British Museum (Natural History)
Dept. of Zoology

Guide to the gallery of Birds

GUIDI

TO THE

LLERY OF BIRDS

IN

' -DEPARTMENT "OF ZOOLOGY,
BRITISH MUSEUM (NATURAL HISTORY),

Part II.

•sting-Series of British Birds

THIRD EDITION.

WITH TETOTJE, PLATES.

LONDON:

PRINTED BY ORDER OE THE TRUSTEES

OE THE BRITISH MUSEUM,

1919,
Price One Shilling.

frNes

UYA (\\i

GUIDE

TO THE

GALLERY OF BIRDS

IN THE

DEPARTMENT OF ZOOLOGY,
BRITISH MUSEUM (NATURAL HISTORY).

Part II.

Nesting-Series of British Birds.

THIRD EDITION.

WITH IPOLTK, PLATK8.

LONDON:

PRINTED BY ORDER OF THE TRUSTEES
OF THE BRITISH MUSEUM.

1919.
(All rights reserved.)

677

S3
191/

ft.Z

PREFACE

TO THE FIEST EDITION.

This Guide to the Nesting-Series of British Birds has been
prepared by Mr. W. R. Ogilvie-Grant, Assistant in the
Zoological Department. It is a reproduction of the long
explanatory labels affixed to the special cases of nesting-birds
which occupy the centre and many of the recesses of the Bird
Gallery. In most instances the nests are exhibited with the
actual tree, rock, turf or other support which was found
with them, but where it has been impossible to remove these
accessory objects to the Museum, they are represented by exact
models prepared from sketches and. measurements.

E. RAY LANKESTER.

March 16th, 1905.

PREFACE

TO THE THIRD EDITION.

An account of the British Coal-Titmouse has been added on
p. 27, and BufFon's Skua has been inserted on p. 44. In other
respects the Second and Third Editions are practically reprints
of the First Edition, with a few trifling corrections and other
alterations.

British Museum (Natural History),
London, S.W. 7.
June, 1919.

SIDNEY F. HARMER,

Keeper of Zoology.

DESCRIPTION

OF THE

NESTING-SERIES OF BRITISH BIRDS

Owing to want of space it has been found impossible to arrange the
Cases containing the Nesting-series of British Birds in exact scientific
order. The following descriptions of the species exhibited are there-
fore arranged in the same sequence as the Cases in the Bird Gallery,
which bear a special set of numbers.

No. 1. STARLING or STARE. (Sturnus vulgaris.)

One of the most widely distributed of our indigenous birds and
very numerous in cultivated districts, where it destroys an immense
number of noxious grubs and insects, although it may do much damage
to crops wlien present in large numbers. It places its nest, a large
untidy structure of dry grass or straw, sometimes lined with wool or
feathers, in a tree or in masonry, and readily attaches itself to the
habitations of man, breeding under the roofs of houses. It is very
prolific, rearing two broods of from four to seven young ones each.
The eggs are pale greenish-blue.

Norfolk, June.

Presented by Lord Walsingham, F.R.S.

No. 2. JAY. * (Garrulus glandarius.)

This beautiful bird is resident in the British Islands and was formerly
more common than at the present time, having been persecuted in
many localities on account of its egg-stealing propensities and the
depredations which it occasionally commits in orchards and gardens.
It inhabits thickly-wooded districts, and builds its nest at a height of

2 BIRD GALLERY.

from eight to twenty feet from the ground on a branch or in a, high
bush. The nest is open at the top and is constructed of short twigs, with
a lining of fine roots and grass. The eggs, from four to seven in
number, are greenish-grey, speckled with olive-brown.

Norfolk : nest with eggs, May j young birds, June.

Presented by Lord Walsingham, F.R.S.

No. 3. NUTCRACKER. (Nucifraga caryocatactes.)

A native of the pine- clad regions of Europe and Siberia, and a very
irregular autumn visitor to Great Britain, about twenty occurrences
having been recorded. Large flocks are sometimes formed in the
autumn, when considerable migrations take place in search of food,
and stragglers occasionally reach our shores. The nest, which in the
present instance was placed in the fork of a spruce-fir tree about fifteen
feet from the ground, is not roofed over, but half-domed nests are occa-
sionally found. The eggs vary from two to five in number, and are pale
bluish-green spotted with ash-brown.

Hungary, April.

Presented by C. G. Danford, Esq.

No. 4. ROOK. (Trypanocorax frugilegus.)

A common resident and generally distributed over the wooded and
cultivated districts of the British Islands. Gregarious in its habits,
this bird breeds in large companies, resorting early in spring to the
same " rookery " year after year. The nests are generally placed on
the tops of tall trees in the neighbourhood of houses and are constructed
of sticks and twigs, lined with rootlets, wool, etc. From four to six eggs
are laid, and resemble those of the Hooded and Carrion Crows. The
food consists chiefly of insects and their larvae ; but in dry seasons,
when these are scarce, the nests of other birds are systematically robbed
of their eggs.

Bedfordshire : nest with eggs, 18th of April • young birds, 13th of May.

Presented by Admiral Mark Pechell.

9

No. 5. CARRION-CROW. (Corvus corone.)

Distributed throughout England, but local and rare in the north
and west of Scotland and in Ireland, where the Hooded Crow takes
its place. The two species not infrequently interbreed. The nest,
composed of sticks and warmly lined with wool, is generally placed
on a tree or ledge of rock commanding a wide outlook. The eggs
closely resemble those of the Rook and Hooded Crow, and are lour

NESTING-SKRIES OF BRITISH BIRDS.

or five in number. This species feeds on small mammals, young birds,
eggs, and all sorts of carrion and refuse, and the damage done in game-
preserves by a single pair of these birds is, almost incredible.

South Wales, May.

Presented by Lord Kensington.

No. 6. JACKDAW. (Coloeus moneclula.)

A common resident and generally distributed over the British
Islands. It is equally at home on cliffs, church-towers, ruins, in rabbit-
warrens, or among the old trees of wooded districts. It builds its
nest in a recess or fissure of a rock or wall, in a rabbit-burrow, or in a
hole in a tree, sometimes amassing an immense quantity of sticks to
raise the nest to within a convenient distance from the entrance.
Smaller twigs, wool, or other soft materials form the bed for from four
to six bluish-green eggs, marked with greyish and brownish spots.

Sussex, May.

Presented by W. R. Ogilvie- Grant, Esq.

No. 7. HOODED, or GREY CROW.

fCorvus cornix.)

The Royston Crow, as this species is also called, visits England and
Wales from October onwards in large numbers, while in the north and
west of Scotland and in Ireland it is resident. In its habits, food,
and mode of nesting it closely resembles the Carrion-Crow, with which
it not infrequently interbreeds.

Ross-shire, June.

Presented by Captain S. G. Reid and W. R. Ogilvie-Grant, Esq.

No. 8. MAGPIE. (Pica pica.)

A woodland bird, resident and common in the British Islands. In
many districts it is much persecuted and has been almost exterminated
on account of the damage it does to the eggs and young of game and
other birds. The nest, which is generally placed high up in the fork
of a tree, but often in tali hedges and thorn-bushes, is large and
composed of sticks, those of the base being cemented with mud or
clay ; the inside is lined with rootlets, and the whole covered with a
roof of sticks. The eggs, from six to eight in number, are greenish,
with small purple and brown markings.

Leicestershire, April.

Presented by Theodore Walker, Esq.

b2

4 BIRD GALLERY.

No. 9. SISKIN. (Chrysomitris spinus.)

Breeds regularly in many parts of Scotland, more rarely in England
and Ireland, where it is principally known as a winter visitor. The
nest is usually situated in pine-woods and is difficult to find, being placed
in the fork of a horizontal branch some distance from the stem, and at
a considerable height from the ground. The eggs are five or six in
number, and two broods are generally reared in the season, the first
leaving the nest early in May.

Co. Wicklow, April.

Presented by Allan Ellison, Esq.

No. lO. CROSSBILL. (Loxia curvirostra.)

A somewhat rare and local resident in our islands, more often met
with in the northern and central counties of Scotland and parts of
Ireland, though it has been known to breed in numerous instances in
England. The peculiar shape of its bill is admirably adapted for
tearing open the cones of pine and larch to extract the seeds, which form
its principal food. The nest is usually situated in a pine-tree some
distance (in the present instance 37 feet) from the ground and contains
four or five eggs, which are laid as early as February or March.
The male in this group is probably a bird in its second year and has
not yet assumed the red plumage by which very old males are
distinguished.

Co. Water ford, March.

Presented by R. J. Ussher, Esq.

No. 11. LINNET. (Linota cannabina. )

Universally distributed throughout the British Islands, but rare in
the north of Scotland. The nest is generally placed in gorse or other
low bushes, and the eggs, four to six in number, are laid in the end oi
April or beginning of May, a second brood being often reared later in
the season.

Leicestershire, May.

Presented by Theodore Walker, Esq.

No. 12. LESSER REDPOLL. (Linota rufescens.)
This bird was at one time supposed to be restricted to the British
Isles during the breeding-season, but it has now been ascertained to

NESTING-SERIES OF BttTTlSH BIRDS.

nest iii the mountain-ranges of Central Europe. In England it breeds
principally in the northern counties, and in Scotland it is a resident
throughout the year wherever woods and thickets of brushwood are
found.

The nest, which is a beautiful little structure, is usually placed in a
sheltered position in a low tree or bush and contains from four to six
eggs. In the south of England the breeding-season commences in
April, but in the north it is often a month later. Two broods are
frequently reared in the season.

Norfolk, May.

Presented by Lord Walsingham, F.R.S.

No. 13. TWITE. (Linota flavirostris. )

The Mountain-Linnet, as this species is often called, is a resident in
the British Islands, breeding on the wild moorlands from the Midlands
northward, and is especially numerous on the islands off the coast of
Scotland. It is also common on the mountains of Ireland. During,
the winter months it leaves the higher ground and is then to be met
with in flocks near the sea-coast, except in the south-west of England
and Wales. The nest, made of dry twigs and roots, lined with wool,
hair, and feathers, is usually placed among heather or in a low bush,
and often on the ground among grass or other herbage. From four to
six eggs, of a pale greenish-blue blotched with reddish-brown, are laid
towards the end of May.

Island of Tiree, Hebrides, June. '

Presented by Colonel L. H. Irby and Captain S. G. Beid.

No. 14. HOUSE-SPARROW. (Passer domesticus.J

There are few localities in the British Isles in which the Sparrow
has not attached itself to the habitations of man, appearing and rapidly
increasing wherever the land is brought under cultivation. Though a
harmless and pleasant companion to dwellers in towns, it becomes,
owing to its large numbers, a serious pest in the country, where it does
an infinite amount of mischief at all seasons. It is not particular as to a
site for its nest, which is placed in almost any suitable situation on
buildings or in trees in their vicinity. When building in trees and
adopting its natural mode of nidifi cation, it constructs a large domed
nest of any dry stuff', well lined with feathers, and with an entrance in
the side. It frequently takes possession of the nest of either the House-

6 BIRD GALLERY.

or Sand-Martin, driving away the rightful occupants. The eggs arc
from lour to six in number, and two, or often three, broods are reared
during the season.

Pembrokeshire, June.

Presented by Dr. A. Gun t her, FM.S..

No. 15. BULLFINCH. (Pyrrhula europaea.)

A resident in Western and Central Europe and generally distributed
in wooded districts throughout Great Britain and Ireland. A white-
thorn hedge or fork of some evergreen bush or tree, for choice a box or
yew, are among the sites selected for the nest, which is a slenderly
constructed platform of thin dry twigs lined with roots and hair
woven into a shallow cup. The eggs, four or five in number, are laid
in the early part of May.

Cambridgeshire, May.
Gould Collection.

No. 16. GREENFINCH or GREEN LINNET.

(Chloris chloris.)

A common and well-known resident in the cultivated and wooded
districts of the British Islands. The nest, a somewhat loose structure
of coarse fibrous roots, moss, and wool, with a lining of hair and
feathers, is placed in hedges, shrubs, and evergreens, or even in trees.
From four to six eggs are laid at the end of April or early in May, and
two broods are often reared in the season.

Suffolk, May.

Presented by Dr. A. Gunther, F.R.S.

No. 17. CHAFFINCH. (Fringilla coelebs.)

A common and generally distributed species throughout the
cultivated and wooded portions of the British Islands. The beautifully-
constructed nest of green moss, wool, and lichens felted together, and
lined with hair and feathers, is placed in a fork of the lower branches
of a tree or in a bush. The eggs, from four to six in number, are
laid in April or May, and two broods are generally reared in the
season.

Norfolk, May.

Presented by Lord Walsinghum, F.R.S.

NESTING-SERIES OF BRITISH BIRDS. 7

No. 18. SNOW-BUNTING. (Plectrophenax nivalis.)

Principally a cold-weather visitor to the British Islands, a few pairs
remaining to breed on the higher mountains of Scotland, The situation
chosen for the nest in the present instance was the steep side of a hill
overhanging a deep corrie, covered with loose boulders and granite
debris, locally known as a (< scree/' The nest, placed in a crevice
among the stones, was formed of dry grass, lined with deer's hair and
a few feathers of the Ptarmigan, The eggs, four to six in number, are
pale greenish white, spotted with red and dark purple.

In order to show the nest, it has been necessary to remove the stone
behind which it was hidden.

Banffshire, 3700 feet elevation, June.
Presented by L. Hinocman §• W. Eagle Clarke, Esqrs.

Nos. 19 & 20. HAWFINCH.

(Coccothraustes coccothraustes.)

Though the habits of this species are so shy and retiring that its
presence may easily escape detection, it is a resident in Great Britain
and has been known to breed in every county in England, except
Cornwall. The nest, generally placed in trees overgrown with grey
lichen, such as old hawthorns, apple- and pear-trees, is built of twigs
mixed with grey lichens and lined with fine roots and a little hair.
The eggSj four or five in number, are laid in the end of April or early
in May, and only one brood is reared in the season.

Norfolk, June.
Presented by Lord Walsinyham, F.R.S.

No. 21. GOLDFINCH. (Carduelis carduelis.)

Generally distributed throughout the summer months over England
and Ireland, but rarer and local in Scotland. The majority are
migratory, leaving Great Britain in October and returning in April, but,
in mild winters, some individuals remain in England. About the
middle of May, the neat compact nest made of moss, etc., and lined
with fine down, feathers, or hair, is placed in the fork of a tree or in a
hedge. The eggs, from four to six in number, are greenish-white,
spotted and streaked with purplish-brown. Two broods are produced
in the year.

8 Bird gallery.

1. A nest built in the branch of an evergreen oak (Quercus ilex),
about fifteen feet from the ground.

Pembrokeshire, June.

Presented by R. W. Mirehouse, Esq.

2. A nest built in an oak about twelve feet from the ground, with
nearly full-fledged young.

Norfolk, June.

Presented by Lord Walsingham, F.R.S.

No. 22. YELLOW BUNTING or YELLOW HAMMER.

(Emberiza citrinella.)

A common resident in the British Islands. The nest, constructed of
dry grass and a little moss, lined with finer materials and hair, is usually
placed on or near the ground, in the side of a bank under tangled
herbage or in a low bush. In the present instance a dead furze-bush
was chosen. The eggs, four or five in number, are generally purplish-
white, streaked, spotted and scrawled with long hair-like markings of
purplish-black. Two broods are produced in the year, the first set of
eggs being laid in the middle of April.

Norfolk, June.

Presented by Lord Walsingham, F.R.S.

No. 23. COMMON or CORN-BUNTING.

(Emberiza miliaria.)

A resident species widely distributed throughout the British Islands,
but decidedly local and principally to be found in cultivated districts.
Its loosely constructed nest of dry grass and roots, lined with hair, is
always placed on the ground, either in fields of growing corn3 clover, and
grass, or among rough herbage, under the shelter of a low bush. Four
or five eggs are laid about the end of May and are usually of a dull
purplish- white, blotched and streaked with dark purplish-brown. The
nest exhibited, in addition to its set of four eggs, contained a Cuckoo's

egg.

Dorset, July.

Presented by C. E. Radclyffe, Esq.

No. 24. REED-BUNTING. (Emberiza schoeniclus.)

