Natural History Museum Library

000148163

ZS 70

THE IBIS,,

A MAGAZINE OF GENEEAL OENITHOLOGY

EDITED BY ^

PHILIP LUTLEY SCLATER, M.A.,

FELLOW OF CORPUS CHRISTI COLLEGE, OXFORD;

SECRETARY TO THE ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF LONDON ;

FELLOW OF THE LINNEAN SOCIETY ; HONORARY MEMBER OF THE ACADEMY OF NATURAL
SCIENCES OF PHILADELPHIA, OF THE LYCEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY OF NEW YORK,
AND OF THE GERMAN ORNITHOLOGISTS’ SOCIETY j ETC.

VOL. L 1859.

Paris.

Fr. Klincksieck,

11, Kue de Lille.

Leipzig.

F. A. Brockhaus.

New York.
John Wiley,
56, Walker Street.

1859.

FEINTED BY TAYLOE AND EEANCIS, EED LION CODET, FLEET- STEEET.

PREFACE.

The promoters of ‘ The Ibis ’ think it due to the public,
and to themselves, that, on the completion of the first
volume, some account should be given of the circum-
stances under which the undertaking was originated.

For some years past a few gentlemen attached to the
study of Ornithology, most of them more or less inti-
mately connected with the University of Cambridge, had
been in the habit of meeting together, once a-year, or
oftener, to exhibit to one another the various objects of
interest which had occurred to them, and to talk over
both former and future plans of adding to their know-
ledge of this branch of Natural History.

These meetings, being entirely of a private and social
nature, were found agreeable by those who attended
them, and gradually became more frequented. In the
autumn of 1857 the gathering of naturalists was greater
than it had hitherto been, and it appeared that among
some of those present there was a strong feeling that it
would be advisable to establish a Magazine devoted
solely to Ornithology.

This feeling was not prompted by any jealousy of
periodicals already existing, but by the belief that the

IV

PREFACE.

number of persons who turned their attention princi-
pally to this one branch of Zoology was at any rate
sufficiently great to justify an experiment which in a
neighbouring country, and among a kindred nation, had
succeeded so well.

The meeting therefore broke up with the under-
standing that in the following year the subject should
be reconsidered. During the interval, communications,
either personally or by letter, were freely kept up among
those who had been present, as well as with others in-
terested in the same study, in order that the different
views which prevailed on the subject might be com-
pared, and the project thus forwarded.

In November 1858, the annual assemblage took place
at Cambridge ; and, after due consideration, it was deter-
mined by those present that a Quarterly Magazine of
General Ornithology should be established, that a limited
subscription should be entered into to provide a fund
for that purpose, and that the subscribers should form
an ‘ Ornithological Union,’ their number at present not
to exceed twenty.

The cooperation of several other gentlemen, who were
not present at this meeting, was soon afterwards gladly
given ; and the list now printed of the members of the
Union will show the names of those who may be con-
sidered the original promoters of the undertaking.

At present, thanks to the exertions of its friends, the
prospects of ' The Ibis ’ are quite as satisfactory as were
anticipated ; but whether it can be continued, so as to

PREFACE.

pay its expenses, remains to be seen, and in fact must
depend entirely on the support it meets with from orni-
thologists, both British and foreign. We therefore call
upon all those who are interested in our branch of
Natural History, both at home and abroad, to give us
assistance in extending the circulation of our Magazine ;
in return for which we shall be happy to receive their
communications and give publicity to their discoveries,
and we shall do our best to keep them acquainted with
the progress of ornithological science in all parts of the
globe.

PHILIP LUTLEY SCLATER

[Editor),

11, Hanover Square,

Oct. 1859.

I

LIST OP MEMBERS

OF THE

BRITISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ UNION.

Robert Birkbeck, F.Z.S., 65 Lombard Street, London.

Henry Maurice Drummond, Lieutenant-Colonel, Royal Perth Rifles.

Thomas Campbell Etton, E.L.S., E.Z.S., E.G.S., &c., Eyton Hall,
Salop.

Eredertck DuCane Godman, E.Z.S., 55 Lowndes Square, London.

Percy Sandon Godman, B.A., Corr. M.Z.S., Borregaard, Sarpsborg,
Horway.

John Henry Gurney, M.P., E.Z.S., Catton Hall, Norfolk.

Rev. William Henry Hawker, M.A., Green Hook, Horndean,
Hampshire.

Arthur Edward Knox, M.A., E.L.S., St. Anne’s Hill, Midhurst,
Sussex.

Edward Clough Newcome, Eeltwell Hall, Norfolk.

Alfred Newton, M.A., E.L.S., E.Z.S., &c., Eellow of Magdalene
College, Cambridge.

Edward Newton, B.A., Corr. M.Z.S., Assistant Colonial Secretary,
Mauritius.

John William Powlett-Orde, late Captain 42nd (Royal Highland)
Regiment, Kilmorey, Argyllshire.

Hon. Thomas Lyttleton Powys, E.Z.S., Lilford Hall, Northants.

Osbert Salyin, B.A., Corr. M.Z.S., Duefias, Guatemala.

Philip Lutley Sclater, M.A., E.L.S., Sec.Z.S.,, &c., Eellow of
Corpus-Christi College, Oxford ; 11 Hanover-sq., London, W.

Alfred Eorbes Sealy, M.A., E.C.P.S., &c., Trumpington Street,
Cambridge.

Wilfred Huddleston Simpson, M.A., 21 Gloucester Place, Portman
Square, London.

Rev. Edward Cavendish Taylor, M.A., E.Z.S., Oxford and Cam-
bridge Club, Pall Mali, London.

Rev, Henry Baker Tristram, M.A., E.L.S., Rector of Castle-Eden,
Durham.

John Wolley, jun.. Esq., M.A., E.Z.S., Beeston, Nottinghamshire.

{

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CONTENTS OF VOL. I. (1859.)

Numbeb I., Jcmuary.

Page

I. On tlie Ornitliology of Central America. By Philip

Little Y Sclatee and Osbeet Saltin’. Part 1 1

II. Notes on Birds observed in Sontbern Palestine in

the months of March and April 1858. By the Bev. H. B.
Teisteam, P.L.S 22

III. Ornithological Eeminiscences of Egypt. By E.

Cavendish Tatloe, M.A., E.Z.S 41

ly. On the different Methods of preparing Natural Skele-
tons of Birds. By T. C. Eyton, E.Z.S 55

V. Characters of apparently New Species of Birds collected

in the Grreat Desert of the Sahara, southwards of Algeria and
Tunis. By the Eev. H. B. Teisteam, E.L.S 57

VI. Observations on the Birds of St. Croix, West Indies,

made between Eebruary 20th and August 6th, 1857, by
Alpeed Newton, and between March 4ith and September
28th, 1858, by Edwaed Newton. Part I. (Plate I.) . . 59

VII. On the Breeding of the Smew, Mergus albellus. By

John Wolley, jun 69

VIII. Eecent Discoveries in European Oology. By Wil-
liam C. Hewitson. (Plate II.) ......... 76

IX. Eeview of Mr. Beee’s “ Birds of Europe not observed

in the British Isles” 81

X. Eecent Ornithological Publications : —

1. English 'publications'. — Grould’s ‘Humming Birds,’ pts.

15, 16 ; G-ould’s ‘ Birds of Asia,’ pt. 10 ; Grould’s ‘ Monograph
of the Trogons,’ new ed., pt. 1 ; Eyton’ s ‘ Osteologia Avium ’ ;
Bree’s ‘ European Birds ’ ; Illustrated Proceedings of the Zoo-

X

CONTENTS.

logical Society, 1858, pts. 1, 2, 3 ; Annals of l^atnral History ;

The Zoologist ; Horslield and Moore’s ‘ Catalogue of the Birds
in the Museum of the Hon. East India Company’ ; De Yer-
teuil’s ‘ Trinidad’ ; Jones’s ‘Naturalist in Bermuda’ ... 99

2. French 'publications. — Bonaparte and Souance’s ‘ Icono-

graphie des Perroquets’ ; ‘ Iconographie des Pigeons’ ; Eevue
et Magasin de Zoologie ; Loche’s ‘ Mammals and Birds of
Algeria’ 104

3. German publications. — Cabanis’ Journal fur Omitholo-
gie, 1858, pts. 1-4; Naumannia, 1858, pt. 1 ; von Pelzeln’s
‘New or little-known species of Birds’ ; Kittlitz’s ‘ Travels

in Eussian America’ &c 106

4. American publications. — Baird’s Eeport on North Ame-

rican Ornithology ; Proceedings of the Academy of Natural
Sciences of Philadelphia, 1858 ; Annals of the Lyceum of
Natural History of New York 108

XI. Extracts from Correspondence, Notices, &c.

Proceedings of Mr. Wallace in New Gruinea ; of ]\Ir.
Eraser in Ecuador; of M. Motjhot in Siam; Letter of
Mr. Bltth from Calcutta ; Extract from a Letter of Prof.
Jameson, from Quito ; M. Malherbe’s work on the Picidse ;
Living Struthious Birds in the Hardens of the Zoological
Society ; Attractions of Cilicia for Naturalists. (Plate III.) . Ill

Number II., April.

XII. On the Ornithology of Central America. Part II.

By Philip Lctley Sclater and Osbert Sal yin. (Plates
lY. and Y.) 117

XIII. Observations on the Birds of St. Croix, West Indies,

made between February 20th and August 6th, 1857, by
Alered Newton, and between March 4th and September
28th, 1858, by Edward Newton. Part II 138

XI Y. Account of a Yisit to a Nesting-place of the Frigate-
bird (Fregata aguild). From a letter of GtEOROe Cavendish
Taylor, Esq 150

XY. List of Birds received from Ibadan, in Western
Africa. By John Henry Gurney, Esq., M.P 152

CONTENTS. Xi

Page

XYI. On the Ornithology of Northern Africa. By the
Eev. H. B. Tristeam, F.L.S. Part 1 153

XYII. Bemarks on the Harlequin Duck {Ristrionicus tor-
quatus, Bp.). By Alfred Newton, M.A., F.L.S. . . . 162

XYIII. Notes on the Birds of Western Spitzbergen, as
observed in 1855. By Edward Evans and Wilson Sturoe 166

XIX. Five Months’ Birds’ -nesting in the Eastern Atlas. By
OsBEET Salvin, Corr. Memb. Zool. Soc. Parti. (Plate YI.) 171

XX. On the Breeding of the Crane {Grus cinered) in Lap-

land. By John Wollet, jun 191

XXI. Eecent Ornithological Publications : —

1. Rnglish publications : — Bree’s ‘ European Birds ’ ; Illus-

trated Proceedings of the Zoological Society ; Annals of Na-
tural History ; Catalogue of Mammals and Birds of New
Gruinea, by J. E. and Gr. E. Grray ; Edinburgh Philosophical
Journal, April 1859 ; Journal of the Asiatic Society of Ben-
gal 199

2. French publications : — Jaubert and Barthelemy-Lapom-

meraye’s ‘Eichesses Ornithologiques du Midi de la France ’ ;
Pucheran on the Ornithology of the Sandwich Islands ; Eevue
et Magasin de Zoologie; de Saussure’s ‘ Observations sur les
moeurs de divers oiseaux de Mexique’ 201

3. German publications’. — Badeker’s ‘Eier derEuropaischen

Yogel’; Proceedings of the Academy of Yienna; Cabanis’
Journal fur Ornithologie, 1858, pt. 5; Naumannia, 1858, pts. 2
& 3 ; Wiegmann’s ‘ Archiv’ for 1858 ; Zeitschift fur algemeine
Erdkunde for 1857 202

4. American publications-. — Baird’s Catalogue of North
American Birds ; Page’s ‘ La Plata ’ ; Proceedings of the Aca-
demy of Philadelphia; Journal of the Academy of Philadelphia 205

XXII. Letters, Extracts from Correspondence,Notices, &c.

Letter from Mr. Grould on the occurrence of the Ooshawk ;

from Mr. Grurneyon the colour of the irides oiMilms cegyptius ;
from Eev. H. Harpur Crewe on the early appearance of the
Goatsucker ; from Mr. Fraser on his travels in Ecuador ; Mr.
Wallace’s discovery of a new Paradise Bird, and his collections
made at Havre Dorey ; Extracts from Mr. Blyth’s letters ;

New American Works on Birds ; Sale of Bennett’s Cassowary
and of Mr. Wolley’s eggs 206

Xll

CONTENTS.

Ntjmbee III., July.

XXIII. On the Ornithology of Central America. Part III.
By Philip Lhtley Sclatee and Osbeet Salyin ....

Page

213

XXIY. List of a Collection of Birds received from the

Colony of Natal in South-Eastern Africa. By J. H. Gttjenet,
M.P.,E.Z.S. (Plate YII.) 234

XXY. Observations on the Birds of St. Croix, West Indies,
made between Eebruary 20th and August 6th, 1857, by
Aleeed Newton, and between March 4th and September
28th, 1858, by Edwaed Newton. Part III 252

XXYI. Narrative of the discovery of some Nests of the
Black Woodpecker {^Picus martin^ in Sweden. By W. H.
Simpson, M.A 264

XXYII. Notes on the Nesting of a pair of Eagle Owls
{Buho maxvmus) in confinement. By Edwaed Eohntaine . 273

XXYIII. Characters of an undescribed species of Hawk

from New Caledonia. By Philip Ltttley Sclatee. (Plate
YIII.) 275

XXIX. On the Ornithology of Northern Africa. By the
Eev. H. B. Teisteam, E.L.S. Part II. The Sahara. (Plate
IX.) 277

XXX. Five Months’ Birds’-nesting in the Eastern Atlas.

By Osbeet Salvin, B.A., Corr. Memb. Zool. Soc. Part II. 302

XXXI. Eecent Ornithological Publications.

1. English 'puhlications — Illustrated Proceedings of the

Zoological Society; Grould’s ‘Birds of Asia,’ pt. 11 ; Gr.E. Gray’s
List of Parrots ; Bree’s ‘ European Birds ’ ; Eyton’s ‘ Osteo-
logia Avium,’ pt. 2 318

2. French publications : — Eevue et Magasin de Zoologie ;

Pucheran’s Papers in ‘ L’Institut ’ 322

3. German and Scandinavian publications': — Hartlaub’s

Monograph of the African Lamprotornithincc i — Erhard’s
‘Eauna der Cycladen’ ; Sundevall’s ‘ SvenskaEogiarna’ ; Sunde-
vall’s Critique on Sparman’s ‘ Museum Carlsonianum ’ and Le
Yaillant’s ‘ Oiseaux d’Afrique ’ 323

American publications : — Cassiii’s, ‘ Mammalogy and Orni-

CONTENTS.

Xlll

tliology of fhe TJ. S. Exploring Expedition ’ ; Proceedings of
the Academy of Philadelphia ; Baird’s Catalogue of North
American Birds 325

XXXII. Letters, Extracts from Correspondence, An-
nouncements, &c.

Death of Mr. Edward Evans ; Letter from Mr. Eowley on
the Dartford Warbler, &c. ; from Mr. Hawker on a supposed
nest of the Ash-coloured Shrike ; Mr. Wallace’s discovery of
a second Paradise-hird in Batchian ; Mr. Eraser’s proceedings
in Ecuador ; Mr. Salvin’ s return to Guatemala ; Prof. Baird’s
Account of Progress of Natural History in the H. S. ; Arrival
of a pair of Bennett’s Cassowary and other Birds at the
Zoological Gardens 329

Numbee IV. October.

XXXIII. List of Birds observed and collected during a
Voyage in the Bed Sea. By Dr. Theodoe ton Hetjolin.
Edited and translated by Dr. G. Haetlaub. (Pates X.
and XI.) 337

XXXIV. Eive Months’ Birds’ -nesting in the Eastern Atlas.

By OsBEET Salyin, B.A., Corr. Memb. Zool. Soc. (Part III.) 352

XXXV. Observations on the Birds of St. Croix, West
Indies, made between Eebruary 20th and August 6th, 1857, by
Aleeed Newton, and between March dith and September
28th, 1858, by Edwaed Newton. Part IV. (Plate XII.) . 365

XXXVI. On the occurrence of White’s Thrush {Oreocincla
aurea) near Stratford-on-Avon, with remarks on the genera

Oreocincla^ Turdus, and Merula. By Eobeet E. Tomes . . 379

XXXVII. List of Birds of Prey received from Beyrout.

By John Henet Gtjeney, M.P., E.Z.S 389

XXXVIII. Descriptions of Six new Species of Birds. By
Daniel G. Elliot of New York. (Plate XIII.) .... 391

XXXIX. On the habits of the Black-winged Stilt as ob-
served on its occurrence in Sussex. By A. E. Knox . . . 395

XL. Note on the breeding and mode of capture of the
Short-tailed Petrel or Mutton-bird {Vuffinus obscurus) in

XIV

CONTENTS.

the islands of Bass’s Straits. Erom the Journal of Kobeet
Elwes 397

XLI. Notes on some of the Humming-birds of Ecuador
figured in Mr. Grould’s Monograph. By Dr. William Jame-
son of Quito, and Louis Eeasee, Corr. Memh. Zool. Soc. . 399

XLII. Eeview of Herr Badekee’s and Dr. Beewee’s
Oological Works 400

XLIII, On the Ornithology of Northern Africa. BytheEev.
H.B.Teisteam,M.A.,E.L.S. Part III. The Sahara (continued) 415

XLIY. A List of the Tyrant-birds of Mexico, with de-
scriptions of some new species. By Philip Lutlet Sclatee,

M.A. (Plate XIY.) 436

XLY. Note on Pel’s Owl {Scotopelia peli). By John
Henet GtUenet, M.P., E.Z.S. (Plate XY.) . . . . . 445

XLYI. Letter from Mr. Wallace concerning the Geo-
graphical Distribution of Birds 449

XLYII. Eecent Ornithological publications.

1. English puhlications : — Gould’s ‘Monograph of the Hum-
ming-birds,’ pts.xvii.,xviii. ; Gould’s Supplement to ‘The Birds
of Australia,’ pt. iii. ; Illustrated Proceedings of the Zoological
Society 1859, pt i. ; Bree’s ‘ European Birds ’ ; Annals of Na-
tural History; CoUingwood’s ‘Migration of Birds’ and ‘Eauna
of Blackheath ’ ; E. Yernon Harcourt’s ‘ Sporting in Algeria’ ;

The Zoologist, Osburn on the Birds of Jamaica 454

2. Erench puhlications : — Eevue et Magasin de Zoologie ;

Malherbe’s ‘ Monographie des Pics ’ 457

3. German, Dutch, and Russian puhlications : — Cabanis’
Journal fiir Ornithologie ; Naumannia, 1858, pts iv., v., vi. ;
Schlegel and Herklots’s ‘ Eauna von Nederland’ ; Holman’s

‘ Nordliche Ural ’ 458

4. American 'publications : — Pacific E. E. Eeports, vol. x. ;

Brewer’s ‘ N. American Oology ’ ; Eeport of the Smithsonian
Institution for 1858 ; Proceedings of the Academy of Phila-
phia for July 460

XLYIII. Letters, Extracts from Correspondence, Notices,

&c.

Mr. Edward Newton’s departure for the Mauritius ; Mr.

CONTENTS.

XV

Fraser’s Proceedings in Ecuadof ; Letter from Mr. Blyth ;
Letter from Mr. Salvin ; Letter from Mr. Orde on the occur-
rence of rare Birds in the Hebrides ; Notice of the Discovery of
the Egg of the Californian Vulture ; The Nesting and Egg of
Balceniceps ] Mr. Currie’s note on the occurrence of Pallas’s
Sand-grouse in Norfolk ; Mr. E. Fountaine’s further note on
the breeding of Bubo maximus ; M. Eadde’s explorations on
the Amoor ; Mr. Gould’s acquisition of Biar dig alius ; Con-
tinuation of Du Bus’ ‘ Esquisses Ornithologiques ’ ; Occur-
rences in the Gardens of the Zoological Society 461

ERRATA.

Page 6, line 15,/or “Rev. Zool. 1848, p. 3,” read “ Rev. Zool. 1844, p. 41.”
Page 120, line 10, for citreopygia read citreopygius.

Page 164, lines 6 and 7, for “ Mr. Cassin, in Professor Baird’s,” read
“ Professor Baird in his.”

Page 164, line 9, /or “sea-coasts,” read “ sea-coast.”

Page 164, line 10, insert a comma after “ Iceland.”

Page 164, line 14, /or “the north of Norway and Finmark,” read “the
“north of Norway or Finmark ”

Page 164, line 22, for “441,” read “443.”

Page 165, line 2^, for “368,” read “366.”

Page 165, line 27, for “ 124,” read “ 163.”

Page 165, line 2S,for “ Devonport,” read “Davenport.”

Page 319, line 2^, for “ II.” read “ 11.”

PLATES IN VOL. I.

Page

I. Gymnoglaux nudipes 64

II. Eggs of European Birds 76

III. Cephalopterus penduliger 114

IV. 1. Elainia vilissima 122

2. placens 123

Y. Eggs of Guatemalan Birds 138

VI. Ealco barbams 184

VII. Gallinula pumila 249

VIII. Accipiter haplochrous 275

IX. Saxicola philothamna, c? et $ 299

X. 1. Sylvia deKcatula 340

2. Sula melanops 351

XI. Otis heuglinii 344

XII. Eggs of Birds of St. Croix 378

XIII. Platypsaris affinis 394

XIV. 1. Mitrephorus pbaeocercus 442

2. Camptostoma imberbe 444

XV. Scotopelia peli 445

THE IBIS.

No. I. JANUARY 1859.

I. — On the Ornithology of Central America. Part I. By Philip
Lutley Sclater and Osbert Salvin.

Although tlie birds of Central America are tolerably well
known to us from the numerous travellers and collectors who
have explored different parts of its shores_, and supplied the
museums of Europe with specimens, no writer has as yet at-
tempted anything like a general account of the ornithology of
this remarkable country, where winter visitants from the northern
portion of the New World mix with others of peculiar form and
splendid plumage, which recall to one^s memory the most brilliant
ornaments of the tropical bird-faunas of Brazil and Cayenne.
A considerable number of specimens having been lately trans-
mitted to England from Guatemala — perhaps the most attract-
ive part of the great Central-American isthmus, — and one of
the writers of the present article having himself passed some
months in that country, and collected specimens and made
notes upon its birds, it has been thought that the opportunity
should not be lost of attempting a sketch of the ornithology of
this region, in order to form a foundation upon which a more
complete work may hereafter be established. It is proposed,
therefore, in the present paper, to give a list, with incidental
remarks, of all the species of birds which are certainly known to
inhabit Central America, from the confines of Mexico to where
the Isthmus again contracts in the republic of Honduras, and
the route of the proposed Honduras Interoceanic Railway gives
a convenient southern boundary.

VOL. I. B

2

Messrs. Sclater and Salvin on the

The authorities at present existing on the ornithology of this
country are but few. The birds of Southern Mexico are known to
us through the researches of MM. Salle, Botteri, and Boucard* * * § ;
but none of these explorers have yet descended so far south as
the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. Yucatan, which lies within our
limits, was visited by Dr. Cabot, who accompanied Mr. Stephens
in his second journey. Several interesting papers f on the
birds of this country were the results of this expedition, but
unfortunately no accurate list of the species obtained was ever
published. The only account of the birds of Guatemala that
we are acquainted with, besides some scattered notices of new
species by Dr. Hartlaub, the Vicomte Du Bus and others, is
the late Prince Bonaparte^s article in the P. Z. S. 1837, On the
birds collected by Col. Velasquez de Leon during a fortnights
scientific tour in Guatemala.^^ He gives here the names of
thirty-nine species, some of which were then new. But several
well-known collectors have visited parts of this country, and
many of their specimens are now in the Derby Museum at Liver-
pool and our National Collection. M. Delattre passed some
time at Coban, in the Vera Paz, during one of his ^ voyages,^ and
has given us an account § of the habits of that magnificent bird
the Pharomacrus paradiseus, which he first observed near that
city. The late Mr. Dyson (whose chief object was, I believe,
to procure the Ocellated Turkey) collected also on the Bay of
Honduras and obtained many fine specimens. The late Sehor
Don Jose Constancia, of La Antigua Guatemala, was a corre-
spondent of the late Mr. H. E. Strickland, and sent him several
collections of birds, some of which were figured in Sir AVilliam

* See Catalogue of the Birds colleeted by M. Auguste Salle in Southern
Mexico/’ by P. L. Sclater, P. Z. S. 1856, p. 283 ; and other papers, P. Z. S.
1857, p. 81, p. 201, p. 210, and p. 226 ; and 1858, p. 95 and p. 294.

t See Boston Journal of Natural History, iv. p. 246, and p. 460,
V. p. 90, and p. 416; and the Appendix to vol. ii. of Stephens’s ‘Travels in
Yucatan.’

X See “ Description de sept oiseaux de Guatemala, par le Dr. G. Hart-
laub,” Rev. Zool. 1844, p. 215; “ Sur une nouvelle espece du genre
MelanotiSi’ ibid. 1852, p. 460 : Du Bus in Bull. Acad. Bruxelles and
‘ Esquisses Ornithologiques.’

§ See Rev. Zool. 1843, p. 163.

3

Ornithology of Central America,

Jardine^s ^ Contributions to Ornithology* * * §/ Mr. Joseph Leyland
of Liverpool has also recently visited the Bay of Honduras for
the purpose of collecting objects of natural history. Mr.
Thomas Moore, of the Derby Museum, has drawn up an account
of the Mammals and Birds collected by Mr. Leyland, and has
kindly allowed us the use of his MS., which we hope to see
published shortly. Our southern limit, the line of the proposed
railway through Honduras, was traversed in 1858 by Capt. G. C.
Taylor. A list of the birds obtained by him will be found in
the Proceedings of the Zoological Society f for the same year,
and is our only authority upon the birds of this district. Far-
ther southwards, the ornithology of Nicaragua has been partly
explored by DelattreJ and Salle §, and that of Veragua by
Mr. Bridges ||, M. Warscewicz^, and the surveying expedition
under the command of Capt. Kellett. The specimens obtained
from the latter source are now in the British Museum. We
believe we have now mentioned nearly, if not quite, all the
authorities on Central American ornithology**. Of such of
these as relate to the territory within our limits we have of
course availed ourselves. But we have derived most assist-
ance from the series of bird-skins which have been lately trans-
mitted by George lire Skinner, Esq., from Guatemala. This
gentleman, well known for the splendid Orchids ft which he has

* See Contr. Orn. pi. 17, pi. 33, &c. Some of the duplicates from these
collections passed into my possession. — P. L. S.

t See P. Z. S. 1858, p. 356.

X See ‘‘Note sur les collections rapportees en 1853 par M. A. Delattre
de son voyage en Californie et dans le Nicaragua par Charles Lucien,
Prince Bonaparte,” Compt. Rend, xxxvii. and xxxviii., and also separately
printed.

§ The two beautiful Mammals figured in P. Z. S. 1848, pi, vi. and vii.,
Mycetes palliatus, Gray, and Sciurus dorsalis, Gray, were obtained by
M. Salle during this journey near Grenada in Nicaragua, and not at
Caraccas, as there stated.

II See P. Z. S. 1856, p. 138.

IF See P.Z. S. 1850, p. 162.

** Whether Dr. Wagner and Dr. Scherzer, who have recently travelled
through the Central American republics, collected any birds, we do not
know, but we believe they have not yet published anything on the subject.

ft Cattleyia skinneri, Barkeria skinneri, Lycaste skinneri, Odonto-
glossum grande, and many other magnificent species,

B 2

4

Messrs. Sclater and Salvin on the

imported from the same country, has lately employed collect-
ors * in several parts of the republic, more particularly at Sa-
lamh, Cajabon, and other places in the Vera Paz; and it is to his
exertions that science is indebted for the knowledge of the ap-
propriately named Cotinga amabilis, for additional specimens of
the wonderful Oreophasis derhianus, and many other ornitholo-
gical rarities.

Salvin, from whose personal observation the greater part of
our notes are derived, reached Belize in the middle of December
1857. After a few days^ stay, he proceeded do™ the coast to
Ysabal, on the inland lake called the Golfo Dulce, and thence by
easy stages up to the city of Guatemala, collecting by the way
when the opportunity presented itself. Duenas, about thirty
miles south of the capital, situated nearly between the two vol-
canos of Agua and Fuego, was his head-quarters during his six
months^ residence in the country ; but he also made two excur-
sions towards the Pacific coast, and one to the lake of Atitlan in
the Altos of Guatemala. Leaving the country towards the end
of June last, he returned home by the Pacific coasting steamer
and Panama.

The part of Central America which we are now speaking of,
being in fact a continuation of Mexico, partakes of much of the
same general physical contour, and embraces three distinct
faunas. The first is that of the Atlantic coast-region, or tie^ra
caliente, bordering the Caribbean Sea. This varies greatly in
breadth, extending nearly over the whole of the northern por-
tion of the peninsula of Yucatan, but in other places being
confined within narrow limits. It may be held to embrace all
thq eastern slope of the watershed up to the height of 4000 feet.
Corresponding to this on the other side is the Pacific coast-
region, also a tierra caliente, extending to about the same height
above the sea-level. It difi’ers, however, in being of a uniform
narrow width of not more than 50 miles, and the descent to it
from the table-land is abrupt, and is well defined by the volca-
nic chain which borders the western limit of the table-land. In
these twm coast-regions occur nearly all the tropical forms which

* We regret to hear by late accounts of the death of one of the most
active of these — Rivera Paz, whose sevices it will be difficult to replace.

Ornithology of Central America. 5

are represented in the ornithology of Guatemala, but we believe
that the two faunas are nevertheless quite distinct, and that the
same species seldom occurs in both districts. We have not yet
sufficient information to enable us to work out this subject ; but
we may remark, that Meleagris ocellata, Cotinga amabilis, Ram-
phocelus passerinii, Anabates rubiginosus, and Galbula melanoge-
nia, may all be considered as species peculiar to the Atlantic,
coast-region ; while Buteo ghiesbreghti^ Ara aracanga^ and others,
appear to be confined to the Pacific.

Between the two coast-regions, embracing the whole interior
of the country, is the central region or table-land of Guatemala,
varying in altitude from 4000 to 8000 feet, out of which rises
a chain of volcanic peaks, which in some cases attain a height
of nearly 14,000 feet. There are many forms })eculiar to this
district. In the first place, it is the winter residence of the
greater part of the northern migrants, which abound here from
October to the end of March. Our list will show a large
number of these birds. Of the many residents peculiar to
this region, we may mention as characteristic examples^ Oreo-
phasis derbianuSj Pharomacrus paradiseus, Pyrgisoma biarcuatum,
Turdus grayii and T. rufitorques, Panyptila melanoleuca, Corvus
cacalotl (?), and Erismatura rubida. The province of Vera Paz
is partly in the Central and partly in the Atlantic region, and the
species collected there may consequently belong to either fauna.

Speeies marked (N.A.) in the following list are such as are
included in the fauna of the U.S., and, with a few exceptions,
may be taken to be winter visitants to Guatemala.

Ordo I. INSESSORES.

Tribus I. Passeres*.

Subtribus I. O seines.

Pam. I. TUBDIDiE.

1. Turdus grayii. Bp. P. Z. S. 1837, p. 118.

This species is resident throughout the higher districts, but
is not found lower down than at an elevation of 4000 ft. It

* We agree very much with Mr. Wallace’s views (Ann. Nat. Hist. 1856),
who separates the great mass of Insessores into three groups — Passeres,

6

Messrs. Sclater and Salvin on the

breeds commonly at Duenas in the months of April and May,
making a nest of roots, fibres and small twigs with a lining of
dry grass and fine roots. The eggs, three in number, are more
or less covered with spots and blotches of red-browm on a
ground of pale bluish green, the spots being more concentrated
at the obtuse end. They measure 1 inch lines in axis and
10^ lines in diameter.

The song of Turdus grayii is very rich and of considerable
compass, quite rivalling any of its congeners. It is a favourite
cage-bird with the Spaniards, and enjoys the name of ^ Sinzonte^
in common with all other thrushes.

2. Turdus leucauchen, Sclater, P. Z. S. 1858 (Nov. 9th).

Transmitted by Mr. Skinner. In the collections of P. L. S.

and Mr. Gould.

3. Turdus infuscatus, Lafr. Rev. Zool. 1848, p. 3.

Transmitted by Mr. Skinner. In Sir William Jardine^s

collection.

4. Turdus rufitorques, Hartl. Rev. Zool. 1844, p. 214;
Du Bus, Esquisses Orn. pi. 19 et 20.

It is only in the higher parts of the Cordillera that this species
is found ; it occurs on the northern spur of the Volcan de Fuego,
near a small village called Calderas, at an elevation of about
7000 feet. At Las Gordinas, in the Altos of Guatemala, and
about the lofty hills that surround the Lake of Atitlan, it is
tolerably numerous. In short, wherever the evergreen oaks
attain their maximum growth, T. rufitorques may be found.

5. Turdus mustelinus (Gm.). (N. A.)

Transmitted by Mr. Skinner.

6. Turdus swainsont (Cab.). Turdus olivaceus, Brewer,

Baird^s Rep. p. 216. (N. A.)

Transmitted by Mr. Skinner.

7. Catharus MELPOMENE (Cab.), Sclater, P. Z. S. 1858, p. 97.

Transmitted by Mr. Skinner.

Fissirostres, and Scansores. The Passeres we divide, according to Muller's
views, into Oscines and Tracheopkonce, the latter group passing on towards
the Fissirostres.

Ornithology of Central America. 7

8. Malacocichla dryas^ Gould, P. Z. S. 1854, p. 285,
pi. 97.

The Department of the Vera Paz alone seems to produce this
species, of which examples were first transmitted by Mr. Skinner.
(Mus. Brit.)

9. Malacocichla mexicana. Bp. Compt. Rend, xliii. p. 998.

Transmitted by Mr. Skinner. Also in the Derby Museum

and the collection of the Philadelphian Academy, from Coban
(Delattre).

10. Melanoptila GLABRiRosTRis, Sclatcr, P. Z. S. 1857,
p. 275.

Omoa, Honduras (Leyland). Mus. Brit., Derb., et P. L. S.

11. Galeoscoptes carolinensis (Linn.). Turdus felivoxy
Vieill. (N. A.)

At Belize this bird occurs, but sparingly ; it is also found in
Guatemala, but is probably restricted in its range to the north-
ern coast.

12. Melanotis hypoleucus, Hartlaub, Rev. Zool. 1852,

p. 460.

About Duenas this Mock-bird is very common, frequenting
the thick bushes and underwood. It is shy, and eludes obser-
vation by skulking rather than by open flight. Its song in
February is short and disjointed, but towards the breeding
season it improves in quality. The food of M. hypoleucus con-
sists chiefly of berries ; but, as it is also often to be observed
searching about the roots of trees and amongst dead leaves, in-
sects and their larvae may probably be included. This species
forms a very slight nest, using small twigs for its construction
with a lining of fine roots. The structure is usually placed in
a thick bush about 9 or 10 feet from the ground. The eggs are
laid about the end of May, and are three in number, rather
elongated in form and uniform greenish blue in colour. They
measure, axis 1 inch 2 lines, diam. 9- lines.

13. Mimus gracilis. Cab. Mus. Hein. p. 83.

This bird seems to have a universal range over the whole
Republic, including British Honduras. Skins from Belize and

8

Messrs. Sclater and Salvin on the

from Salama, in the Department of Vera Paz, present no differ-
ences. It is a favourite cage-bird with the Spaniards. Its
food is principally berries.

Fam. II. SYLVIIDiE.

14. SlAHA WILSONI (Sw.). (N. A.)

El azulejo,^^ It is only in the more open districts of the
elevated region that this Blue-bird is found ; in such localities,
however, it is numerous.

Some Guatemala skins of this species are very pale below, on
the belly quite white. Others are intermediate between this
and the deep red of the more northern bird. We have not ob-
served the same variation in Mexican examples.

15. Regulus calendula (Linn.). (N. A.)

Transmitted by Mr. Skinner.

Fam. III. TROGLODYTIDiE.

16. Campylorhynchus capistratus (Less.). Picolaptes ca-
pistratus, Des Mur, Icon. Orn. pi. 63.

Often transmitted from Belize and Honduras.

17. Thryothorus rufalbus, Lafr. Rev. Zool. 1845, p. 337 ;
Sclater, P. Z. S. 1856, p. 140.

This Wren is tolerably numerous and a resident at Duehas. It
is to be found in moderately thick forest, but seems rather to
seek single trees of dense foliage than thickly grown underwood.

18. ClSTOTHORUS ELEGANS, Sp. nOV.

Supra murino-brunneus, nigro transversim obsolete fasciatus ;
capitis antici et interscapulii plumis nigris, stria mediali
distincta sordide alba ornatis : alis et cauda fasciis alternis
pallide brunneis et nigris extus notatis : primariorum
pogoniis internis pallide nigricanti-cinereis : cauda nigra ;
rectricum lateralium pogonio externo et pogonii interni
parte terminali pallide fulvis, maculis quadratis nigris varie-
gatis : subtus ochracescenti-albidus, unicolor, gutture dilu-
tiore, fere albo, lateribus et crisso paulb saturatioribus :
rostro superiore fusco, inferiore cum pedibus pallide flavidis :
long, tota 4’30, alse 1*75, caudse 1*75, rostri a rictu ‘6,
tarsi *7.

Ornithology of Central America. 9

A single specimen only was shot by Salvin amongst the
rushes on the banks of the lake of Duehas, where it appeared to
be scarce.

This apparently hitherto unnoticed Wren rather resembles the
N. American Cistothorus hrevirostris^ but is much larger in di-
mensions and more distinctly marked.

19. Troglodytes aedon (Vieill.). (N. A.)

Undoubted examples of this bird have been transmitted by
Mr. Skinner ; but it is uncertain whether this agrees with the
common wren at Duenas, specimens of which were not col-
lected.

Fam. IV. ALAUDIDiE.

20. Anthus ludovicianus (Gm.). (N. A.)

A small flock of about twelve were seen in the open land near
Uuenas, about the middle of February. They were apparently
on passage, and did not remain.

Fam. V. FARIDA.

Subfam. Polioptilin^.

21. PoLioPTiLA MEXiCANA (Bp.). CuUcivora mexicana, Bp.
Consp. p. 316 ?

This bird is not uncommon at Duenas, frequenting low bushy
trees. It seems to extend its range through a great variety of
temperature, as a single individual was seen in the month of
February 14,000 feet above the level of the sea, on the summit
of the Volcan de Agua. It does not remain to breed.

Specimens from Guatemala agree with those collected by
M. Salle in the State of Vera Cruz. They are much more
cinereous than P. ccerulea of N. America, and have no appearance
of a frontal band in either sex. It is not yet certain whether
they are anything more than P. ccerulea in winter plumage.

Fam. VI. MNIOTILTIDiE.

Subfam. Siurinje.

22. SiURUs AURicAPiLLUs (Gm.). (N. A.)

Numerous examples of this species have been forwarded

] 0 Messrs. Sclater and Salvin on the

through Mr. Skinner from the Vera Paz. It occurs but very
sparingly at Duehas in the month of February.

23. SlURUS NOVEBORACENSIS (Gm.). (N. A.)

Just outside the town of Belize, and beyond that part called
Yarborough, this is a very common bird in the month of De=
cember.

Subfam. Mniotiltin^.

24. Minotilta varta (Linn.). (N. A.)

At Belize, as well as throughout the more elevated portions
of Guatemala, this bird is found ; it seems to be pretty equally
and generally spread over the whole country. It is migratory
at Duehas, leaving that district in the spring.

25. Parula AMERICANA (Linn.). (N. A.)

Transmitted by Mr. Skinner.

26. Parula suPERCiLiosA (Hartl.). Conirostrum superciliosum,
Hartl. Bev. Zool. 1844, p. 215; Sclater, P. Z. S. 1858, p. 299.

Originally described from Guatemalan specimens by Dr. Hart-
laub.

27. Geothlypis TRiCHAS (Linn.). (N. A.)

This is perhaps the commonest species of the Mniotiltid<2
about Duehas, but like all the rest is migratory. It is usually
to be found in the neighbourhood of water, and frequents the
reeds surrounding the Lake of Duehas, and the bushes on the
banks of its outlet to the Biver Guacalate.

28. Geothlypis macgillivrayii (Aud.). Sylvia tohniceif
Townsend. (N. A.)

Throughout the district lying between the Volcanos of Agua
and Fuego this species is by no means uncommon, frequenting
the "outskirts of the forest and the edges of the clearings. The
distinctive marks over and under the eye, by which G. macgil-
livrayii is distinguished from G. philadelphica^ are very apparent
in a living or freshly-shot bird.

29. Oporornis FORMOSA (Wilson) ; Baird, Beport, p. 247.
(N.A.)

Transmitted by Mr. Skinner.

Ornithology of Central America. 1 1

30. Helmitherus vermivorus (Lath.); Baird, Rep. p. 252.
(N.A.)

Transmitted by Mr. Skinner.

31. Helminthophaga pinus (Linn.); Baird, Rep. p. 254.
(N. A.)

Transmitted by Mr. Skinner.

32. Dendroica VIRENS (Gm.). (N.A.)

This species occurs but sparingly at Duehas, where it is a
winter visitant. Specimens also have been transmitted by Mr.
Skinner and by Sehor Constancia.

33. Dendroica townsendii, Baird, Rep. p. 269. (N. A.)

D. townsendii is also a winter visitant at Duehas, and though

more frequently met with than D. virens, is by no means
abundant.

34. Dendroica coronata (Linn.). (N. A.)

This bird frequents the more open districts about Duehas,
preferring scattered bushes to the denser underwood. It is an
abundant species, especially between Duehas and the village of
Alotenango, in the winter season.

35. Dendroica blackburnitE (Gm.). (N.A.)

Transmitted by Mr. Skinner and Sehor Constancia.

36. Dendroica castanea (Wilson). (N. A.)

37. Dendroica iESTivA (Gm;). (N.A.)

38. Dendroica maculosa (Gm.). (N. A.)

Specimens of all these three Wood- warblers have been trans-
mitted by Mr. Skinner.

39. Myiodioctes mitratus (Gm.). (N. A.)

Transmitted by Mr. Skinner. Also collected by Capt. Taylor

near Comayagua (see P. Z. S. 1858, p. 358).

40. Myiodioctes pusillus (Wils.). (N. A.)

A common migratory species at Duehas, where it is only
found during the winter season.

41. Myiodioctes CANADENSIS (Linn.). (N.A.)

Transmitted by Mr. Skinner.

12

Messrs. Sclater and Salvin on the

42. Setophaga ruticilla (Linn.). (N. A.)

At Belize this species occurs in the winter.

43. Setophaga picta (Sw.).

Transmitted by Mr. Skinner.

44. Setophaga plammea^ Kaup, P. Z. S. 1851, p. 49. S. in-
termedia, Hartl. B. Z. 1852, p. 5.

Transmitted by Mr. Skinner and Senor Constancia. Distinct
from the Mexican Setophaga miniata. The speeimen from Gua-
temala described in Baird’s Report (p. 299) without doubtbelongs
here.

Fam. VII. VIREONID^.

Subfam. Icteriin^.

45. IcTERiA velasquezi. Bp. P. Z. S. 1837, p. 117.

We rather doubt the distinctness of the southern specimens
of Ictei'ia from those of the United States (/. polyglotta and
I. longicauda), and believe they may be referred to the w'inter
dress of the latter.

Subfam. Vireonin^e.

46. ViREOsYLViA olivacea (Linn.) ; Baird’s Rep. p. 329.
(N. A.)

Transmitted by Mr. Skinner.

47. ViREosYLViA PLAVo-viRiDis, Cassin, Pr. Ac. Sc. Philad.
(1851) V. p. 152, pi. 11 ; Baird, Rep. p. 332.

In coll. P. L. S., received from Don Jose Constancia.

48. ViREOsYLViA PHiLADELPHiCA, Cassiii, Pr. Ac. Sc. Philad.

V. p. 153. pi. 10. fig. 2 ; Baird, Rep. p. 335. (N. A.)

In coll. 0. S. received from Mr. Skinner.

49. ViREo PLAViFRONS, Vicill. j Baird, Rep. p. 341. (N. A.)
Transmitted by Mr. Skinner.

50. ViREOLANIUS PULCHELLUS, Sp. IIOV.

Lsete psittaceo-viridis : pileo cyaneo : gutture flavo : forma et
statura Vireolanii icterophryos.

A single specimen of this beautiful bird is in the British
Museum, received from Mr. Skinner through Mr. Gould.

13

Ornithology of Central America,

51. Cyclorhis flaviventris, Lafr. Rev. Zool. 1842, p. 133.

Transmitted by Senor Constancia and Mr. Skinner.

Fam. VlII. HIRUNDINID^.

52. Hirundo horreorum, Barton j Baird,Rep. p.308.(N. A.)

This species, or one very closely resembling it, was observed

by Salvin near Duenas, in April 1858.

53. Petrochelidon bicolor (Vieill.). (N. A.)

Transmitted by Mr. Skinner. In Mr. Gould^s collection.

54. Petrochelidon thalassina, Sw. Phil. Mag.l827,p. 365.
(N.A.) ^

Early in March great numbers of this beautiful species occur
near Duenas, where they remain but for a short time ; during
that time they are to be found flying over the open land to the
south of the lake.

55. Atticora pileata, Gould, P. Z. S. 1858, p. 355.

Transmitted by Mr. Skinner.

56. Cotyle serripennis (Aud.). (N.A.)

In a gorge on the River Guacalate this Swallow is especially
abundant, but it is also found elsewhere about Duenas. Greater
numbers appear in the winter months, but a few are to be found
all through the year.

57. Progne dominicensis (Gm.).

A skin, transmitted by Mr. Skinner, seems to agree most
nearly with this species.

Fam. IX. AMPELIDiE.

Subfam. AMPELiNiE.

58. Ampelis cedrorum, Vieill. (N. A.)

Transmitted by Mr. Skinner, and said to be an occasionally
abundant winter visitant. Bomby cilia marice, Coinde (Grenoble,
1857), seems to be nothing more than this bird.

Subfam. Ptilogonydin^.

59. Ptilogonys cinereus (Sw.).

Transmitted by Senor Constancia to the late Mr. Strickland ;
and also in Mr. Skinner’s series.

14

Messrs. Sclater and Salvin on the

60. MyIadestes obscurtjs, Lafr.

Every wooded ravine in the elevated region resounds with the
strange song of this bird, which, from its remarkable character,
has procured for the songster the title of ‘ Guar da barranca.*
The notes have a metallic ringing in their tone, and though
peculiar, are extremely soft in their cadence. It is a bird that,
of all others, when once heard and known, associates itself with
all that is beautiful in the grand mountain- scenery of Guatemala.
Deservedly this is a favourite cage-bird with the Spanish ladies,
and few houses are without it.

Earn. X. CCEREBIDiE.

61. CcEREBA LUCIDA, sp. nOV.

Affinis C. caerulece ex Cayenna, et rostro simillimo, sed colore
cseruleo-viridescente, gula media usque ad pectus nigra,
alis et tarsis longioribus distinguenda. Long, alae 2'4.
Numerous specimens transmitted by Mr. Skinner seem to
agree in the above distinctions.

62. Chlorophanes atricapilla, Vieill. ?

Transmitted by Mr. Skinner. We have not yet had an op-
portunity of comparing this with southern specimens.

63. Diglossa baritula, Wagl. Isis, 1832, p. 281 ; Gray &
Mitch. Gen. pi. 42.

Transmitted by Senor Coustancia and Mr. Skinner.

Earn. XI. TANAGRID.E.

64. Saltator atriceps (Less.). Arremon giganteus, Bp.
P. Z. S. 1837, p. 117; Sclater, P. Z. S. 1858, p. 358. Pyrrhula
raptor y Cabot.

Comayagua, Honduras [Taylor): common in Yucatan [Cabot).

65. Saltator magnoides (Lafr.).

Transmitted by Mr. Skinner.

66. Saltator grandis (Licht.); Sclater, P. Z. S. 1856, p. 72.
Transmitted by Mr. Skinner in the state described as adult.

Specimens procured at Duenas are all in the stage described by
Lafresnaye as S. icterophrys, and may perhaps, after all, turn
out to be distinct. It is there not uncommon, frequenting the

Ornithology of Central America. 15

thick bushy underwood. Its food consists principally of small
fruits and berries.

67. Buarremon brunneinuchus (Lafr.).

Transmitted by Mr. Skinner.

68. Buarremon chrysopogon, Bp., Sclater, P. Z. S. 1856,

p. 86.

Transmitted by Mr. Skinner, showing that the locality given
in the Paris Museum (California) is wrong.

69. Lanio aurantius, Lafr. Rev. Zool. 1846, p. 204.
Procured in Honduras by Dyson. Mus. Brit.

70. Ph(enicothraupis rubicoides (Lafr.).

Transmitted by Sehor Constancia and by Mr. Skinner.

71. Pyranga ^estiva (Gm.). (N.A.)

This bird enjoys an almost universal range throughout the
Republic of Guatemala. It occurs in December, at the mouth
of the Rio Dulce, in the pine-ridges near Quirigua, and in fact
along the whole road from the port of Izabal to the city of
Guatemala, a distance of about 80 leagues. At Duehas P.
(estiva is common, occurring during the winter months.

72. Pyranga hepatica (Sw.); Sclater, P. Z. S. 1856, p. 24.
Transmitted by Mr. Skinner.

73. Pyranga LUDoviciAN A (Wilson). (N.A.)

P. ludoviciana occurs near the village of Alotenango, situated
between the Volcanos of Agua and Fuego, at an elevation of
about 5000 feet, but is anything but a common species. Speci-
mens also have been sent from the Vera Paz.

74. Pyranga erythromel^na (Licht.).

P. erythromel<ena is common on the Pacific coast in the month
of March, and occurs abundantly near Santa Lucia, a village
distant about 12 leagues from Escuintla. It is also found in
the Vera Paz.

75. Pyranga roseogularis, Cabot, Bost. Journ. Nat. Hist.
V. p. 416 ; Sclater, P. Z. S. 1857, p. 6.

Discovered in Yucatan by Dr. Cabot.

16 Messrs. Sclater and Salvin on the

76. Ramphocelus passe rinii, Bp.; Sclater, P. Z. S. 1856,
p. 130.

It is on the eastern sea -board, and not on the southern slope
of the Cordillera, tliat JR. passerinii occurs. At Izabal, the port
of Guatemala, on the Gulf of Dulce, it is tolerably numerous.
Skins also have been sent from Cajabon in the Department of
the Vera Paz. This bird is readily distinguishable from the
New Grenadian R. fiammigerus by its smaller size.

77. Ramphocelus sanguinolentus (Less.), Cent. Zool.
pi. 39.

This magnificent species is found on the hot sea-board of the
Bay of Honduras. Mr. Dyson obtained specimens on the Cha-
malican River.

78. Tanagra diaconus (Less.).

Transmitted by Sen or Constancia.

79. Tanagra vicarius (Less.), Cent. Zool. pi. 68 (1830).
Tanagra ahbas, Licht. Preis-Verz. 1831.

This Tanager is resident, but not very numerous, at Duenas.
It has also been sent from the Vera Paz. In the month of May
it builds a compact nest, composed of small twigs with a little
wool, and lined with a few pieces of dead flag, fine roots,
and horsehair. The nest, usually in a cypress or other thick-
growing tree, is placed on the upper part of a branch, and about
ten or twelve feet from the ground. The eggs, three in number,
are spotted or blotched with three shades of reddish brown on a
pale bluish-grey ground. Axis 10^ lines, diam. 8 lines.

80. Calliste larvata, Du Bus.

Procured by the late Mr. Dyson during his voyage up the
Chamalican River, but appears to be scarce.

81. Euphonia elegantissima (Bp.). Pipra elegantisdma,
Bp. P.Z.S. 1837, p. 112.

Procured in Guatemala by Col. Velasquez de Leon.

82. Euphonia afpinis (Less.), Sclater, P. Z. S. 1856, p. 274.

83. Euphonia hirundinacea. Bp. P. L. S. 1837, p. 117;
Sclater, P. Z. S. 1856, p. 278.

17

Ornithology of Central America.

The specimens whence Prince Bonaparte took his description
were procured in Guatemala by Col. Velasquez de Leon : Senor
Constancia has also transmitted examples.

84. Euphonia gouldi, Sclater, P. Z. S. 1857, p. 66. pi. 124.

Transmitted by Mr. Skinner.

85. Chlorophonia occipitalis (Du Bus), Sclater, P. Z. S.
1856, p. 270.

^ Transmitted by Mr. Skinner. In Sir William Jardine^s col-
lection.

Earn. XII. PRINGILLID^.

86. Hedymeles ludovicianus, Linn. (N. A.)

It would appear that this bird is abundant in the Vera Paz,
as numbers of skins have been transmitted by Mr. Skinner. It
does not occur at Duenas, but is a common cage-bird in the city
of Guatemala.

87. Spermophila moreletii, Bp. Consp. p. 497.

This bird was originally discovered near the lake of Peten by
M. Morelet, and was described from his specimens in the Paris
Museum by Prince Bonaparte. It is not an uncommon species
about Duenas, where it is generally to be found amongst the tall
reeds on the edge of the lake. It occurs also at Belize.

88. VoLATiNiA JACARiNA (Linn.), Sclater, P. Z. S. 1856,
p. 305.

Transmitted by Senor Constancia. Whether this is the true
jacarina must remain doubtful, until the several species con-
founded under that name are worked out. The preseot bird has
white feathers on the bend of the wings above, and the under-
coverts black.

89. Cyanospiza ciris (Linn.) ; Baird, Rep. p. 503. (N. A.)

Though of rather unfrequent occurrence at Duenas, this bird

is abundant on the Pacific coast, evidently preferring the hot to
the more temperate districts. Capt. Taylor procured a specimen
at Comayagua, in the centre of the State of Honduras. See
P. Z. S. 1857, p. 358.

90. Cyanospiza versicolor (Bp.).

Transmitted by Mr. Skinner. Mus. Brit.

VOL. I. c

18

Messrs. Sclater and Salvin on the

91. Cyanospiza cyanea (Linn.). (N. A.)

This is a winter visitant at Duenas, where it cannot be said to
be abundant. Mr. Skinner having transmitted many skins, it
may be supposed to occur more frequently in other parts.

