 1869, an interesting paper on the
‘ Bird-Stations of the Outer Hebrides.”

Speaking of the Spiant Isles, ‘a small group lying in the Minch,
about six miles from the coast of Lewis,” he says: “There is a
celebrated eyry of the White-tailed Eagle (Haliaétus albicilla) here,
which has been used from time immemorial and is mentioned by
Martin, who wrote nearly two hundred years ago. I think it is as
perfectly inaccessible as any nest can be, owing to the way in which
the rock overhangs, and, if the birds are not destroyed, will remain in
use for centuries.”

Genus Panpton.

GoeeANDION MATTARTUS!. «6 coo « o)e.« Vol. J. Pl V.
OspPREY.

Formerly common in Scotland, where on most of the ruined
castles in the neighbourhood, and on the islands in the lochs, its
eyry might have been found; now it has become scarce, and, unless
it be protected, will soon be extirpated. If, as has been supposed,
there is but one species of this form, then it may be said to be
almost universally distributed over the other parts of the Old World,
as it also is in the greater part of the New. Lives almost wholly
onfish. Is a summer visitant, arriving at its breeding-places in the
spring, and departs southward in autumn.

Subfamily BUTEONIN A.

Buzzards are found in nearly every country of the globe. The
fauna of Europe comprises three or four species, all of which have
been killed in Britain ; but of these one has but slender claims to be
enumerated among the birds of our islands.

30

Genus Burro,

7, Bure6 VORGARIS 253 s 6: a te Orla eo) Weleds Pl, VL
Common Buzzarp.

Formerly very common in many of our counties; it still breeds
in some of them, particularly in certain parts of Kent.

S.. Buruo DESERTORUN. « . © » « « « » + Volk PL VR

Falco desertorum, Daud. Traité d’Orn. tom. ii. p. 162.
cirtensis, Levaill.

— vulpinus, Licht.

—— capensis, part., Schleg.

— tachardus, Bree, Birds of Eur. vol. i. p. 97.
— anceps, Brehm.

Mr. J. Clarke Hawkshaw has favoured me with the skin of a
Buzzard which, he tells me, was killed at Everley, in Wiltshire,
in September 1864. After having made a careful examination of:
the specimen, Mr. J. H. Gurney assures me that it is an example
of the species to which the above names have been assigned by the
various authors mentioned, that of desertorum having the precedence.
The countries frequented by it are Algeria, Mogador, European
Turkey, the mouths of the Volga, Syria, India, and Ceylon.

Mr. Gurney considers that there is no specific difference between
this bird and that which is named in collections Buteo cirtensis.
He came to this conclusion after examining specimens from Moga-
dor, Tangiers, Erzeroum, and the mouths of the Volga. It is
included by Schlegel in his ‘ Fauna Japonica ;’ so that it has a very
wide range. See

“The appearance of this bird when alive,” says Mr. Gurney, “ is
less heavy and more elegant than that of B. vulgaris. My living
specimen, which was dull-brown when I bought it, has moulted into
a rich rufous plumage; and one that was alive in the Zoological,
Gardens a few years since, underwent a similar change.” Accord-
ing to M. Favier, it nests among the rocks, and the male takes its
turn in sitting. The egg has a strong resemblance to that of the
Black Kite, but is a little more pointed, and the ground-colour a
cream-white, that of the former having a greenish tinge.

Mr. Gurney states that “the cere, tarsi, and feet of this Buz-
zard are lemon-yellow ; the irides are sometimes light-hazel, and at
others yellow, probably assuming the latter colour as the bird
advances in age; a similar variation, however, which exists in the
irides of the Common Buzzard is not always referable to age, as
I have ascertained by experience.”

9. Burro LINEATUS.
Red-shouldered Buzzard,

It becomes necessary to notice this species, a single example
having been shot at Kingussie, in Aberdeenshire, on the 26th of.

31

February, 1863. It is now in the collection of Mr. Newcombe, of
Feltwell Hall, Brandon, Norfolk. As this is a strictly North-
American species, I do not consider it necessary to figure it ; but such
of my readers as may desire to know its history can refer to the
writings of Wilson, Audubon, and other authors on American birds.

Genus ARCHIBUTEO.

UG SARCHIBUERO DAGOPUS . 63 3 °s ss 3 » ‘Vol i, Pl, VII,
Roveu-LeEGGED Buzzarp.

Arrives in the British Islands in autumn, occasionally in con-
siderable numbers, when moving in migratory flocks. Its nest is
stated to have been once found near Hackness, in Yorkshire, and also
in the neighbourhood of Banff (vide ‘ Ibis,’ 1865, p. 12).

Genus Prrnis.

Of this form there are two very distinct species—one, the P.
apwworus, inhabiting Europe, and the other the P. cristatus of India.
The natural food of both is honey, bees and wasps, and their
larvee.

PEPEMENIGAPIVORUS . 6 30s bs) 3 fe Ok WoL T. Ph EX,

_ Hownry-Buzzarp.

A summer visitant to us and to Central Europe, which, after’
breeding, migrates southward to pass the winter.

Subfamily ASTURIN A.

Genus Astur.

Of this form two species have been regarded as pertaining to the
British fauna—namely, the Astux palumbarius of Europe, and the A.
atricapillus of America. In the present work only the former has
been figured.

RAVOASTUR PATUMBARLUS . 6 s 6 « » « « « VoL PL XX,
GosHAWK.

Very generally dispersed over Europe, North Africa, India, and
China ; occasionally killed in Scotland, where it sometimes breeds,
13. AstUR ATRICAPILLUS.

American Goshawk.

This American wanderer has certainly been killed at least three
times in the British Islands—once in Scotland and twice in Ireland.
Respecting the first of these examples, Mr. R. Gray, in his recently
published ‘ Birds of the West of Scotland,’ says :—

“In May 1869, when visiting the town of Brechin, in Forfarshire,

32

I was fortunate in finding a very handsome specimen of this Gos-
hawk in the hands of a bird-stuffer there, who had obtained it a
short time previously from a keeper in Perthshire, along with a
number of Snow-Buntings and other birds shot by him on the flanks
of Shechallion, and all recently skinned.”

The following notes respecting the second example were published
by Sir Victor A. Brooke in ‘ The Ibis’ for 1870. “I have the plea-
sure of informing you of the occurrence in Ireland of Astur atrica-
pillus, an example of which was shot in the Galtee Mountains in
February last, and was at first believed to be a common Goshawk
(A. palumbarius); but having since had the opportunity of ex-
amining some specimens of that species in Lord Lilford’s collection,
I immediately detected the difference between them and the Galtce
bird. Upon returning to Ireland, with the kind permission of Dr.
Carte I compared it with a specimen of A. atricapillus in the Dublin
Society’s collection, and cleared up any doubt that remained on
my mind, the closely set transverse bars, the longitudinal streaks
(stronger and bolder than in the European species), the general dusky
appearance of the breast, and the dark slate-blue head, removing all
question on the subject. The bird was a mature female, and weighed
3lb. 7oz.; the ovary was somewhat enlarged; and the stomach con-
tained the remains of a rabbit.” Of the third example, all that has
been recorded is that it was shot shortly after the above, near Par-
sonstown, King’s County, and was also a female.

A certain amount of interest attaches to the occurrence of these
Goshawks, inasmuch as it tends to show how frequently American
birds cross the Atlantic to our shores; but if all such visitants were
to be figured, how greatly extended would be the ‘ Birds of Great
Britain.’

Subfamily ACCIPITRINA,

Genus ACCIPITER.

Of this genus only one species frequents the British Islands; but
several others are found in Africa, India, China, North and South
America. The whole of them are active dashing birds, often flying
near the ground and suddenly surprising the smaller insessorial
species, upon which they principally prey. The sexes differ consider-
ably in size, the males being much smaller than the females, A
character by which they are at once distinguished from the Asturine:
consists in the great length of their middle toes.

14, Acorprmer-wisus. . . 3 <. 3) » «© «) ReOllopEIreNde
Sparrow-Hawk.

A common, stationary species, breeding in all our counties,

B13,
Subfamily FALCONINA.

Genus FAtco.

The members of this genus are preeminently bold, courageous, and
sanguinary, many of them, especially the Gyr Falcons and Peregrines,
not hesitating to attack in the air birds much larger than themselves ;
and when trained for hawking, as they have been from time im-
memorial, their courage and daring is so much enhanced that they
will engage with birds of even larger size than they do in their wild
state. Structurally they are better adapted for a quick and arrow-
like flight than any other of the Raptores.

One or other of the numerous species of this group inhabit nearly
every portion of the globe. The Gyr Falcon and its immediate
allies are almost solely confined to the high northern regions, whence
they migrate during autumn and winter towards the equator, but
never across it.

The Peregrines are much more generally dispersed than the
Gyr Falcons, the various species frequenting most countries both
north and south; thus the form exists in Europe, Asia, and
Australia, in Africa also from the Atlas range to the Cape of
Good Hope, and in America from the latitude of Hudson’s Bay
to Terra del Fuego. The smaller Falcons, such as the Hobby
and Merlin, are also more or less represented in each country,
but generally, although not exclusively, are of different species.

TL SeeRATCOMSEANDUS. < os as «2 vo. » Vol dT. Pix
IceLanpD Fatcon.

The subject of the great northern Falcons will be found so fully
treated of in the body of the work that it would be mere tautology
to say more here than that this bird is, as its name implies, a native
of Iceland, and, but more sparingly, of Greenland. It is also said
to be found in Hudson’s Bay and other of the extreme northern
parts of America. Occasionally adults, but more frequently young
birds of the year, wander as far south as the British Islands.

WGSRMALCOMSLANDUS) . «<< « « « « « « Vol, I. Pl. XII,
Icretanp Fatcon (Young).

Appears to be darkly coloured from the nest, but never so deep in
tint as that of the true Gyr Falcon.

WPPALEG CANDICANS! (osu) cise an). Soy VOlgh. PL XE.
GREENLAND Fatcon,

This species inhabits the icy regions of Greenland, Hudson’s Bay,
and other parts of Arctic America, and is less frequently seen in the
British Islands in the adult state than the /. islandus, from which it

B

34

is distinguished by the extreme whiteness of its plumage, and by
the young being lightly coloured from the nest.

Se ATCO CANDICANS 9 27/78 0°20" 0702) cmv O) plea arena
GREENLAND Fatcon (dark race).

My plate represents a supposed dark race of the preceding species ;
but as the strongly defined marks on the back vary considerably in
different individuals, and the tail-feathers differ still more so, some
being wholly white, others barred, and others, again, having irregular
dark markings, I am induced to regard these darkly marked birds as
the result of a cross between /’. tslandus and I. candicans. The
young appear to be lightly coloured from the nest ; but a considerable
difference takes place at the first moult, when the feathers of the
back are ornamented with long and broad blotches, offering a strong
contrast to the narrow, lunate cross markings of the old bird. I have
been induced to give two figures of these unusually marked birds.

LO) HATCOXCANDICANS?.!/)'3) 2g S90 we eal.eie, RE Mole Eaexeve
GREENLAND Fatcon (dark race, young).

Lord Cawdor’s bird, now in the British Museum, from which
my figure of the Gyr Falcon in the ‘ Birds of Europe,’ and Mr.
Yarrell’s in his ‘ British Birds,’ were taken, is a young specimen of
this race ; and it is in this stage that most of the individuals are
found with us.

ZO. BAtco GYRRALCO. <9 6 % 4) 225% oe i Woleeae leave
Norweatan, or Gyr Fatcon.

The true Gyr Falcon of Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Western
Russia is a smaller bird than the three preceding ; and both the adult
and young are darker in colour. As yet, it has not been found in
the British Islands, although its native country is so near at hand.
The plate has been given to show the differences which exist among
these northern Falcons, to which Professor Kaup has applied the
separate generic appellation of Hierofalco.

21. BALCO.PEREGRINUS . . «. & dos « ~ Nol. JesRibexeyaiie
PEREGRINE Fatcon.

Besides Great Britain, the Peregrine frequents Greenland, Iceland,
the whole of Europe, North Africa, India, and China.

The following note, illustrative of one of the habits of this bird.
kindly communicated to me by the Duke of Argyll, will prove of
interest. It is dated from Inverary, June 4, 1868. ‘I find we are
rich this year in nests of the Falconide :—two of the Peregrine ; two
of the Hen-Harrier, and a third, the spot not yet discovered ; and one
of the Merlin. One of my keepers, who is, I think, a reliable man,
tells me that the day before yesterday, when he was watching one of
the Peregrines’ nests, he saw the male come from across Loch Fyne

35

with a bird in his talons. When he cried, the hen bird came out of
the precipice and joined him in the air, and took from the male the
bird he was carrying. This must have been a pretty sight.”

DO MWALCOISUBBULEO 0s). tin tk er, O Volks Plex Vill.
Hossy.

A summer bird in our islands, where it breeds in woods, either in the
forsaken nest of a Crow or in one which it builds for itself. I have re-
ceived Hobbies from other countries besides Britain and the continent
of Europe, viz. India, China, and Africa, but not from America, where
indeed, it is not found. This bird and some others of the same form
- have been deemed sufficiently distinct from the other Falcons to con-
stitute it the type of a separate genus; by those authors, therefore,
who adopt minute divisions of genera, it is termed Hypotriorchis
subbuteo, instead of Falco subbuteo. It is less bold and sanguinary
than the Peregrine or the Merlin, feeds on insects to a considerable
extent, particularly Chaffers, and consequently is somewhat crepus-
cular in its habits, such large insects being principally obtainable as
they flit round the tops of great trees after sunset.

OSAP COMASALON Metstl reine) ollie? «isis 1 oy VOL: Lebel sxdex.
MERLIN.

This bird has also been removed by Professor Kaup from the genus
Falco into that of salon, a division which, being a very natural one,
the scientific ornithologist will not repudiate ; but in a work on our
native birds these minute divisions are scarcely admissible, since the
finding of so many of their old friends under new appellations could
scarcely be otherwise than distasteful to my readers. In many in-
stances where I have departed from the practice of the older natu-
ralists, I have been not lightly censured for the innovation ; but the
time will come when the generic appellation bestowed upon each
distinct form will be more generally adopted.

The Merlin of the British Islands is by no means the only repre-
sentative of the genus salon; for there are several very distinct
species in other countries, the names of which would be given were
I writing a work on general ornithology instead of one on the birds
of a limited area.

The F. esalon is a resident species, and very generally dispersed
over the three kingdoms.

Genus ERYTHROPUS.

At least two species of this elegant form are known. Of these,
one, E. vespertinus, is a native of South and South-eastern Europe,
but occasionally wanders into Britain; the other, EZ. amurensis, is
found on the Amur, in Nepaul, and over the greater part of South-
eastern Africa. In disposition these birds are less sanguinary than
the true Falcons; and their food consists principally of insects and

their larvee.

p2

24, ERYTHROPUS VESPERTINUS sll ge ee Ra SSCP 15 SXONe
ORANGE-LEGGED Hospy.

Although truly but an accidental visitor, at least thirty specimens
have from time to time been killed in the British Islands, the
greater number in England—lIreland and Scotland contributing only
one each.

Genus Trnnuncuuus.

The birds trivially termed Kestrels comprise many species which
are very generally dispersed over the Old World, Australia not ex-
cepted. Inthe New they are less numerous ; and those that are there .
found have been formed by Professor Kaup into a distinct genus,
that of Pecilornis.

95) JTINNUNCULUS ALAUDARTUS! i. ie) 21 io. WViol aE MBIARXGxae
KestTREL.

The “ Windhover,” as this bird is also termed, is so well known
to every one who visits the country and “has eyes to see, and a mind
to observe,” that any special comment respecting it is unnecessary.
The whole of Britain, the continent of Europe, Africa, India, and
China are also frequented by it. Its food is much varied ; for it eats
mice, insects, mollusks, fish occasionally, and the young of most of
the field-loving birds which nest on the ground, and, when oppor-
tunity offers, does not object to the young of the Partridge and
Quail. Such propensities, however, are in my opinion but a trifling
counterpoise to the usefulness of this elegant bird ; in fact it deserves
protection instead of that extermination which will be its fate if a
more friendly feeling than at present exists cannot be created in its
favour.

26. TINNUNCULUS CENCHRIS.
Lesser Kestrel.

In June 1868, the Museum of the Yorkshire Philosophical
Society was ‘fortunate enough to obtain a fine specimen, killed
within a few miles of York, of a species of Falcon, the occurrence
of which in this country has, I believe, never before been authenti-
cally recorded, namely the Little Kestrel of South-eastern Europe,
(Tinnunculus cenchris, Naum.). The specimen, which is a mature,
but apparently not an old male, was presented to the Museum by
Mr. John Harrison, of Wilstrop Hall, near Green Hammerton, who
shot it upon his farm at that place, after having observed it for some
little time flying about. The date, he thinks, was about the middle
of last November ; but of this he took no note, as he at first thought
the bira was merely a small and curious variety of the common
Kestrel. It, however, presents all the distinctive characters of
Tinnunculus cenchris, among which the yellowish-white claws may
be mentioned as affording an easy means of identifying the bird.”

This bird has been forwarded by the authorities of the Museum

37

for my inspection ; and I find it to be, as represented, an example of
the above species. I have not, however, figured this bird; it would
be desirable to see other examples.

27. TINNUNCULUS 8PARVERIUS.
American Kestrel.

A specimen of this bird, killed in Yorkshire, is now in the posses-
sion of the Rev. C. Hudson, of Trowell Rectory, near Nottingham,
who states that it has been in his possession for about twelve years,
and that he purchased it from a joiner named Brown, formerly living
at Thorpe Hall, who was an enthusiastic collector of birds, and in
the habit of preparing them for people in that neighbourhood.
Brown’s account of the bird, which he denominated the “ American
Falcon,” was that it was shot between Bridlington and Bridlington
Quay, one Sunday morning, by a man who sold it to him for eigh-
teen pence. Through the kindness of Mr. F. J. 8. Foljambe,
Mr. Hudson kindly sent up his bird for my inspection, when I
found it to be a very fine adult male of the American Kestrel, and
not, as supposed, a second example of the 7”. cenchris.

Subfamily MILVIN AK.

Genus Mityvvs.

The true Kites, or the members of this genus as now restricted,
are birds of the Old World, over which they are so generally distri-
buted that, with the exception of New Zealand and Polynesia, one
or other of the few species known are to be found in every part of
it. Their disposition is less cruel than that of the true Falcons ;
and they feed principally on garbage; they are consequently useful
scavengers, and, moreover, arrant thieves.

2 Omi VUSHREGATICMe ss 6 ve ane oe i Vol 1. Pl xexue

Kare or GueaD.

The common Kite of England, which in Shakspeare’s time might
probably be hourly seen soaring over the metropolis, is now, thanks
to the exterminating hand of man, rarely to be seen in any part of
the country. If a solitary pair should occasionally be met with,
they should be hailed with reverence as being almost the sole rem-
nant of a departed race, so far as our islands are concerned ; for in
Central and Eastern Europe, Asia Minor, and North Africa the spe-
cies still exists. The Kites build large, grotesque, untidy nests of
moss, wool, rags, and rubbish of every description; and when our
species was plentiful, it must have kept the housewife on the alert
for her frills and furbelows hung out to dry on the village hedge,
fully justifying Shakspeare’s line :—

“When the Kite builds look to lesser linen.”’

Tnhabits Europe generally, Asia Minor, and North Africa.

38

99, (Minvis MIGRANS) dy ust ck! oP 1 SE Reo ieee noes
Brack Kire.

I have mentioned above the approximate extermination of the
English Kite; and I may now state that, should such unhappily be
the ultimate result, it seems likely that its place would be supplied
by another species, the Milvus migrans, which would seem to show
some indication of an intention to come among us, at least in one
instance, as will be seen on reference to my plate of the species,
which was taken from a specimen killed at Newcastle-on-Tyne.

Inhabits Central Europe, Siberia, Palestine, Africa, and Australia,
in which latter country it is only an accidental visitor.

Genus NAUCLERUS.

The single species of this form is remarkably different from all
the other Kites. Its more slender structure, lengthened wings, and
long forked tail indicate that it possesses vast powers of flight, and
that it would experience but little difficulty in making a transit from
its native country to even very distant shores, when circumstances
force it to leave its own.

30. NAUCLERUS FURCATUS.
Swallow-tailed Kite.

This birdis so strictly American that I have not given a figure of it,
notwithstanding it has been killed at least five times in our islands,
the earliest of these occurrences having been at Ballachulish, in
Argyleshire, in 1772—-since which others have taken place at Wens-
leydale, at Farnham, in Cumberland, and on the Mersey.

Subfamily CIRCIN A.

The Harriers, comprising numerous species, are so widely dispersed
over the face of the globe as to warrant the use of the term universal
with reference to their distribution. In each of the five great divi-
sions of the globe one or other of the seventeen known species are to
be found. In Europe there are four, three of which inhabit and
breed in Britain. In habits and economy they do not resemble the
Falcons, the Buzzards, or the Kites, but assimilate somewhat to the
Strigide, or Owls. Their actions, indeed, are peculiar to themselves ;
and their great flapping wings render them conspicuous objects when
flying over a marsh or the sunny side of a moor, with keenly search-
ing eyes, in pursuit of their food, which varies with the nature of the
locality. If in the fen, reptiles, from the-snake to the newt, are
captured and eaten, as are frogs and insects ; at the breeding-season
young Snipes, Moorhens, or other nestlings are fortunate if they
escape their scrutinizing eyes. They mainly nest on the ground,
and lay four or five white eggs. Their flight is somewhat laboured
and flapping.

3Y

Ornithologists have divided the Harriers into five different genera ;
and even the three which inhabit Britain have each received a
separate generic title, a procedure which may seem superfluous to
some persons; but before placing his veto upon it each objector
should have all the known species before him, when he would per-
ceive that the great Marsh Harrier, with its brown plumage, differs
considerably from the slender ash-coloured bird with its barred tail,
and both from the uniformly coloured and stouter built Hen-Harrier.
Knowing how strong the feeling is against the multiplication of
generic terms, I have in this work retained them all in the genus
Circus.

Si, Circus #RuGINOSUS.. . . . . Vol. -. Pls. XXIV. & XXYV.

Marsu Harrier.

The draining operations which have been carried on of late years
in various parts of the country have rendered many of the districts
formerly adapted for the well-being of this and many other species
no longer tenable by them; and from the great antipathy to this
bird exhibited by every land-owner and game-keeper, it is now be-
coming scarce in this country; but in Holland and other low coun-
tries of Europe, Africa, India, and China it still holds its own. The
plumage of the yearling and adult birds differs so greatly that I have
been induced to give two plates in illustration of these peculiar
phases in their history.

32. CIRCUS CYANEUS . ng SO ee RO AGE 1G TA DOA
Hen-Harrier.

Formerly much more numerous than at present, the all-destroying
hand of man being directed towards its extermination ; but it still
exists in its usual numbers in Scotland, where, Mr. Robert Gray
states, 1t is very common “on all the islands of the Outer Hebrides
group, and also throughout the inner islands, Skye, Mull, Islay, Jura,
&c., where it is known by the Gaelic name of Clamhan luch, signify-
ing mouse-hawk,” and adds that he has “seen twelve or fourteen
specimens in one day on Benbecula and North Uist, where its hunting-
grounds are of a similar nature.”

The following note on the nesting of this species, from the pen of
the Duke of Argyll, will be found of interest. Writing to me respect-
ing some nests of two or three species of Fulconide observed by him
at Inverary early in June 1868, his Grace says:—‘‘ The Harrier’s
nest is on the face of a steep bank covered with long heather, and fall-
ing into astream of considerable size. The nest itself is placed on a
little bare shelf or ledge of Sphagnum moss, and with none of the
heather bending over or concealing it; but the nature of the ground
is such that it is not visible from the opposite bank of the stream ;
and on its own side the face is so steep that it would not be seen
unless one were to come a few feet above it; but to birds flying
over, the nest must be a conspicuous object. It contained six eggs,
pure white, but with a slightly bluish tinge, which, I am told, is

40

- deeper when first laid. The nest was composed of dried twigs and
stalks of heather as a foundation, and very nicely lined with straw,
composed of dried ‘sprits’ (or a kind of rush) and one or two bits
of dried fern. The straws were nicely laid and bent round, so as to
take the shape of the nest. The bulk of the whole was small; but
the cup was decided though shallow.

“‘The hen rose from the nest when we came nearly opposite to her,
about 150 yards off. She was a fine large Ringtail, and soared high
over the hills. The eggs were all just chipped by the approaching
extrusion of the young. I took one of the eggs, to see the develop-
ment of the chick; it was quite naked, but the bill perfectly formed.
The keeper tells me that the whole six eggs were laid twenty-seven
days ago; therefore it must take about thirty days to hatch them.”

335 CIROUSICINERASCENS -40) 5.) 6s) 6 soe) Ole eel xexavalele
AsH-COLOURED HARRIER.

Although I have called this species by the above appellation, it is
far better known to British ornithologists by the trivial name of
Montagu’s Harrier. The wings of this bird are long and curved;
and its large fan-shaped tail, crossed by numerous chestnut-coloured
bars, must render it very conspicuous during flight. Judging from
the result of my own observations, I should say that this is the
commonest of the Harriers, and that it is certainly the one most
universally dispersed over our islands. Its breeding-places have
been found more frequently in Cornwall and other southern and
western counties than elsewhere. So widely does this bird range
that it is to be found in most of the countries between Europe and
China.

I have mentioned that reptiles form no inconsiderable portion of
the food of the Harriers, and in confirmation I may quote the fol-
lowing passage from a letter addressed to me by my friend Mr.
Gatcombe, on the 3rd of May, 1872:—“ A few days since, I had a
fine old male Montagu’s Harrier brought to me. It was killed on
Dartmoor ; and from its crop and stomach I took no less than fourteen
lizards, of two kinds, all nearly perfect, and each full 6 inches long.”

Family STRIGID.

In round numbers there are about 200 different species of Owls
distributed over the surface of the globe, only twelve of which were
known to Linneeus, by whom they were included in one genus, Striz.
The entire group are now divided into two great divisions, Nocturni
and Diurni, and these again into minor subfamilies, genera, and
subgenera, just as the ornithologist may please to consider them. In
England there are ten species, belonging to as many genera. As might
be supposed, so large a family of birds vary in size from that of a
small Eagle to that of a Sparrow. So extensively are they distribu-
ted over the world, that it is almost only in the arctic and antarctic

41

regions that they are not found... They are fewest in New Zealand
and Polynesia, and are perhaps more abundant in Australia than
elsewhere, not less than six species of true Striv inhabiting that
country, besides others pertaining to different genera, all of which
find a ready means of subsistence in the many small anomalous
quadrupeds of that anomalous section of the earth’s surface. The
excess In the numbers of the White or Barn Owls as we call our
bird, doubtless keep a wholesome check upon the undue increase
of the small animals alluded to. How strange (is it not?) that the
neighbouring country of New Zealand should be destitute of small
mammals and of White Owls! But this is not the place to enter
into a disquisition on the subject; let us proceed to an enumeration
of the Owls of our own country.

Genus Srrrx.

DISTR EXCETAMMEAN 6 5 55 6 s 4 6 9 oVOll In PJ sXoxuvaliee
Barn-Owt.

A strictly nocturnal species, living principally upon mice, insects,
and reptiles. Distributed over the three kingdoms and Europe gene-
rally. The slight damage attributed to this bird is far over-balanced
by the good it effects in the destruction of obnoxious animals,

Genus SYRNIUM.

SOM OVRNTUMOATUCO! asta. f « % ' % + Wola D/P] sxexepxe
Tawny or Brown Ow1.

Distributed over England and Scotland, but extremely rare in
Ireland, if, indeed, it ever occurs there. Lives on mice, rats, moles,
and other small quadrupeds; the edges of ponds, too, are fre-
quently examined for any fish that may expose themselves, which it
readily seizes. The less its general character is examined the better
for its reputation ; for, truth to tell, it is a stealthy thief, and com-
mits great depredation among young game, robs the keeper’s pens,
and does not disdain a chicken; in fact, in prowling habits it is not
surpassed by any other species. It is a bird but seldom seen either
by day or night; and were it not for its merry hoot, uttered in the
stillness of the evening, its presence and whereabouts would not be
easily detected. It doubtless destroys rats, weasels, and young rab-
bits in abundance ; and this is about all the good it can be said to
effect. Besides our islands, the other parts of Europe are constantly
frequented by this bird; but for any further particulars respecting
it and its habits I must refer the reader to my account of the species
accompanying the plate.

Genus Buso.

The birds of this genus are but few in number; and of these only
one favours Britain with its presence; but that one is the finest of
the whole.

42

36, Bunoimaxmiusie wibini soll. Soe Tee ees Vols El eRe
Eacre Ow.

This truly magnificent Owl, which is not surpassed in size or
beauty by any member of its family, is a native of Norway, Sweden,
Russia, Germany, the Italian States, Greece, and Siberia, but not
India (where its place is occupied by the Bubo bengalensis), nor
America (in which it is represented by the Bubo virgimanus). It
sometimes comes to England: and it is to be regretted that its visits
are not more frequent ; for so fine a bird must be an ornament to any
country.

The learned are at variance as to whether this species or a little
unpretending Athene was one of Minerva’s favourite birds; both
have always inhabited the country around Athens. I must leave
it to those who take an interest in classic lore to settle this point
to their own satisfaction.

Genus Orvs.

The members of this section of the Owls inhabit both the Old
and the New World, but are not very numerous in species. Their
fiery eyes and long cat-like ears render them conspicuous objects,
whether seen amidst their native woods or as mounted specimens
in a museum.

SJ ORUSIVUIGARIS. . ... « « « «+ «os ,VOldl Plea
LonG-EARED Owl.

A constant resident, frequently deposits its eggs in the deserted
nests of Crows and other birds, and is partial to pine trees. As its
brilliantly coloured eyes indicate, it often flies in the daytime.
Feeds upon mice, small birds, and such other food as is commonly
eaten by Owls.

«“The Long-eared Owl,” says Mr. Stevenson, “is another instance
of the changes which have taken place in a few years from local
causes in the habits of some of our feathered visitants. Whilst
drainage and the plough are fast driving the Harriers and other
fen-breeders from their accustomed haunts, the rapid increase in
our fir plantations, especially near the coast, affords such induce-
ments to this species to remain and breed with us that the autumn
visitant of a few years since, only known to stay through the sum-
mer occasionally, may now be more properly termed a numerous
resident, receiving additions to its numbers in autumn.”

