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THE
BIRDS OF EUROPE.
BY
JOHN GOULD, F.LS., &.
Ms
IN FIVE VOLUMES.
VOL. V.
NATATORES.
LONDON:
PRINTED BY RICHARD AND JOHN E. TAYLOR, RED LION COURT, FLEET STREET.
PUBLISHED BY THE AUTHOR, 20 BROAD STREET, GOLDEN SQUARE.
1837.
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LIST OF PLATES.
VOLUME V.
Norr.—As the arrangement of the Plates during the course of publication was found to be impracticable, the Numbers
here given will refer to the Plates when arranged, and the work may be quoted by them.
NATATORES.
Snow Goose j Anser hyperboreus, Pall. . 346
Grey Lag Wild Goose ferus, Steph. . . 347
Bean Goose ‘ — segetum, Steph. . 348
White-fronted Goose — albifrons, Steph. . 349
Bernicle Goose — leucopsis, Bechst. . 350
Red-breasted Goose — ruficollis, Pall. . 351
Brent Goose Brenta, Flem. : 5 BY
Egyptian Goose Chenalopex Egyptiaca, Steph. . 353
Domestic Swan : Cygnus mansuetus, Gimel. . 354
Whistling Swan, or Hooper ferus Ray. . 355
Bewick’s Swan : Bewickii, Yarr. . 356
Common Shieldrake Tadorna vulpanser, lem. . 357
Ruddy Shieldrake - rutila, Steph. . 358
Widgeon Mareca Penelope, Selby. . 359
Shoveller Duck Rhynchaspis clypeata, Steph. . 360
Common Wild Duck Anas Boschas, Linn. . 861
Common Teal Querquedula Crecca, Steph. . 362
Bimaculated Teal glocitans, Vig. . 363
Gargany Teal . —— circia, Steph. . 364
Pintail Duck Dafila caudacuta, Leach. . . 365
Gadwall . ; Chauliodes strepera, Swains. . 366
Red-headed Pochard Fuligula ferina, Steph. : . 367
White-eyed, or Castaneous Duck leucophthalma, Steph. . 368
Red-crested Duck — rufina, Steph. . 369
Tufted Duck ——— cristata, Steph. . 370
Sceaup Pochard — marila, Steph. 3 Sai
Western Duck ——- Dispar, Steph. . 372
Marbled Duck marmorata. _ . 373
Rider Duck Somateria mollissima, Leach. - 314
King Duck spectabilis, Leach. . 375
Surf Scoter Oidemia perspicillata, Flem. . 376
Velvet Scoter . fusca, Flem. 5 Bea
Black Scoter . nigra, Flem. . 378
Golden Eye Clangula vulgaris, Leach. . 379
Barrow’s Duck ———— Barrovii, Sw. & Rich. . 380
Harlequin Duck histrionica, Leach. . 38]
Long-tailed Duck Harelda glacialis, Leach. . . 382
White-headed Duck Undina leucocephala. . 383
Goosander ; ' Mergus Merganser, Linn. . 384
Red-breasted Merganser serrator, Linn. . 385
Hooded Merganser — eucullatus, Linn. . 386
Smew : ; == albellus, Linn. . 387
Great-crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus, Lath. . 388
Red-necked Grebe . rubricollis, Lath. . 389
Horned Grebe ———— cornutus, Lath. . 390
Eared Grebe . ———— auritus, Lath. . 391
Little Grebe, or Dabchick ——— minor, Lath. 392
Northern Diver Colymbus glacialis, Linn. . 393
Black-throated Diver arcticus, Linn. : . 394
Red-throated Diver septentrionalis, Linn. . 395
Foolish Guillemot Uria Troile, Linn.
Bridled Guillemot lacrymans, Lapyl. 1397,
Brunnich’s Guillemot — Brunnichii, Sab. . 898
Black Guillemot Grylle, Lath. . 399
Great Auk Alca impennis, Linn. . 400
Razor-billed Auk Torda, Linn. . 401
Little Auk Mergulus alle, Bon. . 402
Puffin 5 Mormon Fratercula, Temm. . 403
Northern Puffin —— glacialis, Leach. . 404
Pelican ; Pelecanus Onocrotalus, Linn. . 405
Dalmatian Pelican . crispus, Feld. . . 406
Common Cormorant Phalacrocorax Carbo, Steph. . 407
Black Cormorant Graculus, Briss. . 408
Little Cormorant pygmeus*, Steph. | . . 409
Shag, or Green Cormorant —— cristatus, Steph. & Flem. . 410
Desmarest’s Cormorant . Desmarestii. ee ANlah
Solan Gannet . Sula Bassana, Briss. 5 EO
Black-tailed Gannet melanura, Temm. 4h133
Caspian Tern . Sterna Caspia, Pail. . 414
Sandwich Tern cantiaca, Gmel. 5 Zbl
Gull-billed Tern ——— Anglica, Mont. . 416
Common Tern ——— Hirundo, Linn. eel,
Roseate Tern . Dougallii, Mont. . 418
Arctic Tern ——— Arctica, Temm. . 419
Little Tern minuta, Linn. . 420
Noddy Tern stolida, Linn. . 421
Black Tern : ; Viralva nigra, Leach. 2422
White-winged Tern : leucoptera, Leach. . 423
Moustache Tern leucopareia, Steph. - 424
Laughing Gull Xema ridibunda, Boje. = A225
Black-winged Gull . atricilla}. . 426
Black-headed Gull . —— melanocephala, Boje. : 427
Little Gull —— minuta, Boje. . 428
Sabine’s Gull . : , Sabinii, Leach. . 429
Great Black-backed Gull Larus marinus, Linn. . 430
Lesser Black-backed Gull fuscus, Linn. . . 431
Glaucous Gull —— glaucus, Brunn. . 432
Iceland Gull — Islandicus, Edm. . 433
Herring Gull . argentatus, Brunn. . 434
Kittiwake Gull — Rissa, Linn. - 435
Ivory Gull — eburneus, Gmel. . 436
Common Gull — canus, Linn. . . 437
Audouin’s Gull Audouinii, Temm. . 438
Skua ‘ Lestris catarractes, Temm. . 439
Pomarine Gull Pomarinus, Temm. . 440
Richardson’s Lestris Richardsonii, Swains. . _ 44)
Parasitic Gull Parasiticus, J7I. . 442
Manks Shearwater . Puffnus Anglorum, Ray. . . 443
Dusky Shearwater . obscurus. . . 444
Cinereous Shearwater cinereus, Steph. . 445
Fulmar Petrel : Procellaria glacialis, Linn. . 446
Fork-tailed Storm Petrel Thalassidroma Leachii : . 447
Common Storm Petrel — pelagica, Selby. . 448
Bulwer’s Petrel ? Bulwerii. . 449
LIST OF PLATES.
. 396
* Named erroneously Carbo pygmeus.
+ Named erroneously on the Plate Larus atricilla.
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Genus ANSER, Briss.
Gren. Cuar. Bill as long as the head, straight, conical, thick, higher than broad at the base,
depressed and flattened towards the tip; entirely covered with a cere, except the nails at the
tip, which are horny, orbiculate and convex; lower mandible narrower than the upper ;
the edges of both laminato-dentated. Nos¢rz/s lateral, placed near the base of the bill.
Wings long, ample, tuberculated. Legs placed a little behind the equilibrium of the body,
and clothed nearly to the tarsal joint. Fee¢ four-toed, three before and one behind; the
former united by a membrane, the latter free. az/s falcate, their inner edges dilated.
SNOW GOOSE.
Anser hyperboreus, Pall.
L’Oie hyperborée, ou de neige.
Tus fine species of Goose inhabits all the regions of the Arctic circle, but more especially those portions
appertaining to North America; it has also been said to inhabit the Antarctic circle, but this we find is not
the case, its place being there supplied by another distinct species. From the northern portions of Russia
and Lapland, where it is sparingly diffused, it regularly migrates to the eastern portions of Europe, and is
occasionally found in Prussia and Austria, but never in Holland. The polar regions being its true and congenial
habitat, it retires to those remote parts early in spring to perform the duties of incubating and rearing its
young. .
The eggs are of a yellowish white, of a regular ovate form, and somewhat larger than those of the Eider
Duck.
Dr. Latham informs us that the Snow Goose is very numerous at Hudson’s Bay; that it visits Severn,
River in May, and after having proceeded further north to breed, returns to ‘‘ Severn Fort in the beginning of
September, and remains to the middle of October, when they depart southward with their young, in flocks
innumerable. At this time many thousands are killed by the inhabitants, who pluck them, and taking out the
entrails, put their bodies into holes dug in the ground, covering them with earth, which, freezing above,
keeps them perfectly sweet throughout the severe season ; during which the inhabitants occasionally open one
of these storehouses, when they find them sweet and good.”
Its food consists of insects, rushes, and the roots of reeds and other vegetables, which, says Wilson, it tears
‘up from the marshes like hogs,” and for which purpose its powerful serrated bill would seem to be expressly
adapted: in autumn it feeds principally upon berries, especially those of the Empetrum mgrum. Like all the
other vegetable feeders of the family, its flesh is very juicy, and forms an excellent article for the table.
The sexes are alike in colouring and may be thus described :
Forepart of the head as far as the eyes yellowish rust colour; the remainder of the plumage pure white,
with the exception of the nine exterior quills, which have their bases and shafts white and the remainder black ;
bare space round the eye, bill, and feet rich reddish orange; nails of the mandibles blue; irides greyish
brown. |
The young exhibit a very striking difference from the adults, and have the head and upper part of the neck
white ; the remainder of the neck, breast, and upper part of the back purplish brown ; all the feathers finely
tipped with pale brown; wing-coverts, lower part of the back, and rump pale ash; primaries and secondaries
black ; tertials centred with black, and edged with light blue ; tail-coverts white ; tail blackish brown edged and
tipped with white; belly and vent greyish; bill and feet light reddish purple.
We have figured an adult about one third less than the natural size. -
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GREY LAG WILD GOOSE.
Anser ferus, Steph.
LOie cendrée ou premiere.
Notwirustanpine the variety of plumage which exists in our race of domesticated Geese, there is so striking
a similitude in the form of the body, the shape and colouring of the bill, and other characters, as to leave no
doubt in the minds of naturalists that they have descended from one common stock, of which the figure in our
plate is a representative in its wild or natural state. ‘The value of this bird as an article of food, and the
various uses made of its feathers, are so well known to all our readers that it will be quite unnecessary for us
to describe the management and rearing of the numerous domestic varieties, a subject so well understood by
every one, and for a full account of which we refer our readers to the works of Pennant, &c. Although
we learn from the testimony of older authors that this bird was once a permanent resident in the British
Islands, it is now scarce, in consequence of its not being able to find a secure retreat where it may rear its
young, the progress of cultivation and the drainage of the land compelling it to retire to more distant coun-
tries, where it may still breed unmolested.
The Grey Lag is known to inhabit all the extensive marshy districts throughout the temperate portions of
Europe generally ; its range northwards not extending further than the fifty-third degree of latitude, while
southwards it extends to the northern portions of Africa, eastwardly to Persia, and, we believe, is generally
dispersed over Asia Minor.
The Grey Lag assembles in flocks, and like the Bean Goose seeks the most open and wild districts, often
descending upon fields of newly sprung wheat, which, with the blades of fine grasses, trefoil, and grain,
constitute its food.
The nest is said to be placed among rushes, and is formed of a large quantity of various vegetable
matters: the eggs, from six to twelve in number, of a sullied white.
The sexes are nearly alike in plumage.
Head and neck brown, tinged with grey; back, scapulars, and wing-coverts brown, tinged with ash grey,
all the feathers being broadly margined with greyish white; lesser wing-coverts bluish grey; upper tail-
coverts white; breast and belly greyish white, crossed with bars of a deeper tint; vent and under tail-coverts
white ; bill reddish orange, the nail greyish white; legs and feet dull red.
The Plate represents an adult male about two thirds of the natural size.
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BEAN GOOSE.
Anser segetum, Steph.
LOie vulgaire ou sauvage.
In the temperate portions of Europe, and particularly on the British Islands, the Bean Goose is rather a
winter visitor than a permanent resident : after passing the summer within the arctic circle, it migrates early
in the autumn to more southern latitudes; hence in October and November considerable flocks arrive in the
northern counties of England, and afterwards disperse themselves over the greater portion of our island.
Like the other members of its family it is extremely shy and difficult of approach, cautiously avoiding danger
by resorting to wild and open parts of the country. These birds feed principally by day, when they resort to
stubble lands, and not unfrequently to grounds lately sown with peas, beans, and pulse, and they have been known
to commit considerable havoc on young wheat. Extensive marshes and fenny districts also form a place of
favourite resort, the large sheets of water which there abound affording them a safe retreat in cases of danger,
and to which they frequently retire for the night. From the delicate quality of their food, the flesh of the
Bean Goose is well flavoured, hence it is highly esteemed for the table, and numbers are annually sent to
our markets, where they may be frequently observed exposed for sale, accompanied by their near ally the Grey
Lag. On the approach of spring they commence their migrations northward; and notwithstanding the
assertions made by some authors, that they remain and breed in our western and northern islands, we feel
confident that the greater number make the high northern latitudes the place of general rendezvous.
The power of flight of the Bean Goose is very great, and when at a considerable elevation, with a favour-
able breeze, the rate at which it passes through the air has been estimated at from 60 to 80 miles an hour
at least.
From the great similarity which exists between the Bean Goose and the Grey Lag, the two species have
been often confounded; on a close examination, however, we cannot but observe the great difference which
exists in the form and colour of their bills, as well as other peculiarities, which will be found in comparing the
descriptions of the two birds. In size the Grey Lag has the advantage of the present species, although in this
respect the male of the latter often exceeds in weight the female of the former. The black colour and di-
minutive bill of the Bean Goose, when opposed to the robust and flesh-coloured bill of the Grey Lag, forms
perhaps the best and readiest mark of distinction between the two species.
The sexes are so nearly alike in the colour of their plumage that one description will serve for both; nor
does there appear to be any perceptible change in their plumage at opposite seasons.
It is said to breed in low marshy situations, the female laying from eight to twelve white eggs.
The whole of the bill is black, with the exception of a band of pinky yellow (sometimes inclining to red)
which surrounds both mandibles near the point ; irides and orbits brown; top of the head and back of the
neck brown, the latter having longitudinal furrows, giving this part the appearance of being marked with dark
lines; the whole of the back, wings, flanks, and tail dark clove brown tinged with grey, each feather being
tipped with white; breast and abdomen greyish brown; vent, under tail-coverts, and rump white ; legs
and webs orange.
The Plate represents an adult male about a third less than the natural size.
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WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE.
Anser albifrons, Lznn.
LOie rieuse, ou a front blanc.
We have not been able to ascertain with any degree of certainty whether the jet black markings which
ornament the breast of this species are only assumed during summer, or whether they are confined to certain
examples. While describing this bird in his ‘‘ Manuel d’Ornithologie,” we find M. Temminck equally at a
loss with ourselves, for in a note appended to his description he states, that ‘‘ after inspecting the plumage of
this Goose, I suspect that the species moult twice in the year, and that in summer the belly and chest are of
a deep black, while these parts in winter are pure white. I say only that case appears to me such, for it
is by the naturalists in the North alone, who are able to observe this bird during the period of incubation,
that this circumstance can be decided.” The great numbers of this species brought to the London market
during the first fortnight of January 1835, afforded us ample opportunities of examining a great variety
of specimens; which examinations have led us to doubt if the irregular markings on the breast are ever
assumed by many of these birds until they have attained a considerable age, there having been numerous ma-
ture individuals among those examined which had not the slightest trace of this peculiar feature, while in
others it was slightly apparent ; yet the majority of both sexes possessed the character in question, displayed
in the most conspicuous manner. Some few birds of the year were observed, many of which had already the
black feathers appearing ina slight degree; from which circumstance it is clear that a still further knowledge
of the habits, changes, and economy of this fine Goose is required to render its history complete ; and it is to
be regretted that our island does not afford a retreat for so valuable a bird, in which it might breed and rear
its young. It is just possible that the individuals examined by us at that early period of the year might not
have commenced their spring moult; and if so, it-is singular that others should have acquired so much of the
black, which, according to M. Temminck’s theory, is characteristic of the plumage of summer.
The summer residence of the White-fronted Goose is the high northern latitudes of both worlds: in
these countries it finds a place of security wherein to incubate. It commences its migrations southwards
early in the autumn, at which period great numbers pass into Holland, Germany, and France. In the British
Islands it is tolerably abundant, particularly in the midland and southern counties, giving a decided preference
to low marshes and fenny districts. Its food consists of aquatic vegetables of various kinds, small snails, &c.
Its weight generally varies from five to seven pounds, and as an article for the table it is not surpassed by
any of its tribe, its flesh being finely flavoured and tender.
Bill pale flesh-colour, nail pure white; forehead white; head, neck, and upper part of the chest greyish
brown ; breast, belly, and abdomen black marked with irregular bars and blotches of white; back brown, each
feather being margined with greyish white; wing-coverts grey edged with white; quills dark greyish black ;
vent and upper tail-coverts white; middle tail-feathers grey, with white tips, the remainder becoming
gradually lighter, to the outer ones, which are wholly white; legs and toes orange; claws whitish.
The Plate represents an adult and a young bird of the year about three fourths of the natural size.
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BERNICLE GOOSE.
Anser leucopsis, Bechst.
LOie Bernache.
Ir is only during the months of autumn and winter that the British Islands are visited by the Bernicle
Goose, the extreme cold of the northern latitudes, where it sojourned during the summer season, having
driven it southward into climates where its food is still accessible. The portion of our island in which it is
most abundant is along the whole of the western coast from north to south. In Lancashire it appears
especially abundant: the North and West of Ireland is also visited by it in large flocks. On the Continent
Holland, Germany, and France offer an extent of coast and inland meres and marshes highly acceptable to
the Bernicle, to which localities it resorts in great numbers. It is decidedly one of the handsomest and most
elegant of the Geese that sojourn in the British dominions, and when domesticated forms a graceful ornament
to our aviaries. When wild it is extremely shy and wary, so much so that it cannot be approached without
the utmost circumspection. Its food consists of various aquatic and terrestrial vegetables, seeds, and grain.
It breeds in the regions of the arctic circle, but we have no correct information as to the description of its
eggs, or its peculiar habits of nidification, in which, however, we conceive it agrees with the rest of its
- congeners.
The sexes offer so little difference in the colouring of their plumage that one description will serve for
both.
The adult has the forehead, cheeks, and throat yellowish white; a narrow black mark passes from the bill
to the eye; the top of the head, neck, and chest black; the upper surface fine blueish grey, the tip of each
feather edged with brownish black and a margin of greyish white beyond; primaries greyish black ; upper
tail-coverts white; tail black; the whole of the under surface silvery white; flanks strongly marked with
grey in waved bars; feet and bill black ; irides dark brown.
The young are easily distinguished from the adults, by the light colouring of the face being more clouded
with black, and by the general plumage being less pure and decided.
The Plate represents an adult about three fourths of the natural size.
peprcouinyayy 2 ha pon]: (P27) Soyns rsuy aT Tore
“ASOOD AAILSV awa - daw
RED-BREASTED GOOSE.
Anser ruficollis, Padll.
LOie a Cou roux.
Ws regret that we are unable to give any detailed account of this beautiful Goose. Only four or five instances
are on record of its having been captured in the British Islands; and its occurrence on the European conti-
nent appears to be equally rare, except in the most north-eastern portions, where it is rather more plentiful.
The countries to which it habitually resorts are doubtless the extreme northern parts of Asia and Siberia, its
migrations in summer extending to the shores of the Frozen Ocean, where it breeds and rears its young. Ex-
traordinarily severe seasons or other unusual circumstances, driving it out of its usual course, are in all pro-
bability the causes of its appearing occasionally in this country, and in other temperate portions of the globe.
The first example captured in England was taken near London in 1776, passed into the hands of Mr. Tunstall,
and is now in the Museum at Newcastle-upon-Tyne ; another was captured alive near Wycliffe, and was kept
in confinement for some years by the gentleman above mentioned ; a third was killed near Berwick-upon
Tweed, and formed a part of Mr. Bullock’s celebrated collection; and others, Mr. Stephens informs us, were
killed in the severe winter of 1813 in Cambridgeshire.
In its habits, disposition, and food it doubtless offers a strict resemblance to the other members of its genus :
that it feeds on vegetables is pretty certain, from the circumstance of its flesh being free from any fishy taste
and in great esteem for the table.
Weare not aware whether the sexes exhibit any difference in their colouring, but judging from analogy we
should conceive that they do not vary much, if any.
Forehead, top of the head, stripe down the back of the neck, chin, throat, and a band scence upwards to
the eye, black ; on each side of the head a patch of reddish brown surrounded by a stripe of white, which is
extended down the sides of the neck, and separates the black stripe down the back of the neck from the reddish
brown of the lower part of the neck and breast, which latter colour is margined with black, to which succeeds
a stripe of white ; upper surface, fore part of the belly, wings, and tail black ; hinder part of the belly, vent,
thighs, upper and under tail-coverts white; greater wing-coverts margined with white ; bill and legs blackish
brown.
We have figured a male somewhat less than the natural size.
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BRENT GOOSE.
Anser Brenta, Flem.
LOlie cravant.
Tuts well-known species is the least of the European Wild Geese, and is one of our winter visitants, at which
period it resorts in great numbers to the inlets of the sea and the bays around our coast. Being driven from
the icy regions of the polar circle by the approach of inclement weather, it not only visits the shores of the
British Islands, but appears to radiate in every direction, spreading itself over almost all the maritime por-
tions of Europe, Asia, and America. ‘‘ Upon the Northumbriam coast,” says Mr. Selby, ‘a very large
body of these birds annually resorts to the extensive muddy and sandy flats that lie between the mainland and
Holy Island, and which are covered by every flow of the tide. In this locality tolerably sized flocks usually
make their appearance in the early part of October, which are increased by the repeated arrival of others till
the beginning of November, at which time the equatorial movement of the species in this latitude seems to
be completed. This part of the coast appears to have been a favourite resort of these birds from time im-
memorial, where they have always received the name of Ware Geese, given to them, without doubt, in conse-
quence of their food consisting entirely of marine vegetables. This I have frequently verified by dissection ;
finding the gizzard filled with the leaves and stems of a species of grass that grows abundantly in the shallow
pools left by the tide, and with the remains of the fronds of different Alg@, particularly of one which seems
to be the Laver (Ulva latissina). These were mixed with a considerable quantity of sharp sand, but without
any portion of animal or shelly matter, although Wilson states that they feed occasionally upon small univalve
and bivalve mollusca. In this haunt they remain till the end of February, when they migrate in successive
flocks, as the individuals happen to be influenced by the season, and before April the whole have disappeared.
When feeding (which they do at ebb tide) or moving from one place to another, they keep up a continual
hoarse cackling, or, as it is termed, honkeng noise, which can be heard at a great distance.”
The Brent Goose is always extremely shy and watchful, and can only be approached by the sportsman
concealing his person. This wariness has induced those who procure these birds for the market to resort to
various contrivances to effect their object, for an account of which we beg to refer our readers to Colonel
Hawker’s ‘Instructions to young Sportsmen,’ an amusing treatise, where a full description is given of this kind
of sporting.
They breed and rear their young in the security of high northern latitudes; the nest being formed of
various vegetable materials, and the eggs, which are white, being ten or twelve in number.
The male has the head, neck, and upper part of the breast black ; on each side of the neck a patch of
white ; back, scapulars, and wing-coverts brown, each feather being margined with paler brown ; under sur-
face dark grey, each feather margined with paler grey; vent and upper and under tail-coverts white ; lower
part of the back, the rump, quills, and tail black ; bill black ; irides brown ; legs and feet brownish black.
The female resembles the male in colour, but is not quite so large.
Our Plate represents an adult male rather less than the natural size.
a ¢,
Hie
mei! J ii ith i
ee Se ee PF Ne re ey ee
TaOPT
(Ydae) erendsyy xadoyeusy)
“HSOOD NVILdADT
Sosy
eas
Genus CHENALOPEX, Antigq.
_ Gen. Cuar. Beak as long as the head, slender, straight, its tip rounded, the margin lami-
»
nated ; the upper mandible curved, its tip hooked; the lower mandible flat. Nostrils
_ placed at the basal portion of the beak. Wings armed with spurs. Legs placed in the
equilibrium of the body, four-toed ; the anterior toes entirely webbed, the hinder one
simple ; tarsi somewhat elongated.
EGYPTIAN GOOSE.
Chenalopex Egyptiaca, Steph.
LOie dEgypie.
On comparing the present species with the other members of its family, it will be found to differ in form from
every one of them, on which account it has been formed by Mr. Stephens into a distinct genus, to which he
has been induced to give the above generic title, in consequence of this bird being in the opinion of M. Geof-
froy St. Hilaire the Chenalopex or Vulpanser of the ancients.
In figuring this fine species of Goose as a member of the European Fauna, we are not instigated by the
occurrence of numerous half-reclaimed individuals which are yearly shot in our island, but from the circum-
stance of its occasionally visiting the southern parts of the Continent from its native country Africa. M.Tem-
minck particularly mentions the island of Sicily as one of the places frequented by it. This is the species
which would appear to have been held in great veneration by the ancient Egyptians, as we frequently find a
figure of it among the stupendous works of that celebrated people. It is abundant on the banks of the Nile,
and is distributed over the whole of the vast continent of Africa.
It readily breeds in confinement, and forms a beautiful and interesting addition to the menagerie.
The sexes are alike in plumage, but the female is somewhat smaller in size, and has the whole of the
markings less decided than in the male.
Feathers immediately behind the base of the bill, a narrow line running from the upper angle of the gape
to the eye, and a large patch surrounding the eye, rich chestnut; sides of the face, crown of the head, and
the fore part of the neck buffy white, gradually passing on the back of the neck into rufous brown; this
reddish tinge also predominates on the lower part of the neck, and forms a faint collar; upper part of the
back light chestnut brown, transversely rayed with very minute and irregular lines of blackish brown ; centre
of the back and upper part of the scapularies dark reddish brown, minutely rayed with irregular transverse
lines of blackish brown and grey ; lower part of the scapularies and tertiaries rich reddish chestnut ; lesser
wing-coverts pure white with the exception of the posterior row of feathers, which are crossed with a strongly
defined mark of black near their extremities, forming a narrow band across the wing ; primaries, lower part
of the back, rump, and tail black ; secondaries rich glossy green, with purple reflections ; on the centre of
the breast a large irregular patch of deep rich chestnut ; all the remainder of the under surface from the
collar to the thighs pale buff, transversely rayed with very minute and irregular lines of blackish brown; vent
and under tail-coverts rich buff; upper mandible margined all round with brown, the centre being reddish
flesh colour; legs and feet reddish flesh colour ; irides orange.
We have figured an adult male about one third less than the natural size.
TOMA “a Wo “arta
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a eee Pe An Th .y or x Het ii” ine i Fanitaiy
: - y > aan
( * i 5 “ hay Fret ; $ 1h ris i acd ah try,
; i 5 eo all , i. 7
j (Ae tae wet bates tel re jared 38 ft: ehh
i ae rae At gy as,
: | . ‘1 dad tele dow ting alin en ide ite pial
’ ; bP a: “Meek fd ror wi: itis nants ap
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sah c ii Nth, ih SAG Aes } ; aah t ;'? ‘gale di MS |
"nk i = 7 ; ids i ve iy
: mf sd fend ibe. ma (anirnih rtsel som
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(geuy) stoustent snugA%)
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sSlesatenigiy a
teas
Genus CYGNUS.
Gey. Cuar. Beak equally wide throughout its length, much higher than broad at the base,
where it is swollen or tuberculated ; depressed towards the tip ; nail of the upper mandible
deflected, and covering that of the lower, which is flat. Both mandibles laminato-dentate,
with the lamelle placed transversely, and nearly hidden from view when the beak is
closed. Nostréls oblong, lateral, placed near the middle of the beak. Wings large and
long. Legs short; feet four-toed, three before, one behind; the front toes entirely webbed,
the hind toe small and free.
DOMESTIC SWAN.
Cygnus mansuetus, Gmel.
Le Cygne.
Tue Domestic Swan, the stately ornament of our lakes and rivers, is too well known to render much descrip-
tion necessary. ‘The ease and grace with which this bird ploughs its course along the rippled surface of the
water, has raised it to that high rank in general estimation to which its extreme beauty and peaceful habits
so fully entitle it.
The Swan is one of the largest of our indigenous birds, frequently weighing from twenty to twenty-five
pounds. ‘The bill is orange colour, the base and cere reaching to the eye, black, and surmounted with a
fleshy knob of the same black colour; the legs and feet are also black ; all the other parts in the adult bird
are of a pure and spotless white. The first plumage of the Cygnet, or young Swan, is of a dull brownish ash
colour, afterwards varied with white ; but the young birds do not attain their pure and perfect white appearance
till their second year, and are incapable of breeding before the third year. The parent birds drive away from
them the brood of the previous year as soon as the revolving seasons again produce the period of incubation.
At this time the male assumes an appearance of boldness and contempt of danger which plainly indicate the
change in his habits which the season has produced. The male may be distinguished from the female by
his thicker neck and his wider and shorter body ; and the female appears to swim deeper in the water.
The female lays six or seven long oval-shaped eggs, of a greenish grey colour, and sits about forty-five
days. During this extended period, the male keeps watch at a short distance from her nest; and when the
young brood are produced, and take to the water, he is incessant in his care and guardianship, and boldly
advances to repel the intruder upon every appearance of danger.
Formerly young birds of the year were in great request as an article of food, and were frequently served
up as a choice dish on great occasions ; even now young Swans, intended for the table, are occasionally to be
seen, in their grey plumage, at the shops of our London poulterers.
Although a few Swans may be observed on most of the lakes which ornament the parks and grounds of the
nobility and others, they are nowhere very numerous, if we except the swannery of the Earl of Ilchester, at
Abbotsbury in Dorsetshire, where a large stock has been maintained for many years. ‘The various parts of
aquatic plants are the natural food of these birds, in search of which they examine all the shallow parts of
the water they inhabit, and are able to keep their head below the surface for a considerable length of time,
but are never seen to dive. In confinement they feed readily on grain, for the comminution of which their
large and powerful gizzard seems well adapted.
The voice of the tame Swan is feeble, plaintive, and not unmusical; but this bird does not possess
internally that convoluted structure of trachea which has made the examination of the various wild species
an object of so much interest, and which we shall have occasion to notice more particularly when describing
the Hooper and Bewick’s Swan. Our Domestic Swan is said to exist in a wild state in Russia and Siberia ;
but we must not omit to mention, that a species called the Polish Swan has lately been introduced to this
country, which, compared with the subject of our present Plate, exhibits a slight difference in the distribution
of the colours on the beak, and in the situation of the nostrils: the legs and feet are of a greyish ash colour,
and the young birds are said to be white from the egg, never afterwards assuming any of that ash colour
which distinguishes till their second year the Cygnets of other white Swans.
gi a Se aa ty anes UP
oo
vy ROY] tc
! €
a ncaames:
WHISTLING SWAN, OR HOOPER.
Cygnus ferus, Ray.
La Cygne a bec jaune ou sauvage.
Ws refer to the present species of wild swan by the name of Whistling Swan, or Hooper, in order to distin-
guish it from two other species of wild’swans which have recently been added to this genus, one of which, an
occasional visitor to England, Ireland, and other parts of Europe, we have figured in this work. The term
Hooper has the advantage of referring to a peculiar character of the voice in the present bird, which is as
yet considered to be specific: its usual call-note resembles the sound of the word hoop, loudly and harshly
uttered several times in succession.
The Hooper has usually been considered an inhabitant of North America, but anatomical examination of
the two species of wild swans most numerous there proves that they are both distinct from the Hooper ; and
it will probably be found that this last-named species is exclusively confined to the northern parts of Europe
and Asia.
The Hooper is only a winter visitor in England or in the southern countries of the European continent,
and the number seen there during that season of the year generally bears some proportion to the degree of
severity in the weather. During long-continued frosts large flocks are not uncommon, and our markets afford
numerous examples; but in mild winters few are obtained or even seen. The summer residence of the
Hooper is within the Arctic circle, in Iceland, Scandinavia, and the most northern countries of Europe.
Formerly a few pairs were known to rear their young among the islands of Shetland and Orkney, and even
in Sutherlandshire. In a half-domesticated state, with pinioned wings, the Hooper breeds about the lakes
and islands in the parks of some English noblemen, but it does not, in such situations, associate much with
the Domestic Swan, which is the more usual monarch of ornamental waters.
The food of the Hooper are aquatic plants and insects, feeding in shallow water: it makes a large nest on
the ground, collecting leaves, rushes, or flags, and lays six or seven whitish eggs, which are tinged with a
yellowish green; the length of the egg four inches, the breadth two inches and three quarters. The parent
bird sits six weeks: the young are at first of a uniform dark grey, acquiring a white plumage by slow degrees
about the time of completing their second autumn moult, previous to which the dark anterior part of the
beak is not decidedly black ; the base of the beak and the cere are more of a fleshy tint than yellow, and the
legs are also lighter in colour than those of the old birds.
The adult female only differs from the male in being smaller, and the neck is more slender.
In the adult male the plumage is perfectly white, if we except an occasional tinge of buff-colour on the top
of the head; the beak black, the base and cere yellowish orange, this colour extending forwards along the
edges of the upper mandible as far as the line of the most anterior part of the nostrils, and posteriorly
surrounding the eyes; irides brown; the legs and feet black ; the whole length of the bird about five feet;
the breadth with extended wings nearly eight feet.
The papers of Dr. Latham and Mr. Yarrell in the Transactions of the Linnean Society of London, on the
organs of voice in birds, contain descriptions and figures of internal peculiarities by which the species of
Swans most likely to be confounded may be readily distinguished.
The Plate represents an adult about one third of the natural size.
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. : oe i Pts ‘ te Ts
‘ : / adh) ; oe ee eds: ba ser if, ith) Saleen: u : a ye i we a
b: ; LAF a tft ae jeind pittiele iet yank We eats ij Reg ae ae te iG ‘ 44 a
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< Oa ve Rely 2 in Ba) ee a at} é nte Sct ih i ad fiat isle: sy aie 1 wie « 73 an
a f Sree aa Pit , “ie i Da + et
- ig Ps de oe | RTT EC ae Ue ce ae palin oneal (ut ate ius cm abel inte’: A bes 7 oy t a i ee
. ; : hi j ea ey valil bi et 0 i, (ie ates ote es
Beetle de Sets pf tig, Jus ip. eve Te a ila ; ba rity vod bie Bad Main im we
ccf wo P Bie : ie a Pa ;
, ih nt? ar dhe? ? "os ytd ath toh sate '*t y Ee art j on , sabiv Wihk dike foal au nae miss
t allay ob.
iy “a8 | i i ate is. ‘
avr: 5 roe es Tigies, Cs tty wat aaa Cee rane s;
.