The Reed- Sparrow, as this bird is also called, is generally distributed
and resident throughout the British Islands. During the summer
months it frequents the vicinity of water and swampy places, where

NESTING-SERIES OF BRITISH BIRDS. 9

osiers, sedge, and rushes flourish, but during winter it is often to be met
with in the stubble-fields. Its food consists of insects and their larvae,
as well as Crustacea, seeds, and grain. The nest, made of dry grass and
dead flags, lined with bents, hair, and flowers of the reed, is usually
placed on the ground among tufts of rushes, but occasionally in a low
bush. The eggs, from four to six in number, are purplish-grey, boldly
marked and streaked with dark purplish-brown. Two, and sometimes
three, broods are reared in a season.

Norfolk, July.
Presented by Lord Walsingham, F.R.S.

No. 25. MEADOW-PIPIT or TITLARK.

(Anthus pratensis.)

Generally distributed throughout the British Islands during the
summer months, and almost as abundant on the higher moors as it
is in the low-lying districts. Many individuals remain throughout
the year, but in autumn large numbers leave our shores and return
in spring. Insects, worms, molluscs and seeds form its principal
food and are actively searched for on the ground. The song is gene-
rally uttered on the wing, but sometimes when the bird is perched
on some bush or stone. The nest of dry grass is always placed
on the ground under the shelter of grass or among heather. The eggs
are greyish-white, thickly spotted with various shades of brown, and vary
from four to six in number.

Resident birds breed much earlier in the year than migrants, and the

nest exhibited was taken at a time when the latter were probably still

on their way north. „ . .,

J Sussex, April.

Presented by Dr. R. Bowdler Sharpe.

No. 26. SKY-LARK. (Alauda arvensis.)

This well-known songster is widely distributed throughout the British
Islands, and is especially abundant in the vicinity of cultivated fields
and grass-land. In autumn its numbers are largely increased by
immense flocks which arrive on our eastern coasts from the Continent.
Its magnificent and long-sustained song, uttered while the bird is soaring
on the wiug till almost lost to sight, must be familiar to all. The nest
of dry grass is placed on the ground among growing crops or under the
shelter of a tuft of grass, and from three to five dull grey eggs, thickly
spotted with brown, are laid towards the end of April. Two broods are
usually produced in a season.

Norfolk, June.
Presented by Lord Walsingham, FM.S.

7

10 BIRD GALLERY.

No. 27. YELLOW WAGTAIL.

(Motacilla rayi or M. campestris.)

Ray's Wagtail, as this species is often called, is a regular summer
visitor to the British Islands; it arrives early in April and departs in
September. During the breeding-season it is generally distributed
throughout England and the south of Scotland, extending as far north
as Perthshire, while in parts of Ireland it is also fairly common. The
nest of moss and dry grass, lined with feathers, hair, and fine roots, is
placed on the ground, well concealed among rank grass and herbage.
From four to six greyish-white eggs, mottled with yellowish-brown, are
laid towards the end of May, and two broods are sometimes reared in
a season.

Norfolk, May.

Presented by Lord Walsingham, F.R.S.

No. 28. PIED WAGTAIL. (Motacilla lugubris.)

During the breeding-season this is a common and generally distributed
species throughout the British Islands, but in winter many birds move
southwards and a partial migration takes place in autumn and spring.
Flies and insects form its principal food, and are caught as it runs
swiftly and gracefully over the ground. The nesting-place is very varied,
but a cleft in a bank or some hole in a wall or rotten tree are the sites
generally selected by the bird. The nest, made of moss, grass and
roots, is lined with hair and feathers, and from four to six dull grey
eggs, spotted and streaked with ash-brown, are laid towards the
end of April. Two broods are frequently reared in a season. The
Cuckoo often places her eggs in the nest of this Wagtail. The
male bird in the group exhibited is a White Wagtail (M. alba), and
affords an interesting example of interbreeding between two allied

species.

Norfolk, June.

Presented by Lord Walsingham, F.R.S.

No. 29. ROCK-PIPIT. (Anthus obscimis.)

This shore-frequenting species is common along the coasts of the
British Islands, frequenting the more rocky portions during the breeding-
season. Its food consists of marine insects, flies, small shells, and
Crustacea, which it obtains among the seaweed at low water. The
nest, made of dry grasses, is placed in a crevice of the rocks, among a

NESTING-SERIES OF BRITISH BIRDS. 11

clump of sea-pink, or on the grassy ledge of a cliff. The eggs, four or
five in number, are usually greenish-grey mottled with olive-brown, or
occasionally with reddish. Two broods are reared in a season.

Sutherlandshire, May.

Presented by Colonel L. H. Irby §■ Captain S. G. Reid.

No. 30. TREE-PIPIT. (Antlms trivialis.)
This summer visitor arrives in the south of England early in April
and is generally distributed throughout the more wooded ^portions oi!
Great Britain during the summer months. Its reported occurrence in
Ireland is doubtful. The male is generally seen perched on the
topmost branch of some tree, whence, at short intervals, he rises singing
into the air, usually returning to his starting-point as the song ceases.
The food consists of insects and small seeds. The nest is placed on the
ground among grass and herbage and is formed of moss and dry grass,
lined with hair. From four to six eggs are laid and vary greatly in
colour and markings.

1. A nest with eggs. Perthshire, June.
Presented by W. R. Ogilvie- Grant, Esq.

2. A nest with young. Norfolk, June.
Presented by Lord Walsingham, F.R.S.

No. 31. RED-BACKED SHRIKE. (Lanius collurio.)

This summer visitor arrives in the south of England early in May
and is irregularly distributed throughout the wooded districts of
England and Wales during the summer months. A few pairs occa-
sionally breed in the south of Scotland, but from Ireland the species
has only once been recorded as an accidental straggler. The food
consists of small mammals, birds, lizards, bees and other insects, and
from its curious habit of impaling its prey on thorns, this species and
its allies are commonly known as " Butcher-birds." The "larder" of
the pair exhibited contained a young Yellow Hammer and a number of
bees. The rather large nest of moss and roots, lined with dry grasses,
hair, and wool, is placed in a thorn- bush or thick hedge five or six feet
from the ground. The eggs are from four to six in number and vary
greatly in colour and markings.

Suffolk : nest with eggs, May ; nest with young, June.

[resented by Duncan Parker, Esq.

12 BIRD OALLKKY.

No. 32. BLACKBIRD. (Turdus merula.)

A resident species, commonly distributed throughout the British
Islands, and though some of our native birds migrate southward in the
autumn, their place is taken by numbers of visitors from the Continent.
Fruit of all kinds, as well as snails, worms, and insects, constitute its
food and, owing to its partiality for fruit, great numbers are
annually destroyed in gardens and orchards. The nest of moss, etc.,
lined with dry grass, is generally placed in bushes and hedgerows, and
occasionally on the ground. From four to six eggs are laid very early
in the year, and are usually greenish-blue spotted with reddish-brown,
but are sometimes devoid of markings. Several broods are raised in a
season, the young of the first brood sometimes assisting their parents
in feeding the young of the second.

Suffolk, May.

Presented by T. Har court-Powell, Esq.

No. 33. RING-OUZEL. (Turdus torquatus.)

This spring visitor arrives in the British Islands in April and
remains till September or October, when the majority migrate south-
wards, but, in mild seasons, individuals have been observed in the end
of December. It inhabits the wilder and more elevated districts,
feeding on moorland berries, molluscs, worms, and insects, and often
visiting gardens in the vicinity in search of fruit. The nest, which
resembles that of the Blackbird, is placed in heather or on a ledge of
rock, often on the side of a stream. The eggs are four or sometimes
five in number and resemble those of the Blackbird, but are usually
more boldly marked. Two broods are often reared in a season.

Yorkshire, June.

Presented by Lord WaUingham, F.R.S.

No. 34. SONG-THRUSH. (Turdus musicus.)

The " Throstle" or " Mavis/' as it is termed in the north, is a
common resident throughout the British Islands, and though a consider-
able number of our native birds migrate in autumn, their place is taken
by visitors from the Continent. The food consists of fruits, snails,
worms, and insects. The familiar nest, lined with mud, is generallv
placed in a thick bush or among ivy. The eggs, from four to six

NESTING-SERIKS OF BRITISH BIRDS. 13

in number, are laid early in the season, sometimes in March, and are
greenish-blue, usually blotched with black or purplish-brown, but are
sometimes unspotted. Two or three broods are reared in a season.

Suffolk, May.

Presented by T. Har court- Powell, Esq.

No. 35. MISTLE-THRUSH. (Turdus viscivorus.)

A resident species, often called the " Storm-cock," from its habit of
singing during the roughest weather, and common throughout the
British Islands, where it breeds very early in the year. It feeds on fruits
of various kinds, snails, worms, and insects, being especially partial to
the berries of the yew, holly, mountain- ash, and mistletoe, etc., from
the last of which its trivial name is derived. The somewhat untidily
finished nest is generally conspicuously placed in the fork of a tree at
some distance from the ground, and is composed of bents and lichens,
lined with dry grass, placed on a foundation of mud. The eggs, four
or five in number, are sometimes laid as early as February, and the
ground-colour is greenish- or tawny-white, blotched with reddish-brown
and lilac. Two broods are often reared in a season.

Norfolk, May.

Presented by Lord JValsingham, FM.S.

No. 36. WHITE'S THRUSH. (Geocichla varia.)

A native of Northern Asia, ranging from Central Siberia to China
and Japan, where it breeds. It is an accidental visitor to Great Britain
and Ireland, as well as to the north of Europe.

Japan, May.

Presented by Heatley Noble, Esq.

No. 37. DIPPER or WATER-OUZEL.

(Cinclus aquaticus.)

This resident species is found throughout the more hilly parts of the
British Islands wherever there are rapidly flowing streams. It swims
and dives with equal facility, and may sometimes be seen walking below
the surface of the water on the bottom of a pool, searching for the insects
on which it feeds. The nest, an oval ball of moss, leaves, etc., with an
entrance in the side, is always placed close to the water's edge, in some

14 BIRD GALLERY.

hollow of the bank or on a ledge of rock, often under a bridge or behind
a waterfall. From four to six white eggs are laid very early in the
year, and two or even three broods are reared in the season. The
young are able to swim as soon as they leave the nest, and fully fledged
birds have been observed as early as the middle of March.

Yorkshire, May.
Presented by Lord Walsingham, F.R.S.

No. 38. REDBREAST or ROBIN.

(Erithacus rubecula.)

This most familiar and characteristic resident species is generally
distributed throughout the British Islands, where legendary associations
and its fearless nature have combined to make it a general favourite.
The nest, made of dead leaves and moss, lined with hair and a few
feathers, is usually placed in holes in banks, walls, or hollow trees, or
amongst ivy, but all sorts of strange situations may be selected.
The eggs, from five to seven in number, are generally white, spotted
with light red, but are sometimes pure white. The nesting-season
commences in March, and two, or even three, broods are reared in

the year.

Sussex, April.

Presented hy W. R. Ogilvie-Grant, Esq.

No. 39. WREN. (Anortlmra troglodytes.)

This familiar resident is generally distributed throughout the British
Islands, where its numbers are largely increased by autumnal immi-
gration. Traditional associations as well as its active fearless ways
and loud cheerful song, uttered throughout the year, have endeared it
to all. The beautifully constructed dome-shaped nest, with an
entrance in the side, is made of leaves, moss and grass, and is sometimes
lined with feathers. It is placed in very varied situations, generally
among dense tangled vegetation, and always well concealed, the outer
materials being taken from the surroundings. The nesting season
commences very early, and the eggs, from six to nine in number, are
white spotted with red. Two broods are produced in the season.

Northamptonshire, June.
Presented by Colonel L. H. Irby.

NESTING-SERIES OF BRITISH BIRDS.

No. 40. NIGHTINGALE. (Aedon luscinia.)

From the beginning of April till September this noted songster is
generally distributed over the greater part of England, but is rarer
in the northern and western counties and in Wales. Its favourite
resorts are small woods and coppices in the neighbourhood of water
and damp meadows, and, till the young are hatched in June, its well-
known song may be heard at almost any hour of the day or night.
The nest, composed of dead leaves, is generally placed on or near the
ground in low undergrowth. From four to six eggs, usually of an
olive-brown colour, are laid about the middle of May.

Leicestershire, June.

Presented by Theodore Walker, Esq.

No. 41. WHINCHAT. (Pratincola rubetra.)

A. summer visitor, generally distributed over Great Britain from the
middle of April till the beginning of October, but only met with in some
of the southern counties of Ireland. In the beginning of May, the
somewhat loosely constructed nest of dry grass and moss, lined with
roots and hair, is placed in a hollow in the ground, well concealed by
the surrounding heather, grass, or coarse herbage. The eggs, usually
six in number, are greenish- blue, faintly dotted or zoned with rust-
colour. Two broods are sometimes reared in the season.

Norfolk, May.

Presented by Lord Walsingham, F.R.S.

No. 42. STONECHAT. (Pratincola rubicola.)

Unlike the Whinchat, this species is a resident in Great Britain and
Ireland, its numbers being largely augmented in winter by visitors from
the colder parts of the Continent. Both in its nesting-habits and in the
number of its eggs, it closely resembles its ally, but breeding com-
mences in the beginning of April, and the eggs are somewhat greener
in colour.

Norfolk, April.

Presented by Lord Walsingham, F.R.S.

16

BIRD GALLERY.

No. 43. WHEATEAR. (Saxicola oenanthe.)

This widely distributed species is one of our first spring visitors,
usually arriving early in March and leaving in the beginning of
October. It is generally, though locally, distributed throughout the
British Islands and frequents the wilder parts of the country, such as
open downs, heaths, and barren hills. The loosely made nest of dry
grass, lined with hair and feathers, is placed in various situations — rabbit-
burrows, crevices of stone-walls or peat-stacks, heaps of stones, and
empty meat-tins being commonly utilized. The eggs, which vary from
five to seven in number, are very pale blue, sometimes faintly dotted
with purple. Two broods are produced in a season.

Norfolk, June.

Presented by Lord TVaJsingham, F.R.S.

No. 44. CHIFFCHAFF. (Phylloscopus rufus.)

The earliest of the spring migrants to the British Isles, where its
familiar note, from which its name is derived, is often heard in the
beginning of March. The majority leave our islands in September, but
a few sometimes remain in the south of England throughout the year.
The dome-shaped nest, with the entrance near the top, is usually placed
near the ground among coarse undergrowth, but sometimes, as in the
present instance, the site chosen is in bushes, even at a height of several
feet. The eggs, generally six in number, are white with distinct spots
of dark purplish-brown. The nesting-season commences about the end
of April and two broods are generally reared in a season.

Oxfordshire, May.

Presented by W. R. Ogilvie-Grant, Esq.

No. 45. WOOD-WREN. (Phylloscopus sibilatrix.)

One of the latest summer visitors to the British Islands, arriving
in the south of England about the middle of April. Though always
a very local species, it is not uncommon in wooded districts, preferring
old plantations of oak or beech, where it may generally be seen
searching for insects among the higher branches. The domed nest of
dry grass is always placed on the ground among herbage and is invariably
lined with fine grass and hair, never with feathers. From five to
seven white eggs, thickly spotted with purplish-brown and grey, are laid
about the middle of May.

Sussex, June.

Presented by Dr. R. Rowdier Sharpe.

NESTING-SERIES OF BRITISH BIRDS. 17

No. 46. WILLOW- WARBLER.

(Phylloscopus trochilus.)

This Warbler makes its appearance about the first week in April and
is common throughout the British Islands till the end of September or
even later. It frequents gardens and coppices, feeding principally on
small insects, especially flies and aphides. The dome-shaped nest,
loosely constructed of dry grass and always lined with feathers, is usually
placed among herbage on the ground. From six to eight white eggs,
generally spotted with light red, are laid in the beginning of May, and
two broods are often reared in the season.

Norfolk, June.
Presented by Lord fValsingham, F.R.S.

No. 47. SAND-MARTIN. (Cotile riparia.)

No other Passerine bird has so wide a range as the Sand -Martin,
which occurs throughout the greater part of Europe, Asia, Africa to the
southern portion, and America, extending in winter as far south as
Brazil and Peru. It is one of our earliest spring visitors, arriving
towards the end of March and departing by the end of September. It
is generally, though locally, distributed in colonies all over the British
Islands, wherever the steep banks of rivers or lakes, sand-pits, gravel-
quarries, or railway-cuttings offer a suitable nesting-site. In such
situations tunnels, varying from eighteen inches to six feet in length
and slanting slightly upward, are bored by the birds, the nest of dry
grass, lined with feathers, being placed in an enlarged chamber at the
end. From four to six white eggs are laid about the middle of May, and
two broods are generally reared in a season.