Genus BracHyorvs.

Of this form but few species are known. They mostly fly near
the ground, but will often mount high in the air. The action
of their wings appears to be of a heavy flapping character, due pro-
bably to the rounded form of those organs.

43

So DEACHYOTUS PALUSTRIS; jx); 0, © 4. « Wola d. Pl. XXL
SHORT-EARED OwL.

This is both a resident and a migratory species; for, although it
breeds in many parts of the British Islands, particularly in Scotland,
great numbers arrive in autumn, at the same time that the Woodcock
appears ; and hence it is known in some of our counties by the name
of the Woodcock-Owl. Full particulars will be found in the pages
of letterpress opposite the plate.

Inhabits the moorlands and not the woods, lives upon small qua-
drupeds and the young of the Grouse and other birds frequenting
similar districts. In Norway it feeds upon lemming; it doubtless
eats lizards also; and insects probably form part of its diet. Mr.
Robert Gray states that in the west of Scotland he has seen this bird
“hawking for prey in dull weather at midday over turnip-fields,
looking probably for field-mice, which in the autumn months become
rather numerous in some places. This Owl, indeed, may be looked
upon as a useful friend to the farmer in the localities it frequents.”

Genus Scoprs.

Several members of this genus inhabit the northern portions of
the Old World ; and others are found in the New. They are gene-
rally very prettily ornamented; and their bright yellow eyes, con-
spicuous ear-tufts, and the harmoniously blended grey and brown
moth-like markings of their plumage render them objects of especial
interest.

OM SCORSEZORC A meuur sl icuu eri i] cisiese toe Let cae BVO AL aga eXeXexaT ae
Scors Own.

As is the case with many other species of birds, it is difficult to
define what is the proper home of this beautiful little Owl; but we
may with certainty state that it is common in France and all the
southern states of Europe. Although it may occasionally breed in
England (and Mr. Harting has enumerated twenty instances of its
occurrence), it can only be regarded as one of our chance visitors.

Mr. Robert Gray remarks :—‘“ It is a somewhat curious feature
in the history of the Scops Eared Owl that it lives wholly upon in-
sects. It is therefore, in temperate countries, strictly migratory in
its habits; and in France, where it is not uncommon, it is said to
come and go with the Swallow.”

40. Scors aso.
Mottled Owl.

A native of North America and Canada, which it is necessary
to notice because it is said to have been twice killed in this country ;
but, as Mr. Harting remarks, ‘its occurrence in England must be
considered doubtful.”

“This small North-American species,” says Mr. Stevenson, “ was

44

first included amongst the accidental visitants to this country by the
late Mr. Yarrell in the third edition of his ‘ British Birds,’ in which
will be found the notice of a specimen shot in the neighbourhood of
Leeds in 1852, of which a figure and description were given in
the ‘ Naturalist’ for the same year (p. 169). Mr. Gurney informs
me that some years back he purchased from the late Mr. Thurtell
an adult specimen of this rare Owl, said to have been killed near
Yarmouth, but till then supposed to be only a European Scops Owl.
This bird was unfortunately destroyed after it came into Mr. Gur-
ney’s possession.”

Genus Nycrea.

Of this form the single species known is exclusively an inhabitant
of the high northern regions of both the Old and the New World.

41 NXOTHA NIVEA (o/s) ogo ut ok elie eu MOL Pl exene neve
Snowy Owt.

I have always regarded this bird as an accidental visitor to
England, Scotland, and Ireland; but Mr. J. H. Dunn informs me
that forty-five years ago it bred every year on the hills about four
miles from Stromness, and Mr. Robert Gray says it may almost be
regarded as a regular spring visitant to the Hebrides. Its great size
and powerful claws indicate that quadrupeds of considerable bulk
are within the compass of its destructive powers; and hence the
hare, the lemming, white grouse, and the ptarmigan have but little
chance of escape when once enclosed within the grasp of its talons,
Its proper home is the icebound regions of the north; in Lapland it
follows the lemmings in their migration southwards.

“So little has been published in England,” says Professor Newton,
when exhibiting some rare eggs at a meeting of the Zoological So-
ciety (Dec. 10, 1861), “ respecting the Snowy Owl’s manner of nidi-
fication that I hold myself excused for presenting the information I
have been able to collect on the subject... .. According to Herr
Wallengren, Professor Lilljeborg, on June 3rd, 1843, found on the
Dovrefjeld a nest of this bird containing seven eggs, placed on a little
shelf on the top of a bare mountain far from the forest and easy of
access. Professor Nilsson mentions, on the authority of Herr A. G,
Nordvi, that the Lapps in East Finmark assert that the Snowy Owl
lays from eight to ten eggs, in a little depression on the bare ground
on the high mountains. These accounts were in every way corrobo-
rated by the information obtained by Mr. John Wolley during his
long sojourn in Lapland. He several times met with persons who
had found nests of this Owl, and states that he was told the old birds
sometimes attack persons that approach their nests. . . . They seem
to breed commonly in the districts explored by him only when the
lemmings are unusually abundant. From the 16th to the 24th of
May is supposed to be the time when they usually breed; and in
1860 a Lapp, who was unfortunately not one of his collectors, found
a nest with six eggs, which, instead of preserving, he ate.

45

“Many specimens, said to be eggs of this bird, have lately been
received by European oologists, the majority of which are from the
missionaries in Labrador. One of those I now exhibit I obtained
from Herr Méschler. He received it, with several others, in 1860,
from the Okkak, one of the four stations maintained on the coast by
the United Brethren. He has had in all more than two dozen from
that quarter. The Esquimaux find and bring them to the mission-
aries; and the accounts they give tally exactly with those I have
just quoted from other sources. The bird always breeds on the
ground in bare places, and often lays a considerable number of eggs.”

Genus SurniA.

Hitherto the birds of this form inhabiting Northern Europe and
the northern parts of America have been regarded as identical, in
which case the genus would consist of a single species; but, at a
recent meeting of the Zoological Society, Messrs. Sharpe and Dresser
have endeavoured to show that the American bird is different from
the European.

AD OURNTAMPUNERBEA) 4) of 8 4a SS Vol LPI XKXV.
Hawk Own.

Six or seven instances of the occurrence of the Hawk Owl in
Britain are on record.

Genus Nycratr.

The only member of this genus known to have been found in
England is the Nyctale Tengmalmi, of Northern Europe and North
America.

Ass NYCUMER THNGMALMI~ i... « «5 » « »--Voledk Pk XXXVI.

TENGMALM’s OwL.

Although Mr. Harting enumerates twenty instances of the occur-
rence of this bird in various parts of our islands, it must still be re-
garded as a rare and uncertain visitor. Its range extends over
Europe and Northern Asia, as far south as Nepaul; and if, as Mr.
Elliot believes, the species known as NV. Richardsoni be identical
with it, then the northern and arctic portions of North America
must be included within the circuit of its domain.

=

Genus ATHENE.

This section of the Owls comprises many species, distributed over
Europe, India, and other portions of the Old World. By modern
systematists these have been subdivided into no less than fifteen
subgenera, the particulars of which need not be detailed here, inas-
much as we have only to deal with the single species which visits
our country.

46
44. ATHENEINOCTUA | wie 0. 6 «0. 2 VolleeRlate cxexexe vill,

LittLE Ow.

A very common bird in France and other parts of Europe. In
England it may have and doubtless has occurred more frequently than
has been supposed ; but it is a bird which cannot be easily detected,
however diligently it may be searched for. Numerous instances of
its occurrence are on record: and besides the nest mentioned by
Hunt as having been taken at no great distance from Norwich, an-
other is reported to have been met with in the New Forest, and the
young taken and reared at Harrow.

ORDER INSESSORES.

Family CAPRIMULGID 2.

Members of this great family of nocturnal birds frequent the
warmer portions of almost every part of the globe, and are nearly
as varied in structure as they are numerous in species. In the New
World the cave-loving Steatornis and the long-tailed Hydropsales
are among the most conspicuous of the forms inhabiting that section
of the world, as the great Podargi and the eared Lyncornithes are of
the Old. Their food mainly consists of insects and their larvae, with
occasionally fruits and berries.

Genus CarrRIMuLets.

The birds of this restricted form are confined to the Old World, over
the greater portion of which they range. Two are found in Great
Britain.

45> | CAPRIMULGUS EUROPMUSs «2: i) 0) se) ee Ole OIIae

NiguHtsar or GoaTsucKER.

The Nightjar, Goatsucker, or Churn-Owl, by which trivial names
this species is known, is a true migrant, and is very generally dis-
persed over the British Islands from its arrival in May until its de-
parture in September. 2

AG; CAPRIMULGUS 'RUFICOLLIS' § . )..045 2 1045 SVoliie RISh.
RED-NECKED GOATSUCKER.

An inhabitant of Spain, North Africa, and Palestine, which has
once appeared in our islands.

47

Family CYPSELID.E.

The Swifts have been divided into two subfamilies, Cypseline and
Cheturine. They are found both in the New and the Old World.
Two of the Cyspseline occur in Britain; and one of the Cheturine
having in a single instance been killed here, it becomes necessary
to include it in the list of our avifauna.

Genus CrpsEtvs.

AOE OVPSEDUSUMPUS Hs.1 1, ih) oo (Oo ewe eo. Wool PEELE.
SwIFt.

Arrives in May and departs southward in August or the early part
of September, and is therefore a true migrant.

Ata OVPSEGUSEMELBAT =e’) sf sean ee). 2 ee ee Vole lie live
ALPINE SwIrFt.

A common migrant on the continent of Europe, particularly in its
central and southern parts; it also inhabits Africa and India, and is
an accidental visitor to Britain.

Genus CH2TuURA.

The members of this genus are generally dispersed over America ;
nor are they absent from Asia, Africa, or Australia. They have been
divided into several subgenera: that of Hirundapus has been assigned
to the single species which in a solitary instance has found its way
to Britain ; but I retain it under the older term by which it is more
generally known.

49. CHAETURA CAUDACUTA.
Spine-tailed Swift.

The solitary example above alluded to was “ shot about 9 p.m. on
the 8th of July, 1846, by a farmer’s son, near Colchester, in Essex ;
he saw it first in the evening of the 6th. He tells me it occasionally
flew to a great height, was principally engaged in hawking for flies
over a small wood and neighbouring trees; being only wounded, it
cried very much as it fell, and, when he took it up, clung so tightly
to some clover as to draw some stalks from the ground” (T. Catch-
pool, jun., in the ‘ Zoologist’ for 1846, p. 1493).

If Indian, Chinese, and Australian examples are identical, as I
believe they are, then the range of the present species 1s wide indeed ;
but possessing, as it does, vast wing-powers, there is no reason why
it should not pass and repass from one country to another with the
greatest ease. Distance being mere child’s play to a bird so largely en-
dowed with the means of flight, its accidental occurrence in England
need not excite surprise.

48

Family HIRUNDINID A.

The members of this great family of air-frequenting birds are
almost universally dispersed, so much so at least that Swallows and
Martins are known to the inhabitants of most parts of the globe,
except those of New Zealand and Polynesia, where, strange to say,
none are to be found.

More than a hundred species are enumerated in our lists, in which
large number many variations of form exist, each characterized by
some peculiarity in habits, mode of life, kind of food they eat, con-
struction of nest, or mode of nidification. Three migratory species,
each pertaining to a distinct genus, make our islands a temporary
resting-place during the months of summer.

Genus Hrrvunpo.

The species of this form, of which our common Swallow is the
type, inhabit Europe, India, China, and North America. They
are distinguished for the elegance of their structure and the ease
and buoyancy of their evolutions.

50. Hirvunpo RUSTICA Sioe oe ee idodiedh cx Gulia) Olan eave
Common SWALLow.

Comment upon this familiar species is quite unnecessary; we
all know it arrives in spring, and, after bracketing its cup-shaped
nest in our chimneys and outhouses, and rearing its progeny upon
the insects it captures in their neighbourhood, departs again in
autumn to more southern climes, carrying with it our God-speed
for its welfare until it returns to receive our renewed greeting.

Genus CHEripon.

Other species besides the clothed-tarsed one frequenting our
island are known; they are mostly from India, China, and Japan.

Gis ‘CHELIDON URBIGAS 3.-i et ee Ste, as ee) NOLL ee ev ale
Hovsr-M arrin.

This pretty fairy-like bird arrives about the middle of April,
constructs a semiglobular nest of mud under the eaves of our dwell-
ings, and, after rearing its progeny, departs again in the autumn
to the warmer country of Africa—where the sun still vivifies an
abundance of insect life, and thus furnishes a plentiful supply of
food to these insectivorous birds.

Genus Cory.

A very distinct little group are the Sand-Martins, whose habits
are peculiar and very different from those of the Swallow or the
House-Martin. They inhabit the Old and the New Worlds.

49

52. CoTYLE RIPARIA Ce Sere ot se 209 i Mol, etPhiwie
Sanp-Marrin.

Arrives early in spring, assembles in flocks, breeds in colonies,
makes a slight nest in a hole in a sandbank, and, after rearing
its young, departs south on the first chilly days of August or Sep-
tember.

Hae OTUIE RIPARTA Gi. ¥si) aficie) sone col? sy , Vol..E Pl. Wilt.

Sanp-Martrn (young)
as seen, on the bank of the Thames, in the month of August, prior
to departure south.

Genus Proene.

54. PRoGNE PURPUREA.

Purple Martin.

A strictly American form, of which four or five examples are

said to have been killed in our islands—one near Dublin, one in
Yorkshire, and two at Kingsbury in Middlesex.

?

Genus

55. BICOLOR.

White-bellied Swallow.

Another American form, for which a generic title has not yet
been proposed. It is said that a specimen has been killed near
Derby ; vide Wolley, in the ‘Zoologist’ for 1853, p. 3806, and
Newton in ‘ Proceedings of the Zoological Society’ for 1860, p. 131.

Family MEROPID/#.

The members of this family are among the most ornamental of
the Insessorial birds, and are as elegant in form as they are beautiful
in colour. Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia are the countries
in which one or other of the not very numerous species are found.
As the thinness of their plumage and the slightness of their form
would indicate, they appear to be sensitive to cold; and most of
them are resident in the tropical or warmer portions of the coun-
tries mentioned, though one species, the Merops apiaster, is very
common in Spain. Insects of the various orders constitute their
chief food. The species have been divided into several genera.

Genus Mrrops.
The species inhabiting Europe is the type of this form.

Soa MERROPS APTASTER 9. 2 3 os es Vol. II. Pl. IX.

BrEE-EATER.
Although there are many instances of the occurrence of this bird

in Britain, it can only be regarded as an accidental visitor; and
E

a0

so uncertain are its visits, that years may elapse without an ex-
ample being seen. It is common, and breeds, in Spain, where it
deposits its eggs in holes of sandbanks.

Family ALCEDINIDZ.

The distribution of the Kingfishers may be said to be almost
universal; but of the 125 species described, few are to be found
in the New World, the family being very feebly represented in
America. The various species have been much subdivided and
received many generic appellations, their structure being as diverse
as their modes of life and the kinds of food upon which they
subsist. Water is by no means essential to the existence of many
of them, especially those which dwell amidst the scorize of voleanoes
and on hot and parched plains,—lizards and insects being the food
of those affecting the former situations, while the huge Dacelos (fre-
quenting the latter) eat snakes, small. quadrupeds, and insects. Fish
appears to be the chief food of the members of the restricted genus
Alcedo, of which our well-known Kingfisher is the type.

Genus ALCEDO.

SiC ATCEDOMISHIDA Seo B.S ee cele” eee Viol RI exe
KINGFISHER.

A resident species ; common in all the central portion of England,
more scarce in Scotland, and not a common bird in Ireland. Feeds
on fish, crustaceans, and insects. It is the only species which
habitually lives in Britain and on the continent of Europe, beyond
which its range is not very far extended. Other species of this form
inhabit India, some of its islands, and Africa.

Genus CERYLE.

A group of Kingfishers, of about a dozen or fifteen species.

58. CERYLE ALCYON.

This American bird has been twice killed in Ireland—once in
the county of Meath in October 1845, and again in the county of
Wicklow in November of the same year (Thompson, ‘ Natural History
of Ireland, Birds,’ vol. i. p. 373). These Transatlantic birds must
be regarded as interlopers, since they have no just claims to a place
in our fauna.

Family CORACHDA.

No member of this family has yet been seen in the New World ;
and the Old may claim the form as one of its finest ornithological

ol

productions. There are even fewer species of this family than of
the Meropide ; and those few are all warm-country birds. They are
abundant in Africa; one or two species frequent India; others
the islands of the Eastern archipelago. Up to this time no true
Roller has been found in Australia, where it is represented by the
members of the genus Hurystomus.

Genus Coractas.
DOPACOBACIAS'GRREULAT >. <'. 5 8 © « « Vol. Le PX
Roxzer.

Although the Roller is a regular summer visitant to the centre
of Germany and other parts of the Continent, its occurrences in
England have been few and far between ; here, therefore, it can only
be regarded as an accidental visitor. It has nevertheless been occa-
sionally killed in the three kingdoms.

Family UPUPID.

Varied indeed are the opinions entertained by ornithologists re-
specting the situation this family of birds should occupy in our
systems. For my own part, I have always considered its proper place
to be near to, if not associated with, the Hornbills (Bucerotide) ;
hence this is perhaps not the situation in which it would appear in
an arrangement of the birds of the world; but it is the best I can
assign to it in a limited fauna like that of the British Islands.

Genus Upupa.

About five species of this very singular form are known; they
inhabit Europe, Asia, Africa, and Madagascar.

GOseUPURPATEPOPS’ 9 ¢ s oc . sc s « . «6 Vol. TEPPER XT.
Hoopor.

An accidental visitor to England, where it generally arrives in
May ; and its doom is sealed as soon as it makes its appearance: so
attractive a creature immediately arresting attention, it soon falls
a victim to the gunner; and its mounted skin is found in the houses
ef the men of Kent and other southern counties.

Family LANIIDA.

The Shrikes, comprising many species, are very generally distri-
buted over the surface of the globe, particularly in the Old World.
Some of the typical members inhabit Britain and North America,
and are also found in Asia and Africa, but not in the islands of the
Eastern archipelago, nor in Australia. They are all, to a certain

E2

52

extent, destroyers of other birds; but their chief food consists of
insects, their larve, and mollusks. In disposition they are cruel,
spitting their victims on thorns or between the interstices of the
branches of trees; for what precise purpose is not well understood.

Genus Lanivs.

Gl. LAWIUS BXCUBITOR .. = « w «6, . «Nol ghee ine
Great Grey SHRIKE.

An accidental visitor, which may occasionally, but does not usu-

ally breed in this country. Its proper home is the continent of

Europe, beyond the boundary of which it becomes more and more
scarce.

GQ.uLanrus minor = UE he We Pe Te Viol aie eee
RosE-BREASTED SHRIKE.

A native of Spain, Turkey, and Greece, which has been killed two
or three times in England.

Genus ENNEOCTONUS.

The members of this genus differ considerably from the preceding,
inasmuch as, instead of the sexes being alike, they vary in colour and
markings. Species of this form are found in Europe, Asia, and
Africa.

63. EnNEocToNUS coLLURIO . . . . . . . Vol. II. Pl. XV.
BurcHERBIRD.

A migrant from the south in May, and returning thither early in
autumn.

64, ENNEOCTONUS RUFUS . . . . .. . . VOL II. Pl. XVI.
Woop-Cnat.

Although this bird has been killed in England several times, it
can only be regarded as an accidental visitor. It is said to have
bred in this country ; but, for myself, I have never seen an authenti-
cated egg which had been taken herein.

Family MUSCICAPID A.

The various members of this family are very generally dispersed
over the countries of the Old World.

When I published my Plates of the two following species, the
late Mr. George R. Gray had recently indicated, in his ‘ Catalogue of
British Birds,’ that the old Muscicapa atricapilla pertained to the
genus Muscicapa, and the M. grisola to the genus Butalis; but in

03

his more recent ‘ Hand-list’ he makes the latter the type of Musei-
capa, and places the former under Sundeyall’s subgenus Hedymela.

Genus MuscicaPa.

Gos PWUSCICAPA ATRICAPIELAS (f°, 94 0S Ss * Voll TE PL XVII.
Prep FrycatcHer.

A well-known migrant to Britain, chiefly frequenting the northern
portion of England, where it breeds. It is rarely met with in
Scotland, and never in Ireland. For an interesting note by Mr.
Stevenson on a singular immigration of this species on the Suffolk
coast in September 1869, see the ‘ Zoologist ’ for that year, p. 1492.

GOs MUSCICAPA COLLABIS, <.< . »« « « «+: VolsII. Pl. X VIM,
WHITE-COLLARED FLYCATCHER.
This species, which has once been killed in England, is a native of
Eastern Europe.
Genus Buratts.

CHAP BULALISEGRISOLAN, Sac, sues see, VOls due PI xXeixe

Sporrep FLycaTcHER.

Arrives late in the spring, spreads over the British Islands, and
after breeding returns to whence it came, the northern part of Africa.

Genus EryrHrosTEeRNA.

The members of this genus, which are but few in number, frequent
Eastern Europe, India, and China. They are extremely delicate in
structure ; and it is marvellous how so frail a bird as the #. parva
could have crossed the Channel, and thus laid claim to a place in the
avifauna of Great Britain.

GSotWEYTHROSTERNAPARVA, (2... . «=. .« -. Vol. IT. Pl XX.
ReED-BREASTED FLYCATCHER.

For the particulars respecting the capture of three examples of this
bird, I refer my readers to my account of the species opposite the
Plate; but I may here mention that all were taken in Cornwall,
and that they can only be regarded as accidental visitors.

69. VIREOSYLVIA OLIVACEA.
Red-eyed Flycatcher.

In Mr. Harting’s ‘Handbook of British Birds’ it is stated that
two examples of this purely American species were taken by a bird-
catcher at Chellaston, near Derby, in May 1859, the particulars of
which will be found in Sir Oswald Mosley’s ‘ Natural History of
Tutbury,’ page 385.

54

Family AMPELIDA.

Three or four species of this very singular and beautiful family
are all that are known. ‘They chiefly inhabit the temperate and
northern regions of both the Old and New Worlds, their summer
residences often bordering the arctic circle, whence some of them
migrate south at the cold season, but only for a short period.

Genus AMPELIS.

WO. AMPRIIS GARRULUS. (9%, .c.bvepubirar) eileen Ol IL, eon
WaAXEN CHATTERER.

A native of Norway, Finland, and Russia. Is only an accidental
visitor to England; and when it does favour us with its presence,
it is mostly in the winter, especially if that season happens to be
severe. A distinct species is found in Japan; and the A. cedrorum,
as we all know, frequents America.

Family SITTIDZA.

Taking our Common Nuthatch as a typical example, and omitting
the members of the allied subgenera Callisitta, Dendrophila, and
Hypherpes, there exist about a dozen species of this family, some, if
not all, possessing the peculiarity of being able to run up and run
down the boles of trees with equal facility. They frequent the
temperate portions of Europe, Asia, and America.

(ish BUBTA: CABSTA, (004) «ES ote ihe wank Silb oR opeees, MANGO Le eee ee ene ele
NvutrHatrcH.

This species is not, as has been supposed, entirely confined to
Britain ; for it is also found in some of the Danish islands and else-
where. With us it is stationary and common all over England,
but is somewhat rare in Cornwall, very scarce in Scotland, and never
found in Ireland.

Family PARID A.

More than a hundred species of Tits have been already named ;
and there are doubtless many more yet to be described. The coun-
tries frequented by these tree-loving birds are Europe, Asia, Japan,
the Philippines, Java, and Sumatra. Africa, also, from north to
south, contains its fair quota; nor are they absent from America, in
which country they are principally found in its northern re-
gions. Structurally they present much variety ; and in consequence
the entire group has been divided into many genera. In the British

55

Islands, exclusive of the so-called Bearded Tit, which belongs to an
entirely different family, we have six species, which constitute the
typical examples of almost as many genera. I have, however, only
adopted a portion of them, keeping four in the genus Parus, one in
Pecile, and one in Mecistura. The chief food of the Tits consists of
insects and their larve, with occasionally the addition of fruit.
They are mostly pert and lively birds, assuming many varied posi-
tions while searching for food among the leafy branches of trees and
shrubs.
Genus Parvs.
eee SEVSUMATOR: "1 fhe 6) Ge sae et Volt ER, PLOT:
Great Tir.

Resident and common over the three kingdoms. Breeds in April
and May. Youthful birds have their cheeks stained with yellow,
while in the adult the sides of the face are white.

Generally distributed over Central Europe.

foo PARUSLOARULEUS “tain, s oan «i . +, .VOl UL. PLOXRILY,
Buve Tir.

A beautiful saucy little bird, which, being found here at all times,
is a resident species. The cheeks, which are white in the adult, are
tinged with yellow in the young. As common in the central por-
tion of Europe as with us.

WE EABUSCATER, ws be 1s) se 6 Usshusty ey yyy VOles hie BLY ROVe
Coat Tir.

A common resident in every county ; gives preference to forests of
beech and oak. <A cheerful, merry little bird, of which the young
are more beautifully coloured than the adult, the sides of the face
and a portion of the breast being washed with yellow during the
first six weeks of their existence. The continental birds, particu-
larly those found in Belgium, are considered distinct by Messrs.
Sharpe and Dresser.

Mae RUS ORISTATUSs oe he fee Ue PSS SV oR TTY PL VE:

Cresrep Trt.
A resident species in Scotland; breeds in the woods near Elgin.
Ts said to have been killed in England, and, on the authority of Mr.
Blake-Knox, twice in Ireland.

Genus PacIte.
76. Pa@cILE PALUSTRIS. . en ee NGL IDE, JBL DOQVIng

Marsu-Trr.

A resident species ; scarce in Scotland, except in the Lothians, and
still more so in Ireland. Cheek-mark of the young uniform with

56

the other parts of the body, except the sides of the neck—which are
white, and not yellow. Frequents, but not exclusively, plantations,
copses, and low humid situations.

Genus MectsturRa.

77 MECISTURA,CAUDATA., » << 16.06 [een Volo LIE xoavaiite
Lone-TAILeD Trr.

This wandering and interesting bird is a true British resident.
It has been separated by Mr. Blyth from the White-headed species
of Scandinavia, under the specific appellation of rosea ; it must, how-
ever, be remarked that some of our examples have white heads; and
therefore I do not aver that they are, or are not, distinct. Other
species of this form are found on the Bosphorus, on the Himalayas,
and in China.

Mr. J. H. Gurney, jun., has communicated to me the following
interesting fact in connexion with this bird:—‘ A Mr. Noble once
noticed at Blackwall, near Darlington, an object on a fir tree which
he took for a Pheasant; but on firing at it he found that, instead of
a Pheasant, it was a great ball of Long-tailed Tits. He told me that
he did not kill less than a dozen. My father informs me that the
South-African Colies roost congregated in bunches;” and I have

?
witnessed precisely the same in the Artamus sordidus in Tasmania.

73. MECISTURACAUDATA .© 255 4 40°. 2) Wol. di Pi xeKeie
Lone-taiLEp Tir (young).

Family ————— ?

Genus CALAMOPHILUS.

49. CAUAMOPHILUS BIARMICUS: . . 5 «6 5 . Vol, DD Ply xoxwxe
Berarpep Tir.

A resident species in the marshes and along the sides of the
rivers of our eastern counties ; but the drainage of the former and
the clearance of the sedges of the latter have greatly diminished the
numbers of this lovely little bird. Still it is common with us, and
even more so in Holland and other fluviatile districts of Central
Europe.

This bird is by no means a genuine Tit, although it is commonly
so called, and is placed here for the want of a more natural situa-
tion.

Family ORIOLID .

A group of Old-World birds, the members of which are beautifully
coloured, yellow and black being the prevailing tints, particularly

o7

of that seetion of them typified by the Oriolus galbula. The coun-
tries they frequent are either hot or temperate, Africa, India, China,
the Philippines, Java, Sumatra, and some of the islands of the
Eastern Archipelago being tenanted by one or other of the species.

Genus Orto.Lvs.

Stee ORTOnUs TG ABUT eb4 4% S'S eee Oa Vel Te PI YOON:
GoLDEN ORIOLE.

Although common in many parts of Europe during the breeding-
season, with us it is a rare bird, and must be included among our
accidental spring visitants. In the Scilly Islands five or six are often
seen together; but after remaining there quite unmolested for two
or three weeks, they invariably betake themselves to the mainland,
where persecution and death await them. The following note from
my friend Mr. Rodd, respecting an unusual irruption of this species,
will be read with interest ; it was received on the 24th of April,
1870. “Iam sure you will be interested in hearing that a large
immigration of Golden Orioles has taken place in the immediate
neighbourhood of Penzance and at the Scilly Isles. They are mostly
in superb adult plumage. Five were killed out of eight, and a fine
male and a female besides, at Trevethoe, near Hayle. A flock of
forty or fifty was risen in a thick plantation on the grounds after-
wards.” Surely such beautiful birds, when they do arrive in this
country, should receive protection instead of the destruction which
now invariably awaits them.

Family TURDIDA.

A large number of medium-sized insessorial birds are included in
this family—Thrushes, Blackbirds, Fieldfares, Redwings, &c. Their
omnivorous appetite leads them to eat insects and their larve, snails,
worms, fruits, and berries. Some are constantly resident, others are
migratory ; some spend the summer, others the winter with us,

Genus Turpvs.

The Thrushes and the Blackbirds are seemingly very different ;
and were it not for numerous intervening forms, the generic characters
of Turdus and Merula would be more easily defined. The greater
part inhabit the temperate portion of the earth, but are not found
in Australia or New Zealand.

Sime uRDUS MUSICUSHN ss) 4 60s). «). | Vol. Me eRieexexexenir

THRUSH.
Very generally distributed, and constantly residing and breeding
here, as it does also in most parts of the European continent.

82:0 Tunpus VIsclvonus er... 2) 20 SW Pl Ooai
Misset-THrusi.