92. ZoNOTRicHiA piLEATA (Bodd.). Z. matutina, auct.

Quite an abundant species and resident at Duehas and on

the plain of Antigua Guatemala, where it may constantly be
seen about the ^ nopal ’ [Cactus cochinellifer) in the cochineal
plantations, and the mud walls surrounding them. The bird
builds a nest outwardly of strong grass roots and small twigs,
and inwardly of horse-hair. The eggs, two in number, are
spotted or blotched with deep red on a pale bluish-green ground.
They measure, axis 10 lines, diam. 7^ lines.

93. Passerculus lincolni (Aud.).

This species was found about the reeds on the margin of the
lake in February, but it is not common.

i/ 94. Pyrgisoma biarcuatum (Lafr.), Voy. Venus, Ois.
pi. 6 ; Bp. Consp. p. 486. Atlapetes I'ubricatus, Cab. Mus.
Hein. p. 140.

This species is not uncommon about Duenas, and is resident.
It frequents the thick underwood, but is generally found near
the more open^ and cultivated districts. It builds a very deep
nest composed of dead leaves and sticks, with a few horse-hairs
inside. This structure is placed in a low bush about 5 or 6 feet
from the ground. The eggs, two in number, are closely but
distinctly spotted with red on a ground of creamy white ; they
measure, axis 1 inch, diam. 8^ lines. It seems very doubtful
whether the genus Pyrgisoma can be held to be really distinct
from Waglerts Atlapetes.

95. CoTURNICULUS PASSERINUS (MTlsoii). (N. A.)

Transmitted by Senor Constancia and Mr. Skinner.

96. H^mophila rufescens (Sw.).

Transmitted by Mr. Skinner. Mus. Brit.

97. EuSPIZA AMERICANA (Gm.). (N. A.)

Transmitted by Mr. Skinner.

Ornithology of Central America.

19

98. CoccoTHRAUSTES ABEiLLii (Less.). Guiraca aheillii, Less.
Rev. Zool. 1839, p. 41.

Mr. Gould has received an example of this beautiful bird from
Mr. Skinner.

99. Chrysomitris mexicana (Sw.).

Transmitted by Senor Constancia to Mr. Strickland. In coll.
P. L. S.

Fam. XIII. ICTERIDiE.

Subfam. Agel^in^.

100. AuELiEUs PHCENiCEUs (Linn.).

The females of this species congregate in large flocks near the
lake of Duenas, feeding about the swampy grass on the edge of
the water. The males are always separate, and generally to be
seen on a single twig of a bush or low tree, uttering their mono-
tonous cry. At Duehas they are resident all the year round, and
build in the reeds that surround the lake, deferring the period
of incubation till the month of J une.

101. Sturnella hippocrepis, Wagl. (?)

Not only at Duehas, where it is common about the open land,
but through all the open plains of the higher region, is this bird
found. At the former place it is most abundant in the winter
months, but some few pairs remain to breed.

Subfam. Icterin^e.

102. Cacicus MONTEZUMA (Less.) Cent. Zool. pi. 7.

Procured by Capt. Taylor at Taulevi, Honduras : seen once

at Iguana near Izabal, in the Atlantic coast-region.

103. OcYALUs WAGLERi, Gray and Mitch. Gen. of B. pi. 8.

Transmitted by Mr. Skinner from Cajabon, Vera Paz.

104. Cassiculus prevosti (Less.).

Occurs sparingly at Duehas. Is generally seen in the thick
trees, where it seems to employ itself in breaking the dead twigs,
and so attracts attention by the sound.

105. Icterus gularis (Wagl.).

Transmitted by Mr. Skinner from the Vera Paz, and collected

c 2

20 Messrs. Sclater and Salvin on the

by Capt. Taylor near Comayagua, Honduras (P. Z. S. 1858,
p.358).

106. Icterus pectoralis (Wagl.).

Also from the Vera Paz (Mr. Skinner).

107. Icterus giraudi, Cassin.

Confer P.Z.S. 1857, p. 227. Transmitted by Mr. Skinner.

108. Icterus cucullatus (Sw.),

A single specimen, apparently referable to this species, was
shot in December at Belize, where it is known by the name of
the Banana-bird,^^ a title doubtless common to all the genus.
It differs from Mexican specimens in having the black ex-
tending above and behind the eye, and it will be necessary to
make further comparisons.

109. Icterus wagleri, Sclater, P. Z. S. 1857, p. 7.

This is the only one of the genus found about Duehas, where
it is not uncommon.

110. Icterus prosthemelas, Strickland, Contr. Orn. 1850,
p. 120. pi. 62.

A close ally of the preceding. Transmitted by Mr. Skinner.

111. Icterus baltimorensis (Linn.), Bp. P. Z. S. 1837,

p. 116.

Transmitted from the Vera Paz by Mr. Skinner.

112. Icterus afeinis, Lawrence.

This small variety of the Orchard Oriole has been transmitted
by Mr. Skinner. Prof. Baird does not consider it truly distinct
from I. spurius.

113. Quiscalus macrurus (Sw.).

This species plays the part of the sparrow in Guatemala, and
seeks the abode of man as that familiar bird does in Europe. It
frequents the larger towns as well as the villages. Its favourite
resort is the stable, where it scratches for its food among the
ordure of the horses; sometimes perching on the backs of
these animals and ridding them of their ticks; and now and
then flying on to the manger and picking up stray grains of
maize. It breeds in societies at Duehas, selecting the willows
that grow near the lake and the reeds on its banks for its nests.

Ornithology of Central America. 21

The breeding season seems to extend over some length of time,
and in the month of May young birds and fresh eggs may be
found in nests in the same tree. On the coast, young ones
nearly capable of flying were seen in the early part of March.
The nest is usually made of grass and placed among thin upright
branches, the grass being entwined round each twig to support
the structure. The number of eggs seldom exceeds three ; they
are curiously marked with black spots on a bluish-grey ground.
They measure, axis 1 inch 4 lines, diam. 11^ lines.

Capt. Taylor procured specimens of this bird near Comayagua.

Earn. XIV. CORVIDS.

Subfam. Corvin^e.

114. CoRvus CACALOTL, Wagler : Bp. P.Z.S. 1837, p. 115 ?

A true Raven occurs tolerably abundantly about the plains of

Chimaltenango, at an altitude of 6000 feet. It sometimes de-
scends to Duenas, but rarely. It was also once observed near
the village of Estansuelas, on the entrance to the plain of Zacapa.
Specimens have not yet been obtained, and it is only doubtfully
referred, following Bonaparte, to Corvus cacalotl of Wagler.

115. Cyanocitta melanocyanea, Hartlaub, Rev. Zool. 1844,
p. 215 ; Bp. Consp. p. 378.

Throughout the wooded parts near Duenas this Jay is com-
mon, and the only species. It is resident all the year, breeding
in the months of April and May. It makes a loose nest of small
twigs, and lays four eggs of a brick-red colour, spotted and
blotched with a darker shade of the same. They measure, axis
1 inch 3 lines, diam. 10| lines.

116. Cyanocitta ornata (Less.).

Transmitted by Mr. Skinner^s collector from Cajabon. Also
extends to Honduras.

117. Cyanocitta pumilo, Strickl. Contr. Orn. 1849, p. 122,
pi. 33; Bp. Consp. p. 378.

Originally described from specimens transmitted by Senor
Constancia. It is perfectly distinct from the Mexican Cyanocitta
nana. See P. Z. S. 1857, p. 204.

22

Rev. H. B. Tristram^ s Notes

118. Cyanocorax guatemalensis^ Bp. Consp. p. 380.

Also from Cajabon and Honduras.

119. Cyanurus coronatus (Sw.). Garrulus coronatm, Sw.
Phil. Mag-. 1827, p. 437; Sclater, P. Z. S. 1858, p. 859.

Transmitted by Sehor Constancia. Observed in the barranco
of Los Chocoyos, in the Altos of Guatemala.

120. Calocitta FORMOSA (Sw.). Cyanurus bullockii, Bp.
P.Z.S. 1837, p. 115.

Found abundantly on both the Atlantic and Pacific coast-
regions, but never ascends to the central region.

121. PsiLORHINUS MORIO (Wagl.).

Occurs on the eastern coast between Quirigua and Iguana, on
the road to Guatemala.

[To be continued.]

II. — Notes on Birds observed in Southern Palestine, in the months

of March and April 1858. By the Rev. H. B. Tristram,

F.L.S.

There is, perhaps, no country frequented by travellers whose
Fauna is so little known as that of Palestine. This may arise
partly from the more absorbing associations of sacred and his-
torical interest, which are of themselves more than sufficient to
occupy the attention during the short period usually allotted to
a tour in Palestine ; and partly from the extreme difficulty and
even danger of pursuing researches in a region so unsettled
and lawless.

The followir^ list makes no pretension to anything like com-
pleteness, as ornithology was by no means the principal object
of the writer^ s expedition, and the districts most aboun ding-
in birds, as the Lebanon, the upper waters of the Jordan, and
the wooded regions of Northern Palestine, were not visited by
him at all.

It is put forth rather in the hope that the fact of so many
rare and interesting species having- been observed in so short a
time, may induce succeeding travellers to endeavour to supply

on Birds observed in Southern Palestine. 23

that which j up to the present time, is a desideratum in our
knowledge of geographical ornithology.

1. Gypaetos (barbatus ?).

The Larnmer Geyer was several times observed sailing over
the high mountain-passes west of the Jordan; but as no spe-
cimen was obtained, it cannot be decided whether it was the
Gyp. barbatus y or the variety or species. Gyp. nudipes, with the
lower part of the tarsus bare.

2. Gyps fulvus.

Common in all the hill-country of Judsea, and observed
breeding in some ravines near the Dead Sea, and also between
Jerusalem and Jericho.

3. Neophron percnopterus.

Universally distributed, and equally abundant in the plains of
Sharon and the naked hill-district of the south. Breeds in
great numbers in the valley of the Kedron, heaping up its
enormous nest of sticks, rubbish, and old rags, on every con-
venient ledge. While the adult bird was to be seen through
the whole country, I never observed a single specimen in the
sombre livery of youth. One very fine bird paid the penalty
of its curiosity, while we were sitting on a rock, at luncheon, on
the road from Jerusalem to Jericho. It made several swoops as
though anxious to share our chicken, and hovering over us, fell
dead at a discharge of No. 7 shot.

4. Aquila chrysaetos.

Not uncommon. One sitting on a loose rock permitted me
to approach near enough to ascertain its species.

5. Aquila n^evia.

One bird was shot. It appears to be the commonest species
in the rocky districts.

6. Aquila heliaca.

I believe I saw this bird perched on a little island on the
north side of the Dead Sea. I was not able to obtain a
specimen.

7. CiRCAETOS GALLICUS.

Noticed preying on large lizai ds on the hills near Bethlehem,

24

Rev. H. B. Tristram^s Notes

Several individuals in the same neighbourhood. From the
immense numbers of reptilia in the country, this Eagle is pro-
bably generally distributed.

8. Milvus ater.

Universally present about the towns and villages, hanging
over the poultry, but apparently leaving them unmolested for
the sake of the offal and garbage.

9. Milvus parasiticus.

Not so common, and apparently preferring the wooded dis-
tricts. I have noticed the same distinction in the habits of
these two species in North Africa.

10. Falco lanarius ?

On one occasion, while riding with an Arab guide, I observed
a falcon of large size rise close to us. The guide, when I
pointed it out to him, exclaimed, Tdir Sakqr.^^ Tdir, the
Arabic for ^^bird,^^ is universally throughout North Africa and
the East applied to those falcons which are capable of being
trained for hunting, i. e. the bird par excellence. Tdir
el Hohr^ the noble bird,^^ is the common appellation of the
Peregrine and its congeners. Sakqr ’’ I have only heard
applied to the very large falcons — never to the F. peregrinus or
F.punicuSj both of which are trained by the Arabs for the chase.
No doubt our specific name Falco sacer is derived, not from
a Latin source, but from the Arabic trivial name of the species.
There seems as yet much confusion in the nomenclature of the
different larger species or races, which to the south and east
of the Mediterranean take the place of the F. grcenlandicus,
islandicus, and norvegicus of the North. The bird which I saw
was nearly as large as a Jer Falcon, and had a very bright
rufous head, the light colour extending to the back of the neck.
How far F. sacer , lanarius, cervicalis, biarmicus, and cherrug,
are distinct species, and what is the geographical range of each,
seems a question well-worthy the investigation of naturalists
travelling in the East.

11. Falco peregrinus.

I saw either this species, or one closely resembling it, on the
rocks near Caesarea.

on Birds observed in Southern Palestine.

25

12. Hypotriorchis subbuteo.

Several Hobbies were seen, and one shot, in the wooded dis-
trict not far from Ladrone, near the ancient Bethoron.

13. Hypotriorchis ELEONORiE.

Though not noticed by me in the country itself, a very fine
specimen, in the rich brown-black plumage of the adult, perched
one afternoon on the mast-head of our yacht, not far from the
coast. A general gun-cleaning was, fortunately for his life,
going on at the moment, and he winged his way just as a piece
had at length been put together. In the evening, about two
hours afterwards, he returned, at least I presume it was the
same, but only paused for a few minutes in the fore-rigging,
when he went ofi* towards land.

14. Tinnunculus alaudarius.

Universally distributed and extremely abundant. Large
colonies breed in ruined towers in company with the succeeding
species.

15. Tinnunculus cenchris.

Gregarious about the ruins in the plain districts. About
fifteen or twenty pairs were building their nests in and about the
beautiful tower of Bamleh {Arimathea) in company with a still
larger number of the common Kestrel, and flew screaming
round me, as I climbed the still perfect staircase of the tower.
It was interesting to watch them in the evening sweeping like
swallows over the fields, or threading their way up and down
the lanes fenced with prickly pear, in pursuit of the Scarabcei on
which they were feeding, seizing them with their claws on the
wing, and as they sailed by me, picking off with their beaks the
elytra of their prey, and dropping them almost at my feet.
Though 1 have never found the lesser Kestrel either in Asia or
Africa except in company with the common species, yet it
seems to be without the power of adaptation possessed by its
congener, confining itself to old towers and rocks, and living
always in communities more or less numerous. I obtained
some beautiful specimens at Ramleh. There is a still larger
colony about the old ruined English church of Lydda, over the
reputed tomb of St. George of merrie England.^^

26

Rev. H. B. Tristram'’s Notes

16. Erythropus vespertinus.

A few pairs were seen among the large terebinth-trees near the
foot of the hills of Judaea. They seem to roost and build there,
feeding only in the plains, over which they hover, resembhng
rather the Kestrels in their habits and flight than the Hobby.

17. Micronisus gabar.

Once seen, on a hill-side to the south of Bethlehem, preying
on a large lizard.

18. Circus ?

We noticed Harriers several times skulking over the plains,
but, not having obtained specimens, cannot state the species.
The Marsh Harrier was not observed.

19. Athene meridionalis.

Extremely common in all the hill country and plains alike.
Frequently one would be seen by the side of a mountain-path,
on a bare rock, selecting the most conspicuous position, and
remaining there until we came close up, and then leisurely
removing to another spot some twenty yards off. Seldom could
we ride for an hour in any part of the country without noticing
this comical little fellow. Mount Olivet is one of his favourite
resorts.

20. Scops zorca.

Frequently heard, and once obtained. It seems to inhabit
the Mosque of Omar at Jerusalem, and prefers the neighbour-
hood of man to the wilder portions of the country.

21. Strix plammea.

I started this bird once in the daytime from a thicket of
trees on the banks of the Jordan.

22. Cypselus apus.

We saw a few Swifts, as we were leaving Jaffa, in April, but
had not observed them before in the interior. Probably they
were not then returned from their southern migration.

23. Cypselus melba.

We observed several pairs apparently commencing the business
of nidification near Mar Saba, and again in the tremendous
ravine above the site of Jericho.

on Birds observed in Southern Palestine.

27

24. COTYLE RIPARIA.

Abundant in the sandy banks on the left side of the Jordan.
I may mention in passing that I have found the Sand Martin
breeding in Egypt in February. Is it not, therefore, probably
double-brooded ?

25. CoTYLE RUPESTRIS.

The Rock Martin is not unfrequent in the barren gorges of
the Kedron, near the Dead Sea, where I found it breeding at
the end of March, and obtained specimens. I have observed,
both in the Atlas range and in Palestine, that it appears to be
confined to mountain gorges, and that it is by no means gre-
garious, each pair keeping a range of territory to themselves,
though the bird occurs from one end of the pass to the other.

26. Hirundo rufula, Temm.

Appears to be the Common Swallow of the Holy Land. I
cannot be sure that I saw H. rustica at all, though possibly it
might not yet have returned from the South.

27. CoRACIAS GARRPLA.

Seen occasionally in the olive-yards and wooded hill-sides.

28. Merops persicus.

In the valley of the Jordan. I think I also saw Merops
apiaster, but I obtained no specimens.

29. Ceryle rudis.

One specimen seen near the Jordan.

30. Upupa epops.

Common about the towns and villages. Frequents dunghills,
and is extremely tame and familiar. The Arabs have a super-
stitious reverence for this bird, which they believe to possess
marvellous medicinal qualities, and call it “the Doctor.^^ Its
head is also an indispensable ingredient in all charms and in
the practice of witchcraft.

31. SiTTA SYRIACA, Ehrcnb.

Few birds have interested me more than the Dalmatian Nut-
hatch. I had good opportunities of observing its habits in the
south of the Morea in winter, and I encountered it again in
the hill-country of Judaea. Unlikei»R3ur species, it is confined to

28

Rev. H. B. Tristram^s Notes

the most barren and rocky regions, and runs up and down the
stones with wondrous agility, descending head downwards, and
then, by a sudden bound, flying to the foot of the next rock,
which it climbs, and runs down after the same fashion, search-
ing the crevices as it goes, for small beetles, with which the
stomachs of those I examined were filled. In summer and
winter alike they were always in pairs, never (as Sitta europcea)
in small flocks. The note is louder than that of our species,
and much resembles the call of the Spotted. Woodpecker.

32. Troglodytes europ^us.

Frequent.

33. Erythropygia galactotes.

Seen near the Jordan.

34. Hippolais salicaria.

In moist places near Jericho.

35. Salicaria turdoides.

Among the reeds by the mouth of the Jordan.

36. Phyllopneuste ruea.

Generally distributed.

37. Phyllopneuste bonellii.

One specimen shot.

38. Melizophilus provincialis.

Among the bushes on the dry hill-sides, in the most barren
parts of the country.

39. Sylvia subalpina.

Shot on the wooded banks of the Jordan.

40. Sylvia melanocephala.

Frequent in gardens and olive-yards.

41. CuRRUCA ORPHEA.

Several times met with in olive-yards and on wooded hill-
sides throughout the country.

42. CuRRUCA ATRICAPILLA.

Found in numerous flocks in the defiles opening on the Dead
Sea. Had I not procured and brought home several specimens,
I should have doubted its idtentity with our species, so difierent

on Birds observed in Southern Palestine. 29

was the locality from its usual resorts here. Probably the birds
were just then returning from their southern migration.

43. Ruticilla tithys.

Frequent on the barren rocky hills.

44. Saxicola ru bicola.

Lower down the hills, among the low bushes.

45. Saxicola rubetra.

In the same localities as the preceding.

46. Saxicola saltatrix, Menetries.

On the bare rocky hills. In habits and locality exactly like
our Wheatear.

47. Saxicola eurymel^na, Hempr. et Ehrenb.

Obtained in an olive-yard close to Bethlehem, where the bird

is not uncommon. It is fond of perching on the top of a wall,
and drops down noiselessly as danger approaches, with a silent
flight skimming the ground till it rests again on a stone or clod
at some little distance, where it remains jerking its tail until
again disturbed.

48. Saxicola* ?

A pair shot at St. Helena^s Well, not far east of Bethany.
They had a nest in a hole of the wall over the well, containing
four blue eggs thickly spotted with rusty brown.

49. Dromol^a leucura.

I saw this bird, as I believe, to the south-east of Bethlehem,
among the barren hills ; but as I have obtained in the Sahara
several specimens of a nearly allied species just described by
Brehm as Bromolma leucopygia, and did not obtain a specimen
of the bird I saw in Palestine, the species must remain for the
present doubtful.

50. Petrocincla saxatilis.

Frequent in the deep gorges of the Kedron.

* Mr. Tristram has submitted these specimens to my examination. The
species appears to agree with Saxicola lugens of Licht., as figured in Tem-
minck’s Planches Coloriees, under the name Sax. leucomela. — Ed.

30

Rev. H. B. Tristrara^s Notes

51. Petrocincla cyanea.

Observed in every part of the country. Unlike the Rock
Thrush^ it was often seen perched on the half- ruined buildings
of the Palestine towns and villages ; and has been supposed by
some to be the sparrow that sitteth alone upon the house-
top of Scripture.

52. Ixos XANTHOPYGius, Hempr. et Ehrenb. [Ixos vallom-
brosee, Bp.)

This most interesting bird was found in all parts of the coun-
try, wherever there is wood or gardens, from Jaffa to the Jordan.
In its skulking habits it exactly resembles the Ixos ohscurus of
Algeria, but its brilliant saffron vent renders it conspicuous
among the bushes. The head and throat are of a deep black ;
and there is scarcely any perceptible difference between the
sexes in plumage, but that the black on the head of the female
is not quite so bright. It is the finest songster in Palestine,
and has obtained the name of the Palestine Nightingale, which
is well deserved, whether for the volume or the variety of its
notes. It wants, however, the last two notes of the nightin-
gaWs song. On arriving at the banks of the Jordan long
before sunrise, at 4 a.m., the thick jungle which fringes the
river was alive with the cheery notes of these unseen musicians,
who continued their concert until nearly noon.

53. Turdus merula.

Seen, but not obtained.

54. Turdus musicus.

In the olive-yards.

55. Crateropus chalybeus. Bp.

I obtained this rare bird in the open wooded district near
Jericho, where it lives in small flocks of from six to twelve. It
was interesting to observe how exactly, in its peculiar habits and
note, it corresponds with its congener, Crate^'opus numidicus, with
which I was most familiar in the Sahara. The unseen party
keep up a perpetual chattering in a bush, something like the
clamour of a flock of starlings. On your approach the noise is
hushed, and, if possible, they steal away unseen on the other side
to another thicket, where, as soon as they feel at a safe distance.

on Bh'ds observed in Southern Palestine.

31

the conversation recommences. They fly in an irregular line,
never in a flock, and spreading their long tails, always alight at
the foot of the bush or tree. They then climb to the top one
after another, hopping from bough to bough (where is the
only chance of getting a shot), and leisurely descend to the
ground on the other side, taking care in retiring to keep the
covering object in a straight line between their pursuer and
themselves. I scarcely ever met with a more wary bird. They
appear to be sedentary in all their localities, and there is no
sexual distinction of plumage in either of the two species of the
genus with which I am acquainted.

56. AnTHUS CAMPESTRIS.

Common in the higher plains and on the hills.

57. Anthus pratensis.

Very abundant in the Plain of Sharon.

58. Budytes melanocephala.

The only one of the genus I noticed. The head was of a
deep black, and the white line behind the eyes very distinct. I
saw a skin in Jerusalem, which I took to be that of Budytes
flava.

59. Motacilla alba.

On the Plain of Sharon, beginning to assume its summer
dress. Abundant.

60. Pares major.

The Great Tit was the only species of the genus which I met
with.

61. Muscicapa ?

I observed a Flycatcher repeatedly, but neglected to secure
a specimen, and therefore cannot be certain whether it was
Muse, atricapilla or albicollisj but I think the latter.

62. Lanius minor.

In the neighbourhood of Jaffa.

63. Lanius cucullatus.

Seen only once near Kirjath-jearim.

32

Rev. H. B. Tristram’s Notes

64. Enneoctonus rufus.

The Woodchat is one of the commonest birds of Palestine,
frequenting olive-yards and gardens.

65. Garrulus melanocephalus.

I found this splendid Jay in several localities where there was
timber of sufficient size to afford it cover. My examples were
shot by my friend Mr. J. L. Gibbs.

It is difficult to conceive how, with specimens in hand of the
different species, the confusion of authors could have arisen
as to Garrulus glandarius of Europe, G. melanoce-phalus of Asia
and the Caucasus, and G. cervicalis of Algeria. The smaller
size, the darker colouring, the black forehead, deep chestnut
neck and collar, the lesser extent of the blue on the scapulars,
and the very light brown outer tail-feathers of the Algerian bird,
at once separate it from the others.

Garrulus melanocephalus has not only the rich black feathers
extending to the nape of the neck, but has the forehead white
instead of spotted, as in our species ; while the black moustache
is of twice the extent and breadth, the region behind the eyes
is white instead of chestnut, the white on the throat extends
much lower down, and the lower plumage is of a much lighter
colour. It is probable, then, that the specimens quoted by
Degland as from Syria have been Algerian skins passed off
by the Paris dealers, my skins corresponding, as might have been
expected, with the Caucasian bird described by Nordmann. My
friend Colonel Drummond, who has frequently shot the Common
Jay in Greece, remarks that he never found Garrulus melano-
cephalus in that country.

66. Amydrus tristramti, Sclater.

This handsome bird, which Mr. Sclater has done me the
honour to name after me, and has described in the ^ Annals of
Natural History’ for December 1858, I discovered in the gorge
of the Kedron, not far from the Dead Sea. Several pairs were
breeding in the rocks among the cells hewn out by the old
monks of Mar Saba. In habits and manners they reminded
me somewhat of the Grakles of North America, but seem a
strictly desert bird. The species ought to be found at Petra, if

on Birds observed in Southern Palestine. 33

anywhere. The male has but two notes, but those are of won-
derful power and of the richest volume. The roll of his music is
something like that of the Organ-bird of Australia, and makes
the rocks resound. The nest is placed in inaccessible crevices
of the cliffs, and the birds are bold and fearless, allowing a
stranger to approach very near while continuing their song,
then suddenly breaking off for an instant and renewing it the
moment one stands still. The plumage of the female is much
inferior in brilliancy to that of the male, but she has the same
rich chestnut wings.

67. CORVUS CORAX.

Universally present.

68. CoRVUS CORNIX.

Not uncommon.

69. Pastor roseijs.

One specimen seen in an orange-grove at Jaffa.

70. Sturnus vulgaris.

Large flocks feed in the Plain of Sharon.

71. Chlorospiza chloris.

Common in all the gardens throughout the country.

72. Petronia stulta (Gm.).

Pound everywhere on the bare stony hills, and frequenting
the villages for food, but never observed among gardens or trees.

73. Passer salicicola, Vieill.

In vast numbers near Jericho.

74. Passer cisalpinus.

I I believe that it is this variety which frequents the towns and
villages, but unfortunately I did not preserve a specimen.

75. Passer montanus.

About Jerusalem.

76. Pringilla ccelebs.

Very common.

77. Euspiza melanocephala.

In the brushwood on the hill-sides on the road from Ramleh
to Jerusalem.

VOL. I.

34

Rev. H. B. Tristram^s Notes

78. Carduelis elegans.

In flocks on the Plain of Sharon.

79. Linota linaria, Linn.

Common throughout the country.

80. Erythrospiza githaginea.

In the most desert portion of the rocky wilderness between
Bethlehem and Hebron.

81. Emberiza miliaria.

Common on all the cultivated plains.

82. Emberiza hortulana.

Generally distributed.

83. Emberiza c^sia.

One of the most common birds of the more fertile districts
of Palestine. Perched on the topmost bough of a shrub or
tree^ it continues its monotonous song throughout the day_, and
is to be seen on almost every bush. In its habits and actions it
is very different from its Algerian congener, Emberiza saharce,
which it so nearly resembles in form and plumage, avoiding
buildings, and not, as far as I am aware, perching on stones or
walls. Its nest is placed near the ground in a low bush.

84. Galerida cristata.

Excessively abundant both in the plains and on the bare
hills. It had reared its brood at the end of March in some
instances.

85. Calandrella brack yd actyla.

Common in the more barren districts.

86. Melanocorypha calandra.

In the Plain of Sharon.

87. Ammomanes isabellina.

Plentiful in the rocky deserts, especially near the Dead Sea.

88. Ammomanes ?

A smaller species, possibly the Amm. elegans of Brehm, with
the dark bar on the extremity of the tail ; but I was not able to
preserve my specimen for want of time. In the same locality
as the preceding.

on Birds observed in Southern Palestine.

35

89. CUCULUS CANORUS.

I have heard this bird in Palestine, but did not obtain nor
see it.

90. CoLUMBA GENAS.

Several shot in woods near Jericho.

91. CoLUMBA LIVIA.

In great numbers where there are rocks and water.

92. Turtur auritus.

Resorts to the orange-groves round Jaffa.

93. Turtur ^egyptiacus.

One shot near Jericho, where the Arabs state it is common.

94. CoLUMBA ?

I saw several of a pigeon new to me near Jericho — decidedly
smaller than the Stock Dove ; but I was unsuccessful in my
endeavours to obtain a specimen.

95. Pterocles ?

The only Sand-grouse I met with were a small flock to the
west of the Dead Sea. They were neither Pt, arenarius nor
Pt. setarius, and seemed to me to be Pt. eocustus.

96. Caccabis saxatilis.

The Partridge of the country. The Prancolin, which is stated
to inhabit Palestine, did not come under my observation. I
cannot help thinking that there are two distinct races of Cacc.
saxatilis, neither of them agreeing exactly with the bird T have
procured in Greece and in Crete. The specimens I obtained in
the cultivated districts are much lighter in colour than the Greek
specimens. The black collar is narrower, and the throat sandy
white instead of rufous. At the same time they are at least
one-third heavier, and at table rival the pheasant in size. They
are of a flavour far superior to the French red-legged or Barbary
birds. In the mountains I procured others very much smaller
than my Greek specimens, but of plumage more like them in
hue. The eggs of a nest of this variety, which I took while in
the mountains, eleven in number, are scarcely as large as those
of Perdix petrosa.

D 2

36

Rev. H. B. Tristram^s Notes

97. Caccabis heyii (Temm.).

Of this rare bird, perhaps one of the most elegant of its
group, I was fortunate enough to obtain a fine specimen. Riding
on a barren hill near the Dead Sea, we observed a pair of birds
scarcely larger than a quail running on the steep side with the
swiftness of a dog. After a long chase, and forcing them ^ith
great difficulty to take wing, one of my companions, Mr.
Musters, succeeded in shooting the male bird, which he kindly
presented to me. We afterwards saw another pair near Mar Saba.
The whole plumage, with the orange bill and lemon-coloured
tarsi, is a singular blending of the characteristics of the types
of Caccabis and Perdix,

98. COTURNIX DACTYLISONANS.

Extremely abundant wherever there is cultivation in the
plains.

99. Otis tarda.

I am told that this bird is sometimes brought into the market
at Jaffa from the Plain of Sharon.

100. Otis tetrax.

Not uncommon in the corn-fields on the plains.

101. (Edicnemus crepitans.

Abundant in the plains.

102. Hoplopterus spinosus.

A pair observed on the banks of the Jordan.

103. Grus cinerea.

Saw a flock near Lydda, apparently on their migration,
bird is well known to the inhabitants,

10k CiCONIA ALBA.

Several seen not far to the north of Jerusalem.

105. CiCONIA NIGRA.

I met with a flock of about two hundred Black Storks, appa-
rently searching for food in the barren salt plain close to the
north-west corner of the Dead Sea. They were too wary to
allow me to approach within shot, but did not fiy far when dis-
turbed. As well as 1 could discover, they were feeding on the

on Birds observed in Southern Palestine. 37

small snails which cluster on the twigs of the Salsola in that
arid region.

106. Ardea cinerea.

On the banks of the Jordan.

107. Egretta alba.

Marshes near Jaffa.

108. Egretta garzetta.

In the same marshes in considerable numbers.

109. Buphus russatus, Wagl.

Very abundant in the moist meadows round Jaffa.

110. Buphus comatus (Pallas).

In the same locality as the last.

111. Ardeola minuta (Linn.).

I flushed one, which I did not obtain, near the mouth of the
Jordan.

112 NuMENIUS TENUIROSTRIS ?

Some Curlews which I saw near Kirjath-jearim I take to
have been of this species.

113. Rhynchaspis clypeata.

The only duck I met with in Palestine was a solitary male
Shoveller flying up the course of the Jordan.

114 Pelecanus crispus.

An immense flock of this Pelican passed us, swimming out to
sea, when within sight of Mount Carmel.

115. Sterna leucoptera.

One specimen, apparently a straggler, at Jaffa.

116. Sterna caspia.

Several of these splendid Terns were fishing close to the shore
at J affa.

117. Xema melanocephalum.

Abundant at Jaffa.

118. Larus puscus.

In the same locality, very abundant.

38

Rev. H. B. Tristram^s Notes

119. Larus argentatus.

Common along the coast.

Several other Gulls were also observed, but not obtained, as
we lay at anchor, and in Caiffa Bay probably the whole of the
south-eastern species might he collected. Larus audouinii and
Sterna affinis were among those we recognized, but could not
secure.

Note to Mr. Trisirands Paper on the Birds of Palestine.

We are acquainted with only two authorities of any import-
ance on the Birds of the Holy Land ; fii-st, Hemprich and
Ehrenberg^s ^ Symbolse Physicse ^ (Berlin, 1820-25); and se-
condly, a paper of Prince Bonaparte in the ' Comptes Rendus^
(vol. xlii. p. 764). The following extract, which contains all
that relates to Syrian ornithology in the former work, it has
been thought advisable to reprint, as the book is very scarce,
and difficult of access : —

In Syri^ xxx. species observavimus, Europseas xx., Asiaticas x.
Inter genera unicum Asiaticum est. Nomina nunc brevi
enumerare lubet.

1. Ixos XANTHOPYGOS, Nob.

(Statura et colore Ixo capensi et I. arsinoce simillima, hoc
paullo major, cauda longiore, crisso et tectricibus inferi-
oribus Isete flavis : rostro validiore, magis curvato. Capite
atro a capensi diversus. Marem foeminam et pullos novimus.
Specimina xix. In Arabia frequens, in Africa nunquam
visus.)

2. TuRDUS SAXATILIS.

3. Turdus merula, var. syriaca.

(Ab Europsea dilfert rostro digitisque validioribus, cauda lon-
giore. Remigum iv‘"® longissimus. — Rostrum album. Spe-
cimen unicum habuimus.)

4. CiNCLUs AQUATicus, var. rufiventris et albiventris.

5. Saxicola eurymel^na. Nob.

(Specimina ix. adsunt, Syriaca omnia. Collare, tergaeum et
vertex cum pectore et abdomine et basis caudae alba. Vertex
cinereo aspersus. Cervix et pectus dilute isabellina. Caudae
§ apicc nigrae. Alae, gula et frontis margo nigra. Eoemina

on Birds observed in Southern Palestine.

39

fusca, gutture nigricante, prope mentum fusco asperso,
macula parotica rufescenti-fusca, macula pone oculos alba.

A S. stapasind Europsea facile distinguitur guise nigritudine
latiore. A Saxicold deserti Arabica et Africana collar! albo
statim discernitur. A S. xanthomelcend Africana et Arabica
rostro paullb longiore, cauda latiiis nigra, alis non marginatis
et colore albo, nec flavicante, differt.)

6. Saxicola rubicola.

7. Saxicola amphileuca. Nob.

(Statura et colore S. auritce valde affinis, fronte gulaque albis.
Specimina xii. adsunt, Syriaca omnia. Rostrum, pedes et
cauda stapazince, sed gula alba, vertice tergoque non ferru-
gineis sed mere albis aut cinerascentibus. Unguis posterior
brevior, minus acutus. Ab auritd differt colore candidiore,
dorso et abdomine albis, vertice cinereo, pectore flavescente,
capite planiore, nigredine inter nares et oculos latiore.)

8. Saxicola libanotica. Nob.

(Statura et colore S. stapazina affinis. Specimina x. venat^
sumus, Syriaca omnia, mares, foeminas et pullos. Rostro
tarsisque longioribus et terg^o cserulescenti-cinereo ab
affinibus statim distinguitur. Tarsi valid!, pollicares :
rostrum a fronte superat, acutum, rectum. Tergum a
vertice inde cserulescenti-cinereum. Erons cum linea supra-
ocular! alba. Eascia nigra per oculos ducta. Alse cum
caudse apice nigrse. Subtus tota alba. Eoeminse alis fuscis
et fascia ocular! fusca differunt. Pulli fuscescentes, flavo
guttati, rostro tarsisque longis faciles discretu.)

9. Saxicola (enanthe.

10. Saxicola rostrata. Nob.

(Specimina vii. adsunt, eaque in iEgypto superiore, Arabia Sep-
tentrional! et Syria occisa sunt. Statura et colore S.
cenanthce, sed rostro 6'" ad 7"' longo, basi latiore, apice
tenuiore differt. Senilis cinerea ; sed in quatuor specimi-
nibus junioribus, ptilosi oenanthoe autumnal! indutis et late
flavo marginatis remigibus pictis, longissima rostra vidimus.
(Enanthm rostrum 5'" ad 6'" Ion gum. An cenanthm, cujus
1. specimina attuli, memorabilis varietas est ?)

11. Sylvia phcenicurus.

12. Sylvia semirufa. Nob.

(Duodecim specimina congessimus, jEgyptiacum unum, reliqua
omnia in monte Libano Syrise. Mares adultos iii., adoles-

40

Notes on Birds observed in Southern Palestine.

centem distinctum i._, reliqaos adolescentes sexu dubios ha-
buimus, fosminas suspicabamur eas^ quibus color juvenilis,
sed alse non limbatse sunt. Statura tit(B ejusque stetbisei
colore atro in adultis, sed abdomen phoenicuriy saturatius
ferrugineum. Abdomine et axillis cinnamomeis et rostro
longiore a titd differt, phcenicuro remigum secundo bre-
viore, pectore totoque stetbiseo atro et ungue rectiore
recedit. Mas adultus in capite cinerascit. Rostrum o"' ad
5^''' longum.)

13. CuRRUCA GALACTODES, var. syriaca.

(Statura ASgyptiaca paullo minor, pedibus gracilioribus, digito
posteriore breviore, tarsis sequalibus, rostro breviore de-
pressiore, rectricibus mediis nigrieantibus. Colori ^gypti-
acse et Europsege reliquis notis convenit.)

14. CuRRUCA PHRAGMITIS.

15. CuRRUCA LANGUIDA, Nob.

(Statura et habitu Currucce pallidcB nostrse, et arundinacece
Auctorum valde affinis, magis cinerascens. Cauda paullo
niagis gradata, solis ii. extimis pennis apice et margine albis.
Rostrum basi minus depressum, carina altiore, bine a latere
validius apparet. Supra unicolor, obscure fuscenti-cinerea,
subtus alba, braccis fuscentibus. Linea supra-ocularis pal-
lida obsoleta. Unicum specimen Syriacum, tanquam e
Currued garruld et pallidd bybridum.)

16. CuRRUCA GARRULA.

17. CuRRUCA CINEREA.

18. CuRRUCA VIRIDULA, Nob.

(Specimina vi. Habitus et color S. trochili, sed statura paullulum
major et alse longiores. Remigum ratio ut apud trochilum.
Alse 2" 6'" ad 2'' 7^" longse, nec 2" 3'" ad 2" 41”. Alise
subtus flavent, alise albent j nonnullse supra cinerascunt.)

19. CuRRUCA TROCHILUS.

20. CuRRUCA CISTICOLA.

21. CuRRUCA GRACILIS. {Sylvia gracilis, Licbt.)

22. CuRRUCA ORPHEA, var. Helena, Nob.

(Statura C. orphece Europsese inferior, rostro longiore, minus con-
vexo. Long. 5" 9^'', myxi long. 2|'" sequat. Colore Euro-
psearn sequat. Specimina iii. adsunt, Syriacum i. capite
nigro, Arabica ii. capite cinereo.)

41

Ornithological Reminiscences of Egypt,

23. CURRUCA ATRICAPILLA.

24. CuRRUCA momus^N. [Sylvia melanocephala^ while jlAchi.)
(Specimina iv. Habitus et color Currucce melanocephalce. Ros-

tro, tarsis totoque corpore minor qu^m melanocephalay remi-
gum 2^^® septimo longior, qui eo brevior in melanocephald
est. Tarsus 8^"^ Cauda gradata.)

25. Laniijs minor.

26. Lanius rufuSj var.

27. Muscicapa grisola.

28. Motacilla alba.

29. Budytes boarulus.

30. Anthus campestris.^^

The species mentioned by Prince Bonaparte as from Palestine
in his article in the ‘ Comptes Rendus ^ are — (1) Cinnyris osea,
Bp. (2) Crateropus chalyheus, Bp. (3) Ixos vallomhroscBj Bp.
(evidently the same as Ehrenberg^s xanthopygius). (4) Saxicola
erythrcea, H. et E. (5) Cercomela asthenia. Bp. (6) Ammoperdix
heyii (Temm.). (7) Gavia hrunneiceps, Bp. (8) Ceryle rudis.
They were collected by the Due de Vallombrosa.

We quite agree with Mr. Tristram in calling the attention of
the many travellers who visit the Holy Land every year, to the
very inaccurate knowledge we as yet possess of its fauna, and
to the many interesting species which they may obtain there j
such as, among the birds, Cinnyris osea, Ixos xanthopygius,
Amydrus tristramii, &c., which are quite unknown in European
collections. — (Ed.)

III. — Ornithological Reminiscences of Egypt.

By E. Cavendish Taylor, M.A., E.Z.S.

The following birds (with two or three exceptions) were shot
by myself and three friends, in Egypt, between Alexandria and
the first Cataract of the Nile, during the months of November
and December 1853, and January 1854. In the very few
instances where the bird was not actually obtained, it was seen
by myself so plainly as to leave no doubt on my mind as to its

43

Mr. E. C. Taylor^s Ornithological

identity. It will be seen from the list, that, although many of
the species obtained by us are not as yet known to visit any part
of Europe, still, with two exceptions, they belong to genera which
have some representative in European ornithology. I found
Egypt a country very rich in birds, especially abounding in
Raptores and Grallatores. It seems to be a favourite winter
residence for many of the migratory birds, especially the larger
Grallatores, which at other seasons visit various parts of Europe.
It is, however, perfectly obvious, that, confining the term of om*
visit, as we did, to three months, and the area of our investi-
gations to the immediate vicinity of the Nile, we can have seen
but a very small proportion of the species which visit the country
during the course of the year.

KAPTORES.

I. Gyps FULvus. Griffon Vulture.

This species I observed generally distributed throughout the
country, but nowhere very abundant. It seemed to avoid the
towns, and was rather shy and wary.

3. Neophron percnopterus. Egyptian Vultime.

Very abundant all through the country, especially frequenting
the towns and villages. When wounded it made no attempt to
defend itself with its beak or claws, but contented itself wdth
vomiting the contents of its stomach, — a bad habit, to which, as
far as my experience goes, the preceding species is not addicted.
I find the Egyptian Vulture almost universally figured and
described as having yellow legs and feet, and by Mr. Gould in
his ^ Birds of Europe^ it is figured with yellow legs and hazel
irides. Now I beg to observe, that, in the very numerous speci-
mens which came under my notice, recently killed, and in every
stage of transition from brown to the pure white of the adult
plumage, the legs and feet were invariably pale flesh-colour,
very slightly tinged with brown in the immature birds, but
always without the least tint of yellow. The irides are deep red,

3, Aquila imperialis. Imperial Eagle.

Gould’s Birds of Europe, vol. i. pi. 5.

This magnificent bird seems rare in Egypt. 'We only pro-

43

Reminiscences of Egypt.

cured one specimen, which I shot near Siout in Upper Egypt,
and I am not aware that any of our party saw it on any other
occasion.

4. Aquila NtEvia. Spotted Eagle.

Gould^s Birds of Europe, vol. i. pi. 8.

Generally distributed, and rather abundant. We procured
specimens in the plumage of the first year, as it is figured in the
second edition of Mr. YarrelFs ^British Birds^; in that of the
second or third year, as it is figured by Mr. Gould ; and also in
the uniform dark brown plumage of more advanced age, in whieh
state it is a mueh less handsome and striking-looking bird than
it appears in Mr. Gould^s admirable figure.

5. Aquila pennata. Booted Eagle.

Gould^s Birds of Europe, vol. i. pi. 9.

Seems rare. We procured only one specimen, which was shot
near Siout. Irides orange-colour.

6. Pandion haliaetus. Osprey.

Generally distributed, and frequently seen, but rather shy
and wary.

7. Buteo rufinus. Long-legged Buzzard.

Ruppell, Atlas, pi. 27.

I did not see this bird below Cairo; but above, I found it
everywhere pretty abundant. RiippelPs plate, to which I refer,
is the only figure of this speeies that I have seen, except that
given in Mr. Breeds work on European birds, now in course of
publieation. In all the specimens that came under my notice
the tail was light cinnamon-red, and not grey, as is represented
by Buppell. This species is about the largest of the genus
Buteo, the specimens we proeured varying from 23 to 25 inches
in length. One that I skinned had its stomach filled with small
frogs. Irides yellowish brown.

8. Falco lanarius. Banner Falcon.

GouWs Birds of Europe, vol. i. pi. 20.

A specimen of this splendid Falcon was shot by one of our
party near Girgeh in Upper Egypt, while it was being pursued
by an eagle {Aquila ncevia). It was an adult female, measuring

44

Mr. E. C. Taylor^s Ormthological

fully 21 inches in length. As far as I know, this is the only
occasion on which this bird was seen by any of our party.
This species, which is labelled Falco lanarius both in the British
and the Paris museums, and is described as Falco sacer by Prince
Charles Lucien Bonaparte in his ^ Conspectus Generum Avium,^
is probably the “Saker^^ of falconry. Under that name it is
figured by Mr. Bree. There was a fine specimen of it alive in
the gardens of the Zoological Society of London during the last
spring and summer, labeled Falco lanarius. The specimen we
procured in Egypt had the legs and feet pale yellow ; the top of
the head yellowish white, with a brown streak along the centre
of each feather ; the whole upper surface of the body and wings
(as I believe is always the case in this species) brown, without
any tinge of blue. Under surface white, with large and nume-
rous brown spots.

9. Falco biarmicus, Temm. Double-bearded Falcon.

Falco cervicalisy Licht.

This species is by far the most abundant of the large Falcons
in Egypt. It fully equals Falco peregrinus in size, the specimens
we killed varying from 17^ to 19 inches in length according to
sex and age. This bird is labeled in the British Museum Falco
cervialis, a name of which I do not understand the meaning.
Biarmicus and cervicalis are not bad specific names for it, as the
double moustache and rufous cervix are its most striking cha-
racteristics. This species is by some considered to be the true
Banner of falconry. I have never seen a good figure of it. It
ditfers conspicuously from the preceding species in having the
top of the head and nape of the neck bright rufous ; a double
moustache; and the whole upper surface of body and wings bluish
grey, each feather edged with buff. It is also much smaller,
and has the under surface of the body cream-colour, with small
roundish black spots. The legs and feet are of a bright yellow.

10. Falco peregrinus. Peregrine Falcon.

By no means abundant. I saw it two or three times, and
shot one specimen.

11. Falco ^salon. Merlin.

Tolerably abundant. I noticed rather a strange numerical

45

Reminiscences of Egypt.

disproportion in the sexes. Of the six or seven specimens killed^
all but one were adult males. Of those I saw, but did not
shoot, all were males.

12. Ealco tinnunculus. Kestrel.

Excessively abundant, and singularly tame and familiar. I
have approached as near as ten yards to one on the ground,
engaged in regaling itself on a lizard, or mouse, before it took
the least notice of my intrusion.

13. Accipiter nisits. Sparrow Hawk.

Not uncommon, but rather local ; principally frequenting the
groves of gum -acacia.

14. Milvus ^gyptius. Arabian Kite.

The most abundant of any bird of prey in Egypt ; especially
frequenting the towns and villages, where they did not appear
at all to molest the pigeons or poultry. These birds used to
follow our boat in flocks, picking up anything we threw over-
board into the river like sea-gulls. They seemed to live prin-
cipally on small lizards, and to be very harmless and inoffensive.
This species is not included in Mr. Gould^s work on European
birds ; but as it is so very abundant in Egypt, and not less so
about xilexandria than further south, I feel little doubt but that
it may occasionlly be met with in the south-eastern portions of
Europe. The tail in this species is only slightly forked ; the
beak is pale straw-colour ; the irides are brown — characteristics
which at once distinguish it from Milvus ater of Europe, which
has the beak black and the irides yellow. Legs very short.
Feet small and weak.

15. Elanus melanopterus. Black-winged Kite.

Gould^s Birds of Europe j vol. i. pi. 31.

Abundant all through the country. In the months of No-
vember and December I generally saw single birds ; but by the
middle of January they were almost always to be seen in pairs.
The food of this species seems to be chiefly small lizards and
large insects. The feet and toes are yellow, and more fleshy than
is usual in the Baptores. Irides of the most brilliant orange-
red. I once saw this species in the Campagna, near Borne,
which is, 1 believe, further north than it usually ranges.

46

Mr. E. C. Taylor^s Ornithological

16. Circus rufus. Marsli Harrier.

Generally distributed, and rather abundant. All the nume-
rous specimens that came under my notice in Egypt were in what
is considered to be the plumage of the first or second year.

17. Circus cyaneus. Hen Harrier.

Rather less abundant than the last species.

18. Circus cineraceus. Montagues Harrier.

Occasionally killed, but less abundant than either of the pre-
ceding species.

19. Circus pallidus. Pallid Harrier.

Gould’s Birds of Europe, vol. i. pi. 34.

We procured one adult male specimen, which differs from
Circus cyaneus in being paler in colour, and in having the upper
tail-coverts broadly barred with grey.

20. Bubo ascalaphus. Egyptian Horned-Owl.

Gould’s Birds of Europe, vol. i. pi. 38.

The vicinity of Minieh is the only part of the country where
I saw this bird ; there, however, we killed three or four speci-
mens in the space of two days. On one occasion its presence
was betrayed to me by the noise made by some hooded crows,
who were persecuting it as it sat in a palm-tree. The irides
are of a brilliant orange-yellow. Length 18 to 19 inches.

21. Strix flammea. White Owl.

Occasionally seen, and once shot.

22. Athene meridionalis.

Abundant all through the country, and very tame and fear-
less. I have seen it both in Alexandria and Cairo, in the
middle of the town. This species differs from Noctua nudipes
(Gould^s Birds of Europe, vol. i. pi. 48) in being paler in colour
and somewhat smaller in size. Irides pale golden yellow.

INSESSORES.

23. Caprimulgus isabellinus. Isabella Goatsucker.

By no means rare ; but it does not often show itself before
twilight.

47

Reminiscences of Egypt.

24. Cypselus apus. Common Swift.

Tolerably abundant,

25. Hirundo rustica. Common Swallow.

I found this bird abundant in and around Alexandria and

Cairo on my arrival in Egypt about the middle of November.
I do not recollect whether I saw it on my return to Lower
Egypt at the end of January,

26. Hirundo rupestris. Crag Swallow.

Gould’s Birds of Europe ^ vol. ii. pL 56.

The most abundant of the Hirundines above Cairo. I found
a nest of this species, on the 25th of January, in the grottoes
of Beni-Hassan, containing two eggs nearly ready to hatch.
Both nest and eggs much resembled those of the Common
Swallow.

27. Merops viridis, Egyptian Bee-eater.

Very abundant, and generally seen in small flocks. This
species is not more than half the size of Merops apiaster.
Irides red,

28. Alcedo ispida. Common Kingfisher.

I saw this bird once only, near Atfeh, the place where the
Mahmoudeeh Canal joins the Nile.

29. Alcedo rudis. Black and White Kingfisher.

Gould’s Birds of Europe^ vol. ii. pi. 62.

Abundant all the way from Alexandria to the first Cataract,
and very tame and familiar. The food of this species seems to
be entirely fish ; I have often watched it hovering over a shallow
pool of water, and every now and then darting down, and catch-
ing fishes sometimes as much as three or four inches in length.
This bird breeds in holes in the banks of the Nile. Its irides
are dark brown. Legs and feet black.

30. Lanius excubitor. Grey Shrike.

Occasionally shot, but not by any means abundant.

31. Petrocincla cyanea. Blue Bock-Thrush.

Gould’s Birds of Europe, vol. ii. pi. 87.

We only procured one specimen of this bird in Egypt. It
is one of the commonest species of birds in Italy. I have

48

Mr. E. C. Taylor’s Ornithological

noticed it peculiarly abundant about Susa, and in a less degree
so in the neighbourhood of Eome. In the south of Italy, and
in Sicily, I have often seen it kept as a cage-bird.

32. Saxicola cachinnans. Black Wheatear.

GouMs Birds of Europe^ vol. ii. pi. 88.

I did not notice this species below Assouan (the first Cata-
ract) ; there, however, it was abundant.

33. Saxicola luge ns, Lieht.

S. leucomela, Temm. PI. Col.

The most abundant of all the Saocicolce on the Nile.

34. Saxicola stapazina. Russet Wheatear.

Gould^s Birds of Europe, vol. ii. pi. 91.

Frequently seen and killed. I have no doubt but that many
other speeies of Saxicolce may be found in Egypt ; but as they
chiefly frequent the desert, and we seldom strayed more than
two or three miles from the banks of the Nile, we only saw the
hree species I have enumerated.

35. Motacilla alba. White Wagtail.

Excessively common all through the country.

36. Motacilla lugubris. White-winged M^agtail.

Gould’s Birds of Europe, vol. ii. pi. 142.

I found this species rather rare.

37. Motacilla neglecta. Grey-headed M^agtail.

Gould’s Birds of Europe, vol. ii. pi. 146.

Only occasionally seen.

38. Alauda cristata. Crested Lark.

Excessively abundant. This bird, and Motacilla alba, are the
most abundant of all the small birds in Egypt.

39. Passer salicicola, Yieill. Spanish Sparrow.

Passer hispaniolensis, Gould^sB. of Europe, vol. iii.pl. 185.

Abundant ; frequenting the open country in large flocks, and
roosting in trees.

40. Passer cisalpinus. Cisalpine Sparrow.

Gould’s Birds of Europe, vol. hi. pi. 185.

Abundant ; associating with the preceding species.

Reminiscences of Egypt. 49

41. Erythrospiza githagtnea. Vinous Grosbeak.

Gould^s Birds of Europe, vol. iii. pi. 208.

Tolerably abundant; frequenting the open country, and the
borders of the desert, in small flocks. I never saw this bird
settle on trees, but always on the ground. Bill bright red.
Legs and feet pale brown.

42. Sturnus vulgaris. Common Starling.

This bird was seen and shot on one occasion only, in Lower
Egypt, near Cairo.

43. CoRvus CORAX. Baven.

Occasionally seen, but not abundant.

44. CoRvus coRNix. Hooded Crow.

Excessively abundant, and very bold and fearless.