The model exhibited is an exact representation of a portion of the
side of a disused sand-pit occupied by a colony of Sand- Martins, and
the dimensions of each tunnel were carefully measured. The two lateral
tunnels have been opened to show their structure.

The measurements are as follows : —

Tunnel no. 1, 2 ft. long ; nos. 2 & 3 run into a common passage, 2 ft.
8 ins. ; nos. 4 & 6, 2 ft. 4 ins. ; no. 5 was abandoned, a stone preventing
the birds from completing it ; no. 8, 2 ft. 7 ins. ; nos. 7 & 9, 3 ft. 3 ins.,
extended beyond the back of the model.

Norfolk, July.

Presented by Lord Walsinyham, F.B.S.

*—

18 BIRD GALLERY.

No. 48. SWALLOW. (Hirundo rustica.)

Though this well-known summer visitor has been known to arrive in
the south of England as early as the 21st of March, the usual date of its
appearance is the second week in April, after which it is generally dis-
tributed throughout the British Islands till September and October or
even later. The open nest of mud, lined with dry grass and feathers, is
usually placed, as in the present instance, on the horizontal surface of a
joist, which supports the rafters of a barn or outhouse. The eggs are
white, spotted with lavender-grey and reddish-brown, and from four to
six in number. Two broods are reared in the season ; the first, for which
the eggs are usually laid early in May, is able to fly by the end of June
while the second is generally fully fledged by September. The young
birds which are placed on the top section of the tiles formed part of the
first brood, and were still being occasionally fed by the parents when
these were already engaged in incubating their second set of eggs.

Sussex, July.
Presented by W. R. Ogilvie -Grant, Esq.

No. 49. HOUSE-MARTIN. (Chelidon urbica.)

This summer visitor is generally distributed throughout the British
Islands, usually arriving about the middle of April and departing in
September and October, though considerable numbers are often to be
seen even later in the year. The mud-nest, shaped like the half of a cup
and lined with fine straw and feathers, is attached to some wall or rock,
beneath eaves or other projections, and is entered by a hole in the rim.
The same spot is occupied year after year, the nest, if intact, being
merely renovated. The pure white eggs are four or five in number,
and two, or even three, broods are reared in a season.

Sussex, July.

Presented by TV. P. Ogilvie -Grant, Esq.

Nos. 50 & 51. DARTFORD WARBLER.

(Melizophilus undatus.)

A local resident in the south of England and more rarely met with in

the valley of the Thames and in some of the midland counties. It does

not migrate, and in severe winters, like that of 1880-81, its numbers are

iable to be greatly reduced. The favourite haunts are dense patches of

NESTING-SERIES OF BRITISH BIRDS. 19

furze and heather, where, owing to its shy skulking habits, it may easily
be overlooked. The nest, made of goose-grass and furze- shoots lined
with a little wool and moss, is placed among the branches of the thickest
furze, and is difficult to find. Four or five greenish-white eggs with
olive- or reddish-brown markings are laid in the end of April or the
beginning of May. Two broods are reared in the season.

Hampshire, May.

Presented by Colonel L. H. Irby.

No. 52. WHITETHROAT. (Sylvia cinerea.)

The Nettle-creeper, as this bird is also called, is one of our
commonest summer visitors, and is generally distributed throughout the
British Islands from the middle of April till the beginning of
September. Hedgerows, thickets overgrown with brambles, and nettles
are its favourite resorts. The nest, which is lightly constructed of fine
grass-stems, with a lining of bents and horse-hair, is almost invariably
placed low down in straggling brambles or nettles. The eggs,
generally four or five in number, are greenish-white or stone-colour,
blotched with violet-grey and light brown.

Norfolk, May.

Presented by Lord TValsingham, F.E.S,

No. 53. BLACKCAP. (Sylvia atricapilla.)

This fine songster is a summer visitor to our shores, arriving about
the middle of April and departing southward in September, though
occasionally a few birds remain in the British Isles through the winter.
It is generally distributed over England and Wales, but is scarcer towards
the north of Scotland and in Ireland. The food consists of insects,
berries of various kinds, and fruit, especially raspberries and
currants. The nest, built of dry grasses and lined with horse-hair, is
generally placed in a low bush, a few feet from the ground. Four or
five eggs are laid about the middle of May, and are usually of a light
yellowish-brown colour, blotched with darker brown (like those of the
Garden-Warbler), but sometimes both ground-colour and markings are
of a reddish hue. Two broods are reared in a season.

Sussex, June.

Presented by Dr. R. Bowdler-Sharpe.

c2

20 BIRD GALLERY.

No. 54. GARDEN- WARBLER. (Sylvia hortensis.)

A summer visitor, arriving in the end of April or the beginning of
May and locally distributed over the British Islands till about the end
of September. Low bushes and brambles in gardens or copses are the
sites usually selected for the nest, which is rather loosely constructed of
grass-stems, with a well-shaped inner cup of horse-hair. The eggs,
four or live in number, are white, marked and blotched with greenish-
brown, dark brown, and violet-grey, and resemble one variety of those
laid by the Blackcap.

Norfolk, May.

Presented by Lord Walsingham, F.R.S.

No. 55. SEDGE -WARBLER. (Acrocephalus phragmitis.)

One of our commonest Warblers, and generally distributed over the
British Islands from the latter half of April till the end of September,
when the majority go south. The nest, which is never suspended like
that of the Reed-Warbler, is generally placed in a low bush, or among
rank herbage, by the side of some stream or ditch. Five or six eggs of
a yellowish clay-colour, clouded or mottled with brownish and often
streaked with black hair-lines, are laid in May.

Norfolk, July.

Presented by Lord Walsingham, F.R.S.

Nos. 56 & 57. REED-WARBLER.

(Acrocephalus streperus.)

This summer visitor arrives in England towards the end of April and
remains till September, but it is rare to the north of Yorkshire, is un-
known in Scotland, and is not yet proved to occur in Ireland. The nest,
a compactly built structure of fine dry grass, lined with wool, horse-
hair, and flowering grasses, is generally suspended on reeds or on the
slender branches of willows and alders, which are woven into the sides.
It is situated from three to twelve feet above the surface of the water
and sometimes at a greater elevation. Four or five greenish-white eggs,
clouded and blotched with dark olive and ash, are laid towards the end of
May. The Cuckoo frequently places its egg in the nest of this species.

Sussex, June.

Presented by Dr. R. Bowdler Sharpe.

NESTING-SERIES OP BRITISH BIRDS. 21

No. 58. GRASSHOPPER- WARBLER. (Locustella nsevia.)

This Warbler, also known as the " Reeler," owes its trivial names to
a rapid trilling song, which somewhat resembles the chirping of the
Grasshopper. It arrives from the south about the middle of April,
departing in September, and between those months is found in suitable
localities throughout Great Britain and Ireland, and in gradually
diminishing numbers towards the north of Scotland. Fens, commons,
thick hedge-rows, and small copses are its favourite haunts, but owing
to its skulking habits it is rarely seen, and is thus often supposed to be
rarer than is really the case. The nest is placed on the ground, and
is well hidden among thick herbage. It is approached by one or more
mouse-like runs, often of considerable length, and along these the bird,
when alarmed, creeps back to her eggs. These are from five to seven
in number, pale pinkish-white, thickly speckled and zoned with darker
reddish-brown.

Hampshire, June,

Presented by Dr. J. E. Kelso §■ Lieut. F. Hodge, R.N.

No. 59. TREE-CREEPER. (Certhia familiaris.)

This resident species is common, and generally distributed throughout
the British Islands. Its long curved claws and stiff-pointed tail-
feathers enable it to ascend the trunks and branches of trees with ease
and rapidity, as it searches for the spiders and insects on which it
principally feeds. The nest, made of roots, grass, and moss, and lined
with wool, feathers, etc., is usually concealed in a crevice under partially
detached bark, or in a cleft in the bole of a tree ; but sometimes it is
placed under the eaves of a shed or dwelling, or in some other suitable
situation. From six to nine white eggs, spotted with light red and
pale lavender, are laid in the end of April. Two broods are reared in
the season.

1. Norfolk, June.

Presented by Lord Walsingham, F.R.S.

2. Hampshire, May.
Presented by Sir Edward Shelley, Bart,

No. 60. NUTHATCH. (Sitta caesia.)

A common resident in the southern and central districts of England
aud in parts of Wales, but rare towards the north, and only met with

22 BIRD GALLERY.

as a straggler in Scotland ; in Ireland it is unknown. Its food
consists of insects, beech-mast, acorns, and various kinds of hard seeds,
and it is extremely partial to hazel-nuts, which it wedges in some
crevice and breaks open by repeated blows of its strong bill. Hence
its names of Nuthatch (t, e. Nuthack) or Nutjobber. A nest of dry
leaves and bark is formed in a hole in a tree or in some other cavity,
the aperture being plastered up with clay, so as to leave only a narrow
entrance. From five to seven white eggs, blotched with reddish-brown,
are laid about the end of April.

Norfolk, May.

Presented by Lord Walsingham,, F.R.S.

No. 61. SPOTTED FLYCATCHER. (Muscicapa grisola.)

This familiar visitor usually appears in the south of England about
the first week in May, and is generally distributed through the
British Islands during the summer months. Its food consists prin-
cipally of insects, which it darts at and captures on the wing ; but, in
autumn, it sometimes feeds on berries. The nest, made of moss,
lichen and strips of bark, and lined with wool, hair and feathers, is usually
placed among creepers or trelliswork, or in a hole in a wall or a tree,
often on a beam of some shed, but many other sites are selected. The
eggs vary in number from four to six, and are pale greenish-white,
spotted and blotched with light red and lavender. Two broods are
often raised in a season.

This is one of the few species which nest in our London parks and
gardens.

Norfolk, June.

Presented by Lord Walsinyham, F.R.S.

No. 62. PIED FLYCATCHER. (Muscicapa atricapilla.)

This Flycatcher is a regular visitor to Great Britain, arriving towards
the end of April and returning southward in autumn. During the
breeding-season it is very locally distributed, being principally met
with in Wales and the western and northern counties of England, and,
more rarely, Scotland. In Ireland it only occurs as an accidental
straggler during the migration. It feeds chiefly on insects, which are
sometimes taken on the wing, but more often on the ground. The
nest, made of dry grass and roots and lined with hair, is placed in a
deep hole in a tree or sometimes in a wall. The eggs, from six to

NESTING-SERIES OF BRITISH BIRDS. 23

nine in number, are pale blue, with occasionally a few small spots oi
light red.

Cumberland, June.

Presented by the Rev. H. A. Macpherson.

No. 63. GOLDEN-CRESTED WREN. (Regulus cristatus.)

This resident species is the smallest of our British birds, and is gene-
rally distributed throughout the islands wherever suitable plantations
of larch and fir are to be found. During the periods of migration,
immense Hocks sometimes arrive on the east coast and spread across
Great Britain to Ireland. The food consists of insects, for which the
bird often searches ill company with flocks of Tits and Creepers. The
beautifully constructed nest of moss and lichens, felted together with
wool and spiders' webs and lined with feathers, is generally placed
beneath the extremity of a branch of some evergreen tree, such as a fir,
yew, or cedar. The eggs vary from five to ten in number, and are pale
buff, minutely freckled with yellowish-brown.

1. Nest and eggs in a Scotch fir-tree. Suffolk, May.

Presented by T. Har court-Powell, Esq.

2. Parent birds with nest and eggs in a spruce fir-tree.

Norfolk, May.
Presented by Lord Walsingham, P.R.S.

No. 64. CRESTED TITMOUSE. (Tarus cristatus.)

Though common on the Continent, the Crested Titmouse is ex-
tremely local in Great Britain, and is only met with as a resident in
the old pine-forests of Strathspey, in the north-east of Scotland. Like
its allies, it feeds on insects and their larvae, as well as on seeds and
berries. The nest, composed of moss, deer's hair, and wool, is usually
placed in a hole bored in the decayed stump of a tree, a few feet above
the ground. The eggs, from five to eight in number, are white, boldly
spotted or zoned with light red. Two broods are frequently produced
in a season.

Morayshire, May.

Presented by Colonel L. H. Irby.

No. 65. COMMON or GREY PARTRIDGE.

(Perdix perdix.)

This species is widely distributed throughout Great Britain, being
especially abundant in the eastern and south-eastern counties of England.

24 15 1 HI) GALLERY.

The food consists of green leaves, seeds, grain, and many species of
insects, small snails, etc. The nest, a slightly lined depression in the
ground, is well concealed, and generally contains from twelve to twenty
eggs, which are laid in the end of April or the beginning of May. As
many as thirty-three eggs have been found in the same nest. Incubation
lasts from twenty-one to twenty-three days. The young are carefully
tended by both parents.

Cromarty, June.
Presented by G. A. St. Quintin ty W. R. Ogilvie-Grant, Estjr,

/rs.

No. 66. BLACK GROUSE. (Lyrurus tetrix,)

This species was formerly found in many suitable localities through-
out Great Britain, but in England it is now comparatively scarce or local,
except in the northern counties. In Ireland it was never indi-
genous. Its favourite haunts are young plantations of fir, larch, and
birch situated in the immediate neighbourhood of moorland, but it is
also frequently to be met with on the open mcor, far from any cover.
Berries and seeds of various kinds, and the buds of trees and plants, as
well as grain, are favourite articles of food. The male, commonly known
as the Black-cock, is polygamous and takes no share in the duties of
hatching the eggs and caring for the young. The female, or Grey-hen,
makes a slight nest in a hollow in the ground, concealed by heather or
dead bracken, and lays from six to ten eggs of a yellowish-white colour,
spotted with orange-brown.

Perthshire, June.

Presented by C. S. II. Drummond- Moray, Esq.

. No. 67. CAPERCAILLIE. (Tetrad urogallus.)

Though originally indigenous in the British Islands, this species, also
known as the Wood-G rouse, became extinct by the middle of the
eighteenth century. It was re-introduced from Sweden into Perthshire
in 1837, and is now abundant in the pine- and larch-forests of the central
districts of Scotland, where it appears to be increasing and extending
its range to other parts. Tender shoots of the Scotch fir, varied with
berries and grain in summer, form its principal food, and the flesh,
except in the case of young birds, is strongly flavoured with turpentine
and little esteemed as food. The male takes no part in the duties of
incubation or of rearing the young. The nest is a hollow scraped in
the ground near the trunk of a tree or under a bush, and the eggs,

NKSTING-SERIES OF BRITISH BIRDS. 25

from six to twelve in number, are pale reddish-yellow, spotted with
brown.

The plants growing near this nest (in a somewhat damp situation)
are the Spotted Orchis, Tormentil (Potentilla tormentil/a), Whortle-
berry (Vaccinium myrtillus) , and the Marsh-Marigold.

1. Perthshire, June.
Presented by C. S. H. Drummond- Moray , Esq.

2. Perthshire, June.
Presented by Colonel L. H. Irby.

No. 68. PTARMIGAN. (Lagopus mutus.)
In Great Britain this species is now confined to the higher mountains
of Scotland, where it chooses by preference the more desolate tops,
where lichen-covered fragments of rock lie scattered about between
low stunted plants. The food consists of the green tops of the ling
and various kinds of berries. The nest, a mere hollow scraped in the
ground, contains from eight to ten eggs, much like those laid by the
Red Grouse, but with the ground-colour usually of a lighter tint. In
autumn both sexes assume a grey plumage on the upper parts of the
body, and in winter they become white.

The plant in flower is the Alpine Azalea [Loiseleur'ia procumbens) .

♦ Perthshire, May.

Presented by His Grace the Duke of Atholl.

No. 69. RED GROUSE. (Lagopus scoticus.)

The Red Grouse is peculiar to the British Islands, where it is the
insular representative of the Willow-Grouse (L. lagopus) of the northern
portions of Europe, Asia, and America; but, unlike the latter species,
it does not assume a white plumage in winter. With the exception of
the southern counties of England, it is generally distributed over the
moors, but is most abundant in the north of England and in Scotland.
Its food consists principally of the tips of ling and heath, as well as
berries and grain. From eight to ten eggs are laid in a shallow depres-
sion in the ground among the heather, but as many as fifteen are
occasionally found ; their ground-colour is whitish-buff, heavily mottled
and blotched with rich reddish-brown. Incubation lasts about twenty-
four days, and the young, when hatched, are carefully watched over by
both parents.

Inverness-shire, May.

Presented by Lord Lovat.

■ftfc II i - , X.