Strictly stationary. Common in Europe; generally breeds in all
the middle counties of England. It also inhabits Scotland, where
it is annually becoming more and more numerous. Sings early and
breeds in May. The following note from Professor Owen, dated
Sheen Lodge, Richmond Park, 28th April, 1872, respecting the
pugnacious propensities of this species, cannot fail to be of in-
terest :—‘* You know that the Missel-Thrush boldly attacks Mag-
pies and other birds larger than itself; but you may not be aware
that it bullies man himself. I was transplanting, about sun-
rise this morning, and was startled by a loud menacing noise
above me, and on rising and looking up saw a Missel-Thrush
darting from branch to branch, chattering loudest as it passed over
and near to my head; and then it made a dash at me, sweeping
close past my face with a chattermg scream, and, alighting on a
branch about six yards off, turned round and dashed back again, so
that I ‘ducked’ to save my eyes; and these sweeping attacks were
repeated four or five times before (out of a desire not to disturb a
bird whose wild winter-notes I like) I moved off. I went a round-
about way to a garden-seat about twenty yards from the scene of
the first disturbance, and shortly after heard the same chattering,
clattering, bullying note, and, having my binocular, made out my
friend (or enemy) darting about the boughs of an old acacia over-
head, and continuing his remonstrances against my vicinity, to which
I again yielded.”

S32. TuRDUS TIACUS 20d ss cs ew ays oy Vol Ee xoxoains
Repwine.

A winter visitant, arriving with the Fieldfare in autumn, and

departing northward in the spring. Summers in Iceland, Norway,

Sweden, and other portions of the old continent bordering the arctic
circle,

G4, TURDUS PILARIS . ...., si « «1% ) NOl lie PR eexexexeye
FIELDFARE.
A winter visitant only, Breeds in Norway and many other parts

of the Old World. Comes to us about the same time as the Wood-
cock—that is, in October, the period when the Ring-Ouzel departs.

85. TURDUS ATROGULARIS : . . . « .n/ le) Vol) Line xOexvan
Buack-THROATED THRUSH.

A native of Eastern Europe and Northern Asia. Has been once
killed in England, as will be seen on reference to the Turdine sec-
tion of the work, where the circumstance of its capture near Brighton
is fully detailed.

59

Genus MErvra.

Soe MnROEA VURGARTS) 27121 velley es “Sete Mol) Pl; XXXVIL
BuacKBIRD.

A resident and very generally distributed species, both in our
islands and on the European continent.

Sik MERTLASTORQUATAYS bist seqreina Sects Vol; Ee PEXXX VILL;
Rine-Ovzet.

A summer visitant, which frequents rocky situations in Wales, the
northern parts of England, Scotland, &e. Winters in Africa.

Genus OREOCINCLA.

A form very distinct both from Merula and Turdus, of which five,
Six, or seven species, all inhabitants of the Old World, are known to
exist. They have a very wide range, some being found in Asia and
its islands, and others in Australia. They are shy and solitary in
their habits, often frequenting rocky and scrubby situations in the
midst of forests.

SSeOREOCINGCLAVAUREA .. . . . < « «» Vol. IL. Pl, XX XD
. Waurtre’s THrRusH.

A native of the Altai, the Himalayas, and China. Single indi-
viduals occasionally migrate westward to the continent of Europe
and to England, wherein about ten or twelve examples have been
killed, the particulars respecting several of which will be found in
the letterpress opposite the Plate of the species.

Genus CIcHLOSERYS.

An eastern form, the type of which is the well-known Siberian
Thrush.

SON CICHLOSERYS SIBIRICUS. 5... «© « «.. . Vol. DI, Pll Xm,

Srperran THrvsu.

Quite an accidental visitor, only a single instance of its being killed
here being on record.

Family PYCNONOTID.

The members of this family are nearly allied to the great group
of Honey-eaters (Meliphagide) of Australia. Many species inhabit
Africa and India.

Genus Pycnonorvs.
90. Pycnonorus CAPENSIS.
Gold-yented Thrush.
A native of Spain and part of Africa; once killed in Ireland—for

60

the particulars of which see Thompson’s ‘ Birds’ of that country,
and Yarrell’s ‘ History of British Birds,’ vol. i. p. 224: ‘“ erroneously
identified by those authors,” says Mr. Harting, “ with P. awrigaster
of Vieillot.”

Family CINCLID.

Many opinions are extant among ornithologists respecting the
natural position of this very singular group of birds: one places them
near Hnicurus, Grallina, &c.; another fancies they are allied to
Troglodytes ; anda third, to the Thrushes. Of the eleven or twelve
known species, seven or eight inhabit the northern regions of
the Old World; a single, or at the utmost two, frequent the same
regions of the New; and two are found among the cataracts and
rocky streams of the Andean ranges. But it is in Europe and Asia
that Water-Ouzels most abound, the watercourses of the great
Himalaya Mountains and their continuations being especially fre-
quented by them. Europe is tenanted by three, one of which in-
habits the British Islands, and a second comes to them occasionally
from Norway.

SIE CINCLUS AQUATICUS.: 99s) 2° coe: 2) ee Vol ier PR xeian
Warer-Ovuzet or Diprer,

A resident in Britain, frequenting the turbulent waters and mill-
streams of its hilly districts.

92.) CINCLUS MELANOGASTER :7.. +. 2... © Vole il. Pr Xan

BLaAck-BELLIED WATER-OUZEL.

A native of Norway, Sweden, and probably other parts of Northern
Europe. In England it has been several times killed in Norfolk,
Suffolk, and Lincolnshire; but these must be regarded as accidental
occurrences.

Family SAXICOLIN A.

A family of insectivorous birds, comprising many Old World forms
inhabiting Europe, Asia, and Africa, They vary in size from a
Thrush to a Wheatear or a Stone-Chat.

Genus PrrrocossyPHus.

A genus of rock-loving birds common to the continent of Europe,
North Africa, India, China, and the Philippine Islands.

93. PETROCOSSYPHUS CYANUS . . .,. «4 Volk WP Xue
Buve Rocx-Turvsu.
Has been once killed in Ireland, the particulars respecting which

61

and the countries the bird inhabits will be gained by reference to
the letterpress opposite the Plate whereon the species is figured.

Genus PETROCINCIA.

This form is scarcely separable from Petrocossyphus ; the members
of both are distributed over nearly the same parts of the world.

OAS PETROCINGHA,SAXATINIS. ... « . « Vol. LI. Pl. XIV:
Rocx-TuHrvsu.

A purely accidental visitor to Britain, only one, or at the utmost
two, examples having been seen therein. The true home of the
species is Southern and Eastern Europe, Palestine, and North Africa.

Genus SAxIcoLa.

The Wheatears, as the members of this genus are frequently called,
are Old-World birds, inhabiting Europe, Africa, India, and China.
They are alert in their actions, and dwell almost exclusively in rocky
and sterile places where little water occurs, that element not appa-
rently being necessary to their existence.

OS OAXICOMARCENANTHE 4 2 ag.) 6 we | | (Ol. Die Pl aXanve
WHEATEAR.

An early spring visitant from Africa. Breeds in various parts
of the three kingdoms, after which both old and young retire to
winter in warmer climates; some individuals proceed to high
northern latitudes—Greenland, and Arctic America.

Genus PRATINCOLA.

An Old-World form, the members of which are more arboreal
than the Wheatears, frequently perching on shrubs, bushes, and
grasses. They are distributed over Europe, Africa, India, and
China.

OG PRATINCOLARUBETRA . 2°) . 2 . « Vol) TL. Pl: XLVI:
Wauin-Cuar.

Strictly a migrant from the south, arriving at the end of April,
and, after breeding, departing again to whence it came: while here,
it is very generally distributed.

CA LRATINCOLA RUBICOUAI a ao 2 6 os) Vol wll Pixel Vall.

Stonre-Cuat or Furze-Cuart.

A resident bird. inhabiting commons and heath-covered districts ;
Sp tye. wtfe sie i ;
breeds and remains in its chosen situation from year’s end to year’s

62

end. It is also found on the continent of Europe, and probably in
some parts of Asia.

Genus ERYTHACUS.

Of this genus there are three species, the well-known Robin (JL.
rubecula) of Europe, and the #. akahige and EF. komadori of Japan.

Og iiknyralcus MEEECULA. . = ... « (A UeVolaliesblaeernnnim
Rosin.

This familiar denizen of our gardens, shrubberies, and woodlands
is a constant resident with us, is dispersed over the three king-
doms, and is a general favourite. It is also found on the continent
of Europe, in North Africa, and the Islands of Madeira and Teneriffe,
in which latter island I have myself shot examples.

Genus CYANECULA.

Two or three very differently marked birds of this form exist in
Europe, Africa, India, and China. By some writers they are con-
sidered to be one and the same species ; by others each has been re-
garded as distinct. In habits and disposition the Bluethroats are
peculiar, they exhibit none of the bold daring of the Wheatear and the
Robin ; neither do they sit on a twig and show their breasts like the
Whin- and Stone-Chats ; on the contrary they skulk among bushes
and dense herbage of hill-sides, or among the grasses in a meadow,
concealing rather than showing their beautiful colouring, as if con-
scious that its exposure would be adverse to their well-being.

OOMCVANECULASUECICA’S 9% 20 2) eee ee ce Ol ee xen axe
RED-THROATED BLUEBREAST.

A lovely little bird, which lives in eastern Europe and probably
in Africa. In the summer it is to be seen on the Dovrefjeld, in the
winter in the sunny south. It sometimes pays England a visit, end
hence is included in our avifauna, but its occurrence must be re-
garded as purely accidental.

LOOM CYANECUDA,LEUCOCYANA, =. 4) 4 0) eo ee Ole lila iets
WHUHITE-THROATED BLUEBREAST.
A native of France and Southern Europe, accidental in England.

Genus RuTIcILLA.

Redstarts, as the members of this genus are trivially called, not
only inhabit Europe, but are abundant in India and China.

63

LOE OTCHICAPPHCCNICURAUMSE Ts (08 ee 2. Voli. Pl. ie
REpDsvTaRt.

Arrives from the south in April, frequents our gardens, breeds in
our apple-trees, and renders its visits agreeable by its pleasing song,
the sprightliness of its actions, and the beauty of its plumage. It
also visits the southern and central parts of Europe generally.

MUSE RUMCIGCAOTITHYR oy sc) @ « <6 .s.- a» <«-.VOl. LEP. Lie.
Buack Repstarr.

A native of Central Europe and the countries to the southward
and eastward thereof, pays England almost annually a visit during
the months of autumn, when other migrants have gone south to
winter in Africa; still it must be regarded as an accidental visitor
only. With us it frequents rocky situations; but on the Continent
it takes up its abode in gardens, just as the Redstart does here.

Genus Arpon, Bove.

The members of this genus are inhabitants of the Old World,
where their head quarters appear to be Eastern Europe and North-
ern Africa.

NOSABAEDON GATACTODES@ of: eos!) io ee. 9 Volk. Pig Liil:
Rurovus Sepce WARBLER.

Spain, Greece, Asia Minor, and North Africa are among the
countries frequented by this species, which, having been only twice
killed in England, must be enumerated among its rarest visitants.

*“The Rufous Sedge Warbler is evidently only a summer migrant
in the north of Algeria. On my return from the Mzab country in
May, I saw scores where there had not previously been one, and
generally away from water. It has a curious habit of raising its
tail; it is hardly ever seen in any other position. Our common
British Nightingale has the same habit in a less degree; but with
the Rufous Sedge Warbler it appears to be natural to keep it raised :
whether the bird is in motion or at rest, the tail is only depressed at
intervals.” —J. H. Guryey, jun.

Family ACCENTORIN 4.

A group of Old-World birds, some species of which inhabit Europe
and Asia, from the British Islands to Kamtschatka and Japan.
They have been subdivided into three genera, Accentor, Spermolegus,
and Tharrhaleus, the types of the first and third of which are natives
of Britain, namely, A. alpinus and 7. modularis. I have, however,
kept them both in the genus Accentor.

Genus ACCENTOR:
HOASONCCENTOR ALPINUS & - a... +. VO EE Pl ETV.
ALPINE ACCENTOR.
Common in Switzerland and other rocky countries of Southern and

64

Eastern Europe. An accidental visitant to England, where it has
been killed or seen about a dozen times.

105: AccENTOR MODULARIS’. 5. £2. Viel ue Pie aye
Heper-Accentor or HepeE-Sparrow.
Resident in the three kingdoms; common in gardens. A tame,
pleasing, and harmless little bird. Lives on insects. Inhabits most
parts of Europe and Malta, where I have shot examples.

Family SYLVIID.

Comprises a very large number of species, which are inhabitants
of the older known portion of the globe. About fifteen are enume-
rated in the British avifauna, as belonging to [the genera Sylvia,
Curruca, Luscinia, Melizophilus, Phyllopneuste, Ficedula, Regulus,
Reguloides, &e.

Genus LuscrnrA.

A very well-defined genus, comprising two species, both of which
are summer birds in Central Europe. One of them, our well-known
Nightingale, comes to us in spring, and retires again in autumn. It
has been ascertained that both species winter in more southern
climes ; but we really know little respecting the extent of their range
in that direction.

NOG. GUSCINTA’PHELOMELA’. 4.67 2°20 3°") SV ol eaieaR iyi
NIGHTINGALE.
A summer migrant to the southern and central parts of England,

but not to Scotland or Ireland. A full account of this charming
bird will be found opposite the Plate on which it is represented.

Genus Sy via.

In the present work both the Whitethroats have been regarded
as typical examples of the genus Sylvia. These and some other
species abound in Europe during the months of summer; others,
again, are spread over Northern Africa, India, and China. Their
food consists of insects and berries.

107; SyvuvVIA CINEREA+.<.0 2 # «©. 6.256. 4, Nol. SPI invaie
W HITETHROAT.

When spring assumes her most cheery aspect, our hedges put
forth their leafy verdure, and the goose-grass ramifies among the
herbage of the ditches, the saucy Whitethroat makes its appearance,
and, after spending the summer and rearing its brood, departs again
in autumn to winter in warmer climes. It is, therefore, a true sum-

65

mer migrant, which visits all the three kingdoms, but is rather
scarce In some parts of Scotland.

IeroOSEYIN CURRUCA ~~... ss ss oe Vol: Pl TViTe
Lesser WHITETHROAT.

A summer migrant from the south, which arrives rather later than
the preceding species, betakes itself to gardens and woodlands, sings
its garrulous peculiar song while searching for aphides and other
insects among the leaves of the cherry- and other trees of the garden
or forest, is spread over the central portion of England, is rare in
Cornwall and Scotland, and has not been seen in Ireland.

Genus Menizopuinvs,

Mr. G. R. Gray enumerates, in his recently published ‘ Hand-list
of Birds,’ three species of this genus; but I feel assured that our
well-known Dartford Warbler must stand as its sole representative.

109. MeizopHILUS PROVINCIALIS . . . . . Vol. II. Pl. LIX.

Darrrorp WARBLER.

A stationary but very local species in the south of England, rare
in the midland and northern counties, unknown in Scotland and
Ireland. Evinces a preference for heathy lands, particularly those
clothing the greensand; hence it is abundant in some parts of
Surrey, Sussex, and Hampshire ; while on the Continent, where this
kind of formation does not exist, it is either scarce or entirely absent.
Is extremely shy and recluse in its habits. Breeds in May.

“Are you aware,” says Mr. Gatcombe, in a letter dated Dee. 20,
1868, “that the Dartford Warbler is tolerably common in the furze-
brakes near Lyme Regis? A few days since I had a very nice spe-
cimen sent me in the flesh from that place ; and the sender informed
me that he had lately killed five, but the one forwarded was the
only one he could find among the long gorse. What a great pity
that four of these interesting birds have been killed and lost!”

Genus Curruca.

The members of this genus possess considerable yocal powers, are
more shy or distrustfall 4 in their habits than the Whitethroats, and
are less sprightly in their manners. Europe, North Africa, Asia
Minor, Western India, and China are frequented by the members of
this genus, two of which visit England during the months of summer.

TO. CuRRUCA ATRICAPINEA . .@ . . . . Vol. IL. Pl. EX.

Brackcar.
Winters in North Africa, and migrates to us in April in consider-
able numbers, which, after s yending the summer and breeding here,

wing their w way to whence they came. Common all over England,
7

66

rare in Scotland and in Ireland. As a songster it almost rivals the
Nightingale.

14a, “GuRRUCAMORPHTA ©. . 2. 2 2 2°. *. Wiel Spi aia
OrRPHEAN WARBLER.

One specimen at least has been killed in Britain, for the particulars
of which vide the letterpress opposite the plate on which it is figured.

119, CURRUGCA HORTENSIS «.« <. ad «4 tasugns Ole Li, bled
GARDEN- WARBLER.

An unobtrusive and plainly coloured bird; has a loud garrulous
song; arrives in April, when the nettles and other herbage are sufli-
ciently dense and the leaves of the trees sufficiently forward to screen
it from sight. Common in England and the south of Scotland, but
seems to be more rare in the north of that country ; and in Ireland,
according to Thompson, it is extremely so.

Genus TRoGLODYTES.

Tn the Old World the northern regions are those that are princi-
pally inhabited by the members of this genus ; in the New they range
from the northern to nearly the southern extremity of the great
continent of America. They are pert, lively little birds, which differ
from the true Sylviw in many particulars, rendering it very difficult
to assign them a place affinitively in any of the proposed systems.

113. Trognopyrrs EUROP™US. . » « « » Vol. II. Pl. LXIII,
Common WREN.

As implied in its specific appellation, this bird is a native of
Europe, over which it is very generally dispersed and strictly sta-
tionary, inasmuch as it keeps in the vicinity of its breeding-place
from year’s end to year’s end.

Family CERTHIIDA.

The members of this singular bark-loving family, which are but
few in number, frequent the temperate regions of both the Old and
the New World. Four species inhabit the great Himalaya moun-
tains; and of these some visit the plains of India, and extend their
range eastward to Japan. In America there are two, which are
found in all parts of that country from the United States to Mexico.

Genus Crerrata.
114, Curruta FAMILTARIS . 2... Ue @)©6 (VOL Pa
TREE-CREEPER.
A resident species, generally distributed over the three kingdoms,
and braying with apparent impunity the coldest of our winters.

67

Genus PHYLLOPNEUSTRE.

The trivial name of Leaf-Warblers has of late years been applied
to the members of this genus, a term which I regret not having
employed in the body of the work. ‘These delicate birds are so
generally dispersed over the northern and temperate countries of the
Old World that they may be regarded as universally diffused. They
are all more or less migratory, moving backward and forward in
accordance with the course of the sun. Three species arrive in
Britain early in the spring.

115. PHYLLOPNEUSTE TROCHILUS .
Wittow-WReN.

Arrives from the south about the middle of April, and diligently
commences to search for insects among the newly expanded leaves
of the willow and other trees, and, after making its dome-shaped,
grassy, feather-lined nest on the ground and rearing its young,
retires to whence it came upon the earliest access of cold weather.
When here it is generally dispersed over the three kingdoms.

seat une, Voli Pl iaky.

MGs Puvitopneust RURA. <« « . « « « Vol, I, Pl. LXVIL
CHIFFCHAFF.

One of the earliest spring migrants from the sunny south, many
individuals frequently appearing in March. Solitary instances are
on record of its having beeu seen here during the winter months ;
and as I found it at the same season at Malta, it is evidently a more
hardy bird than the Willow-Wren, from which it differs in the
character of its song and in the places selected for the site of its
dome-shaped nest, which is frequently built in a bush. It is very

generally dispersed, but somewhat less numerous in Scotland than in
England.

117. PHYLLOPNEUSTE SIBILATRIX .
Woop-WReEN.

Although I have kept this bird in the present genus, it has just
claims to generic distinction, its much longer wings, peculiar song,
and brighter colouring not being quite accordant with either the
Willow- Wren or the Chiffchaff—and, indeed, has had that of Sili-
latria assigned to it by Professor Kaup. With us it is a true sum-
mer visitant, arriving later than the two birds above mentioned, its
tremulous sibilant note not being usually heard until May. Although
commonly dispersed over England and Scotland, it is rare in Ireland.
Breeds on the ground, generally making a nest of grasses only.
Departs in autumn, and winters in Africa.

pr deh OO N ol, vee ley Eval

Genus RecvLormmes.

Comprises a series of small eastern birds allied to Phyllopneuste
and Regulus. The species which has paid England occasional visits
F2

68

is an inhabitant of Europe and Northern India, where others of the
form are also found.

118. ReeguLorpEs supeRctuiosus . . . . Vol. II. Pl. LXYVIII.
YELLOW-BROWED WARBLER.

The particulars of the capture of this species in England, as re-
corded by Mr, Harting, are :—

“One, Hartley Point, Northumberland: Hancock, Ann. and Mag.
Nat. Hist. vol. 1. p. 310; Blyth, Zoologist, 1863, p. 8329; Yarrell,
Hist. of Brit. Birds, vol. i. p. 380.

«One, Charlton Kings, near Cheltenham, 11th Oct. 1867: Gould,
Ibis, 1869, p. 128.”

Hab. Northern Asia, India, Nepaul, China, Japan, and Formosa.
Has occurred accidentally in Sweden, in Heligoland, and Berlin, and
near Leyden.

119. ReeuLormEs CALENDULA.
Ruby-crowned Wren.

All that is known respecting the occurrence of this species in our
islands is comprised in the following note from Mr. R. Gray’s ‘ Birds
of Western Scotland ”—

“Tn the summer of 1852, Dr. Dewar, of Glasgow, shot a specimen
of this North-American species in Kenmore Wood, on the banks of
Loch Lomond. The bird was exhibited at a Meeting of the Natural-
History Society of Glasgow on the 27th of April, 1858, and identi-
fied by me. Dr. Dewar stated that he had found it in company with
a large flock of Goldcrests, and that he had shot a dozen birds al-
together before he recognized the differences which this one presented.
Dr. Bree, in his work on the birds of Europe, states that the Rev.
H. B. Tristram has a Ruby-crowned Kinglet in his possession, which
was given him in the flesh, and which was killed by a Durham pit-
man, in 1852, in Brancepeth woods; from this it would seem that a
second example has occurred in this country.

Genus Rrevunus.

The Golden-crested Wrens or Kinglets are a charming group of
small birds inhabiting the northern regions of the Old and New
Worlds. In their actions and in their mode of nidification they re-
mind us of the Paride, or Tits ; but no one has yet, I believe, removed
them from among the true Sylvian birds, nor shall I do so in the
present work. Knglandis tenanted by two species, which, with one
or two others, are all that are known in the Old World; in the
new portion of the globe there may be as many more. In disposition
they are as tame as they are sprightly and-pleasing in their actions.
They suspend a neat hammock-shaped nest beneath the branches
of fir or other trees. Their eggs are numerous; and the progeny soon
eequire the plumage of the adult,

120, Reevius cristatus .. ... . « . « Vol. Il. Pl. LXIX,
GoLDEN-CRESTED WREN.
A native of Europe, and doubtless other countries to the south
and eastward. With us it is a resident species, and frequents alike
the three kingdoms.

Pols REGULUS IGNICAPILLUS ... « . . « Vol, Il. Pl. DXX
Frre-crestep WREN.

Very generally dispersed over the continent of Europe and North
Africa; it is purely an accidental visitant to Britain.

Genus Ficepuna.

A form which appears to be intermediate between the Willow-
Wrens and Sedge-birds.

2 CMIORDULASIEYPOWATS 2H). 2 8a Oe Ya Vol 2 Pi xem
YELLOW-BROWED WARBLER.

An accidental visitor to England and Ireland; common in Tolland
and other parts of Europe and North Africa, from which latter
country it migrates north in spring, filling the dwarf woods and
osier-beds of France and Holland with its melodious voice.

Family CALAMODYTIDE.

Ornithologists will, I um sure, agree with me in considering that
the Sedge-birds constitute a very distinct family. The numerous
species, which have been divided into many genera, are very
generally distributed over the older-known portion of the earth’s
surface. They are semiaquatic in their habits; the greater number
frequent both large and small beds of sedges and other herbage
growing in the vicinity of water, and feed upon insects. They are
well represented in the British Islands, over which the species
are generally distributed. In the present work these birds have
been classed under the generic titles of Acrocephalus, Calamoherpe,
Calamodyta, Lusciniopsis, and Locustella,

Genus AcRocEPHALUS:.
The members of this genus. are the largest birds of the family ;
and one or other of them form part of the ayifauna of Kurope, Asia,
Africa, and Australia,

123, AcrnocEPHALUS TURDOIDES -. :.:.:. . Vol, II. Pl. LXXIL.
TurusH WARBLER.

Besides inhabiting the continent of Kurope and the neighbouring
countries, the Thrush Warbler finds its way to England, as will be
seen on reference to the letterpress opposite the Plate on which the
species is represented. It can only be regarded as an accidental
visitor,

Genus CALAMOHERPR.

What has been said respecting the distribution of the members
of the last genus is equally descriptive of those of the present one.

124, CALAMOHERPE ARUNDINACEA . Poe. Vol: LP eee
Rerp- WARBLER.

A true migrant, arriving late in April. Nests in the lilac and
other trees of the shrubberies, and in most of the gardens of the
central portions of England; its nest is also frequently found among
reeds and bushes overhanging water. Besides our own country, this
species frequents Central Europe and Northern Africa,

125, CALAMOHERPE PALUSTRIS . . . . . Vol. II, Pl. LXXTYV.
Marsu-WARBLER.

Supposed to inhabit many parts of England, and to have been
often confounded with the preceding; said to arrive at the same
time and to be more exclusively aquatic in its habits. Is considered
always to have lighter-coloured legs and to present other, minor dif-
ferences, which may be more easily seen by consulting the respective
Plates than by the most minute description. Should it ultimately
prove that the C. palustris is found here, it must be regarded as a
regular summer visitant.

Genus CALAMODYTA,.

The members of this genus are smaller in size than the Calamo-
herpe, and are less uniform in the colouring of their plumage. The
situations affected by both are identical, reeds and aquatic herbage
being apparently necessary to their existence; at all events it is in
such situations that they pour forth their querulous songs both by
day and by night. The Calamodytw are very generally distributed
over the temperate portions of Europe, Africa, and Asia.

126, Catamopyra PHRAGMITIS . . . . . VOl, II. Pl. LXXY.

SrpeE-WARBLER, or CHAT.

A bird of the summer, which arrives early in May and spreads
itself over England and Ireland, but not, according to Sir William
Jardine and Macgillivray, visiting Scotland. After breeding, it de-
parts again to Morocco or some other part of Africa.

FP CATANODYTA AQUATICA, ,-« . « « » Vol, If, Pl. LXXVI.
Aquatic WARBLER.

Somewhat rare in Central and Southern Europe. Has been killed
two or three times in England, where it must be regarded merely as
an accidental visitor.

Genus Luscrntorsts.

According to Mr. Gray’s ‘ Hand-list of Birds,’ two generic titles
have been proposed by Bonaparte for the single known species of
this form, viz. Pseudoluscinia and Lusciniopsis; the latter term has
been employed in the present work.

128. Luscrniopsis nuscINrIoIpEFs . . . . Vol. II. Pl. LXXYII,

Savi’s WARBLER.

Has many times been killed in England, where, however, it must
be considered a rare visitant, and principally to the castern counties.

Genus LocusTELLA.

About five species of this genus are known; of these one or other
frequent Central and Southern Europe, Asia, Siberia, and China,

UO OMMLOCUSTELEA AvICULA . . ° . . . Volk Win Pl bxeeVink
GraAssHOPPER WARBLER.

A yearly summer visitant to England, some parts of Scotland, and
Treland, in all of which countries it breeds, and afterwards stealthily
departs southwards in autumn.

—{
bo

Family MOTACILLID.

The Motacillide are among the most graceful of birds, and, from
their familiarity, tameness of disposition, and the sprightliness of
their actions, are great favourites with every one who lives in the
country. They have been judiciously separated into two distinct
groups, the Pied and the Yellow Wagtails, the generic term Motacilla
being retained for the former, and that of Budytes for the latter.
There is also another form, to which the term Calobates has been
applied ; of this only one or two species have yet been discovered ; of
the other genera many are known. All, both Pied and Yellow, are
strictly confined to the Old World, more particularly its northern
portions,

Genus Moracrnua.

Two species of this form inhabit Britain—one of which is resident,
the other migratory ; in India there are three or four; and in China
and Japan we meet with as many more. Their natural province ts
the ground; but they readily perch on the branches of trees.

130% Morscmise YAREREDIT if 4. aes es , ou yoe a VOL mae lee
Prep WAGTAIL.

A resident species in the three kingdoms, breeds freely in the
neighbourhood of dwellings, and is one of the foster-parents of the
young Cuckoo.

18315 (MOractLiA ALBA... .g. 20% 2's & =. Volare
Waitt WaAGTAIL.

A common migrant on the continent of Europe, but only a rare
straggler in Britain, in various parts of which it has been seen and
taken.

Genus Bupytrs.

The Yellow Wagtails, as already stated, frequent the same coun-
{ries as the Pied, and are equally numerous inspecies. Of the three
pertaining to the British avifauna, ene is a constant spring visitor,
the other two occur but seldom.

L382. Bupytes RAvYI . «<6 a be oe We) SVC) amuule ere
YELLow WAGTAIL.

Azrives in April, spreads over our fields and meadows, breeds, and
returns to Africa for the winter. Generally distributed over the three
kingdoms,

Pee UDMCERREAVA -5 5% 6 6 . - « oo eo ao Voly DT PLP.
GREY-HEADED WAGTAIL.

A common bird on the Continent, but so rare with us that it ean
only be regarded as an accidental visitor.

154, DUDYEES CINGREOCAPILLA . . . » «» «» WOl.. IDI: Pl. VY;
GREY-CAPPED WAGTAIL.

A bird which passes from Africa, by way of Malta, through Cen-
tral Europe to breed on the Dovrefjeld and other northern parts of
this quarter of the globe. Has been killed only once or twice in
England, and consequently is only an accidental visitor.

Genus CALOBATES.

This peculiar form of Wagtail is more elegant in appearance than
the members of either of the two preceding genera; its legs are
shorter, and its tail longer; in colour it closely assimilates to the
members of the genus Budytes. While the Motacille are circum-
scribed in the range of their area, the Calobates sulphurea is found
at one season or another in nearly every portion of the Old World,
Australia and New Zealand excepted.