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(AUT) eY IESE) sen
(Yd9°) eyQn1 PULIOPP],
AMV SCT ATH S AC dow
RUDDY SHIELDRAKE
Tadorna rutila, Steph.
Anas Casarka, Lenn.
Le Canard Kasarka.
Wuize we follow Messrs. Stephens and Selby in placing this magnificent Duck in the genus Tadorna, we
are not satisfied that the situation assigned to it is perfectly correct; it appears to us to constitute the type
of a distinct form, of which the Anas Tadornoides, Jard., of New South Wales will form a second example. *
We think it approaches nearer to the true Geese than to the Shieldrakes, inasmuch as it possesses a rounder
form of body, stands higher upon the legs, and has a shorter bill, better adapted for grazing or nibbling
grasses and aquatic vegetables, which constitute its principal food.
As a European bird the Zadorna rutila may be considered as one of the rarest, and more particularly so as a
British species, not more than two or three instances of its occurrence in our island being on record ; one of
which, as stated by Mr. Fox in his Synopsis of the Newcastle Museum, was killed at Bryanstone, near
Blandford, in Dorsetshire, the seat of Mr. Portman, in the severe winter of 1776. On the Continent it
inhabits Russia and other eastern districts, and is occasionally met with in Austria and Hungary. It is
dispersed over a great part of Asia, and it would appear to be also an inhabitant of Africa, specimens
brought from thence offering no differences from those individuals killed in Europe.
The Ruddy Shieldrake is rarely found on the sea-coast, but dwells and breeds upon the borders of large
rivers, in situations similar to those selected by the common species, and lays from eight to ten white eggs.
Its food consists of grasses, aquatic plants, and insects. ;
The whole of the head and neck pale ochreous yellow, becoming gradually darker until it meets a collar
of deep black glossed with green, which surrounds the neck; breast, back, scapulars, and the whole of the
under-surface rich chestnut red; lesser and middle wing-coverts yellowish white; secondaries purple glossed
with green; quills black; lower part of the back, upper tail-coverts, and tail dull black; bill, legs, and feet
black.
The female is destitute of the black collar, is less brilliant in colour, and has the feathers of the back
finely speckled with grey.
We have figured an adult male about two thirds of the natural size.
ee et
a i
peusunpy 9 hy prasy
(AGI?) PAOTIHIT BIOIE IW
(umy) aAop~Uusd SBUY
“NO aD IIA
Genus MARECA, Steph.
Gen. Cuar. Bell shorter than the head, higher than broad at the base, straight from before the
nostrils, flattened and narrowing towards the tip, which is armed with a hooked nail ;
mandibles laminate-dentate, with the points of the laminz of the upper mandible slightly
projecting in the centre of the bill beyond the margins. Nos¢rzis lateral, placed near the
base of the bill, small, oval, pervious. Wings acuminate. Tal wedge-shaped, consisting
of fourteen feathers, acute. znd toe small, having a narrow web.
WIDGEON.
Mareca Penelope, Selby.
Anas Penelope, Lenn.
Le Canard siffleur.
Or the many species of the Duck tribe which visit this country annually, though not indigenous to our
islands, the Widgeon is one which is especially abundant during the autumn and winter months of the year,
associating in flocks upon our meres and inland lakes, as well as the larger streams and rivers, whence, if the
weather is unusually severe, so as to prevent its obtaining its favourite food, it passes to the open coasts,
particularly such as are bordered by long swampy tracts of land. During the time they remain with us,
multitudes are annually taken in decoys, while not a few fall a sacrifice to the gun, their flesh, which is both
delicate and savoury, being highly esteemed for the table. They are also found in great abundance in the
lowlands of France, Germany, and Holland, as well as in all other similar portions of the Continent.
The Widgeon may be considered as strictly a vegetable feeder; and in the manner of taking its food it
differs much from the generality of ducks, in as much as it usually feeds near the edge of the water, nibbling
or biting off the tender blades of grass and other herbage.
In the month of March the multitudes which have been sojourning in our southern latitudes wing their
way northwards, where they pass their summer, incubate, and bring up their young. T hough it is not
improbable that stragglers may remain and breed in our latitudes, still it must be confessed that those retained
as prisoners, under the most favourable circumstances, have scarcely, if ever, been known to breed ; the usual
changes of plumage which are so conspicuous in this species of duck are, nevertheless, regularly exhibited,
the male losing his variegated tints towards the end of summer, and becoming very similar to the female.
The eggs are said to be eight or ten in number, and of a dull greyish green.
The figures in the Plate represent the male and female in the plumage of winter and spring, which may
be thus described. .
Male: Top of the head pale buff; cheeks and neck deep chestnut ; the ear-coverts spotted with black ;
chest delicate vinous grey; the upper surface generally, and the flanks, beautiful grey minutely barred
with fine zigzag lines of black; under surface and centre of the wing white; speculum green; bill and
legs blueish lead colour, the former tipped with black.
The female is of a dusky reddish brown; the head and neck thickly spotted with dark brown, each feather
having a lighter margin, which produces a scaly appearance; under surface white ; bill blackish brown.
The figures are rather less than the natural size.
Aree N amare a tet er Parity (tg
; Pipe ia ati } ha sae
+ Tey " ie, ’ ny
a a silvad esi
; \ ray t Mie fea Hats Pt ay , heen ‘ ; air a
va a mh ea ak OA : 7 : eee . me
0) i ee Ch Tee Pea Pr a seit
eee
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aft. wae PMIORT HG Be 5-7)!
614 HOHE oe tot Teg asgnndy :
ri ihigattive biel Wathao€ sheer adh t.
3 iy] har ‘sta a wey oft FY a Sees ae
+ f pole? Ste: at are: ott Kae
Andineoh anit ay
i ce ie ib pee : h a . ‘
eo tat She ay Seth aes gee & SURE Pe oe
‘} etal j cr ar Lip Ro me i
A ep i : sve aetpleaieailely desde
Ra, main 2g : AF ER ea
he neff do uh genie One: Gee
\ ot cirenedital dulh opal
as eer : ey
Lz nt aba tat im
Hid = “ti Ve ony hiitia, VODs t
*
iN
Teor. 44,"
t ‘
in Cay ee
a aint
vi
eR ho a! ,
PePUouUnyyay] 7) Ay Pepe] : Gyo) “AY ifs Ag puny M0 Pel attad], UMen sy
[WH] ) ‘eyead Apo sisdeypudy
(wuz y eyeadkp seuy
DIM SE ATT ALA, © TALS
Genus RHYNCHASPIS, Leach.
Gren. Cuar. Beak long, its base unarmed, semi-cylindric, the tip dilated, somewhat spoon-
shaped, with a small incurved nail; the sides of the mandibles with pectinated lamellz.
Nostrils medial, oval, basal. Taz/ short, simple, furnished mostly with fourteen feathers.
SHOVELLER DUCK.
Rhynchaspis clypeata, Séeph.
Anas clypeata, Linn.
Le Canard Souchet, ou le Rouge.
Tue singular spoon-shaped bill bordered with numerous delicate laminz, which characterizes several species
of this interesting family, has been considered of sufficient importance to constitute the distinctive characters
of a group, to which the name .of R/Aynchaspis has been applied by Dr. Leach, and that of Spathulea by
Dr. Fleming, while Mr. Swainson retains the title of Anas to this group, as from the peculiar structure of its
beak, he considers the Shoveller to be the type of the true grass-feeding ducks: we have restricted the term
Anas, however, to the group comprehending the Common Wild Duck ; and having been so employed by our-
selves, and the term Spathulea having scarcely been adopted, we prefer the generic title of Rhynchaspis.
This group consists of several species, which are almost universally though sparingly distributed. The
range of the present species extends throughout the temperate portions of Europe, the northern regions of
Africa, and nearly the whole of India: in our island it appears to be somewhat limited; doubtless a few breed
annually in our marshes, and Mr. Selby informs us that he has a male in his collection killed in the month
of July, at which period it undergoes that transition of plumage which assimilates it to the female, a change
the utility of which has not as yet been philosophically explained. As we have observed that this change is
common to the males of those species that more especially breed in marshes, among reeds, &c., and as it
generally takes place at the period of incubation, may it not serve as a protection to the species by rendering
the fostering parent less conspicuous at this critical period than he would be were he to retain the gay
nuptial dress, which would present so strong a contrast to the sombre-tinted vegetation among which it is
necessary for him to remain, until the young are able to provide for themselves ?
It is said to prefer lakes and inland waters to the sea and saline marshes, a circumstance to be accounted
for by the peculiar nature of its food, which consists of the larve of insects, and freshwater vegetables, such
as grasses and chickweed: from this kind of food its flesh, as might be expected, is both delicate and tender,
and in high esteem for the table. |
Its mode of nidification is very like that of the Common Wild Duck, the nest being constructed among
coarse herbage in the central parts of marshes, and the eggs, being from ten to twelve in number, of a pale.
green colour.
The sexes differ considerably in their colouring, the male being adorned in spring and summer with a rich
and delicate plumage; while the female is of a more uniform and sombre tint.
The male has the head and upper part of the neck deep brown glossed with green; lower part of the
neck, breast, scapulars, and sides of the ramp white; back blackish brown, each feather margined with grey
and tinged with green; lesser wing-coverts and outer webs of some of the scapularies greyish blue ; tips of
the larger coverts white forming a bar across the wing; speculum rich green; tertials rich purplish black
with a streak of white down the centre; middle tail-feathers brown edged with white, outer ones entirely
white ; upper and under tail-coverts black tinged with green ; under surface yellowish brown with zigzag
lines of black upon the flanks and vent ; bill blackish brown.
The female has the whole of the upper surface deep brown, each feather barred and margined with reddish
white.
We have figured a male and female, rather less than the natural size.
1 ‘ ‘ =
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, « E 5 i op | enna apt
F. : 7 oe Oe aoe Folk
* r ® d Lt aee a Ye
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t oe Be A ug
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7 Sy
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: 1 i t Pe 4 a]
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f. , : f ! i ; -
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a i nu hake - At , y
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je wal 4 ThE te ety
, oh, Paat r 4
> ; 4 ity iP eres {
Nin ' , ph Va
4 i . “ oy “y j »
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heeab ce i i= ot . 5 ; Mi er ae e Te
! i. Pope oe 7 oy ati % i? a}
ie ' , +
2 ‘ fuged Pi STi bust : :
f ~ it oee ’
" “- ipa dj
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Ben em bs wh, d lay tae
Miniat Tih Fin tie Pherae
MAD dete al a aetod |.) Ca
a
ppg TY 9
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BUDIEUD P aunpyypruos/miooaeT
poprewuayrar y Py pmninny
(UUIT) Selpsog Seuy
“MOM AUTIM NOW ALTOD
tu
ai
Genus ANAS, Linn.
Gun. Caar. Bill longer than the head, depressed through its whole length, broad, straight
from before the nostrils to the tip, nearly equal in breadth throughout ; mandibles dentato-
laminate, with the lamin of the upper mandible scarcely projecting beyond the margin.
Nostrils lateral, oval, situated near the base of the bill. Wangs of mean length, acuminate.
Tal short, slightly wedge-shaped ; the middle feathers curling upwards in some species.
Feet with four toes, three before and one behind; the front ones webbed, the hind toe
small and free.
COMMON WILD DUCK.
Anas Boschas, Lznn.
Le Canard ordinaire.
THE circumstances attending the domestication of the Duck, like that of many other reclaimed animals, are
buried in obscurity; and it is impossible to decide whether the attention of man was directed to it in conse-
quence of the superiority of its flesh as an article of food, or whether of all the Duck tribe he found it most
naturally inclined to submit to the arts of domestication. It is almost unnecessary for us to state that the
present well-known species is the origin of our many domestic varieties.
The range of the Common Wild Duck extends over the whole of the temperate portion of the globe ; and
although we believe it is scarcely ever found in a wild state south of the equator, its extreme limits approach
within a few degrees of the meridian. It is dispersed throughout this vast extent of country, and everywhere
shows the same instinct, and the same disposition to become domestic and familiar. In our own island and
the adjacent parts of the Continent, numbers remain to breed wherever they can find congenial situations ;
these numbers are greatly augmented in spring and autumn by an influx of visitors on their journey from
north to south and back again. Great quantities proceed to the northern regions, where they continue in
greater safety among the vast morasses of those countries. From the nature of its food, which consists
almost exclusively of vegetables, its flesh furnishes a wholesome and nutritious diet, and is peculiarly tender
and well flavoured. In the districts around its breeding-haunts, the young, before their primaries are fully
grown, are known by the name of flappers, and from the richness of their flesh are in great requisition. So
much has already been written respecting the wholesale mode of capturing the Wild Duck in decoys in the
counties of Lincolnshire and Cambridgeshire, that it would be superfluous to say anything more on the
subject.
In this country the Common Wild Duck commences breeding early in spring, pairing in the months of
February and March, and selecting a secluded spot near the water's edge, where the female deposits her
blaish white eggs and rears her progeny. After the young are able to shift for themselves, the parents
separate from them and congregate in distinct flocks, and it is asserted that the sexes form separate bands.
The young males do not attain their full plumage until the following spring.
The colouring of the adult male, or mallard, is peculiarly elegant.
The whole of the head and half the neck are of a deep metallic green; the middle of the neck is encircled
by a ring of white ; the chest is very deep chestnut ; the centre of the back is brown, each feather having a
lighter margin ; the scapularies and flanks are greyish white, beautifully barred with fine zigzag pencillings of
black ; shoulders greyish brown; speculum rich changeable purplish green passing into velvety black,
bounded both before and behind by bands of white ; quills dark brown ; rump and upper tail-coverts greenish
black, the two longest or middle tail-feathers curling upwards, tail-feathers greyish white ; under tail-coverts
greyish black ; bill olive yellow ; legs orange.
The general plumage of the female is tawny brown, numerously marked about the head and neck with
dusky spots ; the feathers of the back, sides, and under surface having their centres of a deeper tint ; the
speculum of the wing resembles that of the male but occupies a smaller space.
The Plate represents a male and female rather less than the natural size.
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ut Teed, pele aria Nid, y donk da
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a : Ppreowungnsy 9 Np pray : pyn0g gop p hp aug nop afaz rene Umea
Ha Yd) ‘BOOVO LyNpIN bron)
(Un'T / RIIILI SBUVT )
KY QO) TAL TAY OQ) 2)
Genus QUERQUEDULA, Ray.
Gren. Cuar. Bill as long as the head, elevated at the base, straight, semicylindrical, nearly
of equal breadth throughout ; tip obtuse, with the dertrum, or nail, small and hooked ;
mandibles laminated, and having the laminz almost entirely concealed by the deflected
margins of the upper mandible; nasal fosse small, lateral, near to the culmen of the bill.
Nostrils oval, pervious. Wangs acute, with the first and second quills of nearly equal
length. Tail wedge-shaped, with the two middle feathers more or less elongated, and
acute. Legs having the tarsus rather shorter than the middle toe. Feet with four toes,
three before and one behind; the front ones webbed; the hind toe small and free.
COMMON TEAL
Anas Crecca, Linn.
Querquedula Crecca, Steph.
La Petite Sarcelle.
Tuts elegant little Duck, one of the smallest of the Anatide, is widely distributed over the Old World. It is
abundant on the range of the Himalaya, whence we have received many examples, the collections brought
home by Colonel Sykes and Major Franklin, the former from the western ghauts of India, and the latter
from the plains intermediate between Calcutta and the Nepaul hills, affording us examples which, on
comparison, are found to be strictly identical with our European birds, as are also specimens from Africa.
M. Temminck names Northern America as among its native localities; but from this opinion we are
inclined to dissent, for the American examples may always be distinguished by a white crescent-shaped band
on each side of the chest near the shoulders. This, together with the absence of the white tertial feather, will,
we think, constitute fair grounds for a genuine specific distinction.
In the British Islands, though it breeds in the northern districts, its numbers are greatly augmented in
winter by visiters from the high latitudes of the Continent, which spread themselves over the marshy parts
of the country and freshwater lakes. At this season, numbers are taken in decoys and by other methods for
the table, their flesh being highly prized.
Mr. Selby, who has had many opportunities of investigating the habits of the Teal in a state of nature,
observes, that our indigenous broods ‘‘ seldom quit the immediate neighbourhood of the places in which they
were bred, as I have repeatedly observed them to haunt the same district from the time of their hatching till
they separated, and paired on the approach of the following spring. ‘The Teal breeds in the long rushy
herbage, about the edges of lakes, or in the boggy parts of the upland moors. Its nest is formed of a large
mass of decayed vegetable matter, with a linmg of down and feathers, upon which the eggs rest:” they are
eight or ten in number, and of a yellowish white. The young are at first covered with a dark-coloured down,
which gradually gives way to a plumage differing little from that which is permanent in the adult female.
The plumage of the adult male, which is very beautiful, is as follows :
The top of the head, cheeks, and neck, of a deep chestnut ; the throat black ; from behind the eyes to the
back of the neck passes a broad band of fine glossy green, margined by a pale yellowish border, into which
the chestnut of the head and cheeks somewhat abruptly merges; the back, scapularies, and flanks rayed
alternately with irregular zigzag bars of black and white ; breast and under surface yellowish white, the former
ornamented with round spots of black ; wing-coverts ‘brown ; speculum glossy green, deepening at the sides
into velvet black; quills brownish black ; under tail-coverts buff, with a longitudinal band of black ; bill
black ; irides brown ; legs blackish brown. During the months of July and August, the male loses his finely
contrasted plumage, and assumes that of the female, from which at this time he is not easily distinguished.
The female differs considerably, having the top of the head Sienna yellow, with dashes of deep brown ;
throat and cheeks dusky white spotted with brown; upper parts dull brown, each feather having a lighter
border ; under parts yellowish white; speculum green.
We have figured a male and female in the adult colouring, rather less than the natural size.
BAEL PRUPtRAEE n°
*
pejprmouenguyy 7 hig paquney
psuoby ) sueMO08 epaponbaong
(Dpn7) Stes SeUNy
“TW EL dU a LW Lo) VIN a
yomog sp pha auogs no pasnpoy aos) UMacuy
BIMACULATED TEAL.
Anas glocitans, Linn.
Querquedula glocitans, Vi 2gor's.
Tue Bimaculated Teal is so named from the two large spots of brown on the face and neck: we believe, how-
ever, that these brown markings vary in the depth of their colour at different seasons ; at least we find such to be
the case in an allied species from China, Querquedula formosa, of which examples are now living in the Gardens
of the Zoological Society, and which possess marks of a similar character; these at opposite seasons are of
avery different colour, changing from rich brown to light tawny grey. We are not aware of the existence of
male and female examples of this very rare species in any collection, either public or private, except those in
the Museum of the Zoological Society of London, to which they were presented with the rest of his fine
collection by N. A. Vigors, Esq. These were taken in a decoy in the year 1812; and it is also recorded that
‘a male was taken in a similar manner in 1771, as described by Pennant in his British Zoology. So rare does
this Teal appear to be on the continent of Europe that we do not find it even alluded to by any writer except
Pallas, who describes it as a native of the high northern regions of Siberia. Tn point of affinity this bird pos-
sesses every characteristic feature of the true Teals, of which limited group it is the largest species that has
come under our notice.
With regard to its habits, manners, and food, they are in all probability the same as in the other species of
the genus. No account of them has yet been published; nor, indeed, is it to be expected that we shall easily
acquire much information respecting the inhabitants of a portion of the globe so remote, and with which we
have so little intercourse.
Crown of the head deep chestnut brown; sides of the head and neck rich green interrupted by two large
blotches of brown, one situated near the base of the beak, the other on the side of the neck ; chest rich
chestnut regularly dotted with oval spots of black; the whole of the back and flanks light tawny grey, thickly
pencilled with regular zigzag lines of black ; shoulders greyish brown ; quills blackish brown; speculum change-
able green and blue, edged anteriorly with a narrow line of tawny yellow and posteriorly with a line of white ;
a row of coverts, which are internally edged with tawny yellow and externally with black, hang over the wing ;
rump and upper and under tail-coverts greenish black ; two middle tail-feathers black, the rest pale brown,
margined with white; a mark of buff separates the green under tail-coverts from the lower part of the belly,
which is greyish white; bill olive brown, more yellow at the base; feet dark olive brown.
The female has the head and neck pale buff minutely spotted with small markings of black; the upper
surface blackish brown, each feather having a margin of tawny brown; chest reddish brown, each feather
being darker in the centre; shoulders of the wing as in the male ; speculum green above with purple reflec-
tions passing into black, and edged with white; quills and tail brown; the feathers of the latter edged with
tawny white; under surface greyish white; legs more inclined to orange.
The Plate represents a male and female of the natural size.
Tne
Fe
i
i
ame
os
nije '
nit dil | #
; ui dchiiver Vitis
Mua a
qopruouyyny] 9 ig weno y
(ydag) ex vypenb.zon yy
(uur7/ eyaponbrenb seuy
“TV aL AN VS UV)
pyn0g x pr hig mun sraney ainpoy meoe| assent
GARGANY TEAL.
Anas Querquedula, Lenn.
Querquedula circia, Steph.
Le Canard sarcelle d’été.
Tue feathers pendent from the back of this little Duck, together with its chaste and sober plumage, render it
one of the most interesting and graceful species of its family. In point of affinity it has many characters in
common with the genuine Teal, with which genus it has been by previous authors associated. It must be al-
lowed, however, that it possesses some features in the style and markings of its plumage which are not in strict
unison with the birds of that genus: this circumstance, and a slight deviation in the form of the bill, will in all
probability hereafter lead to a farther subdivision of the genus; in which case the Gargany, the Blue-winged
Teal of America, and others, will form a minor group by themselves.
The range of the Gargany over the Old World is very considerable, being dispersed over the whole of Asia
and Northern Africa, appearing to give preference to mountain districts, where it enjoys a temperature very
similar to that of Europe, in every part of which it is abundantly distributed. It migrates annually to the
British Islands during the months of April and May, and takes up its abode on our meres and large sheets of
water, whence numbers are sent during the season to the London market, where they are esteemed as a great
acquisition to the table, at a period when the Common Teal and most other edible species have retired to
distant regions to breed. It is even questionable whether the Gargany that visits us at this period is not on
its migratory route to more remote northern countries, such as Lapland, Russia, &c., where it may per-
form the task of incubation unmolested and in safety: we are strengthened in this opinion by the circumstance
of their never being seen here during the autumn and winter; and even those individuals which visit us in the
spring are extremely local in their habitat. Mr. Selby informs us that no instance is known of its occurring
in the northern counties at any time.
Its food is strictly similar to that of the Teal and other ducks which are destitute of the power of diving, and
consists of the tops and shoots of various aquatic plants, to which are added shelled snails, water insects, and
their larvee.
The nest is placed among herbage near the water ; and the eggs, which are white, are from eight to ten in
number.
The sexes, when adult, present a contrasted difference in their plumage. The young males during the first
year, and the adult males during winter, are so like the female as to require an experienced eye to detect the
difference.
The adult male in spring has the top of the head and back of the neck dark brown, a broad stripe of white
extending over each eye ; the cheeks and sides of the neck chestnut brown finely dotted with white ; the lower
part of the neck and chest light buff, each feather being marked with horseshoe-shaped lines of brown; the
feathers of the back olive brown with lighter edges ; the scapularies long, flowing, and of a green colour with
a conspicuous stripe of white down the centre of each feather ; the secondaries and shoulders light grey ; the
speculum green; the rump and tail brown, the former being spotted with darker brown ; the belly white ;
the flanks transversely rayed with black and grey; and the feet and legs ash grey; bill blackish; irides
brown.
The female has the top of the head, the back part of the neck, and the upper surface brown, the feathers
having lighter edges ; the throat white; the chest brown; the feathers edged with yellowish white; breast
and under surface white tinged with buff; bill and feet blackish brown.
The Plate represents an adult male and female of the natural size.
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Genus DAFILA, Leach.
Gen. Cuar. Beak medial, its base unarmed, subcylindric, linear, its tip furnished with a
very small hook: the mandibles with their edges lancinate, dentated. Vostrils basal, sub-
oval. Taal elongated, acute, furnished with sixteen feathers.
PINTAIL DUCK.
Anas acuta, Lenn.
Dafila caudacuta, Leach.
Canard a longue queue.
WE have thought it best to give the genus and generic characters as established by Dr. Leach, leaving it to
our readers to adopt it or not at their pleasure. The present bird will form the only known species belonging
to it. If we except the Mallard, 4nas boschas, Linn., the Pintail has a more extensive range than any other
of its tribe. In Europe it is very generally distributed, as also in the northern portion of Africa, the whole
of the Asiatic continent, and the northern and temperate regions of North America. On comparing specimens
from all these different quarters of the globe, we can trace no distinguishing difference among them. It
is one of the most graceful examples of its race ; although its colours are by no means remarkable for brilliancy
or powerful contrast, yet its delicately penciled zigzag markings more than counterbalance its quiet and sober
hues. Its form mdicates it to be one of the true vegetable feeding ducks ; hence its flesh is peculiarly delicate
and palatable. Although we state this bird to be a vegetable feeder generally, we believe, notwithstanding,
that all the species of the Duck tribe subsist more or less on aquatic insects and molluscous animals. Its
flight is rapid and vigorous, and its disposition in a state of nature is extremely wary and suspicious ; it is
almost solely in the decoys of Lincolnshire, Cambridgeshire and Norfolk, that it is obtained in such abundance
for the London market. It is said not to breed in the British Isles, and our own experience does not enable
us to decide the point. It breeds nevertheless in considerable abundance in Holland, France and Germany,
choosing morasses and vast reed beds for the site of its nest, which is placed on the ground concealed among
the flags and luxuriant herbage near the water. The eggs are eight in number, of a greenish blue.
The male and female of this interesting species offer very considerable difference in their plumage. The
male is characterized by the top of the head being variegated with black and brown; the throat, cheeks, and
upper part of the neck being brown with purple and violet reflections, a black band extending over the back
of the neck, bordered on each side white; the front of the neck and under parts of a pure white; the back
and sides barred with delicate zigzag lines of black and grey; the speculum purple green, bordered above
with rufous, and below with white ; the scapulars long and pointed, overhanging the quill-feathers, mostly of a
deep velvet black with light grey edges ; the two middle tail-feathers of a greenish black, considerably elongated
and tapering ; the beak blackish blue ; irides light brown; feet dull reddish.
The female is known by her smaller size, and by the head and neck being of a light rufous dotted with small
spots of black; all the upper parts blackish brown, marked with regular crescent-shaped spots of reddish
yellow; the lower parts reddish yellow, spotted with light brown ; speculum reddish brown, bordered above
with yellowish, below with white ; tail conical.
In the months of August and September the males resemble the females in the colour of the plumage.
We have figured a male and female two thirds of the natural size.
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Genus CHAULIODES.
Gren. Cuar. Bill as short as the head, depressed throughout its length, as broad as high at
the base, rather narrowing towards the tip, which has a small dertrum or nail; both
mandibles laminated, the laminz of the upper one projecting beyond the margins of the
bill. Nostris lateral, near the base of the bill, oval and pervious. Wings long and
acuminate. Tail wedge-shaped. Feet with four toes, three before and one behind; the
hind toe small and free.
GADWALL.
Anas strepera, Linn.
Chauliodes strepera, Swazns.
Le Canard chipeau.
Tuoveu the colours of this elegant Duck are more sober than those of most of the family, it yields to none
in the tasteful disposition of its markings, and to few in the excellence of its flesh for the table. The
European species to which it is nearest allied is the Common Widgeon (dnas Penelope), and we can scarcely
see the necessity of creating a new genus for its reception from which the Widgeon is excluded: we have,
however, given Mr. Swainson’s generic characters, leaving it to the option of our readers whether to accept
or reject them.
Although the Gadwall does not visit us in great numbers, it is tolerably common during the months of
spring. The low marshes and fenny districts, Holland, and the whole of the northern portions of Europe, are
the situations in which it most abounds. In its habits and manners it closely resembles the Widgeon, with
which it is often seen associated. We have received specimens from the Himalayan mountains which are
identical with our European species.
The deficiency of brilliant colours in the male renders him but little more ornamented in his plumage than
the female, the external difference between them being less than is usually met with; but the bird of the
first year presents a considerable difference, as our Plate illustrates.
Like the common Wild Duck, this bird breeds in reed beds and similar places, laying eight or nine eggs,
of a pale green.
The adult male has the head and the upper part of the neck dull brown, thickly marked with dirty white ;
the back, scapulars and sides ornamented with narrow zigzag lines of black and white; the middle wing-
coverts chestnut, with a dash of brown in the centre; the rump and under tail-coverts blueish black ; the
shoulders chestnut, succeeded by blueish black, and a white speculum ; the feathers of the chest scale-like,
having a dusky black centre, with crescent-shaped edges; the abdomen white; the beak black, and the
tarsi orange.
The young bird of the year is of a uniform rusty brown above, each feather having a central mark of dusky
black, the under surface being white.
We have figured an adult male, and a bird of the first year, three fourths of the natural size.
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RED-HEADED POCHARD.
Fuligula ferina, Steph.
Le Canard Milouin.
Tuts fine species may be said to represent in Europe the Canvas-backed Duck of America, so famed for its
rich and juicy flesh ; and although the flesh of the Pochard is superior to that of all the other European diving
ducks, still it must, we are told, yield the palm in this respect to its Western ally.
The Red-headed Pochard is an article of considerable traffic in the London markets, where it is known
by the name of the Dunbird. So vast is the quantity taken during the year, that, were our information not
received from an undoubted source, we should have hesitated in stating the amount; but we are positively
assured that no less than fourteen thousand four hundred have been captured in one decoy, the sale of which
produced twelve hundred pounds.
Although this species is frequently taken in the usual decoys, still, we are informed by Montagu, the
method commonly practised was something similar to that of taking woodcocks. Poles were erected at the
avenues to the decoy, and after a great number of these birds had collected on the pool, a net was erected by
pulleys to the poles, beneath which a deep pit had previously been dug; and as these birds, like the wood-
cocks, go to feed just as it is dark, and are said always to rise against the wind, a whole flock has been taken
together in this manner; for when once they strike against the net, they never attempt to return, but flutter
down till they are received into the pit, from whence they cannot rise.
The Red-headed Pochard is very widely dispersed, being common over the whole of Europe, Asia, and a
portion of Africa. It is said to breed in the marshes, and to lay about twelve white eggs. Its food consists
of aquatic vegetables, mollusca and other animals, obtained by diving to the bottom, which it does with a
facility only equalled by its vigorous flight. Being entirely aquatic in its habits, it not unfrequently takes
up its abode on the open sea, where it obtains a plentiful supply of bivalves and other shells, of which it
appears fond, but which kind of food generally gives a fishy and unpleasant flavour to its flesh.
The male has the head and neck chestnut brown; the breast and rump black; the back, scapulars, wing-
coverts, thighs, and flanks greyish white, beautifully pencilled with zigzag lines of black; the quills and tail
grey; the bill blackish grey with the tip and base black ; and the tarsi and toes bluish grey.
The female has the head and neck of a dark reddish brown; the under surface dusky white; and the back
like that of the male, except that the whole of the black markings are darker and more obscure.
The Plate represents a male and female rather less than the natural size.
OLE
bet Paras
71 ;
ia
pepo 7 1p pau
(dag) —— veg
[28297] ‘80 mpetTpdooney Seu
“MOUOd SHOOUNV LS VD WO Cd aA a- aL ALA
IN] TY hd PULL Uo YY ALUT Uk Ol). EMVaL
WHITE-EYED or CASTANEOUS DUCK.
Anas leucophthaimos, Bechst.
Fuligula leucophthalmos, Steph.
Le Canard a iris blanc.
Tuis interesting little Duck has been several times killed in England: its occurrence, however, in the British
Isles, which is generally during winter, must be considered accidental rather than as that of a regular
visitor. It is more abundant in France, Holland and Germany, in the latter of which countries it appears to
be a periodical bird of passage. We have received it in abundance from India, especially from the elevated
range of the Himalaya, and it appears from the accounts of Buffon and Sonnini to be equally common in the
North of Africa.
It is much less in size than the Pochard, to which it bears a close affinity. It is the Ferruginous Duck of
Pennant and Montagu, but not of Bewick, his figure and description applying to the Anas rutila. Its habits
and manners are strictly analogous to those of the Pochard, being an expert diver and living upon aquatic
insects, water-plants, small shell-fish, &c. Like most of the pointed-winged Ducks, its power of flight is very
considerable.
M. Temminck informs us that it constructs its nest among reeds by the sides of large rivers and morasses ;
that the eggs are eight or ten in number, of a white colour tinged with greenish.
The sexual diversity of plumage is not so considerable in this species as in many others of the Duck tribe.
The male has the head, neck, breast and sides of a rich bright reddish chestnut ; a slight collar of deep
brown encircles the neck ; beneath the lower mandible there is a small triangular spot of pure white ; the back
and wings are of a blackish brown with purple reflections, covered with small reddish dots ; speculum white,
banded with a line of black; under parts pure white ; beak blueish black; irides clear pearl white ; tarsi
blueish ash colour ; webs black.
The female has the head, neck, breast and sides of a dull brown, inclining to chestnut ; the under parts of
an obscure brown, each feather having a light brown termination; and is destitute of the dark brown collar
round the neck.
The young of the year have the top of the head blackish brown, all the feathers of the upper parts edged
with reddish brown, and the white of the under part clouded with a lighter tinge of the same colour.
The trachea of the male is very narrow at the top, and also just before its termination in the inferior
larynx, but of double the diameter at the middle: the inferior larynx is formed of an osseous wall on the
right side, and on the left presents a series of bony ramifications supporting an external membrane.
We have figured a male and female two thirds of their natural size.
.
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i t ale’ uk aoliantowpd: ote. aaertael tae od | bette a oF: st 1 Wein ¥rre at ofpcce od? to norioant ott
. ee eee : ‘ « fig ef devel te ae athbing oat in wotoarnily ad oldiob tp. tnd chinguat .
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”
RED-CRESTED DUCK.
Anas rufina, Pall.
Fuligula rufina, Steph.
Le Canard siffleur huppé.