26 BIRD GALLERY.

No. 70. BEARDED TITMOUSE. (Panurus biarmicus.)

This resident species, commonly known as the " Reed-Pheasant/' is
now almost confined to the Norfolk Broads, the draining of the reedy
fens and meres having destroyed many of its former breeding-grounds
in the eastern and southern counties of England. The seeds of the
reed constitute its principal food, but, in summer, numbers of small
shell-bearing mollusca are also eaten. The nest, which is placed near
the water among sedge and weeds, is composed of the dry leaves of
aquatic plants and is lined with the flower of the reed. The eggs, from
five to seven in number, are white with short wavy lines and markings
of purplish-brown. Two broods are produced in a season.

Norfolk, June.

Presented by R. W. Chase, Esq.

No. 71. BLUE TITMOUSE. (Parus camileus.)

This common resident is generally distributed throughout the greater
part of the British Islands, its numbers being largely augmented in
autumn by the arrival of flocks from the Continent. Insects and their
larvae form its principal food ; and though this diet is supplemented in
autumn by fruit, the small amount of damage done in gardens is com-
pensated for by the wholesale destruction of insect-pests. The nest, of
moss, hair and feathers, is generally placed in a hole in a«tree or wall,
but other curious sites are sometimes selected. From six to nine
white eggs, spotted with light red, are laid in April.

Pembrokeshire, June.

Presented by R. W . Mirehouse, Esq.

No. 72. MARSH-TITMOUSE. (Parus palustris.)

This resident species is common throughout the greater part of
Great Britain, bnt becomes scarce towards the north of Scotland.
In Ireland it has been recorded from some of the eastern counties.
Insects form its principal food, but berries, seeds, and beech-mast are
also eaten. The nest, made of moss, wool and hair, with a lining
of down, is usually placed in a hole in some decayed stump of a tree?
a willow or alder being frequently selected ; but, occasionally, a hole
in a bank is utilized. From five to eight white eggs, spotted with light
red, are laid from the end of April onwards.

Suffolk, May.
Presented by Duncan Parker, Esq.

NESTING-SERIES OF BRITISH BIRDS. 27

No. 72 a. BRITISH COAL-TITMOUSE.

(Parus ater britannicus.)

The British race of the Coal-Titmouse differs slightly from the
Continental form in having the back of a more olive-brown colour. On
this account it has been separated under the name of Parus britannicus.
It is a common resident throughout the British Isles, but is most
numerous in Scotland. Its principal food consists of caterpillars and
other insects ; but nuts and seeds are also eaten. The nest, which is
placed in a hole in a tree, or in the crevice in a wall, etc., is made of
moss and wool and lined with hair and feathers. From seven to eleven
white eggs spotted with light red are laid towards the end of April or in

**' Hertfordshire, May.

Presented by TV. R. Ogilvie-Grant, Esq.

No. 73. LONG-TAILED TITMOUSE. (^Egithalus roseus )

Our resident form of the Long-tailed Tit or u Bottle-Tit " is generally
distributed throughout the British Islands and ranges thence across
France and West Germany to North Italy and the northern part of the
Balkan Peninsula. As in its allies, the food consists of insects and
their larvae. The oval nest, formed of moss and wool felted together
with spiders' webs and encrusted with lichens, is thickly lined with
feathers and has the entrance in the upper part of the side. It is
usually placed in a bush, such as a holly, whitethorn, or furze, but,
occasionally, in the lichen-covered branches of a tree. From seven
to ten or more eggs are laid, after about the middle of April j they are
white, with indistinct red spots.

Suffolk, May.
Presented by T. Har court -Powell, Esq.

No. 74. GREAT TITMOUSE. (Parus major.)

Our largest species of Tit, commonly called the " Ox-eye," is generally
distributed over the British Islands throughout the year., It feeds
chiefly on insects as well as on seeds, nuts, and buds. The rather
flat nest of moss, hair, feathers, etc., is usually placed in a hole
in a tree or wall, but almost any convenient situation may be
selected. The eggs are white with light red spots, and vary from
six to twelve in number.

Norfolk, June.
Presented by Lord Walsingham, F.R.S.

~:

28 BIRD GALLERY.

No. 75. GREAT TITMOUSE. (Parus major.)

The post-box exhibited in this case stood in the road at the village
of Rowfant, Sussex, and letters, etc., were posted in it daily and cleared
by the door. In the year 1888 a pair of " Ox-eyes " began to build
their nest in it, but one of the birds was killed before the nest had been
finished.

In 1889 a pair completed the nest, laid seven eggs, and began to
sit ; but, one day, when an unusual number of post-cards nearly filled
the box, the birds deserted, and the nest and eggs were subsequently
removed [Nest No. 1].

In 1890 a pair built a new nest, laid seven eggs, and reared a brood
of five young. Although letters were posted daily, and often found
lying on the back of the sitting bird, it never left the nest when the
box was cleared. This nest [No. 2] is exhibited in its original position
in the post-box, with one of the unhatched eggs.

When the box was removed to the British Museum, in the autumn
of 1890, an exactly similar one was put up in its place. The birds took
possession of this in the following spring, and, with the exception of
1894, continued to build there annually for some years. The other
nest exhibited [No. 3] was commenced on the 26th of April, 1896,
and the brood of twelve young birds reared in it flew on the 10th of
June.

The birds entered and left the nest by the slit for the letters, which
were posted daily in the box.

Presented by Mrs. Locker •-Lampson.

No. 76. GREEN WOODPECKER. (Gecinus viridis.)

The largest of our British Woodpeckers, generally known as the
" Yaffle/' is met with in most of the wooded districts of England and
Wales, but is almost unknown in Scotland and Ireland. Though
much of its insect-food is captured on the tree-stems, it may frequently
be seen feeding on the ground, and is especially partial to ants and
their pupae. Early in April the birds chisel out a circular hole in the
trunk or branch of a tree, which is generally decayed, and excavate a
nesting-chamber in the heart of the stem. The eggs are glossy white
and are from five to seven in number.

Norfolk, June.
Presented by Lord Walsingham, F.R.St

NESTING-SERIES OF BRITISH BIRDS. 29

No. 77. LESSER SPOTTED WOODPECKER.

(Dendrocopus minor.)

Owing to its small size and partiality for tall trees, such as elms
and poplars, this species frequently escapes observation, but is fairly
common in many parts of the southern half of England ; it is rare in
the north, and very uncommon in Scotland and Ireland.

The nest-hole is often made in the highest branches of tall trees,
but sometimes at very moderate elevations or in pollard willows and
hornbeams, as in the present instance. Six or seven white eggs are laid
about the middle of May. The food consists almost entirely of timber-
haunting insects.

Hertfordshire, June.

Presented by A. M. Blake, Esq.

No. 78. GREATER SPOTTED WOODPECKER.

(Dendrocopus major.)

Though nowhere abundant, this species is generally distributed over
the wooded portions of England and Wales, as well as the south-eastern
part of Scotland. Over the rest of Scotland it is not infrequently met with
during the autumn migration, but very few examples have been recorded
from Ireland. It frequents the highest branches of trees, feeding on
insects and their larvae, as well as on berries and nuts, and, owing to
its retiring nature, frequently escapes observation. In April, a circular
hole is hewn by the birds in the trunk or branch of some tree, a dead
one being usually selected, and, within the stein, a chamber is excavated
for the reception of the eggs. These are white, from five to seven in
number, and are deposited on the bare wood about the middle of May.

Norfolk, June.
Presented by Lord Walsingham, P.R.S.

No. 79. WRYNECK. (lynx torquilla.)

This spring visitor, also known as the " Cuckoo's- mate" or " Cuckoo's-
leader," arrives in England towards the end of March or beginning
of April, but is rarely met with in Scotland, except during the autumn
migration, and is only known in Ireland as an accidental straggler.
It frequents orchards and open parks rather than forest-districts,
and feeds on insects, especially on ants and their larvae. It breeds
in hollow trees, an apple-tree being frequently chosen, and about

30 BIRD GALLERY.

the middle of May makes use of any convenient hole to deposit its
eggs, which are white and from six to ten in number. Its common
name is derived from its singular habit of twisting and stretching its
neck.

Norfolk, July.

Presented by Lord Walsingham, F.R.S.

No. 80. WOOD-PIGEON. (Columba palumbus.)

A resident in the British Islands, where it is generally distributed in
wooded districts, it is commonly known as the Ring-Dove, Cushat, or
Queest. Of recent years its numbers have greatly increased and every
park and most of the larger gardens in London are now frequented by
this species. In winter immense flights arrive on the east coast from
the Continent and augment the horde of these voracious birds, which
cause serious loss to agriculturists. The nest, a slightly built platform
of twigs, is placed on the branches of almost any kind of tree or bush,
and frequently in thick ivy on cliffs and old walls. Two or three broods
are reared annually, the first pair of white eggs being generally laid in
February or March, and in favourable seasons nests containing eggs or
young birds may be found during every month of the year.

Norfolk, June.

Presented by Lord Walsingham, F.R.S.

No. 81. TURTLE-DOVE. (Turtur turtur.)

A summer visitor to the British Islands, generally arriving about
the beginning of May and departing in September. Its numbers seem
to be yearly increasing and it is now found in many localities in which
it was formerly scarce or entirely absent. The flat, slightly constructed
nest of twigs is placed in a thick bush or on the branch of a tree, usually
at no great height from the ground, and the two white eggs are laid
towards the end of May.

Norfolk, July.

Presented by Lord Walsingham, F.R.S.

No. 82. ROCK-DOVE. (Columba livia.)

Common along the rocky coasts in the north of Great Britain and Ire-
land where caves and deep fissures exist and afford suitable resorts. The
nest is generally placed, as in the present instance, on the ledge of some

NESTING-SERIES OF BRITISH BIRDS. 31

deep cavern, and is composed of dry sea- weed, grass, or other materials.
Two white eggs are laid at each sitting and several broods are reared
during the year.

From this species all the domestic varieties of dove-cote pigeons have
been derived, and it is by no means unusual to find tame pigeons in the
caves consorting with their wild allies.

Caves of Cromarty, May.

Presented by Captain S. G. Reid, G. A. St. Quintin &•
W. R. Ogilvie-Grant, Esqrs.

No. 83. STOCK-DOVE. (Columba oenas.)

This species has greatly increased in numbers of late years, extending
its range northward, and is now plentiful in many parts of the north of
Scotland. The nesting-site varies greatly in different localities. In
districts where timber exists, pollards and holes in trees are generally
used, but in treeless areas the two white eggs are deposited in rabbit-
burrows or under the shelter of dense furze, while ivy on cliffs or old
walls, old nests of other birds, and squirrels' dreys are also made use of.
Several broods are raised during the year.

Morayshire, May.
Presented by TV. R. Ogilvie-Grant 8$ H. S. Reid, Esqrs.

No. 84. GREAT CRESTED GREBE. (Podicepscristatus.)

This species nests on many of the more extensive and reedy sheets of
water throughout the British Islands, and is more or less resident in
England and Wales. In winter it is to be found on many parts of the
British coasts. Its food consists of small fish and Crustacea, and some-
times of tadpoles and frogs. The nest is usually a floating mass of wet
aquatic plants. The four or five eggs are white when fresh, but they
soon become stained with yellowish-brown from contact with the de-
composing vegetable matter on which they are laid. After the autumn
moult the crest and tippet disappear, the top of the head and back of
the neck become brown, and the throat and fore-neck silvery white.

Leicestershire, May.
Presented by Theodore Walker, Esq.

32 BIRD GALLERY.

No. 85. LITTLE GREBE or DABCHICK.

(Podiceps fluviatilis.)

A common resident throughout the British Islands wherever reedy
streams, lakes, and ponds fringed with reeds are to be found. Small
fish, insects, and vegetable-matter form its principal food, but in
winter marine animals are also eaten. The rather large nest of reeds
and decaying weeds is anchored to some aquatic plant or shrub.
The eggs, from four to six in number, are creamy-white when fresh,
but soon become stained ; they are almost always covered over with
weeds by the* sitting bird before it leaves the nest. In winter the
chestnut on the sides of the head and neck is replaced by rufous white,
the crown is brown, and the underparts of the body much paler.

Norfolk, May.

Presented by Lord Walsingham, F.R.S.

No. 86. CUCKOO. (Cuculus canoras. j

This well-known visitor to the British Islands is generally distributed
over Europe and Northern Asia during the summer months, arriving
in the south of England about the first week in April and remaining till
August or sometimes later. The food consists of insects and their
larvae, especially hairy caterpillars. The parasitic habits of this bird are
well known ; it builds no nest, and the female Cuckoo lavs her egg on
the ground, conveying it in her bill to the nest of the foster- parent. The
Hedge-Sparrow, Wagtail, Meadow-Pipit, Sedge-Warbler, and Heed-
Warbler are the hosts generally selected, but the nests of many other
species are less frequently made use of. Soon after the young bird is
hatched it ejects the other nestlings, and when two young cuekoos
occupy the same nest the struggle for existence is sometimas severe.
From four to eight eggs are laid in a season and the period of incuba-
tion lasts for twelve or thirteen days. The eggs laid by different
individuals vary greatly in colour, sometimes resembling those of the
foster-parent ; pale blue eggs are occasionally found like those of the
Hedge-Sparrow and Redstart, but are not invariably placed in nests of
these birds.

Norfolk, June.

Presented by Lord Walsingham, F.P.S.

NESTING-SERIES OF BRITISH BIRDS. 33

No. 87. SWIFT. (Cypselus apus.)

This common summer-visitor to the British Islands arrives towards
the end of April and remains till the end of August, when the majority
depart southward to their winter-quarters, though individuals some-
times remain till much later in the year. The food consists entirely of
insects, taken on the wing in the course of the bird's extraordinarily
rapid flight. The nest, a slight structure of straws, cobwebs and a few
feathers, is placed under the eaves of buildings, in crevices of cliffs, or
even in hollow trees. Two oval white eggs are laid in the end of May
or early in June and incubation lasts for eighteen days. As a rule, only
one brood is produced in a season.

Forfar. Eggs. 6th of June : young, 2nd and 20th of July.
Presented by Dr. Thomas Dewar.

No. 88. NIGHTJAR or GOATSUCKER.

(Caprimulgus europseus.)

This regular summer-migrant is one of the latest to visit the British
Islands, seldom arriving before the middle of May, and departing in
September, though individuals sometimes linger in the south of England
till November. Its favourite haunts are woodland glades, commons and
heaths, where heather, ferns and gorse flourish ; and its food consists of
insects, most of which are captured on the wing at twilight, or during
the night. No nest is made and, towards the end of» May, two
beautifully marbled oval eggs are deposited on the ground. Incubation
lasts for eighteen days, and the young when hatched are covered with
thick greyish down.

Norfolk, May.

Presented by Lord Walsingham, F.R.S.

No. 89. BLACK-THROATED DIVER.

(Colymbus arcticus.)

Tolerably common during the breeding-season about the larger lochs
of the north and west of Scotland, and occasionally found in the winter
off the coasts of England and Ireland. In winter the plumage is
entirely different from that of spring, for after the autumn moult the
upper parts become ashy brown and the under parts white. The flight
is very strong and rapid, and the movements both on and below the
surface of the water are active and varied, though slow and awkward on
land. The food consist? principally of fish, which are captured by diving

D

34 BIRD GALLERY.

and subsequently brought to the surface and swallowed. The nest, a
hollow in the ground with little or no lining, is generally situated close
to the water's edge, either on a grass-grown island or (as in the present
instance) on the mainland. Two large olive-brown eggs; spotted with
black, are laid in May.

Sutherlandshire, June.

Presented by Colonel L. H. Irby fy Captain S. G. Reid.

No. 90. RED-THROATED DIVER.

(Colymbus septentrionalis.)

Though adults with the white throat characteristic of winter plumage
are commonly met with on all our coasts from autumn to spring, the
" Rain- Goose/' as it is often called, is only known to breed, as regards the
British Islands, in the north of Ireland and in parts of Scotland and the
adjacent islands. The plumage of the sexes is similar, but the female
is somewhat smaller than the male. When nesting, this species, unlike
the Black-throated Diver, prefers the small lochs and pools, and is
seldom found on the larger lochs, except when in search of fish, on which
it chiefly feeds. Little or no nest is made, and the two large olive-brown
eggs, spotted with dark brown, are placed on the bare and often wet
ground close to the water's edge. The male shares the duties of
incubation.

Sutherlandshire, May.

Presented by G. A. St. Quintin fif W. R. Ogilvie-Grant, Esqrs.