135, CALoBATES SULPHUREA (Summer plumage). Vol. III. Pl. VI.
(Winter plumage). Vol. III. Pl. VII.
Grey WaAGTAIL.
A resident in the three kingdoms. Evinces a preference for moun-
tainous districts. Breeds in May, constructing, like the others, a
cup-shaped nest, and laying four or five eggs.

Family ANTHIDA.
Pirirs.

We have here a group of birds which are more generaily spread
than the Wagtails, inasmuch as they are diffused over both divisions
of the globe, but which are far less numerous in the older portion
than the new. Like most other large groups they have been divided
and subdivided into many genera ; those frequenting England I have
retained under the old genus Anthus, and commence with one of the
finest known species.

WAG wANTHUS GICHARDE « . « » -<-s « « Wool. JtT Pl VERE

Ricwarp’s Prrir.

An accidental visitant to the British Islands, where it is generally
seen in winter and spring. ‘The other countries frequented by it are
Continental Europe, India, China, and in fact the whole of the tem-~
perate regions of the Old World.

187. AnnnielcAMPEsTEIs’.. 4... 6. 1 .. «0 9) Mop io BEARS,
Tawny Prerr.

Common in the champagne parts of France and other portions of

Central Europe. Has been killed in England, and may therefore be

regarded as forming part of our ayifauna; but its visits must be con-
sidered purely accidental.

138. AnrausOBScCURUS .-. <7. oe | VOL UII ee
Rock-Prrrr.

A stationary species, frequenting the shores and rocky parts of
Britain—sparsely in Norfolk, but plentifully in Western Scotland
and all the western islands, including the Outer Hebrides, Monach
Isles, Haskar Rocks, and St. Kilda—keeping strictly to the sea-
margin (Jt, Gray).

139... ANTHUS SPINOLETTAs: «05 cuca ce. @. «0; WOlegmimel hoe

Vinovs Pirrr.

A bird of France and the southern and eastern parts of Europe.
Although it has been killed on our coast many times, it must be
cousidered an uncertain and accidental visitor.

140. Antuus Lupvovicrants.

See the remarks respecting this species in my account of the
Vinous Pipit (Anthus spinoletta).
141, ANTHUS CERVINUS 2 ole. 4). ay. o VOL ELSE Ssaie

Rep-taroatep Prrrr,

Mr. Harting has recorded, in the ‘Field’ for the 26th of August
1871, the occurrence of two examples of this bird in our islands
one at Unst in Shetland on the 4th of May 1854 (now in the

collection of Mr. Bond), and another in September of the same year
at Freshwater in the Isle of Wight,

142. ANTHUS PRATENSIS, «.) «5s. «.-. Vol. LU Piece
Mespow-Prerr or Trrnark.

A truly resident species, breeding in all the moorland counties of
the three kingdoms, often the foster-parent of the young Cuckoo in
this and the other European countries in which it is found. <A large
race of Meadow-Pipits arrive on our south coast in spring, and, it is
believed, spread themselves over the central and perhaps the northern
portions of the country.

143. ANTHUS ARBOREUS . . . . « «. « s#) V0l sbi Plex
Tree-Prrrr.

A summer migrant to England and Scotland, but “not,” says
Thompson, “satisfactorily known as an Ivish species;” arrives in
spring, and departs in September.

Family ALAUDID.%,

The Larks constitute a very large family of birds, and are perhaps
less understood than any other group in the Whole range of orni-
thology. Those species which frequent Britain are arranged in the
genera Alauda, Galerita, Otocoris, Melanocorypha, and Calandrella,
They are chiefly inhabitants of the Old World. Of the genus Alauda,
under which term all that were known when Linnzus wrote were
included, our well-known Sky-Lark is a typical example. In America
these birds are but feebly represented.

Genus ALAUDA,
iarAnsepad ABVENSIS- ho 2) A OF~ 2°70 SPE ool TE BP RY:
Sxy-Lark.

A strictly resident species in Britain, the numbers of which are
greatly increased by arrivals from Scandinavia in autumn, the whole
forming immense flocks in the winter season. This species is also
widely dispersed over Central and Southern Europe; and its range
may even extend further in those directions. In the preceding
portion of this introduction I have mentioned the great destruction
of small birds which occasionally takes place from the severity of
the weather, in further confirmation of which I may here give a
passage from a note received by me from John St. Aubyn, Esq., of
Pendeen, in Cornwall, dated January 15, 1867 :—‘* Owing to the
severity of the cold, Larks and other small birds are beginning to die
rapidly of starvation, judging from the number my children pick up.”

HS VATAUDA ARBORKA . . . . « «> ee UVOR EIR PIX VI.
Woop-Larx.

A cheery little songster, very local in its habitat, breeds in many
of the English counties ; supposed to migrate from us to the south-
ward in the winter; but Mr. Blake Knox states that it is abundant
at that season in the county of Dublin, and also that it breeds there.
It is about as numerous in Scotland as it isin England; and Mr.
Harting states it has been found as far north as the Orkney Islands.

Genus GALERira,
iG Gamera ‘enispipa-| VOTE. PX VER
Crestep Lark.

A bird of France and many other parts of the European continent,
and even of other more distant countries. Although common on
the roads between Calais and Boulogne, it seldom crosses the Channel
to pay Albion’s shores a visit; here, indeed, it is so scarce that it
must be enumerated among our accidental visitors.

76
Genus Orocoris.

Of this ornamental section of the Larks there are about ten
known species, six or seven inhabiting the Old World, and three the
New. All are more or less ornamented with small pencilled plumes
springing from above the eye, and have much of their plumage suf-
fused with yellow and pinky brown. Their head quarters are
eastern Europe, Palestine, Afghanistan, the Altai, and the high-
lands of Asia generally.

47, (OCrodoORIS| ARPESTRIS™ 4°. ys 6 = Vole LM. 2) ava
Smore-Lark.

This bird has appeared here so frequently of late that it may
almost be termed a regular winter visitant. Lord Lilford has re-
corded, in the ‘ Zoologist’ for 1852, an instance of its nesting in
Devonshire.

Genus MrLanocoryPHa.

A little group of thick-billed Larks, comprising five or six species ;
almost exclusively inhabit the central and eastern regions of Asia.

148. MeLANocoRYPHA CALANDRA . ; . . . Vol, III. Pl. XIX.
Cananpra Lark.

A common species in most of the champaign parts of Central and
Southern Europe, but a purely accidental visitor to England, two
instances only of its occurrence here being on record, both in De-
vonshire.

149. MELANOCORYPHA LEUCOPTERA. . . . . Vol. III. Pl. XX.

WHITE-WINGED LARK.

The native country of this bird is Siberia and the eastern portions
of Europe. In a single instance only has it been killed in England,
for the particulars of which see the letterpress opposite the plate.

Genus CALANDRELLA.

150. CALANDRELLA BRACHYDACTYLA . . . . Wol. III. Ph. XXI.
Snort-rorp Lark.

A native of Central and Southern Europe, India, and China. Only

four or five instances of its having been killed in England have been

placed on record; consequently it must be regarded as purely an
accidental visitant.

Family EMBERIZIDA,

The members of this great group of birds extend over Europe,
Asia, and Africa, to which sections of the globe they appear to be
confined, inasmuch as no true Bunting has yet been discovered in

ded
dd

America, Australia, New Zealand, or, I believe, the islands of the
Eastern archipelago. The numerous species of which the family is
composed are divisible into many genera; and the ten species recog-
nized as inhabiting Britain have been divided into six or seven.
The food of all, both of those which frequent our islands and of those
found in other countries, is of a mixed character, seeds of various
kinds constituting its main portion ; but insects and their larve are
largely partaken of, and probably form at first the sole nourishment
of the young.

Genus Euprriza.

151. EwprrizA CITRINELLA . . . . . . Vol. III. Pl. XXII,
YELLOWHAMMER or YELLOW Buntina.

Very generally dispersed over the three kingdoms; breeds and
rears its young between spring and midsummer. British specimens
differ considerably in the colouring of their plumage, and are very
much less in size than continental examples.

5) MMBERIZA CIRLUS . « =. « « .» .» Vols LED, Pl. XXII,
Cir Buntine.

A resident, but somewhat local; breeds in most of our southern
counties, particularly in chalky districts, and annually as near to
London as Cookham, in Berkshire; very scarce in Scotland, and
neyer seen in Ireland.

Nee MBRRTIZ’ RUSTICA 5. «oe» «a ie Vol. EDD. Pl, XXTY.
Rustic Buntine.

The native habitat of this bird is the eastern part of Europe and
the neighbouring countries. Has been killed near Brighton, for the
particulars of which circumstance see ‘The Ibis’ for 1869, p. 128,
and the letterpress facing the figure in the present work.

154. Ewperiza PUSILLA See ee Be WOE ADIL IL Oye
Dwarr Bunrine.

Inhabits Northern and Eastern Europe, Siberia, China, and the
Himalaya Mountains. Has been once killed in England, vide ¢ Ibis,’
1865, p. 118, and the account opposite the present plate.

Genus CRrITHOPHAGA.

155. CrirHoPpHAGA MILIARTIA em Gere Vol ee Pin ee Vit
Common Buntinc.

A truly British species, which is also found in Central and Southern
Europe, Northern Africa, Asia Minor, and Persia. Breeds in our
three kingdoms ; is solitary in its habits, being generally seen sitting

78

alone on the topmost twig of a hedge-row. The sole representative
of its genus, or genera ; for it has had no less than five generic terms
applied to it—Hinberiza, Spinus, Cynchremus, Miliaria, and Cri-
thophaga.

Genus GLyYctIsPIna.

Comprising about six or seven species inhabiting Europe, Asia,
and Africa.

156. GLYCISPINA HORTULANA . . % -. « Vol, Lil Pl ose
OrtoLan BuntING.

A bird which ranges very extensively over Europe, being common
from the shores of the Mediterranean to the Dovrefjeld in Norway ;
in the latter country it breeds in abundance. It is but an accidental
visitor to England, has once only, I believe, been killed in Scotland,
and never in Ireland.

Genus Evuspiza,

157. EvspizA MELANOCEPHALA . . . . Vol. III, Pl. XXVIII.
BiuACK-HEADED BuntrInc.

Common in Eastern Europe, Persia, and Western India. The
male is a beautiful showy bird, the female more plainly dressed, as
will be seen on reference to my plate, which represents an individual
of the latter sex, said to have been killed on Brighton race-course on
the 5rd of November, 1868,

Genus Scua:ntcoLa.

The members of this marsh-loving section of the Buntings are
about three in number, all inhabitants of Europe and the countries
to the eastward of it.

158. Scu@niconA ARUNDINACEA Papen! ae

Vols Ti Pi aie
LEED-BuntTing.

A resident and generally distributed species; breeds in the
Thames aits and in the osier-beds of other rivers.

Genus CenrRrorpHANEs,

Comprises about five species of very interesting mountain-loving
birds, mostly American, and always in high northern latitudes, the

species inhabiting Lapland occasionally paying the British Islands a
visit.

159, CreNnTROPHANES LAPPONICA

eee tate 0) Pe WU eRe OLO.s.

Lartannp Buntine.

A rather frequent winter visitant, often caught in the clap-nets
of the bird-catchers,

79

Genus PLEcTROPHANES.

A genus composed of the single species known by the trivial names
of Snow-Bunting and Snowflake,

160, PLECTROPHANES NIVATIS. ¢ £). 2°.) VolO TD, Pl XXxh
Snow-Buntine or SNOWFLAKE.

This very interesting bird is an autumnal and winter visitant to
the British Islands. Its summer quarters are the countries near to
and, not unfrequently, within the arctic circle. It breeds in Lapland,
and probably in suitable situations in all other countries of a similar
latitude round the globe.

Genus ZonorricHta.

A purely American form, comprising about twelve known species,
one of which has strayed across the Atlantic to the British Islands.

161. ZonorricHta ALBICOLLIS,
White-throated Sparrow of American authors.

“A female specimen of this bird,” says Mr. R. Gray, in his ‘ Birds
of Western Scotland,’ “was shot near the Broadhill, on Aberdeen
links, on the 17th of August, 1867.’ This specimen was subse-
quently sent to Professor Newton for exhibition at the Meeting of
the Zoological Society of London on the 27th January, 1870. More
recently a second example, taken near Brighton, was exhibited at a
Meeting of the same Society by George Dawson Rowley, Esq.

Family FRINGILLIDA.

The Finches are a family of birds comprising a larger number of
members than the Buntings and the Larks, and are even more widely
dispersed over the earth’s surface than those of any other group. In
a work limited to the birds of our own islands, it would be out of
place to give an enumeration of even the genera into which they
have been separated ; and I therefore confine my remarks to such
forms as are found in Britain.

Subfamily FRINGILLINA.
Genus Passer.

The true Sparrows are principally confined to the northern parts
of the Old World, Asia is inhabited by several species, and Europe
by four or five, two of which frequent the British Islands.

G2. PASSER DOMUSTICUS dav). «:s) +6) Vol. 11d. Pl. XXXII.

Common or Hovsz-Sparnow.
Distributed generally, but somewhat scarce in the northern parts

80

of Scotland. A bird whose faults are few in number, and respecting
which a sad mistake was made when certain parochial authorities
placed a price upon its head; for the good it effects in spring by the
capture of insects far outweighs the value of the few grains of corn
in a pulpy state which it occasionally takes.

163. Passer MoNTANUS 2 we we ee 8 Vol tii Rl. eXxexexehiiie

TREE-SPARROW.

A local species, and consequently much less widely diffused over
the British Islands than the preceding: not so, however, with regard
to its general distribution ; for it is as common at Shanghai and other
parts of China as it isin Europe. Both in Scotland and Ireland it

is local and rare.

Genus FRINGILLA.

The members of this genus of pretty birds as now restricted are
but few in number. They all inhabit the northern and western
portions of the Old World. England is frequented by two species.

164. HRiIngicus canes ~,9' 2" 2.4 wes)’ Vol SP eons

CHAFFINCH,
A bird of general distribution over the three kingdoms; but Mr.
Augustus Smith tells me that in the Scilly Islands it only appears in
winter.

165. FRINGInEA MONTIFRINGIDDA . . . ~. Vol, DID. Pl, xox

Bramere-F incr.
A true winter visitant; gregarious. Arrives in autumn, probably
from Norway and Lapland, where the process of reproduction has
been accomplished.

Genus CARDUELIS.

A limited genus, of which our beautiful Goldfinch is the type, and
whose only associates are the C. caniceps of the Himalayas and the
C. orientalis of Central India.

166, CaRpUELIS mnnaAns .°72°".) “.” Joe Nielt TE Pip eee

GoLpFINcH.
A resident species, common and almost universally distributed
over the British Islands, and equally plentiful on the neighbour-
ing continent.

Genus CurysoMIrris.

Of this genus one species inhabits the Old World, and some seyen
or eight are distributed over America, from California to Chili.

81
LGA CaRYSOMITRIS*SPENUS) Paul stl.) se) ao Vols ELI, Pl; XXeXV ie

SIsKIN.

As regards this beautiful little bird, Scotland has the advantage
over England ; for it regularly breeds there, while with us it is a
winter yisitant; and in Ireland it is only seen at that season.

Genus SERINUS.

A small group of about three species, one of which, the Common
Canary, is the type. They inhabit Europe, -Palestine, Madeira, and
the Canary Islands.

168. Sepinus HoRTULANUS .. . . . . Vol. II. Pl. XX XVIII.
Serin Finca.

Has been several times killed in England. Mr. Harting enume-
rates ten instances of its occurrence herein, viz. :—five at or near
Brighton; one in Hampshire; one in Somerset; one in Sussex; one
near London ; and one, locality not noted.

Genus LicuRIntvs.

Four species of this form, to which the generic names of Ligurinus,
Chloris, and Chlorospiza have been applied, are all natives of Europe
and Asia. Japan is tenanted by one, China by another, Persia by a
third, while Europe is the home of the type, our well-known Green-
finch.

iGo, LiGURINUS CHEORIS . °. . ... - Vol: DL PIX:
GREENFINCH.

A resident species in Britain, over which, says Mr. Harting “it is
generally distributed, even to the Outer Hebrides, where it is found
in North Uist and Harris and the Orkneys.” On the continent of
Europe it is almost equally dispersed: and I have a specimen from
Erzeroum, in Persia; but I must mention that, although a fully
adult male, it is of smaller size than examples killed in England.

Genus CoccorHRAUSsTES.

I believe the bird inhabiting Europe to be the only representative
of its genus; for I very much question whether the Japan bird is
really different.

170. Coccoruravsres vutcaris . . . . . .- Vol. IDI. Pl. XL.
HawFincu.

This bird, which has become more plentiful of late years, is a per-

manent resident in England. In Scotland it is more scarce, and is

probably confined to its southern and eastern provinces. In Ireland

it is only occasionally found.
@

82

- Subfamily. PYRRHULINA.

The well-known Bullfinch of the British Islands is placed at the
head of this subfamily, of which there are about seven species, in-
habiting various parts of the world. The countries where one or
other of them are found are Europe, Cashmere, the Himalayan
regions, Bhotan, Japan, and the Azores.

Genus Pyrruuna.
LiL. PYRRHULAVULGARIS® 0 0 A oa el.) «Mel: BEL PL ae

BULuiFINcH.

1/2) PyYRRAULA VULGARIS 3 5) 4 £ is 290.0) sVoleailieee Sexe
BuuLirincn (young).

Very generally dispersed over England, Scotland, and Ireland,
and, as it breeds therein, must be regarded as a stationary species.

Genus CARPODACUS.

Although the propriety of placing the Scarlet Bullfinch ( Carpodacus
erythrinus) and the Pine-Grosbeak (Pinicola enucleator) in the sub-
family Pyrrhuline may be questioned, it is certainly the best situa-
tion I can assign to them in the British avifauna.

Of the genus Carpodacus about nine species are known, some of
which inhabit America.

(3:0 CARPODACUS-ERYTHRINUS «. < o « -.. Vol Mik Pear
ScaRLEr BuLLFINCH.

A native of North-eastern Europe and Asia, only two instances
of the occurrence of which in this country are on record—one near
Brighton, and another in Caen Wood, Hampstead, Middlesex.

Genus Pryicona.

Two or three very distinct species of Pine-Grosbeaks are now
known, one of which frequents Norway, Lapland, and Russia; the
other, P. canadensis, is as exclusively an inhabitant of the northern
portions of America, Canada, and Hudson’s Bay.

174. PINrcOLsA ENUCLEATOR 6: so 1s . Volk RU; eisxaiye
Prine-GrosBeak.

A very rare and inconstant visitor to the British Islands; still
many instances are on record of its haying been killed here.

Subfamily LOXTAN AL.

As the great forests of conifers are peculiar to the northern por-
tions of the globe, so also are the members of the present remarkable

83

group of birds, whose singularly constructed bills are especially
adapted for extracting the seeds from the cones of these trees. Six
or seven species are all that are known; and these are spread over
the Old World, from Europe, throughout Northern Asia, to Japan,
and in the New World from the Arctic regions to Mexico. Two
species come to Britain at uncertain intervals to breed.

Genus Loxta.

Heyes ROXTACIURVIROSTRA. . «|. 1. « . « “Vol. TET, Pl XLY.
Common CrossBILL.

A pretty regular visitor, if not a stationary species, in Scotland,
where it sometimes breeds.

Gx OMA PITYOPSITTACUS . . . . . . ‘Vol: LIL Pl. XLVI.
Parror CrossBrut.

Has occurred many times in Britain, and may have remained and
bred ; but if so, no authentic instances of such an occurrence are on
record,

emer HOXTAD BEWASCTATAY ¢ 9. . ts ss «6 Vl: DTTP XV.
WHITE-WINGED CRossBILL.
Hab. Northern Europe and Asia.
Many instances are on record of this bird having been killed in the
central portion of Europe ; and it has frequently occurred in England,
and twice in Ireland.

7S. LOSts LEUCOPEERA . . « « «=» Wol, LLL. PIL XLVI.
AMERICAN WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILL.

Inhabits North America, and is of rare occurrence in England.
Besides the specimen alluded to in my account of the species as
having been found on the shore at Exmouth, Mr. Harting mentions
other instances of its appearance in England, and Mr. Gray one
near Jedburgh in Scotland.

Genus Lrvora.

The generic term Linota, proposed by Bonaparte, and that of
Iinaria, by Bechstein, appear to have been both applied to this small
group of Fringilline birds, the members of which are principally, .f
not solely, confined to the northern parts of Europe and Asia.

WO. WANOTA GANNABINA . . . « .» 1 « Vols LIE, PLXLIX.

LInneEt.

Resident in and very generally distributed over Britain; partially
migrates south on the approach of winter.
G2

84

180. Lanora swontrom Sa, oud Rpl IED, Bik;
Twrrz or Mountarn-Linyer.
A winter visitant to England, remaining to breed in its northern
counties, and also in Scotland. Thompson states that it is resident
from the north to the south of Ireland.

Genus AtGioruws.

The members of this genus, familiarly known by the name of
Redpoles, are inhabitants of the boreal regions of both the Old and
the New World—some of them affecting very high latitudes, and
even breeding within the arctic circle.
1S, cAGIOTHUS LINARTA, . . 3 o)t 1.) 2, VOL wWlieaei Sine

Meaty Reppore. :

The native countries of this bird are Norway and Lapland, whence

it migrates to England and Scotland in autumn and winter. Is said

not to have been seen in Ireland; but it certainly must occur there,
as it also does in America.

182. ASGIorHUS RUFESCENS .-. . . . . . Vol. III. Pl. LID.

Lesser REDPOLE.

A stationary species in Britain; winters in all our southern coun-
ties, and retires to the northern parts of England and Scotland for
the purpose of breeding: according to Thompson it also nests in
Treland. With respect to the range of this bird, see Professor New-
ton’s remarks in the ‘ Zoologist’ for 1870, p. 2228.

Family STURNIDA.
The Starlings and Pastors constitute a very natural group of birds
which chiefly inhabit Asia, Africa, and Europe. Two, belonging to
different genera, form part of the British fauna.

Genus STURNUS.

The true Starlings are few in number, only six species being
enumerated in the most recently compiled list. They are all denizens
of the northern parts of the Old World, and are found in Europe,
Asia Minor, Persia, Afghanistan, and China.

G3. STURNUS VULGARIS <4 °.°° 0"... 27s Wolsniiee Ei Sie

STARLING.
184, SauRNUS VULGARIS -.-. «+ « « «© §« Volb iiiaPr hive
SraRLING (young).

A resident species. Breeds in the three kingdoms, and is gre-
garious in autumn, winter, and spring.

85
Genus Pastor. 3

The birds of this form, which are almost peculiar to. the European,
African, and Asiatic portions of the globe, are at once interesting
and useful,—interesting on account of their beauty, and useful from
the good they effect in the countries they frequent by the destruc-
tion of the locusts and other insects and their larve, upon which
they feed.

TSieetAston Roses ee Wl Meo orl) 88 4 so Vo NTE PLE
Rossr-coLtourEeD PAstor.

SGer ASTOR mosmEs 6420 3M a A wr ea) WolLTEL. PLEVEL
Rosr-cotourep Pastor (young).

A beautiful but unusually-coloured bird, which is very plentiful
in Eastern Europe, Asia Minor, and Western India. It is merely
an accidental visitor to England, Scotland, and [reland. .

Family ICTERID.

This is a purely American family, comprising considerably more
than a hundred species, which are spread over the continent of
America and the approximate islands. Two of them have from time
to time wandered far from their native homes and sought a haven.
in the British Islands.

Genus AGELAIUS.

Of this section of Icterine birds about five species are known, the
habitats of which are almost exclusively confined to the temperate
and northern parts of the American continent.,

187. AGELAIUS PHENICEUS..
Red-winged Starling.

Nine instances are on record of the occurrence of this species in
Britain, namely seven in England and two in Scotland. The earliest
of these appears to be the one mentioned as having been taken near
London, by Albin, in his ‘ History of British Birds,’ published in
1731-38, after which the bird seems to have remained unnoticed
until the year 1843, between which date and 1871 eight others are
described as having been met with im various parts of the country.
The late Mr. Yarrell figured this transatlantic species in the supple-
ment to his ‘ History of British Birds,’ to which work, as well as
those ef Wilson and Audubon, I must refer my readers for its his-
tory ; for, as I do not consider the bird pertains. to, our fauna, I have
not included a figure of it in this work.

Genus SruRNELLA.

A peculiar group of grass-loving birds, strictly confined to America,
over which country the five known species are distributed.

188. Srurnaiita LUpovIcIANA.
American Meadow-Starling.

Three instances of the occurrence of this bird in England have been
recorded—Mr. Sclater mentioning, in ‘The Ibis’ for 1861, one that
had been shot at Thrandeston, in Suffolk, and another seen at South
Walsham, in Norfolk, and Mr. Lloyd the third, in the ‘ Field’ for
March 1871, as having been obtained near Cheltenham many years
ago; this latter specimen was seen and verified by Mr. Harting.

This species, like the preceding, being purely American, I have »
not included a figure of it in my work. For all particulars respecting
it, see the works of- Wilson and Audubon, and Mr. Sclater’s paper
in ‘The Ibis’ above referred to.

Family CORVIDA.

The members of this family, comprising some of the very largest
of the Insessorial birds, are distinguished by several characteristics,
and are divided into many genera. The Crows, the Daws, the
Rooks, and the Choughs may be regarded as the more typical forms,
and the Jays, Pies, and Nutcrackers as the more aberrant; still they,

with many other genera, are placed in this large and all but univer-
sally spread family.

Genus Corvus.

One or other of the true Crows are dispersed over all parts of the
elobe, with the exception of the southern portion of America, New
Zealand, and Polynesia, where none are to be found. Structurally
they are considered by many writers to be among the most perfectly
formed birds which exist, their organization enabling them to fly
through the air, perch on the branches of trees, and walk over the
surface of the ground with equal facility, and the muscles of their
throats permitting them to utter connected sentences scarcely equalled
by the members of any other group of birds.

189. Corvus coRAX. eer ae ne) oll IMO Ge Mls ILA,
RAVEN.

A resident species, generally dispersed over the three kingdoms—
plentiful in the north, more scarce in the south, where its great size
aud questionable habits procure it many enemies. Besides Britain,
the northern portion of Europe, Asia, and America are countries
which may include it in their avifaunas.

190. Corvus conone . :.. . . « % » Nol ER
Carrion-Crow.

A resident species, generally diffused over the three kingdoms ; is
also found in most parts of Europe. Jerdon, on the authority of

87

Dr. Adams, assigns it a place in the fauna of India, and Swinhoe in

that of China; while it frequents at least the northern portion
of Africa.

Rot CORWUS CORNIX’ . <6. <-w se « « » Wol. EM, Pl. IX,
Hoopep Crow.

A resident species in the three kingdoms; breeds in Scotland and
Treland, and but very rarely in England; isto be met with in many
parts of the European continent, both north and south; and is par-
ticularly common in Palestine and Egypt, where it is often the
foster-parent of the young of the Great Spotted Cuckoo (Owylophus
glandarius).

192, Corvus FRUGILEGUS Jn Siete) 50 coors WroleeliTe Rh aaxXe
Roox.

I have retained this bird in the genus Corvus ; many other authors
have adopted Lesson’s genus Frugilegus, and Prof. Kaup’s term of
Tryphanocorax for it and its immediate allies. Unlike the Crows
the Rooks are gregarious and associate in immense flocks ; they differ
from them aiso in the structure of their bills, the peculiar form of
which seems adapted for some special purpose, perhaps for the pro-
curation of a particular kind of food, such as large underground-
deposited larvee of insects, grain, and tuberous roots, as the husband-
man well knows to his cost. The rook is even still more omnivorous ;
for it will not refuse worms, crustaceans, or carrion thrown up by
the waves of the sea. Generally dispersed over England, Scotland,
and Ireland. Rooks are only found in a limited portion of the Old
World.

NORM CORVUSEMONEDULA, «6 «© ~w. ~~ « Vol. Tl. Pl bx
JACKDAW.

Even this indigenous species and its several near allies have been
subjected to a generic separation from the genus Corvus, the term
Lycos having been bestowed upon it by Boie, the specific names
of the others being collaris for the Macedonian bird, dawuricus for
the Daurian and Chinese species, neglectus for that inhabiting
Japan. All are of small size when compared with the true Crows ;
they affect different situations for the purpose of breeding, resorting
to rocks, old towers, and holes in the ground rather than to the
trees. They are strictly denizens of the Old World.

Genus Freerivs.

The Red-legged Crows differ considerably from any of the species
above noticed, and are certainly entitled to a separate generic appel-
lation, and accordingly have received three or four. The genus
comprises but few species, only two being recognized, namely the

88

bird inhabiting Europe, F. graculus, and the F. himalayensis of the
Himalayas.

1194. SEREGILUS'GRACULUS 2.9. 2. 6 2 2 =) Vol Iie
CHoucH.

This truly indigenous species is spread over the three kingdoms,
but is more rare in Scotland; breeds in the rocks on the sea-shore,
in company with Cormorants, Gulls, Puffins, and Guillemots. Found
also in many of the hilly and Alpine parts of the European con-
tinent and in North Africa,

Genus Pica.

A very elegant group of birds, whether seen among the branches
of trees or on the ground. Their powers of flight are not so great
as those of the preceding members of the family. AIl are similarly
coloured, black, white, and green with bronzy reflections being the
prevailing tints. Two species inhabit the northern portions of
America ; one is peculiar to Africa ; the remainder frequent Europe,
Asia, and Japan,—each being confined to its own limited area, beyond
which it is seldom found.

195; Pick CAUDATA ~ 5.4 2) oe sa f MOl. bl bie eile
Macprir.

An ornamental and stationary species, inhabiting most of the
counties of England, Scotland, and Ireland.

Genus GARRULUS.

If we restrict this genus to the birds of the Old-World form, of
which our familiar Jay is a typical example, it will be found to con-
sist of nine or ten species, and, as is the case with the Magpies, that
Europe and Asia are their head quarters ; at the same time North
Africa is not destitute of its own peculiar Jay. Structurally they
are especially adapted for frequenting the branches of trees, and not
for the ground, although they are often seen there. They are a
sly, crafty race ; and much obloquy attaches to them for their habit
of pilfering the eggs and the young of other birds ; fruits and berries,
insects, snails, worms, and other of the lower animals afforded by
forests constitute, however, their chief food.