45. Upupa epops. Hoopoe.

One of the commonest birds in Egypt, especially abounding
in the vicinity of the towns and villages. In the month of
January I used to notice these birds entering the holes in the
crude brick walls ; I frequently dug them out, but never found
any eggs. We found the Hoopoe a very good bird to eat. I
have occasionally seen it in various parts of France and Italy ;
but the only place in Europe where I have found it at all abun-
dant is the neighbourhood of Catania in Sicily.

46. Centropus senegalensis. Straight-heeled Coucal.

Only one specimen obtained, which I shot near Atfeh. This

species was not seen by us on any other occasion. Irides red.
Legs and feet greenish grey. No species of the genus Centropus
is included in European ornithology.

47. CucuLUS GLANDARius. Great Spotted Cuckoo.

Frequently seen and shot, but not very abundant.

RASORES.

48. CoLUMBA schimperi. Schimper^s Pigeon. ’

Bp. Consp. vol. ii. p. 48.

Excessively abundant all through the country in a semi-
domesticated state ; inhabiting the dove-cotes, which are the

VOL. I. E

50

Mr. E. C. Taylor^s Ornithological

most conspicuous public edifices of the Egyptian villages, and
frequenting the open country in large flocks — so large, indeed ^
that with three guns we have killed as many as 100 head in
about two hours. I have often seen these birds, when they come
down to the Nile to drink, actually settle, and sit on the water
like sea-gulls, which struck me as rather an abnormal practice for
pigeons. This species differs from Columba livia in having the
lower part of the back and rump of a darker shade of grey
than the wings, instead of white as in that species. Bill black.
Irides orange. It never perches on trees.

49. Turtur senegalensis, Linn. Cambaian Turtle.

Turtur cegyptiacus, Temm.

Very abundant throughout the country, especially frequenting
the groves of gum-acacia. We found this bird exceedingly good
to eat.

50. Pterocles exustus, Temm. Singed Sand Grouse.

Abundant on the borders of the desert, in small flocks. Rather

wild, and difiicult to shoot. This bird is very good eating.

51. Pterocles senegalensis, Latham. Senegal Sand-

Grouse.

Occasionally killed, but by far less abundant than the pre-
ceding species. In both species there is a very marked differ-
ence in plumage between the sexes.

52. CoTURNix VULGARIS. Common Quail.

Abundant ; especially frequenting the young wheat. Of the
five Rasorial birds killed by us in Egypt, this is the only one
which is included by Mr. Gould in his ^ Birds of Europe.^

GRALLATORES.

53. Grus cinerea. Common Crane.

Rather rare, and very wary and difficult of approach.

54. Ardea cinerea. Common Heron.

Tolerably abundant.

55. Ardea russata. Buff-backed Heron.

Ardea huhulcus, Savigny.

Excessively numerous all through the countrjq and very tame

Reminiscences of Egypt, 5 1

and familiar. It does not frequent water, or marshy ground,
like most of its congeners, but especially affects the society of
cattle; I have often seen it standing on the backs of buffaloes
and cows. From this propensity to fraternise with cattle it is
called ^ Cow Bird ^ by the English. I never saw an example of
this bird with the elongated buffy plumes on the back, which
are considered to be characteristic of the species. All that I
saw had the entire plumage pure white, except the crown of the
head, which was buff. I conclude from this that the elongated
dorsal plumes are peculiar to the breeding season, as I cannot
believe that the very numerous specimens which came under my
notice were all in immature plumage. Bill and irides yellow.
Legs and feet blackish grey. This bird does duty on the Nile
as the IhiSf being generally pointed out to travellers by dra-
gomans, &c., as the real Ibis religiosa. For the Ibis, I should
say, is now a rare bird in Egypt ; at any rate, none of our party
saw it, and I have been assured that the only part of the country
where it is now regularly seen, is the neighbourhood of Lake
Menzaleh, near the Damietta mouth of the Nile.

56. Nycticorax EUROPiEus. Night Heron.

Rather local; living in flocks, and seems always to resort
during the day to the same grove of palm-trees, to which, on
being disturbed, they would return after a short flight. I have
noticed this species as not unfrequent in the vicinity of Catania
in Sicily.

57. CicoNiA ALBA. White Stork.

Common, but rather wild.

58. CicoNiA NIGRA. Black Stork.

Frequently seen, but less abundant than the former species.

59. Platalea leucorodia. Spoonbill.

Abundant ; but very wild, and difficult to shoot.

60. (Edicnemus crepitans. Common Thick-knee.

Tolerably abundant. We found these birds particularly good

to eat.

61. Hoplopterus spinosus. Spur-winged Plover,

Gould/ s Birds of Europe, vol. iv. pi. 293.

About the commonest bird in the country, and very noisy

E 2

52 Mr. E. C. Taylor^s Ornithological

and tame. Irides dark red. We used to eat both this and the
next species of Plover^ but both were rather drj" and insipid.

62. Pluviantjs ^gypttus, Linn. Black-headed Plover.

I did not see this very pretty species below Cairo^ but above
I found it everywhere numerous. Irides dark brown. Legs
and feet pale blue. Toes three in number. This bird enjoys
the credit of being the Trochilos of Herodotus^ which he men-
tions as living on such terms of intimacy with the Crocodile.
The account which that veracious historian gives of the entente
cordiale between these apparently ill-assorted allies is as fol-
lows: — ‘^As the Crocodile lives chiefly in the river, it has the
inside of its mouth constantly covered with leeches ; hence it
happens that while all other birds and beasts avoid it, with the
Trochilos it lives at peace, since it owes much to that bird : for
the Crocodile, when he leaves the water and comes out upon
the land, is in the habit of lying with his mouth wide open,
facing the western breeze : at such times the Trochilos goes into
his mouth and devours the leeches. This benefits the Croco-
dile, who is pleased, and takes care not to hurt the Trochilos.^^
Herodotus, Book ii., end of chap. 68. As a matter of fact, I
seldom saw a crocodile on land without seeing a Pluvianus
cegyptius near him.

63. Charadrius minor. Little Ringed Plover.

Occasionally seen, and shot.

64 Vanellus crtstatus. Lapwing.

We once fell in with a small flock of these birds, and shot
some of them.

65. Vanellus leucurus (Licht.). White-tailed Plover.

Vanellus Villotcei, Savigny^s Descr. de PEg. pi. 6. fig. 2.

This is, perhaps, the rarest species of bird we procured in
Egypt. There is one footless specimen only in the British
Museum, which is not named; and in the Paris Museum, at the
Jardin des Plantes, I could not find it at all. Savigny says that
it is found only in Egypt. The only part of the country where I
saw it was on an extensive tract of wet, marshy ground about
four or five miles S.W. of Thebes, on the left bank of the river.
There, however, it was abundant, and we shot several. Length

53

Reminiscences of Egypt,

11 inches. Bill black. Irides red. Legs and feet very bright
yellow. Legs long. Toes four in number. Head and neck
brownish grey: back brown, glossed with purple: throat whitish:
breast bluish grey : belly buff : thighs, vent, upper and under
tail-coverts, tail-feathers and wing-coverts pure white. Primaries
black.

66. Numenius arquata. Common Curlew.

Occasionally shot, but by no means common.

67. Himantopus melanopterus. Black-winged Stilt.

I saw this bird on one occasion only, on some marshy ground
near Benisouef, where there were several flying about, one of
which was shot.

68. Totanus ochropus. Green Sandpiper.

Abundant, and generally distributed.

69. Totanus hypoleucus. Common Sandpiper.

Not quite so numerous as the preceding species.

70. Totanus stagnatilis. Marsh Sandpiper.

Gould^s Birds of Europe ^ vol. iv. pi. 314.

We procured one specimen only of this rare species, which
was shot on some marshy ground near Denderah.

71. Totanus glottis. Greenshank.

Occasionally killed, but rather rare.

72. Tringa temminckii. TemmincFs Stint.

Occasionally killed in Upper Egypt, but by no means nu-
merous.

73. ScoLOPAX GALLiNAGO. Commou Snipe.

Tolerably abundant in marshy ground.

74. ScoLOPAx GALLiNULA. Jack Snipe.

Almost as numerous as the preceding species, and frequenting
the same localities.

75. Bhynch^a bengalensts (Gm.). Short-winged Painted

Snipe.

The only time we fell in with this bird was on some wet
ground near Keneh, where we killed six, two of which I skinned,

54 Ornithological Reminiscences of Egypt.

and the rest we ate, and found rather nasty. Bill reddish brown.
Legs and feet greenish grey. I believe that no species of
Rhynchcea has yet been included in the list of European birds.

NATATOEES.

76. Anser albifrons. White-fronted Goose.

Abundant ; generally in flocks.

77. Anser iEGYPTiACUs. Egyptian Goose.

Numerous; frequently seen in pairs.

78. Tadorna RtJTiLA. Euddy Sheldrake.

We shot this species between Cairo and Sahara. I did not
notice it on any other occasion.

79. Anas clypeata. Shoveller Duck.

Occasionally shot.

80. Anas boschas. Common Wild-Duck.

Abundant.

81. Anas acuta. Pintail Duck.

By no means rare.

82. Anas crecca. Teal.

Tolerably numerous.

83. Pelecanus onocrotalus. Common Pelican.

This magnificent bird is tolerably numerous, and generally
distributed. It is usually to be seen standing on sand-banks
in the bed of the river, and is a characteristic feature of Nile
scenery.

84. Carbo cormoranus. Common Cormorant.

Abundant, roosting in the cliff’s overhanging the river.

85. Sterna anglica. Gull-billed Tern.

We procured a specimen of this bird on some marshy ground
between Cairo and Sahara, where there were several flying about.

86. Xema ?

We shot a small Gull belonging to the division of the genus
which has the head dark-coloured in summer ; as the specimen

Methods of preparing Natural Skeletons of Birds. 55

in question was in immature winter plumage^ I could not deter-
mine the species.

87. Larus audouinii^ Temm. Andouin^s Gull.

Gould* s Birds of Europe, vol. v. pi. 438.

On two or three occasions, at a considerable distance above
Cairo, I noticed a large Gull with a bright red bill, which I be-
lieve to have been Larus audouinii. I never succeeded in pro-
curing a specimen.

IV. — On the different Methods of preparing Natural Skeletons
of Birds. By T. C. Eyton, F.Z.S., &c.

I PROPOSE in this paper merely to state the different methods
which 1 have employed in preparing the natural skeletons in my
collection. Not that I entirely object to artificial skeletons; but
I prefer natural, particularly if purchased from dealers, as the
former are so very liable to be adulterated, if I may so apply the
word. I have now before me a beautifully mounted skeleton of
a Circus, purchased of a dealer, which has two left metatarsi.

Birds generally come into collectors^ hands either fresh with
the flesh on, or partially cleaned and without having been
macerated, or partially cleaned and having been also macerated.
In the first case, I always remove as much of the flesh as I con-
veniently can, and macerate the skeleton in water, which has a
small piece of the flesh, previously removed, placed in it, until
the flesh which remains on the bones becomes soft and easily
scraped off. After this T place the skeleton in clean water, and
change the water frequently until it ceases to become discoloured.
I then place the skeleton in a solution prepared in the following
way : — Make a saturated solution of common alum, and when
cool dilute it with an equal quantity of water, and add to it half
an ounce of common salt for every half-pound of alum. This
solution converts the ligaments into a species of leathery sub-
stance, and also destroys the colour of any blood that may have
penetrated the bones. The time that is required to effect this
varies according to the state and size of the skeleton. If it be
clear of blood, twenty-four hours will be sufficient ; but some-

56 Methods of 'preparing Natural Skeletons of Birds.

times larger birds, of a bad colour, must be kept in the solution
nearly a week. When the skeleton is removed from the solution
of alum, the ligaments will be found to have become much stiff-
ened, though not so much but that the skeleton can be easily
put into position. The next step is to wash the skeleton slightly
under a tap of water, if convenient, or if not, in a basin ; this
prevents the crystals of alum forming on the outside of the
bones when dry. It is now ready for mounting, and will be
easily brought into the position in which it is wished to be
arranged in the following way : — Having fixed the feet to a stand,
prepare a flat board, and upon it an upright square or rounded
piece of wood, with numerous holes drilled horizontally through
it at different distances, in which wire-pegs can be inserted, so as
to be moveable to different heights. Fasten the second vertebra
of the skeleton to the topmost peg with a thread, and other
parts of the skeleton to such wire-pegs as may be found con-
venient, according to the attitude necessary. When the skeleton
is dry, it will merely require to be varnished with mastic varnish,
and is then complete. It is generally better to remove the head,
for greater convenience in cleansing out the brain j this may be
easily fastened on again with a piece of wire.

The most difficult skeletons to clean are those which ha\'e
been dried with much flesh left on them, particularly when it
has remained on them for any length of time. It is sometimes
almost impossible to succeed in bringing the bones of such
skeletons to a good colour. In this case macerate the bones
first in plain water, and remove as much of the flesh as possible.
Then place the skeleton in a strong solution of carbonate of
potash, or even, if requisite, in a weaker one of caustic potash,
though this only for a very few hours. Remove any flesh that
could not previously be taken off, and then macerate it again in
water for about twenty-four hours. The treatment is afterwards
the same as in that of fresh skeletons. Those skeletons that
have been previously slightly macerated will be found to be
much more easily prepared than those that have not been dipped
in water at all before packing, as in the former case the re-
maining flesh does not become nearly so hard and impervious
to water.

Rev. H. B. Tristram on new species of African Birds, 57

If travellers who collect skeletons, after removing as much
flesh as possible from the subject, would merely macerate it for
an hour in water, it would save much labour and time in mount-
ing. It is also as well to leave the large wing- and tail-feathers,
and the skin of the scalp on the specimens, in order to assist in
identifying the species, where the skins are not transmitted also.

Again, if collectors in preparing skins would extract the brain
with a wire, instead of breaking up the whole of the back part
of the skull, many valuable contributions to the osteology of
Birds would be preserved, in the heads of their specimens.

V. — Characters of apparently new species of Birds collected in

the great Desert of the Sahara, southwards of Algeria and

Tunis, By the Rev. H. B. Tristram, F.L.S.

1. Certhtlauda salvini, Tristram.

Suprk pallide isabellina, superciliis indistinctis et corpore subtus
albis, pectore summo vix conspicue nigro guttato ; striga
rictali indistincte nigricante : alis nigricantibus, fasciis
duabus latis, altera ad basin secundariorum, altera terminal!,
albis : secundariis tribus externis dorso concoloribus ; pri-
mariis sex externis, nisi in parte basali, nigricantibus : cauda
nigra, rectricibus duabus extimis albo extiis marginatis, dua-
bus mediis dorso concoloribus : tectricibus alarum inferiori-
bus niveis : rostro pallide fusco : pedibus schistacescenti-
albis : long, tota 7*8, alse 4*5, caudse 3*1, tarsi 1*3.

5 mari similis.

Hab, in Sahara Algeriensi.

Ohs. Differt a Certhilaudd desertorum statura minore, fasciis
alarum albis latioribus, et secundariis multo minus elongatis.

2. Galerida macrorhyncha, Tristram.

Cristata : corpore suprh arenicolori-fusco, plumarum parte media
nigricante : primariis nigricanti-brunneis, cervino extiis
limbatis : cauda nigricante, cervino limbat^ : rectricum ex-
ternarum apicibus cervinis : subtus sordide alba, antice
rufescente tincta ; gula et pectore nigro striatis ; tectricibus
alarum inferioribus pallide cervinis; rostro fusco, mandibula
inferiore multo pallidiore ; pedibus pallide carneis : long,
tota 7*8, alse 4*5, caudse 2*8, rostri h rictu 1*0, tarsi 1*05.

Hah. in Saharse Algeriensis parte boreali.

Obs. Aflinis Galeridce cristatce, sed statura majore et rostrp
elongate, incurvo distinguenda.

58 Rev. H. B. Tristram on new species of African Birds.

3. Galerida arenicolAj Tristram.

Similis Galeridce abyssinicce Bp. quoad magnitudinem^ colore
autem Galeridce isabellince appropinquans, sed differt ab
utraque rostro elongate^ tenui, et paullum incm’vo : long,
tota 6*6, alse 4*1^ caudse 2*4, rostri arictu 0*9, tarsi 0*9.

Hab. in Sabarse Algeriensis regione arida.

4. Calandrella reboudia, Locbe, MS.

Similis Calandrellce br achy dacty Ice, sed rectricibus extimis albo,
neque fulvo, extiis limbatis; rostro fortiore et breviore et
colore omnino pallidiore et magis isabellino.

Hab. in Sahara Algeriensi.

5. Drymoica striaticeps, Tristram.

Supra fuscescenti-cinerea, uropygium versus paullum rufescens,
pileo nigro striolato : super ciliis indistincte albidis : linea
inter rictum et oculum angusta nigra ; alis obscurioribus
extus dorso concoloribus : cauda fusco-nigricante, rectricis
extimse pogonio exteriore omnino etproximse apice sordide
albis : subtus alba_, hypochondriis rufo tinctis : rostro et
pedibus pallide aurantiacis : iridibus pallide fuscis : long,
tota 4‘25, alse 2’75_, caudse 2'\, tarsi 0*75^ rostri a rictu 0*5.

Hab. in Saharse Algeriensis regione meridionali.

Obs. Forsan cum Maluro Sahara, Lochii^ nondum descripto,
co-sequalis.

6. Sylvia deserticola, Tristram.

Rufescenti-fusca, interscapulio et marginibus alarum nigrican-
tium latis castaneis : ciliis oculorum albis : subtus cinna-
momescenti-alba, lateraliter magis rufescens : cauda fusco-
nigra^ rectricis extimse pogonio externo et pogonii interni
parte apicali albis ; rectrice secunda albo vix terminata :
mandibula superiore pallide fusca, inferiore citrina ; pedi-
bus pallide citrinis : iridibus flavissimis : long, tota 4*50,
alse 2*1, caudse 2‘0^ tarsi •75_, rostri a rictu ’47.

2 omnino pallidior^ interscapulio dorso concolore, et corpore
subtus magis albo.

Hab. in Sabarse Algeriensis parte australi.

Obs. Affinissima Sylvice conspicillatce in vestitu byemalq sed
capite et dorso superiore rufescenti-fusco, uec cinereo, et
coiore corporis inferi distinguenda.

7. Saxicola philothamna, Tristram.

Sordide cinerea, fronte et superciliis albescentibus, dorso medio et
scapularibus cinerascenti-nigris : lateribus capitis et gutture
nigris, abdomine sordide albo : dorso postico cum caudse

Messrs. A. and E. Newton on the Birds of St. Croix. 59

basi ima et crisso cinnamomescenti-albis : alis fusco-nigri-
cantibus, tectricibus majoribus albido, remigibus cinnarno-
meo extus marginatis : rostro et pedibus nigro-fuscis : long,
tota 7*0, alse 3*6^ caudse 2*7^ tarsi 1-2, rostri k rictu *8.

2 supra cinnamomea, interscapulio obscuriore, uropygio dilu-
tiore, subtus sordide alba : alis caudaque nigricanti-fuscis,
illis cinnamomescenti-albo limbatis, hujus basi late cinna-
momea.

Hah. in Sahara Algeriensi, arbusta frequentans.

Obs. Forsan Hromolcea isahellina Lochii, sed cum Saxicold
isahellind Riippellii et Temminckii minime cosequalis.

8. Saxicola halophila, Tristram.

Supra cinnamomea, superciliis et dorso postico pure albis : late-
ribus capitis et alis nigricantibus ; his sordido albo anguste
marginatis : cauda alba, rectricum lateralium fascia lata
terminal! et duabus mediis fere omnino fusco-nigris : subtus
alba, gutture et pectore cinereo adumbratis : rostro et
pedibus nigris : long, tota 5*5, alse 3*5, caudse 2*4, tarsi
1*0, rostri k rictu 0'6.

2 mari similis, sed coloribus paullo dilutioribus, et lateribus
capitis prsecipue minus nigris.

Hah, in Sahara Algeriensi, loca salifera frequentans.

9. Saxicola homochroa, Tristram.

Pallide cinnamomea, subtus dilutior : cauda nigra : ventre uro-
pygio et crisso cum basi caudse albis : alis nigricanti-fuscis
sordido albo omnino limbatis : rostro et pedibus nigricanti-
fuscis : long, tota 5*5, alse 3*5, caudse 2’5, tarsi *95, rostri
a rictu 0*6.

Hab. in Sahara Tunitana.

VI. — Observations on the Birds of St. Croix ^ West Indies, made,
between February 20^A and August Qth 1857 by Alfred
Newton, and, between March Mh and September 2Sth 1858
by Edward Newton. (Part I.)

The Danish Island of Saint Croix, or, as it is often called, Santa
Cruz, lies between 64° 40' and 64° 59' longitude West of Creen-
wich, and in lat. 17° 45' North, about forty miles nearly due South
from St. Thomas, and eighty miles East by South of Porto Pico.
It is about twenty miles in its greatest length, which lies almost
due east and west, with a breadth varying from one to four

60

Messrs. A. and E. Newton^s Observations

miles. It was discovered by Columbus on his second voyage, in
1493 j and the name bestowed on it by the grand Admiral is
still the one most frequently used in conversation. It is supposed
to have been first settled by the English and Dutch about 1625,
and for the next five-and- twenty years was, like all the adjacent
islands, the scene of constant bloodshed. In 1650 the Spaniards
made a descent upon it from Porto Kico, and completely de-
stroyed the rising plantations, but in their turn were very shortly
afterwards expelled by the French, who proceeded to found a
colony there. The settlement proved to be very unhealthy : three
governors in succession and two-thirds of the colonists died the
first year ; and, as it was deemed, and no doubt rightly so, that
the insalubrity was caused by the dense and aged forests which
covered the island, the survivors determined to burn them down.
Accordingly, having set fire to them, they retreated to their
ships and witnessed the conflagration, only returning when the
fire had burnt itself out*. Since this, the island has had a high
reputation for healthiness.

That the simultaneous and sudden destruction by fire of all
the woods in an island like this would have a marked and lasting
effect upon its Fauna, no one can doubt ; and one of its results
may probably be traced in a fact ascertained by Herr Apothek
Riise of St. Thomas, that in St. Croix there occur the dead
shells of about a dozen species of terrestrial Mollusks, of which
he has never found a single example inhabited by the living
animal, though they are undoubtedly recent and not fossil
forms. It is difficult to account for the extinction of so many
species, , unless it may be presumed that the changes brought
about in the island by so great a fire, rendered it unsuitable for
their longer habitation. It is fair to suppose that the Birds were
affected, in at least some degree, like the Mollusks ; particularly
when we observe that, though St. Croix lies some way removed
from the chain of the neighbouring islands, no one species is to be
found there which is peculiar to it alone — the case with nearly
all the West Indian islands, whose ornithology has been inves-
tigated, being the reverse, — and further when we discover, that

* Abridged from ‘ An Historical Account of St. Thomas, W. I., with
notices of St. Croix and St. John’s.’ By John P. Knox. New York, 1852.

61

on the Birds of St. Croix.

there hardly occurs there a single representative of those genera
which are most typical of the birds of the Antilles as distin-
guished from those of either of the neighbouring continents.

The eastern end of St. Croix is comparatively barren^ as is
the windward side of most of the islands of the West Indian
archipelago ; and the plantations there have been mostly aban-
doned, the country being now overgrown with '^bush^^ of a
moderate height, consisting chiefly of the Casha [Acacia far-
nesiana, W.) with interspersed Cacti and Euphorhice. A chain
of low hills rises near the sea, which runs with scarcely any in-
terruption along the north side to the western end, attaining its
greatest elevation in what is called Blue Mountain (in humble
imitation, probably, of the lofty peak of that name in Jamaica).
Most of these hills are clothed with the same kind of bush as
the east end, with the exception of the Cacti. They slope
abruptly to the sea-shore on the north and north-west ; but be-
tween them and the south side lie those gently undulating plains
for the fertility of which the island is so justly celebrated. These
are, for the most part, highly cultivated, that part of the land
which is fit for growing the Sugar-cane being divided into regular
squares or parallelograms, separated from each other by narrow
strips called ranges,^^ just wide enough to allow of the passage
of a cart, which gives the country, when viewed from the hills,
the appearance of a vast chess-board. But here and there a tall
line of Cocoa-nut [Cocos nuciferayJj.), Mountain-cabbage [Areca
oleraceay Jacq.), or Thibet Trees [Acacia lebhehy W.) breaks the
horizon, while dotted about are the different works of the
sugar estates, with their long rows of buildings, boiling, curing,
and megass houses, the mule and cattle pens, and the lofty
engine-chimney or windmill, according to the motive power
employed. Shaded by towering palms and tamarinds, and
embowered amid thickets of oleanders and oranges, stand the
hospitable dwellings of the planters and managers, while hard
by, almost hidden in a verdant forest of bananas or plantains,
lie the more humble houses of the negro village. The southern
shore, fringed with the deadly Manchioneel [Hippomane manci-
nillay L.), is extremely fiat, and contains a large lagoon surrounded
by a dense grove of Mangroves [Rhizophora manglcy L.), under

62

Messrs. A. and E. Newton^s Observations

the arching root-branches of which burrow Land-crabs innume-
rable. The north-west comer of the Island is very beautiful, and
contains the greatest number of forest-trees to be found in the
place, though many of them are natives of distant lands. Along
the sides of the ravines with which it is intersected, are to be seen
in its glory that most stately and magnificent of the palms the
Mountain Cabbage, the Mammee {Mammea americana, L.), and
the Mango (Mangiferaindicaj L.), contrasting their deep emerald
leaves with the grey foliage of the Mahogany; the many different
species of Ficus, with their curious roots sprouting from their
trunks and branches ; the broad-leaved Bread-fruit {Artocarpus
incisa, L.) ; the graceful Turpentine {Bursera gummifera, Jacq.),
in appearance recalling the Birch of northern latitudes ; while
along the margins of the streams that run among the hills are
the so-called ^^gardens,^^ whose chief characteristic is the luxuriant
Bananas and Plantains {Muses) waving their wide leaves split
into ribands by the wind, and shaped like Chinese banners.
Above all, that most striking feature of the West Indian forest,
the gigantic Silk-cotton tree {Eriodendron anfractuosum, D. C.)
extends its grotesquely shapen limbs, affording a friendly harbour
to numberless tufts of Bromeliacees, garlanded with festoons of
trailing vines,^^ and often presenting the curious spectacle of a
tree subject at the same time to the influence of all four seasons*.

But our object is now the birds of St. Croix ; and we are loth
to occupy the attention of our readers with too many prefatory
remarks. Let it suffice to say, that we believe that the orni-
thology of this Island has never previously been investigated,
and that we are now far from thinking that the following is any-
thing like a perfect list of the birds which occur there. The
fact must especially be taken into consideration, that our obser-
vations extended over many of the same months in both years,
and that neither of us had much opportunity of examining what
additions were made to its Avi-fauna by autumnal migrants and
winter residents. It is particularly likely that the numbers
of Sylvicolines and Scolopacidce are much understated. When
any object was to be gained by specifying which of us was the
observer of a fact, we have been careful to word that portion

* See Gosse’s ‘ Naturalist’s Sojourn in Jamaica/ pp. 2/8 and 499.

63

on the Birds of St, Croix.

whicli relates it in tlie first person singular, to place it between
inverted commas, and to add tbe proper initials ; but in general
the date of the year will show who is responsible for the state-
ment. To the notice of those species of which we did not obtain
specimens, and concerning the determination of which some
doubt may therefore be entertained, there is prefixed a note of
interrogation ; and those which occur also in the Island of St.
Thomas are marked by a dagger.

1. [?] American Osprey. Pandion carolinensiSjB^. Falco
haliceetus, ptm., L. ; Aud. pi. 81.

We have both seen on various occasions what we fully believe
to have been this species. It probably appears in the island at
all times excepting the breeding season.

2. Duck Falcon. Falco anatum, Bp. ; F» peregrinuSy Wils.
pi. 76.

The sternum and other bones of a bird which had been
wounded in the autumn of 1856 and kept alive for some time,
are now in our possession ; and we have no doubt as to this being
the species to which they belong.

I saw a Falcon, probably of this species, March 17th, 1858.^^
— E. N.

t 3. American Kestrel. T'mnwTicw/ws sparveriuSy Vieill.
Falco sparveriusy L. : F. B. A. ii. pi. 24 : Aud. pi. 42. " Killie-
killie.^^

This bird is common over the whole island, and may almost
always be seen hanging in the wind at a considerable height
from the ground, in the manner of its European congener {T.
alaudariuSy Gray), or passing rapidly from tree to tree in its
graceful fiight, uttering, as it goes, its plaintive cry. It seems
to breed most commonly on the old windmills dismantled since
the almost general introduction of steam-power. A male, killed
May 2nd, 1857, had in its stomach the remains of a full-sized
house-lizard [AnoliSy sp. ?). Another male, shot April 2nd, ] 858,
was carrying in its claws a mouse or small rat, which, dropping
into a thick bush, was lost. AU the specimens obtained by us
were very brightly coloured ; but assuredly there is no specific
difference between them and those from North America. Indi-

64

Messrs. A. and E. Newton^s Observations

viduals vary very greatly in the size of their bills. Specimens
from St. Croix are in the Norfolk and Norwich Museum. A
female, killed March 12th, 1857, had the skin of the chin of a
bright straw-colour plainly showing through the feathers. The
name by which this bird is known in the island sounds like a
good imitation of its cry.

May 6th, 1858. — On sending a negro up a Thibet Tree
(Acacia lebbek, W.) to examine a hole, in which 1 had been told a
young Owl had been found last year, out flew a female ^ Killie-
killie,^ and perched immediately on a tree close by. In the
hole were three eggs, laid without any nest, as the man informed
me. They are very like those of our own Kestrel, but do not
seem ever to have the crimson colouring, and are of course very
much smaller. — E. N.

4. Bare-legged Owl. Gymnoglauoo nudvpes, Cabanis,
Journ. f. Ornith. 1855, p. 466. ^trix nudipes, Baud., Vieill.
(pi.), Shaw et Latham, nec Nilsson & Gould. (Plate I.)

This bird, so scarce in collections, seems to be the only Owl
found in the island; and there even, its existence is known but
to few. It appears to be very local, and to be confined to the
so-called gardens by the sides of the streams, which are shaded
by thick groves of Mangoes and Mammees, probably because in
these places only it finds the shelter and retirement it needs ;
but it is possible that here it may not be uncommon, as amongst
the dense foliage it may easily escape notice.

A young bird, nearly full-grown, but still covered with down,
was sent to me alive on May 30th, 1857, by the manager of the
Great Fountain Estate, where it had been taken the previous day,
in a hollow tree, — there being no nest or other bird with it. I
kept it in a cage until June 23rd, during which time it hardly
changed in its appearance, except that the quill-feathers showed
themselves. It was peevish in its temper, and showed its dis-
pleasure by snapping its bill and uttering guttural sounds. It
displayed none of the activity which so distinguishes some of
the small Owls of Europe, but would sit, even at night, sulkily
dozing on its perch. If a finger were held towards it, it would
take no notice until it came within easy reach of its beak or claws,
when the approach was resented by a vicious attack. If the

1

Ibis 1359 Pji

Wolf litk .

M IT, Hanhart, Imp^

G-YMNOGLAUZ ITUDIPES .

65

on the Birds of St. Croix.

whole hand were introduced with the intention of taking it out
of the cage, it would generally fall over backwards, and clutch
violently at the intruder with its talons, grasping firmly, and
submitting to be thus lifted out. There were times, however,
when it evinced a more friendly disposition, and it would then
sit patiently on one^s finger and endure to have its head stroked.
Finding, from trials often repeated, that it showed little taste
for birds or insects, I fed it almost entirely on small lizards
{Anolis, sp. ?). These it invariably swallowed whole, head fore-
most of course. On offering it a well-grown lizard, it would try
to seize it in its beak, as near the head as possible. If it suc-
ceeded in getting a good hold, it instantly grasped the body with
one foot, and, keeping the animal straight, soon disposed of it ;
but if, as often happened, it missed its first aim, the reptile
would generally attack the bird, seizing hold of it between the
gape and eye with its tiny mouth. A struggle would then take
place, the Owl going over on its back and endeavouring with one
or both feet to pull off the lizard, the latter seldom giving way
except with a mouthful of the former^s facial bristles, which in
this species are very long even in the young bird. On these
occasions, as often as not, the reptile would have the best of the
battle, and make his escape. A few days after I received this
live bird, an adult, believed to be one of its parents, was shot
and sent to me from the same locality. The stomach of this
example contained insects only ; its sexual organs were much in-
jured by shot. At the time I believed it to be a male, but am now
inclined to change this opinion. — A. N.

^^A male of this species was brought to me from the Great
Fountain Estate on May 11th, 1858, the stomach of which con-
tained the remains of several beetles. On September 1st, I re-
ceived a young bird which had been knocked down by a stone
on the Estate Allendale ; it was full-grown and feathered, with
the exception of a small quantity of nestling-down on the back
of its head. I was unable to ascertain the sex. I was told that,
at the River and Great Fountain Estates, Owls were generally
heard ^ bawling ^ at sunrise j but I have been to those places at
that hour, and listened for them to no purpose.^^ — E. N.

Though there does not seem to be much doubt of this being

VOL. I. F

66

Messrs. A. and E. Newton^s Observations

the original Strix nudipes^ of Daudin (Tr. d^Orn. ii. 199), yet
it must be confessed that the descriptions given of it by Shaw
(Gen. Zool. vii. 269) and Latham (Gen. Hist. B. i. 372, which
is a vain repetition of Shawls) are very inaccurate. As, too,
Vieillot^s plate of this bird (Ois. d^Am. Sept. pi. 16), which is
the only one published, does not well represent this species, we
are glad to be able to give here, by Mr. J. H. Gurney^s libe-
rality, a better figure of it from Mr. WolPs pencil. The length
is more nearly eight than seven inches,^^ as mentioned by
Shaw j and it requires a lively imagination to convert the long
mesial streak on each feather of the under parts into a lyre-
shaped spot.^^ Most decidedly, too, the young birds are less

rufous than the adults j and the belly, instead of being
“ whiter than in the full-grown bird,^^ is of nearly the same
colour as the back. Dr. Cabanis states {loc. cit.) that Dr. Gund-
lach has met with it in Cuba ; and the Paris Museum contains
specimens sent from Porto Bico by M. Mange. There is a
single bird in the University Museum at Edinburgh. Besides
this and our own four examples, now deposited in the fine col-
lection of Raptor es at Norwich, we know of no others in this
country.

In this species the irides are bright hazel, the bill horn-colour,
palest at the tip, the legs and toes pale brown, the claws horn-
colour. The female bird seems to be more rufous than the
male, with the breast and belly not so thickly mottled ; but as
we have only two specimens which appear to be fully adult to
judge from, these distinctions may be the result of age rather
than of sex.

5. Barn Swallow. Hirundo horreorurriy Barton (Baird's
Bep. B. Pac. B. B. Survey, p. 308). H, americana, MTls.

I observed two individuals of this species for the first time.
Sept. 13th, 1858, and I continued to see some almost daily up
to my departure from the island on the 28th of that month .
They were generally hawking after the manner of our own

* There is, we think, no doubt on this point, Daiidin’s name being
founded on specimens procured by M. Mauge in Porto Rico, which are
now in the Paris Museum, where we have had an opportunity of examining
them. — Ed.

67

on the Birds of St. Croix.

familiar bird {H. rustica, L.)_, and, I think, could hardly be di-
stinguished from it on the wing. On one occasion I saw several
hundreds flying over a lagoon, intending probably to pass the
night in the thick mangroves on its margin. From what I
could learn, they do not winter in the island, nor are they seen
there on their passage northwards in spring.” — E, N.

6. Belted Kingfisher. Ceryle alcyon (Linn.) : Aud. pi. 77 :
YarrelFs Brit. B. 3rd edit. ii. p. 236.

Apparently a winter visitant, leaving the island late in April.
It chiefly frequents the Mangrove-swamps and the mouths of the
small streams, but sometimes Ashes nearly half a mile out at
sea. Its loud call has been well likened to the noise made by
springing a watchman^s rattle.

The stomach of one I skinned contained shells of crabs.” —
A. N.

saw what I believe to have been a bird of this species on
my passage home in October 1858, in lat. 26° 17' N., long
57° 28' W. It flew round the steamer several times within gun-
shot ; and I could clearly make out the dark belt across the
breast.” — E. N.

The maritime habit of this species makes the occurrence of
two examples in Ireland, as recorded by Mr. Thompson (B.
Irel. i. 373), less surprising than might otherwise appear.

t 7. Black-and-yellow Creeper. Certhiola flaveola
(Linn.) (?) “ Sugar Bird.”

Whether this be really identical with the Certhia flaveola of
Linnaeus, the type of which is usually supposed to be the bird
from Jamaica, may very fairly be doubted. But so much con-
fusion seems to exist among naturalists respecting the so-called
species of the genus Certhiolay that it is very desirable not to
make matters worse. And, as the specific value of the differ-
ences which exist between the Sugar-bird ” of St. Croix and
the Banana Quit ” of J amaica is by no means certain, it ap-
pears best merely to remark upon them, and to abstain from
describing the former as distinct from the latter, especially, too,
as, after an examination of a tolerably large series of skins from
other localities in the British Museum and Mr. P. L. Sclater^s

F 2

68 Messrs. A. and E. Newton on the Birds of St. Croix.

collection, with all the advantage which Prince C. L. Bonaparte^s
diagnoses in the ^ Comptes Bendus^ (vol. xxxviii. p. 259) afford,
it does not seem possible to come to any decided opinion on the
subject. The following are some of the principal differences to
be observed between the birds from St. Croix and J amaica : —

St. Croix.

Adult male. — Top of head, nape,
back and upper wing-coverts dull
black. Rump with a small greenish-
yellow ill- defined patch. White on
outer webs of primaries occupying
small space, and almost hidden by
wing-coverts, hardly showing, even
when the wing is open. Three
outer tail-quills on each side tipped
with a broad patch of dirty white.
Throat lead-grey ; broad stripe of
black from gape, round the eye and
above the ear. Edge of shoulder
white or faintly tinged with yellow.

Jamaica.

Adult male. — Top of head, nape,
back and upper wing-coverts deep
black. Rump bright canar}’^-yellow%
well-defined. White on outer web
of primaries occupying a largish
space, and forming a distinct patch,
even when the ndng is closed.
Three outer tail- quills on each side
tipped with a broad patch of clear
white. Throat dull dark grey;
narrow line of black from gape,
above the eye and ear. Edge of
shoulder bright yellow.

The females from both islands appear to be more alike. The
young males, even when breeding, have the line over the eye
brilliant yellow, and the grey feathers of the chin tipped with
yellow. Adult females have the superciliary stripe white, and
nearly resemble the males.

The bird from St. Thomas much more nearly resembles that
from J amaica than tbat from St. Croix, but has a much paler-
grey throat.

In Mr. Gosse^s pretty figure of this species (111. B. Jam.
pi. xvi.), he has omitted a very singular and pleasing feature,
namely, the prominent pale crimson or bright pink lips at the
gape, which, while the bird is alive, form a striking contrast of
colour with its plumage. These are brightest in the adult, but
are also very conspicuous in the young bird. The colour is very
fleeting ; and generally by the time the skin is taken off, no
traces of it are to be seen. This bird gets its name in St. Croix
from its constantly entering the curing-houses at the different
works through the barred windows, and managers and over-
seers give it a bad reputation for stealing sugar from the hogs-
heads : but we are inclined to think it is often attracted thither
by the swarms of flies, which certainly throng there for the
purpose of eating the newly-made muscovado. It is a very faini-

69

Mr. J. Wolley on the Breeding of the Smew.

liar species;, haunting gardens and often entering houses, where,
instead of appearing alarmed, as do most other birds under
similar circumstances, it preserves great coolness, hopping
gravely from one piece of furniture to another, and carefully
exploring the surrounding objects, its short squat figure
putting one perpetually in mind of the Nuthatches {Sittce),
to which group Certhiola must have some strong affinities.
It generally keeps in pairs, and appears to breed from March
to August, building its domed and often pensile nest, which
has a small porch or pent-house roof over the entrance, in
almost any kind of situation, but most generally at the extre-
mity of a leafy bough. It sometimes seems to lay its eggs,
which rarely appear to exceed three in number, before the nest
is finished, rather to the discomfiture of the oologist, who de-
lays inserting his finger into the structure while he sees one or
both of the birds busy with a tuft of grass or cotton in their
bills, until at last, losing patience, he examines the edifice to
find the eggs already hatched. These are in shape elongated,
and in colour white, blotched, particularly at the larger end,
with rusty red. The nest is generally very untidy on the out-
side; it is composed of coarse grass or bents, with a good
sprinkling of cotton without, and feathers in the inside. The
birds are also fond of picking up rags and any sorts of odds and
ends they can find about the houses, and adding them to the
pile.

I observed an instance in which two broods were reared
from the same nest, with only an interval of ten days between
the time the young left it and the laying of an egg.” — E. N.

[To be continued.]

VII. — On the Breeding of the SmeWy Mergus albellus, L.

By John Wolley, jun.

The first year I was in Lapland, 1853, it was important for me
to find out the native, that is, the Finnish, names for the birds
of the country. Of the ducks generally I soon learned to un-
derstand to which species each name referred; but there was
one called Ungilo, concerning which I was for a long time in the

70 Mr. J. Wolley on the Breeding of the Smew.

dark. It was described as breeding in boles of trees, or in tyllas,
that is, nest-boxes. It was a smaller bird than the Sotka
(Golden Eye), but was able to turn that bird out of its hole, if
it wanted it for itself ; though some accounts told the reverse
story. It had formerly been found not unfrequently on the
Muonio River, and especially on the lakes through which the
little Jeris-joki runs. On the former river, a little above the
inlet of the Palo-joki, there is even an islet called after it, Un-
gilon-saari, on which, though there are still tyllas, the bird has
not been known for a good many years. In the course of time
I learned that the bird had a beak like a Koskilo (Merganser),
and the colours of the male were described to me in a way that
left no doubt it was the Smew. Still it required some selection
of evidence to hold this opinion firmly ; for instance, a woman
talking to me imitated the cry of the bird, in doing which she used
the syllables ‘‘ u-u-ungel ” with the music of the spring call of the
Long-tailed Duck, and by her subsequent description clearly
showed that that was the bird she meant, though it is usually
known by quite another name, identical with, and perhaps bor-
rowed from, the Swedish, Alle. This suggested to me that the
name Ungilo may have been originally applied to the Long-tailed
Duck, inasmuch as we find, in Stromas ^^Description of Sand-
mbr,^^ that the Long-tailed Duck is called Angle-mager (Hook-
maker) on parts of the Norwegian coast, doubtless from its cry,
connected with the time of its appearance when the sea-fishing
begins*.

Nothing is more common than one and the same name being
applied to different birds in different districts. Even this very
name JJngilo is used for the Goosander in certain places on the
Upper Tornea River.

Concerning the egg of Ungilo I made every inquiry. All the
people who remembered it on the Muonio agreed that it was
much less than the Golden Eye^s, and was liable to be found in

* The Finnish names of things are often nearly related, as the language
generally is, to the Lappish. For northern productions it is likely that
the Finns, the later comers, would often borrow from the Lapps. The
Lapps call the Long-tailed Duck “ Hanghi,” a name probably formed
from the ear.

71

Mr. J. Wolley on the Breeding of the Smew.

the same hole with eggs of that bird. As a consequence of this
popular beliefj I often had dwarf eggs of Sotka brought to me
for Ungilo’s. From one trustworthy man, Piko Haki, I heard
that some ten years before he had found a nest and taken the
eggs on sale for eating to a resident trader, who had asked him
where he had got Hens^ eggs. Now Hens^ eggs are unknown in
the interior of the country, where I was ; but at Uleaborg,
where the trader had been familiar with them, they are about
the size of our Bantam^s eggs. This gave me the best indi-
cation I had yet met with of the probable appearance of the
egg, and I told my servant-lad Ludwig in confidence that,
when we at length should get Ungilo’s eggs, they would be
very like Wigeon^s, though probably more white. Of course this
was not to be talked of, as it might lead to attempts at impo-
sition. It is possible that the small comparative size of the
UngiWs eggs, and the habit of the bird turning out the Golden
Eye, had made it little liked by the people, and that they used
to catch it on its eggs and kill it, as they do Hawk-Owls and
Tengmalm’s Owls.

However that may be, year after year passed by, and I never
once, out of the tens of thousands of duck-like birds that came
under my notice, caught sight of a Smew. In time I came to
hear from people who came from the Sodankyla district, a good
way to the east of Muoniouiska, that Uinilo, as it was there
called, bred at more than one lake in that neighbourhood. In
1856 I sent a very clever Lap, Martin Pekka, to this quarter
for the egg-season, but he could not meet with Uinilo.

In 1857 the clergyman of Muonioniska, Priest Liljeblad, had
been transferred to Sodankyla ; and in the spring of this year,
an intelligent young man, Carl Leppajervi, went from Muonio-
niska to be assistant-schoolmaster with his former teacher. I
gave Carl strict charge to make every inquiry for Uinilo in that
part of the world and of travellers from Kemi Trask. One day
(the 30th July 1857), as I passed by the homestead of Begina^s
Calle, the famous steerer of the Muonio Falls, there was given to
me a wooden box, such as is used in the country for carrying-
butter on a journey, addressed To the English gentleman Joh
Woleg in Muoniovaara.’^ The box was not tied nor secured in

72

Mr. J. Wolley on the Breeding of the Smew.

auy way ; and on the lid being opened^ there first appeared a
well-written Finnish letter, of parts of which the following is
an exact translation : —

Matthias Lakso of Made-koski-kyla, on the Kitinen-joki,
five miles (Swedish) from Sodankyla, has found on the Liesi-joki
eggs of Uinilo, and has brought to me three eggs, on which is
written a number like this.” [Here follows a facsimile of the
figure 1 on the eggs. It appears from Hermelin^s map, that the
Kitinen-joki, of which the Liesi is doubtless a tributary, runs
into the Kemi-joki a little north of Sodankyla.] They were
found on the 8th day of the Summer-month (June) 1857. Of
an old birch trunk the wood was rotted away, and it was left
hollow, forming a hole in which they were.” [The expression
used involves the idea of the trunk being still standing.] There
were two men in company, and the other man has given four
eggs to the priest : there were seven of them ; but there was no
down brought. * * * * The Uinilo was also killed, and with
the eggs it too is sent. — Carl Leppajervi. First day of the Hay-
month (July) 1857. And the priest will send the four Uinilo^s
eggs, if you send him four eggs of Kuukili^^ {Garrulus infaustus).

This Uinilo was taken to the priest, and he wants for it 20
copecks.”

The next, or probably the first thing in the box that struck
my eye, was a stiff-necked skin of a female Smew, with hatching
spots on its under side ; then I came to five or six much-
injured eggs of Greenshank and other birds ; and lastly, at the
bottom of all, well-wrapped in tow, were the three Smew’s,
blown each with two holes, which I afterwards found it safe to
round off with a drill. The eggs rather staggered me at first
sight, they were so like Wigeon’s. From time to time I held
consultations over them. On comparing them with a series of
something like fifty Wigeon’s eggs, I found that they were pretty
nearly of the same size, though rather below the avei’age. They
were flattened at the small end more than any of the Wigeon’s,
and they had less of the yellowish tinge about them, so that
persons not much used to eggs could pick them out of the lot ;
but all these peculiarities might be accidental, though it seemed
remarkable that any woodsman trying to pass off Wigeon’s eggs

Mr. J. Wolley on the Breeding of the Smew. 73

for Smew^s should have been able to find so abnormal a nest.
But it was not very long before I satisfied myself that there
was a decided difference of texture. This could be perceived on
an ordinary examination ; but it became very striking on ex-
posing the egg to direct sunshine and examining the penumbra^
or space between full light and full shadow, with a magnifying
glass — the sharp mountainous structure of the Wigeon^s egg
was strongly contrasted with the lower and more rounded cha-
racter of the elevations in the Smew^s. It is my intention to en-
deavour to illustrate this with the help of photography. Fur-
ther, I tried the sense of touch : scratching the egg with the most
sensitive of my finger-nails I could at once perceive the greater
roughness of the Wigeon^s. Ludwig, though his hand was by
no means of the finest, did not make a single mistake in some
ten trials with his eyes shut of various Wigeon^s eggs and the
supposed Smew^s, and one or two other people were equally suc-
cessful. I now felt no doubt that I had true eggs of the Smew.
The ivory-like texture of the Goosander's egg was a pretty par-
allel to the character of the Smew's.

In the meantime, on August 4th, I sent a letter to Pastor
Liljeblad, accompanied by a box with four beautiful eggs of the
Siberian Jay, packed as eggs should be packed, and enclosing-
money, amongst other uses to pay for a thoroughly trustworthy
man to travel to Made-koski-kyla, to inquire into the particulars
of the capture of the Smew and its eggs, to himself visit the
birch trunk, and to bring away the down which would be lying
at the bottom of the hole. I also wrote to Carl Leppajervi. In
a month after I wrote, I hoped an answer might arrive ; but I
was disappointed, and I was obliged to leave Muoniovaara for
England on the Ilth of September. I had not been very long
in England when I received a letter enclosing communications
from Pastor Liljeblad and from Carl Leppajervi, which had
arrived at Muoniovaara on the 1 6th of September, and also
enclosing a specimen of the down, which my agent had picked
out of the heap of touch-wood sent with the letters from So-
dankyla.

The priest told me in Swedish that he had asked me for the
eggs of the Siberian Jay, only because he had for many years pro-

74 Mr. J. Wolley on the Breeding of the Smew.

mised a friend in the South to do his best to procure them, and
that the only chance left for him was to get them of me — he had
been so many times wilfully deceived by the country people ;
that he now sent me the four Uinilo^s eggs, which had been
brought to him. He added, in answer to a question of mine,
“ I think that the men who came with them, if not exactly of
the best-behaved sort, are at least so far to be trusted that they
brought the true ones. Kalle went at once to Made-koski.^^
Kalle^s letter said in Finnish, I have been to Made-koski for
the Uinilo^s down, but there was not much of it there. The
birch stump was open at the top, and who knows but the wind
may have carried some of the down away ? Matthias Lakso took
away a little from what I have sent, to see if he could make out
himself that it was Uinilo^s. That Uinilo was caught actually
from the top of those eggs ; indeed it is true. * * * * I saw that
in that birch stump there had at some other time been eggs, for
there were old pieces of egg-shell. M^ritten 29th of Harvest-
month (August) 1857. — Karl Leppajervi.'’^

I was told by my man in Lapland that these four* eggs had
been blown with only one hole, sufficiently well made, but that
a great part of the yolk had been left inside. They were also
stained outside ; but he had cleaned them out, rounded the holes
with a drill, and made a good job of them. The down sent to
me I found to agree generally with that on the body of the
female Smew ; but I did not make a careful examination, and I
have not yet made it.

At the end of October 1858 I received these other four eggs.
I found that the character which 1 had previously observed, but
which I had originally seen on only one of the first three, was
common to all the other four, namely that shown by the pre-
sence of a thin calcareous covering outside the egg-shell proper,
apparently of the same nature as that which is so conspicuous in
the egg of the common tame Swan. Some attempts had been
made in Sodankyla, as my man told me, to scrape this off.

The following are the dimensions in two directions, with
some description, of four eggs which are now before me, picked
out of the six which remain in my possession out of the nest
of seven : —

75

Mr, J. Wolley on the Breeding of the Smew.

Greatest length.

1st egg . . 2*04 incites.

2nd egg . . 2-05 „

3rd egg . . 2*04 „

4th egg . . 2*04 „

Of the first egg, the widest part is exactly halfway down ;
but in one direction the inferior fulness of the curve points out
which is the small end of the egg ; though, were there cut out of
the middle of each end a piece of the shell bounded by a circle
of a quarter of an inch in radius, I think, as the pieces lay upon
a level surface, the piece from the small end of the egg would be
found less elevated than the other piece. In other words, the
small end of the egg is even more flattened than the large end,
though the flattened area there is not so extensive as that of the
large end.

Of the second egg, the conjugate diameter is nearer to the
large end than it is to the small end, the proportion of the
distances being as 9 to 10. The curve towards the small end is
less suddenly changed than in the egg last described, though
still the present egg is very broad at the small end.

The third egg is equally flat at the small end with the second ;
but it is rather less curved from the broadest part to the com-
mencement of this flat end.

The fourth is still narrower than the last, before the flatness
of the small end commences.

I have previously alluded to the texture and the colour of
these eggs.

I have seen a MS. list of birds from the German naturalist
Herr Hoffmansegg, then resident in Archangel, from which it
appears that Mergus albellus occurs in that neighbourhood, which
is considerably more southerly than Muonioniska, or Sodankyla.
As I did not hear of it on the north or north-east coast of
Norway, and as it is not known to breed in Sweden, I should
be inclined to suppose it generally an eastern and northern
bird.

It is worthy of note, that the very pale colour of the down of
the Smew seems to be connected with its choosing holes for

Greatest breadth.

1’52 inch.
1-47 „
1*43 „

1-42 „

76

Mr. W. C. Hewitson on Recent Discoveries

breeding. No bird of the duck kind that has white down, as
far as I know, places its eggs in an exposed situation.

The Goosander, Golden Eye, Sheldrake, birds differing much
from one another, have all white down, and all lay their eggs in
holes of trees when such are to be found, whilst one of them at
least has well-coloured eggs.

Beeston, Nottingham,

December 20, 1558.

VIII. — Recent Discoveries in European Oology.

By William C. Hewitson.

(Plate II.)

It is with very great pleasure that I find myself again associated
with old friends and fellow -labourers in endeavouring to pro-
mote a favourite and delightful study.

Birds^ eggs, though beautiful objects in themselves, and
amongst the first of God^s glorious works which gave utterance
to that burst of joy which has never forsaken some of us
through life, may be made of the greatest use in ornithological
study, and would of themselves alone form a foundation towards
a general arrangement of birds.

For the eggs of the three species now figured and the notes,
which accompany them, I am indebted to the Rev. H. B. Tris-
tram. They have been discovered since the completion of the
third edition of the ^ Eggs of British Birds,^ and that of the
Cursorius is a most valuable addition to our oological knowledge.

I have adopted those specific names for the three species by
which Mr. G. R. Gray has shown that they were first christened.
It is quite time that English ornithologists should adopt that
golden rule in nomenclature, the right of priority, from which
no naturalist should ever deviate.

CucuLus GLANDARius, Linn. Great Spotted Cuckoo. Eggs,
Plate II. figs. I, 2.