No. 91. WATER-RAIL. (Rallus aquaticus.)

This species may be regarded as a resident in the marshy districts
of the British Islands, for though some of our native birds move south-
ward in autumn, their place is taken by others from the Continent.
Worms, molluscs, and aquatic plants form its principal food. The
nest, made of flat leaves of reeds and sedges, is well concealed among
rushes or coarse herbage. The eggs, from seven to eleven in number,
are pale creamy-white spotted with reddish-brown and ash-grey. The
young, when first hatched, are covered with black down. Two broods
are produced in a season.

Co. Waterford, April.
Presented by R. J. Ussher, Esq.

No. 92. LAND-RAIL or CORN-CRAKE. (Crex crex.)

This well-known visitor arrives in the south of England about the
end of April and, as a rule, takes its departure before the end of

NESTING-SERIES OF BRITISH BIRDS. 35

September. During the summer months it is widely distributed
throughout the British Islands, wherever grass-land and cultivated
fields are to be found. Owing to its retiring habits it is seldom seen ;
but the harsh call-note of the male must be familiar to most people.
Slugs, insects and worms, as well as seeds, etc., form the principal food.
The nest, composed of pieces of dry plants, is placed on the ground
among grass, clover, or standing crops. From seven to ten buff-
coloured eggs, spotted with pale lavender and reddish-brown, are laid
about the end of May.

The plant with the yellow flower is the Meadow Vetchling {Lathyrus
pratensis).

Perthshire, June.

Presented by W. R. Ogilvie-Grant, Esq.

No. 93. COOT. (Fulica atra.)

This resident species is found in most of the lakes, ponds and
sluggish streams throughout the British Islands, but, in severe
weather, it migrates to the sea-coast. Its food consists of aquatic
insects, worms, molluscs, and vegetable substances. The nest, a deep
compact mass of dry reeds and sedges, is generally placed above
shallow water, among flags and tall rushes. The eggs, from seven to
ten in number, are buff-colour, with small spots of blackish-brown.

Hampshire, May.

Presented by Sir Edward Shelley, Bart.

No. 94. MOORHEN. (Gallinula chloropus.)

This species, also known as the Waterhen, is a common resident
throughout the British Islands, wherever the reedy margins of lakes,
ponds, or running water afford suitable shelter. It swims well, and
feeds chiefly on slugs, worms, and insects, but will also kill and devour
the young of other waterfowl. The nest, a compactly built structure
of dry flags and sedges, is usually situated in shallow water among reeds
and other aquatic plants, but it is occasionally placed on branches of
overhanging trees and at a considerable height above the water. The
eggs, from seven to nine in number, are pale buff, spotted with reddish-
brown and dull lilac.

Leicestershire, May.

Presented by Theodore Walker, Esq.

d2

36

BIRD GALLERY.

No. 95. STORM-PETREL. (Procellaria pelagica.)

This bird, often known as " Mother Carey's Chicken," is strictly-
pelagic in its habits, seldom coming to shore except during the breeding-
season. It is generally distributed throughout British waters, frequents
low islets and other suitable situations, and is common off the coasts
of Scotland and Ireland. During severe storms it is sometimes driven
inland, and is occasionally found far from the coast. The food con-
sists of small fish, crustaceans, molluscs, and fatty matter floating on
the surface of the ocean. A single white egg, faintly dotted with rusty
brown, is laid at the end of a burrow or beneath stones, often on the
bare soil, but sometimes on a slight nest of dry grass-stems. Though
eggs are sometimes found as early as the end of May and as late as
September, incubation usually commences about the middle of June,
and lasts for thirty-five days.

Isle of Skye, July.

Presented by the Rev. H. A . Macpherson.

No. 96. LEACH'S FORK-TAILED PETREL.

(Oceanodroma leucorrhoa.)

This species, restricted to the Northern Hemisphere, is met with
off the coasts of Great Britain, occasionally in numbers, during the
autumn and winter months. It is known to breed on the St. Kilda
Group, on North Bona and other islands of the Outer Hebrides, as
well as on the Blaskets, off the south-west coast of Ireland. The food
consists of small molluscs, crustaceans, and greasy matter found floating
on the sea. The nest is made at the end of a burrow or in a hole of
some kind j and a single white egg, zoned and freckled with minute
rusty dots, is laid in June. Both birds take part in the incubation.

North Rona, Outer Hebrides, 1st of July.

Presented by Hugh G. Barclay, Esq.

No 97. PUFFIN. (Fratercula arctica.)

Vast numbers of the " Sea-Parrot" or " Coulter-neb," as it is often
called, breed in the cliffs and grassy slopes on many parts of the coast-
line of the British Islands. In the end of August, when the young
are ready to follow their parents into the water, they leave the coast
for the open sea, where they pass the winter, returning to their
breeding-places in March or April. The single dull white egg, faintly
spotted with brown or lilac, is laid in a crevice of a rock or in a

PLATE I.

Puffins ( Fratercula arclica) with Young. Nesting Serie?, No. 97.
a, young ; b, male ; c, female.

TLATE II.

Common Kingfishers ( Alcedo ispida). Nesting Series, No. 99.

NESTING-SERIES OF BRITISH BIRDS. &7

burrow, either dug out by the bird or made by a rabbit. The young
are fed on small fish, which are carried tranversely in the bill of the
parent, and as many as eight are sometimes brought at a time.

Island of Grassholme, Pembrokeshire, July.

Presented by Colonel P. W. U Estrange.

No. 98. MANX SHEARWATER. (Puffinus angloram.)

This species is widely distributed over British waters throughout the
year, and breeds on many of the unfrequented islands round our
coasts, with the exception of those on the eastern shores of Great
Britain, where no breeding-station has as yet been found. It skims
the surface of the waves with rapid flight in search of surface-fish and
other floating food, and is also an expert diver. The single white egg
is deposited in a burrow on a few blades of dry grass. The nestling
remains in its home until long after it is fully fledged and, becoming
enormously fat, is greatly esteemed by some as an article of food.

Isles of Scilly, June.
Presented by Edward Bidwell, Esq.

No. 99. KINGFISHER. (Alcedo ispida.)

This resident species is common along the banks of streams and
lakes and on many parts of the coast of England, but is less numerous
in Scotland and Ireland. It feeds on small fish, crustaceans, and insects,
the first-named being secured by a sudden plunge from some convenient
perch above the water. The nesting-place, which is a hole in the bank
two or three feet in length and terminating in a chamber, is generally
excavated by the birds. The entrance is usually situated above the
reach of floods, but occasionally a site is selected at some distance
from water. No nest is constructed, but in old nesting-chambers the
floor is covered with bones and scales of fish, which have been cast up
by the young of previous broods. The eggs vary in number from six
to nine and are rounded, white, and highly glossy. In the group
exhibited, part of the bank has been removed to show the internal
construction of the burrow and four of the young eighteen days old,
which are still being fed by the parent-bird. The two young birds
perched outside the entrance were respectively six and seven weeks old,
and able to care for themselves.

Suffolk, May.

Presented by T. Har court-Powell, Esq.

38 BIRD GALLKltY.

No. lOO. HOOPOE. (Upupa epops.)

This handsome bird, common in many parts of Europe, Asia, and
North Africa, is a spring visitor to the southern and eastern parts of
England, where, if unmolested, it would breed regularly. It is, how-
ever, subjected to so much persecution on its arrival, that very few
pairs survive and are allowed to rear their young in peace. The slight
nest is placed in a hole in some decayed tree, frequently a willow or
ash, and from four to seven pale yellowish eggs are laid on the decaying
mould. The group exhibited is remarkable for the great disparity in
the size of the young birds, and for the unusually clean condition of
the nest.

Poklisa, Hungary, June.

Presented by C. G. Danford, Esq.

No. lOl. DUNLIN. (Pelidna alpina.)
Throughout the year this Sandpiper is common on the shores and
tidal rivers of the British Islands, and may be met with in large flocks
on the mud-flats and sand-banks uncovered by the tide. In summer
most of the adult birds move inland to the more extensive moorlands
and marshy districts to breed, and are then fairly plentiful in Scotland
;md the northern counties of England, but rare in the south, and local
in Wales and Ireland. The nest, a mere depression in the turf, slightly
lined with dead grass, is situated among short heather or in a tussock
of coarse grass. The four eggs are usually of a pale green colour
blotched and spotted with grey and reddish-brown.

Cumberland, June.
Presented by the Rev. H. A. Macpherson.

No. 102. GOLDEN PLOVER. (Charadrius pluvialis.)

Though numbers of these birds are resident in the British Islands
throughout the year, the species is most plentiful during the periods of
migration and in winter, when vast flocks frequent the pastures and
coasts, in- search of the insects, worms, molluscs, etc., on which they
feed. In March the birds, which breed in our islands, retire to the
moors and prepare a slight hollow in the ground, usually among heather
or short grass, for their eggs. These are always four in number, and
are yellowish-buff, handsomely blotched and spotted with purplish-
brown and brownish-black.

After the autumn moult the black underparts are replaced by white.

Yorkshire, May.
Presented by Lord Walsin.gham, F.R.S.

NESTING-SERIES OF BRITISH BIRDS. 39

No. 103. LAPWING or PEEWIT. (Vanellus vanellus.)
A common resident throughout the British Islands, its numbers
being largely augmented in autumn by the arrival of large flocks from
the Continent. Damp pastures, bare fallows, and moorlands are its
favourite haunts, where insects, worms, and slugs are plentiful. The
nest, a slight depression in the soil, sometimes scratched out by the
birds themselves, is lined with a few bits of dead rush or dry grass.
The eggs, usually four in number, are subject to variation in colour,
but are commonly brownish-buff, blotched and spotted with blackish-
brown.

In March, April and May vast numbers of eggs are collected and
are greatly appreciated for the table.

Yorkshire, May.
Presented by Lord Walsingham, F.R.S.

No. 104. RED-NECKED PHALAROPE.

(Phalaropus hyperboreus).

This elegant little Wader is a circumpolar species breeding in the
north of Europe, Asia, and America, and migrating southward in the
autumn. A few pairs still nest regularly in the Shetlands, Orkneys,
and Outer Hebrides, and a small breeding-colony has been discovered
in Ireland. Its nest, a small deep hollow in a tuft of grass, is
usually situated in the vicinity of water. The four eggs are yellowish-
buff or pale olive, blotched and spotted with blackish-brown, reddish-
brown, and grey.

The female is both larger and more brightly coloured than the male,
and the latter usually undertakes the duties of incubation. After the
autumn moult the cheeks, neck, and underparts become white.

Hebrides, June.
Presented by Colonel L. H. Irby ty Captain S. G. Reid.

No. 105. AVOCET. (Recurvirostra avocetta).

Formerly a regular summer visitor to England, breeding in con-
siderable numbers on the shores of the eastern counties from the
Humber to Sussex. Reclamation of fen-land and constant persecution
have gradually caused it to forsake our coast and it probably ceased
to nest there in 1824. Though small parties still arrive in spring, and
occasionally in autumn, they are never allowed to breed. The eggs
are laid in May, in a slight depression among scanty herbage, sand?
or dry mud.

Europe, May.

Presented by J. Stare;; 8f E. V. Earle, Esgrs.

40 HI III) GALLERV.

No. 106. WOODCOCK. (Scolopax rusticula.)

Though generally known as a migrant, which arrives in October and
returns northwards in March, many Woodcocks remain to breed
throughout the British Islands. The food consists chiefly of insects
and worms, especially the latter, of which enormous numbers are eaten.
A rounded depression in the ground, lined with withered grass and
dead leaves, serves as a nest and is situated in some sheltered spot*
The four eggs are creamy-buff, blotched and spotted with grey and
reddish-brown.

The Woodcock has often been observed on the wing carrying its
young ; the nestling is held close to the breast with the aid of the legs
and bill.

The four young birds, which were on the point of hatching, were
extracted from the eggs exhibited in the case.

Inverness-shire, June.

Presented by Lord Lovat.

No.K>7. BLACK-TAILED GODWIT. (Limosa limosa.)

This species used to breed in the fens of Lincolnshire and Cambridge-
shire, and eggs have been taken in Norfolk as recently as 1847. It
has now ceased to nest in England, and is only observed on the spring
and autumn migrations and occasionally in winter. The nest, a slightly
lined hollow amongst coarse herbage, contains four eggs of a pale olive-
green colour, spotted with brown.

Europe, June.
Presented by J. Stares &; E. V, Earle, Esqrs.

No. 108. COMMON SNIPE. (Gallinago gallinago.)
A common species in all marshy localities throughout the British
Islands, especially in Scotland and Ireland, but most numerous during
the colder months of the year, when immense "flights" arrive from the
Continent and often remain till March. In frosty weather it frequently
shifts its quarters in search of open ground, where insects, worms, and
molluscs may still be obtained. The nest, a mere depression in the
ground, slightly lined with dead grass, is generally situated amongst
rushes, grass, or heather. The eggs, usually four in number, are
commonly greenish -buff, obliquely spotted and blotched, especially at
the larger end, with dark brown, pale brown, and grey.

Norfolk, May.

Presented by Lord Walsingham, F.R.S.

NESTING-SERIES OF BRITISH BIRDS. 41

No. 109. OYSTER-CATCHER. (Hsematopus ostralegus.)

The " Sea-Pie," as this species is often called, is a common resident
on the shores of the British Islands, but is most numerous during
the colder months of the year, when its numbers are augmented by
migrants from the Continent. Its food consists of crustaceans, as well
as mussels, whelks and limpets, which are extracted from their shells by
the bird's powerful bill. It breeds on the sea-shore above high-water
mark or on the stony beds of rivers ; no real nest is made, but a slight
hollow is usually scraped in the sanpor shingle and is often lined with
fragments of shells. The eggs, generally three in number, are pale
brownish-buff, spotted and streaked with dark brown and ash-grey.

Isles of Scilly, June.

Presented by Edward Bidwell, Esq.

No. HO. KNOT. (Tringa canutus.)

A regular visitor to the British coasts, arriving from the north in
large flocks in autumn and remaining till May, when all except the
non-breeding birds return to North Greenland, Arctic America, and
North-western Siberia. On the 30th of July, 1876, Colonel Feilden,
when naturalist to H.M.S. 'Alert/ found this species breeding near a
small lake on Grinnell Land in lat. 82° 33' N., and obtained the old
and young birds exhibited in the Case.

The four pear-shaped eggs have the ground-colour pale green or
vellowish-white blotched and spotted with dark brown and violet-grey
(<?/. ' Ibis/ 1904, p. 233).

In winter the plumage of the upper-parts is ash-grey and the under-
pays are white spotted with grey.

Presented by Colonel H. W. Feilden, C.B.

No. 111. CURLEW. (Numenius arquatus.)

This species is common on the British coasts throughout the year ;
but in spring the adult birds retire inland to the moors and uplands
for nesting-purposes. In summer the food consists of berries, worms,
molluscs, etc., but in winter crustaceans and other marine animals are
eaten. The nest, a slight hollow in the ground, lined with bits of dry
herbage, is usually situated among heather, bog-myrtle, or grass. The
four large pear-shaped eggs vary in tint from olive-green to brownish-
buff, and are spotted and blotched with brown and purplish-grey.
Inverness-shire, April.
Presented by Lord Lovat.

42 HI HI) GALLERY.

No. 112. KENTISH PLOVER. (J2gialitl8 alexandrina.)

A summer visitor to the south of England, arriving in April and
usually migrating southward in September. It breeds in some numbers
on the shores of Kent and Sussex, occasionally wanders westward to
Devon and Cornwall, and has been met with on the east coast as far
north as Yorkshire. The eggs, usually three in number, are deposited
in a hollow scratched in the sand or among fine shingle : they are buff,
spotted and streaked with blackish-brown and grey.

Both the eggs and young birds are difficult to distinguish from their
surroundings. The two nests exhibited were from the same locality,
but were placed at some distance apart.

Kent : eggs, May ; young birds, June. ,

Presented by Colonel L. H. Irby # Colonel Willoughby Verner.

No. 113. RINGED PLOVER. (iEgialitis hiaticola.)

The larger race of the Hinged Plover, sometimes called the Ringed
Dotterel, is more or less resident throughout the British Islands, and
inhabits the flat sandy portions of our coasts, as well as the shingly
banks of the larger rivers and inland lakes. A smaller race visits our
shores for a brief period in spring and, possibly, a few remain to breed
in Sussex and Kent. The four eggs are laid in a hollow in the sand,
often lined with fragments of shells ; they are pale buff or stone-colour,
spotted with black and grey. Two broods are usually reared in a
season.