196. GaRULUS GLANDARIUS < = 2 « = «=. Vol lig. Pipe
JAY.

A resident species, more common in England than in Scotland.
Thompson says it is only indigenous in the southern parts of Ireland.
Mr. J. H. Gurney considers that an autumnal migration takes place
to our eastern coasts. On the continent of Europe the Jay is

89

generally dispersed wherever the country is suited to its habits. I
have a specimen killed in Spain which does not differ from examples
obtained in this country.

Genus NuctFraGa.

Only three or four species of Nutcracker have yet been charac-
terized. They are inhabitants of Europe and Asia.

197. Nuctrraca canyocatTactks . . . . . VoL III. Pl. LXV.

NvrcRACKER.

198. NucrFrRaGA CARYOCATACTES 5 6 66 ce) (NOL IDNR IAL IDOE
NuvrcRackER (young).

Indigenous in most of the mountainous and woody countries of
Europe; breeds abundantly in Switzerland. In England it can
only be considered an accidental visitor. Mr. Harting, in his
* Handbook of British Birds,’ enumerates about twenty instances of
its occurrence here from the date Pennant wrote, 1753, to within a
few years of the present time, 1872; still these visits can only be
regarded as accidental.

Family CUCULID.

The members of this great family of birds are rendered especially
remarkable and interesting from the circumstance of the greater
number of them having parasitic habits. The entire family com-
prises about two hundred species, which are subdivided into several
subfamilies, and many genera. They are universally dispersed over
the temperate portions of the globe ; but not more than a fourth part
of the whole number are found in America.

Genus CucvtLvus.

The members of this genus, restricted to the true Cuckoos, are
tolerably numerous. One species inhabits Europe; and there are
others in India, China, Java, Sumatra, the islands of the Indian
archipelago, and Australia; they are also well represented in
Africa.

HO OuCULUS CANORUS ~ . 2. so". & “Vol. If Ply LXV

Common Cuckoo.
200. CucuLus cANORUS . . ee ee AVol alleeP ee xevalilile

Common Cuckoo (young).

The common Cuckoo is a true migrant, coming to us from the
south in May, and departing again in September, the young being
frequently left behind to a later period of the year.

90

T now find that the opinion ventured in my account of this species
as to the impossibility of the young Cuckoo ejecting the young of its
foster-parents at the early age of three or four days is erroneous ;
for a lady of undoubted veracity and considerable ability as an ob-
server of nature and as an artist, has actually seen the act performed,
and has illustrated her statement of the fact by a sketch taken at
the time, a tracing of which has been kindly sent to me by the
Duke of Argyll, and I have considered it of sufficient interest
to reproduce here in a woodcut. The sketch was accompanied by
Mrs. Blackburn’s account of the circumstance as it came under her
observation—which is here given from No. 124 of ‘ Nature, a
weekly illustrated journal of science.

“« Several well-known naturalists who have seen my sketch from
life of the young Cuckoo ejecting the young Pipit (opposite p. 22 of
the little versified tale of mine)* have expressed a wish that the
details of my observations of the scene should be published. I
therefore send you the facts, though the sketch itself seems to me to
be the only important addition I have made to the admirably accu-
rate description given by Dr. Jenner in his letter to John Hunter,
which is printed in the ‘ Philosophical Transactions ’ for 1788 (vol.
Ixxviil. pp. 225, 226), and which I have read with pleasure since
putting down my own notes.

«The nest (which we watched last June, after finding the Cuckoo’s
egg in it) was that of the common Meadow-Pipit (Titlark, Moss-
cheeper), and had two Pipit’s eggs besides that of the Cuckoo. It
was below a heather bush, on the declivity of a low abrupt bank on
a Highland hill-side in Moidart.

« At one visit the Pipits were found to be hatched, but not the
Cuckoo. At the next visit, which was after an interval of forty-
eight hours, we found the young Cuckoo alone in the nest, and both
the young Pipits lying down the bank, about ten inches from the
margin of the nest, but quite lively after being warmed in the hand.
They were replaced in the nest beside of the Cuckoo, which
struggled about till it got its back under one of them, when it
climbed backwards directly up the open side of the nest, and hitched
the Pipit from its back on to the edge. It then stood quite upright
on its legs, which were straddled wide apart, with the claws firmly
fixed halfway down the inside of the nest, among the interlacing
fibres of which the nest was woven; and, stretching its wings apart
and backwards, it elbowed the Pipit fairly over the margin so far
that its struggles took it down the bank instead of back into the
nest.

« After this the Cuckoo stood a minute or two, feeling back with
its wings, as if to make sure that the Pipit was fairly overboard, and
then subsided into the bottom of the nest.

« As it was getting late, and the Cuckoo did not immediately set
to work on the other nestling, I replaced the ejected one, and went

* «The Pipits,’ illustrated by Mrs. Hugh Blackburn. Glasgow: Maclehose,
1872.

91

home. On returning next day, both nestlings were found dead and
cold, out of the nest. I replaced one of them; but the Cuckoo made
no effort to get under and eject it, but settled itself contentedly on
the top of it. All this I find accords accurately with Jenner’s de-
scription of what he saw. But what struck me most was this:
The Cuckoo was perfectly naked, without a vestige of a feather, or

RAG A BD 2
ih {(K = yp

even a hint of future feathers ; its eyes were not yet opened, and its
neck seemed too weak to support the weight of its head. The Pipits
had well-developed quills on the wings and back, and had bright
eyes, partially open; yet they seemed quite helpless under the mani-
pulations of the Cuckoo, which looked a much less developed creature.
the Cuckoo’s legs, however, seemed very muscular, and it appeared
to feel about with its wings, which were absolutely featherless, as
with hands, the ‘spurious wing’ (unusually large in proportion)
looking like a spread-out thumb. The most singular thing of all was
the direct purpose with which the blind little monster made for the
open side of the nest, the only part where it could throw its burthen
down the bank. I think all the spectators felt the sort of horror and
awe at the apparent inadequacy of the creature’s intelligence to its
acts that one might have felt at seeing a toothless hag raise a ghost
by an incantation. It was horribly ‘ uncanny’ and ‘ grewsome.’ ”

A few words more on this subject. My friend Mr. Noble, of Park
Place, Henley-on-Thames, wrote to me thus on the 4th of May,
187] :—

92

“Mrs. Noble told me this morning that a Wagtail had built a nest
in our dining-room balcony; on going thither I found the nest in a
corner quite exposed, with three eggs in it, one much larger than
the others; the two smaller ones were of a greenish colour with
minute spots, the larger of a deeper green and more largely blotched.
Can this be a Cuckoo’s? ”

On Sunday, May the 21st, I saw this nest with four young birds,
three lying by the side of the nest, from which they had evidently
been but recently thrown, as they were plump and fresh. Al-
lowing, therefore, that the Wagtail had laid a third egg on the
5th of May, and thirteen or fourteen days for the hatching of
these birds, they must have been ejected in about three days
after exclusion. On the 31st of the same month Mr. Noble again
wrote :—‘‘ The Cuckoo is nearly fledged ; he rises in the nest in the
most hideous way, extending his neck like a serpent.”

Were we in possession of similar positive evidence of the means
by which the Cuckoo’s egg is deposited in the dome-shaped nest of
the Wren, and in those of other birds, as we now have of those in
which the young of the foster-parents are ejected, the history of the
breeding-habits of this remarkable bird would be complete.

Genus OxyLopuus.

There are several species of this genus, which inhabit Africa,
India, and some of the islands to the southward. They are, I be-
lieve, all parasitic, laying their eggs in the nests of Crows, Magpies,
and other large birds.

QOL OxyropHusiGhANDARTUS sek se cae Viol die eI aNelexe
GREAT Sporren Cuckoo.

Two individuals of this species having been killed in our islands,
one in Ireland and another in Northumberland, it becomes necessary
to figure it in the present work. Respecting this latter example, I re-
ceived the following note from Lord Ravensworth, Dee. 5, 1871 :—

«You will no doubt be interested to hear that a specimen of the
Great Spotted Cuckoo was shot last summer, in July or August, upon
the moors at Hesleyside, the noted seat of W. H. Charlton, Esq., on
the banks of the North Tyne. It has been preserved, but unluckily
is indifferently set up.” The Rev. H. B. Tristram informs me that
he handled this bird in the flesh before it had been skinned.

In Southern Europe this bird is plentiful during summer, and in
North Africa it is to be seen at all times. Even the rapacious
Hooded Crow does not disdain to become the foster-parent of the
young of this species.

Genus Coccyzus.

Composed of a limited number of species, all American, of which
two have been killed in our islands.

93

202. CoccyzUs AMERICANUS.
Yellow-billed Cuckoo.

Five instances of the occurrence of this species with us have been
recorded by Mr. Harting in his ‘ Handbook of British Birds ’"—two in
Ireland, two in Wales, and one in Cornwall. A figure will be found
in Yarrell’s ‘ History of British Birds,’ vol. ii. p. 210,

203. Coccyzus ERYTHROPHTHALMUS.
Black-billed Cuckoo.
One killed in the. county Antrim, Sept. 25, 1871, see ‘ Zoologist,
1872, p. 3022.
I have not considered it necessary to figure these two American
species, as they certainly do not belong to our fauna.

Family PICIDA.

With the exception of Australia, New Zealand, and Polynesia,
Woodpeckers are distributed over the temperate and warmer regions
of every country beth of the Old and the New World. About 300
species are enumerated in the useful ‘ Hand-list of Birds’ of the late
Mr. G. R. Gray, of the British Museum. As might naturally be
supposed, much diversity of form exists among the members of so
vast a body of birds, each form being especially adapted te some
given purpose or locality, the boles and leafy foliage of trees, rocky
parched plains and humid grassy meadows being alike resorted to
by one or other of them. They are all zygodactyle in the form
of their feet, although, in some cases, only a rudiment of one of
the hind toes is found to exist. So far as my knowledge extends,
they one and all deposit their beautiful shining white eggs in the
boles of trees; but I think it probable that some few may occasionally
place theirs in crevices ef rocks. Their principal food consists of
insects and their larvee; the ground-frequenting species consume
ants and their eggs in great numbers; and fruits and berries are
not rejected by others. The species inhabiting Europe are about
ten in number, four of which are represented in the present work ;
and I here subjoin notices of the occurrence of two or three other
accidental visitors from America.

Subfamily PICINA.
Genus Picus,

Members of this truly arboreal form are found both in the Old and
in the New World. ‘hey feed almost exclusively on insects and
their larvae, but probably partake of spiders also, which they search
for and extract from the bark of trees.

94

204. Picus Mayor. 9.) «os. (2. Se Pe ie
GREAT SporreD WoopPECKER.

A resident species. Common in England, but more rarely met
with in Scotland and Ireland.

2905. Picus LEUCONOTUS .°.-s «'. . . Vol TE. Pi ixod:
WHITE-BACKED WOODPECKER.
An accidental visitor to the Hebrides.

206. Picus MINOR Bee aE. AP eo Vo lS Ve exexelate
Lesser Sporren WoopPECKER.

A resident species in England, extremely rare, if at all to be found,
in Scotland, and never occurs in Ireland.

The late Mr. Briggs, of Cookham, in Berkshire, who was a close
observer of nature, and especially of our native birds, informed me
just prior to his death that he had witnessed many curious actions
and displays performed by this species while flitting and hovering
with outspread wings around the leafy branches and crowns of high
trees, apparently engaged in capturing small insects. I deem it
necessary to mention this, because we really know but little re-
specting the actions of even our commonest Woodpecker.

207. Pricus vILLosts.
Hairy Woodpecker.

There is no doubt about this American species having been killed
several times in Britain. Latham mentions a pair from Halifax, in
Yorkshire, in the collection of the then Duchess of Portland; and
one ‘was killed in 1849 at Whitby, in Yorkshire, as stated by Mr.
Higgins in the ‘ Zoologist’ for that year, p. 2496. This latter spe-
cimen I have examined, and have no doubt of its identity, nor of the
authenticity of its occurrence. Itis not figured, because it is purely
American and only an accidental visitor.

208. Picus PUBESCENS.
Downy Woodpecker.

Mr. Harting mentions the occurrence of a single example of this
bird at Bloxworth, near Blandford, Dorsetshire, in December 1836,
as reported by the Rev. O. P. Cambridge in the ‘ Zoologist’ for 1859,
p- 6444.

Owing to this species being a native of the New World, and its
having been only once seen in England, I have not given a figure
of it.

Genus Dryocorts.

As restricted, this genus contains but a single species.

209. DRyocopus MARTIUS. 5 poe eo NOR WER IMEI D-Odn0e
Great Brack WooprrckEr.

This bird is of large size ; and the prevailing tint of its plumage is
sooty black, relieved by red on the crown. Its native localities are
the pine-woods of Norway, Sweden, and Switzerland. Many in-
stances of its having been killed in Britain are recorded; but it is
probable that not one of them is authentic. At all events there is not
a certified British-killed specimen in any of our Museums or private
collections ; consequently it is a very doubtful visitor. For further
information respecting it I refer my readers to the letterpress
accompanying the Plate.

Subfamily GECININ A.
Genus Gecinvs.

The members of this genus (known as Green Woodpeckers) being
less arboreal than the true Pici, spend much of their time on the
ground. In Britain the trimly kept lawns and meadows are favourite
places of resort. Their food mainly consists of ants and their larve.
Besides G. viridis three more species inhabit Europe ; and others are
to be found in Asia and Africa.

POMGHCINUS VIRIDIS 92 5 2... . « Vol. Wl, Plo TxXocny

GREEN WoopPEckER, or YAFFLE.

A resident species in England, in many parts of which it is known
by the name of “ Yaffle.” It is rare in Scotland, and has not yet
been seen in the sister kingdom of Ireland.

IM RGRCINUS VIBIDIS ©. 3) . «© 4° « « « Wol, DET. Pl. Tcxexy.
Green Wooprrecker, or YAFFLE (young).

Subfamily COLA PTIN A.

Genus CoxarreEs.

A purely American form, comprising about six or seven species,
ranging from the United States to Bolivia.

212. CoLAPTES AURATUS.
Golden-winged Woodpecker.

A native of the eastern parts of North America, a single example
of which was killed in Amesbury Park, Wiltshire, in the autumn
of 1836, as recorded by Mr. George 8. Marsh, of Chippenham, in the
‘Zoologist’ for 1859, p. 6327, where he says, *‘ My brother saw this
bird in the flesh, just after it was shot. It was preserved by Mr.
Edwards, of Amesbury, and has never been out of my possession.”

96

Subfamily YUNGIN AL.

Genus Yunx.

Only three or four species are known of this very anomalous
Old-World form. Their range extends over a great portion of the
northern regions of Asia, entering Japan, and one species Eastern
and Southern Africa.

O13. Yunx rokovitA 4... 22 « (+ SVol il, Pieisaeaye:
WRYNECK.

A true harbinger of spring, arrives before the Swallow, serenades
us with its peculiar cry of Pee-pee-pae, and but seldom exposes its
body to view. Is generally distributed over England and the
southern portion of Scotland. Our Irish ornithologists must regret
that it does not visit their country ; for a more curious creature does
not exist. Many of its actions, and the character of its markings,
have procured for it the trivial name of ‘ Snakebird.”

ve)
“I

ORDER RASORES,

Family COLUMB.

The members of the Columbee, or Pigeons, may be said to be more
universally dispersed than any other family of birds; for there is no
portion of the globe, favoured with a temperate or warm climate,
where representatives of one or more of the various genera of which
it is composed do not exist. In round numbers, between three and
four hundred species are now known; of these, four are inhabitants
of Britain, one of which is a summer migrant.

Genus Patumsts.

Pas TO RLUMBUS TORQUATURY os lg a) dee » Vole DV. PLT,
Woop-Picron or CusHat.

A stationary species, universally dispersed over Britain and most
parts of Europe and North Africa.

Genus CoLuMBA.

A form the members of which are chiefly confined to the Old
World.

DUS) COLUMBAVOENAS %- 4 3-1 «| . 4 ¢ 4 al) VOL, TV. Pl

Stock Dover.
Partially migratory, but breeds with us.

MUG eROOMUMIBAUTAVIA of 0.c. co « «, © « « Vol. LV. Pl. TE.
Rocx-PieEon.

Common and stationary in all the rocky portions of Britain, the
supposed origin of our domestic Pigeon.

Genus TURTUR.

This genus is represented by the well-known Turtledove, that
visits Britain in spring, to which several eastern species might be
added.

DIOR TUR AUBTIUS % ¢ 5 «© « «© » «© « VOkEV. PI. EY.
Turtie Dove.
A true summer resident in all the southern and midland portions

of Britain.
H

98

Genus EcroristEs.

218. EcropristEs MIGRATORIUS,
Migratory Pigeon.
A native of North America: three or four instances of its oc-
currence in England and Scotland are on record. Not figured.

Family TETRAONID A.

The Grouse (the trivial name for the members of this family) are
among the most important of edible birds. They exist in very cir-
cumscribed limits, namely the northern portions of the Old and New
Worlds. Those which frequent Britain are the magnificent Ca-
pereailzie, the Blackcock, the Red Grouse, and the Ptarmigan.
Neither the Capercailzie nor the Blackcock is found in America ;
but that country is inhabited by species equally fine which are not

found elsewhere.

Genus Trrrao.

219, TreTRAO UROGALLUS . Vol: TV. Plays

CAPERCAILZIE or Cock OF THE WOOD.
Breeds in Scotland in abundance.

Vol. TY...Plo Way

2902 TnrrxovDETREX s 0 o ©) ef +

Briackcocx.
A stationary and breeding species in the three kingdoms.

Genus Lagopvs.

The well-known Red Grouse of England, Wales, Scotland, and
Ireland may be regarded as the type of the present genus.

Vol. TV..PE Vai

921. LAGorvs scoTicus.
Rep GrovseE.
Inhabits England, Scotland, and Ireland, but not south of Wales.

Vol. TV. Pi vate

QOD MGAGOPRUS<MUTUS#s) eis sul) cm sanes
PTARMIGAN. -
Stationary.

B55 “Taaovus swore Vol. IV. Pl. IX.

PraRMIGAN (summer plumage).

99

Za OAGOPUS MUTUS*; =. becca. as 300 Nols DWIPIN Re
PrarMiGan (autumn plumage).

T have considered it desirable to give three plates, illustrating three
very distinct states of plumage, of this very variable bird.

Genus SYRRHAPTES.

An Old-World genus of Sand-Grouse, comprising two species, the
native haunts of which are the Steppes of Russia, China, and Thibet.
A large number of individuals of the S. paradoxus made an extra-
ordinary visit to various parts of the European continent and Britain
in the years 1859 and 1860,

225. SYRRHAPTES PARADOXUS . . . . . . . Vol. IV. PI. XI.
Partas’s Sanp-Grovse.
For particulars see the text of the Plate referred to.

Family PHASIANID 4.

Genus PHASIANUS.

A genus of six or eight species, all of which are natives of the
northern regions of the Old World, from Asia Minor to Japan.
Although India, particularly its hilly portions, abounds in gallina-
ceous birds, no true Pheasant is found there.

220. -EHASTANUS COLCHIOUS. . . < . « »« «:- Vol. LV. Pl, XT.
Common PHEASANT,

A former introduction, probably from Turkey or some part of the
neighbourhood of the Black Sea.

Family PERDICIDA.

In this division of the Gallinaces is comprised a great number of
varied forms, most of which are natives of the northern portions
of the Old World. In England we have two which may be
considered indigenous, the Grey- and the Red-legged Partridge ;
the migratory Quail also frequently spends the summer in these
kingdoms.

Genus PERpDIx.

A genus of three species, namely:—P. cinerea, habitat Europe; P.
barbatus, habitat China; and P. Hodqsonie, habitat Thibet.
H 2

100
997) (PERDIX\CINEREA .: .. .« .« .» « +» «+ VOlLMEY., Pl exci:

PARTRIDGE.
A stationary species.

Genus CaccaBIs.

A genus instituted for the Red-legs, which differ conspicuously by
their finer plumage and the presence of spurs on their tarsi.

DOS IOKCCABIS RUBRA.. «© % < e. (¢ ) 2, 0) se OLAMINV ei eenelaue
ReEp-LEGGED PARTRIDGE. ©
A stationary species.
229. CACCABIS PETROSA.

It is stated that wild specimens of this bird have been killed in
England ; but as this is questionable I do not figure it.

Genus CoTuRNIX.

A form comprised of a limited number of species, which range
generally over the Old World—Europe, India, China, the southern-
most parts of Africa, Australia, and New Zealand.

930: CoruRNEX COMMUNIS . 2. . =. « © « MOl- JiVenPIeeXaye
Common QUAIL.

A summer but uncertain migrant to England, while in Ireland it
appears to be stationary; at least Quails are frequently seen there in
winter.

Family TURNICID A.

The Turnices (or Hemipodes, as they are frequently called) con-
stitute a distinct group among the Gallinacese. About fifteen species
are known, all of which inhabit the sandy portions of the Old World,
but are most abundant in Australia. The European fauna comprises
but one, individuals of which have now and then wandered to
Britain, probably from Spain. ;

931. TURNIX AWRICANA.-. «. . « «.¢+5 6 VOlOEViOEIE Oo avae
ANDALUSIAN TURNIX,
An accidental visitor.

Family OTIDID.

The Bustards, from their large size and noble bearing, constitute
one of the most remarkable groups in ornithology. They are all in-

101

habitants of the sandy plains of the Old World; and many of the
most conspicuous species are natives of Africa.

Genus Orts.

Formerly Great Britain enumerated a fine bird of this genus ;
now and then, however, a solitary individual flies over to us from
Spain or France, where it is still tolerably plentiful.

ZO MmOTIN TARDAGHN > i= ca ch os ew % WOLD VG PI VLE,
GREAT BustTarD.
Accidental visitant.

PoomORS TETRAX 3 . § «'.« © « « « Vol. TV. PlLXVile:
Litre Busrarp.
Accidental visitant.

234, Orts Macqurentt.
Macqueen’s Bustard.

Quite accidental.

A native of Afghanistan and the neighbouring countries. A spe-
cimen of this bird, now in the possession of the Philosophical Society
of York, was killed at Kirton Lindsey, in Lincolnshire, on the 7th
of October, 1847. Still, with so slight a claim to be considered
British, I shall content myself with this notice of it and a reference
to a figure which will be found in my ‘ Birds of Asia.’ Specimens
have also been met with in Holland and Denmark.

ORDER GRALLATORES.
Family GRUID.

As must have been noticed by every one who has given a moment’s
thought to the subject, the Gruide, or Cranes, differ from the Herons
and every other group of birds of which this great order is composed.
The larger number of the known species are inhabitants of the Old
World, over which they are widely spread, the plains of Australia
on the one hand and those of Hindustan on the other being fre-
quented by one or more species ; the form also occurs in Africa, from
north to south. In the New World, the northern portions only are
tenanted by Cranes ; one species inhabits, or rather did inhabit, the
British Islands.

SOQ RUSLOENERWA <. « 0s «© + « 2 a. Vol,aV. Ply Xx,

Common CRANE.
An accidental visitant.

102

236. Grus VIRGO.
Demoiselle Crane.

A native of Southern Europe, Northern Africa,and India, has been
seen and one shot in Orkney, in May 1863 (Saxby, ‘ Zoologist,’ p.
8692). Not figured.

237. GRUS PAVONINUS.
Balearic Crane.

This bird has also been captured within the limits of Britain, and
by some included in our lists of species—wrongly, however, as I think,
since its true home is north-western Africa, and its occurrence here
must have been quite accidental.

Family ARDEIDA.

If the Bitterns are included among the members of this universally
dispersed family, then the species amount to nearly a hundred in
number. Unlike the Cranes, they are generally sedentary in their
habits and affect watery situations. In the British avifauna there
are ten species.

Genus ARDEA.

2584 ARDEA CINEREA 7... 6 ie tie he feb pe (eles @WOle Nida nenee
Heron.
Resident and very gemerally dispersed.

9390) ARDEA PURPUREA “~~. «© © «© 9s veo) = \VOle Vim ee Nexen
PourritE Heron.

This fine bird, which is abundant in Holland and France, can only
be considered an accidental visitor to Britain.

Genus Hxropras.
940; THiROpTAs ALBA! sh) 4 od we Go VOPR. 22a
Great Waite Eerer, or Wurre Heron,
Quite an accidental visitant, arriving at very uncertain periods.

241, HeRODIAS GARZETTA.. 5 1s -w = <¢ ‘p, ¢ VOlad Vig dela mone
Lirrite Eerer.
This, like the last, is merely a straggler to Britain.

Genus Busutcts.
242, BUBULCUS RUSSATUS . . 3 % + + + Wols EY. PL XX.
Burr-BackED Hpron.
An accidental visitor.

103
Genus Buruvs.

DAR RUPHUSIGCOMATUS ¢ 4 « « «.« » « VOLLV. PISAKV.

Savacco Heron.
The visits of this bird are very infrequent, and its appearance not
to be depended upon.

Genus Nycricorax.
DAA IN VOTICORAX GRISEUS.-. « « «.« « ». Vol. LY. Pl. XXXVI.

Niaut-Heron.
This bird must be considered among our accidental visitors.

Genus Boravurvus.

245. BOTAURUS STELEARIS . . . . . « Wols TV. Pl. XXVUEL.

Birrern.
Formerly a common stationary form in our marshes and fens; now
seldom seen, and mostly in winter.

246. BortauRUS LENTIGINOSUS . . . . . Vol LY. Pl. XXVIII.

AMERICAN Birrern.
The frequent occurrence of this bird in the British Islands de-
mands a place for it in our ayifauna; and hence I have given a
figure of it.

Genus ARDETTA.
ZAi.SARDETTA MENUPA. ¢ 6 «© « « « « Vol. LV, Pl. XXTX.

Lirrite Brirrern.

Although never to be found with certainty, it is probable that we
are seldom without the presence of this interesting marsh-lover:
it cannot, however, be considered other than a chance visitor.

Family CICONIIDA.

This family includes among its members not only our weil-
known White and Black Storks, but at least twenty other species
of those useful birds. Whatever the condition of Britain may formerly
haye been, it is no longer suited as a resting-place for either of the
two species just mentioned ; still scarcely a year passes without one
or other of them accidentally dropping down on our marshes during
their wanderings from one country to another.

104

248; ‘CIGONTA(ATBA 5s 2° aya ie ger) «© Vol. I. Pl, RX
Wuitt Stork.
A chance visitor.

549. "Ciconté wiera ey OE Pe Be Viol: SIV axe
Brack Srork.

An accidental visitor.

Family PLATALEID.

The seven or eight known species of Spoonbills have been sepa-
rated into a distinct family by Bonaparte. They are found both in
the Old and the New World. Although so limited in species they
are numerous in individuals, and are very widely dispersed over the
surface of the globe.

950: PLATATHA LEUCOKODIA. . . . . « Vol. TV. Ploxeexde
SPoonBILL.
An accidental visitor from the Continent.

Family CHARADRIIDA.

Mr. Harting, in his ‘ Handbook,’ has placed @dicnemus, Squata-
rola, Vanellus, Eudromias, Atgialitis, Strepsilas, and Hematopus as
a part of this great family of ground-birds; and I shall here follow
his arrangement, since no one has paid greater attention to this
subject than that gentleman. At the same time I must remark
that perhaps no two persons will agree as to the position of Vanellus.

Genus VANELLUS.
OFil> WANELLUS ORISTATUS » 9. . « « « » VOL. DV. PIPSxexexaiiile
Lapwine, or Prewrt.

Resident and generally spread over the three kingdoms. About
four or five of this genus are known; they inhabit both the Old
and the New World.

Genus Himantorvs.

Of this form six or seven species are found in the Old and the
New World respectively. They are generally termed Stilts or Stilt-
Plovers, and characterized by elegance in all their actions.

952. Himanrorus canpipus .. . . . Vol. iV. Pl: XXXIV.
Sritt, or Lone-LEcGED PLOVER,
An accidental visitor to Britain.

105

Genus CEpICcNEMUS.

From four to six species of this form inhabit each side of the
Equator in the Old World; two or three are similarly dispersed
over America.

253. CEDICNEMUS CREPITANS. . . . « . Vol. IV. Pl. XXXYV.
THICK-KNEED BusTAaRD.
Common and stationary in Britain.

Genus SquATAROLA.

Our well-known Grey Plover is almost, if not the sole member
of this genus.
254. SQUATAROLA HELVETICA . . . . . Vol. TY. Pl. XXXVI,

Grey PLover.

A bird remarkable for the seasonal changes to which it is subject.
In summer the breast is jet-black, while in winter the same part is
striated or pure white. A bird of passage in Britain, proceeding
northward in spring and returning southward at the opposite
season.

255, SQUATAROLA HELVETICA... ... . . Vol. IV. Pl. XXXVI.

Grey Prover (winter plumage, and young).

Genus CHARADRIUS.

The well-known Golden Plover of England may be regarded as
the type of this genus as now restricted. About five species are
known, all characterized by the flavour of their flesh and the great
seasonal changes to which they are subject in summer and winter,
and which have induced me to give two plates illustrative of them.
One or other of the five species inhabit most parts of the entire
globe, but are more abundant in the Old than in the New World.
256. CHARADRIUS PLUVIALIS. . . . . Vol. IV. Pl. XXXVIII.

GotpEn Prover (in summer plumage).

A resident species.
O57) CHARADRIUS PLUVIALIS ~2°%3- 00°. - 2’) Wol. TVs PICEA

Gotpen PLover (in winter plumage).

Genus AGIALOPHILUS.

A genus formed for the Kentish Plover and other allied species.

106

258, ARGIALOPHILUS CANTIANUS ee whe o VOREEV PLARE.
KenrisH PLovER.

A spring and summer resident, coming here to breed in May.
Common on the south coast.

Genus AUGIALITIS.

Of these little Plovers or Ringed Dotterels, as they aremore commonly
called, numerous species are spread over both the Old and the New
World. Two are found in Britain—one of which is stationary, the
other an accidental visitor.