Tue very fine Duck which we have illustrated in the accompanying Plate is as yet but little known as having
claim to a place in the Fauna of Great Britain ; but the frequent occurrence of both sexes in various parts of
the British Islands sufficiently establishes it as a native species, or at least as much so as many others that
occasionally migrate to this country.
English examples of this beautiful species form a part of the collections of the Hon. W. T. T. Fiennes
and Mr. Yarrell. The former gentleman possesses a fine female, killed out of a flock of eighteen, on the
Thames, near his own estate at Erith in Kent, and to whose kindness we are indebted for the loan of the
specimen from which our figure was taken.
The Anas rufina is confined to the old continent, where its range is very extensive, as is proved by our
having received it in collections from the Himalaya mountains, and observed it in the collection of Col. Sykes
from the Dukhun, in which localities it is a bird of no rarity; and it also occurs nearly as plentifully in the
eastern portions of Europe, particularly throughout Hungary, Austria, and Turkey. M. Temminck states that
it is a periodical visitor to the shores of the Caspian Sea, but at the same time observes that it never visits the
open ocean: from these countries it is more or less distributed throughout the whole of the central portions
of Europe. Little is known of the habits of this very interesting species: its form, however, shows it to
belong to the true diving Ducks ; hence we may reasonably conclude that its food consists principally of small
shell fish and molluscous animals, with vegetables and the fry of fishes.
An attentive examination of this bird will lead, we think, to the conviction, that it offers many points of
affinity to the species of the genus Mergus. We need only instance the narrow and compressed form of the
bill towards its extremity, with deeply serrated edges, the disposition of some of its markings, and the silky
texture of the feathers of the. head, in corroboration of this fact. The trachea of the male, also, according to
M. Temminck’s description, is not unlike that of the Mergus merganser, being large immediately below the
upper larynx, becoming suddenly very narrow, and then a second enlargement of the tube, terminating in very
narrow rings. The inferior larynx is formed of two dilatations : that on the left, which is the largest and most
elevated, is formed of osseous ramifications covered by a fine membrane.
The male has the head ornamented with a crest of silky feathers, which, with the rest of the head and the
front of the upper part of the neck, is of a delicate chestnut tinged with vinous; the back and lower part of
the neck, the chest, and under surface, are brownish black ; the back is pale cinereous brown, with a large
spot of white above the origin of each wing; the shoulders, the speculum, the base of the quills, and the flanks,
are white; the rump and upper tail-coverts black with green reflections ; beak red ; nail white ; tarsi and toes
red with black interdigital membranes.
The female wants the fine crest of the male; the top of the head and occiput are dark brown ; cheeks,
throat, and sides of the neck, cinereous; the whole of the upper surface cinereous brown, with the exception
of the shoulders, which are white, and the operculum, which is dull white terminating in brown ; breast and
flanks yellowish brown ; under surface cinereous ; beak, tarsi and toes, reddish brown.
We have figured a male and female three fourths of the natural size.
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(POY) ‘BIBISLIO SPU
“MON dG Ga al MW
TUFTED DUCK.
Anas cristata, Ray.
Fuligula cristata, Steph.
Le Canard Morillon.
Tus elegant little Duck is one of the regular winter visitors of our island, where it arrives in autumn and
distributes itself very generally over lakes, meres, large ponds, armlets of the sea, and similar situations, in
which temporary residences it is most frequently seen in pairs, repeatedly diving in search of food, which is
obtained exclusively at the bottom of the water, and consists, for the most -part, of various freshwater shell-
fish, crustacea, worms, and mollusca; to this food it occasionally adds aquatic vegetables. Although generally
observed inland in pairs, it is not unfrequently to be seen in considerable flocks enlivening the shores of the
sea, particularly those of a rocky nature. In the power of diving, the Tufted Duck possesses the same facility
as the rest of the Lobefooted section to which it belongs, being extremely quick in all its motions, and on
this account difficult to be shot. On the approach of spring it retires northward to breed, and like many of
its congeners makes the morasses and the unfrequented regions of the arctic circle an asylum in which to
rear its young. The range of its migrations southward is very considerable: we ourselves have received
it from the southern portions of Europe, and also from those parts of the Mediterranean which are near the
Asiatic confines ; we have also seen it from the Black Sea, and from every intermediate country as far as the
high northern latitudes. It abounds in many parts of Northern India, especially the high lands. The
collection from the Himalaya mountains which afforded the materials for our ‘ Century of Birds,’ contained
several specimens. Although its stout and rounded figure does not contribute much to its elegance, its
plainness is relieved by the graceful pendent crest which flows from the head and occiput.
The Tufted Duck is brought to the London market in considerable numbers during the winter ; and although
often seen at table, its flesh is not, we believe, of the most delicate quality.
The sexes may be distinguished by the lesser comparative brilliancy of the colours of the female, and by
her having the rudiments only of the flowing crest, the colour of which, as well as of the breast, is brown, with
faint traces of the violet gloss so conspicuous in the male, whose plumage may be thus described :
The top of the head and the long pendent silky crest rich violet black; neck and chest greenish black ;
upper part of the plumage glossy brownish black, with very minute grey specks scattered over the scapularies ;
speculum of the wings and under surface white; bill lead colour; nail black; legs and toes brownish black.
The young of the year are devoid of the pendent crest; the whole of the plumage is of a more obscure
tint; and the feathers of the upper surface are edged with brown.
The plate represents a male and female rather less than the natural size.
4 te ae
Fs i
jaerty “oy,
“aig,
iL Gad Rp Net ayes
f a: md + .
we eae
vane ye
pepreruuppary 9 hy pony r ppng Fp [Py auc, 0 op aaa aod) Uh Wl
(UUNT) “OTE SPUY
(Yde2e) “ETL BINsyNy
“CaMV ADOd dilNVOS
SCAUP POCHARD.
Fuligula marila, Steph.
Anas marila, Lznn.
Le Canard Milouinan.
Tue native residence of the Scaup Duck during the summer season is within the regions of the Arctic circle :
it is in these high latitudes that it breeds and rears its young. On the approach of winter it is driven south-
ward, and. appears in vast flocks in many parts of the European shores, and especially on those of Great
Britain, Holland, France, &c. In its habits it appears to be essentially marine, consequently it is seldom seen
even on the larger of our inland lakes, but our bays and the mouths of rivers are frequented by it during the
winter in considerable abundance: from these its temperate places of refuge it retires early in spring to the
latitudes from whence it came; in fact, so universally is this the case that we do not know of a single instance
of its breeding in our island. We are not acquainted with the details of its nidification, but in this respect
it doubtless agrees with the diving ducks in general. .
Its food principally consists of univalves, bivalves, mollusca, marine plants, &c., which it obtains by diving,
a power it possesses in a very great degree.
As an article of food the Scaup Duck is inferior to most of the genus to which it is assigned ; still it is not
unfrequently sold for the purposes of the table.
‘It makes a hoarse noise, and has a singular habit of tossing its head and opening the bill, which is more
particularly observable in spring, while it is swimming and sporting about on the water.”
The sexes differ so much in plumage that the female has been described as a distinct species, under the
name of Anas frenata.
The male has the head and upper part of the neck black, with reflections of rich glossy green ; lower part
of the neck, breast, and rump deep black ; mantle and scapulars greyish white with distant zigzag fine lines of
black; lesser wing-coverts black with transverse zigzag lines of white ; secondaries white with black tips,
which form a bar across the wings ; under surface white, the belly rayed with lines of blackish grey ; bill
greyish blue with the nail black ; irides light yellow ; legs and toes bluish grey, the joints and webs darker.
The female has a broad band of white round the base of the bill; the remainder of the head and upper
part of the neck deep brown glossed with green, lower part of the neck and breast having the basal part of
the feathers brown, the tips of the former deeply margined with yellowish brown, and those of the breast
with white ; under surface white ; flanks brown, marbled with zigzag lines of white and darker brown; mantle
and scapulars brownish black finely mottled with white ; tertials black, tinged with green; quills and tail
glossy blackish brown ; bill deep grey; nails black.
The young males resemble the old female till after the first moult. The colours of the young females are
less distinct, and the black and white lines on the back are scarcely perceptible.
We have figured a male and female rather less than the natural size.
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“STD OC NYS
WESTERN DUCK.
Fuligula Dispar, Steph.
From the circumstance of an example of this very rare Duck having been obtained in February 1830 at
Caisted near Yarmouth in Norfolk, about which period another specimen was also killed in Denmark, we
have much pleasure in figuring it as an interesting addition to our native fauna. The drawing from which
our figure of the first-mentioned specimen (now in the Norwich Museum) is taken, was presented by Josepli
Clarke, Esq., to the Saffron Walden Natural History Society, in whose Museum it is deposited, and to whom
we are indebted for the loan of the drawing.
The above is the only instance of its capture in Great Britain, and it appears to be equally rare on the
Continent. It is a native of Northern Asia, Siberia, Kamtschatka, and the north-western coasts of America:
it is said to breed in high and precipitous rocks, and to fly in extensive flocks.
We have followed Mr. Selby and others in placing it provisionally in the genus Puhgula; for like that gentle-
man, not having seen the bird itself, we are unable to decide upon its true station among the Anatide ; but
from its general contour, the disposition of its colouring, and the curved form of the tertials, we should conceive
that it more properly belongs to the genus Somateria.
Space between the bill and the eye green, and on the back of the head a patch of the same colour, forming
a short crest; throat and an irregular spot behind the eye black; the remainder of the head and neck white ;
throat surrounded by a band of black glossed with green; back, rump, vent, and under tail-coverts black ;
primaries and tail brownish black; lower part of the neck, part of the scapulars, and lesser wing-coverts .
white; breast and all the under surface rufous, becoming darker as it approaches the vent; tertials long and
curved; the shaft and the narrow inner web white; the outer web broad and deep bluish black ; irides pale
brown ; bill and legs blackish grey.
Our figure is of the natural size.
_ pepumnnpna hy portage
[.Mutey / PYCIOULICU | Ev]noyNy ) seuy
“MOLL Cd Cal a av We
Yep eae) LL 4 Bulge “a Y ALP O YT UMonf UML T
MARBLED DUCK.
Anas (Fuligula) marmorata, Temm.
Le Canard marbré.
For the specimen of this bird from which the accompanying figure was taken we are indebted to the kind
friendship of M. Temminck of Leyden, whose valuable works on Natural History are duly appreciated. We
cannot pass over this opportunity of acknowledging the great liberality of this justly celebrated naturalist,
who has taken so much interest in the present work that he has promoted it by every means in his power,
not only by his individual patronage, but by confiding to us for our illustration many rare species peculiar to
remote districts of Europe, among which is the present species. Of its habits and manners we have no
detailed account. M.'Temminck, however, assured us that the sexes offer no difference in the colours of
the plumage, a circumstance which we should not have expected, judging from the affinity it bears to the
Anas rufina, which, although at present comprehended in the genus Fuligula, may be said to possess
characters which claim for it a distinct generic station. Such genera, however, are of a subordinate
character and value, and although of real utility to the professed ornithologist, are less likely to interest the
general reader.
The only information we can communicate respecting the present bird is, that it inhabits the southern
districts of Europe, particularly Sardinia and the Asiatic borders.
The crown of the head, back of the neck, the whole of the upper surface, flanks, and tail, of dull ashy
brown, each feather being tipped with dirty white; outer webs of the quill-feathers greyish brown, tips of the
inner webs the same colour as the upper surface ; secondaries pale brown ; cheeks and throat marked in the
same manner as the upper surface, but much lighter; breast and the whole of the under surface dirty white,
each feather being barred near its extremity with dull ashy brown, which, together with the white tips of the
feathers on the upper surface, gives it somewhat the appearance of marble, whence its name ; bill and feet
dark brown.
The Plate represents an adult bird rather less than the natural size.
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[ eUay } “BUITS] T]TOUL SB IY
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we:
Genus SOMATERIA, Leach.
Gen. Cuar. Beak swollen at the base, elevated, extending up the forehead, and divided by a
triangular projection of feathers; towards the tip narrow and blunt. Vostrz/s small, placed
in the middle of the beak.
EIDER DUCK.
Anas mollissima, Lenn.
Somateria mollissima, Leach.
Le Canard Eider.
Tue Eider Duck in its wild state is one of those birds which confer important services upon the human race.
Its soft and exquisite down is an extensive article of commerce; and so great is the demand for it, that the
inhabitants of the northern islands of Great Britain, together with those of Lapland, Iceland and Greenland,
use every means to encourage the Hider to breed on their shores, in order that they may obtain from its nest
this valuable material. It is scarcely ever found to incubate on the main land, but chooses the small islands
scattered along the coast; and of this disposition the inhabitants take advantage by insulating small portions of
ground, which enables these birds to perform their work unmolested by cattle, dogs, foxes or other wild
animals, which appear to cause them great annoyance. The female is very assiduous in her work of nidifica-
tion. The nest is placed on the ground, and constructed of soft down which she plucks from her own breast
and under surface. ‘This light and elastic material is so ingeniously disposed as to form an elevated rim round
her body while sitting, and to fall over the eggs the moment she leaves the nest; nor is the quantity of the
material less remarkable. So absorbed are the birds in this important duty, that they appear to lose all sense
of danger, and may sometimes be approached and even taken off the eggs without attempting to escape. As
soon as the nest is constructed, the plunder of the down commences. ‘The first portion is taken away, and
a fresh quantity is again afforded by the female bird, and again taken, till she is unable to furnish a further
supply, when, as it is asserted, the male makes up the deficiency.
The task of incubation appears to devolve principally upon the female, the male being seldom seen near the
nest by day; and so well does her sober colour harmonize with that of the surrounding earth, that she is a much
less conspicuous object than the male would be, adorned as he is with a light and showy plumage ; nevertheless
as evening approaches he may be seen returning from the sea to his mate, whom it is not improbable he
relieves during some portion of the night. The eggs are five in number, of a uniform olive-green. As
soon as the young are hatched, they are taken by the parents to the sea, in which they find at once both food
and security.
The Eider Duck is generally dispersed along the northern shores of Europe, and in the same latitudes of
America, being more abundant within the arctic circle; they are often seen, associated in numerous flocks,
diving in search of their food, which consists of shell-fish (particularly the common mussel), crustacea, insects,
the ova of fishes, and marine vegetables.
It does not appear to be migratory, although it is not improbable that it is often driven southward by stress
of weather. :
On each side of the head and above the eyes there extends a very large band of black velvet-like feathers,
the extremities of which unite over the forehead ; the occiput and back part of the cheeks sea-green; the
lower part of the neck, back, scapulars and lesser wing-coverts white with a tinge of yellow; the breast of a
light buff; under parts and rump of a deep black; beak and feet olive. The adult female has all the plumage
of a brownish red, barred transversely with black.
We have figured a male and a female, three fourths of the natural size.
.
pang Phe wat
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i say eo ae eaeulatongh b seme paket 5 satel Bk de ee
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PLC ie,
KING DUCK.
Anas spectabilis, Lenn. -
Somateria spectabilis, Leach.
Le Canard a téte erise.
Tus magnificent species has, with the Eider Duck, to which it bears a strong resemblance, been very properly
formed into a distinct genus by Dr. Leach; which, although it contains only these two species, as far as
known, is yet marked by well-defined characters. The habits, manners, and localities of the King Duck
closely resemble those of the Eider, excepting that it seldom visits, like the latter, our more temperate
latitudes, but confines itself more exclusively to the seas of the Arctic circle. Its claims to the rank of a
British species rest upon its occasional capture upon our coast ; it is, however, stated in Dr. Latham’s “‘General
History of Birds,” that Mr. Bullock discovered it breeding in Papawestra, one of the Orkney Islands, in the
latter end of June; but such an occurrence we suspect could only have been accidental, as we are not aware
of a similar circumstance being recorded. It is not uncommon in Norway, the coasts of the Baltic, the arctic
shores of Siberia, and it even extends to Kamschatka. It is very abundant in Greenland, where its flesh is
eaten by the natives, and its skin sewn together to form warm garments. It is also dispersed in equal abun-
dance along the same latitudes of the American coasts. The process of incubation is strictly the same as that
of the Eider, and the nest undergoes the same system of plunder. Its eggs are rather less in size, and of an
olive colour.
Mr. Sabine, in his history of the Birds of Greenland, informs us, that the male is four years in acquiring its
perfect plumage. ‘The sexual differences in this species present the same features as are found to occur in
the Eider ; the female being of a dull sober brown, while the male is as remarkable for a gaudy and strongly
contrasted livery.
The beak of the male bird differs from that of the male Eider in having two lateral cartilaginous projections
which rise from the base, inclosing the forehead nearly as far as the eye; the colour of its crest, as also that
of the beak and legs, is of a beautiful rich vermilion ; a narrow line of black velvet-like feathers forms the
outline of the upper mandible; beneath the throat are arrow-shaped lines of the same colour pointed towards
the base of the beak ; the top of the head and the occiput are of a beautiful blueish grey ; cheeks white, with
a delicate tint of fine sea-green ; neck and upper part of the back white, gradually assuming a delicate salmon
colour at the breast; the other parts of the plumage, both above and below, deep blackish brown, with the
exception of a white spot in the centre of the wing, and another of the same colour behind the thigh; the
secondaries are sickle-shaped, and bend gracefully over the quill-feathers.
So closely does the female of this species resemble the female Eider, that it is almost impossible to distin-
guish them, being of a uniform rusty brown with irregular bars and arrow-shaped markings of black.
We have figured a male and female three fourths of their natural size.
LUA ‘eye|potds.1od PBIMLOpt()
(UMN J BVT TIO tds.ro d SPuLy
“MA LOOS AUos
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Genus OIDEMIA, Fiem.
Gey. Cuar. Bell swollen or tuberculated at the base, large, elevated, and strong; the tip
much depressed and flattened, terminated by a large flat dertrum or nail, which has its
extremity rounded and slightly deflected; mandibles laminated, with the plates broad,
strong, and widely set. Noséra/s lateral, elevated, oval, placed near the middle of the bill.
Wings of mean length, concave, acute. Tail short, graduated, acute. Legs far behind
the centre of gravity. arse short. Feet large; of four toes, three before and one behind ;
outer toe as long as the middle one, and much longer than the tarsus; hind toe with a
large lobated membrane.
SURF SCOTER.
Anas perspicillata, Linn.
Oidemia perspicillata, Flem.
Le Canard Marchand.
Tuis curious Duck should rather be considered as an American species than as strictly indigenous to the
European Continent ; it has, however, frequently occurred in the northern seas of this portion of the globe,
and occasionally as far south as the Orkneys and other Scottish islands: we have ourselves received a
specimen (a female) killed in the Firth of Forth. In its general form, economy, and habits, it is intimately
allied to both the Velvet and Scoter Ducks, and the three species have been with good reason separated by
Dr. Fleming into a distinct genus. No one who has attentively investigated the great family of the Anatide
can have failed to remark into how many distinct groups or genera even the European examples naturally
arrange themselves, each group being characterized by its diversity of form, habits, and manners. Of these
genera, one of the best defined as well as most conspicuous is that designated Ozdemia. The species of this
genus are strictly oceanic, and are expressly adapted for obtaining their food far from shore, being provided
with an entirely water-proof plumage, and endowed with most extraordinary powers of swimming and diving.
Unlike the true Ducks, they seldom visit the inland waters, or feed upon terrestrial mollusca or vegetables,
but keep out at sea, and diving to a very great depth, procure bivalves, mollusca, and submarine vegetables :
they appear to be particularly partial to the common mussel, which we have taken from their throats and
stomachs entire.
It is for the purpose of grinding down this shelly food that the gizzard is not only extremely thick and
muscular, but is also lined with a dense coriaceous cuticle capable of grinding to pulp the hard bodies
subjected to its action. The arctic regions of America appear to be the true habitat of the present species,
particularly about Hudson’s Bay and Baffin’s Bay.
Little is known respecting its nidification, but it is said to form its nest near the shore, of grasses lined
with down; and that the eggs are white, and eight or ten in number.
The wings are short, convex, and pointed, and although they afford the bird tolerable powers of flight, they
are equally adapted for an organ of progression under water, an element to which, rather than to the air,
it frequently trusts for safety.
The uniform black colouring which characterizes the plumage of the present group is relieved in all the
species by a beak exceedingly rich in colour and ornamental in its markings, and in none of the species is
this peculiarity more conspicuous than in the Surf Scoter; this feature, however, is found in the males alone,
the females of the three species, which, we may remark, very closely resemble each other, having the beak
plain, and nearly uniform in colour.
The adult plumage, which presents no difference in summer and winter, may be thus described :
The male has the bill scarlet and yellowish white, with a large black mark on each side of the swollen
basal portion ; the whole of the plumage glossy black, with the exception of a patch of white on the top of
the head and another on the occiput; the irides greyish white; legs and toes red; interdigital membrane
black.
The female differs from the male in having the whole of the plumage dull brown, which is lightest about
the face, cheeks, and under surface; the beak dark olive; feet greyish brown.
The Plate represents a male and female, rather more than three fourths of the natural size.
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(May) PISVY ETUIIPT()
“A eLOOS vl ALATA
VELVET SCOTER.
Oidemia fusca, Flem.
La grande ou double Macreuse.
Tus is the largest species of the genus Ordemia, and may be readily distinguished from both its congeners
(Ord. perspicillata and Ord. mgra,) by the snow-white bar across the wing and the patch of white situated
beneath the eye. It also differs very considerably in the conformation of its bill, in which, however, it
approximates most nearly to Ord. perspicillata ; for although it is much more dilated, still it presents traces of
the swollen tubercle, but to a less extent than in either of the other species.
The northern regions of the globe constitute the true habitat of all the members of the group; the present
species retires within the Arctic Circle during the summer, and regularly migrates to the southern seas on
the approach of severe weather. It is found in considerable abundance on various parts of our northern coasts,
where it feeds upon muscles, mollusca, &c., which it always obtains by diving. It is very abundant in the
Arctic regions of Asia, and is reported to breed upon the banks of the larger rivers in Denmark, Russia,
Kamtschatka and Siberia: it is also found in America. It generally goes far inland for the purpose of nidifi-
cation, and constructs its nest of grass, lined with down, in which it deposits from eight to ten white egos.
As in the other members of the genus the sexes differ very considerably from each other, but as the female
very closely resembles the female of the Surf Scoter we have not deemed it necessary to give a figure of it.
The male has the whole of the plumage of a deep velvety black, with the exception of a patch of white
beneath the eye, and the secondaries, which are pure white and form a band across the wing ; upper mandible
black at the base, the remainder red, edged with black; under mandible pale yellowish white, edged with
black ; legs red on the outside, and deep yellow sprinkled with black on the inner; irides white.
The female has the whole of the plumage of a dull blackish brown, which is much lighter and rayed with
greyish on the under surface; between the bill and the eye, and on the ear-coverts, a spot of white ; beak
blackish ash colour; tarsi and feet dull red; irides brown.
We have figured a male of the natural size.
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“MA LOOS MOW TE :
BLACK SCOTER.
Anas nigra, Linn.
Oidemia nigra, Flem.
Le Canard macreuse.
No one of this truly oceanic group of Ducks is more familiar to our readers than the Black Scoter, visiting as
it does, during its spring and autumnal migrations, the seas which immediately encircle our island ; in fact,
we can seldom at these seasons cross the channel between England and the Continent without observing it ;
numerous flocks of them winging their way from one shoal or fishing-place to another, or diving in pursuit
of their prey. They subsist almost entirely on bivalves, such as the common mussel, &c., and they especially
abound where large beds of these shell-fish afford them an unfailing supply of favourite diet, their close ad-
pressed plumage and great power of diving admirably fitting them for their destined mode of life. Although
so plentiful on our shores, and on those of the Continent, especially Holland, it does not appear that it ever
breeds in our latitudes, but retires for that purpose to the seas, lakes, and morasses of the arctic circle, whence
it is annually driven southwards as winter locks up these waters and precludes the possibility of its obtaining
its natural food. Of its nidification we have no positive information, as is also the case with most of those
birds that resort to the higher regions to breed.
Unlike most of the Anatde, the Black Scoter and its allies undergo no periodical change in their
plumage ; neither is there so great a dissimilarity between the opposite sexes as there is in most others of this
family, the bright colouring of the bill in the male and his more richly coloured plumage being the chief
points of difference.
The male has the whole of the plumage of a rich velvet black ; the beak black, with the exception of the
nostrils, which are bright orange, and the spherical protuberance at the base, which is banded with yellow ;
irides brown; naked circle round the eye red; tarsus and toes brownish ash colour; webs blue.
The female is characterized by a plumage of dull blackish brown; the bill black, tinged with olive, and
wanting the basal protuberance; the sides of the face, throat, and under surface lighter in colour than the
upper.
The Plate represents an adult male of the natural size.
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Genus CLANGULA.
Gen. Cuar. Beak shorter than the head ; its base simple, narrow, nearly straight towards the
tip; the upper mandible furnished with a small hook. Nos¢rils oval, basal. Taal with its
feathers acuminated or blunt, not elongated.
GOLDEN EYE.
Anas Clangula, Lenn.
Clangula vulgaris, Leach.
Le Garrot.
Or all the diving Ducks the Golden Eye displays the most address in the water, the greatest rapidity in
plunging, united to the power of long continuance beneath its surface ; and as its food is to be sought for only
at the bottom of the deep, we see in these qualifications one of those instances which Nature ever presents of
the adaptation of the means to the end.
This interesting bird is a winter visitor, arriving on our coasts and those of the neighbouring continent at
the latter end of autumn, and retirmg northwards to breed, as the milder weather approaches taking up its
summer residence in Norway, Sweden, and the arctic portion of the American continent ; the female, it is said,
lays from ten to fourteen eggs of a pure white, on the borders of lakes and inlets of the sea.
The immature males of the Golden Eye, as well as the adult females, have been characterized as a distinct
species under the name of Morillon or Anas Glaucion,—a mistake lately rectified. But though the young
males and females present no dissimilarity of colour, the anatomical structure of the trachea, which exhibits
the same peculiarities in the males of every age, and which may be felt externally, is an infallible criterion.
The singularity of this organ in the present species consists of a labyrinth, very irregular in figure and almost
entirely osseous, from which the bronchial tubes proceed ;—a short distance above this, the trachea itself
enlarges very considerably; the dilatation is of an oval figure, capable of extension and contraction, and formed
of rings placed in an oblique direction. In the males of all the Ducks the trachea presents a peculiarity of
structure, which differs in every species: this feature therefore affords a clue to specific distinction, and may
be taken as the best test for identifymg an immature or doubtful species. The use for which Nature has
designed this peculiarity of structure has not been clearly ascertained, but it is most probably connected with
the tone or modulation of the voice.
In its mode of living; in the disproportion that exists between the sexes ; in the dark green tufted head of
the male,—a colouring exchanged for brown in the female and young,—there would seem to be indicated
we think, a striking analogy between the Golden Eye and the less typical Mergansers. This resemblance is
the more apparent if we take the Smew for our comparison. We there find a shorter beak, a more rounded
contour of body, and a less brilliant colour pervading the feet and tarsi, than in the others of its genus: to
this we may add its food, which consists more exclusively of molluscous animals and crustacea. The food of
the Golden Eye is the same, for which its strong beak, tapermg from a thick base, is well constructed.
The colour of its plumage also partakes of the same character as the Smew, exhibiting a contrast of black
and white in the male, and dark grey and white in the female.
The bill of the Golden Eye is black; irides fine golden yellow; neck glossy greenish black, with the exception
of a large white spot at the base of the bill ; back and tail black ; a band of white crosses the wings, leaving
the shoulders and quills black; legs dull orange; webs darker. The female is considerably less than the male,
and has the bill yellow towards the point ; head and upper part of the neck rusty brown, below which is a
ring of greyish white ; breast mottled with grey, upper parts dark cinereous ; tail and under parts as in the
male.
The weight is nearly two pounds, the length seventeen or eighteen inches.
Our Plate represents a male and female, faithfully figured, two thirds of their natural size.
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BARROW’S DUCK.
Clangula Barrovii, Swains. and Rich.
A rine male of this rare and beautiful species having been shot in Iceland by T. C. Atkinson, Esq. of New-
castle-upon-Tyne, when on a visit to that country, about two years since, we have much pleasure in figuring
it as an occasional inhabitant of the European portion of the globe. Mr. Atkinson’s specimen is now depo-
sited in the Museun of the Newcastle Natural History Society. Although very nearly allied to the Golden
Eye (Clangula vulgaris), it possesses, nevertheless, many characters by which it may be distinguished from
that species. For our first knowledge of the Clangula Barrovii we are indebted to that highly interesting
work the ‘* Fauna Boreali-Americana” of Messrs. Swainson and Richardson; and as the observations of the
latter gentleman were taken on the spot, we cannot do better than extract what he has recorded in the work
above mentioned.
“‘ Notwithstanding,” says Dr. Richardson, ‘ the general similarity in the form and markings of this bird
and the Common Golden Eye, the difference in their bills evidently points them out to be distinct species.
Exclusive of other specific characters,” the Barrow’s Duck “is distinguished by the purer colour of its dorsal
plumage, and the smaller portion of white on its wings and scapulars. Its long flank feathers are also much
more broadly bordered all round with black. The bases of the greater coverts in the Golden Eye are black ;
but they are concealed, and do not form the black band so conspicuous in Clangula Barrovii. The specific
appellation is intended as a tribute to Mr. Barrow’s varied talents, and his unwearied exertions for the pro-
motion of science.
‘« Head and two inches of the neck bright pansy-purple, with a greenish reflection on the ears; forehead
and chin brownish black. Dorsal plumage, wings, and broad tips of the long flank feathers mostly velvet —
black. Crescentic patch from the rictus to the sides of the forehead, lower part of the neck, shoulders, tips
of the outer scapularies, lower row of lesser coverts, six secondaries, and under plumage pure white ; space
round the thighs, the tail, and its lateral under coverts broccoli-brown ; bill blackish ; legs orange ; webs
black.
‘* Bill shorter and narrower towards the point than that of the Golden Eye, and the feathers of the forehead,
instead of running to a point on the ridge of the bill as in the latter, terminate with a semicircular outline.
The plumage also of the occiput and nape is longer, forming a more decided crest than in that species.
Wings two inches and a half shorter than the tail.” .
The female we have never seen, but have thought it best to append Dr. Richardson’s description of that
sex.
“‘ Female—head and adjoining part of the neck umber-brown, without a white mark ; dorsal plumage pitch
black ; its anterior part, particularly the shoulders and the base of the neck all round, edged with ash grey.
A white collar round the middle of the neck. Flanks clove-brown, edged with white. Intermediate coverts
blotched with white and black; greater coverts white tipped with black secondaries as in the male. Both
mandibles orange at the point, their tips and posterior parts black. Feet like the male.”
Our Plate represents a male of the natural size.
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HARLEQUIN DUCK.
Anas histrionica, Zinn.
Clangula histrionica, Leach.
Nature, ever boundless in her resources and ever varying in her details, appears not unfrequently to delight
in producing the most striking and singular contrast of colours, with which to adorn the plumage of the
feathered race: and yet, strong and decided as the contrast may be, the whole effect is harmonious and
delightful. It is so in the splendid bird before us, which gains its name from the multiplicity of its markings,
—markings which, unlike those produced as it were by accident, and observed only upon varieties, without
permanency and without method, are here the characters of a species, and are continued feather for feather
through successive generations.
The general contour of its body together with the fanciful markings of its plumage would seem to ally it
to the Mergansers ; but on comparing the skeletons it was found by Mr. Yarrell and ourselves not to approach
so nearly to that tribe of birds as did the skeleton of the Long-tailed Duck, Harelda elacialis, Leach. This
circumstance, together with its general similarity in bone to the skeleton of the Golden Eye, has induced us
to arrange the Harlequin Duck under the same genus with it.
Although higher latitudes than the British Islands constitute the true habitat of the Harlequin Duck, it
has nevertheless been frequently captured here, and both sexes enrich several of our collections of native
birds. Its presence, however, is attended with great uncertainty both in this country and in all the temperate
portions of Europe. It is consequently prized by ornithological collectors as one of their greatest rarities.
The Arctic regions, which are enriched with so many aquatic birds, afford this beautiful species a residence
especially adapted to its solitary mode of life, as well as supplying it with every necessary conducive to its
existence. It is said to be peculiarly local in its places of resort, preferring inland streams in the neighbour-
hood of waterfalls and cataracts. It is abundant in Norway, Russia, and Siberia; and was also observed by
Dr. Richardson while pursuing his course from Hudson’s Bay to the shores of the polar seas, sometimes in
pairs, but not unfrequently in small flocks of eight or ten. It breeds near the water’s edge, generally laying
from six to twelve eggs, of a pure white. Its powers of diving are said to be great; hence it seeks its food,
which consists of shell-fish and mollusca, at the bottoms of rivers and inlets of the sea. It flies with great
rapidity, and is capable of performing extensive migrations in a very short time.
The disparity in size between the sexes is strikingly apparent, the female being full a third smaller than
the male, and remarkably plain in her colouring. We have to thank the Rev. Dr. Thackeray, Provost of
King’s College Cambridge, for the loan of the female from which our figure was taken. That gentleman has
also most liberally offered us any other species in his valuable collection for the same purpose.
The young male of the year very much resembles the adult female in colour ; its superior size however, and
enlarged windpipe, at once point out its sexual difference. They are at least four years attaining the fine
state of plumage which characterizes the male in our Plate.
The cheeks and neck are black, with dark violet reflections ; a triangular space between the beak and the
eye, a spot behind the eye, a longitudinal band on the sides of the neck, two crescent-shaped collars on the
breast, with parts of the scapulars, are all of a pure white ; over each eye is situated a rufous band which
terminates at the occiput ; breast and belly blueish ash ; flanks reddish chestnut ; the whole of the upper
surface deep blackish brown.
In the female, the upper surface is of a dark brown, with the exception of a white spot behind the eye, and
a space of dull white which covers the face; the head lighter brown clouded with transverse markings of a
darker colour.
We have figured an adult male and a female, about two thirds of their natural size.
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“MONG CHTIVL ONO
Genus HARELDA.
Gen. Cuar. Beak unarmed at its base, very short, slender, narrow towards the tip; the
under mandible furnished with a small nail at its tip. ostréls linear, basal. Crown
elevated. Taz/ with its intermediate feathers elongated and pointed.
LONG-TAILED DUCK.
Anas glacialis, Lenn.
Harelda glacialis, Leach.
Le Canard de miclon.
Tuts species of Duck is generally diffused over the northern regions of the continents of Europe and America,
but is to be considered more especially as a native of the Arctic circle, whence it diverges, but in diminished
numbers, to more southern and temperate latitudes: it is, however, seldom found to extend its migrations in
Europe further south than the British Islands. Wilson informs us, that in America straggling parties are
found in winter as far south as Kingston in Carolina.
