oe a

vA
1,

> >» ~ >> = = -
> > 2 >> > > RS — ~~ S et
) > — » &
> > > >>>» > >> >>> > > >>
> » , ] > p> D> ‘ > >> >>> 2 >> > >.
> » > D2 >> >? 4 < . >>> > » > “>>> > %
2 = 5 ee > ses E> >>> > 2
: = Sb == aa > 2 eels
> i >> . >> — ss S = ~ <—
> ») > >>> Pr >) >> . => > SS
>> >> PP» 2>>> > > > »> > >> > ies
> Pd >. >> > > : »>
. a» > > b 2a = > > > Se > 2
eo oe 2P 65 ee FS SS Se. oS > >>
> ~ Fe > = 2 = 4 —

= >
> ~™ Smithsonian
i Institution
> Se - :
2 Libraries
> >
: 4
=a
~~ S>
> > >» »)
> > >»
> ae
>a x3
eS
Sea Purchased
3 eae
ee with Funds from
3 >> > 2
yt Ps
Be” 2 CELIA BARTEAU Z
im >
5! uy Se ra
S: oS 5> >
eb a ee ES
ee > eae

VV
VOU

bat Lass .
Bn at a

ue

Ms

COLOURED

ILLUSTRATIONS

OF

British Birds,

AND THEIR

&ggs.
BY H. L. MEYER.

VOL. III.

CONTAINING SIXTY PLATES.

TANGY \ | Ws Y
KOA AMY | Vy
AY \\ NYT HI | yy Wf y
\ ANN TTT Uf YYyyy, Lz
WN WILL Li
\ Vay Wp tijz

\—CBz=a

|

[/

/

I)

Lop YY Yh

fy

)) <SS

ZZ LV

Li Yj
Z YU
J A Y J Y}/

MK
LONDON:
SIMPKIN, MARSHALL, & Co.

1846. :

CONTENTS
OF

THE THIRD VOLUME.

PLATE PAGE

Tree Pipit . , : : : : ie 1
Meadow Pipit . : : : 3 5 OY, 6
Richard’s Pipit : : 5 : : 937 3
Sky-lark : b ; : : , 94, 17
Wood-lark_ . ; : : : : 95. 24
Shore-lark F : i 5 : ime OG! 29
Snow Bunting ; 5 ; : Nile © yet
Lapland Bunting ; 5 : 4 ba) Beko ai)
Lark Bunting : i : ; : 99. 44
Yellow Bunting : ; : : 2 LOOF 49
Reed Bunting : 3 6 : : LOT) co
Cirl Bunting =. be : : : GT OPA Gill
Ortolan Bunting : ; 3 : : 1038. 65
House Sparrow . ; : : : 2 OA: 69
Tree or Mountain Sparrow . : : ; LOS Sina
Chafiinch : : : ; : . 106. 81
Mountain Finch or Brambling : : : 107. 88
Siskin. ; ; : : ‘ . 108. 93
Goldfinch . : : ! ; ; 109. 100
Linnet . 3 : : : ; 6) NOE: = IOs)
Mountain Linnet ‘ : : ; : TETeeoelslert
Redpole 5 : : 5 ; aE Om ela
Mealy Redpole : : : 4 j ISS ee
Hawfinch ‘ 5 f : a a ILRXG)
Greenfinch . } : ; ‘ ; 1s, ABB}
Common Crossbill i ; : ; GS alls
Parrot Crossbill 5 é j : M/G ey
White-winged Crossbill . : F 0 SSS 1x0)

Pine Bulfinch
Bulfinch

Bohemian Chatterer
Starling
Rose-coloured Pastor
Raven

Carrion Crow
Hooded Crow

Rook

Jackdaw

Magpie

Chough .

Jay.

Nutcracker

Great Black Woodpecker

Green Woodpecker

Great Spotted Woodpecker .

CONTENTS,

PAGE
153
157
161
167
173
179
190
194
197
205
208
212
216
220
225
231
236

dep tee
Sh Ie

i

ILLUSTRATIONS

OF

BRITISH BIRDS.

INSESSORES. ANTHIDE.
DENTIROSTRES.

PLATE XCTI.
TREE PIPIT.

ANTHUS ARBOREUS.

Tue Tree Pipit is a summer visitor in this country, and is
rather late in the time of its arrival, seldom appearing before
the middle of April, or beginning of May. It appears to be
partially distributed, and is probably in no place very abun-
dant. Itis chiefly found in hilly and well wooded localities,
and seems to prefer cultivated or enclosed parts, such as fields
where large trees abound, parks, &c, and is seldom or never
met with on exposed moors or downs. In its habits this spe-
cies is solitary, and does not congregate in flocks in the man-
ner of the meadow pipit, and it is supposed to travel alone in
its migratory journeys. Although: often confused with the
last mentioned species, on account of its great similarity of

VOL. III. B

2 ANTHID.

plumage, this bird has habits and manners that sufficiently
distinguish it, independent of the different formation of its
legs and beak.

The song of the Tree Pipit is very sweet and pleasing, and
frequently delivered on the wing. Tn summer, the male may be
seen ascending, with a twittering note, from the top of a tree
to a little elevation in the air, and then, commencing his song
and his return at the same time, slowly descends, with tail
fanned and wings erect. Sometimes the song is uttered from
the upper branch of a tree, or from the ground.

The nest of this species, which is almost invariably placed
upon the ground, is composed of dry grasses and fibrous
roots, and lined with similar materials in a finer state, inter-
mingled with hair. The eggs of the Tree Pipit, according
to Montagu, are dirty bluish-white, thickly blotched and
spotted with purplish-brown. 'Temminck describes them as
reddish-white, entirely covered with numerous specks of deep
red. In these descriptions we are shown the two most dis-
tinct variations of the Tree Pipit’s eggs, the former of which
we consider the most characteristic of the species, as the latter
assimilates with the eggs of the meadow-pipit. We possess
specimens of both these varieties of the Tree Pipit’s eggs,
but the ground of both is reddish. One, which we represent,
(in fig. 91,) has all the peculiarities of this species in great
perfection ; it is nearly round, being but little lengthened at
the larger end, and the surface bears very little polish. The
ground colour is reddish-white, clouded with pale purple-ash,
and more distinctly marked and marbled with purplish-red
spots, of various forms and sizes; there appear, besides, seve-
ral very distinct spots and hair-like streaks of. rich black.
The whole has more the appearance of a pebble than of an
egg, and is nine lines in length by eight in diameter. An-
other specimen, of the opposite character, is in the ground
colour pale purplish-red, finely mottled with minute marks

TREE PIPIT. 3

of a darker red, which produce a net-like, or reticulated ap-
pearance ; this egg is much smaller in size, but has the same
characteristic form. In these eggs there is no difference in
colour or intensity between the larger and the smaller ends.
We may observe that the variation of colour in the eggs of all
our common pipits is very remarkable. The locality chosen
for the Tree Pipit’s nest is among high grass or young wheat,
clover or other low herbage, on the borders of woods or
thickets.

The moult of this species takes place in August, and in
September it commences its southward journey.

The Tree Pipit is found to inhabit sparingly most of the
enclosed and wooded parts of England and Wales, but appears
to be more frequently seen in the southern, than in the
northern counties. It penetrates, nevertheless, in summer,
as far to the north as Sweden and Norway, retiring from
thence early in autumn. This species is very plentiful in
summer in the central parts of Europe, where hilly and moun-
tainous tracts, partly covered with forests, occur; it abounds
in the neighbourhood of the Hartz mountains, and also in the
forests in Thuringia, is plentiful in France, and in Switzer-
land equally common, being found upon the mountains as far
up as the forests or wooded tracts extend. It is found, be-
sides, in most of the temperate and warmer parts of Europe,
but probably retires beyond the fortieth degree of north lati-
tude in winter. The most northern part we are aware of its
inhabiting at that season is Corfu, where, according to Mr.
Drummond, it is very common in the winter months, but rare
in summer.

In its summer dress the upper plumage of this bird is hair-
brown, the edges of the feathers lighter than their centres.
The wings are deep brown, the quill-feathers narrowly edged
with a paler tint, the secondaries, tertials, and greater coverts
more broadly edged, and the first row of lesser coverts dis-

Bee

4 ANTHIDE.

tinctly bordered with dull white. The two central tail-fea-
thers are hair-brown, the rest dusky, except the two outer
ones, which are bordered on the outer edge with dull white,
and have a wedge-shaped spot of the same on the inner web,
which shows distinctly when the tail is spread. The nape
and cheeks are pale hair-brown. The eyestreak, and the sides
of the neck and throat, are brownish-yellow, which spreads
slightly over the breast ; the rest of the under parts are dull
white, with a tinge of olive-brown upon the flanks. A dusky
streak passes from the base of the lower mandible towards the
breast, which is marked with roundish dusky spots, and the
flanks with fine streaks of the same colour. The iris is hazel ;
the beak dusky, except the base of the lower mandible, which
inclines to ochre ; the legs and feet are yellowish flesh colour,
the claws pale dusky brown.

In autumn, after the annual moult, the upper plumage is
strongly tinged with olive, and the quill and tail feathers dis-
tinctly bordered with that colour. At this period, the rufous
colour upon the throat is less apparent, and the under parts
are generally tinged with olive-yellow.

The young birds, in autumn, resemble the adult at that
season, and the two sexes are nearly alike.

The entire length of this species is six inches and a half.
The wing measures, from the carpus to the tip, about three
inches and a quarter ; the tail extends one inch and a quarter
beyond the tips of the folded wings, and the longest. tertial
reaches nearly to the tip of the quill-feathers when the wing
is closed. The beak measures four lines from the forehead
to the point, and is rather slender. The tarsi are ten lines n
length, the middle toe nine; the claw of the hinder toe mea-
sures three and a half lines, and is considerably arched, and
the whole expanse of the foot is one inch six lines. The
primary quills and tertials in this species are broad, and the
_ tail-feathers rather pointed.

TREE PIPIT. 5

The food of the Tree Pipit consists of insects of many
sorts, such as beetles, grasshoppers, flies of various kinds,
gnats, &c., also the larvee of many insects.

The figure in Plate 91 represents the Tree Pipit in summer
plumage, and the egg similarly marked belongs to the same
species.

6 ANTHID.E.

INSESSORES. é
DENTIROSTRES. ANTHID#.

PLATE XCII.
MEADOW PIPIT.
ANTHUS FRATENSIS.

Tus pretty and lively species, which is one of the com-
monest of our English birds, appears to have a very wide
distribution throughout the Old World. Temminck says
of the Meadow Pipit (the Pipzt farlouse of the third part
of his Manuel), that it is very common in Holland, and
that its range extends northward from that latitude, beyond
the Arctic circle. According to the same author, this species is
very abundant in Dalmatia, and in the island of Cicily, where
it lives in large companies. It appears also very common in
Japan, from whence specimens have been received exactly
similar to those of Europe.

At a cursory view the appearance of this bird bears great
resemblance to the preceding species, namely, in the tints
and distribution of its colours, the form and character of its
wings and tail, and in its general manners. The tints of its
plumage are, however, at all seasons more olivaceous: its beak
is more slender; and the hinder claw, instead of being short
and hooked, is very long and nearly straight. In the local-
ities it frequents, also, great disparity of habits may be
observed, for although this bird may be found in the culti-
vated and sylvan districts inhabited by the tree-pipit, it does

MEADOW PIPIT. 7
not restrict itself to such parts. On the contrary, the Meadow
Pipit is widely and numerously distributed over the country,
being found in all descriptions of meadow and grass land, in
stubble, or in corn-fields; in fallow, as well as in cultivated
districts. Waste grass lands in low and swampy districts,
and widely extended upland downs, of a certain elevation,
are equally its resort, preferring, however, the more low and
sheltered parts in severe weather.

In its manners the Meadow Pipit bears much resemblance
to the wagtails : like them, it runs quickly upon the ground,
and when sitting perched, as is frequently its custom, upon a
clod of earth, it moves its tail up and down continually.

The flight of this species is quick, and apparently pursued
with great ease, its broad wings sustaining its light and slender
form with great buoyancy. While on the wing it frequently
utters a shrill peep! peep! from whence the name Pzpit is
probably derived. ;

The Meadow Pipit sings both when standing upon the
ground, and on the wing; and it rises, like the tree-pipit,
to a little height in the air, and descends singing : its voice is
sweet and soft, but feeble. When caged, the male bird of
this species sings very prettily, and always when standing or
running upon the ground. He hurries over his short and
gentle song with much rapidity, and as if unconscious himself
of the act of singing: not like the wood-lark, who, although
he also sings when on the ground, appears himself a pleased
and attentive listener to his own sweet melody. The song of
the Meadow Pipit, although pleasing, appears to admit of
very little variety.

These birds in autumn associate much with larks, and
with them frequent fallow and stubble fields, fields of turnips
or of young wheat, and are sometimes caught by bird-catchers
in their lark nets: they bear confinement weli, and their
manners are gentle and pleasing. ‘They should be fed and

8 ANTHID£.

treated in the same manner as larks, but require, in addition,
water to bathe, and an occasional supply of insects; they
like society, and are a pleasing acquisition in an aviary. They
generally perch and roost upon the ground.

The Meadow Pipit, terrestrial in all its habits, is a ground
building bird, and usually constructs its nest upon grass land,
frequently upon heaths and moors, where bog-myrtle and
cotton-grass abound. It is usually placed in a slight depres-
sion in the ground, or beside a sheltering clod of earth. The
component materials of the nest are very simple, being little
more than dry grasses or hay, intermixed sometimes with a
very little moss, and lined with finer grasses and a few hairs :
it resembles very closely the nest of the sky-lark. From its
retired situation, being frequently placed in boggy ground,
and from the inconspicuous nature of the materials, this nest
is often difficult to find.

The eggs of this species, although varying much in colour,
are generally uniform in size and shape, being about nine
lines long, and six and a half in diameter. The most usual
tint of the ground colour is reddish-white, more or less full ;
over the whole surface of which is distributed an irregular net-
work of a deeper shade of the same colour. In some speci-
mens the ground-colour is pale hair-brown, similarly marked
with a darker shade. Other specimens are mottled and
marked so fully with brown as perfectly to resemble the
darkest specimens of the eggs of the rock-pipit: while
others again are marked with brown upon a pale blue ground,
like the one represented in the plate. This latter specimen
bears so general a resemblance, in colour and markings, to
some eggs of the pied-wagtail, that we should have referred it
to that species, had not the parent bird, a Meadow Pipit,
been taken upon the nest. This similarity of character in

the appearance of their eggs shows how nearly allied are the
pipits to the wagtails.

MEADOW PIPIT. 9

On a closer examination, however, of the eggs of the pied-
wagtail and the Meadow Pipit, a characteristic difference
may be observed; the wagtail’s eggs are marked with many
round dots, intermixed with the other markings, and these
latter are never so numerous as to unite and produce the
reticulated appearance usual in the Meadow Pipit’s eggs.
The Meadow are also distinguished from the tree pipit’s by
having a zone of crowded markings close around the larger
end, which our specimens of the tree-pipit’s do not possess.
Among all the eggs of this species that have come under our
observation hardly any two sets have been exactly alike in
colour.

The solicitude of this little bird for its young is very great,
and its attachment even to its eggs remarkable: we once met
with a curious instance of the latter. A Meadow Pipit had
chosen for its place of nidification a small hole or cavern
beneath a tuft of heath, that had been cut and laid upon the
grass with the roots upwards, for the purpose of being used as
turf, a very common fuel in Surrey ; we discovered the nest,
which was not much concealed, and, being in want of speci-
mens, took it: it contained two eggs. On passing the same
spot the following day, we observed, with much surprise and
some compunction, that the little bird was not to be driven
either from the spot, or from her intentions of rearing her
family there, even by our rough and cruel treatment, for she
had laid another egg in the empty cave. This circumstance
excited our interest in the affectionate and patient little
creature, and we visited the place again in hopes of seeing her
perseverance rewarded: but we found her misfortunes were
still further accumulated, for a heavy horse’s foot had been
placed upon the spot, and had destroyed all traces both of the
cavern and its contents.

The Meadow Pipit is a watchful little bird, and always on
the alert; it is among the first of small birds to take alarm

10 ANTHIDE.

at the presence of a dog or gun, and when a shot is fired flies
about wildly, uttering its soft peep! Ifa small bird falls, the
Meadow Pipits immediately collect and hover about it, or
stand erect upon the ground, watching with anxious interest.
They are not so familiar as the wagtails, if we may judge
from the circumstance of their never entering our garden, of
which the lawn is only divided from the adjoining field, where’
they abound, by a low hedge; whilst wagtails, both white
and yellow, continually pass the boundary, and run fearlessly
up to the windows of the house.

Although remaining all the year in this country, the Mea-
dow Pipit retires from many of the temperate parts of the
continent of HKurope in autumn, to avoid the severities of
winter ; it does not appear to pass that season either in Hol-
land or Germany.

This species moults in August, and it is by some natu-
ralists considered that a second, or partial moult takes place
in the spring; specimens having been observed in moult in
March and April. Some difference of opinion seems to pre-
vail with respect to the moulting of several of our small birds,
and it is possible that, from some accidental loss of feathers,
or peculiarity in the state of their health, individuals may be
found moulting at irregular seasons. We lately, in the
middle of February, met with an adult male pied-wagtail,
which had upon the breast many new feathers still in the
quills, which appeared to be black, with white fringes or tips,
and some in the same state of forwardness were to be ob-
served on the back and scapulars. ‘The Meadow Pipit is be-
lieved to have two broods in the year; the first is ready to
fly in April; the second in June. When alarmed for the
safety of their young, the note of this species is trt! trit !

The entire length of this species is five inches and three-
quarters. The wing measures, from the carpus to the tip,
three inches one line; the first four quill-feathers are of equal

MEADOW PIPIT. ~ 11

length, and the longest of the tertials reaches to within a line
and half of the extremity of them, when the wing is closed.
The beak measures four and a half lines from the forehead ;
it is very slender, and distinctly notched. The tarsi measure
ten lines, the middle toe and claw the same; the hinder toe
measures five lines, the claw six, sometimes seven lines, mak-
ing the whole expanse of the foot one inch, eight, or nine
lines; the hinder claw is slightly arched, and very slender.
The tail is forked ; the central pair of feathers being some-
what shorter than the rest. The longest tail feathers measure
two inches five lines, and the upper coverts conceal more than
half their length.

The whole upper plumage of this species is dusky, broadly
bordered with olive, and including the head and nape, the
back, and scapulars ; the upper-coverts of the tail are nearly
plain olive-brown. All the feathers of the wing are dusky ;
the primary quills are very narrowly bordered with olive, and
the outer one has a white edge; the secondaries, tertials, and
coverts, more broadly bordered with the same. The two
central feathers of the tail are dusky, lighter towards the
edge; the four next on each side are of a darker tint, with
narrow olive edges; the fourth has a small wedge-shaped
white spot upon the inner web near the tip; the outermost
feather has a larger wedge-shaped spot, and the outer web is
pale brown, or dirty white. ‘The under plumage, from the
chin to the under coverts of the tail inclusive, is rufous-white,
richest upon the breast and flanks. Each feather upon the
breast has a round dusky spot along the shaft, the flanks are
similarly marked with longer spots. A line of dusky spots
commences at the base of the lower mandible, and extends
down the side of the neck ; another begins at the base of the
upper mandible, and passes beneath the ear-coverts. The
beak, which in this species is very thin and delicate, is dusky,
except the base of the lower mandible and edges of the upper,

13 ANTHIDE.

which are rich ochre-yellow ; the legs and feet are of the same
ochre-yellow, the claws and joints dusky. This is the autumnal
plumage after the general moult. By degrees the olive tinge
wears away, and the pluinage inclines more to pale brown,
sometimes approaching to ash upon the borders of the scapu-
lars, wing-coverts, and tertials; and the under parts have less
of the yellow tinge in spring than in autumn.

In Plate 92 is represented the Meadow Pipit in autumnal
plumage, from a specimen shot in September, and the same

figure points out the egg of this species.

9)

A * i ()
a ert
4 v4 -

yy

ONE
bes

Pennie aan
Mina?
Lrg sol eee

~

RICHARDS FIPIT. 13

INSESSORES. ANTHID &.
DENTIROSTRES.

PLATE XCIII.
RICHARD’S PIPIT.
Antuus Ricarpt.

In describing a bird so rare in England as the Pipit at
present under consideration, we must refer for its native
locality, habits, manners, and all other particulars, to the
works of continental authors, as containing nearly all that
can be brought forward on the subject. In the first part of
the Manuel of M. Temminck, that gentleman says, “It
appears that this Pipit is an inhabitant of the warmer coun-
tries of Europe, since it is found towards the Pyrenees, and,
probably, in Spain.” In the third part of his Manuel, sub-
sequently published, Temminck confirms the supposition of
this species inhabiting Spain, and adds, that it inhabits also
the south of France and Germany, and has been killed in
Picardy in the month of October; and that it is pea
common in Austria in the environs of Vienna.

The whole extent of the south of Europe appears, there-
fore, to be inhabited, more or less abundantly, by this
species ; and, in addition to the localities above quoted, we
find mention made of this bird as an inhabitant of the island
of Crete in the Mediterranean.

In this country, the Richard’s Pipit can only be consi-
dered as a scarce straggler, of which, until lately, not more
than half a dozen specimens were recorded to have been cap-

14 ANTHIDE.

tured. The recent and still increasing researches in orni-
thology, have lately made known the occurrence of several
more individuals. A note on the occurrence of rare birds
in the vicinity of Yarmouth, by W. R. Fisher, Esq., which
appeared in the sixth number of the Zoologist, records the
following particulars on this subject :—A_ specimen of Rich-
ard’s Pipit was shot there, November the 22nd, 1841 ;
another example in the following April; and that a third
specimen had been shot on the Denes, between Yarmouth
and Caistor. The latter was shot by the same person who
had killed a former specimen, and who recognised its pecu-
liar manner of walking and feeding. ‘These specimens varied
considerably in size. One measured seven inches and a
quarter; another was seven inches five-eighths in length,
and twelve inches in the expanse of its wings. The lower
mandible of the beak, when first observed, had a purplish
tinge, which afterwards changed to a dull red. Upon dissec-
tion, this bird was found to be a male: the gizzard was filled
with several species of flies and gnats, amongst which were
noticed the remains of the ladybird, and of a species of ich-
neumon.

In addition to the specimens just mentioned we may add,
that four of these birds have lately been shot in Cornwall,
two near Penzance, and two near Marazion, by Mr. Vingoe.
This gentleman saw one perching upon a small rail, and ob-
served their actions and note to be similar to the other species
of Pipit, or a little approaching to those of the wagtails.

We are glad to have an opportunity of giving the measure-
ments of one of Mr. Vingoe’s birds (communicated to the
Zoologist by A. Greenwood, Esq., of Penzance,) from a fresh
specimen; it is as follows: ‘‘ Entire length, eight inches ;
from the carpal joint to the end of the wing, three inches
eleven lines; length of the tarsus, one inch two lines and
three quarters ; length of the bill from the centre of the nos-

RICHARDS PIPIT. 15

tril, five and a half lines; hinder toe, six and a half lines ;
hinder claw, nine lines.” These particulars correspond very
exactly with a specimen in the Museum of the Zoological
Society, which we examined some years ago, and from which
we can subjoin that the middle toe and claw measure one
inch three lines, and that the whole expanse of the foot is not
less than two inches and a half. The beak, in this species, is
more like that of a lark than of a Pipit, being thick and
blunt, and nearly as stout and large as that of a skylark.
The wings are rather short for the size of the bird, and the
tail extends nearly two inches beyond their extremities. ‘The
tail feathers are nearly of equal length, the central ones being
but little shorter than the rest. The longest tertial feather
is about two lines shorter than the quills; the first quill-fea-
ther is the longest, the three next decrease in length succes-
sively in a trifling degree.

The following is the description of an adult male :—AII the
upper plumage brown, each feather tinged at the edge with
rust-colour ; the cheeks are reddish-brown ; a whitish streak
extends over the eye, and passes above the ear-coverts; two
dark lines take their rise from the base of the beak; one of
these passes to the ear-coverts, the other, composed of a
series of small spots, joins and loses itself among the spots
with which the breast is overspread. The throat, sides of
the neck, and rest of the under parts, are dull white, tinged
with rufous upon the flanks and under-coverts of the tail.
Upon the breast, is a gorget of dark-brown oblong spots ;
the throat is plain white, without spots, and in some speci-
mens the breast is strongly tinged with rusty brown. The
quill-feathers of the tail are dark brown, with the exception
of two on each side, which are partly white, that colour occu-
pying a portion of each feather in a slanting direction, the
white part being visible when the tail is spread ; the shaft of
the outermost feather is white, that of the second black on a

16 ANTHID2.

white ground. The quill-feathers and coverts of the wings
are dark brown, bordered with rust-colour. The legs are
brownish flesh-colour; the iris dusky.

This bird is supposed to undergo the same _ periodical
changes in the tints of the plumage common to the other
Pipits, namely, in being tinged with olive on the upper plu-
mage after the autumnal moult.

The female has less of the rufous tinge upon the under
plumage than the male.

Richard’s Pipit is said by Mr. Drummond, who observed
its habits in the island of Crete, to inhabit dry rocky places.
According to that gentleman, this Pipit breeds in the island
in situations of a similar character.

This species is entirely a ground bird, it both resides and
seeks its food upon the ground, being seldom seen to perch.
Its note is loud, according to Temminck, and frequently
uttered by the bird when upon the wing.

cast

Ov

Pll oF.

SKYLARK. EZ

INSESSORES. ALAUDID.
CONTIROSTRES.

PLATE XCIV.
SKYLARK.
ALAUDA ARVENSIS.

Wirx the Larks commences the tribe of birds known
under the title of Controstres. This tribe comprises about
one fourth of the land birds of Britain, and comprehends
among its members some of the most numerous species that
inhabit these islands; many of which, by the familiarity of
their manners, are best known to us; and which, being for
the most part stationary in these latitudes, enliven us at all
seasons either by their songs or by their presence.

At the head of this large family stand the singing birds
of the division, some of which rival even the warblers in
the beauty of their notes. Such are the Larks, the Gold-
finch, the Linnet, and the Siskin. In this extensive tribe are
included also many species widely differing in habits, manners,
and appearance, from those just mentioned, which, although
having no pretensions to song, yet enliven by their various
voices a lonely scene. Among these may be mentioned the
busy Jackdaw, the noisy Jay, and, eminently, the Rook, whose
cheerful cawing imparts an air of liveliness to the environs
of many a grey and venerable mansion, or adds an additional
charm to the skirts of many a distant and secluded village.
But we must pass on to our more immediate subject.

VOL. III. c

18 ALAUDIDS,

“ Up springs the lark,
Shrill-voiced and loud, the messenger of morn :
Ere yet the shadows fly he, mounted, sings
Amid the dawning clouds, and from their haunts
Calls up the tuneful nations.”

These few lines of the poet, full of freshness and truth,
convey more forcibly to the mind the character of the Sky-
lark than as many pages of dull prose could do, and fitly
serve as a preface to its history. The Lark may be consi-
dered the herald of the year as well as of the morning, as
he is one of the first of animated beings to observe and
welcome the return of spring. The first mild and balmy
morning that intervenes between the dull and cheerless days
of that early season, the song of the Skylark may be heard
as he rises into the air, rejoicing in the welcome change.
At first his flights are low, and of short duration, and his
song wants the full and mellow richness that distinguishes
it at a later period: but, as the spring advances, his flights
are oftener and oftener repeated, and his full voice swells
as if with unbounded joy. While singing, the Skylark rises
to a surprising elevation, often higher than the eye can follow
him, although his clear voice may be still distinctly heard.
We are not prepared to affirm to what height above the
earth these flights are pursued, but we think they must
frequently be considerably above a thousand feet; yet, such
is the extraordinary power of the lungs of this species, that
their song continues unabated from the moment of rising
until their feet again touch the ground, a period often of
eight or nine minutes. It is observable that the Skylark,
while rising in the air, always has his face directed towards
the quarter from whence the wind blows. His descent is
usually performed quicker than his ascending flight ; and
when he again comes low enough to be distinctly seen, his
wings are closed to assist his downward motion, and he drops

SKYLARK. 19

rapidly to the earth. In February, these birds are seen
flying in pairs, after having all the autumn and winter con-
gregated in flocks: they are not, however, early breeders.
In their habits larks are terrestrial—running, feeding, build-
ing, and roosting upon the ground. They are very lively
in all their motions, and when feeding upon the ground they
run with a quick and graceful step, frequently stopping and
erecting their bodies, as if to listen or to look around, raising
at the same time their conspicuous crest. ‘These birds are
inveterate dusters, or pulverisers, and we have also some-
times seen them wash with much enjoyment, wading into
shallow water for that purpose. Besides grain and seeds,
Skylarks also eat insects of various sorts, for which they
search assiduously upon grass-fields and lawns, and after a
heavy shower may be seen running into the little pools
formed by the rain, in chase probably of insects that have
been driven from their hiding places.

Skylarks begin to breed in May, and the localities chosen
are generally corn, clover, or grass-fields, &c. The nest is
usually placed in the open field, unsheltered by bushes or
hedges. It is constructed upon the surface of the ground,
and composed of dry grasses in considerable quantity, form-
ing a thick and comfortable mattress, and lined with finer
portions of the same material ; the nest is constructed, how-
ever, of fragments so short, that it cannot be moved from its
situation entire. The eggs are mostly four in number, and
usually placed in the nest with their smaller ends towards the
centre.

The Skylark is not easily driven from her nest ; and when
she is, through fear, compelled to desert it, she hovers about
in such anxious distress as frequently to betray its hiding-
place, although for the most part it is tolerably well con-
cealed by the surrounding blades of grass or herbage. Some-
times, however, the nest of this species is found in much less

c 2

Q¢) ALAUDID#.

hidden situations, and we have seen it in the rut of an
unfrequented cart-road, &e. The eggs vary in size from ten
lines to an inch in length, and are from seven to eight lines
in diameter: they are in the ground colour greenish or
greyish-white, mottled all over with ash-grey and brown or
olive: these colours vary but little in tint in different speci-
mens, but in some the spots are equally distributed over
the surface, in others grouped in knots, having the appear-
ance of being curdled. ‘The young Larks, when a few weeks
old, are pretty, intelligent little creatures; they resemble
their parents generally in their colours, but have each feather
of the upper plumage tipped with yellowish-white; the males
may be distinguished by having the most yellow upon the
breast.

Larks, as before observed, are indefatigable in attention to
their young, and even when captured with their nestlings
have been known to bring them up. We have ourselves
met with an instance of this kind; a female Skylark was
taken prisoner with her four young ones when they were
tolerably well feathered ; they were placed in a cage toge-
ther, and supplied with the food commonly known as Ger-
man paste. Hardly were these arrangements completed,
than the parent bird commenced feeding the nestlings, while
they stood begging around her, shivering their little wings
and opening their ready beaks ; and so intent was she upon
these maternal cares, that she appeared unconscious of the
change in her own situation, as well as of the strange per-
sons and things that surrounded her.

The Skylark is common and well known in most parts
of the kingdom. It frequents, in the spring, meadows, com-
mons, and extended grassy tracts of various descriptions, also
fields of clover and young wheat: in autumn and winter,
these birds are seen in vast flocks, at that time augmented
by flights from the northern parts of the European continent,

SKYLARK. Qi

in stubble-fields, and especially in the vicinity of farms,
where they pick up a rich supply of grain and seeds.

The geographical distribution of the Skylark is very ex-
tended, this species being found throughout the continent
of Europe as far as Siberia; in Asia; and in the northern
parts of Africa; but, according to ‘Temminck, it does not
inhabit the warmest parts of that quarter of the globe.
Throughout these widely extended regions, the Skylark is
more or less migratory, according to the latitude. It inha-
bits the most northern parts only in summer, retiring south-
ward in autumn. This migratory movement takes place
as far south as the Orkney and Shetland islands, where these
birds are still only summer-visitors ; and it appears that even
Scotland is partially deserted in severe weather, when large
flocks leave that latitude, and wing their flight further south.
Throughout England, a great addition is observable in
autumn to the number of our native Larks, so that in some
counties they are taken in vast numbers in nets for the table.
The arrival of these birds has been noticed on the eastern
coasts of Britain at this period, te occur in flocks from ten
to fifty in number, during several days in succession: and,
in unusually severe weather, they appear to pursue their
course still further, and to seek the warmest portions of
Britain for refuge and subsistence, having been observed in
the south of Devonshire in the winter of 1803, in all the
stubble-fields, in unprecedented numbers.

As before mentioned, the Skylark penetrates in summer
far towards the north, and at this time it entirely forsakes
some of its winter quarters. In Corfu, we learn from Mr.
Drummond, this bird is only a winter resident, arriving there
the latter part of September, and passing northward again
in February ; but this species is not included in Mr. Drum-
mond’s list of the birds that imhabit or frequent the island
of Crete in the Mediterranean: nor does Temminck make

Q9 ALAUDIDE.

any mention of the genus Alauda in his list of the birds
of Japan: it is found, however, as far towards the east as
the western borders of the Black Sea.

The entire length of the Skylark is seven inches and three
quarters. The wing, from the carpus to the tip, measures four
inches four lines: the first quill-feather is so short as to be
easily overlooked, as it measures not more than three lines ;
the second is nearly as long as the third and fourth, which are
the longest in the wing. The outer tail-feathers measure
two inches eleven lines, and extend an inch and a quarter
beyond the closed wings. All the feathers of the tail and
wings are very broad, and the entire body of the bird is
covered with a great number of close-set feathers, which,
being mostly darkest down the shaft, give the plumage a
tessellated appearance. The tail is forked, and the central
pair of feathers two or three lines shorter than the outer.
The tarsus measures eleven lines, the middle toe ten, and
the hinder toe and claw one inch one line, of which the claw
occupies nine lines: the entire expanse of the foot is one
inch ten lines.

The upper plumage of the Skylark consists of several
shades of brown, the darkest occupying the shafts of the
feathers, and the lightest, which in some parts approach to
greyish-white, being disposed: upon the edges. The wing-
feathers are of the same colours; the tertials are bordered
with rufous-brown ; the secondaries tipped with white, which
forms a fringe to that part of the wing, very conspicuous
in flight. The ear-coverts are rich yellowish-brown, streaked
along the shaft with a darker shade; the chin, and the collar
that passes beneath the ear-coverts, are plain yellowish-white ;
the rest of the breast rufous-yellow, with rich brown trian-
gular marks upon the shafts of the feathers; the flanks are
of the same rufous-yellow, with brown shaft-streaks; the
middle of the belly and under-coverts of the tail white,

SKYLARK. 23

tinged with rust. The under-surface of the quills brownish-
grey, glossed with copper along the edges. The beak is
dusky horn-colour, the base of the lower mandible pale
brown. The legs are rich orange-brown, with dusky joints
and claws. The two central tail-feathers are of the same
colour as the back and tertials, the three next on each side
dusky, edged paler; the outer feather but one is dusky on
the inner web, the outer web white: the outermost feather
is half white and half brown, divided transversely, the white
portion being visible when the tail is spread in flight. This
is the adult plumage in spring.

The female is rather smaller than the male: the spots
on her breast are more distinct, and on a paler ground.

The egg of the Skylark is figured 94.

24 ALAUDIDZ.

INSESSORES. ALAUDIDE.
CONIROSTRES.

PLATE XCV.
WOODLARK.

ALAUDA ARBOREA.

Tue Woop.ark is a less common bird than its generic
companion the skylark, and by no means so generally dif-
fused. In some districts it is scarcely known, while in others
it is tolerably abundant. We have found it most frequently
in districts of a hilly character, varied with pasture, wood-
lands, and cornfields ; but it appears not so partial to widely-
extended level tracts of cultivated country, as the skylark.
In Surrey, and some other counties of similar character, this
species is very abundant; even upon the level plains on the
borders of the Thames; but the soil of these localities is for
the most part covered with herbage, and hills clothed with
trees in profusion are not far distant.

The Woodlark is chiefly confined in England to the
southern counties, or, properly speaking, is more abundant in
them, although it is met with in the midland counties in
some parts, and much more rarely in the northern. Jn Shet-
land this species is hardly known. In the northern countries
of Europe, namely, Denmark, parts of Sweden, and Russia,
it is a summer-yisitor only, but resides all the year in the
countries along the Mediterranean, and also in Germany and
Holland.

In Crete these birds are abundant, and the sketch given

WOODLARK. 25

by Mr. Drummond respecting them coincides with our own
opinion, that they are hill-country birds; for he says they
were observed on the mountains, where they also breed, and
that none were seen lower down. We conclude they pass
the winter as well as the summer in that island. In Corfu
the Woodlark arrives in September in small flocks, which
remain during the winter, but they retire to the high moun-
tains of Albania in the spring.

The nest of the Woodlark is more carefully concealed than
that of the skylark, and as this species breeds very early, it
is comparatively rare to meet with its eggs. Much more
variety appears to prevail in the colour of these eggs than in
those of the preceding species, although in some of their
varieties they are nearly similar: the Woodlark’s eggs are
smaller in size, not exceeding eleven lines, by seven and a
half in diameter, as well as shorter in proportion, and gene-
rally the spots are larger, and more grouped in knots. In
some specimens of this species the ground colour is reddish-
white, freckled with ash-grey and tile-red; others are still
fuller in tint, with some of their spots crimson or maroon,
intermixed with brown; but we are disposed to think that
the greater part resemble those of the skylark so nearly, as
generally to pass for the eggs of that species.

The nest of the Woodlark is composed of fine dry grasses,
with a little moss sometimes in the foundation, and lined
with finer grass stems; it is placed upon the ground near
trees, woods, or hedgerows, sometimes sheltered by a bush,
tuft of grass, or clod of earth; we have also found it at the
foot of a large elm, partly concealed by long grass, and by
the tufted foliage of a low bush.

The Woodlark sings upon the wing; but in its song and
flight may usually be distinguished from the skylark. It
does not rise in so perpendicular a manner as that species,

but continues wheeling round in wide circles as it mounts,

26 ALAUDIDE.

and, according to Bechstein, it continues in the air hours at
atime. In descending, this species still performs its flight
in circles, and often with motionless and expanded wings;
and when it again reaches the earth it runs a few steps, still
warbling its concluding notes. The song of the Woodlark
is considered to surpass that of the preceding species in sweet-
ness and melody, although in variety and power the skylark
has the preference.

Larks chiefly feed in autumn and winter upon grain, and
seeds of various sorts; in spring and summer, insects form a
great part of their subsistence, varied with the young green
leaves of various plants. In captivity this species may be
fed upon bread and milk, meat chopped very fine, ants’ eggs,
and other insects, with the addition of blades of young wheat,
oats, hemp and poppy seed; but the most convenient food
as a daily dish is German paste, of which most small birds
are fond. ‘The Woodlark in confinement is a sociable and
interesting bird, and soon becomes attached. If placed in a
large cage where it has plenty of choice of situation, it will
generally be observed to sit on the side nearest to its human
associates. ‘Thus placed, and apparently watching calmly the
occupations of the persons in the room, this lark sits and
sings its sweet, unobtrusive song in quiet enjoyment.

In a cage this bird usually perches; we have had several
which all preferred, and constantly kept possession of a
wooden partition, raised a few inches from the floor of the
cage, which appeared to afford a comfortable and flat resting-
place for the sole of the foot; they slept also in the same
spot, or upon a perch; when sleeping the legs are much
bent, or compressed under them. Skylarks also, which sleep
upon the ground, bend or compress their legs in the same
manner, so that the body rests upon the feet. So sociable
is the caged Woodlark that when spoken to it invariably

answers with a few low liquid notes.

WOODLARK. Qh

The entire length of the Woodlark is nearly seven inches.
The wing measures from the carpus to the extremity of the
quill-feathers four inches; the first quill-feather measures
three lines, the second is nearly equal to the third and fourth,
which are the longest in the wing. The tail-feathers are two
inches and a half in length, and extend eleven lines beyond
the tips of the folded wings; these feathers are rather more
pointed than in the skylark, and the upper tail-coverts longer
in proportion. The tarsi measure ten and a half lines, and
the entire expanse of the foot rather exceeds one inch and
three-quarters.

A description of the feathering of the Woodlark would be
little more than a repetition of that of the skylark, it is
therefore thought more advisable to mention in what slight
particulars the two species differ. One distinguishing cha-
racter is the light brown eye-streak which distinctly separates
the top of the head, or cap, from the ear-coverts ; the throat
is white, and the spots upon the breast more rich and full ;
and on the nape of the neck, and centre of the back, some
of the feathers have a lighter edge. ‘The wings are the same
as in the skylark, except the white tips of the secondary
quills, which are much less broad and distinct. On the tail-
feathers there is also less white in the Woodlark, that colour
bordering only the second feather, instead of occupying, as
in the skylark, the entire outer web. The rest of the
plumage, and the colours of the legs, feet, and beak, are the
same. In caged specimens the legs and feet of larks lose
the rich tint they possess when wild, and become pale flesh-
colour, sometimes white. The male and female differ but
little in plumage, but the male has in spring a richer rufous
brown upon the breast. ‘The beak in this species is a little
shorter and smaller than in the skylark.

When alive, these two species differ more in manners than

in form. ‘he Woodlark walks upon the ground with a slow

28 ALAUDIDE.

and quiet step, and keeps its body in a more perpendicular
position ; it is also a stouter made bird, with a flatter head,
and longer crest. ‘T’he skylark runs in a more lively manner,
then stops and stands erect, elevating his crest to an angle of
forty-five ; and when he flies up, the white portions of his:
wings and tail are much more conspicuous.

The eggs figured 95, and 95 var. are those of the Wood-
Jark.

at

LST areraen
FU

“

i

SHORE-LARK. Q9

INSESSORES. ALAUDIDE.
CONIROSTRES.

PLATE XCVI.
SHORE-LARK.
ALAUDA ALPESTRIS.

WE have traced the sky and woodlarks through the regions
respectively inhabited by them, and have observed that the
former penetrates much further north than the latter, the sky-
lark permanently residing in some countries which the wood-
lark only reaches as a summer-visitor. The third species of
Lark, still remaining to be described, passes still higher in
its polar migration, and enlivens by its cheerful song the
barren and desolate regions that border upon the Arctic
Seas.