The following most interesting account is from the pen of
Mr. Tristram. It does not quite settle the question as to the
nesting habits of this bird, and does not exonerate it beyond a

Ibis, 1859. Fl.R.

^ C.lTevntBan. deD «t 185B.

Printed 'byKidhriandel It.'WeJtarL.

77

in European Oology.

doubt from the stain which is attached to the character of our
well-known species. Mr. Tristram, although inclining to the
belief that the C. glandarius rears its own young ones, acknow-
ledges that the eggs are so like those of a magpie of the country,
in the nest of which it lays them, that the eggs of the two birds
for a time passed his critical eye, and were labeled as those of
one and the same species. The eggs are certainly well-adapted
to represent those of a magpie, but are still more like those of
our own thrushes. That represented in fig. 2 is a facsimile of
the egg of the blackbird, both in size and colour. That in fig. 1,
except that it is larger, would pass for the egg of the ring-ouzel.
Mr. Tristram says, ^^In our expedition of the spring of 1857,
we were fortunate enough to pitch our tents, for upwards of
three weeks, in a valley between two of the southern spurs of
the Eastern Atlas range, which proved to be one of the very few
breeding localities of the Great Spotted Cuckoo as yet dis-
covered in North Africa. In the middle of May we had no-
ticed it several times, but could obtain no clue to its breeding-
habits, until one day I had extended a long ride as far as a
French outpost, when an officer showed hie a Cuckoo he had
just skinned, and gave me an egg he had taken from the ovary
ready for deposition. He told me that in a certain wood near
our camp he had in former years taken nests, and had never,
during a fifteen years^ residence in Africa, observed the bird in
any other district, and that even here it seemed confined to
very narrow limits. Within a very few days after this a nest
rewarded our search, containing a single egg ready to hatch
(May 20th) : the nest was in the top of a tree in the forest.
After this we found several other nests. I am aware that
M. Brehm*, who has described the habits of this bird in Nubia,
attributes to it the same evasion of domestic duties of which our
C. canorus is guilty, and states that it makes use of the nests
of the CorvidcBy whose eggs its own in some degree resemble as
to colouring. But, as far as my own observation goes, I cannot
concur in the accusation of its use of a foundling hospital, further
than that I believe it does appropriate and repair the deserted

* See Cabanis’ Journal fiir Ornitliologie, 1853, p. 144, and Zoolo-
gist, XX. 3987.

78 Mr. W. C. Hewitson on Recent Discoveries

tenements of Pica mauritanica and Athene meridionalis. In this
view I am borne out by my companions Mr. O. Salvin and
Mr. W. H. Simpson. We all devoted much time and care to
the solution of this Cuckooes habits, and never found it laying
its eggs in a nest already occupied.

“ On one occasion one of our Arabs came and told me he had
found a nest of the ^ Burroo Burroo ’ (its local name) in the
forest. I accompanied him to the spot. The male bird took
flight from a branch of an adjoining tree ; and in the top of a
gnarled old terebinth, where a branch had at some period been
rent from the trunk and formed a cavity, I espied a nest like
that of the little owl (certainly not that of a magpie), and pro-
truding therefrom the long tail-feathers of my friend. She flew
screaming off, and I found left two eggs, set rather hard. On
another occasion a nest of four eggs, fresh, was brought us. We
found but this one nest of four eggs, one of three, two nests of
two each, and two of one each. I have been somewhat prolix
on this question because our experience is so difierent from
that of Dr. Brehm. A friend has suggested that perhaps the
Cuckoo, before depositing her eggs, ejects those of the rightful
occupant.

“ It is fair to add, that on unpacking our collections some
months after, it was found that a few days before discovering
the Great Spotted Cuckooes nest we had placed two of its eggs
along with two undoubtedly those of Pica mauritanica, and la-
beled them as being all of the latter bird, and of one nest.
These four eggs appear by our notes to have been brought in
by our Arabs, and it is quite possible they may have placed the
eggs of two nests, which they took to be of the same species,
together, to save themselves trouble in bringing them home; and
that we, who did not value the magpie^s eggs, had stowed them
away without any particular observation.

C. glandarius has three notes : a call-note something like
that of C. canorus, probably used by the male; its cry of alarm,
something between that of the Jay and the Roller; and its third
note, ^ Wurree Wurree,^ from which it doubtless derives its
Arab name, just as the common Cuckoo is called by them
^ Toukook.’

79

in European Oology.

CuRsoRius GALLicus^ Gmel. Cream-coloured Courser. (C.
isabellinus, Temm.) Egg^ Plate TI. fig. 3.

Although rare in Europe, this species has for more than half
a century been recorded as a British bird. For the discovery
of its eggs, ornithologists are indebted to the Bev. H. B. Tris-
tram, who has kindly sent me the following notes : “ Although
during the winter of 1856-57 I penetrated several hundred
miles into the Algerian Sahara, and beyond its limits as far as
between latitude 31° and 30°, yet this bird only once came
under my observation, beiog evidently for the most part only a
summer migrant to those regions. In the month of June 1857,
I twice met with small fiocks of them on the Hants plateaux be-
tween Biskra and Batna, to the south of Constantine. During the
previous summer of 1856, 1 had met with the bird several times
in the western Sahara, north of Laghouat, and especially in the
neighbourhood of Ain Oosera, a solitary caravansary in the desert,
kept up by the French government as a military halting-place.

Though certain that the birds were breeding there at the
time, I was unable to detect their nest ; but shortly after my
departure, the keeper of the caravansary, who had assisted me in
my search, and who had in previous years frequently taken the
eggs, and cooked them as omelets along with those of the
E ter odes setarius, found the nest and sent me the eggs, three
in number. According to his account, the Courser always ad-
heres to this number, as indeed might have been expected from
the character of the bird.

It makes no nest whatever, but deposits its eggs on the
bare soil in the most arid plains.

Eggs sent from Tangiers, deposited by birds in a state of con-
finement, and consequently smaller and more faintly coloured than
the one now figured, are in the collections of Mr. Gurney and Mr.
A. N ewton. Theone figured bears a very striking resemblance both
in shape and colour to some of the eggs of the' Norfolk Plover.
The delicate undulations are not easily imitated in a drawing.

Turnix africanus, Desfont.; Gray^s Genera, p. 510. [HemU
podius tachydromus, Temm.) Andalusian Quail. Eggs, Plate II.
figs. 4, 5.

This species has been introduced as a British bird by Mr.

80

Recent Discoveries in European Oology.

Yarrell, and figured as such in the Supplement to his work, from
a specimen said to have been killed in Oxfordshire. Mr. Tris-
tram says, that although not rare in the wooded districts of
northern Algeria, its nest had, until last year, eluded the re-
searches of all the French collectors. Various eggs had from
time to time come into the hands of the Paris dealers, the
produce of birds in captivity ; but these two eggs are, as far as
I can ascertain, the very first from a bird in a state of nature.
They were taken by Capt. Loche, of the French army, in Kobah
forest, on July 11th, 1857. The nest contained seven eggs,
nearly fresh. It was placed on the ground in the midst of a
dense thicket of underwood, most ingeniously concealed, and
where no dog could penetrate to put up the bird.

“ It was in such situations that I had frequently before found
the Hemipode, which never occurs in the plains or in the desert.
When disturbed, it is scarcely possible to make it take wing.
When beaten out of a bush, it half runs, half flies, to the nearest
cover, somewhat after the manner and with much of the ap-
pearance of Baillon^s Crake. I do not believe that it migrates
in the Atlas, as specimens are occasionally found at all times of
the year ; nor does it appear ever to congregate, either in flocks
or bevies, after the manner of the Quail, to which, indeed, in all
its habits it affords a striking contrast.

“ The female is very much larger and generally more brilliant
in colouring than the male, and is at least one- third heavier
than her mate. I was out with Capt. Loche when he discovered
this nest, of which he kindly allotted me three eggs.”

Mr. Gould has figured the two sexes as of equal size, and says
that it is difficult to distinguish them by their plumage each
from the other.

The eggs bear but little resemblance to those of other galiina-
ceous birds. The shell is delicate and thin, and touched with
a neutral purple tint, which gives them some likeness to those
of the Pratincole.

^ Birds of Europe not observed in the British Isles. ’ 81

IX. — Review of Mr. Breeds * Birds of Europe not observed in
the British TslesJ^

It is a matter of great regret that the ornithology of Europe
has been hitherto so little studied by British naturalists. This
fact has always been regarded with wonder by our continental
brethren^ — very naturally, too, when they think that of the
troops of tourists who annually swarm over Europe, how vast
a majority are our fellow-countrymen, and reflect that in
England the study of Natural History is scarcely pursued but
by amateurs for their own gratiflcation. We confess that it is
not easy to account for this. Perhaps the chief cause is the
comparative rarity with which birds present themselves on the
Continent. How often, when questioning a friend just returned
from his summer’s trip to Holland, up the Bhine, or among the
Alps — or, it may be from exploring the passes of the Pyrenees,
the cones of Mount Etna, or the fjelds of Norway — as to what he
may have observed of the feathered tribes during his rambles,
has the answer been, ^^0, there are no birds abroad!” and thus
it has come to be believed that the Continent is nearly as unavi-
ferous as Lake Avernus itself 1 Yet the birds are there, if tra-
vellers will but look for them, and birds, too, possessing great
interest even to those ornithologists who confine their attention
solely to the species found within the compass of the four seas.
But we trust that a spirit of more extended research is growing
up, that soon the continental reproach may be taken away, and
that our fellow-countrymen, as regards Natural History, may
no longer be sneered at as ‘‘ penitus toto divisos orbe BritannosI^
The Englishman is catholic enough in his other sympathies : he
knows to a nicety the points wherein St. Peter’s surpasses St.
Paul’s, can compare the merits of York Minster and Cologne
Cathedral, has an opinion of his own as to the best means of pre-
serving the faded remains of Leonardo da Vinci’s master-piece,
just as he has with regard to the right mode, if any, of restoring
the national pictures in Trafalgar Square ; he pronounces au-

* A History of the Birds of Europe not observed in the British Isles, illus-
trated with accurately-coloured Plates. By C. R. Bree, Esq. London:
Groombridge and Sons. [Tn course of publication.]

VOL. I. G

82

Mr. Breeds ‘Birds of Europe

tlioritatively between Mr. Wailes^s stained glass and tbat of
Munich ; would be nearly as soon accused of a false quantity as
of mistaking Dresden china for Sevres ; or, if of a less aesthetic
turn of mind, can tell you, without referring to his Murray,^^
the population of Hamburg or Naples within an odd hundred,
the height of the Hospice of St. Bernard above the sea, the
depth of the Fall of Terni or the length of the Loire. All these
he is conversant with ; and, as regards the natural history of his
native islands, the British ornithologist might be able to tell
you which of the western counties never re-echo the notes of the
Nightingale, at what elevation the haunts of the Ptarmigan
begin in Scotland, or whether the Jay ever visits Ireland. But
ask the same man whether he considers Falco concolor a Euro-
pean species, or if he can describe the differences between Frin-
gilla hispaniolensis and F. cisalpina, and he will stare as much as
if he were being submitted to a competitive examination by the
Civil Service Commissioners. In fact, M. TemmincFs ^ Manuel
d^Ornithologie^ is nearly the only work on the birds of Europe
(for Mr. Gould^s splendid publication deters the general public
by its expense) the existence of which English naturalists* com-
monly recognize ; and their practical knowledge of this book
has been chiefly conflned to the accounts of those species which
are found in their own islands. It was therefore with no small
satisfaction that we first heard of Mr. C. R. Breeds intention to
publish that which forms the subject of the present notice, be-
lieving, as we do, that it is impossible to get a right notion of
even our indigenous birds, without those illustrations which
a knowledge, more or less extensive, of the ornithology of the
Continent alone can furnish. We do not wish it for a moment
to be thought that we undervalue the labours of those ornitho-
logists who have confined their writings to the elucidation of those
species only which occur in the British Isles. Our Pennants,
Montagus and Bewicks, our Yarrells, Thompsons and Macgil-
livrays are, and will justly continue to be, held in high estimation ;

* We beg to be understood, that throughout this article we shall use this
and the similar terms of ‘ ornithologist ’ and ‘zoologist’ in the widest sense
possible, comprehending in it every one whose tastes or profession render
him partial to the study of Natural History.

not observed in the British Isles.^

83

but it is remarkable that the regard in which they are held is
exactly proportionate to the knowledge they possessed of exotic
forms.

The idea of a work relating only to those European birds which
do not occur in this country had, if we mistake not, been enter-
tained by two or three of our ornithologists. Whether they or
Mr. Bree would have performed the author^s part best, we do
not care to inquire. He is first in the field, nay, at present alone
there, and therefore entitled to our undivided support. We have
little doubt that the low price of his book — to say nothing of
the mode of publication, which spreads even this small expense
over a considerable period of time — will obtain for it a very ex-
tended sale, and will, we trust, make the subjects of it extremely
popular. We do not look for a scientific work — we even fear
we must be content to accept error for truth occasionally ; for
though we fully believe Mr. Bree to be a pains-taking man,
heartily desirous of performing his self-imposed duties with
credit to his reputation and satisfaction to his subscribers, yet,
as the most honest man will now and then prove an unjust judge
if he be not a good lawyer, so we are afraid that Mr. Breeds
very best intentions have not always saved him from mistakes,
into which, perhaps, a man better up in his subject, even with less
conscientious striving after accuracy, would never have fallen.

We have a right to expect that Mr. Bree should, as his pro-
spectus announces, carefully collate his information from the
best authors ; and on the whole we think he has done so ; but
that he should be exempt from the common failing of compilers,
is of course not to be hoped for.

The seven parts of Mr. Breeds work already published contain
the European non -British Vulturidce and Falconidce. We do not
wish to prejudge the remainder of the book, but we cannot but
feel a lurking suspicion that we may have seen the best portion
of it. Mr. Bree has fortunately obtained the assistance of one
whose knowledge of the Baptorial Order is unquestionably su-
perior to that of any other man. An attentive reader of ^ The
Birds of Europe not observed in the British Isles ^ will have no
difficulty in recognizing the suggestions and ideas of Mr. John
Henry Gurney in many places where no mention is made of that

o 2

84

Mr. Breeds ^ Birds of Europe

gentleman^ s name ; and we fear that after the completion of the
next family, the Btrigidce, we shall have to look in vain for that
discreet Mentor, of whom, we suspect, our Telemachus stands
greatly in need. Mr. Bree describes in these seven parts twenty-
two species, which, as far as our knowledge at present goes,
seems to be about the number of European Diurnal Raptores
not to be found in Britain. But then we should strike out
without hesitation a species which our author admits, and per-
haps replace it by another not hitherto included in the Eu-
ropean list. It is true that one or two of these rest upon
dealers^ authority,^^ or rather, we should say, the authority
of naturalists, to support which, dealers always have speci-
mens at hand from the desired localities. Such an instance
is, we take it, the case of the Sociable Vulture [Otogyps auricu-
laris y Gray), of which, as it has the credit of occurring in
Greece, examples may usually be bought, said to have been ob-
tained in that country, with the localities and dates marked on
their labels, for aught we know, in the letters Cadmus gave, and
according to the calendar Meton instituted. But of this par-
ticular bird two examples are stated as having occurred in West-
ern Europe, one of which was a few years since alive at Antwerp ;
and anyhow we think it may be pronounced to be an occasional
visitant, and therefore admitted among the number. The Cine-
reous Vulture [Vultur monachus, L.) — the “ Vautour Arrian^^ of
our neighbours — has a much better, nay, an undoubted claim to
be included, rare though it be. We beg to add Albania as a
locality for it to those hitherto enumerated, on the testimony of
a roving and bird-loving friend, who not long since was on a
shooting excursion in that country, and saw there a big black
fellow about sixty yards from him. The Vultur kolbii, a phan-
tom which once haunted the European list, has now long since
been laid; and our author, very properly, shows no disposition to
raise him again. With the help of quotations from Bruce and
Tschudi, Mr. Bree discourses eloquently respecting the Bearded
Vulture [Gypaetus harhatus, Cuv.), the pride of European plun-
derers ; but, considering that by many naturalists the Gypaete
from Abyssinia is regarded as a distinct species, we think him
hardly prudent in referring Bruce^s entertaining anecdote to the

not observed in the British Isles J

85

bird more used to civilized and persecuting man, without giving
his readers due warning that, after all, it may not be strictly ap-
plicable to the subject of his notice. He omits also to mention
that the rich tawny hue of the under surface in some individuals
of the Lammergeyer is probably owing to a stain, the effect of
bathing in muddy water or of rolling in the sand with wet plu-
mage ; certainly the specimens we see from the snowy peaks of
the Alps and Pyrenees are without any trace of this brilliant
colouring.

We now come to the Falconidas ; and we are especially pleased
to find Mr. Bree according a place to the true Gyrfalcon {F. gyr-
falco, Schl.), which we consider to form a race, to call it by the
least worthy name, perfectly distinct from either the Greenland
or Iceland birds [F. candicans, Gm. and F. islandicus, Sab.), with
which it has so often been confounded. But our gratification
is somewhat impaired by his insisting on calling it Falco gyr-
falco norvegicus, — not so much on the ground that the binominal
system of nomenclature should be strictly adhered to (for we
consider that its advantages are so universally recognized, that a
trifling deviation from the letter of the law can make no mate-
rial difi’erence), as because this name would imply there was
also a gyrfalco^^ not norvegicusP Naturalists are apt to
forget that, if any respect should be shown to old authors, it
is especially in the case of these noble birds, which at all times
and in all places were the companions of our forefathers, and
whose every peculiarity was studied in a manner that now-a-days
no one, except an occasional votary of the ancient recreation,
has any conception of. No falconer in time past or present
would ever think of calling an Icelander a Gyrfalcon.
With him the Gyrfalcon is, and always has been, the large falcon
obtained from Norway, or accidentally in more southern coun-
tries, with dark, almost Peregrine-like cheeks, a stout body, short
tail, and other distinctive marks which it is unnecessary here to
describe ; and to apply its proper name to the denizen of another
land sounds to him as irregular and unmeaning as when we
hear our Transatlantic cousins call a bird akin to our Fieldfare
by the familiar name of Robin It must be remembered
that many of the earlier naturalists, if not falconers themselves,

86

Mr. Breeds ^ Birds of Europe

yet had opportunities of observing the peculiarities of each bird
of prey in a manner not possessed by us. To suppose that
they did not apply in the closet what they learned in the field,
would be to deny them common sense. Hence they are still to
be regarded as good authorities on these points ; and there can
be no manner of doubt that all the species of Falco described
by Linnaeus and his contemporaries were founded not more on
any diagnoses of their own than upon the traditions of fal-
coners. The truth of this, every day^s experience tends to con-
firm. At the present time, indeed, many people have but a
faint idea of what a Gyrfalcon is * ; but we beg to assure our
readers that the difi*erent words Gyrfalco,” Gyrfalcon/^
“ Gerfaut,^^ and Geierfalke,^^ should never be applied to any
but the great falcon of Scandinavia ; and we repeat that the
calling this bird gyrfalco norvegicus signifies that there is
a F. gyrfalco from some other country, which is putting upon
the name of old writers a meaning it will not bear.

That the true Gyrfalcon has occurred in this country, we
certainly think probable ; but it must be borne in mind that
nearly all the large northern falcons killed here are young birds
of the year, and that it is not easy, though, we think, always
possible, to detect the Icelander from the Gyrfalcon when imma-
ture. With all due deference to Mr. Gurney^s opinion as
quoted by Mr. Bree, we believe that the late Mr. Charles St.
John was right in calling the bird killed in Boss-shire in 1851,
which has since passed into Mr. Gurney’s possession, an Ice-
land Falcon.

We are further much indebted to Mr. Bree for keeping-
distinct the long-confounded Saker and Banner [F. sacer^ Gm.
and F. lanarius, Schl.). The latter bird has a good claim to be
included in the British list; for Lewin'’s figure (Br. Birds, i. 1. 17)
seems referable only to this species, and the subject of it was

* We lately found, in a somewhat celebrated museum in this island,
until a few years since presided over by a naturalist whose memory is
still dear to his disciples, an example of the North American Goshawk
(Astur atricapillus) labeled as a Gyrfalcon ! ; and to make the matter
worse, this was, we suspect, under its rightful appellation a type specimen
of one of the best ornithological works in the English language, and ac-
tually the subject of a very accurate plate therein ! !

not observed in the British Isles.'

87

taken in Lincolnshire : but we know of no other instance of its
occurrence here unaccompanied by considerable doubt. Its
proper habitat j besides central and southern Europe, appears to
be North Africa ; and it is often sent from the neighbourhood of
Tangiers. It also occurs in Egypt, where, however, the very
nearly allied F. biarmicus of Temminck is also found. It is
certainly distinct from the F. barbarus of Linnseus, and, as
Dr. Schlegel says, also from the F. peregrindides of Sir Andrew
Smith, a truly South African bird. The Saker is most likely
the large falcon used in the Lebanon and on the plains of
Assyria for taking hares and antelopes ; its nearest ally seems to
be the F. jugger of Dr. Gray, which wanders occasionally from
India, its proper home, to Egypt, where it has been called F.
tanypterus by the late Dr. Lichtenstein.

We regret that our author has not given figures of the Eleo-
nora Falcon [Hypotriorchis eleonorce, G. R. Gray) in the extremes
of both plumages ; for the only two plates of it are in works
not by any means accessible to most European naturalists. We
have heard a curious story relating to this species breeding, some
years ago, in society on an island ofi* the Algerine coast, which
was turned into a convict-station by the French government, to
the utter destruction of the whole colony, every bird being
turned into gibier by the new settlers. Of the Lesser Kestrel
{Tinnunculus cenchris, Frisch) we have nothing particular to
remark, excepting that its eggs are generally found represent-
ing those of the Orange-legged Hobby [Erythropus vespertinuSy
Brehm) in most collections.

Mr. Bree has included the South African Red-legged Hawk
{Micronisus gabar, G. R. Gray), upon good grounds ; but in his list
of its synonyms he has comprehended “ Spar vius niger, Vieillot;
Gal. des Ois. i. 22/^ and Accipiter niger, Gould, Syn. B. of
Australia, pt. 3. pi. [43.] f. Now both these refer to a
perfectly distinct race, or probably species — the Sooty Hawk,
which differs altogether from the former both in colouring and
range. Our author remarks with regard to this species, There
is no point about whieh we should be more rigorously careful
than simplicity in nomenclature.^'’ In answer to this we
say that simplicity is not promoted by such an inaccuracy as

88

Mr. Breeds ^ Birds of Europe

he has been here guilty of, and that what he declares to be a
manifest absurdity has been much increased by his own w'ant
of attention.

Respecting the Pale-chested Harrier {Strigiceps swainsonii,
Smith) we have no comments to offer ; and next we arrive, ac-
cording to Mr. Breeds arrangement, at the Eagles.

Of the Imperial Eagle [Aquila mogilnik, Gmel.) we cannot
commend the figure. The head, neck and back are represented
of a colour far too light, and this spoils the contrast otherwise
afforded by the snowy scapularies.

On Bonelli^s Eagle {Aquila fasciata, Vieill.) we have no re-
mark to make; and with regard to the Booted Eagle {Aquila
pennataj Gmel.), only to suggest that in the extract, though
correctly quoted, from Mr. Tristram^s ^ Catalogue of Eggs col-
lected in Algeria in 1857,^ that gentleman must surely have
intended exactly the contrary to what he wrote ; for in what way
an Eagle differs from a Buzzard on the wing we are at a loss
to imagine, though, “ in repose,^^ the long flat head of the former
is sufficiently unlike the short rounded one of the latter.

The claim of the Tawny Eagle {Aquila ntjevioides, Cuv.) to be
considered European rests at present solely upon a trophy of the
Russian war, an example having been obtained in the Crimea by
Captain Blakiston during its occupation by the Allied Armies.
Now though it is extremely probable that, where such large num-
bers of eagles were gathered together, this African and perhaps
(for we cannot, without some degree of hesitation, look upon the
Indian Aquila vindhiana of Franklin as exactly the same) Asiatic
species should appear among them, yet it is very desirable that
this specimen, now we believe in the Museum of the Royal
Artillery Institution at Woolwich, should be examined by some
experienced ornithologist. We understand that the species is
extremely common in the Atlas; and therefore its occasional
occurrence on the northern shores of the Mediterranean may
be expected.

We rejoice to see Pallas^s Eagle {Pontoaetus leucoryphus, Pall.)
done justice to, as it is by our author ; but it is unfortunate
that he has not given us a figure from a European specimen, or
at least from one not Indian. The late Mr. H. E. Strickland^s col-

not observed in the British Isles. ^

89

lection appears to have contained such an example ; and we can-
not think that its present possessor would have objected to lend
it for Mr. Breeds use^ particularly, too, as the distinction between
the Indian Mace’s Eagle {Pontoaetus maceij Temm.) and the
present has never been shown in any plate.

The most serious fault we have to find with Mr. Bree is for
propagating a terrible error, by continuing (after the manner, it
is true, of certain authorities who in most cases fully deserve
attention) to annex the American Bald Eagle [Haliaetus leucoce-
phaluSj Linn.) to the European list, from which Dr. Schlegel, as
we have always thought, most properly erased it. But our author
does not seem to have given himself the trouble of attending to
the reasons adduced by that careful writer. It is true he does
not seem to attach much credit to Nilsson’s statement (which is
undoubtedly incorrect) of its being commonly met with in Scan-
dinavia ; but he says, It is generally believed, however, to occur
accidentally in Europe. One male, as reported by Degland, has
been killed in Switzerland, a female in M^iirtembergj and it is
stated by Brehm to appear sometimes on the sea-coast of Ger-
many.’’ Now, if Mr. Bree will but turn to the ^ Revue critique
des Oiseaux d’Europe’ (page 27), he will find, Pour ce qui
regarde les individus tues, a ce qu’on pretend, pres de Stuttgart
et de Zurich, ces individus n’ont jamais ete decrits par aucun
naturaliste, ce qui me fait penser que ce n’etaient tout simple-
ment que de tres-vieux individus de I’aigle-pecheur commun,
espece que I’on a, comme le sait tout-le-monde, long-temps con-
fondue avec celle d’Amerique du nord.” What are these in-
dividus,” but the birds reported, long before Degland’s time,
to have occurred in Switzerland and Wiirtemberg? for, we
take it, our readers do not require to be informed that Zurieh
is an important city in one country, and Stiittgardt the capital of
the other, though Mr. Bree does not seem to be aware of it. As
to good Pastor Brehm’s statement of this species appearing on
the sea-Coast of Germany, we venture to suggest that the only
locality where this is possible would be that part of the Con-
federation indicated as the scene of the discovery of the child by
the shepherd in the ^ Winter’s Tale,’ before Sir Charles Hanmer
and Mr. Kean changed Bohemia” into ^^Bithynia.” But our

90 Mr. Breeds ^ Birds of Europe

author evidently thinks that his strong point is the capture in
the middle of Russia of the two Sea Eagles with all their
heads and necks, as well as tails, as white as snow,^^ on the
evidence of Dr. Nordmann, which to our mind tells the other
way : — After having compared them carefully with other Sea
Eagles killed in the same locality, he considered them to be old
individuals of F. alhicillaj not admitting any specific difi’erence
between it and F. leucocephalusF Now it is quite possible that at
that time Dr. Nordmann had not had much experience of the Bald
Eagle, and therefore was not aware of the great distinction be-
tween it when adult and the common Sea Eagle. But we feel
quite sure that, acute observer as he is, had he really got hold
of an old American bird, he would never for a moment have ima-
gined that it was identical with the European one, and accord-
ingly we believe that the specimens obtained were not examples
of the H. leucocephalus. We have seen individuals of H. albicilla
from the Volga, with extremely pale heads ; and we can well
imagine that his birds were like them, the similitude to snow ex-
isting only in the fancy of the Muscovite ornithologist. This is
by no means so improbable as at first sight would appear. In
a state of nature, and under a favourable light, we ourselves have
seen the common Sea Eagle with a head and neck of a white-
ness that absolutely startled us at the first glance ; for the locality
was not so very far removed from those Norwegian islands where
Boie asserted that H. leucocephalus bred : but that it was only
H, albicillaj our faithful telescope soon left us no room for
doubt. There is another point in connexion with this subject
which deserves consideration, and which we should feel glad if
Mr. Bree, or any one else who agrees with him, would enlighten
us upon. If H. leucocephalus is found, not as a straggler, but
an inhabitant of the middle of Russia, how comes it that it is
not met with in the countries lying between that and America ?
It does not occur in Greenland, has never been observed in
Iceland, is not found, in spite of the assertions of MM. Nils-
son and Boie, in Scandinavia, and we have it most certainly not
in the British islands, though, through some mistake or other,
M. Tcmminck and Baron Laugier were induced to buy two
examples at Mr. Bullock^s sale, said to have been killed in

not observed in the British Isles/

91

the Hebrides. Schlegel, as we have shown, has effectually dis-
posed of the reported German and Swiss specimens ; and no one
has been venturous enough to declare that the continent of Asia
(supposing the birds to reach the old world by the Pacific route)
owns its presence. Let our readers take our word for it, the
Bald Eagle is not a European bird ; and if it ever occurs on this
side the Atlantic, it will be merely as an escaped captive or a
chance wanderer on a filibustering expedition ; and we exceed-
ingly regret that Mr. Bree, who has herein acted against the
advice of his “ discreet adviser,^^ has thought fit to assist in
prolonging a very grave mistake. A little more attention
would have revealed to him that the authorities, of whom he
quotes a strong list to support his view of the case, have been
merely copying from each other, instead of citing fresh testi-
mony; and one of the best of them, the late Prince C. L. Bo-
naparte, in his last publication on the Birds of Europe, has
reversed his former opinion, and enumerated H. leucocephalus in
the ^ Liste d/oiseaux que Ion fait passer pour EuropeenSy re-
marking of it, confondu avec Hal. albicilla/^

Mr. Bree has, in our opinion, exercised a wise discretion in
refusing a place in his work to the South-African Cuncuma
vociferoi Mr.G.B.Gray; for we quite agree with him in thinking
the evidence of this bird^s occurrence in Greece too slight,
resting, as it does, merely on the tickets of two specimens in the
Museum at Mayence, and uncorroborated by any testimony on
the part of Count Henry von der Muehle.

Our author makes an astonishing assertion, and one entirely
contrary to fact, in stating that the Short-tail Eagle forms the
sole representative of the genus Circaetus of Yieillot,^^ since
Mr. Gray (Gen. B. p. 16, and App. p. 1) makes ten. Dr. Kaup
(Contr. Orn. 1850, pp. 71, 72) sixteen, and the late Mr. Strick-
land* (Orn. Syn. i. pp. 45-48) eight species of that group. We

* Of these eight species of Circa'eti, it is now known that C.ferox is
Buteo leucurus, Naum. (B. rujinus of Mr. Bree’s book) ; C. cinereus is the
young of C. pectoralis ; Circaetus solitarius of S. America is no Circaetus,
but nearly allied to the genus Harpyhaliceetus (of which C. coronatus is
the type), and the only member of M. Jules Verreaux’s division Uruhitor-
nis (P. Z. S. 1856, p. 145); and C. cinerascens of Muller is a Buteonine
bird (confer Pr. Bonaparte in Rev. Zook Feb. 1855). This leaves only

92

Mr. Breeds ^ Birds of Europe

are not sure that this bird [Circaetus gallicus, Gmel.) has not
been killed in England. It certainly has occurred as far north
on the Continent, according to Dr. Kjoerboelling (Danmark^s
Fugle). We do not think that M. Temminck^s meaning (Man.
d^Orn. pt. hi. p. 25) is, as Mr. Bree interprets it, that it is be-
coming rare in Belgium and in Italy. It was probably never
anything but a straggler in the former country, M. de Selys-
Longchanips (Faune Beige, p. 53) mentioning but two instances
of its occurrence there, and most likely it was never more fre-
quently met with in the latter country than at the present day.
We have Mr. Bobert Birkbeck^s authority (Zool. 1854, p. 4249),
it is common in Liguria in the spring ; and that gentleman
met with examples in the markets at Borne and Genoa, besides
seeing several soaring over the Campagna.^^

It is unfortunate that our author has overlooked the very in-
teresting communications in ^Naumannia^ for 1853 (pp. 256
and 296), by Dr. J. Fr. Naumann and Herr H. F. Moeschler,
respecting the Long-legged Buzzard {Buteo rufinus, Kaup),
under the synonym of Buteo leucurus of the former writer ; for
they would have enabled him to have added much to the meagre
account he has given of this bird^s habits in Europe, of which
he states ‘‘ nothing is known In the neighbourhood of the
lower part of the Volga, it seems to be far from uncommon, and to
breed. The late Mr. Strickland (Orn. Syn. p. 35) identifies this
species with the Buteo pectoralis of Vieillot. If he be right, that
name has the priority of rufinus ; but one of the German writers
above cited thinks it probable that it is the bird described by
Pallas (Zoogr. Bosso-Asiat. i. p. 354, sp. 27) as Accipiter hypo-
leucus, in which case this specific name, as being the oldest,
ought to be used*.

two described species in the genus Circaetus, namely C. gallicus and C.
pectoralis. Mr. G. R. Gray has as yet only published the name of his
Circaetus fasciolatus. — Ed .

* Mr. G. R. Gray (List B. Brit. Mus. 2nd ed. i. p. 17) refers the hypoleucus
of Pallas, with an expression of doubt, to Circaetus gallicus. We have
not now the means of determining whether the Anglo-Saxon or the Teu-
tonic suggestion be right, but we hope our calling the attention of natural-
ists to the question may be the means of settling the point. [It is stated
by Prince Bonaparte (Rev. Zool. Feb. 1855), that Pallas’s hypoleucus

not observed in the British IslesJ

93

To Mr. Gurney we believe the credit is due of discovering the
identity of the Buteo cirtensis of General Levaillant with ^ le Ta-
chard’ of his older^ and^ among ornithologists, better known name-
sake, the great African traveller. It is true that Prince C. L.
Bonaparte (Cat. Ois. d^Eur. 1856) quotes the Algerian warrior^s
bird as identical with the many-named B. rufinus last noticed ;
but we are inclined to think Mr. Gurney has made out his case —
though whether the two specimens of the African Buzzard (B.
tachardus, Vieill.) in the Norwich Museum were really from the
Volga, is another question. Skins from the country drained by
that river, prepared, as they are principally, at the Moravian
settlement of Sarepta, can, it is said, be at once detected by a prac-
tised eye — though whether their peculiarities cannot be success-
fully imitated by clever and unprincipled dealers we know not,
but we fear it is possible. We before remarked of Aquila ncBvi-
oides, that its being a common species in North Africa renders
its occasional occurrence in Europe very likely. The same may
be said of this Buzzard, which is not only met with in the south-
ern portion of the continent, but also along its northern shore,
from the extreme limits of Morocco to Tunis. We do not there-
fore so much demur to our author’s giving it a place in his work ;
but we should be inclined to consider it on probation only. The
fact however is, that, as has been observed by Mr. P. L. Sclater
(Proc. Linn. Soc., Zool. ii. p. 135), Africa, north of the Atlas
along the southern shores of the Mediterranean, appears to belong
to Europe zoologically, and not to the continent with which it
is physically joined.” We would indeed take exception to the
word zoologically,” for we believe the Algerian mammals and
reptiles * are entirely distinct from those of the opposite coast ;
but the cis-Atlantean part of North Africa should unquestionably
be regarded as forming part of Europe ornithologically, and
we trust the day may not be distant when some philosophic

belongs to Buteo rufinus i but a still older appellation is S. Gmelin’s
Accipiter ferox, which we have called attention to above. — Ed.]

* Dr. Giinther, in his recent papers on the geographical distribution of
Reptiles and Batrachians, takes a different view from this, and confirms
the zoological division indicated in the Proceedings of the Linnean Society,
above quoted. See Proc. Zool. Soc. 1858, p. 377 ct seq. — Ed.

94

Mr. Breeds ‘ Birds of Europe

naturalist will so treat it in extenso. But to return : — Mr. Bree
lias made a singular, and, we fear we must say, a careless error
in asserting that this bird is included by Schlegel in his ^ Fauna
Japonica^ — thereby implying that, on this eminent naturahsFs
authority, the species occurs in Japan; for the authors of that
work say nothing of the kind. They do indeed incidentally men-
tion (Faun. Jap., Aves, p. 16) la Buse commune du Cap, Falco
tachardus de Shaw ou le Tachard de Levaillant, dont le Bougri
de Levaillant est Fadulte but it is only to say of it that, though
it resembles the Japanese Buzzard in the conformation of its
feet, yet it is d^une taille moins forte, et son plumage tire
fortement au roux a Page adulte.^^

Of the Black Kite [Milvus migrans, Bodd.) we have only to
remark that our author is in great error when he says that it
is common in Japan, where it is known by the name of Tobi,^^
&c. Now the Japanese species (called by Messrs. Temminck
and Schlegel M. melanotis) is the same as the common Indian
Govinda Kite [M. govinda, Sykes), and is, notwithstanding Mr.
Strickland’s opinion (Orn. Syn. i. p. 134), by which we suspect
Mr. Bree to have been misled, altogether distinct from our Black
Kite — as any one may see, who will take the trouble to compare
the two. Therefore, though perfectly willing to admit the Japanese
themselves to all the privileges of European civilization, we must
protest against their Tobies ” being treated otherwise than as
aliens. Besides, as to the Black Kite being ^‘^very common in
Abyssinia,” and again, as our author has it, under the head of
the Arabian Kite {M. forskahliy Gmel.), equally common at the
Cape of Good Hope” with that species, these are both statements
far from correct. The former, the Black Kite, only occurs in
Abyssinia as an occasional winter visitant, and is never met witli
at the Cape, where its place is supplied by the more truly African
form.

As to the Black-winged Kite (Elanus melanopterus, Leach),
the last of the birds we have to remark upon, Mr. Bree makes
some inaccurate assertions. First, ‘^It forms with its congener,
the North American ' Swallow- tailed Kite,’ which is in the
British list, the only representative of the genus Elanus of
Savigny and, again, It is found generally distributed over

not observed in the British IslesJ

95

the Indian continent^ and in Africa from south to north. It is
common in Egypt; and it occurs in Java, New Holland; and also
in the southern part of North America.'’^ NoW; by all modern
authors of repute; the North American Swallow-tailed Kite
[Elanoides furcatus, Vieill.) is justly removed from the genus
Elanus ; and then; of this genus as thus restricted, there are cer-
tainly three other, well marked-species, besides the European,
of which we are at present speaking. These are, the American
White-tailed Kite (E. leucurus, Vieill.), of which plates may be
found in Mr. Audubon^s work (B. Am. pis. 351, 353), and
the Australian Axillary and Letter-winged Kites {E. aocillarisy
Lath, and E, scriptus)^ both well figured by Mr. Gould (B.
Austr. i. pis. 33, 34), which not only in their geographical range,
but in their characters to be perceived even at first sight, are
undeniably distinct from E. melanopterus.

We are glad that our author has not included Falco peregri-
ndides of Sir A. Smith in his work — it is a truly South African
species, and we are not aware of its occurrence within European
limits. So also of Tinnunculus rupicolus (Hand.), though the
Norwich Museum contains a specimen said to be from Greece, —
not a very likely locality for this bird.

We regret that Mr. Bree has not thought fit to adhere to the
rules of nomenclature now almost universally adopted, especially
when introducing so many species, it may be for the first time,
to the majority of his readers. In the present article we have
called the subjects of our author^s work by those names which
in the opinion of almost all naturalists should be applied to
them. We trust that for the future he will take care of this.
Let him be assured that by not doing so, he is throwing a most
serious obstacle in the way of beginners ; and, if we might be
permitted to tender our advice to such persons, we would strongly
recommend them at once to get in the way of using those names
which inevitably will be adopted at last.

It remains for us to remark upon the plates in Mr. Breeds
work. As examples of printing in colours, which we believe they
are, they are very successful, and much superior to those in the
kindred book of Mr. Morris; but they are not always, when
regarded solely from an ornithological point of view, very accu-

96

Mr. Breeds ^ Birds of Europe

rate. The representations of the GyrfalcOn, Saker^ and Banner
are reduced copies of Mr. Wolfes illustrations in the ^ Traite de
Fauconnerie^ of Messrs. Schlegel and Verster de M^ulverhorst,
and, notwithstanding the translation which they have undergone,
still retain much of their original spirit. Next to these come
the drawings by Mr. Beeve, which have much merit. We before
noticed the incorrectness of the figure of the Imperial Eagle ; but
the worst figure of all is that of the Eleonora Falcon, which is so
unhappy-looking, as to remind one of the attempts at drawing
birds made a hundred years ago. We regret that we cannot
praise the plates which represent eggs. We think the fault must
lie in the process of engraving, which does not seem at all ap-
plicable to the representation of such delicate objects. Not
one of the figures possesses any distinctive characters. But far
more serious than this evil, is, we fear, the principle on which
Mr.Breehas proceeded, with regard to the specimens or drawings
from which the plates are taken.

The offer of assistance from M. Moquin-Tandon has been, in
our opinion, productive of anything but real benefit to the work.
Our author says that the figure of the egg of the Booted Eagle
is from a drawing furnished by the distinguished French natu-
ralist just named, who observes, This egg was sent to me from
the Spanish Pyrenees by a seller of skins. I thought for some
time that it belonged to the Common Buzzard, or else the Bough-
legged Buzzard ; but on comparing it with two drawings, quite
recently published by M. Badeker (pi. 1. fig. 3), I discovered that
I had not been deceived.^^ Now here is just one of those cases,
which bring the study of Oology, and very justly, into more dis-
credit than any other thing. M. Moquin-TandoiPs egg is very
likely that of a Booted Eagle ; but where is the proof of the fact ?
Absolutely, as we read it, there is none. This gentleman buys
an egg of a dealer, who we suppose sells it to him under the
above name. It is, if it is fairly represented, a nice-looking egg,
just about the right size, and slightly mottled with pale reddish
brown. But How like a Common Buzzard’s ! — how like a
Bough-legged Buzzard’s ! — how like fifty other eggs ! — what a
pity ! — there must be a mistake — I have been cheated,” he says.
^'But wait : here is the first number of Prof Badeker’s work; let us

not observed in the British Isles’

97

look, —Aquila pennata, yes, here it is ; after all, it is right : niy
fears, and not the dealer deceived me.^^ This is the state of the
case ; and can anything be more illogical ? M. Moquin-Tandon
is, we are afraid, by no means singular. There are many collect-
ors in this country, who yearly spend large sums in buying eggs
from dealers — utterly un-identified, or with (since identification of
eggs has lately become somewhat fashionable) a plausible history,
but one that will not bear investigation. Little do they know
how the four quarters of the globe have been ransacked, how
varieties have been selected from a large series of specimens
belonging to allied, or, it may be, utterly remote forms, because
they resemble the figures that have been published of the egg for
which there is a demand in the market. They are of no author-
ity whatever ; their faces are their fortune, and like, we fear, some
other pretty faces, are without character, and may lead those that
seek them into endless trouble. It is this example of M. Moquin-
Tandon^s mode of identifying eggs which compelled us, while
treating of the Bald Eagle, to pass over the evidence in favour of
its European claims adduced by Mr. Bree from supposed eggs of
that bird, said to have been brought from the North of Europe
by Prince Napoleon^s expedition. It would be a waste of time
to inquire whether they were rightly named, or from what country
they were obtained — whether from Iceland, where no one has even
said that the Bald Eagle occurs ; from Norway, where no one now
believes that it ever existed ; or from Spitzbergen, innocent of all
eagles, whether French or American. We regret to see our author
avail himself of such an argument.

And now one word more and we have done. To find fault
is never an agreeable task, and never so disagreeable as when the
person censured is, in the main, of the same way of thinking as
oneself. Still less is the office of a reviewer an enviable one, —
a single sentence, nay, a word, may breed a hostile spirit that
nothing can appease. And least of all should we desire to pro-
voke such an enmity among ornithologists, when writing in the
first number of a new Journal, which can only be continued by
the favour they may accord it. It is simply because we be-
lieve that Mr. Breeds work will have a deservedly wide sale among
many who have had hitherto little or no knowledge of European

VOL. I. H

98 ^ Birds of Europe not observed in the British Isles*

ornithology, that we have been so careful to correct the errors
that have crept into it, in spite of the time and labour, of which
the author has not been sparing in devoting to his task. AVe
therefore entreat Mr. Bree to take in good part all we have said;
we can honestly declare that we are prompted by no ill-feeling
against him. If our censure has been plain-spoken, so also has
been our praise; and praise of a very high degree he merits.
There is one point of view especially from which Mr. Breeds
work deserves every encouragement.

Many, we hope all, real naturalists (and here we use the word
in a restricted sense) have seen with great pain the late insen-
sate rage for acquiring specimens of natural history, especially
of so-called “British'' birds. These are in most cases amassed
from the mere amor hahendi. No use whatever is made of
them ; our knowledge of the purposes they were designed, when
in life, to fulfil, is in no way advanced by nine out of ten of the
collections of British birds, which now are so commonly formed.
On the contrary, it is greatly retarded, as the destruction of
every curious and uncommon bird of course diminishes the op-
portunities of observation, and collections on this plan, or rather
this want of plan, tend to eneourage the knavish more than the
honest dealer. Now it must inevitably slacken the demand for
these “Rare British Birds," if collectors will extend their so-
licitude to foreigners. We shall cease to hear of enormous
prices taken or refused for a Rock Thrush or a Cream-coloured
Courser which may happen to have been killed in this country,
and which really ought to have no greater intrinsic value on
that account. The advantages of strictly local collections are
not to be denied, but they are chiefly discernible with respect to
common indigenous species, A good series of specimens show-
ing the constant distinctions to be found between individuals
from different localities of any of our most plentiful species, say
the Yellow Bunting or the Red Grouse, would be in every way
much more interesting than a collection containing many high-
priced stragglers from foreign lands. It is in this manner we
believe that science can be most benefited. Herein we claim
Mr. Bree on our side. Some years ago he recorded, in the pages
of the 'Zoologist' (1849, p. 2524), opinions nearly identical

Recent Ornithological Publications. 99

with our own on the unnecessary destruction of rare birds. I
do not understand/’ he wrote, Natural Science to consist of a
mania for collecting ; I look upon it rather as a study of God’s
works in the world, which he has created and peopled and as
one means of checking this mania do we heartily wish Mr. Bree
well, and recommend the purchase of his book to all our
readers.

December 1858.

X. — Recent Ornithological Publications.

Those who wish to keep themselves au fait with the present
rapid advance of every part of Zoology will do well to consult
the Report upon the progress of its different branches published
every year in the second volume of ^ Wiegmann’s Archiv fiir
Naturgeschichte,’ now edited by Professor Troschel. In the
Bericht iiber die Leistungen in der Naturgeschichte der Vogel”
(Report on the Birds), from the pen of Dr. Hartlaub, will always
be found a complete resume of what has been done in Orni-
thology during the previous year. The only fault we have to
find with it is its somewhat tardy appearance (the Bericht for
1857 not having yet reached us) ; but this, we believe, is owing
to no fault of the author. We are not prepared at present to
offer to our readers any such detailed and complete account of
what has been published, but shall endeavour from time to time
to notice some of the principal publications, relating to the
branch of Zoology to which this Journal is devoted, which come
under our notice.

1. English Publications.

In speaking of books concerning Birds published in this
country, Mr. Gould’s magnificent series of illustrated works
claims our first attention. In the year 1858 Mr. Gould has
issued Parts 15 and 16 of the ^ Monograph of the Trochilidce,^
Part 10 of ^ The Birds of Asia,’ and the first part of a new
edition of the Monograph of the Trogons. The Humming-birds
figured are the following : —

H 2

100

Recent Ornithological Publications.

Part 15.

1. Eriocnemis derbianus.

2. „ nigrivestis.

3. „ isaacsoni.

4. Trochilus colubris.

5. Phaethornis obscurus.

6. „ viridicaudata.

7. Lampornis gramineus.

8. „ porphyrurus.

Part 16.

1 . Phaeolsema rubinoides.

2. Helidoxa jacula.

3. Discura longicauda.

4. Phaethornis superciliosus.

5. „ cephalus.

6. Sternoclyta cyaneipectus.

7. Thalurania furcata.

8. ,, columbica.

(May 1st, 1858.)

9. Lampornis veraguensis.

10. „ aurulentns.

11. „ prevosti.

12. Cometes? glyceria.

13. Heliopoedica melanotis.

14. Erythronota edwardi.

15. „ niveiventris.

(Sept. 1st, 1858.)

9. Thalurania venusta.

10. ,, eriphile.

11. „ verticeps.

12. Microchera albicoronata.

13. Chrysobronchus virescens.

14. „ viridicaudus.

15. Chrysuronia elicise.

We look forward with great anxiety to the completion of this
great work (which we believe we may shortly expect) ; and we
hope that Mr. Gould in his introduction will not only give us
a simple, understandable arrangement of this difficult group, but
also some structural characters for the recognition of the multi-
tude of genera into which it is now divided, and which appear
to be still increasing, three new generic terms having been pub-
lished in these last two parts.

The Tenth Part of ^ The Birds of Asia’ contains figures of

1. Phasianus mongolicus.

2. Ceriornis caboti.

3. Pyrrhula aurantia.

4. Parus cinereus.

5. „ minor.

6. „ monticolus.

7. Palaeornis columboides.

8. „ schisticeps.

9. Palteornis derbianus.

10. „ malaccensis.

11. ,, affinis.

12. Tesia cyaneiventris.

13. ,, castaneo-coronata.

14. Accentor atrigularis.

15. „ altaicus.

16. Merula unicolor.

Of these, Ceriornis caboti, Pyrrhula aurantia, and Palaeornis
affinis are all new and most interesting additions to the respect-
ive groups to which they belong. Accentor huttoni and A. varie-
gatus of the Himalayas have been judiciously united to the
Siberian A, atrigularis and A. altaicus respectively, and, as it
seems to us, upon satisfactory evidence. The latter bird is nearly

Recent Ornithological Publications. 101

allied to the Alpine Accentor. With regard to Merula unicolor j
we do not quite agree with Mr. Gould in considering it so rare
and so restricted to the western parts of Upper India as he ap-
pears to think. Specimens are in the British Museum, collected
hy Mr. Hodgson in Nepal, and it has been named by that gen-
tleman Petrocincla homochroa^ and indifferently figured in his
unpublished series of plates. We believe it is also the Turdus
unicolor of Capt. Tickell (Journ. As. Soc. Beng. ii. 577) and
Turdus modestus of Blyth {ibid, xvi. 144). Capt. Boys^ speci-
tnens, one of which Mr. Gould refers to, were collected in the
province of Kumaon, and the bird bears the number 495 in his
series. There are likewise examples in Sir William Jardine^s
collection, and in that of the late Mr. Strickland.

We gladly welcome the appearance of the first part of Mr.
Eyton^s ^Osteologia Avium ^ *, a work on a very important and
hitherto much neglected branch of ornithological science, with-
out the aid of which it is hopeless to expect to arri ve at anatural
arrangement of the class. The plates are drawn on zinc by
Erxleben, under Mr. Eyton^s personal superintendence.

Mr. Breeds work on European birds which have not been ob-
served in the British Isles, forming a sequel to Mr. Morrises
History of British Birds, has reached its 7th Number. We have
received from a correspondent, well acquainted with European
ornithology, an extended notice of this book, given above, to
which we beg to refer our readers for further information.

The first three parts of the ^ Illustrated Proceedings of the
Zoological Society,^ containing the papers read up to July 13th,
and accompanying plates, have appeared. The articles relating
to Ornithology are very numerous, and it is hardly necessary to
extract even their titles, as the work must be in the hands of
every one who pays attention to Natural History. The writers
on Birds are Messrs. Gould, George Gray, Meves, and Sclater,
and Drs. J. E. Gray, Hartlaub, and Krefft. Mr. Gould describes
(p. 355) two new species of Hirundinidce [Atticora pileata from
Guatemala, and Chelidon cashmeriensis from Cashmir), and a new
Ptarmigan {Lagopus hemileucurus) from Spitzbergen (p. 354).
Mr. George Gray gives a list of the birds obtained by Mr. Wallace

* See the Advertisements on the cover.

102 Recent Oj'nithological Publications.

in the Am and Ke Islands^ with descriptions of new species
(p.l69). A Tanysiptera, a PtilorhynchuSy five Parrots*, and as
many splendid Pigeons, are amongst Mr. Wallace’s most brilliant
discoveries, as here recorded. A useful table appended gives
the distribution of the species in New Guinea, the Aru and Ke
Islands, the Louisiade Archipelago, Waigiou, Timor-laut, North-
ern Australia, and Torres Straits. M. Meves’ communication
(p. 199) is on the humming-noise of some of the Snipes, which
it now said to be produced by the peculiarly-shaped outer tail-
feathers. Mr. Sclater^s papers are on the birds collected by
Mr. Bridges in California (p. 1) ; on a collection of birds from
the Rio Napo (p. 57) ; on some birds from Southern Mexico
(p. 95) ; on new or little-known Accipitres from the Norwich Mu-
seum (p. 128) ; a Synopsis of the Formicariidce (pp. 202, 232
and 272) ; on the Magellanic Goose (p. 289) ; on newTanagers
(p. 293) j on a collection of birds from Oaxaca (p. 294) ; on a
new Buteo (p. 356) ; and on birds collected by Capt. Taylor in
Honduras (p. 356). Among the birds from the Rio Napo, are
two very beautiful new forms of Tanagridse, Fuchcetes coccineus
and Creurgops verticalis (pi. 132). Dr. Hartlaub describes “new
species of birds from Western Africa in the Collection of the
British Museum (p. 291). Dr. J. E. Gray makes remarks on
the eggs of the new Cassowary [C. hennettii), of which two some-
what dissimilar examples are in the British Museum (p. 271).
Dr. Krefft gives an interesting notice on the habits and nesting
of Pomatorhinus ruficepSf Hartlaub, of Australia.

The ^Annals of Natural History^ for the year 1858, besides
giving most of the important papers read before the Zoological
Society, contain (No. 10) — “ Description of a new Grass-finch
from New Caledonia,'’^ by John Macgillivray ; (No. 12) a paper
“ On a peculiar process attached to the Ischium in Erucivores,^^
by T. C. Eyton ; and the “ Description of a new species of
bird from Palestine,^^ by P. L. Sclater. Out of the many species
of birds in New Caledonia, Mr. Macgillivray has unfortunately
selected one of the few, which are already known to the scientific
world, to describe as new. As Dr. Hartlaub has shown in a

* We must, however, express a doubt of the distinctness of Chalcopsitta
rubrifrons from C. scintillata (Temm.).