These birds resort to the Orkneys during winter, and a few remain there to breed during the summer.
Of this fact we are well convinced, as we have ourselves received them in the breeding season in the height
of their summer plumage. In severe winters the whole of our coast is visited by them in small patties,
which seldom remain any length of time, but return, on the opening of the weather, to more congenial
latitudes. M.‘Temminck says they are sometimes found in the great lakes of Germany and on the shores
of Holland, but never in flocks. In Sweden, Lapland and Russia they are in great abundance. The nature
of their food, which consists of mussels and other shelled and naked Mollusca, confines them almost exclu-
sively to the sea, and they are remarkable for their activity and dexterity in diving. Wilson observes, that
they are lively, restless birds, flying swiftly and sweeping round in short excursions.
This. species of Duck builds a nest not unlike that of the Hider, and equally valuable for its down : it is
placed among the grass and herbage which grow near the sea-shore, and is lined with down from the
female breast. ‘The eggs are from ten to fourteen in number, of a blueish white tinged with olive colour.
One of the most remarkable peculiarities in this bird is the contrast which exists between the plumage
of winter and of summer, which may be thus described. The male in winter has the head and neck, with
the exception of a blackish brown patch below the ears, of a pure white, as are also the scapularies and
long pendent secondaries which fall over the quills; the abdomen and outer tail-feathers are white; the
chest, back, shoulders, wings, and middle elongated narrow tail-feathers, which exceed the rest by several
inches, blackish brown. In summer the white on the head which predominates in winter is exchanged for
brownish black, which is then the most universal colour, except that the scapulars and tertials are reddish
brown. Beak greenish black, with a transverse band of red ; tarsi and toes blueish lead colour ; membranes
blackish ; irides orange.
The young males of the year and the adult females resemble each other. In both, the elongated scapularies
and tail-feathers are wanting ; the top of the head and sides of the neck are brown ; the general colour of
the whole of the upper surface dull brown, each feather having a darker centre; the rest of the plumage
white.
We extract the following description of the windpipe of this bird from Shaw’s General Zoology, vol. xii.
p- 177.—<‘ The trachea of this bird is of a singular construction, and differs from that of the other Anatide :
it rather increases in size at each extremity: at the lower end, close to the labyrinth, one side is flattened,
and instead of the bony rings continuing round of their full breadth, this part is crossed with four distant
linear bones as fine as a thread, which support a delicate transparent membrane three quarters of an inch in
length, and almost three eighths of an inch broad at the base : below this ribbed membrane projects the bony
part of the labyrinth, with a tympanum of a kidney shape placed transversely to the trachea, the middle of
which is flat and membranaceous : the opposite side of the labyrinth is depressed, and from the bottom of this
part the branchiz take their origin.”
The Plate exhibits a male and female, in their winter plumage, rather more than three fourths of the
natural size.
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of GIMP UAiiee aed ih obit Hlaiyish ye DAF 3 sivieah eel arsine tht: Had
Poe _. , a 5 ; eo ca s) 2 ote P ? sh j a aye are abs ed:
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a4 adams) wkdlies J ode dealing: natal aie ad aici dF Laugreliine. oe agli ie TG
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PAAR YY” nua { Unt Myf
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Genus UNDINA, Mihi.
Grn. Cuar. Beak elevated and protuberant at its base, with a furrow on the upper ridge ;
anterior half very much depressed and broad. Nos¢rdds situated at the junction of the
elevated and depressed portion. Wings very short, pointed, and concave; the first quill-
feather the longest, the scapularies reaching to the end of the wing. Taz cuneiform, and
composed of twenty narrow stiff feathers, unprotected at the base by coverts both above
and below. Legs placed far behind. ‘Tarsz flattened, and much shorter than the toes.
Toes long, and fully webbed, the outer one the longest; hind toe situated high on the
tarsus and lobated. General plumage dense, glossy, and adpressed.
WHITE-HEADED DUCK.
Undina leucocephala, Mzhi.
Anas leucocephala, Linn.
Le Canard couronné.
Ow attentively inspecting the genera comprising the European Ducks, as instituted by modern naturalists, it is
evident that the present species is not referrible to any one of them at present recognised.
The contour of its form, the character of its plumage, and especially that of its graduated tail, composed of
stiff elastic feathers, together with the large feet and the elevated position of the posterior lobated toe,
indicate it to be exclusively aquatic in its habits; so near, in fact, does it approach the genus Hydrobates of
M. Temminck, containing the Lobated Duck of New Holland, that we have no hesitation in asserting it to form
the type of a closely allied genus.
The White-headed Duck is almost entirely restricted to the eastern countries of Europe, being very
abundant in Russia, Poland, Hungary, and Austria; hence in Germany, France, and Holland it may be
considered unknown. In its native countries it chiefly inhabits large sheets of saline waters and arms of
the sea; and we are informed by M. Temminck, that so exclusively aquatic are the habits of this bird that its
nest is even so constructed as to float upon the water, being composed of reeds and other water-plants.
Although we have no account of its powers of diving, or mode of progression in its native element, we cannot
for a moment doubt that it possesses every facility for making active and vigorous exertions in its con-
genial element. Its stiff elastic tail and waterproof plumage tend to support an opinion that, like the Cormo-
rant and Darters, it swims almost entirely submersed beneath the surface, while its short concave wings and
broadly webbed feet also assure us that in the power of diving it is second to none.
Its food is said to consist of molluscous animals and fishes.
The female differs from the male more in the obscurity of her markings and in the general dullness of her
colouring than in any decided contrast, a circumstance in which we may again trace a resemblance to the New
Holland Duck already alluded to.
Beak fine bluish lead colour; crown of the head black; forehead, cheeks, throat, and occiput pure white ;
chest, flanks, scapularies, and the whole of the upper part, of a fine reddish brown, transversely intersected
with irregular zigzag lines of blackish brown; quills and tail black; under surface dull russet brown; tarsi
and feet brownish ; irides fine yellow. |
The Plate represents an adult male of the natural size,
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Genus MERGUS, Linn.
Grn. Cuar. Beak lengthened, nearly cylindrical, largest at the base, curved at the tip,
nailed ; both mandzbles armed at the edges with sharp angular teeth directed backwards.
Nostrils one third from the base, oval, longitudinal, lateral, near the centre of the man-
dible. Feet webbed ; outer toe longest ; hand toe lobed and free ; tarsi compressed. Wings
moderate ; second guzll-feathers the longest.
GOOSANDER.
Mergus Merganser, Lnn.
Le Grand Harle.
Pre-EMINENTLY distinguished by the breadth and boldness of its colouring, and the delicacy of some of its
tints, the Goosander, both from its beauty and its superiority of size, is éntitled to rank as the finest of its
genus ; admirably adapted for diving, it possesses great power and agility in the water ; its flight also, when
once fairly on the wing, is strong and rapid.
Its native locality appears to be the northern regions of the continents of Europe and America, where,
among large and unfrequented lakes, it fds an asylum and breeding place: from these, its summer haunts, it
migrates southwards on the approach of the severities of winter, seldom appearing in our latitudes unless the
season indicates an extremely low temperature in the Arctic circle; at such times it frequents our shores
and unfrozen lakes, either in pairs or in small flocks of seven or eight : but the extensive inland waters of
Holland and Germany appear to be its favourite place of resort.
The form of the body is long and compressed ; the total length twenty-six inches ; the weight four pounds.
Beak red on the sides, darker above, edges serrated ; armed at the end with an abruptly hooked nail.
Head ornamented with slender elongated hair-like feathers, forming a voluminous crest of a rich glossy black
with green reflections, which colour is continued half-way down the neck, where it terminates abruptly. The
back and scapulars of a fine black ; wing-coverts and secondaries white. Quills blackish-brown ; rump and tail
grey, the sides irregularly marked with fine waved freckled darker lines ; tail-feathers eighteen. The whole of
the under surface of the body of a delicate yellowish cream-colour. Legs placed very far back. Tarsus and
toes of a rich orange-red ; interdigital membrane rather darker.
The trachea presents two enlargements of the tube before it enters the labyrinth or inferior larynx,
which consists of two irregular cavities divided from each other by a membranous partition.
The female is considerably less than the male, and differs from him not only in plumage but also in the
anatomical structure of the trachea, which wants the enlargement both of the tube and the bony labyrinth.
The beak, irides and feet are less brilliant in colour. Head, neck and crest rufous brown ; chin white; the
uppersurface of the body uniform dark ash grey; the under part lighter with a tinge of cream-colour.
These differences in the female, connected with the similarity of plumage characterizing the young males
of the year, (which are only to be distinguished by the masculine structure of the trachea, and rather larger
size,) have induced early writers to consider them as a distinct species, to which they have applied the name
of Dundiver ; an error corrected by more recent observation.
Its food consists of fish, small crustacea, and molluscous animals. Its flesh is rank and unpalatable.
The female is said to lay twelve whitish eggs, but the nidification of this bird is little known.
Our Plate represents a male and female in full plumage, two thirds of the natural size.
; BATA 2 vehi Level rE Hadehien 10 ib: nt ve ot iva. ait
i tt ote. ified veka. stneenagscikd old aint -
f F fi syat } pialiae: uid “sot Lad abu fd dissin Karas §
) b visiat somo.
iy fs ks. Teg orn y aden He tO g Sriten ae
; Sida oso soit : saute omihoal fier wuehyag as ebiil: ii 2 ted oyueal “poucnenns
HAHA wo al sakesras sioblia ciatiine to eoninoiae ods YG denen add. 10 renee yc } eotangine
rate fae te. nomik dove 3 (ods ai odiornpaed; wol ylone«s ae bolpatiiet meus
lite Dagaiir oviagiqdxe oth duc 9 4 Lo alyoR indian af ae athe ‘ite ith todtia date seeotinss hrs
thee To doalq oir owt aif ad GX ie: ape year) bits hitilintt
abytigndey sash ds ghia, aval! od); boesonquions ins gyrol di yi if afi Yo wast 447
lise odo yiustudir ane bier bas’ odd iG bxacin : hadwvyae 20800 eit
Honky vuaol dirraiio tsois widalawlos s gtatot srotinct on if
Bei. Thies woke YP tod slion of ieroh vaw-Mad bouniiadaat
i te 7owhind i vata ¥ iit) git (vy a rh Hirei93 fern theo prk
) if [ a io) dy i Fite its! = sil RIE haf Say B wi 9ah il ii re Hae yi talires cis i yie ott Te
Tits en Vad ast wey, baaaiy ead naltdenioa> darnolisy simatoh s ‘to hod odt Te o4ePite aobin asf
ao Aiade (alters samidrasia Ldiyibvestad ; hee geass fe 8 to 290%
wig tel gir sth eirilat-oae edad ti. Stdtad je) alt to. atroiisgiins on 2 srt Roses oft -
f mri HOdeAtOdy By fe or i hobs f ‘seedy Saat oud to Matenas pay
on} te nialss dard ' ia Mo Ht we) zest vidsrohig fe Ft ‘tag off
Rairkatnh aed sith reer | svar bsieter, scseliuyt sald Toon nord a H Liopisnientacrs'
fs roth rh ‘sty ‘rs t } dibpal | 4 hee TEE dalled Bebtyh aa igascel bt Fe] “pabest olmnl ak gt
yas er ‘i eibever ons ¢y ore. tlan isl evelibsy ybu dl aulk 4 ta St ell :
aos Hanh Sat ey sre 8) Pah Tisha / nlite vba itt iiiber batas tre efaiiieit, oid: wi eerniosiib: es
49% | (alts 1 eeceniten, afd: 1S Lvaet: sient of ot yliea! somes daielis) nay, lf Ne
Toe ,
ses . soitite ily G26: arorlt whiten of aalies hiss hovitkint oved Coa
Pt haee 3. sh ee a - aolteriaedo Jassar stocd yih matte wid as. fp revibng to
ala oa Bits 2 Airs ab, itt ail Mechten ennsanlione bins ‘pa Hennes ,lefl.to'ateieiios lioct.asl az
ireaigd Etihad i { attit’ 1 sokigobibic dete yy ered seit. aylawed Ch ob tlie xi i ateansi of |
oer rs ld w boys ore. f 4 nt tours ee ony b soerlen onal ce
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RED-BREASTED MERGANSER.
Mergus serrator.
Le Harle huppé.
Tur Red-breasted Merganser appears to be the only species of this genus which occasionally breeds with
us, remaining the whole year in the Orkneys and about some of the inland lakes of North Britain, building
its nest, which consists of dried bents, grass, &c., on any elevated situation, as a rocky bank near the water’s
edge ; and laying from eight to twelve cream-coloured eggs.
The British Islands appear to be the most southern limits of its summer abode ; but it is found in plenty
on both continents within the arctic circle,—regions more congenial to its habits and more abundantly sup-
plying its wants.
Its powers of swimming and diving equal if not exceed those of the other species of this genus ; its food
is in all respects the same, and its flesh is equally rank and disagreeable.
The Red-breasted Merganser is one third less than the Goosander, which it resembles in its habits and
manners, but differs from it extremely in colour. The beak is very long and slender, the sides red, separated
by an upper line of black; the head furnished with a crest of long, slender, recurved feathers, the whole of
which, with a third of the neck, is of a dark glossy green ; below this a broad white band encircles the neck,
gradually losing itself in the colour of the breast, which is of a chestnut-red, longitudinally blotched with
dashes of black. The back and tertials are of a deep glossy black. On each side of the chest, overhanging
the shoulders, is situated a singular tuft of broad and peculiarly formed feathers, the centre of each of which
is occupied by a large white triangular spot, surrounded with a border of black; the whole presenting a
beautiful chequered appearance. The centre of the wing is white partly crossed with two slender bars of
black. The quills are blackish brown. The sides and rump light grey elegantly marked with zigzag lines of
black. Tail dark grey. The under surface of the body of a dirty white. The irides, legs, and feet, of an
orange-red ; the webs darker.
During the period of incubation, however, the male undergoes a considerable change in plumage, losing
the rich glossy green of his head and neck, which degenerates into an obscure brown, and the fine chestnut
colour of his breast entirely disappears.
The female is rather less than the male, and exhibits in the rufous brown of the head, crest, and neck, one
of the peculiarities of the genus. The beak and legs are duller than in the male; the back and sides are
grey; the chest barred with obscure transverse spots ; the middle of the wings white, with a dark bar. The
under surface of a dirty white.
The young male of the year resembles the female in colour, but possesses the characteristic conformation
of trachea peculiar to the males.
We have figured an adult male and female, two thirds of the natural size.
rule
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ayer LQ WHOA LUO prey BIT UtoLy UML T
WIND
LUUNT / STYCT[NOD)
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HOODED MERGANSER.
Mergus cucullatus, Zann.
LHarle couronné.
Tue native locality of the Hooded Merganser appears to be the United States and the higher latitudes of
North America. It is also found on the north and north-western coasts of Europe. We are indebted to
that distinguished Ornithologist, Mr. Selby, of Northumberland, for a knowledge of the occurrence of this
rare and beautiful species in England, and its consequent claims to a place in the Fauna of Great Britain. It
is however but an accidental visitant, as this solitary instance only is on record of its having been taken in
this country.—The following is the account given by that gentleman in the ‘“ Transactions of the Natural
History Society of Northumberland, Durham and Newcastle,” vol. 1. p. 292.
‘The other (alluding to the present bird), which we may claim as an acquisition, is the Mergus cucullatus
(Hooded Merganser), upon the authority of a specimen killed at Yarmouth, in Norfolk, in the winter of 1829.
The skin of this individual was lately sent to me by my esteemed correspondent Mr. Elton, of Redland near
Bristol, to whom it was presented by a friend, who purchased it as a rare variety in a fresh state from the
person who actually shot it. From the state of its plumage it appears to be a young female, the crest not
being so full or large, and the white upon the secondary quills less extended than in the skin of an adult
female compared with it.” We have not, it is true, examined the specimen from which Mr. Selby’s figure
and description were taken ; nevertheless we are inclined to believe, from an inspection of the beautiful draw-
ing which illustrates his work, that the bird in question is not a young female as Mr. Selby supposes, but an
immature male, which in certain stages closely resembles the female in plumage, but may be distinguished by
the larger and more rounded crest, which in the latter is long and thin.
In size the Hooded Merganser is intermediate between the Red-breasted Merganser and Smew, and partakes
strongly of all the characters which are peculiar to the genus. The irides are golden; the bill elongated, narrow,
and of a dull red ; the head ornamented with a double row of long silky feathers, forming a beautiful compressed
hood, which commences from the base of the beak, and when elevated forms a bold arch ending at the occiput.
The head and its hood are of a glossy greenish black, with the exception on the latter of a large triangular
fan-shaped spot of white the apex of which is situated just behind the eye, from which it diverges out-
wards, having its external edge bordered by a margin of black continued from the surrounding colour; the
neck and back black; the chest white, with two beautiful crescent-shaped lines proceeding from the back
and arching forward in a point near the centre of the chest ; wings dark, with four alternate bars of black
and white ; quill-feathers brown ; tertials consisting of elongated slender and pointed white feathers, with a
broad black border, hanging gracefully over the wings ; rump and tail dark umber; sides ferruginous brown,
marked with minute undulating transverse lines of a darker colour ; under surface white ; feet and webs flesh-
coloured.
The description of the female of a single species applies more or less to the same sex throughout the whole
of the genus; as will be readily perceived in the present instance. Bill and feet as in the male; the head fur-
nished with a small crest of slight hair-like feathers, of a dull ferruginous brown ; the neck dusky brown,
slightly barred towards the chest with white ; the whole of the upper surface of a deep and rich umber ; the
wings bearing traces of the white bars, which are distinct in the male ; the under parts white.
We have figured a male and female, two thirds of their natural size.
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SMEW.
Mergus albellus, Linn.
La Piette.
Tuis bird interests us more by the purity and contrast of its colours, than by its brilliancy or variety ; the
snowy whiteness of its plumage, broken by irregular markings of a jet black, in conjunction with the neatness
of its general figure, producing an extremely pleasing effect.
The Smew is the smallest of the genus Mergus, and offers considerable deviation in some points from the
typical form : the body is less compressed and elongated, the beak shorter, with feet of diminished size ; which
peculiarities, conjoined with the dark colour of the latter, evince a departure from the usual characteristics
of this genus, and would seem to indicate an approximation to the more true Anatide or Duck tribe. Still
however it must be conceded that it retains many prominent features of the genus, its habits and manners
being in all respects the same; visiting us during inclement winters, at which time it is found in small numbers
on the coasts and inland lakes of these Islands, and in much greater abundance in the more extensive waters
of Holland and Germany ; but, as far as observation goes, it has never been known to breed with us. The
arctic regions of both continents seem to be selected for its summer residence and breeding place. The
bill is shorter than the head, and tapers suddenly as it approaches the point; its general colour, as well as
that of the feet and legs, is a blueish lead, the webs more dusky ; irides dark hazel. The head is ornamented
with a snowy pendent crest; a large greenish-black circle surrounds the eye; the occiput, over which hang
the drooping feathers of the crest, is also black, with green reflections ; the neck pure white, as is also the
chest, on the sides of which two crescent-shaped lines of black bend forward, continued from the back, which
is black, becoming grey towards the rump and tail. The scapulars are white, marked with oblique lines of
black ; the lesser coverts white, forming a broad band across the wing; secondaries and greater wing-
coverts black, with white edges producing two smaller white bands; quills blackish-brown ; tertiaries light
blueish-grey ; under parts pure white.
The trachea of this species differs from those of its congeners in having no enlargement of the tube, which
is formed by a series of firm rings gradually increasing in size from the larynx to the labyrinth, the latter
being small and irregular in its figure; the tongue also is rather more rounded, and in form approaches to
that of the Ducks.
The female is smaller, and, although a pleasing bird, does not present the contrast of colouring so attractive
in the male. ‘The beak and legs are lead-coloured ; the crest, as usual throughout the females of the genus,
ferruginous-brown ; a black oval spot below the brown extends from the base of the bill, covers the cheek, and
surrounds the eye,—a marking which seems to have been entirely overlooked by European ornithologists. The
occiput and neck are dusky-white ; the chest light-grey, faintly clouded with obscure bars of a darker colour ;
the back, rump and tail deep greyish-brown ; the wings, as in the male, are distinguished by a broad band and
two lines of white ; shoulders, quills, and tertiaries brownish-black ; the under surface of the body white.
The young birds, both male and female, during their first winter are alike in plumage, but both want the
black circle round the eye which distinguishes the adult female. Its weight is about twenty-four ounces ; its
length is from fifteen to sixteen inches : its food consists of marine insects, mollusce, small fish, and water
plants.
The annexed Plate represents an adult male and female in their winter dress, two thirds of their natural
size.
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Genus PODICEPS.
Grn. Cuar. Bill lengthened, strong, slightly compressed, straight, and pointed. Nostrils
lateral, basal, linear, pierced in the middle of the nasal fosse ; space between the corner of
the bill and the eye naked. Wings short and concave. Tail none. Legs placed at the
posterior extremity of the body, the tbze being inclosed within the integuments of the
abdomen. Tarst much compressed. Feet consisting of four toes, three before and one
behind ; the front ones much flattened, and each furnished with a broad membrane. Nails
large, flat, and broad. Plumage soft, downy, and thick, with a silky lustre.
GREAT CRESTED GREBE.
Podiceps cristatus, Lath.
Le Grebe huppé.
Tur Podiceps cristatus is not only the largest of all the European species of its genus, but may be regarded
as one of the most typical examples. It is a native of the British Islands as well as of all the temperate
portions of continental Europe, everywhere frequenting lakes, large ponds, the mouths of rivers, or the
borders of the sea. In these situations it remains during the greater part of the year, eluding pursuit by its
extraordinary powers of diving, and capability of remaining submerged beneath the surface of the water. We
have also received numerous examples from Asia and Africa, which proved to be strictly identical with
European specimens.
The Plate represents a young bird of the year, and an adult during the season of incubation, at which
period it assumes the rich ornamental crest and tippet which are then so conspicuous. It is the immature
bird which is described by the older writers as the Tippet Grebe, and which so nearly represents the adults
in their winter dress, as to render any further description unnecessary ; a mistake which modern ornithologists
have rectified.
The full or red stage of plumage, in which the frill and crest appear, is not acquired until the third year,
and even then, in its greatest luxuriance, is only the ornament of the season of pairing and incubation, the
elongated plumes of the cheeks and head being lost, as we suspect, on the approach of winter. There is
another peculiarity common to this and the rest of the Grebes which requires notice ; we allude to the
circumstance of the stomach being found after death commonly filled with a mass of feathers from the breast,
but whether swallowed for the purpose of assisting the powers of digestion or not, it is impossible to
conjecture. ‘The nest is composed of masses of decayed aquatic vegetables, secured amidst the herbage on
the margin of the water, with the variations of which it rises or falls. The eggs are three or four in number,
of a greenish white stained with brown. ‘Their food consists of fish, crustacea, and aquatic insects.
The plumage of this species may be thus described: Crown of the head and occipital tuft or ear-feathers
deep greyish black ; the frill black at its extreme edge, and rich chestnut throughout the greater part of the
rest of its length, gradually fading off into the white of the cheeks and throat; the whole of the upper
plumage brownish black, with a white bar across the wings; the under surface silvery white, becoming
rufous on the flanks ; the tarsus and toes dark olive green on the upper side, on the under side pale yellow ;
bill dark horn colour ; irides red.
In winter the plumage resembles that of the summer, except that the richly coloured frill and elongated
ear-feathers are wholly wanting. ‘The sexes at either season offer no external differences in the plumage.
The figures in the Plate are somewhat less than the natural size.
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RED-NECKED GREBE.
Podiceps rubricollis, Lath.
Le Grebe jou-gris.
Amonc the European species of Grebes, the Red-necked is intermediate in size between the Crested Grebe
(Podiceps cristatus) and the Horned Grebe (Podiceps cornutus). From the former it may be distinguished
by the more partial development of the frill, which, with the whole of the cheeks, are of a light grey, and by
the deep chestnut of the front and sides of the neck; while from the latter it differs in having the red streak
passing through the eye to the occiput in the form of horns, as well as by the grey colour of the frill and
cheeks, which in the Podiceps cornutus are black.
In point of rarity, particularly in our own climate, it is on an equal footing with the latter, being only an
accidental visiter, though sometimes probably breeding with us.
In food, habits and manners this rare bird closely agrees with its congeners, inhabiting large inland lakes,
rivers, estuaries, and the borders of the sea. In France and Holland it appears to be almost as scarce as in
this country. It seems to be more common in Germany and Sweden; but its true habitat is the eastern
portion of Europe or the adjacent regions of Asia. It is, however, far from being uncommon in all our
larger collections ; and we have ourselves seen both the young and adult in the London markets.
In their mature plumage, the two sexes offer but little external difference, both, we believe, always losing
the beautiful frill and red colouring of the neck in winter, and regaining them early in the succeeding
spring.
The young bird, when it has attained the full size, as in all this family, is of a greyish brown above, and white
beneath, but may be distinguished by one character from the young of other species, namely, by the yellow
colour of the whole of the lower mandible except at its very tip.
The adult colouring is as follows. .
The top of the head, the egrets, the occiput and back of the neck, black ; the back and whole of the upper
surface of a brownish black, with the exception of the secondaries, which are white, so as to form a band
across the wings ; front and sides of the neck deep chestnut; under surface white ; bill black, except at the
base, which is of a rich orange yellow ; irides scarlet; tarsi and toes dull olive green.
Our Plate represents an adult in the summer plumage, and a bird of the year, of the natural size.
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HORNED GREBE.
Podiceps cornutus, Lath.
Le Grébe cornu, ou Esclavon.
Tis beautiful Grebe is one of the rarest of those that occasionally visit the British Islands, particularly when
it is adorned with the richly coloured plumes which characterize it in the adult state, a stage in which we
have illustrated both sexes. We would however observe, that this fine plumage is only confined to the birds
during the breeding season ; at other seasons the plumage is less diversified, the frill and horns being alike
absent, and the chestnut colouring of the neck being exchanged for greyish white ; in this stage as well as
that of the young it has been termed the Podiceps obscurus, Podiceps caspicus, &c. It is in the latter state
that it is most frequently seen on our shores, and in which it so closely resembles the young of Podiceps
cristatus as to require minute attention in order to distinguish them. To this difference we have alluded
in the description of Podzceps auritus.
Of all the Grebes, the present has the widest range of habitat, extending itself throughout the whole of
the arctic circle, seldom venturing further south than the British Isles in Europe, and the middle of the
United States in the American continent. Like all other species of its genus, it seems to prefer inland lakes
adjacent to the sea, and the mouths of large rivers ; but still it is often found along low flat shores of the sea.
In its nidification it agrees strictly with its congeners, constructing a nest of such water-plants as abound
on the spot in the lake where it resides ; the nest being always on the surface of the water, attached to the
strong reeds which rise from the bottom and secure it in its position. The eggs are four in number, of a
dull white, exhibiting stains from the weeds upon which they repose.
The plumage of summer may be thus characterized. ‘The top of the head, back of the neck, and upper
surface black, with a slight tinge of green; a stripe of light chestnut which takes its origin from the base of the
beak, and passes through the eye, is spread over two tufts of silky feathers, which rise like horns on each side
of the occiput ; the feathers of the cheeks are lengthened and spread out into a beautiful frill of a rich greenish
black ; the fore part of the neck and edges of the flanks of a rich chestnut ; the under surface silvery white ;
tarsi and feet dull olive, with the exception of the anterior and posterior edges of the former, which are yellow ;
beak black, tipped with yellow ; irides crimson,
The female strictly resembles the male, except that her size is rather less, the plumes less brilliant, and
the ornament of the head less developed.
The Plate represents a male and female of the natural size.
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KARED GREBE.
Podiceps auritus, Lath.
Le Grébe oreillard.
Like the rest of the family, whose locomotive powers are ill adapted for land, the Eared Grebe inhabits
the water as its native element ; not only obtaining its food there, but also carrying on the whole process of
incubation, constructing a floating nest, composed of water-plants rudely matted together, which falls and rises
with the influx and reflux of the waves. In size, the Podiceps auritus is somewhat less than the Sclavonian
Grebe, or P. cornutus, from which it may readily be distinguished by the absence of the chestnut-coloured
neck and rufous stripe which passes from the base of the bill through the eye to the occiput.
The present species may be considered as one of the rarest of the genus in this country; but we are
led to suppose, from the seasons in which it is taken, that it sometimes resorts to our inland waters for the
purpose of breeding. The female lays about four eggs, of a dirty white colour. The young differ very
considerably from the adult; the characteristics of which we have faithfully portrayed in the annexed Plate,
where it will be seen that the prevailing colour of the immature bird is a uniform grey on the upper surface,
with a silvery appearance spreading over the whole of the under parts.
Reasoning from analogy, we may suppose that the Podiceps auritus undergoes the same variations at
different seasons of the year which we know to take place in the other species of the genus; gaining its
darker colour and ornamented ear-feathers only as the breeding season advances. When this period is past,
and during the winter, we believe the adult to bear a close resemblance in plumage to the young of the year
which have not yet undergone any change. The male and female offer but little difference.
M. Temminck informs us that it is extremely rare both in the marshes and on the coasts of Holland,
its native locality appearing to be more especially confined to the rivers and fresh waters of the North of
Europe.
Its food consists of small fishes, crustaceous animals, the larve of water insects, &c.
The bill is black ; the irides bright red ; the ear-feathers long and silky, radiating from the eye to the
occiput, and of a light glossy chestnut ; the head ornamented with a short full crest, which, with the throat,
neck, and upper surface, is of a uniform blackish brown. The quill-feathers dark brown, secondaries white ;
sides of the rump dark chestnut brown. The whole of the under surface a pure silvery white ; legs greenish-
black.
Weight thirteen ounces ; length twelve inches and a half.
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LITTLE GREBE, or DABCHICK.
Podiceps minor, Lenn.
Le Grébe custagneux.
Tue changes in plumage which even a bird so common as the Dabchick undergoes, have been until lately so
little understood as to have produced for a single species a double nomenclature. It is now, however, known
that the black-chinned Grebe of older authors, and by them supposed to be a distinct species, is the Podiceps
minor in its summer plumage. In this state, as well as in that which it assumes in winter, we have introduced
it in our Plate.
To this little bird, as to its congeners, the water is the native and familiar element. Extensively spread over
Europe, except as we approach the more northern regions, it may be seen busily traversing the surface of
inland waters, or dipping and diving in pursuit of its food; still it is shy, and distrustful of man, disliking his
presence, and avoiding his prying curiosity by retreating at his approach to its reedy covert; or, if this be im-
practicable, diving among floating weeds and water-lilies, where, with its bill alone above the surface, for
the purpose of breathing, it will remain patiently watching till the danger be past, when it will cautiously
emerge and seek its wonted haunt.
At ease and alert as is the Dabchick on the waters, it exhibits on terra firma a complete contrast, waddling
along in an awkward and constrained manner, and glad to escape to its congenial element again. Its powers
of flight are also inconsiderable ; unless, indeed, it rises to a certain elevation, when, notwithstanding the
shortness of the wings and absence of tail, it can sustain a long and rapid excursion.
The young when just excluded are in the perfect possession of all those powers which especially tend to
their preservation. While yet covered with down, and perfectly incapable of flight, they may be seen, in com-
pany with the parent birds, swimming and diving, either in the exuberance of animal enjoyment, or in pursuit
of food: hence the legs and beak, which in most birds are long in acquiring their full development, outstrip
in the present instance the acquisition of the powers of wing, this latter endowment being less immediately
and intimately connected with their preservation and the manner of obtaining subsistence.
In winter, while in its brown plumage, the Dabchick gives the preference to broad extensive waters, lakes
or rivers, associating together in small numbers during the season of clouds and storms, and on the approach
of spring separating by pairs in different directions over the country in search of a more secluded and con-
genial breeding-place ; often taking up their abode in small ponds close to the habitation of man.
Should the lover of nature watch them at the time of their building without being discovered, (an attain-
ment of the utmost difficulty, as every sense seems alive to danger and gives notice of intrusion,) he will be
delighted to mark their playfulness and agility, while the tone of happiness and enjoyment which pervades
their actions and their mutual labours, throws an additional charm over the picture.
The nest of this bird is composed of a mass of green plants, loosely interwoven, which floats on the water.
In this the female deposits her eggs to the number of four or five, the original whiteness of which becomes
discoloured, apparently from the juices of the plants in contact with them, and the wet feet of the parent
birds.
The female Dabchick, at least under certain circumstances, (as the author has often personally witnessed, )
is undoubtedly in the habit of covering her eggs on leaving the nest ; and he has watched while this action has
been performed : it is effected in a rapid and hurried manner, by pulling over them portions of the surround-
ing herbage.
In the summer plumage the beak is blackish ; tip, base, and naked skin which extends to the eye, yellowish-
white ; eyes reddish ; crown of the head, back of the neck, and chin, of a brownish black with green reflections ;
sides and front of the neck of a lively chestnut ; the whole of the upper surface together with the sides and
wings blackish with olive reflections; the thighs and rump tinged with ferruginous ; the under surface more
or less silvery; legs and feet dark olive-green, without assuming a flesh-colour on the inner surface.
In winter the colour of the plumage differs little from that of the birds of the first year, which consists of
a uniform brown above and more or less silvery beneath; the two sexes having little external distinction either
in winter or summer.
The total length nine inches.
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Genus COLYMBUS, Lath.
Gen. Cuar. Bill longer than the head, strong, straight, compressed, and sharp-pointed.
Nostrils basal, lateral, linear, oblong, pervious, half closed by a membrane. Wings
short, acuminate, having the first quill-feather the longest. Taz/ short and rounded.
Tars: thin, very much compressed. Feet large, of four toes, three before and one behind;
outer toe exceeding the middle one in length; front toes entirely webbed; hind toe
furnished with a lobe, and partly connected with the exterior membrane of the inner toe.
Nails flat and broad.
NORTHERN DIVER.
Colymbus glacialis, Lenn.
Le Plongeon Imbrin.
Tus noble species of Diver, the largest and most typical of its genus, appears to be equally dispersed over
the whole of the northern hemisphere, giving preference to the regions within the arctic circle during sum-
mer, and progressing southward as far as latitude 36° on the approach of autumn and winter, at which
seasons they are by no means of rare occurrence in our own islands, although, in accordance with that general
law of Nature which causes the young to wander furthest from their native habitat, we find a much greater pro-
portion of immature birds than of those which bear the beautifully contrasted livery of the adult. The great
dissimilarity of plumage which characterizes the species at different ages has caused much confusion in its
nomenclature, the bird of the first year having been described as specifically distinct from the adult, while,
again, those of the second year, when they have partially assumed the mature livery, have been considered as
differing from both. In this latter state they are frequently met with round our coasts, but less so than the
birds of the first year, which may be very commonly observed even in our lakes and estuaries.