This species is found in some of the northern districts of
Kurope, and Asia; but especially in North America, in which
country it appears to be the most abundant ; we must look,
consequently, to naturalists of that quarter of the globe for
such details of its history, as the frequency of its appearance
there enables them to become more fully acquainted with.

By Audubon this species has been found to inhabit, in
summer, all the country of Labrador, but especially the coast,
where it arrives about June from the southern provinces.
Upon the rocky and barren coasts of this desolate country it
rears its young, placing its nest upon the ground among the
mosses and lichens with which its stony surface is covered.

30 ALAUDIDE.

In these unfrequented regions the birds show little fear, and
the female retains her place upon her nest until very nearly
approached, either confident in its close resemblance to the
surrounding surface of the ground, or fearless in the pro-
tection of her treasure ; if, however, too nearly approached,
she rises from the spot, and with well-feigned lameness, or
real agony of alarm, attempts to withdraw the attention
of the intruder from her unprotected offspring. At this

period the song of the Shore-lark is in its full perfection; —
the manner of its delivery much resembles others of its
genus, the bird rising on the wing to the height of about
forty yards in an oblique direction, singing as it flies. After
the young birds are hatched, little more is heard of the song
of the parents, which is exchanged for the soft chirping notes
of tenderness and solicitude. ‘The young birds soon stray
from the nest, even before they can fly, and are assiduously
attended by the parents; they run nimbly upon the moss-
covered rocks, uttering a soft call-note, and on the appear-
ance of danger conceal themselves by sitting close to the
ground. The young birds, which are hatched about the
middle of July, are in the beginning of August fully fledged,
and begin with their parents to associate in flocks. In Sep-
tember they leave the country of their birth and travel south-
ward for the winter; their migration is performed in small
strageling flocks. On leaving Labrador and the coasts of
Hudson’s Bay, they spread over various parts of the United
States, from Maine as far south as Georgia. In the central
and southern portions of this vast continent the Shore-lark
passes the winter season, to recommence in spring its migra-
tion northward. In May it is again seen, according to Dr.
Richardson, on the shores of Hudson’s Bay ; it proceeds,
says that gentleman, to the marshy and woody eastern dis-
tricts to breed, extending its range to the shores of the Arctic
Sea. Captain Ross also found solitary individuals of this

SHORE-LARK. 31

species near Felix Harbour, but considers that it is rarely
met with above the seventieth degree of north latitude.

The nest of the Shore-lark is described by Audubon as
being constructed of fine grasses, circularly disposed, forming
a bed about two inches thick, with a lining of grouse feathers.
The eggs, four or five in number, are greyish in colour, and
covered with numerous pale blue and brown spots.

In Europe the range of this species does not extend so far
to the south as on the American Continent, probably on
account of the greater mildness of the air on the eastern than
on the western shores of the Atlantic. In England the ap-
pearance of the Shore-lark has been confined to a very few
individuals, and it seems to be generally as scarce in similar
latitudes on the Continent of Hurope. ‘Temminck, however,
speaking of this species, says it is found in Holland, where
in winter it approaches the villages; that it is common in
Saxony ; in the plains of the valley of the Rhine, and in the
environs of Nancy. ‘The same author, in the third volume
of his Manuel, from which we quote the above information,
asserts that it breeds in Holland on the downs that line the
sea-shore.

This Lark appears, like its congeners, to be entirely terres-
trial inits habits, which may also be inferred from the straight-
ness of its hinder claws; the localities chiefly frequented by
it are barren, wild, and open. Its food consists partly of
insects, and partly of the seeds and buds of various plants
and grasses.

The entire length of this species is six and a half inches.
The beak measures to the forehead four lines and a half, and
six lines to the corner of the gape. The tarsi measure nine
lines; the middle toe eight lines; the hinder toe and claw
eight lines, four of which belong to the claw, which is nearly
straight. The wing measures four inches from the carpus to
the tip, and the forked tail extends nine lines beyond the

32 ALAUDIDE.

tips of the wings. The wing has the first, second, and third
feathers of nearly equal length, the second feather rather the
longest.

The plumage of the adult male is as follows: The fore-
head and eyestreak are sulphur-yellow; above which a band
of stiff black feathers extends across the forehead, from each
side of which springs a horn, or tuft of long, narrow, and
pointed feathers, capable of erection, which form a striking
and distinguishing character. Another black band passes
from the base of the beak to. the eye, and spreads over the
lower part of the ear-coverts ; the chin and sides of the neck
are sulphur-yellow, below which a narrow black crescent crosses
the breast, dividing it from the under part of the body, which
is white. The crown of the head and nape, the back and
scapulars, are greyish-brown, tinged with Indian red, the two
latter strongly dyed with vinaceous purple, and having a dark
streak along the shafts of the feathers. ‘The primary quills
are dusky, edged with white; the secondaries, tertials, and
greater coverts brown; the tertials and covert feathers nearest
to the body edged with white, the rest deeply bordered with
ferruginous brown ; the lower part of the back is ferruginous
brown; the two middle feathers of the tail umber-brown,
darkest along the shaft, the rest are dusky, the outer feather
edged with white. ‘The under parts of the body are dull
white, tinged with ferruginous brown upon the flanks. The
beak is bluish-black, the nostrils covered by black bristling
feathers directed forwards. ‘The legs and feet are black, the
iris hazel.

The female is a little less in size, and less bright in colour-
ing; the yellow on the head is paler, the black marks
smaller, duller, and intermixed with brown; the upper parts
are more grey, with darker shaft streaks, and the red tinge
is hardly perceptible.

After the autumnal moult the forehead of the Shore-lark

SHORE-LARK. 33

is greenish ash: the black bands about the head are much
obscured by the yellow edges of the feathers. The feathers
of the back are edged more deeply with reddish-grey: the
pale edges of the wing-feathers are broader, and the white
tips of the coverts broader and more distinct.

VOL. III. D

34 EMBERIZIDE.

INSESSORES. EMBERIZIDH.
CONIROSTRES.

PLATE XCVII.
SNOW BUNTING.

PLECTROPHANES NIVA LIS.

In close alliance with the Larks stand the Buntings, espe-
cially those species that are distinguished by the straightness
of the hinder claw; namely, the Snow and Lapland Buntings.
These have, in consequence of characters and habits peculiar
to them, been separated by Meyer from the rest of the bunt-
ing family, and placed in the genus Plectrophanes of that
author. Besides the slight elongation and straightness of the
hinder claw, these species possess other characters assimilating
them especially with the larks; their habits are terrestrial,
and as they walk upon the ground they move their feet
alternately. These two species are usually found to frequent
open, exposed, and rocky situations; they perch, roost, and
breed upon the ground, and both are in summer chiefly con-
fined to high northern latitudes. In common with the true
Buntings, these birds feed upon grain, the seeds of various
plants, and insects. All the Buntings known in this country
have but one general moult; but the difference between the
young and old, and the male and female, and also the gradual
changes that annually take place in the adult, by the wearing
away of the edges of the feathers, cause a great disparity of
appearance among different individuals.

The Snow Bunting is one of the hardiest of European

SNOW BUNTING. 35

birds, residing in summer within the Arctic circle, in the
coldest regions of the northern hemisphere, and extending its
migration as far towards the pole as any European traveller
has at present penetrated. It is found in summer in the
most northern parts of Sweden and Lapland, in Spitzbergen,
Nova Zembla, Iceland, and other islands; and in the coun-
tries of Asia that border upon the icy sea; also in the most
northern parts of America, as Greenland, &e. On the ap-
proach of winter this species migrates southward, and in-
undates various countries with its numberless flocks—such as
central Siberia, Russia, and the south of Sweden; also the
southern part of Norway and its numerous islands. In
North America it descends in winter to the regions about
Hudson’s Bay and Canada, and if the season is very severe
passes still lower. The coasts of Germany and Holland, of
Scotland and England, are also visited annually by flocks of
these birds.

In the northern regions frequented by the Snow Buntings
in summer, they are observed to inhabit very elevated spots ;
by Linneus they are said to have been seen two thousand
feet above the line of perpetual snow upon the Lapland Alps.
In Scotland the same partiality for mountainous situations is
observable, this species being frequently seen in winter, un-
less the weather is remarkably severe, fifteen hundred or two
thousand feet above the level of the sea. In very severe
weather only, when the hills are deeply covered with snow,
is it driven to descend lower; and even then it mostly seeks —
only the valleys that lie sheltered among the hills ; occasion-
ally, however, retreating to the sea-shore.

The most southerly of the breeding-stations of this species
that has been recorded, according to Dr. Richardson, is
Southampton Island, in the 62nd parallel. But, although
the fact has not at present been ascertained, there seems

every reason to believe that the Snow Bunting breeds upon
D2

36 EMBERIZID£.

some of the lofty and lonely mountains of Scotland. In
support of this opinion we may quote several instances of its
being seen in various parts of Scotland during the summer.
Mr. Macgillivray says, “On the 4th of August, 1830, being
on the summit of Ben-na-muic-dui, the highest mountain in
Scotland, I observed a beautiful male flitting about in the
neighbourhood of a great patch of snow. Some days after,
having descended from the top of Lochnagar, to its corry, I
met with a flock of eight individuals, flying about among the
blocks of granite. They were evidently a family, the male
and female being easily distinguished from the young. It is
therefore very probable that the Snow-flake breeds on the
higher Grampians, and perhaps in considerable numbers,
although it is net likely that the vast flocks seen in the lower
grounds in winter are exclusively of Scottish origin.” Other
observers have likewise noticed these birds in Scotland during
the summer; but they do not appear to penetrate into Eng-
land until later in the season. Selby says “they generally
arrive in the upland and mountainous districts about the
middle or latter part of October in large flocks. As the
severity of winter increases, they leave the heaths, where they
have fed upon the seeds of various grasses, and, descending to
the lower grounds, frequent the oat-stubbles ; and if the snow
lies deep, they approach the coasts, where the influence of the
sea breeze soon exposes a sufficient breadth of ground to
afford them subsistence.”

In Shetland these birds are considered to be only winter
migrants. According to Mr. Edmonston they are usually
seen about the beginning of November, and continue there
in straggling flocks until the beginning of May. It is pro-
bable that Scotland presents greater facilities and enticements
to the Snow Bunting to breed there, than any other country
on the southern side of the Arctic circle; the coldness of its
climate, the desolate scenery in the wildest parts, and its lofty

SNOW BUNTING. 87

mountains, capped with perpetual snow, representing not very
remotely the Arctic regions, in which these birds chiefly de-
light.

Few and straggling flocks of the Snow Bunting penetrate
still further into England, and are seen in winter sparingly in
the eastern counties. The severe spring of 1830 brought
numbers as far south as Surrey ; and they have also been ob-
served in most of the counties that extend along the southern
coast.

The nest of this species is built upon the ground, com-
posed of grass-stalks, and lined with the hair of animals, and
a few feathers; it is partially sheltered by being placed
usually among loose stones, rocks, or drift timber. The eggs
are bluish-white, with a zone of lavender and dusky spots
round the larger end. They are roundish and blunt in form,
but have no other resemblance in general to those of the
Emberiza family.

The entire length of this species is six inches and three-
quarters. The wing measures from the carpus to the tip
four inches four lines; and the first quill-feather is the longest
in the wing. The beak measures four lines to the forehead ;
the tarsi are ten lines in length; the expanse of the foot an
inch and a half.

The male in perfect summer-plumage, in which it is em-
phatically styled the Snow Bunting, is black and white, dis-
posed as follows ; the head, neck, coverts of the wings, lower
part of the back, and all the under parts pure white; the
back and scapulars are black, also the bastard wings; the
quills are black, edged with white; the three external feathers
of the tail are white, with a portion of black towards the tip,
the rest black, with a border of white along the outer web.
The iris is chestnut brown ; the beak black at the tip, yellow
at the base; the legs and feet black. This is also the
plumage of the female in summer.

38 EMBERIZID&.

After the autumn moult the male has the top of the head,
nape, and ear-coverts, deeply tinged with brownish-red; the
feathers of the back and scapulars broadly fringed with red-
dish-ash ; the breast, rump, and upper tail-coverts are more
or less tinged with brownish-red; the rest of the under parts
white. This plumage is also common to the female ; and in
the feathering of this period they represent the T'awny Bunt-
ing of authors.

Young birds of the year have still more of the tawny
appearance than the adult, and the white of the under parts
of the body is slightly tinged with ash.

The egg of the Snow Bunting is represented in figure 97.

PL.98.

LAPLAND BUNTING. 39

INSESSORES. EMBERIZIDE.
CONIROSTRES.

PLATE XCVIII.
LAPLAND BUNTING.
PLecTROoPHANES LAPPoNICA.

Tuts species, although usually known as the Lapland
Bunting, is by no means confined to that country, nor does
it appear to be more common there than elsewhere ; on the
contrary, it is said to be far more abundant in the north-
eastern parts of Russia, in Siberia, and the north of Asia
generally, than in any other part of the world. The summer
habitation of this species, besides the countries mentioned,
includes other localities within the limits of the Polar circle ;
it is found in Iceland, and more sparingly in the north of
Sweden; in Spitzbergen, and the Ferro Islands; and in-
habits Greenland, and some other of the colder portions of
North America. In autumn this species retires from within
the Polar circle, and descends to more habitable regions, fre-
quenting in winter various parts of the east of Huropean
Russia, the Ural mountains, and probably the vast extent of
country that stretches thence eastward to the Pacific Ocean.
Its habitation at this desolate period in America, is on the
borders of Hudson’s Bay, and in the vicinity of the lakes of
Canada.

40 EMBERIZID.

In Siberia, and on the Ural chain, the Lapland Bunting
is said to be met with in flocks, but in more temperate
regions it is seldom seen in numbers, although a few are
annually observed in Germany, Prussia, and Poland, es-
pecially in Silesia, on the Reisengebirge, or Giant Moun-
tains; and they have occasionally been seen in Switzer-
land. In the temperate parts of Europe these birds make
their appearance about October, and disappear in February
or March.

In England the appearance of specimens of this species has
occurred very rarely, and these individuals have all been in
immature plumage. A capture was recently made of a living
individual of this species, interesting from its rarity, which is
mentioned in the tenth number of the Zoologist as having
occurred in the neighbourhood of Kendal. This bird was
taken by a bird-catcher in a trap, after a whole day’s per-
severing watchfulness, as it was very wary and difficult to
approach. It is at present in the possession of H. L. Has-
lam, Esq. who describes it as very lively in its manners, and
sociable with its feathered companions. It is supposed to
be a female, as it exhibits the sombre plumage usually as-
signed to that sex. The circumstance which appears the
most remarkable in the account of this specimen is, that it
was captured in the end of June, or beginning of July,
a period at which all of this species are supposed to be
within or very near the Arctic circle, according to popular
report.

The Lapland Bunting appears to inhabit by preference
hilly and mountainous localities, where the country is wild
and desolate, and destitute of trees, and whose only pro-
duction is stunted shrubs. This species is always seen upon
the ground, where it runs in the manner of the larks, holding
its body in an inclined, or horizontal position; it is slow to

LAPLAND BUNTING. 41

take wing when pursued, and runs for shelter among clods or
stones. In its flight, when roused, it is quick and buoyant ;
but if a bird of prey appears it alights and crouches close to
the ground. These birds associate with the shore-larks, and
appear to resemble them much in their habits. Their call-
note resembles somewhat that of the snow bunting, but is
shriller, and not so strong, sounding like zt¢rrrr ! it also
says twee! like the linnet. All its notes are uttered more
frequently on the wing than when perched. The male is
said to have a pleasing song, combining those of the linnet
and skylark.

This Bunting breeds in Lapland, the north of Siberia, and
other Arctic regions, in meadow-lands among the hills, where
the ground is wet and springy. Its nest is placed upon the
ground among grass and herbage, usually elevated upon a
grassy knoll, or tuft; it is built of dry grass-stalks, slightly
put together, and lined with feathers. The eggs are five
or six in number, of a pale ochreous colour, clouded with
brown. .

In this species the palatine knob, although present, is
smaller than in the true Buntings.

The food of the Lapland Bunting consists of seeds of
various plants and grasses, and the young buds of alpine
shrubs ; also, in summer, of insects, which are found in abun-
dance in the humid and marshy meadows in which it passes
that season.

The Lapland Bunting, like the rest of its family, is said to
bear confinement well, and to live caged several years.

The entire length of this species is six inches and a half.
The wing measures from the carpus to the tip nearly four
inches; the tail is two inches nine lines; the tarsus ten
lines, the hinder toe and claw nine lines.

The adult male of this species, the lower figure in the

42 EMBERIZID&.

plate, has the head, ear-coverts, chin, and breast rich black ;
a white streak commences above the eye, and extends down the
sides of the neck, until it joins the white of the under parts.
The nape of the neck is bright rust colour. The back is
tinged with rufous and ash, and each feather is dusky along
the shaft. The quill-feathers of the wings are dusky, with
whitish edges, the secondaries and tertials edged with rust ;
the wing-coverts similarly edged and tipped with white. The
tail-feathers are dusky, edged with greyish-white, and have a
portion of the outer feather on each side white. The under
parts are white; the flanks streaked with black. The iris is
chestnut: the beak ochre-yellow, tipped with black; the legs
and feet black.

The female has the black plumage of the head and breast
edged with pale brown and grey, and the chestnut feathers
of the nape fringed with white; the chin is greyish, and the
white parts of the plumage not so pure.

After the autumnal moult, the black feathers in this species
are broadly fringed with brown; the ear-coverts and streak
over the eye are yellowish ; and all the feathers of the upper
plumage are so broadly edged with reddish-brown as nearly to
obscure them; the flanks are tinged with brown, and the
throat is whitish. In this state of ae the sexes are
nearly alike.

The young female has the bill yellowish-brown, the head
and all the upper parts of the body pale wood-brown, tinged
with yellowish-grey; the shafts of the feathers blackish-
brown ; greater wing-coverts and secondary quills blackish-
brown, deeply margined with chestnut brown, the tips white.
The quills are dusky, with paler edges. Above the eye
is a broad streak of pale wood-brown; the cheeks and
ear-coverts are wood-brown, the latter mixed with black.
From the corners of the under mandible extends a streak

LAPLAND BUNTING. 43

of dark brown spots. The throat is yellowish-white; the
neck and breast dull white, with dusky streaks down the
shafts of the feathers. The tail is dusky, the exterior feather
having the outer web and half the inner one dull white.
The legs and feet are brown; the hinder claw nearly straight,
and longer than the toe.

44, EMBERIZID.

INSESSORES. EMBERIZID.
CONIROSTRES.

PLATE XCIX.
LARK BUNTING.
EMBERIZA MILIARIA.

Tis species appears to be more generally known through-
out the whole continent of Europe than any other of the
Bunting tribe, being found to breed as far north as Norway
and Sweden, and as far south as the islands of the Mediterra-
nean; and, in both these widely differing latitudes, it is
stationary in considerable numbers throughout the year.

Leaving the wastes of heath and broom to the Yellow
Bunting, and the marshy tracts to the Black-headed species,
this bird prefers country of a more cultivated description,
and chiefly frequents enclosed districts, where corn lands are
interspersed with hedge-rows and grass fields. During au-
tumn and winter, the Lark Buntings associate in flocks, and
are often found intermixed with skylarks, whose habits and
manners at this period of the year are greatly in accordance
with their own. ‘Together with these companions the Lark
Buntings frequent stubble-fields and the vicinity of farms,
where grain is abundant, and where, however, their visits are
by no means welcome in some counties, if we call to mind
the account given by Mr. Knapp of the destructive employ-
ment in which they have been found engaged, namely, un-

PL.99.

LARK BUNTING. 45

roofing stacks of barley by drawing out, straw by straw, the
thatch, in order to obtain the grain from the ear within.

The Lark Bunting, although common in many corn dis-
tricts, is rather capricious in its choice of locality, and espe-
cially avoids hills and thickly wooded parts. According to
Temminck it prefers a clayey soil.

Although residing throughout the year in considerable
numbers in Sweden and other northern countries, yet not all
of this species remain, many migrating in flocks towards more
southern parts, and returning again towards the north in
spring. In Shetland, proofs of this may be noticed, accord-
ing to the observations of T. Edmonston, Esq., in a Fauna
of that island, in which these birds are spoken of as common
in large flocks during winter, a few pairs only remaining to
breed. In England, it is supposed that a considerable ac-
cession to their numbers takes place every autumn; and
as these birds are frequently caught in nets in company with
larks, it is probable they also migrate at the same period,
and in society with them.

The note of this Bunting has in it very little that is
pleasing; its harsh tones are, in spring, frequently heard from
the top of a naked tree or thorn hedge, in which the bird
sits in an upright position, as if acting the part of a sentinel.
At this period, the winter associations being broken up, pairs
only of these birds are seen, accompanied later in the season
by their young family.

The Lark Bunting builds its nest very near the ground,
usually raised from it only by the long dead grass or dry
materials among which it is placed. The situation chosen
is a hedge-bank among loose herbage, or among the corn,
and usually but little concealed. The nest is constructed
of dry grass-stalks, and lined with similar materials of the
finest description, very neatly laid round in circles; but,
owing to the loose nature of the materials, it is difficult to

46 EMBERIZID£.

remove the nest entire: the innermost lining is of long horse-
hairs. The nest, when complete, is shallow, on account of
the thickness of the matted floor or bottom. The eggs of
this species are, as may be expected, the largest of its family,
measuring usually an inch in length, by eight lines in dia-
meter. Some are of the form represented in figure 99 in the
plate, some even more pointed ; others are of a blunt oblong
shape, like the lower figure, marked as a variety. The upper
figure is perhaps the most usual in form and size: in number,
we have never known them to exceed four. The markings,
or figures, upon the eggs of this species are very irregular,
sometimes grotesque in appearance, and seem in most speci-
mens to occur indifferently at either end: in some few they
are disposed with more regularity, and form a zone round the
larger end.

The entire length of this species is seven inches and a half.
The wing measures three inches eight lines from the carpus
to the tip; the third quill-feather is the longest. The beak
is six lines from the forehead to the extremity. The form of
the beak in this family is very peculiar, the roof of the upper
mandible being furnished with a strong, bony knob, which,
with the assistance of the sharp edges of the lower mandible,
enables the bird to hold firmly, and break with ease, the hard
external crust of the different species of grain on which it
chiefly subsists. The upper mandible is smaller than the
under, and fits closely into it when the mouth is shut. The
tarsi measure nine lines: the tail is slightly forked and rather
long.

The colouring of this species much resembles the skylark.
The upper plumage is hair-brown, with a dark streak along
the shaft of each feather ; the coverts of the wings are dusky,
with yellowish-white edges; the quills, secondaries, and ter-
tials, dusky with light edges; the tail-feathers the same.
The ear-coverts are pale brown, and a dull whitish streak

wy

LARK BUNTING. 4M

passes over and beneath the eye; the throat is white, slightly
tinged with rufous, and spotted with dusky, and a gorget of
dark brown spots passes from the base of the beak, and
spreads over the breast. ‘The rest of the under parts are pale
rufous white, with dark shaft streaks upon the breast and
flanks. The beak is dusky above, and yellowish at the base
in summer. The legs and feet are yellowish-brown. In
autumn-plumage an olive tinge is apparent on the upper parts
of the body.

In their plumage the two sexes are nearly alike, and very
little difference is to be observed between the old and young.

The food of this species consists chiefly of grain and seeds
during the greater part of the year; but in summer they feed
upon insects of various kinds, beetles, flies, &c.

Two eggs of this species are given in the Plate, and
marked 99, and 99 var.

ito ita. ial, abneb
Lane a 4 cab i

ie |e

0 le “ 0
wey Prasaates a ae
‘ ‘sh@' % ; 6 ty & i
’ Ne we ) ry ee s on
, MS byl) Wet: a
gentle ww ie woe”

7.
Ay

aps
/

Lyithogr

(POS

AL Meije

eo) Se

i oh a '
my

ists ast
(RR Or ae

eos

YELLOW BUNTING. 49

INSESSORES. EMBERIZIDZE,
CONIROSTRES.

PLATE C.
YELLOW BUNTING.

EMBERIZA CITRINELLA.

THe Yellow Bunting, one of the handsomest and best
known of its tribe, is generally distributed over this country,
in suitable localities ; it also inhabits great part of Kurope and
Asia, and is found as far to the north as Norway and Sweden.
The localities frequented by this Bunting are various; there
is scarcely a hedgerow, lane, or knot of bushes, in any culti-
vated and open district, where this species may not be seen in
spring, its bright golden head conspicuous above the varied
tints of that season. It appears chiefly partial to country of
an open and level character, but not exclusively to cultivated
parts, as it is always to be seen among the bright broom and
furze upon heathy and lonely wastes.

To our feelings, the unobtrusive character of this little
bird, and its peaceful, cheerful notes, possess a peculiar
charm. Who has not felt refreshed, when, toiling along a
lonely road in a sultry, breathless summer day, he has heard
the often repeated and happy notes of this gentle creature,
which seem to express cheerfulness and content ?

The note of this bird, although generally contemptuously
spoken of, is really soft and pleasing; and as a ventriloquist
he is unrivalled. We once possessed a caged bird of this
species, a male in fine plumage: it was caught early in the

VOL. III. E

50 EMBERIZIDE.

spring, and soon became very tame. It had been in our pos-
session a short time, when one morning we heard, at some dis-
tance, as we supposed, the note of a Yellow Bunting, and
concluded that the retreat of our little prisoner had been dis-
covered by one of its own species, and wondered that it did
not reply to the welcome call. The visitor seemed to be at the
farther end of the garden, so very distant and soft its note
appeared ; still our captive made no reply, and appeared to
take no notice, but continued to feed or hop about its cage,
as if unconscious of the vicinity of a friend, and we wondered
at its dulness in not hearing what, although very distant, was
still audible in the perfect quiet of a country sitting-room.
The supposed visitor appeared stationary the whole day in a
particular part of the garden, which was remarkable, as such
birds were never heard in the middle of the village; and we
admired the more its persevering constancy. On a recur-
rence of the same circumstances the following day, our little
bird was watched, and it became apparent that he alone was
the singer, and his the note that, being uttered with exceeding
delicacy, had appeared to come from such a considerable dis-
tance.

The same little individual acted afterwards an interesting
and remarkable part. In the course of the summer, we met
with a young cuckoo, and put it into the cage that was inha-
bited by the Bunting, the cage being a large one. The
cuckoo was fully fledged in the mottled plumage peculiar to
the young of that species, and old enough to be able to sit
upon a perch; it was, at first, very shy, and, although con-
stantly crying for food, would not take anything that was
offered to it, and appeared entirely incapable of feeding itself.
We tried many devices, such as fastening a bird’s skin, with
wings extended, upon a quill, and then putting a piece of
meat upon the point of the quill, which was made to project
beyond the beak of the bird. This stratagem, which is some-

YELLOW BUNTING. 51

times successful with young birds that will not open their
mouths to a human nurse, succeeded, and our cuckoo was now
quite willing to open its mouth oftener than we were willing
to be at the trouble of waiting upon it ; when, fortunately for
the cuckoo and ourselves, the instinct of a third party more
than supplied the place of our imperfect services. One
morning, when we were tired of supplying the insatiable vo-
racity of this never satisfied bird, and had suffered it to cry
some little time for food without attending to it, we heard it
utter, on a sudden, an extraordinary gobbling note of satisfac-
tion, and, on looking up hastily, saw it in the act, as we
thought, of devouring the Yellow Bunting, whose small golden
head was already entirely within the red, cavernous jaws of
the cuckoo. The head, however, emerged in safety, and the
little bird flew down, picked up a piece of meat, and returned to
the cuckoo; again the golden head disappeared in the cavern,
and the gobbling note was repeated. It was now evident
that the wonderful instinct of the little bird was roused by
the hungry cries of the young monster, and that it was busily
employed in supplying it with food. Our task was, therefore,
at an end, and we continued to admire, for several weeks, the
unremitting attentions of this admirable little creature to its
adopted child. We had reason to admire, also, its instinctive
choice of the food most desirable for its nursling. The cage
was supplied with various sorts, to suit the several tastes of its
inhabitants, such as seeds, crumbs of bread, German paste, and
meat ; the latter only was selected by the Bunting, although
himself a seed eater, as the most proper sustenance for the
nestling cuckoo, and as the best substitute for the insect food
which, it is probable, is the nourishment given by all small birds
to their young. The young cuckoo, which seemed throughout
utterly helpless, and incapable of providing for itself, appeared
to entertain a grateful, or, at least, a conscious sense of the

attentions of its little friend, in as far as it always addressed
E 2

52 EMBERIZID&.

its supplications for food to zt alone, never descending from
its perch to supply itself, unless the irresistible temptation of
a hairy caterpillar was offered, on which occasions its laziness
was so far overcome, that it would hastily descend, and seize
it with great avidity.

The nest of the Yellow Bunting is usually placed upon
the ground, beneath the shelter of long grass or matted briars,
and bedded upon the surface; it is composed, in the ground-
work, of very coarse tufts of grass and straw in great pro-
fusion ; finer stems of dead grasses are employed in the inner
work ; and the lining is of roots, and finally of horsehair; the
whole possesses a sort of tenacity while it remains on the spot
where it was put together; but, being loosely built of stiff
and straggling materials, especially on the outside, it is a very
unsightly subject for examination when in the hand. The
nests of this species are not, however, invariably placed upon
the ground; we have found them occasionally at the elevation
of one, two, and even five feet ; in such cases they have been
in close furze or brambles.

The eggs of this species are always greatly to be admired ;
the veins and delicate markings that distinguish them being
truly curious. The ground is generally cream colour, mar-
bled and veined with pale purple ; darker veins and lines of
indescribable delicacy and variety are disposed irregularly over
the surface ; these are, mostly, very dark brown in colour,
seldom quite black. In some specimens, the ground colour is
bluish-white, in others, pale stone ; and we have a set, taken
together from a nest closely concealed beneath tangled grass
and briars, one of which is of the usual colour first described,
and the other two are deep flesh colour, approaching to tile
red, with reddish-brown streaks and lines. We have, also,
specimens of this species of a spotless milk white, and others
plain stone colour, without any spot or line whatever. The
eggs of this species do not vary greatly in form or size, in

YELLOW BUNTING. 53

general; but we possess a set of a pale purple tint, alike in
appearance, of which one is of the usual size, and the two
others, although perfect in form and markings, are scarcely
larger than the eggs of the golden-crested wren, measuring
only four lines by three and a half; the usual size is about
nine lines in length and seven in diameter.

This bird is truly an inhabitant of the country, seldom ap-
proaching towns, or even villages; at the same time, it is not
shy, but may be seen on every hedge by any passing traveller.
In flight, it exhibits the black and white side-feathers of its
tail and the rufous upper-coverts to great advantage.

Yellow Buntings live in pairs during the spring and sum-
mer, but in autumn and winter associate in flocks. On the
subject of their food, much information may be derived from
the “‘ Notes on Birds injurious to Agriculture,” &c., by Mr.
Hepburn, of Whittingham, East Lothian, who says of these
Buntings, ‘“‘ Like our other granivorous birds, they associate
in flocks to search the stubbles, and, when these fail, they
adjourn to the homestead, helping themselves to grain and
seeds wherever they can be found. At oat-seed time, they
may again be seen in the fields, and, along with other birds,
claim the uncovered grains as their lawful prize. Even after
they have dispersed to their several breeding-places, many
individuals may still be seen daily, feeding on grain and small
seeds, but, at this season, they chiefly subsist on insects,
particularly Coleoptera; their young ones are largely sup-
plied with crane-flies (T%pulide). When assembled in con-
siderable bands, before the commencement of harvest, they
often injure fields of oats and wheat, to a considerable extent,
confining their depredations to the immediate neighbourhood
of the hedgerow. In reference to their winter depredations
on stacks, Mr. Wood, in his “ British Song-Birds,” says,
“The Yellow Buntings can obtain the object of their search
from the very heart of the stack, by pulling out the long

54 EMBERIZIDE.

straws one by one.” From this, we must infer that the
Staffordshire stacks are very small, and that the same slo-
venly style of agriculture prevails there as in Gloucestershire ;
but, in our stacks, the sheaves are always laid horizontally,
or very nearly so, in concentric circles, except a few in the
centre, on the ground, and on the top, to finish off the struc-
ture, which soon becomes so firm that it requires a stout pull
to draw out a single straw, and the chances are always ten to
one that not a single grain is left by the friction on the spike
or panicle, as the case may be.

The distribution of this species does not appear to be so
widely extended as that of the Lark Bunting. No mention
is made of it by Mr. Drummond, as occurring either in the is-
lands of Corfu or Crete. Neither has this bird a place in Mr.
Edmonston’s “‘ Fauna of Shetland,” although in Scotland it is
abundant, as above mentioned, and resident throughout the
year.

The gentle and affectionate character of this species was
above alluded to; we may add another instance of it from
the notes ofa friend. ‘In 1824,” he says, ‘* I had a spaniel
puppy, and, being with me one day in the road, he laid hold
of a young Yellow Hammer, which had begun to fly, and was
then resting itself in some long grass by the roadside. The
puppy seized the little thing, which gave a faint cry and died.
The old bird was on a tree close by, and immediately set up
a lamentation ; the notes were very expressive of grief, and it
was impossible for any one, knowing what had happened,
to listen to those notes without being affected by them.
After a while, I went on, and came back from my walk in
about two hours, and she was on the same tree, uttering the
same sounds.”

The entire length of this bird is six and a half inches.
The wing, from carpus to tip, measures three inches and a
half, and the tail, which is forked, extends an inch and a half

YELLOW BUNTING. 55)

beyond their tips when the wings are closed. The beak mea-
sures four lines, and is straight from the forehead to the tip ;
the tarsus six lines and a half.

The adult male of this species is a very handsome bird :
his entire head, nape, and throat are fine lemon yellow, more
or less streaked with black and olive ; in very old males, the
dark marks disappear, and the whole head becomes pure
yellow. All the feathers of the back and scapulars, and the
coverts of the wings, are blackish-brown, bordered with ru-
fous-brown and olive. The quill-feathers of the wings, the
secondaries, tertials, and greater coverts, are dusky, edged
with yellowish olive. The tail has the central pair of feathers
dusky, edged with rufous, the three next on each side the
same, bordered with olive; the two outer feathers have a
large white spot in a slanting direction, the rest of each
feather pale brown. All the under parts of the body, and
the under surface of the wings, are lemon-yellow; the breast
is shaded with rufous and olive, and streaks of olive occupy
the shafts of the feathers along the flanks; the upper tail-
coverts are rufous. The legs are rich ochre-yellow; the beak
bluish horn colour; the iris chesnut-brown.

The female has neither the pure golden head, nor the
yellow under plumage of the male, those parts of her body
being clouded and striped with olive and rufous-brown.

Young male birds differ little from the adult female.

The egg of the Yellow Bunting is figured 100 in the
plate.

56 EMBERIZID£.

INSESSORES. EMBERIZIDS£E.
CONIROSTRES.

PLATE CI.
REED BUNTING.
EMBERIZA SCHENICLUS.

ANOTHER member of this very handsome family is the
Reed Bunting, which, although not distinguished by the
lively yellow colour that belongs to most of its congeners, is
not less elegant, when in its full spring dress.

The attachment of this species to the vicinity of water
renders it of course local, but in aquatic situations it is
often found in great plenty. Along the banks of the Thames
that border the opposite counties of Surrey and Middlesex,
this species is very common, and, no doubt, equally so in
many similar localities. In the southern parts of England,
we have no doubt that the Reed Bunting is resident through-
out the year: and we are not aware that it abounds more at
one season than another. At all periods, this species may be
found, as before observed, on the banks of the Thames and
its tributary streams; and we have seldom observed a nest of
this species many yards from water of some description. In
the small islands along the Thames appropriated as osier
grounds, Reed Buntings abound in summer, and such places
are, in the months of April and May, alive with these birds.
In passing through them the birds are roused from their nests,
and, springing up, cling among the slender stems of the
osiers, flitting from one to another in anxious alarm. They

2c. OI

REED BUNTING. 5D

sit in a very upright position, swinging upon their thin stems or
the still more slender reeds, their light weight causing them to
bend under them; and they continually expand and close the
feathers of their tails by a very quick lateral motion. Their
flight is even and rapid, and performed in a straight line,
opening and shutting their wings from time to time. When
excited, this little bird erects the feathers of its head so that
the black part appears only to reach the centre of the crown,
the whole hinder part of the head being white. Their note,
when under anxiety for their nestlings, is sherrip! pro-
nounced quickly.

It is to be presumed that much of their own food in sum-
mer, as well as that of their young, consists of aquatic in-
sects; and it is also probable, that insects constitute the
chief part of their subsistence even during winter, as they
may be observed at that season to resort, in company with
the wagtails, to the river side, where, running along the shore
at the immediate edge of the rippling stream, they from time
to time peck among the weeds and flags that are carried
down by the tide, as if in pursuit of such insects or small
crustacea as the waters afford. As early as February, pairs of
these little birds may be seen together thus busily employed ;
and in the middle of April their nests may be found contain-
ing the full number of eggs.

The nest of the Reed Bunting we have mostly found
placed upon the ground under the shelter of long grass,
nettles, or weeds of similar description ; sometimes upon an
osier stump ; sometimes supported by rushes that have been
broken down, but not suspended between them. In all cases
it is tolerably well concealed, and might often remain so, but
for the anxiety and impatience of the owners on the approach
of an observer. ‘The nest is neatly constructed of dry grasses,
and generally lined very abundantly with horsehair ; we have
two specimens, however, in which not a single hair is used,

58 EMBERIZIDE.

the lining being simply of finer grass or hay. It is a curious
fact, that this little bird appears always to select black hair
for the lining of its nest; at least such is its custom in this
part of the country. In all our specimens, ten or twelve
having been examined on the present occasion, there is no
variation ; black is the prevailing colour, with hardly any
intermixture. It would be a curious matter to observe the
lining of nests of this species in counties where black horses
are not to be met with; in some parts of Suffolk, for in-
stance, along the coast, where the soil is sandy and light, and
where almost all the horses are of a pale chesnut, or sand
colour. How singularly different must nests from such lo-
calities appear! We must observe, that not all horses in this
part of England are black, nor do we think that black is even
the most prevalent colour among them; the choice, therefore,
still rests with the little bird.

The eggs of this species, although partaking of the Bunt-
ing character in some specimens in the manner of their mark-
ings, are very different in form, being invariably, long and
rather pointed at both ends, instead of short and round. ‘The
ege figured in the plate and numbered 101 is an example
of the usual and almost invariable shape. In their colour
the eggs of this species are tolerably permanent, being plain,
pure stone, varying from a greenish to a brownish tint.
They have always fewer hair-like lines, and many more dis-
tinct, round spots than Buntings in general. Sometimes,
however, the larger end is delicately marked with fine hairs,
woven, as it were, around the crown.

This species appears to inhabit most of the temperate parts
of Europe from Sweden to the Mediterranean sea; we find,
however, no mention of this bird as inhabiting the island of
Crete, and its residence in Corfu appears somewhat doubtful.
Neither has it a place in the Fauna of Shetland, so often
quoted, although it is found in some parts of Scotland.

REED BUNTING. 59

With regard to Scotland, however, this bird does not appear
to be a permanent resident there, having been observed by
a gentleman of Kast Lothian to leave that part of the king-
dom generally in October, and to return in March, a straggler
rarely remaining throughout the winter season.

The entire length of the Reed Bunting is six inches. The
wing measures, from the carpus to the tip, three inches two
lines ; the first quill-feather is a line and a half shorter than
the second, third, and fourth, which are nearly equal and the
longest in the wing. The beak measures four lines and is
very sharp pointed.

The adult male of this species is a beautiful little creature,
and the various colours of its plumage are disposed as follows.
The whole crown of the head as far as the nape is black, also
the ear-coverts, forming an entire cap; this is bounded by a
white line, which, commencing at the base of the beak, ex-
tends beneath the ear-coverts and occupies the nape; the
chin and upper part of the breast are black, the rest of the
under parts bluish-white, with dark shaft streaks along the
sides of the breast and flanks. The back and scapulars are
blackish-brown, with broad rufous edges to the feathers; the
lower part of the back grey with dark shaft streaks; the
upper tail-coverts greyish-white. The tertials and greater
coverts of the wings are dusky, broadly bordered with brown-
ish-rust colour; the quill-feathers are also dusky, narrowly
bordered with rust. The two middle feathers of the tail are
dusky, bordered with rufous-brown, the three next on each
side nearly black ; the two outer feathers have large wedge-
shaped white marks, which are visible when the tail is spread ;
the basal part is dusky.

After the autumnal moult, the black and white feathers upon
the head, nape, and sides of the breast are broadly edged
with rusty-brown, and so much are they obscured by these,
that neither the black head nor the white collar is distinct.

60 EMBERIZIDE.

The female has the top of her head and ear-coverts dusky,
bordered with rufous-brown; the lore, eyestreak, and chin
reddish-white ; a dark streak passes from the base of the
lower mandible, and spreads itself over the breast in dusky
spots; a white line extends from the beak, and, passing
beneath the ear-coverts, forms a dingy white collar round the
neck. All the dusky feathers of the back are bordered with
rusty-brown, as in the male, but the pure grey that distin-
guishes that sex is wanting ; wings and tail as in the male.
Both sexes have the beak lead-coloured in summer.

The young nestlings, when scarcely able to fly, have their
plumage nearly like the adult female; but the dark marks are
very distinct, and the edges of the feathers are pale buff; the
beak and legs are bluish flesh-colour. In this species the iris
is at all periods hazel.

The adult male and female, in summer plumage, are repre-
sented in plate 101, and the egg similarly marked belongs to

this species.

Pt L028

CIRL BUNTING. 61

INSESSORES. EMEBRIZIDE.,
CONIROSTRES.

PLATE CII.
CIRL BUNTING.
EMBERIzZA crRLUS. (Linn.)