Recent Ornithological Publications. 103

recent communication to the Zoological Society, Po'ephila pad-
doni was discovered in New Caledonia as long ago as the year
1774 by the Forsters, who accompanied Capt. Cook in his second
voyage. It is described and figured by Latham in his ^ Synop-
sis ' (vol. iii. p. 287. pi. 48) as the Parrot Finch,^-’ which name
was latinized by Gmelin into Fringilla psittacea. It belongs
strictly to the genus Erythrura. We are not aware that the
curious process attached to the anterior extremity of the ischium,
mentioned by Mr. Eyton as occurring in the Cuculidce and their
affines, has been previously noticed as being peculiar to this
group, although some allusion to it appears to be made in Dr.
Opehs elaborate paper on Cuculus canorus published in Cabanis^s
Journal for 1858. Mr. Tristram^s discovery of a species of the
purely African genus Amydrus in Palestine is certainly remark-
able.

‘The Zoologist^ for 1858 contains, as usual, a number of
notes on the habits of birds and the occurrence of rare species,
which must always be of great interest to the naturalist.

The second volume of the ‘ Catalogue of the Birds in the
Museum of the Hon. East India Company, by Thomas Hors-
field and Frederic Moore *,^ recently issued, is the continua-
tion of a very important work, which we hope soon to see com-
plete. There is as yet no such thing as a scientifically-prepared
catalogue of the birds of any of the larger museums t of Europe ;
and it will be no small honour to produce the first of such a
series. Moreover, the numerous notes concerning the habits of
species added to the synonyms in this work render it almost a
book of light reading for the general naturalist, as well as a
valuable work of reference to those who are engaged in studying
the ornithology of the East. We may call particular attention
to the notices given of the very strange habits of various species
of Hornbills [Buceros) during the period of incubation (p. 587
et seq.). Similar facts were noted by Dr. Livingstone J in his
recent journey in Africa concerning Toccus erythrorhynchus. If
we have any fault to find with the book, it is that the generic

* London, Allen and Co., Leadenhall Street.

t We should except perhaps that of Bremen, of which a carefully pre-
])ared catalogue has been printed by Dr. Hartlaub.

X Livingstone’s Missionary Travels in South Africa, p. 613.

]04 Recent Ornithological Publications.

divisions adopted are sometimes too numerous, and tlie arrange-
ment employed a little out of date. But this does not interfere
with the great general merit of the work, which is, we believe,
mainly due to the labour bestowed upon it by Mr. F. Moore.

De VerteuiFs ^ Trinidad*^ contains a good deal of informa-
tion upon the zoology of the island, put together in rather a
desultory way. The scientific names when given are often mis-
spelt. We learn (p. 118) that the King Vulture inhabits the
high woods, as also the Bed-headed Cathartes. The Black-
headed Cathartes, as in the U. S., is gregarious, and found prin-
cipally in the towns and plantations, where it is the common
scavenger. ^An Essay on the Ornithology of Trinidad,^ by
Antoine Leotand, is appended, and here also will be found much
generally interesting matter. Nearly 300 species are stated to
have fallen under observation. A list is given of their genera
and subgenera after Cuvier.^^ The Guacharo {Steatornis) is
in Trinidad also called Diahlotin.^^ Dr. Leotand remarks : —

The young ones, which are literally a mass of fat, are highly
praised and relished by amateurs. I have on several occasions
partaken of them, but must candidly confess, in consequence of
a certain cockroachy fiavour, which is the reverse of tempting,
I have for a long time discarded that dish.”

The ^Naturalist in Bermuda is the title of a little work on
the “geology, zoology and botany of that remarkable group of
islands,” just issued from the press. Mr. Jones is fortunate in
having secured two such excellent observers as Major Wedder-
burn and Mr. Hurdis to assist him in his labours on the
birds. Except the notices in Sir William Jardine^s ^ Contribu-
tions,^ the present is the only attempt at an account of this
peculiar fauna, which is divided in its allegiance between the
Old and New Worlds, and seems to incline first towards one
and then towards the other, “ according to the way the wind
blows.^^ On the whole, however, the American types are de-
cidedly predominant, Cardinalis virginianus and Sialia wilsoni

* ‘ Trinidad : its Geography, Natural Resources, Administration, Present
Condition and Prospects.’ By L. A. A. De Verteuil, M.D.P. London,
1858, 1 vol. 8vo.

t Reeves and Turner, Strand, London, 1859.

Recent Ornithological Publications. 105

being common and resident*. We recommend this book to the
notice of the residents in our numerous islands and dependencies,
as showing how much there is to be done even in so limited a
field of observation.

II. French Publications.

The death of the late lamented Prince Bonaparte, which oc-
curred last year, has created a vacancy in the list of the active
ornithologists of France, which it will be hard to fill. But of
the several works commenced or projected by the Prince at the
time of his death, two at least are being continued. The ^ Ico-
nographie des Perroquets,^ a supplement to the great publications
of Le Vaillant and Saint-Hilaire, is issued as far as its 12th
livraison. We do not much like the plates of this book, which
are very French in style and execution; they are, however, a
great advance upon those of the work of Saint-Hilaire. But
the L. P. (from the pen of M. de Souance, we believe) is very
commendable, containing the complete synonymy with accurate
descriptions and precise localities of each species figured. We
think, however, that in a scientific work, though this perhaps is
less necessary where the languag eemployed is French, the
technical characters of the species should be given in Latin.

The corresponding work, entitled ^ Iconographie des Pigeons,^
has also reached its 12th livraison.

Of the ^ Revue et Magasin de Zoologie^ for the year 1858, we
have received seven numbers, which contain several interesting
articles on Ornithology, from the pens of MM. Malherbe,
Moquin-Tandon, Pucheran, and Jules Verreaux. M. Malherbe
describes a new Woodpecker from Ecuador [Celeopicus ver-
reauxii). M. Moquin-Tandon continues his useful Notes
Ornithologiques upon the birds of the South of France. Dr.
Pucheran writes observations on Pica heecheyii, Cyanopica
cyanea, and Juida nitens. M. Verreaux publishes characters of
three new birds, Dryoscopus turatii (ex Afr. Occid.), Monarcha
castaneiventris (ex ins, Samoens.), and Cyanalcyon leucopygius
(ex ins. Salomon.).

* The Tropic-bird of the Bermudas is Pha'dhon jiavirostris, and notP.
(Pthereus. See Jardiiie’s Contrib. 1852, pi. 84, where the egg; is figured.

106 Recent Ornithological Publications,

Loche^s Catalogue* of Mammals and Birds observed in Al-
geria contains a list of the specimens exhibited at the Exposi-
tion permanente des produits de PAlgerie ” at Algiers, with the
addition of other species observed by the author in that country.
The classification adopted is that of Prince Bonaparte^s ^ Cata-
logue des Oiseaux d^Europe/ some few synonyms are given, and
the ^ habitat ^ added to each species. The book is a very useful
one in its way, particularly as a handbook for tourists, or for
those who are working at the ornithology of this country, as by
far the most complete list of the birds of Algeria yet issued.
But we object to the practice of publishing new specific names
in any form without giving descriptions. Who is to know what
is intended by Malurus Sahara, Loche in litt.,’^ Calen-
drella reboudia, in litt.,^^ Galeridarandonii, Loche inlitt.^^ ?
Can the public peruse M. Loche^s private correspondence and
ascertain what birds he may have so designated ? It stands to
reason that the publication of such names without descriptions
gives not the slightest title to priority, and is only productive
of a confusion of synonymy, which retards the progress of
science. M. Loche’s Catalogue enumerates as species observed
by himself —

Accipitres ... 46 Cursores .... 1

Insessores . . . 157 Grallse . . . . 70

Columbae ... 5 Anseres .... 73

Gallinae .... 6

Total 358

An Appendix contains the names of 42 others considered
doubtful. With regard to the main list, however, we suspect it
will be difficult to establish the specific validity of such species
as Amnomanes elegans, Microcarbo algeriensis, and some others.

3. German Publications.

01 Cabanis^ J ournal fur Ornithologie ^ we have received only
the first four parts for the last year. We notice some of the
more remarkable articles. The veteran naturalist Max, Prinz
zu Wied, contributes a series of interesting papers on the birds

Catalogue des Mammiferes et des Oiseaux observes en Algerie par le
Capitaine Loche. Paris, 1858, 1 vol. 8vo.

Recent Ornithological Publications.

107

observed by him during his North American journey twenty-five
years ago. Had this been published soon after his return, it is
probable that the species to which he gives names as undescribed
might have been really new. It is, however, hardly likely that
they can have escaped the penetrating researches of the Ameri-
cans up to the present time. Brehm^s ^ Singing-birds of Spain ^
well merits perusal. Under the head of Promolcea leucura,
which he observed in that country, he takes the opportunity of
describing two new species from Egypt, Promolcea leucocephala
and D. leucopygia (Journ. f. Orn. 1858, pp. 62 and 66). We
believe them to be well-founded, having lately examined examples
of both, obtained by Mr. Tristram in the Algerian Sahara. In
Heft ii. Dr. Boilers paper on the Wild Canary, and Prof. Bur-
meister^s Ornithological letter from Mendoza are both of a very
interesting nature. The Turdus anthracinus, mentioned by the
latter author as one of the true Thrushes occurring in the
vicinity of Mendoza, is doubtless D^Orbigny^s Turdus fuscater^
of which Mr. Bridges obtained specimens in the same locality.
Heft iii. contains the commencement of a very elaborate article
on the Anatomy and General History of the Cuckoo by Dr. Opel.
A note from Herr von Homeyer seems to confirm Dr. Gloger’s
views as to the distinctness of Carbo desmaresti of the Eastern
Mediterranean. In Heft 4 is the second part of Dr. OpeFs essay
on Cuculus, at the end of which (p. 306) will be found the
results at which the author has arrived as to the causes of its
singular method of propagation. Professor Alex, von Nordmann
communicates observations on the Nesting of the Waxen Chatterer
[Ampelis garrula). We beg to remind him that our countryman
Mr. John Wolley is entitled to the whole merit of this discovery.
The nest and eggs were first taken by Mr. Wolley in June 1856,
and were exhibited at a meeting of the Zoological Society held
on the 24th of March, 1857. If the Professor will refer to the
Illustrated volume of Proceedings for that year, he will find not
only a full description, but a figure of both nest and eggs.

Of ‘ Naumannia ^ for 1858 we have only received the first part.
It contains amongst other things an account of the birds of the
Cyclades by Dr. Erhard. Fifty-two species are given as per-
manent residents, 77 as winter visitants, 62 as birds of passage

108

Recent Ornithological Publications.

in autumn or spring, and 29 as summer visitants. A curious,
if reliable, addition to the European fauna is a new Falcon from
the islands Tragonisi and Slapodia, Falco dichrous, Erhard.

Herr August von Pelzeln continues his interesting communi-
cations to the Academy of Sciences of Vienna, on the new or
little-known species of birds of the Imperial Cabinet. The
'Sitzungsberichte^ for July 1858 contain his last paper, in which
he describes Merops boleslavskii from the Sudan, Furnarius {Ope-
tiorhynchus) minor from Brazil, Anumhius ferrugineigula from
Patagonia, Copsychus pica from Madagascar, Mimus leucospilus
from Chili, Muscivora swainsoni from Brazil, Penelope cujubi
from Para, giving remarks upon the allied species, and a notice
of the occurrence of Gypohieraoo angolensis from the eastern coast
of Africa. [What does Dr. Hartlaub say to this ?] The Mimus
leucospilus is, we believe, a good species, and is in the British
Museum from S. Elena Bay, Ecuador, not from Chili ; but it
is very likely to be Mimus peruvianas of Peale (United States
Exploring Expedition).

Kittlitz^s ‘^Denkwurdigkeiten einer Keise nach den Kussischen
Amerika nach Mikronesien und durch Kamtschatka* ^ contains
many interesting notices on Natural History, particularly Orni-
thology, made during the author^s journey round the world thirty
years ago. We recommend the book as worthy of the attention
of our readers.

4. American Publications.

The most important work on Ornithology that has appeared
during the past year is certainly the general work on North
American Birds, which forms the second part of the ninth
volume of the ^ Reports of Explorations and Surveys to ascertain
the most practicable and economical route for a Railroad from
the Mississippi River to the Pacific Ocean f.^ It is from the pen
of Professor Baird, with the co-operation of Messrs. Cassin and
Lawrence, and is in every respect such a work as these gentlemen,
already well known for their labours on the ornithology of their
native country, might be expected to produce. The ^ Report,^

* 2 vols. 8vo. Gotha, 1858, Perthes.

t These Reports are American “ Blue-books.” They may be obtained in
London of Messrs. Triibner and Co.

Recent Ornithological Publications. 109

in the words of the preface, is a continuation of a systematic
account of the vertebrate animals observed by the different
surveying parties, each of which was accompanied by competent
collectors, and, as in the volume on Mammals, by the insertion
of the comparatively few species not noticed by the expeditions,
becomes an exposition of the present state of our knowledge of
the birds of America north of Mexico/^ The total number of
species included as occurring within these limits is 721, being"
an increase of no less than 210 over the last list published
by Audubon in 1844, which shows the energy which the
Americans have lately devoted to the working out of their
country's fauna. Of each of these species the synonymy is
given in a very complete way; the specific characters are clear,
and yet concise ; and, besides an indication of the general geo-
graphical range, the precise locality of each individual specimen
in the Museum of the Smithsonian Institution, where the zoo-
logical collections made by the difierent surveying parties were
deposited, and in most cases also its measurements, are recorded :
so that, on the whole, the work must be pronounced to be
very complete, and quite indispensable to any one who pays
attention to the ornithology of the New World.

The following Table gives the number of species included of
the difierent orders, and may be taken as a fair general estimate
of the Nearctic Avi-fauna: —

Species

identified.

Species not
identified.

Total.

Order I. Raptores

61

61

II. Scansores

35

—

35

III. Insessores.

a. Strisores

17

17

b. Clamatores

30

1

31

c. Oscines

276

9

285

IV. Rasores.

a. Columbae

11

—

11

b. Gallinae

21

1

22

V. Grallatores.

a. Herodiones

24

24

b. Grallae

58

1

59

VI. Natatores.

a. Anseres

48

4

52

b. Gaviae

108

16

124

Total

689

32

721

110 Recent Ornithological Publications.

The ^Proceedings of the Academy of Natural Sciences of
Philadelphia ^ for 1858 have been received in this country up to
p. 184, giving the papers read up to October 26. The ornitho-
logical communications are — (1) ^^Descriptions of new Birds from
the vicinity of Port Tejon, Cal./^ by J. X. de Vesey {Tyrannula
hammondii and Vireo (2) ^^Description of anew Toxo-

stoma {T. crissalis) and a new Junco {J. dorsalis),^ by Dr. T. C.
Henry, from New Mexico ; and (3) Description of a newTanager
from the Isthmus of Darien, and Note on Selenidera spectahilis,’^
by John Cassin. The Tanager is a Calliste, belonging to the
section containing C. gyrola and its allies. Mr. Cassin calls it
C. lavinia. It is the second* species discovered since the eom-
pletion of the lately published Monograph. The beautiful new
Toucan, named by Mr. Cassin Selenidera spectahilis (Proc. Acad.
Philad. 1857, p. 214), was again obtained by the American
Surveying party on the Isthmus of Darien, near the village of
Susio, province of Choco. A plate, giving good figures of two
interesting African species, Pholidornis rushicB and ^githalus
flavifronSf is attached to the same part of the ^ Proceedings.^

The ^ Annals of the Lyceum of Natural History of New York ’
for 1858 contain (1) “ Notes on some Cuban Birds, with descrip-
tions of three new species,^^ by John Gundlach. The species
mentioned are, Cypselus collaris, Max, C. niger (Gm.), Tachornis
iradiij Lembeye, Myiadestes elizahethce, Lemb., Colaptes chryso-
caulosus, sp. nov., Culicivora lembeyiij sp. nov., and Teretristris
fornsi, sp. nov. They are accompanied by interesting observa-
tions on their habits. Mr. Lawrence adds some explanatory
remarks. The discovery of the distinctness of Colaptes chry-
socaulosus from the common Golden shafted of the United States
{Colaptes auratus) is noteworthy; it being the fourth species of
the family now known as peculiar to the island. (2) ^^De'scrip-
tions of two new species of Gulls in the Museum of the Smith-
sonian Institution at Washington (Larus suckleyii and Rissa
septentrionalis) both from Puget Sound,^^ by Mr. Lawrence.
(3) ^^Descriptions of seven new species of Humming-birds,^^
by George N. Lawrence. We understand from Mr. Gould, to
whom Mr. Lawrence has sent the types of his species for exa-

* Calliste cyanotis, Sclater (Proc. Zool. Soc. 1858, p. 294), is the other.

ibis,is58.Pi,nr.

J .Wolf, litli

M IT . ,¥ ■’'i.arl: , imp^.

CEPHALOPTERUS PENDULIGER

Extracts from Correspondence, Notices, ^c. Ill

mination, that the whole of them (with the possible exception of
lolcema frontalis) are known in Europe, and have nearly all been
previously described.

The new edition of the ^ Mammals and Birds of the United
States Exploring Expedition under Commodore Wilkes/ by
Mr. Cassin, has just been received in this country. We hope
hereafter to be able to give a full notice of this important work.

XI. — Extracts from Correspondence, Notices, ^c,

(Plate III.)

We are happy to be able to state that letters have been received
from Mr. Wallace, dated Ternate, September 2nd, announcing
his safe return from New Guinea about a fortnight before that
time. Mr. Wallace gives by no means a favourable account of
Havre-Dorey as a collecting-place, and says that he has never
made a voyage so disagreeable, expensive, and unsatisfactory
as that now completed.^^ He suffered greatly from illness and
from bad and insufficient food, and was only just sufficiently
recovered to work at cleansing and packing his collections. His
servants suffered as much as himself, two or three of them were
always sick, and one of his hunters died of dysentery. Not only
was he unable to procure any of the rarer Paradise-birds himself
at this spot, but he could not even purchase a single skin of
them. ^^It is certain,^^ says Mr. Wallace, ^Hhatallhut the two
common yellow species {Paradisea apoda and P. papuana) are
very rare, even in the places where the natives get them, for you
may see hundreds of the common species to perhaps one of the
rarer sorts. I sent two of my servants with seven natives a
voyage of 100 miles to the most celebrated place for birds —
Amberbabei — mentioned by Lesson, and after twenty days they
brought me back nothing but two of P. papuana and one of
P. regia.” He goes on to say, “ My only hope now lies in
Waigiou, where I shall probably go next year, and try for
P. rub7'a and P. superha. Even of P. papuana I have not many,
as my hoys had to shoot them all themselves. I got nothing
from the natives at Horey. You will ask why I did not try
somewhere else, when I found Horey so bad. The simple

112 Extracts from Correspondence j Notices , ^c.

answer is, that in the whole mainland of New Guinea there is no
other place where my life would be safe a week. It is a horribly
wild country. You have no idea of the difficulties in the way
of a single person doing anything in it. There are a few good
birds at Dorey, but full half of the species are the same as at
the Aru Islands, and there is much less variety. My best things
are some new and rare Lories*.^’ In a letter written from Ter-
nate in March last, before starting for Havre-Dorey, Mr. Wal-
lace remarks, speaking of the Eastern tropics generally, This
part of the world is very poor in species compared with South
America. In Java, so rich, so varied, and so well explored,
there are barely 300 species according to Muller, a number
which any one spot in tropical America would probably furnish
if well explored.^^ In the same letter, with reference to the dis-
tribution of the Parrots, he says, “ The Psittacidce are very inter-
esting. It is, however, almost impossible to get all the species
of each locality, some being always scarce and difficult to shoot.
The greatest confusion exists as to their distribution, owing to
their being carried from island to island by the native traders.
This I hope in a great measure to set to rights. Almost every
island of any extent has some peculiar species, but there are
others which extend over a considerable range of the Archipelago.
The representative species in the different islands are often very
closely allied. In Gilolo I have found the true Geoffr'oiius cya-
neicollisj which is quite distinct from G. personatus of Amboyna,
and also from the Aru species, which, if different, as I think,
from the Amboyna one, is newf. In my second Macassar
collection I have sent a TrichoglossusX,vih.ic}i I think new — the
most western of the genus. At Manado, in the north of Celebes,
I shall find many of the rare birds which do not occur at Ma-
cassar. I have a pair of the superb Pitta maxima of Forsten,

* Among these is what Mr. Wallace thinks is a new species of Char-
mosyna.

t This will stand as Geoffroiius aruensis, having been described by
Mr. G. R. Gray from Mr. Wallace’s specimens as Psittacus aruensis (Proc.
Zool. Soc. 1868, p. 183).

J The Trichoglossus from Macassar is T. ornatus. There are examples
of this species in the Levden Museum from Celebes collected by Forsten,
and from Bouton collected by Muller.

Extracts from Correspondence, Notices, ^c. 113

from Gilolo/^ Mr. Wallace's second Macassar collection has
been received since he wrote thus. In it and his first collection
he has transmitted many interesting species, Buceros cassidix,
B. exaratus, Basileornis corythaix, Streptocitta albicollis, Phoeni-
cophaus callirhynchus, Spilornis rufipectus^ — all types peculiar to
Celebes; and among Psittacida, Tanygnathus mulleri. Bp., a
fine species of Prioniturus, and Trichoglossus ornatus. In the
last collection we were surprised to recognize in a strongly-built
Corvine bird. Prince Bonaparte^s Gazzola typica (Compt. Rend,
vol. xxxvii. p. 828, et Notes Orn. p.6). Prince Bonaparte gives
New Caledonia as the locality of this bird, which is very singular,
as the Streptocitta of Celebes is also attributed, in Labillardiere^s
'Voyage,^ to New Caledonia. But the fact is, that Labillardiere
visited Celebes as well as New Caledonia, and the specimens
from each country must have been mixed up together. The true
position of the Gazzola is certainly near Corvus dauricus, however
Prince Bonaparte may deride its being labeled Corvus dauricus
de la Nouvelle Caledonie,^^ and we are not at all sure that it is
generically separable therefrom. Another interesting bird in
Mr. Wallace's last Macassar collection is a curiously-marked
Thrush of the section Geocichla, allied to G. interpres'^ of Java
and Sumatra, but having the whole back as well as the head
chestnut-red. For this bird, of which two examples only were
sent, we propose the name Geocichla erythronotaX. From Lom-
bok Mr. Wallace has transmitted the true Geocichla interpres.

Mr. Fraser, who is now collecting in the Andes of Ecuador,
dates his last letters from Pallatanga, on the Pacific slope of the
western range of the Cordillera, south-westwards of Riobamba,
in the tierra caliente. His first collection from this spot, which
has just arrived, contains about 110 species, among which are

* Gould, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1857, p. 222.

t Temminck, PI. Col. 458.

X Geocichla erythronota, Sclater.

G. supra castanea : alls, cauda, lateribus capitis et corpore subtus ad
medium pectus intense nigris; macula utrinque inter oculum et
rictum, altera in regione auriculari, tectricum alarium apicibus et pri-
mariorum ad basin marginibus externis, rectricis extimse macula ter-
minali et secundse macula minore, albis : abdomine crissoque albis,
ventre nigro tanquam squamato : rostro plumbeo, apice flava, pedibus
flavis ; long, tota 8*0, alae 4*5, caudse 3*0.

VOL. I. I

114 Extracts from Correspondence, Notices, ^c.

many scarce birds, such as the curious Toucan [Andigena lami-
nirostris), some rare Tanagers [Saltator atripennis and Buar-
remon leucopterus), and several undescribed species of different
families. But the most remarkable thing in the collection, and
indeed one of the most extraordinary birds lately discovered, is a
new Umbrella-bird {Cephalopterus) with a very elongated throat-
lappet, nearly as long as the whole body of the bird. This we
propose to call Cephalopterus penduliger^. It will be described
at length, and its differences from the two previously known
species {Cephalopterus ornatus and C. glabricollis) pointed out,
in the report on Mr. Fraser^s collections submitted to the Zoolo-
gical Society. Meanwhile the accompanying figure by Mr.
Wolf (PL III.) will give a good idea of its strange appearance.

M. Mouhot de Montbeilliard of Jersey has safely arrived at
Bangkok, whence he was preparing to start, as soon as the dry
season should commence, to explore the natural productions of
the unknown interior of the kingdom of Siam. His first col-
lections may be expected very shortly. His agent is Mr. S.
Stevens, of 24 Bloomsbury Street.

A letter from Mr. Blyth of the Calcutta Museum, dated in June
last, announces the arrival of some interesting novelties from the
Andaman Islands: — Among the birds I received a handsome
new Shawa {Kittacincla albiventris, nobis). Form typical, but
with the four medial tail-feathers much less elongated than in K.
macroura) the abdominal region, tibial plumes, axillaries, and fore-
part of wing underneath pure white; vent and lower coverts only,
and hindermost portion of the flanks deep ferruginous, as in the
other : otherwise like K. macroura.^^ Mr. Blyth also speaks of
a new Pheasant which he has described as Diardigallus fas-
ciolatus. Five males were brought alive to Calcutta, supposed

* It is smaller considerably than C. ornatus, measuring — whole length
inches, wing 9^, tail 4^, bill from front 1*7> tarsus 1*8, throat-lappet
8^. The corresponding measurements of a fine specimen of C. ornatus in
Mr. Gould’s collection are, whole length 17Linches, wing 11, tail 6^, bill from
front P9, tarsus 2* 1 , throat-lappet 4’0. In C.penduliger the throat-lappet
is long and narrow, and there is no bare space on the neck ; in C. ornatus
the lappet is short and broad, covering a naked space ; in C. glabricollis
the whole fore-neck and chest as well as the basal part of the lappet itself
are denuded. In C. penduliger, again, the under wing-coverts are partly
white, in C. ornatus they are quite black.

Extracts from Correspondence ^ NoticeSy ^c. 115

to be from Borneo, but no female. A sketch and parts of the
feathers enclosed would seem to indicate its being a very remark-
able species — the crest-plumes of curious structure : size of
the various species of Gallophasis : the figure slim and game-
looking, with bright red legs, and fully as much papillose crimson
skin about the face as the NycthemerusJ^ We have not yet met
with Mr. Blythes published description of this singular bird.

In a letter j ust received by Sir William J ardine from Professor
Jameson of Quito, that gentleman states, ‘^On the 1st of the pre-
sent month (November) I made an excursion to the farm of Anti-
sana. The farm-house is situated at an elevation of 13,454 feet
above the sea-level, and is uninhabited, except on special occa-
sions. In an apartment on the ground-floor I found some nests
of Oreotrochilus pichinchce. I am certain as to the-«pecies. One
of the nests was attached to the extremity of a straw-rope hang-
ing from the roof.^^

Most of our readers will probably have seen the prospectus of
M. A. Malherbe of Metz, announcing the immediate commence
ment of the publication of his long-promised monograph of the
Woodpeckers. M. Malherbe now begs us to announce a slight
alteration in the plan of publication, in that he only intends to
issue a livraison every two months, instead of every twenty days.
Moreover he has resolved to strike oflp only 75 copies of the
plates, after which the stones will be effaced ; so that those who
desire to possess the work should send in their names* without
loss of time.

The Zoological Society have lately added to their collection
fine examples of Darwin^s Bhea, and the common Cassowary,
so that the following extraordinary assemblage of Struthiones
may now be seen alive in the Gardens : — Struthio camelus, Rhea
americana, and R. darwinii, Rromceus novae hollandioBy Caiaarius
galeatus and C. bennettiij and Apteryx mantellii.

Should any wandering naturalist be inclined for a few months’
excursion next spring, and not know where he may profitably
betake himself, we present him with an account of what he may

* Direct “ a M. Alfred Malherbe, Conseiller a la Cour Tmperiale, Metz,
France.” The work will appear in 25 livraisons, at 18 fr. each, forming
two folio volumes.

I 2

116 Extracts from Correspondence, Notices, &^c.

expect to find in tlie neighbourhood of Tarsus^ a port which
may be easily reached by the French and Austrian steamers of
the Levant line from Smyrna and Rhodes.

"A shooting excursion in the Cilician Taurus would be no
disagreeable amusement ; for it would not be difficult, directly
on leaving the steamer down in the plains, to kill Francolins,
Wild Swine, two species of Gazelles, the yet undetermined Stag
of the Pyramus woods, Beavers, black Fishing- otters. Jackals,
and striped Hysenas, not to speak of a multitude of marsh and
water fowl, with which the wide sedgy expanse of brackish
waters abounds.

When the heat of the plains becomes excessive, the sports-
man may ascend to the hills to search out the Leopards in the
rocky hollows, which, however, are among the rarities. But the
Boar is not uncommon in the mountain woods, the Ptarmigan,
Jackal, and striped Hysena ascend up to an elevation of 3000
feet, and the great pale yellow Vulture is to he found wherever
a beast is killed. Passing through the wide woods, which girt
the hills, one meets with the Syrian Bear, and hither too the
Leopard retreats in the summer time from the heat of the low
country, while the black-eared Lynx makes his permanent
abode here in company with the Bears, which ravage the vine-
yards. Badgers too, Syrian Squirrels, Hares, Foxes, and par-
ticularly Jackals, are not uncommon in the neighbourhood of
the villages, and the Wild Boar range through the valleys up to
the borders of the hills. Of feathered fowl. Ptarmigan and Wild
Doves are generally diffused. The Moufflon is seldom seen, yet
the inhabitants of Giillek get from 10 to 20 head every year.
What has been already said might perhaps seem sufficient to
show that Cilicia invites the visit of the sportsman. But the
most noble game of all inhabits the mountain region. The
Steinbock* exceeds the European species in dimensions by one-
third. It often reaches a length of 6^ feet. In its company
live Viverra sarmatica, and a noble bird, possessing a fine-sound-
ing call, Tetraogallus caucasicus. They all find a follower in
the Gypaetus, which is however rare.^^ — Kotschy, ^ Reise in den
Cilicischen Taurus fiber Tarsus.^ Gotha, 1858.

* Perhaps Capra caucasica, Gfilderst. ? — Ed.

THE IBIS

No. II. APRIL 1859.

XII. — On the Ornithology of Central America. Part II. By
Philip Lutley Sclater and Osbert Salvin.
[Continued from p. 22.]

(Plates IV. and V.)

Subtribus 11. Tracheophonce.

Pam. XV. ANABATIDiE.

Subfam. Anabatin^e.

122. Anabates rubiginosus, Sclater, P. Z. S. 1856, p. 288.
Transmitted by Mr. Skinner. In Sir William Tardiness and

Salvin^s collections. Irides marked red.'^

123. Synallaxis erythrothorax, Sclater, P. Z. S. 1855,
p. 75, pi. 86.

Originally described from examples collected in the vicinity
of Coban by Delattre. M. Salle has transmitted specimens of
this bird from the vicinity of Cordova, Vera Cruz, as also of the
AnabateSy of which he was the original discoverer.

Subfam. Dendrocolaptin^e.

124. PicoLAPTEs AFFiNis, Lafr. R. Z. 1850, p. 275.

Pacific coast-region. Runs up the trees like a Certhia. Ob-
served frequently.

125. PiCOLAPTES ?

A second species of this genus was obtained by Mr. Leyland,
near Omoa.

VOL. I.

K

118 Messrs. Sclater and Salvin on the

126. Dendrocops anabatinus, Sclater, P. Z. S. 1859 (Jau.
25 th).

Omoa (Leyland).

127. XiPHOcoLAPTES EMiGRANS, sp. nov. Xiphocolaptes aU
hicollis, Sclater, P. Z. S. 1857, p. 202.

An accurate examination of specimens of the large Central
American and S. Mexican Xiphocolaptes has convinced us that
it is specifically quite distinct from X. albicollis of Brazil, as
indeed might have been expected from its “ habitat.” It does
not appear to have come under the observation of M. de Lafres-
naye, not being included in his Monograph of this group in the
‘ Bevue et Magasin de Zoologie.^ It differs from X. albicollis
in its straighter, thicker, and lighter-coloured beak, which is of
a dirty horn-coloured white except at the base ; in the entire
absence of the black abdominal cross-bands, which particularly
distinguish X. albicollis ; and in the less extension of the white
on the throat. The whole length of a specimen in Sclater^s col-
lection is 12^ inches, wing 5|- inches, tail 4^ inches. Its size,
therefore, renders it easily recognizable among the other species
of the group found in the same country.

128. Dendrocolaptes sancti-thom^ (Lafr.); Sclater, P.Z.S.
1858, p. 96.

Named from S. Thomas, near the mouth of the Rio Duke,
on the bay of Honduras — a Belgian colony, and not, as is sup-
posed (P. Z. S. loc.cit.), from the island. In the collection of
P. L. S. from Honduras.

129. ScLERURUS GUATEMALENsis (Hartl.). Tinactov guati-
malensis, Hartl. R. Z. 1844, p. 370.

We have not yet met with specimens of Sclerurus from Gua-
temala. It may probably be identical with S. mexicanus^ but
Dr. Hartlaub^s description does not agree with that bird.

Pam. XVL PORMICARIIDJi:.

Subfam. Thamnophilin^.

130. Thamnophilus doliatus (Linn.).

This bird is common about Duenas. It is always found in

119

Ornithology of Central America.

the very thickest underwood, near, but not upon the ground.
It is by no means shy, but it is hard to procure good specimens
from the difficulty of keeping it in sight at a distance sufficient
to avoid spoiling them.

131. ThAMNOPHILUS MELANURUS, Gould ?

Vicinity of Omoa (Leyland). It is likely that this northern
bird is really specifically distinct from the true T. melanurus of
the valley of the Amazons.

Subfam. Formicivorin^.

132. Formicivora boucardi, Sclater, P. Z. S. 1858, p. 300.
Mr. Leyland obtained a female specimen near Omoa.

133. Cercomacra tyrannina, Sclater, P. Z. S. 1858, p.245.
A pair of this species are in the Derby Museum, obtained

near Coban by Delattre. Mr. Leyland obtained one example — •
a female — near Belize.

Subfam. Formicariin^.

134. Gymnocichla nudtceps (Cassin) ; Sclater, P. Z. S.

1858, p. 274.

Vicinity of Omoa (Leyland).

135. Grallaria guatemalensis, Prev.,Voy. Venus, Ois. t. 2;
Sclater, P. Z. S. 1856, p. 294.

Specimens of this bird in the Derby Museum at Liverpool
were collected by Delattre at Coban in June 1843.

Fam. XVll. TYRANNID^.

Subfam. T^NioPTERiNiE.

136. Sayornis aquatica, sp. nov.

Fuliginosa : secundariis alarum et caudse rectrice extima extiis
albo marginata : ventre medio albo : rostro et pedibus ni-
gerrimis : long, tota 9*25, alse 3*25, caudse 3*1, tarsi 0*7,
rostri a rictu *8.

Aff. Sayornithi nigricanti et S. cineracece, sed ab hac alis minus
albis et pogonio rectricis extimse non omnino albo, ab
ilia crassitie minore et crisso fuliginoso distinguenda.

This species is resident at Duenas, where it may always be

K 2

120

Messrs. Sclater and Salvin on the

found a short distance from the village, up the stream of the
river Guacalate. Sometimes, however, it occurs about the lake.
In its actions it is lively and restless, little resembling the Ty-
rants in these respects. It is always found near water, and is
generally to be seen sitting on a stone on the margin, from
which it constantly darts to seize a fly or insect from the surface.

Mr. Gould possesses a Guatemalan example of this species in
no way dilFering from the Duenas bird.

Subfam. Tyrannin^.

137. Attila citreopygia. Bp.; Sclater, P. Z. S. 1857, p.228.

Transmitted by Mr. Skinner. In Mr. Gould^s collection.

138. ScAPHORHYNCHus MExiCANUs, Lafr. B.Z. 1851, p.473.

Transmitted by Mr. Skinner.

139. PiTANGUS DERBiANUS (Kp.) : Sauvophagus derbianus,
Kaup, P. Z. S. 1851, p.44, pi. 36 : Saurophaqus quatemalensis,
Lafr. E. Z. 1852, p. 462.

This species occurs abundantly at Belize in December. At
Duenas it appears to be only a summer visitant, as it was found
breeding there in the month of May, not having previously been
observed. It builds a large loose nest with a great deal of
superfluous matter about it, the entrance being at one side. The
single nest found was composed entirely of small twigs, and
was placed at the end of a branch about twenty feet from the
ground. The eggs were laid about the third week in May.
They are slightly pear-shaped, and in colour of a pale creamy
white, spotted and blotched with brick-red ; they measure,
axis 1 in, 2| lines ; diam. 10^ lines.

140. Myiodynastes luteivbntris, Sclater, P. Z. S. 1859
(Jan. 25th).

Transmitted by Mr. Skinner. In the collections of Mr.
Gould and 0. S.

141. Tyrannus intrepides (Vieill.). (N.A.)

Mr. Gould^s collection contains an example of this bird trans-
mitted to him by Mr. Skinner.

121

Ornithology of Central America.

142. Tyrannus vociyerans, Sw. Quart. Journ. Sc. 1826,

p.273; Baird^sRep. p.l74. Tyrannus Lawrence. (N.A.)

Transmitted by Mr. Skinner from Salama, Vera Paz.

143. Tyrannus melancholicus (Vieill.).

This is a very abundant resident species about Duenas. It
builds in the month of May an open nest, slight in texture
and fiat in form. This structure is composed of sticks, with a
few fine roots and horse-hair inside, and is usually placed at
the end of a branch, at various heights from the ground. The
eggs, generally four in number, are spotted with three shades ot
red on a creamy-white ground. Some examples measure — axis
Hi lines, diam. 8 lines, but others are more rounded in form.

144. Milvulus monachus, Hartl. R. Z. 1844, p. 214 : Mil-
vulus tyrannus, Sclater, P. Z. S. 1856, p. 297.

Scarcely different from the S. American M. tyrannus. It
occurs at Estansuelas, a village on the road between Izabal and
Guatemala. Mr. Skinner has transmitted examples of it, as
also of

145. Milvulus forficatus (Gm.) ; PI. Enl. 677 ; Baird^s
Rep. p. 169.

146. Myiarchus crinitus (Linn.) ; Baird^s Rep. p. 178.

(N.A.).

Mr. Gould^s collection contains a Guatemalan skin of this
species.

147. Myiarchus lawrencii (Giraud) ; Baird^s Rep. p. 181.

A common and resident species at Duenas, where its pecu-
liarly melancholy note may frequently be heard.

148. Myiarchus cinerascens (Lawr.) : M. mexicanus,
BairPs Rep. p. 179.

Also found at Duenas ; but it is by no means of such frequent
occurrence. Examples were procured at Livingston, at the
mouth of the Rio Dulce, in December. M^e are not quite con-
vinced of the identity of this bird with Dr. Kaup's Tyrannula
mexicana (P.Z.S. 1851, p.51), to which Professor Baird has
united it.

122

Messrs. Sclater and Salvin on the

149. Myiarchus cooperi, Kaup ; Baird^s Rep. p. 180.

Transmitted by Mr. Skinner. In collection of P. L. S.

150. CoNTOPus BOREALIS (Sw.) ; Baird’s Rep. p. 188.

Transmitted by Mr. Skinner. In Mr. Gould^s collection.

151. CoNTOPUs MESOLEUcus, Sclater, P. Z. S. 1859 (Jan.
25tb).

Mr. Gould^s collection contains Guatemalan examples of this
species.

152. CoNTOPUs soRDiDULUs, Sclater^ P. Z. S. 1859 (Jan. 25tb).

Transmitted by Mr. Skinner.

153. CoNTOPUs VIRENS (Linn.), Baird^s Rep. p. 190.

Also transmitted by Mr. Skinner.

154. Empidonax flaviventris, Baird's Rep. p. 198.

In Mr. Gould's collection from Guatemala.

155. Empidonax minimus, Baird, Rep. p. 195.

Occurs at Belize and Duenas.

156. Empidonax albigularis, sp. nov.

Supra sordide olivaceo-brunneus, uropygio rufescente tincto :
gutture albo : pectore et cervicis lateribus grisescenti-brun-
neis : ventre et crisso pallide flavis : alis et cauda fusco-
nigricantibus, illis pallido brunneo bifasciatis, secundariis
extus albido anguste limbatis : tectricibus alarum infer!-
oribus ochracescenti-brunneis : rostro superiore fusco, in-
feriore flavo : pedibus nigris : long, tota 4*75, alse 2 ’3,
caudse 2*1, tarsi 0-6, rostri k rictu 0*6.

Aff. Empidonacti minimo, sed statura paulo majore, alarum
fasciis brunneis et gula pure alba, dorso quoque obscuriore
distinguenda.

A single example of this apparently undescribed species was
shot by Salvin at Duenas.

157. Mitrephorus ph^eocercus, Sclater, P.Z. S. 1859 (Jan.
25 th).

In Mr. Gould’s collection, received from Mr. Skinner.

158. Elainia vilissima, sp. nov. (Plate IV. fig. 1.)

Olivacea, pileo nigricanti-cinereo, fronte et superciliis sordide

albis : alls fusco- nigris, tectricibus majoribus, secundariis
et primariis secunda, tertia, quarta et quinta ad basin flavo

ILia 185.9. n. JV|

1

..iUuiii .ienneiis, al aaC. del et iitii.

StanJiard ^DisoiL

1, ELAJNTA. VJJJSSIMA.
9, E LA IN I A PIACEKS.

123

Ornithology of Central America,

extus aiiguste limbatis : cauda fusco-nigricante, olivaceo
marginata : subtus cinerascenti-alba^ abdomine toto flavi-
cante, medialiter albescentiore, bypochondriis olivaceo
tinctis : tectricibus alarum inferioribus flavis : rostro supe-
riore nigro, inferiore fusco : pedibus nigris : long, tota 5*0,
alse 2*4j caudae 2’2j tarsi O’ 73, rostri a rictu 0’5.

This apparently hitherto unnoticed and obscure species belongs
to the section of the genus Elainia^ which have the head-feathers
flat, and not subcrested, as in E.pagana (the type of the genus),
E. placens, and others. Mr. Skinner has transmitted several
examples of it, which are in Mr. Gould^s and Sclater’s collections.

159. Elainia placens, Sclater, P. Z. S. 1859 (Jan. 25th) :

Elcenia ?, Sclater, P. Z. S. 1856, p. 297. (Plate IV. fig. 2.)

Supra olivacea, pileo cineraceo, crista interne flava : alis cau-
daque obscuris, olivaceo extus limbatis : capitis lateribus cum
gutture albescenti-cinereis, ciliis oculorum albis : abdomine
et tectricibus subalaribus flavis : rostro nigro, mandibulse
inferioris basi albida : pedibus obscure carneis : long, tota
5*5, alse 2 ’7, caudse 2 ’6, tarsi 0 65.

Our figure is taken from a Mexican specimen of this pretty
Elainia collected ])y M. Salle near Cordova, in the month of
March. It is a female, but the sexes are probably alike. A
similar example is in Mr. Gould^s collection received from
Guatemala through Mr. Skinner.

160. Legatus variegates, Sclater: Elainia varieg at a, Sclater,
P.Z. S. 1856, p.297.

Transmitted by Mr. Skinner. In Mr. Gould^s collection.

161. Myiozetetes texensis (Giraud). Muscicapa texensis,
Giraud, B. Texas, pi. 1. Tyrannula cayennensis, Sw. Phil. Mag.
1827, p. 367.

An abundant and resident species at Duenas. It builds in the
month of May a nest composed of small roots and strong grass,
of light construction, and covered over, having a large hole in
the side. The eggs, generally three in number, are of a rich
creamy white, thinly spotted at the obtuse end with red ; they
measure, axis 10| lines, diam. 8 lines.

124

Messrs. Sclater and Salvin on the

Subfam. PlatyrhynchintE.

162. Muscivora mexicana, Sclater, P. Z. S. 1856, p. 295.

Transmitted by Mr. Skinner.

163. Todirostrxjm cinereum (Linn.) ; P. Z.S. 1855, p. 148.

Occurs at Belize in December.

164. Mionectes assimilis, Sclater, P. Z.S. 1859 (Jan. 25th).

Pam. XVlll. COTINGID^.

Subfam. Querulin^.

165. Lipaugus rufescens, Sclater, P. Z. S. 1857, p. 276.

Discovered by Delattre near Coban .

Subfam. Tttyrin^e.

166. Tityra personata (Jard. & Selb.) ; Sclater, P. Z.S. 1857,
p. 70.

Transmitted by Mr. Skinner. One specimen was shot near
Iguana, a day^s journey from Ysabal, in the coast-region.

167. Pachyrhamphus aglai^ (Lafr.) j P. Z. S. 1857, p. 74.

Transmitted by Mr. Skinner from Cajabon.

168. Pachyrhamphus POLYCHROPTERUS (Vieill.)?

Vicinity of Omoa (Leyland).

Subfam. Piprin^e.

169. Chiroxiphia linearis (Bp.). Pipra linearis^ Bp. P. Z. S.
1837, p. 113 j Gould^s Voy. Sulphur, Birds, pi. 20. p. 40. Pipra
fastuosa, Less. R. Z. 1842, p. 174.

Mr. Skinner has transmitted skins of this beautiful bird from
the Vera Paz. Mr. Hindses specimen, figured in the ^Voyage of
the Sulphur,^ is said to have been from Realejo, on the Pacific
coast of Nicaragua ; and M. Salle informs us that he procured
examples near Granada, on the lake of Nicaragua.

170. Manages cand^i (Parzud.).

Originally described from specimens obtained in Honduras,
but ranges as far northward along the Atlantic coast-region as
the vicinity of Cordova, where M. Salle obtained examples. See

125

Ornithology of Central America.

P. Z. S. 1856, p. 299. Mr. Leyland obtained a female specimen
near Lake Peten.

171. PiPRA MENTALis, Sclatcr, P. Z. S. 1856, p. 299, pi. 121.

Transmitted by Mr. Skinner. In Mr. Gould^s collection.

Snbfam. Cotingida^.

172. CoTiNGA AMABiLis, Gould, P. Z. S. 1856, p. 64, pi. 123.

From the Vera Paz. Transmitted by Mr. Skinner.

Tribus II. Fissirostres.

Fam. L CAPRIMULGID.E.

173. Nyctidromus americanus (Linn.) ?

Mr. Cassin has referred the Mexican and Central American
bird to this species in his ^Catalogue of Capriraulgidse.^ It
does not, however, appear to be the same as Nyctidromus derhi-
anus (as given by Mr. Cassin), the latter being a much larger
bird, and having the outer tail-feather broadly edged with white
on the inner web.

Fam. II. CYPSELID^.

174. Hemiprocne zonaris (Shaw) : Hirundo zonaris, Shaw;
Acanthylis collaris, G. R. Gray.

Transmitted by Mr. Skinner.

175. Panyptila melanoleuca (Baird) ; Cypselus melano-
leucuSf Baird, Pr. Ac. Phil. 1854, p. 118 ; Baird, Rep. p. 141.

This Swift is by no means common in Guatemala ; indeed so
local is it, that its presence might easily have been overlooked.
It is found nearDuehas ; and the following extract from Salvin^s
note-book relates to its capture : —

On going out with my gun, about three oYlock in the after-
noon of February 13th, I followed the course of the river Gua-
calatc'j and after leaving the open country and the wood beyond,
I entered a gorge with precipitous rocks on my right hand. On
proceeding up this gorge for about a quarter of a mile, I heard a
noise coming from the rock, which I at first took to be bats in
some of the cracks. After watching some time, I saw two Swifts

126

Messrs. Sclater and Salvin on the

dart into a hole, or rather crack in the rock, about twenty feet
from the ground ; the noise then was louder than ever. Not
altogether understanding this, I crossed the river and walked up
to the foot of the cliff, and began to throw stones at the hole, to
make the Swifts, which I had seen enter, fly out. Stones were no
good, so I tried shouts, hut with no better success. I then flred
my gun at the hole, but still without result, the noise within con-
tinuing as loud as ever all the time. My last resource was to
climb up as far as I could, and try and poke them out with a
bamboo-cane that happened to be lying at my feet. When I
had climbed up a little way, what should I see but a dead
Swift, which had fallen through the crack, and been caught on
the ledge where I found it ? It had evidently been killed by my
random shot. When I had descended, I flred again, this time
frightening out flve or six birds, but not, as I thought, killing
any. As soon as these five or six got clear of the rock, they
were pursued by all the Cotylce serripennes/^ of which there
were a great number in the valley. As I was watching their
flight, down fell a Swift at my feet. I then loaded, and was
about to leave the spot, when a third made its appearance, falling
down the crack. I again climbed up to where I had found the
first, both to see if there were any more, and to examine more
closely. Then I found a good many feathers, some pieces of dry
grass, and a skeleton of a Swift. This was evidently their
common roosting-place, and there were others similar in the
same rock ; how many inhabited the same hole I cannot say, for
after I had shot three, and five or six were flying about, the noise
continued as loud as ever.^^ (0. S.)

Fam. III. TROCHILIDiE.

176. Phaethornis cephalus (Bourc. et Muls.), Rev. Zool.
1848, p. 269 ; Gould, Mon. Troch. part xvi.

Transmitted by Mr. Skinner.

177. Phaethornis adolphi (Bourc.) ; Gould, Mon. Troch.
part xiv.

This is an abundant species in the forest about Izabal, but the
density of the undergrowth renders it extremely difficult to

Ornithology of Central America. 127

obtain a shot at so small and active an object. The bird is by
no means shy, and takes but little notice of an observer, even
searching the flowers almost within arm^s reach for the insects
and honey therein contained. In movement it is extremely ele-
gant and graceful, and, flitting from flower to flower, shows its
beautifully-formed tail conspicuously in every motion. Like all
others of the family, it selects a small twig for its perch, giving
preference to a dead one. While at rest, it trims its feathers
dexterously with its bill, which every now and then it cleans, by
rubbing it first on one side, then on the other of the twig on
which it stands.

178. Campylopterus rufus (Less.); Rev. Zool. 1840, p.73;
Gould, Mon. Troch. part iii.

Transmitted by Don Jose Constancia. It occurs, but very
rarely, at Duenas, and would appear to be an inhabitant of an
elevation higher than that district, as it is more numerous about
Atitlan.

179. Campylopterus delattrii (Less.); Rev. Zool. 1839,
p. 14; Gould, Mon. Troch. part x.

This magnificent species was first discovered by M. Delattre
at Coban. Numerous examples have since been transmitted to
Europe by Mr. Skinner.

180. Campylopterus pampa (Less.) ; Supp. Ois. Mouches,
p. 125, pi. 15; Gould, Mon. Troch. part x.

Transmitted by Mr. Skinner.

181. Lampornis prevosti (Less.) ; Colibris, p. 87, pi. 24;
Gould, Mon. Troch. part xv.

Transmitted by Mr. Skinner.

182. Petasophora thalassina (Swains.), Phil. Mag. 1827,
p. 441 ; Gould, Mon. Troch. part v.

Transmitted by Mr. Skinner.

183. Cyanomyia cyanocephala (Less.); Less. Supp. Ois.
Mouches, p. 134, pi. 18; Gould, Mon. Troch. part xi.

About Duenas this is an abundant species. It frequents the
shrubby forest, feeding principally among the flowers of a tree

128

Messrs. Sclater and Salvin on the

which abounds there. This tree, which grows to a height of about
twenty or thirty feet, bears clusters of white flowers, and has
its branches and stem covered with spines, which sting when
touched. Its bark also, when bruised, emits a milky fluid, which
blisters the skin, if any be allowed to remain upon it. The bird,
when taking its food from this tree, places itself in front of a
bunch of the flowers, and hovers opposite, at a distance of about
two or three inches. On perceiving the object of its search, it
darts in, and, seizing whatever that may be, insect or honey, re-
turns to its position in front of the cluster. So it passes on from
blossom to blossom, and in like manner from cluster to cluster,
until the whole tree is thoroughly ransacked. Humming-birds
do not remain long on the wing at once, but rest frequently,
choosing for that purpose a small dead or leafless twig at the
top, or just within the branches of the tree. While in this posi-
tion, they take the opportunity of trimming their feathers and
cleaning their bill, all the time keeping up an incessant jerking
of their wings and tail. When this operation has been gone
through, they peer about for fresh flowers on which to dart.
The cry of the present species is somewhat represented by the
work chirik” uttered frequently and with great rapidity. This
cry seems common to all the family, and it is only from an in-
timate acquaintance that one can trace a difierence between the
species. When they are flying from one place to another, or pur-
suing one another, this cry is especially used, and in the latter
case it is uttered with great vehemence. The humming sound,
from which these birds take their trivial name, is something like
that produced by a large beetle ; but very little practice will
soon so accustom the ear, that it seldom mistakes the unseen
presence of a Humming-bird for anything else.

184. Florisuga mellivora (Linn.) ; Gould, Mon. Troch.
part ii.

185. Eugenes eulgens (Swains.) ; Phil. Mag. 1827, p.441 ;
Gould, Mon. Troch. pt. xii.

186. Myiabeillia typica (Delatt. etLess.); Rev. Zool. 1839,
p. 16 ; Gould, Mon. Troch. pt. viii.

129

Ornithology of Central America.

187. Delattria henrici (Less, et Delatt.); Rev. Zool.
1839, p. 17; Gould, Mon. Troch. pt. viii.

188. Delattria viridipallens (Bourc. et Muls.), Ann. de la
Soc. de Lyons, 1846, p. 321 ; Gould, Mon. Troch. pt. ix.

189. Lamprol^ema rhami (Less.) ; Rev. Zool. 1838, p. 315 ;
Gould, Mon. Troch. pt. xi.

190. Heliomaster constanti (Delatt.) ; Echo du Monde
Savant, 1843 ; Gould, Mon. Troch. pt. v.

Examples of all these six species have been transmitted by
Mr. Skinner.

191. Thaumastura enicura (Vieill.) ; Gould, Mon. Troch.
pt. iv.

On no occasion were the males of this species observed about
Duefias during the months of February and March ; indeed it
was not until the month of May that both males and females
were seen together, at which time, the nopal of the cochineal
plantations being in full flower, gi’eat numbers of Humming-
birds, especially of this species, were in the habit of feeding from
the blossoms of that cactus. The females during the winter
months are common enough, and frequent the same places, and
feed principally on the same trees, as the Cyanomyia cyano-
cephala.

192. Selasphorus HELOiSiE (Less, et Delatt.), Rev. Zool.
1839, p. 15; Gould, Mon. Troch. pt. viii.

193. Selasphorus platycercus (Swains.) ; Gould, Mon.
Troch. pt. hi.

194. Tryph^na duponti (Less.), Colibris, Supp. pi. 1 ;
Gould, Mon. Troch. pt. i.

Examples of these three species have been transmitted by Mr.
Skinner.