M. Temminck states that on the European Continent it gives a preference to the shores of the sea, although
the young are frequently found up the large rivers ; and even the German and Swiss lakes are not altogether
exempt from its visits. ‘That it inhabits the shores of the Black Sea, and without doubt the Mediterranean, is
a fact with which we are made acquainted by the circumstance of the Zoological Society’s having received an
individual, in the second year’s plumage, from their valued correspondent Keith E. Abbot, Esq., of Trebizond.
We have before alluded to the far-extended wanderings of the young migratory birds ; and as no instance is
on record of these birds having bred in southern latitudes, we may reasonably infer that the individual above
mentioned had wandered from the regions of the arctic circle, which form their almost exclusive summer
residence and breeding-place. Are we, then, to presume that the individuals found in the Black Sea have
proceeded thither by way of the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea, or by crossing partially over land,
following the course of the large rivers, as the Danube, the Don, the Volga, &c.? We incline to the latter
supposition, as all migratory animals pursue, with as little deviation as possible, a course from north to south,
or vice versa.
Its dependence for food rests entirely on its great activity in diving, as it subsists solely, whether at sea or
in fresh water, upon fish, aquatic insects, &c., in the capture of which it displays astonishing agility and
rapidity of motion.
The situation chosen for the purpose of nidification are the borders and islands of inland seas, lakes, and
rivers ; the nest being placed close to the water’s edge, so as to be easily accessible to the parent, whose
perfect adaptation for progression on the water, its natural element, totally unfits it for walking, though it
contrives to propel itself forward by means of resting’ its breast upon the ground and striking backward with
its feet, somewhat like the action of swimming.
The plumage of the sexes is strictly similar, the adults having the top of the head and neck fine black
glossed with purplish green; a transverse bar of white spotted with black crosses the throat, and a wider
band of the same colour passes lower down upon the back part of the neck; the whole of the upper surface
glossy black, each feather having white spots, one on each side the shaft, forming rows, those on the scapu-
laries becoming larger and square, but continuing small and nearly round on the back and rump ; primaries
black without spots; flanks and sides black spotted with white; whole of the breast and under surface white ;
bill and legs black ; irides reddish brown.
The young of the year has the top of the head, back of the neck, upper surface, and flanks light greyish
brown, the centre of each feather being darker; under surface pure white; bill, inner side of the tarsi, and
interdigital membrane fleshy greyish white ; outer side of the tarsi and toes brownish black.
The Plate represents an adult male and a young bird of the year, about two thirds of the natural size.
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BLACK-THROATED DIVER.
Colymbus arcticus, Lznn.
Le Plongeon Lumme, ou a gorge noire.
Tur accompanying figures of the young and adult of the Black-throated Diver were taken from two speci-
mens of exquisite beauty, placed at our disposal by W. Baker, Esq., of Bayfordbury in Hertfordshire, by
whom they were shot during his tour through Norway in the pleasant pursuit of natural history. That
gentleman informed us that they were both killed upon one of the small lakes of the interior, from which cir-
cumstance we may infer that it was an adult, with its own young of that year.
The range of the Black-throated Diver extends over the whole arctic circle, everywhere giving preference
to inland waters and small lochs. It must have afforded much pleasure to Sir Wm. Jardine, Bart., and Mr.
Selby, during their late visit to the extensive wilds of Sutherlandshire, to observe a pair of these birds inhabit-
ing almost every small loch they visited. Before this period it had not been fully ascertained that this species
made any portion of the British Islands a permanent residence, or that it remained in them during the period
of incubation. It is of rare occurrence in all the temperate portions of the globe, its migrations being less
extended, perhaps, than any other species of its genus, the young, as is generally the case, wandering furthest
from home. It is not an unfrequent occurrence to find individuals in their first year’s plumage in the London
market. While in this stage they often frequent the sea and the mouths of large rivers, where they obtain an
abundant supply of fish, crustacea, and other marine animals, which constitute their principal food. It will
be scarcely necessary to inform our readers, that when the inland lakes of the northern climes become frozen,
the adults retreat to the ocean, where they brave with impunity the severities of the coldest winters. ‘Their
power of diving is vigorous and remarkable, not more for swiftness than for the long time they are capable
of continuing submersed: it is this amazing power that enables them to avoid with the greatest ease every
artifice of man to capture them on the open sea or large lakes.
When fully adult the sexes offer little or no difference in the colouring of their plumage: the young, on the
contrary, are clothed in a much more sombre vest, being entirely destitute of the black throat and contrasted
bars of white and black which ornament the back and scapularies of the adults.
The nest is placed at the brink of the water; the eggs being generally two in number, of a dark olive
brown blotched with spots of black.
Head and neck dusky grey, deepest on the fore part of the head; throat and front of the neck deep black
with purple and green reflections ; below the throat a narrow transverse band of black ; a broad band, longi-
tudinally rayed with white and black, extends from the ears down each side of the neck; upper surface deep
glossy black ; the greater part of the scapulars and the side feathers of the mantle marked with large white
spots, forming on the scapulars several transverse bars ; wing-coverts spotted with white; sides and flanks
black ; the remainder of the under surface being pure white ; legs deep brown on the outsides, paler within ;
bill brownish black ; irides reddish brown. «-
The young undergo three moultings before they attain their full colouring, during which changes they
gradually pass from the plumage of the year represented in our Plate to that of the adults.
The Plate represents a male in full plumage, and a young bird of the year, about three fourths of the
natural size.
. (U177) STTRULOTAMO}daS 8 ine MATO)
All Wy (ry A\
kG WZ O Ul
Call, = Cl AEM
Se SGN!
: aye
RED-THROATED DIVER.
Colymbus septentrionalis, Linn.
Le Plongeon a gorge rouge.
Tus Red-throated Diver, although possessing all the characteristics of the genus, differs very considerably both
in colour and disposition of its markings from the other two species, viz. the Northern, and Black-throated,
which form its European congeners. Of these it is the least in size, but by far the most abundant, being found
in considerable numbers along the European coasts, and is especially plentiful in the arctic regions of both
the European and American quarters of the globe. Although far from being uncommon on the sea-shores,
it appears to evince great partiality for fresh and inland waters, taking to the sea when these are frozen ; hence
in winter it is common along the coasts of England and Holland, beyond the latitudes of which it rarely passes
southwards.
Like the others of its genus, it is a bold and vigorous diver, a mode of progression to which its lengthened
neck and body are admirably adapted. Its principal food consists of small fish, crabs and other crustacea, to
which, when it visits fresh waters, are added frogs, newts, and aquatic plants. Its flight, when it is mounted —
into the higher regions of the atmosphere, is rapid, and it has the capability of sustaining it for a long time.
We are able from experience to assure the reader, that the British Islands, particularly Scotland, the Orkneys
and Hebrides, are to be reckoned among its annual breeding-places ; nor have we any reason to doubt that the
northern shores of Europe in general afford it an asylum also for a similar purpose. It constructs a slight
nest of grasses and vegetable fibres, among the herbage of morasses, and at the edges of such large lakes as
invite it by their seclusion and quietude. Its eggs, two in number, are of a dark red brown blotched over with
spots of black. The young, immediately after exclusion from the shell, are very active, follow their parents to
the water, and instantly commence their search for food. Their growth is rapid, so that they soon acquire
their full size, though not the adult colouring of the plumage till after the first autumn.
The young bird has hitherto been described in works on Ornithology as the Colymbus stellatus, the Speckled
Diver, &c.; the white throat which characterizes the birds of the year, together with the speckled plumage of
the upper parts, having doubtless led to the mistake. The throat and fore part of the neck in the adult bird
are covered with short, thick-set, velvety feathers of a dark grey, having in the centre a broad longitudinal band
of rich chestnut,—at least during the summer, for we are as yet in doubt whether this character be lost as
winter advances ; certain it is, that the adult birds taken in autumn have both the grey and chestnut of the
throat less distinct and intermingled with patches of white. When the bird has become fully adult, the white
specks which more or less distinguish the upper plumage of the young birds, according to their age, disappear,
leaving the back of a uniform greenish brown. The upper part of the head and back of the neck are marked
with longitudinal, wavy, narrow lines of white edged with black ; breast and under parts white; flanks dashed
with ash-coloured blotches; beak black; irides orange ; tarsi on their external aspect, and toes, of a deep
olive black, having their internal sides and webs of a livid white.
We have figured an adult and a young bird of the year two thirds of their natural size.
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FOOLISH GUILLEMOT. : .
Una Troile: (Zag@/
f
r
Troan trom Mature & on Stone ty J & £. Goutd, Lronted by C itlimande: F
Genus URIA.
Gen. Cuan. Beak of mean length, straight, strong, compressed, and pointed ; upper mandible
slightly arched ; ¢omza intracted ; angle of the lower mandible gently ascending ; commissure
nearly straight. Nostra/s basal, lateral, concave, longitudinally cleft, and half covered with
the feathers of the antiw, or projecting side angles of the cranium. Wengs short, narrow,
and acute. Taal of twelve or fourteen feathers, very short. Legs situated at the back of
the abdomen and concealed within its integuments. Tars¢ short and compressed. Feet
of three toes, all directed forwards and palmated ; outer and middle toes of equal length,
the inner one much shorter. Claws fulcate, the middle one the longest.
FOOLISH GUILLEMOT.
Uria Troile, Zinn.
Le Grand Guillemot.
Tue native habitat of this well-known bird extends throughout the northern regions of both hemispheres, and
it is probably more abundant than any other of the oceanic birds of the same family. In its habits and
manners it is truly aquatic, making the sea its permanent place of residence, except during the season of
breeding, when it assembles on the ledges of the precipitous rocks which overhang the deep. In the British
dominions, it collects annually in vast multitudes at the high cliffs and the Needle rocks in the Isle of Wight,
the Bass rock in the Firth of Forth, the steep rocks on the west and east coast, the Shetlands and Orkneys,
and, in fact, any coast whose bold and precipitous rocks afford a place suited for incubation. Here, united
with Puffins, Cormorants, Razorbills, and Gulls, the assembled multitude offers to the eye a striking, novel,
and animated picture, their continued clamour mingling with the hoarse beating of the sea, and completing a
scene of no ordinary interest to the lover of nature; the Puffin seeking his hole in the rock, the Cormorant
and Shag resorting to the topmost cliff, and the broad-winged Gull the lowermost range, covered with scanty
herbage, while the Guillemot takes possession of the middle ledges along the face of the precipice, where
thousands may be seen patiently performing the work of incubation, each sitting upright on its single large
egg, which were it not for its peculiar shape would every moment be swept away from its narrow resting-
place. After the breeding-season is over, they again take to the watery element, where, with their young,
they traverse the wide ocean, not returning to the rocks till the succeeding spring. After breeding, they
appear to undergo a partial moult : they lose their primaries so simultaneously as to be incapable of flight for
a considerable period ; a circumstance of little moment, as they easily elude pursuit by diving, in which they
excel surprisingly. At this time they also begin to lose the obscure black of the cheeks, which is exchanged
for delicate white ; this white also characterizes the young of the year, which can only be distinguished from
the adult in winter, by the darker colouring of the body, and by the more abbreviated and fleshy coloured bill.
There is no perceptible difference in the sexes at either season.
Independently of the great resort of this bird to the British Isles, they abound in similar situations along the
whole of the coast of Northern Europe, whence they gradually migrate southwards on the approach of winter,
returning again with the vast shoals of fishes which pass northward in spring.
The whole of the upper surface of the throat and neck is of a uniform sooty black, inclining to grey, with
a slender bar of white, which extends half across the wings; the under surface is a delicate white ; bill
blackish brown ; irides dark hazel; tarsi dark brown, with a slight tinge of olive.
The Plate represents an adult and a young bird of the year of the natural size.
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. , ; i) - age
; ' ‘ a . ‘ * -s oe “ J
- 7 ale oct es, Gale ee i vietiers Wceia cS Anau aeeees a “Tt
- 7 i : - + oo
. Mai, 0 otee wi dopo ei ketee red af reel) e!
‘ ; i boon » ine ; ut bah weg Teche a5 1 hy aAt. pei ; « es
* i " r i t
‘ * | ' i eT: ; Fat pine ee Ah epee fee Wl tn hoder : . en
ene
F ae. st i sie bv ir twat! i date air? le UL; to Aiesh, “‘uutre roa ‘ ! “4
oP ogee iter of Sega) phar od ieveiedell en aie ‘ Veue Beek We let 14 Wo yd (Ae ach by Loe tT” aa re.
j en wate al aie! “ eat with pind hat: rapt et rh 4 ; fe ee it . 7
| hy Ads We aS i vom vent diol Tous j oual died wast L yer dn ay
‘ ; : viet ‘ made: Pa pPetiage cial 8 Wag Lae OA 3 ae, ie a een. IES revs ult. mt
d ; é we ie * x | =f i
BRIDLED GUILLEMOT.
Una lachrymans, /Lapy,/
Droovinjrom Nature kon Stone by J & £.Contd, Lrinted ty C Ealimande:
BRIDLED GUILLEMOT.
Uria lacrymans, Lapy/.
Le Guillemot bridé.
AuTHoueH we have figured this bird under the name of /acrymans we are doubtful of its specific value, bearmg
as it does so close a resemblance to the common species (Ura Troidle), and from which it differs only in the
white mark which encircles the eyes and passes down the sides of the head. It inhabits the same localities,
and is even often found in company with the common species, and that too on various parts of our coast, part
ticularly those of Wales, where, we have been informed, both kinds are equally numerous. It was firs-
described as distinct by Choris, who states that it is abundant at Spitzbergen and the neighbouring seas.
By M. Temminck and the French naturalists the two birds are considered to be distinct, and as such we have
figured them.
The head, neck, all the upper surface, wings, and tail are deep sooty black; a line encircling the eye and
passing down the side of the head, the tips of the secondaries, and all the under surface pure white; bill
black ; feet brown.
Our figure is of the natural size.
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BRUNNICH’S GUILLEMOT.
Uria Brunnichii, Sabzne.
Le Guillemot a gros bec.
Tuts species may at all times be distinguished from the Ura Troile, with which it has been often confounded,
by the stout and abbreviated form of the bill, and by the much shorter space between the nasal orifices
and the tip. We are only able to give a figure of it in its supposed summer plumage, which resembles
that of the Common Guillemot, with this exception, that the dark parts are deeper and much more in-
tense in colour, verging indeed towards sooty black. Although we have no authentic account of its having
been captured in the British Islands, we feel convinced that it must occasionally occur along our northern
shores. It is very abundant in Greenland, Spitzbergen, Davis’s Straits, and Baffin’s Bay; it doubtless also
tenants the rugged shores of Norway, Lapland, &c.; and its habits in all probability closely resemble those
of its congeners.
Crown of the head and all the upper surface glossy brownish black; sides of the face and front of the neck
dark sooty black; tips of the secondaries and all the under surface white; bill black ; gape bright yellow ;
feet greenish.
Our figure is of the natural size.
BLACK GUILLEMOT.
Una grylle; (Lath)
Dream prom Nature hon Stone by Sk. Cond: ; Printed by C Fellas |
BLACK GUILLEMOT.
Uria Grylle, Lath.
Le Guillemot a miroir blanc.
Tue northern parts of Scotland and the Orkney and Shetland Islands form a place of general rendezvous for
the Black Guillemot, which being less migratory in its habits than its near ally the Foolish Guillemot (Uria
Trove, Lath.) seldom quits these isolated groups, whose bays afford it shelter during the stormy season of
winter, and whose abrupt and precipitous cliffs are equally inviting as a site for incubation. On the ledges of
these rocks it deposits its single white egg spotted with black: the young are hatched in about three weeks,
and shortly after are conveyed, but by what means is unknown, to the water, an element to which they are so
expressly adapted that they are enabled to swim and dive with the utmost facility the moment they arrive on
its surface, and to brave with impunity the rough seas which are so prevalent in northern latitudes. After
the process of reproduction is over, the adults are subject to a considerable change in the colour of their
plumage, apparently caused by a general moult, even to the primaries, which are so simultaneously lost that the
bird is for a considerable period deprived of the power of flight. The fine black plumage by which the Black
Guillemot is characterized during the summer now gives place to a mottled dress, consisting of half white
and half black feathers unequally dispersed over the body, the former colour predominating so much during
the rigorous season of winter as to render the bird almost wholly white. Although this style of plumage
characterizes, to a certain extent, the young of the year, still the latter may at all times be distinguished from
the former by having the tips of each feather, which is white beneath, only fringed with black ; by having the
white spot on the wings, at all times uniform in the adult, invariably clouded with black; and by the feet
being yellowish brown instead of red.
Although a few pairs of the Black Guillemot occasionally breed on the Isle of May in the mouth of the
Frith of Forth, still it is evident that the high northern latitudes form its most congenial and natural habitat.
It appears to abound in the arctic circle, being equally common in the polar regions of both continents.
According to the continental writers, it is less abundant on the coasts of Holland and France than on those
of England, but more frequent on those of Norway and the shores of the Baltic. It rarely, if ever, resorts to
inland waters.
Its principal food consists of small fish, marine crustacea, &c.
The sexes are alike in plumage, and the adults, in summer, may be distinguished by their having the whole
of the plumage of a sooty-black tinged with olive-green, with the exception of a snow-white patch on the
centre of each wing; bill black; irides and feet red.
The Plate represents an adult and a young bird of the natural size.
P . ‘* - s
(rid. Sh? oF Pi eywean TT.
“*s , ie “ 1S ae
writ vitor dnl, bankgit fa
‘prphat faealng
rte ahakea’> lid [neptonbreg 218
al tile oe ol
ZiohL goon a to renin ods ‘La,
at
i guld ihed-< puri, dagae'to aniews
jie de eins rf
qeprnounpy 7D Ng wanuasy
(umzyy svie dat Baty
“MOV LY aD)
‘pepaeg a9 p Py ronuoag uo wp acroragy nueagl usioriyy
Genus ALCA.
Gen. Cuar. Beak straight, arched, large, very much curved at the point; both mandibles
laterally sulcated, and covered for half their length with short feathers. Nostrils near the
lower edge of the upper mandible partly concealed by feathers. Wings short, narrow,
and in one species unequal to the purpose of flight. Legs short, situated far backwards.
Toes three before, webbed as far as the claws; hind toe wanting; front of the tarsi and
toes scutellated. Taz short, pointed, and consisting of twelve or sixteen feathers.
GREAT AUK.
Alca impennis, Lenn.
Le Pingouin brachiptere.
In this noble species of Auk we recognise a close approximation to the true Penguins, which form the genus
Aptenodytes : being, like them, destitute of the powers of flight, its narrow slender wing serves more as an oar
for aquatic progression than for any other decided purpose ; unless, perhaps, in assisting the bird to scramble
up the rocks, on the ledges of which it deposits its single egg, which is, indeed, the only time at which it
makes the solid earth its abode.
The seas of the polar regions, agitated with storms and covered with immense icebergs, form the congenial
habitat of the Great Auk: here it may be said to pass the whole of its existence, braving the severest winters
with the utmost impunity, so that it is only occasionally seen, and that at distant intervals, even so far south
as the seas adjacent to the northernmost parts of the British Islands. It is found in abundance along the
rugged coasts of Labrador; and from the circumstance of its having been seen at Spitzbergen, we may
reasonably conclude that its range is extended throughout the whole of the arctic circle, where it may often
be seen tranquilly reposing on masses of floating ice, to the neighbourhood of which in the open ocean it
seems to give a decided preference. Like the common Razorbilled Auk, it exhibits an-annual change in the
colours of its throat and neck, the jet black of these parts giving way to white in winter. Deficient as the
Great Auk may be in the powers of flight and of easy unconstrained progression on the land, these deficien-
cies are amply compensated by its extraordinary capability of diving and its express adaptation to the watery
element: here it is truly at ease, following its prey and sporting in the midst of the waves. Its food consists
exclusively of fish of various species, which, however rapid they may be in their motions, it captures with the
utmost facility.
Its single egg is deposited on the naked rock, either in some natural fissure or crevice just above the reach
of the highest tides ; its colour white tinged with buff, marked with spots and crooked lines of brownish black.
The young take to the water immediately after exclusion from the egg, and follow the adults with fearless
confidence.
There exists but little or no difference between the size or plumage of the sexes. In summer the whole
of the upper surface is black, with the exception of a large white space before the eyes and the tips of the
secondary quill-feathers ; the whole of the under surface white ; bill and legs black, the former being marked
with oblique transverse furrows of a lighter tint.
The Plate represents an adult in its summer dress about two thirds of the natural size.
| cap ig
; Lg nity “>
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qamiar (pf {el yi, WE
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AZOR-BillLL AUK.
Alea Torda; (Azmm/
Drawn from Nadare & aw Stone ty 7 & E. Couid: Lrinted by C udomnareded.
RAZOR-BILLED AUK.
Alca torda, _Lann.
Le Pingoin macroptere.
Tur habits and manners of the Razor-bill so closely approximate to those of the Common Guillemot (Uria
Trove, Linn.), that the same description equally applies to both; to enter into them fully would therefore be
only repeating what we have said in our account of the last-mentioned bird: like it, the Razor-bill inhabits the
wide expanse of the ocean, the severities of which it braves with the utmost indifference ; indeed it appears
to rejoice in the agitation of the billows, that brings around it multitudes of small fish, which constitute its
only support ; like it, the Razor-bill, when called upon by the impulse of nature to the great work of incubation,
seeks the inaccessible cliffs round the coasts of our island, on which it assembles in immense flocks, to
deposit each its single egg on the barren ledges of the rock; and so often do the eggs of the two species
resemble each other, that they are scarcely to be distinguished except by a practical observer: that of the
Razor-bill is somewhat less, and generally has neither the grotesque marking nor the deep green colour which
characterize the greater portion of the eggs of the Guillemot. The Razor-bill is very generally distributed
throughout the seas of the arctic circle, a portion of the globe of which it is more especially a native; never,
we believe, extending its migrations beyond the temperate latitudes of Europe in the Old World, and the
southern portions of the United States in the New. In point of numbers the Razor-bill does not appear to
equal its ally, if we may judge by what is to be observed along our own shores: the Guillemots literally swarm
during the breeding-season on most of the rocky shores not only of our island but of the northern portions
of the Continent in general. The dissimilarity which exists in the beak of the young from that of the fully
adult Razor-bill has been the source of no little confusion, and has given rise among ornithologists to
synonyms which were erroneously bestowed as specific titles on the young of the year, before the bird had
been duly developed, a circumstance which does not take place until the second year: this mistake was
further strengthened by the total absence of the white line between the eye and the beak, in birds whose
size is equal to that of adults. It is, however, a singular fact, that when just excluded from the egg, this
white line is strikingly apparent on the down with which they are then clothed; but with the acquisition of
the feathers, this white line disappears, and is regained with the stripes on the upper mandible towards the
close of the second year.
During winter the adults of both sexes lose the dusky colouring of the throat precisely in the same
manner as the Guillemot. At this period the old and young closely resemble each other in plumage, and are
only to be distinguished by the character of the beak.
The sexes are alike in colouring.
The whole of the upper surface and the throat is of a deep sooty black; a distinct white band crosses the
wing, and a white line passes from the upper part of the bill to the eye; the remainder of the plumage is
white; the bill is black, the upper mandible marked with deep transverse furrows and a clear white band ;
feet and tarsi brownish black.
Our Plate represents an adult and a young of the year, of the natural size.
'
peat f':
if tr %
Drown ufromLife & ow Stone by] £. Goudd.
LITTLE AUK.
Alca alle; (Zzmm-/
Mergulus alle; /Zon./.
Lrnted by C Hillmanded
Genus MERGULUS.
Gren. Cuar. Beak medial, its base furnished with downy feathers, somewhat thickened, above
convex, emarginate towards the tip, curved. Nostri/s rounded, half-covered with feathers.
Legs short, three-toed, webbed. Wings short.
LITTLE AUK.
Alca alle, Zann.
Mereulus alle, Bor.
to) 2
Tis interesting little oceanic bird, which we have illustrated in the accompanying Plate, inhabits the inter-
mediate countries extending northwards from our latitude to the borders of perpetual ice, occurring equally
in the polar regions of both continents. In these severe and high latitudes, it congregates in almost innumer-
able flocks. Their numbers are often diminished by the crews of vessels, as well as by the native Esquimaux ;
their flesh being considered both wholesome and delicate, at the same time affording a beneficial change of diet.
They are said to be very tame and easily captured,—a circumstance readily accounted for, as the persons
engaged in the whale fisheries, and the limited race of natives inhabiting the borders of these seas, are the only
human beings they are ever disturbed by.
In these wild and almost impenetrable regions, the Little Auk, it will be observed, finds an almost secure
asylum and breeding-place, as well as an element congenial to its habits and mode of life; and it is only from
extreme necessity, chiefly from the severities of winter, that it seeks, for a short period, an asylum in more
temperate climes. Its visits to the British Isles, and Europe in general, therefore, must be considered more as an
accidental occurrence than a periodical migration. Young birds are, as is the case with the young of most
species, found to wander furthest from their native habitat ; the examples, therefore, we obtain, as well as those
from Holland, France, and Germany, average about ten young birds to one adult. We have been particular in
our inquiries as to whether the Little Auk breeds in any of the northern Isles, being induced to believe so from
the circumstance of a specimen now and then coming to hand in the season of incubation, and in its mature
state of plumage: we have not, however, been able to collect any certain data by which to set the question
positively at rest ; and it yet remains for some zealous naturalist to supply the information. Like the rest of its
family, the Little Auk passes a great portion of time on the ocean, where it sports with great ease and fearless
self-possession, feeding upon marine insects, small crustacea and fishes, diving for its prey with great celerity
and adroitness. Although the sexes offer little or no external difference, still the plumage undergoes con-
siderable changes periodically, which we have illustrated in our Plate. ‘The bird represented in the drawing
with a black throat, is in its summer plumage; at this season, the whole of the head, neck and upper surface
being black, with the exception of a white band across the secondaries ; the scapulars are bordered with
the same, and a small spot of white also appears over each eye ; the breast and under surface pure white. In
the winter plumage, as well as in the young of the year, the throat, like the rest of the under surface, is pure
white; beak black ; legs and feet of a brownish yellow.
The egg of this species is 1 inch 7 lines long by 1 inch 1 line wide, of a uniform pale blue, very similar in
colour to the eggs of the Starling.
We have figured the birds of their natural size, in summer and winter plumage.
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7
PUFFIN.
Mormon Fratercula ,/7enmum/
Dravm trom L
Binted by CHudinantd.
Genus MORMON, Tem.
Gen. Cuan. Beak shorter than the head, of greater depth than length, and very compressed ;
both mandibles arched, furrowed, and notched at the point, the edge of the upper one
acute and elevated at its origin. Nostrils lateral, marginal, linear, naked, almost wholly
closed by a naked membrane. Tarsi short, retiring. Feet palmated. Toes three before
only, the two inner nails much hooked. Wings short ; first and second guzll-feathers equal,
or nearly so.
PUFFIN.
Mormon Fratercula, Temm.
Le Macareux moine.
Wuenever Nature appears to indulge in excentricity in the modification of those organs which are essential
to existence, we are not to suppose,—because we cannot follow her through all her mysteries, or discover the
motive,—that she ever acts a blind or random part, and the more inclined shall we be to come to this decision,
the more closely we examine her operations. We make these remarks, because in the singular construction
of the bill of this bird we are at a loss to account for this deviation from the forms which we see possessed
by birds whose food and manners are altogether the same.
On a first glance at the Puffin, we cannot fail to be struck by the short and inelegant contour of its figure,
and by the strange shape but brilliant colour of its beak, which imparts a singular aspect to the physiognomy
of this inhabitant of the ocean; where, as if to belie its round and awkward figure, it displays great agility
and an arrow-like quickness of motion ;—its beak, deep, compressed, and pointed with a sharp ridge and keel,
affords the beau ideal of an instrument for cutting through the water,—a circumstance the more necessary
when considered in connexion with a form of body by no means so well adapted for diving with ease and
vigour as is possessed by many others. The feathers however are thick, close and smooth, so completely
throwing off every particle of water as to render it impossible that the plumage can be wetted. Independent
of the use of the beak as a water-cutting instrument, it is a weapon of destruction to innumerable hordes
of fry and smaller fishes which swim near the surface of the water. These, at least during the breeding
season, are retained by dexterous management between the mandibles, till a row of little pendent victims is
arranged along each side, their heads firmly wedged in the beak, and their tails and bodies hanging outside.
Thus loaded, as we have frequently ourselves witnessed, the Puffin flies home to its mate or newly hatched
offspring. ‘The young, however, are themselves very soon ready for the water, where, long before they are
capable of flight, they may be seen in company with their parents diving and sporting on their congenial
element. The old birds evince great regard for their young, attending them with assiduity and manifesting
the utmost anxiety on the approach of danger.
The Puffin has an extensive range, abounding at the season of incubation on the rocky parts of our coasts,
especially the high cliffs and pointed rocks of the Isle of Wight, the rugged and precipitous coast of Wales,
Scotland, the Orkneys and Hebrides, as well as on the northern shores of the European and American Conti-
nents. It does not however invariably resort to crevices and ledges of rocks, but is known occasionally,
during the breeding season, to inhabit deserted rabbit-burrows, or other holes in the ground adjacent to the
sea, within which, without constructing any nest, it deposits one or two eggs of a uniform dull white. The
young when hatched are covered with long and fine down of a sooty black: their bill, as might be expected, is not
so fully developed either as to size or colour, nevertheless it bears the characteristic peculiarity so striking in
the adult bird ; the sides also of the mandibles do not possess the deep furrows which appear at more advanced
age. As they grow up, the general plumage assimilates to that of the adult, but is more obscure in its mark-
ings. The adult birds present no external sexual differences, the colour of the whole of the upper surface
being of a dark brown, inclining to black with coppery reflections ; a collar of the same colour passing round
the neck ; the cheeks white, shaded towards the lower parts with delicate gray; the whole of the under
surface white ; the bill blueish ash at its base passing off to a bright reddish orange, with three oblique furrows
on the upper and two on the lower mandible ; the gape covered by a naked puckered membrane ; irides blueish
gray ; rim round the eye orange ; above and below the eye, on the edges of the eyelids, are small bodies of a
horny consistence and a deep slate-colour, that below the eye being narrow and two lines in length; their
use is not known; legs orange. Total length eleven to twelve inches. Their food consists of fishes and
marine insects.
Our Plate represents a male and female in different positions, to exhibit the peculiar character of their
physiognomy.
rey
—z
NORTHERN PUFFIN.
Mormon glacialis,; (Leach/
Drown prom Maiwrek on Stone ty JEL, Coad: Printed by C Faltimande,
NORTHERN PUFFIN.
Mormon glacialis, Leach.
Le Macareux glacial.
To a superficial observer the Mormon glacials would appear to present but little difference from the common
species, so plentiful during the breeding-season on many of the rocky coasts of our island; but on a compa-
rison of the two species we feel convinced that our readers will coincide in our opinion, of their being speci-
fically distinct. Its larger size and more powerful bill, which is of a uniform rich orange colour, together
with the greater length of the fleshy appendages over the eyes, will at once serve to distinguish this species
from its near ally the Mormon fratercula.
The Northern Puffin, as its name implies, is almost strictly confined to the ice-bound regions of the arctic
circle, over the whole of which we have reason to believe it is distributed, numerous specimens having been
from time to time brought home from Spitzbergen and Kamtschatka by our navigators on their return from
exploring the boreal regions. )
It occurs but rarely in the temperate latitudes, hence both the coasts of America and Europe are only oc-
casionally visited by it; the northern shores of Russia, Lapland, &c. being among the only places in our
quarter of the globe where it may be looked for with certainty.
The sexes do not appear to differ in the colouring of their plumage, which may be thus described :
Crown of the head and occiput light brownish grey tinged with lilac ; collar surrounding the neck, all the
upper surface, wings, and tail brownish black tinged with blue; primaries blackish brown very slightly margined
with paler brown ; sides of the face and all the under surface white ; bill bright orange red ; corrugated skin
at the angle of the mouth gamboge yellow ; irides orange red ; irides and horny appendages grey ; legs and
feet orange with the webs paler and the claws yellowish brown.
We have figured an adult of the natural size.
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Genus PELECANUS.
Gen. Cuar. Beak longer than the head, long, straight, broad, much depressed; the upper
mandible channelled, the tip bent down and unguiculated ; the lower bifurcate, furnished
with a flaccid dilatable sac. Face and throat naked. -Nostrils basal, placed in a longitu-
dinal cleft. Legs strong, short; the tibize naked at the base; the middle claw with its
inner edge entire.
PELICAN.
Pelecanus Onocrotalus, Linn.
Le Pélican blane.
Tuose of our readers who are desirous of seeing this noble bird in a state of nature need only pay a visit to
the southern and eastern portions of Europe to gratify their laudable curiosity. Although the tropical cli-
mates of Africa and India constitute its natural habitat, nevertheless the eastern rivers of Europe, such as the
Danube and Volga, the extensive lakes of Hungary and Russia, and the shores of the Mediterranean, are places
in which it dwells in abundance. It is a species strictly confined to the Old World, over a great portion of
which it is plentifully distributed. M.'Temminck, who quotes the Pelecanus Philippensis as synonymous
with this bird, states that individuals sent him from Egypt and South Africa do not differ from those taken
in Europe.
The Pelecanus Onocrotalus is a very large species, measuring nearly five feet in length, and from tip to tip
of the wings, when spread, about twelve or thirteen feet, and is remarkable both for longevity and for the long
period requisite for the completion of its plumage. The first year’s dress is wholly brown ; the feathers of the
back and breast being broad and rounded. The assumption of the lanceolate feathers, and the rosy tints that
pervade the plumage of the adults are only acquired as the bird advances in age ; and, judging from individuals
which we have opportunities of noticing in a state of partial confinement, it would appear that a lapse of five
or six years is required before it may be considered fully mature.
The food of the Pelican is fish of all kinds, in the capture of which it displays considerable activity and cun-
ning; and, although its robust body and immense bill would seem to contradict the assertion, its motions are
so quick that. even young fry and eels can scarcely escape its vigilance. ‘The same power that renders it so
light and buoyant on the water denies it the means of diving, consequently it is only the small and shallow
inlets of rivers that are resorted to when in search of its food. Occasionally, however, it will rise to a con-
siderable height in the air, from whence, on perceiving a fish, it descends with astonishing swiftness and uner_
ring aim, the rapidity of its descent forcing it, beneath the surface, on which its extreme lightness causes it
to reappear instantaneously.