To Montagu we owe the first observations of the habits of
this species in England, and, as his account embraces nearly
all the particulars necessary to be mentioned respecting it, we
quote his words. He says, “‘ We first discovered this spe-
cies near Kingsbridge, in the winter of 1800, not uncommon
amongst flocks of yellow-hammers and chaffinches, and pro-
cured several specimens of both sexes, killed in different
places six or seven miles from that place. They are indi-
genous to Devonshire, but seem to be confined to the
southern parts of that county, contiguous to the coast, hay-
ing found them extending as far as Teignmouth, at both
of which places we found their nests; but have never observed
them far inland. ‘This species generally builds in furze, or
some low bush; the nest is composed of dry stalks, roots,
and a little moss, and lined with long hair and fibrous roots.
The eggs are four or five in number, cinereous-white, with
irregular long and short curved dusky lines, terminating fre-
quently with a spot at one end; size rather inferior to those
of the yellow hammer, to which it bears great resemblance.
These birds pair in April, and begin laying early in May.
Insects we found to be the favourite food of the ‘young,
especially the common grasshopper. When they could peck,

62 EMBERIZIDE.

small seeds, particularly canary, were acceptable. Oats they
greedily devoured, after dexterously depriving them of their
outer husk. ‘The monotonous song of the male was inces-
sant, shrill, and piercing; so much resembling the vociferous
call-notes of the babillard, (the lesser white-throat,) that
it requires considerable knowledge of their language not to
mistake the one for the other. According to Continental
authors, it is abundant in the warmer parts of France, in
Italy, and on the shores of the Mediterranean, but is not
found in the colder regions.

“The female might readily be mistaken for that sex of the
yellow-hammer at a little distance, but is materially different
when compared, especially in the chesnut colour of the upper
parts of this bird. The note is simple and plaintive, similar
to that of the yellow-hammer, but shorter, not so shrill, and
the latter part not drawn out to such a length.

‘It is said to be only found on the Continent, in the
warmer parts of France and Italy; so with us it seems to be
confined to the mildest part of England, but the winter of
1800, which was severe in Devonshire, did not force them to
seek a warmer climate, but, on the contrary, they continued
gregarious with other small birds, searching their food amongst
the ploughed lands.”

Since the time of Montagu this species, being better
known than formerly, has been observed in many localities,
chiefly in the southern quarter of the kingdom, seldom ap-
pearing so far north as the midland counties. We are dis-
posed to attribute its being confined to counties along the
southern coast, not to any partiality for the vicinity of the
sea, as some have supposed, but to the greater mildness of the
climate, since we find that, on the Continent, this bird is
found, not only in the southern parts of France and Italy,
but in Thuringia and Switzerland.

We have no doubt of this Bunting inhabiting sparingly

CIRL BUNTING. 63

parts of Surrey, having found nests and eggs agreeing in every
respect with those of the Cirl Bunting above described, in
colour, appearance, and situation; and have also seen birds
that we believe to be of this species, but have not yet proved
their identity by the only sure test, that of shooting the bird
upon the nest.

It is most likely that the Cirl Bunting is stationary in the
countries bordering the Mediterranean throughout the year,
as in England ; in the south of Germany, however, according
to Continental authors, this is not the case, this species fre-
quenting that part only in summer, from April to November,
and leaving it entirely during the winter months. It inhabits
the island of Crete and breeds there, but is said to be not
very numerous ; it is also resident in Corfu.

In habits and manners this species much resembles the
yellow bunting; also in the localities it frequents, being
found in bushes, hedgerows, &c., and among furze. In the
spot chosen for its nest it differs slightly, usually placing it in
the upper part of a low bush, instead of upon the ground.

The entire length of the Cirl Bunting is six and a half
inches. ‘The wing measures, from the carpus to the tip,
three inches four lines, and the tail, which is forked, extends
an inch and a half beyond the wings when closed; the
second and third quill-feathers are the longest in the wing.

In its general appearance, this bird much resembles the
yellow bunting, except in the colours of the head, wherein
the adult males of the two species may always be distin-
guished. In the Cirl Bunting, the crown of the head, the
nape, and breast are olive green; a dark streak passes through
the eye and encircles the ear-coverts; the chin and throat are
black. A broad yeilow line passes over the eye, and, ex-
tending around the ear-coverts, forms a gorget beneath the
black throat ; there is also a yellow spot in the middle of the
cheek. The back and scapulars are chesnut-brown, the

64 EMBERIZID£.

edges of the feathers tinged with olive, and their centres and
shafts dusky ; the lower part of the back is olive-brown, the
upper tail-coverts yellow, tinged with chesnut; the smaller
wing-coverts are olive-green, the greater coverts and tertials
dusky, bordered with chesnut-brown; the greater quills
dusky, edged with olive-green. The under surface of the
wings and the lower parts of the body are yellow, tinged with
chesnut upon the breast and flanks; the latter streaked with
dusky. The two middle feathers of the tail are chesnut-
brown, the rest black, edged with yellow; the two outer fea-
thers on each side have an oblique bar of white, extending
half way from the tip, the external edge of the outer entirely
white. The legs are brownish flesh colour; the beak bluish
lead colour above, paler beneath ; the iris hazel.

The female, according to Montagu, is rather less than the
male, and he thus describes her plumage: ‘‘ The upper part
of the head olivaceous-brown, streaked with dusky ; over the
eye a dull yellow streak, passing down the side of the head ;
cheeks brown, on which is a yellowish spot ; on each side the
lower mandible is a broken streak of dusky, passing down-
wards; chin and throat dull yellow, the latter streaked with
dusky; the back and sides of the neck and breast oliva-
ceous-brown, with dusky streaks ; belly and sides pale yellow,
with large dusky streaks on the latter ; the upper part of the
body and wings like the other sex, but the colours less
bright.”

The nestlings, before moulting, are light brown on the
upper parts of the body, speckled with black; the under
parts are pale yellow, streaked with dusky; as the birds ad-
vance in age, the olive tint on the breast appears and in-
creases gradually in depth of colour.

The egg marked in the plate 102 is that of the Cirl
Bunting.

AE Meijer ane Litthoy raphay ’

PPG3"

ORTOLAN BUNTING. 65

INSESSORES. EMBERIZIDE.
CONIROSTRES.

PLATE CIIL.
ORTOLAN BUNTING.
EmpBerizA HorruLana.

Tue Ortolan Bunting is a very scarce bird in England,
and very few instances of its capture are authenticated.
These few were stragglers probably from the Continent of
Europe, engaged in their vernal or autumnal course of mi-
gration. On the continent these birds are in some parts very
common, arriving from the south about the end of April or
beginning of May: they penetrate as far north as Denmark,
Sweden, and Norway, and even Lapland, and remain in those
countries to breed.

In August these birds commence their southward move-
ment, and, passing leisurely and singly or in families or small
groups, the greater part retire to the islands of the Medi-
terranean, or to the coast of Africa, to pass the winter. Ac-
cording to the observations of Mr. Drummond of the habits
of this species in the island of Crete, it would appear that the
Ortolan Bunting is a permanent resident there; but it has
been observed by naturalists at Gibraltar to wing its flight
from that locality towards the coast of Africa, and to return
across the same narrow channel in the spring. In Corfu it
arrives, according to the same authority, about the 10th of
April, and in the beginning of May retires to the mountains
to breed. In Italy, Greece, and the southern parts of France

VOL. III. F

66 EMBERIZIDE.

these birds are commonly met with, but they are rare in
Switzerland : they are plentiful in the south of Russia, and are
found in the middle and western parts of Asia.

Like other Buntings, these prefer the borders of woods,
hedges, and fields, especially if near water; they also visit
gardens, and frequent the banks of rivulets clothed with low
willows and other bushes, and districts intersected with ditches
and springy tracts. They do not, however, imhabit osier
grounds so much as the reed buntings do. From their
wooded retreats they visit the neighbouring fields of stubble,
turnips, millet, &c., but are seldom seen in open meadows.

These birds are said to show themselves but little, in which
they differ much from our common English buntings, which
are remarkable for perching in exposed and visible situations.
The Ortolan is said to conceal itself among branches, or
on the ground amidst long grass and weeds, and rarely un-
dertakes a lengthened flight. During the breeding season the
male birds show themselves more than at other times, and
may then frequently be seen upon a low tree or bush. The
flight of this species is quick and undulating.

Bechstein, speaking of the migration of this species, says
their route is so exact and regular, that when one has been -
seen in a particular spot, especially in the spring, it is sure to
be found there the following year at the same time. As a
cage bird, according to the same author, the fine form and co-
lours of the Ortolan would alone be sufficient to render it de-
sirable, but still more so its flute-like warbling, which he de-
scribes as clear and full.

The nest of the Ortolan Bunting is said to be built. upon
the ground among the trailing branches of a shrub, or in long
grass or corn: it is constructed of dry grasses, stalks, and
roots, and lined with hair. The eggs are five or six in num-
ber, and differ very little from the one figured in the plate,
which we obtained from Italy. Our specimen has none of

ORTOLAN BUNTING. 67

the hair-like lines that distinguish most species of the Bunt-
ing family, but some eggs of this species possess such cha-
racteristic lines more or less.

The food of the Ortolan, which is entirely sought upon the
ground, consists of insects, farinaceous grain, and seeds ; for
the latter they frequent in summer fields of corn of various
kinds ; also hemp and millet, of which it is very fond.

These Buntings are quiet, peaceable, and harmless, and
when caged have so little activity, and take so readily the food
set before them, that the delicacy of their flesh, and the
facility of fattening them, cause them to be much sought after
for the table. From the times of Roman luxury to the
present these birds have been highly esteemed: even La
Fontaine’s city rat in the fable is not ignorant of this
epicurean treat, since he invites his country friend to partake
with him of ‘“ reliefs @ortalans” * as something superex-
cellent. The usual method of fattening them for the table is
by keeping them in a room lighted only by lamps, which are
kept constantly burning, so that the poor little prisoners can-
not distinguish night from day, and being enticed by tempt-
ing and varied food, are kept continually feeding until they
become so fat that, unless killed, suffocation would ensue.
By these means they are in three days ready, and in this short
space of time are become completely balls of fat, weighing
about three ounces each, being double their natural size.
Thus their easy temper, and the facility with which these poor
little creatures resign themselves to captivity, cause their
speedy destruction. In the Lausitz, in Germany, were
formerly several establishments for catching and feeding these
delicacies.

This species is the Green-headed Bunting of Bewick and
Latham, and as such has long been known to be an occasional
and rare visitant on these shores. It appears to have been

* Le rat de ville et le rat des champs.

68 EMBERIZID&.

first identified as identical with the Ortolan of the Con-
tinent by J. P. Selby, Esq. in his Illustrations of British
Ornithology.

The entire length of the Ortolan Bunting is six inches
three lines. The wing measures from the carpus to the tip
three inches and a half, and has the first three feathers nearly
equal in length; the tail is very slightly forked. The beak
measures four lines from the forehead, and the tarsi are about
seven lines high.

The plumage of this Bunting is as follows: the head and
neck greyish olive; the throat, eyestreak, and a line en-
circling the ear-coyerts, yellow. ‘The upper part of the breast
is tinged with olive, the rest of the under parts pale rufous
yellow, waved with pale grey. The back and scapulars are
chesnut brown, the centre of each feather dusky black ; the
coverts of the wings the same, fading to dull greyish-white at
the tips: the tertial feathers are dusky in the centre, and
broadly bordered with rufous. The quill-feathers of the
wings are dusky-grey with dull-yellowish edges: the tail
feathers are dusky with paler edges, and the outer feather has
a white oval spot on the inner web. The legs and beak are
brownish flesh colour. ;

The female, according to Bechstein, has the head and neck
of a changeable ash colour, streaked with fine black lines : the
rest of the body is lighter in colour than in the male.

The young birds have the throat and under parts mottled
with grey.

The egg figured 103 is that of the Ortolan Bunting.

Pt tOn=

HOUSE SPARROW. 69

INSESSORES. FRINGILLIDZ.
CONIROSTRES.,

PLATE CIV.
HOUSE SPARROW.
PassER DOMEsTiIcUS. (Ray.)

Tue House Sparrow, it is almost superfluous to observe,
is one of our commonest English birds, and very generally
dispersed ; being found in this country wherever human habi-
tations are to be met with, from the solitary cottage to the
crowded city. This species is also widely distributed through-
out Europe, from Norway and Sweden on the north, to the
Mediterranean and its islands on the south, and to the oppo-
site coast of Africa. Specimens of this species have also
been brought from several parts of India.

The House Sparrow is a bird of quick and lively passions,
exemplified in the attachment it shows to its mate and off-
spring, and in its frequent quarrels with its associates. This
species is cautious and cunning, and seldom falls into a snare,
if ever so well contrived: it is bold and forward in its ap-
proaches to our dwellings, but instead of the gentle and
pleasing confidence displayed towards the human race by the
redbreast, the nightingale, the redstart, and some other small
birds, the Sparrow shows a bold disregard that is far from
engaging affection ; as if our kindness and our enmity were
alike despised. Instances are not wanting, however, of great
attachment on the part of caged Sparrows for persons by whom
they have been reared.

70 FRINGILLIDE.

Of all our permanent residents, Sparrows appear the most
covetous of warmth, and may be observed to take great
delight in basking in winter weather upon the sunny side
of a roof, or upon the gravel in a warm and sheltered path-
way; sometimes they may be seen clinging against the
whitewashed side of a cottage, upon which the sun shines
brightly, apparently for the purpose of enjoying the warmth
thereby communicated. Sparrows also, as soon as cold au-
tumnal nights begin to set in, repair to the shelter afforded by
tiles and thatches, where they repair their nests or construct
new ones, accumulating a vast quantity of warm materials,
such as hay, feathers, wool, and shreds of all descriptions.

Thus wisely collecting comforts about him, and providing
for himself a genial atmosphere, the Sparrow sets at defiance
the rigours of winter, and begins betimes to enjoy the occa-
sional intervals of returning warmth. The early breeding
of the House Sparrow has frequently been remarked: it is
by no means uncommon to meet with eggs of this species in
January, and instances have occurred of their being found as
early as December. The young birds, when fairly fledged,
may be seen sitting on the roofs near their birth-place, or
squatted on the ground in their vicinity, receiving from their
careful parents caterpillars and other insects, of which their
infantine nourishment entirely consists.

‘* Much has been said,” observes a practical naturalist, *
“on the comparative merit of Sparrows as destroyers of in-
sects and grain: along series of observations induces me to
assert that, with us, they prefer insect food, when it can be
procured, but at the same time they like to vary their diet at
every season with grain; but no sooner is the insect world
called into life, and the hawthorn puts forth its tender leaves
in April, than their depredations cease, and they scan the

hedges, and even visit plantations at a considerable distance,

* A, Hepburn Esq. in the 10th Number of the Zoologist.

HOUSE SPARROW. TI

in quest of insect prey. ‘There many of their summer haunts
are chosen with reference to a supply of such foods. ‘Their
depredations in a garden are similar to those of the chaftinch,
besides having a great liking for green peas. Like the latter,
they destroy many insects and their larve, but are not so
assiduous in their attacks upon the leaf-rolling caterpillars.
Turnip seed is also chosen food. In August, just when the
grain begins to ripen, they assemble in vast flocks, and, if not
carefully watched, will soon commit sad havoc on fields of
wheat, oats, and barley: indeed, these crops are never safe
from their rapacity till carried into the yard.”

We have also noticed the destructive propensities of Spar-
rows in a flower garden, especially among the gay flowers of
early spring, and have observed, in warm and sheltered spots,
which Sparrows are fond of frequenting, the borders strewed
with crocus blossoms, plucked by these little destroyers ; but
whether for the sake of honey contained within them, or
merely for amusement, it is difficult to say. We are inclined
to think the latter is the case, since their ravages are chiefly
confined to the most gaudy and bright coloured flowers.
“Our crocuses,” observes a correspondent, ‘‘are in great
beauty, but the Sparrows are at their old tricks as usual,
plucking off the yellow ones; the purple and white blossoms
they seem not to care for.”

This species is, as before observed, widely distributed
throughout Europe: it is not, however, found in every part.
According to Temminck it is rarely met with beyond the
Alps, its place being supplied in Italy by a nearly allied
species, the Fringilla Cisalpina. A few individuals, according
to that author, may be observed in Liguria and Dalmatia ;
but they appear as strangers among the numerous flocks of
the last mentioned species, and throughout the rest of Italy
they appear to be very rarely seen. In Corfu, our domestic
Sparrow is very common, and a permanent resident; but it is

72 FRINGILLIDE.

said by Mr. Drummond, in his list of the birds of Crete, not
to be found in that island, although the species abounds
in the Ionian islands, where the F’. Cisalpina does not
appear.

The nest of the House Sparrow is generally an accumula-
tion of coarse and ill-assorted materials, such as dry grasses
and straws, combined with shreds and morsels of all descrip-
tions, and warmly lined with feathers, wool, and down.
When a hole under tiles or in thatches is chosen, which is
generally the case with early nests, the space is filled with
these materials without much apparent order. As the season
advances, however, many of this species betake themselves to
trees, especially fir trees; under these circumstances their
nests are better constructed : we have a very handsome speci-
men of this description, built of moss, grass, and lichens, and
neatly lined with hair.

The determined battles of Sparrows with house martins, for
the possession of their recently constructed nests, have been
often noticed, and it appears from a circumstance observed by
ourselves during the present spring, that they are able to con-
tend with much stronger and more formidable opponents. A pair
of starlings had been in the habit for some years of building
and rearing their young upon the top of a house in a conve-
nient cavity behind some rustic ornaments. They had inhabited
this summer residence undisputed for years,and asusual return-
ed to it at the ordinary time to build their nest and make their
customary depredations among the cherry-trees, whose fruit
was beginning to swell. They were several times seen upon the
cherry-tree nearest to their dwelling, plucking off the green
leaves, and carrying them to their nesting-place. One morn-
ing a great bustle was observed, and the starlings were found
to be engaged in battle with a party of Sparrows, who
had, in an interval of their labours, taken possession ; the
starlings were finally beaten off, and the Sparrows retained.

HOUSE SPARROW. 13

victorious possession of the spot, and reared their family in
safety.

Sparrows are among the most inveterate of pulverizers :
every one must have observed them frequently indulging in
dusty roads in this unenviable delight, in which they seem
to take such great pleasure, that they will hardly desist in
time to escape being trodden upon. ‘They also bathe fre-
quently. In a particular spot with which we are acquainted,
a small stream crosses a lonely road, and appears to serve
as a bathing-place for the passerine inhabitants of all the
country round. ‘To this spot they flock in hundreds, and
fluttering in, splash, and dip, and plunge until thoroughly
wet, then, on some sudden alarm, they bustle up, making a
great noise with their wings, and betake themselves to the
neighbouring hedges, where they remain a short time to dry
and dress their dripping plumage.

Sparrows appear to return time after time, and probably
year after year, to the same spot for incubation, if it is of a
permanent character, such as a trough upon a roof, &c. Such
a place, namely, a receiving basin or box connected with a
water-trough, we have known selected many times by a pair
of Sparrows, although more than once a heavy rain has wash-
ed the unfortunate little callow brood out of their place, and
precipitated them below. Still experience has not supplied
wisdom, and the same place has again been, and still is, re-
sorted to for the same purpose.

The eggs of this Sparrow vary very much in their mark-
ings, although by practised eyes they can hardly be mistaken
for any other species, except, perhaps the following (P.
montanus). ‘They are usually long in form, and rather ob-
tuse at both ends; in colour pale-grey or milk-white, mottled
all over with ash or pale-brown : some are so deep in colour
as to be black and white. ‘The egg figured in our plate is
from a specimen of unusual beauty, for this species. The

4 FRINGILLIDE.

Sparrow is a most prolific species, a pair frequently produc-
ing, on a fair estimation, above five and twenty young ones
in the season ; four broods of six or seven being not unusual.

The entire length of the House Sparrow is five inches and
a half. The beak is thick and blunt, and measures five lines
and a half from the tip to the forehead: the nostrils are
placed close to the base of the beak, are round, and covered
with hairs directed forward, and the gape is furnished with
bristles. The wing measures from the carpus to the tip
three inches one line, and the second quill feather is rather
the longest. The tail extends an inch and a half beyond the
closed wings; and the feathers are equal in length. The
tarsi measure about seven lines, and the toes and claws are
thick and short.

In the adult male the crown of the head, nape, and sides
of the breast are slate-colour ; the chin, throat, region of the
eyes, and upper part of the breast, deep black, the feathers on
the latter part edged with grey: behind the eye is a small
spot of pure white. ‘The ear-coverts are greyish-white ; be-
hind them is a broad band of deep chesnut, extending up-
wards over the eye; the feathers in the back and scapulars
are black in the centre, edged with deep chesnut, and bay:
the lesser wing-coverts are chesnut, the lowest row broadly
tipped with white, forming a bar: the rest of the wing-feathers
are black, edged with chesnut-brown; the lower part of the back
and upper coverts greenish-grey. The tail-feathers are dark-
brown, edged with yellowish-brown ; the under parts of the
plumage pale ash-grey. The legs are bluish-brown. The
iris is hazel; the beak dusky in summer, base yellowish
in winter.

In the female the crown of the head and upper parts of the
body are greenish-brown, the centre of each feather on the
back and scapulars dusky ; the lower row of the lesser coverts

tipped with dirty-white: the wings and tail much as in the

HOUSE SPARROW. Wo

male. A dusky line passes through and behind the eye, and
a dull straw-coloured line above it: the ear-coverts are grey-
ish, and all the under parts of the plumage dull yellowish-
grey: the beak is paler than in the male. In this sex there
is no black about the head or throat.

The egg of the House Sparrow is figured 104 in the
plate.

76 FRINGILLID&.

INSESSOR ES. FRINGILLID&.
CONIROSTRES.,

PLATE CV.
TREE OR MOUNTAIN SPARROW:

PASSER MONTANUS. (Ray.)

Tue Tree Sparrow is a handsomer bird than the common
house sparrow, its generic companion. In habits, locality,
and mode of nidification, it differs also greatly, as well as in
some minor particulars.

The Tree Sparrow is indigenous in most countries of
Kurope, from the Mediterranean to Norway, but does not
pass much beyond the 66th degree of north latitude. It
extends over great part of Asia, being common in Siberia,
Japan, and some of the mountainous parts of India.

This bird is an inhabitant of wooded and forest tracts,
more than of open and cultivated districts, and is more fre-
quently found in mountainous countries than the common
species. They appear to be partially distributed, and more
or less migratory in their habits, being found in some coun-
tries in large flocks, which appear at irregular times, probably
influenced by the greater or less supply of food they may
chance to meet with. Their usual haunts are the neigh-
bourhood of old decayed trees, on the outskirts of woods.
Such localities are particularly resorted to in spring, on ac-
count of the facilities they afford for nesting-places, which are
usually chosen in old hollow trees. Unlike the common

sparrow, this species seldom frequents towns or villages; the

¢ oe oes
va

TREE OR MOUNTAIN SPARROW. HU

nearest approach to familiarity it ever exhibits is, that when
pressed by hunger during severe weather, it approaches
villages, where a supply of food can be more readily obtained.

In England the Tree Sparrow is so little known generally,
that it is still supposed to be limited to certain favorable lo-
calities. Probably if better known it would be recognised as
inhabiting many other spots where the requisites of pasture
and old woods are present. They were observed by Montagu
near the village of Wainfleet : at Aldwinkle, in Northamp-
tonshire they have been seen by Mr. Doubleday: and in
parts of the county of Durham by Selby: they have also been
met with in the counties of Cambridge, Lincoln, York, and
Lancaster, &c.: at Main-wood, near Elgin; at Tilford in
Surrey, &c. We have ourselves seen them in Surrey, and
had living birds procured for us there; and have also in our
possession eggs, apparently of the Tree Sparrow, taken from a
reed fence in that county.

Some few instances have been mentioned by different
writers on ornithology of Tree Sparrows building in barns, and
even under the roofs of houses, in a manner similar to the
common sparrow, but these may be considered rather as de-
viations from their general manners: we must still consider
the common sparrow as the denizen of the town and the Tree
Sparrow of the country, although each may be found oc-
casionally on the outskirts of its respective sphere ; the house
sparrow making its summer residence among the trees, and
the other species occasionally resorting to houses.

The food of the Tree Sparrow consists of many sorts of in-
sects and seeds, also the fresh shoots of weeds and vegetables.
From the nature of the food they seek it may be inferred that
they are less destructive than the common species, and ob-
servations made on the subject seem to confirm the fact.
Mr. Leweock, of Farnham, says, speaking of the food of this
species, ‘‘ On examining the craws of about twenty individuals

718 FRINGILLID&.

I only found one that contained any corn, namely, two or three
barley-corns ; those of the others contained upwards of fifty
seeds of weeds growing in the neighbouring fields.

The ‘Tree Sparrow is a lively and pleasing bird when caged,
and its handsome plumage, and clean, well-dressed feathers
render it not unworthy of a place in an aviary: it is besides a
peaceable and well-disposed companion. Little difference is
to be observed in the colours of its plumage at different
seasons, except an additional brilliancy in spring, owing to the
usual causes ; its moult taking place but once a year. In au-
tumn and winter the beak is black at the tip only, and yellow
at the base, but in spring the whole of the beak is black and
polished, having the appearance of ebony.

The nest of this species, as before observed, is usually
placed in a hole of an aged tree, where a cavity has been
formed by natural decay or by the instrumentality of other
birds; into this retreat are carried by the builders various
materials, such as grasses and straws, wool, down, and es-
pecially feathers, with which the interior is thickly lined.
The same loose and careless style prevails as with the com-
mon sparrow, and long and unmanageable straws are, in like
manner, often left to stretch outside the cavity, betraying the
retreat within. ‘The young vary in number from four to six
or seven, and several broods are produced in the course of
the season ; incubation commencing in February or March.
Pollard willows, decayed oaks, and old pear or apple trees,
are sometimes chosen for the site of the nest: they have also
been found in stacks of firewood, &c., the nest is seldom less
than four or five feet from the ground. The eggs of this
species are smaller in size than those of the house sparrow.
The young are fed with insects, and soon become able to
shift for themselves, when the parents begin to prepare for
the cares of another family. The same spot is often again

occupied by the same pair.

TREE OR MOUNTAIN SPARROW. "9

In their actions the Tree Sparrows are less clumsy than
the domestic species, although not very remarkable for ele-
gance ; and they often, when upon the ground, progress in a
sidelong or crab-like manner. Their flight, although bustling
and apparently attended with labour, is slow and constrained.
Their notes much resemble those of the common species, but
are uttered in a rather higher key.

This species is the Mountain Sparrow of Linnzus, also of
Ray and the greater part of our English authors: and the
Friquet, or Beau, of Buffon and Temminck ; a name very
expressive of its neat appearance.

The entire length of this species is five inches and a half:
the wing, from the carpus to the tip, measures nearly three
inches, and the tail extends an inch and a half beyond the
closed wings. The beak is less thick and blunt than in the
domestic sparrow, and measures four and a half lines to the
forehead: the tarsi are about six lines high.

The colours of this bird are prettily distributed and are as
follows: the whole upper part of the head and nape are cho-
colate-brown, the chin and a streak through the eye black ;
the cheeks are white with a large black patch in the centre,
and a white line passes round the neck behind. The fea-
thers of the back are dusky-black, very broadly edged on the
outer web with reddish-brown ; the greater wing-coverts the
same with white tips: in the first row of lesser coverts the
feathers are black tipped with white, forming a second bar
across the wing. The quill-feathers, secondaries, and tertials
are dusky, more or less edged with rufous-brown. The tail
feathers are olive-brown, edged with a lighter tint. The
breast is ash-grey, shading into olive-brown on the sides and
flanks, the rest of the under parts paler. The legs are yel-
lowish-brown : the iris dark-hazel.

No difference of plumage is perceptible between the male
and female.

80 FRINGILLID£.

Young birds are distinguished from the adult by the black
feathers on the throat and face, which do not in the early
stages come to their mature colouring) The eggs of this
species measure rather less than those of the common sparrow,
but are very similar in appearance.

The egg of the Tree Sparrow is figured 105 in the plate.

IHS Meijer's Lithography :

CHAFFINCH. 81

INSESSORES. FRINGILLIDE.
CONIROSTRES.

PLATE CVI.
CHAFFINCH.
F'RINGILLA c&eLEBS, (Linn.)

Tue Chaffinch is a very lively bird ; his song is among the
earliest that are heard in the spring, and his lively cry, Fink !
Fink ! sounds like a warning to the feathered tribes that
spring is come again. About February his song commences,
—at first broken and imperfect, but by degrees it arrives at its
full mature compass, which consists of about ten syllables,
frequently repeated again and again in the same form. The
voice of this bird is good, and its native notes are full of
richness and power; so much so, that among the Germans,
who are known for their interest in ornithological pursuits,
and excel all other people in the perfection to which they
bring the performances of their singing-birds, this species is
very highly prized. Bechstein speaks of its clear and trilling
tones, that seem almost to approach to words: he says also,
** This bird is so great a favourite in Germany, that not a
single tone of its voice has escaped the experienced ears of
our bird-fanciers: they have observed its nicest shades, and
are continually endeavouring to improve and perfect it. I
confess I am myself one of the warmest of its admirers, and
could write a good-sized volume on all the details of its music.”
These amateurs also attribute to the wild Chaffinch a variety
of different songs, which they distinguish by name ; and pro-

VOL, III. G

82 FRINGILLIDE.

fess to know, by their language or dialect, the natives of dif-
ferent provinces. As a singing-bird, however, the Chaffinch
is little thought of in this country, and is seldom kept as a
cage-bird.

The Chaffinch is as watchful as he is lively, and often gives
the well-known warning to other small birds on the appearance
of an enemy, either in the shape of hawk, owl, or cat: if one
of the latter skulks beneath a bush and the Chaffinch gives
the alarm, numbers of this species will collect upon it, hurry-
ing about and chattering as if to intimidate the unwelcome
visitor.

The Chaffinch inhabits gardens, orchards, and fields that
abound in trees and hedgerows. Its food in spring and sum-
mer consists chiefly of insects, for which it is often seen to
search among fruit-trees ; and in the consumption of the seeds
of many weeds injurious to agriculture, it renders service to
the farmer,— such as the seeds of chickweed and groundsel,
also of the crowfoot, a weed highly troublesome in some soils :
and by these good services it deserves the scattered grain
that it is compelled, in severe seasons, to seek in the farm or
stack-yard.

Besides the call above mentioned, the Chaffinch is often
heard to utter in spring the syllable wheet ! wheet ! repeated
many times in succession,— a note very sweet and musical.

Much has been said on the subject of the pericdical sepa-
ration of the sexes in this species, which has been remarked
from the times of Linnzeus to our own ; but in the century that
has elapsed since his time, little has been added to the bare
and simple fact that a separation takes place. According to
Linneus the females of this species leave Sweden in the early
part of autumn, whither they do not return until the following
spring: the males only remain. Bechstein, writing of his
country, which is nearly in the centre of Europe, says of the
Chaffinch, ‘* This species ought to be reckoned among birds

CHAFFINCH. 83

of passage, though there are always some that remain the
winter with us. The time of passage in autumn continues
from the beginning of October to the middle of November,
and in spring during the month of March. They perform
their journey in large flocks. In the spring the males arrive
in separate flights, fifteen days before the females: our bird-
catchers know this so well, that as soon as they perceive these
(that is the females), they put up their implements, their
sport being then over.”

In the middle and southern parts of England, flocks of
this species, consisting almost entirely of hens, or young birds,
have been frequently observed ; respecting which, we have the
testimony of White, of Selborne, who says in his thirteenth
letter, <‘ For many years past, I have observed that towards
Christmas, vast flocks of Chaffinches have appeared in the
fields—many more, I used to think, than could have been
hatched in any one neighbourhood. But when I came to
observe them more narrowly, I was amazed to find that they
seemed to me to be almost all hens.” This extraordinary oc-
currence brought to my mind the remark of Linnezus, that
‘before winter, all their hen Chaffinches migrate through
Holland into Italy.”

The same has been observed by the Rev. L. Jenyns, in a
note to his edition of White’s Selborne, who says that he
has seen in the north of Ireland very large flocks in which
there were no males, which he concludes have migrated from
more northern latitudes, and there left their mates behind
them.

We have also ourselves noticed frequently, in winter, large
congregations in various parts of Surrey, consisting chiefly
of hen birds, and in much greater number than at any other
period of the year.

In the letter of Gilbert White, above quoted, he continues :
** Now I want to know from some curious person in the north,

G 2

84 FRINGILLID.

whether there are any large flocks of these finches with them
in the winter, and of which sex they mostly consist? For,
from such intelligence, one might be able to judge whether
our female flocks migrate from the other end of the island, or
whether they come over to us from the Continent.”

The observations of several later authors have given a
reply in part to this question. Selby says, ‘‘ In Northumber-
land and Scotland, this separation takes place about the month
of November, and from that period till the return of spring,
few females are to be seen, and those few always in distinct
societies. The males remain, and are met with during the
winter in immense flocks, feeding with other granivorous
birds in the stubble-land, &c.”

Similar testimony is given by the Rev. G. Gordon, in his
Fauna of Moray, which has appeared in the Zoologist ; where
that gentleman observes,— ‘* The Chaffinch or Tree-lintie is
one of the most abundant of the feathered tribes in Scotland.
At the approach of winter, there is a large accession of the
species in this part of the country ; and the vast flocks which,
during that season, are seen around the homestead of almost
every farm, show in most cases a preponderance of males.”

This appears conclusive as to the fact that our island is
visited annually by both male and female Chaffinches, in
large and distinct flocks, the former chiefly remaining in the
northern, the latter penetrating to the southern part of the
country ; but, as in many parts Chaffinches are seen to re-
main together throughout the winter, it appears possible that
our native and less numerous birds, having no occasion, on
account of climate, to migrate at all, remain together. Mon-
tagu says, speaking of Devonshire, “ ‘They remain with us
during the whole year, but the sexes do not separate as they
are known to do in Holland and other countries.” Mr.
Knapp says the same of Gloucestershire ; and, more recently,
Mr. Hepburn, in a paper in the Zoologist, makes the same

CHAFFINCH. 85

remark as to the non-separation of the sexes in some parts of
Scotland. ‘The writings of Gilbert White,” he says,
‘““many years ago, induced me to look out for the migration
of the females of this species, but his remarks are inapplicable
to Hast Lothian.”

Among our migratory warblers, it is generally admitted
and recognised as a fact, that the males return to their
breeding-stations a fortnight sooner than the females of the
same species: this implies a separation of the sexes, and in-
dicates that the females penetrate farthest southward. Why
may we not, therefore, conclude that the Chaffinches do the
same, although the motive is in both cases unknown to us?
The same separation may take place among other finches,
but the similarity of plumage in the two sexes renders it less
apparent.

Besides the localities noticed above, the Chaffinch occurs
in the Shetland Isles in winter only, but is considered rare.
According to Mr. Drummond, this bird is very numerous
and common in Crete, where it breeds, and probably remains
the whole of the year; but it is not found in Corfu during the
summer months, and, as far as he can ascertain, in none of the
Tonian Islands during that season. It is there (Corfu) a bird
of regular passage, arriving along with the redbreast in con-
siderable numbers about the first week in October, and not
taking its departure till the end of February, or beginning
of March.

The nest of the Chaffinch is found in orchards, gardens,
fields, and hedges, &c.,. usually from six to twelve feet from
the ground—sometimes higher, and is rarely completed be-
fore the end of April. During its construction, the birds
are exceedingly clamorous on the approach of any one, flying
about as if much disturbed, und uttering their soft wheet !
But when the hen-bird sits, she is so tenacious of her post,
that she is not easily frightened from her nest: we have

86 FRINGILLIDE.

frequently seen her sit quite undisturbed upon her nest, a
little above the heads of persons passing beneath. Various
situations are chosen, in hedges, and especially among fruit
trees ; on which latter the nest is often placed upon a naked
branch ; but being very small and closely fitted to it, and,
besides, covered with the lichens with which such trees are
themselves often studded, it passes unseen, except by practised
eyes.

The nest itself is renowned for its exceeding neatness and
beauty, and the compactness of its form. It is variously con-
structed, according to the materials at hand: some are built
of slender grass, stalks, or roots, matted with wool, and lined
with hair; the outside is covered entirely with tree-moss and
lichens. In others no wool is present, its place being supplied
by fine roots and spider-cots, or the down of thistles: the brim
is generally very neatly woven with slender straws, and the
cup is often not more than an inch and a half in diameter.

The eggs, four or five in number, are of a short oval form,
clouded over with red upon a bluish ground, the colours often
blended together into one tint: liver-coloured round spots
and dark hair-like lines are scattered irregularly over the
surface, the whole forming an appearance distinct from that of
any other egg. We have occasionally found one egg among
others in the nest, entirely without spots ; and possess, besides,
an entire set, which are uniform dull blue without spot or
lines |

The entire length of the Chaffinch is about five inches and
three quarters, and the wing measures from the carpus to
the tip three inches and a quarter: the first quill-feather is
about a quarter of an inch shorter than the second, third, and
fourth, which are equal and the longest in the wing. The
beak measures five lines from the forehead ; the tarsi about
seven lines.

The colours of the male, which is a handsome bird, are as

#

CHAFFINCH. 87

follows:—The forehead is black; the crown of the head,
nape, and sides of the neck are bluish lead-colour; and some
of the lesser coverts of the wings the same: the throat,
sides of the face, and breast, are dull pink, tinged with
rufous; the flanks are pink, the belly white: the bastard
wing and greater coverts are black, the latter broadly tipped
with yellowish-white: some of the lesser coverts of the wings
are white, forming a conspicuous bar. ‘The primary and
secondary quills are brownish black, edged with yellow,
and some of them have their basal part white, forming
a distinct spot: the tertials are dusky, edged with reddish
brown. The back and scapulars are chesnut, the rump
olive; the upper coverts and the two middle feathers of
the tail are lead-colour, tinged with olive: the rest of the
tail feathers are black, the exterior feather obliquely marked
with white, taking in the whole of the outer web; the next is
tipped with white. The beak is blue, tipped with black ;
the iris hazel; the legs dusky flesh-colour. After the
autumnal moult, the colours of the feathers appear much
obscured, and the base of the beak becomes whitish.

The plumage of the female is very different: her beak
is brownish flesh-colour, her head, back, and scapulars
greyish olive; her cheeks are olive, and all her under parts
brownish white, darkest on the breast: her wings have white
bars and spots, as in the male, and yellow edges, but all the
darker parts are olive-brown instead of black; and the same
observation applies to her tail.

The young males resemble the female until after their
first autumnal moult, when they begin to show indications of

their future colouring.

88 FRINGILLID2.

INSESSORES. FRINGILLID.
CONIROSTRES.

PLATE CVII.
MOUNTAIN FINCH, OR BRAMBLING.
FRINGILLA MONTIFRINGILLA.

Tus bird is a native of the northern and mountainous
parts of Europe and Asia, and inhabits, in summer, Norway,
Sweden, Lapland, Denmark, &c. In these countries it is
said to be very numerous, as we may also judge from the
vast flocks that migrate southward in winter. Its summer
residence appears not to extend usually lower than the middle
of Sweden, since Mr. Nilsson says, that it is only seen in
the southern parts of that country in winter, and retires
again towards the north in April. From these northern
regions they begin their retreat as soon as they are warned
of the approach of winter, and are usually first seen in
our island in the end of October, or beginning of Novem-
ber. ‘Their appearance here, however, seems to be very
irregular, both as to time and numbers, influenced, doubt-
less, by the greater or lesser degree of cold northward, by
which they are driven earlier or later from their native re-
gions. In the southern parts of Scotland, they are seldom
seen in flocks until November: and in England, sometimes
whole winters pass without their being met with at all in
localities at other times frequented by them. Severe win-
ters, however, bring large flocks of them as far as the south-
ern parts of England, especially to wooded and hilly districts.

™~

™

MOUNTAIN FINCH, OR BRAMBLING. 89

In the winter of 1835 they were very plentiful in various
parts of Surrey and elsewhere; and it has been observed that
these birds appeared in immense numbers in the neighbour-
hood of Farnham during the winter of 1842, while for many
years previously single specimens only had been occasionally
met with.

Although large flocks have sometimes been observed in
this country, they are not apparently so numerous at any
time here as in France, according to the account of Bewick ;
or as they are in Germany, where, says Bechstein, they
assemble in the beech-forests in Thuringia in immense
numbers—it is supposed more than a hundred thousand.

Some years ago, a nest with four eggs was sent to us
from a friend in Suffolk, which was stated to be that of the
Bramble, or Mountain Finch; it was larger than that of
a greenfinch, and the eggs were different from any in our
collection. This nest remained a solitary specimen with
us until the year 1843, when we were fortunate enough
to possess ourselves of another, under the following cir-
cumstances. In the month of May, we found a nest that
we supposed to be that of a greenfinch, in an elm-tree, near
our garden ; but the situation was uncommon for that species,
and the eggs, when laid, were remarkably large. These
and other circumstances induced us to watch the bird; when
it proved to be neither greenfinch nor linnet, although it
flew like the latter in inverted arches, uttering tiddit! tcd-
dit! with each spring in its flight. It was a brown bird
of rather large and heavy appearance, and was seen by several
of our party, and by all considered to be decidedly a hen
Brambling. She was seen several times, and the note pecu-
liar to the species frequently heard. Some ineffectual efforts
which we made to catch her on the nest, being unwil-
ling to shoot her, caused her to forsake it; and the only
course that remained to us, was to possess ourselves of

90 FRINGILLID&.

this treasure, which contained five eggs. The nest was
placed close against the stem of the elm, and supported
by the small tufty branches that feathered it: it was well
concealed among the leafing, and about six feet from the
ground.

This nest, which accords perfectly in every respect of
construction, and in the colour of the eggs, with that above
mentioned as received from Suffolk, is composed externally
of a basket-work of large roots and birch-twigs, curiously
interwoven ; within this external frame are many delicate
fibrous roots, intermixed with green moss, and the lining
is composed of wool, some grass-like fibres, cows-hair, and
a few dark horse-hairs: the eggs, five in number, exactly
resembled, when fresh, the figure in the plate; but after a
few weeks, the rich claret colour lost its brilliancy, and be-
came dark brown.

This was not the only occasion on which we have met
with the Bramble Finch in seasons when it is supposed
not to be in this country: in the summer of 1844, we heard
frequently, in our garden in Surrey, its peculiar and musical
note, Chip-u-way ! Chip-u-way ! with which we were well
acquainted, having had birds of this species in confinement.
Surrey is probably a favourable county for this species, on
account of its hills and woods; the partiality of the bird for
such districts being well known.