259, AIGIATITISHIATIOWEA, — 7 ¢ 1s my sop Ol Ve) eleNeiale
Rineep Prover.
A resident species, abundant in most parts of the three kingdoms.

O60, AGIALIVIS MINOR... . . . « « « « Vol, Wo Plaine
Lirrir Rincep PLover.

An occasional visitant, the native country of which is Eastern
Europe, Africa, and India.

261. AXGIALITIS VOCIFERA.
Kill-deer Plover.
This American bird has been added to the list of our fauna from

the circumstance of a specimen having been killed in Hampshire in
1857.

Genus Evpromias.

The type and almost the only representative of this genus is the
well-known Dotterel, which passes over the British Islands in May.

262. EvproMIaAS MORINELLUS. « + » «» « Vol. LY, Pl. SLID,
DorrEeReEL.

Spring and autumn migrant; breeds in Westmoreland and the
adjoining counties.

Genus Cursortivs.

A small genus of highly interesting birds which persistently keep
to the regions of the Old World, and almost exclusively to Africa
and Asia. Swift of foot, they have been called coursers. They are
said to trip over the ground with great nimbleness, their movements
then presenting no inapt resemblance to pieces of paper blown about
by the wind. They naturally inhabit great sandy wastes rather than
cultivated and arable lands; and hence the only European species
is but seldom seen.

107

BGS. SOunsunius GALEICUS <4) .6 6 ari aeo es VOl. [Vy Pl. XLII:
CREAM-COLOURED CouURSER.
Quite an accidental visitor to the British Islands.

Genus H=Martorus.

Although not very numerous in species, there is scarcely any
country on the face of the globe where this form is not represented.
In the southern hemisphere, at Cape Horn in America, the Cape of
Good Hope in Africa, in the southernmost portion of Tasmania and in
New Zealand, a bird of this form is certain to be seen, while in the
opposite hemisphere they are nearly as constant. These birds are
commonly known by the misnomer of Oyster-catchers.

264. Hmmatorpus ostRaLteeus . . . . . . Vol. LY. Pl. XLV.
OYSTER-CATCHER.
A resident species round our coasts.

Genus GLAREOLA.

An isolated form among the Plovers. The six or seven species
known are all confined to the Old World. Their chief food consists
of insects, which they capture on the wing, after the manner of the
Swallow.

In speaking of an allied species (G. melanoptera), Mr J. H.
Gurney, in Andersson’s ‘ Birds of Damara Land,’ states :—‘* The
principal enemy of these great swarms (of locusts), and the valued
friend of the Cape farmer, is the small locust-bird, Glareola Nord-
MUNIN ay 6. 26s These birds come, I may say, in millions, attendant
on the flying swarms of locusts: indeed the appearance of a few of
them is looked upon as a sure presage of the locust swarms being at
hand. Their mode of operation, as I saw it, was as follows :—They
intercept a portion of the swarm and form themselves into a ring of
considerable height, regularly widening towards the top, so as to
present the appearance of a revolving balloon or huge spinning-top.
They thus fly one over the other, and, hawking at the locusts, gra-
dually contract their circle and speedily demolish the locusts within
its limits. As their digestion, like that of all insectivorous birds, is
very rapid, the form in which they thus enclose their prey is admi-
rably adapted to enable the lower to escape the droppings of the
upper birds. When they have consumed this portion of the swarm,
they follow up the main body and commence another attack, and so
on, until night sets in and the birds happen to lose the swarm or
the locusts are all devoured. I should not forget to mention that
the beak of these birds is exactly of such a shape and such dimen-
sions that when they seize the locusts the snap cuts off the four
wings, and a passer by sees a continual shower of locusts’ wings
falling on the ground, At another time, when I was stationed at
Fort Peddie, and the country was suffering from the effects of a

108

long drought, and was overrun with unusual quantities of ants and
grasshoppers, we were visited by thousands of these birds, which
remained many days devouring these pests. Though the locust-
birds are excellent eating, no one ever thinks of destroying them ;
and they are so fearless that, though I often rode or ran amongst
them to test their tameness, only a few in my immediate vicinity
would rise, the rest continuing to feed ; but every ten minutes or so
the whole mass would rise of their own accord and fly, first a few
yards to the right and then to the left, in a slanting direction, pre-
senting alternately a black and white wave of birds some miles in
length, a sight never to be forgotten by the spectator.

265. GLAREOLA PRATINCOLA.
Common PRATINCOLE 2... °<s.< ss “VOL. EV. Pi Maia
An accidental visitor to the British isles.

Family TANTALIDA,

Genus FALCINELLUS.

966: FALCINELLUS IGWEUS © 66 2 6g 4. Mol. TVA XLV,
Guossy Isis.

This bird has a wide range, being found in Europe, India, Africa,
and Australia. Accidental in Britain.

Family SCOLOPACID A.

Under this family name I shall, like Mr. Harting, include many
forms of strand- and marsh-loving birds, beginning with the Curlews
and ending with the Snipes.

Genus NuMENIvs.

The birds of this form will be found described in all general
histories of birds under the trivial name of Curlews and Whimbrels.
One or other of the species are distributed over every country of the
entire globe. In Britain we have two very distinct kinds, to which
a third, a straggler from America, has just been added ; here, how-
ever, it will only receive a passing notice.

967. NUMENIUS ARQUATA . : . . 2. s » Vol. LV. PL Ravi
CurRLEW.

Resident and universally dispersed. Lives much on the sea-shore
during winter, and in summer resorts to heathery hills and wastes
for the purpose of breeding.

109

2052) NEMENIDS)|PHEOPUS) alls $2 105% « Vol, LV. PL-XLIX.
WHIMBREL,

A spring and autumn visitant, leaving us at the former period
for regions further north, whither it proceeds to breed.

269. NUMENIUS BOREALIS.
Esquimaux Curlew.

This bird has been shot in this country about four times; being,
however, purely an American species, it is not figured.

Genus Liosa.

Godwits, like Curlews, are all but universally dispersed over the
sea-shores and marshes of every country.

PAO AUTMOSA MEEANURA: oo oh 5.5. « “5 «woe VOL. LV. Pile Ls:
BiLacK-TAILED GopwIt.

Formerly used to breed in our marshes, but now, owing to the
progress of cultivation, can only be regarded as a migrant.

lhe OMA RUIAG wieder Saab iotet dueietudilaad WOl dV cele
Bar-tTAILeD Gopwit.

A regular spring and autumn migrant, going northward to breed,
and returning southward in winter.

Genus REcURVIROSTRA.

Of this highly interesting genus there are three well-marked
species known :—the present, which is common in Europe and
Africa; the second, which is found in North America ; and the third,
a beautiful red-necked bird, is a native of Australia.

272. RecuRVIROSTRA AVOCETTA oe Sy Se Vols BY. Bly tae
AVOCET,
Genus GLorris. a
O72 Grorris CANESCENS... so 6 s + « Vol. LV. Pl Li
GREENSHANK.

A spring and autumn migrant, breeding in Scotland, where of
late years many nests have been discovered.

Genus Toranvs.

DAS UT OrANUS CALIDRIS . < « « « « <aw=angpWoOlrEV: PES ERV:

REDSHANK.
Formerly a common resident species in our fens, and breeding

110

regularly in many parts of England. Drainage and cultivation of
waste lands, however, have almost driven it from our shores, except
at the periods of its migration in spring and autumn.

O75. LOPANUS.RUSCUS 5. ce 46 os is oo) VOlwe\oteleeive
Spotrep REDSHANK.

In England and Scotland this bird is generally regarded as a
spring and autumn migrant; and no instance of its nesting with us
has yet been recorded, notwithstanding that individuals of this species
frequently remain here long enough in the spring to acquire their
full summer plumage. In Ireland it is said to be very rare.

O76. LOTANUS OCHROPUS 6 spine. ve -e0-6 Bre cag of VOlY. elie
GREEN SANDPIPER.

Although strictly speaking this Sandpiper is only a spring and
autumn migrant, examples are now and then obtained in winter,
and it has even been reported to have nested in this country. This
is by no means unlikely ; but its remarkable habit of depositing its
eggs in the old nests of other birds at a considerable height from the
ground, has no doubt caused it to be overlooked.

O77 ¢ EGUMNUS GRARKOLA 9 0 « « ion per. VOls Ee Vepbleduvolle
W oop-SANDPIPER.

Like the last-named this species is most frequently observed at
the vernal and autumnal periods of migration ; but two or three in-
stances of its nesting in Norfolk, Northumberland, and Elginshire
have been placed on record.

Genus Actitis.
O78. “Acts HYporkucOS'. ©“. °. . «0's MellGVe Pia Vie

SuMMER-SNIPE.

_ This well-known and graceful little Sandpiper, like others of the
family, is a bird of double passage, and appears with great regularity
every spring and autumn. Unlike other species, however, it does
not always quit this country to find a nesting-place, but breeds
regularly in the north of England, Wales, and Scotland, and less
frequently in some parts of the south of England,

979. ACTITIS'MACULARIA .£U8) GY lsereath « oo WolebVi bleicie

SporreD SANDPIPER.

An inhabitant of the northern continent of America, this bird can
only be regarded as a rare straggler to Europe and the British
Islands, where it is reported to have been met with several times.

111

Genus SrrepsInas.

280. SrREPSILAS INTERPRES . . . . < a. Vol. IV. Pl. LX.
TURNSTONE.

Although a regular migrant to our shores, a few remain with us
throughout the winter, and there is good ground for believing some
breed within the British Islands. See Harting, ‘ Handbook of
British Birds,’ p. 44; Gray, ‘ Birds of West of Scotland;’ and
Thompson, ‘ Birds of Ireland,’ vol. ii. p. 120.

Genus Macnetes.
Dei SMUAOHETRS PUGNAR fs 6/5 b)/ eh ate « - Vol; LY, Pl: LXE
Rurr and REEVE

This bird formerly nested regularly in the fens ; but, owing to the
gradual drainage of their haunts, and undue persecution in the
spring, very few now breed here, and that only in favoured localities.
It is still, however, a regular spring and autumn migrant.

282. MACHETES PUGNAX . . . . . . « « “ol PV. Pl. LXID.
Rorr and Reeve (first autumn plumage).

4
Genus ActTITURUS.

283. Acriturus BartRramius. . . . - . Vol. IV. Pl. LXIII.
Barrram’s SANDPIPER.

A rare straggler from the New World, which has been met with
in England in three or four instances at rare intervals.

Genus TRYNGITES.

984, TRYNGITES RUFESCENS .. . . . . Voi IY. Pl. LXIV.
BUFF-BREASTED SANDPIPER.

This is another wanderer from the American continent. It has
been noticed, however, more frequently in this country than the last-
named: Mr. Harting, in his ‘ Handbook of British Birds, p. 138,
has given fifteen instances of its capture here.

Genus Trine.

Sane nics CANu@es) & "yi sia “Sree cult o Vol LY Ple Ey,

Kwor.
Although a few of these birds may be found here throughout the
winter, it is strictly speaking a spring and autumn migrant.

112

Genus CaALipRis.

286. @CALMRISARENARTIA . . «ss 2. Vola VePT eva
SANDERLING.
The same remark applies to this as to the last-named.

Genus Limnocrincuivs.

287. LIMNOCINCLUS PECTORALIS . . . . . Vol. LY. Pl. LXVIL.

PrcroraL SANDPIPER.

Like Bartram’s Sandpiper and the Buff-breasted Sandpiper, this
bird, which is common to both continents of America, occasionally
finds its way across the broad Atlantic, and a temporary home in this
country. According to Mr. Harting (‘ Handbook,’ p. 140), some
sixteen instances of its occurrence are on record.

Genus ANCYLOCHEILUS.

288. ANCYLOCHEILUS suBARQUATA. . . . Vol. IV. Pl. LXVIII.
CurLew SANDPIPER.

Like many others of the Sandpipers, this bird is a regular spring
and autumn migrant. The discovery of a nest in a tract of sedgy
bog round the Loch of Spynie, near Elgin, on the 8th of Jung, 1853,
has been recorded by Mr. R. Gray in his ‘ Birds of Gio wee of
Scotland.’

Genus PrLipna.
289. PELIDNA CINCLUS allow srs ol «otVol slyePl ox

Duntry (summer plumage).

Although a resident species, the Dunlin is nevertheless migratory
in spring andautumn. It breeds regularly in Scotland, the Hebrides,
and Shetland; and the nest has also been found on the moors of
Northumberland and Cornwall.

990..4PELIDNA-CINCLUS: . 5 « « « « « » Nol. HV. Biviee

Dox (winter plumage).

291. Peripna BonapaRTEI . . *, ay a, Vol, EV gRIe xox
BonAPARTE’S SANDPIPER.

This American species, of which some eight or nine examples
have now been procured in this country, is probably more familiar to
English readers by the name of Schinz’s Sandpiper. Jt is now
generally admitted, however, that the so-called Z’ringa or Pelidna
Schinzit is merely a small variety or race of the Dunlin; and the
appellation should therefore cease to be employed for the present
species. rey

115

Genus AcTropROMAS.

292. AcTODROMAS MINUTA a ole Prola aad) wooed, WOMe AD Niele aXe Xela
Lirrie Str.

This graceful little bird is a regular migrant, passing through
this country in spring and autumn. It is always more numerous at
the latter season, which seems to indicate that the species on going
northward in the spring travels by another route than that which
1t traverses on its return in autumn,

293. ACTODROMAS PUSILLA.
American Little Stint.

An American Little Stint (4. pusilla, Wilson) has twice been
met with in England. In October 1853 a specimen was shot on
Marazion Marsh, Cornwall; and in September 1869 a second was
obtained on Northam Burrows, Devon.

This purely American bird has not been figured.

Genus LEIMONITES.

294. Lemtonirmes Temmincxir . , . . Vol. IY. Pl. LXXIII.
TeMMINCK’s STINT.

This little Sandpiper, although of rarer occurrence than the last
named, visits this country nevertheless regularly in spring and
autumn. It appears, however, to be almost confined to England;
for it has been met with only once in Scotland, and once in
Treland.

Genus ARQUATELLA.

Moo NAGUATEIGN MARIA 25 7. 3) Vols DV. PE LXV,
PuRPLE SANDPIPER.

Throughout the greater part of the British Islands this bird is
chiefly known as a winter visitant; and although it has been ob-
served late in spring in the Hebrides, and presumably breeding there,
no one has yet been fortunate enough to discover a nest there.

Genus LiMIcoLa.
SOG. LiwiconA PYGMASA |. .-, ..-« »- » Vol. LV. PI. LXXY,

BRoAD-BILLED SANDPIPER.

Aninhabitant of Northern Europe and Asia ; this little bird moves
southward at the approach of winter, and in four or five instances
has strayed far enough towards the west to touch the English
shore.

In every instance in which specimens have been obtained here,
save one, the locality was the coast of Norfolk. The exceptional
capture was made in Belfast Bay many years ago.

114

Genus MacrorHAMPHus.
297. MacroRHAMPHUS GRIsEUS. . . . »~ Vol. IV. Pl. LXXVI.
2ED-BREASTED or Brown SNIPE.

In Mr. Harting’s ‘Handbook of British Birds’ (p. 144) no less
than fifteen instances are given of the occurrence of this North-
American species in England and Scotland. In every case, so far
as can be ascertained, the specimens were procured in autumn, in-
dicating that their presence here is in some way dependent upon
a divergence from the route of their migration southward. :

Under the terms Scolopaw, Gallinago, and Limnoeryptes those mem-
bers of the true Snipes which do not visit Britain have been figured.
They form part of a group of universal distribution.

Genus ScoLoPAX.
998, Sconopax nustioonA . 4) a e) o se Wol, LY. Bh GX@eva,
Woopcock.

This well-known species of late years has become so much more
numerous here as a resident, that although numbers still migrate
to this country in the autumn, it is difficult to say whether “the
first cock of the season” is an early arrival or a home-bred bird.

Genus GALLINAGO.

509. GALLINAGO MAJOR «9. 6. « « Vol. TV PL Exava
Great SNIPE.

Although this species does not, like the next, breed in this
country, it visits us regularly every autuwn, but always earlier
than does the Common Snipe ; and its occurrence during the spring
months is rare.

300. Gattrnaco scotopaciInA . . . . . Vol. lV. Pl. LX XIX.
Common SNIPE.

A regular winter visitant; but in favourable localities many an-
nually remain to nest and rear their young.

With regard to the so-called Sabine’s Snipe, it is now generally
regarded as a melanism of the common species, but is of sufficiently
rare occurrence to atract notice. In the ‘Field’ of Dec. 10, 1870,
appeared a list to that date of all the known examples which had
been obtained, since which time two or three others have been
killed in the south of England, and, for the first time, one recently
in Scotland. Mr. Brydges Williams’s specimen was shot at Carnan-
ton, Cornwall, in January 1862. As to this, see ‘ Zoologist,’ 1862,
pp. 7883 and 7938.

115
301. GALLINAGO RUSSATA.

Russet Snipe.

This remarkable Snipe, which often weighs six ounces, not un-
frequently occurs in our markets. Mr. Rodd, of Penzance, and sports-
men generally, often speak of this bird when writing to a friend,

pie o) ‘eg my be ase .
asking its name &e, ‘The term russate will be found mentioned
in the folio edition in the letterpress to the Common Snipe.

Genus LiwnocryPprrs.
302, LimnocryPres GaLLiInuna . . . . . Vol. LY. Pl, LXXX,
JAcK SNIPE.

Although instances are on record in which this bird has been met
with in this countr y in summer, there is no sufticient evidence of its
having bred here, and it must continue to be regarded as a regular
winter visitant.

The generic terms Phalaropus and Lobipes haye been instituted
for the ‘fairy -like Phalaropes, of which there are three species, two
of which frequent Britain.

Genus PHALAROPUS.

303. PHALAROPUS FULICARIUS . . . . .. Vol. IV. Pl. LXXXI.
Grey PHAaLarore (summer plumage).

This beautiful little bird has of late years been noticed as a
regular autumn visitant, occasionally appearing in considerable
numbers. It is remarkable that although flocks pass through
England in the autumn (when the species is moving southward for
the winter), none are seen here on the return journey in spring,
which shows that they go back by a different route.

Oa; EHAGAROPUS FULICARIUS . . . « Vol. LV; Pl, LXXXI,

Grey Praxarore (winter plumage).

Genus Lonirrs.

305. Loprers HYPERBOREUS . . . . . Vol. LY. Pl. LXXXUI,
Rep-neckepd PHaLarorn.

In England this graceful little bird is an occasional winter visi-
tant. Never seen in such numbers as the Jast named, but generally
singly or in pairs. It has been found breeding in Orkney, the
Hebrides, Perthshire, Inverness, and Sutherland ; “but i in Ireland it

appears to be unknown.
12

116

Genus Furic.

Coots are so generally dispersed over the globe as to render it
difficult to say where one or other of the fifteen species are not to
be met with.

BG. INULICk ATRA 2 (4.9. ees sare wt) VOL, MV ePl, MLxSxGRainye
Coor.

This well-known species, although generally regarded as a resi-
dent, is nevertheless migratory to a certain extent in autumn, and
assembles often in large flocks in the winter, in our estuaries and
tidal harbours.

Genus GALLINULA.

Like the Coot, the members of the genus Giallinula are very gene-
rally dispersed over both the Old and the New World.

307. GALLINULA CHLOROPUS . . . . . Mel. DVR Txoeee
Mooruen.

Of this familiar bird it will suffice to say that it is resident and
generally distributed.

Genus Rats.

Rails are, like the Coots and the Moorhens, inhabitants of marshes
of the entire globe.

308. RADLUS AGUATICUS “S ycuki ir ode tee) Vol asi daxexevae
Water-RaAIu.

There can be no doubt that, although many birds of this species
remain with us throughout the year, considerable additions to their
numbers are made in the spring.

Genus Crpx. :
Allied in form and very similar in distribution to the three fore-
going and the next following genera.

309. Crux PRATENSIS. . . . . . « Vol. LY. Pl. LXXXYVLII,
Lanp-Ram or Corn-Craker.

A regular summer migrant ; but occasionally individuals have been
found loitering behind and spending the winter with us in sheltered
situations,

Genus Porzana.
SLO; Porzawa MARUETTA, ~° 3° 40%. © D>) Vol, DV PL Reva
Sporrep Crare.

Whatever may haye been the case formerly, when our fens were

LILY)

the regular nesting-haunts of this and many other marsh-loying
birds, the Spotted Ch ‘ake can now only be considered a spring end
autumn migrant, occasionally remaining to breed in ficonranle
situations.

Sills ORZANTAG PYG NErHING cylin | NINES Vols Ve Ble Txexe Xeon

Batzton’s Crakn.

This little bird has so frequently been met with in England and
at almost every season of the year, that an cnumeration of particular
localities for it is unnecessary. It may be regarded as a local resi-
dent. It has, however, been only obtained once in Scotland and
once in Ireland.

ime ORZANAG MENUDAMY O°). Ice: +: aet!ss so cok L¥. PL Xe
OLIVACEOUS CRAKE.

Almost the same remark will apply to this as to the last-named
species, although the seasons at which it has been generally met
with seem to indicate that 1t is a spring and autumn migrant.

ORDER NATATORES

In this order Vigors and others have included all the swimming
birds—Gceese, Swans, the two great divisions of the Ducks, Mee
gansers, Cormorants, Auks, Grebes, Penguins, Divers, Gulls, Terns,
and Petrels. Their distribution is almost universal, the icy poles
being the only part of the globe from which they are absent.

If we institute a comparison between the ornithological produc-
tions of the different parts of the earth’s surface, we find that water-
birds are much more rife in some countries than others, and that
they are more numerous in the northern than in the southern hemi-
sphere; and if we compare those frequenting the area of the British
Islands and the surrounding seas and fresh waters with those fre-
quenting a similar extent of any other portion of the globe, we shall
find a greater variety of forms than elsewhere, due doubtless to the
peculiar position of our islands, lying as they do between the two
great northern continents, and to a certain extent under the influence
of the Gulf-stream.

I now proceed to the enumeration of the species contained in the
fifth volume, and commence with the Geese, two or three of which
grace our wolds and marshes.

Subfamily ANSERINA.

In round numbers about thirty species of Geese are now known

118

to ornithologists. They admit of being divided into many genera,
of which Cereopsis, Anser, and Nettapus are conspicuously distinct
from each other; it is, however, with the genera Anser and Bernicla
only, or true Geese, that we have to do with in the ‘ Birds of Great
Britain.’
Genus ANSER.
S13. ANSER BERUS.°s ..)\ 3 0 os 6) %s) 8. ghA aide epi ae
Grey Lag Goose.

A stationary species. Breeds in many parts of Scotland and
Treland. The original of our Common Goose.

aid. Awenk SEGETUM sss" 5 (6 <ethe «ve eVGl Weaker
Bran-Goose.

A winter visitant. More common on the western than the eastern
parts of Scotland and England.

15) ANSER DRACHYRHYNCHUS 0% 1. S10) CoD VolihVyobi aT:
Prnx-roorep Goose.

A winter visitant, arriving from the north in autumn ; plentiful

in the wolds of Yorkshire at that season.
S16. ANSER ALBIFRONS .° sss 94 <. 92 J) « WiOleuemEaee
WHiITE-FRONTED Goosk.
This is also a winter visitant to the British Islands.
8317. ANSER HGYPTIACUS.
Egyptian Goose.

Supposed by some to be an occasional visitor, by others that those
which ‘are occasionally seen are stray individuals from some domestic
home.

318. ANSER ALBATUS.
Cassin’s Snow-Goose.

See Howard Saunders, in the ‘ Proceedings of the Zoological
Society of London,’ March 1872, for an account of two specimens of
this bird killed in Wexford Harbour in November 1871.

Genus Brrnicna.
319. BERNICLA ERUCOPSIS woo) s% 2! Gowictanatime Mol Work:
BERNICLE Goose.

Plentiful in winter, keeping to certain districts on the flat shores
of Lancashire. Retires northward beyond our country to breed.
320. BERNICLA CANADENSIS.

Canada Goose.

This bird is said to have occurred wild in England; it being purely
American, I have not figured it.

119

Jala BORN ICLA RUFICOMMSy i soe 4. igiigt wot « oMole VePk VR
Rep-BREAstap Goose.

An inhabitant of northern Russia and Siberia, and a chance visi-
tant to Britain,

Pee OUURNICUN BRENTA, %) SN Ot! OG Volo Ve Plo VLE,
Brent Gooss.
Plentiful in winter on the muddy flats at the mouths of rivers

from the Thames to the Tamar; equally numerous in a northerly
direction, including Ireland.

Subfamily CYGNINAL.
* Of this subfamily there are nine or ten species—three or four of
which pertain to the fauna of Great Britain, two or three to that of
North America, the celebrated Black-necked Swan of Chili, and the
Black Swan of Australia.

BLO OVGNUGOLGR 4) ws 9s. 0c * . +. 4 92 eter VOle Veable VED
Mors Swan.

Supposed to be still living in a wild state in Eastern Kurope ;
strictly stationary in Britain.

So PMGUGNUG MERUSUTGE sehod el forte, 4) et ue, beds VOle Vesemenes
Wirp Swan, or Wuoorer.

A winter visitant, arriving in autumn and departing in spring, to
breed in Ireland and many parts of the arctic circle.

pe RO VGNAIS MUNOR I As) 'e, ai- y 0g cs) 25. oy cay tae, VO Ve beers
Brwicr’s Swan.

This is also a winter visitor, arriving in autumn and retiring
northwards in spring.

326. CreéNus IMMUTABILIS,
Polish Swan.

Ornithologists are at variance as to the propriety of considering
this bird a distinct species from C. olor, the ditterence between
them being but trifling. The Polish Swan is a somewhat larger
bird, with a smaller frontal knob, while the naked space between
the bill and the eye is larger; and the feet are grey instead of olive-
black. Mr. Bartlett has weighed several Polish Swans living at the
Zoological Gardens, which turned the scale of twenty-seven pounds;
and he assures me they would be two pounds heavier after moulting.
He considers there are tangible differences between the two birds ;
and I must confess I do also since I have been able to make some

120

observations on a fine example recently shot, as detailed in the
following note sent to me by Viscount Holmesdale :-—

Househill, Nairn, N.B.,
Sept. 28th, 1872.

Dear Mr. Govrp,—I send you a bird which I believe to be a
Polish Swan. First a pair and then three others came to a wild
loch by the sea here im the northerly gales we have had lately.
The keeper took them to be common Whoopers ; and we went out
yesterday and stalked them. Whoopers they certainly are not ; but
they answer exactly to the description of the Polish Swan in
Yarrell: ash-grey legs and feet small; tubercle at base of bill and
the black of the nostrils well divided from the base. If this is so,
it may be of interest to you; and Colonel Baillie hopes you will
accept the bird. If, after all, we are wrong as to the species, it may
be of interest from the culinary point of view.

Yours very faithfully,
HotmesDALe.

The very fine specimen above alluded to is now mounted in the
British Muscum; and I have a note on its dissection from Professor
Owen, who states “the Swan was a young male, testes very small,
flesh tender and good eating.”

If the young of this bird j is always white from its downy state
upwards, it is a remarkable characteristic, and one that will tend
to confirm the propricty of considering it a species.

The weight of this individual was 242 lbs.

ft. in.
Across the wings, from tip to tip.......5:..5. 4 6
Total length, from tip of bill to end of tail ...... 4 9
Tip of pill to corner of the CVesnuc y cto ier be ain koe:
Tap ct bilito base... tae nc see es Se echaeae 0 4

Bill deep reddish flesh-colour, with a tolerably well-developed
knob and broad triangular space between the bill and the eye.
Breadth of the black space, including the part behind the knob,
inches. Eye dark brown.

Feet olive-grey, even to the joints; interdigital membranes
darker. Length of true tarsi 42 inches; bare space above the

joint 1} inch; middle toe and nail 64 inches; Dbreadth of the foot
6j inches.

Having disposed of the Geese and Swans, we naturally turn to
the true grass-feeding Ducks, after which will be noticed those spe-
cies which almost exclusively feed under the surface of the water—
the Fuliguline «e.

Subfamily ANATINZZ.

Genus TAaporna.

An Old-World group of five or six species.

. 121

DO TEADORNAGVIUILPANSERS ‘cece os ot: ow “ition of uMVOlsiVi. Pb sxe
SHELDRAKE.

A stationary species, breeding in the holes of warrens and sandy
wastes by the sea-side.

Genus CASARCA.
Be Se ONS CAG Init, AUNMllNA Ns Uhcn ial ler ya). Vole Vi Pie XG
Ruppy SHELDRAKE,

An occasional and very rare visitant. Among other places, builds
in rocks on the borders of the Mediterranean.

Genus Marrca.

A genus of which our common Widgeon is the type, and of which
an allied species is found in North America and another in Chili.

Se MUABECAGPENELOPE 92 5. 6 6 c- « « « WO, Vi PE XID.
WIDGEON.

A migrant which is plentiful in winter, and sometimes, but not
very regularly, stays to breed in England and Scotland.

330. MARECA AMERICANA.
American Widgcon.

An occasional visitant to England. It is not figured,

Genus SPATULA.

A well-defined form, comprising about six species, one being found
in Australia, another in New Zealand, others in Chili, and the rest
in the northern hemisphere of both the Old and New Worlds.

Soles SPATULA CLYPRATAY. > hogs) neni <olua wpe VOluNi. el. SULV3
SHovetter Duck.
Frequent in summer, sometimes breeds.
Genus ANAs.
The Wild Duck, which is the type of this genus, is generally

diffused over Asia, Africa, and North America.

Soe ANA ROSCHAS).. 25,6 .5 0 <0 (a isl) Hs Veli Ve PLuxv;
Matrarp, or Witp Duck.

Resident, and breeds everywhere. The supposed parent of all
our domestic breeds of Ducks.

Genus QuERQUEDULA,.

A genus formed for the Teal and Garganey and some allied species
in other parts of the world.

53. QUBRQUEDULA CRECCA, .. .. .. ». . cai! MolgNoPE OVE
TEAL.

Common, resident, breeds everywhere.

304. QUERQUEDULA CIRCIA jauta, hovered « - Vols Vo Pi xvid
GARGANEY.

A spring and autumn migrant, occasionally remaining in the
summer to breed.

Genus Daria.