The female constructs a nest on the ground, of coarse reedy grass, generally about a foot and a half in
diameter, and lined with soft grass, laying two or more egos, which are white, and like those of the Swan,
During the period of incubation it is extremely assiduous in procuring food for its young, carrying it to them
in the capacious pouch or gullet which forms so conspicuous a feature in this bird, and which is ‘‘ one of the
most remarkable appendages that is found in the structure of any animal. Though it contracts nearly into
the hollow of the jaws, and the sides to which itis attached are not (in a quiescent state) above an inch asun-
der, it may be extended to an amazing capacity ; and when the bird has fished with success, its size is almost
incredible : it will contain a man’s head with the greatest ease. In fishing, the Pelican fills this bag, and does
not immediately swallow his prey ; but, when this is full, he returns to the shore to devour at leisure the fruits
of his industry.” (Shaw’s General Zoology, vol. xii. Part I. p. 111.) .
The Pelican bears confinement remarkably well, particularly if space sufficient be allowed for it to plume
and wash itself. Fish either dead or alive are voraciously devoured ; and fish in plenty obtained, it appears
content and satisfied.
Although it possesses the power of perching on trees, yet it gives the preference to rocky shores, which
appear to form the best and most natural situation when in a state of repose. On level ground its walk is
awkward and inelegant, and when on wing its flight is heavy and apparently effected with great labour.
Along the top of the upper mandible runs a line of crimson, the remainder being reddish at the base and
yellowish at the tip; the under mandible pale red; the pouch reddish yellow; the naked spaces around
the eyes are flesh colour ; the occiput is slightly crested ; the whole of the plumage is white, tinged more or
less with salmon colour, with the exception of the crest and a few pendulous feathers attached to the lower part
of the neck, which are pale yellow, and the primaries and spurious wings, which are black ; legs flesh colour ;
claws grey ; irides hazel. The salmon-coloured tint which pervades the whole of the plumage is considerably
heightened during the breeding-season.
We have figured an adult male about one third of the natural size.
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DALMATIAN PELICAN.
Pelecanus crispus, Fedd.
A sirp of such striking magnitude as the present having so long escaped observation even on the shores
of Europe, what may we not expect from those more distant countries to which the scrutinizing eye of the
naturalist has seldom penetrated? Although this species has been introduced to the notice of the scientific
within the last few years only, it has doubtless long abounded where it is now found. The specimen from
which our figure is taken was sent us by Baron de Feldegg, and was one of twenty-four killed by him on
the shores of Dalmatia.
In the letter which accompanied this specimen the Baron thus writes: ‘‘The first example of this bird that
came under my notice was shot by myself in the year 1828 in Dalmatia, and was sent to the Imperial Cabinet
in Vienna. Two years after this, Messrs. Riippell and Kittlitz met with this species in Abyssinia, where,
however, it would appear to be very scarce, as those gentlemen procured only a single specimen. In the
year 1832 I published a description of it under the name of Pelecanus crispus. Many ornithologists are of
opinion that there is only one species of Pelican in Europe, for which reason they have given it the specific
name of onocrotalus, and they observe that the size which the bird attains is regulated by the temperature of
the climate in which it resides. I possess examples of the true Pelecanus onocrotalus taken in Europe and
at the Cape of Good Hope, which in all the more important points closely resemble each other; the tarsi,
for instance, are of equal length, and the naked spaces round the eyes are of the same extent, while, on the
contrary, one shot in Moldavia was much smaller. ‘The Pelecanus crispus has undoubtedly escaped notice in
consequence of no other naturalist having seen both species together as I have in Dalmatia, where it arrives
in spring and autumn, and where it gives preference to the neighbourhood of Fort Opus on the river Naranta,
which is bordered with morasses. It comes through Bosnia, seldom alone, but generally in flocks; I have
seen as many as twelve together hunting for fish: it is very cunning, and is extremely difficult to shoot. I
obtained, at different times, as many as twenty-four examples.”
The Pelecanus crispus differs from the Common Pelican in possessing a beautiful crest and mane of narrow,
elongated, silky feathers ; in the naked space around the eye being smaller ; in the feathers of the breast being
stiff, lanceolate, rounded at the points, and of a firm elastic texture ; in the body being more bulky and larger
in all its proportions ; and in the tarsi being stouter, of a different colour, and considerably shorter. ‘At all
seasons of the year old birds may be found both with and without the crest. I saw a specimen in M. Aker’s
menagerie which had always had it, while a bird of the same species in another menagerie had none; in all
other respects they were the same, and were very healthy; and I possess a female in which the ovaries were
largely developed, and which has a large crest covering the whole of the head, which circumstance induces me
to conclude that it is a very old bird.”
Of its habits, manners, mode of nidification, &c. no details have been ascertained, but we may reasonably
suppose that in all these particulars it closely resembles the other members of its family.
‘“‘ Naked space round the eyes reddish, towards the bill bluish; upper mandible grey, passing into blue
and red; gular pouch or sack under the bill blood red intermingled with bluish; feet bluish grey; head
furnished with a crest and thickly covered with feathers, which, with the whole of the upper and under
surface, are silvery white ;” the tail is composed of twenty-two feathers, the shafts of which, with those of the
scapularies and secondary wing-coverts, are black; primaries blackish brown; chest tinged with pale yellow.
The young, which are very seldom seen, are wholly brownish grey, the feathers being much finer and closer
in texture and more silky in appearance than in the adults.
We cannot close our account of this splendid bird, one of the noblest of its race, without offering our
warmest thanks to our esteemed friend the Baron de Feldegg for the very fine specimen of this bird he so
obligingly sent us, as also for the very interesting communication transmitted with it, from which are ex-
tracted the paragraphs in this paper included between inverted commas.
The Plate represents an adult and a young bird about one fourth of the natural size.
'
‘ ane Yo mM ih
Aa
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NW QIIW OD Aa
Genus PHALACROCORAX, Briss.
Gen. Cuar. Beak generally longer than the head, straight, strong, hard, slightly compressed,
having the upper mandible terminating in a powerful hook, and furrowed laterally from
the base as far as the tip of the lower mandible, with the terminating nail distinct; its tip
compressed and truncated; fomza of the lower mandible retracted. Nostrd/s basal,
concealed. Face naked. Throat dilatable. Wings moderate, the second quill-feather the
longest. Taz/ moderate, rounded, and composed of stiff elastic feathers. Legs placed far
behind, short and strong. Feet of four toes, all connected by a membrane; outer toe the
longest, the others gradually shortening to the hind one. Tars¢ reticulated; the upper
part of the toes scutellated.
COMMON CORMORANT.
Phalacrocorax Carbo, Steph.
Le Grand Cormoran.
Our Plate illustrates this fine although common species in its nuptial dress, a style of plumage which it does
not possess in a perfect state above one month out of the twelve, and the peculiarity of which state consists
in the narrow white feathers which ornament the sides of the head and neck, together with an occipital crest
_ of long slender black feathers down the back of the neck, and a patch of pure white on the outer side of each
thigh. This conspicuous plumage, which is common to both sexes, is assumed about the latter end of
February or the beginning of March, the period at which these birds commence the work of nidification,
after which the white plumes, together with the white patch on the thighs, gradually disappear, these parts
then becoming of a uniform blueish black. This peculiarity of plumage is only found in birds that have
attained their third or fourth year, the immature dress up to that period being of a dull brown colour, while
the young of the year have the under surface wholly white. ‘These remarkable and contrasted changes have
induced the older naturalists to look upon individuals in the various stages of their existence as constituting
so many distinct species; but further observation has fully proved their identity, the difference depending
upon age and season.
The Common Cormorant is equally and rather numerously distributed along the coasts of the British
Islands, often resorting to inland lakes and rivers adjoining the sea, especially such as are not liable to be
frozen during winter. They occasionally perch and roost on trees, towers, and rocky projections ; and although
the summits and ledges of rocks overhanging the sea are the principal and favourite breeding-stations, still it
is known to incubate occasionally in trees, and even upon the ground, as is the case in the Farn Islands, and
the extensive reed-beds in Holland. The nest is usually composed of dried sea-weed, rudely put together, and
often of a considerable thickness ; the eggs, generally three in number, are of a greenish white, covered with
a chalky coating, and extremely small compared with the size of the bird.
In swimming, the body of the Cormorant is nearly all emersed below the surface of the water, the tail
serving as a very effectual rudder, by means of which it is able either to dive or turn in the most rapid and
dexterous manner.
Its food, as may naturally be supposed from its powers and structure, consists almost wholly of fish, which
it takes by chasing beneath the surface, the dilatability of its throat enabling it to secure and swallow fish of
comparatively large dimensions ; and we may easily conceive that the quantity it devours and the destruction
it occasions in the shoals at various seasons of the year must be enormous, and injurious to the interests of
the fishermen. Its distribution over Europe is in the same ratio as in the British Isles, and it is even more
abundant on the rocky coasts of the north. oe
The plumage of spring :—On the back of the head are long plumes, which form a crest of slender feathers
of a deep glossy green ; on the throat extends a collar of pure white; on the top of the head, and on a great
part of the neck and on the thighs, are long silky plumes of pure white; the feathers of the back and wings
are of an ashy brown, bronzed in the middle with a broad edging of glossy greenish black ; quills and tail-
feathers black, which is the general colour of the under surface ; beak dull white, clouded and transversely
rayed with black ; naked skin of the face greenish yellow ; irides bright green ; tarsi black.
In winter the top of the head, the neck, and thighs entirely lose the white plumes of spring, and are of the
greenish black of the rest of the under surface.
The young have the top of the head and upper surface deep brown, with greenish reflections ; the whole
of the under surface white, more or less clouded with brown according to age.
Our Plate represents an adult male in the spring plumage, and a young bird of the year, three fourths of
the natural size.
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SHAG or GREEN CORMORANT.
Phalacrocorax cristatus, Steph. and Flem.
Le Cormoran largup.
Tux present species is rather abundantly distributed throughout the rocky and precipitous shores of the
British Islands ; indeed it is yet a question whether it does not exceed in number the larger species, Phalacro-
coraw Carbo, with which it associates, particularly during the breeding season, but from which it may easily
be distinguished, as also from all the other Cormorants, by the intense green of its body, and, during the
season of incubation, by the elegant flowing semi-erect crest, and by the absence at this period of the delicate
white markings on the sides of the neck and thighs, so conspicuous in the other species of the genus. The crest
is only assumed during the season of reproduction, and is not found at all in birds of the first and second
year. When fully adult, the sexes offer no difference in their external characters. In habits and manners
they strictly resemble the Cormorant: like that bird, they may be observed going from their craggy haunts
early in the morning, either out to sea or up the large rivers in quest of their prey, and regularly returning
in small companies on the approach of sunset ; thus strongly reminding one, in these particulars, of the habits
of the Rook, which almost every person must have observed going out in the morning, and returning in the
evening to its accustomed roosting-place.
The Shag is widely distributed over all the northern portions of Europe, and as far southward as the shores
of the Mediterranean. Its powers of flight are very great; but not more remarkable than its powers of
diving and continuance beneath the surface, where it makes its progress by repeated strokes of the pinions
aided by its broadly webbed feet: in this way it easily secures its prey, often fish of large dimensions, for the
carrying of which its dilatable throat is well adapted.
The site chosen for incubation is the topmost ledge of some bold precipice, where, secure from the
interruption of man, it constructs a nest of dried sea-weed for the reception of its eggs, which are two, three,
or four in number, of an oblong shape and a white colour, with a rough calcareous surface. When first
excluded from the egg, the young are quite naked, but quickly become covered with thick black down, which
remains a considerable time before it is succeeded by the regular feathers.
The adults have the whole of the head, neck, centre of the back, and under surface fine dark green ;
the scapularies and wings bronze green, each feather being bordered by a narrow band of velvet black ;
quills and tail black; bill blackish horn colour ; angles of the mouth, skin round the eyes and gular pouch
fine yellow ; feet black ; irides green.
The young of the year is distinguished by the whole of the upper part of the plumage being brown, slightly
tinted with green ; and the under surface brownish ash, more or less inclining to white.
The Plate represents an adult in the summer plumage, and the young of the year, about three fourths of
their natural size.
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DESMAREST’S CORMORANT.
Phalacrocorax Desmarestii.
Le Cormoran de Desmarest.
Tux present bird is a native of the rocky shores of the eastern parts of Europe, or more properly speaking of
the shores of the Black Sea and its tributary streams, and in these localities would appear to represent our
common Shag, a species to which it very closely approximates both in size and general appearance, but on a
comparison of the two birds from these different localities, no doubt can exist as to their being specifically
distinct. The present bird, although not inferior in the size of its body, is decidedly superior in the length of
the wing, while it possesses a much longer and more attenuated bill. Our specimens were received from
M. Temminck, but no account of its habits and manners has been transmitted to us; we have, however,
every reason to believe them to be the same as those of our native species.
The head, which is slightly crested, and the neck are greenish black ; the whole of the upper surface green,
each feather having a narrow margin of jet black ; rump glossy greenish black ; abdomen sooty black tinged
with green ; naked space at the back of the bill rich orange; bill yellowish horn colour; primaries, tail, and
feet black.
We have figured an adult of the natural size.
Sh Serie enki,
VIE TASES
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Genus SULA.
g,
the point, with the dertrum slightly convex; mandibles equal; the upper one laterally
sulcated from the base to the tip, and with a hinge near the posterior part, making it
appear as if composed of five separate pieces ; culmen rounded; lower mandible having
the angle rather prominent, gently ascending to the tip; chin-angle narrow and long,
filled with a naked dilatable skin; face naked ; tomia intracted, obliquely and unequally
serrated. Nostrz/s basal, concealed from view. Wings long and acuminate. Tail graduated.
Legs abdominal. Tarst short. Feet of four toes, all connected by amembrane; the middle
and outer toes of nearly equal length; middle claw having its inner edge dilated and
toothed.
Guy. Cuar. Bill longer than the head, thick, strong, straight, acuminate, compressed towards
SOLAN GANNET.
Sula Bassana, Briss.
La Fou blane ou de Bassan.
Tuer seas bordering the European shores are the natural habitat of the Solan Gannet, and nowhere is it more
common during summer than on the rugged and precipitous coasts of Scotland, especially the Bass Rock,
the isles of Ailsa, St. Kilda, &c., where they breed in vast multitudes: these situations, in fact, appear to be
the principal nursery for this race. On the approach of autumn they leave their rocky breeding-places, and
go further out to sea, the greater number passing considerably to the south, feeding on herrings, pilchards,
and other fishes. Being destitute of the power of diving, they seize their prey by a vertical plunge when within
a certain distance, and so forcible is their descent, that we are informed of instances in which they have killed
themselves, by darting at fish attached to a board, connected by a rope fifty or sixty yards in length to a vessel
at anchor, the neck being either dislocated or the bill driven firmly into the wood. The flight of the Gannet
is extremely rapid, vigorous, and capable of being long sustained ; hence it traverses the wide surface of the
ocean with comparative ease. Although in the breeding-season the Gannets congregate in such countless
multitudes, it seldom happens that they are found in flocks out at sea, but mostly alone, dispersed apparently
in search of food. On the approach of spring they return to their accustomed rendezvous, which is generally
preserved from molestation and farmed by persons who make a profit of the feathers and the young birds, their
flesh being considered by some a delicacy, though to most persons its oily and fishy flavour renders it extremely
disagreeable. While sitting on their nest, which is composed of sea-weed and other similar materials, they
are so absorbed in the task of incubation, that they will sometimes permit themselves to be approached, and
even handled, without quitting it: they lay but a single white egg, which in size is between those of a Cormo-
rant and a Common Goose. From the time it is hatched till it arrives at maturity, no bird undergoes a
more marked change in the colouring of its plumage. Mr. Selby was informed by two persons who rent
the Bass Rock that the Gannet is four years in attaining a permanent state of plumage, and until this period
has elapsed it is not known to breed.
The first year’s plumage is characterized by the head, neck, and all the upper surface being blackish grey,
inclining to brown, each feather tipped with a triangular spot of white ; the breast and under surface white,
each feather being edged with greyish black ; the quills and tail greyish black, the shafts of the latter being
white ; the bill blackish grey tinged with brown; the irides pale brown; the legs and feet deep grey.
The second year’s, by the head and greater part of the neck being white, more or less spotted with
blackish grey; the upper surface of a nearly uniform brown, the white spots on the tips of the feathers
becoming less distinct or entirely disappearing ; and by the under surface becoming whiter.
The third year’s, by the white increasing all over the body; the scapulars and tertials remaining black or
spotted with blackish ; grey.
The fourth year’s, or fully adult plumage, is characterized by the crown of the head, occiput, and upper
part of the neck being pale yellow; all the remaining plumage pure white, with the exception of the quills
and bastard wing, which are black ; bill bluish grey, fading into white at the tip; naked skin round the
eyes greyish blue; membrane at the gape and beneath the throat black ; irides pale yellow; streak down the
front of the tarsi and toes bluish green; webs blackish grey; claws greyish white.
The Plate represents a fully adult bird, and a young one of the first year, about three fourths of the natural
size.
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BLACK-TAILED GANNET.
Sula melanura, Temm.
We are indebted to the kindness of M. Temminck for the loan of the fine specimen of this bird from which
the accompanying figure was taken, and which he informed us was killed in Iceland. In every respect, except
in having a black tail, it resembles the Solan Gannet, Suda Bassana, which bird when fully adult has a white tail.
Whether this difference be an accidental variation, or if not, whether the difference is of sufficient importance
to justify a specific distinction, we are unable satisfactorily to decide. M.Temminck regards it, we believe,
as a true species, and as such we publish it, leaving the question still open for further investigation: at all
events it will not be destitute of interest to the scientific naturalist. It may perhaps be said that as the Gan-
nets change from almost black to white in passing from youth to maturity, this bird exhibits an intermediate
state of plumage, the original black colouring still remaining on the tail : there can be no doubt, however, that
the bird was fully adult, and we may remark that the first change that occurs in the plumage of the young
shows a disposition in all parts to approach towards the colouring of the adults; it is therefore unlikely that
the tail should be even of a deeper black than that of the young Gannet, while the rest of the plumage is that
of complete maturity. .
The figure is about three fourths of the natural size.
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Genus STERNA, Linn.
Gen. Cuar. Bill as long or longer than the head, nearly straight, compressed, drawn to a
fine point, with both mandibles of equal length, and the upper slightly convex; tomia
rather intracted and sharp-edged; lower mandible having a prominent angle near its
middle part. Nostrals basal, lateral, linear, oblong, pervious. Wings very long, acumi-
nate, the first quill-feather the longest. Taz more or less forked. Legs having the tibice
naked for a short space above the tarsal joint. Tarsi short. Feet of four toes, three
before, one behind; the three former united by a membrane more or less scalloped, the
hind toe small and free. Claws arched and sharp.
CASPIAN TERN.
Sterna Caspia, Pall.
L'Hirondelle de Mer Tschegrava.
Tus large and powerful species is dispersed over the northern shores of Africa, the eastern portion of Asia,
and all the temperate parts of Europe, where it appears to evince a partiality to inland seas rather than to
the wide ocean, and hence we find it most abundant in the Mediterranean, Black, and Caspian Seas, from
the latter of which it takes its name. Of its visits to the shores of Great Britain the instances are but few,
and at no regular or definite periods.
In size this noble bird is not exceeded by any other member of its race: it is even larger than many of
the Gulls, from which tribe the Terns differ much in their structure, and are moreover destined to fill a very
different station in the scheme of creation.
Its food consists of fish, crustacea, mollusca, &c.
The sexes of the Caspian Tern offer no external difference in the colouring of the plumage, but the crown
of the head, which is white in winter, becomes on the approach of spring of a deep rich and glossy black,
which change is common to both sexes.
The nest is merely a hollow scraped in the sand or shingle; the eggs are four in number, and we have
ourselves received them from the small shingly islands at the mouth of the Baltic, which, from the numerous
specimens we have seen from that locality, we conceive must form one of the stations to which the Caspian
Tern resorts in great numbers for the purpose of breeding: it doubtless also breeds on most of the shores
of the Black and other seas before mentioned.
In summer the forehead, crown of the head, and occiput, are black; back, scapulars, wing-coverts, and
tail pearl grey; quills greyish brown; the remainder of the plumage pure white; bill rich vermilion; legs
and feet black.
The young of the year are clouded and transversely barred with marks of brown, much after the manner
of the young of the Sandwich and other European Terns.
The Plate represents a male in summer of the natural size.
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SANDWICH TERN.
Sterna cantiaca, Gmel.
L’Hirondelle de Mer caugek.
Lixe most others of its race, the Sandwich Tern visits the British Isles only during the warmer part of the
year, breeding along our shores; and in some localities, as the coast of Kent, Essex, and the Farn Islands off
Northumberland, being in considerable abundance. As the severity of winter approaches, and drives into
deeper water the young crustacea and fishes on which it feeds, it leaves us for more temperate latitudes,
where its food is ever accessible. It is one of the largest of our British Terns, and, unlike some of the
genus, is seldom or never seen along inland rivers or upon the large European lakes. Its locality is very
extensive, there being few coasts in the Old World where it is not found. In manners and general economy,
it differs in no respect from its congeners, being equally remarkable for rapid flight and all that activity and
address which fit it for passing over the rough billows of the rock-bound sea.
The process of nidification—for nest it makes little or none—takes place on the naked rock, the shingly
beach, or other situations close to the edge of the water. The eggs are two or three in number, marbled
with brown or black on a whitish ground.
The male and female offer but little difference of plumage, both being remarkable for a jet black head in
summer, which becomes mottled in autumn, and wholly white, or nearly so, in winter. The young, on the
contrary, display a very different state of colouring, exhibiting on the upper surface a succession of arrow-
shaped marks of black on a light grey ground. In this stage it has been called the Striated Tern by Gmelin
and Latham.
In one particular the present bird is very remarkable, having a black beak (the tip alone being yellow in
the adult), black tarsi and toes, whereas most of the species of this genus are uniform in the rich red with
which these parts are deeply tinted.
In the full plumage of summer, the adult has the head and occiput jet black; the upper parts delicate
blueish ash; the sides of the head, the throat and under parts pure white; the bill black with a yellow tip,
and the tarsi black. In winter the head is white; and in the intermediate season the progress of change goes
on through various stages of mingled black and white, the black of the head returning with the spring.
The young of the first autumn resemble the parents in the colour of the beak and tarsi, except that the
_ former is black to the tip ; the upper parts are light grey, the head being barred with transverse semilunar
marks of black, and the rest of the upper surface with arrow-headed spots of blackish brown, the quills alone
being clear ; the under surface white.
The Plate represents an adult of its natural size, and a young bird of the first year in the mottled livery.
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GULL-BILLED TERN.
Sterna Anglica, Mont.
Le Hirondelle de Mer Hansel of Temm.?
Tus rare species of Tern was first made known from specimens obtained in this country by Colonel Montagu,
and was described and figured by him in the Supplement to his Ornithological Dictionary. The bill is
wholly black, about an inch and a half long, thick, strong, and angulated on the under mandible, at the
symphysis or junction of the two portions, in which particular it resembles the Gulls, and this Tern may be
considered as a link between the species of the two genera. The upper part of the head, occiput and back
of the neck are black in summer; all the upper parts cinereous ; outer tail-feathers and all the under parts
of the body white ; the first five quill-feathers are tipped with greyish black, part of the inner webs white ;
legs long, exceeding one inch and a half, nearly black; toes long, claws almost straight. In the winter
plumage the head is white, with dusky markings about the eyes. Young birds have the head, back and
wings mottled with ash colour, light brown and dusky. The sexes are alike in plumage, but the female is
rather smaller than the male.
It seems to be now a very general, but not a universal opinion, that the Sterna Anglica of Montagu is
not the same bird as the Sterna Anglica of Temminck’s Manuel d Ornithologie, but that this latter bird is
identical with the Sterna aranea of Wilson and the Marsh Tern of Peale. We have had no opportunity of
examining American specimens of this rare Tern, but examples brought from India by Colonel W. H. Sykes
were compared, and found to correspond exactly with Colonel Montagu’s birds in the British Museum, both
in their winter and summer plumage ; and that the Sterna dnghca of Montagu exists in the Dukhun does
not therefore admit of a doubt. Colonel Sykes remarks, that with the aspect, length of wing, lazy flight, and
habits of the Tern, this bird has a bill approximating to that of the Gull, and not quite identical with the bill
of Viralva, under which genus Mr. Stephens has arranged our Angtica in his Ornithological portion of
Shaw’s Zoology, vol. xii. p. 174.
Numerous fishes were found in the stomachs of the examples of this bird killed in the Dukhun, and this
fact is in accordance with the remarks of Charles Lucian Bonaparte, Prince of Musignano, who in his
Observations on the Nomenclature of Wilson’s Ornithology, states that the habits of the two species of
Tern, Sterna Anglica and S. aranea, are very different; the former is confined to the sea-shore, and feeds
sometimes on fishes, while the latter is generally found in marshes, and feeds exclusively on insects.
The Gull-billed Tern is said to frequent, and even to be common on the eastern parts of the European
continent, particularly during the summer, where it lays three or four oval-shaped olive-brown eggs, spotted
with two shades of darker brown.
We have figured a bird in the summer plumage and of the natural size.
=i
aa vith Pei ts AYE LITE
* PT , 1 -
4 ‘ - ‘is Bs ‘a ae aid ie :
{ f mi OF Ato I f
, A
l e , ar ‘ . -
y 5 : fF) J ,
” ie 7
. * i u y € + ‘
; b v7 . & oe ¥ * ‘
* ; es
' ¢ > “
; j
i
. : *
» i +i : tL J :
sf ‘ ¥’
f Sei es 2
i . pte tt see ete ~
eZ e i ;
: : F aha ! ng ee,
6 \ Ta r r Bt n , , /
yi A . fe ; hak, ee ;
x uae pe P i
: zy 5 j tw wee ieee , {
: a ; ! f ; i f ‘5 CE DESPITE E ove : "i
7 :
. : 5 pt
< , i
’ 1 nae a
4 ‘ 44% ee we
bal , ' M
‘ 5 eae Fest
, . *
3h f
ah
; . .
(any, ‘opwnay euIG
“SUIL NOWWOO | Pa che Be |
COMMON TERN.
Sterna Hirundo, Lenn.
La Hirondelle-de-mer Pierre Garin.
Aut the members of this interesting tribe inhabiting the British Islands are strictly migratory: several
species visit us for the purpose of breeding, while others, being inhabitants of more distant countries, are of
more rare occurrence.
The Common Tern, although not universally dispersed over our coasts, is nevertheless a very abundant
species, being found in great numbers over the southern shores, but more sparingly over the northern, which
are almost exclusively inhabited by its near ally the Arctic Tern.
It is now satisfactorily ascertained that the Common Tern does not extend its range to the American Con-
tinent, and that its place is there supplied by another species, to which the Prince of Musignano has given
the specific appellation of 77/sonz, in honour of the celebrated ornithologist by whom it was first described.
How far the Common Tern is distributed over the Old Continent we have not satisfactorily ascertained,
but we believe its range is extended from the Arctic Circle to the Mediterranean, and even to the coast of
Africa and India, to which southern and eastern countries it is supposed to retire during our winters.
The Common Tern does not confine itself entirely to the sea, but frequently resorts to inland streams, &c. ;
and when thus ascending our creeks and rivers these little fairies of the ocean fearlessly fish around our boats,
nothing can be more pleasing than to observe their poise and dip. When with their scrutinizing eyes they have
observed a fish sufficiently near the surface, they precipitate themselves upon it with an unerring certainty,
and a rapidity that is truly astonishing; this mode of capture strongly reminds us of the J%ssirostral tribe
among the land birds, and they may, indeed, be truly termed the Swallows of the ocean, their long and pointed
wings, and small but muscular bodies, being admirably adapted for rapid and sustained flight, and affording
the means by which they are enabled to traverse the surface of the deep with never-tiring wings.
The Common Tern breeds upon the sand or shingle beyond high-water mark, making no nest, but scraping
a slight hollow for its eggs, which are two or three in number, and which vary much in colour, some being of
_a deep olive green, while others are of a cream colour, but all blotched with blackish brown and ash grey.
“Tn warm and clear weather,” says Mr. Selby, ‘‘ this bird incubates little during the day, the influence of the
sun upon the eggs being sufficient ; but it sits upon them in the night, and also through the day under a less
favourable state of the wéather. The young when excluded are assiduously attended by the parents, and are
well supplied with food until they are able to fly and accompany them to sea. During the time of incu-
bation the old birds display great anxiety, and are very clamorous when any one approaches their station, in
flying round and frequently descending so near as to strike the hat of the intruder.”
Forehead, crown, and occiput black; back, wings, and tail pearl grey, the edge of the enema quill in the
wing being black for three parts of its renee ; face, sides of the head, neck, and all the under surface white ;
bill bright red for two thirds of its length, the tip black ; legs and feet bright red.
The Plate represents two adults, one in the winter and the other in the summer plumage, of the natural size.
ite lial
4
e
jit ‘ Degen Uippyer D 1D PeUaey . DELL? | Wragg mewane7 ia res
_ = :
| | (Quy) WPESN0 (| BUING c
"NWAL ALVAasow
Py;
a : 15
ff
ROSEATE TERN.
Sterna Dougalli, Mont.
Le Hirondelle-de-Mer Dougall.
Tue delicate rose-colour which pervades the breast of this bird, together with the slender black bill, at once
distinguishes it from every species of British Tern; and although not one of the rarest, it is nevertheless
more thinly distributed than any other species known to make the British Islands a place of incubation.
Continental writers have asserted its occurrence on various northern shores; but it is there also, we have
reason to believe, extremely limited in numbers. The first recognition of it as a distinct species is due to
Dr. MacDougall of Glasgow, who discovered it breeding on the Cumbray Islands, in the Frith of Clyde. It
has since been observed in several other parts of the northern portions of England and Scotland ; and it is,
perhaps, more abundant in the Fern Islands than on any other part of the coast of this country. Mr.
Thompson of Belfast has recently discovered it to be a periodical visitor of the northern coast of Ireland,
where it appears to resort annually for the purpose of breeding.
We have ourselves received it rather abundantly from India, particularly the coast of Malabar, a
circumstance which is remarkable when we consider that in our latitudes it prefers the more northern parts,
being seldom or never seen on the southern coasts of England. From America we believe no examples
have yet been seen, nor have we ever observed it from the arctic regions ; and as our examples from India
were in their full breeding plumage, we are inclined to believe that it is a species which abounds more
particularly in the southern regions of the Old World. Mr. Selby, who has seen it in a state of nature,
informs us that it is easily to be distinguished while on wing from all other species, its flight being peculiarly
buoyant, and sustained by a slower stroke of the pinions: the length of the tail is also characteristic, and its
cry is different in expression, resembling the word ‘crake’, uttered in a tone not unlike that of the Landrail.
In the Fern Islands it breeds on the outskirts of the stations occupied by the Arctic Tern, and its eggs much
resemble those of that bird, but are a little larger, more pointed at the small end, with the ground colour
inclining to cream white or pale wood brown. In habits and manners it scarcely differs from its allied
congeners, and it preys on the same kind of fish. The time of its arrival may be stated to be the same as
that of the Sandwich and Arctic Terns, and by the end of September nearly the whole of them have departed
for warmer latitudes.
The male and female offer little or no difference in the colours of their plumage.
The top of the head and occiput jet black, from the base of the upper mandible ; cheeks, throat, and under
parts white, delicately tinged with rosy red; the whole of the upper surface delicate grey, with the exception
of the outer edge of the first quill-feather, which is black ; bill slender, red at the base, the remainder black ;
tarsi and membrane vermilion.
The Plate represents an adult male in its breeding plumage, of the natural size.
z ey i Tepecyea soul E .
pints ofdonaas \
a5 ot ‘eohndant.
ay Mt bite epee)
: dota ade pte
eaten aly ie 2
ise
ae thin omg ¥ oe slit ery
ailt te mabe ‘tuo oi to
Faeioes eee sumed bus ie
i a Hufiev atte
{ eat
(y Meee, f Bano PUIG
“NU Gi Dd OD SW
Sac eerermemimntome rank ee
\
[7
ARCTIC TERN.
Sterna Arctica, Temm.
L'Hirondelle de Mer arctique.
Ir is to M. Temminck that we owe the knowledge of the present bird as constituting a different species from
that of the Common Tern (Sterna Hirundo, Linn.), to which it bears so close a resemblance as almost to require
actual comparative examination of the two species, to determine the characters which form the line of distinc-
tion :—the accurate representation, however, which we have given of both species, with the minute indications
pointed out in the letter-press, will, we trust, clear up every difficulty attached to these two species, so nearly
allied, and so often confounded. We have ourselves had abundant proofs that the present bird is a constant
inhabitant, in considerable numbers, of many parts of our coast, but more especially its northern portion, and
the adjacent Islands the Orkneys and Shetland, where it is known to breed regularly; and it is not a little
singular, according to the most credible information, that these Terns, although bearing so close an affinity to
each other, do not associate together at the same breeding-places, but that each retains its peculiar locality
although both breed in the immediate neighbourhood of each other. Thus one species will occupy an island,
or a portion of it, to the entire exclusion of the other, and vice versé. M.Temminck informs us, that it is
especially common in the Arctic circle, which he considers to be its true habitat, and where it occupies the
place of the Sterna Hirundo of more southern latitudes. We have had opportunities of examining this species
in all its stages, and we find that they strictly correspond with those of its allied congeners. The young
offer also but little difference from those of our Common Tern. There is, however, one infallible rule by
which not only the adult but the young in any stage may be at once discriminated, viz. by a comparison of
the length of the beak and tarsus, characters on which the greatest reliance may always be placed. The
Arctic Tern is altogether smaller and more slender, with a longer and more elegant tail, the beak wholly red
and much less robust, as well as a quarter of an inch shorter, measuring from the gape to the tip; the tarsi
are also proportionately smaller, measuring in length only seven lines ; to which may be added that its colour
is much more uniform, nearly the whole of its body, both above and below, being covered by a blueish ash
colour; the head and back of the neck black.
It breeds among the shingles on the sea shore, the female laying two or three eggs very similar in colour
and markings to those of the Common Tern, but smaller.
We have figured a male in its summer plumage.