In confinement, this species may be kept without diffi-
culty, and soon becomes accustomed to cage food, prefer-
ring seeds. It is rather quarrelsome when kept with other
small birds, occasionally pecking its weaker neighbours.
Although we possessed a fine old male bird for some years,
we could never detect it making any attempt to sing, be-
yond the note before mentioned, with which it occasionally
amused itself. The syllables chip-u-way are usually re-
peated in succession and singly, the first shrill and rather

MOUNTAIN FINCH, OR BRAMBLING. 91

musical, the latter somewhat resembling the untaught whistle
of the bullfinch. Sometimes the first syllable, chip, is re-
peated seven or eight times in succession, and then ends,
as usual in way; but this is only in the summer.

In the specimen mentioned above—a very fine old male—
no difference was to be observed in its plumage after moult-
ing, the new feathers shewing little or none of the lighter
coloured fringes usual in younger birds.

In the severe winter of 1836 we were frequently gra-
tified by the sight of numbers of this species in Claremont
Park, where they used to assemble beneath the beech-trees
in search of food ; and the weather being unusually cold, they
were less wild than common.

The Mountain Finch is found as far south as Rome and
Smyrna, in winter; but this latter locality is, perhaps, its
most southern range, as we find no mention of it further.
In the Catalogues of Mr. Drummond, so often mentioned,
of the birds that inhabit or frequent the islands of Corfu
and Crete, this species does not occur.

The entire length of the Mountain Finch is six inches
and a quarter. The wing measures from the carpus to the
tip, three and a quarter inches; and the tail extends an
inch and a quarter beyond. ‘The beak is six lines in length,
strong and sharp-pointed: the nostril is round, and partly
covered with stiff hairs, reflected forwards. The tail is consi-
derably forked, the outer feathers being a quarter of an
inch longer than the central ones. The tarsi measure eight
lines in length ; the claws are long and rather straight.

The colours of the adult male in winter are as follows:
the entire head, cheeks, and upper part of the back, rich
velvet-black ; the feathers of the nape very narrowly bor-
dered with silver-grey, those of the back slightly edged
with rust: the lower part of the back and rump are white ;
the upper coverts of the tail black with grey borders; the

92 FRINGILLID&.

tail-feathers black. The lesser coverts of the wings are ru-
fous; the larger are black with rufous edges: the primary
quill-feathers are black, with a small portion of white at the
base, and the edges narrowly bordered with yellow: the
tertials are black, edged with rust. The breast is rich ferru-
ginous, which becomes lighter upon the rest of the under
parts: the flanks are spotted with black. The iris is rich
hazel; the beak yellow at the base, and black at the tip:
the legs aud feet are dark flesh-coloured brown. In summer
the beak of the adult male becomes blue at the base, instead
of yellow; but there is very little difference in other respects
at this age, as the head is at all seasons black.

In younger males, the feathers of the head and upper
parts are in autumn very broadly edged with grey and
rufous, almost obscuring the black centres.

In the female, the same distribution of colours occurs ;
but her feathers are brown where those of the male are
black, and the rust-colour upon her breast is not so full.

The upper figure in the plate represents the adult male
of this species, drawn from life: the lower is the female.

The egg numbered 107, is that of the Mountain Finch.

i
en ta

i a)
Sui
ihe

a

x

tr ve
ae
Be

:

ees

a ¢

SISKIN. 93

INSESSORES. FRINGILLID/..
DENTIROSTRES.

PLATE CVIII.
SISKIN.
CARDUELIS SPINUS.

Tue Siskin is one of the smallest and liveliest of British
birds. It is always in motion, flitting from branch to branch,
or hanging head downwards upon the ends of the bending
sprays in search of food. In a cage it is equally quick
and restless, always climbing upon the wires, or sitting upon
the seed-basket, busily employed; or driving away with
impatient gestures and sharp pecks any of its little com-
panions that endeavour to get their share of the newly-ar-
rived food. ‘These interesting little creatures are also
lively in their feelings, as well as in their actions, shewing
great affection towards their mates, and, in a wild state, con-
stantly associating together in families and flocks. Although
classed by systematic authors with the goldfinch, this species
has, in its general manners, more resemblance to the redpole,
with whom it often associates in companies, feeding and
flocking together, their food being generally the same, con-
sisting of the seeds of firs, alders, and trees of a similar
character.

These birds are said to be indigenous to the middle parts
of Europe, including chiefly Germany and Austria, and
the southern parts of Russia. In France and Holland they
are mentioned as periodical winter visitors. They also pene-

94. FRINGILLIDE.

trate as far southward as Italy, where they are called “ Lw-
cherina.” ‘They are not mentioned in Mr. Drummond’s
list of the birds of Crete ; and, according to that gentleman,
are not knewn in Albania, or any of the adjacent islands—
one specimen only having been shot by him in Corfu, which
was supposed to have escaped from a cage. This bird ap-
pears to have an extensive range eastward, being found, ac-
cording to 'Temminck, in Japan.

The Siskin is with us also a migratory bird, and rather
partial and uncertain in the times of its appearance. In
Surrey it is popularly believed to appear only once in seven
years; this is, however, a little variation from the fact, but
as its arrival among us is hastened or retarded by the state of
the temperature and other causes, it is generally very irregu-
lar. ‘Their time of arrival in Scotland is frequently as early
as October, and in England they sometimes appear about the
same time.

The winter manners of the Siskin are accurately described
by A. Jerdan, Esq. in the Zoologist, who says, ‘ About
the beginning of December last, I observed a flock of Siskins,
consisting of about sixty individuals. ‘They frequented some
alder-trees by the side of the Jed, on the seeds of which
they seemed principally to subsist. They were not at all shy,
but, with due precaution, would allow me to approach, and
stand under the tree on which they were feeding. It was a
pretty sight to see them all busily engaged in extracting their
food from the catkins, every bird quietly attending to its own
employment, and in nowise interfering with its neighbours.
The various attitudes into which they would throw them-
selves, in order the more readily to obtain the seeds, were
also exceedingly pleasing and graceful. When disturbed,
they all took wing, and, uttering a somewhat harsh call-
note, circled round in the vicinity for a minute or two, and
then alighted on some other tree. Once when I had alarmed

SISKIN. 95

them, they betook themselves to a neighbouring wood, and
dispersed themselves up and down in small parties, and did
not re-assemble for some time. Upon this occasion, I re-
marked that some of them resorted to the ground, among the
withered leaves, in company with some tits that happened
to be passing at the time; but whether they were in search
of insects or not, I could not ascertain. ‘The call-note of
the Siskins was repeated at intervals while flying. The
seeds of the alder seem to be the favourite food of the Siskin,
in winter and spring; and this circumstance will account,
I think, for its irregular appearances and disappearances in
various localities. The abundance or scarcity of this food
at different places and in different seasons, must greatly in-
fluence its motions and partial migrations.”

The researches of naturalists of late years have been re-
warded by the observation of the Siskin in various parts
of Scotland, during the summer months: and in some locali-
ties it was supposed to breed: namely, in Argyleshire, on
the shore of Lochfine, in Aberdeenshire, &c. In the neigh-
bourhood of Dundee they have also been found in a nestling
state ; but no instance, that we are aware, has been recorded
of their nests being taken in England, except those mention-
edin Mr. Yarrell’s British Birds, page 497, from information
which we had the pleasure to give him. The nests there
mentioned were obtained in Coombe Wood, in Surrey, in
the summer of 1836, from which several nestlings were rear-
ed. We ourselves possessed one of them, a fine young male,
and had him a considerable time. At the age of a year he
still had no sign of the black throat that distinguishes this
sex in maturity, the feathers of that part being nearly white :
in other respects his plumage was complete. He was kept
in a large cage with several little companions, with whom
he was on very good terms, and especially with his own mate.
In the spring of 1838, being very desirous of inducing this

96 FRINGILLID.

little pair to breed, we placed them by themselves in a pro-
per cage, which was put into a room where they would be
quite unmolested: here they remained some weeks, but
seeing no sign on their part, of any intention to fulfil our
wishes, the cage and its little inhabitants were again brought
among the family. In the course of the day, however, the
female was observed to be very restless, constantly chirping,
and busy in carrying about small pieces of the building
materials with which she was supplied. We immediately
provided the cage with sufficient food and water to last for
several days, and replaced it in its former quiet apartment.
In a day or two, being anxious to know if our little prisoners
were in want of anything, we ventured quietly into the
room, and, to our great pleasure, saw a little nest In one
of the compartments, partly built; it was about the size
of a goldfinch’s, and the bird had selected from the materials
given her only the white ones, namely, wool and feathers :
there was yet no egg. In another day or two we repeated
our visit: it was on the 22nd of June, and we were grieved to
find the beautiful little nest destroyed, and a solitary egg
lying upon the floor. The hen-bird was sitting upon one
of the perches, motionless and dull, her dear little mate
all the while singing his sweet song, as if to rouse her.
Finding our hopes thus blighted, we opened the door of
the cage, the window of the room being secured with net-
work, in hopes that the free air and the liberty of rang-
ing the room, might revive her spirits and induce her to
resume her task: but it was all in vain. The male bird
continued his unremitting attentions, fluttering around his
mate, and singing his lively song hours together, while the
hen sat usually upon a peg that was fastened into the wall,
taking no notice of him or his attentions. One morning
on listening at the door for his usual song, nothing was to
be heard ; and looking in, we found our favourite, the cock-

SISKIN. 97

bird, lying dead upon the floor. The cause of his death
was entirely unknown, as no injury appeared about him.
The hen bird lived a considerable time after this event,
but our interest in her was lost; and she had, besides, never
been so tame or interesting as her happy and affectionate
little mate.

Since that time we have never succeeded in bringing
the Siskin to breed, but we have been so fortunate as to
take, on two different occasions, undoubted nests of the
species. The first we found on St. Anne’s Hill, the beau-
tiful and well-known elevation that rises on the western
side of the town of Chertsey, in Surrey; and the other
was taken in a wild straggling hedge in the open plain
bordering the Thames, at no great distance. In both cases
the parent-bird was distinctly seen upon the nest. The
nest on St. Anne’s Hill was built in a furze-bush: it was
constructed, externally, of the rough, angular stems of galium,
and of the straggling roots and stems of spear-grass; next
to these was a loose matting of fine fibrous roots, intermixed
with a little wool, and lined with cows-hair and the down
of rabbits. In the other nest, taken on the plain beside
the river, the external materials are the same; but thistle-
down is used instead of wool, that being a rare production
in these lower grounds. ‘This nest was in a whitethorn bush,
well concealed, and about five feet from the ground. The
eggs in both are pale greenish-white, spotted around the
zone with purple, and a few dark brown spots.

This species is said, by Temminck, Bechstein, and other
authors, to build in fir-trees, placing its nest at the extremity
of the highest branches. This situation appears, however,
not always selected ; a nest found in Camperdown Woods,
and mentioned in Loudon’s Magazine, by W. Gardiner, Esq.,
of Dundee, was situated close to the trunk, in a branch of
a spruce-fir, and only six feet from the ground: the nests

VOL. III, H

98 FRINGILLIDE.

also of this species that were taken in Coombe Wood in
Surrey, were placed in furze at only two or three feet from
the ground; and the two above mentioned were also in
bushes not more than four or five feet from the ground,
although in one case fir-trees in great plenty were near at
hand.

The song of the Siskin is very sweet, full, and rich; it
has also much variety, and is by many amateurs preferred to
that of the canary, which it resembles in sprightiiness, without
being too loud.

The entire length of this little species is four inches and a
half. The wings measure from the carpus to the tip two
inches and three quarters, and cover, when closed, the greater
part of the tail, the longest feathers of which exceed the wings
only half an inch. The beak measures four lines and a half,
from the forehead to the tip; the tarsi are half an inch long,
and the claws very slender and sharp.

The characters of the genus Carduelis, comprising this
and the following species, are, according to Selby, as follows :
—‘* Bill conical, longer than deep, compressed anteriorly,
and drawn to a very acute point: culmen of each mandible
narrow: tomia of the upper mandible angulated at the base,
and slightly sinuated : nostrils basal, lateral, and hidden by
incumbent bristles: wings of mean length, the first quill-
feather rather shorter than the second and third, which are
nearly equal and the longest of all: tail rather short and
forked : legs having the tarsi short; &e.

The male has the forehead and crown velvet-black, with a
brown tinge : a sulphur-yellow streak passes over the eye to-
wards the nape: the ear-coverts, nape, back, and scapulars,
are oil or siskin green, the two latter streaked along the shaft
with dusky lines: the lower part of the back greenish yellow.
The chin (in males of three years old and upwards) is black.
The breast is yellow, shading into white upon the belly; the

SISKIN. 99

flanks and under coverts of the tail are tinged with yellow,
and have dark shaft-streaks. The spurious winglet is dusky,
the lesser coverts of the wings the same, tipped with olive :
the greater coverts are dusky, bordered with yellowish green :
the quill-feathers dusky, with the basal part and edges yellow,
the secondaries and tertials have olive edges. ‘The two mid-
dle tail-feathers are dusky, the rest are yellow, with dusky
tips and shafts. The beak is flesh-colour at the base, and
dusky at the tip: the legs and feet are brownish flesh-colour :
the iris dark brown.

After the autumnal moult, the head and throat have dirty
white edges to their black feathers, and the whole plumage
appears mealy from the same cause. In young males the
chin is white, and does not, at least in confinement, show
any of the black feathers that distinguish that part in ma-
turity, until after they are two years of age. In very old
specimens, according to Bechstein, the whole breast becomes
black.

Young birds of this species, before their nestling feathers
appear, are covered with black down.

In the female the head is pale dusky olive, with the centres
of the feathers darker. ‘The rest of her upper plumage is
brownish olive, mottled with black: her cheeks are pale
brown: her throat, breast, flanks, and under coverts of the
tail are white with dark shaft-streaks, the middle of the belly
plain bluish white: her wings are as in the male, but the
yellow much paler; and in her tail-feathers the dusky en-
croaches nearly to their base: eye-streak and sides of the
head very pale yellow: beak and legs as in the male.

The egg figured in the plate is from the one produced by
the above-mentioned pair.

100 FRINGILLIDE.

INSESSORES. FRINGILLID.
CONTROSTRES.

PLATE CIX.
GOLDFINCH.
CARDUELIS ELEGANS.

Tue lively and elegant Goldfinch is a universal favourite
in all countries where it is known, for its sweet song, its
gentle docility in confinement, and its unpretending useful-
ness at large. This species is met with in most parts of
the kingdom, and in some very plentifully, especially in hilly
districts and uncultivated wastes, where some of the wildest
and least valuable productions of the vegetable kingdom
furnish its frugal repasts. Widely extended commons which
abound in thistles, are the usual resort of this species in
autumn and winter—especially where tracts of firs and other
plantations afford them shelter for the night. Here, in sunny
autumn and winter days, small flocks of these bright little
creatures may be seen scattered about and feeding among
the thistles, or standing upon the prickly heads of the teasel,
busy in extracting the seeds from among the spines by which
they are protected: in these pursuits they exhibit many
graceful attitudes and agile movements. In many parts of
Surrey and Middlesex, where uncultivated commons and
pasture-lands afford much of their favourite food, this species
is very generally dispersed. We once met with a curious
circumstance with respect to this finch, which shows the
species to be numerous in those counties. Crossing a grass-

GOLDFINCH. 101

field in Middlesex, in the vicinity of the Thames, we ob-
served, about the middle of it, a spot above six feet in cir-
cumference, entirely covered with the remains of at least a
hundred Goldfinches. These had evidently been the prey
of some hawk that frequented the neighbourhood, most pro-
bably a kestril ; but why this particular spot should be chosen
for its dining-place, was not so apparent. On examining the
place, however, we observed that the spot was a little ele-
vated above the rest of the field, and the ground had for
some days previously been covered with snow. The snow
might have lain more sparingly upon this spot than else-
where, or from its slight elevation above the rest of the field,
might have been swept off by the wind, and thus have afford-
ed a motive to the hawk to choose it as a resting-place.
Many of the hawk tribe are supposed to carry home their
prey, to a selected spot, for consumption ; of which the kes-
tril affords an example, for when confined by a chain, or par-
tially at liberty with its wing clipped, it is frequently observed
to carry to a certain spot, and secrete such portions of its food
as remain after its hunger is satisfied for the time. We
have even seen a bird of this species go again and again to
the spot, and peep to ascertain whether its treasure were still
in safety. |

This species, according to 'Temminck, is found from the
islands of the Grecian Archipelago, as far north as Siberia,
and is considered more or less stationary in all parts. In
the Shetland Isles, according to T. Edmonston, Esq., this
species is an irregular winter visitant. In a Fauna of Moray,
by the Rey. G. Gordon, the Goldfinch is spoken of
as not very common, although it is abundant in many
other parts of Scotland. In a note on this species in the
Zoologist, Mr. Hepburn says, ‘“‘ Many years have now
elapsed since the Goldfinch nestled about our ansteads and
villages, where they were once as plentiful as sparrows.

102 FRINGILLID.

Grey-haired ploughmen talk of their services among the
thistles, and other weeds in the outfield; but infield and out-
field the wretched agricultural practices of the olden times
have alike passed away, and with them this bright finch,
which is now only known as a rare straggler.” In Crete,
according to Mr. Drummond, the Goldfinch is common, and
a permanent resident: in the island of Corfu, however, these
birds are seen in large flocks during the winter only, arriving
in the latter part of September, and disappearing by the first
week in April: few only remain during the summer. In
France and Germany, and other parts of the middle and
south of Europe, this species is numerous.

Besides thistles and teasel, before mentioned as articles
of food, Goldfinches feed upon the seeds of the dandelion,
lettuce, groundsel, and many other plants of similar kinds ;
also chickweed, hemp and canary seed, &c.

The Goldfinch constructs its nest in gardens, orchards,
and plantations. It is a small and elegant fabric. One in
our possession is formed, externally, of broad, flexible blades
of dry grass, forming a close and beautiful matting, and lined
with a great number of feathers, chiefly placed in an upright
position, their hollow sides fitting around the cup-like interior.
The feathers are entirely white, and the dry grass very pale
in colour, forming altogether a structure of great delicacy and
beauty: this nest was taken from a furze-bush upon a com-
mon. Most nests of this species are constructed of moss,
wool, and lichens, and lined with thistle-down, feathers, or
hair; it may therefore be presumed that Goldfinches, as
well as many other species, employ any materials at hand that
are capable of being adapted to their purpose.

When the Goldfinch builds in a garden, it often selects an
elder-tree for the site of its nest; we have also been told
of its partiality for the Tartarian honey-suckle as a nesting-
place. But even in localities where this species is plentiful,

GOLDFINCH. 103

we have cbserved that their nests are not readily met with ;
either they are well concealed, or they are placed too high
for observation, this species being known to build frequently
in elms of considerable height, and often as high as thirty
feet from the ground. When thus placed, the nest is within
a foot of the top of the tree, and usually supported in the
fork of a small branch.

The eggs of this species, five or six in number, are pale
sea-green or greenish-white, more or less freckled round the
larger end with reddish-brown, and marked with a few fine
dark hairs or specks. The native song of the Goldfinch
is sweet and varied: and in its manners, when caged, it
is most gentle, affectionate, and confiding. ‘The great do-
cility of this species is too well known to need much com-
ment, and has caused it to be taught many curious and amus-
ing tricks. We ourselves possessed a bird which had been
taught to lay itself down in its master’s hand at command,
as if dead; which it performed admirably: and such was
the retentiveness of its memory, that after it had been nearly
two years in our possession without practising this feat, it
repeated it again the instant it was called upon to do so.

In their winter habits these birds are gregarious, but do
not collect in such numerous flocks as do some of the finch
tribes, their flights rarely amounting to more than twenty or
thirty. When feeding together they often utter a sociable
chirping note.

The entire length of the Goldfinch is five inches. The
wing measures from the carpus to the tip three inches, and
the first three quill-feathers are nearly equal in length; the
beak measures five lines from the forehead; the tarsi six
lines, and the tail, which is much forked, extends little more
than half an inch beyond the points of the folded wings.

The bright and varied colours of this finch render it
one of the most attractive of our native species; they are

104 FRINGILLIDE.

as follows: The beak, which is drawn to a fine point, is
pearl colour, tinged towards the tip with dusky hor; it
is encircled at the base by a narrow black band, the hairs
of which, reflected forwards, cover the nostrils; the eye is
also surrounded with black. The front of the head and chin
is scarlet, the ear-coverts and throat white; on the crown
of the head is a small black cap, the corners of which are
brought down behind the ear-coverts; and a small greyish-
white spot occupies the nape. ‘The back and scapulars and
sides of the breast are bright wood-brown. The wings are
beautifully varied with black and yellow; the former occu-
pies the carpal portion of the wing, including the spurious
winglet, the lesser coverts, and part of the greater coverts.
The quill-feathers, secondaries, and tertials, have the basal
half of their outer webs bright golden yellow, the rest velvet-
black, with a small pearl-like spot upon each of their tips;
the first quill-feather alone is dusky throughout. ‘The tail-
feathers are black ; the two outer on each side have a large,
oval, white spot or speculum, occupying a portion of the inner
web, the rest of the tail-feathers have a triangular white mark
at their tips. ‘The breast and flanks are tinged with wood-
brown, the rest of the under parts are pure white. The
iris is hazel, the eyelid black, and the legs are pale yellowish-
brown.

The females of this species do not differ essentially from
the males in colour, but bird-catchers readily distinguish
them by the tints of their plumage being less pure; the
black parts are tinged with brown, and the red feathers
sometimes intermixed with black.

In young birds of the year the colours are imperfectly
developed; the heads are grey instead of black, and the
brown parts obscured with dusky shades.

{{0

Pl

LINNET. 105

INSESSORES. PRINGILLIDA.
CONIROSTRES.
-PLATE CX.
LINNET.

LINARIA CANABINA. (Swainson.)

Tue Linnet is a very abundant species in most parts of
England, enlivening lonely commons and waste uncultivated
spots, where furze, broom, and heath supply the place of shrubs
of higher pretensions. ‘These are the localities chiefly frequent-
ed by Linnets during the summer, and in which they rear their
young in vast numbers. Their nests, which are usually
about four feet from the ground, are placed in bushes of
furze, or whitethorn, and not much concealed, if we may
judge from the numbers that may always be readily found in
May and June in any favourable situation. The nest of
the Linnet is often of a large size, in proportion to the di-
mensions of the bird, and far less neat in its exterior out-
line than those of the finches in general. Large tufts of
grass and straws usually form the basement, very loosely
put together; the upper work is rather more firm and
neat, interwoven with fine roots and wool: the lining is of
horse-hairs, very neatly laid in some specimens, and forms
a pleasing contrast with the rough exterior ; some in our
possession are, however, more compact, resembling ex-
ternally the neatest nests of the whitethroat, but much

106 FRINGILLIDE.

more warmly bedded and lined within. The eggs of this
species vary greatly in size, form, and colour; some are
simply speckled around the zone with rufous-brown, and
reddish-lilac ; while others resemble exactly the goldfinch’s
ege represented in figure 109. Some present only a few
spots of a reddish-black colour, irregularly disposed, and
others are occasionally found without any spots whatever.
Of the latter we have an example in a nest containing four
eggs, of a pure milk-white. The Linnet occasionally builds
in gardens, but we have observed it to be more shy than
the nightingale, the redbreast, the greenfinch, and many
others, being more inclined to forsake its nest if watched
or observed.

The Linnet has many good qualities in its character and
habits: it delights the lover of nature nearly at all seasons,
with its varied and cheerful song, which is continued nearly
the whole year. Their winter chorus, often poured forth
simultaneously from many little throats, has been observed
and alluded to by various authors, particularly Sir W. Jar-
dine. Mr. Hepburn also describes the choral bursts of as-
sembled hundreds on a hedgerow tree, in a calm winter's
day, enlivening the bleak and desolate fields. In its habits
this is a harmless species, contenting itself with the seeds of
many of the spontaneous productions of the soil,—such as
the southistle, and dandelion, the common thistle, &c., also
the seeds of rape and other cruciform plants; hemp, flax, We.

Linnets are somewhat terrestrial in their habits, feeding
much upon the ground, especially in winter, when they
chiefly frequent stubble-lands : they roost, however, in hedge-
rows and bushes. ‘They are gregarious in autumn and win-
ter, at which seasons they associate in considerable flocks.
They settle in numbers together upon the ground to feed,
and when roused, fly off to a little distance uttering a
chirping sound. ‘Their flight is springing and light, and

LINNET. 107

they utter as they fly the syllables liddit! or linnet ! from
whence we think their common name is more likely to have
originated, than from any more learned source.

The Linnet is a very common and widely-dispersed spe-
cies throughout the whole continent of Europe, from the
Mediterranean and its islands on the south, to Norway and
Sweden in the north. This species does not appear to fol-
low the great law of migration to any extent, being spoken
of as a permanent resident in Sweden, Norway, Denmark,
and the more temperate portions of Russia. In Scotland
it is also found throughout the year, but is mentioned by
T. Edmonston, Esq., in his Fauna of Shetland, as only
known in that island as a winter straggler. In Holland
and Germany, the Linnet is abundant and a constant resi-
dent, and the same in Corfu, Crete, and other islands in
the Mediterranean. It is found also in Persia, Japan, and
Asia Minor.

When caged, the Linnet is a cheerful and pleasing bird,
its voice is sweet and flute-like, and according to Bechstein,
its powers of learning are considerable, as it readily acquires
the songs of other birds, even of the nightingale ; and its
voice is so flexible, as to be able to utter words. Of the
power of the finch tribe to articulate distinct sounds, such as
syllables and words, an instance has lately occurred in Lon-
don, in a canary, of which we can ourselves bear testimony,
having heard it utter, most distinctly, several short sentences.

The entire length of the Linnet is seldom more than five
inches and a half. The wing measures, from the carpus to
the tip, three inches and a quarter; and the first quill-feather
is rather longer than the second. The tail, of which the
longest feathers measure three inches, passes about eleven
lines beyond the tips of the closed wings. The tarsi are
very short, measuring little more than half an inch; the
claws are long, slender, and sharp. The beak measures five

108 FRINGILLID.

lines from the forehead, is very thick and strong at the base,
and conical in form, the upper mandible bending down a
little at the tip: the nostrils are covered by short hairs in-
clining forwards.

This species varies greatly in its plumage at various periods
of the year, and under different circumstances of age and sex ;
so much so, that the differences of opinion respecting this
and some other allied species, that formerly prevailed, and
do not yet appear thoroughly cleared up, were very excus-
able ; we acknowledge, for our own part, to feel still some
remains of scepticism as to the fact of the red-breasted and
brown Linnets being identical, on account of their appearing
always so much smaller in the former state.

In its adult summer-plumage, the male Linnet is a beau-
tiful bird: its colours are lively, and softly shaded one into
the other. At this period the forehead, and great part of
the breast, are brilliant scarlet, or poppy-red, shining with
metallic lustre; the crowns of the head, nape, and ear-coverts,
are greyish-brown ; upon the top of the head, each feather
is darkest along the shaft, giving a mottled appearance: the
back and scapulars, the greater and lesser coverts of the
wings, and the edges of the tertials, are bright bay. The
quill-feathers of the wings are black, bordered along the
outer web with pure white: this border is, on the fifth and
four succeeding feathers, so wide as to form a large white
spot. The region surrounding the eyes, and the base of the
beak, are pale rufous-brown, the rest of the chin, and a
narrow collar beneath the ear-coverts, white, with a few
brown spots. The bright red of the breast is softly
shaded into rufous on the sides of the breast and flanks,
and the rest of the under parts are pure white. The tail
is black, with white edges to both outer and inner webs;
the upper tail-coverts blackish-brown, broadly edged with
white. The under surface of the wings exhibit the broad

LINNET. 109

silvery margins of the inner webs. The beak is lead-
coloured at the base, and dusky at the tip; the iris hazel ;
the legs reddish-brown. ‘This is the plumage of the height
of summer, after time has worn off the fringes of the
feathers, and left their colours distinctly visible, of which
we have now several specimens before us.

After the autumnal moult, the red feathers of the breast
and head are bordered with brown, the chesnut feathers
of the back obscured with dusky shades, and paler edges,
and the flanks streaked with dusky along the shafts of
the feathers.

The females present a very different appearance. Their
upper plumage is dusky brown, the feathers upon the
wings, back, and scapulars, broadly edged with chesnut
brown: the feathers upon the top of the head and ear-
coverts are edged with brownish-ash: the chin and a
narrow collar extending beneath the ear-coverts, dirty
white. The whole under parts of the body are rufous-
brown, with broad dusky streaks along the shafts of the
feathers. The quill-feathers of the wings and tail, are
the same as in the male, but there is less white upon the
outer webs of the wings. ‘The female is believed seldom
or never to acquire the red colours upon the head and
breast that distinguish the males.

The female of this species is considered to be smaller
in size than the male; and we have frequently remarked,
that some males look smaller than others, which may ac-
count for the different dimensions given of this species in
the works of different authors.

Young birds of the year resemble the female ; but, even
in the nest, professed bird-catchers distinguish one sex
from the other by certain tints of their plumage.

Birds brought up from the nest are said never to
‘acquire the full colours of the adult male at liberty; and

110 FRINGILLIDE.

adult males, if caught in full beauty and caged, do not
regain, after moulting, the spring colouring they before

possessed.
This species is the F'ringzlla canabina of Linneeus.

The egg figured 110 belongs to the Linnet.

MOUNTAIN LINNET. 111

INSESSORES. FRINGILLID LE.
CONIROSTRES.

PLATE CXI.
MOUNTAIN LINNET.
Linaria MONTANA. (Ray.)

THE northern parts of Europe and Asia include the coun-
tries in which this lively and pretty Linnet is most abundant,
and in which the greater number of them are reared and pass
the summer season. At this period it is said to be met
with in the Arctic regions in mountainous places, where no
trees occur, and where the largest products of the vegetable
kingdom are stunted shrubs. It is found also in Norway,
Sweden, Lapland, and Siberia. These birds are abundant
in the Orkneys, according to the account of the Rev. Mr.
Law, in his Fauna Arcadensis, and of Mr. Salmon. From
these gentlemen we learn that the Mountain Linnet is a
permanent resident in those islands, building amongst the
heath or young corn. The same is stated by Mr. Dunn,
in his Ornithologist’s Guide to Orkney and Shetland; who
says of this species, that it is, as far as he is aware, the
only Linnet that breeds in these countries, over which it
is pretty numerously dispersed. In winter it visits stack-
yards, in company with buntings and sparrows, in large
flocks.

In Shetland, according to the observations of Mr. Edmon-
ston, in a list of the birds of those islands published in the
Zoologist, the Twite, or Mountain Linnet, is resident and
very common.

112 FRINGILLIDE.

Descending farther towards the south, we find this species
in Scotland, a country peculiarly adapted to its taste on
account of its wild uncultivated mountains, barren or partly
clothed with stunted shrubs,—especially in the northern
parts. In Sutherlandshire, according to Selby, these birds
are generally distributed: and the Rev. G. Gordon, in his
Fauna of Moray, speaks of them as occurring in flocks, at
the elevation of four or five hundred feet above the level
of the sea at the Gedloch, five miles south of Elgin.

The Mountain Linnet is also met with, in summer, but
probably to less extent, in some of the northern counties
of England. It has been found in the breeding-season in
Yorkshire, Staffordshire, and Derbyshire, but has not been
at present traced further south in this country in summer.
This being the case, it is a subject of surprise at first sight
to find this species residing permanently so far south as the
mountains of Switzerland; and still more so, when we learn
from Mr. Drummond, that in the islands of Crete and Corfu
the Mountain Linnet is common and a permanent resident.
It is probable that in these instances the temperature of the
climate, owing to the greater elevation, as regards Switzer-
land, or other local causes, may be on a parallel with that
of more northern countries at the same season; otherwise,
we could not account for the non-appearance of this species,
during the summer, in the middle and south of England,
and indeed throughout the rest of Europe, no part of which
extends further to the south than the latitude of Crete.

On the approach of winter, the Mountain Linnet leaves
the most northern parts above enumerated, and descends
southward, spreading over the southern parts of Sweden,
England, Germany, France, and Italy. In England they
arrive about the end of September, and are observed to flock
with the common linnets, whom they resemble much in their
manners and food. In the southern parts of England they

MOUNTAIN LINNET. 113

are, however, far from numerous; and we should be inclined
to think the same must be the case in Holland and Ger-
many, since this species was not known to Temminck at
the time of the first publication of his Manuel; neither is
it included in some editions of Bechstein’s Cage Birds. It
appears, indeed, that in Germany and Holland this species is
not known either in summer or winter, being spoken of by
Temminck as a bird of passage only, passing and repassing
in spring and autumn.

In their manners and movements these birds are very
lively and quick; in lightness of flight and agility they are
surpassed by few. In character they are sociable, and
constantly unite in flocks, in company with other small
birds. Their song, consisting of a few hurried syllables,
is pleasing, especially when heard among the barren rocks
of the dreary north; but is inferior to that of the linnet.
_ Their call-notes, which they frequently utter when on
the wing, are peculiar, and may readily be distinguished
from those of other linnets by a practised ear.

This species, according to Mr. Edmonston, ‘is very
destructive to corn in winter, and to turnips, cabbages,
&c., in summer. As soon as the latter plants appear
above ground, the bird pulls them up, and nips off the
seed-leaves, and the field remains strewn with the frag-
ments of the young plants. I have often shot them in
this act, and found their crops stuffed with the seed-leaves
of crucifere. This destructive property in the Twite
renders regular watching of the turnip-fields, during the
two or three days the plants are coming up, absolutely ne-
cessary. They collect in very large flocks in winter; I
have killed,” he continues, “eighty at three successive
shots: twenty at the first, sixteen at the second, and
forty-four at the third.”

Besides the leaves of plants, the food of this species

VOL. III. I

114 FRINGILLIDE.

consists of seeds, especially rape, of which they are very
fond ; they also feed, together with the linnets, on various
small seeds of weeds and low plants; when caged, moss-
seed is much liked by them. .

The situation chosen by the Mountain Linnet for its
nest differs from that of others of its family, it being
almost invariably placed upon the ground: it is usually
found among heath or long grass, rarely, if ever, in bushes.
The nest is constructed externally of dry grass, moss, and
fibrous roots, and neatly lined with hair, wool, or feathers.
The eggs are pale blue, or bluish-white, with a few dots
and lines of lavender and black: such is the description
given by various ornithologists, agreeing perfectly with
a specimen obligingly supplied to us by Mr. Yarrell.

The entire length of this species, when alive, is four
inches and three quarters: the wing measures two inches
eleven lines, and the tail extends one inch and a quarter
beyond the wings, when closed: the second quill-feather
of the wing is the longest. The tail is much forked, the
middle feathers being five lines shorter than the external
ones: the tarsi are seven lines in length, and the expanse
of the foot nearly an inch and a quarter.

In the adult male of this species, the head, nape, back,
and scapulars are black, bordered with pale rufous-brown.
The greater coverts of the wings, the bastard wing, the ©
secondaries and tertials, the upper coverts and two mid-
dle feathers of the tail, are black, edged with pale rufous-
brown: on the tips of the greater coverts, and part of the
outer web of the secondaries and tertials, the brown border
is broad enough to form a bar. The quill and tail-feathers
are black, with white edges, broadest towards the base. The
lower part of the back is garnet red, shading into the brown
colour of the upper tail-coverts. ‘The chin and sides of
the face, and upper part of the breast and flanks, are pale

ies hi
evil

her
Noa
aden
aia

ei
We Ate

i
ely

MOUNTAIN LINNET. 115

rufous-brown ; the two former plain, except the ear-coverts,
which are finely streaked with greyish-brown, and the lat-
ter are streaked with dusky lines along the shafts: the rest
of the under parts are white. ‘The iris is dusky, the legs
nearly black. The beak is small in size; it is in summer
lemon colour, in winter yellowish-white.

Very little change is perceptible in the colour of this
Linnet at different seasons, except that the red upon the
rump is less brilliant in winter, and spotted with dusky.

In the female and young of the year, the rufous-brown
edges of the feathers are paler, and the central dark parts
dusky, instead of black: the rump has no tint of rose colour,
but is tessellated with two shades of brown, like the rest
of the back. The beak is paler in colour, and has a dark
tip. |

The Mountain Linnet has often been confused with the
common linnet, and the two redpoles; but besides the
difference of its colouring, this species may always be dis-
tinguished from either by its different flight, manners, and
form. In its manner of flying, it is light and noiseless,
often sustaining itself in the air by fluttering its wings so
quickly as to render them almost invisible. In its form
it is much more slender than that of the linnet or the
redpole, and its tail longer in proportion. It is a cheerful,
lively, and active species.

This species is the Fringilla mantium of Gmelin; and
the T'wite of Montagu.

The egg of the Mountain Linnet is figured 111 in the
plate.

116 FRINGILLIDE.

INSESSORES. FRINGILLID.
CONIROSTRES.

PLATE CXIlI.

REDPOLE.

LinaRIA MINOR.

Tue lively and amusing little species the subject of
the present article, is the smallest of our British linnets, and
the most gay and familiar of them all. The northern parts
of the globe are the residence chiefly of this little species,
which it is found to inhabit permanently, in favourable situa-
tions, the countries comprised between the 53rd and 60th
degrees of north latitude: and even farther northward.

In the southern parts of England the Redpole is only
known as a winter migrant, appearing in October, or Novem-
ber, as soon probably as food becomes scarce in their more
northern quarters; for although the fur countries of North
America are not altogether deserted, even in the coldest
weather, according to the observations of Dr. Richardson,
yet a southern movement takes place. At this season,
namely, winter, numbers extend their migrations to the south
of England, to France, Germany, and even Italy. We find,
however, no mention of them among the birds of Corfu or
Crete, it is therefore probable that their range does not at
any time extend southward beyond the continent of Europe.

With the winter habits of the Redpole in this country,
many observers of nature must be well acquainted. They

REDPOLE. 117

appear at all seasons to prefer copse wood and _ plantations
of birch and alder, on the outskirts of woods; especially
in the vicinity of marshy ground, small streams and rivulets.
In such localities they may be often seen in November, in
company with linnets, titmice, and siskins, feeding upon the
seeds of the above named trees. Passing through a spot of this
description on a bright day, in the middle of November, our
attention was arrested for some time by their active and eager
movements in search of their favourite food. As we ap-
proached the trees where they were flocking, from which
a narrow stream alone separated us, the linnets who were
feeding with them, more shy than the Redpoles, immediately
flew off and descended to the ground, where they continued
to make their repast among the thistles ; but the Redpoles
remained quite undisturbed by our presence, and as if al-
together unconscious of our being so near them ; nevertheless,
the low alders, among which they were regaling themselves,
being close upon the bank of the little stream, were not more
than three yards from us; and quite within reach of limed
twigs, if we had been provided with such things. They were
all busily picking out, as it seemed, the seeds of the cones,
which hung plentifully upon the otherwise naked branches ;
and we could hear the snapping and rustling made by them,
as they picked out one by one these hidden treasures.

These are among the most fearless of little birds; we say
fearless because their regardlessness of mankind cannot be at-
tributed to dulness or want of energy, since they display
much susceptibility and affection among themselves, and un-
ceasingly contend for their own rights and privileges when
caged.

In their actions, these little birds are lively and quick,
and when busied in picking out seeds from the pendant
bunches of alder, &c., they place themselves in various pleas-
ing and graceful attitudes, much resembling the actions of the

118 FRINGILLIDE.

titmouse tribe. While feeding, a continual chattering is
kept up among these busy little creatures, interspersed with
shriller notes, so that their presence may often be detected by
the ear alone. It is not very easy to disturb them from
their repast, and even if fired at they will presently return to
the same place, and recommence their search for food.

Besides the seeds of the above mentioned trees, these little
Redpoles feed on those of various kinds of thistle, the dan-
delion, &c.; on those of some kinds of cruciform plants,
such as the turnip, and the seeds of mosses. In summer
they vary their food with insects and the buds of trees, by
which latter practise plantations sustain much injury.

Although not found in the southern counties of England,
during the summer season, this little species does not retire
far northward, bemg met with throughout the year in York-
shire, and other northern counties; and still more plentifully
in Scotland, where, according to northern authors, their usual
places of resort, during the breeding season, are the banks of
streams, where birch-copses abound, especially in hilly and
rocky districts; or the brushwood that skirts the foot of
mountains, or fringes the banks of mountain streams.

The nest of the Redpole, as described by different authors,
is variously placed: some are found near the ground in wil-
low or alder stumps, or among the branches of heath and
other low bushes; occasionally more elevated in the branch
of a hazel or thorn, or even in more lofty situations. It is
formed of dry grasses and moss, lined with willow down, or
the feathers of mountain birds, such as the ptarmigan, &c.
The eggs, in number from four to six, are pale greenish-blue,
spotted at the larger end with reddish-brown, and sometimes
a few hair-like lines of a darker colour, brown or black.

Yorkshire, above mentioned as the most southern county
in which the Redpole habitually breeds, is not, however, in-
variably the limit: since Mr. Hewitson mentions instances

REDPOLE. 119

of its being found in Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, and War
wickshire.

In a notice of birds that frequent the Isle of White, con-
tributed to the Zoologist by the Rey. C. A. Bury, a circum-
stance is mentioned which seems to prove that even a more
southern situation is sometimes chosen. That gentleman
says, ‘‘I have frequently met with the Redpole in Newchurch
marshes in winter: and I have in my possession a nest, con-
taining two eggs of this little winter visiter, taken in Shanklin
Chine, May 17th, 1843. The boy who found it, an experi-
enced bird-nester, was at a loss to identify it, though he
knew of another resembling it. This second nest was taken
by some other person. I could not obtain a sight of the
parent birds, but the boy’s description corresponded with that
of the Redpole. The nest and eggs perfectly coincide with
those described by Mr. Yarrell: the former is lined with the
eatkin of the willow, and was built in an alder, hard by a
stream which flows down the Chine.”