Both the eggs and young birds so closely resemble their surroundings
that they are difficult to find.

Sussex, May.

Presented by Mr, Walter Burton.

No. 114. COMMON SANDPIPER. (Tringoides hypoleucus.)

This species, often called the " Summer-Snipe," is a regular visitor
to the British Islands, arriving in April and departing in September. It
breeds on the banks of almost every loch and stream in Scotland, and
is common in Ireland, Wales and the northern and western portions of
England, but is less plentiful in the southern and eastern counties. Its
nest, of dry grass, leaves, etc., is placed in a hollow in the ground,

NESTING-SERIES OP BRITISH BIRDS. 43

usually in the proximity of fresh water. The eggs are four in number,
and of a creamy-buff colour, finely spotted with grey and with two shades
of brown.

Sutherlandshire, June.

Presented by Colonel L. H. Irby §• Captain S. G. Reid.

No. 115. REDSHANK. (Totanus calidris.)

A common species during the summer months throughout the British
Islands, but on the approach of cold weather the majority of the birds
move southward, though some remain on the coasts throughout the
winter. It breeds in marshy districts and pastures, nesting in a hollow
in the ground among rushes, heather, or long grass. The eggs, which
are usually well concealed, are four in number, and are of a greenish-
buff colour, blotched and spotted with purplish-brown.

The birds betray great anxiety when their nest is approached, and
endeavour to lead the intruder away by flying round and uttering their
shrill but plaintive note.

Two nests are exhibited with the parent birds — one pair with eggs,
the other with young.

Cumberland, June.

Presented by the Rev. H. A. Macpherson.

No. 116. GREENSHANK. (Glottis nebularius.)

An annual migrant to the British Islands, many remaining to breed
on the moors in the northern parts of Scotland. It feeds on small fish,
molluscs, worms, crustaceans, beetles, etc. The nest, a mere hollow in
the ground, thinly lined with dry grass or heather, and frequently
sheltered by a stone, is generally situated near the edge of a loch or
other fresh water. The eggs, four in number, are of a greenish-buff
blotched and spotted with rich brown and purplish-grey.

Sutherlandshire, 28th of May.
Presented by Colonel L. H. Irby §• Captain S. G. Reid.

No. 117. OTTEREL. (Eudromias morinellus.)

This Plover is a migrant to the British Islands in late spring and
autumn, but a few pairs remain to breed on some of the mountain-tops
of Scotland and of the Lake District. The nest is a mere hollow in the
moss covering some elevated plateau, where the vegetation consists

44 111 HI) (i.UJ.KKY.

largely of dwarf alpine plants. Patches of the little pink flower
Silene acaulis (some nearly a square yard in extent) abounded in
the proximity of the nest exhibited, and contrasted strikingly in colour
with the otherwise sombre surroundings. The eggs, three in number,
are yellowish-olive heavily blotched and spotted with brownish-black ;
they are laid early in June, and are remarkably difficult to find, owing
to the fact that the parent, if sitting, will allow itself to be almost
trodden on before it leaves the nest.

Banffshire, 3300 feet elevation, June.

Presented by Captain S. G. Reid, W. R. Ogilvie-Grant §■
G. A. St. Quintin, Esqrs.

No. 118. ARCTIC or RICHARDSON'S SKUA.

(Stercorarius crepidatus.)

This circum polar species, most common on the northern and eastern
coasts of Great Britain, breeds in the north of Scotland and has nume-
rous colonies on the Shetlands, Orkneys, and Outer Hebrides. It feeds
principally on fish obtained by robbing the smaller Gulls and Terns ;
but is also said to prey on wounded birds and on the eggs of other sea-
fowl. Two brownish-green eggs, blotched with dark brown, are laid
in a hollow in the moss or grass of the open moorland in the vicinity
of the coast.

Two distinct phases of plumage occur, one being entirely sooty, while
the other has light under-parts : m the pairs exhibited, the light-coloured
specimen is a male.

Island of Mousa, Shetlands, June.

Presented Ly Lieut. G. II. Bruce, R.N.

No. 118 a. LONG-TAILED or BUFFON'S SKUA.

(Stercorarius parasiticus.)

This circum polar species is a regular migrant to the British Islands,
but does not breed there, its nesting-places being further to the north.
Like its allies it feeds on fish taken from Gulls and Terns, while worms,
insects and crustaceans, as well as small birds and lemmings, also form
part of its diet. The eggs, usually two in number, are laid on the
ground in a slight hollow, and are smaller and greener than those of
the Arctic Skua.

Lapland, June.

Presented by J. Stares §• J. A. Vavies, Esqrs.

NESTING-SERIES OF BRITISH BIRDS. 45

No. 119. GREATER BLACK-BACKED GULL.

(Larus marinus.)

This rapacious Gull, the largest of our resident species, is to be met
with at all seasons on the British coasts. It breeds in small numbers
on the south and west coasts of England and in Wales, but is common
in many parts of Scotland and Ireland, either in solitary pairs or in small
colonies. It feeds largely on animal food, attacking sickly sheep and
lambs, and devouring the eggs and young of game-birds and water-
fowl, as well as carrion. On account of its predatory habits, large num-
bers are annually destroyed. The roughly constructed nest, made of
seaweed, dry grass, etc., is usually situated on some isolated stack of
rock or an islet in some secluded mountain-loch. The eggs, two or
three in number, are brownish-buff, blotched and spotted with umber
and dark grey.

Sutherlandshire, May.

Presented by Colonel L. H. Irby §■ Captain S. G. Reid.

No. 120. COMMON GULL. (Larus canus.)
During the colder months of the year this species is generally distri-
buted along the coasts of the British Islands and is frequently seen inland,
but in April the majority of adults move northwards. It is hardly
known to nest in England or Wales, but it has been recorded as breeding
on the Cumberland side of the Solvvay Firth. In Scotland and the
adjacent islands, as well as in parts of Ireland, large breeding-colonies
are numerous. Open moors, the islands in both salt- and fresh-water
lochs, and the less precipitous coasts, are the favourite breeding-places.
When at sea, this Gull feeds on small fish, etc., but inland it is fre-
quently to be seen following the plough in search of worms and grubs,
or hawking insects on the wing. The somewhat large nest is made of
any convenient materials, such as grass, heather, or seaweed. The
eggs, usually three in number, are laid early in May, and vary greatly
in colour, but are generally olive-brown spotted with dark brown.
Island of Mousa, Shetlands, June.
Presented by E. M. Nelson, Esq.

No. 121. LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL.

(Larus fuscus).

Though common on all the coasts of the British Islands during the
greater part of the year, this species is somewhat local in its distribution
during the breeding-season, when large numbers congregate on moors,
turf-clad slopes, or flat-topped islands, in preference to the ledges of
cliffs. Being almost omnivorous and especially partial to the eggs and

46 BIRD GALLERY.

young of game-birds and water-fowl, it is contantly destroyed by
game-preservers. The nest, which is made of grass, dry seaweed, etc.,
was placed in the present instance at the intersection of two sheep-
walks, the sheep being obliged to jump over the sitting bird. Three
eggs are laid early in May and vary greatly in colour and markings.
Island of Mousa, Shetlands, June.
Presented by Lieut. G. H, Bruce, R.N.

No. 122. TAWNY OWL. (Syrnium aluco.)

This Owl, also known as the Brown or Wood-Owl, is fairly common
all over Great Britain wherever there are woods and crags suited to its
habits, but it does not appear to be found in Ireland. The nesting-
site is very varied, the most usual place being a hollow in the trunk of
some decayed tree, but old nests of Rooks, Crows, and other birds are
frequently used, while ruins, barns, and disused chimneys are sometimes
resorted to, and not infrequently the bare ground under the shelter of
fir branches or roots. The eggs, usually three or four in number, are
smooth, white, and nearly round in shape, and are sometimes laid as
early as the end of February. During the day this species remains
concealed, and it appears to dislike the sunlight more than any other
British Owl. It preys chiefly on rats, mice, moles, and sometimes on
small birds, insects, or surface-swimming fishes.

Somerset, May.

Presented by C. B. Horsbrugh, Esq.

No. 123. LONG-EARED OWL. (Asio otus.)
This resident species is generally distributed throughout the wooded
districts of Great Britain and Ireland, being especially partial to fir-
plantations. It is nocturnal in its habits and feeds principally on small
rats, mice, and birds, though beetles and other insects are also eaten.
The eggs, which are white and from four to six in number, are usually
deposited very early in the year in an old squirrel's drey, or in the*
deserted nest of some larger bird, but occasionally they are laid on the
ground, at the foot of a hollow tree.

Norfolk, May.

Presented by Lord Walsingham, F.B.S.

No. 124. HERRING-GULL. (Larus argentatus.)

One of the commonest Gulls on the coasts of the British Islands,
breeding wherever precipitous rocks or isolated "stacks*' afford a suitable
refuge. Many pairs nest also among the sand-hills on the north

NESTING-SERIES OP BRITISH BIRDS. 47

east coast of Scotland and some colonies may be found on the islets in
lochs. It generally nests in company with others of its kind and often
among colonies of the Lesser Black-backed and Common Gull. Like
other large Gulls it is a great robber of eggs and young birds. Three
is the full number of eggs laid.

Nairnshire, 6th of June.
Presented by W. R. Ogilvie-Grant §• H. S'. Reid, Esqrs.

No. 125. GLAUCOUS GULL. (Larus glaucus.)

Although this circumpolar bird is an irregular winter visitor to our
shores, it has never been known to breed in the British Islands, its
nesting-places being in the Arctic Ocean on the shores of both
continents. Its habits, food, and mode of nesting are similar to those
of the Greater Black-backed Gull. The stone-coloured eggs, spotted
with ash-grey and brown, are laid during the first half of June and are
usually three in number.

Waigats Island, Arctic Ocean, July.

Presented by H. J. Pearson, Esq.

No. 126. SANDWICH TERN. (Sterna cantiaca.)

A regular visitor to the British Islands, arriving in March and April,
and returning south early in autumn. It nests in colonies, associating
with Arctic or Common Terns, and not infrequently changes its
breeding-grounds when persecuted. The nest is generally a shallow
hole scratched in the shingle or in the sand among sea-campion, sorrel,
and other plants, but sometimes a tolerably solid structure of bents may
be seen. The eggs are usually two, rarely three, in number, and
vary much in colour and markings.

Scotland, 10th of June.

Presented by Captain S. G. Reid §• W. R. Ogilvie-Grant, Esq.

No. 127. ROSEATE TERN. (Sterna dougalli.)

This southern species visits the British Islands regularly in small
numbers, arriving at the end of April and leaving about the beginning
of September, when the young are able to fly. It is generally met
with in small colonies of one or two pairs associating with Arctic or
Common Terns. The eggs, two or three in number, are laid on the
ground and are almost indistinguishable from those of the above-
mentioned allied species.

Scotland, 11th of June.

Presented by Captain S. G. Reid §• W. R. Ogilvie-Grant, Esq.

48

BIRD GALLERY.

No. 128. BLACK-HEADED or LAUGHING GULL.

(Larus ridibundus.)

The dark brown hood, from which this species derives its somewhat
inappropriate name, is assumed in spring, hut disappears after the
autumn moult. It is a common resident on the coasts of the British
Islands during the colder months of the year, but in spring resorts to
its breeding-places, where it congregates in large numbers. These "gul-
leries/' as they are called, are formed in marshy localities, or on inland
lakes, and some, like that on Scoulton Mere in Norfolk, have been used for
centuries. The nest is made of sedge, flags, etc., and is placed on clumps
of rushes or on the ground. Three or occasionally four eggs, varying
greatly in colour and markings, are laid towards the end of April, and
in many places are regularly collected for the market. This Gull is a
useful friend to the farmer, feeding for the greater part of the year on
grubs and other noxious insects.

Inverness-shire, May.

Presented by Lord Lovat.

No. 129. IVORY GULL. (Pagophila eburnea.)

This Arctic species is an occasional wanderer to the coasts of the
British Islands. About thirty-five examples have been recorded and of
these rather more than half appear to have been adults. Two is the
full number of eggs laid.

Cape Mary Harms worth, Franz- Josef Land, 7th of August.
Presented by F. G. Jackson, Esq.

No. 130. COMMON TERN- (Sterna fluviatilis.)

This well-known " Sea-Swallow M reaches our coasts towards the end
of April and returns to the south between August and October. Its
numerous breeding-stations are scattered along the coasts of the British
Islands, as well as on inland freshwater lochs. The food consists
principally of small fish, sand-eels, shrimps, and other Crustacea, and, like
the Arctic Tern, it may constantly be seen plunging headlong into the
sea in pursuit of its prey. The eggs, which vary greatly in colour and
markings, are two or three in number, and are deposited in a shallow
depression in the sand or among shingle, dry seaweed, and short
herbage; many pairs of birds sometimes nesting within a small area.

Kent, June.

Presented by Colonel W'Uloughby Verner.

NESTING-SERIES OF BRITISH BIRDS. 49

No. 131. LITTLE TERN. (Sterna minuta.)
This is the smallest of our Terns, and arrives early in May at its
breeding-stations on the flat sandy or shingly shores scattered along
the coasts of the British Islands. In September or early in October
it leaves for the south. About the end of May two or three stone-
coloured eggs, spotted with grey and brown, are laid in a slight hollow
scratched in the sand or among the shingle. In the colony from which
the birds and nests exhibited were taken the nests were more widely
scattered, being from five to ten yards apart. The eggs were found on
the 12th of June and the young sixteen days later.

Kent, June.
Presented by Colonel Willoughby Verner.

No. 132. ARCTIC TERN. (Sterna macrura.)

This Tern reaches England towards the end of April and departs
southward in the autumn, the migration lasting from August to
October. Large colonies breed on many of the islands off the coasts
of Great Britain and Ireland, but the species is most numerously
represented towards the north of Scotland, and, though it has been
found nesting by freshwater lakes in Ireland, its breeding-places are
usually by the sea. On migration it is generally distributed along our
shores. Two, or sometimes three, eggs, which vary greatly in colour
and markings, are laid in a shallow depression in the sand or among
shingle, sometimes on dead seaweed or in scanty herbage.
Island of Mousa, Shetlands, June.
Presented by Lieut. G. H. Bruce, R.N., §■ E. M. Nelson, Esq.

No. 133. STONE-CURLEW or THICK-KNEE.

((Edicnemus cedicnemus.) 1

The Norfolk Plover, as this species is often called, is a summer
visitor to the southern and midland counties of England, and has been
known to nest as far north as Yorkshire ; it usually arrives in Aprii
and departs in October, but some individuals pass the winter in South
Devon and Cornwall. It frequents downs, open heathers, wastes and
fallows, and feeds principally on worms, molluscs and insects, but it also
eats small mammals, reptiles, and frogs. The two buff-coloured eggs,
blotched and spotted with brown and grey, are laid in a slight hollow
scratched in the ground, often among sand and scattered stones. When
alarmed, the bird endeavours to conceal itself in a crouching position,
but if closely approached it runs swiftly away and ultimately takes wing.

Norfolk, May.
Presented by Lord Walsingham, F.R.S.

50 BIRD GALLERY.

No. 134. CREAM-COLOURED COURSER.

(Cursorius gallicus.)

This species is an irregular straggler to Europe, and about a score of
individuals have been procured in Great Britain, chiefly in the southern
counties of England. Its true home extends from the Canary Islands
and North Africa, through South-western Asia, to India. It frequents
sandy districts, where the surroundings harmonize in colour with its
plumage and afford equal protection for its young and eggs. The
latter, which are two in number and yellowish-buff, thickly spotted and
freckled with yellowish-brown and grey, are laid on the bare parts of
the desert, where the stones are mostly small. The male bird takes no
part in the duties of incubation, but is said to assist in caring for the
young.

Fuerteventura, Canary Islands, March.

Presented by E. G. B. Meade-Waldo, Esq.

No. 135. COMMON HERON. (Ardea cinerea.)

This species is generally distributed throughout the British Islands,
and during the breeding- season is usually met with in colonies, known
as heronries ; but from August onwards it often leads a solitary
existence on the coast and inland waters. Its nests are generally
placed on the tops of high trees, sometimes on sea-cliffs or rocks, and
occasionally on the ground ; they are large flat structures formed of
sticks and lined with roots and dry grass. From three to five uniform
bluish-green eggs are laid in March or, in mild seasons, even as early as
January. Both parents assist in providing the young with food, which
Consists of fish, frogs, reptiles, young water-fowl, mice and voles, as
well as worms, molluscs, and insects.