‘
/ ‘
‘7 rs
:
e ,
*
’
te §
'
| F
i a
OIRO RA
Wawel is wires qavesie tim ee = Bi ; ‘
f mile rin ct Fel EL kien 7 ;
a ee Jai
on Iv vig tlt t olwonsl af) sa ov Meri e y id ay ef
: : if te djedte Of Caen hawt Waele ee enguaditics) ff) flats
" é : f ni 147-790 ort ads to neil cima yy prelates noo quite
+: dee Walder Harrod lot ‘PHESS elec ‘uit aot
: 5 vale) jan yr Thee cele erat ae Bt: | 110 ebaiuiog’
itive deh el! boliuidnes naite cis fut aitte
. iy WiIMnAO areaa ah eehiandy wt Atyidadat
: fueukeait Fielss piu dy? adi Asnated tiroauifur gel
' yr sertere Sica city sit op. Be hive bi staleminng
EY na inetd “cerOans iit oh aotlo dacs
9 imabbaim sulaimeads pied dind Beisecaef ili
P ‘ ' ‘ili an re af Yi; ho ha a
hich ob oltre, t9i) ee ae gk ageniiod Age
i oni pics ‘arte WE aia ae, ehh Ti) soatley
y dont gn Wt sob? fan hints ett, ie ae *
nogiiiiys Vi lo a uit Hits % veeatiitey ofl. ti E soli athe we Pe
he le tit ah pilite ef Shale, ait ylito sone dabelet
| “ 4 rt donb apelsatas vied bee dunk ott ho, geal af}
a hie estes on hes allside sodtivotle @ aed see ee -
’ rode dati ay. ladon s alia: om faadod sae Son os ban . i
j si aioe ao irk yiel nee ot telliarta thadas dient yong cake oor -. r
i. 5 bbe; a eit (Hae buy a asi ai; tt ae Bit 1 sais 4 Sh Vinoe Wesel it ‘Statcty inepet P7 c
Al ‘ id Hast ih ty f- rise Pispas [sedge sh; ‘ njolos : a 2
tRati rt : a yn alma, S85 auida ye od ayy ohana fa olf s ryan heel
deel ad ' saflans sed ors counted. dt le seeds of etdsuty Fires
‘pagepedae AED ae lAais fl, Saha aval sade
mre) tis) the
i.
¢
(Uuay) “PN BILT2\G
“NUM ATL LIT
\“
LITTLE TERN.
Sterna minuta, Lenn.
La Petit Hirondelle de Mer.
Tuts elegant species of Tern appears to be more generally distributed than any other of its race: we have
ourselves received specimens from various parts of India, which, with others from America, prove to be strictly
identical with those found in Europe. It visits the coasts of England in great numbers on the approach of
spring ; and not our coasts alone, but those of the Continent to a considerable extent northwards, apparently
arriving from more southern latitudes where it has been passing the winter. It associates in large flocks,
and may be observed winging its way over the surface of the sea, particularly off coasts which are flat,
low, and shingly, and where small islands are left by the retiring tide. These islands’ afford for them and
many other maritime species a resting-place, where they collect in considerable numbers until the rising
waters force them to take wing again. The adjoining shingly beach also affords them a place of nidification,
their eggs being deposited in a slight depression among the broken shells just above high-water mark ; and so
closely does the colouring of the eggs assimilate with the mingled mass around them, that they escape the
casual search of inexperienced eyes.
Winged insects, small fishes, and marine animals, form their food: these latter they take from the surface
of the water as they fly, but without diving, a power which the Terns, as we scarcely need observe, do not
possess.
The young and adult offer marked differences of colouring. The former, before the autumn moult, have
the forehead yellowish white ; the top of the head, occiput, and back of the neck, brown with black bars ; a
black stripe passes through the eyes ; the back and wings light brownish grey, each feather having a border
of blackish ; tail- and quill-feathers tipped with whitish. After the autumn moult the back of the head is black,
and the under parts are, as in the adult, light grey.
The adult plumage may be thus characterized. The forehead white ; a black stripe passes from the base of
the upper mandible, through the eye, and joins a large black patch on the occiput and back of the neck ;
upper parts fine blueish grey, the rump and tail being white, as are also the under parts ; beak orange tipped
with black ; tarsi orange; length 8} inches, but when seen with outspread wings flapping over the sea, the
bird appears much larger than it is in reality.
Our Plate represents an adult and a young bird of the natural size.
°
whew pee Led Ad
oon
gopoucougyny 9 hi qegunsy
(U7) Bpyoris BUsIAG
"NU GL AddON
yang 7% 7 hy arog uo aamgngy utos{ UsooI
NODDY TERN.
Sterna stolida, Zznn.
Le Mouette brun, ou Le Fou.
Two individuals of this species having been shot in the summer of 1830, off the coast of Wexford in Ireland,
between the Tasker Lighthouse and Dublin Bay, it becomes necessary to include a figure of it in the present
work. ‘These examples (the first, we believe, that have occurred in Europe,) have been placed on record by
W. Thompson, Esq., Vice-President of the Belfast Natural History Society.
We are indebted to American ornithologists for the best accounts of the habits of the Noddy. Mr. Audubon
found numbers collecting from all parts of the Gulf of Mexico and the coasts of Florida, for the purpose of
resorting to their breeding-places on one of the Tortugas called Noddy Key, where many of these birds
were observed by this gentleman in May 1832 repairing old nests that had been used by themselves or their
companions the preceding year.
The Noddy, unlike the generality of the Terns, builds in bushes or low trees, making a large nest of twigs
and dry grass, while hovering over or near which the old birds utter a low querulous murmur: the eggs
are three in number, of a reddish yellow colour, patched and spotted with dull red and purple. The young
birds are said to be excellent eating. Unlike the other members of its family the Noddy takes its prey
while skimming along the surface of the water; and the old birds seek their food, which consists principally
of small fishes, at a greater distance from land than Terns are generally observed to do.
_ Mr. Nuttall states in his Manual of the ornithology of the United States and of Canada, that “the Noddies
breed in great numbers in the Bahama Islands, laying their eggs on the shelvings of rocks ;” and we observe
that Dr. Latham, on the authority of others, makes a similar statement ; he was told also that these birds lay
their eggs in vast numbers on certain small rocky islands near St. Helena.
Forehead white passing into grey on the back of the head; immediately before the eye a patch of deep
black ; throat and sides of the face greyish brown; primaries and tail deep blackish brown; the remainder
of the plumage dull sooty brown, inclining to chocolate ; bill and feet black.
We have figured an adult of the natural size.
“iy
be Deans
ue, UT Tae:
i" y itty, at olitieate deter, ol bat ar «birth:
rhs SIE thea aotdye, Tunes oe
rate a) i sabia Dis 1A 2 Ped
is roar tyite (HE inirell Hoes, (hgbs opiculig. oe W '
ale lata ta at ba ce Beary arene aM oe:
a
7
* ' Mee
A hay 7 5 iv
. { Palas
rue : Ay May
yee
Tpccuapar 7 hg pena
(yoveT) WAST PATRI
(UM / CISUL BILI}G
“NG aL MOD WT &
aa tLe PPG
QOQUIE. Tp f° AG Wu
!
LOY YT UO). Ce il
Genus VIRALVA, Leach.
Grn. Cuar. Beak shorter than the head, subulated, nearly straight, slightly compressed, the
tip a little inclined: the wpper mandible nearly straight. Nosérels oblong, basal. Wings
long. ‘Taz slightly forked. Feet four-toed, slender; the hinder toe minute. Claws small.
BLACK TERN.
Sterna nigra, Linn.
Viralva nigra, Leach.
L’Hirondelle-de-mer epouvantail.
Axruoucn we have given the generic characters of the genus Viralva of Dr. Leach, comprehending those
Terns which have their tails almost square, in addition to other less important characters ; we still hesitate
to adopt the genus of this naturalist, on the ground, that the separation is established on characters too trivial
in our opinion to substantiate a new genus. It will, however, be our aim to give a complete account of the
habits of the present bird and the other European species included in this genus, leaving our readers to adopt
it, or not, as they think best.
The Black Tern is an abundant species, but confined more especially to the vicinity of large rivers, fresh-
water lakes, and morasses, particularly those of Holland and Germany, and extending thence as far as the
Arctic circle. It annually visits the fens and marshy districts of this country, such as those of Cambridgeshire,
Norfolk, and Lincolnshire, for the purpose of incubation, but is not near so abundant now as formerly. This
species assembles to breed in flocks more or less numerous among the flags and willows which border the
edges of water, laying four or five eggs of a dark olive brown, marked with numerous spots of darker brown
and. black.
The Black Tern differs in its habits, nanners, food, mode of nidification, the situations it selects for that
purpose, and its manner of flight, from the true Terns, which may at once be distinguished from it by their
very long wings, and swallow-like form of tail, and by their giving a preference to the sea and its inlets, where
they obtain their food, which consists in a great measure of small fish, mollusca and other marine productions ;
but in the present bird we find the wing less elongated, and the tail less forked, the tarsi longer, and the toes
less webbed, while the food is taken almost solely during flight, and consists of winged insects, such as moths,
flies, and the larger species of gnats, to which are added aquatic larvee, and occasionally small fishes.
The flight of the Black Tern also, instead of that heavy flapping motion which characterizes the oceanic
Terns, is smooth and rapid, while the bird continues to pass and repass over the same space like the Swallow
in search of its insect food. In England, the Black Tern appears to be migratory, leaving us after the breeding
season is over, and returning the following spring ; a circumstance we should consider to take place also in
the northern portions of Europe. Although the young of all the Terns differ in colour from the adult bird,
the contrast of the present species is the most remarkable, the colouring of the two being almost diametrically
opposite ; they notwithstanding soon assume the adult state of colouring, and in about eight months gain
their mature livery. ‘The males and females are alike in plumage.
The adult birds have the beak, head, neck and breast black, becoming paler on the abdomen; the whole
of the upper surface and tail of a fuliginous grey; vent and under tail-coverts white; legs dusky red; irides
brown. The young have the forehead, cheeks, neck, and whole of the under surface of a pure white; the
top of the head and occiput greyish brown; the back, wings and tail grey, intermingled with brown.
We have figured an adult and a young nid of the natural size.
at
iota (haga SOG ue
MINT, SOW OH Se Ponta la Aa shina Git
:
: a “¢ i
vig : ie: Saat aa
y 4
:
‘
\ )
i
F P
F
] ’
si
\
j
: 4 ;
}
x
4
th ent ar eh he Clg $ bit’ Gib p Diine LE, FERS :
* i PP es
x nw ee oe 66 sed J s y, \ ‘ "% ; P| Fae | 7
é i res 4 hee rhe anak with i bsaP Vad a. 2% . r ? - at ive Phe SS as 49
LORELAED: LTE Fa SA ONUG) Cea: GEE REDE Le Cera elie hehe tod) ot hog ae
Ar on elie pes PON a: f ; > ee
; icdets i eh i eis VA DAE ae ~
“ . eke ; 7: =
perbine! my { PS) RCPURCEN EOD a Lethe: PERE Oy DT sete igen ney th tht at
; te . Bets e- hs *
phere sit bi TY Abele AME pai oni mh tod ‘Barus Wt ‘
. y f x ¥ :
é , Sie ‘ , RVC a
; . 41 + fai ’ ia ae oe ith h
' x Pr 7 4¥)
tif M BRR CARP ELE) y oilasnute
pee ¥ teedes rHandoh sD hie hate: shila elie Ra)
hy : *. a ale -
: sat
iH . “wife Hee fh vite Pint Nett iy
rl ih
’ . 4 he P
Fe ey ae, aA Pe Sar nt are! ip
ahead odie no. talag yatarasade some tere, a
. : . v paca
fon vifioly aol: gantd ee nhdirotlian yan Bagay' tie it? me
fiom chewen sw 4 4 ft cee ce stn Sauk ts ue
WEEE SR ROR POPES PARP ee
é ‘
grate ya de :
moi, ive Rete ers tee Phat byt | Het h
ie " thes soa vo ai ty
Ld ol athe than ‘adh, diva Rone
wv. Pern,
al
a,
Yeo
Ut of re
Cs
pepo y ho poguaty yoynes iy 7) hg 229g 209 auerpyyp nucog| uaaiyy
[Yu ) ‘ero dooney CATEIT\
(MUTT) *BI9\COM] CUI}
NYUUL GADNIM-a LIA A
°
WHITE-WINGED TERN.
Sterna leucoptera, Linn.
Viralva leucoptera, Leach.
L’Hirondelle-de-mer leucoptére.
Tur White-winged Tern would appear to represent in the southern districts of Europe the Common Black
Tern of the more northern latitudes, frequenting, like that bird, inland lakes and marshes, as well as the low
flat borders of the sea. We are informed that it inhabits all the bays and gulfs along the shores of the
Mediterranean, and that it is very common in the neighbourhood of Gibraltar : it visits also, according to
M. Temminck, the lakes and marshes of Italy, such as Lucarno, Lugano, Como, &c., but never extends
its journey to Holland or the parallel latitudes.
In habits, manners, size, and structure, it strictly resembles the Black Tern; the pure whiteness of its tail,
and the greyish white of its wing, will, however, serve at once to distinguish it from that species.
Its food consists of insects, particularly dragon flies, moths, and other winged and aquatic insects, worms,
and occasionally small fishes.
Of its nidification and the number and colour of its eggs, little is at present correctly ascertained ; but we
have every reason to believe that they bear a close resemblance to those of the Black Tern.
The sexes do not differ in the colour of their plumage, but the young of the year have less white on the
wings, and the rest of the plumage is of a lighter and browner hue; in fact, it undergoes a change very
similar to that of the Black Tern.
The whole of the head, neck, back and belly, and the two outer quill-feathers black ; the remainder of the
wings greyish white ; the rump, tail, vent, and under tail-coverts white ; beak brownish red ; tarsi brownish
red.
The Plate represents an adult of the natural size.
em
Bes g
ale
mf eh :
7
-
al . i . (YMG) PIITPAOINIT PATRIA . :
(2A) PIATE AOI] PUIG | | si a =
‘NWaL WHOVLSAOW | |
MOUSTACHE TERN.
Sterna leucopareia, Jatt.
Viralva leucopareia, Steph.
L’ Hirondelle-de-mer moustac.
For the knowledge of this species we are indebted to M. J. Natterer of Vienna, who discovered it in the
marshes of Hungary. It has also been seen by M. Temminck in Capo d’Istria on the coast of Dalmatia.
The Moustache Tern, like its black- and white-winged brethren, appears to prefer inland and extensive
marshes rather than the ocean. Like the last-mentioned species it is almost confined to the eastern portions
of the Continent. In Europe it is perhaps one of the rarest of its tribe, and although its habits are but little
known, we may reasonably conclude from its peculiar form that its general economy is strictly similar to the
other Viralves, or Marsh Terns.
Its food consists of the winged insects inhabiting the marshes, to which are added worms, snails, &c.
The sexes offer no perceptible difference in their plumage. The young, says M. Temminck, have the top
of the head of a reddish colour varied with brown; the occiput, the region behind the eyes, and the orifice of
the ears of a blackish ash; the back, scapularies, secondaries, and quills brown in the middle, bordered and
terminated with yellowish brown ; the tail-feathers blackish ash with the exception of the outer ones, which
are tipped with white; beak brown, reddish at the base; feet flesh colour.
According to M. 'Temminck’s description the adults are subject to considerable seasonal changes ; for he
informs us that in winter the top of the head, the occiput, and all the under parts are pure white; a
black spot is situated behind the eye; the back, rump, tail, and wings are of a clouded ash grey; the beak
and feet deep lake red ; the irides black ; and that in spring the whole crown of the head is deep black, and
the under surface clouded with blackish ash, becoming lighter towards the throat, and leaving the sides of
the face and ear-coverts pure white, whence it has received the appellation of moustache.
The Plate represents a male of the natural size in its full spring dress.
ae re
fala
De pumungy 9 hapauay nomen rep php rvunag nto gp aamgayp nusosfravony
Plog / StpUNngrplr PUB
“TT AD 2 NOPD OWT
etre AAI Pt NT eo = c Sc F - fs ee -
Genus XEMA.
Gun. Cuan. Beak short, slender, straight, laterally compressed, its tip bent down; the lower
mandible somewhat angulated beneath. Nosérz/s very slender, linear. Legs slender; tebiw
naked on the lower part. Taz/ forked.
LAUGHING GULL.
Xema ridibundus, Boze.
La Mouette rieuse ou a Capuchin brun.
Tue characters which distinguish the genus Xema of Dr. Leach from the genus Larus, consist not only in
a decided difference of form, but in certain points of colouring, and the changes which the species comprised
in it undergo at different seasons; for example, the bill and legs are bright red, and the head changes in
spring from white to black or deep chocolate brown, which latter colouring is certainly confined to the
breeding-season, and disappears on the approach of autumn; in addition to this we find that the young pass
through a very different gradation of plumage to that which obtains among the Gulls in general. Independently
of these variations in the colouring, we may observe that the general contour of the species is much more light
and elegant, the bill more feeble, and the tarsi more slender; they choose, moreover, a very different place
for the purposes of nidification, always resorting to low flat lands, often some distance from the sea, the nest
being placed on the ground, whereas the generality of the Gulls build upon ledges of rock bordering
the sea.
Of all the species comprised in the present group which inhabit our island, the Laughing Gull is by far the
most common and perhaps the most elegant of its genus. During the summer it resorts in immense flocks,
for the purpose of nidification, to many of our marshy islands near the coast, after which it again returns to
the sea, or the mouths of large rivers, and is found at this season round the whole of our coasts, but is not
then to be distinguished by the bright chocolate colouring of the head, which character is so remarkable
during the breeding-season. In general habits, manners, and mode of flight, it agrees with the rest of the
Gulls; though, as its light form and long tarsi sufficiently indicate, its actions on the ground are much more
nimble and rapid. It is said to be a bird of passage in Germany and France, but is found in the greatest
abundance in Holland throughout every season of the year. Its food consists of various insects, worms,
mollusca, and small fishes. ss
In its full summer plumage the bill, naked skin round the eye, and tarsi, are bright red; the whole of the
head and throat deep chocolate brown; the back and shoulders delicate grey; quills white on their outer
edges, with the exception of the first, in which it is black, the extremities of all the rest being black slightly
tipped with white; rump, tail, and whole of the under surface white.
The winter plumage is similar to that of summer, with the exception of the chocolate hood, which is
gradually exchanged for pure white, a change which Mr. Yarrell has correctly observed in his valuable paper
“On the Laws which appear to influence the assumption and changes of plumage in Birds,” published in the
Transactions of the Zoological Society of London, (vol. 1. part 1. p. 13,) is produced 1 not by a process of
moulting, but by an alteration in the colour of the feathers.
The young of the year have the colour of the bill and tarsi much more obscure; the top of the head and
ear-coverts are mottled with brown, which is also the colour of the back and shoulders, each feather having a
lighter margin; the tail is broadly edged with black.
The full plumage of maturity is not acquired until after the moulting of their second autumn, and is assumed
by gradations. ‘The sexes do not differ in their colouring.
The Plate represents an adult, and a young bird of the year, of the natural size.
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i AS.) st ONT s heey 4. . POL) ie ae! [nak asset Gunite sal A nyo : while a
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“TTOD GAaADNIM-MW)VW lal
BLACK-WINGED GULL.
Xema atricilla,
Larus atricilla, Zann.
La Moutte 4a ailes noires.
In figuring this species of Gull under the specific title of atrici/la, we would beg to observe that it should not
be confounded with the aéricilla of M. Temminck, which name must necessarily fall in consequence of its
having been previously given to another species.
The present bird is common in the United States of America, and was, we believe, the only species of Gull
figured by Wilson, who considered it to be the true aéricilla of Linneus. Of the capture of this bird in
Europe no later account has been published than that given in the publications of Montagu, whose original
specimen, now in the British Museum, has afforded us an opportunity of determining it to be identical with
the American bird. Beneath we have annexed the account given by Montagu, who clearly points out the
distinctions between it and the common species, Xema ridibundus. ‘In the month of August 1774, we saw
five of them feeding in a pool upon the shingly flats near Winchelsea; two only were black on the head, the
others were mottled all gver with brown. One of them was shot, but although the remaining four continued
to resort to the same place for some time, the old ones were too shy to be procured. We also saw two
others near Hastings in Sussex. ‘They may easily be known from the Black-headed Gull even while flying ;
the flight is different, the bird appears much larger and the tail shorter in proportion.”
In its habits, manners, mode of nidification and food, this species closely resembles its congeners, feeding
upon the refuse of the fisherman or any animal substances thrown up by the tide: it may also be observed
scattered over marshes and newly-ploughed fields busily engaged in searching for worms, insects, and their
larvee. It usually breeds im the marshes near the coast, and lays three eggs, of a dull clay colour, thinly
marked with irregular patches of pale purplish brown.
The whole of the head and the upper part of the neck are blackish lead colour ; circle surrounding the eye,
the neck, all the under surface, and tail pure white; primaries black, with the exception of their extreme
tips, which are white; the remainder of the upper surface and wings dark grey passing into white on the
edge of the shoulder and the tips of the secondaries; bill red; feet reddish brown.
We have figured an adult of the natural size. '
“
et ae
wrneg By p hy runs 10 painpieyy nual remedy
©
(olog )* snyeydesourput RUIOY . . ’ | ——
’ “TINS AAdaAVAH MOVIG
G2y
BLACK-HEADED GULL.
Xema melanocephala, Boje.
Le Mouette a capuchon noir.
Tus species of Xema may be readily distinguished from its European congeners by the jet black colouring
of the head, the robust bill, and the silvery whiteness of the tips of the primaries. Several examples of this
fine species in different stages of plumage were obligingly sent us by M. Temminck, from one of which the
accompanying representation of the bird in its full summer dress was taken. In winter, the conspicuous
black hood is entirely changed to white, as is the case with all the other species of this remarkable genus.
The native habitat of the Black-headed Gull is the more southern parts of Europe, particularly along the
shores of the Adriatic. It is said to be very abundant in Dalmatia, inhabiting and breeding in the marshes
in the same manner as the Laughing Gull (Larus ridibundus, Linn.), so common in our island.
Its food consists of small fishes, snails, and various species of marine insects.
The whole of the head, with the exception of a small patch of white above and below the eye, is of a
profound black ; the back of the neck, chest, tail, and all the under parts pure white; the whole of the upper
surface delicate pearl grey ; the primaries white at their tips; the outer web of the first primary is black for
three parts of its length from the base; beak, legs, and eyelids vermilion ; irides brown.
The figure is of the natural size.
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Cane iat
(itt & mee
fisted inproireny
aig Ot EAA) wot
1 ani ny #P othe end
eit oll Teh al Ai
=
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2 DeprncUiyyyyy a 19 Venue poymng sep Fig aneease 10 ap axcnanyp mas aMced
[010 7) ‘SOME BUS
TVET A
LITTLE GULL.
Xema minutus, Boze.
Le Mouette pygmée.
OF all the Gulls which frequent the British shores, the present species is by far the smallest as well as the
rarest: nor is it much more common in the western part of the European continent, its native habitat being
more especially the eastern portions of Russia, Livonia, Hungary, and the shores of the Black and Caspian
Seas; and although it has been considered as identical with a species common to America, we have the best
reasons for affirming it to be entirely distinct. It was first noticed as occurring in our island by Colonel
Montagu, since which period examples have been killed at different times, and we have ourselves had the
pleasure of receiving it in a recent state.
Like the other species of the present genus, the Little Gull is a bird which exhibits a remarkable disparity
of colouring in the winter and summer states of plumage, as well as from youth to maturity : all the examples
killed in our island have been either in their immature or winter plumage. In summer it is characterized
by a black head, which colouring it loses before the approach of winter; but in all the winter-killed specimens
we have had an opportunity of examining, traces of this summer plumage remained, and in this state we have
figured an adult, which is represented by the foremost bird in the Plate. Its flight is as light and buoyant
as can well be imagined, and its general actions and form resemble those of the rest of the genus.
The colouring of the adults in their winter plumage is as follows :
The whole of the upper surface is of a beautiful bluish ash; the quills and secondaries tipped with white ;
the throat and under-surface pure white, with a slight tinge of rose-colour; bill brownish red; tarsi bright
red; irides brown.
In summer the whole of the head and the upper part of the neck become of a brownish black.
The young when a year old resemble the adult in the winter plumage, with this exception, that the shoulders,
scapulars, quill-feathers, and tip of the tail are deep brownish black, and that the beak and legs are not
so red.
The Plate represents an adult in its winter plumage, and a young bird of the first year, of the natural size.
ck U ey "es
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7 . i eetinteti bicigit
; rt } a ar
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fe) RO he Ae; 1 L Yay ws) ey oid Paty tiie) Sa, dani thet “ion : a
. ‘ rae,
,, Cot Tea Hite Up hyhh Mitrhl: Ae amily Ye arlaliieaty pes i ie wie living |
; vit F leh. tau 10 ate fi bueals ane att its nid searat tL ay a i bens. aga | p F
, x wag eh lwersHar- eu eae s) ute itn Ceres vet it 0 sear dll ne Sie “7 et ; ie
; : il TG te Re SY i: v 5 trib f fad fal By by: Lid! baa fal sot. hala fi Rn Tat i¢ fidil ysl, unpaiting ht c tanita
| | an hy. | ta eer. 5 o | e. | j ig bi aye soit M igi viet 4 rently 7 ae 4 ay
ecalfh: oft ye tia ay Tien: Vemma i a ats dig). PO Pe ase abe ae z whi | 1 Mliegdbl es _
y cbaniphg DEERE eeTiaur Ge ; a ate eta ey olin ie tate eckete Gee reese clig. & parnviis Sy See ee 5
| uh | Akai bokey. ight Spr eee archi, Tee OE yl gia is nt oe iw! Mave Aided Pe ‘
; : 167 aut? iG efi discys alt oidbid ieee: aBTyiied 5 dai’ stv Puglif at!) fat “4
. rh da sare if ty esi lea igaid ach e142 AAGa at) We dood) tie ae he Hopiaul Gest wrticivng 2 +
* , yan cea Pere aie + AE SMUE ALY: “ehh ped ot feife perenne! od) vel fisl (antes vi ae TOON TIRE Gee Piaenete fe a a
aiceagh amt ty al lt A i: sil afd Noes CTE: Fatutl FI a {i Res ' VALE Tih Ne aa tow ice) ae) aa! ;
| ke rawBik deat eg Sililet Dini sine 4f Liga aly oii een
>> Sila, le Bgnect Srila i an ae geben dated LPtiinad Ate oe cee oe ais ibe ol El 5 a
phiil fags ie Ved virial Wich” s anal nd my ty 5 Te heidi ie a ‘eal bts lef dieuian’ a fist wiry alee Bo
| c ‘. Bai bE ioe Mag . ee wong eshini: 7 gee, The
’ vis | , : - a a ; oe
ee ae ey san alt oe vr Wind wl ies, baits ta Pa sf soon al patie #7
: m Five para lar ull ceed Ue Buta, ately — uh “a iY pinoy ole Ree
? Pinch beige we ditnne iets Bi hint ae Le i 7 Te dtataenue s, i
} divi, 98 Ae
ior ohML olf T a
»
PAN aap ee
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AL
pprenunpary 9 fy panna
(pnoz) wages euy
“TID S.SNIaVS
PIMC “if PL AQ BM0QS2U0 PY Bk nowy rteoa neneaye
SABINE’S GULL.
Xema Sabini, Leach.
La Mouette de Sabine.
Tuus species has been added to the British Fauna in consequence of two examples having been killed in
Belfast Bay and one in Dublin Bay, of which notices have been recorded in the 5th No. of the Magazine of
Zoology and Botany; it has therefore become necessary to include a figure of it in the present work. It is
almost strictly an arctic species, and as we have nothing to add to the account of its natural history published
by Dr. Richardson, we prefer quoting the words of this scientific traveller as given in the Fauna Boreali-
Americana, to recording the same facts in any language of our own.
“¢ This interesting species of Gull,” says Dr. Richardson, ‘‘ was discovered by Captain Edward Sabine. It
was first seen on the 25th of July, at its breeding-station on some low rocky islands, lying off the west coast
of Greenland associated in considerable numbers with the Arctic Tern, the nests of both birds being inter-
mingled. It is analogous to the Tern not only in its forked tail, and in its choice of a breeding-place, but
also in the boldness which it displays in the protection of its young. The parent birds flew with impetuosity
towards persons approaching their nests, and when one was killed, its mate, though frequently fired at,
continued on the wing close to the spot. They were observed to get their food on the sea-beach, standing
near the water’s edge, and picking up the marine insects which were cast on shore. A solitary individual
was seen in Prince Regent’s Inlet, on Sir Edward Parry’s first voyage, and many specimens were procured in
the course of the second voyage on Melville Peninsula. Captain Sabine also killed a pair at Spitzbergen, so
that it is a pretty general summer visiter to the Arctic seas, and is entitled to be enumerated amongst the
European as well as American birds. It arrives in the high northern latitudes in June, and retires to the
southward in August. When newly killed it has a delicate pink blush on the under plumage. The eggs,
two in number, are deposited on the bare ground, and are hatched in the last week of July. They are an
inch and a half in length, of an olive colour with many dark brown blotches.”
In summer, the head and upper part of the throat are blackish grey, bounded below by a collar of velvet
black; the mantle and wings bluish grey; greater coverts and primaries deep black, the latter tipped with
white ; edge of the shoulder and the extremities of the secondaries white, forming an oblique band across the
wing ; neck, all the under surface, and tail pure white; bill black at the base, and yellow at the tip; eyelids
red ; irides, legs, and feet black.
The young birds of the year have the head mottled with blackish grey and white; back, scapulars, and
wing-coverts blackish grey tinged with yellow brown; wing-primaries white with black ends; throat and
breast pale ash colour; belly white; upper and under tail-coverts white; tail-feathers white tipped with
black.
We have figured an adult male in the summer plumage, of the natural size.
» y a
1 ip teta ee
. f a0 a ae
luike) 0
‘
A . a ; Mia i G None ' if ha - gh At} : e. “i ’ a. z i! Th : :
4 4 * i ‘ . n 7 i ' “ he i sabe
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“ fey Goer sebK isi gh eeete. Ha Patek? Sat’ ot hslibe toad, ket eabestae pied ar,
‘ { “6 8 Y is 1 a .
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uaelE Gib fey oath iin rie (ih Vea Ca Viel) eee reed lf et hike ath TaehIER i
: - : ea he ; : RE ee a5 F t anit
ae taweie od ae HEE a iT ae yea Sian Pee a isith 4 # ful 4 Fie inel f Pte rato“: a i
® Rs ‘ tha! Phil st hes | cyfoes fle Unie toninh
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ip « : ‘, > = | eee tT ;
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\ ae . 7 7 t - | #
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. itihig? (Pre
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grey Sei a had ; vehi nea Bindeseele Fyn Marae fig bare oA gti AS aaa
5 * bi | ; Ghee 3 i * ; thick {ty lis Ty at 4 ane hut bu axel aster nn wun " F _
C sar A a ae en hl esha bylttiie (eae site ta Site Lage, cent hth ight aa bits peony oe
. “7; ¥ ule’ ‘al rn vb Diag
4
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(rung) swpyowoBry SUIT
“ITD ONIMUCH |
HERRING GULL.
Larus argentatus, Brunn.
Le Goéland 4 manteau bleu.
Tue Herring Gull is very abundant along the shores of Great Britain, as well as those of the European
Continent. It remains with us during the whole of the year, occasionally visiting our lakes, rivers, and
inland waters. The British Islands and the coast of Holland may be considered nearly the extent of its range
southwards. M. Temminck informs us, that although the young are occasionally found along the shores
of the Mediterranean, the adults are very seldom to be seen there. ‘They breed along the rocky parts of
our own coast, particularly at the Isle of Wight, from Fresh-water Gate to the pointed rocks called the
Needles; the coasts of Wales, Scotland and the adjacent islands; as well as the lengthened and precipitous
coast of Norway and the shores of the Baltic generally. At the time of incubation, these birds assemble
in numerous companies, often associating with Guillemots, Razor-bills, and Puffins. They compose their
nest of marine vegetables, which is placed on the ledges of rocks, or elevations covered with herbage, as
samphire, grasses, &c., the female laying two or three eggs, about two inches and a half long, by one inch
and three quarters in breadth, of a greenish olive colour spotted with black and ash brown; in the depth of
ground colour and disposition of the markings there is, however, great variety. Independently of the variation
in plumage which this bird undergoes in passing from youth to the adult state, there is another change which
annually takes place in mature birds,—a deviation from the usual law which under similar circumstances is
found to occur.
In the winter, the head, neck and chest no longer retain the pure white which forms the livery of the
breeding season, but each of the feathers which cover these parts becomes streaked with a longitudinal mark
of brown, so as to give it a mottled appearance ; the rest of the plumage remains unaltered. The top of the
back and scapulars are of a pure blueish ash ; the quills black, each feather tipped with white; the rump,
tail and whole of the under surface uniform white; beak yellow; the under mandible has the angular projec-
tion of a bright red; the naked skin round the eyes yellow ; irides delicate straw yellow ; legs and feet flesh-
coloured. Length about twenty-two inches. It is not before the third year, at least, that the Herring Gull
attains its perfect state of plumage. The young at first have the head, neck, and all the under parts grey
mottled with light brown; the upper parts light ash-brown; tail-feathers whitish at the base, becoming
gradually brown to their termination ; quill-feathers blackish brown just tipped with white ; beak dark brown
or horn-colour; naked circle round the eye and irides brown; feet blueish brown. From this stage they
may be seen in all their intermediate degrees, up to that of maturity, which may be considered as perfect in
the fourth year ;—it is, however, more than probable that before this ultimate change they commence breed-
ing, as we have seen them at nest with the remains of the colours of nonage intermingled with the white and
blue of maturity.
Our Plate represents an adult male, and a young bird in the second year, two thirds of their natural size.
it
Pr
i CS A)
= ; : : TRVEOUBTEHT D [8 reDy, : werng gL Fy mUoIs 100 RII MO MARL : . 7 —'
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“TTD MINYAN IG all IOS
KITTIWAKE GULL.
Larus Rissa, Lenn.
La Mouette tridactyle.
Ir would appear that we must consider this species of Gull as only one of the list of our summer birds of
passage, as it journeys south in the winter, and returns again in the spring to its usual haunts. Whether this
is the case with the birds of this species in the continental parts of Europe we are not able to say; but as it
is spread far northward along the whole of the European shores, we may conjecture that at least in the
higher latitudes it is a bird of migratory habits. We do not consider that the abbreviated hind toe, which
is a distinguishing characteristic of this Gull, is of sufficient consequence to entitle it to rank as a distinct
genus ; and though Mr. Stephens has thought differently, we are not inclined to adopt the term Rissa as a
generic title, but retain the word as its specific appellation.