In Norway, Sweden, and Russia this species is found
throughout the year; also in some parts of Siberia, and as far
east as Kamtschatka. In the fur countries of North America,
as before observed, many remain during the winter. In Ame-
rica, according to the naturalists of that country, Kedpoles
descend in very severe seasons, as far southward as Pennsyl-
vania.

Redpoles inhabit and breed in the Orkneys, according to
the Rey. Mr. Low: but they are not mentioned by Mr.
Edmonston as inhabitants of Shetland, in his Fauna of that
island. ‘They are found in Iceland; and individuals have
been met with on the wing a few miles from Spitzbergen.

The Redpole is a bird of neat, and even handsome appear-
ance, and a great acquisition and ornament in an aviary.
Fresh caught specimens may be readily accustomed to a cage,
and appear almost unconscious of their loss of liberty. They

120 FRINGILLIDE.

are very sociable with other birds, and will live in great
harmony with most small species. But if an indtvidual of
their own species is brought near, or put into the same cage,
their pleasure is expressed in most lively and pleasing ges-
tures, erecting the feathers of the crown, and often affection-
ately caressing one another with their little beaks. ‘This great
sociability towards their fellows renders it very easy to catch
a number of them as soon as one is secured for a call-bird.
Instances have been known of their breeding in confinement,
but these are rare.

Being in want of a living specimen for examination, while
in the course of writing on the subject of the Redpole, we
purchased one in London, on the 17th of June, and took
it home with us. Its cage was frequently placed in the gar-
den, where the lively notes of other birds encouraged it to
chirp also, and we occasionally heard its call echoed by sounds
very similar. Now the trial was to be made, whether the
Redpole inhabited Surrey insummer or not. With this view
we listened and watched with much interest, and not long
without success.

One morning the alarm was given that a wild Redpole had
been seen upon the outside of the cage, contemplating the
little prisoner within. This was joyful news to a naturalist,
and we believe no true ornithologist will laugh to scorn the
pleasure we experienced on the occasion. In the course of
the day, the visit of the wild bird was repeated, and he even
came accompanied by one or more little companions of the
same species ; sometimes alighting upon the top of the cage,
sometimes only answering the notes of satisfaction uttered
by the little captive, from a neighbouring tree. This proof
that Surrey is not without its Redpoles, even in the middle
of summer, for it was still June, was very agreeable to us,
and furnished us with another testimony in favour of an
opinion before expressed, that many birds supposed to be

REDPOLE. 121

local or rare, need only to be sought with a little persever-
ance in order to be found. Our next object was, to catch
one of these strangers, which, with a little patience, we shortly
succeeded in doing.

The entire length of the Redpole seldom exceéds four
inches and a half. The wing, from the carpus to the tip, mea-
sures two inches six lines: and the tail extends about ten lines
beyond the tips of the closed wings. ‘The tarsus measures
about six lines; the feet are small and delicate, and the claws
remarkably sharp. The beak is thick at the base, and drawn
to a point: the nostrils and base of both mandibles, are co-
vered with fine hairs directed forwards. The tail is much
forked, the middle pair of feathers being nearly six lines shorter
than the outer. The weight of this little species is, accord-
ing to Montagu, two drachms and a half.

The plumage of a beautiful male taken soon after the
moulting season, was as follows: the beak yellowish-orange
with a dusky tip: the feathers encircling the beak so broadly
edged with yellowish-brown, as almost to obscure their dark
brown bases: the forehead crimson-red, inclining to garnet
colour. On the side of the face, nape, and scapulars, the
feathers are dusky, very broadly edged with yellowish-brown,
and presenting beautifully tesselated appearance. The wing-
coyerts are dusky ; the two lower rows tipped with rufous-
white, forming two bars across the wings: the spurious wing-
let and quill-feathers dusky, very narrowly edged with ru-
fous-white ; the secondary and tertial-feathers the same in
colour, with their edges rather broader; the quill-feathers
of the tail the same colour as those of the wing; the lower
part of the back is mottled with dusky and white, the rump
slightly tinged with rose-colour; the upper coverts of the tail
dusky, edged with pale-brown. ‘The feathers on the upper
part of the breast are delicate rose-colour, those nearest the
chin broadly fringed with rufous-white: the rest of the un-

122 FRINGILLIDE.

der parts are pure white, the flanks tinged with rufous. Some
of the white under coverts of the tail have dark marks along
their shafts, those on the flanks also. The eye is dusky,
the feet and legs dark-brown.

As the feathers become worn by time and exposure, those
that surround the beak lose their light edges and become
dusky, the rufous fringes upon the breast disappear and leave
the red and white more conspicuous ; and the upper parts
of the plumage become from the same causes, of a darker tint.
In this state, it corresponds with the figure of the adult male
in the plate,

The female has the same colours as the male, except upon
the breast, which seldom or never exhibits any of the red
tint ; but has dusky streaks along the shafts of the feathers ;
as represented by the second figure in the plate. In size she
is rather smaller than the male, and more slender in form.

Like the linnets, these birds lose in confinement the colours
that distinguish them when wild: after moulting, the male
does not regain the beautiful red upon the breast, that part
becoming rufous-white; and the red of the crown changing
mostly to orange, or even olive-green.

The egg figured 112 is that of the Redpole.

(Se)

MEALY REDPOLE. 123

INSESSORES. FRINGILLIDE.
CONIROSTRES.

PLATE CXIII.
MEALY REDPOULE.
LINARIA BOREALIS.

Turs species is an inhabitant of the northern parts of the
globe, as its trivial name (borealis) implies. It is found
both on the old and new continents, but is chiefly confined,
according to ’emminck, to the regions situated in and about
the Arctic Circle. It is the opinion of that author, that its
appearance in our more temperate climate can only be con-
sidered, like that of many other rare birds, accidental. It
is an inhabitant of Japan and Greenland, according to the
same author, who, in the third volume of his ** Manuel d’Or-
nithologie,” speaks of having received specimens from those
regions, exactly similar to individuals that are, from time to
time, captured in our latitudes.

As an inhabitant of North America, this species has long
been known ; but it was not until lately recognised as ident-
ical with our British straggler ; it is now, however, so con-
sidered by the chief of our ornithologists.

Both this species and the lesser one, before described, are
common to America, and are there also considered as two
distinct species ; and described as such by the Prince of Mu-
signano, by Dr. Richardson, and other authors.

In relative proportions, we belicve no marked distinction

124 FRINGILLIDA.

is to be perceived between the two species, namely, the L.
borealis and the L. minor: the principal difference consists
in the size, and in the tints of the plumage. In size the
northern or Mealy Redpole exceeds our lesser and more com-
mon species considerably, some of them being as large in ap-
pearance as the common linnet. In the form of its beak the
borealis resembles the lesser species, the greater size observa-
ble being only in proportion to its other dimensions.

In habits and manners the two species are said to bear
great resemblance to each other, feeding probably on the
same kinds of food; and associating, at least in its acci-
dental visits to this country, with the lesser Redpole and the
siskin.

The appearance of the Mealy or northern Redpole is very
irregular in England, as to time and place. They have been
met with during some winters in tolerable abundance; and
intervals of some years elapse before they are again plentiful.
In the winter of 1829, they are said to have been very numer-
ous, which was a season of remarkable severity : in the spring
of 1836, they were again seen. ‘Their appearance so far to
the south seems, therefore, due to the low temperature of the
atmosphere, and the consequent difficulty of procuring food
in their native regions.

The Mealy Redpole has never been known to breed in
this island, although individuals have occasionally been seen
late in the spring.

We are, fortunately, able to give our subscribers a repre-
sentation of this rare egg, from a specimen in our own posses-
sion. This has sufficient resemblance to the eggs of the
linnet tribe in general to identify it as belonging to the
genus, and yet differs in its details from all of them. It
measures eight and a half lines in length, and six and a half
in breadth, and is rather blunt at the smaller end. In the
ground colour it is pale greenish-blue, and is sprinkled over

MEALY REDPOLE. 125

with pale but distinct spots, chiefly confined to a zone around
the larger end. These are of a reddish-brown colour, some
inclining to lilac. The texture of the egg is nearly without
polish.

This rare egg is represented by figure 113 in the plate.

126 FRINGILLID#.

INSESSORES. FRINGILLID2.
CONTIROSTRES.

PLATE CXIV.
HAWFINCH.

CoccoTHRAUSTES VULGARIS.

Unrix within a few years, the history and habits of the
Hawfinch, as regards its residence in this country, were but
little understood. Bewick, Montagu, Selby, and other Bri-
tish authors, speak of it as a winter visitor only. The later
researches of some persevering naturalists have, however,
proved that this bird, although far from commonly distri-
buted, is to be found throughout the year in certain favour-
able localities. It appears to be a bird of shy and retired
habits, and is chiefly found to frequent, in summer, woods,
forests, and retired places, such as Windsor and Epping
Forests, &c.

The first discovery of the nest and eggs of this species,
(which established the fact of its breeding in this country)
was made, we believe, by Mr. Doubleday of Epping, who
having, on various occasions, seen individuals during summer,
at last succeeded in discovering several of their nests. Other
naturalists, residing in favourable situations for observing the
habits of these birds, concur in the opinion expressed by Mr.
Doubleday, that they are permanent residents in that forest,
appearing equally plentiful at all periods of the year.

On this subject we may quote the following observations
of J. G. Barclay, Esq. of Walthamstow, who says, “This

iu
Se
yrs
ee
eaayury
Prey ne

HAWFINCH. La

comparatively rare species first came under my notice about
the winter of 1825, but it was not till 1837 that I was aware
of their being resident, and rather numerous in the neigh-
bourhood. During the winter and early part of that year, four
or five of these birds were pretty constant visitors in my fa-
ther’s garden, and others were occasionally observed flying over.
On the 17th of May, we discovered a nest situated in an
apple-tree, in a retired part of the garden, about ten feet
from the ground ; and the old birds, though very shy, might
be occasionally observed about. ‘The hen sat very closely
on four eggs, after I had secured the fifth for my collection,
and on the 3rd of June hatched one young bird only, which
left the nest on the 18th, but was not seen afterwards. ...
Being anxious to ascertain whether this nest was only an
incidental one, or whether the bird constantly bred in the
neighbourhood, I started one evening (on the 24th of March)
to search in a spot which I knew to be a favourite resort
of the Hawfinches, situated on the borders of the forest,
abounding in a growth of lofty timber, interspersed with fine
old hawthorn and yew-trees. I was speedily rewarded by
the discovery of two nests, one containing three, the other
one or two eggs, both similarly situated about twenty feet
from the ground, amongst the forked boughs of the old haw-
thorns: we also observed the commencement of another nest
in a neighbouring tree, very similarly placed, and all within a
few yards of each other.”. . .‘* During the autumn, we pretty
much lost sight of our interesting visitors, except their being
occasionally observed feeding in company with whitethroats
and some other birds, on the ripe berries of the mespilus, a fine
specimen of which tree stood near the house: but during the
following winter, that of 1837-8, which was remarkably se-
vere, 2 numerous colony frequented our garden, as many as
from twenty to thirty being generally seen in the morning,
feeding on the berries of a favourite holly. On the least

128 FRINGILLID.

alarm, they quickly dispersed to the topmost boughs of the
neighbouring lofty trees, where they remained, if not further
molested, till the danger had passed, and then returned
quickly to their meal.”

‘In the winter season, and especially during severe wea-
ther, these birds are frequently seen in the neighbourhood
of the forest, in large flocks of from fifty to a hundred or
more, feeding on the seeds of hornbeam, to which they ap-
pear to be particularly partial ; and as spring advances they
disperse into retired spots to breed. I am inclined to think
that their shy habits, together with their being a very local
species, has led to their having remained so long unobserved :
and I much doubt their numbers being increased by a winter
migration from other countries, their apparent numbers, at
that season, being probably only the result of their congre-
gating together, and becoming more bold in their approach to
our gardens and orchards.”

Previous to the investigations of the two gentlemen just
mentioned, so little had been known respecting the summer
residence of this species in England, that one specimen only
was spoken of by Latham, as having occurred in the summer
months: and in the second edition of Selby’s Hlustrations of
British Ornithology, allusion is made to their breeding in
Windsor Forest.

The Hawfinch doubtless inhabits permanently other parts
of England, where woodland and forest districts are te be
found of a similar character; and it is to be hoped that
other naturalists, conveniently situated to make the investi-
gation, will be enabled to add to the limited localities at pre-
sent known.

These birds are said to belong chiefly to the warmer coun-
tries of Europe, namely, France, Italy, and Germany; where
they also breed. In Belgium, says M. Julien Deby, Haw-
finches migrate in spring and autumn, but pairs and small

HAWFINCH. 129

flocks are seen all through the winter. They only nestle in
the wildest parts of the country. These birds reach in their
summer migration as far as Sweden, and parts of Russia, ac-
cording to Montagu; and Temminck includes them amongst
the inhabitants of Siberia and Japan. In Corfu, according to
Mr. Strickland, this bird is a winter visitor, but irregular in
its appearance, being some years scarce, and in others very
common. It does not, however, breed there, but goes north-
ward in the beginning of April. In Mr. Drummond’s list of
birds of the island of Crete, this species does not occur; but
it has been met with in Egypt in winter.

In deference to the opinion above alluded to, of Mr.
Doubleday and Mr. Barclay, that this species does not in-
crease or diminish in numbers at different seasons in the
localities with which they are respectively acquainted, but
are in fact natives and permanent residents there; it appears
probable that the many straggling groups that are to be met
with in various parts of England during the winter half of
the year, are foreigners, bred in more northern parts, and
induced through cold or dearth of food to visit these islands.
Their appearing here at uncertain times, and in greater num-
bers in winters remarkable for their severity, appears to fa-
vour this supposition. ‘These presumed foreigners are also
much more generally diffused, occurring commonly in many
wooded districts, im various parts of Hngland. There is
hardly a county from Yorkshire to the southern coast where
they have not been seen, and obtained at various times during,
and often simultaneously with, the first severe frosts. They
are rare, according to Selby, in the northern counties of
England, nevertheless a few captures have been made in
Scotland. They are not mentioned in a Fauna of Moray,
by the Rev. G. Gordon; neither do we find this oe
in Mr. Edmonston’s Fauna of Shetland.

“The principal food of this species in Epping Forest,”

K

130 FRINGILLIDE.

says Mr. Doubleday, ‘‘ appears to be the seed of the horn-
beam, (Carpinus betulus), which is the prevailing species
of tree in the forest : they also feed on the kernels of the haws,
plum-stones, laurel berries, &c., and in summer make great
havock amongst green-peas in gardens in the vicinity of the
forest.” Amongst the peculiar characteristics of this bird,
Mr. Barclay notices its thick and powerful beak, formed for
breaking hard kernels, and fruit-stones. ‘‘'The muscle,”
he says, ‘‘ by which this is effected, is wonderfully developed,
being turned backwards over the skull, which is ridged over
the eye to receive it, almost to the root of the beak. Their
bite is of course severe ; and I have frequently noticed the
ground, beneath the tree on which they have been feeding,
covered with twigs and leaves, cut off by their powerful beaks
as if with scissors.”

These birds are at most periods remarkably shy. ‘ In
this trait,” says Mr. Doubleday, “ they exceed any land bird
with which I am acquainted; and in open places it is almost
impossible to approach them within gunshot.” In very se-
vere weather we have, however, noticed them to be far more
approachable, rendered bolder doubtless by scarcity of food ;
or (supposing these winter straggling flocks to be of foreign
birth), from their having been reared in remote or less
inhabited parts.

A pair of these birds were for some time living in the
possession of J. Fletcher, Esq., of Ruxley Lodge, Surrey,
which we believe had been reared from the nest in that county.
The female, which survived her mate, was kindly lent to us
for some time in order to observe its habits. She was very
quiet and tame, and never while with us uttered any vocal
sound, but we observed that she often made a grinding harsh
noise with her beak, similar to that produced by the same
organ by some of the parrot tribe.

The Hawfinch is a heavy looking and clumsy bird, far ex-

HAWFINCH. 131

ceeding in bulk many whose measured dimensions are the same.
In entire length, it is about seven inches; the wing measures
four inches from the carpus to the tip of the quill-feathers. The
first three quill-feathers are nearly equal in length, the fourth
two lines shorter; the succeeding four or five feathers, which
constitute a great peculiarity in this bird, are of an unusual
form, resembling when separated from the wing, a bill-hook
or battle-axe, and the secondary quills lying next to them
are square at the ends: these feathers are all differently
coloured from the rest of the wing. The tail, which is
slightly forked, exceeds the closed wing about an inch.
The beak is remarkably thick and strong; it measures three-
fourths of an inch from the base to the tip, half an inch in
depth at the base, and rather more in width from side to side,
at its junction with the feathered part of the face ; the nostrils
are not visible, being hidden by the reflected short hairs that
fringe the base of the beak.

The plumage of the adult male of this species is as follows :
—Beak blue in summer, lightest at the base, and dark horn
colour at the tip: in the winter it is pearl-colour, with the
tip black. The beak is entirely surrounded with black,
which occupies the chin and throat, and extends in a nar-
row line across the forehead ; the lore is also black, as well
as the eyelids, and a narrow line surrounding them. The
eye is dull pink. The forehead and cheeks are yellowish-
buff, the top of the head bright bay; the nape of the neck
is bluish-grey; the back and scapulars are umber-brown ;
the tertial-feathers of the wing, and some of the larger
coverts of the same, partake also of the brown colour of
the back. ‘The lower part of the back, and upper tail-
coverts, are yellowish-brown; these are very long, and
reach to the end of the tail. The longer quill-feathers of
the wing are dusky ; the rest are purplish at the tips, with
reflections of steel-blue; white spots occupy part of the

K 2

132 FRINGILLIDE.

inner webs. Some of the greater coverts of the wings, and
a few of the lesser near them, are whitish, forming a spot
or speculum, when the wing is closed. The breast and
under parts are pale brown, tinged with blossom-colour,
lightest on the belly. The tail-feathers are black, with
a portion of white on their inner webs.

The female has the same distribution of colours, but
they are generally paler; and the dark spot beneath her
chin is rather brown than black, and smaller in extent.
The legs and feet of both sexes are flesh-colour, tinged with
brown.

The young birds before their first autumnal moult are
yellowish-brown, on their upper parts tinged with olive ;
beneath pale dull brown, with transverse irregular dusky
bars; the throat is more or less mottled with black, indi-
cating its more mature state.

“The nest of the Hawfinch,” according to Mr. Barclay,
“resembles much that of the bulfinch, though considerably
larger, being composed of an abundance of twigs and small
dead sticks, closely put together, and lined with garden
bass and fibrous roots. The eggs are of an olive-green
ground, marked and blotched with dark brown.”

These eggs vary not much in appearance, and all bear
the same characteristic appearance. ‘The upper one re-
presented in the plate, was drawn from a specimen lent us
by Mr. Yarrell, many years ago, for our quarto work; it was
spotted and streaked with dark olive and grey, and mea-
sured eleven lines and a half in length, and eight and a
half lines in diameter. The eggs are mostly four or five in
number.

The eggs marked 114 and var. in the plate, represent
those of the Hawfinch.

Bias.

GREENFINCH. 1338

INSESSORES. FRINGILLIID A.
CONIROSTRES.

PLATE CXV.
GREENFINCH.

CoccoTHRAUSTES CHLORIS.

Tue well known Greenfinch, with its congener the Haw-
finch, are the only two species of the genus Coccothraustes
which belong to our island; they are chiefly distinguished
from other Fringillide by their large and powerful beaks,
their short tails, and clumsy appearance.

The Greenfinch is very generally dispersed throughout
England, and common in most sylvan localities, such as the
outskirts of woods, parks, and gardens; also tall hedgerows,
where the whitethorn or maple have been allowed for some
years their natural growth, uninjured by the destructive but
necessary lopping of the hedger’s axe.

This is in summer a sprightly bird, whose peculiar note
may often be heard for hours together, uttered from the tallest
spray of the hedge, or from the bough of a tree a little
elevated above the rest of the copse; the long drawn note
tway ! will readily distinguish it. Sometimes its frolicsome
mood (for even the Greenfinch can be frolicsome in the season
that fills all hearts with gladness) is exhibited in curious
flights, turns, and evolutions, rising in the air, fluttering,
tumbling, and descending to the same bough many times in
succession, as if at a loss how best to express its happiness.

134 FRINGILLID.

The localities above mentioned as frequented by Green-
finches at most seasons of the year are also those that are
chosen for their summer building spots. The station itself
varies greatly ; some nests are placed in tall hedges, or
isolated thorns; some are concealed in the thick ivy that
may now and then be seen crowning the withered arms of an
old pollard tree, where, for want of the means of climbing
higher, it has grown into bushy heads. ‘They may also occa-
sionally be found to build in gardens on the outskirts of
villages and towns, probably attracted by evergreen shrubs, in
which this species seem much to delight for that purpose.
The partiality for evergreens evinced by the Greenfinch, has
been also noticed by Selby, who describes this species as
generally choosing its roosting place among holly bushes, or
in the warm and sheltered retreat afforded by fir-trees.

The nest of the Greenfinch, always picturesque from the
diversity of the materials employed, is rather large in pro-
portion to the size of the bird; the outside is loosely con-
structed, commencing with a platform of slight twigs and
bents, often intermixed with green moss; it is then usually
felted with woel, within which is a lining of delicate fibrous
roots, and finally horse-hair laid neatly round and round; the
cup is rather shallow, and broad enough to accommodate the
numerous family, which often amounts to seven. ‘The most
elegant nest we ever met with was one built by this species.
It was entirely composed externally of a basket work of the
seed stems of shepherd’s-purse, (Thlaspz bursa pastoris,)
still garnished with their pods; these were interwoven with
the white wool of which the chief substance of the nest con-
sisted, with their tufted heads projecting an inch or two from
the nest on all sides; there was neither twig nor straw to
destroy the beautiful effect ; the lining was as usual fine roots
and hair, and it contained seven eggs, greenish-white im the
ground colour, dotted with lilac and dark brown about the
larger end.

GREENFINCH. 135

The eggs of the Greenfinch vary much in different nests,
in size, form, and colour. Some approach very nearly in
appearance to those of the linnet, but are larger in size ;
some resemble chaffinches’ eggs in their markings and the
roundness of their form, while others are long and pointed.
The ground colour is greenish, bluish, or greyish-white ; the
spots are usually reddish-lilac and rufous brown, mostly dis-
posed around the larger end ; sometimes, however, the whole
egg is mottled over, as in the upper figure in our plate.

The geographical distribution of the Greenfinch is exten-
sive, being found from the western parts of Europe to the
eastern confines of Asia; cultivated or sylvan districts being
probably preferred throughout this vast extent, such being
observed to be its peculiar choice in this country. In lati-
tudinal extent it is found from Sweden and Norway as far
south as the Mediterranean and its islands, including Crete,
where, according to Mr. Drummond, it is very common.
Whether this bird is stationary throughout the year in the
more northern parts mentioned, we are not well informed,
but are inclined to think not, at least not to the same extent
as it is well known that in several countries situate more to
the south there is a considerable accession to the numbers of
this species in winter. In Shetland we learn from T. Ed-
monston, Esq. that the Greenfinch is a winter visitor only, in
common with the snow bunting, the goldfinch, the linnet, &c.
which implies that it leaves some more northern part at that
season for the comparatively less unfriendly climate of that
island. A southern movement seems also to take place with
this species still further, since it is mentioned by M. Julien
Deby that in Belgium Greenfinches flock in winter, but leave
that country when the season is uncommonly cold. In Eng-
land the changes of locality that take place among Green-
finches appear more impelled by scarcity of food than to be
the effect of temperature. ‘ During the summer months,”

136 FRINGILLIDE.

says Mr. Hepburn, ‘“ Greenfinches subsist largely upon in-
sects and their larvee, as well as upon the downy seeds of the
groundsel and dandelion, alighting adroitly upon the stems,
bearing them to the earth, and feasting at their leisure. Tur-
nip seed, and the seeds of chickweed, charlocks, and various
grasses, also enter into their bill of fare, till the crops of
wheat and oats begin to ripen, when they occasionally do
some damage along the borders of the fields, but when the
grain is cut ‘and carried away, they search the stubbles in
large flocks, which are fully as animated and as amusing in
their habits as those of the grey linnet. Green linnets may
be daily seen in our yards all the year round, though of
course they are most abundant during the inclement months
of winter, when they pilfer the exposed ears of corn from the
sides of the stacks and search the cattle-yards, and by the
barn door.”

The intelligence which many small birds display in their
intercourse with mankind, is very interesting and surprising.
‘In the spring of 1824, says a friend, (the Rev. EH. J.
Moor,) ‘‘a pair of green linnets built in the ivy porch of
Boulge Cottage. I was one day watching the nest when the
young ones were about half grown. While I was there the
old one came with some food, and perched close to the nest ;
the young ones immediately set up a great chirping. Hither-
to I had been quite concealed from the old bird; but the
wind moving the ivy leaves, her eye and mine met, and the
same moment she uttered a quick note, which was scarcely
uttered before all the chirping instantly ceased—the young
ones perfectly understanding the signal.”

A parallel instance of the watchful care of a pair of Green-
finches for the safety of their young ones, came under our
own observation. One day several little nestlings were
caught in a field adjoining the garden; they were scarcely

fledoed, and could not fly; we put them in a small cage
oO b) e ole)

GREENFINCH. 137

which we placed in a low hedge, bordering the field where
they were captured. It was not long before they were dis-
covered by the parents, who immediately visited them, and
appeared to bring them food. ‘These marks of affection in-
terested us, and fearing that where they were placed the
young nestlings might become a prey to prowling cats, we
gave them their liberty. The parents, however, appeared not
yet satisfied respecting the safety of their young ones, for a
short time after they were observed in the act of carrying one
of them away; they were bearing it between them at about
the elevation of a foot and a half from the ground, and in this
manner were seen to carry it above fifty yards, namely, from
the spot where the young birds were set at liberty, to the end
of a gravel path, where they entered a clump of fir-trees. In
what manner the parents supported the nestling was not very
apparent, as the observers did not like to follew too quickly,
lest the old birds should relinquish their burthen ; but from
the close vicinity of the three during their flight, it appeared
as if they must have upheld it by means of their beaks. The
other nestlings had apparently been conveyed away in the
same manner, as none of them were to be found.

Besides the food above mentioned as the support of this
species, ‘'emminck includes the berries of the juniper, and we
have observed that the scarlet hips, or pods of the rose, are
frequently pecked at by Greenfinches. These birds may
readily be caught under a sieve baited with barley, of which
grain they are so fond that they will sit almost immoveable for
a quarter of an hour close to the ground, feasting on this
favourite grain; their manner of eating which, is by shelling
or grinding it in their bill, by which means they leave the
spot strewed with chaff; we have seen them so busily and
quietly engaged in this occupation that they might be mis-
taken for fallen autumnal leaves, slightly agitated from time
to time by the wind.

138 FRINGILLIDE.

The entire length of the Greenfinch, or Green Linnet, is
about six inches and a half; the wing measures from the
carpal joint to the tip three and a half inches, and has the
first three feathers nearly equal in length.

In the adult male the head and back are yellowish-green,
inclining to ash colour upon the coverts of the ears; the lore
and a narrow band across the forehead are dusky; the lower
part of the back and breast are yellow, the flanks tinged with
greenish-grey. The greater quills are yellow on the upper
half of their outer webs; the greater coverts and tertials
greenish-grey. ‘The middle feathers of the tail are dusky
grey, the rest have the basal half yellow, the tips greyish-
black ; the rest of the under parts not described are lemon-
yellow. The iris is hazel; the beak pearl flesh colour; the
legs and toes pale flesh, tinged with dusky about the claws.

The female is less bright in plumage, having none of the
pure yellow that adorns the male. The young nestlings are
greenish-grey on their upper parts, and have dark shaft streaks
about the throat and breast, upon a greyish-white ground.

The egg of the Greenfinch is figured 115 in the Plate.

n nip Ne

COMMON CROSSBILL. 139

INSESSORES. FRINGILLIDE.
CONTROSTRES.

PLATE CXVI.
COMMON CROSSBILL.

‘LoxIA CURVIROSTRA.

THESE curious birds, singular alike in form and _ habits,
in their changes of plumage and times of breeding, have
been long known in this country as occasional visitants,
whose peculiarity of appearance and manners did not fail
to be observed and commented upon, even centuries ago,
when ornithology was a study little thought of or cultivated.
Their habits and times of appearance in this country are
still somewhat obscure and ill defined, but from T’emminck
and other continental authors, whose facilities of observation
are more favourable, many particulars may be learned, which
will enable us to unite some of the unconnected links of
their history.

The Common Crossbill inhabits the northern parts of the
Old World, as far towards the Arctic regions, as the trees ne-
cessary to their subsistence exist. It is found in the north of
Sweden and Norway, in Russia and Siberia. From such
northern parts, these birds spread themselves over Kurope to
its centre, being plentiful in Poland and Prussia, and common
in many parts of Germany. In Holland and France it is
said to be less frequently met with, and is still more rare
in Switzerland. According to Mr. Audubon, this species is
also common to parts of the American continent, most

4
140 FRINGILLIDE.

abundant in Maine, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia; it
is also found in Pennsylvania.

In the pine forests of Silesia, Bohemia, in the Hartz
mountains, and in the Thuringer Wald, the Crossbill is
also indigenous, and in seasons when fir-cones abound, they
are seen to congregate in such considerable flocks, that it
is difficult to conceive from whence they arrive so suddenly,
and in such numbers.

These birds appear upon the European continent as well as
in Britain, to have very roving and wandering habits, appear-
ing in various places in great numbers, and disappearing again
without any apparent cause, and with little regularity of time
or season. Doubtless food is the inciting cause of all their
erratic movements, as severities of temperature appear to have
little effect upon this species. In these wandering move-
ments they have been observed, like many other gregarious
birds, to have a leader, or sentinel, whose alarm note, or call,
either warns his companions of the approach of danger, or
collects such as have strayed from the society. Their manner
of flight when on the wing is arched, like that of the finch
tribes; it is also quick and rapid. While feeding they fre-
quently utter a chirping note, and occasionally a louder ery,
which sounds like ¢tsoc! tsoc! also a soft one resembling g¢p,
or kip. On the continent, where much more pains are taken
than in this country to catch various small birds for the table,
and for other purposes, a Crossbill that utters the monosyl-
Jable tsoc freely, is much valued as a call-bird to attract
others.

In their motions, as well as in their appearance, these birds
much resemble the parrot tribe; they climb with equal faci-
lity upwards or downwards, and make frequent use of their
beaks for that purpose.

The food of the Crossbill consists principally of the seeds
of fir-cones, which their long and curiously constructed beaks

COMMON CROSSBILL. 141

enable them to extract from beneath the scales by which they
are protected, and which the powerful lateral motion with
which their beaks are endued, enables them to’ raise with
facility. Itis a pleasing sight in winter, when the fir-trees
are covered with snow, to see a group of these gay birds in
their many-coloured plumage fluttering among the tops of the
fir-trees, in diligent search for their food. The larch, the
alder, and various other trees also supply their food, and they
have been observed to resort to patches of thistles, and pick
the seed from them.

These birds breed freely in the pine forests that cover
great part of the north of Kurope. Their nests are placed
usually towards the tops of the trees, and at a considerable
elevation. It is composed of fine twigs of the fir-tree or
stalks of heath, with grass, straws, and green moss, the
inside is lined with the dead wirey leaves of the fir, inter-
mixed warmly with feathers. The eggs of the Common
Crossbill are white, sometimes tinged with blue or green;
they are spotted chiefly about the larger end with violet
and deep claret-red, or brown; some are said to resemble
the eggs of the greenfinch, but are usually larger, others
resemble the specimen figured in our plate; they are from
three to five in number. The seasons of building and incu-
bation appear to be very irregular. All accounts agree in
assigning a very early period in the year for these occupa-
tions; even while snow remains upon the ground. Conti-
nental authors speak of the young being fledged in March ;
incubation must therefore have been commenced in February
or January; in higher northern latitudes, a somewhat later
period is assigned; in England the same peculiarity has
been observed with regard to the times of breeding.

The Common Crossbill, although very many years since
recorded and considered as a British winter migrant, has not
been until lately, in comparison, ascertained to breed in this

142 FRINGILLIDE.

country. Many instances have, however, come to light,
and probably many young birds of this species are annually
bred here, but their building upon lofty trees, and producing
their young at so early a period in the year, have rendered
the search for their nests often unsuccessful ; among recent
accounts of the Crossbill breeding in England, we may
notice a communication from Mr. Lewcock of Farnham,
to the Zoologist ; it is to the following effect :—‘ Four or
five years ago, the Scotch firs in Holt Forest were cut down,
to allow more room for the growth of the young oaks;
when the trees were felled, four nests of the Crossbill
were found in their topmost forks; the nests and eggs had
much the appearance of those of the greenfinch.”

Another similar notice is from the pen of W. Jordan, Esq.,
Teignmouth. ‘ These birds were very plentiful in the
south of Devonshire during the winters of 1838-9, and on
the 10th of April in the latter year, I saw a nest at Ogwell
House, near Newton; it was built in a spruce fir-tree,
and appeared to be constructed in a somewhat similar man-
ner to that of the greenfinch. ‘The male had been shot,
but the female still continued to attend the nest.” And
in some notes on the Ornithology of Kent, in the same
periodical, by J. P Bartlett, it is observed: “ these curious
and interesting birds visit the fir plantations in this neigh-
bourhood in greater or less numbers, nearly every year,
appearing in considerable flocks some years, in the autumn,
while in others only a few stragglers are to be seen.
Although I have myself never found a nest of the Crossbill,
I have ascertained from good authority, the fact of their
nidification in the fir plantations of Sir H. Oxenden, Bart.,
at Broome.”

From innumerable accounts of the appearance of the Cross-
bill in this country and in Scotland, it appears that not a
month in the year is without its record: we must therefore

COMMON CROSSBILL. 143

consider this as a local indigenous species, whose numbers
are probably increased by accessions from foreign countries
at various and uncertain periods.

These birds are easily reconciled to captivity, but we
have been informed by dealers in birds, that they are very
apt to pine and die in moulting. We possessed one, the
individual figured in the upper part of our plate, for a short
time, but it soon fell a sacrifice to the above-named cause.
It was very fond of climbing about its cage like a parrot,
by means of its hooked beak, and when at rest, sat usually
in the position in which it is drawn. These birds will eat
in confinement hemp and other small seeds, also barley ;
they are, besides, fond of the stones contained in the
berries of the mountain ash, and of the hawthorn.

Being anxious to ascertain the taste of our living speci-
men, we offered it many things, among others a small fir
cone in a green or fresh state; this was shortly after ob-
served to have been pecked into shreds, and presented the
appearance of the curious tufted productions frequently found
upon briars and wild roses, caused by interruption in the
ordinary flow of the sap, probably this was done in fruit-
less search for the seeds, which, in that state of the cone,
had not yet come to perfection. The great force that can
be employed by this species in the lateral expansion of its
beak, may be experienced by taking a living bird into the
hand (as we have frequently done) and endeavour to hold
the beak close; the bird in striving to resent this infringe-
ment of its freedom, expands its beak laterally with such
compulsion, as to force the fingers apart.

We also wished to ascertain whether the mandibles zanta
be crossed over to the opposite side without violence, and
found that the change could be very easily effected, but it
did not appear to be so agreeable to the bird, as he would in
a few minutes replace the mandibles in their usual form.

144 FRINGILLIDE.

The curious power possessed by these birds, of expanding
their beaks laterally, enables them also to obtain the pips
of apples, of which they are very fond, by splitting the fruit
in halves; in this manner great mischief is occasionally
effected by them in apple orchards, which they sometimes
frequent in the southern countries in great numbers.

It is remarkable that the mandibles do not in every
individual cross on the same side; in some, the upper
mandible inclines to the right, in others to the left. In
young birds, while in the nest, they are not crossed at all,
but are straight as in other birds.

It is said that the young birds while in the nest, are fed
by their parents, with food prepared in their own crops; it
is possible that this may be the case, as the early period
at which the young are generally hatched, must render
insect food a precarious provision.

The entire length of the Common Crossbill is about six
and a half inches; the length of the wing, from the carpus
to the tip, three inches and three quarters. The tail is
slightly forked, and its feathers pointed; the longest extend
about nine lines beyond the tips of the closed wings. The
legs are short, not exceeding eight or nine—lines in the
tarsus, the toes are thick and strong; the claws large, and
sharply grooved beneath. 'The beak, the most remarkable
feature in this bird, the form of which is best exemplified
by the plate, measures ten lines from the forehead to the
tip ; the lower mandible is very thick at the base, measuring
nearly six lines from side to side at the commencement of
the feathered part; both mandibles are much compressed
laterally towards the tip, and the upper one, which is the
longest, terminates in a very sharp point; the nostrils are
covered by small hair-like feathers.

The rich plumage of this bird varies infinitely ; the wings
and tail only preserving the same appearance at most seasons,

COMMON CROSSBILL. 145

but even these are bordered, after the autumnal moult,
with narrow edges of olive, yellow, or red, which disappear
towards the spring, from use or friction. The other parts
of the plumage, including the head, back, and scapulars,
upper coverts of the tail, and all the under plumage, exhibit
such a diversity of shades of yellow, orange, scarlet, green,
and olive, in different individuals, that authors have been
greatly at variance in their accounts of the plumage that
might be assigned to differences of age or sex. Selby in
describing a young male, says, ‘‘ Upper and lower parts tile-
red, intermingled with yellowish-grey: quills and tail grey-
ish black, margined with yellowish-white. This is the
plumage of the male from the first moult till he is one
year old, when he acquires the dress of the adult bird ;
in which state the tile-red has given place to ash-grey,
deeply tinged and tinted with sulphur and lemon yellows.”

The same opinion had been previously expressed by
Temminck, in his Manuel, where he assigns to adult and
aged males a plumage composed of grey, olive, green, and
yellow, in which the former appears to predominate. This
author refers the red plumage entirely and exclusively to
young males, and supposes that they assume it at their first
autumnal moult, and relinquish it on their second, when
little more than a year old.

The great diversity of appearance presented in this species,
renders it doubtless very difficult to ascertain precisely to
what age different descriptions of plumage may be assigned.

We are, however, not inclined on this subject to agree
with Temminck and other authors, with regard to the
red plumage being assignable only to the very young male
bird, since observations of our own tend to contradict
strongly the supposition.

Among many individuals that we have examined at various
times, was one which led us to be sceptical on the point in

L

146 FRINGILLID.

question, and indeed offers a strong proof against it. This
specimen was apparently an old bird, agreeing in every
particular with T’emminck’s description of the adult and
aged males above mentioned. Its plumage was green, grey,
and olive intermixed; but on closer examination, the bird
was found to be in the act of moulting ; many new feathers
about the back and mantle were still in their quills, their
extreme tips only projecting from the encircling tubes:
these tips were, to our surprise, of a brilliant red, plainly
proclaiming a change, contrary to all the systematists, from
green to red. It cannot be objected that this was a
young bird, making his first change from nestling plumage
to the feathering of a year old, since the plumage that he
then wore had no affinity with nestling plumage, nor ex- .
hibited any marks proper to that age.

These observations inclined us to take part in the very
opposite opinion of Nauman on this subject, that the red
plumage is that of the adult instead of the young male,
and is not perfected until after the lapse of several years,
during which the bird undergoes several changes from green
to yellow and orange, and finally to red.

According, therefore, with this view, the upper figure in
our plate is a male of about two years of age; the lower,
or red bird, three or more years. Females are said never
to assume the red plumage, but to wear a simple dress of
green, grey, and yellow; young birds in the nest are dull
green, with the centre or shaft of each feather darker,
somewhat resembling the young of the greenfinch.

The egg of the Common Crossbill is figured 116 in the
plate.

PU, ie

PARROT CROSSBILL. 147

INSESSORES. FRINGILLID.
CONIROSTRES.

PLATE CXVII.

PARROT CROSSBILL.
oe PYTIOPSITTACUS.

Tue northern parts of EKurope and America are the na-
tive regions of this bird: but whether it is found at the
farthest extent of the fir-covered hills of those regions is
uncertain. ‘This species is very frequently met with in
Russia, Prussia, Poland, and Sweden, in which countries
it may be looked upon as indigenous; but in Holland,
France, Switzerland, and Britain, it can only be considered
a migratory species, much more rare in its appearance, and
much less numerous, than its more common congener last
described.

Forests of pine and other fir-trees are said to be the fa-
vourite abode of these Crossbills: they are generally observed
to remain in the tops of the trees, seldom descending to the
ground except when in search of water to satisfy their thirst.
They also roost at night in large companies, in the manner
of rooks; and are said even to return from afar, in order to
resort to a favourite spot for that purpose.

The Parrot Crossbill builds chiefly in lofty forest-trees.
Its habits have been observed by Bechstein in Voigt and Os-
terland, between the rivers Orla and Roda, where he has
frequently met with nests of this species. In 1819, their

nests were seen in May and June: in 1821, they had al-
L 2

148 FRINGILLID&.

ready eggs as early as February and March ; and they were
even observed beginning to build in the middle of Decem-
ber. ‘The nests were placed on the branches of lofty trees, at
the elevation of from sixty to a hundred and twenty feet
from the ground, and were so placed that the snow could
not fall into them.

The nest of this species is chiefly built of slender fir-
twigs, and is from one to three inches in thickness; some
are lined with dry grass, or the dead leaves of the fir. The
egos are four or five in number, and are said to be larger
than those of the Common Crossbills, in colour bluish white,
with violet and dusky spots, chiefly disposed around the
larger end. ‘The young are hatched after a fortnight’s in-
cubation, and are believed, like the former species, to be
fed with seeds prepared in the crops of their parents.

The habits, manners, and food of this species so nearly re-
semble those of the Common Crossbill, as to need no further
description : their call-notes are also much the same.

The Parrot Crossbill may be distinguished from the com-
mon species by the greater size of its beak and head. ‘The
beak also differs in form, being thicker and stronger; the
mandibles appear likewise shorter in proportion, and when
viewing the beak sideways the tip of the under mandible
does not show itself above the ridge of the upper one, as it
does in the preceding species. ‘The body of this bird is
also greater in bulk, as may be proved by comparing their
respective breastbones.