Formed for the reception of our well-known Pin-tailed and two
or three South-American species of elegantly formed Ducks.

335, DAPILA ACUTA siivandle tas heheh wot VOlyiedel seater iS
Pin-tTaILED Duck.

A winter visitant, arriving in sufficient numbers to be regarded
as common.

Genus CHAULELASMUS.

The bird characterized under this term is almost the sole type of
the genus.

336. CHAULHEASMUS STREPERA °'))9".'. 15 "4 Vol, V. Pl, Aa
GADWALL.

A somewhat rare winter visitant.

Genus Nyroca.

In Britain there are two species of this genus; in North America
there are others, and others again in Australia.

S37 INYROGAWRERINA “< co dont acccédileceuw' hwo Ok eee
PocHARD.

A winter visitant, frequently taken in our decoys, and the flesh
held in some esteem as representing the celebrated Canvas-backed
Duck of America.

338; NyROCA LEUCOPHTHALMOS .. .. .. .. -. .. © Volo Vs Pl Re
Wuirr-ryep or Ferrvernovs Duck.

_ A spring visitor, almost exclusively so in England, but unknown

in Ireland.

Genus Branta.

A fine form, the native country of which is Kastern Europe and
India.

123

339. BraNnvta RUFINA Pa Atte age see” Mole Vee Pl A xexre
Rep-crestep Duck.

The occurrence of this bird in England is very seldom and uncer-
tain; still there are many British specimens extant.

Subfamily FULIGULIN A.

The birds of this subfamily, or the Diving Ducks, form an exten-
sive group, members of which are found in most parts of the globe,
and which is well represented in the British Islands,

Genus Funreuna.
St0e HULIGULA CRISTATA . . . « « « « Vol. V. Pl. XXDDT
Turrep Duck.

A tolerably common winter visitant to the British Islands ; many
remain to breed on the lakes at Clumber and Osberton in Notting-
hamshire, and doubtless on other similar sheets of water.

341. FuLIGULA MARILA Gee, Po se att os Av Olen ewe onl Ne
Scaure Duck.
A winter visitant.

Genus ENntIconerra.

A genus established for the fine Steller’s Duck, a species nearly
allied to the Eiders. ;

Sie LNICONETTA STELLERT , . «: « « « « .VOle Vebl. SAN.
Sretuter’s Duck.

An accidental visitor to the northern parts of Britain ; its native
countries are Lapland, northern Scandinavia, and Russia.

Genus SoMATERIA.

Of the Eiders, a very natural and distinct group of Ducks,
there are but four or five species, inhabiting the northern portions
of both the Old and the New World. ~

343. SoMATERIA MOLLISSIMA ... . . .» Vol. VY. Pl. XXVI-.
Ever Dock.

Stationary. Breeds on the Farn Islands and many other similar
situations round our northern coasts.

344. SoMATERIA SPECTABILIS ret eee Ole Vis BIE XX VALE

Kine Duck.
A rare and accidental visitor from the north,

124

Genus OrpEemMta.

The members of this little division of the Diving Ducks are ren-
dered remarkable by their velvety black covering, as well as the
bright colouring of some of the soft parts, particularly of the bill
and the naked portions of the head of one species. They are strictly
denizens of the salt waters, resorting to freshwater lakes only for
the purpose of breeding.

345) OmEnra WIERA ct og) Kado) trtfokl m TRVol WV aR] ekav aii:
Scorer.
Very common along our coasts in winter; a fair number stay to
breed in Caithness and Sutherland.

SAG. (OIEMIA FUSCA ©. «0s -s Gow ie MolerVe RlgeOriwe
VeELveEt Scorer.

A common winter bird in the Orkney and Shetland Islands ; soli-
tary individuals have been killed on the Thames and even further
south.

347, OIDEMIA PERSPICILLATA . . . » « « Vol: V. Plexo
Surr-Scorerk.

Quite an accidental visitor from the coasts of North America ; has
been killed about ten times in Britain.

Genus CLANGULA.

The Golden-eye, Barrow’s Duck, and the Buftle-headed Duck are
about the only members of this genus; like several of the pre-
ceding forms they seek their food at the bottom of the shallow parts
of the seas, the inlets of rivers, &e.

348. CLANGULA GLAUCION «ow 6) ee CV OLY Sab eerie
GOLDEN-EYD.
A true winter visitant, said to have once found a breeding-place

on Loch Assynt in Sutherland. Breeds in Lapland.

CLANGULA ALBEOLA.
349. Buffle-headed Duek.

This American bird having been killed four or five times in Eng-
land, some have included it in our ayifauna; and so do J, but with-
out figuring it.

Genus Hisrrionicvs.

The fantastically marked Harlequin Duck is the type and only
known species of this genus,

125

aa0e sHISTRIONICUS TORQUATUS» . (o. & ws ato Vol. V. Pleo XXXTE.
Harrraur Duck.

A very rare visitant to Britain ; and when examples do occur, they
are either females or young males of the first year.

Genus Harenpa.

A northern form of a single species.

Sole THIAREEDAGEACTALIS: ©.) 22°, 8 Nigh Vy Pl REX NAT,
Lone-tartep Duck.

A common winter visitant ; arrives in the Scottish firths in great
abundance during the months of autumn.

Subfamily MERGIN A.

The Mergansers are a very distinct family, differing in structure
and mode of life from the Ducks or Cormorants, to which otherwise
they are nearly allied. They live on the waters of both the Old
and the New World, and consist of about ten species.

Soo. MERGUS CASTOR . <« . + « « » w..-VOls Ve Pl, XXXEY.
GoosANDER.

A winter bird, frequenting our lakes when they are not frozen
over; very destructive to freshwater fish. Always to be seen at
Slumber in autumn and winter, goes north in summer.

SOE NUERGUSISERRATOR: geno vulva gu (coll sau VOla. Ve PL eX XY,
MERGANSER.

Found in Britain at all seasons; common in the north of Scot-
land.

ao4. MERGUS GUCULLATUS . . . . « « Vole Ve PR XXXVI,
Hoopep MERGANSER.

An American species, which has occasionally been found in Europe
and Britain.

Sia NUERGUS ALBELEUS.«.-. « » « « «Wolk Vi Ply XXXVIE
Suew, or Nun.

A winter bird, rather scarce. Breeds in Lapland and the adjoin-
ing countries.

Family PODICIPIDA.

When the birds of the world are taken in review, it is in-
teresting to note that certain forms are restricted to very limited

126

areas, while others are as widely distributed. It is to the latter
category that the Grebes or members of this family pertain ; for my
experience tends to prove that one or other of the numerous species
are found throughout the entire globe; even in the islands of the
South Pacific they are to be met with, and also all over North and
South America. They do not appear to be limited by elevation, but
tenant the lowest waters and the highest lakes, one of the finest
being an inhabitant of the celebrated Lake of Titicaca in Peru.
Grebes are characterized by a peculiarity of structure which enables
them to chase the nimble fishes and other aquatic creatures under
water in a different manner from other birds. They construct
their floating nests on the lakes; and the eggs are frequently in-
cubated in the water. Although divided into many genera, those
inhabiting Britain have been retained in the genus Podiceps.

256. PopmcEPS CRISTATUS «+..vi'str...-%:., VO. VY. PL XXX VERE
Great CRESTED GREBE.

A summer resident, breeding on many of our large lakes and
inland waters.

357. Popicers RUBRICOLLIS . . . . . . Vol. VY. Pl. XXXIX,

Rep-NECKED GREBE.
An occasional visitor, not rare on the east coast in the winter
season,

BS, POpICRPS AUBITUS ssn sy.) S isctie, Wty NGG Nise lei
Hornep GREBE.

A chance visitor to Britain, most common in its immature and
winter plumage ; inhabits Sweden, Lapland, and other countries to
the northward of our islands.

359. Popicers NIGRICOLLIS . . . . .- ~~ Vol, V. Pl XL
Karep GREBE,

More numerous than the last; sometimes found on the eastern
broads in its finest state of plumage. One of its native countries is
Spain; it is also abundant in Northern Africa, and but seldom, if
imagine, found so far north as the Baltic. Probably unknown to

Linneeus.

$60, Poprcers MINOR . .... . » . =,» » =VOL™V;@icaaiie
Lirrier Gresr, or Dancaick.
A resident, stationary, and universally distributed species.

Family COLYMBID A.

The Divers, unlike the Grebes, are only found in the northern

127

hemisphere. ‘They frequent the countries bordering on the arctic
circle, and are as abundant in America as in Europe and Asia. In
Britain we have three distinct species.

Soll. COLYMBUS GEACIATIS % %- S °.1,. » > Vol) Ve PIP XLII.
Great Norrmpern Drver.

One of the finest of our native birds, but does not breed with us.

362; COnYMBUSIAROTICUS! (16) Si Fo wool. Wa Bly XELY.
Brack-THROATED Diver.

This may be considered a resident species, although it is but
sparingly observed at any time. In winter the young are frequent
along our southern coasts, while in summer most of the northern lochs
of Scotland have each its breeding pair of birds—among other places,
Loch-y-yraon and Loch Drome in Ross-shire, part of the fine
property of John Fowler, Esq.

363. CoLYMBUS SEPTENTRIONALIS . .. . . Vol, V. PI. XLV.
Rep-rHroatep Diver.

Like the last a resident species, breeding in the same parts of the
country.

Family ALCAD A.

Formerly Britain could boast of haying five species of this re-
markable family of northern sea-birds ; but the finest of them, the
Great Auk, is now gone from the face of the waters ; and if it is still
enumerated in the present work, it is because we cherish the re-
collection of so singular a bird.

Genus ALCA,

SOT ATOM IMPENNIS 6005 « « « « « « « VOl Vo El XLVI.
Great AvK.

P enh 5 : €..:

DUS PAECAUTORDAS | “saps ay ny wu, ees vey) Vols Vi Pl: XLVEL
RaAzorBILe.

A common cliff bird, breeding all round our coasts, and a constant
resident on our seas.

Genus Urta,.
Sao UR MROMER . fs +. « « « « « Vol, Vs BY XLVEL,

Common GUILLEMOT.

Like the last very numerously dispersed round the whole of the
islands and islets of Britain ; breeds on the rocks ; lays but a single

oro"
ege.

867, “UREAIGRYELE ide Seieieec ods lege? sol Wee iii

Brack Guittemor.

A resident species, often breeding in company with the last ; lays
two eggs.
Genus Mureuuus.

368. MERGULUS ALIN £90 2° eS VoL vee
Lirrirs AvK.

Sometimes abundant with us in winter, while in summer it is en-
gaged in breeding within the arctic circle.

Genus FRATERCULA.
369, BRATRROULA ARCTICA. . . .°. « « % 5 Ol. VelPlo mai
Purrin.

Numerous among our sea-bounded rocks in summer, and in
winter may be found fishing in the bays and shallow portions of our
seas.

, Family PELICANIDZ.
Subfamily GRACULIN.

That portion of this family forming the Cormorants comprises
about thirty species. They are spread over the rocky sea-shores of
the entire globe, with the exception of the ice-bound Poles, In
Britain we have two species.

370; IPHATACROCORAX CARBO, "4.25 70). "ey VIO ice emanine
CorMoRANT.

A denizen of the British waters generally, from which it is never

absent.

371. PHALACROCORAX GRACULUS ; . .» » » » Vol. V. Plies
Crested Cormorant, or SHAG.

Also a constant frequenter of every part of the British coasts,
where it annually breeds.

Subfamily SULARINUE.

The Gannets form a small section of the Pelicanidee, They are
truly oceanic in their habits ; and are almost as widely distributed as
the Cormorants. In species, however, they are far less numerous,
only six or seven being known; and should the Australian bird be
ultimately proved to be identical with our own, then the number
will be still less.

8372. SULA BASSANA rrr re ell We et,

GANNET, or Sotan Goose.
I must refer my readers to the body of the work for full

129

information respecting this predaceous bird, for it would be out of
place to enter into particulars here in what can only be regarded as
a mere list of the species inhabiting Britain. I may mention, how-
ever, that its specific name is derived from one of its breeding-

places, to which may be added Lundy Island, Ailsa Craig, St. Kilda,
Suliskerry in Orkney, &e.

Family LARID A.

Mr. Harting, in his ‘ Handbook of British Birds,’ has included the
Gulls and Terns in the same family, with which view I acquiesce,
for it would be difficult to draw the line between the termination of
the one and the commencement of the other. Whether we regard
the Gulls, Terns, and Skuas separately or collectively, they may be
described as coast-wanderers over the entire globe, but more abun-
dant in the northern than in the southern hemisphere. Their
principal food is fish, crustaceans, and other marine animals, but
some of them readily eat worms, insects, and garbage. In their
plumage they are perhaps the most cleanly of all birds, always
maintaining their pure and delicate tints unsullied. There are over
one hundred species inhabiting various parts of the globe.

Subfamily LARINAS.

Genus Larus.

The members of this genus comprise all the large Gulls—birds
which, as scavengers}alone, play an important part in keeping a
wholesome atmosphere. They also prey upon fish, crustaceans,
small mammals, and weakly birds.

373. LARUS MARINUS Ala -ceanc—smind) tree hau dace a5 Leek Val ba abel DAYS
Great Buack-BACKED GULL.

A resident species, breeding round our coasts.

374. Larus FUSCUS Fa Ne ee en AT Col CERO od oe UN Ba
Lesser Buack-BACKED GULL.
Also a resident and breeding species.

SLAB US GLAUCUS Mijislienocuiiiy ceive) s Volk Vo PL VE.
Guaucous GULL.

A bird of the northern hemisphere generally, whence it is driven
southward on the approach of winter, at which season it arrives
here, as well as in similar latitudes in America.

K

130

376. Larus ISLANDICUS geeEreae te ae Vol. We Jl LVII.
Icenanp GULL.

A beautiful species belonging to the regions of the arctic circle,
but frequently coming hither in winter, where it finds a more bear-
able climate.

377. ARUS'ARGENTATUS, ; %. i = = sso). “VOly Newbie ee
Herrine-Gui.

A bird we may call our own, since it always enlivens our seas and
rocks, especially at the breeding-season.
21rd hae OV Oo Rte) oti: eae ea art Ma ete) a\'fe fol IL, LC.

Common GULL.
A native species, abundant both in summer and winter.

Genus Rissa.

Established for our pretty Kittiwake.

379. (RISSA TRIDACTYLA! » oi). o ife:fs “<6 1% |) Ole Wie: bie iaxale
KarrrwAkeE.
‘ local resident.

Genus PAGOPHILA.

380. PAGOPHILA EBURNEA . . «<0 « «| Ole Vio Blue
Ivory Gut.

Abundant at Spitzbergen and many parts of Greenland. Here in
Britain it is rare, and quite accidental in its occurrence.

Genus RHopDosTETHIA.

Established for the beautiful Gull named after Captain James
Ross, the celebrated navigator.

OSL. ReopostetHia Rogsir:.) 20. 16) oo)... Mol. Vi Bie,
Ross’s Gut.

Has been killed two or three times in Britain. The Plate should

be referred to to form a just idea of this fairy Gull, whose natural
home is within the arctic circle.

Genus CHROICOCEPHALUS.

The members of this section of the Gulls have many pleasing
traits in their character; thus they have the habit of spending
their summer in large communities, and of selecting as a site for

131

their breeding-place the inland waters of some marsh or swampy
island in the interior of the country. Their interest is also much
added to by the circumstance of their being subject to seasonal
changes in the colouring of their plumage.

382. CHROICOCEPHALUS RIDIBUNDUS . . . . Vol. VY. Pl. LXIV.
Buack-HEADED GULL.
A common and resident species.

383. CHROICOCEPHALUS PHILADELPHIA. . . . Vol. V. Pl. LXV
BonaPARte’s GULL.
An ozcasional yisitant from its native country, North America.

Genus HyprocoLevs.

Instituted for our well-known Little Gull.

So4. HyDROCGL&US MENUTUS. . . . . «.« Vol. V. Pl. LXVI.
Litrte Guu:
_A tolerably regular winter visitant, never breeding in Britain.

Genus XEMA.

The beautiful arctic Gull named after the late Mr. Sabine is the
type of this genus.

SOMMGEMA SARIN c) 6 eo.3 ek. * es et OL VP Lee
SABINE’s GULL.
An occasional visitor to our islands.

Subfamily STERNIN A.

In this subfamily are contained the various forms of Terns or Sea-
Swallows as they are popularly termed. Ten species are figured
under six genera:—AHydroprogne, Actochelidon, Sterna, Sternula,
Gelochelidon, and Hydrochelidon.

Genus HypRoproGne.

886. HyproprocnE caAsprIA . . . . .- . Vol. V. Pl. LXVIUII.
Caspian TERN.

An accidental visitor.
1: |

132

Genus ACTOCHELIDON.
387.) AcTOCHELIDON GANTIACA <4). 4). 2 © Wold Vil sPisipxeiog
Sanpwicu TERN.

A summer visitant and breeding bird.

388. ACTOCHELIDON (?) VELOX,
Swift-flying Tern.
A specimen of this bird is said to have been killed in Ireland

(see Blake Knox in the ‘Zoologist’ for 1866). Strictly an eastern
bird, and therefore not-figured.

Genus STERNA.

JO9. STERNA HIRUNDO .- <- 6 «wires be a) MOle Veber

Common Tern.

A resident species. Breeds in many parts of our southern coasts.

O90, STERNA PARADISEA ¢ +: £ 4. $ . 3" Vol Vi. Pi ine
Rosratre TERN.

A summer yisitant. Breeds sparingly on the Scilly and Farne
Islands.

SOT, STERNAMACRURA ce) ei bo, 4, vay) pec pee yy Okey Veep lal Sale Nee aT
Arctic TERN.

A resident species, breeding abundantly around our northern
I ) fo)
coasts.

392. SreRNA FULIGINOSA.
Sooty Tern.

A bird of almost universal distribution. Britain has occasionally
been favoured with its visits; still there are few who would give it
more than a passing notice in any list of the British birds. One
was shot at Wallingford, on the banks of the Thames, on the 21st
of June, 1869, and kindly sent for my inspection before it was

skinned by Mr, James Gardner, Jun., of Holborn and Oxford
Street.

Genus STERNULA.

B90. STERNULAMMINUTA ') -. % % 2) 4) Vole Ve Pine
Lirrte Tern.

A summer visitor. Breeds at Dungeness and many other parts
of the south coast of England.

133
Genus GELOCHELIDON.

*
394, GELOCHELIDON ANGLICA. . . . . . Vol. V. Pl. LXXIY.
GULL-BILLED TERN.

A bird of the eastern portion of Europe, Africa, and Asia, and
quite an accidental visitant to Britain.

Genus HyprocHELIDon.

The members of this genus frequent marshes for the purpose of
breeding, and deposit their eggs in regular-formed nests of herbage.
The entire group consists of about ten species, which are widely
distributed over the globe.

395. HypDROCHELIDON NIGRA ... . . . Vol. V. Pl. LXXY.
Brack TERN.

A summer visitant, breeding in several of the marshes of
England.

396. HyDROCHELIDON LEUCOPTERA . . . . Vol. V. Pl. LX XVI.
WHITE-WINGED TERN.

An accidental visitor from countries to the south-eastward of our
islands.

397. HypROCHELIDON LEUCOPAREFIA . . . Vol. V. Pl. LX XVII.
WuHiIskERED TERN.
An accidental visitor from Eastern Europe.

Genus ANovs.
398. ANOUS STOLIDUS.
Noddy Tern.
A bird common to many seas; it is not therefore surprising that
a solitary individual has now and then wandered to fish in our
waters. Itis a common species, very generally known, consequently
not figured.

Subfamily STERCORARITN.

Genus STERCORARIUS.

Parasitic Gulls are to a certain extent affined to the Petrels, and
for this reason have been placed next them in the present volume.
Members of this group, which are eight or ten in number, frequent
the seas of both hemispheres, are tyrants of the ocean, waging war
and domineering over all the birds, and robbing them of the fish
they have taken.

134

399. SrercoRARIUS CATARRHACTES . . . Vol. V. Pl. LX XVIII.
Great Sku.

Found all round our seas at one season or the other. Breeds in
the Orkneys.

400. SreRcoRARIUS POMATORHINUS . . . . Vol. V. Pl. LX XIX.
PoMATORHINE SKUA.
A constant winter visitor. Breeds in Lapland and Finmark.

401. Srerconarius parasiticus . . . . . Vol. V. Pl. LXXX.
ARCTIC SKUA.
Resident around our coasts. Breeds in Orkney and Shetland.

402. SrercoRARIus LonaIcaupus . . . . Vol. V.Pl. LXXXI.
LonG-TAILED SkvA.

A rare winter visitant from the north-eastern seas.

Family PROCELLARID.

This truly oceanic family is but feebly represented in the British
seas, six or seven being all that we enumerate ; whereas with those
frequenting the waters of the other parts of the globe they amount
to double that number.

Genus PROCELLARIA.

A038. PROCELLARIA GLACIALIS. ..,.. ... « Vol. V.JPl mkexeaie
Furmar.

Frequents the British seas generally. Breeds on the island of
St. Kilda in countless multitudes.

Genus PurFFINvs.

Three or four birds of this form frequent the seas of the British
Islands, two of which have been figured, and there can be no doubt
as to the propriety of so doing; but I may state that there are
others occasionally found here which are not well understood, or
have not been properly worked out. Having myself collected these
birds round the entire globe, I could not fail to remark the vast
number of species I met with. In my ‘ Birds of Australia’ forty
species are either figured or enumerated, and I feel assured that the
list may be greatly added to on a closer research than I could
give of the seas I had at that time (1838-41) the opportunity of

traversing.

135
404 Purrrnus MAJOR .. . eS eV olenVic Bl Neer

Great SHEARWATER.
A bird which almost yearly visits the seas of the Land’s End.

405. Purrinus ANcLonRUM . .. . . . Vol. V. Pl. LXXXIV.
Manx SHEARWATER.

Breeds commonly on one or more of the Scilly Islands ; and, as it
is also found here in winter, it may be considered a resident species.

Genus /ESTRELATA.

406. AEsTRELATA HESITATA,.
Capped Petrel.
Has once been taken in England.

Genus THALASSIDROMA.

A genus in which Vigors and others have placed the smaller
members of the Procellaride—Storm-Petrels. In the British seas
we have two breeding species, and a third looks in upon us now and
then when it has crossed the Atlantic to our side of the globe.

407. THanasstpRoMA LEacnir . . . . .. Vol. V. Pl. LXXXV.
Fork-TAILED STORM-PETREL.

Breeds in the Outer Hebrides, and frequently found dead on

inland properties, apparently from exhaustion, from the exertion of
crossing overland from sea to sea.

408. THALASSIDROMA PELAGICA . . . . Vol. V. Pl. LXXXVI.
SrorM-PErREL.

This little sprite of the waters is known to breed on many parts
of our western coasts from the Scilly Isles to the Orkneys, and on
some of the rocky islets of the west coast of Scotland.

09. THaLAsstpRroMA BULWERI.
Bulwer’s Petrel.

This bird, which inhabits Madeira, sometimes visits our seas,
and by Yarrell and others has been included in our avifauna.

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LIST OF SUBSCRIBERS.

HER MOST GRACIOUS MAJESTY THE QUEEN.
HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS THE PRINCE CONSORT.
HIS MAJESTY LEOPOLD I., KING OF THE BELGIANS.
HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS THE DUKE D’AUMALE.

Ackroyd, E., Esq., Halifax, Yorkshire.

Advocates, the Library of the Faculty of, Edinburgh.

Ailsa, The Most Hon. The Marquis of, Culzean Castle, Maybole, Ayr-
shire, N.B.

Allford, Mrs., Albert Road, Dyke Road, Brighton.

Allison, R. A., Esq., Scaleby Hall, Carlisle.

Allport, Morton, Esq., Hobart Town, Tasmania.

Ambhurst, W. Amhurst T., Esq., Didlington Park, Brandon, Nor-
folk.

Aunstice, J., Esq., Madeley Wood, Wellington, Salop. 2 copies.

Argyll, His Grace the Duke of, Inverary Castle, Argyllshire, Se.

Arkwright, Miss C. E., Mark Hall, Harlow, Esse.

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Army and Navy Club, The, Pall Mall.

Atheneum, The, Pall Mall.

Australian Museum, The, Sydney, New South Wales.

Aylesford, The Rt. Hon. The Earl of, Packington Hall, Coventry.

Backhouse, A., Esq., Darlington, Durham.

Bagot, The Rt. Hon. Lord, Blithfield, Rugeley, Staffordshire.
Bailey, Mrs. Henry, Rosedale, Tenbury, Worcestershire.
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Balston, The Rey. Dr., The Vicarage, Bakewell, Derbyshire.

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Bamard, H. R., Esq., Worstead, Norwich.

Barclay, Hanbury, Esq., Middleton Hall, Tamworth.

Barclay, J. G., Esq., Lombard Street, and Leyton, Essea.

Karclay, R., Esq., Lombard Street.

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Barlow, F. P., Esq., 26 Rutland Gate, Hyde Park.

Barthés, Mons. P., Paris.

Bass, M. T., Esq., 101 Haton Square, and Rangemore House, Burton-
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Basset, J. F., Esq., Tehidy Park, Redruth, Cornwall.

Bateman, J., Esq., 9 Hyde-Park Gate South.

Bateson, J., Esq., Shieldaig of Gairloch, Achnasheen, Ross-shire,
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Bazley, T. Sebastian, Esq., Hartherop Castle, Fairford, Gloucester-
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Bennett, Dr., Sydney, New South Wales.

Berlin, the Royal Library of.

Betts, Edw. Ladd, Esq.

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Bird, W. F. W., Esq., Wilmington House, Dartford, Kent.

Birkbeck, E., Esq., 10 Upper Brook Street, Grosvenor Square.

Birkbeck, R., Esq., 20 Berkeley Square.

Birmingham Public Library, The.

Blake, H. W., Esq., 8 Devonshire Place, Portland Place.

Bodleian Library, The, Oxford.

Bond, F., Esq., 203 Adelaide Road, South Hampstead.

Booth, E. T., Esq., 18 Vernon Terrace, Brighton.

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Bradford, The Rt. Hon. The Earl of, Belgrave Square.

Braikenridge, The Rev. G. W., Clevedon, Somersetshire.

Braithwaite, Dr., Clapham Rise.

Brassey, T., Esq., 156 Lowndes Square.

Braybrooke, The Rt. Hon. Lord, Audley End, Saffron Walden,
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Bree, Dr., East Hill, Colchester, Essea.

Bree, The Rev. W., Allesley Rectory, near Coventry.

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Brewin, R., Esq., Ide, Eveter.

British Museum, The.

Brooke, The Rev. J., Haughton Hall, Shiffnal.

Brooke, T., Esq., Sheffield.

Brooke, Sir Victor A., Bart., Colebrooke Park, Brookeboro’, Ferma-
nagh, Ireland.

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Brown, W. R., Esq., Belmont House, Liverpool.

Brownlow, The Rt. Hon. The Earl, Belton House, Grantham, Lin-
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Brussels, The Royal Library of.

Buccleuch and Queensbury, His Grace The Duke of, Dalkeith Puluce,
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Buchanan, Mrs., Auchtentorlie, Bowling, Dumbartonshire, N.B.

Buckley, H., Esq., Edgbaston, Birmingham.

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Buffalo Natural, History Society, The, V. America.

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Butler, C., Esq., 3 Connaught Place.

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Calthorpe, The Rt. Hon. Lord, Grosvenor Square.

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Campbell, Colonel, Blythswood, N.B.

Campbell, Sir George, Bart., Garscube, Glasgow, N.B.

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Chesham, The Rt. Hon. Lord, Chesham, Latimers, Buckingham-
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Clamorgan, The Chevalier, Normandy.

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Codrington, Lady Georgiana, Doddington Park, Chippenham, Wilt-
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Cotes, Lady Louisa, Woodcote, Newport, Salop.

Cotton, H. P., Esq., Quea Park, Isle of Thanet.

Coulthurst, W. M., Esq., Streatham, Surrey.

Cowper, The Rt. Hon. The Dowager Countess, 4 St. James’s Square.

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Craufurd, The Rey. C. H., Old Swinford, Stourbridge, Worcestershire.

Craven, The Rt. Hon. The Earl of, Charles Street, Berkeley Square.

Crewe, Sir John H., Bart., Calke Abbey, near Derby.

Crewe, Lady, Calke Abbey, near Derby.

Crewe, The Rev. H. H., The Rectory, Drayton Beauchamp, Tring,
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Crowley, A., Esq., Croydon, Surrey.

Crowley, P., Esq., Waddon House, Croydon, Surrey.

Cubitt, J., Esq.,@reat George Street, Westminster.

Darbishire, R. D., Esq., Victoria Park, Manchester.

Darnley, The Rt. Hon. The Earl of, Hill Street, Berkeley Square ;
Cobham Hall, Kent, &c.

Darby, Mrs. A., Stanley Hall, Bridgenorth, Salop.

Dartmouth, The Rt. Hon. The Earl of, Patshull Hall, Wolver-
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Daubuz, The Rev. J., Killion, Truro, Cornwall.

Davey, R., Esq., Bachym House, Helstone, Cornwall.

Deacon, J., Esq., Birchin Lane, Lombard Street.

Deedes, W., Esq., Sandling Park, near Hythe, Kent.

Denison, A., Esq., 6 Albemarle Street.

Denison, Mrs., 33 Wilton Place, Belgravia.

Dennistoun, A. H., Esq., Rosslea, Helensburgh, N.B.

De Vitré, Mrs., 10 Upper Brunswick Place, Brighton.

Devitt, T. L., Esq., Lower Clapton.

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Devonshire, His Grace The Duke of, Chatsworth, Derbyshire.
Dickens, C. 8., Esq., Coolhurst, Horsham, Sussex.

Dickinson, J., Esq., Abbots Hill, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire.
Dickinson, J. D., Farncomb Place, Godalming, Surrey.

Dod, The Rev. C. Wolley, Eton College.

Dorchester, the Rt. Hon. Lord, Greywell Hill, Odiham, Hampshire.
Dowsett, A., Esq., 16 North Street, Brighton.

Drummond, R., Esq., Charing Cross.

Drummond-Hay, Col., Seggieden, Perth, N.B.