195. Troch iLus colubris (Linn.) ; Gould, Mon. Troch.

pt. XV.

This species would appear to be abundant in the winter
months in Guatemala, as numerous examples have been trans-
mitted by Mr. Skinner. It occurs at Acatenango, a village on

130

Messrs. Sclater and Salvin on the

the southern slope of the great Cordillera, showing that it chooses
for its winter retreat the moderate climate afforded by the region
lying between the elevations of 3000 and 4000 feet.

196. Lophornis HELENA (Delatt.), Kev. Zool.1843, p. 133;
Gould, Mon. Troch. pt. x.

197. Amazillia corallirostris (Bourc. et Muls.), Ann. de
la Soc. de Lyons, ix. (1846) p. 328 ; Gould, Mon. Troch. pt. xiii.

This species seems to be an inhabitant of the hot sea-board
only, and does not extend its vertical range to a greater eleva-
tion than 2000 feet. In such regions on the Pacific coast it is
very abundant, and is, in fact, the commonest of the family, in
some parts almost swarming. In every village numbers may be
seen flitting about the blossoms of the orange- and lime-trees.
Its horizontal range appears to be extensive, and may be said to
include the whole of the southern portion of Guatemala from the
conflnes of Chiapas to the State of San Salvador, and probably
also embraces the Balsam coast of that Bepublic, as Capt. Taylor
obtained examples on Tigre Island, Bay of Fonseca (P. Z. S.
1858, p. 358).

198. Amazillia rieeperi (Bourc.), Rev. Zool. 1843, p. 103 :
A. dubusi (Bourc.).

199. x\mazillia arsinoe (Less.).

200. Thaumatias candidus (Bourc.), Ann. de la Soc. de
Lyons, 1846.

201. Chrysuronia elici^e (Bourc. et Muls.), Ann. de la Soc.
Sci. de Lyons, 1846, p. 314; Gould, Mon. Troch. pt. xvi.

202. Heliopedica melanotis (Swains.) : Irochilus mela-
notus, Swains. Phil. Mag. 1827, p. 441 ; Gould, Mon. Troch.

pt. XV.

203. Eupherusa eximia (Delatt.) ; Gould, Mon. Troch.
pt. xiv.

204. Chlorostilbon caneveti (Less.), Colibris,Supp. pl.37.
Specimens of these seven species have been transmitted by

Mr. Skinner.

Ornithology of Central America.
Fam. IV. GALBULIDiE.

]31

205. Galbula melanogbnia, Sclater, Contr. Ora. 1852, p. 61.

Inhabits the Atlantic coast-region. Specimens were obtained

by Leyland near Omoa.

Fam. V. ALCEDINIDiE.

206. Ceryle torquata (Linn.).

Observed on the Rio Dulce,but not obtained ; so there may be
some doubt as to the species.

207. Ceryle ALCYON (Linn.). (N. A.)

Shot at Belize, and again on the Golfo Dulce, and appears to
be tolerably common in the winter on the Atlantic coast.

208. Ceryle amazona (Gm.).

Transmitted by Mr. Skinner. Procured by Capt. Taylor on
the lake of Yojoa.

209. Ceryle americana (Gm.).

Occurs abundantly everywhere upon the small streams in the
Atlantic coast-region and in the interior. Observed near Duenas
frequently, both on the Guacalate and on the outlet of lake of
Duenas.

210. Ceryle superciliosa (Linn.).

This species is found in the Pacific coast-region, frequenting
the forest-swamps as well as the large rivers. The specimens, on
comparison with S. American examples, show no appreciable
differences.

Fam. VI. MOMOTID^.

211. Momotus lessoni (Less.).

Transmitted by Senor Constancia and Mr. Skinner. A Motmot,
probably of this species, was observed both in the Pacific and
Atlantic coast-regions. It is usually seen sitting very upright
on a low branch of a tree, and uttering its low, melancholy
double note — hou-hou — whence the generic name was doubtless
derived. It is by no means shy, and known by the Spanish
name of ^ Paocaro bobo/ or stupid bird.

212. Hylomanes gularis (Lafr.).

Transmitted by Senor Constancia and Mr. Skinner.

132

Messrs. Sclater and Salvin on the

213. Prionirhynchus carinatus (Du Bus); P. Z. S. 1857,
pi. 128. et 1858, p. 357.

Obtained by Capt. Taylor near the lake of Yojoa, Honduras.

214. Eumomota superciliaris (Jard. & Selb.). Moinotns
yucatanensis, Cabot, Boston Journ. N. H. iv. p, 467.

Inhabits the Atlantic coast-region of Yucatan, extending as far
round as the Bay of Campeacby.

Farn. VII. TROGONID.^.

215. Trogon mexicanus (Swains.); Gould, Mon. Trogonidse,

pi. 1.

Salvin^s collection contains Guatemalan examples of this bird.

216. Trogon puella, Gould, P. Z. S. 1845, p. 18 : Trogon.
xalapensis, Du Bus.

Mr. Skinner has sent many examples of this bird to Europe,
transmitted to him from the Department of Vera Paz. It
occurs in the Pacific coast-region. It is therefore in the ^ tierra
caliente,^ and not in the mountainous district, that T. puella is
found.

217. Trogon caligatus, Gould, Mon. Trogonidse, pi. 7.

This is an abundant species in the Pacific coast-region.

218. Trogon melanocephalus, Gould, Mon. Trogonidse,
pi. 12.

Guatemala and Honduras.

219. Trogon citreolus, Gould, Mon. Trogonidse, pi. 13.
Mr. Gould^s example of this rare Trogon is said to be from

Yucatan.

220. Trogon massena, Gould, Mon. Trogonidse, pi. 16.
Honduras (Leyland).

221. Pharomacrus paradiseus (Bp.) : Trogon pavoninus,
Temm. (nec S^pixi) PL Col. 372 : Trogon paradiseus ^ Bp. (1826) :
Pharomacrus mocinnoy De la Llave, Registro Trimestre, i. p. 48
(1831) : Calurus resplendens, Gould, Mon. Trog. pi. 21 ; Rev.
Zool. 1843, p. 63.

Though this most beautiful of all the Trogons has never come
under the observation of a naturalist since M.Delattre discovered

133

Ornithology of Central America,

it at Coban, and consequently nothing further can be added to
our knowledge of its habits, yet the following observations define
the limits to which its range extends. The altitude at which this
species is found exceeds 6000 feet, and it would appear to occur
more or less numerously in all the mountainous districts that
attain such an elevation. A few may be found at Calderas, in the
Volcan de Fuego, according to Mr. Wyld of Duenas, who says
that the females are much more numerous than the males in that
locality, and that the males are seldom seen.

The Department of Quesaltenango, and its capital of the same
name, the second city in Guatemala, derive their appellation from
this bird, — QuesaV^ being the term applied in the Kachiquel
language to this Trogon, the termination tenango signifying
the place of. Hence Quesaltenango is, par excellence, the place
of the Quesal. However, it is from Coban and its neighbour-
hood, in the Department of Vera Paz, that the whole of the skins
that find their way to Europe are procured ; and judging from
the great number of specimens that are sent, the bird must be
very numerous in that locality.

Tribus III. SCANSORES.

Earn. I. CUCULIDiE.

222. Dromococcyx mexicanus. Bp. P. Z. S. 1856, p. 308.
Transmitted by Mr. Skinner from Cajabon, Vera Paz.

223. Diplopterus excellens, Sclater, P. Z. S. 1857, p. 228.
San Pedro, Honduras (Leyland).

224. PiAYA MEXicANA (Sw.), Phil. Mag. 1827, p. 440 ;
Sclater, P. Z. S. 1856, p. 308.

Honduras (Taylor), Guatemala (Constancia), Lake of Peten
and Omoa (Leyland).

225. PiAYA ERYTHROPYGiA, Less. Rev. Zool. 1842, p. 209 ;
Des Murs, Icon. Orn. pi. 66.

The following remarks, referring to the only specimen seen,
are from Salvin^s note-book ; —

^^As we were riding from Subinal to Laguna, two villages on

VOL. I. L

134

Messrs. Sclater and Salvin on the

the road from Izabal to Guatemala, the latter being about eleven
leagues from the capital, my attention was called by one of mj^
companions to a bird he had just seen cross the road. The
underwood was very dense at that part, and I had great diffi-
culty at first in catching a glimpse of the bird ; and when I suc-
ceeded, its distance from me was so short that I for some time
hesitated to shoot, my gun being loaded with No. 6 only. See-
ing no prospect of a better shot, I at last fired, and reduced my
specimen to a mangled mass, which I was only just able to make
into a very indifferent skin.

As the time between my first seeing the bird and shooting it
occupied some minutes, I was enabled to watch it closely. Its
habits assimilate to those of the Geococcyoc affinis, and it skulks
along the ground as that species does, now running rapidly, now
standing still with its head erect. But it differed from G. af-
finis in climbing about the branches of the low underwood. The
song of this Cuckoo, though short, is peculiarly rich in its tone,
and there is a mellowness in each note that I have seldom heard
surpassed. An Indian to whom 1 showed it at Laguna called
it ^ El reloz,^ or ^ The watch, ^ and said that it sang at every hour
of the day, the length of the song depending upon the hour ;
thus, he said, that at I o’clock it sang a very short song, and at
12 o’clock a very long one ! Another Indian called it ^ El pa-
jaro tonto^ or ^ The foolish bird,^ a name strictly applicable, as I
could have almost caught the one I shot with my hand.”

The principal colour of the bare skin at the back of the eye
is almost cobalt-blue; the legs are brownish yellow, and the
irides dark.

226. Geococcyx afeinis, Hartl. Bev. Zool. 1844, p. 215.

This Cuckoo is abundant all over the Central region, and
also occurs, though sparingly, in the Atlantic coast-region.

The habits of this curious bird, especially in the way it runs,
remind one much of the large lizard commonly known in Gua-
temala as the IguanaT It passes rapidly across the road, as
that reptile does, first peering out of the underwood before
making a rush, and now and then stopping, just before diving-
in again, to take a final survey. The bird is by no means shy,
often remaining quite still by the side of a path, looking at you

135

Ornithology of Central America,

with a sort of inquiring gaze, as if it had never seen man be-
fore. The Spanish name for it is “ Sigamonte.^^

227. Crotophaga sulcirostris, Sw. Phil. Mag. 1827, p. 440.
Though the habits of this bird closely resemble those of its

congener, C. ani, of the West India Islands, of which Mr. Gosse,
in his ^ Birds of Jamaica,^ gives a full description, the notes of
the two species are quite different, and resemble each other only
in character. It occurs commonly at Duenas, and was found in
the vicinity of Omoa by Leyland.

Fam. II. BHAMPHASTID^.

228. Rhamphastos carinatus (Sw.) ; Gould, Mon. ed. 2,
P'- 7'.

Along the banks of the Rio Dulce this Toucan is abundant.
It is known to the negro sailors as the Billy-goaV^ to the
bleating of which animal the cry of the bird has a faint resem-
blance.

229. Pteroglossus torquatus (Wagler); Gould, Mon. ed.2,
pi. 14.

Like the last, occurs on the Rio Dulce, but is not so numerous.
It is found also in the Pacific coast-region, where it is not un-
common in the neighbourhood of San Sebastian.

230. Aulacorhamphus prasinus (Gould), Mon. ed.2, pl.29.
A true inhabitant of the mountainous districts and central

coast-region. It occurs at Calderas, also in Vera Paz, from
which last locality Mr. Skinner has sent numerous examples.
The Spanish name for all the Toucans is Cucharon.^^

Fam. III. PICID^.

231. Dryocopus guatemalensis (Hartl.), Rev. Zool. 1844,
p. 214 : D. regius, Reichb.

Extends from S. Mexico, where it was procured by Salle
(P. Z. S. 1857, p. 226), through Guatemala to Honduras, where
Captain Taylor obtained specimens. See P. Z. S. 1858, p. 359.

232. Dryocopus scAPULARis(Vig.) : l>.leucorham]ghuSy^^\(AAi.
Seems to have the same range as the preceding, having been

L 2

136

Messrs. Sclater and Salvin on the

also procured in the two last-meutioned localities. Transmitted
by Mr. Skinner from Vera Paz. Salvin saw either this or the
former species near the city of Guatemala fly from a tree, which
it was ascending, and return, after seizing an insect in the air.

233. Campephilus imperialis (Gould) ?

This largest and finest of all the Picida is believed to occur
in the densely-wooded barrancas which are scored out in the
sides of the Volcan de Fuego. The description given by Mr.
Wyld, of Duenas, of a specimen shot by him, seems to corre-
spond to no other known species.

234. Centurtjs santacruzi. Bp. P. Z. S. 1837, p. 116:
Picus dubiuSy Cabot.

Seems generally distributed in Guatemala, occurring princi-
pally in the coast-region ; but also seen at Duenas. Dr. Cabot
says that this bird is not uncommon in Yucatan. Captain
Taylor procured it near Comayagua, Honduras, and Mr. Skinner
has transmitted examples from Salama, Vera Paz.

235. Centurus PUCHERANii (Malherbe); Bp. Consp.i.p. 120.

Vicinity of Omoa (Leyland).

236. Sphyropicus varies (Linn.) ; Baird, Bep. p. 103.

Transmitted by Mr. Skinner.

237. Picus jardinii, Malherbe; P. Z. S. 1858, p. 359.

Procured by Capt. Taylor in Honduras, near Taulevi ; and

extends as far northwards as Orizaba.

238. Picus scalaris, Wagler : Picus parvus, Cabot.

Obtained by Dr. Cabot in the neighbourhood of Tocul, Yu-
catan.

239. Chloronerpes yucatanensis (Cabot) ; Sclat. P. Z. S.
1856, p. 307.

Yucatan (Cabot). Occurs near Duenas, but not very com-
monly.

240. Chloronerpes sanguinolentus, Sclater, P. Z. S. 1859
(Jan. 25th).

Near Omoa (Leyland).

137

Ornithology of Central America.

241. Melanerpes formicivorus (Sw.).

Is found in the central region. Specimens were obtained at

Calderas, on the Volcan de Fuego, where it frequents the forests
of evergreen oaks and feeds upon the acorns.

242. Celeus castaneus (Wagler) ; P. Z. S. 1858, p. 359.

Specimens of this species were obtained by Leyland in his

recent expedition to Honduras, and by Capt. Taylor on the In-
teroceanic railway route, on the Atlantic slope. It seems con-
fined to the hot coast-region.

243. CoLAPTES MExiCANOiDES, Lafr. R. Z. 1844, p. 42 : Co-
laptes rubricatuSj Gray and Mitch. Gen. B. pi. Ill (nec Licht.).

This is quite a distinct species from Colaptes mexicanus. (Con-
fer Baird, Gen. Hep. p. 121.) Specimens were procured byDe-
lattre near Coban. It was observed to occur abundantly in the
harranco of Los Chocoyos, in the Altos of Guatemala, in May
1858. Gray and Mitchelks plate gives a very good representa-
tion of the male, though the synonyms quoted are all referable
to C. mexicanus. The female has the rictal spot brown, like the
head, instead of red. In C. mexicanus the female has no rictal
spot.

Fam. IV. PSITTACID^.

Subfam. Arin^e.

244. Ara aracanga (Gm.) ; PI. Enl. 12 ; Wagler, Mon.
Psitt. p. 672.

This Ara is common in the Pacific coast-region, and generally
seen in pairs. They keep to the topmost branches of the forest
trees, and, as in captivity, are very noisy. The bird is com-
monly known as Chiacamaya.’^

245. CoNURUs ASTEC, Souance, Rev. Zool. 1857, p. 97.

Obtained by Leyland at Belize. In collection of P. L. S.

246. CoNURUS LiNEOLATUs (Cassin) : Psittacula lineolata,
Cassin, P. Ac. Sc. Philad. : Bolborhynchus catharina^ Bp. Compt.
Rend. xliv. p. 538.

The example of this Parrot in the collection of Dr. Cabot of
Boston was obtained by him in the island of Cosumel, Yucatan.

138 Messrs. A. and E. Newton^s Observations

Subfam. Psittaculin^.

247. PiONUs SENILIS (Spix).

Transmitted by Mr. Skinner.

248. Chrysotis auripalliatus (Less.) : Amazona auropal-
liatuSj Less. Descr. Mamm. et Ois. p. 198 : Psittacus flavinu-
chusy Gould^ Zool. Voy. Sulphur, p. 45, pi. 27.

This Parrot is common in the Pacific coast-region of Gua-
temala.

249. Chrysotis albifrons (Sparm.) ; Souanc^ Icon, des
Perr. pi. 30 ; P. Z. S. 1858, p. 35.

250. Chrysotis ?

A young bird in Sclater^s collection, from Omoa (Ley land), is
difficult to determine, but not improbably belongs to an unde-
scribed species.

There are considerable additions to be made to the present
list of Central American Parrots.

EXPLANATION OF PLATE V.

Fig. 1. Egg of Tanagra vicarius (p. 16).

/ Fig. 2. Egg of Pyrgisoma biarcuatum (p. 18).

Fig. 3. Egg of Pitangus derbianus (p. 120).

Fig. 4. Egg of Tyrannus melancholicus (p. 121).

Fig. 5. Egg of Myiozetetes texensis (p. 123).

Fig. 6. Egg of Cyanocitta melanocyanea {ip. 21).

Fig. 7* Egg of Turdus grayii (p. 5).

[To be continued.]

XIII. — Observations on the Birds of St. Croix, West Indies,
made, between February 20th and August 0th 1857 Alfred
Newton, and, between March 4<th and September 2Sth 1858
by Edward Newton. (Part II.)

[Continued from p. 69.]

1 8. Grass-green-breasted Humming Bird. Eulampis
chlorolcemus, Gould, Monogr. Troch. pt. xiv. Doctor Bird.^^
This is the only species of this wonderful group of little birds
that is at all common in St. Croix. Wilson, Audubon, Mr.

Ibis, iB59,?],V,

3

j

139

on the Birds of St. Croi.v.

Gosse, and several others gifted with the pen of a ready
writer have so fully described, as far as words will admit, the
habits of different members of the family Trochilid(2i that it is
unnecessary to say much on this score. Their appearance is so
entirely unlike that of any other birds, that it is hopeless to
attempt in any way to bring a just conception of it to the ideas
of those who have not crossed the Atlantic; and even the
comparison so often made between them and the Sphingidce,
though doubtless in the main true, is much to the advantage
of the latter. One is admiring the clustering stars of a
Scarlet Cordia, the snowy cornucopias of a Portlandia, or some
other brilliant and beautiful flower, when between the blossom
and one^s eye suddenly appears a small dark object, suspended
as it were between four short black threads meeting each other
in a cross. For an instant it shows in front of the flower ; an
instant more, it steadies itself, and one perceives the space be-
tween each pair of threads occupied by a grey film ; again another
instant, and emitting a momentary flash of emerald and sapphire
light it is vanishing, lessening in the distance, as it shoots
away, to a speck that the eye cannot take note of, — and all this
so rapidly that the word on one^s lips is still unspoken, scarcely
the thought in one's mind changed. It was a bold man or an
ignorant one who first ventured to depict Humming Birds fly-
ing ; but it cannot be denied that representations of them in that
attitude are often of special use to the ornithologist. The pecu-
liar action of this, and probably many or all other species of
the family, is such, that at times, in flying, it makes the wings
almost meet both in front and behind at each vibration. Thus,
when a bird chances to enter a room, it will generally go
buzzing along the cornice : standing beneath where it is, one
will find that the axis of the body is vertical, and each wing is
describing a nearly perfect semicircle. As might be expected,
the pectoral muscles are very large, indeed the sternum of this
bird is a good deal bigger than that of the common Chimney
Swallow {Hirundo rustica, L.). But the extraordinary rapidity
with which the vibrations are effected seems to be chiefly
caused by these powerful muscles acting on the very short
wing-bones, which are not half the length of the same parts in

140 Messrs. A. and E. Newton^s Observations

the Swallow ; and accordingly great as this alar action is, and
in spite of the contrary opinion entertained by Mr. Gosse (Nat.
Sojourn in Jamaica, 240), it is yet sometimes wanting in power,
owing doubtless to the disadvantageous leverage thus obtained ;
and the old authors must be credited, who speak of cobwebs
catching Humming Birds.

^^On the 3rd of May, 1857, a bird of this species flew into
the room where I was sitting, and, after fluttering for some
minutes against the ceiling, came in contact with a deserted
spider^s web, in which it got entangled and remained suspended
and perfectly helpless for more than a minute, when by a
violent efibrt it freed itself. I soon after caught it, still having
fragments of the web on its head, neck, and wings ; and I feel
pretty sure that, had this web been inhabited and in good re-
pair instead of being deserted and dilapidated, the bird would
never have escaped — A. N.

This bird breeds from the end of March to the end of June.
It is an easy matter to find its nest ; for on approaching within
ten or a dozen yards of where it is, the bird, if it is on, is sure
to fly at you, and then retreating remains suspended a few
seconds just above your head, when it darts ofi* and perches on
some dead twig, most likely on the very tree which holds its
nest. It does not stay here long, but takes short flights into
the air, returning to the same place, and, when there, showing
its impatience by a continual flirting or, rather, twitching of its
wings. If you then retire, keeping your eye on the bird, it w ill
presently dart straight on to its nest, leaving it, however, at the
least movement on your part. This species is not particular as
to the tree on which it builds, as I have found nests on the
Silk-cotton, Mango, Manchioneel and Avocado -pear {Laurus
perseojli.). They are placed on a horizontal branch, from half
an inch to two inches thick, and are composed of cotton or the

* In the ‘ Zoologist ’ for 1858 (p. 5922) is a note from Mr. J. M. Jones,
in which that gentleman says that the Vireo noveboracensis is sometimes
captured in the net of the large spider (Epeira clavipes) which is found in
the Bermudas; and in his recent work, ‘The Naturalist in Bermuda’
(p. 126), he again repeats the statement, adding, however, that it is only
the young of that species which has been known to be thus entangled.

141

on the Birds of St. Croix.

down of a species of Cactus, studded on the outside with
white Lichen or shreds of bark, the whole structure measuring
nearly two inches across, and built at the height of from about
five to fifteen feet from the ground, sometimes concealed by
leaves, at others on an almost naked bough. The eggs are two
in number, white, and about 0 55 inch long, by 0*4 inch in trans-
verse diameter. — E. N.

This bird is as common in St. Thomas as in St. Croix. Dr.
Lund, writing from St. John^s, says it is also found in that
island. The females are very much smaller than the males.

t 9. Gilt-crested Humming Bird. Orthorhynchus exilis
(Gmel.) : Gould, Mon. Troch. pt. xiii.

After a careful examination of skins procured from St. Croix
and St. Thomas, we refer them to the above-named species,
though one of a male presents a slightly different appearance
from the ordinary type, in having a narrow blue edging to the
otherwise golden green crest, and thus exhibiting an affinity to
the closely allied Blue-crest [0. cristatus, L.) from St. VincenCs
and Barbadoes. The present bird has, we believe, hitherto been
known only from Martinique and Nevis.

I shot a female of this species at Southgate Farm, June 8th,
1858 ; and I only saw two other examples, — one at the same place,
and the second at Salt Biver, when accompanied by Mr. Osbert
Salvin, during that gentleman^s short visit to St. Croix. South-
gate Farm is an estate on the north shore of the eastern end of
the island, and, much of the land adjacent being out of cultiva-
tion, is chiefly covered with Casha bushes, interspersed with
Manchioneel along the coast. This is also the case in the neigh-
bourhood of Salt Biver. I have been told that a Humming
Bird, smaller than the ordinary one, and therefore probably of
this species, has been seen in other localities ; but it must be
very uncommon. Of its habits I know nothing.^^ — E. N.

We beg to acknowledge here the assistance we have received
from Mr. Gould in determining this and the species last men-
tioned.

t 10. Pearly-eyed Thrush, Cichlherminia fuscata. Bp.

142 Messrs. A. and^. Newton^s Observations

lurdus fuscatus, Vieill., Ois. de l^Amer. Sept. ii. pi. 57 bis.

Thrush.^^

Common in parts of the island overgrown with bush, espe-
cially on the hill-sides, and probably resident. The cock has a
loud, clear, Meruline whistle, and seems as if he ought to sing,
but does not. The nest is generally built in the Guava bushes
[Psidium pomiferum, Linn.), and is a very neat piece of work,
greatly resembling that of our Jay [Garrulus glandarius, Vieill.),
excepting, of course, in size. The eggs, four to six in number,
are of a fine spotless blue-green, deeper in colour, as they are
larger, than those of the American Robin {Turdus miqratorius,
Linn.). The iris of this bird is of an opaque pearly white. It
appears to feed chiefly on fruits and berries, especially Guavas
and Mangoes. The sexes do not difier materially ; but the bills
of individuals vary greatly in size. The moult takes place as
early as the end of July, and continues to the end of September.
This species is as common in St. Thomas as in St. Croix. It
breeds from the end of May to the end of July. Mr. G. R. Gray
informs us that Mr. Gould^s Colluricincla fusca (P. Z. S. 1836,
p. 6) is this bird, as shown by the type now in the British
Museum, where we have also placed examples of our own bird
from St. Croix.

11. Golden-crowned Water-Thrush. Siurus aurocapillus,
Sw. Turdus aurocapillus, Wils. ii. pi. 14, fig. 2 ; Aud. pi. 143.

Water- Wagtail.^^

Apparently only a winter visitant, departing in April, and
not common. The action of this bird is very singular, though
probably that of all the members of the genus. It walks leisurely
about, with its tail elevated perpendicularly, giving it a slight
jerk at each step.

12. New York Water-Thrush. Siurus noveboracensis,
Nutt. Turdus aquaticus, Wils. pi. 22. fig. 5 ; Aud. pi. 433.
Seiurus aquaticuSy Rich, and Sw., Faun. B. Am. pi. 43.

Is tolerably common by the side of quick-running streams,
and occasionally seen away from them. It is most often ob-
served sitting on a stone in the midst of the water, slowly jerk-
ing its tail in the manner of a Dipper {HydrobatUy Vieill. ;

143

on the Birds of St, Croix.

Cinclus, Bechst.), and uttering its short quick note, which
resembles the sound made by striking two flints sharply to-
gether.

13. Black-and-White Creeper. Mniotilta varia,N\Q\\\.‘,
Aud. pi. 90. Certhia maculata, Wils. pi. 19. fig. 3, ^^Tree
Creeper

Apparently only a winter visitant, leaving the island at the
end of March ; almost a thorough Creeper in habits.

14. Parti-coloured Warbler. Parula americana, Bp.:
Sylvia pusilla, Wilson, pi. 28. fig. 3. Sylvia americana^ Aud.
pi. 15.

Like the last-mentioned species, apparently only a winter
visitant, but later in the time of its moving northwards.

I saw one on May 6th, 1858 ; but most of them had de-
parted about the middle of March.’^ — E. N.

1 15. Yellow Warbler. Dendrceca cestiva (Gmel.), Baird.
Sylvia citrinellaj Wils. pi. 15. fig. 5; S. cestiva, Aud. pi. 95.

Wild Canary Mule Bird/^ Cage Bird.^^

Common everywhere, and apparently resident. From its
colour, and probably from its song (for it is almost the only
bird in the island that can be said to sing), it has received the
names by which it is known to the inhabitants. This species
seems to be more abundant at the sides of the lagoons than
anywhere else ; there examples may always be seen, hopping-
on the outside branches of the Mangroves, both in habit and
song much resembling our English Willow Wren (Phyllopneuste
trochiluSj Brehm). Specimens procured agree in all respects
with those of the common summer visitant to the United
States.

They build generally in a low shrub, at not more than six
feet from the ground, though I once found a nest in a Man-
grove at fully ten feet. The nest is composed of coarse bents,
sometimes mixed with the flower of a large reed, and woven
with cotton- or sheep’s wool. The eggs seem to be always three,
a number to which West Indian birds appear to be particularly
partial.” — E. N.

144 Messrs. A. and E. Newton^s Observations

1 16. PiiAiiiiE Warbler. Dendroeca discolor (Vieill.), Baird ;
Sylvia minuta, Wils. pi. 25. fig. 4. S. discolor y Aud. pi. 14.

Leaves the island for a few months in summer, but is rather
common during the time it is resident.

I observed this bird last on March 27th, and saw it again
Sept. lOth.^^— E. N.

17. Cape-May Warbler. Dendroeca tigrina (Gm.), Baird ;
Sylvia maritima, Wils. pi. 54. fig. 3 ; Aud. pi. 414 ; d^Orb. Voy.
de Pile de Cuba, Ois. pi. 10. Certhiola maritimay Gosse, 111. B.
Jam. pi. 17.

Not at all common ; only a winter visitant, and leaving earlier
than any other of the migrants observed by us, having, it would
appear, a longer journey than most of them to perform.

^‘1 am compelled to difier from Mr. Gosse (B. Jam. p. 87)
in the decision he has arrived at about this bird being a Cer-
thiola. When I first arrived in St. Croix I had the opportunity
of observing its manners for several days ; and they were alto-
gether those of a Dendroeca. I further took particular care, not
only to examine while fresh, but also to preserve, the tongue
of a male which I shot on March 19th, 1857. This is now be-
fore me ; and I am able to compare it with the tongues of Cer-
thiohy Mniotiltay and Dendroeca cestiva. That of Certhiola is,
besides being penicillate, deeply bifid. Now there is nothing of
this conformation in any of the others. Of these, it is true that
D. tigrina has the most bushy pencil of hairs at the tip ; but
Mniotilta and Parula come very near it in this respect : and it
is also true that D. aestiva differs from these three in having a
horny point. If any deduction is to be drawn from the charac-
ters of the tongue, D. tigrina must be (and very likely should
be, on other grounds) removed from the genus Dendroeca y but
certainly not placed in Certhiola.^^ — A. N.

18. Bedstart Elycatcher. Setophaga ruticUhy Bp. ; Mus-
cicapa ruticillay Linn. ; Wils. pi. 6. fig. 6 ; Aud. pi. 40. " Red-
start.^'

This beautiful species, having at first sight so much the ap-
pearance of the European Redstart [Ruticilla phoenicuray Bp.), is
very common in the spring of the year, and especially seen about

145

on the Birds of St. Croior.

houses. For about one week at the end of April 1857, they
were extremely numerous; but in 1858 the greater part of them
left in March, though one was seen May 1st. A male, killed
March 17th, 1858, in plumage almost resembled the female. In
the same year it was first observed September 6th, on its return
from its summer quarters.

19. Long-billed Greenlet. Vireosylvia altiloqua, Vieill.
Ois. de PAm. Sept. pi. 38. Vireo longirostris, Sw. Faun. Bor.-
Am. ii. p. 237 ; Cassin, 111. N. Am. Birds, i. pi. 37.

Extremely local, though common in the southern part of the
island, where it breeds; but whether it is resident all the year
may be doubted. The clear whistle of this bird appears to have
always been confounded by the inhabitants with that of the
Cichlherminia fuscata^ which it does somewhat resemble. Mr.
Gosse remarks (B. Jam. p. 195) of the species, which he calls
V. olivacea, that he can scarcely understand how its note can be
written Whip-tom-kelly, as it has been by some American orni-
thologists ; but it appears much more likely that his John-to~
whit” is not the true V. olivacea, but the present bird, first
figured by Vieillot, and afterwards described as new by Mr.
Swainson [locis citatis) : at least, the call-note of the St. Croix
species would seem to resemble closely that of the Jamaica bird,
whose habits Mr. Gosse so well describes. It is probable, too,
that the true V. olivacea is also found in Jamaica in winter ; and
thus may be reconciled the otherwise conflicting statements of
authors.

'^On June 5th, 1858, I watched a bird of this species to its
nest in a Manchioneel, to the leafy part of a bough of which it
was suspended. It is a beautiful structure, shaped like an in-
verted cone, and composed outwardly of dried blades of grass,
dead leaves, and wool, woven round the twigs, to which it was
attached, with spiders^ webs, lined inside with finer blades of
grass, and about three inches and a half in diameter and five in
height. The eggs, three in number, are white, with a few black
spots of different sizes chiefly dispersed about the larger end.
Both nest and eggs call to mind those of the Golden Oriole
(Oriolus galhula, L.), which, except in size, they greatly re-
semble.^^— E. N.

116 Messrs. A. and E. Newton’s Ohservatium

t 20. Grey Petchary. Tyrannus dominicensisy Bp. : Mus-
cicapa dominicensiSy L. ; And. pi. 1 70. Chiclierywee,” Chich-
eree.^^

The most conspicuous and common bird in the island, all over
which it is found. Its favourite station is the top of the spear-
like unexpanded frond of a tall Mountain-cabbage Tree, from
which place it will, in the breeding season, dart down to attack
almost any animal passing near, from a stray dog to an unhappy
Gaulin’^ (Butorides virescens. Bp.). If the quarry be the latter, it
will make several well-directed stoops, and never leave it until it
has brought it in,’^ as the falconers say, in a cane-piece or bush ;
then, much pleased with its prowess, it returns to its look-out
station, celebrating its victory with cries of triumph. On one
occasion, in 1858, a Chicheree was seen to pursue a Gaulin out
to sea for a quarter of a mile and back again. The pretty little
Killie-killie [Tinnunculus sparveriusy Vieill.) and the Black
Witch [Crotophaga aniy L.) are equally with the Gaulin the
objects of its hatred; and as all four species have fairly loud
voices, the noise of these encounters is not inconsiderable. The
Petchary in particular is very clamorous, even when there is no
apparent need ; but he takes alarm from the domestic poultry,
and every morning before dawn, with his oft-repeated note,
sounding like the cry of a frightened Chimney Swallow [Hirundo
rusticdy L.), and evidently onomatopoeic, is as much the herald of
the coming day as Chanticleer himself : this noise he is as per-
tinacious as a Guinea-fowl in continuing till sun-down. He has
much the look of the Ash-coloured Shrike {Lanius excuhitoVy L.),
his bold action and his style of colouring both contributing to
the resemblance. VYe have never observed that on any occasion
was the flame-coloured furrow on the head opened and displayed.
In the nestling plumage it is altogether wanting; but with
this exception, and that of the wing-coverts being edged with
pale brown, the bird then resembles the adult. The Chicheree
feeds on insects, catching them with great dexterity on the wing ;
but he also indulges largely on the black berries of a myrtle-
leaved parasite which grows plentifully on Orange-trees. The
seeds of this pass uninjured through the bird’s intestines, and
when dropped on favourable spots soon germinate, — the bird thus

147

on the Birds of St. Croiiv.

being bis own planter, and ensuring a plentiful supply of bis
favourite food. The nest is often placed under the fronds, or
among the spathes, of a Cocoa-nut or Mountain-cabbage tree ;
but sometimes in any ordinary situation, the end of a bough of a
Manchioneel or Turpentine tree being chosen. It is flat in con-
struction, and large for the size of the bird, being nearly a foot
in diameter, composed of a platform of twigs, in the midst of
which is hollowed a cup, lined with fine roots, and thus in archi-
tectural style much resembling that of a Bullfinch [Pyrrhula
vulgaris, Temm.). The eggs do not seem to exceed three in
number, and equal in beauty the most splendid varieties of
those of the Bed-backed Shrike {Enneoctonus collurio, Boie) ;
they are of a delicate creamy-white, marked at the larger end with
blotches and spots of pink or orange- brown of different shades
and sizes, and often disposed in a zone. The bird has eggs from
the end of May till August.

t 21 . Black-faced Finch. Phonipara hicolor, Bp, Consp.
Fringilla bicolor, Linn. Spermophila bicolor, Gosse, 111. B. Jam.
pi. 64 ; Catesby, Nat. Hist. Carol, pi. 37. ^^Cane,^^ Parson,’^

and Java Sparrow.

The Bunting-like song of this very common bird is heard
almost as early in the morning as the cry of the Chicheree. It
frequents the curing-houses, hopping on the uncovered sugar-
hogsheads, and making a plentiful meal therefrom. It is sociable,
and generally feeds in small flocks, mostly on the ground, among
the Guinea-grass [Andropogon bicolor, Boxb.) which is grown as
forage for horses. The crops of those we have dissected usually
contained small seeds. It builds its domed nest in a low bush,
thicket of Bamboo, or even in a creeper planted against a house :
this is seldom more than four feet or so from the ground, and is
composed entirely of dry grass, the interior being lined with a
finer material of the same kind ; the opening at the side is
large for the size of the nest. It breeds from the middle of May
to the end of J uly. The eggs are white, spotted or blotched with
dull red, especially at the larger end, and often very much re-
semble those of the Certhiola, already described. With one
exceptional nest of four, three was the number always found.

148 Messrs. A. and E. Newton’s Observations

t 22. Ani. Crotophaga ani, L. ; Buff. PI. Enl. 102. “Black
Witch.’’

Very common^ and^ from its familiar habits and grotesque ap-
pearance, universally known. Its manners have so often been
described, that there remains little to be said of them. It lives in
companies, and is delightfully noisy. It shares, as before men-
tioned, with Tinnunculus sparverius and Butorides virescens, the
privilege of being the favourite object of the attacks of the
Chicheree {Tyrannus dominicensis, Bp.) ; and it is hard to say
whether this bird or the one last mentioned affords most amuse-
ment. If there is a fresh breeze, a flight after a Crotophaga is
perhaps the best; for, with its long tail and short wings, it gets
carried away helplessly. It loses its presence of mind, and tries
perhaps to fly up wind, when “ letting drive ” would answer by
far the best ; down then comes the Tyrant, and, after one or two
stoops, hits it such a blow as to send it anyhow in.to whatever
shelter presents itself, whether an unpleasant-looking hedge of
thorns, or a softer bed of Guinea-grass. In consequence of these
encounters, it is, that the Ani’s plumage, and especially its tail,
suffers very much ; indeed, one can scarcely meet with a speci-
men that has its flnal appendage at all in good order. There is
an absurd notion prevalent in the island, that these birds are
exempt from the common lot of creation, and that the name
Black Witch ” has something to do with their supposed immor-
tality; but it was more probably originally intended to express the
bird’s ordinary call-note, which, as Mr. Hill rightly says (Gosse,
B. Jam. p. 289), sounds like the word que-yuch.^^

“On JuneI8th, 1857, 1 was shown a nest of this species. As
I walked up to the tree (a pretty large Tamarind), I saw two birds
sitting close to what I afterwards found to be the position of the
nest, which was placed touching the trunk, supported by some
young boughs that had apparently sprouted out within the last
few years, and was about five feet from the ground. It was a
rude collection of sticks and twigs, large and deep, but partly
filled with dead leaves, among which I discovered fourteen eggs ;
and round the margin were stuck upright a few dead twigs of
Tamarind. On the 23rd I again went to this nest, and took out
two of the nine eggs I then found ; but on the 26th there were

149

on the Birds of St. Croix.

only four, the nest having probably been robbed by boys from a
Negro village close by. On July 2nd there were eight eggs ; but
a few days afterwards the nest was entirely destroyed. I never
found the eggs, as if intentionally covered up. The nest was
evidently common property; there were generally two or three
birds sitting close to or on it, and up in the tree perhaps four or
five more, who would continue screeching all the time I was there.
I found the yelks of the eggs just as described by Mr. Hill in
Mr. Gosse^s ^ Birds of Jamaica but on blowing them into a basin
of water, they appeared to me to assume a spherical form. When
the egg is fresh, the cretaceous deposit on the shell is very soft
and easily scored ; but it soon hardens considerably.^^ — A. N.

22. Yellow-billed American Cuckoo. Coccyzus ameri-
canus, Bp. Cuculus carolinensisj Wils. iv. pi. 28. fig. 1 ; And.
pi. 275 ; Gould, B. Eur. pi. 242 ; Yarr. B. B. ed. 2. vol. ii. p. 204.

This occasional straggler to England seems to be confined, at
least in the breeding-season, to one locality on the south side of
St. Croix, — a level piece of land, overgrown with low bush, and
interspersed with a few trees, mostly Manchioneels, through
which runs a small stream bordered here and there by bits of
swampy ground, which in dry weather are so many warrens of
Land-crabs, and surrounded by a few Mangroves. Here its
harsh guttural call may very often be heard. It is a tame and
stupid-looking bird, but, contrary to the supposed habits of
most of the family, appears to show much conjugal afiection ; for
on one occasion a male being shot, and shrieking as it fell, a
female instantly flew to the spot, and fluttered along the ground
in the manner that an old hen Partridge or other bird would do
to lead astray the pursuer of her young.

On June 2nd, 1858, I shot a female of this species, having
an egg in her ovary, nearly ready for exclusion ; it was quite soft,
but had got its proper colour. In the gizzard of this bird were
the remains of two large caterpillars, and a univalve shell. On
the 29th of the same month, while riding in the locality above
referred to, I saw the white terminal spots of a Cuckoo’s tail pro-
jecting from a small nest on a Manchioneel that overhung the
path. It was built in a very open situation ; and the bird, as I

VOL. I. M

150

Mr. G. C. Taylor^s Account of a Visit

rode underneatli^ was not more than a yard above my head. She
sat with nearly all her neck and breast outside the nest, which
was only just large enough to contain the eggs ; and I could well
identify her as of this species. She did not fly ofi* until after
I had tied up my pony hard by, and had almost touched her with
my stick. There were three eggs, laid side by side in a row,
along which, strange to say, the bird had been sitting. The nest
was some distance from the stem of the tree, and placed loosely
on the bough ; it was a mere platform of small sticks laid one
across another with a few finer twigs and a little grass as a lining :
so slightly was it put together, that, on attempting to take it
from the tree, it fell to pieces.^^ — E. N.

23. Black-eared Cuckoo. Coccyzus seniculus, Gosse, B. of
Jam. p. 281 (excl. synon.).

Mr. Sclater informs us that this is identical with Mr. Gosse^s
specimens from Jamaica ; but whether they are truly the same
as Latham^s seniculus, is at present questionable.

I shot a female of this bird, March 23rd, 1858, at the place
indicated as a locality for the species last mentioned. I am not
certain that I ever saw it again. Whether this and the preceding
are only summer visitors or not, I am unable to say : neither
bird, prior to my visit, appeared to be known to the inhabitants.^^
— E.N.

24[?] (?) Woodpecker. Picus (?). ^^Woodpecker.^^

A bird answering to the description of a Woodpecker, and so
called by our informants, seems to be found occasionally ; but
neither of us had the good fortune to meet with one ; and the
accounts were so very vague, as to preclude our giving any
further indication of it than the present.

[To be continued.]

XIV. — Account of a Visit to a Nesting-place of the Frigate-bird
(Eregata aquila, L.). From a letter of George Cavendish
Taylor, Esq.

On the 1st of January, 1858, we went ofi* in a boat with four
rowers to visit an island some four or five miles from Tigre

to a Nesting-place of the Frigate-bird. 151

Island, in the bay of Fonseca, on the Pacific coast of Hon-
duras. iris called Bird Island, and is not more than an acre
in extent, and of an oblong shape. At one end the beach is
sandy, and at low-water one can walk across to another island
close adjoining. At the other end the shore is rocky, and it is
much the same at the sides, the beach being strewn with large
volcanic stones. The surface of the island is some 30 or 40
feet above the sea-level. It is covered with long grass, and
there are also a few trees and low shrubs — mangroves {Rhizo-
phora mangle, Linn.) — growing in places, especially about high-
water mark. At a distance the most conspicuous object was a
numerous flight of Frigate-birds soaring over the island. As
we approached, large white patches, caused by the droppings of
the birds, became visible. We landed on the flat sandy beach,
and in a few minutes I had shot a pair of Tiger-Bitterns [Tigri-
soma tigrinum), which allowed me to approach without any dif-
ficulty. Besides these and the Frigate-birds, we saw no birds on
the island, except a few Pelicans, some large Accipitres, and a
single Booby [Bula fusca), which had its nest on a low tree, in
company with the Frigate-birds. The whole island was appro-
priated by the latter. Nearly every tree and bush, both high
and low, was covered with birds and their nests. The latter
were mostly composed of a few sticks laid crossways, hardly as
much in quantity as in the nest of the Ring-dove [Columha
palumhus). Each nest contained a single egg, about the size of
a hen^s-egg, and of a chalky whiteness*. We brought away
nearly a hundred of them. Some were quite fresh, and others
had been sat upon some days. Although the nests were upon
low bushes, still they were placed just too high for one to reach
the eggs without climbing. Many of the nests were on the
mangrove bushes which were growing just above high-water
mark, so that we could see into them when standing on the
bank of the island, which was at a higher level. Some of the
birds were sitting on their nests, and others were perched upon
the branches. By firing into the mass I might have killed a

* Specimens taken by Mr. Taylor, and exhibited at a meeting of the
Zoological Society (June 8, 1858), measured 2| by If inches. See P. Z. S.
1858, p.318.

152 Mr. J. H. Gurney's List of Birds from Ibadan.

dozen at a shot ; but shooting would have been an absurdity, for
I could have obtained any number with a stick. The difficulty
was to get them off their nests. Shouting had little or no
effect ; and even the report of a gun would only rouse a few, who
would frequently settle again on the bushes, I threw some
stones among them, without producing much result, and even
tried to poke them off their seats with my gun ; but they merely
snapped their beaks at me in retaliation. All this time there
were thousands of other birds soaring in the air a little way
over our heads.

I observed that the Frigate-birds were of three different
plumages. As there were birds of all three sorts sitting toge-
ther, and with their nests in the same bushes, I concluded that
they were of one and the same species — males, females, and im-
mature birds. Some have the head and neck white, the beak
white, the feet and legs bluish white, the belly white, and the
wing-coverts greyish brown. Others have the legs and feet
black, and are black all over, with a greenish metallic tinge on
the back. These have a bright scarlet pouch, which they inflate
to the size of an ostrich's egg while on the wing. The boat-
men informed me that these were the male birds. Others, pro-
bably immature birds, had the head black, the throat white, and
the legs and feet pink. All had long, black, forked tails. I
obtained a specimen of each, but did not preserve them, as I
had much to do ; and, besides, they are stinking birds to handle,
as bad as, or worse than, the Turkey-Buzzard [Cathartes). The
Pelicans have also a breeding- place in Fonseca Bay, but it is in
an island at some distance from the one in possession of the
Frigate-birds.

Baltimore, tJ.S.A.,

Jan. 1st, 1859.

XV. — List of Birds received from Ibadan^ in Western Africa.
By John Henry Gurney, Esq., M.P.

The Bev. David Hinderer and Mrs. Hinderer, of Ibadan, in
Western Africa, have kindly forwarded to me a small collection
of birds from that locality ; and I beg to send a list of them for

Rev. H. B. Tristram on the Ornithology of Northern Africa. 153

insertion in ^ The Ibis,^ together with some brief notes which
Mrs. Hinderer was so good as to attach to the specimens, and
which include the native names of each species. The town of
Ibadan is in latitude 7° 40' North, and longitude 4° 10' East,
or thereabouts, and lies about fifty miles inland from the Bight
of Benin.

1. PoLYBORoiDES RADiATUs (Scop.). Ashttro. Eyes bright
purple, light yellow rim.^^

2. Buceros elatus (Temm.). Agbigbo. Eyes black;
feeds upon fruit, especially a kind of plum; is so strong, it
can fight and conquer any bird.^^

3. Buceros FAsciATUs (Shaw). Atioro. Eyes coal-black ;
feeds on fruit.^^

4. IspiDiNA PiCTA (Bodd.). Opere. Feeds upon flies.^^

5. PoGONiAS BiDENTATus (Shaw). Akoko. So called from
its cry. Eyes purple.^^

6. Centropus senegalensis (Linn.). Elulu. Eyes red,
with yellow ring.^^

7. Ardea ATRTCOLLis (Wagl.). Ako. Eyes deep purple;
feeds on snakes and lizards.’^

8. Ardea bubulcus (Savigny). Leke-leke. Eyes black,
with very light yellow rim.^^

9. Thresciornis religiosa (Savigny). Yenja-yenja. Eyes
deep purple ; feeds upon fish, frogs, and anything it can get
out of the water.^^

10. Rhynch^a CAPENSis (Linn.). Eyedo. A bird of the
brooks; feeds upon little fishes and anything it can find by
the water^s edge.^^

Catton Hall, Norfolk.

XVI. — On the Ornithology of Northern Africa.

By the Rev. H. B. Tristram, F.L.S. (Part I.)

It is impossible to gain a just view of the ornithology of any
country without considering in the first place its physical and

154

Rev. H. B. Tristram on the

geological characters. This is peculiarly the case with respect to
Northern Africa strictly so called^ i. e. the Barbary States — the
^Mogreb^ of the Arabs— extending from the Gulf of Gabes, south-
east of Tunis, to the bold headland in which the western Atlas
range abruptly terminates on the Atlantic coast of Morocco. If
we cast our eyes on the map of Africa, we shall see no portion of
the globe apparently so compact, so self-contained. A penin-
sula, attached only to Asia by a narrow isthmus, Africa exhibits
no islands like those which encircle Europe, struggling, as it
were, to be freed from the continent. No deep gulfs and bays
indent her shores. Compact and solid, the geological convul-
sions which have dislocated Europe have met with an impene-
trable barrier in the ridge of the Atlas, which has sternly
repelled nvery encroachment. We might naturally expect then
to find the Fauna and Flora of Africa throughout characteristic
and homogeneous, or, at most, varied only by the effects of cli-
mate and latitude, like those of Asia and America.

But when we examine more closely the physical geography of
Africa, we shall find that, so far from this being the case, the
natural history of the Atlas bears scarcely any affinity to that
of the rest of the continent, and that this distinctiveness may be
at once traced to natural physical causes. To the natui’alist.
North Africa is but a European island, separated, it is true,
from Europe by the Mediterranean, but far more effectually
isolated from Central Africa by that sea of sand, the Sahara.
The Atlantic isolates it on the west, while a comparatively
narrow, but most impenetrable desert of ever-shifting sand cuts
it off from Tripoli and Egypt, which on their part seem to bear
rather on Asia than Africa. No link attaches Barbary to the
rest of the continent, no river supplies an arterial communication,
not the most insignificant streamlet forms either a bond of union
or a frontier line ; the long Atlas chain abruptly terminates in
Tunis, and sends not one solitary spur towards Africa ; it rather
seems by one of its branches to claim kindred with Europe. So
far the Arab geographers are accurate in coupling ' Mogreb ^
with Europe instead of Africa. They, too, have the tradition
mentioned by Livy, Pliny, and Seneca, that Spain and Morocco
were once united, — an idea which must so naturally suggest itself

Ornithology of Northern Africa, 155

to any one who has sailed through the Straits of Gibraltar, that
it is needless to imagine that it had any foundation in historic
memory. If we might here hazard a conjecture, it would be that
the same convulsions and upheavals*, which at the close of the
tertiary epoch indented the southern coasts of Europe, at the
same time drained the ocean, which up to that time had rolled
over the plains of the Sahara, and submerged the low-lying
lands which probably united the Canaries and Madeira to the
main land. The natural history of these islands is so essen-
tially European as to point to an identical centre of creation.
We may then imagine that towards the close of the later geo-
logical epoch. Barbary was a vast peninsula linked to Europe
by Gibraltar, and washed on the south by the ocean of the
Sahara, on the north by the inland lake which is now the Medi-
terranean.

It is to be observed, also, that the geological character at once
changes, when, leaving the southern slopes, we enter the Sahara.
Upon the surface of the tertiary deposits and nummulitic lime-
stone we come to masses of granite, quartz, and other igneous
formations, with numerous rounded pebbles and large gravel,
bearing all the marks of an ancient sea-bed, besides the extraor-
dinary mountains of pure rock-salt, which in various places rise
suddenly from the limestone. During my rambles in the Sahara
the only true fossils I found were of a species of Chama, im-
bedded in the cliffs, though abundant fragments of tertiary
shells lie scattered among the sands.

Such being the physical geography of North Africa, we need
not be surprised at finding its Flora and Fauna closely approxi-
mating to those of Europe, i. e, if we take, as the limits of Bar-
bary, the foot of the southern slopes of the Atlas. Towards the
end of the last century Desfontaines carefully explored its Flora,
and described it in his well-known work ^ Flora Atlantica.^ The
additions made by Mr. Munby and others, subsequently, have
raised the list of Desfontaines to about 2000 indigenous species.
Among these I can scarcely find a single genus which is not
represented in the Flora of Spain, Sardinia, or Sicily, with the

* I once found on the Barbary coast a raised tract composed of masses
of tertiary shells, 250 feet above the present Mediterranean level.

156

Rev. H. B. Tristram on the

exception of the Cactus and A^ave, manifestly American intro-
ductions. The most characteristic plant, Chamarops nanUf
abounds in Sardinia. Turning southwards to the Flora of the
Sahara, I have catalogued 335 genera and upwards of 600
species, one-third of which are unrepresented in Europe, but
represented by identical or closely-allied species in Egypt or
Arabia.

But when we turn to the mammals, a singular contrast pre-
sents itself, and it seems scarcely possible to connect these with
the European centre of creation.

I cannot help expressing my thorough agreement with the
remark made by the able reviewer of Breeds Birds of Europe,^'
in the 1st No. of ^ The Ibis,^ with all due deference to our learned
Editor^s opinion in the foot-note: — '^We believe the Algerian
mammals and reptiles are entirely distinct from those of the
opposite coast.^^ I have before me my friend Capt. Loche^s
^ Catalogue des Mammiferes de FAlgerie,^ which I have verified
by examination of the specimens in the Algerian Museum. He
gives a list of 75 mammals, to which I am able to add four. Of
these, 21 are common to Europe ; but of these 21 a close scrutiny
will enable us to eliminate several. Pithecus innuus can only
be deemed a straggler in Europe ; for this monkey is confined to
Gibraltar, and must have reached that rock from the opposite
shore, or perhaps have been introduced. Canis aureus (the
Jackal), though certainly now European, has, historically, I be-
lieve, been introduced across the Dardanelles. Mus decumanus
(the Norway Rat) is confessedly not indigenous. Dama vulgaris
is given by Capt. Loche ; but other authorities maintain that the
Algerian Dama is specifically distinct.

Of seven bats given by Capt. Loche, six are supposed to be
identical with European species. But I believe that I possess
three other non-European species; and when the whole series
has been examined by Mr. Tomes, and further researches made
by the only living naturalist capable of giving a decided opinion,
it seems probable that the Atlas will be found to possess its
characteristic Vespertiliones. Still, when we remember the power
of flight these creatures can exercise on an emergency, and that
stragglers of various North American species have frequently

157

Ornithology of Northern Africa,

reached the Bermudas — a distance of 800 miles, — it is not to be
wondered at if European colonists of this class should have pre-
ceded even the French adventurers.