The plumage of this bird passes through the same gra-
dual and remarkable changes that are performed in the Com-
mon Crossbill; and with regard to this species, Temminck
adopts the more recent views of ornithologists, namely,
that the red plumage (as we endeavoured to prove in
the case of the preceding species) is that of the mature
male bird, the yellow and orange that of the younger males;

PARROT CROSSBILL. 149

and that the plumage chiefly composed of green and grey
belongs to the female, from which the young birds of the
year may be distinguished by their striated appearance, as
well as by immaturity in the texture of their feathers.

Our plate represents, according to this supposition, a male
bird of about two years old, whose next change will probably
mature his plumage, so as to resemble the colouring of the
lower bird in the plate of the Common Crossbill. In the
Parrot Crossbill, as well as in the former species, the wings
and tail are dusky, bordered after the autumnal moult with
green, yellow, orange, or red, according to the age of the
individual ; these colours agreeing with the prevailing colour
of the back and scapulars.

These birds moult in September, October, or November.
The young of the year moult about six weeks after their first
flight. In confinement the adult males lose their red plumage
in moulting, and become orange or yellow.

The entire length of this species is seven inches and a
quarter. ‘The wing measures from the carpus to the tip four
inches; and the tail, which is forked, extends one inch be-
yond the tips of the closed wings. ‘The legs are short and
stout. The beak measures nine lines from the forehead to
the tip, and seven or eight lines in depth. The eyes are
small and brilliant, in colour hazel. The colour of the beak
is dusky grey, yellowish at the base of the lower mandible ;
the inside of the mouth flesh-red. The legs are brownish

flesh-colour.

150 FRINGILLIDE.

INSESSORES. FRINGILEIID A.
CONIROSTRES.

PLATE CXVIIL.

WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILL.
Loxia LEUCOPTERA. (Gmel.)

Tuts small species is less common, and consequently less
known in Europe, than the two preceding ones. It is a
native of the northern parts of America, and is found in
great numbers in the countries about Hudson’s Bay, accord-
ing to Temminck, where it inhabits extensive forests of pine.
In summer its range extends, according to Dr. Richardson, as
high as the 62nd degree of N. latitude, and probably higher.
In winter these birds visit in flocks the shores of Lake
Ontario, Canada, and the northern portions of the United
States; but, like the other two species of Crossbill, they
are very irregular and uncertain in their migrations.

The localities in which these birds are chiefly found are
low, marshy forests of pine and other firs, and their food
consists almost entirely of the seeds procured from their
cones; they feed in flocks, and fly in scattered parties from
tree to tree, uttering a twittering or chirping note.

The White-winged Crossbill is stated by the Prince of
Musignano to build on the branches of pine-trees ; the nest
is composed of grasses, cemented together with earth, and
lined with feathers ; the young birds are able to fly in June,
and remain with their parents, accompanying them in their
autumnal movements and migrations. According to the same

WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILL. 151

authority the eggs of this species are white, marked with
yellowish spots.

Besides America, this species is said also to be a native of
the northern parts of Asia; but it does not appear to have
been ascertained that any are bred in Europe, although a
few individuals are occasionally seen in Sweden, and flocks
have been met with in various parts of the pine-clad districts
of Germany. ‘These are usually considered to be stragglers ;
but whether from America or Asia is doubtful.

Some few captures of the White-winged Crossbill have
been made in England, where it has been known as a rare
straggler for many years, and considered as a species distinct
from its two congeners, from which, indeed, its smaller size
and the transverse white bars upon the wings readily dis-
tinguish it.

In the third volume of the Manuel 2Ornithologie of
Temminck, the adult male of this species is thus described.
All the principal parts of the body, consisting of the head,
neck, and breast, are a fine crimson-red: a blackish band
crosses the nape of the neck, and a similar one occupies the
middle of the back. The middle of the breast and belly are
greyish-brown ; the sides of the head are sometimes speckled
with black, and a line of that colour crosses the forehead, and
passing through the eye, loses itself in the coverts of the ears.
The wings and tail are black; three of the tertial feathers,
those placed nearest the body, have a white spot upon their
tips. The greater and lesser coverts of the wing are broadly
tipped with white, forming two bands. The beak is black,
the legs and feet brown.

In the specimen from which our plate was taken the lower
part of the back is crimson, the upper coverts of the tail
dusky, bordered at the tip of each feather with a narrow line
of white, and some of the primary quill-feathers are similarly

edged.

152 FRINGILLID#.

The female, according to Temminck, has the upper parts
of the body greenish-grey, the feathers bordered with yel-
lowish-green ; the rump is pale yellow; the under parts of
the body are greenish-grey, marked with longitudinal blackish
lines, the middle of the belly whitish : this sex has also the
white bars upon the wings.

The entire length of this bird is about six inches; the
wing measures three inches and a half from the carpus to the
end of the longest quill-feather ; the first three quill-feathers
are nearly equal in length. The beak measures eight lines
from the forehead to the tip, is much thinner than in the
preceding species, and much compressed laterally.

PINE BULFINCH. 153

INSESSORES. FRINGILLID 4
CONIROSTRES.

PLATE CXIX.

PINE BULFINCH.
PyRRHULA ENUCLEATOR.

Or this family, which includes five or six European species,
we only number two as British; one of which, the subject
of this article, is a very rare bird in this country; the other
well known and tolerably common in many wooded districts.
The several members of this family, according to Temminck,
are chiefly confined to the northern part of the globe, in-
cluding the northern and temperate parts of Europe, Asia,
and America. In manners and habits they much resemble
other families of the finch tribe, but surpass most of them in
the great strength of their large and arched beaks, which
enable them to break shells of considerable hardness.

The Pine Bulfinch is a native of the Arctic regions, and
is considered to be abundant in the northern parts of Europe,
Asia, and America, as far north as wooded tracts extend.
They inhabit in summer the northern parts of Norway and
Sweden, Finland, and Lapland, and the north of Russia.
In America they are found from Norton Sound and the
country of Analaschka, to the borders. of Hudson’s Bay.
From these countries they descend in winter southward over
every province of North America, just below the polar circle.
In HKurope they also spread at the same season southward,
occasionally visiting Russia, Poland, Pomerania, and Silesia.

154 FRINGILLID#.

As a winter migrant, the Pine Bulfinch is irregular in its
appearance ; but probably, if carefully traced, its seemingly
erratic movements would be found to coincide pretty accu-
rately with the greater or less degree of cold for which par-
ticular seasons have been remarkable. From continental
authors we learn that in 1790 these birds appeared in such
numbers near Riga in October, and remained until the middle
of December, that several thousand pairs were daily caught.
In 1793 and 1798, and again in 1803, they also appeared in
great numbers ; but from that time not many were observed
until 1820, when they spread over almost every middle pro-
vince of Germany.

In the forest districts of Scotland these birds are occasion-
ally seen, and a few individuals have been shot from time to
time in England. In France they are considered very rare,
but have occasionally been met with in some parts of Swit-
zerland, and in the north of Italy.

The Pine Bulfinch is a bird of sociable habits, usually
found in flocks or families, and mostly preferring the society
of its own species. ‘They inhabit forests of fir, or tracts of
brushwood, in which shrubs that produce berries in abun-
dance, such as the juniper and others, are to be found. They
fly high when engaged in lengthened flights, or during migra-
tion, and at such times alight on the tops only of lofty
trees.

In consequence of their being reared in remote and unin-
habited wilds, the Pine Bulfinch betrays little fear of man-
kind, and consequently falls an easy prey to their wiles.
When fired at, they appear unconscious of the danger that
threatens them, and will suffer one after another of their
party to falla sacrifice without betraymg any alarm; so that
six or eight have been known to be shot out of one tree
before the rest took flight; it is consequently very easy to

entrap them by means of snares and other devices.

PINE BULFINCH. 155

This beautiful species is said to be a very desirable cage-
bird, its sociability and other attractive qualities being very
engaging. It is also considered a sweet songster, and sings
even during winter in a piping and sweetly modulated
strain: during the spring its vocal powers are still more
frequently displayed.

The food of this Bulfinch consists of the seeds of the
pine, spruce, and other fir-trees, which they obtain as soon
as the scales of the cones begin to expand; also the berries
of many other sorts of trees and shrubs: they also devour,
like our common species, the newly expanding buds.

This species, the largest of the Huropean members of the
Bulfinch family, measures in entire length between seven
and eight inches: the wing is four inches and a half from
the carpus to the tip, and the longest feathers of the tail
exceed the closed wings about an inch and a half. The
beak measures half an inch from the forehead to the tip,
and is about the same in depth. The third quill-feather of
the wing exceeds the others; the tail is forked, and the
outermost feather but one on each side is the longest.

The plumage of the bird from which our drawing is taken
has the head, nape, cheeks, and sides of the neck, pale
crimson ; the feathers of the back and scapulars grey towards
the base of each feather, deepening into black towards the
tip, and deeply fringed with bluish-crimson, producing a
variegated or mottled appearance. The greyish feathers of
the lower part of the back and upper coverts of the tail also
bordered with crimson-red. AJl the feathers of the wing
black, the quills and secondaries narrowly bordered with
white, the tertials more broadly; the two first rows of wing-
coverts very broadly tipped with white, forming two con-
spicuous bars; the smaller coverts edged with grey; the tail-
feathers dusky black, edged with reddish-grey. The chin,
belly, and under parts greyish-white ; the beak blackish-grey,

156 FRINGILLIDE.

the eyelids, lore, and a space beyond the eye black, as well
as the radiating hair-like feathers that cover the nostrils and
sides of the beak.

This specimen appears, according to the recent views of
ornithologists, to be an adult male, in which opinion Tem-
minck, in the fourth volume of his Manuel, seems to co-
incide.

The adult female, of which we have also examined a spe-
cimen, through the kindness of W. Yarrell, Esq., has none
of the crimson tints that so much beautify the male, but is
still a very handsome bird. Her head, nape, and ear-
coverts, are bright honey-yellow, rump and upper tail-co-
verts the same; her chin is white, and all the rest of her
upper and under plumage clear grey: her wings are dusky,
bordered in a manner similar to those of the male with
white: her tail is dusky, narrowly bordered with grey: legs
and beak as in the male. This specimen was shot at Har-
row in Middlesex.

Young birds of this species resemble the female ; but the
colours of their plumage are much obscured with olive and
brown.

The nest of the Pine Bulfinch is described as much re-
sembling that of our indigenous species, being composed of
small twigs, and lined with feathers, and placed not many
feet from the ground. The eggs are described as being
white, and measuring about an inch in length.

BULFINE€H. 157

INSESSORES. FRINGILLID,
CONIROSTRES.

PLATE CXX.

BULFINCH.
PYRRHULA VULGARIS.

Tue well known Bulfinch is one of our most beautiful
British Birds, and being attractive in its manners, and re-
markable for docility and attachment to its possessor when
caged, is a general favourite. ‘This species is indigenous in
the middle and northern regions of Europe and Asia. It is
partial to woods and forests, and is consequently found to
inhabit, in great numbers, the extensive forests of Germany.
In its southern range this species extends throughout Europe,
but is far less abundant towards its southern kingdom, and
known in some only as a winter migrant. This is the case
in some of the islands of the Mediterranean: ‘in Corfu,”
says Mr. Drummond in his list of the birds that frequent
that island, “this species is rare, and seen only in winter.”
This is probably the southern equatorial limit of the Bul-
finch, as it is not mentioned by the same gentleman among
the birds of Crete. In Belgium these birds occur, and, ac-
cording to Mr. J. Derby, nestle in extensive forests and
wooded situations among the rocks. This bird is indigenous
in Scotland, and is considered by the Rev. G. Gordon as
much more common in Moray than the Goldfinch. In
Shetland, from the information of Thomas Edmonston, jun.,
Esq., the Bulfinch is only a straggler. Temminck speaks of

158 FRINGILLID&.

this species as being known only in Holland as a bird of
accidental passage: it is, however, frequently taken there in
snares and nets with other finches, but is not so common
as many. We learn, also, from the authority just mentioned,
that the Bulfinch is widely spread over the northern parts of
the Asiatic continent, being found in Siberia, and as far east-
ward as Japan, where it appears to be common. In Ireland
this species is, as may be expected, abundant in favourable
localities.

In England the Bulfinch is generally well known, but
abounds in some counties more than in others. In Kent it
is said to be particularly numerous, the many wooded parts
of that county being peculiarly favourable to its tastes and
habits. It is common in Suffolk; and abounds in parts of
Surrey. In the Isle of Wight it is tolerably abundant, ac-
cording to the researches of the Rev. C. A. Bury.

In many of their habits Bulfinches differ much from other
families of the finch tribe; they are not, like the generality
of them, gregarious, even in winter, and are seldom seen in
larger parties than may be supposed to have constituted one
family. In winter and spring they are generally, if not
invariably, seen in pairs; and so much is this the case, that
they are believed to pair for life. At these periods they visit
villages, orchards, and gardens, where their lively plumage,
seen to advantage when the trees are divested of their leaves,
is very conspicuous: they are, however, seldom looked upon
as welcome visitors, except by the ornithologist, since their
destructive habits in devouring the buds of trees are well
known. In this respect they are considered the most mis-
chievous of small birds ; and, if undisturbed, commit great and
irreparable ravages among fruit trees, especially the different
kinds of the cherry, plum, and gooseberry: some gardens are
so subject to the depredations of these birds that their owners
are obliged to defer the spring pruning of the latter fruit until

BULFINCH. 159

after their annual visit. In stripping gooseberry bushes a
very systematic operation is carried on: the little destroyer
perches upon a small branch near its intersection with the
stem, and devours in succession as many buds as he can con-
veniently reach: these are mostly the fruit-bearing ones:
those at the extremity of each branch, therefore, the leaf-
bearing buds, remain untouched. Besides fruit-trees these
birds devour the buds of the larch, birch, white and black
thorn, and others.

During the other seasons of the year bulfinches feed upon
berries of various kinds, and the seeds of fir-trees. We
have observed them frequently among alder-trees very assi-
duously picking the seeds from their cones. When caged
these birds are usually fed with hemp, rape, and canary-seed ;
they are also exceedingly fond of the pips of apples.

The wild note of the Bulfinch is a plaintive whistle. ‘Its
song,” says Selby, ‘is very soft and pleasing, but delivered
in such an undertone as to be inaudible at a short distance,
and hence few common observers are aware that it possesses a
native song.”

The capacity for instruction in these birds, and the per-
fection to which their song may be brought, are too well
known to need more than a passing remark; but this educa-
tion requires such constant trouble to instil, and such care to
preserve uncorrupted, that none but their German teachers
could have sufficient patience to accomplish.

The Bulfinch is a late builder, and seldom produces more
than one brood in a season. Its nest, placed in a hedge or
copse, and generally in a lonely situation, is composed of
twigs, moss, and fine fibrous roots. The eggs, usually five in
number, are of very handsome appearance ; they are greenish
blue in the ground colour, and spotted, in a zone around the
larger end, with orange, lilac, and black.

The entire length of this species is six inches and a quar-

160 FRINGILLIDE.

ter. The wing measures from the carpus to the tip three
inches, and the tail extends one inch and two lines beyond
the wings when closed; the tarsus, which measures seyen
lines, is shorter than the middle toe. The tail is slightly
forked, the feathers rounded at their tips; the wing has the
first quill-feather two lines shorter than the second, which is
again slightly exceeded by the third and fourth. The short
thick beak measures three lines and a half from the feathered
part of the forehead to the tip ; it is four lines in depth, and
about the same in width.

The feathering of this bird is remarkably soft and silky,
and the unity of colour in its several parts also contributes
to this effect. The top of the head is covered by a hood of
the most beautiful velvet black; the chin, region of the eyes,
and eyelids are also black; the iris of the eyes hazel. The
tail and its upper coverts are intense and glossy black, with
purple reflections, the lower part of the back and under tail-
coverts pure white. The wings have the quill-feathers dusky,
the secondaries and tertials are, like the tail, black and shin-
ing ; the greater coverts are black, broadiy tipped with white,
forming a distinct bar across the wing. The nape of the
neck, back, and scapulars are bluish-grey; the sides of the
face, breast, and flanks are beautiful vermilion, or Chinese-
red; the rest of the under parts white. The beak is black ;
the legs purplish-brown.

The female Bulfinch resembles the male in most parts of
her plumage, but her breast is pale pinkish-grey where that
of the male is red; the nape of her neck is grey, her back
and scapulars are greyish, deeply tinged with brownish-olive.

Young birds much resemble the female, but their head,
wings, and tail, are dull and dusky, instead of black.

The egg figured 120 in the plate is that of the Bulfinch.

dalrene

BOHEMIAN CHATTERER. I61

INSESSORES., AMPELIDE.
DENTIROSTRES.

PLATE CXXI.

BOHEMIAN CHATTERER.
AMPELIS GARRULUS. (Penn.)

THe Bonemran CHATTERER is a yery beautiful and
singular looking bird, approaching nearest in appearance to
the jays and shrikes; in habits entirely different from either.

The silky texture of the feathering, and the remarkably
bright colouring disposed about this bird, seem almost in
contradiction to the fact of its being an inhabitant of the
colder climates of Europe.

During the summer months the Bohemian Chatterer in-
habits the Arctic Regions, from whence it only departs south-
ward on the approach of the severest frost and snow. Russia,
Sweden, and Poland, are then visited, until scarcity of food
drives it into Germany, Switzerland, France, and Britain.
In Silesia and Bohemia they are every winter regularly found
in the forests with which those countries abound ; they arrive
in the latter part of November, and depart in March, al-
though long continuance of cold weather has been known to
detain them till April.

This bird is well known as an inhabitant of North Ame-
rica; and visits in winter the milder regions of that continent
in the same manner that it does those of Europe.

In Germany, where superstition is indigenous, the appear-
ance of the Bohemian Chatterer has generally been considered

VOL. III. M

162 AMPELIDE.

to foretell war, pestilence, or famine ; and in some provinces
bears the name of death-bird, or pest-bird, Sterbevogel, or
Pestvogel.

In its nature this bird is rather dull and stupid, but gentle
when caged, and patient. They live chiefly among them-
selves, and associate little with other species of birds. When
one Chatterer is seen alone, it must have been by some un-
lucky circumstance separated from its friends, and thus the
lonely wanderer will be found restless and roving about. In
other circumstances they are only seen in the act of feeding,
or perched on the branch of some tree, sitting close together.

The flight of the Chatterer bears much resemblance to that
of the starling: they roost among the thickest branches of
trees and bushes, and in windy weather seek shelter very near
the ground, or hide in the crevices of rocks in rocky coun-
tries.

There is no bird more tame, or sooner reconciled to his
fate in confinement than the Chatterer, provided he is well
supplied with food (which his great appetite demands), and
which consists entirely of berries of many kinds. When
caged it is necessary to keep this bird in a cool room, as heat
is hurtful to it; and -it requires a constant supply of water
for bathing.

Of the reproduction of the Bohemian Chatterer little is
known, nor has its egg yet been described. These birds
breed, it is believed, within the Arctic Circle, in holes among
rocks, or in deep forests.

In countries where these birds arrive in numbers, they are
caught for the table, and are said to be very delicious food,
owing to a certain spicy flavour, and a pleasantly bitter taste ;
besides which their great and insatiable appetite fattens them
and keeps them always in good condition.

Few winters pass in Scotland or England in which this
elegant species is not seen more or less, sometimes in pairs,

BOHEMIAN CHATTERER. 163
sometimes in small parties of eight or ten. They have been
shot in many counties of England, even to the most southern
parts, although there comparatively more rare. The Rev.
Charles Bury, of Bonchurch, in the Isle of Wight, says, “« A
fine male of this species is now in the possession of Mr.
Grapes, of Newport: it was killed about fifteen years ago,
not far from Yarmouth.”

Many other localities, too numerous to mention, are re-
corded by various naturalists, all tending to the same point,
namely, that this Chatterer, although not regular or nume-
rous, is a frequent visitant throughout England.

It does not appear that this species penetrates at any time
much farther to the south than our island; as we are not
aware of its being found either in Italy or Spain, or other
countries in a similar latitude.

Dr. Richardson says of this species in America, that it is
not known to retreat below the 55th parallel of latitude. On
that continent the Bohemian Chatterer is found in flocks,
amounting to several hundreds, which frequent forests and
mountainous tracts, and feed upon the berries of the juniper,
the alpine arbutus, the marsh vaccinium, and other northern
shrubs of a similar kind.

The nest and eggs of this species escaped even the researches
of the above named acute naturalist, who could only conjecture
that it retires in the breeding-season to rugged and secluded
limestone districts among the mountains, about the 67th and
68th parallels; nor could he obtain from the native Indians
of those countries any certain intelligence on the subject.

Our own personal observations of the manners of these
birds, have not been frequent or many, owing to their rarity ;
but we remember to have seen a pair of Bohemian Chatterers
in the plantations about Claremont, in Surrey, in the month
of January, 1837. They remained in that neighbourhood

several days, and we saw them more than once, perched to-
M 2

164 AMPELID&.

gether in a mountain-ash tree, seemingly looking about for
food, and taking no notice of our vicinity. This winter one
was seen by a working man, who came running to tell us
that, while standing in conversation with a neighbour, he saw
a jay fly about, in size no bigger than a redwing; he farther
described it as having yellow tips to its tail, and a bunch of
loose feathers on its head.

An individual of the same species has more recently come
under our own observation, and being near the same place
where the one just spoken of was seen, was very probably the
same bird. Being on one of the extensive meadows on the
borders of the Thames near Chertsey, in Surrey, on the 17th.
of January, we observed a bird of singular flight and appear-
ance, which we at once detected to be a Bohemian Chatterer.
At first it sat upon the ground, erecting its crest, and looking
around from time to time; it soon flew up with a hurried and
peculiar flight, and alighted at a little distance upon a solitary
thorn-bush, at that time very scantily furnished with berries.
We had hardly lost sight of it before we heard a shrill
whistle, like the noise produced by blowing into a key,
followed by a trilling note or shake, both entirely distinct
from the notes of any other bird, and perfectly agreeing with
those assigned to this species. Several persons about the
same place have mentioned to us, and exactly described, the
same remarkable note, and have seen the same bird with its
crest erect.

This Chatterer measures about eight and a half inches in
length ; the beak from the tip to the base is nearly six lines,
and about five lines broad at the base, forming consequently
a large or wide gape, wel] adapted to swallow berries of most
kinds; the upper mandible of the beak is much notched
about one fourth from the tip, and the under mandible has a
corresponding groove on its edge, therein resembling the
shrikes ; the colour of the beak is black at the tip, and pale

BOHEMIAN CHATTERER. 165

horn towards the base; the oval shaped nostrils are covered
by short bristles. The iris of the adult bird is nearly blood
red ; that of young birds chesnut brown.

The legs and feet are strongly made; the part above the
knee covered with feathers ; the tarsus measures full eleven
lines in length, the middle toe, including the claw, the same ;
and the hinder toe seven lines and a half; the front of the
tarsus and upper part of the toes are scaled ; the colour of the
legs and feet black.

On the top of the head the Chatterer is adorned with a tuft
of silky feathers of nearly an inch and a half in length, which
lay backwards, and can be raised to a crest at pleasure; its
colour is reddish grey, or roan. On the forehead and top of
the head these feathers lay smooth, but towards their tips
they are very loose and divided. The entire colouring of the
head is also reddish grey, which extends over the neck, back,
and breast, below which it changes to a mellow silvery grey,
which extends over the belly and thighs. The upper part of
the back and wing-coverts are brownish-ash colour; the rump _
is clear ash, becoming more pure on the tail-coverts.

The bristles that cover the nostrils, a band across the fore-
head, the lore, and a streak through and beyond the eye, also
the throat, are jet black, the edges sharply defined. On the
forehead above the black is a border of rust red, which de-
creases in intensity as it passes backwards. At the base of
the lower mandible, and below the eye, are spots of pure
white, which are separated from the cheek by a soft shading
of rust red.

The primary and secondary quill-feathers are black, the
first two or three entirely so, the rest marked upon the shaft
near the tip with a line of bright lemon yellow, in some
specimens the feathers are tipped with the same; three or
four of the secondary quills, and as many of the tertials, are
tipped with a wax-like appendage, or prolongation of the

166 AMPELIDE.

shaft, these are long, thin, spoon-like substances resembling
coral, and lying side by side when the wing is closed; these
in the adult male sometimes amount to nine in number, and
the longest are about four lines in length. The tertials are
purplish-grey, tipped with white ; the larger wing-coverts are
black, with white tips. The tail-feathers are ash colour at
their base, black in the central portion, and bright yellow at
their tips. In males of mature age the tail-feathers are also
furnished with the same horny spoon-shaped appendages of
bright red, before mentioned, these are never more than a
line or a line and a half in length. The under wing-coverts
are greyish, or pearl white, changing to grey and ash colour
towards the tips of the quill-feathers. The vent and long
under tail-coverts are bay, or reddish-brown.

The younger birds (which are more generally met with)
have the ornamental feathers of the head much shorter, the
yellow colour on the quills and tip of the tail much paler,
and the red appendages smaller and less numerous on the
wing, and entirely wanting on the tail.

The females are in all respects like the male, but their
colours are paler and less defined. These birds do not moult
before August or September, according to observations made
both on tame and wild individuals.

STARLING. 167

INSESSORES. STURNID.
CONIROSTRES.

PLATE CXXII.

STARLING.
STURNUS VULGARIS.

THE STARLING is an inhabitant of most of the countries
of Europe, Asia, and Africa, and in almost all is common
and plentiful. It is found from the Cape of Good Hope to
Siberia ; and from Italy to Norway and Sweden, ranging as
far north as Iceland.

The Starling most abounds in level countries, where woods,
meadows, and corn-fields are intermingled, and where water
is at hand. After the breeding-season they are seen in large
flocks on fresh-mown grass-fields, among cattle, near the
grassy banks of rivers, and particularly in places where rushes
abound, to which they are very partial as roosting places, and
whither they return every evening from miles distant.

On the continent of Europe Starlings leave the northern
parts for the more southern in winter, and migrate in very
large flocks by daylight. They begin to travel south about
October, and return in March, in much reduced numbers ;
before migrating southward they assemble for several nights
in a neighbouring swamp or marsh, abounding in rushes, and
on a sudden fly away, several thousands in number.

The Starling is a very shy, but lively and sociable bird,
generally seen in companies, not only of its own species, but
of rooks, jackdaws, and even wild pigeons, redwings, field-

168 STURNIDE.

fares, and plovers. They are always moving about, and show
restlessness in a great degree: they are never seen idle. In
their movements they are quick and nimble, and very peculiar
in their actions, and when strutting about they seem to limp,
moving their head and shoulders from side to side with every
succeeding step. ‘Their flight is quick and hurried, and per-
formed at no great elevation, unless a lengthened flight or
migration is intended, in which case they mount higher in the
air. ‘The Starling is very fond of bathing, and cannot exist
long without water, wherefore they appear to prefer the vicinity
of lakes and rivers, especially where thick rushes abound. It
is very amusing to watch a bed of rushes from some hidden
spot, to see the Starlings arrive at sunset in large flocks from
different quarters, and congregate for their night’s rest. As
soon as they have alighted they begin to pipe, sing, and
chatter, until one after another becomes quiet and sinks to
rest. At daybreak the chattering recommences, until the
sun is just rising, when they all on a sudden fly up into the
air, but return again and again, until they at last divide into
flocks destined for different places.

The call-note of the Starling is very much like the first
syllable of its name, star, or stoar! also spatt, spatt! Its
song is composed of so many variations that it becomes im-
possible to describe, but the long-drawn whoo is it! and
tsee! are predominant, besides the chirping and chattering,
which altogether produce a concert of no trifling kind, and
when heard at a little distance, the nearest description that
can be given of it is the bubbling of some spring, or the
noise of a waterfall of small dimensions.

The males and females both sing, but the latter least.
When a young Starling has been caged for some little time,
he may be tayght singing, and even speaking, with less trou-
ble than any other bird.

The food of the Starling varies with the season of the year,

STARLING. 169

although insects are preferred if to be had. In the spring of
the year they chiefly subsist on worms ; in the summer, when
they have choice and plenty, they eat grasshoppers and their
larvee by preference, which they carefully look for in mea-
dows ; they also catch many a winged insect, and destroy
grubs of beetles, which they find in grounds where cows feed.
The Starlings are very useful in destroying vermin off sheep,
cows, and swine, which they most sociably take from the
backs of these animals while perched on them. When the
sheep are shorn in June or July, the Starlings have a plen-
tiful feast.

The Starling has a peculiar manner of using its beak,
which aids it much in getting at insects among stones, or from
between leaves of plants; what we allude to, is its thrusting
its closed beak into crevices, and then opening it suddenly,
not only with a jerk, but, as it were, circling its beak round,
and thus dividing or overturning whatever obstacle presents
itself.

In the autumn they devour many a mulberry, blackberry,
etc. They are also most mischievously destructive among
cherry-trees, which they pilfer unscrupulously ; not only eat-
ting many and carrying off more to their young, but in
destroying them wastefully, and leaving them strewed beneath
the trees; these depredations are not only carried on early in
the morning, but in the face of day, and in defiance of
interruption.

When unmolested, Starlings return annually to their favou-
rite breeding-places, whether holes in decayed trees, or aper-
tures beneath the roof of houses: and are such amusing
neighbours, that they are seldom discouraged or driven
away.

In most parts of England these birds are known, but not
in all equally abundant: they also appear to change their

quarters from time to time.

170 STURNID.

‘In the Isle of Wight,” says the Rev. Charles Bury,
“the Common Starling is now generally distributed, and in
considerable numbers; yet fifty years ago, as I am credibly
informed, the bird was not to be found in the island. Several
persons have spoken of it to me as having been very scarce
only twenty years back.”

In Scotland, or at least in some parts of that kingdom, the
| Starling is not a permanent resident, judging from the obser-
vations of the Rev. G. Gordon, who, in a Fauna of Moray,
says, “* The Starling is seen almost every year in small flocks
of from four to eight in the spring and autumn, and even
sometimes in December ; a few, like a young brood, observed
one summer by Mr. Martin, at Stotfield, has been the only
indication of their breeding in this part of Scotland, except
at the churchyard of Petty, where, according to George
Anderson, Esq., of Inverness, it has been known to build for
many years in the roof of the Mackintosh’s tomb; and at
Moy, in Strath-dearn.”

They frequent Caithness, and rear their young among the
rocks that bound its southern shore.

“‘ In Shetland,” says Mr. Kdmonston, ‘‘ the Starling is very
common at all seasons, breeding in caves, crevices of rocks,
etc., generally near the sea: they congregate in large flocks
after the breeding-season.”

The localities in which the Starling breeds have been suffi-
ciently indicated above ; it remains but to speak of the
materials of which the nest is composed. These are generally
straw, roots, and dry grass; we have also seen green leaves
plucked by these birds and carried to their hole; the eggs,
five or six in number, are pale clear bluish green, without spot
or cloud, somewhat pointed at both ends.

The entire length of the Starling is nine inches: the wing
méasures five inches from the carpus to the tip, and the first
and second quill-feathers are of equal length: the tail is

STARLING. 171

doubly semicircular, and reaching only nine lines beyond
the tips of the closed wings. The beak is eleven lines
from the forehead to the tip, and one inch four lines from
the tip to the gape, which extends to beneath the eye.
The form of the head is very flat, and describes nearly a
straight line with the beak. The tarsi are shorter than the
middle toe, which measures, with its claws, one inch two
lines.

The Starling is a bird of very handsome plumage, the entire
head, back, breast, and under parts, as well as the back and
scapulars, are black, beautifully and richly glossed with green,
purple, and crimson, when seen in different lights: every
feather of these parts, and they are almost innumerable, are,
in autumn, tipped with white or cream coloured spots, which
shine like pearls.

The primary quills with their coverings, the secondaries
and tertials are rich purplish brown, bordered with pale rusty
yellow: the rest of the wing-feathers are black with green re-
flections, and similarly edged. The tail resembles, in colour,
the primary quills. The upper tail-coverts are black, glossed
with green and edged with pale rust : the under are pure black,
bordered with white. The iris is rich chesnut brown. The
whole bird so gay in his clothing, so pert and self-suffi-
cient in his actions, bears much resemblance to a gold-laced
footman.

Towards the spring of the year, many of the white tips
and edges wear away, and the bird presents a less gay ap-
pearance. The legs are mahogany colour; the beak rich
yellow.

In very old males the head, neck, and breast, lose all the
pearl-like spots, and resemble the figure in our plate.

In the female the white spots and yellow edges are larger
and broader than in the males; but in other respects they are
not dissimilar. Young birds before their autumnal moult have

{2 STURNIDE.

no resemblance whatever to their parents, except in form and
actions, their whole plumage being a plain russet grey: this
is changed at the first moult for the plumage described. In
immature birds the beak is dusky, tinged with red.

The egg figured 122 is that of the Starling.

WP
2

Ayes Bate Teas
TMA

ROSE-COLOURED PASTOR. 173

INSESSORES. STURNID/E.
CONIROSTRES.

PLATE CXXIII.

ROSE-COLOURED PASTOR.
Pastor ROSEUS.

THE native countries of the Rose-coloured Pastor are
Africa, and the warmer parts of Asia, where they are found in
plenty. They range from India over Persia, Arabia, Syria,
the south of Siberia, and southern Russia. They also
annually visit Greece, the south of Italy, and Spain. Where-
ever else these birds appear in Europe, it is only as occasional
visitants.

The Pastors are generally reported to be very sociable
birds ; they assemble in flocks like starlings, and often asso-
ciate with them.

The food of the Pastor consists chiefly in insects, their
egos, larvee and worms. Like the starling, the Pastor alights
familiarly on the backs of cows and sheep: their most favou-
rite food consists in grasshoppers; and they pursue locusts
over countries of great extent. In consequence of their great
partiality for these insects, the Rose-coloured Pastor is con-
sidered a sacred bird in Turkey, and prohibited to be de-
stroyed. In countries where they are plentiful, they are
reckoned to be a great delicacy.

We have once only had, ourselves, the pleasure of seeing
this bird alive: it was a caged specimen, and in rather a
faded state of plumage. In actions and form this indivi-

174 STURNIDE.

dual bore a striking resemblance to the common. starling.
They are also said, when on the ground, to resemble that
bird in their manner of walking and running.

Besides the countries above-mentioned as the usual resort
of the Rose Pastor, some localities may be poimted out in
which they are occasionally seen.

In England many specimens have, at different times, and
in divers places, been shot, not only in the southern counties
of England and Wales, but in Durham, Northumberland,
and even a few as far north as Scotland. One specimen, also,
was taken at Hoy, iv the Orkneys.

In a Fauna of Shetland, by Thomas Edmonston, jun.,
Ksq., that gentleman says, ‘‘ I observed one of these beauti-
ful birds in April last, associating with its relations the
starlings : it was very shy, and I always failed in getting near
enough to shoot it.”

It might be supposed that they would abound in the
islands of the Mediterranean, being situated between two
continents, in which they are indigenous ; no mention is, how-
ever, made of them in Mr. Drummond’s list of the birds of
Crete; and in the island of Corfu, according to that gentle-
man, they are only occasional visitants, and are considered
rare.

M. 'Temminck, in the third part of his Manuel, speaks of
the Rose-coloured Pastor as follows: ‘* This species is not a
bird of regular passage in the southern countries (of Europe),
but appears irregularly, as the chatterer does in our more tem-
perate provinces, apparently in pursuit of some species of
insect in which its chief subsistence consists, which, driven by
the winds, or some other accidental cause, visit countries
to which these birds repair, consequently unexpectedly, and
return when the insects themselves disappear.” This species
is common to the warm climates of the east and south: it is
frequently seen in Hungary. It was very common in 1832,

ROSE-COLOURED PASTOR. 17s)

in Dalmatia. ‘“‘There also appeared,” says Mr. Cantraine,
““oreat numbers of them in the Island of Pago, near the
canal of Novgorod. ‘They were common in Tuscany in 1818.
M. Savi says that, in 1789, several pairs of these birds bred in
Italy. M. 'Temminck also adds that the same species occurs
from north to south throughout Africa; but has not yet been
found in Japan.

The Rose Pastor is common in some parts of India. In
the Dukhan, according to Colonel Sykes, these birds are so
numerous as to darken the air with their flights; which oc-
curring at the period of the ripening of the bread grain, are
very destructive in their ravages.

In its food this species appears to be, like the starling, om-
nivorous. Locusts and grain have already been mentioned as
very attractive to them: to which may be added fruit.

Bechstein speaks of a flight of eight or ten of these birds
being seen in the environs of Meiningen, in Suabia, in 1774,
moving from south-west to north-east, and passing from one
cherry-tree to another. It is to be presumed that they
visited the cherry-trees for the sake of their fruit. An indi-
vidual of this species was also shot in 18386, in a garden near
Swansea, in Glamorganshire, while regaling itself in a cherry-
tree: and in the Isle of Wight, one was shot some years ago
during harvest, while feeding on the berries of the elder. ©

The Rose Pastor, says M. Temminck, builds in holes in
trees, and in clefts among rocks: and lays as many as six
eggs; but neither this author, nor any other whom we have
consulted, is able to mention their appearance or colour,
neither does the season of incubation appear known, which is
the more remarkable, as it must naturally take place in the
summer; the season at which, from April to Michaelmas, it
chiefly visits our neighbouring European countries, as well as
our own.

Many authors, says M. 'Temminck, have included this bird,

176 STURNIDE.,

as well as some other foreign species, with the thrushes; M,
le Vaillant was the first who has pointed out the true place
which this species ought to occupy, — namely near the
Sturnide, or starling. f

This species has not yet been found in America, or New
Holland.

The longevity of this species appears to be considerable, if
we may judge from the fact of one having been kept caged
above eight and twenty years. This individual came into the
possession of a clergyman, M. Von Wachter, the rector of
Frickenhausen, in 1774, and in the year 1802, was, accord-
ing to the testimony of Bechstein, still alive.

The song of this species, according to the same authority,
M. Bechstein, is very agreeable, being a combination of those
of the starling, the goldfinch, and the siskin.

The Rose-coloured Pastor is a very beautiful bird of un-
common appearance, owing to the abrupt division of the two
predominant colours of rose and black in its plumage, and its
very elegant crest; its size is nearly ten inches in length, and
sixteen inches in width.

The iris is pale brown; the legs and toes are strongly
scaled on the front and top, and shafted at the back, all are of
a dingy flesh red, except the claws, which are brownish horn
colour. ‘The tarsi is one inch and seven-eighths long; the
middle toe one inch three-eighths, and the hinder toe, in-
cluding the large claw, measures one inch and seven-eighths.

The adult male has a beautiful crest on the top of its head,
consisting of a quantity of loose arched feathers, which, owing
to the great spring in the quill of each feather, is never
entirely laid flat. The head, including the crest, also the
neck and breast, are black, reflected with steel-blue and
purple ; the back, rump, breast, sides, and shoulders, are a
fine rose colour; on the shoulders are a few dusky dashes.
The belly, upper and under tail-coverts are black. The

or Aarh
ROSE-COLOURED PASTOR. EG

under tail-coverts are bounded with white, and all the black
feathers reflect either green or steel-blue. The wings and
tail-feathers are black, slightly reflected with metallic co-
lours, and the outer feather very narrowly edged with white.
The wings and tail-feathers are dusky on the inner side,
as also the under wing-coverts, which are bordered with
white.

The rose colour on the bird, immediately after the moult,
is, in the adult male, a true carmine rose red, which, however,
soon becomes faded by the action of the sun and air.

Young males and hen birds never have the rose colour pure,
but more approaching to flesh red. The adult females have
a shorter crest on the head, and her colours are altogether
duller and less pure. The young females have a still shorter
crest, the other parts of the head and neck dusky, as also the
wing and tail-feathers; the latter of which are edged with
pale brown; the tertials and greater wing-coverts alone are
black. The breast and belly, back and shoulders, flesh
colour; the shoulder and upper back feathers are tipped with
brownish-grey, overpowering the rose or flesh colour. The
thighs, the upper and the under tail-coverts black ; the latter
with pale brown edges. The iris dark brown.

The young birds before they moult are so very different
from the parents, that it requires some knowledge of them to
identify them. They resemble most of all the young of the
starling ; they have neither crest, nor any sign of rose colour
about them, and only distinguish themselves by their thicker
and shorter beaks and lighter coloured feathers, which ap-
proach nearer to brown than grey. The beak and legs are
dirty flesh colour; the corners of the beak and the soles of
the feet yellow. The tip of the beak is brown, and the iris
ereyish-brown. The upper part of the bird is pale yellowish-
grey, spotted with darker about the head. Wings and tail

dusky, edged with pale dirty rust colour ; a faded pale streak
VOL. III. N

178 STURNIDA.

over the eyes; the throat white, the breast and belly dirty
white, the sides and upper part of the breast pale yellowish-
brown, about the crop some dark streaks, the under tail-
coyerts dark brownish grey, edged with dirty white.

nt
Rey

RAVEN 179

INSESSORES. CORVID:.
CONIROSTRES.

PLATE CXXIV.

RAVEN.

CoRVUS CORAX.

Tur Raven is a bird well known in most parts of the
world : it is indigenous throughout Europe, but more nume-
rous in Sweden, Finland, Iceland, and Greenland, than it is
in more southern countries. It is found also throughout
Asia, from the southern parts to Siberia and Kamtschatka.
It inhabits North America and Africa.

The Raven chiefly inhabits woods and forests, from whence
he visits at pleasure meadows, fields, and the banks of rivers.
During the summer months these birds confine themselves
within a more limited range than in winter, at which latter
time they forage to a considerable distance in search of
food, usually returning at night to a favourite tree for their
rest.

The Raven associates little with the other members of
its family, such as the rook and crow, with whom it appears
to hold no willing intercourse. It differs from the latter
of these, however, chiefly in size, appearing much larger
when on the wing than any of its tribe: on the ground also
its form and attitude are much more noble and com-
manding.

The strength and sanguinary habits of this species are

pointed out in more than one passage in Scripture: for
N 2

180 CORVIDE.

instance, in the book of Proverbs it is said, ‘* The eye that
mocketh at his father, and despiseth to obey his mother,
the Ravens of the valley shall pick it out, and the young
eagles shall eat it.”