Ducie, The Rt. Hon. The Earl of, Tortworth Court, Gloucestershire.
Dusacq, The Baron, Virginia.

Dutton, The Hon. Edward Lennox, 2 St. James’s Place.

Eckersley, Jas., Jun., Esq., Burnt House, Chorley, Lancashire.

Edinburgh, The Royal Society of.

Edinburgh, The University of.

Edwardes, Capt. J. T. Hope, Netley Hall, Salop.

Edwardes, Sir Henry, Bart., Orleton Hall, Salop.

Elger, J., Esq., Lewes Crescent, Brighton.

Elliot, D. G., Esq., New York.

Elliot, G., Esq., Great George Street, Westminster, and Betley Hall,
Betley, Staffordshire.

Ellis, J. H., Esq., Knighton, near Leicester.

Elwes, J. H., Esq., Coleborne Park, Cheltenham.

Enniskillen, The Rt. Hon. The Earl of, Florence Court, Enniskillen,
Treland.

Erle, The Rt. Hon. Sir William, Bramshott Grange, Liphook, Hamp-
shire.

Errington, G. H., Esq., Lewden Park, Colchester, Essex.

Evans, J., Esq., Nash Mill House, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire.

Eyton, T. C., Esq., Hyton-on-the-Wealdmoors, Wellington, Salop.

Falmouth, The Rt. Hon. The Viscount, 2 St. James's Square, and
Tregothnan, Cornwall.

Fanshawe, J. G., Esq., Halkin Street, Belgrave Square.

Farlow, C., Esq., St. Hdmund’s Terrace, Primrose Hill.

Finney, W., Esq., Formosa Place, Cookham, Berkshire.

Fitz-Gerald, Mrs., 2 Portland Place.

Fitzgerald, R., Esq., Adraville, Balmain, New South Wales.

Fitzwilliam, The Rt. Hon. Earl, 4 Grosvenor Square.

Fleming, J., Esq., Queen’s Gate, Kensington.

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Flower, E. F., Esq., The Hill, Stratford-on-Avon, Warwickshire.
Foley, The Rt. Hon. Lord, 26 Grosvenor Square.

Foljambe, F. J. 8., Esq., Osberton, Worksop, Nottinghamshire.
Ford, J. W., Esq., Enfield Old Park, Middlesea.

Foster, 8. L., Esq., Old Park Hall, Walsall, Staffordshire.
Foster, R., Esq., The Castle, Lostwithiel, Cornwall.

Foster, W. 0., Esq., Apley Park, Bridgenorth, Salop.
Fountaine, E., Esq., Haston, Norwich.

Fowler, F. 8., Esq., Mannamead, Plymouth.

Fowler, J., Esq., Thornwood Lodge, Campden Hill, Kensington.
Fowler, W., Esq., Whittington Hall, Chesterfield, Derbyshire.
Franklin, Lady, 2 Upper Gore, Kensington.

Fraser, W., Esq., Shipness Castle, Argyllshire.

Fuller, F., Esq.

Gardner, C. D., Esq., The Cedars, Putney.

Gardner, 8., Esq., Archer House, Abbeydale, Sheffield, Yorkshire.

Gassiot, J. P., Esq., Jun., 6 Susseaw Place, Regent’s Park, and The
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Gibson, G. 8., Esq., Saffron Walden, Essex.

Glasgow University, The.

Glyn, Mrs. St. Leger, Bramble Hill, Lyndhurst, Hampshire.

Glyn, Sir Richard Carr, Bart., Leweston, Sherborne, Dorset.

Godfrey, T. 8., Esq., Balderton Hall, Newark, Nottinghamshire.

Godman, F. Du Cane, Esq., Park Hatch, Godalming, Surrey.

Gosford, The Right Hon. The Earl of, Gosford Castle, Armagh,
Ireland.

Gould, The Rev. A., Biddicot, Banbury, Oxon.

Gower, The Hon. E. F. Leveson, 14 South Audley Street.

Gower, W. Granville Leveson, Esq., Titsey Park, Godstone, Surrey.

Graham, The Rev. M. R., Arthuret, Carlisle.

Gray, A., Esq., Stamford Hill, Middlesex.

Greene, The Rev. R., Highlands, St. James Road, Tunbridge Wells,
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Grenfell, Mrs., Taplow Court, Taplow, Bucks.

Griggs, M., Esq., Plymouth, :

Grosvenor, The Lord Richard, 76 Brook Street, Grosvenor Square.

Gulson, J., Esq., Priory Row, Coventry.

Hamilton, Dr., 9 Portugal Street, Grosvenor Square.

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Hamilton and Brandon, His Grace The Duke of, The Palace, Hu-
milton, N.B.

Hammond, W. O., Esq., St. Alban’s Court, Wingham, Kent.

Hamond, A., Esq., Westacre, Swaffham, Norfolk.

Hanbury, Robert, Esq., Poles, Ware, Hertfordshire.

Hankey, J. A., Esq., Balcombe Place, Cuckfield, Sussew.

Harcourt, E. W. Vernon, Esq., Nuneham Park, Abingdon, Berkshire,

Hardy, C.8., Esq., Chilham Castle, Canterbury.

Hardy, H. C., Esq., Anstey Manor, Hampshire.

Harrison, W., Esq., Samlesbury Hall, Preston, Lancashire.

Hartley, L. L., Esq., 18 Great Cumberland Place, Hyde Park.

Hartmann, James, Hyndburn, Accrington, Lancashire.

Hartopp, Sir John, Bart., Your Oaks Hall, Sutton Coldfield.

Hartree, Mrs., Lewisham Road, Greenwich, Kent.

Harvey, N., Esq., Hayle, Cornwall.

Hawkshaw, Sir John, Hollycombe, Sussex.

Hawkshaw, J. C., 25 Cornwall Gardens, South Kensington.

Hawley, Sir Joseph, Bart., 34 Eaton Place, S.W.

Hemans, G. W., Esq., 11 Roland Gardens, South Kensington.

Hesketh, Sir Thomas, Bart., Rufford Hall, Ormskirk, Lancashire.

Hewitson, W. C., Esq., Oatlands, Walton-on-Thames.

Hill, The Right Hon. Viscount, Hawkestone, near Shrewsbury, Salop.

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Holland, Wilmot, Esq., Bread Street, Cheapside.

Holmes, A. W., Esq., Makeney Lodge, Derby.

Holmesdale, The Rt. Hon. Viscount, Linton Park, Staplehurst, Kent.

Hope, ‘The Lady Mildred Beresford, 1 Connaught Place.

Horsfall, W. C., Esq., Horsforth Low Hall, Leeds, Yorkshire.

Hudson, R., Esq., Clapham Common.

Hull Subscription Library, The.

Hussey, H., Esq., Hyde Park Gardens.

Huthwaite, The Rev. T. W., Backwell Vicarage, Bristol.

Ingram, Mrs., Mount Felix, Walton-on-Thames.
Irving, Professor, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
Isham, Sir Charles E., Bart., Lamport Hall, Northampton.

Jeffery, G. A., Esq., Trinity House, Eastbourne, Sussea.
Jervoise, H. E., Esq., 11 Eaton Terrace.
Johnstone, Sir Harcourt, Bart., 34 Belgrave Square.

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Jolliffe, The Hon. H. H., Merstham, Surrey.
Jones, Mrs., The Vicarage, Baschurch, Salop.
Jones, H., Esq., Birmingham.

Kelk, J., Esq., The Priory, Stanmore, Middlesex.

Kelsall, H., Esq.

Kemp, J. Y., Esq., 41 Weymouth Street, Portland Place.
Kennard, H. M., Esq., Crumlin Hall, Newport, Monmouthshire.
Knight, E., Esq., Chawton House, Hampshire.

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King’s College, Cambridge, The Provost and Fellows of.
Kyngdon, Boughton, Esq., Z’regeare, Croydon, Surrey.

Larking, J. W., Esq., Zhe Firs, Lee, Kent.

Laver, H., Esq., Zrinity Street, Colchester, Essea.

Lawley, The Hon. and Rev. 8. W., Escrick, near York.

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Lawrence, G. N., Esq., Pearl Street, New York.

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Liverpool Free Library, The.

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Londonderry, The Most Hon. The Marquis of, Mount Stewart, New-
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Longman, T., Esq., Yarnborough Hall, Farnborough.

Longman, W., Esq., Ashlyn’s Hall, Berkhampstead, Hertfordshire.

Lucas, T., Esq., 12a Kensinyton Palace Gardens.

McConnel, Miss J. C., Cressbrook, Bakewell, Derbyshire.

Major, O. M., Esq., Cromwell House, Duppas Hill Terrace, Croydon,
Surrey.

Malta, The Public Library of.

Manchester, His Grace The Duke of, Great Stanhope Street, and
Kimbolton Castle, St. Neot’s, Huntingdonshire.

Mansel, G. P., Esq., Langton Lodge, Blandford, Dorset.

Mansfield, H., Esq., Owford and Cambridge Club, Pall Mall.

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Marjoribanks, Miss Emma, 34 Wimpole Street, Cavendish Square.

Marlay, C. B., Esq., St. Katherine’s Lodge, Regent’s Park.

Marshall, J., Esq., Belmont, Taunton, Somersetshire.

Marshall, W., Esq., Clay Hill, Enfield, Middlesex.

Marshall, W., Esq., Patterdale Hall, Penrith, Cumberland.

Martens, G., Jun., Esq., Hamburg.

Matheson, of Ardross, Mrs., 38 South Street, Grosvenor Square.

Mercer, D., Esq., West Drayton, Middlesex.

Michell, J., Esq., Foreett Park, Darlington, Durham.

Micklethwait, The Rev. J. N., Taverham Hall, Norwich.

Mildmay, H. B., Esq., 46 Berkeley Square.

Mildmay, Sir Henry St. John, Bart., Dogmersfield Park, Hamp-
shire.

Milles, The Hon. George, Lee’s Court, Faversham, Kent.

Milner, Sir William M. E., Nunappleton, Tadcaster, Yorkshire.

Milton, The Rt. Hon. Selina, Viscountess, Carlton House Terrace.

Mitchell, A., Esq., 6 Great Stanhope Street, May Fair.

Molyneux, Sir Capel, Bart., Castle Dillon, Armagh, Ireland.

Monfort, C., Esq., 33 Marine Parade, Worthing, Sussex.

Monk, 'T. J., Esq., Mountfield House, Lewes, Sussea.

Moore, J., Esq., Grasmere Lodge, Lower Tulse Hill.

Morella, The Countess de, Wentworth, Staines.

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Morrison, of Bognie, A., Esq., Mouwntblairy House, Inverness.

Morse, C., Esq., Zhe Orchard, Aylsham, Norfolk.

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Naylor, J., Esq., Leeghton Hall, Welchpool.

Necker, F., Monsr., Geneva, Switzerland.

Neweastle, His Grace The Duke of, Clumber, Nottinghamshire.

Newdigate, Lieut.-Col., Grenadier Guards, Byrkley Lodge, Needwood
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Newdigate, Major.

Newman, E., Esq., Barnsley, Yorkshire.

Nichol, J. C., Esq., Merthyr Mawr, Bridgend.

Nicholson, F., Esq., Bowden, Cheshire.

Noble, J., Esq., Park Place, Henley-on-Thames. 2 copies.

Nolan, Dr., Gerald’s Town, Ireland.

Norris, W. G., Esq., Colebrookdale, Salop.

North, The Rt. Hon. The Baroness, 16 Arlington Street, Piccadilly.

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Northampton, The Most Hon. The Marquis of, 145 Piccadilly, and
Castle Ashby, Northamptonshire.

Northumberland, His Grace the Duke of, Alnwick Castle, Northum-
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Ouvry, F., Esq., 12 Queen Anne Street, Cuvendish Square.
Owen, Professor, Sheen Lodge, Richmond Park.
Oxford and Cambridge Club, Pall Mall.

Packe, J., Esq., Melton Lodge, Woodbridge, Suffolk.

Palatine Library, The, Florence.

Parker, Mrs., Whiteway House, Chudleigh, Devonshire.

Peabody Institute, The, Baltumore, N. America.

Peek, H. W., Esq., Wimbledon House, Wimbledon, Surrey.

Pender, J., Esq., 18 Arlington Street, Piccadilly.

Penrice, T., Esq., Kilvrough House, Swansea, South Wales.

Penrhyn, The Rt. Hon. Lord, Penrhyn Castle, Bangor.

Perkins, J., Esq., Downing College, Cambridge.

Peters, W., Esq., Ashfold, Crawley, Sussex.

Peto, Sir 8. Morton, Bart.

Philadelphia Academy of Sciences, The, North America.

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Portland, His Grace The Duke of, Cavendish Square.

Portman, The Hon. Mrs., Durweston, Blandford, Dorset.

Powerscourt, The Rt. Hon. Viscount, Powerscourt House, Wicklow,
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Powys, P. Lybbe, Esq.

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Pryor, R., Esq., High Elms, Watford, Hertfordshire.

Radcliffe Library, The, Oxford.

Ramsay, E. P., Esq., Dobroyde, New South Wales.

Ravensworth, The Rt. Hon. Lord, Ravensworth Castle, Gateshead,
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Reed, W., Esq., York.

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Ridgway, J., Esq., Brandfold, Goudhurst, Kent.

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Ripon, The Most Hon. The Marquis of, Carlton House Gardens.

Rocke, J., Esq., Clungunford House, Aston-on-Clun, Salop.

Rodd, E. H., Esq., Penzance, Cornwall,

Rolle, The Rt. Hon. Lady, Upper Grosvenor Street, and Bicton, Bud-
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Rolle, The Hon. Mark, Stevenston, Devonshire.

Rooper, G., Esq.

Rotherham, Mrs., Conuden, Coventry.

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Rothschild, Miss Alice de, Aston Clinton, Tring, Hertfordshire.

Rothschild, The Baroness, 107 Piccadilly.

Rowley, G. Dawson, Esq., Chichester House, East Cliff, Brighton.

Rowley, J. T., Esq., Zendring Hall, Stoke-by-Nayland, Colchester,
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Royal Artillery Institution, The, Woolwich, Kent.

Royal Institution of Great Britain, The, Albemarle Street.

Rucker, 8., Esq., West Hull, Wandsworth, Surrey.

Ruskin, J., Esq., Corpus Christi College, Oxford.

Russell, J. Watts, Esq., lam Hall, Ashborne, Derbyshire.

St. Andrews, The University of.

St. Petersburg, The Imperial Academy of Sciences of.

St. Aubyn, Sir John, Bart., Trevethoe and Pendrea, Cornwall.
Sanford, W. A., Esq., Nynehead Court, Wellington, Somersetshire,
Saunders, Howard, Esq., 7 Radnor Place, Gloucester Square.
Schreiber, Mrs., Woodchurch, Ashford, Kent.

Scott, A. J., Esq., Rotherfield Park, Alton, Hampshire.

Scott, E. H., Esq., 27 Grosvenor Square.

Scott, T., Esq., Ann Street, Birmingham.

Sefton, The Rt. Hon. The Earl of, Belgrave Square.

Shaw, Mr. Henry, Shrewsbury.

Shuttleworth, R. J., Esq., Berne, Switzerland.

Sibthorp, Mrs. Waldo, Washingboro’, Lincoln.

Simmons, G., Esq., Hast Peckham, Tonbridge, Kent.

Sion College, Zondon Wall.

Skaife, J., Esq., Union Street, Blackburn, Lancashire.

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Slater, Edwin, Esq., Manchester.

Smith-Dorrien, Thos. Algernon, Esq., Tesco Abbey, Isles of Scilly.
Smith, A. H., Esq., Mlexford House, Guildford, Surrey.

Smith, Rev. Oswald, Orudwell Rectory, Tetbury, Gloucestershire.

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Smith, W. C., Esq., Shortgrove, Newport, Essea.

Smyth, Percy, Esq., Headborough, Ireland.

Smyth, Sir J. H. Greville, Bart., Ashton Court, near Bristol, Somer-
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Solly, W. H., Esq., Serge Hill, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire.

Sondes, The Rt. Hon. Lord, 32 Grosvenor Square.

Sotheran, Messrs. H. & Co., 1386 Strand. 2 copies.

Spicer, Major, Spye Park, Chippenham.

Spottiswoode, W., Esq., 50 Grosvenor Place.

Stamford and Warrington, The Rt. Hon. The Earl of, Hnville Hall,
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Staniforth, The Rev. Thomas, Storr’s Hall, Windermere, Westmore-
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Stapleton-Cotton, The Hon. R.

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Stewart, Captain.

Stewart, H. G. Murray, Esq., Cally Gatehouse, N.B.

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Stuart, R. L., Esq., New York, N. America.

Stuart, The Rey. H. C., Weagly Vicarage, Wakefield, Yorkshire.

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Surgeons of England, The Royal College of, Lincoln’s Inn Fields.

Sutherland, His Grace The Duke of, Stafford House, St. James’s.

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Tankerville, The Rt. Hon. The Earl of, Chillingham Castle, Nor-
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Taylor, E., Esq., Castle Cottage, Hockerill, Essex.

Taylor, J. E., Esq., Manchester.

Taylor, W., Esq., Thorne House, Eastbourne, Sussex.

Temple, The Rev. G., Canterbury, Kent.

Teylerian Library, The, Haarlem.

Thomasson, J. P., Esq., Moorfield, Bolton-le-Moors, Lancashire.

Thompson, J., Esq., Bowden, Cheshire.

Thompson, W., Esq., Gloucester Row, Weymouth, Dorsetshire.

Tindal, Mrs. Acton, Manor House, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire.

Tipping, Mrs., Brasted Park, Seven Oaks, Kent.

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Tomline, G., Esq., 1 Carlton House Terrace.

Tottenham, Lt.-Col., Talbot Hall, New Ross, [reland.
Tremayne, J., Esq., Heligan, St. Austell, Cornwall.
Trevor, Lord A. Hill, Brynkinholt Park, Salop.

Trinity College, Dublin.

Tufton, Sir Richard, Paris.

Turnor, C., Esq., Stoke Rochford, Grantham, Lincolnshire.
Tweedie, A. F., Esq., Bickley, Bromley, Kent.
Tweedie, -J., Esq., Rachan House, Peebleshire, N.B.

Victoria, The Public Library, Museum, and National Gallery of,
Melbourne, Australia.
Victoria, The National Museum of, Melbourne, Australia,

Walden, The Rt. Hon. Viscount, Walden Cottage, Chislehurst, Kent.

Walker, Fountaine, of Foyers, Esq., Muirtown House, Inverness.

Walker, Mrs., Arnot Grove, Southgate, Middlesex.

Waller, E., Esq., Farmington Lodge, Northleach, Gloucestershire.

Walton, C., Esq., Manor House, Acton, Middlesex.

Ward, Ellis H., Esq.

Warde, Col., Squerryes Court, Westerham, Kent.

Waring, 8. L., Esq., The Oaks, Norwood, Surrey.

West, —, Esq., Eccleston, Liverpool.

Wellington, His Grace the Duke of, Apsley House, Piccadilly.

Wenlock, The Rt. Hon. Lord, Escrick Park, near York.

Westerman, G. F., Esq., Amsterdam.

Westminster, The Most Hon. The Marquis of, Grosvenor House,
Upper Grosvenor Street. 2 copies.

Wharncliffe, The Rt. Hon. Lord, Wharncliffe House, Curzon Street,
May Fair.

White, F. M., Esq., 4 Sussev Place, Regent's Park.

White, The Rev. H., Stanhope Place.

Whitehead, J., Esq., Barfield Lodge, Bickley, Bromley, Kent.

Whitworth, Sir Joseph, Bart., Chorlton Street, Manchester.

Wigram, L., Esq., 43 Berkeley Square.

Wigram, M., Esq., Moor Place, Much Hadham, Hertfordshire.

Williams, C. H., Esq., Pilton House, Barnstaple, North Devon.

Williams, E. M., Esq., Flushing, Falmouth, Cornwall.

Williams, Sir Frederick M., Bart., Goonvrea, Cornwall.

Williams, G., Esq., Trevince, Truvo, Cornwall.

Williams, J. G., Esq., Chequers Court, Tring, Hertfordshire.

14

Williams, The Dowager Lady, Trequllow, Cornwall.

Willyams, E. B., Esq., Nanskeval, St. Columb, Cornwall.

Wilson, Colonel F. M., Stowlangtoft Hall, Bury St. Edmunds,
Suffolk.

Wilson, G. H., Esq., Redgrave Hall, Botesdale, Suffolk.

Wolf, J., Esq., 59 Berners Strect, Oxford Street.

Worthington, Jas., Esq., Sale Hall, Manchester.

Wright, 8. Beresford, Esq., Aldercar Hall, Nottingham.

Wright, Francis, Esq., Osmaston Manor, Derby.

Wrottesley, Lord, 18 Chapel Street, Park Lane.

Windsor-Clive, The Lady Mary, Oakly Park, Broomfield, Salop.

Wingfield, Captain C., Onslow Hall, Shrewsbury.

Yarborough, The Rt. Hon. The Earl of, 17 Arlington Street, Picca-
dilly.

Zoological Society of London, The, Hanover Square.

PROSPECTUS

OF THE WORKS

UN ORNITHOLOGY, EEC,

JOHN GOULD, F.R.S.

I. THE BIRDS OF GREAT BRITAIN. London, 1873.

The publication of this work commenced in 1862, and is now complete
in twenty-five Parts at Three Guineas a Part, or £78 15s. the whole.
Any person desirous of obtaining one of the few remaining copies may
do so by communicating with the Author. ‘

II, A CENTURY OF BIRDS FROM THE HIMALAYA MOUN-
TAINS. 1 Volume, Imperial Folio, containing 80 Plates, with
descriptive letterpress. Price £14 14s. London, 1832.

This work, of which no copies remain, was commenced in January
1831, and completed in August 1852. It contains figures and descriptions
of 100 Birds which were at that time either new or very imperfectly
known.

Ill. THE BIRDS OF EUROPE. 5 Volumes, Imperial Folio,
comprising 449 Plates, with descriptive letterpress, Introduction,
&e. Price £76 8s. London, 1837.

Of this work also no copies remain; and it is a source of much satisfac-
tion to the Author to know that when a copy is offered for sale by public
auction, on the demise of a Subscriber, it realizes considerably more than
its original cost,—in some instances as much as £100 and even £120,

IV. THE BIRDS OF AUSTRALIA. 7 Volumes, Imperial Folio,
containing Figures of 600 species, with descriptive letterpress
and a large amount of Introductory matter. Price £115,
London, 1848.

This work, of which no copies remain, was originally published in
Thirty-six Parts, each containing Seventeen Plates with descriptive letter-
press, at the price of Three Guineas each Part, with the exception of the
Thirty-sixth, the price of which, in consequence of the large amount of
introductory matter, was £4 12s,

A SUPPLEMENT TO THE BIRDS OF AUSTRALIA.

Such a work as the ‘ Birds of Australia’ could not be kept incomplete
for an indefinite period; it was, therefore, brought to a close in 1848,
when all the species then known had been figured; but as Australia be-
came more and more known, additional species of birds were discovered,
rendering a Supplement necessary, in order to keep the subject complete.
Parts I, IL, IIL, IV., and V., price £3 3s. each, have been published as
a sufficient number of novelties came to hand; and with Part V. Titles
and every requisite to form the whole into a Volume have been fur-
nished. This Supplementary Volume, containing many novelties of the
highest interest, the Author considers to be one of the most important he
has produced, whether regarded as a continuation to the seven volumes
which preceded it, or as a separate work. Price 15 Guineas.

A HANDBOOK TO THE BIRDS OF AUSTRALIA.

This work has been published in consequence of the Author having been
led to believe that a résumé of the subject in an 8vo form, without
Plates, would be acceptable to the possessors of the folio edition, as well
as to the many persons in Australia who are now turning their attention
to the Ornithology of the country in which they are resident, and because
he was moreover assured that such a work was greatly needed to enable
the explorer during his journeyings, or the student in his quiet home, to
identify the species that might come under his observation, and as a
means by which the curators of the museums, now established in all
parts of the world, might arrange and name the Australian birds entrusted
to their charge; and he believes that the two volumes (containing over
600 pages each) in which it is comprised will fully answer the desired
end.

The price of the Two Volumes, which contain a considerable amount
of additional and interesting information, and many species not in the
folio edition, is £2 10s,

VY. THE BIRDS OF ASIA. Jn course of publication.

To no portion of the globe does there attach so much interest as to that
vast extent of the Old World which we designate Asia. It is there that
all the productions of nature essential to the well- being of man occur in
the greatest abundance. ‘The most important of our domestic quadrupeds,
the most valuable and interesting of our domestic Gallinaceous birds,
were first reclaimed in Asia. It is in Asia that animal life exhibits in its
forms the highest degree of organic development, together with a variety
in those forms in accordance with the varied physical characters of this
extensive region, where the grandest mountain-ranges alternate with
steppes, sandy deserts, inland seas, and interminable ‘forests of gigantic
growth. That the Zoology, then, of such a country should have called
forth the notice and study of able minds cannot be surprising; and yet
it is remarkable that no one has attempted a work comprehending a
general history of its OrnirHoLoGy. This hiatus in Ornithological
literature the Author proposes to fill up by publishing a work on “The
Birds of Asia,’ precisely similar in every respect to his former works on
‘The Birds of Europe’ and ‘ The Birds of Australia.’ Its size and manner
of execution will be the same; and it will be published in Parts, price
Three Guineas each.

Of this work twenty-five Parts have been published up to 1873; and for
the present it will still appear at the rate of not more than one or two
Parts a year.

VI. A MONOGRAPH OF THE RAMPHASTIDA, OR FAMILY
OF TOUCANS. 1 Volume, Imperial Folio, containing Fifty-
two Plates, with descriptive letterpress, &c. Price £12 12s.
London, 1854.

An edition of this work was published in 1834, at the price of £7;
but the extensive researches since carried on among the Great Andean
Ranges of South America having led to the discovery of many additional
and beautiful species belonging to this extraordinary group of Birds, a
revision of the work not only became necessary, but an entirely new
edition was deemed imperative ; and accordingly one, with the whole
of the former Plates redrawn, was published in 1854, at the price of
£12 12s.

The history of this South-American group is very peculiar; and their
manners and actions are as remarkable as their aspect, in some respects
reminding us of the Hornbills of India and Africa, while in others they
are unlike those of any other group of the feathered race. To a con-
sideration of these points the Introduction is devoted.

VII. A MONOGRAPH OF THE TROGONIDA, OR FAMILY
OF TROGONS. 1 Volume, Imperial Folio, containing Thirty-
six Plates, with descriptive letterpress. Price £8. London,
1838.

This work, in unison with the Monograph of the Toucans, comprises
the history and figures of all the species of the group known up to the
date of publication. The members of the Trogonide are remarkable for
a gorgeous style of colouring, for recluse habits, and for the union of
insect diet with such aliments as fruits and berries, in accordance with
which the beak is modified; they ave divided between the warmer lati-
tudes of America and India, with the exception of one species, which is
peculiar to Africa, With the plumes of some species the Mexican kings
and Caciques are said to have adorned their head-dresses.

The same reasons which induced the Author to publish a new edition
of the Monograph of the Ramphastide, have also rendered another edition
of this Monograph desirable ; and accordingly one is now in preparation,
comprising all the new species and information required respecting this
family of birds during the last twenty-five years. It will be completed
in four Parts, at £3 5s. each, the tirst and second of which is now ready
for delivery.

VIII. A MONOGRAPH OF THE ODONTOPHORINA, OR
PARTRIDGES OF AMERICA. — 1 Volume, Imperial Folio,
containing Thirty-two Plates, with descriptive letterpress.
Price £8 8s. London, 1850,

The interest which attaches to this work is threefold. First, it displays,
even to the most unpractised eye, the broad distinction which subsists
between the Partridges of America and those of Europe ; secondly, the
species are all remarkable for the elegance of their forms and for the chaste
beauty of their colouring ; and thirdly, at no distant date these Birds will
be regarded in America, as our Partridges in Europe are, as game, and
perhaps preserved by law,—their flesh being as delicate for the table as
that of our ordinary bird, from which, however, they differ considerably
in the structure of the beak, and in general habits and economy,

4

IX. A MONOGRAPH OF THE TROCHILIDA OR ‘HUM-
MING-BIRDS.

Having from an early period devoted himself to the study of these
beautiful birds, and acquired a most valuable and extensive collection of
a group peculiar to America and its adjacent islands, the Author deter-
mined upon publishing a Monograph of a family unequalled for the
gorgeous and ever-changing brilliancy of their hues, the variety of their
form, the singularity of their habits, and the extent of their territorial
distribution. Anxious to render his represeutations of these lovely objects
as faithful as possible, the Author instituted a series of experiments upon.
a new mode of colouring, which has been so far successful that the birds
are as closely imitated as art can hope to see accomplished ; he has also
endeavoured, as far as possible, to associate each species with one of the
plants of its own region, thereby adding an additional charm to a work
which he trusts will be equally acceptable to the artist and the lover of
_nature, and which has been so successful that it is perhaps the most
popular of his productions.

Complete in five Volumes, price £78 15s.

X. THE MAMMALS OF AUSTRALIA.

The Authoyr’s visit to Australia having enabled him to procure much
valuable information respecting the habits and economy, and many new
species, of the singular and interesting Mammalia of that country, he has
determined upon publishing a work on the subject. With respect to the
importance of such a work no doubt can exist ; and as the author is deeply
impressed with this idea, so will he endeavour to render it equal to its
associate publication on the Ornithology of that remarkable region. To
the Plates every attention, even to the minutest details, has been rendered ;
and the Authoyr’s original notes and observations have furnished him with
a store to draw upon for many points of interest. In execution it is pre-
cisely similar to the ‘ Birds,’ and is completed in Thirteen Parts, each
containing Fifteen Plates, price £3 3s., or in Three Volumes, price £41.

This work has been so highly approved of, that by many it is regarded
as more interesting than the ‘ Birds’ of the same country.

With the exception of the ‘Handbook to the Birds of Australia,’ all
the above works are in Imperial Folio, with the Plates and Descriptions
in the same style, and form a uniform series.

LONDON: PUBLISHED BY THE AUTHOR, 26 CHARLOTTE
STREET, BEDFORD SQUARE, W.C.

August 1873,

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