The difference which the plumage of the Kittiwake exhibits at different ages has led to a multiplication
of its synonyms and some degree of confusion, the young having been considered by many ornithologists as a
separate species, and described under the title of Larus tridactylus, and in popular language the Tarrock ; this
error, like others of the same kind, which in the works of the earlier writers were almost unavoidable, is now
cleared up, the various gradations of plumage from youth to maturity being well ascertained.
In its habits and manners the Kittiwake generally resembles the rest of its congeners; it is, however, less
addicted to seeking its food on the land, but is observed ever busily engaged over the surface of the water,
in pursuit of small fishes, mollusca, crustacea, and other aquatic productions, which constitute its means of
subsistence.
The places chosen for its sites of incubation are the ledges of bold precipitous rocks overhanging the sea :
numbers breed annually on the Farn islands, at Flamborough Head, on the Bass Rock; many also breed
annually about Freshwater, Portland Island, and elsewhere. The nest is made of dried grass and sea-weed,
and the eggs are two in number, of an olive white, blotched with dark brown and purplish grey.
The common name of Kittiwake is given to this bird from the peculiar call during the season of incubation,
which the male reiterates as he wheels round his mate upon the nest, or pursues his way on buoyant wing
over the surface of the waves.
In its adult stage, which is not attained till the second autumn, the plumage of the Kittiwake is very
simple, the mantle and wing-coverts being fine pearl grey; the quills are tipped and bordered along their
outer margin with black; the head, neck, tail, and under surface white ; bill yellow ; tarsi and toes dark
olive green.
The young of the year have the bill black; head, neck, chest, and under parts white, with the exception
of a black spot near the eye and nearly encircling it; a marked crescent of black crosses the upper part of
the back, and advances upon the neck ; the rest of the back and scapulars are grey ; the lesser wing-coverts
black ; the greater coverts and secondaries grey, passing into dull white, with terminal patches of black ; tail
white, largely tipped with black.
After the first general moult the black markings become more obscure and limited, and the bill acquires a
tinge of olive; at the next autumn moult, that is, in twelve months after the first, the full plumage is
acquired.
Our Plate represents an adult bird and a young bird of the year, of the natural size.
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“UTD AWOAT
IVORY GULL.
Larus eburneus, Zinn.
La Mouette blanche, ou Sénateur.
From the circumstance of two or three examples of this beautiful Gull having been captured at different times
within the precincts of the British Islands, all modern writers have included it in the Fauna of this country. The
snowy whiteness of its plumage renders it one of the most delicate and interesting species of its genus. Dwell-
ing almost solely within the regions of the arctic circle, the few stragglers which now and then pass the
boundary line, and visit the more temperate portions of the European continent, are, if taken by the ornithologist
during these peregrinations, considered a prize of no little rarity and value. The first authenticated instance
of its being captured in the British Islands was communicated to the Wernerian Society by L. Edmonston, Esq.,
and a notice of the occurrence published in the fourth volume of the Memoirs of that Society. This individual,
which was killed in Balta Sound, Shetland, in December 1822, and one since, in an immature state, in the
Frith of Clyde, are the only recorded instances of its having been found near our coasts. In a note in the
Manuel of M. Temminck, we find this author also expatiating on its extreme rarity in our latitudes, two
individuals only having at that period come under his notice.
From the accounts given of this Gull in the works of Dr. Richardson, Capt. Sabine, and most arctic
voyagers, we learn that in those regions it is a species of no rarity; and from its beg equally common in
Greenland and Spitzbergen, we may naturally conclude that it ranges over the whole of the arctic circle. In
these solitary wilds it is constantly accompanied by the Fulmar Petrel ; and like the generality of its tribe, which
are constantly observed in the neighbourhood of shipping, it is always to be seen following the whalers and
feeding upon the refuse thrown overboard, which, with blubber, small fish, and crustacea, forms the principal
portion of its diet.
It is said to breed im rocks overhanging the sea, but the number and colour of its eggs we have yet to
discover.
The sexes, when fully adult, are alike in colouring; the young, on the contrary, (as is the case with most
species of the genus,) are so very dissimilar that they have been mistaken, and described as a distinct species.
The plumage of the first autumn is an almost uniform blackish grey, which gradually gives place to a mottled
livery of black and white, the ends of the primaries and tail retaining the dark marking the longest, and until
the end of the second year. It is said that the immaculate white plumage is that of summer, and that the
head and neck are streaked with grey in winter.
The base of the bill is deep lead colour, the remainder being fine ochre yellow ; the irides are brown; the
feet black ; and, as the name implies, the whole of the plumage is pure white.
The Plate represents an adult male rather more than three fourths of the natural size.
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COMMON GULL.
Larus canus, Linn.
La Mouette a pieds bleus.
Tue Common Gull, as its name implies, is one of the most abundant species inhabiting the British seas, there
being no part of our coast on which it may not be found; it is, moreover, a resident species, breeding,
according to Mr. Selby, on bold rocky headlands “overhanging the sea, and sometimes on islands; or on
the shores of lakes, as I have found in two or three instances in the Western Highlands of Scotland. At
St. Abb’s Head, a bold and rocky headland of Berwickshire, these birds are very numerous during the
breeding-season, and occupy the whole of the face of the cliff.”
The nest is formed of sea-weed and grasses; the eggs, which are two and sometimes three in number, are
of a yellowish white, blotched irregularly with brown and grey.
Like many of the other members of the genus, this bird is two, if not three years before it attains its
perfect plumage, the change being from mottled greyish brown to a delicate lead colour on the upper surface
and white beneath.
It is sometimes seen, particularly in the winter season, at a considerable distance from the shore, and it is
often known, like the Rook, to follow the plough, and to wander in small flocks over fallow lands in search
of worms, insects, and their larve.
It is said to possess an extensive range, and to pass the summer in most of the arctic regions, inhabiting
equally those of North America, Europe, and Asia, whence on the approach of winter it migrates southward,
and inhabits for a time most of the temperate parts of Europe.
In winter the head, occiput, nape and sides of the neck are white streaked with brown; the mantle,
scapularies, and wing-coverts pearl grey; primaries black towards their tips, which are white, and the two
first have also a large white spot within the black; under surface, rump, and tail pure white; bill bluish
green at the base passing into ochreous yellow towards the point; gape orange red; naked skin round the
eyes reddish brown.
In spring the brown streaks on the head and neck disappear, and those parts become of a perfectly pure
white; the bill changes to a deeper yellow, and the eyelids to bright vermilion.
As above mentioned, the young are at first mottled with greyish brown, grey and white, which is gradually
exchanged at successive moultings to the adult plumage ; the legs and toes are pinkish grey; the base of the
bill fleshy red, and the tip blackish brown.
We have figured an adult and a young bird rather less than the natural size.
ere Le aie sil &
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_ | (muy, ) Wwarnopny snzey |
“TIONS SNIIO CGAY
AUDOUIN’S GULL.
Larus Audouini, Temm.
La Mouette d’Audouin.
ALTHOUGH we are not aware of any instance of the occurrence of this fine species of Gull in our seas, still
from a letter we have lately received from our friend M. J. Natterer, it would appear that it is by no means
rare in the Mediterranean, for says M. Natterer, ‘‘I shot three of these gulls near Gibraltar and Tarifa, the
whole of which had white heads in the month of August, the species cannot therefore belong to that
section of the family which during this month have the head black.”
From our knowledge of birds, we should say that the present species is extremely local, and we have never
observed it in any of the many foreign collections we have had opportunities of examining. Our figure is
taken from a fine specimen sent to us by M. Temminck, but from what locality it was obtained is not stated.
It is probable that independently of those of the Mediterranean the whole of the coasts of Northern and
Western Africa constitutes its native habitat.
The situation of the nostrils in this species, together with the absence of the black head in summer,
sufficiently indicates its separation, as M. Natterer has observed, from those gulls which we have included
under the generic title of Xema.
Head, neck, all the under surface and tail pure white; mantle and wings pale silvery grey; primaries
black, tipped with white ; bill and legs red, the former crossed near the tip with two stripes of black.
We have figured a male in the summer plumage nearly of the natural size.
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Genus LESTRIS.
Gen. Cuar. Beak moderate, hard, strong, cylindrical, very compressed, hooked at the point,
the upper land ble covered with a cere, the under mandible with an angle on the inferior
edge. Nostrils approaching the point of the beak, diagonal, narrow, closed on their pos-
terior part, and pervious. Jars: long, naked above the knee. Feet having three toes
before, entirely palmated; hind ¢oe very small; naz/s large and hooked. Tail slightly
rounded, two middle feathers elongated. Wangs, first quall-feather longest.
SKUA.
Lestris catarractes, Temm.
Le Stercoraire cataracte.
Tue Skua is an inhabitant of the higher regions of both hemispheres: it is constantly found on the Northern
seas of the European Continent; and although it is not met with, we believe, in the North American seas,
Captain Cook observed it at the extremity of the Southern Continent, being very abundant about the Falk-
land Islands; and several collected by Captain P. P. King, on his last survey of the Straits of Magellan,
and Terra del Fuego, were found on examination to be strictly identical with our own. In Europe; the
Orkney, Shetland and Feroe Isles appear to be among the favourite breeding-places, and during the
period of incubation the male becomes extremely fierce and pugnacious; it is, notwithstanding, a welcome
guest to the inhabitants, whose flocks, but for this bird, would be more frequently exposed to the ravages of the
eagle and raven; the former he will courageously attack, and repel, whenever he appears within the range
of his dominions, for which service we can personally testify to the unwillingness with which the natives allow
this bird to be destroyed.
The Lestris catarractes may be often observed wandering about, generally in pairs, on the northern shores
of these Islands ; the season, however, when the Skua may be most abundantly met with, is that in which the
innumerable shoals of herrings visit our shores, at which times they are followed by flocks of Gulls of various
species, who find in them an ample repast. It is not, however, for the sake of fishing, himself, that the Skua
follows in the train, but, like the rest of his congeners, for the purpose of depriving the more industrious
labourers of their booty, harassing them with unceasing ferocity until they deliver up their spoil. Fish thus
obtained is not, however, his only food; for carrion, and the flesh of dead cetaceous and molluscous animals
are not refused ; it is even asserted, that, like the rapacious tribe of Falcons, whose place he may be said to
take on the ocean, he will destroy birds of inferior size and strength,—an act for which his formidable talons,
strong hooked beak, and great powers of flight, render him extremely well qualified.
The sexes differ but little in colour and size, and, contrary to what takes place in the other species of
this genus, the young and adult exhibit but trifling variations. Its entire length is about twenty-two inches.
The bill is long, black, and strongly hooked ; legs and feet jet black ; length of the tarsi two inches and
a half; feet webbed ; toes armed with strong hooked talons, that on the inner toe being the most formidable
Its general colour is a dark umber brown, varied on the back with light shades of reddish brown ; the neck
marked with elongated lines of dusky yellow; the first quill-feather of the wings the longest, the upper part
of the webs and shafts white; the lower part dark brown; tail cuneiform, the two centre feathers projecting
about an inch beyond the others. The egg of this bird resembles that of the Herring Gull in shape and
colour, but is rather smaller, measuring two inches and a half in length by one and three quarters in
breadth, olive brown blotched and spotted with darker brown.
We have figured an adult male, two thirds its natural size.
In our description of the Pomarine Gull we omitted to notice the egg of that bird, which, as figured by
Naumann and Buhle, measures two inches three lines in length, and one inch eight lines in breadth ; of a dark
olive green, blotched and spotted with two shades of red brown.
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"TTOD WANIWMANW Od
POMARINE GULL.
Lestris pomarinus, Zemm.
Stercoraire pomarin.
Amone the parasitic Gulls, the Lestras pomarinus is the second in size, and possesses much the same habits as
the preceding species, preferring a life of plunder to one of quiet industry : hence has arisen the generic title
of the family, the word /estris signifying ‘a robber’. We are indebted more particularly to M. T emminck (who
appears to have been the first to characterize it,) for our knowledge of the present species, which, from the
various changes it undergoes, had previously occasioned no little confusion. It is an inhabitant of the more
northern regions of both continents ; but on the European side the rocky and extensive coasts of Norway and
Sweden are the only localities where it is supposed to incubate. The adult birds appear to confine themselves
to the districts where they build, and are rarely met with on our shores, or those of the southern countries of
Europe. The young, however, wander very extensively ; abounding at certain seasons on our own seas, and
along the coast of France; and we further learn, on the authority of M. Temminck, that the Rhine, and the
lakes of Switzerland and Germany are also visited by them. We have procured these birds in considerable.
abundance, from every part of our own coast, while in the performance of their extensive migrations, at
which time they have so close a resemblance in colour to the well-known blacktoed Gull, as to be easily mis-
taken for that bird ; from which, however, they may be distinguished by their greater size: the beak in this
species is also much more robust; the tarsi longer and more roughly reticulated. But, before entering more
fully into a description of the present species, we must not omit to notice a peculiar characteristic in this class
of Gulls, consisting in the length of the two middle tail-feathers, which extend beyond the others. In the
Skua their length but little exceeds that of the tail, their breadth at the base continuing the same to the end,
which is squared; in the present species the length is increased, the breadth continuing the same, but the
end rounded: in the remaining species of this genus the two middle tail-feathers are extensively prolonged,
gradually tapering from the base and terminating in a point. The beak of the adult male is of a greenish yellow
ending in a black point, which is much curved ; the irides yellowish brown ; the feet and webs deep black ; a
blackish brown covers the head, face, and occiput, where it terminates in a point ; throat white; cheeks
and sides of the neck covered by silky filamentous feathers of a delicate straw-colour ; the whole of the upper
surface, wings and tail, of a deep umber brown; the chest thickly clouded with irregular bars of brown, be-
coming lighter towards the belly, which is white; vent and under tail-coverts brown interspersed with white ;
the middle tail-feathers exceed the rest by two or three inches. ‘The total length of the bird is fifteen or
sixteen inches ; the adult male and female resemble each other m plumage.
The young of the year present a uniformity of colouring throughout, which consists of a dark brown, each
feather being tipped with ferruginous brown: in this stage, the middle tail-feathers scarcely exceed the
others ; as they advance in age, the adult plumage gradually supervenes. It is in the intermediate state that
the Pomarine Gull is most commonly to be met with.
Our Plate, in which the figures are two thirds of their natural size, represents an adult male in full plumage,
and a young bird of about the age of five months in its immature dress.
APOE
O cn i lu} oiaian ine salt ‘Bue
| ; icy ix i jaQeiey aye
+ yell a tae ond cite sebk toe
: i edd ak x | ah i pact avai oF einai
tHe4 patie avatar bak HOLY
4 : . ibaee aan uisionepirver jal ma dad é veins ah
o ie
i ts \ r¥e3 r
. paket oe antares:
: pa ak tal jotliny: a bree oak:
| nha oht wre coainie:
(ind hall a, to abelages dal ot toe yuborg od
i ea. oie) habit ; anoniay ak “addict c
iste Stale Baise Koln ods ope ak onanulun Yad em teimdik
; fay Saat ak {fined sists 1ntork, oa j vi
: ah AP alan Lae: oil idee
| | | ls -
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(ani) WHOSPIRIPHY SSI]
“STULSAT S NOS GY VH OI
RICHARDSON’S LESTRIS.
Lestris Richardsoniu, Swazns.
Tus is by far the most common parasitic Gull on our coast. It breeds in the Orkney, Shetland, and
Western Isles in very considerable abundance ; and from this, its most southern boundary of incubation, it may
be found in all the intermediate countries to the polar regions of both continents. It was discovered by
Dr. Richardson, breeding on the barren ground north of Hudson’s Bay at a considerable distance from the
sea, from whence he brought specimens, which we have had opportunities of comparing with others procured
in the Orkneys, and find them to be strictly identical. Some confusion appears to have existed in reference
to the specific differences of these birds; and had it been consistent with the plan of the present work, it
would have been a gratification to us to have figured all the known species contained in this interesting and
well-defined genus: they are, however, not numerous ;—we are not acquainted with more than two others
extra-European, both of which are natives of America. The present species has hitherto been considered as
the Larus parasiticus of Linneus ; and it is somewhat surprising, that its claims to a distinct specific title should
so long have escaped the notice of European Ornithologists, and especially the scientific and discriminating eye
of M. Temminck. We have had opportunities of examining numerous examples of both species, and also
specimens of the bird figured by Edwards under the name of the Arctic Bird, Plate 148, which has legs of a
bright yellow colour, and tail-feathers much more elongated. This bird we also consider to differ both from
L. Richardsonii and L. parasiticus; but as it has never been known to visit Europe, further description must,
in accordance with our plan, be omitted.
The Lestris Richardsonii first received its specific title from Mr. Swainson, in honour of Dr. Richardson ;
a figure and description of it beg published in the Fauna Boreali-Americana, part 2, p. 453; and it is with
no small degree of pleasure, that our work affords us an opportunity of illustrating a bird bearing the name
of so distinguished a traveller, whose arduous and indefatigable exertions have done so much for science.
The Lestris Richardsonit is subject to so great a variety of changes in the colour of its plumage, that a more
than usually minute detail in the description is required. The dark chocolate coloured bird figured in our
Plate, characterizes at least three fourths of the specimens found breeding in the British Isles ; and from
this colour to that of the light-coloured bird on the same Plate, it may be seen in all the intervening shades.
Both sexes appear to be subject to the same law, and a very light-coloured male may be often seen paired with
a dark female, and vice versé. We are therefore led to believe, from the circumstance of the darker-coloured
birds forming the greater portion, that this colour prevails solely among young birds, yet sufficiently matured
for the reproduction of the species. The young birds of the year present precisely the same disposition of
markings and colouring which is so characteristic of the Lestris Pomarinus, being brown, numerously barred
with transverse lines of a richer colour; the legs and a portion of that part of the web nearest the tarsus
are flesh-coloured ; the other part of the membrane is black: this very conspicuous character formerly obtained
for this species the name of Black-toed Gull (Larus crepidatus), an appellation which has long sunk into a
synonyme. The Lestris Richardsonii is a more robust and powerful bird than the Lestris parasiticus ; and the
upper surface of its plumage is darker and more uniform in colour; the two middle tail-feathers scarcely
ever exceed the others more than three inches ; and the tarsus, toes, and interdigital membrane are also con-
spicuously larger.
Total length 21 inches; wing 13 inches; middle tail-feathers 9 inches long, exceeding the rest of the tail
3 inches; beak 14 inch; tarsus 1 inch 9 lines.
A2GARAOER SY
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PARASITIC GULL.
Lestris parasiticus, /7/.
Le Stercoraire parasite.
Tuts very elegant and delicately coloured species of Lestris is, we believe, the true parasztzcus of Linneus,
Buffon, and Temminck. On comparison it will be found to differ very materially from the Lestris Richardsoniz,
but to which it forms the nearest approach, exhibiting, however, a well-defined specific character. Nothing
can be more beautiful and complete than the regular gradation which characterizes the species of the genus
Lestris : commencing with the Skua, which is the largest, a concatenation may be observed throughout the
whole. As the species diminish in size, the elongated tail-feathers are still more lengthened. This character
is carried to an extreme in an American species, which is rather smaller than LZ. parasiticus, and has the -
central tail-feathers at least five inches longer, while in the Skua they scarcely extend beyond the remainder
of the tail.
We have not been able to ascertain whether the Lestris parasiticus breeds among the British Isles, and it
is certainly of rare occurrence. Its natural habitat appears to be more confined to the North, viz., the shores
of the Baltic Sea, the rugged coasts of Norway and the polar regions. M.Temminck informs us, that it
migrates periodically into Germany, Holland and France, but mostly in its immature state. It feeds on fish, _
insects, and portions of dead cetacea, which it usually procures by harassing and buffeting unfortunate Gulls
and Terns, until they are obliged to lighten their bodies by disgorging half-digested fish, &c., the fruits of the
labour and search of several hours.
Although it is probable that this bird undergoes variations in plumage similar to those of the Leséris
Richardsonu, we are by no means able from our own knowledge to state this to be the case; as in all the
specimens which we have had opportunities of examining, the markings have been clear and decided, the birds
exhibiting a well-defined dark-coloured cap on the head, light under parts, and very long middle tail-feathers.
The female differs but little in plumage from the male, and the young resemble in colouring the other
species of the genus of the same age.
The top of the head and the space between the bill and the eyes. of a deep blackish brown, terminating at
the occiput, the whole of the upper surface of a clear brownish grey ; quill- and tail-feathers much darker ;
the throat, neck, and under surface of a pure white, with the exception of the cheeks and sides of the neck,
which are tinged with a delicate straw-yellow ; legs and feet black.
Total length 21 inches ; wing 112 inches; middle tail-feathers 12 inches, exceeding the rest of the tail
62 inches; beak 14 inch; tarsus 14 inch.
We have figured an adult male three fourths of the natural size.
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MANKS SHEARWATER.
Puffinus Anglorum, Ray.
Le Pétrel Manks.
So exclusively aquatic is this little tenant of the ocean, that the impulse of incubation alone induces it to visit
terra firma, on which occasion it resorts to those portions only of the land which are washed by the surge,
generally selecting such places as small islands, which, from the danger of approach and their rocky nature, are
seldom made the residence of man. Whenever he does take up his abode there, the number of birds speedily
diminishes ; and this is clearly shown by the total absence at the present period of this species in the Calf
of Man, where in the time of Willughby and even at a later date they appear to have been very abundant.
Mr. Selby is inclined to believe, and we fully concur in his opinion, that this diminution of their numbers is
‘wholly occasioned by the wanton and greedy destruction of their eggs and young, which are eagerly sought
after as an article of food, the latter being considered by many a great delicacy, and eaten both fresh and
salted.
It is evident that the author above mentioned is not aware that this highly interesting bird is even now,
during the months of summer, nearly as abundant on the coasts of South Wales as it was formerly in the
Calf of Man. We are fully borne out in this assertion by the circumstance of our having received from
thence, through the medium of a friend, no less than four dozens of these harmless creatures at one time, with
an assurance that as many more would be forwarded if required. ‘These were all evidently captured by the
hand, none of them possessing any of the usual indications of having been shot. From what information
we could obtain, it appears that the Manks Shearwater visits these localities for the purpose of incubation
during the early part of spring, when they resort to deserted rabbit-burrows, crevices of the rocks, &c.,
wherein they deposit their single white egg, and the birds then fall an easy prey to the fishermen and
others. Giving a decided preference to the western coasts of our islands, they are tolerably abundant in
Ireland and in the Western and Orkney Islands. After the conclusion of the breeding-season they retire
southwards, even beyond the Mediterranean, where, in consequence of the increased temperature, they find
a greater supply of food than they could in more rigorous climates during the season of winter.
Their food consists of all kinds of marine animal substances, such as crustacea, small fishes, mollusca, &c.
In its general contour, the Manks Shearwater is admirably adapted for traversing the surface of the ocean,
and from the lengthened form of its wings it undoubtedly possesses great power of flight. The coast of
Norway and the shores of the Baltic, although not without the presence of the Shearwater, appear to be
much less frequented by it than our own islands; and in the ‘ Manuel” of M. Temminck it is stated to be a
bird of very rare occurrence on the shores of Holland and France.
The sexes are alike in the colour of their plumage, and the young resemble the adults at an early age.
The head and whole of the upper surface is of a dark brownish black; the neck, chin, and throat trans-
versely marked with indistinct lines of the same colour; all the remainder of the plumage white, with the
exception of a spot of blackish brown behind the thighs; bill yellowish brown at the base, and dark brown
at the tip; legs and feet brown; irides hazel.
The Plate represents an adult male of the natural size.
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DUSKY SHEARWATER.
Puffinus obscurus.
Le Petrel obscur.
Tur Dusky Shearwater so closely resembles the preceding species both in form and colouring that its diminutive
size may be said to constitute the only difference by which it is distinguished from that bird; no doubt, however,
exists in our minds as to their being really distinct. The two species are moreover inhabitants of different
parts of the globe, the Puffinus Anglorum being almost confined to the northern seas, while the Puffinus obscurus
is equally confined to the southern, and rarely found further north than the Mediterranean, on the European
shores of which sea most of the European examples have been procured. It is more abundant on the shores
of Africa, extending from the Cape of Good Hope to its northern boundary: Africa then may be considered
as its natural habitat.
The sexes do not appear to differ in external appearance, nor are the young of the first year distinguished
by any particular plumage.
In habits and manners this species is supposed closely to resemble the Puffinus Anglorum, but on these
points little or nothing is at present known.
Crown of the head, ear-coverts, all the upper surface, wings and tail sooty black ; sides of the face and
throat transversely marked with indistinct lines of the same colour ; all the remainder of the plumage white ;
bill lead-colour at the base, becoming black towards the tip; feet olive; external web light olive.
We have figured an adult of the natural size.
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CINEREOUS SHEARWATER.
Puffinus cinereus, Steph.
Le Petrel Puffin.
Ir it should ultimately appear that the bird obtained by Mr. Strickland from the Tees mouth, and charac-
terized by him, in the Proceedings of the Zool. Soc. for 1832, under the new specific title of Pujfinus fuliginosus,
is identical with the young of Puffinus cinereus, a circumstance which is by no means unlikely; and if a
bird apparently in the adult plumage, subsequently obtained by the same gentleman, should prove to be the
adult of this species, we shall have, with the addition of a specimen obtained by Mr. Selby, three examples
of British-killed specimens of this species. Wath respect to the specimens forwarded by Mr. Strickland,
and which we have figured, we have to observe, that these two birds, although agreeing in their admeasure-
ments with each other, differ slightly from a specimen of Puffinus cinereus sent to us by M. Temminck as an
undoubted example of that species, Mr. Strickland’s specimens being less in all their admeasurements ; and
could we have discovered any difference in the markings of their plumage, we should have had no hesitation in
regarding them as distinct: as it is, we have here figured both Mr. Strickland’s birds as one and the same
species, but with a mark of doubt as to their being examples of the true Puffinus cinereus.
The range of the true Puffinus cinereus according to M. Temminck is very extensive: “‘it is spread through-
out the Mediterranean, it often appears on the southern coast of Spain and on those of Provence, where
many individuals have been killed. It is never seen in the Adriatic. Specimens killed in Senegal and those
from the Cape of Good Hope differ in no respect from those killed in Provence. The habits and manners
as well as the food of this species do not differ from those of its nearly allied species the Manx Shear-
water, Pufinus Anglorum, which, as is well known, feeds on all kinds of marine animal matter in a state of
putrescency. | } |
The head, cheeks, and all the upper surface pale ash grey, the edges of the feathers on the back being
lighter on their external margins, the scapulars, wings, and tail darker; quills deep black; on the sides of
the neck and chest are waves of light grey; under-surface pure white; beak yellowish, becoming browner
towards the tip; feet and interdigital membrane livid yellow, the webs lightest in colour; irides brown.
Our figures are rather less than the natural size.
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Genus PROCELLARIA.
Gen. Cuar. Beak thick, dilated at the tip, sulcated ; the upper mandible hooked ; the lower
straight and slightly truncated. _Mostri/s united in a single tube. Legs moderate; a claw
only in place of the hind toe.
FULMAR PETREL.
Procellaria glacialis, Lenn.
Le Petrel Fulmar.
Tue genus Procellaria, in which Linnzus placed all the oceanic birds possessing tubular nostrils, and which
now form an extensive and well-defined family, has been subsequently divided by naturalists into several
minor groups; and we find that in Europe alone there exist examples which illustrate three genera, viz.
Procellaria (as now restricted), Puffinus, and Thalassidroma. The Fulmar Petrel constitutes the type of the
genus to which it is assigned, and appears to form the passage to the true Gulls by the interposition of
the birds composing the genus Lesér7s. How plainly does the present bird exemplify the wisdom which
Nature has exhibited in the creation of all her subjects! It is in the almost impenetrable polar regions,
among floating fields and bergs of ice, often at a great distance from the land, that the Fulmar finds its true
and natural habitat ; and in order to enable it to endure the severities of the hardest seasons in these northern
latitudes, Nature has afforded it every necessary protection by clothing it in a thick and warm mass of down
and feathers of an oily nature, thus precluding cold and moisture. Although the polar regions constitute its
native locality, it is nevertheless found, but in much less abundance, in more temperate climates, such as the
northern seas of Europe and America, extending itself throughout the lengthened coast of Norway, and not
unfrequently Holland and France. It frequents also the northern isles of Great Britain, resorting to the
Orkney and Hebrides for the purpose of breeding, but particularly to the Island of St. Kilda.
The food of the Fulmar consists of fish, mollusca, vermes, and the fat of dead cetacea; it will also devour
any oily substance or refuse thrown from vessels, which it fearlessly follows, particularly those engaged in the
whale fisheries ; and hence during the season it obtains an easy and bountiful subsistence. They are very
active and buoyant on the water, and their powers of flight are considerable.
Their mode of living renders the flesh very disagreeable and unfit for use. Their stomach and body appear
to be continually saturated with oil; and the circumstance of their being able to eject or discharge a quantity
of this fluid from their nostrils, when irritated or attacked, is both singular and curious. This power appears
to have been given them as a mode of defence, and is characteristic of the whole of the family, from the largest
species to the elegant Stormy Petrel; and even this little creature has the power of squirting out an oily fluid
from its nostrils with considerable force.
The Fulmar lays one white egg on the grassy ledges of the rocks and cliffs of our northern islands. They
make no nest; the egg is very large compared with the size of the bird, and has a strong musky smell, which
it retains for some time. Our figure represents the plumage of an adult bird ; young birds of the year have
the back and wings varied with light grey and brown.
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Genus THALASSIDROMA.
Gen. Cuar. Boll shorter than the head; much compressed in front of the nasal sheath, with
the tip of the upper mandible suddenly curving and hooking downwards, and that of the
lower one slightly angulated and following the curve of the upper. Nos¢ri/s contained in
one tube or sheath, but showing two distinct orifices in front. Wangs long and acuminate,
with the first quill shorter than the third, the second being the longest. Taz/ square or
slightly forked. Legs having the tarsi rather long and slender, reticulated. Feet of three
toes, united by a membrane; hind toe represented by a small, straight, dependent nail.
FORK-TAILED STORM PETREL.
Thalassidroma Leachii.
Le Petrel de Leach.
Tue first discovery of this Petrel in Europe is due to the researches of Mr. Bullock, who, in the year 1818,
while on a tour through the northern and western isles of Scotland, found it breeding on the island of St.
Kilda, whence he brought the original specimen from which M. Temminck took his description. In his
‘ Manuel d’ Ornithologie,’ under the article alluded to, he dedicates the bird to Dr. Leach by the title of
Procellaria Leachti. Since the period of its first discovery, when it appeared to be a bird of extreme rarity,
it has been found, and that not unfrequently, on most parts of the British coast, and in the channel inter-
vening between our island and the Continent.
In its habits, manners, food, and nidification it so strictly resembles the Common Storm Petrel that the same
description will serve for both. It differs from that bird, as also from all other European Storm Petrels, in
being one of the largest in size, in having a forked tail, and remarkably short tarsi.
The colour of the plumage is a sooty black, with the under tail-coverts and a patch on the rump white.
COMMON STORM PETREL.
Thalassidroma pelagica, Sedby.
Le Petrel tempéte.
Tuts, the least of web-footed birds, though by no means the least important, has been long celebrated by the
name of ‘“ Mother Carey’s Chicken,” bestowed upon it by the British sailors, as the foreboder of storm and
tempest to the mariner.
The habits and manners of this singular group of birds may be described as being both nocturnal and
oceanic. During the bright glare of day they conceal themselves in the crevices of rocks, stones, &c., from
whence they depart on the approach of evening, and skim over the surface of the sea in search of food:
approaching storms and dull murky weather also rouse them from their retreats to visit their congenial
element; hence it is that when seen at a distance from the shore they intimate the approach of gales and
severe weather. When out at sea they appear partial to the company of ships, which they follow for days
together, and, surprising to say, are never seen to settle on the water; in fact, the only period of rest they
appear to allow their organs of flight is while, with extended wing, they skim, half flying half trippmg, over the
surface of the billows; and it would appear as if the bones of the legs were expressly formed for this manceuvre,
being sufficiently flexible to bend without breaking to any opposing pressure or sudden concussion. While
skimming around ships they pick up any refuse oily matters that may be thrown overboard, and also any of
the small mollusca that may be brought to the surface by the agitation of the water which the vessel occasions
in her progress. .
The Common Storm Petrel is abundant over the whole of the northern seas of Europe, especially in the
rocky islands of Scotland, where it breeds in the crevices of rocks, among loose stones, and occasionally in
holes on the ground, generally laying a single egg of a pure white. The young remain in their retreats
until their pinions are sufficiently strong for flight, and it is a considerable period before they are able to
follow their parents.
The adults of both sexes are alike in plumage, which is invariably of a sooty black, with a white spot on the
rump; the bill and tarsi black.
We have figured an adult of each species, of the natural size.
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BULWER’S PETREL.
Thalassidroma? Bulwerii.
Procellaria Bulwerii, Jard. & Selby.
Ow the authority of Col. Dalton of Slenningford, near Ripon, we are enabled to add this rare species to the
Fauna of Britain, from a fine specimen which was found on the banks of the Ure, near Tanfield in Yorkshire,
on the 8th of May, 1837, and which could not have been long dead, as it admitted of being mounted into a
good cabinet specimen. It is now in the possession of Col. Dalton, who doubtless regards it as one of the
greatest treasures in British ornithology. In fact, with the exception of one or two foreign examples, we do
not recollect that we have observed it among the numerous collections we have had opportunities of examining.
The only recorded facts relative to its history will be found in the second volume of ‘Illustrations of Orni-
thology,’ by Sir William Jardine and Mr. Selby, in which publication the bird is figured from a specimen
sent from Madeira by Mr. Bulwer, after whom it has been named. As it is stated to be an inhabitant of
Madeira and the adjacent islands, we may infer that the seas bounding the western shores of Africa constitute
its true habitat. The cuneated form of its tail and its large size will readily distinguish it from all the other
species of its genus.
We cannot conclude our account of this bird without offering our sincere thanks to Colonel Dalton for the
loan of his specimen for the purpose of illustration as well as to C. C. Oxley, Esq., of Ripon, who in this
instance and upon all other occasions has taken a kind and friendly interest in the present work.
The whole of the plumage is of a deep sooty black, becoming paler upon the throat, and brown on the
edges of the greater wing-coverts ; bill black ; legs and feet blackish brown.
Our figure is of the natural size.
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