The Raven is an observing and cautious bird, noticing
everything that takes place within the range of his keen
and jealous eye. He is also bold and pugnacious, and more
than a match for many birds his superior in point of size. He
will not allow a buzzard peacefully to enjoy a piece of
carrion, but speedily attacks him and beats him off: he
also pursues hawks upon the wing, and will even attack
the eagle in the air. This bird is, however, as wary as
he is powerful and bold, and seldom alights te feed upon
the carrion that his keen eye has discovered, until he has
several times circled round and round to see that all is safe.
The very sharp scent of the Raven enables him to detect
carrion at the distance of several miles; and the sportsman
who lies in wait for this species watches in vain, if he exposes
his person either by sight or scent to the acute organs of this
sagacious bird.

When on the ground the Raven walks sedately ; he also
hops with great celerity, which power aids him so much, if
wounded in the wing, that it requires great exertion in the
pursuer to overtake a bird so circumstanced.

A pair of these birds may occasionally be seen on a clear
calm day circling in the air, and towering above the clouds
in the manner of the hawk tribe. When on the wing they
may be heard at some distance, owing to the action of their
strong wings upon the air.

The call note of this species is a full and deeply pro-
nounced craugh! craugh! On the approach of stormy or
rainy weather they utter many strange sounds as it were
with great exertion. Their note of endearment sounds like

RAVEN. 181

clong ! clong ! expressed in presence of one another, but at
no other time.

Young birds obtained from the nest become very tame,
and learn to pronounce words plainly: they are, however,
great thieves, and are known to carry off and hide children’s
toys, or anything that glitters. This natural propensity is
shown also in their wild state, as they carry many bright and
glittering substances in their nests.

“The corbie,” says W. H. of Stobo Hope, in a com-
munication to the Zoologist, “is well known to the
shepherd on all the hilly tracts of Scotland. His common
ery is croak; but when in a state of excitement he utters
another sound, which, if I could manage to express by letters,
I should spell thus—whii-ur: this is repeated with great ~
rapidity, a strong accent being laid on the two is, and the
ur, or last syllable, seeming to proceed from a collapsing of
the throat after its distension in pronouncing the first. With
this cry he very commonly intermixes another, something like
clung, uttered very much as by a human voice, only a little
milder in the sound. The Ravens are excited to these cries
when the shepherd or his dog seems likely to discover a
carcass on which they have been rioting and feasting.

** In Ravens the senses of sight and smell are remarkably
acute and powerful. Perched usually on some tall cliff
that commands a wide survey, these faculties are in constant
and rapid exercise, and all the movements of the bird are
regulated in accordance with the information thus procured.
The smell of death is so grateful to them, that they utter a
loud croak of satisfaction instantly on perceiving it. In pass-
ing over sheep, if a tainted smell be perceptible, they cry
vehemently. From this propensity in the Raven, to announce
his satisfaction in the smell of death, has probably arisen the
commen notion that he is aware of its approach among the
human race, and foretells it by his croaking. I have no

182 CORVIDE.

doubt the idea is founded in truth, although I think the
common event is not communicated to the Raven by any
immediate or supernatural impulse ; but that in passing over a
human habitation from which a sickly or cadaverous smell
may escape, it is perfectly natural for him to announce his
perception of it by his cries.

‘*Shakspeare, however, takes a different view from this, and
represents the Raven as being seized with an immediate and
supernatural impulse, in foreshowing the death of Duncan by
his croaking. He makes Lady Macbeth say,—

‘The Raven himself is hoarse,
That croaks the fatal entrance of Duncan
Under my battlements.”

Duncan when he entered Lady Macbeth’s castle was im per-
fect health; but Shakspeare wrote in conformity with the
legend, and, indeed, the general belief of the country; and
he well knew the passage would take a firm hold on the
human mind.

“The Raven lives at perpetual variance with all the other
feathered tribes. Even those species which are far his
.superiors he annoys incessantly with his attacks, especially
when loaded with food, carrying it either to their young,
or to a spot where they can devour it without interruption.
I once saw a goshawk carrying what I supposed to be a
grouse, this was evidently dead, and sticking out behind the
bird, gave it a very curious appearance.

‘“«'Three or four corbies were high in the air, making, from
every quarter, repeated attacks on the goshawk, and en-
deavouring to rob him of his prey. At length, one of them
was just striking the noble bird, when, relaxing its hold, the
dead creature, whatever it might be, fell straight for the
earth. The hawk dived after it with a rapidity perfectly
astonishing, and, I think, before it had descended thirty

RAVEN. 183

fathoms, struck his talons into it, and bore it safely away
from among his angry assailants.

“* Nor is this enmity with the corbie confined to the feathered
tribes; sundry of our quadrupeds live in constant warfare
with the ill-conditioned fowl. If you see a corbie hovering
and screaming over a linn or athwart the face of a rock, you
may be sure that some animal has attracted his attention.
Perhaps a fox is basking on a sunny slope; or the wild cat,
cautiously seeking a safe footing whence to spring on some
unwary bird that has its nest among the cliffs; or, perhaps,
the supple weasle, sporting about, or examining every cranny to
find a safe retreat:—I have seen the corbie vexing each of
these. The fox will sometimes stretch up his neck and snap
at his asailant, when he has made a sudden dive, but the
bird eludes the danger, and continues his persecution as
before.

‘* The corbie, thus feared by some creatures, hated by others,
and most especially detested by the shepherd, on account of
certain bloody designs against his fleecy charge, whenever
driven by hunger to the attack, makes his nest in the
deepest retirement, in solitude the most inaccessible. He
selects a leafless, sapless branch of some stunted tree—a
mountain birch or service —jutting out from the face of
a perpendicular rock, and hanging over an abyss hundreds of
fathoms deep,—the bottom often beset with sharp and pointed
rocks. The nest is constructed of the decayed stems of
heather, skilfully and carefully wattled together with twigs of
other trees. A layer of moss is next supplied to fill the inter-
stices, and thus render the mass more compact; this layer
is thickest at the bottom, and in places where the outwork of
heather has been made too slight; the inside is partially lined
with sprigs of the fly-bent, but principally with wool. Here
are deposited the eggs, and here the callow brood are fed and
nourished, and kept dry and warm. The eggs are five, six,

184 CORVIDE.

or seven in number, of a bluish colour, blotched with irregu-
lar spots of brown. The order in which they are deposited
is scarcely ever seen, for it rarely happens that a human being
can approach sufficiently near for the purpose. The young
corbies, however, are seldom permitted to escape; for the
shepherd seeking the spot, perilous though it be, smashes the
egos with stones hurled from above, and batters the nest to
pieces. He sometimes postpones his revenge until the young
ones, full grown and fat, are peeping over the brink of the
nest, and almost ready to abandon it altogether. He would
always delay his attack till this period, but as the young
advance in age and size, the more extensively and recklessly
do their parents cater for their support.

‘When Ravens set out on a long journey, they always
travel in pairs, and so high in the air that, were it not for
their frequent crying, they would escape notice altogether.
So great is the height at which they fly, that no cliff or peak,
however lofty, can cause them to swerve from the direct course
on which they are bent.”

Some interesting particulars of the nidification and habits
of the Raven are detailed in the same periodical, by A. E.
Kknox, Hsq., as follows, ** The Raven, although still to be
found breeding in some parts of the country favourable to its
nidification, is much less numerous as a species, and more
partially distributed here than in former years. This in some
measure is to be attributed to the gradual disappearance,
from our woods and parks, of most of the tall old trees in
which they loved to build, and partly to the absence of that
superstitious veneration with which this bird is still regarded
in the north of England.

“‘ A pair of Ravens used to build until very lately in the
rus of Bramber Castle, near Steyming ; but continued per-
secution has, I understand, effectually banished them from
that neighbourhood.

RAVEN. 185

‘¢ As these birds breed very early in the spring, the young
are generally fledged about the latter end of March, or the
beginning of April. After that time they are not to be
found in the vicinity of their nests; but, accompanied by
their young ones, the old birds seek an open country without
trees or human habitations, where, secure from sudden sur-
prise, they superintend their education in the art of flying.

** A pair of Ravens, with two or three young ones, have fre-
quently been observed thus engaged, at this time of the
year, on the South Downs, near the Devil’s Dyke. On one
occasion, the latter, when apparently fatigued by their early
lesson, alighted on the ground, and did not then exhibit that
wary dread of man which might have been expected ; but, in
spite of the loud admonitory croaking of the parent birds, who
hovered over them in the air, and evinced every sign of
anxiety and uneasiness, they allowed the observer to approach
within a short distance, before they finally took their flight
and followed their conductors to a neighbouring hill.

“In Petworth Park, in a clump of unusually tall old beech
trees, whose trunks have been denuded by time of all their
lower branches, the Raven occasionally breeds. I was not
aware of this fact until early last March, when, as I was
riding in the neighbourhood of these trees, my attention was
arrested by the never-to-be-mistaken croak of a Raven, and
the loud chattering of a flock of Jackdaws.

‘* T soon perceived that these were the peculiar objects of his
hatred and hostility ; for, after dashing into the midst of them,
and performing several rapid evolutions in the air round
about them, he succeeded in effectually driving them to a
considerable distance from the nest. During this manceuvre,
the great size of the Raven became more apparent than when
viewed alone, and his power of flight was advantageously con-
trasted with that of his smaller congener. The latter, indeed,
appeared to bear precisely the same relation to him in point

186 CORVIDE.

of size, that Starlings do to Rooks when seen in company
with each other.

‘“‘The Raven’s nest was placed in the fork, on the very
summit of one of the highest of these trees, while the hollow
trunks of many of them (almost all of the trees, being in-
ternally decayed) were tenanted by a numerous colony of
Jackdaws.

‘Some of the apertures through which they entered were so
near the ground as to enable me to reach them when on
horseback, while others were situated at a much greater
height. These conducted to the chambers in which the
nests were placed, and which were generally far removed from
the external orifice by which the birds entered their tower-
like habitation.

“On thrusting an elastic rod upwards into some of these
passages, I found it impossible to arrive at the further extre-
mity of the apartment, while a few cavities of smaller
dimensions were within reach of my hand, and contained
nests constructed of short dry sticks, some of which were in a
yet unfinished state, while in others one or two eggs had been
deposited.

“The next day I returned to the place, provided with a
spy-glass, for the purpose of observation. On my arrival I
found that the Ravens were absent, and that the jackdaws,
availing themselves of this, had congregated in considerable
numbers, and were as busily employed about their habitations
as a hive of bees ; some carrying materials for the completion
of their yet unfinished nests, others conveying food to their
mates, and apparently making the most of their time during
the absence of their tormentor.

‘There being no covert or brushwood at hand, and the
branches of the trees being yet leafless, I was unable to con-
ceal myself effectually, but having lain down at the foot of a
tree containing the nest, I awaited the return of the Ravens.

RAVEN. 187

“¢ Nearly an hour elapsed before the arrival of the male bird,
and I was first made aware of his approach by the consterna-
tion which it appeared to spread among the jackdaws. Like
most animals under similar circumstances, when conscious of the
approach of danger, they rapidly collected their forces on a
single tree, keeping up all the time an incessant chattering,
each bird shifting his position rapidly from bough to bough,
while the Raven, who held some food in his beak, satisfied
himself on this occasion with two or three swoops into the
terrified crowd, and having routed the greater part of them,
he approached the tree in which his nest was placed.

“* Before arriving there, however, he evidently became aware
of my presence, and dropping his prey, which proved to be a
rat, he ascended in the air to a great height in circular gyra-
tions, after the manner of a falcon, where he was soon joined
by his consort, and the two birds continued to soar above my
head while I remained there, uttering not only their usual
hoarse croak, but also an extraordinary sound resembling the
exclamation ‘“‘ Oh! ” loudly and clearly ejaculated.

** At first I could scarcely persuade myself that it proceeded
from the throat of either of the Ravens, but my doubts were
soon dispelled, for there was no human being within sight ;
and after carefully examining one of the birds for some time
with the glass, I observed that each note was preceded by an
opening of the beak, the great distance, of course, preventing
sight and sound from being simultaneous.

“I could not accurately distinguish to which of the birds
this exclamation was to be attributed, but it apparently pro-
ceeded from one only, which seemed to be the female, or
lesser of the two, and if intended to have the effect of im-
posing silence on its young, proved perfectly successful ; for
during the two hours that I remained there, the latter never
uttered a cry.

‘* With the assistance of ladders firmly fixed together, the

188 CORVID.

nest was reached. It was comfortably lined throughout with
the fur of the fallow-deer, and contained three young ones,
which appeared to have been hatched about a fortnight.

‘“* About six years have elapsed since a former pair of Ravens
built in Petworth Park. The old male was at last shot; this
occurred in the morning, and at three o’clock in the afternoon
the survivor had found a help-mate, who continued faithfully
to discharge the duties of husband and father, until the de-
struction of the young birds at a later period.

‘“¢ Some years ago a pair of Ravens used to breed annually in
Burton Park, about four miles from Petworth ; disappearing
from the neighbourhood when their young were fledged, but
always returning in the ensuing spring.

“« The head-keeper, better acquainted, it would appear, with
the habits of birds than persons of his profession are apt to be,
afforded them every protection. He had discovered that they
were his best friends. Not a hawk, or weasel, nor indeed
any winged or four-footed animal, usually designated “ ver-
mine,” were suffered by the Ravens to appproach the wood
in which stood the tree containing their nest.

** Although pheasants and hares abounded in the immediate
vicinity, neither these nor the young were ever molested by
the Ravens. Their foraging expeditions were carried on at a
distance, and their food consisted almost entirely of young
rabbits, and the decomposed flesh of larger quadrupeds.”

The Raven, like some of our other birds of prey, appears
gradually to be retreating before the rapid march of civiliza-
tion, and to be retiring, like the Britains of old, to wooded
and mountainous fastnesses, where it can for the present re-
main unmolested, Many spots formerly frequented by this
species, appear now, within the memory of man, to have be-
come deserted. ‘¢'The primeeval forests,” says Mr. Hepburn,
speaking of Hast Lothian, ‘‘ which covered the surface of this

country, have long since disappeared, and in this neighbour-

RAVEN. 189

hood we have no traditionary Raven’s tree. The lordly bird
is confined to the range of the Lammermoors, and to the
rocky islets lying off the North Bewick coast. They are few
in number, and I never heard any complaints of their ravages
from shepherd or housewife.”

‘“* The corbie,” says the Rev. G. Gordon, in his Fauna of
Moray, ‘is found in the upper and more inaccessible parts of
the country; but its numbers are much circumscribed by
those appointed by sportsmen and sheep farmers for destroying
vermin.”

In Shetland, according to Mr. Edmonston, the Raven is a
permanent resident, and common. The cliffs of the Isle of
Wight still afford a refuge to this species: and several pairs,
according to the testimony of the Rev. C. Bury, annually
breed there.

In Corfu, according to Mr. Drummond, these birds are
very numerous and always seen in flocks, and breed among
the rocks of the citadel.

In Belgium, says M. Julien Deby, Ravens are found on
the wooded mountains on the banks of the Meuse: they are
there gregarious, and are seldom seen elsewhere.

The Raven measures about two feet and two inches in
length ; the female is smaller. The entire colouring of the
bird is black, reflected with steel, or prussian-blue, on the
head, back, and elongated feathers of the breast. Irides
brown.

The egg figured 124 is that of the Raven.

190 CORVIDEA.

INSESSORES. CORVID.
CONTROSTRES.

PLATE CXXV.

CARRION CROW.
Corvus Corone.

Tue Carrion Crow is an inhabitant of many countries,
including the warm and temperate parts of Hurope, the
north of Africa, and many parts of Asia and America. In
Hurope its range does not extend so far towards the north
as that of the raven, but it is considered more numerous
southward than that species; thus keeping up the perfect
balance that is everywhere to be observed in Nature, in
whose dominions nothing is wanting, nothing superfluous.

Sweden and Denmark are considered to be the northern
limit of this bird in Europe, and in those countries even
they are not very numerous. In our temperate climate the
Carrion Crow, if nowhere very plentiful, is yet generally
dispersed. These birds inhabit chiefly woods, from whence
they visit daily the fields and pastures around. Like the
raven, they possess very acute organs of sight and smell, by
which they are enabled to detect at a great distance their
often disgusting food. But although ranked among the
scavengers of nature, in which capacity they doubtless per-
form a prominent part, these birds are far from confining
themselves to dead and putrid food, but are popularly and
perhaps not unjustly considered among shepherds, game-
keepers, and the guardians of the farm-yard as objects of

CARRION CROW. 191

dread and aversion, although on this subject opinions are at
variance, whether their utility as destroyers of vermin and
devourers of objects obnoxious to the senses, may not more
than compensate on a large scale for the mischiefs perpetrated
by them.

Crows, although not gregarious, appear more sociably to
consort with other members of the Corvzde in general than
the raven does; except during the breeding season, when they
keep aloof from their own species, two pairs being seldom
found to breed near one another. ‘‘ Crows go in pairs the
whole year round,” says Gilbert White; it is therefore
probable that, like ravens, they pair for life.

The flight of the Carrion Crow is buoyant and steady :
when on the search for food he may be often seen, if in the
vicinity of a farm-yard, to wheel and circle slowly round
and round, his head inclined, and his gaze carefully bent upon
the objects below, now wheeling higher, now lower, as he is
alternately tempted by an opportunity of plunder, or scared
away by the appearance of some object of which he is himself
afraid. We have sometimes been greatly interested in
watching these proceedings: as well as in observing the
anxiety with which the intruder is regarded by the feathered
tribes in the farm-yard,—the upturned and foolish gaze of the
ducks peering aloft with one anxious eye, the hens fidgetty
and fearful for their infant charge; and have admired the
instantaneous rush of the young brood for shelter the moment
the warning note of the alarmed mother was given.

‘“« The Carrion Crow,” says Mr. Hepburn of East Lothian,
‘* haunts our fields in pairs throughout the latter months of
autumn and winter, until the return of spring recals him
and his dark mate to the upland plantations and hill sides,
where they rear their young in comparative safety. On
returning to their summer quarters they add grain to their
bill of fare. Almost every spring a pair or two attend

192 CORVIDE.

pretty closely upon our flocks during the lambing season ;
yet I have not been able to bring any charge of murdering
ewes and lambs against them, nor am [ aware that our hill
shepherds bear them any grudge on this score. No one who
has ever marked his noble mien, his courteous bowings to his
mate, before making the woods ring out with his joyous
cawings, can resist admiring the bird around whose life and
conversation prejudice and ignorance have thrown a dark
cloud.”

In opposition to this peaceful picture we must acknowledge
that the Crow is accused on the testimony of persons of
undoubted veracity, of destroying sickly sheep and killing
and devouring young lambs. ‘In the lambing season,”
says W. H. of Stobo Hope, in some notes published in the
Zoologist, ‘the Crow is the dread of the shepherd, and
commits unheard of cruelties; at this season its nest is
overflowing with young, which require an enormous quantity
of food: and many an inoffensive creature is slain to gorge
their craving appetite. The symptoms of parturition are as
well known to the Crow as to the shepherd, and a group
may often be seen waiting with anxious expectation. If the
mother escapes, the young lamb frequently becomes a victim
before it has yet stood erect.”

The Carrion Crow feeds, besides, on worms, insects, fruit,
and vegetables, young game, and mice; but their favourite
food is, as their name implies, carrion; and during cold
weather they enter towns and villages on the Continent,
where they pick the bones and other remains that they find
in the streets.

About the latter end of February or beginning of March,
Carrion Crows enter upon the construction of their nest, in
which both male and female take their part. The nest is
usually placed in the top branches ef a forest tree, where
the female deposits four or five eggs. It is constructed

CARRION CROW. 193

of a layer of twigs, upon which is placed vegetable mud,
moss, and earth intermixed; the interior lining being of
wool, bristles, and hair, in all forming a substance that
will resist common shot from penetrating. 'They sometimes
breed twice during the summer months. When the young
are hatched they are blind, and require the unremitting
care of the parents, who feed them on insects, worms, and
young birds.

The entire length of the Carrion Crow is one foot and
a half. Its whole plumage is black, brilliantly glossed with
steel blue on the head, breast, and scapulars; as well as
on the outer webs of the wing and tail feathers. The beak
is black, and the nostrils covered with long black hairs
directed forward: the legs and feet are shining black. The
iris is dusky.

The egg of this species is figured 125 in the plate.

VOL, Ill. 0)

194 CORVID®.

INSESSORES. CORVIDE.
CONIROSTRES.

PLATE CXXVI.

HOODED CROW.
Corvus Cornix.

THE HoopEp Crow differs very much in colouring from
all others of its tribe; and also in habits from the last men-
tioned. Their home is in the northern parts of Asia, America,
and Kurope. During summer, Hooded Crows sojourn as far
north as the Ferro Isles and Lapland, from whence they are
driven on the approach of winter by the falling of the snows,
or the severity of the frost. During this season they visit the
middle and southern parts until returning spring. We have
generally observed their arrival in great numbers in North
Holland about the end of August, when they may be seen
stalking about stubble and ploughed land in company with
the rooks and crows. Many a time have we been amused
with the ignorance of the Dutch boors, who will point out the
Hooded Crow, and affirm that it has turned grey from age.
The Hooded Crow is generally considered a migratory bird,
in the more northern and southern parts of Europe, and
indigenous or stationary in the intermediate countries verging
on the northern side.

Wooded country intersected with fields and meadows, in
the vicinity of water, these birds prefer; they are also very
partial to the sea-side. ‘Towards the beginning of March
the Hooded Crow returns to his breeding-place, and builds

HOODED CROW. 195

either in a lofty tree in an avenue, or by the side of a
field: they have been known to build on the wood-work
under a bridge, and even on a mound of earth in an un-
frequented field. The nest much resembles those of the
former mentioned species, and the eggs are four or five in
number.

The Hooded Crow is in its nature shy and cautious.
At night they generally roost in trees singly, but when
migrating rest in companies: at such times they retire late
to rest, and rise before the sun, when one uttering its
ery of joy (crea,) rouses its fellows, and all suddenly take
wing and pursue their way.

The food of this crow is varied by season and circumstances.
In summer it consists of worms, insects and their larvee :
in winter they search for frozen fish on the banks of rivers ;
they also devour frogs and reptiles. The eggs and young
of birds, and even leverets, do not escape them.

Respecting the food of this species in Scotland, Mr.
Hepburn says, ‘‘ the Hooded Crow only occurs as a rare
straggler in our inland parts. It abounds along our coast
from Prestonpans to Galune Point, at least in the autumn.
Nobody but the gamekeeper has an ill word to say against
this Crow; it joins the rook and other friendly birds in
searching after the insect foes of the farmer: but with us
its chief subsistence is obtained on the sea-shore.”

In Shetland, as may be expected, this Crow is very com-
mon. In Moray, according to the Rev. G. Gordon, ‘it is
much more abundant than the raven and the carrion crow,
particularly in the lower and better cultivated part of the
country, where they build in trees and remain all the year.
They here perform many of the offices assigned to the vulture
in warmer climes. The grey parts of the plumage are occa-
sionally found shading through brown, down, in some indi-
viduals, to pure black, which, when they mate with others

o 2

196 CORVIDE.

of the ordinary colours have been regarded by some as carrion
crows.”

In the Isle of Wight this species rarely occurs. In Corfu
it is occasionally seen, according to Mr. Drummond; but in
Albania, where they also breed, they are very common. In
Crete they are also very numerous, and breed there. The
Hooded Crow is considered rarely to breed in England, at
least not in its southern parts: we know of no instances
recorded of its breeding further south than Norfolk.

The Hooded Crow has the entire head and throat, and
upper part of the breast black, with purple reflections,
forming a hood or cap; the wings and tail are black, with
a greenish gloss; the rest of the upper and under parts grey.
The iris is dark brown; the legs and feet black.

The entire length of this species is nineteen or twenty
inches.

The egg of the Hooded Crow is figured 126.

4 wh Vie

ROOK. 197

INSESSORES. CORVID.
CONIROSTRES.

PLATE CXXVII.

ROOK.

CorRVUS FRUGILEGUS.

Tue middle and southern portions of Europe appear to
be the climates chiefly adapted for the residence of the Rook.
It is also known to inhabit some of the temperate parts of
Asia, being found about the Black and Caspian Seas, and
eastward, as far as Japan. From North America we have
no distinct information on the subject. The range of the
Rook in Europe is confined within much narrower limits than
those assigned to the raven and the crow. It penetrates not
further north than the southern parts of Sweden in summer,
and leaves those regions entirely in winter. In Shetland it
appears to be a bird of uncertain and periodical appearance,
and is only mentioned by Mr. Edmonston in his Fauna of
that island, as being ‘‘sometimes seen in spring.” In
Scotland, in parts at least of that kingdom, the Rook is a
permanent resident; this is the case in Moray, according to
the Rev. G. Gordon, where this species remains all the year,
frequenting at most seasons arable or meadow land, and
feeding chiefly upon terrestrial or rather subterranean insects ;
but after the breeding season, according to the same gentle-
man, they repair for a short time to the hills and moors, to feed
upon larvee that are about that period making their appear-
ance in those subalpine districts; or as some suppose, to

198 CORVID.

regale upon the fruit of the Crowberry (Empetrum ni-
grum).

Throughout England, with little exception, the Rook is
well known, frequenting cultivated districts for the sake of
the innumerable larvee that are to be found beneath the soil ;
also pasture lands, which in some counties are of vast extent.
In these the persevering Rook penetrates with its strong
horny beak, in order to discover the hidden larvee of various
kinds of beetles, and other insects, whose ravages without
such indefatiguable persecutors would eventually destroy the
verdure of the surface by attacking and injuring the root.
So sagacious are the Rooks in search of these hidden enemies
that they can distinguish those plants that are attacked,
and by plucking them up, remove and devour the grub;
by this process a grass field, although it presents for a short
time an unsightly and ragged appearance, by being strewed
with tufts of withered grass, becomes rid of many powerful
and unseen enemies, which without the timely interposition of
these friends of the farmer would have destroyed its verdure
irremediably.

The utility of the Rook was formerly little understood, and
in some districts it was proportionably persecuted: but the
observations in later times of clearsighted and experimental
farmers have been so decidedly favourable to the character
of this species, that it is now generally cherished as a
valuable auxiliary and friend; and the occasional mischief
perpetrated by it is overlooked in consideration of its general
utility. In some few districts, however, the ancient
prejudice against these birds still prevails: in the Isle
of Wight, says the Rev. C. Bury, the Rook is abun-
dant, ‘‘ but would be still more so if the farmers knew its
value.”

To continue our enumeration of the countries and districts
frequented by this species we may add that they are not

ROOK. : 199

found in all parts of Germany or of France; in the
southern parts of the latter country they abound most in
winter. In Belgium, says M. Deby, they are very com-
mon; ‘‘some remain all the year round, but the greater
number are migratory. Wast flocks are seen every
year, during the month of October, flying in a south-westerly
direction.”

Having now traced the Rook from the southern parts
of Sweden down to the South of France, it remains to observe
how much farther to the south its range extends, on which
very little remains to be said. In the island of Corfu the
Rook is not a permanent resident, but only retreats thither
in winter, about the same time that it leaves Germany,
the north of France, and Belgium: ‘it arrives in Corfu,”
according to Mr. Drummond, ‘‘ in October, and takes its
departure for the north in February.” In the island
of Crete the Rook is not found: and the same _ has
been observed of our Channel Islands, Guernsey and
Jersey.

In its habits and manners the Rook differs widely from
those members of the Corvus family previously mentioned.
While the raven and crow lead, like other predatious birds,
a solitary and unsocial life, feared by weaker birds and
animals, and disliked by man, the more civilized and peace-
ful Rooks live in large communities, either from feelings
of sociability, or motives of defence: and instead of seeking
wild and solitary places for their residence prefer the neigh-
bourhood of mankind, and on many points may be con-
sidered as creatures little removed from domestication, so
intimately do they ally themselves to mankind by means of
services rendered and received. The sight of them is also
associated with the civilization of agriculture, and the
sound of their cheerful cawing can never be heard with

indifference.

200 CORVIDE

Although indigenous in this country and permanent
residents, the contemplation of the migratorial habits of
these birds on the continent of Europe leads us to observe
some slight affinity with the purposes of migration in
their manners in England, namely, that at stated periods
of the year, their habits undergo a partial change, in
order to procure what in other countries they obtain by
migration,—warmth and shelter. About October these
birds are often observed to congregate in large flocks about
their nest-trees, where they appear restless and busy, circling
round and round, rising and falling in the air, and apparently
preparing for some unusual movement. After spending
some days in this manner, they assemble in a vast body,
consisting often of the members of more than one rookery,
and depart to some distant woods, where they take up their
quarters for the night, and which they continue to inhabit
nightly while winter lasts, but return every morning to their
customary feeding-grounds, which are generally in the vici-
nity of their nesting-trees, where they feed until evening ; and
are again about sunset seen to return to their woods for the
night.

About the middle of March, Rooks begin again to resort
to their nesting-trees, which are usually the loftiest trees
in an avenue or an isolated clump of forest trees in
a park or wood, generally in the vicinity of a village,
or some venerable manorial residence. These colonies
return to the same rookery annually to breed, and are
often of older standing than the memory of man can
trace; and it is probable that nothing but the eventual
decay and removal of the trees to which they are accustomed
will cause them to desert a spot resorted to for ages by their
ancestors.

It has often been a subject of vague speculation with
us what becomes of the many birds that are every year brought

ROOK. 201

up in each individual rookery. The accidents of life
can hardly destroy them in proportion to the annual increase,
especially considering the longevity usually attributed to
the Corvus family. in general. Neither do rookeries enlarge
very materially from year to year; nor is the establishment
of a new rookery where none existed before a circumstance of
very frequent occurrence.

Occasionally, however, a newly founded colony is observed
to establish itself; of which an instance was lately com-
municated to us by a friend, who says, ‘‘ Between five and
six years ago, about thirty pairs of Rooks, visited some trees
in a field belonging to Edmund Jenny, Esq. of Hasketon,
Suffolk, and began to build. In due time they finished
their nests and laid eggs; and while sitting upon them,
a violent storm of wind blew down their eggs, and some of
their nests, and damaged the rest, and hindered them in
their purpose of rearing up a family that year. In the
following spring the Rooks returned to the same spot;
built their nests, laid their eggs, and reared their young ; and
there is now a thriving rookery.”

Rooks are cautious and wary birds, and very watchful
of the approach of an enemy in the shape of man, taking
great care to keep out of gun-shot ; and when on the wing
overhead will suddenly diverge from the course of their
flight if a stick only is pointed at them. They are, how-
ever, courageous in defence of themselves, if wounded,
or in resenting the death of one of their own commu-
nity, of which we met many years ago with a curious in-
stance. Being once out with a gun it was our fortune to
have rather better sport than our companion, who had
killed nothing, and being rather irritated at his bad luck
determined to shoot the first thing that came in his way.
Presently a flight of Rooks came over; he raised his gun
and fired, and one of the birds fell; as he stooped to pick

Q02 CORVI1D&.

it up, the whole flock suddenly descended, and attacked
and mobbed the man with so much fury that he was obliged
to defend himself with the barrel of his gun. For some
moments we could not help enjoying the sight, but at
length felt obliged to go to his rescue, when the Rooks find-
ing two enemies to contend with, gave up the contest and
flew off.

If by chance wounded in the wing, a Rook will en-
deavour to escape by running and hopping with such
celerity that. it is no easy matter to overtake him.

In meadows partly overflowed by winter floods we have
been amused at observing the Rooks wading knee-deep in
the water in search of worms, and carefully holding their
wings aloft that the water might not reach them, and so
obstruct their powers of flight. While feeding on the
ground in flocks Rooks are always observed to place sentinels
on several neighbouring trees, who give the alarm of any
approaching danger, on which the whole body rise,
wheel, and circle, and if necessary seek their safety in
flight.

The nests of this species are placed usually very near
the tops of the trees, and are composed of a vast quantity
of materials; they remain from year to year, requiring
only some repairs in the spring before they are taken pos-
session of by their former inhabitants. We are inclined
to think that the same pair of Rooks usually return
to the nest formerly built by themselves; and _ that
the frequent squabbles and battles that occur in the
building season may be in order to obtain severally at
last the quiet possession of their respective and hereditary
rights.

“¢ Rooks are sometimes known,” says Mr. Briggs in a note
in the Zoologist, ‘to desert their nesting-trees without any
visible cause, after having occupied them for a very consider-

ROOK. 203

able number of years. They are also said never to build on
any except those which are still growing, nor after they have
arrived at maturity, both of which circumstances may be
accounted for in the following manner :—Trees still growing,
by shooting forth young twigs annually, afford the Rooks a
better means whereby their nests may be attached ; while, on
the contrary, those on the decline have their summits com-
posed of dead, dried branches, on which the nests have
little hold, and are, consequently, liable to be blown down by
every hurricane. Carpenters and woodmen sometimes turn
these habits to good account, when determining the proper
age for cutting down rookery timber, deeming it quite ready
for the axe when these birds forsake it for another habi-
tation.”

The length of the Rook is eighteen or nineteen inches.
The plumage of the whole body is black, richly glossed
upon the head, neck, breast, and all the rest of the upper
parts, with purple reflections. The beak is black: the basal
part of the beak, and the skin round about it, are whitish and
mealy, owing to the wearing away of the feathers by the pro-
cess of digging, by which this species obtains its sustenance.
This peculiarity in the Rook does not shew itself until the
young birds acquire the power and strength to provide for
themselves, which takes place during their first winter : until
that period, their throat, and basal part of the beak are clothed
with black feathers, in the same manner as in the rest
of the Corvus family. The iris is brown: the legs and feet
shining black.

The Rook produces four or five eggs, and the young
are ready to fly about the end of May: if taken just before
they leave the nest they are excellent eating, being little
inferior to pigeons.

In some parts of Suffolk, and probably in other counties

204: CORVIDE.

where these birds abound, multitudes are shot for this purpose
from their nest trees by means of cross-bows.

The egg figured 127 is that of the Rook. In some
specimens the spots are less numerous ; in others the colours
appear smeared or washed together.

by ae a

sy te

JACKDAW. 205

INSESSORES. CORVID.
CONIROSTRES.

PLATE CXXVIII.

JACKDAW.
CorvUS MONEDULA.

Tuts smaller species of the Corvus family is probably well
known in all parts of this country, and is in some localities
very plentiful. It associates much with the Rooks, accom-
panying those birds in their flights, and feeding among them.
They may be distinguished at any visible distance by their
inferior size, and by their peculiar cry of “‘ Jac! jac!” which
they often utter while on the wing. In their manner of
flight they differ from the Rooks, their companions, moving
their wings with a quicker, flapping motion, and are seldom
observed to sail. When near enough for more close obserya-
tion, they may readily be known by the grey neck or collar ;
which in some specimens is very pale in tint, approaching to
silvery white. This species, like some others of its family,
_ is capable of being readily tamed and reduced to domestica-
tion, in which state his manners are amusing; but on the
whole he is a very troublesome pet, as he not only is a most
merciless and voracious enemy among cherry-trees, goose-
berries, and other fruits, as soon as they are ripe, but even
enters the dwelling-house of his master, and sometimes of all
his neighbours round, where he commits many acts of pilfer-.
ing, and will slily abstract and carry away any small glitter-

206 CORVIDE.

ing object that he perceives;* he is besides of so bold a dis-
position, and so forgiving, that it is difficult so to affront him
as to make him keep at a more respectful distance.

Jackdaws feed indiscriminately on insects, grain, fruits, and
the pods of leguminous plants, &c. Their places of nidifica-
tion are as diversified as their food ; but they appear chiefly to
prefer for the locality of their nest the tops of lofty towers,
churches, the academical buildings in Universities, &c.: they
also build among rocks, and in the hollows of decayed trees.
Although these birds associate so much with rooks they do
not build among them, but breed in distinct colonies. The
only instance of Jackdaws building on the branches of trees,
that we remember, is one related in the Zoologist by Alex-
ander Hepburn, Esq., who says, “On the 13th of June,
1841, whilst walking in Binnie wood, in company with two
friends, we had just emerged from a noble grove of beech
trees, on a glade where the woodman’s axe had been busy,
when the lively cawing of a Jackdaw awoke the deep stillness
of the wood, and eager to Jearn what the garrulous, social
bird was doing in that lonely place, we walked to the foot of
a tall scotch fir whence the sound proceeded ; there we found
the dead body of a young Jackdaw, and heard the grateful
chatter of another: on looking upwards to the bushy, un-
natural growth of its branches, we perceived a bulky nest,
whence the old daw speedily made its escape.”

The Jackdaw’s nest is remarkable for the quantity of
strange materials brought together. The eggs are five or six
in number: in the ground colour they are pale bluish white,
prettily marked with distinct spots of ash colour and dark
brown.

The Jackdaw appears to be found throughout the length

_ * We knew a Jackdaw that used to enter a bed-room window and strip a
pincushion of its pins, scattering them about the table ; to the no small per-
plexity of the owner, until the perpetrator was discovered.

JACKDAW. 207

and breadth of Europe: it inhabits Denmark and Russia,
Iceland, Shetland, and the Orkneys: it is common in Scot-
land, and throughout England to the coasts of the Isle of
Wight. In Belgium it inhabits towns and cities, and builds,
as here, either in lofty buildings or in fissures in the rocks :
this species is also very common in Holland. It is found in
Corfu, where it is sedentary, and inhabits also the island of
Crete, and breeds at the foot of the mountains. In Asia this
bird is found in Siberia, and in various other countries, as far
as the most eastern part, being very common in Japan. It
has also been observed in Asia Minor. This species does
not, it is believed, inhabit America, nor is it known to exist
in Africa.

The entire plumage of the Jackdaw consists of rusty black,
and smoke grey; the latter colour occupying the cheeks and
nape of the neck, and upper part of the scapulars, the former
covering the head, the orbits of the eyes, the chin and breast,
and all the rest of the body. The beak and legs are black ;
the iris pearl white.

The entire length of this species is fourteen or fifteen
inches: the female is rather smaller, and the grey upon her
nape not so pure as in the male. Young males do not
acquire the pure grey upon their necks that characterises the
adult until the second or third year.

The egg of the Jackdaw is figured 128.

208 CORVIDS.

INSESSORES. CORVID.
CONIROSTRES.

PLATE CXXIX.

MAGPIE.
Corvus PICA.

THe Magpie is found in most countries of Europe, in-
habiting as far north as Lapland. In Norway, according
to M. Boie, this species is very common, on the mountains
as well as in more level country. In Sweden these birds are
also numerous, and in both those countries are much
cherished and protected by the inhabitants. It inhabits
Iceland; but in Shetland, according to Mr. Edmonston,
it is only a straggler. ‘The whole range of northern Asia
appears to be well supplied with this lively and_ brilliant
bird, being found in Siberia and Russia, and from thence
to China and Japan. In North America it is also abundant,
from Kamtschatka and the Rocky Mountains to the Fur-
countries about Hudson’s Bay: and is found as far south as
Louisiana. The southern parts also of Europe and Asia
abound with this species. In Scotland it is plentiful, as well
as in England, where it is found in most well wooded situa-
tions. In England this species appears more confined to
woodland localities than in some other countries: probably
the persecution it generally experiences, on account of sundry
reputed mischievous qualities, has driven it into that retire-
ment that by nature it would not voluntarily confine itself to.
In Iceland the Magpie is said not to have formerly existed,

eZ

MAGPIE. 209

but to have been introduced by some English colonists sub-
sequent to the reign of Queen Elizabeth. In Belgium this
bird is very common.

‘In the Isle of Wight,” says the Rev. C. Bury, ‘the
Magpie is almost as abundant as I have found it on the
opposite shores of Normandy, where I believe it is more
plentiful than any other species of bird. I once counted
eighteen in company in this neighbourhood, and saw lately
the effigies of at least twice that number, nailed up against
a keeper’s wall, all killed during last winter.” This
species is not met with in the islands of Corfu or Crete.

In wooded parts of Surrey we have found this species
tolerably plentiful; but it is a shy bird, and chiefly seen
when on the wing, flying from one lofty tree to another.
Its peculiar flight and appearance when on the wing render
it very conspicuous: it carries its tail in a_ horizontal
position, and the length of this member is very apparent
when contrasted with the short and fluttering wings: its
pied plumage, when the wings are expanded, has also a
pleasing effect.

These birds build indifferently in trees or bushes, or
under the eaves of houses. ‘In Norway,” says M. Boie,
“it builds chiefly in edifices. When built in a tree or
bush, where it can be plainly seen, the nest is a beautiful
and curious structure. The situation is often cleverly
chosen, so as almost to defy access. One that we once
met with was built in the top of a scrubby thorn bush,
so slender that it was impossible to climb it so as to reach
the nest, although not more than eleven or twelve feet
from the ground: the nest itself, which was placed in the
intersection of the topmost branches, appeared to consist
of a cup formed of earth, around which was built a trellice
work of dry branches of white-thorn so interlaced together
that it would have been impossible to get the hand within

VOL. III. P

210 CORVID#.

a foot of the nest. This barricade was formed, not only
beneath and around the nest, but continued above to
the height of at least half a yard from the top of the
nest, with only one small space left on one side to allow
of the entrance of the bird. This curious superstructure,
although too thin to serve as a protection from the wind
or the rain, or from the heat of the sun, is admirably adapted
to defend the young from the attacks of birds of prey, or the
egos from weasels, whose lithe and slender bodies even could
not effect an entrance at any part, except, perhaps, the
before-mentioned door-way : and equally calculated to defend
them from enemies still more cruel and relentless, namely
village boys, who would hardly be able, without violence
to themselves, to break through such thorny defences.

The eggs of this species are six or seven in number; are in
colour bluish white, freckled over, chiefly at the larger end,
with ash colour and olive brown.

The Magpie has the head, throat, breast, and upper part
of the back of an unmixed black: the same colour also
covers the centre of the belly, the thighs and the upper
and under coverts of the tail. ‘The greater quill-feathers
are brownish black on the outer web, and tips of the inner;
the rest of each feather is white: the secondary quills, ter-
tials, and greater wing-coverts, are brilliant metallic purple :
the lesser coverts of the wing black. The white scapulars
form a distinct line from the shoulder of each wing to
the middle of the back: the lower part of the breast
and flanks are also white. ‘The long and graduated fea-
thers of the tail are brilliant metallic green from the base to
near the tip of the feathers, which are terminated by reflec-
tions of olive, violet and steel-blue: the inner webs of all,
except the centre pair, are purplish black.