What mammals then do we find really common to the op-
posite shores of the Mediterranean ? Only the following : —
Felis catus (Wild Cat), Putorius hoccamela, Lutra vulgaris (the
Otter), ^us scrofa (Wild Boar, world- wide in its distribution),
Sorex araneus and S. fodiens, Mus rattus, M. sylvaticus, M. mus-
culus, Hystrix cristata, and Lepus mediterraneus — eleven in all.
It is to be observed, that no mole mines, no badger skulks, no
wolf roams in Barbary, while there are seventeen carnivorous
animals, and among them the Lion and the Leopard, which
roar within hearing of the coasts of the Mediterranean, and yet
have no congeners in Europe. As far as I have been able to
ascertain, the forms of reptilian life are as distinct from those
of Europe and as closely united with the African types as the
mammiferous races ; but I am not aware that the collections
made by le Capitaine Dastugue, by myself, and others, have yet
been submitted to the scrutiny of herpetologists, and the speci-
mens which have been hitherto reported on in Paris have been
chiefly collected only on the coasts. How the singular contrast
between the mammalian dissimilarity and the general zoological
similarity is to be explained, remains to be unfolded by the
coming ^ Philosophic Naturalist,^ foretold by Mr. Breeds Re-
viewer above alluded to. Unless the progenitors of the carni-
vores can have crossed the Great Desert from the south, which
in its present state I should conceive scarcely possible, I dare
offer no conjecture.

But when we come to the ornithology of North Africa, then
it is that the zoological union with Europe is most complete.
The first work with which I am acquainted on the Algerian
birds is the brochure of M. Alfr. Malherbe, published at Metz
in 1846. Of the 191 species in this catalogue, 186 are common
to Europe ; one [Cuculus abyssinicus) is incorrectly inserted, and
four are distinct species — Pica mauritanica, described by M. Mal-
herbe in 1843; Parus ledouciy Malh. 1842; Parus cceruleanus,
Malh. 1842 ; and Picus numidicus, Malh. 1842. This latter has
since, it is said, been found to inhabit Spain.

158

Rev. H. B. Tristram on the

M. Malherbe published an appendix to his Paper in 1847,
containing four more non-European species — Aquila rapax,
Aquila ncemo'ides, Falco punicus, and Caprimulgus isahellinus.
With the exception of the diagnoses, M. Malherbe^s work is
a mere catalogue, with a few notes, which, as they are com-
piled by one who never visited the country, are very incorrect
as to the localities and comparative rareness and abundance of
species.

That our knowledge of Algerian birds has advanced since
1846, the catalogue of Capt. Loche, published last year, and
containing 357 species, is a sufficient proof. Yet of this num-
ber (rivalling the portentous roll of the ^ Zoologist ^ list of

birds observed in Britain,^^ though guiltless of Asiatic Grakles
and Australian Spine-tailed Swifts), there are but 42 non-European
species, including the 8 previously described by Malherbe.
Besides these, Capt. Loche gives a supplemental list of species
said to be Algerian, but which he has not met with himself.
Of these I succeeded, in 1856, in obtaining three, viz. Sylvia
philomela, Sylvia sarda, and Sylvia olivetorum. The 1st No. of
^The Ibis^ contains diagnoses of 9 species brought by me from the
Sahara, supposed to be hitherto undescribed j and I may add also
2 species, first obtained by me in Algeria in 1856, but described
by M. Brehm in Oct. 1858, in ^^Naumannia,” from Abyssinian
specimens, as Dromolea leucopygia and Dromolea leucocephala.
Thus our latest ornithological knowledge gives us 371 Algerian
species, of which 53 are not known to have occurred in Europe.
But even this list, on a careful analysis, must be enormously
reduced. For what are the natural limits of North Africa?
Surely the northern fringe of the Great Desert, incorrectly termed
by us the Sahara. French conquest and French alliances have,
it is true, included a vast desert territory politically in Algeria,
though a great portion of this is only nominally dependent, and
knows no more of French jurisdiction than two hasty visits of
flying columns of cavalry could impart. The Touariks profess
to be allies of the Emperor, and the ^ Moniteur ^ once announced
that the tricolor is now respected up to the walls of Timbuctoo.
No tricolor, however, has yet been adventurous enough to in-
voke any outward mark of respect in these regions, and the

159

Ornithology of Northern Africa.

birds seem as little inclined for assimilation as the wingless
roamers over these wastes.

If, then^ we assume North Africa to terminate where the last
traces of vegetation disappear in the desert,, we shall find but
14 Algerian non-European species recorded. These are —

Aquila ncevio'ides.
Buteo tachardus,

Falco punicus.
Hypotriorchis concolor.
Pica mauritanica.
Garrulus cervicalis.
Fringilla spodiogenia.
Ruticilla moussieri.

Chloropeta pallida.
Parus ultramarinus.
Parus ledouci.

Lanius algeriensis.
Gecinus vaillantii,
Picus numidicus.
Microcarho algeriensis.

Of these, Falco punicus is said to have gained a claim to the
European list, having been shot in Malta by Col. H. M. Drum-
mond. Picus numidicus there seems fair authority for believing
to occur not unfrequently in the cork forests of Andalusia. Frin~
gilla spodiogenia can scarcely be considered as more than a local,
but constant, variety of Fr, coelebs. Lanius algeriensis is, if not
identical, at least closely allied to L. meridionalis. Gecinus
vaillantii differs very slightly from our common Gecinus viridisj
and may be only a local variety. Microcarho algeriensis is hardly
to be distinguished from Microcarho pygmceus ; and Chloropeta
pallida, a species recognized by Prince Bonaparte, with all due
deference to so great an authority, seems to me to be separated
for no solid reason from the Sylvia elaica of Temminck. Prince
Bonaparte makes the difference to consist only in its smaller
size, but I have obtained specimens fully equalling the recorded
measurements of S. elaica ; and I cannot help believing that a
more careful examination will eliminate this species, as it has
Sylvia familiaris, now admitted to be identical with Sylvia ga-
lactotes. Hypotriorchis concolor is given by Captain Loche as
occurring in the province of Constantine, but no specimen exists
in the Algerian collection. Captain Loche has never seen one
himself ; and as Falco eleonorce is not uncommon there, it seems
most probable that this bird, in its fine uniform black plumage,
has done duty with some French collector for F. concolor.

160

Rev. H. B. Tristram on the

There remain then but 7 species undoubtedly and peculiarly
North African; and these, with the very interesting excep-
tions of Aquila ncevioides and the exquisite little Ruticilla
moussieri, all have closely allied European cousins, whose place
they supply in the Algerian economy. Is it too much to affirm
that there is not a district in Europe of equal extent which does
not present at least as great a number of peculiar forms ? It
is fair to admit that some of the habitual denizens of Algeria
obtain a place in the European catalogues on questionable au-
thority, or rather, I should say, from the occurrence of some too
restless wanderer far from his native haunts, as, e. g., Elanus
melanopterus. Little wot these foolish stragglers of the destruc-
tion they bring upon their race by the transgression of Nature^s
limits ! Once out of bounds, and caught on European soil, they
are noted in the price catalogue of every ^marchand des oiseaux^
throughout the Continent ; and their skins and eggs are indis-
pensable to the drawers and cabinets of German and French
collectors. As in England the science of natural history is
disgraced by pretenders and their abettors, who have the un-
manly nerve to draw the trigger against the last Eagle of a dis-
trict, to sneak for days in ambush against a Hoopoe, or desolate
the last resting-place of some historic Peregrines, so the cata-
logues of Paris, of Copenhagen, and of Hamburg tell too plainly
of the efforts made for the most sordid purposes to swell the
list of European species*.

* I may remark, in passing, that the French dealers appear to consider
Algeria as, ornithologically, a province of Southern Spain. I have been
amused by the rich stores they can produce of birds and eggs from Anda-
lusia, which, though very scarce there, are abundant in the more accessible
Algeria. In one shop in Paris I saw some very fine eggs of Gypaetus,
which I was assured had been taken in the Pyrenees, but which had upon
them the private mark of a certain Algerian collector with whom I was
well acquainted. Skins of Ixos obscurus, &c., all labelled from the south
of Spain, bore a most remarkable resemblance to the (to me) familiar pre-
parations of this gentleman, whom I had assisted in packing a box for
Paris.

In the summer of 1856 I was in the habit of employing the boat and
local knowledge of a professional chasseur on an Algerian lake. This man
used to send boxes of eggs to another Paris dealer. His collections were
never named, for he knew only the provincial appellations of the birds. I

Ornithology of Northern Africa. 161

When from the denizens of the Tell, or Barbary Proper, we
direct our attention to the inhabitants of the Desert and its
oases, a very different result rewards our investigation. Here,
out of a much more limited Fauna, we find no less than 38
species whose wings have never borne them across the Medi-
terranean. Unwonted and often uncouth forms meet us with
scientific names to match (like Rhamphocoris clotbey)j most

was particularly anxious to find the nest of Anas rufina. He told me he
had frequently taken the eggs, and had sent as many as forty of ‘ le Grand
Siffleur Huppe* to Paris, receiving three francs a piece. He showed me
some he had, which bore a striking resemblance to those of A. nyroca
(a very unmistakeable egg for a duck), which was abundant on the lake ;
while of Anas rufina we never saw but one pair. I assured him of his
mistake ; but he was positive, and showed me a letter desiring him to send
more of this ‘said ‘ Grand Siffleur Huppe !’ At length one day, as I was
with him in his boat, a duck rose from its nest ; he fired, and brought
down an Anas rufina ; and I found one egg in the nest, of the lovely pale
green characteristic of this bird. I exhibited it triumphantly. He turned
away in disgust, exclaiming, “ Eh bien, c’est une variete extraordinaire ! ’’
Soon afterwards I saw eggs of Anas nyroca in Paris marked as rufina ; and
within the last year I have been amused at finding an exactly similar egg
doing duty for the whistling duck in three British collections ; not, how-
ever, from Paris, but with inscriptions which told me that at one period of
their existence — whether at that of their transmutation or not I cannot say
— they had visited Copenhagen.

My last adventure with the chasseur was ludicrous enough. He had
offered me eleven eggs of the Golden Eagle, which he said he got from the
Arabs, for 100 francs. I wrote to say that if he would bring the eggs, he
should have the money. In a few days he accordingly appeared at my
house with a clean-looking sitting of eleven eggs of Meleagris gallopavo,
var. domestica. I indignantly dismissed him for an impudent rogue, and
in a few days received a summons to appear in court for breach of contract.
My chasseur, his turkey eggs, and his avocat were there in due state.
The avocat produced my letter desiring him to bring ^ les oeufs,’ and he
should have his money. The chasseur swore that these were the eggs
alluded to, and moreover that they were those of ‘ I’Aigle Royal,’ not of
‘ le Dindon.’ I affirmed the contrar3\ But when doctors differ, who
shall decide ? And M. le Juge decided that, as a chasseur, who had been
all his life among birds, was more likely to know an Eagle’s egg than an
amateur, though certainly they did look to him very like turkey’s, I ought
to believe the chasseur and take the eggs. On my declaration of an ap-
peal, the prosecutor proposed to settle the affair out of court, which he
did by fair promises and allowing 50 francs for boat hire. He has since
transferred his genius to poultry-dealing in Kabylia.

162

Mr. A. Newton on the Harlequin Duck.

of them clad with quaker-like simplicity in inconspicuous
drab, with bills and tarsi often apparently distorted or exag-
gerated, but wonderfully adapted by their all-wise Creator to
supply the means of sustenance in these arid regions. We find
here the order Struthiones j the genera Otogyps, Crateropus, Dry-
moica, Comatihis, Corospiza, RhamphocoriSj unknown to Europe ;
and others, as Erythrospiza, Dromolcea, AmmomaneSj Pterocles,
rarely represented here, but universally distributed there, and
under many specific varieties. From the difference of climate
and physical geography, this was naturally to be anticipated.
It is only mentioned to prove the premises with which we com-
menced, viz. that, ornithologically. North Africa is a European
province, while the Sahara is as decidedly non-European, its
affinities being with Nubia and Abyssinia.

XVII. — Remarks on the Harlequin Duck (Histrionicus torquatus.
Bp.). By Alfred Newton, M.A., F.L.S.

The value of the characters afforded by the trachea in different
members of the Anatidce is so well known, that I make no apology
for presenting the readers of this Journal with figures of that

9 ^

organ in a remarkably interesting species, the Harlequin Duck
{Anas histrionica, L. ; Histrionicus torquatus^ Bp.). Of this

163

Mr. A. Newton on the Harlequin Duck,

trachea I believe no representation has hitherto been given,
though it has been described by Professor MacGillivray, first in
the work of Mr. Audubon (Orn. Biogr. v. 617), from which
the account is quoted by Mr. Yarrell (Brit. B. iii. 266), and
afterwards in the Professor^s own book (Hist. Brit. B. v. 170).
As this description seems to be quite as detailed and accurate as
any I could furnish, and, when taken in connexion with the accom-
panying engraving, to afford a sufficiently good idea of its form
in this species, I need say no more on that head, beyond remark-
ing that, as will be seen from the figure, the bony tympanum of
the male is uninterrupted by any of those membranous openings
found in all the other Diving Ducks— except the Eiders* — with
which I am acquainted, and that in particular it bears no resem-
blance whatever to the same part in either the Golden-eye {A.
clangula, L.) or the Long-tailed Duck {A. glacialis, L.), the
typical representatives of the sections Clangula and Harelda^ in
one or the other of which the Harlequin Duck is usually placed
by most of those ornithologists who subdivide the great and
natural group of Diving Ducks, and near which two species I
think all other writers agree in placing it. The specimens of
the trachea now figured were prepared by me from fine freshly-
killed examples of this beautiful species obtained last year by
Mr. John Wolley and myself from a merchant at Beykjavik, the
capital of Iceland, and, excepting one in the Museum at Haslar
Hospital, no others, to my knowledge, exist in this country. In
these examples, when fresh, the small lobe on each side of the
base of the upper mandible, which seems to have escaped the
notice of many, if not of most, ornithologists, though it has
been duly remarked by some, was very apparent ; and I am not
aware that this external character exists in any other of the
species with which the Harlequin Duck has been usually asso-
ciated. Indeed, in many dried skins which I have examined, this
peculiarity is very easily overlooked, as, unless care be taken to
prevent its doing so, it usually shrinks into insignificance as the
skin dries, whereas while the bird is fresh it is of a prominent
size, although smaller in the female than in the male.

* In the Scoters, it will be recollected, there is nothing that can properly
be called a tympanum.

164 Mr. A. Newton on the Harlequin Duch.

I am inclined to believe tbat a good deal of misconception
exists as to the geographical range of this species^ which I think
will be found to be much more limited than is usually supposed
to be the case. To take two of the latest published authorities
on the subject : Dr. Degland states (Orn. Europ. ii. 453) that
it habite les contrees arctiques des deux mondes and Mr.
Cassin^ in Professor Baird’s most valuable work on North Ame-
rican Ornithology, gives as its habitat (Pac. B. B. Beport, Birds,
799), Northern sea-coasts of northern hemisphere.” Now, I
am pretty sure that in Europe, with the exception of Iceland
and Western Asia, it only occurs as an accidental straggler. I
believe I am authorized to say that, as far as Mr. Wolley’s expe-
rience goes, it is not known as a bird of Lapland, including in the
term the north of Norway and Einmark; and I can hardly under-
stand its being, as M. Temminck states (Man. d’Orn. ii. 879),

abondant dans les contrees orientates de FEurope,” without
its occasionally showing itself in the district which has been so
assiduously worked by my friend ; for I presume there can be no
doubt that M. Temminck did not intend to refer to any but the
northern part of Eastern Europe. In more southern Scandinavia
it is certainly rare *, as appears by Prof. Nilsson’s statement
(Skandin. Eaun. ii. 441). I cannot find that 'it is known in
European Bussia, but it seems to occur accidentally on the Cas-
pian and Sea of Aral. It is also said to be met with — like so
many other, to us rare, birds — about Lake Baikal ; and if the
report be true, I think this must be taken, according to our
present knowledge, as its normal western limit in Asia ; for in
the course of Dr. Middendorff’s travels, it appears (Sib. Beise,
Zool. Bd. ii. Th. 2. p. 237) to have been found only in the
extreme east of Siberia, the localities for it mentioned by him
being the S’tanowoj Mountains, the southern coast of the Sea
of Ochotsk, and the interior of Mandchouria. This enterprising
traveller obtained a nestling bird on the 23rd of J une at Uds’koj-
Os’trog, of which a characteristic representation is given in his

* The late Mr. Thompson (B. Ireland, iii. 152) mentions, on the author-
ity of Captain May, the occurrence of four adult males in the month of
July, on a lake close to the entrance of the Salten Fjord ; but as no speci-
men was obtained, there might have been a mistake as to the species.

165

Mr. A. Newton on the Harlequin Duck.

work (pi. xxii. fig. 3). It probably also occurs in Japan, since,
according to Dr. Scblegel (Faun. Jap., Aves, 141), it is “repre-
sente de grandeur naturelle dans plusieurs recueils japonnais.^^

I take tbis opportunity of remarking, that in two or three
asserted instances of the occurrence of Anas histrionica in Great
Britain, other species seem to have been mistaken for it. In
^The Zoologist^ for 1847 (p. 1697) is a note by Dr. Battersby
of Torquay, that “ a small flock of Harlequin Ducks have fre-
quented our bay, of which I have been fortunate enough to pro-
cure two specimens, a male and a female.” Now, an example
obtained at that time, out of the same flock, was some years since
shown me by Mr. Burt, the energetic curator of the Torquay
Museum, and there can be no question of its being a young Long-
tailed Duck. Again, in ^ The Zoologist^ for 1852 (p. 3331),
my brother reported that a Harlequin Duck had been killed in
Banffshire. This he did on the authority of the late Mr. Yarrell,
whose letter to Lord March, by whom the bird was shot and
kindly given to my brother, after having been submitted to the
inspection of that distinguished naturalist, is now before me.
In this letter Mr. Yarrell says positively that it “ is a young
female of the ‘Harlequin Duck ^ in its first winter plumage ; ”
but the bird is still in our possession, and, I regret to say, is not
the rarity I could wish, there being no doubt that it is only a
very young example of the Long-tailed Duck. Both this and
the Torbay specimens are referred to by Mr. Yarrell in the last
edition of his work (B. B. 3rd ed. vol. hi. p. 368). Further-
more, ‘ The Naturalist^ for 1857 (p. 124) contains an extract
from ‘ The Devonport Journal,’ which was also quoted in ‘ The
Times^ of April 18th, 1857, asserting that a specimen of the
Harlequin Duck had been recently killed in Warwickshire ; but
Mr. H. Buckley, in the same periodical for 1858 (p. 124), states
that he made “particular inquiries” respecting this example,
and was “ informed on undoubted authority that the bird which
was mistaken for that rare Duck was, in reality, a female Scaup
Duck [Fuligula marila).^^ In ‘ The Zoologist^ for 1850 (p. 2949)
is a detailed account of a pair of Ducks said to be the Harlequin,
which built a nest and hatched a brood in a semi-domesticated
state at Melbourne in Derbyshire ; and this statement has been
VOL. I. N

166

Messrs. Evans and Sturge on the

copied by Mr. Yarrell in his last edition above mentioned. Now,
at the time I first read it, I had a suspicion that there was some
mistake here, which further inquiries have much tended to
strengthen ; but as the author of the paper (Mr. J. J. Briggs)
has kindly undertaken to pursue the subject further, I need say
no more about it, beyond expressing my full conviction that the
birds in question will be found to have been the North- American
Wood, Carolina, or Summer Duck (Aix sponsa, Boie), which, as
is well known, will breed freely in this country, and whose
beautifully varied plumage causes it to be often called by dealers
by the name rightfully belonging to that species which is the
subject of my somewhat lengthy remarks.

XVIII. — Notes on the Birds of Western Spitsbergen, as observed
in 1855. By Edward Evans and Wilson Sturge.

Partly inspired by a love of Natural History, but more by a
desire for adventure, we were induced to visit Spitzbergen in
the summer of 1855, before a trip to that island was so common
as it seems likely now to become ; and though we were somewhat
disappointed in not finding it so rich in ornithology as we had
expected, a short notice of the species we observed there may not
be unacceptable to the readers of ^ The Ibis,^ as we believe that
hitherto the only published account of the birds of this, the
most northern known land of the Old World, is that contained
in the Zoological Appendix to Parry ^s Fourth Voyage, by James
Clarke Ross*.

Our vessel, the ‘ Anna,^ was a fishing-smack of 30 tons
register, a fast boat ; and had it not been for calms, adverse
gales, and fields of ice, we might, with a fair breeze, have easily
made the run from Hammerfest (in the north of Norway), our
port of departure, in three or four days. But at Bear Island the
ice forced us to make a circuit of upwards of sixty miles; thus
we were retracing our course almost the only time that we had

* Narrative of an Attempt to reach the North Pole in Boats fitted for
the purpose, and attached to His Majesty’s Ship ‘ Hecla,’ in the Year
1827, under the Command of Captain William Edward Parry, R.N.,
F.R.S. London, 1828.

167

Birds of Western Spitzbergen,

a south-east wind, which would have been the most favourable
for speeding our voyage ; and in the last three days we had to
make another circuit of nearly two hundred miles. It was
therefore with no small satisfaction, that, on the 20th of Sixth
month (June), about nine in the morning, being the ninth day
of our voyage, the land we had been so anxiously looking out
for was seen lying about sixty miles to the eastward. The
coast appeared very wild and inhospitable ; the rugged moun-
tains were capped with dense masses of cloud ; the valleys and
level ground were one sheet of snow, and the shore was guarded
by an extensive field of ice, which again was surrounded by a
belt of flat barren islands and jagged ice-covered rocks, known
as Syd Cap (Eerne, or the South Cape Islands. Almost precisely
at the midnight following we first set foot on Spitzbergen, on the
low shingly beach of one of these islets, where the snow had
thawed for the space of a few acres. It was, of course, broad
daylight, but not a very cheerful scene ; for a wintry wind drove
the snow into our faces, while the waves splashed against the
shore or thundered into the deep-blue hollows of the ice.

We found on this spot Brent Geese [Bernicla brenta, Steph.),
Eider Ducks [Somateria moUissima, Leach), and Glaucous Gulls
{Larus glaucus, Briinn.), in immense numbers, and the ground
was covered with their nests. A few Arctic Terns [Sterna ma-
cTOuraj Naum.) were flying overhead, but did not appear to be
as yet breeding ; at least, common as we afterwards found the
bird to be, we never obtained any eggs of it. The nests of the
Eider Ducks were hollows scooped in the pebbly ground, very
scantily lined with down mixed with sea -weed, forming in this
respect a striking contrast to those of the Brent Goose, whose
three or four eggs were buried in a perfect mass of down and
feathers, built on the beach. The large untidy nests of the
Glaucous Gull, formed of sea-weed, and each containing usually
three eggs, were to be found also on the shore, or more often
on the low rocks, and in one or two instances even built on the
masses of ice. These Gulls tyrannize much over the weaker
birds in their vicinity ; so dense too is their plumage, that shot
will hardly penetrate their feathers ; and those specimens we
procured were mostly killed with the rifle. Their eggs seem

2

168

Messrs. Evans and Sturge on the

hardly distinguishable from those of the Great Black-backed
Gull [Larus marinus, L.), which bird, however, has never, we
believe, been found in Spitzbergen, though abundant enough
even in the north of Norway. The specimen so faithfully repre-
sented by W. C. Hewitson in the last edition of his ^Eggs of
British Birds^ (pi. 141. fig. 2), was obtained by us on this occa-
sion. After remaining a short time on this island, we rowed to
a similar, but much larger one, not far oflp, wkere there at first
seemed a probability of meeting with a White Bear [Ursus mari-
timus, L.) ; but the ice still connecting it with the main land,
our men pronounced it useless to look for one there, — ^the only
chance of finding them being, that the ice, on breaking up,
often leaves them isolated, when they become easy victims.
The tracks of Arctic Foxes [Canis lagopus, L.) were very nume-
rous ; and one, a Blue one, was seen at a great distance. On
this island we did not find a single nest or egg, the instinct of
the birds teaching them that its being still united to the main
land would render them liable to the depredations of Bears and
Foxes.

Beturning to our vessel, we proceeded on our voyage north-
ward, but were prevented by ice from entering either Bell Sound
or Horn Sound, and by fog from having more than an occasional
glimpse of the land. Nearly the only birds which showed them-
selves were Fulmars [Procellaria glacialis, L.). A Seal, which
we killed and skinned, on being thrown overboard attracted a
large flock of these birds, who were at first very timid, only
skimming over the carcase, and settling on the water at some
distance from it to reconnoitre ; but at last one courageously
ventured to alight on it, and he would have made a good meal
had not his feast been soon disturbed by others following his
example. No end of battles then ensued ; and as we left them
far in our wake, they had assembled in a vast crowd. Near
Horn Sound we met with immense numbers of Briinnich^s Guil-
lemots {Uria hrunnichii) and Little Auks [Arctica alky Gray),
which flew about in large flocks, settling close round the vessel,
playing and diving in all directions, seeming quite regardless of
our presence, and keeping up a shrill chattering. Fulmars, too,
were very abundant, skimming swiftly over the water like a

169

Birds of Western Spitzhergen.

Kestrel {Tinnunculus alaudarius, Gray), and as noiselessly as an
Owl, coming sometimes within arm^s-length. Black Guillemots
{JJria grylle, Lath.) were also numerous.

On the 24th (after having been reminded by our old cook, in
broken English, of its being Midsummer-day, — a fact we might,
from the state of the weather, have well overlooked) we reached
the entrance of Ice Sound, a very extensive fjord stretching away
inland as far as the eye could reach. The mist clearing off dis-
played some fine mountains on which the sun shone warmly,
and we had a bright blue sky overhead, the first we had ex-
perienced since we sighted Spitzhergen. But our fine weather
was of short duration ; in the evening it clouded over, snow
fell for about an hour, and the wind freshened to a gale, which
drove us some thirteen or fourteen miles up the fjord, where
we found the ice yet unbroken. The following morning we
entered a little inlet on the north side of the Sound called
Safe Haven, and cast anchor under the shelter of a line of
ice-cliffs which rose from the water^s edge to a great height,
and terminated in beautiful peaks. This magnificent glacier was
backed by a stupendous pointed and almost overhanging moun-
tain, the Aiken Eels, with one pinnacle above another towering
into the clouds, and presenting the most varied and picturesque
outline during the few short intervals when its lofty summit
was free from the almost incessant mist of this inhospitable
region. One of the peaks, which rose from the shore to the
height of about 900 feet, and stood out from the rest like an im-
mense horn, was literally alive with swarms of Fulmars, Briin-
nicVs Guillemots, Black Guillemots, and Kittiwakes {Rissa
tridactylai MacgilL), which had their nests in its inaccessible
fastnesses, secure from the depredations of man or beast ; and
their cries, occasionally overpowered by the roar of an avalanche,
alone disturbed the silence of this Arctic bay.

During the time we lay here we made many excursions along
the shores of the fjord ; but the depth of the now melting snow
prevented us from going any distance inland. On one occasion,
after ascending about two-thirds of a high mountain, we shot a
few birds, including a brace of Ptarmigan. We afterwards
found these birds very abundant and exceedingly tame; but

170

Messrs. Evans and Sturge on the

most unfortunately^ as it turned out, only preserved the skin of
one (a female) specimen. This has since been submitted to
John Gould, and that celebrated ornithologist, being convinced
of its specific distinctness from any other known species of the
genus, has described it in the ^ Proceedings of the Zoological
Society of London ^ for 1858 (p. 354) under the name of Lago-
pus hemileucurus. It is therefore unnecessary for us to give a
detailed account of this new European bird ; we need only say
that it can be at once distinguished from the Common Ptar-
migan [L. mutus, Leach) of Great Britain and Scandinavia by
its much larger size, which fully equals that of the Willow
Grouse {L. albus, Bp.), and from this again by its tail, the
basal half of which is white. The general plumage of the
female in summer much resembles that of the female Common
Ptarmigan at the same time. All the males we saw were still
in the winter dress, though their white feathers had become very
dirty ; but the females had changed. In the same neighbour-
hood one of us found a nest of this bird — if nest it could be
called, being formed only of a few long stems of dry grass bent
down in a trench-like hollow in the barren fjeld (or high table-
land), where the snow had been thawed, or perhaps been blown
away, which latter might have been the case, so bleak and ex-
posed was the situation. There were two eggs, which resemble
those of others of the genus. One of them measures 1*6 inch
in length by 1*22 inch in transverse diameter. We trust that
any future visitors to Spitzbergen will not fail to bring back a
large series of these birds, and especially to observe whether
their voice or habits differ in any respect from those of the
common species, and whether, too, this latter may not be found
there as well.

Besides the birds we have before mentioned as occurring
here, we saw some Arctic Terns, and a few Snow Buntings
(Plectrophanes nivalis , Mey.). Observing a great many Little
Auks flying in and out of the cliffs, we took our wire-rope,
and one of us was let down the precipice ; but both they and the
Black Guillemots built in such deep and narrow crevices, that it
was only after much hard labour in picking and breaking the
rock with a hammer that the hand could be inserted. In this

171

Birds of Western Spitzbergen.

way three eggs of the Little Auk were obtained. Some of the
Black Guillemots were breeding in rocks a mile or two inland ;
but we only procured one egg of this species^ which we obtained
from a bird we shot. The Briinnich^s Guillemots were in im-
mense profusion, constantly wheeling about in large flocks, day
and night. The Snow Buntings were not plentiful, but we
frequently heard their cheerful note, as they flew from one rock
to another ; their plumage was as yet only partially changed :
their nests seemed very difficult to find ; we only got one, which
had five eggs.

The Purple Sandpiper {Tringa maritima, Brunn.) was veiy
abundant in Coal Bay (on the south side of Ice Sound, so named
on account of a small quantity of poor coal being found there),
and we found four of their nests on the high fjeld. Beautiful
little nests they were, deep in the ground, and lined with stalks
of grass and leaves of the Dwarf Birch [Betula nana^ L.), con-
taining mostly four eggs of an olive-green, handsomely mottled
with purplish brown, chiefly at the larger end. We watched
this elegant little bird — the only one of the Grallatores we saw —
with much interest, as it waded into some pool of snow-water or
ran along the shingle, every now and then raising its wings
over its back and exhibiting the delicate tint of the under-side,
at the same time uttering its loud shrill whistle.

Of the beautiful snow-white Ivory Gull [Pagophila eburnea,
Kaup) we saw only six or seven individuals ; and though both
the examples we killed had their bellies bare of feathers as in
sitting birds, all our endeavours to find where they were breed-
ing failed. Our crew informed us that no one had ever found
their eggs or knew where they made their nests ; they also
asserted that the Ice Gull was never seen except upon ice,
and in only one instance we found this statement to be in-
correct.

In this fjord a large species of Goose was very common, and
we found them breeding mostly on low rocks near the coast ;
but some seemed to have their nests in the high clifi’s a mile or
two from the sea. We obtained some specimens both of birds
and eggs, but unfortunately neglected to preserve the skins of
the former ; we cannot, therefore, be positive as to which spe-

172

Messrs. Evans and Sturge on the

cies they were ; but judging from our recollection, they had flesh-
coloured legs and light-grey shoulders ; we have not, there-
fore, much doubt that they were the Grey-lag Goose [Anser ferns ^
Steph.). The identification of this bird is a point to which, we
trust, future voyagers will pay attention ; it is probably the only
species observed by us which is not included in J. C. Rosses list,
before mentioned.

Richardson^s Skua [Stercorarius parasiticus^ Gray) we saw
tormenting, as is the manner everywhere of this feathered pirate,
almost every flock of Kitti wakes, Gulls, or Terns ; but we found
neither nests nor eggs of it. We observed one individual of
the uniform bluish-black variety.

Pufiins were by no means abundant ; but all we saw, we feel
sure, were of the Northern species (Fratercula glacialis), and not
the common one {F. ai'ctica), which has been stated to occur in
Spitzbergen. We are unable, too, to see any distinguishing
points between the Black Guillemots we procured there and
those from more southern localities, though the former have
been described as different by Lichtenstein, under the name of
Uria mandti.

In the evening of the 1st of Seventh month (July) we
weighed anchor to return southwards, but we were not clear of
the Sound till the following night. The wind, however, com-
pelled us to run to the northward ; and, after being obliged again
to return to our old position, it was not until the 5 th that we
made a fair start from Ice Sound. Even then the alternate
gales and calms, so characteristic of the Arctic Ocean, impeded
our voyage. The midnight of the 7th and 8th was a beautiful
one ; the wind had died away, and we sat on the deck enjoying
the warm glow of the sun, as it shone fully out over the sea,
a thick white haze stretching along the coast, above which the
rugged mountains towered majestically against the clear blue sky.
A company of Fulmars here and there, floating so sound asleep
on the sparkling waters as almost to be fouled by the vessel as
she slowly drifted on, or lazily picking about for their supper,
— a few Guillemots now and then whizzing by, — the Little Auks
skimming hither and thither in all directions, — a solitary Puffin
searching for his food, and an Arctic Tern gracefully poising

173

Birds of Western Spitzhergen.

himself preparatory to a plunge, — presented a picture long to be
remembered by us. A fine breeze sprung up soon after and
carried us rapidly down the coast, and in the afternoon we began
to leave Syd Cap behind us. The weather still continued
beautiful ; and it was not until about eleven o'clock on the night
of the 8th that this wild and little-known land finally disap-
peared in the soft distance. The next morning we sighted
Bear Island, about which we found the Fulmars again plentiful ;
and on the afternoon of the 11th made Ingoe, ofi* the coast of
Norway, about forty miles north of Hammerfest, where, after a
tiresome delay, when almost within sight of the island whereon
it stands, our vessel, the ^ Anna,' came to anchor on the evening
of the 13th.

Of the sixteen species of birds observed by us in Spitzbergen,
there can be little doubt that, as we before said, the large Goose,
which we believe to have been the Grey-lag, was the only one
not noticed by Parry's expedition ; for doubtless the Ptarmigan
was by the members of it, as at first by us, thought to be only
the common species. Twenty-one species, however, are in-
cluded in J. C. Boss's list ; and the six of them which did not
occur to us are — Ringed Plover [Charadrius hiaticula), a single
specimen only in Hecla Cove ; Fork-tailed Gull (Larus sahini),
seen only in Waygatz Strait, and no specimen obtained ; Cu-
neate-tailed Gull [Larus rossii)j seen in Waygatz Strait, and on
the ice as far north as the expedition went (lat. 82° 45'), but
no specimen obtained ; Pomarine Skua [Lestris pomarinus)^ one
ouly seen in lat. 82° ; Red-throated Diver [Colymbus glacialis), no
locality mentioned; and Razor-bill Auk [Alca tor da). The last
species may possibly have escaped our observation, but the Ringed
Plover and Pomarine Skua must be regarded only as accidental
stragglers ; the two Gulls appear to be confined in summer to
more northern latitudes than we reached, and the Red-throated
Diver is probably but scantily dispersed in the interior, which we
were unable to visit. We saw no birds of prey during the three
weeks of our stay in Spitzbergen ; nor could we hear from our
crew, who were well acquainted with the coast — our pilot alone
having made the voyage nineteen times — that any have ever been
found there. We have no reason to believe that there is any

174 Mr. 0. Salvin^s Five Months^ Birds^ -nesting

truth in the statement, that the Great Auk [Alca impennis^ L.)
has ever occurred so far to the north ; but we have since learned
that the Grey Phalarope [Phalaropus fulicarius, Bp.) has been
obtained ; and it is probable that the King Duck [Somateria
spectaUlis, Leach), the Long-tailed Duck [Harelda glacialis,
Leach), the Great Northern Diver (Colymbus glacialis, L.), and,
in small numbers, the Common Guillemot {Uria troile, Lath.)
may sometimes be found in Spitzbergen. With these additions,
the list of the birds we saw most likely comprises all the
feathered denizens of this solitary land.

XIX. — Five Months^ Birds* -nesting in the Eastern Atlas,
By OsBERT Salvin, CoiT. Memb. Zool. Soc. (Part I.)

(Plate VI.)

As Mr. Tristram has undertaken to furnish a complete account
of the birds of Algeria, in which he will enter at length into a
general description of the physical geography of that country,
as exercising an influence on its ornithology, I merely in this
article propose, as supplementary to Mr. Tristram^s more sy-
stematic details, to give a short account of those birds which
actually came under my own observation during the time I
accompanied that gentleman and Mr. W. H. Simpson in their
rambles through the Regency of Tunis and Eastern Algeria.
The five months referred to above comprised part of February,
March, April, May, June, and part of July in the year 1857 ;
and though the first five or six weeks were not actually devoted
to birds^ -nesting, yet the time was spent in making inquiries
about breeding-localities, and preparations for our journey ; so
that the whole period may be said to bear reference to the one
object of the expedition.

The city of Tunis was our head-quarters while in the Regency,
from which we made excursions to various parts, to Carthage
and Oudena in the immediate vicinity, to Sousa and El Djem
in the south, and to Bizerta in the north. None of these excur-
sions were productive of much, ornithologically speaking. Those
birds that were observed will be mentioned in the subjoined list.
A month was spent in this way, after which we finally started

in the Eastern Atlas.

175

for Kef, the principal western frontier-town in the Tunisian
territory, intending to cross by that road into the province of
Constantine. Though the journey between Tunis and Kef can
be performed without much difficulty in three days, we, prefer-
ring easy stages to more rapid travelling, passed six on the
road. Our halting-places each successive night were Medjez
el Bab, Testour, Teboursouk, Dugga and Bordj Messaoud. The
afternoon of the sixth day brought us to Kef. Here, thanks to
our letters from Tunis, we were most hospitably entertained by
the governor, till our horses, tent-equipage, &c. had been for-
warded to meet us from Souk Harras, to which place Mr. Tris-
tram had sent them on leaving the Desert to proceed to Tunis.
Leaving Kef, and passing one night with the lawless frontier-
tribe of Waregra, we reached Souk Harras, the most eastern
military station in the French occupation. After spending a
few days in reconnoitring, we pitched our tents on the 4th of
April at the foot of the magnificent rocks of Djebel Dekma, our
camp comprising, besides ourselves, three servants, three tents,
four horses, with cooking-utensils and all the requisites for a
nesting-campaign in the mountains. From Djebel Dekma we
passed on to Khifan M^sakta, and from thence to Kef Laks, at
which latter place we remained till the end of the month of
April. The rocks and lofty precipices about Souk Harras, of
which the above-mentioned form some of the principal, are the
homes of the Lammergeyer, Griffon and Egyptian Vultures, of
the Golden, Tawny, and Short-toed Eagles, of the Barbary Falcon,
the Common and Black Kites. The eye of any lover of orni-
thology would be delighted and astonished at the vast numbers
of these magnificent birds of prey which all day long sail over
his head, their numbers increasing in the vicinity of the rocks
that hold their eyries. Many a time, when in that district I
counted twenty and thirty, and on one occasion fifty-five Griffon
Vultures on the wing at once, wheeling in circles and gradually
extending their gyrations higher and higher till the uppermost
birds were lost to sight or appeared as mere specks in the sky.
Am Beida, another military station which stands south-east of
Constantine, in one of those elevated plains into which the
Algerian Atlas expands itself, and which with their numberless

176 Mr. 0. Salvin’s Five Months* Birds* -nesting

salt lakes form so marked a characteristic of the range^ was our
next resting-placcj from which we gradually felt^ as it were, our
way westward to Djendeli. In this neighbom’hood we passed
the remainder of the month of May, our final camp, in June,
being situated on the borders of a small marsh which lies to the
westward of the high road between Constantine and Batna. On
quitting this spot, we proceeded to Constantine, and thence
to Philippeville, after having parted with our horses, tents, and
every disposable thing. At Philippeville we took the coasting
steamer to Algiers, and bid a final adieu to North Africa on the
11th of July.

The following observations are taken from notes made with
reference to the specimens shot and the eggs collected during
the expedition, and are given, with a few exceptions, nearly as 1
have them written.

1. Gypaetus BARBATUS. (The Lammergeyer.)

The first opportunity I had of observing this finest of birds
was in the neighbourhood of Souk Harras in the first week in
April. In a ramble in search of a spot for our encampment, we
discovered an eyrie in one of the stupendous cliffs that charac-
terize that district. It was quite inaccessible ; and we had to
bear our disappointment, as well as a good wetting, and return to
the hotel (if the house where we put up may be designated by
such a title) after an almost fruitless day. We were not then
aware that the eggs of this species had long been hatched. On
encamping at Djebel Dekma on the 4th of April, more frequent
opportunities were afforded us of becoming acquainted with this
bird. This mass of precipitous rocks is one of the most interest-
ing and curious in the country. The strata form an angle of
about 20° with the vertical, and, dipping towards the north,
present a comparatively flat face with bushes and shrubs growing-
out of the interstices. The southern cliff is more broken and
the strata much more horizontal. Towards the east these two
parallel precipices dwindle to nothing, while westward they are
abruptly terminated by another broken precipice which cuts the
first two at right angles. In the centre of this group, and at
its highest point, the whole mass is parted, leaving a rugged

in the Easte7'n Atlas.

177

gorge running north and south, having towering rocks on each
side. The formation seemed to be almost entirely composed of
nummulite. In this range a pair of Lammergeyer had their
eyrie in the western side of the gorge just above a cave that
pierces the strata. To this nest one of our Arab servants,
Mohamed, climbed and brought down a half-fledged young one,
which, after living some few days, came to an untimely end *.

The range at Khifan M^sakta, our next camp, stretches south-
west and north-east, and, though hardly on so grand a scale as
Djebel Dekma, is somewhat similar in its peculiar isolation, the
same feature of vertical strata presenting itself. A pair of Lam-
mergeyer also occupied these rocks, their nest being in a hole
on the north-west side. At Kef Laks, in the precipices called
by the Arabs ''Gala el Hamara,” was another eyrie. None of
the stories of the Lammergeyer defending its young against one
so hardy as to assail its nest were ever realized during our stay
in their localities ; and though their eyries were repeatedly scaled
and their young taken, the old birds not only never offered an
attack, but in all cases either kept at a respectful distance, or never
showed themselves at all. Immature birds of this species seldom
occur in the breeding-haunts of the old ones : I only saw one
during my whole stay. This remark probably applies to all the
birds of prey ; and its truth is especially illustrated in the case of
the Egyptian Vulture [Neophron percnopterus), immature birds of
which I hardly ever saw. It would appear that this bird, like
the Gyps fulvus, seldom, if ever, lays more than one egg : no
instance of more than one young ever occurred in the nests
visited. The food of the Lammergeyer consists principally of the
Land-tortoises [Testudo mauritanica), which abound throughout
the country. These it carries to some height in the air, and lets
fall on a stone to break the shell. It is an early breeder. The
eggs must be laid in January, or the beginning of February at
latest, as in the early part of April the young, in every case
that came under our observation, had been hatched at least a
month. I cannot concur in the supposition, suggested by the
reviewer of Mr. Breeds " Birds of Europe,^^ in the last Number of
'The Ibis,^ "that the rich tawny hue of the under surface in
* This bird is now in the Norwich Museum.

178 Mr. 0. Salvin^s Five Months Birds^ -nesting

some individuals of the Lammergeyer is probably owing to a
stain, the effect of bathing in muddy water, or of rolling in the
sand with wet plumage.^^ That such a cause should produce
such an effect is not very obvious; and even if it were so, one
can hardly, by such a hypothesis, account for the colours being
distributed only on the under surface and lighter portions of the
plumage ; one would expect that the rolling process wo^jld
extend some of its influence to the darker portions also. All
the mature birds I saw wore a deep shade of this rich colouring.
The young of this species, on first leaving the egg, is covered
with down of a sooty-brown colour. A blood-red band which
encircles the eye shows conspicuously when the bird is alarmed.
The iris itself is in the first instance dark.

The Arabic name applied to the Lammergeyer in Eastern
Algeria is Boulachiah.^^

2. Gyps fulvus. (Griffon Vulture.)

I have, since my return, felt rather surprised that we never
met with the Griffon Vulture in the Regency of Tunis : the
rocks about Kef, from which the town takes its name, would
appear admirably adapted for the nests of this bird. But none
were seen; nor was it till we reached Souk Harras that they
first showed themselves, though I have since suspected that the
greater part of a large number of birds of prey, observed soaring
at a considerable distance near Sidi Yousef, on the Tunisian
frontier, were of this species. At Djebel Dekma were several
pairs, as also at Khifan M^sakta ; but Kef Laks and its neigh-
bourhood seem to be their head-quarters. The term Kef
Laks is strictly applied to a cliff which faces the east, and is
a singularly bold and marked feature in the country. This
eastern cliff forms one side of an elevated platform, the other
sides being also precipitous rocks of no mean height. The
northern of these is the most extensive ; and it was there that
the greater part of the Griffon Vultures built their nests.
These rocks are called ^‘Gala el Hamara^^ and Kef GhHar”
by the Arabs. The former seemed a favourite locality ; and
every available ledge was occupied. Facing this rock is a
point which stands boldly out from the main cliff, to the extre-

in the Eastern Atlas.

179

raity of which I used often to climb to watch the proceedings
opposite. One of these ledges is accessible to a good climber ;
and Mohamed, our servant, who possessed hands, feet, and
head which I have never seen surpassed for such dangerous
exploits, performed the feat. A much-damaged egg, from which
the young one had emerged, was the result ; all the other nests
contained young. It is a fine sight to wateh the ease with
which the Grifibn sails through the air : the apparently efibrtless
extension of the wings seems amply sufficient to sustain its huge
body ; no flapping motion is necessary to enable it to mount to
a great height. It is only on leaving a rock that a few strokes
are requisite to attain the necessary impulse, after which, with
primaries bent upward by the force of the air, it performs its
stately evolutions by soaring only. In alighting, the bird drops
its legs some distance from the rock, and, sailing to within a few
yards, it checks its velocity by two or three heavy strokes of
the wing.

It has always been a mystery to me where so many Kaptorial
birds procure sufficient food. But few bleached skeletons are
to be seen ; and on no occasion did I see a bird feeding. The
old birds, though doubtless themselves capable of sustaining
hunger for a long period, must traverse many miles of country
to procure the more regular supply requisite for their young.
In one instance only did we find an egg and a young one in the
same nest ; in all other cases, one egg or one young one was the
invariable number. The eggs appear to be laid in the month of
February, as most of the nests contained young in the beginning
of April. During the time of incubation, one of the parent birds
sits constantly, and if frightened ofi*, returns immediately. The
nest is composed almost entirely of sticks, which are used in
greater or less abundance, as the situation requires. The eggs
obtained from wild birds generally show indications of natural
colouring, in addition to the blood and dirt with which they are
usually stained. This colouring is dispersed in faint spots of a
reddish hue, sometimes all over the egg, but generally at the
larger or smaller end. Of the four eggs in my collections, three
exhibit traces of this marking. The eggs usually placed in
collections are laid by birds kept in confinement ; and this

180 ' Mr. 0. Sal villas Five Months^ Birds^ -nesting

colouring is not observable. The young of the Griffon Vulture,
on emerging from the egg, is covered with white down ; the
sides are dark. This bird is known among the Arabs as the

Nisser.^^

3. Neophron percnopterus. (Egyptian Vulture.)

Though at first sight this bird would appear to be hardly so

numerous as the preceding species, yet its distribution is so
much more extensive, that I am inclined to consider it as more
abundant. It is to be seen usually in pairs ; and wherever a
cliff exists in the mountains that surround the table-lands of
the Eastern Atlas, sure enough it will be occupied by a pair.
It was about the 20th of March, when, riding from Tunis to
Bizerta, I first saw this species, after which this bird and the
Black Kite {Milvus ater) were our constant companions through-
out our stay. Generally speaking, the nests of N. percnopte7'us
are not so inaccessible as those of Gyps fulvus. One nest which
I visited near Kef Laks, and from which an Arab had taken
the egg and broken it, I could reach with my hand from a per-
fectly accessible ledge. This nest was in a crevice of the rock,
and was composed entirely of small sticks.

The Arabs used to take the eggs of this bird for us whenever
and wherever they found them, so that I am unable to speak
with certainty of the average number laid by one bird ; but I
think that two is the usual complement. In some instances the
bird would lay again in the nest from which her first egg had
been abstracted. One nest at Khifan M^sakta contained three
eggs. The Egyptain Vulture begins to lay about the 1 0th or
1 2th of April. I quite concur in Mr. E. C. Taylor^s remarks
(Ibis, No. I, p. 42) respecting the irides and tarsi of the adult
of this species ; they agree with my own observations. The
Arabs are well acquainted with this bird, and call it Rachma,
the adult being distinguished as ‘^Rachma batha” or M'^hite
Rachma.

4. Aquila chrysaetus. (Golden Eagle.)

The title of the Golden Eagle to be considered as the King of
Birds is fully confirmed in the Atlas. Whatever rock a pair
may choose for their eyrie, there they reign alone in dignified

in the Eastern Atlas.

181

solitude, nor do they allow a single Vulture, Kite, or indeed
any other species of rapacious bird, to occupy with their nest a
single spot in the same rock, however eligible for the purpose ;
nor are these other species ever to be seen in the haunts of
their exclusive majesties. The whole southern precipice at
Djebel Dekma was thus tenanted by a single pair of this Eagle,
as also several other rocks that came under our notice. The
eggs are laid in March, and are for the most part two in num-
ber, though, in some cases, no more than one occurred. The
eggs taken in this district are many of them richly marked ; but
the spots appear to be more isolated than is observable in many
Scotch specimens. Instances of the Golden Eagle building in
trees were by no means of unfrequent occurrence.

The Arabic name of this bird is Hogarh kakala,^ or Black
Eagle.^^

5. Aquila n^vta. (Spotted Eagle.)

Owing to the great similarity that subsists between this bird
and A. ncemo'ides, I refrain from quoting doubtful instances of
the occurrence of either. It was at Djebel Dekma only, that a
pair were certainly recognized. These we used frequently to
see flying round and about the northern cliflP. I do not think
that this is a species by any means numerous in the Eastern
x\tlas. We had a nestling Eagle for some time in our camp,
which we used to suppose to be the young of this species ; but I
do not feel at all sure that such was the case. Unfortunately
it was killed by an accident.

The Arabs apply the name of Hogarh^^ to this and the fol-
lowing species.

6. Aquila n^evioides. (Tawny Eagle.)

I several times had opportunities of observing a pair of these
birds about a cliff which faces the south in the vicinity of Kef
Laks. About the fourth week in April I discovered the nest,
to which I sent Mohamed, but without result ; the eggs had
not been deposited. At Djendeli, in the Salt Lake district, I
obtained a specimen. This bird, the skin of which I have still,
seemed to have missed its moult, as the plumage was very much
faded. So light-coloured is it, that it may bear comparison

VOL. I. o

182 Mr. O. Salvin^s Five Months^ Birds^ -nesting

with the figure of Aquila helisarius given in Levaillant^s ^ Explo-
ration Scientifique d'Algerie/ which^ there is no doubt, is refer-
able to this species. A few of the darker feathers of the fresh
moult just show themselves. On dissection, the sex was not to
be traced. While staying at the same place, a young bird just
beginning to change its down for feathers was brought to us.
This we took from place to place, and eventually deposited in
the Gardens of the Zoological Society of London, where it may
now be seen,

7. Aquila bonelli. (Bonelli^s Eagle.)

While staying at Sousa, in the Regency of Tunis, in February,
an immature bird of this species was brought to me by an Arab,
half-dead. We saw others in the Regency, where it appeared
to be more numerous than further to the westward. In the
Souk Harras district I did not meet with it, except on one occa-
sion, when I found a decaying specimen laying on a heap of
rubbish opposite the door of the hotel of that town. A pair
frequent, and, according to an informant at Tunis, annually
breed near the ruins of Utica ; one of these birds I saw when
visiting the site of that city.

8. Aquila pennata. (Booted Eagle.)

On several occasions I observed a pair of these Eagles about
the rock of ^^Gala el Hamara;^^ but though I kept a sharp
look-out for the nest, I never could discover it. About Djebel
Dekma I more than once saw the Booted Eagle ; and indeed
during our whole stay in the Souk Harras district, birds of
this species were occasionally observed.

9. CiRCAETUs GALLTCUS. (Short-toed Eagle.)

The first time I met with this species was just on entering
the Arab village of Testour, between Tunis and Kef. One fiew
over my head, and, coming between me and the sun, threw a
shadow which attracted my attention. I brought it down by a
lucky shot without dismounting from my horse. A few days
afterwards another was killed. The Short-toed Eagle was ob-
served on many occasions in all the districts visited, but is
perhaps more numerous about Souk Harras than elsewhere.

in the Eastern Atlas,

183

The first nest of this species we obtained was brought from
Blad el Elma, a village to the south of Djebel Dekma ; it con-
tained two eggs, both which had been incubated some time, so
that the long bare tarsi and large eyes of the embryo left little
doubt as to the identity of the species. Of these eggs one had
slight indications of colouring, a feature I have never observed
in other specimens. The eggs are usually deposited in March ;
but some birds defer laying till April. The Arabs call this bird
the White Eagle Hogarh ahiadJ*

10. Pandion haliaetus. (Osprey.)

In the lagoon of El Baheira, a number of posts are fixed
to direct the boats that ply between Tunis and La Goletta.
These are the favourite perches of several Ospreys, which
during the winter months fish in the lagoon, and retire to these
posts to feed on and digest their prey. While at Bona, I saw
one bird flying along the sea-coast.

11. Buteo tachardus. Buteo cirtensisy Levaill., jun. (The
African Buzzard.)

This species is by no means common in the district where
other rapacious birds so abound. I have but few instances of
its occurrence noted. One of these was at Khifan M^sakta,
where a pair had their nest. On another occasion I saw two in
a rocky pass near Eas el Alia. Subsequently Mr. Simpson shot
one near the salt lake of Guerah el Tharf. The eggs, as might
be expected, difier immaterially from those of the Common Buz-
zard [Buteo vulgaris).