Perthshire, June.

Presented by W. R. Ogilvie- Grant, Esq.

No. 136. COMMON SCOTER. (CEdemia nigra.)

Vast numhers visit our seas in winter, and the species is especially
abundant on the east coast of Great Britain, where it is often found in
numbers exceeding those of any other Duck. In spring the majority
of adult birds depart to the north of Europe, but some remain to breed
in the north of Scotland.. The food, consists chiefly of molluscs, which

NESTING-SERIES OF BRITISH BIRDS. 5*|

are procured by diving. The nest, made of moss and grass with a lining
of down, is placed on an island in a freshwater loch or among the
heather in the vicinity. From six to nine yellowish-white eggs are laid
early in June.

Caithness, June.

Presented by Colonel L. H. Irby §■ Captain S. G. Reid.

No. 137. EIDER DUCK. (Somateria mollissima.)

On the southern and western coasts of England and Wales this
species is only known as a winter visitor, but it breeds on the Fame
Islands, in Northumberland, and in suitable localities along the coasts
of Scotland. As a straggler it is occasionally met with on the Irish
coast. The food, obtained by diving, consists of shellfish and crustaceans
(which are often swallowed entire), as well as seaweed, etc. The nest,
usually situated among coarse herbage on low islands, is composed of
the stems of plants, grass, and fine seaweed, and contains from five to
eight green eggs. As incubation proceeds, a lining of down plucked
from the breast of the female is gradually added ; each nest contains
about three ounces of eider-down. As soon as the ducks begin to sit
the drakes leave them, and the latter may then be met with in small
parties off the coast.

Island of Coll, Hebrides, May.

Presented by Colonel L. H. Irby.

No. 138. RED-BREASTED MERGANSER.

(Mergus senator.)

During the winter months this species is met with on the coasts and
tidal rivers of England and Wales, but in Scotland (including the Shet-
lands, Orkneys, and Hebrides), as well as in Ireland, it is resident and
breeds more or less plentifully on the freshwater lochs and on many
parts of the coasts. It is an expert diver and feeds chiefly on trout,
young salmon, and other small fishes. The nest (a hollow in the ground
thickly lined with down) is usually well concealed among heather, long
grass, etc., but is sometimes placed in an old burrow. The greenish-
buff eggs, rarely more than ten in number, are laid towards the end of
May, and the female undertakes the entire duties of incubation. A
male in winter plumage has been introduced into the Case to show the
difference in plumage between the two sexes.

Island of Skye, Jul v.
Presented by the Rev. H. A. Macpherson.

e2

52 BIRD OALLKRY.

No. 139. COMMON SHELD-DUCK. (Tadorna conmta.)

The u Burrow-Duck," as it is sometimes called, is not uncommon on
suitable parts of the coasts of Great Britain and Ireland. Low sand-
hills, sand-bars, and mud-flats are its favourite haunts, where small
mollusca, Crustacea, marine insects, and other kinds of food are
plentiful. The plumage of the sexes is very similar, but the colours of
the female are less bright and well denned than those of the male. The
nest (made of bents, with a thick lining of down from the breast of the
female) is generally placed inside a rabbit-burrow some feet from the
entrance. In the present instance it was situated at the unusual depth
of 15 feet and 7 feet below the surface [see Diagram]. From seven
to twelve cream-coloured eggs are laid in May. The male takes no
part in the incubation, which lasts for twenty-eight or thirty days, but
remains in the vicinity of the nest, often in company with other drakes
of his kind.

Cromarty, June.

Presented by G. A. St. Quintin fy W. R. Ogilvie-Grant , Esqrs.

No. 140. GAD WALL. (Chaulelasmus streperus.)

This Duck is a wrinter visitor to the British Islands, though in no
great numbers, but now breeds regularly in a few localities in Norfolk,
where it was originally introduced. It frequents freshwater lakes which
afford plenty of cover, and, owing to its retiring habits, is often supposed
to be more uncommon than is really the case. It feeds by night,
chiefly on grain, seeds, and other vegetable matter. The nest (made of
grass and lined with down) is placed at a short distance from the
water, under a bush or tuft of long grass. From eight to twelve
whitish-buff eggs are laid from towards the end of May onwards.

Norfolk, July.
Presented by Lord Walsingham, F.R.S.

No. 141. TEAL. (Nettion crecca.)

The smallest of our British Ducks, this species is more abundant
during the winter months than in summer, but it breeds in almost every
county of Great Britain and Ireland. It frequents fresh water, and
feeds on the seeds of aquatic plants, grain, worms, slugs, and insects,
and the flesh is much esteemed as food. The nest, composed of dry grass
and leaves, is lined with blackish down and is placed in tufts of coarse

NESTING-SERIES OE BRITISH BIRDS. 53

grass or heather on the borders of lakes or morasses. From eight to
fourteen creamy-white or pale buff eggs are laid early in May.

].— Norfolk, May.

Presented by Lord Walsingham, F.R.S.

2. — Hertfordshire, May.

Presented by Lord Rothschild, F.R.S.

No. 142. WIGEON. (Mareca penelope.)

A winter visitor to the British Islands, generally appearing on our
coasts in vast numbers about the end of September or beginning of
October, and remaining till March and April, when the majority return
to the north. A considerable number remain to breed, principally
about the lochs in the north of Scotland and, possibly, in Ireland.
The nest, which is placed among rushes, coarse herbage, or heather, is
thickly lined with down, and may contain from seven to ten cream-
coloured eggs.

Sutherlandshire, June.
Presented by Colonel L. H. Irby fy Captain S. G. Reid.

No. 143. SHAG or GREEN CORMORANT.
(Phalacrocorax graculus.)

This species is also known as the Crested Cormorant, on account of
the curved tuft-like crest which is assumed in the early spring and
shed in May. Though essentially marine and common along all
the more rugged coasts of the British Islands, it occasionally wanders
inland to freshwater lochs. It is an expert diver, and feeds principally
on sea-fishes. The nest, formed of seaweed and other materials
plastered together and emitting a horrible smell, is generally placed
on a ledge of a cliff, and from three to five oblong eggs, with a pale
blue undershell thickly encrusted with chalky white, are laid in May
or sometimes earlier. The manner in which the young are' fed is
very remarkable. The parent bird having filled its gullet with fish,
returns to its nest and, bending over the young, opens its bill to the
fullest extent. The young, in turn, thrusts its head and neck down
the old bird's throat and extracts the partly digested food till the pouch
is empty.

South Wales, June.

Presented by Lord Kensington.

54 klRD GALLERY.

No. 144. SHOVELER. (Spatula clypeata.)
Though chiefly a winter visitor to the British Islands, a good many
pairs remain to breed on some of the inland lakes and marshes, and the
number of breeding-birds is yearly increasing. As a rule, this species
frequents fresh water, feeding on mollusca, worms, and aquatic insects,
as well as on grass and water-plants, and its flesh is much esteemed as
food. The deep nest of fine grass, lined with down, is generally placed
in long grass or heather, and the eggs, when numerous, lie in two
layers. They are of a pale greenish-buff colour, and vary in number
from eight to fourteen.

Norfolk, May.
Presented by Lord Walsingham, F.R.S.

No. 145. TUFTED DUCK.

(Fuligula fuligula or F. cristata.)

Between autumn and spring this species is common about the coasts,
estuaries and lakes of the British Islands, and is often found in company
with flocks of other diving-ducks. It breeds in considerable numbers
on many of the lakes and ponds throughout the kingdom, but is most
numerous in Scotland. It feeds on aquatic plants and various kinds of
animal-food, most of which is obtained by diving; and, as a rule, the
flesh is indifferent eating. The nest, of dry grass lined with down,
is concealed in a tuft of grass or sedge. From eight to thirteen
greenish-buff eggs are laid about the end of May.

Norfolk, June.
Presented by Lord Walsingham, F.R.S.

No. 14-6. POCHARD. (Nyroca ferina.)

This species of diving-duck, often known as the Red-headed Poker
or Dun-bird, is mainly a winter visitor to the British Islands, arriving
in October and departing in spring, but a good many pairs remain to
breed on some of our inland waters. While frequenting fresh water and
feeding on the plants that grow below the surface, it is excellent eating,
but afier it has visited the sea, a diet of marine crustaceans and molluscs
renders the flesh unpalatable. The nest is placed near the margin of
some lake or pool, and consists of a layer of old dead flags surrounded

NESTING-SERIES OF BRITISH BIRDS. 55

and concealed by growing reeds and aquatic plants. From seven to
ten greenish-drab eggs are laid in May, and are embedded in greyish-
brown down, taken from the breast of the female.

Norfolk, June.

Presented by Lord Walsingham, F.R.S.

No. 147. GREY LAG-GOOSE. (Anser ferns.)
This is the only species of Wild Goose which nests within the
British Islands, and is the source from which our domestic race has
sprung. Though not so plentiful as some of its allies during the
winter months, a good many pairs remain to breed in the northern parts
of Scotland and in the Hebrides, especially in the outer islands; while
in Ireland a colony is resident on the lake at Castle Coole, Co. Mona-
ghan. The nest, composed of reeds, moss, dry heather, etc., is generally
placed among coarse grass and rushes or in deep heather near the
edge of a loch or on an island. The yellowish-white eggs are usually
from four to seven in number, and are surrounded by down plucked
from the breast of the female. The males take no part in the
incubation, but associate in flocks on the nearest water.

Sutherlandshire, May.

Presented by Captain S. G. Reid, W. R„ Ogilvie-Grant §■
G. A. St. Quintin, Esqrs.

MODEL OP PART OP A CLIPP OP THE
BASS ROCK. (Nos. 148-150.)

The Bass-Rock is one of the most celebrated breeding-stations on
the east coast of Scotland, and every spring countless numbers of sea-
birds resort there for the purpose of nesting. It rises some 420 feet
above the level of the sea, and the accompanying photographs give
some idea of the bird-life which covers the ledges of this rock. The
part reproduced accurately represents two shelves situated high up on
the precipitous face of the rock, on which the three following species
of sea-birds were breeding, socially, and in close proximity to one
another.

No. 148. KITTIWAKE. (Rissa tridactyla.)
Throughout the winter months this Gull is generally distributed
along the coasts of the British Islands, but in summer it resorts in vast
numbers to rugged cliffs for the purpose of nesting. Large breeding-

i-

56 BIRD GALLERY.

colonies are to be found on the Fame Islands, Flamborough Head,
the Scilly Islands, Lundy Island, and round the coasts and islands
of Wales, Scotland, and Ireland. The nest, usually formed of seaweed
and lined with grass, is placed on a ledge of rock and contains two or
three pale buff eggs, spotted with reddish-brown and ash-grey.
The trivial name "Kittiwake " is derived from its note.

No. 149. GANNET or SOLAN GOOSE. (Sula bassana.)

During the autumn and winter months the Gannet is found through-
out British waters, but in spring it repairs in countless numbers to
some isolated rock to breed. The most noted breeding colonies are at
Lundy Island, Grassholm, off Pembrokeshire, Ailsa Craig, Sulisgeir, off
the Butt of Lewis, Boreray in the St. Kilda group, and the Bass Rock ;
in Ireland it breeds on the Bull Rock off Co. Cork and on the Little
Skellig. It feeds on fish, which are obtained by plunging, often from
a great height. The nest of seaweed and grass coutains only one eg^,
which is pale blue overlaid with a chalky-white coating. The young
are naked when hatched, but soon become covered with white down,
which in a few weeks gives place to dark feathers tipped with white.
The mature plumage is not assumed till the fifth year.

No. 150. GUILLEMOT. (Uria troilc.)

The Murre or Marrot, as it is often called, is found throughout the
year in the open seas surrounding the British Islands. Towards the end
of March vast numbers make for land, and assemble in immense colonies
at their accustomed nesting-places on island-cliffs or precipices. A single
large pear-shaped egg, which varies greatly in colour and markings, is
laid in May or June on an open ledge of the rock or on the flat top of
some " stack." The female usually sits facing the cliff, holding the
e^ between her legs with the point outwards.

The Guillemot feeds on fish and is an expert diver, using its win^s
as a means of propulsion under water.

Presented by Edward Bidwe/l, Esq.

No. 151. MONTAGU'S HARRIER. (Circus pygargus.)

Though a common summer visitor to Europe, this Harrier is now

scarce in the British Islands. Every year a few pairs arrive in April

and attempt to nest in the eastern and southern counties of England and

occasionally in Wales, but they are seldom allowed to rear their young

NESTING-SERIES OF BRITISH BIRDS. 57

in peace, Reptiles, grasshoppers and other insects form the principal
food, but small mammals, birds, and the eggs of grass-nesting species
are also eaten. The nest, a slight depression in the ground, sparsely
lined with dry grass or heather, is usually situated on the open moor or
among dead grass aud rushes. From four to six bluish-white eggs are
laid about the end of May. The male bird exhibited in the Case had
not assumed the slate-grey plumage characteristic of the fully adult
bird.

Dorsetshire, ,May.
Presented by C. E. Radclyffe, Esq.

No. 152. HEN-HARRIER. (Circus cyaneus.)

This species was formerly a regular summer visitor to the British
Islands and nested on the higher ground in many parts of England and
Wales, but is now almost extirpated as a breeding-species. Even on the
undisturbed moors of Scotland and Ireland its numbers have greatly
decreased during recent years. Like other Harriers it feeds on small
mammals, birds and reptiles, and places its nest, made of small sticks,
roots, and coarse grass, on the ground. In the present instance the
birds selected a depression in the soil where two sheep-walks intersected
one another at right angles. The eggs, from four to six in number,
are bluish-white, sometimes spotted with rusty brown.

The adult birds differ greatly in colour, the male being grey while the
female is brown, with various markings.

Sutherlandshire, May.

Presented by Colonel L. H. Irby §• Captain S. G. Reid.

No. 153. SPARROW-HAWK. (Accipiter nisus.)

This common and rapacious species is generally distributed through-
out the British Islands, wherever there are woodlands suited to its
habits. It preys chiefly on birds, and during the breeding-season,
often does great execution among the young of game-birds and poultry.
It usually constructs a nest of sticks, lined with twigs, and places it in
a tree at a considerable height from the ground ; but the old nest of a
Crow, Wood-Pigeon, or other bird is sometimes renovated and made

58

BIRD GALLEKV.

use of for several successive years. The eggs vary from four to six in
number, and are pale bluish-white, blotched with reddish-brown.
The male is always much smaller than the female.

I. — Norfolk, June.
Presented by Lord Walsingham, F.R.S.

2. — Dorset, July.
Presented by F. Beckford, Esq.

No. 154. MERLIN. (Falco sesalon.)

The Merlin is the smallest of our British Falcons, and breeds
throughout the moorlands and mountainous districts of the British
Islands, with the exception of some of the southern counties of England.
It preys chiefly on the smaller Wading-birds, Thrushes, Larks, Pipits,
etc., and being a bird of high courage and extremely rapid flight is
a favourite with falconers and is frequently trained to take Larks. The
nest is generally a mere hollow scratched in the ground at the foot of
some boulder or rock, but occasionally the old nest of a Crow or Heron
is occupied. The eggs, which are laid in May, are reddish-brown and
are from four to six in number.

Isle of Skye, June.
Presented by the Rev. H. A. Macpherson.

No. 155. PEREGRINE FALCON. (Falco peregrinus.)

Though greatly persecuted on account of the havoc it commits
among game, this species is still fairly abundant and generally dis-
tributed in suitable localities throughout the British Islands. It preys
chiefly on Grouse, Partridges, Pigeons, and Ducks, as well as on
Sea-fowl of various kinds. No nest is made ; either a slight hollow is
scratched in the soil on some overhung ledge of an inland rock or
sea-cliff, or an old nest of some other bird, such as the Raven, Crow,
or Heron, is made use of. The eggs, which are from two to four in
number, vary in colour from freckled orange-brown to rich brick-red.
As is the case with other birds-of-prey, the female is much larger than
the male, and the difference is conspicuous even in the young
birds exhibited in the case.

Ross-shire, June.

Presented by Captain S. G. Reid # W. R. Ogilvie-Grant, Esq.

—

•'

NESTING-SERIES OF BRITISH BIRDS.

No. 156. KESTREL. (Cerchneis tinnunculus.)