The entire length of this bird is about sixteen inches:

MAGPIE. ONT

the central feathers of the tail extend seven inches beyond
the tips of the closed wings; and the outer pair of tail
feathers are four and a half inches shorter than the middle
ones.

In its food the Magpie is omnivorous.

The egg of the Magpie is figured 129 in the plate.

Q12 CORVIDE.

INSESSORES. CORVIDZE.

PLATE CXXxX.

CHOUGH.

FRreeitus eRAcuuus. (Selby.)

Tue Cuoveu is an inhabitant of the mountainous parts
of the south of Europe, the southern portions of Siberia,
Persia, and the north of Africa. During the summer in
these countries, the Chough frequents the highest rocks, iso-
lated towering ruins, and church steeples in lonely villages.
In autumn these birds move to the southern side of the
mountains ; and in the winter pass the day in the valleys,
returning at night into the mountains to roost. Troops of
fifty or sixty may sometimes be seen to wander about in this
manner; but they never leave the vicinity of the mountains,
being in all respects of a very alpine disposition. In the
vicinity of their breeding-places, they now and then straggle
into the valleys as far as where the plough and other agricul-
tural implements are used, but that occurs rarely. The
Chough when wild is a very shy and unsociable bird, but
capable, like others of the Corvus family, of domestication.
Their flight is very quick and elevated: they circle round
and round, seeming hardly to move their wings. When on
the ground the actions of the Chough are very stately and
graceful. ‘They are never seen to perch upon trees; their
favourite resting-place is on the shelf of a projecting rock,
where they appear to enjoy the warmth of the sun.

uote spXdyortese y=
© PRS P LE GGL AEE SUES

a

CHOUGH. Q13

Choughs are very clamorous and call out frequently, much
in the manner of the jackdaw. The sound of their voice
resembles that of other crows; and they utter the word
creea! creea! and also have a milder call, like deea! They
sometimes make a chattering noise like the starlings: their
French name is le sonneur.

Choughs are easily tamed, and are very amusing and clever,
and may be taught to pronounce many words; but they are
very inquisitive and troublesome, carrying off and hiding
any thing they take a fancy to.

If confined in a cage, they peck and beat about its boun-
daries continually, in search of insects. They drink much,
and have a habit of soaking any hard substance that is given
them in the way of food. In captivity the Chough will eat
meat, bread, berries, worms and other insects. In a wild
state they are believed to subsist entirely on insect food.

The Chough breeds only in the most rocky or mountain-
ous districts: their nests are placed in the crevices of the
rocks, or on the highest towers of ruined castles, or church
steeples that are situated on very elevated spots. ‘The nest
is constructed of sticks, and lined with such soft substances
as can be procured; and the eggs are four or five in number.

In consequence of the great caution the Chough practices,
and the inaccessible places it frequents, it is very difficult to
obtain specimens either alive or dead; and the only chance
of getting near to them is when they come as low into the
valleys, as where the farmer follows his plough, which they
sometimes do for the sake of the upturned grubs, when an
opportunity of shooting one may occur. As for obtaining
the nest and eggs or the young birds, we must be content
to be indebted to those venturous persons who are willing to
risk life and limb for that purpose.

In England and Scotland the Chough is found in various
suitable localities, chiefly lofty and abrupt headlands in the

214 CORVIDE

vicinity of the sea. Cornwall, from its peninsular situation
and rocky character, may be first looked to as the abode of
this species ; and there we may conclude, it is of more fre-
quent occurrence than elsewhere in England, since the name
of Cornish Chough is very generally applied to this bird.
It is found also in several other localities along the southern
coast of England, such as parts of the coasts of Devonshire
and Sussex, and the Isle of Wight, of which latter place the
Rev. C. Bury says, “* The Chough was once common along
our southern coast, but is so no longer. One or two pairs
breed at Freshwater, and two pairs more between Niton and
Blackgang.” Along the eastern coast of England it is very
rare, if not unknown, owing to the general absence of ele-
vated land on that side of the kingdom, with the exception
of the cliffs of Dover, which are still believed to afford it
a secure asylum. It inhabits parts of the eastern coast of
Scotland, such as St. Abbs Head, &c. In various parts of
Treland this bird is also found, as well as in the Isle of Man.
It is also met with in Wales.

From the above named rocky eminences these birds sel-
dom wander, so that the appearance of one of them more
inland in this country is very unusual.

In Switzerland the Chough is of frequent occurrence, and
there shares its mountain eminences in common with another
nearly allied species, the Alpine Crow. In the island of
Crete it is also found, and breeds upon Mount Ida.

In size the male and female of this species differ very con-
spicuously, the former looking nearly half as large again in
bulk as his mate: in their feathering little or no difference
can be perceived. ‘Their beaks have the appearance of
being semi-transparent, and are of a beautiful coral colour ;
they are very slender, and bend downwards at the tip: their

legs and feet are of the same colour as the beak; the claws

CHOUGH. Q15

black, and much hooked. The entire plumage is_ black,
glossed on the upper parts with purple: the iris is brown.
The eggs of this species are of a dull white in the ground
colour, mottled with ash-grey and light brown: they are
rather long in form, and measure about one inch eight lines
in length, and little more than one inch in diameter.
The egg figured 130, is that of the Chough.

foto)

216 CORVIDE.

INSESSORES. CORVID.

PLATE CXXXI.

AGS
GARRULUS GLANDARIUS.

Tue Jay is an inhabitant chiefly of woodland districts ;
and in such localities occurs in almost all the countries of
Europe, from the borders of the Mediterranean Sea to Den-
mark, Sweden, and Norway. In Germany it is very nu-
merous, frequenting chiefly forests of oak and beech. In all
those countries the Jay is only a summer resident, returning
for the most part in September and October to milder re-
gions to pass the winter: but in England, France, Belgium,
Holland, Italy, Spain, &c., it is resident throughout the
year. In Scotland, owing probably to the nature of the coun-
try, this bird does not appear to be very common; and in
Shetland it is only known as a rare straggler. In Belgium
Jays are very numerous, especially in autumn, when their
numbers are much increased by flocks which appear in Octo-
ber, and which have evidently migrated from more northern
climes.

In most of the well-wooded parts of England, the Jay is
common and permanently resident, and we are not aware that
their numbers are either materially increased or diminished in
consequence of the changes of the seasons. In Greece and
Asia Minor these birds are found ; also along the southern
shores of the Mediterranean, namely, Egypt, and the Bar-

131

Pl

JAY. ils

bary States. In Corfu, and others of the Ionian Islands,
the Jay is common, and resides throughout the year. In
Crete it is also said, by Mr. Drummond, to be found in
small numbers on the Sfakian mountains, and to breed
there.

In countries where these birds are migratory, they usually
travel, during their autumnal journey, in flocks: their pas-
sage is performed in short, interrupted flights, along the
skirts of oak-woods, if such-abound. On their return in
spring they are chiefly to be seen in pairs, instead of compa-
nies.

The flight of the Jay is heavy and irregular, as if it re-
quired much exertion to sustain its loosely-feathered body in
the air. When they are obliged, during migration, to cross
a wide open country, they fly quicker for fear of being at-
tacked by birds of prey ; and their fear may be perceived by
their frequently turning back to their starting point before
they finally undertake the journey, and then it is performed
in haste, one flying behind another in an irregular manner.
During their migration, the Jays alight on the first tree they
meet with, and from thence utter their harsh note of joy, on
having thus far travelled in safety. They never sit long on
one branch, but shift and change continually ; and when on
the ground they hop about very awkwardly. ‘The manners
of the Jays are very amusing; they are for ever changing their
position, raising and depressing the feathers on the head, and
uttering with every motion some unaccountable note. Their
usual call is a deep sounding Wrae, or Rrae! but the varied
notes and imitative cries of the Jay are not to be described,
except by saying that it can imitate the voice of almost every
animal that it hears abroad ; whether the horse, the dog, the
cat, &c. and the notes of many birds. Male birds, if caught
young and tamed, are in consequence of these imitative powers

very amusing.

218 CORVIDE.

The food of the Jay consists in summer chiefly of worms,
cockchafers, and other insects, with their larvee and grubs ;
small frogs, mice, birds-eggs, and young birds, and fruit of all
descriptions. During the winter months they live on nuts,
acorns, beech-mast, peas, &c., which they collect during the
autumn and hide in holes in trees, and under fallen leaves in
some convenient spot. The Jay is said to be occasionally de-
structive to green corn, by plucking and swallowing the ten-
der ears. ‘Their relish for acorns as winter food is so great,
that they search for them beneath the snow. The Jay is ac-
cused of devouring young birds, and even young partridges,
which causes it to be looked upon with suspicion by game-
keepers, &c. In captivity these birds will partake readily of
almost every thing that comes to table.

The Jay builds chiefly in coppice-wood and fir plantations,
from twelve to thirty feet from the ground. One nest in our
collection, which was taken from a plantation of spruce-firs on
the outskirts of Claremont, in Surrey, was at about the latter
elevation. It was placed, in a situation similar to those
chosen by the wocd-pigeon, upon the flat and spreading
branch of a spruce-fir; and composed of a few twigs as a
ground-work, upon which are placed a great number of slen-
der branches and roots, apparently of heath, becoming finer
towards the interior of the hollow; and a few long horse-
hairs are laid round withinside. This specimen is rather a
well-constructed one for this species, having its branches and
roots pretty clesely interwoven. Some specimens are far
more slightly built. One nest which we took from the branch
of a holly was little more compact after removal than those of
the pigeon family, the stiff nature of the leaves among which
it was placed having been its chief support.

The eggs of this species, which sometimes amount to six
in number, appear at a little distance, of a pale greenish stone
colour, but, on closer inspection, are found to be minutely

ile

JAY. 919

freckled over with pale grey and olive-brown: they are, in
some specimens, as much as fifteen lines long, by eleven lines
diameter ; although some are much smaller; and the surface
in most specimens bears very little polish.

The entire length of this species is rather above thirteen
inches: the beak measures about ten lines from the tip to
the forehead, the wing measures seven inches from the carpus
to the tip, and the tail extends about two and a half inches
beyond the tips of the closed wings.

- The lively and varied colours of this bird render it, in
point of plumage, one of the handsomest of our indigenous
species; the feathers are chiefly broad, loose, and soft, and
the colours as follows :—the feathers on the forehead and
crown of the head are bluish-white, with black shaft streaks
and rays, and a black moustache passes downwards from the
corner of the lower mandible: the rest of the head, cheeks,
back, and scapulars, breast and flanks, are pale reddish cinna-
mon, blushed with bluish-grey on the scapulars; the upper
and under coverts of the tail, the thighs and belly are white ;
the tail is black. The wings, in which the chief beauty of
the bird resides, are distinguished by brilliant feathers crossed
by bars of rich blue, black, and white; these occupy the
ridge of the wing, and some of the greater coverts; the rest
of the greater coverts are black; the lesser coverts of the
wings and some of the tertial feathers nearest the body are
bright bay. The greater quill feathers of the wing are dusky
on the inner web, and pale brownish white on the outer.
Some of the secondary quills have a portion of white on the
outer web, the rest black. The eyes are pale blue, the beak
and legs reddish brown.

The egg figured 131 is that of the Jay.

220 CORVID&.

INSESSORES. CORVID.

PLATE CXXXII.
NUTCRACKER.
NuciFRAGA CARYOCATACTES.

THE Nutcracker, although a rare bird in this country,
is well-known all over Europe, the North of Asia, and
North America. In Europe it is found far north in Sweden,
extending over Russia to Siberia and Kamschatka.

This species is nowhere found in great abundance, although
in the mountainous forests of Switzerland, its favourite locality,
they are considered plentiful. In the southern parts of
Europe the Nutcracker is only an occasional visitant, and in
the north he regularly arrives in summer and departs towards
the autumn. During their migration they travel in companies
of six or eight at most, and frequently alone, which occasions
their being less observed ; they seldom make their call note
heard, and rarely leaving the thickest foliage and bushes, un-
less they are driven out by some cause or other, they remain
hidden and unseen. During the summer they inhabit lonely
mountain forests of pine or copse, chiefly seeking the deepest
parts of the forest, where there are open spaces and springs
of fresh water. ‘Towards autumn they leave those retreats
for oak and beech woods, intermixed with hazel-nut trees,
and are seen even in the lower parts of the country, until
nuts become scarce: they are then busily employed among

NUTCRACKER. : PON |

the pine and fir trees, and after traversing them, they reach
their summer retreat about April, where they make arrange-
ments for the reproduction of their species.

The Nutcracker is remarkably devoid of fear; it is re-
ported that it is very easy to knock the old birds down with
a stick, where their nest is near, and that the young birds
allow themselves to be taken from off the branches by the
hand. The shepherds in the Thuringerwald believe (forest
of Thuringia) that these birds came from Paradise, and call
them the birds of innocence.

The flight of the Nutcracker resembles that of the Jack-
daw, but being wavering and unsteady, he avoids crossing
any extended space. In the course of its migration, should
any open country intervene, this bird avails itself of every
bush in its way, for the purpose of resting.

The voice of the Nutcracker is not harmonious, being a
repeated harsh sound like crack, crack! and curr! the latter
- of which he calls very loud in the spring of the year, when
perched on the top of a tree.

As may be supposed, this species is easily tamed, and eats
anything that is offered it ; but care must be taken that it is
not left alone with other birds, as it devours them imme-
diately, even the jay becomes its prey if they are left together.

Its beak is so strong, and its habits so destructive, that a
wooden cage will not hold it, and it requires nuts to amuse it
when caged.

The food of the Nutcracker consists in summer, in insects
of the larger kinds, even bees and wasps ; in autumn, berries,
nuts, acorns, and beech-nuts ; in winter it searches for berries
beneath snow; and in the spring feeds principally on the
cones of the fir and pine, which he either entirely con-
sumes, or strips while on the ground in a peculiar man-
ner.

This bird is said to be very partial to flesh, and to take

229 CORVIDE.

advantage of every opportunity of obtaining it, for which
purpose he frequents the bathing places of birds, or attacks
them during a heavy shower; he also plunders nests of
the young or eggs. When he attacks a bird, he takes it
with the beak by the neck, and placing one foot on the
head, pecks first the brain, and afterwards devours the
bird piecemeal. One individual has been known to devour
a squirrel without assistance.

This bird fills his crop on convenient occasions, in order
to masticate and consume the contents at some place of
retreat, or hides food in some corner for the next meal.
The acorns he softens in his crop, reproduces them, peels
them and eats the inside, MHazel-nuts are held with the
feet and broken with the beak, &c.; and its taste for this
food is so great, that it will remain in the vicinity of a
hazel-tree, if not disturbed, until every nut is deyoured; in
such a case, the empty shells are found scattered about,

In the deepest mountain forests, the Nutcracker builds its
nest in a hollow tree, and is said to deposit five or six eggs of
a yellow grey colour, spotted sparingly with rust colour,
and a few fine dark brown spots. Coch has a nest supposed
to be of the Nutcracker, but the eggs are very polished,
round-shaped, and of a uniform grey.

Switzerland is their chief place of resort in Europe.

Although nearly allied to the crow family, with which it
was formerly incorporated, the Nutcracker has points of re-
semblance in structure and habits that appear to render it en-
titled to generic distinction ; it has accordingly been separat-
ed by Brisson from the true crows, under the name of Nu-
ctfraga, and placed next before the woodpeckers, to whose
manners and modes of life it bears much resemblance. Its
resemblance in structural form to the woodpeckers, appears to
reside chiefly in the beak, which is long, straight, and horny,
and like theirs adapted to the excavation of holes in trees

NUTCRACKER. 993

for purposes of nidification. Some peculiarities, however, in
the form of the beak and tongue require more detail: these,
although not supplied by owr own observation (the rare oc-
currence of this bird in England precluding personal in-
spection) are from a source worthy of credit. The beak is
almost straight, the upper mandible being only a little arched
towards the tip; in form it is nearly cylindrical, with a slight
depression on the sides. The tip of the upper mandible pro-
jects a little beyond the under, and the whole character indi-
cates strength. The under mandible has a lengthened knob
on the inside, like that which occupies the upper mandible in
the bunting family; this protuberance or knob commences
about the middle of the beak, and reaches almost to the tip.
The tongue is of a very peculiar form ; the basal part of it is
short, flat, and thin, but towards the tip divided into two
pointed forks, which lie one on each side of the knob or pro-
tuberance when the beak is closed. The ridge of the knob is
very sharp, and calculated for breaking the nuts and other
hard berries on which this bird feeds. The nostrils are small
and placed near the base of the beak, and covered with short
bristles. The irides are dark chestnut colour. The legs of
the Nutcracker are very much like those of the crows, black
in colour and largely scaled along the tarsi and the upper
surface of the toes. The claws are much arched and very
sharp; the hinder claw in particular large in size.

The head of the Nutcracker is large, and the general fea-
thering is loose like that of the jay. The bristles which
cover the nostrils are white with brown streaks; the region
of the eyes and the lore are dirty white ; forehead, crown,
neck, and rump, dark brown ; all the rest of the plumage,
except the wings and tail, dark brown spotted with white ;
each of these white spots is placed on the centre of the fea-
ther, and are regulated in size as follows: On the throat

these white marks are small dashes, and appear to be most

QQ4 CORVIDE.

divided. On the temples they are larger, and again on the
cheeks they increase in size, these also becoming more drop
shaped: they are largest on the upper part of the breast.

On the back and chest these white pear-shaped marks are
surrounded by a darker brown zone, which melts as it were
in the general colour of the plumage.

The thighs are dark brown in front and spotted behind,
like the rest of the plumage. The vent and under tail-co-
verts are pure white; the upper tail-coverts pure black. The
wings are black, slightly reflecting blue, the lesser wing-
coverts with triangular spots, the larger the same, but with
much smaller spots.

The larger quill-feathers have only a small triangular spot
from the sixth to the twelfth feather, towards the tip; and
the black of the feathers becomes dusky at the tip. The
inner or under wing feathers have an oval white spot on the
inner web of the fifth to the eighth quill-feather. The under
wing coverts are dusky with triangular white spots on their
tips; the tail is black with slight blue reflections and white
ends, narrow on the middle feather, but enlarging to nearly
one inch on the outer feather.

The female differs very little from the male in colouring,
but there are varieties of the Nutcracker which are quite
white.

pant

133 ..

GREAT BLACK WOODPECKER. Q25

INSESSORES. PICID 44.
SCANSORES.

PLATE CXXXITT.
GREAT BLACK WOODPECKER.

Picus MARTIUS.

Or this singular and beautiful family, eight species are
enumerated by Temminck as belonging to Hurope; four
only of these are met with in England, of which the species
under present consideration is the most rare.

The Great Black Woodpecker is an inhabitant of the
cold as well as the temperate parts of Europe, but does not
penetrate very far north, in consequence of the absence of
large trees beyond a certain latitude. Russia in Hurope,
and Asia, Persia, France, some parts of Switzerland and
Germany are inhabited by this bird. It is also found in
North America, Chili, and Porto Rico. Although nowhere
plentiful, this bird is scattered over the wooded parts of
Northern Europe, it is more rare in the central parts, and in
the most southern countries is nearly unknown.

The favourite haunts of the Black Woodpecker are the
extensive forests of pine that cover so much of Northern
Europe and Asia. These lonely and obscure forests abound
in old and decayed trees, which supply them with food, and
serve the purpose of their breeding retreats. When met
with in forests of mixed timber, such as oaks, beech, &c., or
in young plantations, these birds may be considered as merely
no their journey from one spot to another.

VOL, III. ; Q

926 PICIDE.

These birds are exceedingly shy and unsociable, and
scarcely associate with their own kind, especially during the
breeding season, at which time they will scarcely allow one of
their own species to locate itself within a mile. The nightly
retreat of this species is in a hole in some tree. The Black
Woodpecker is a strong, active, and lively bird; its restless
nature drives it from spot to spot ; and when aware of being
observed too nearly, it endeavours to effect its escape un-
noticed by its pursuers at an incredible rate, but may gene-
rally be detected by the noise it makes, first in one place,
then in another, in less time than seems possible. When
hurried it runs up a tree, taking reiterated Jeaps forward,
with such force, that its claws may plainly be heard hooking
into the rough bark of the tree, and its tail beating against
it alternately to balance itself. Under these circumstances,
the bird holds its head back and raises its breast from the
tree, which gives it in that attitude a noble appearance.

The alertness of the Black Woodpecker in running up the
stems and branches of a tree, is equalled by the ease and
swiftness with which he runs round and round them, when
shunning observation, in the same posture as before de-
scribed, with the head thrown back and the breast raised.
To descend with the head downwards, appears impossible
to all the Woodpeckers, for which reason they all commence
their operations at the bottom of a tree, running upwards in
search of their insect food among the bark and inequalities of
the stems. For running on the ground, the Black Wood-
pecker is not formed; and it is his usual custom to fly direct
from the top of a tree to the ground.

The facility with which this bird makes a hole in a tree
for its sleeping and nesting apartment is very surprising,
loosening splinters of wood several inches long and many
lines broad, by which process he makes a noise as if woodmen
were at work in the forest.

GREAT BLACK WOODPECKER. Q27

The flight of the Black Woodpecker is rather peculiar,
opening his wings very wide in front of him, and beating them
with long sweeps in his progress through the air, much in the
manner of the jay. The unsociableness and unfriendliness of
the bird before us is carried so far, that when a pair of them
perceive one lonely bird about their haunts, they will pursue
it until it leaves the vicinity. The call-note of this Wood-
pecker is very loud and penetrating, and sounds like cree,
cree! and kirr, kirr! several other sounds are expressed by
them during their time of courting, and the manner in which
they use their beaks in hammering, produces a vibrating
noise sounding like wrr, or orr! which may be heard at
the distance of half a mile, and this is eccasioned by the bird
hanging on some dead upper branch of a tree, and beating
against the broken extremity of the same with great velocity,
thus causing the branch to vibrate; the beating and vibrating
together give the sound produced. All the Woodpeckers
practice this last mentioned pastime, whereby the forests in-
habited by them resound in the spring with this singular
noise in many keys.

While the Woodpeckers are thus engaged, they in-
variably erect the feathers on their heads; and as they are less
able to detect an enemy owing to their own noise, they may
at such a time be approached very near, and must be ad-
mired when seen thus engaged, with the sun shining on their
very beautiful crimson crests in fanning motion.

In the month of March the male Woodpecker begins this
jarring music, and continues it while the female sits upon
her eggs ; the male only makes this noise, the female never.

The food of this Woodpecker consists of insects and their
larvee, which it procures from between the interstices of the
bark of trees and decayed parts ; also ants, which it swallows
in such quantities when it meets with a nest, that its stomach

and crop have been found filled with them. The utility of
Q 2

Q28 PICIDE.

this bird in thus consuming and destroying such numbers
of insects in all stages and of all kinds is very apparent.

In consequence of the food of the Black Woodpecker,
much of which consists of the wood-boring maggots of
beetles and moths, and its constantly inhabiting decayed
wood, this bird has a very unpleasant smell, which is so
powerful, that sporting dogs decline taking them in their
mouths, when shot, to bring them to their master.

The Black Woodpecker only breeds in the deepest pine
forests, but does not always choose a fir tree in which to
excavate a hole for its nest or residence, as it is known to
breed also in oaks and beeches, provided the trees are old
and large.

About the beginning of April, preparations are made for
the nest, when the birds search for a tree where a branch has
been torn out by the wind, or where some decayed place
in the wood may aid the formation of a hole, otherwise
they chisel a hole of a sufficient size, to introduce a
man’s hand, and after this opening is made and perfectly
rounded, it is terminated by a cavity or cup about nine
inches in diameter, and in a direction slanting downward
from the entrance hole; it occupies about a fortnight to
excavate and finish the apartment, which is usually fifty or
sixty feet from the ground. The female deposits her four,
five, or six egos, in the bare cavity; these are so very trans-
parent and delicate, that the yolk at first may be plainly seen
through the shell. The male and female sit for seventeen
or eighteen days before the young brood come forth; the
parent birds feed their nestlings with ants eggs, and are so
much attached to them, that they will hardly quit the nest if
an attempt is made to take the young from them.

It is somewhat difficult to find the breeding place of
this species, even when the vicinity is known, unless atten-
tion is paid to the wood which lays at the foot of the tree in

GREAT BLACK WOODPECKER. 229

splinters, and is often in sufficient abundance to betray the
cause.

Many specimens of this woodpecker have been shot in
England at different times: sufficient to establish its claim to
be reckoned among British stragglers. It has been met
with in several counties, south as well as north: also in
Scotland. It does not appear that any attempt has been
made by this species to breed or locate itself in this country,
and. judging from its northern habits it is probable that
further observation will tend to establish it as nothing more
than a winter strageler from more northern parts.

The Great Black Woodpecker is the largest of the Wood-
peckers known in Europe. In length its measurement is
from nineteen to twenty inches, from the tip of the beak to
the extremity of the tail: its weight varies from twenty to
twenty-three ounces. The length of the tail is seven
inches, and the closed wings cover about half its length.
The tail-feathers decrease in length from the central to the
outer pair, the latter measuring no more than two inches and
a half. All the tail-feathers have the shafts strong, and of
the substance of whalebone, much pointed or tapering at the
tips, hollow on the under surface, and having the webs to-
wards the tips resembling bristles. The quill-feathers of the
wings are in their proportions as follows: the first is short,
narrow, and very pointed; the second twice as Jong; the
third is broader and less pointed, and an inch and a
quarter longer than the second ; the fourth still broader and
half an inch longer; the fifth only one line longer, and the
longest in the wing. ‘These quill-feathers are weaker than
those of any other of the woodpeckers. The secondaries are
particularly broad and long in proportion: the upper and
under wing-coverts are short, tending altogether to form a
very peculiar shape of the wing, and consequently occasioning
a different flight from others of its species. The beak is very

230) PICIDE.

strong and straight, two inches and a quarter in length, ten
lines broad, and seven lines thick at the base; the lower
mandible by far the lesser in size: on the upper mandible
the ridges are particularly sharp and abrupt, like those on the
upper surface of rushes. The beak is of a grey horn colour,
yellowish towards the corners of the’ mouth ; the nostrils are
large and oval shaped, they are placed in the grooves of the
ridge which runs from opposite the eyes towards the tip of
the beak, and not far from the base; they are covered with
strong bristles : the under mandible and chin are also covered
with strong projecting bristles.

The tongue of this species, although not so long as that of
the green woodpecker, can be projected three inches and a
quarter beyond the tip of the beak, when in the act of tak-
ing food, which it secures by means of its horny point armed
with sharp barbs; the colour of the tongue, as well as that
of the inside of the beak and swallow, is flesh-red. The
iris is sulphur-yellow, the black pupil slightly extended
towards the corners of the mouth beyond its otherwise per-
fect circle. In young birds the iris is grey. The slate-
coloured legs are strong and largely scaled, and armed with
sharp and arched black claws.

The general feathering of the Black Woodpecker is soft
and loose, closest on the rump, but about the neck almost
unconnected and very thin.

The adult male has the upper part of the head, from the
bristles on the nostrils to the back and nape of the neck, of a
splendid scarlet-red: the rest of the head, particularly about
the eyes, mouth and chin deep jet-black ; the rest of the feather-
ing is black, but the tips of the quill-feathers are rather rusty.

The female has only the red on the back of the head, and
is much less im size.

The egg figured 133 is that of the Black Woodpecker.

134.

GREEN WOODPECKER. 231

INSESSORES: PICID Zi.
SCANSORES.

PLATE CXXXIV.
GREEN WOODPECKER.
Picus vIRIDIS.

Tue Green Woodpecker is the most common of its tribe
that is found in Britain, and is equally so in most parts of
Europe; it is found in Siberia as well as Egypt, is rare in
Holland and some parts of Germany; and nowhere very
plentiful, although frequent.

The jealous nature of the Woodpeckers respecting their
chosen habitat causes them to be much dispersed. Woods
and forests are the general resort of the bird now before us,
but hilly or level countries are chosen in preference to that
which is mountainous. Young plantations of timber in the
vicinity of rivers and pasture land this bird likes to visit, and
scattered trees of many kinds and sizes ; its choice seems more
to favour oak, beech, elm, lime, and willow trees, ete., than
fir or pine, as foliage is sought for by it. During severe
winter weather it also approaches farms and villages, search-
ing for food among the bark of fruit trees, decayed buildings,
and barns.

This bird is very lively, but watchful, although less shy
than the black woodpecker ; its power of climbing trees in
all directions except downwards is equal to that of any of its
tribe, and its movements on the ground surpass in agility

232 PICIDE.

those of all the others, hopping about in search of food with
less awkwardness and for a longer continuance ; nevertheless
it is clumsy in comparison of other land birds of most kinds,
and when on the ground carries its body horizontally,
dragging its tail as it were behind.

This bird is not so fond of excavating as the last mention-
ed species, and less frequently employed in tapping with its
beak.

The flight of the Green Woodpecker is attended with
much and rapid fluttering of the wings, thus producing a
vibrating noise that is plainly heard in still, misty weather.
Its progress through the air is in long arched lines, formed by
raising itself by fluttering in the manner described, and then
again shooting along with half-closed wings. When on the
wing he extends his head and neck at full length. This
bird flies usually but short distances, although quite capable
of flying far without much exertion. Its restless nature is
very observable by its note, glu, glu, glu, gluck ! first uttered
in one place then in another incessantly.

It is an impracticable attempt to tame the Green Wood-
pecker ; we have ourselves tried it, but without success, and
our drawing is made from a bird under these circumstances.
In Claremont park, Esher, Oatlands’ estate, Walton, and
all wooded parts of Surrey, the Green Woodpecker is fre-
quently enough seen, and usually known by the name of yaffle.

The Green Woodpecker seeks for and obtains its food as
often on the ground as among the trees, and this consists
principally in ants and their eggs, namely, the Formica rubra,
F. fusca, F. nigra, and F. rufa, but not the F. herculeana.
The bird digs about the ants’ nests or procures them from
among the bark of trees, decayed wood, etc. ; and in winter,
when the ground is frozen hard, breaks it open for the pur-
pose of obtaining his favourite meal: at that time it is the
F’. rufa which he gets at most easily.

GREEN WOODPECKER. 933

The larvee of butterflies and beetles form part of its food ;
also the larvee and eggs of wasps and humble-bees. The
search of this bird in obtaining its food is chiefly confined to
the insects and larve that are found just below the upper
bark of the tree, or in the cracks and holes formed by decay,
as it does not break into the wood like the black woodpecker ;
flies, spiders, &c., all are brought out of their retreat by the
assistance of its beautifully-adapted instrument, the tongue
with its barbed tip, which has besides a glutinous material on
its surface, to which all small substances stick when it is
introduced into some hole or rent.

The Green Woodpecker breeds in woods of mixed timber,
always choosing a tree which is internally decayed, although
it may appear healthy from the outside ; they will frequently
resume an old nest or cleanse it out, and they will even
return to the same place year after year if they are not
frightened away. ‘The preparations for breeding begin as
early as February, and the female deposits her beautifully
polished white eggs, six to eight in number, on the bare
shavings of the hole, where the young show themselves after
about eighteen days’ incubation. The parents are also very
much attached to their young, which they foster jointly even
after they are full-grown ; but when they are considered ready
to turn out, the whole brood starts at once, following their
parents. In case their eggs are taken from them, they will
lay as many more in a short time; but if they lose their
young brood, they are said not to breed again the same
year. The length of this beautiful bird is from twelve to
thirteen inches and a half, the tail measures four inches and
a half, of which the closed wings cover hardly one
half; the wing measures seven inches; the first quill-fea-
ther is very short, the fourth and fifth the longest in the
wing. The tail consists of twelve feathers, of which the two
middle feathers are the longest, and the rest decrease in

234 PICIDE.

length as they approach the sixth pair or outer feathers, which
are one inch and a third shorter than the middle pair, These
tail feathers are very pointed, and their shafts are the same as
in the former species, like whalebone, and hollow or grooved
on the under surface. The beak of the Green Woodpecker
is one and three-fourths of an inch long, six lines broad at
the base and five lines high: the upper mandible is slanting
and somewhat arched towards the tip, but the under mandi-
ble is quite straight, and rather shorter than the upper; the
nostrils are oval, and placed near the base on the groove of
the upper mandible. The iris is pearl white.

The tongue is seven inches and a half long from the root
to the tip, and able to project six inches beyond the tip of
the beak. The legs are strong, and covered with large scales
in front and small ones at the back, the tops of the toes
covered closely with scales, between which they seem to be
filled up with clay, and the soles of the feet are warty. The
arched claws are large in size, compressed at the sides, and
very sharp. The colour of the legs is a greyish-lead, tinged
with green, the soles brownish, the claws yellowish-dusky.
The length of the tarsi is one inch three lines, the outer
front toe with the claw one inch six lines, the inner hinder toe
with the claw seven lines. All woodpeckers, having two toes
before and two behind, are well adapted for running up or
climbing among the trees.

The feathering of the adult male of the Green Woodpecker
is most beautiful, and that of a living specimen is not to be
represented by colouring. The forehead is jet black, the top
and back of the head and nape of the neck covered with a
crimson crest of smooth, elongated feathers, ending in a point
at the nape, and most brilliant towards the hinder part: from
the base of the beak, over and around the eyes, extends a jet
black patch, ending in a point behind the eye ; also from the
base of the under mandible proceeds a patch of the same

GREEN WOODPECKER. 255

colour downwards, in the centre of which is a space of the
above-mentioned beautiful crimson. The neck, back and
shoulders, are of a golden grass green; the rump and upper
tail-coverts are gold yellow. The sides of the neck are grey-
ish-green, the throat brownish-white ; the cheeks, chin, and
all the under parts are pale greenish-grey and yellow; the
under tail-coverts have dusky greenish transverse markings,
which decrease and are lost on the thighs. The larger quill-
feathers and their coverts are dusky, with dingy white square
markings, the tips of these feathers not spotted; the se-
condaries have only on the inner webs the dusky colour, the
outer webs olive-green, most impure towards the primaries:
the wing-coverts partake of the olive and green of the back.
The tail is transversely barred with greenish-grey and dusky,
of which the dusky bars meet at the shafts, and end in the
entire dusky tips of the feathers: the under part of the tail
is dull, dusky, and greyish-white in bars, and the under wing-
feathers the same, with kidney-shaped spots forming rows,
the whele tinged with greenish-yellow.

The female is less beautiful in colouring than the male
bird, rather less in size, although very similar in markings.

A living bird of this species, that was in our possession
for a short time, devoured fiercely such food as we put into its
cage, consisting of insects and raw meat, and employed itself
in climbing about the wires, and thrusting out its slender and
flexible tongue continually, searching in every crevice. The
beauty of this organ is very singular: it has the appearance
of a silver ribbon, or rather from its transparency a stream of
molten glass; and the rapidity with which it is protruded and
withdrawn is so great, that the eye is dazzled in following
its motions ; it appears flexible in the highest degree.

The egg, No. 134, is that of the Green Woodpecker.

236 PICIDE.

INSESSORES. PICID.
SCANSORES. 0

PLATE CXXXV.
GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER
Picus magor.

THe general appearance of the Great Spotted Woodpecker
is so very different from that of the foregoing, as well in its
size, 1ts shorter form, and the distribution of the colouring,
that there is no chance of mistaking this bird in England for
any of its allied species; but on the Continent of Hurope
there are several woodpeckers which resemble it in the eyes
of a casual observer, such as the Picus leuconotus, and Picus
medius, of which no specimens have hitherto been taken in
Kngland.

The present species here represented is found all over
Kurope, North America, and Asia, but chiefly in the north-
ern parts of those quarters of the globe; in Europe it occurs
from Sweden and Russia to Italy, and is more frequently met
with than any other species of the woodpecker family.

Towards the autumn of the year these birds wander more
than at any other time, but not sufficiently so to be con-
sidered migratory ; they return to their summer quarters
about the month of March. The chief retreat of this species
is in pine forests, from whence they absent themselves oc-
casionally, when they locate themselves in many other forest
plantations of different kinds. During the day time thus

frre

GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER. BAT

species is busied about the stems and branches of trees of all
kinds in continual search for its insect food, and at night
retires to a hole in a tree to roost.

The Spotted Woodpecker is a powerful, lively, clever,
and courageous bird, and contributes greatly to enliven the
melancholy quiet of a pine forest, by continually pecking,
jarring, dropping splinters of wood on the ground, calling its
mate, &c.; and when thus employed, it is generally accom-
panied by titmice, golden-crested wrens, and creepers, whose
minor chatterings assist in the concert. The Woodpecker,
however, cares not for their company, as he is very unsocia-
ble to all, jealous of his food, and quarrelsome.

The jealousy of this bird leads it into danger, as it is
sure to take notice if any one taps against a tree; and ap-
proaches sometimes near enough to be caught with the
hand. When on the ground, its progress is neither very —
rapid nor elegant ; but he displays the greatest agility in or
about a tree, which he traverses in all directions while he can
have his head upwards ; and, on reaching the very top, it is
not uncommon to see him perch on a branch like any other
bird in a transverse position. When climbing, this bird,
like the rest of his family, makes great use of his tail in
balancing himself.

The flight of the Spotted Woodpecker is strong and re-
gular, forming long curved lines, first quickly moving the
wings, and then again drawing them closer to the body.

The call-note of this bird is a quickly expressed, gich, or
kirr ! uttered only once at a time at long intervals, in which
he differs from the foregomg Woodpecker: even in the
pairing season the Spotted Woodpecker utters his call-note
but once at a time, repeating it at certain intervals when
perched in the top of a tree; he seems, however, to make
up for this want of vocal noise, by jarring the more indus-
triously with his beak against a dead upper branch of the

238 PICIDE.

tree which holds him. This favorite call of the Woodpeckers
is very remarkable; and if it were more generally known,
there would be more specimens obtained by sportsmen who
seek for them.

When the present species perceives that danger approaches,
he turns to the opposite side of the stem, or runs up the
tree to the very top, from which he flies to the top of some
other tree; but when only in search of food, his flight is
invariably directed to the foot of the neighbouring tree, which
he ascends in like manner in search of food.

The food of this bird consists of insects, and their eggs,
larvee, and crysalides, also nuts and seeds; but he does not
take ants or their eggs, like the foregoing species. When
employed in pecking at the bark of some branch, he may
frequently be seen to run round in great haste, which he
does for the purpose of catching the insects that try to es-
cape in the manner that worms crawl out of the earth when
a mole moves that element; he also destroys many cater-
pillars, and hidden eggs among the bark. ‘The seed of the
pine supplies him chiefly during the winter season.

We have obtained a brood of the Spotted Woodpecker
in Surrey ; it was taken from a hole in an oak, on the common
behind Claremont ; the tree was situated close to a cottage,
and near the main road to Letherhead. There were four
young birds quite fledged, and the old male: they subsisted
some days on raw meat chopped fine, and bread and milk ;
but their smell would alone have been enough to induce us
to part with them after making our observations on them,
even if they would have shown more good will in feeding,
and less disposition to batter their cage to pieces.

About March and April the birds in question become very
clamorous, and begin to look out for a breeding-place, giving
the preference generally to pine-trees; and if they do not
find a cavity ready for their purpose, they make one for

GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER. Q39

themselves, choosing a damaged or unsound part, which will
most readily yield to the strokes of their beak ; and after
rounding perfectly the inner cup, which is generally at the
end of an entrance of six or seven inches, wide enough for
ingress and egress, the female deposits her polished white
egos, four or five in number, on the bare wood; and after
fifteen or sixteen days incubation, the young crawl forth with
large heads, eyes shut, and bodies almost naked. Both
parents foster their young, not only while in the nest, but
long after, in order to introduce them into their future labo-
rious existence.

The Spotted Woodpecker is from nine inches to nine
inches and a half in length; the wings measure six inches
from the carpus to the tip; the tail three inches and three
quarters ; the feathers of which decrease in length towards
the sides, so much that the outer feather only measures one
inch and a quarter. ‘The beak is proportionately shorter and
thicker than that of the other British species of Wood-
peckers ; its length is one inch two lines; and its thickness
at the base five lines. The colour of the beak is lead-grey,
dark at the tip; the base yellow. ‘The tongue of the Great
Spotted Woodpecker is only two inches long, flesh-coloured
about the throat and swallow, and bluish towards the tip, as
is also the inside of the beak. The iris is blood-red in adult
male birds; dark brown in middle-aged, and grey in young
birds. The legs are feathered part of the way down the
front; they are one inch long, strong made, and strongly
sealed; the claws are much arched and large, grooved be-
neath and sharp pointed; the colour of the legs is yellowish
grey, claws black.

The feathering of the adult male is as follows :—the fore-
head is covered with bristle-like feathers, in colour brownish
or rust yellow; the region of the eyes, cheeks, and corners
of the mouth are a soiled white; the top of the head jet

- :
240 » PICIDES
black :- from the lower mandible towards the back of the
head, runs. a black line which meets at- the neck behind,
projecting in front alongside the throat, where it forms a
half-moon-shaped patch. Between the back of the head and
the neck is a patch of very brilliant carmine red; the entire
back, the shoulders and the tail are black with a blue cast.

The chin, throat, breast, and sides are dirty white, on the
belly the tips of the feathers are tinged with yellowish-red,
but the rump and under tail-coverts are carmine-red.

The quill-feathers are black with six or seven white bars,
which are formed by square white spots on the outer webs of
the quills.

The middle tail-feathers are altogether black, the next
have white tips, and the white extends upon the feathers as
they leave the middle of the tail.

The female has no red in the nape of the neck.

The egg figured 135 is that of the Great Spotted Wood-
pecker. |

END OF THE THIRD VOLUME.

LONDON:
Printed by S. & J. BentLEy, Wixson, and FLey,
Bangor House, Shoe Lane,

1330

aie
taka |
TaN

ry 2 $
>.
Li —
== ae
DY Dy DD:
> >

2D IDS >> “wp

SS

SS SS

wD? >>>
DE ?.

22

‘ ao PY Pa a x ».

2
> 2

a> ae)

>
SDD. ies

ei

tp

uo