This useful friend of the agriculturist is the commonest bird of prey
in the British Islands, where it is often known as the Wind-hover,
from its habit of hovering or hanging almost motionless in the air,
against the wind, over one spot, while it searches the ground beneath
for prey. Its food consists chiefly of rodents, large beetles and other
insects, but occasionally small or young birds are taken. The eggs,
which are reddish- brown and from four to six in number, are laid, as a
rule, in the old nest of a Crow or Magpie, etc., but cavities in hollow
trees, cliffs, and towers are also utilized.

Sutherlandshire, May.

Presented by Colonel L. H. Irby fy Captain S. G. Reid.

No. 157. COMMON BUZZARD.

(Buteo buteo or B. vulgaris.)

Though still fairly numerous in many of the wilder parts of Scotland,
in the north-west of England and in Wales, this species is annually
decreasing in numbers, owing to the constant persecution to which it is
subjected. Its food consists chiefly of young rabbits and hares and
other small mammals, but reptiles, grasshoppers and other insects, as
well as small birds, are also eaten. The large nest of sticks and dead
heather is either built in a tree or placed on the ledge of a cliff, in the
neighbourhood of rabbit-burrows. Three or four greyish-white eggs,
blotched with reddish-brown and lilac, are usually laid in April j both
birds take part in the duties of incubation.

The nest exhibited is a second one, the first having been destroyed.

Ross-shire, June.
Presented by Captain S. G. Reid § fV. R. Ogilvie- Grant, Esq.

No. 158. GOLDEN EAGLE. (Aquila chrysaetus.)

Owing to the protection afforded by the proprietors of deer-forests,
the numbers of this grand bird of prey have greatly increased during
recent years. Its breeding-places are now confined to the highlands of
Scotland, the Hebrides, and the north and west of Ireland, but during
exceptionally cold seasons it sometimes visits the south of Scotland
and, very rarely, England. It feeds chiefly on mountain-hares, grouse,
and ptarmigan, occasionally taking lambs, fawns, and young red-deer;
and a nest, with one nearly full-fledged young eagle, was found to

60 BIRD GALLERY.

contain, nine grouse, four hares, part of a lamb, a water-rat, and various
other remains. The nest, a large platform of sticks and dead heather,
lined with tufts of eagle-grass and bits of Scotch fir, is usually placed
on a ledge of a cliff, sometimes in a tree or, more rarely, on the ground.
Two, or sometimes three, greyish-white eggs, more or less blotched with
reddish-brown and lilac, are laid early in April, and the young are on
the wing by the beginning of August.

Ross-shire, June.

Presented by Captain S. G. Reid Sf W. R. Ogilvie-Grant, Esq.

No. 159. FLAMINGO. (Phceiricopterus roseus.)

This handsome species is merely an accidental straggler to the
British Islands in early autumn, at which season it likewise wanders to
Germany and Northern France. It is distributed over Southern Europe,
the greater part of Asia, and the whole of Africa. In the countries
surrounding the Mediterranean it nests, locally, in large companies on
the swampy flats near rivers and lakes, frequently in the vicinity of the
coast. The round nest of mud, slightly hollowed out on the top, is built
in shallow water and raised a few inches above the surface. It is rarely
a foot in height and. the bird, when incubating, doubles up its long legs
beneath it. The two chalky-white eggs are generally laid in the last
week of May.

Delta of the Guadalquivir, South Spain, May.
Presented by Lord Li/ford.

INDEX

Avocet, 39.

u

Dove, Stock-, 31.

Harrier, Montagu's, 56.

•

Dove, Turtle-, 30.

Hawfinch, 7.

Duck, Burrow-, 52.

Hawk, Sparrow-, 57.

Blackbird, 12.

Duck, Common Sheld-, 52.

Hen-Harrier, 57.

Blackcap, 19.

Duck, Eider, 51.

Heron, Common, 50.

Black-cock, 24.

Duck, Tufted, 54.

Herring-Gull, 46

Bottle-Tit, 27.

Dunlin, 38.

Hoopoe, 08.

Bullfinch, 6.

House-Martin, 18.

Bunting, Common, 8.

Bunting, Corn-, 8.

Eagle, Golden, 59.

Bunting. Reed-, 8.

Jackdaw, 3.

Bunting, Snow-, 7.

Jay, 1.

Bunting, Yellow, 8.

Falcon, Peregrine, 58.

Burrow-Duck, 52.

Flamingo, 60.

Butcher-birds, 11.

Flycatcher, Pied, 22.

Kestrel, 59.

Buzzard, Common, 59.

Flycatcher, Spotted, 22.

Kingfisher, 37.
Kittiwake, 55.
Knot, 41.

Capercaillie, 24.

Gadwall, 52.

Carrion-Crow, 2.

Gannet, 56.

Chaffinch, 6.

Garden- Warbler, 20.

Lag-Goose, Grey, 55.

Chiffchaff, 16.

Goatsucker, 33.

Land-Rail, 34.

Coot, 35.

Godwit, Black-tailed, 40.

Lapwing, 39.

Cormorant, Crested, 53.

Golden-crested Wren, 23.

Lark, Sky-, 9.

Cormorant, Green, 53.

Goldfinch, 7.

Linnet, 4.

Corn-Crake, 34.

Goose, Grey Lag-, 55.

Linnet, Green, 6.

Coulter-neb, 36.

Goose, Rain-, 34.

Linnet, Mountain-, 5.

Courser, Cream-coloured, 50.

Goose, Solan, 56.

Crake, Corn-, 34.

Grasshopper- Warbler, 21.

Creeper, Tree-, 21.

Grebe, Great Crested, 31.

Magpie, 3.

Crossbill, 4.

Grebe, Little, 32.

Marrot, 56.

Crow, Carrion-, 2.

Greenfinch, 6.

Martin, House-, 18.

Crow, Grey, 3.

Greenshank, 43.

Martin, Sand-, 17.

Crow, Hooded, 3.

Grey-hen, 24.

Mavis, 12.

Crow, Royston, 3.

Grouse, Black, 24.

Meadow-Pipit, 9.

Cuckoo, 32.

Grouse, Red, 25.

Merganser, Red-breasted, 51

Cuckoo's-leader, 29.

Guillemot, 56.

Merlin, 58.

Cuckoo's-mate, 29.

Gull, Black-headed, 48.

Mistle-Thrush, L3.

Curlew, 41.

Gull, Common, 45.

Moorhen, 35.

Curlew, Stone , 49.

Gull, Glaucous, 47.

Mother Carey's Chicken, 36,

Cushat, 30.

Gull, Greater Black-backed,

Mountain-Linnet, 5.

45.

Murre, 56.

Gull, Herring-, 46.

Dabchick, 32.

Gull, Ivory, 48.

Dipper, 13.

Gull, Laughing, 48.

Nightingale, 15.

Diver, Black-throated, 33.

Gull, Lesser Black- backed,

Nightjar, 33.

Diver, Red-throated, 34.

45.

Nutcracker, 2.

Dotterel, 43.

Nuthatch, 21.

Dotterel, Ringed, 42.

Dove, Ring-, 30.

Hammer, Yellow, 8.

Dove, Rock-, 30,

Harrier, Hen-, 57.

Ouzel, Ring-, 12.

62

INDEX.

Ouzel, Water-, 13.
Owl, Brown, 46.
Owl, Long-eared, 46.
Owl, Tawny, 46.
Owl, Wood-, 46.
Ox-eye, 27.
Oyster-catcber, 41.

Partridge, Common, 23.
Partridge. Grey, 23.
Peewit, 39.
Peregrine Falcon, 58.
Petrel, Leach's Fork-tailed,

36.
Petrel, Storm-, 36.
Phalarope, Red-necked 39.
Pigeon, Wood-, 30.
Pipit, Meadow-, 9.
Pipit, Rock-, 10.
Pipit, Tree-, 11.
Plover, Golden, 38.
Plover, Kentish, 42.
Plover, Norfolk, 49.
Plover, Ringed, 42.
Pochard, 54.
Poker, Red-Headed, 4.
Ptarmigan, 25.
Puffin, 36.

Queest, 30.

Rail, Land-, 34.
Rail, Water-, 34.
Rain-Goose, 34.
Redbreast, 14.
Redpoll, Lesser, 4.
Redshank, 43.
Reed-Bunting, 8.
Reed-Pheasant, 26.
Reed-Warbler, 20.
Reeler, 21.
Ring-Dove, 30.
Ring-Ouzel, 12.
Robin, 14.
Rock-Dove, 30.
Rock-Pipit, 10.
Rook, 2.

Sand-Martin, 17.

Sandpiper, Common, 42.

Scoter, Common, 50.

Sea-Parrot, 36.

Sea-Pie, 41.

Sea-Swallow, 48.

Sedge-Warbler, 20.

Shag, 53.

Shearwater, Manx, 37.

Sheld-Duck, Common, 52.

Shoveler, 54.

Shrike, Red-backed, 1 1 .

Siskin, 4.

Skua, Arctic, 44.
I Skua, Buffon's, 44.
j Skua, Long-Tailed, 44.

Skua, Richardson's, 44.

Sky-Lark, 9.

Snipe, Common, 40.

Snipe, Summer-, 42.

Snow-Bunting, 7.

Solan Goose, 56.

Song-Thrush, 12.

Sparrow-Hawk, 57.

Sparrow, House-, 5.

Stare, 1.

Starling, 1.

Stock- Dove, 31.

Stonechat, 15.

Stone-Curlew, 49.

Storm- cock, 13.

Storm-Petrel, 36.

Summer-Snipe, 42.

Swallow, 18.

Swift, 33.

Teal, 52.
Tern, Arctic, 49.
Tern, Common, 48.
Tern, Little, 49.
Tern, Roseate, 47.
Tern, Sandwich, 47.
Thick-knee, 49.
Throstle, 12.
Thrush, Mistle-, 13.
Thrush, Song-. 12.
Thrush, White's, 13.

j Titlark, 9.

J Titmouse, Bearded, 26.

Titmouse, Blue, 26.

Titmouse, Coal, 27.

Titmouse, Crested, 23.

Titmouse, Great, 27, 28.

Titmouse, Long-tailed, 27.

Titmouse, Marsh-, 26.

Tree-Creeper, 21.

Tree-Pipit, 11.

Turtle-Dove, 30.

Twite, 5.

Wagtail. Pied, 10.
Wagtail, Yellow, 10.
Warbler, Dartford, 18.
Warbler, Garden-, 20.
Warbler, Grasshopper, 21.
Warbler, Reed-, 20.
Warbler, Sedge-, 20.
Warbler, Willow-, 17.
Waterhen, 35.
Water-Ouzel, 13.
Water-Rail, 34.
Wheatear, 16.
Whinchat, 15.
Whitethroat, 19.
Wigeon, 53.
Willow-Warbler, 17.
Woodcock, 40.
Wood-Owl, 46.
Woodpecker, Greater

Spotted, 29.
Woodpecker, Green, 28.
Woodpecker, Lesser Spotted,

29.
Wood- Pigeon, 30.
Wood-Wren, 16.
Wren, 14.

Wren, Golden -crested, 23.
Wren, Wood-, 16.
Wryneck, 29.

Yaffle, 28.

Yellow Hammer, 8.

PRINTED BY TAYLOR AND FRANCIS, RBI) LION COURT, FLEET STREET

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Handbook of Tsetse-Flies. 10 Coloured Plates, 24 Woodcuts. 1911, roy. Svo. 5*. Qd.
Illustrations of British Blood-sucking Flies. 34 Coloured Plates. 1906, roy. Svo. £1 5s.

Catalogue of Lepidoptera Phalaenae (Moths) : — Vol. I. Syntomidae. 1898, Svo. Text
15s. ; Atlas 15s.— Vol. II. Arctiadae. 1900, Svo. Text 18s. ; Atlas 15s.— Vol. III.
Arctiadae and Agaristidae. 1901, Svo. Text 15s. ; Atlas 16s.— Vol. IV. Noctuidae
(Agrotinae). 1903, 8vo. Text 15s. ; Atlas 16s. — Vol. V. Noctuidae (Hadeninae).
1906, 8vo. Text 15s.; Atlas 15s.— Vol. VI. Noctuidae (Cucullianae). 1906, 8vo.
Text 15s. ; Atlas 10s.— Vol. VII. Noctuidae ( Acronyctinae) . 1908, Svo. Text 17s.;
Atlas 13s.— Vol. VIII. Noctuidae (Acronyctinae^ II.). 1909, Svo. Text 15s.;
Atlas 12s.— Vol. IX. Noctuidae (Acronyctinae, III.). 1910, 8vo. Text 15s. ; Atlas ]2s.—
Vol. X. Noctuidae (Erastrianae.) Text, 1910, 8vo. 20s.; Atlas, 1911, 20s.— Vol. XI.
Noctuidae (Eutelianae, Stictopterinae, Sarrothripinae, and Acontianae.) 1912, 8vo.
Text 20s.; Atlas 17s. 6d. — Vol. XII. Noctuidae (Catocalinae, part). 1913, Svo.
Text 17s. Qd. ; Atlas £1 5s.— Vol. XIII. Noctuidae (Catocalinae, Mominae, and Phyto-
metrinae). 1913, Svo. Text 16s. ; Atlas 16s. — Supplement, Vol. I. Amatidae and
Arctiadae (Nolinae and Lithosianae). Text, 1914, 8vo. £1 5s. ; Atlas, 1915, £1 13s. 6d.

Catalogue of Orthoptera. Vols. I.-III., 1904-10, 8vo. 10s. to 20s. a volume.

Homoptera. Part I. Cicadidae. 1906, Svo. 5s.

British Hymenoptera. 2nd Edition. Part I. New Issue. Plates. 1891,

Svo. 6s.

British Echinoderms. Woodcuts and Plates. 1892, Svo. 12s. 6d.

Madreporarian Corals. Vols. I.-VI. Plates. 1893-1906, 4to. 18s. to 35s.

a volume.

Illustrations of Australian Plants collected in 1770 during Captain Cook's Voyage round
the World in H.M.S. 'Endeavour.' Part I. 101 Plates. 1909, fol. £1 5s!— Part II.
142 Plates. 1901, fol. £1 15s.— Part III. 77 Plates and 3 Maps. 1905, fol.
£1 5s.

Catalogue of African Plants collected by Dr. F. Welwitsch in 1853-61 :— Vol. I.
Dicotyledons, in 4 Parts, 1896-1900, Svo. 4s. to 7s. 6d. each. — Vol. II. Monocoty-
ledons, Gymnosperms, and Cryptogams, in 2 Parts, 1899-1901, Svo. 6s. each.

Monograph of British Lichens. Part I. 2nd Edition. 12 Woodcuts, 71 Plates. 1918,
8vo. £1 10s.— Part II. 59 Plates. 1911, Svo. £1.

Synopsis of British Basidiomycetes. 5 Plates and 145 Illustrations in text. 1908, 8vo. 10s.

Monograph of Mycetozoa. 2nd Edition. 201 Plates, 56 Woodcuts. 1911, Svo. £1 10s.

The above-mentioned Catalogues may be purchased of Messrs. Longmans, Green
& Co., 39, Paternoster Bow, U.CA ; B. Quaritch, Ltd., 11, Grafton Street, Neiv Bond
Street, W\\ and Messrs. Dulau & Co., Ltd., 34-36, Margaret Street, Cavendish Square,
W.\ ; or at the Natural History Museum, Cromwell Boad, London, S. W. 7. A more
detailed list may be obtained on application to the Director of the Museum.

BRITISH MUSEUM

NATURAL HISTORY).

DAYS AND HOURS OF ADMISSION.

xhibition Galleries are open to the Public, free daily—

on

week-bays, throughout the yea

r trom

1U

a.m., in

January and February . .

to 5 P.M

March

•

„ 5.30 „

A.pril to August (inclusive)

„ 6

September .....

„ 5.30 „

October, November and December

», 5

on Sundays, in

nuary ......

from

2

to 4 P.M

February 1 to 14 . . .

n

2

„ 4.30 „

„ 15 to end .

55

9

>> 5 >i

March ...

5?

2

„ 5.30 „

A Tvri 1

>J

2

„ 6

May to August (inclusiv< )

„ 2.30

„ 7

September

„ 5.30 „

October

j?

2

» ° ?)

November and December

5J

2

» 4

The Museum is closed on Good Friday and Christmas Day.

By Order of the Trustees,

SIDNEY F. HARMER,

Director,

QL

British Museum (Natural

677

History) Dept. of Zoolog

B9

Guide to the gallery

1921

of Birds

pt.2

Biological '

& Medical

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