12. Milvus regalis. (Common Kite.)

For the most part, we found the nests of the Kite were much
dispersed ; I have no instance noted of more than a pair occu-
pying one cliff. When in a rock, they were usually placed where
a small tree or shrub grew out of a crack. Such was the case
at Djebel Dekma, Khifan M^sakta, and Kef Laks, with a single
exception. In this case the nest was in a hole in the precipice
that forms the western termination of Djebel Dekma. The
young in this nest were hatched in the first week in April.
About the Ouled Zeid country, north of Souk Harras, the nests
were usually in trees. Nearly all the eggs we obtained were

o 2

3 84 Mr. 0. Salvin^s Five Months Birds^ ^nesting

remarkably devoid of colouring. The Arabs call this bird

Hadayia hamara^^ or the Red Hadayia.^^

13. Milvus ater. (Black Kite.)

During the breeding-season this species is much more abun-
dant in the Souk Harras district than M. regalis. Indeed^ with
the single exception of the Kestrel [Tinnunculus alaudarius), it
is the commonest rapacious bird in the Eastern Atlas. I never
saw M. cegyptiacus. This latter appears to be a more southern
species ; and a very distinct line of demarcation might probably
be drawn between the territories of these two near allies. Like
the preceding, it selects for the position of its nest the roots of a
shrub growing out of a rock, and builds a structure composed
principally of sticks, with a lining of rags, wool, &c., while on
the surrounding branches are fantastically hung old pieces of
burnouses of various colours. I have also seen nests of the
Common Kite decorated in this curious fashion. The Black Kite
plays the part of scavenger in the districts where it abounds ; aud
over every French settlement and Arab village several may be
seen flying boldly round, on the look-out for any fragment of car-
rion that may be lying about. Its fearless and familiar manner
and beautiful flight render this bird decidedly one of the most
interesting in the country. The eggs are laid from the middle
to the end of April, and are more distinctly and deeply marked
than those of the other species. A series of the eggs of the two
from the same district, placed side by side, present a marked
contrast. This bird is known to the Arabs by the name “ Ha-
dayia soda — the Black Hadayia.^^

14. Elanus melanopterus. (Black-shouldered Kite.)

On two occasions, among the Tamarisk trees, near where the
Chernora empties itself into the Lake of Djendeli, I saw a bird
which 1 had little hesitation in considering as of this species.

15. Falco barbarus. (Barbary Falcon.) (Plate VI.)

There cannot be much doubt that the small Peregrine of the

Atlas, the Falco punicus of General Levaillant, is in truth the
“ Barbary Falcon of the old writers on Hawking, the founda-
tion of the F. harharus of Linnaeus, Gmelin and Latham, though
this latter name has generally been supposed to be a synonym

11313,1858, PI

■Wolf, hth-

FALGO BARBARITS .

M (5c K Hanliart, Imp*"

?■

in the Eastern Atlas.

185

of F. peregi'inuSj auct. Messrs. F. H. Salvin and W. Brodrick,
in their ^ Falconry in the British Isles/ have given a good
figure (plate xvii.) of an immature tiercel or male bird j and
they justly remark (p. 101) that, although smaller by nearly
a fourth than the [true] Peregrine, it has the organs of destruc-
tion, such as the beak, feet, and talons, fully as large, united to
longer and more pointed wings in proportion to its total length
— in this respect almost rivalling the Hobby.^^ The same
authors quote from an old work, ^ The Gentleman^s Becreation ^
[1677], page 208, the following ; —

The Barbary or, as some call her, the Tartaret Faulcon, is a
bird seldom found in any country, and is called a Passenger as
well as the Haggard [F. peregrinus~\. They are somewhat
lesser than the Tiercel-gentle [F. peregrinus, ^ ] , and plumed red
under the wings, strong-armed, with long talons and stretchers.

“ The Barbary Faulcon is venturously bold, and you may fly
her with the Haggard all May and June. They are Hawks very
slack in mewing at first ; but when once they begin, they mew
their feathers very fast.

They are called Barbary Faulcons because they make their
passage through that country and Tunis, where they are more
frequently taken than in any other place, namely in the Isles
of the Levant, Candy, Cyprus, and Bhodes.^^

Messrs. Salvin and Brodrick go on to observe, of the subject
of their plate, The specimen in our possession is that of a
young male, and was killed by an acquaintance in the country
from which it takes its name. Its length is under 13 inches from
the beak to the end of the tail j length of wing from shoulder
to tip 11 inches, with the bill, legs, and feet equal in size to
those of the male Peregrine. The young female is scarcely to
be distinguished from the young male Peregrine, except by the
greater development of these organs of destruction, which equal
those of the Falcon. The cere in the young bird is blue, and the
legs yellow, — similar in this respect also to the Peregrine."’^

It may be that M. Temminck^s description of his Falco pere-
grinoides (PI. Col. livr. 81) was taken from one of these birds; if
so, he has confounded this species with the real F, peregrindides
of Sir Andrew Smith — a South African form, — as well as with

186 Mr. 0. Salvin^s Five Months^ Birds^ -nesting

the true F. lanarius of Dr. Schlegel_, an adult male of which the
figure (PI. Col. 479) very much resembles.

It is probable that the geographical range of this beautiful
miniature Peregrine is extremely limited j the Atlas, however,
appears to be its focus. In the Museum at Norwich is an im-
mature specimen, said to come from Western Africa, where,
however, if it occurs, it is most likely only as a straggler. Mr.
J. H. Gurney has had three living birds of this species, all nest-
lings brought from Algeria, — two by Mr. Tristram, in 1856,
and one by Mr. Simpson and myself, in 1857. One of them
made its escape last autumn j but the other two are still at
Catton, and seem to be in good health. They all three, as is
usual with the true Palcons, moulted into the adult plumage
when about fifteen months old. Of European localities for this
bird, it would seem, from the concluding sentence in the extract
above given from the ' Gentleman^s Recreation,' that it has been
taken in Crete, as well as in the Asiatic islands of Cyprus and
Rhodes*. It is very possible that it may not be uncommon in
Spain, especially the interior of the country ; and it is pretty
sure to occur accidentally at Gibraltar, where a good look-out
should be kept for it. Its small stature, powerful feet and claws,
and its ruddy under-plumage, will prevent its being taken for
the common Peregrine by any one to whom these peculiarities
are known.

The rediscovery, if it may be so called, of this bird, is another
most interesting proof of the extreme accuracy of the old writers
on Falconry ; of which the determination of the true Lanner {F.
lanarius y Schl.), and the separation from it and other allied species
of the Saker [F. sacer, Schl.), are notable instances. In these
two latter cases the judgment of Dr. Schlegel is not likely to be

* The late Mr. W. B. Barker, in his work on Cilicia, says that the Pere-
grine of Mount Taurus is known as the “Barbary Falcon ” (“ Lares and
Penates,” p. 297). Now if, as the old writer above quoted says, it is really
found in Rhodes and Cyprus, this may be the case ; but, at the same time,
it is perhaps more probable that the bird mentioned by Mr. Barker is the
true Lanner (F. lanarius, Schl.), of the existence of which he does not
seem to have been aware, since the species he calls the Lanner is the
Saker (F. sacer, Gm.), as was proved by a living bird he presented to the
Zoological Society.

in the Eastern Atlas.

187

reversed; and tlie distinctness of the Barbary Falcon from the
Peregrine, which has long been and still is a tradition among
falconers, will probably be as much confirmed by future re-
searches as that opinion.

My own experience of this bird was entirely confined to the
Eastern Atlas, where in some districts it is by no means un-
common. I had many opportunities of watching the birds, and
was present at the siege of three of their eyries, besides discover-
ing others which were inaccessible. The first of these nests was
in a hole in the eastern portion of the rock of Djebel Dekma.
To this nest, for a long time Mohamed obstinately refused to
ascend ; it was his first experience in rope- climbing. Two dol-
lars, however, produced the desired effect ; and after five hours'
hard work, during which we had to employ every available foot
of cord, even to our tent-lines, we were rewarded with three
eggs. While the siege was going on, I shot one of the old
birds. A few feet from the nest of the Lammergeyer in Khifan
M'sakta was another nest. From this we took on the 9th of
April four eggs just ready to hatch. The parent birds I
watched for some time as they flew anxiously round, but did
not shoot one. On the 20th of April an Arab reported that he
had found a nest of Bournee " in Kef Boudjato, a rock situ-
ated no great distance from Kef Laks. I immediately started
to the spot, taking with me Mohamed, my gun, and ropes. A
successful siege was the result ; and I returned to the tents with
three eggs and one of the parent birds. The measurement of
an egg from each of these three nests I subjoin. The Barbary
Falcon brought to England by us (mentioned above as now in
Mr. Gurney's possession) was procured from a rock near the
Marabout of Sidi Khalifa Cherif, on the northern boundary of
the extensive plain that holds the salt lake of Guerah El Tharf.
Bil Ghazoum, our interpreter, and Mohamed, our climber, took
it and another from the same nest about the 8th of May. They
had then almost assumed their feathers. Between these two
birds there subsisted a marked difference in size ; and the
smaller of the two had, in addition to the rufous marking at the
back of the neck, a light-coloured reddish head. We kept
them about two months, during which time they came to their

188 Mr. 0. Salvin^s Five Months^ Birds^ -nesting

full feather, the same inequality in size subsisting between the
two. They were, doubtless, male and female. Unfortunately
the male died during the journey between Marseilles and Paris,
and we had no means at hand for preserving it. The female is
now at Catton. From this female it would appear that all
Mr. Gurney^ s birds were females, as all corresponded in size ; and
I am also led to the conclusion that the two skins I possess,
from one of which the accompanying figure is taken, are also
females, as Mr. Gurney kindly compared them with his living
examples, and in point of size they presented no appreciable
difference. I mention this, as my two skins are marked male and
female ; but I was evidently mistaken in one or other, as both
are as nearly as possible the same size, or, if anything, the one
marked male is the larger of the two. From the stomach of
both these specimens I took examples of a large species of Ento-
zoon, but unfortunately did not preserve them. I am indebted
to Mr. Alfred Newton for the quotations which I have given
above respecting this bird, and also for the probable references
which I subjoin : —

Accipiter falco tunetanus, Briss. Orn. i. p. 343 (1763).

Falco barbarus, Linn. Syst. Nat. p. 125 (1766). — Gmel.
Syst. Nat. p. 272 {17 89). —Lath. Ind. Orn. p. 33
(1790) ; Syn. i. p. 72 (1781) ; Gen. Hist. B. i. p. 82 B
(1829).

Falco alphanet, Schl Tr. sur la Fauconnerie.

Falco punicus, Levaill. jun., Exploration Scientifique
d^Algerie.

Gennaja barbarus, Bonap. Cat. Ois. d’Eur. et de FAlg.
(1856).

Barbary Faulcon, Gentl. Beer. p. 208 (1677).

Barbary Falcon, Alhin, Nat. Hist. B. iii. pi. 2 (1738). —
F. H. Botvin and Brodrick, Falconry, p. 101, pi. 17.
(Av. hornot.)

The Barbary Falcon is well known to the Arabs as ^^Bournee.^^
The measurements of the eggs referred to above are :

(1.) Axis . . lin. 11 lines. Diameter. . 1 in. 7*5 lines.
(2.) „ . . 1 „ 10*5 ,, „ . . 1 ,, 6 ,,

(3.) „ . . 2 „ 0*5 „ ,, . . 1 ,, 6*75 „

in the Eastern Atlas.

189

In point of colouring they appear subject to the same va-
rieties as the Common Peregrine {Falco per egrinus).

The measurements of my two skins are, in inches and de-
cimals :

(1.) Whole length 13*0 ; wing 11*25 ; tail 5*75 ; tarsus 1*60 ;
bill from gape 0*95.

(2.) Whole length 13*5; wing 11*0; tail 5*0; tarsus 1*7;
bill from gape 1 *0.

From this last bird Mr. WolPs drawing is taken.

16. Hypotriorchis eleonor^. (Eleonora^s Falcon.)

On two successive mornings I had the gratification of ob-
serving this species. We were encamped on the banks of the
Chemora, on the south side of the hills that skirt the southern
shore of Lake Djendeli. On the 27th of May I had been out
to collect specimens of the Alpine Swift {Cypselus melhd), many
of which I had seen flying over the plain, and was returning to
breakfast, when one of four hawks which I had previously been
watching with some curiosity (not knowing what they were)
came over my head, and fell to a discharge of dust-shot. It
proved to be a splendid female of H. eleonorcSj in full adult
dress. The following morning I saw one about the same spot,
but failed to get a shot. It would appear that this bird is a
late breeder, as the eggs in the ovary were not at all forward,
and the perfect state of the feathers showed that no eggs had
been incubated. The plumage of this specimen retained, for
some time, a peculiar smell, possibly owing to the nature of its
food, which, though I neglected to examine at the time, I con-
jecture to have consisted principally of Coleoptera. Of the
colouring of the fleshy parts of this specimen I have the fol-
lowing note ; — Bill blue at the base, black at the tip ; cere
yellowish-blue ; legs yellow ; claws black ; eyelid yellow ; irides
dark brown.

The Zoological Gardens at Marseilles, when I visited them in
July 1857, contained three birds marked F. eleonorce. They were
in the Hobby plumage, and apparently nestlings that had just
assumed their feathers.

17. Tinnunculus alaudarius. (Common Kestrel.)

The Kestrel is very abundant throughout the Eastern Atlas,

190 Mr. 0. Salvin’s Birds' -nesting in the Eastern Atlas.

breeding in cliffs and Roman remains of sufficient height. When
I visited El Djem, in the Regency of Tunis, in February, I
found the ruined amphitheatre tenanted by about twenty pairs.
They are said to reside and to build their nests in the most in-
accessible ledges of the structure. This amphitheatre is per-
haps one of the finest Roman remains in the country, but is, I
fear, destined to last no lengthened period; for, besides the
ravages of time, the ruthless Arabs daily hasten its downfall by
pulling out the stones, to employ them in the construction of
their miserable hovels. Strange to say, we never obtained a
single egg of this species.

18. Circus ^ruginosus, (Marsh Harrier.)

About the middle of May a violent hailstorm passed over us
while we were encamped at Am Djendeli. The hailstones were
of such a size, that the trees were stripped of their foliage, and
many birds, even ducks, were killed. The day following, a
Marsh Harrier, half-dead, was brought to our tents by an Arab,
having, doubtless, been reduced to that state by exposure to the
fury of the storm. It rallied a little on being taken into the
tent, but died shortly afterwards. I have no other instance
noted of our having met with this bird.

19. Athene numida. Stricc numida, Levaillant, Exploration
Scientifique d^Algerie, Ois. pi. 4. (Algerian Little Owl.)

This close ally of the Little Owl {A. noctua)^ if, indeed, it is
really distinct, we found generally distributed, but nowhere
abundant in the districts visited. While staying at Djendeli,
we obtained, towards the end of May, two nests, from off the
eggs of one of which the bird had been caught. In the olive-
groves about Tunis, this bird may frequently be met with.
In this neighbourhood also it is said to breed, choosing for the
position of its nest the wells and old Roman cisterns which so
abound throughout the district.

20. Scops zorca. (Scops-eared Owl.)

In the Djendeli district we found this Owl abundant; every
night its peculiar cry might be heard from one or more indi-
viduals. Several birds were brought to us by the Arabs, which
had been caught on their nests. One of these, whose wing had

Mr. J. Wolley, jun., on the Breeding of the Crane in Lapland. 191

been injured, we kept for some days in the tents ; but after a
time it disappeared, having probably hopped off in the night.
Many of the Arabs are very skilful in catching birds ; Larks
[Alauda), Owls [Athene and Scops) y Rollers [Coracias), and now
and then a Little Bustard ( Otis tetrax) were brought to us. I
am not aware that they employ other means than the burnous
in effecting their object. This they hold extended with both
hands, when, after having kicked their shoes off, that they may
tread more quietly, they endeavour to envelope bird, nest, and
eggs in the universal garment. The cry of the Scops-eared
Owl is admirably expressed by the Arabic name “ Marouf.’^

[To be continued.]

XX. — On the Breeding of the Crane (Grus cinerea) in Lapland.

By John Wolley, jun.

In common with, I believe, most people interested in such
matters, I was long entirely in ignorance as to the condition in
which the young Crane [Grus cinerea) would be found on first
leaving the egg, whether helpless like a young heron, or able to
run about like the young of most waders and of gallinaceous
birds. The late Prince Charles Bonaparte had inclined to think
they would long continue nestlings ; Mr. Gould, as he assured
me, had always opposed the probability of this opinion.

It was on the 15th June, 1853, that I entered the marsh
which the well-known Pastor Lsestadius had told me was the
most northern limit in Lapland of the breeding of the Crane.
It is in Swedish territory, being on the west side of the frontier
river, opposite the Finnish (Russian) village of Yli Muonioniska,
in about lat. 68°, that is, some distance within the Arctic Circle.
This great marsh, called Iso uoma,^^ is mostly composed of
soft bog, in which, unless where the Bog-bean grows, one
generally sinks up to the knees, or even to the middle ; but it
is intersected by long strips of firmer bog- earth, slightly raised
above the general level, and bearing creeping shrubs, principally
of sallow and dwarf birch, mixed in places with Ledum palustre,
Vaccinium uliginosum, Andromeda polifoliay Ruhus chamcemoruSy
besides grasses, cariceSy mosses, and other plants. There were

192

Mr. J. Wolley^ on the

also a few bushes or treelets of the common bii’ch, and these
quite numerous in some parts of the marsh.

Walking along one of these strips, in a direction where the
pair of Cranes was said to be often heard, I came upon a nest
which I was sure must be a Crane^s. I saw one bit of dowm. The
nest was made of very small twigs mixed with long sedgy grass ;
altogether several inches in depth, and perhaps two feet across.
In it were two lining-membranes of eggs, and on searching
amongst the materials of the nest I found fragments of the
shells. We had not gone many yards beyond this place, when
I saw a Crane stalking in a direction across us amongst some
small birch trees, now appearing to stoop a little, and now
holding its head and neck boldly up as it steadily advanced.
Presently the lads called out to me that they had found some
young Cranes. As I ran towards them, a Crane, not the one I
had previously seen, rose just before me from among some
bushes which were only two or three feet high, and not twenty
yards from the place where the lads had been shouting at least
for a minute or two. It rose into the air in a hurried, frightened
way. There was nothing just at the spot where it got up,
neither eggs nor young. I then went up to where the two little
Cranes were found. They were standing upright and walk-
ing about with some facility, and making a rather loud cheep-
ing cry. They seemed as if they could have left such eggs as
Cranes were supposed to lay only a very few days. I say supposed,
for in England we know nothing of the eggs which are called
Cranes^, but which may have come from any part of the world.
They were straightly made little things, short in the beak, livid
in the eye, thick in the knees, covered with a moderately long
chestnut or tawny-coloured down, darker on the upper parts,
softening away into paler underneath. As I fondled one of
them it began to peck playfully at my hands and legs, and
when at length I rose to go away, it walked after me, taking
me as I supposed for one of its long-legged parents. I had
only just before been plucking from it some bits of down to
keep ; for, valuable as I knew it to be in a natural-history point
of view, I could not make up my mind to take its life. As soon
as I saw its inclination to follow, I took to double-quick time,

193

Breeding of the Crane in Lapland,

and left it far behind. Its confidence was the more remarkable,
as, all the time we were with it, the old Cranes were flying round
near the ground at some distance from us, their necks and feet
fully stretched out as usual, but with a remarkable sudden cast-
ing up of the wings in a direction over the back after each down-
ward stroke, in place of the ordinary steady movement. At the
same time they were making a peculiar kind of low clattering or
somewhat gurgling noise, of which it is very difficult to give an
intelligible description, and now and then they broke out into a
loud trumpeting call not unlike their grand ordinary notes,
which, audible at so great a distance, gladden the ears of the
lover of nature. As we went away I saw one of the Cranes
alight where we had left the young. Later in the day I had a
longing wish to have another look at my young friends. I
thought of the old naturalists — who would have called them
peepers I suppose — one of whom wrote of the Crane in our
fens, ejus pipiones scepissime vidi?' To see them now-a-
days twice in a life, and that not in England, would be a con-
solation. But it was not to be so ; we came back to the spot
where we had parted with them, rested for three or four hours
round a stone that projected from the marsh, but we saw and
heard nothing more of either old or young Cranes. In a morass
with another name (which it took from a hill that overlooked
it), Kharto uomaf but which was only separated from Iso
uoma^^ by an interval of a mile or two of birch thicket, there were
also Cranes, and I found their nest with the egg-shells lying in
the water by it, and so many quill-feathers scattered about,
that I almost feared some accident had happened to the sitting
bird.

The following year, 1854, on the 20th of May, I went with
only Ludwig my servant-lad, to look for the Crane^s nest in
Iso uomaP We saw no birds, and the spot where the nest
had been the preceding year was not easy to find in so extensive
a marsh. So we quartered our ground, working carefully up
one strip of harder bog and down the next. After some hours
of heavy walking I saw the eggs — ^joyful sight ! — on an adjacent
slip in a perfectly open place. The two eggs lay with their long
diameters parallel to one another, and there was just room for a

194

Mr. J. Wolley^ jun., on the

third egg to be placed between them. The nest, about two feet
across, was nearly flat, made chiefly of light-coloured grass or
hay loosely matted together, scarcely more than two inches in
depth, and raised only two or three inches from the general
level of the swamp. There were higher sites close by, and many
of them would have seemed more eligible.

It was just at the lowest edge of the strip, but so much ex-
posed, that I thought I should be able to see even the eggs them-
selves from a spot at a considerable distance, to which I proposed
to go. There was a common story amongst the people of the
country, that a Crane, if its nest were disturbed, would carry ofi*
its eggs under its wing to another place ; so I purposely handled
one of the eggs, and hung up a bit of birch bark on a birch tree
beyond the nest, as a mark by which to direct my telescope.
Then I went with Ludwig to a clump of spruce growing on some
dry sandy land which rose out of the midst of the marsh. Here
I made a good ambuscade of spruce boughs, crept into it, got
Ludwig to cover me so that even the Crane^s eye could not
distinguish me, and sent him to make a fire to sleep by on the
far side of the wood, with strict orders on no account to come
near my hiding-place. I kept my glass in the direction of the
nest, but it was long before I saw anything stir. In the mean
time the marsh was by no means quiet; Ruffs were holding
something between a European ball and an East Indian nautch.
Several times keet-koot, keet-koot,^^ to use the words by which
the Finns express the sound, told where the Snipes were. A
cock Pintail dashed into a bit of water calling loudly for its
mate. The full melancholy wailing of the Black throated Diver
came from the river; watch-dogs were barking in the distance;
I heard the subdued hacking of wood and the crackling of Lud-
wig^s Are. It was already about midnight ; Fieldfares were
chasing each other through the wood ; one came pecking about
my feet, and another, settling on the branches that covered my
back, almost made my ears ache with the loudness of its cries.
I often heard the waft of known wings, but three times there
sounded overhead the sweeping wave of great wings to which
my ears were unaccustomed. I could scarcely doubt it was the
Cranes', but I dare not turn up my eye : I even once or twice

195

Breeding of the Crane in Lapland.

heard a slight chuckle that must have been from them. At
length, as I had my glass in the direction of the nest, which was
three or four hundred yards off, I saw a tall grey figure emer-
ging from amongst the birch trees, just beyond where I knew
the nest must be ; and there stood the Crane in all the beauty
of nature, in the full side light of an Arctic summer night. She
came on with her graceful walk, her head up, and she raised it
a little higher and turned her beak sideways and upwards as
she passed round the tree on whose trunk I had hung the little
roll of bark. I had not anticipated that she would observe so
ordinary an object. She probably saw that her eggs were safe,
and then she took a beat of twenty or thirty yards in the swamp,
pecking and apparently feeding. At the end of this beat she
stood still for a quarter of an hour, sometimes pecking and
sometimes motionless, but showing no symptoms of suspicion
of my whereabouts, and indeed no manifest sign of fear. At
length she turned back and passed her nest a few paces in the
opposite direction, but soon came in to it; she arranged with
her beak the materials of the nest, or the eggs, or both ; she
dropped her breast gently forwards, and, as soon as it touched,
she let the rest of her body sink gradually down. And so she
sits with her neck up and her body full in my sight, sometimes
preening her feathers, especially of the neck, sometimes lazily
pecking about, and for a long time she sits with her neck curved
like a swanks, though principally at its upper part. Now she
turns her head backwards, puts her beak under the wing, ap-
parently just in the middle of the ridge of the back, and so she
seems fairly to go to sleep. While she sits, as generally while
she walks, her plumes are compressed and inconspicuous.

By this time all birds, excepting perhaps a Fieldfare, are
silent. I was now sure the Crane would not carry off her eggs.
After enjoying for a short time longer this sight — and no epithet
is yet in use which expresses the nature of the feelings created by
such scenes in the minds of those who fully enjoy them — -I found
that the air was freezing. I quietly got up, and on reaching the
fire made myself comfortable. Some four hours later, that is, be-
tween four and five in the morning, we came again to the west
side of the hill ; there lay the Crane, head and neck still invisible ;

196

Mr. J. Wolley, jun., on the

we may liave whispered too loud_, for she soon raised her head.
I now wished to see how she would leave the nest, whether
crouchingly or not. I took a line not directly towards it, cur-
ving more upon it as I advanced, of course taking care to keep
my eyes in a different direction. When I believed that I was
just opposite, I looked, as I thought, towards the place, which
might be about twenty paces off, but I did not at first recognize
the bird. She was a few feet from the exact spot I had expected,
and I unconsciously took her for a grey stone, till my eye turned
directly on her. I had then just time to mark her position with
her head drawn in between her shoulders, when, having caught
my glance, she rose steadily into the air. In one part of the
nest was a damp spot from the water of the marsh having soaked
through. The eggs now lay touching each other. When I
came to blow them, I found to my surprise that they were one
or two days sat upon. In 1855 this nest, as Ludwig informed
me, was robbed by a Eielfras [Gulo borealis). I had the plea-
sure of showing it, towards the end of the summer of the same
year, to my friend Mr. Alfred Newton, who thought the diffi-
culties of the bog fully repaid by the sight even of an empty
Crane^s nest. We found on this occasion, on examining the
materials of the nest, old pieces of egg-shell, showing that it
was the same nest that had been used in previous years.

I must not go into long particulars concerning the nest of
1854 in Kharto uoma. I found the two eggs on the 22nd of
May, in a spot only two feet from the nest of the preceding
year. It consisted of not more than a handful or so of whitish
sedge grass, about twenty inches across and two or three inches
only above the level of the water of the submerged parts of the
marsh, close to the edge of which it was situated. There was a
kind of creeping moss about it, and one or two very low-lying
shoots of sallow.

It was placed in an open part of the middle of the south-east
wing of the marsh. I have a memorandum that there was not
then a leaf unrolled, the only visible signs of summer being a
kind of Careoc coming into flower on the hummocks, and yet the
nights were quite as light as the day. I kept watch at the
distance of nearly half a mile; but unfortunately the smoke

197

Breeding of the Crane in Lapland.

of my fire blew towards the nest. I saw a Crane go sailing
down, and afterwards the pair walking together, when they
indulged in a minuet or some more active dance, skipping into
the air as the Demoiselles sometimes do in the Zoological
Gardens. Once or so I saw the beak of one pointed per-
pendicularly to the sky, and a couple of seconds afterwards
the loud trumpet struck my ear. It was two or three o^clock
in the morning before a bird came on to the nest, and even
then she was soon oflp, but again came back, sitting always with
her head up. She left it very wild, when at last we advanced
from our bivouac. In this watch I saw and heard many inter-
esting birds, amongst them a Hen Harrier [Circus cyaneus).
Also a pair of Goshawks [Astur palumbarius) dashed into a tree
close over my head, the Crane still visible in the distance.
These eggs were rather smaller than the pair from Iso uoma\
two other nests which I have since obtained in Lapland have
eggs as big as those which are said to come from Germany,
and vary as they do. I had the pleasure in August 1857 of
showing Mr. Frederick Godman and his brother Percy a nest
near Muonio-vaara, from which eggs were taken the same year,
and a young one fledged, from the same marsh at least, if not
from the same nest, as in 1856. Their wading to this nest,
known to be empty, amidst swarms of greedy gnats, was a satis-
factory proof of zeal.

The locality was in a perfectly open part of the rather small
marsh, which was scarcely half an English mile across ; so that
the bird on its nest must have been most conspicuous from
every side. It was on a little elevation, not more than one stride
across, and raised only a few inches above the water. The eggs
on the 5th of June were a good deal sat upon. The finders did
not venture to leave them, both for this reason, and because a
large hawk was believed to be watching them. They assured me
that the birds did not cry, which agrees with my experience of
their behaviour when I was near the other two nests.

I went the day after the eggs were taken to see the place.
There was still ice enough down in the bog to prevent me sink-
ing beyond a certain moderate depth : not so when the Godmans
tried it. The nest, as usual, was of the kind of sedgy grass

VOL. I.

198 Recent Ornithological Publications.

which grew in the same marsh, near the nest. Some of the
pieces had been pulled up by the roots. It was twenty-seven
inches across, and three or four inches in thickness, perfectly
flat ; dripping wet in its lowest layers. The birds sailed over
our heads to another part of the marsh, where I examined them
with my glass.

It will be deduced from what I have stated that the Crane in
Lapland is not gregarious when it has once arrived at its sum-
mer quarters ; that as soon as it reaches its breeding-place, for
the most part as soon as the snow is mainly ofi* the ground, it
repairs its simple nest, and lays its two eggs ; for two were in the
four nests that have occurred to me, and two generally say those
few natives who know anything about the subject. The nest is
neither large nor concealed. The birds are silent towards in-
truders on the eggs. The young run probably as soon as, or
soon after, they are hatched, and by some means are led or con-
veyed to a great distance by their parents after having been dis-
turbed. They have a chestnut or tawny down ; no feathers visible
in their wings for some time. In Lapland, and as far as I have
heard, in Sweden and Finland generally, the Crane never breeds
otherwise than on the ground. It seems not to visit Norway.

April 4, 1859, Beeston, Nottingham.

XXL — Recent Ornithological Publications,

I. English Publications.

The correspondent who furnished us with the review of Mr.
Breeds 'Birds of Europe not observed in the British Isles,^
published in our first Number, begs us to insert his apologies to
that gentleman for having accidentally misquoted his words.
In the extract given at page 9flr3r*^he Ibis ^ from Mr. Breeds
account of Aquila pennata (Birdi-^Ofc^^^jpage 70), the word
" not ” was unintentionally inserted. FbtSf^dditional parts of
this book have now appeared ; and we hop^M be able to per-
suade our correspondent to continue hi^dil^riticisms. But
in the meanwhile we cannot avoid noticin§^i^oint in which we
consider Mr. Bree in error. With reference to what he calls the
" Azure-winged Magpie,’^ it has now long been known that the

Recent Ornithological Publications. 199

Spanish bird is quite a different species from the true Pica cyanea
of Siberia. It was first brought to the notice of ornithologists,
we believe, by Capt. Cook (afterwards Widdrington), the author
of ^ Sketches in Spain.^ In that work (vol. ii. p. 258), it will
be found alluded to as Pica cyanea. But some of his specimens
having been placed in the hands of the late Prince Bonaparte,
that acute observer instantly recognized their distinctness, and,
on exhibiting them at the meeting of the British Association
held at Birmingham in 1849, proposed to call the Spanish bird
Pica cooki (see Report Brit. Assoc. 1849, p. 75). In the Prince’s
article on the Garruline Birds, in the Proc. Zool. Soc. for 1850,
and in his ^Conspectus^ (p.382), the differences between the two
species are clearly pointed out. They are very noticeable on
comparison. Mr. Bree, though he figures an egg supposed to
be of this bird, gives no details as to its nidification, or indeed
as to its habits. He has apparently quite overlooked the inter-
esting article of Baron R. Konig-Warthausen on this subject in
the fourth volume of ^ Naumannia^*, and the notice of its eggs
given in Cabanis^ ' Journal fiir Ornithologie,’ 1856, p. 32. We
may also remark, that Garrulus krynickii of the Caucasus, G. me-
lanocephalus of Syria, and G. cervicalis of Algeria are now
generally considered as distinct species. The striking differences
between the two latter are well pointed out by Mr. Tristram
(who has himself observed both in a state of nature) in our last
Number f. The Caucasian bird alone has some claims to be
considered European.

The 4th and concluding part of the ^ Illustrated Proceedings
of the Zoological Society’ for 1858 is not yet out ; but we believe
it will appear very shortly.

The ^Annals of Natural History’ for February contain two
articles relating to our bi^cntf zoology. We cannot believe
that Mr. Strickland^W^s^pfNSSe^rnew British Goose [Anser palu-
dosus !) has remaiife#^ long unnamed. Is it Naumann’s Anser
arvensis, as distilitoS^ed from A. segetum in ^Naumannia’ (iii.
p. 5, pi. 4), or j^qPfne true A. segetum‘1 The second paper,
Mr. Wallace’s “ ^B»ction of an important error affecting the
classification of the Psittaeidse” (p. 147), affords valuable ad-

* See ‘ Naumannia/ 1854, p. 30. t See antea, p. 32.

P 2

200 Recent Ornithological Publications.

ditional testimony to an improvement already made in our
modern systematization of this group of birds. But Dr. Wein-
land has already written an elaborate article on this subject
in the second volume of Cabanis^ ^Journal fiir Ornithologie ^
(No. 12. p. Ixix.), and clearly shown the close connexion be-
tween Trichoglossus and Lorius. Though we quite agree with
Mr. Wallace as to the slight difference between the genera Lorius
and EoSf we should prefer using the former name for the whole
group as united, it having been constituted by Vigors in 1826
(Zool. Journ. ii. p. 400), long before Wagler^s Eos, and moreover
with the important character “ lingua setosa ” duly noticed.

A lately published addition to the British Museum Catalogues
is that of the Mammalia and Birds of New Guinea,” by Dr.
J. E. Gray and Mr. G. B. Gray. The list of birds is founded
on the article On the Zoology of New Guinea,” published in
the ‘ Proceedings of the Linnean Society’ for December 1857, and
on the List of Birds obtained by Mr. Wallace in the Aru and
Ke Islands,” by Mr. G. B. Gray, in the Proc. Zool. Soc. 1858
(p. 169). The catalogue will be useful now that so much atten-
tion is attracted towards this peculiar zoology by Mr. Wallace’s
discoveries. One or two species, we think, are wrongly inserted ;
for instance, Eurystomus gularis and Tchitrea gaimardi are now
well known to be African species *. Dacelo undulatus (p. 19) is
most probably Dacelo gigas of Australia, though it is possible
that it may be rediscovered as an independent species. Lorius
cardinalis (p. 39) is the same as Eclectus linncei (see P. Bp. in
Proc. Zool. Soc. 1849, p. 143). The true Geoffroius personatus
[Psittacus per sonatus of the catalogue) is from Amboyna. The
bird from New Guinea (Lobo) is, no doubt, Geoffroius aruensis,
which differs from G. personatus principally in its smaller size.

The ^ Edinburgh PhilosophicalJournal’ for April 1859 contains
the second part of Mr. Andrew Murray’s Contributions to the
Natural History of the Hudson’s Bay Territories.” A list of
the birds is given, accompanied by many important remarks.
Two species of Grouse are said to have been confounded under
the name Tetrao obscurus. A supposed new Bcrnicle is named

* Confer Verreaux in Rev. Zool. 1855, p. 415, and Pucheran in Arch.
Mus. Par. vii 372.

Recent Ornithological Publications. 201

Bemicla leucolcema ; and the occurrence of the new Eider-duck
{Somateria, v.~ nigrum) ow Great Slave Lake is noticed.

In the 3rd number of vol. xxvii. of the ^ Journal of the Asiatic
Society of BengaP (1858) will be found the ‘^Report of the
Curator of the Zoological Department (Mr. Blyth) for May
in that year, in which he notices several novelties. Twelve spe-
cies of birds from the Andaman Islands had lately been added
to the Museum : — Halcyon coromandelianus and H. smyrnensis,
Corvus culminatus, Kittacincla albiventris, sp. nov. (mentioned in
our last Number, as described in Mr. Blythes letters),
erythropygia, Tephrodornis grisola, Geocichla innotata, Copsychus
saularis, Artamus leucorhynchus, Edolius, sp. ?, Pycnonotus jo-
cosus, and Carpophaga sylvatica. From a collection of stuffed
birds lately presented to the Society, Mr. Blyth describes a new
Lory — Eos fuscata (several specimens of this beautiful bird have
lately been transmitted from Havre-Dorey by Mr. Wallace) ;
Trichoglossus ochrocephalus, sp. nov., and T. immarginatus, sp.
nov. Mr. Blyth rather calls in question the distinctness of Lorius
tricolor and Lorius cyanauchen {superbus, Fras.) ; they are, how-
ever, in our opinion (formed on Mr. Wallace's specimens, of
which we have made mention below), quite different, and inhabit
different localities. A description is also given (p. 280) of the
Diardigallus fasciolatus, of which we spoke antea, p. 115. Is
this really different from D. prcdatus, Bp., C. R. xliii. p. 415 ?
In a recent letter Mr. Blyth says, “ perhaps not.’^ A drawing,
apparently of this species, taken in Siam from the living bird by
Finlayson some years ago, is in the India House, and was exhi-
bited at a recent meeting of the Zoological Society by Mr. Gould,

2. French Publications.

The first part of a new work, entitled ^ Richesses Ornitholo-
giques du Midi de la France,^ published at Marseilles, by MM.
Jaubert and Barthelemy-Lapomrneraye, is in our hands. There
is much information in this book about the rare birds which
visit the singular district called the Crau d^ Arles and its vicinity.
Many of our readers will be surprised to learn that Vultur mo-
nachus is considered a regular bird of passage here, and that the
Otogyps has occurred in the same country, as testified by its

202 Recent Ornithological Publications.

head, now in the Museum of Marseilles. But we cannot regard
the S. Victoire Eagle {Aquila barthelemyi) as being really dif-
ferent from Aquila chrysaetos, and we believe we may state that
Mr. Gurney, who has living specimens in his possession, is
nearly of the same opinion.

It is stated that Dr. Pucheran, of the Jardin des Plantes, has
lately published in the ^ Institut ^ a paper sur les caracteres
generales de POrnithologie des lies Sandwich,^^ read before the
Societe Philomathique ; but we have not yet seen it.

The last five numbers of the ^ Revue et Magasin de Zoo-
logie^ for last year and the first for this year have been re-
ceived. The papers relating to ornithology are (p. 346), ^^Note
sur les Lamprotorninee’^ (qusere Lamprotornithince ?), by M. Hart-
laub. Dr. Hartlaub has, we are glad to say, in preparation a
complete monograph of this difficult group of birds. De-
scription de deux nouvelles especes d^Oiseaux decouvertes dans
le Sahara Algerien,^^ par le Capitaine Loche : Stoparola deserti
and Malurus saharee. These appear to be the Sylvia deserticola
and Drymoica striaticeps of Mr. Tristram, described in our last
Number ; but the figure of the former is barely recognizable.
‘^Description dhin Perroquet nouveau,^^ Microsittace souancii
(p. 437), and “ Observations sur le Perroquet mercenaire de
Tschudi” (p. 513), by M. Jules Verreaux. The article called
“Observations d^Ornithologie,^^ by Dr. Pucheran, is in continua-
tion of that author^s valuable notes on the types of the Museum
of Paris.

M. de Saussure^s series of “ Observations sur les Moeurs de
divers Oiseaux de Mexique,^^ in the ‘ Bibliotheque Universel,^
published at Geneva, are remarkably interesting. The first of
these (Bibl. Univ. 1858, i. p. 331) relates to the singular habits
of a Woodpecker [Colaptes rubricatus, sive mexicanus), which
stores up its acorns in the stems of aloes [Agave) ; the second
(vol. iii. p. 14), to the habits of Humming-birds [TrochilidcE) ;
the third [ibid. p. 168), to the Vultures; and the fourth and fifth
(1859, vol. iv. p. 22), to the Trupials, Trogons, Anis, &c.

3. German Publications.

We have before us the fourth part of F. W. J. Baedeker^s

Recent Ornithological Publications. 203

illustrated work, ^ Die Eier der Europaisclien Vogel/ Though
the figures cannot, in our opinion, compete with those of Mr.
Hewitson, they possess considerable merit, and are accompanied
by a text containing accurately-written notes on the propagation
of the different species, in which the author has obtained the
assistance of Herr L. Brehm and Herr W. Paessler. The low
price of this hook — each 4to part of 8 plates and text only
costing 12 shillings — ought to secure it an extensive sale.

The ^ Sitzungsberichte ^ of the Academy of Sciences of Vienna
for January last contain another important contribution to S.
American ornithology from the industrious pen of Herr August
von Pelzeln : it relates to new species of the genera Bynallaxis,
AnabateSy and Xenops in the Imperial Collection, and is accom-
panied by extracts from the late Johann Natterer^s notes on the
Furnariince and Synallaxince which he met with in Brazil. No
less than 20 species of Synallaxis and 17 of Anabates, in all
upwards of 50 birds of these two subfamilies, were collected by
that indefatigable naturalist.

The fifth number of Cabanis^ ^Journal fiir Ornithologie,^
dated September 1858,^^ was delivered in London on the 5th of
January last. [We venture to hope that it will not be four months
before the present part of ^The Ibis^ reaches Berlin!] It
contains original articles by Max. Prinz zu Wied, on the birds
noticed during his travels in N. America; by Dr. Carl Bolle,
on a new Pinch from Western Africa [Crithagra hartlaubi), and
some general notes by P. Boie. There are also some further
interesting details concerning the nesting of the Lyre-bird {Me-
nura superba), by Herr Becker, of Melbourne, S. A., and other
shorter papers. Three nests and three eggs of the Lyre-bird
were taken in the Yarra-Yarra mountains, near a station about
36 miles from Melbourne, in August 1857, by Mr. P. Williams.
The egg of this species was first described and figured in the
^Journal fiir Ornithologie ^ for 1856 (p. 132, pi. 2. fig. 18).
The 6th heft of the ^ Journal^ (for November 1858) is not yet
arrived 1

Of ^ Naumannia^ we have Parts ii. and hi. for last year. In
Part ii. is a summary of the progress made in our knowledge
of European oology, by the Editor. We hope that ^The Ibis^

204 Recent Ornithological Publications.

may be the means of gratifying Dr. Baldamus’ not unnatural
wish^ that two of our most active recent workers in this depart-
ment will make public their discoveries more fully and more
widely than can be done by putting them into auction-cata-
logues. The third part is occupied with an account of the
meeting of the German Ornithological Society at Harzburg, on
the 27th of June last and following days. Twenty-eight mem-
bers were present. The account of the proceedings, and the
papers presented to the meeting, which follow, will be read with
interest by all lovers of ornithology. We must call particular
attention to Dr. Blasius^ remarks on doubtful species of the
European Bird-fauna.^^ The next meeting of the Society com-
mences on the Wednesday in Whitsuntide week (June 15th) of
the present year, at Stuttgardt.

The number of Wiegmanids ^ Archiv ^ containing Dr. Hart-
laub’s ^‘Bericht iiber die Leistungen in der Naturgeschichte der
Vogel wahrend des Jahres 1857^^ reached this country soon
after the publication of the first Number of ‘ The Ibis.^ It must
be studied by every one who wishes to know what is going on in
Ornithology. At p. 305 of the first volume of the same Jour-
nal for 1858 will be found the characters of a new Cormorant
(Graculus elegans) in an article by Dr. B. A. Philippi, entitled

Beschreibung neuer Wirbelthiere aus Chili.^^

By Dr. Hartlaub^s ^ Bericht ^ our attention has been called to
Dr. L. Buvry’s Mittheilungen aus Algerien,^^ published in the
‘Zeitschrift fiir allgemeine Erdkunde^ for 1857. The author
gives a general review of the ‘^Ornis^^ of this region, which
should be consulted by those who are now occupying them-
selves with Algerian ornithology. His promised book, ‘ Die
Vogel Algeriens in kritischer Uebersicht,^ has not yet, we believe,
made its appearance.

At a subsequent page of the same Journal (p. 504) will be
found some account of the proceedings of H. Radde, the Natu-
ralist attached to the East- Siberian expedition of the Russian
Geographical Society. In 1855 he was on the shores of Lake
Baikal. In the spring of 1856 he reached the outposts of
Kulusutajewsk, and had collected 100 birds at the end of the
month, among which he mentions Syrrhaptes paradoxus. In

Recent Ornithological Publications. 205

1857 he expected to be on the Amur, whence we believe he has
already forwarded many interesting birds.

4. American Publications.

Prof. Baird of Philadelphia has reissued his “ Index to the
General Report on N. American Birds,” noticed in our last
number, in the shape of a Catalogue of North American Birds,
chiefly in the Museum of the Smithsonian Institution.” In this
shape it forms a convenient list of the birds of the northern
portion of the New World. We have also received from Pro-
fessor Baird the sheets of the second volume of the ^ Report of
the United States^ and Mexican Boundary Survey,^ relating to
the birds collected by the expedition. There are many useful
notes on their localities, habits, &c. from the pens of Dr. Ken-
nerly, Lieut. Couch, and other well-known observers. This
Report is intended to be illustrated with 23 coloured plates of
the rarer species.

Pagers ^ La Plata, the Argentine Confederation and Paraguay ;
being a narrative of the exploration of the tributaries of the
river La Plata and adjacent countries during the years 1853-56
under the orders of the U. S. Government,^ contains, in the
Appendix (p. 599), Notes on the birds collected by the La
Plata expedition,” by Mr. Cassin. Mr. Cassin pronounces the
collection to be one of the most interesting ever made in
South America,” and to contain “numerous birds not before
known.” We hope, therefore, that he intends to give us a
more complete account of it than is contained in the three
pages devoted to these rather unsatisfactory notes. We shall
gladly welcome such a useful contribution to South American
ornithology.

The concluding sheets of the ^ Proceedings of the Academy of
Natural Sciences of Philadelphia^ for last year contain a “ Cata-
logue of Birds, collected by A. A. Henderson at Hakodadi,
Island of Jesso, Japan, with Notes and Descriptions of Species,
by John Cassin.” Thirty-one species are mentioned, among
which are two novelties of the family SylviidtB, namely Lusci-
niopsis japonica and L. hendersonii. Mr. Cassin promises us an

206 Letters, Extracts from Correspondence, Notices, ^c.

article on the birds of the Philippines^ obtained during the same
expedition by Dr. Henderson, — which we look forward to with
much interest ; as, though some fine collections have been made
in those islands, and many new species described, we are desti-
tute of any general account of their ornithology.

A new part of the quarto ^ Journal ’ of the same Society (vol. iv.
part i.) commences with illustrations of three very fine birds
which have recently been described by Mr. Cassin : pi. 1, Sele-
nidera spectahilis, a new Toucan, from Veragua; pi. 2, Numida
plumifera, and pi. 3, Phasidus niger, both from Western Africa.
The last bird is peculiarly interesting, as being a new form of the
Phasianidce, a group feebly represented in the Ethiopian Region
by the genera Numida and Agelastes.

XXII. — Letters, Extracts from Correspondence, Notices, ^c.

We have received the following letters from Mr. Gould and
Mr. J. H. Gurney : —

To the Editor of the Ibis.

Sir, — As you will probably be desirous of recording in ^ The
Ibis^ the capture of any of our rarer British birds, I send a few
lines to inform you that a splendid female Goshawk [Astur
palumharius) was shot by one of the keepers of Sir S. Morton
Peto, Bart., at Somerleyton, near Lowestoft in Suffolk, on the
24th of January in the present year. As I was shooting at
Somerleyton at the time, the bird was placed in my hands soon
after it was killed, and there can be no doubt, therefore, of its
being a truly British specimen. The bird in question was a fine
female, and weighed as nearly as possible 2 lbs. 14 oz. Had it
lived another month or two at the utmost, it would have assumed
its adult livery, a change having already commenced on the
throat and upper part of the neck, the feathers on those parts
being barred, while those on the breast had the usual elongated
markings of immaturity. The bird had been noticed for nearly
a month prior to its being shot, and on one occasion visited the
neighbourhood of the keeper’s house, causing the utmost alarm
and consternation among his tame fowls. Its object in this in-

Letters, Extracts from Correspondence, Notices, ^c. 207

stance was evidently not attained^ as the keeper’s wife saw it
sitting quietly on the paling of the garden, and looking as
sheepish as Falcons usually do when they miss their quarry.

The colouring of the soft parts was as follows : — Irides bright
yellow ; bill bluish, with a blackish-brown tip ; cere and gape
obscure yellow ; legs and toes pale yellow.

I have been particular in describing the colouring of the soft
parts, because these points, which are often of great interest, are
too frequently neglected ; and I would suggest to those who
have the opportunity of observing our birds in a state of nature,
the desirability of their carefully attending to and recording the
colouring of the soft parts, from life, or immediately after death,
of some of our rarer, and indeed of even our commoner birds,
such as the Rails, Crakes, Sand-pipers, Ducks, and Sea-birds, and
especially of their dress and colouring during the first few days
of their existence, the downy or infantine dress being often
most interesting, and comparatively unknown.

I am. Sir,

Yours very obediently,

John Gould.

20 Broad- street. Golden- square, W.

Feb. 3, 1859.

To the Editor of the Ibis,

Sir, — In Mr. E. C. Taylor^s interesting paper in the first
Number of The Ibis,^ entitled “Ornithological Reminiscences of
Egypt,'^ that gentleman remarks, that in Milvus cegyptius “ the
beak is pale straw-colour and the irides are brown, character-
istics which at once distinguish it from Milvus ater of Europe,
which has the beak black and the irides yellowl^ I have now in
my possession living specimens of both these species. I am able
to state, that in both of them the irides are brown, the only
difference between them in this respect being that the irides
are a darker brown in Milvus ater than they are in Milvus
cegyptius.

J. H. Gurney.

Catton Hall, Norwich,

Feb. 18, 1859.

208 Letters, Eoctracts from Correspondence, Notices,

The subjoined communication relates to the early appearance
of the Night Jar : —

Whilst walking home from dinner on the evenings of the 4th
and 5th of this month, I was extremely surprised to hear the
note of the Night Jar [Caprimulgus europceus). On the former
evening I fancied I must have been mistaken, as this bird is
generally one of the latest migratory arrivals. The second even-
ing, however, whilst standing still for a few minutes, the bird
crossed the road, and uttered its familiar cry just in front of me.
The Sallows are in many places in full bloom, and the spring
Moths, such as Taeniocampa gothica, cruda and stahilis, and Phi-
galia pilosaria, are out, whilst all the hybernating Lepidoptera
are on the wing ; so the Caprimulgi are in no danger of paying the
price of starvation for their premature arrival.

Rev. H. Harpur Crewe.

Drinkstone, Woolpit, Suffolk, March 9, 1859.

Mr. Fraser^s last letters are dated from Nanegal, on the
western slope of Pichincha, February 12th. The following
extracts relate to an expedition made from Riobamba to Chim-
borazo, for the purpose of obtaining specimens of the beautiful
Humming-bird {Oreotrochilus chimborazo), which is only found
on that mountain : —

Riobamba is situated in the centre of a large sandy plain, at
an elevation of 9600 feet above the sea-level. Having crossed
this at 2 P.M., we passed through a small pueblo called Lican.
Our road now lay round and between barren hills, with every
sheltered spot in a state of cultivation, until at 3*30 p.m. we came
to Calpi — a considerable pueblo, but without water. As the
rain was beginning, and there was every appearance of a
storm, we put up for the night here, under the eaves of an
Indian hut. Our poor beasts had to go without food. It
rained heavily all night. About 8 a.m. it cleared off very fine,
and we thought it advisable to push forward, although we were
passing the last house on the road. We now entered the mono-
tonous paramo, where a considerable number of cattle were
grazing. Chimborazo, cloud-capped, the snow descending very

Letters, Extracts from Correspondence, Notices, ^c. 209

low, rose immediately in front, and apparently close to us.
About 1 p.M. I pushed forward ahead of my cargoes, with the
view of seeking some convenient spot to locate in. Soon after
came on a hail-storm, of which we had a succession that after-
noon. The wind made it extremely cold, and, my horse being
knocked up, I was glad to get off and walk. Just at the point
where the roads from Quito and Riobamba converge, was pointed
out what was supposed to have been an aqueduct of the Incas.
Below us was a very deep and wide quehrada, amongst the white
rocks of which the Condors [Sarcorhamphus) are said to breed.
We saw a few of these birds soaring above us, and two, which
were not at any great height, appeared to be of a smaller species
than that which I am acquainted with. Having arrived at a
place called Panza, we halted : it hailed and rained in torrents.
The mist was driving about so thick, that it was with great diffi-
culty I found a spot for the night amidst some stunted trees.
Fortunately, about 5 p.m. it cleared off again, and we had a fine,
but cold night. It froze hard, the hail lay on the ground, and
icicles hung from the trees. We busied ourselves with cutting
branches, and gathering paja (a coarse grass with which the
paramo is covered) to build a hut. We were here situated just on
the ' divide.^ The mountain-torrent below was flowing towards
Guayaquil ; all the other streams we had passed were running
eastward. We were 7 leagues (about miles each) from Rio-
bamba, and 8 or 9 from Guaranda, on the road to Guayaquil.
The height is guessed at 14,000 feet, as I had no means for de-
termination. We were within one league of the snow. We ap-
peared to be above the range of the Gallinazos {Cathartes). Their
place was taken by the Buitres or Condors, one of which might
be occasionally seen soaring above. Having procured specimens
of the desired Humming-bird, I returned to Riobamba, with my
eyes blood- shot, face blistered, and nose swollen, the usual effects
of the wind at this altitude.^^

Owing to the blockade of Guayaquil by the Peruvians, Mr.
Fraser has been unable to forward his latest collections.

Mr. Wallace's last letters to Mr. Stevens are dated Batchian

210 Letters, Extracts from Correspondence, Notices, ^c.

October 29th, 1858/^ This island, which lies westward of the
southern extremity of Gilolo, has not hitherto been much visited
by naturalists. Mr. Wallace has made a great discovery here, which
we hope may recompense him for his disappointments at Ha\Te-
Dorey. Who would have thought of a Paradise-bird, and more-
over of a new form, being found so far away from the mainland
of Papua ? Yet such is the fact ; a communication on this
subject was made to the last Meeting of the Zoological Society*,
and Mr. G. R. Gray has proposed to confer the title of Paradisea
(Semioptera) wallacii on the new species. Mr. Wallace has
lately forwarded a few bird-skins from Amboyna, among which
are Lorius ruber, the true Geoffroius personatus, and Halcyon
lazuli (Temm.). The collection made at Havre-Dorey has also
just arrived, and contains some of the most splendid birds imagi-
nable, all in the finest condition. Among the Parrots are a new
Charmosyna, Eos fuscata, Eclectus cardinalis, Lorius tricolor,
Geoffroius pucherani d et $ , Cyclopsitta desmaresti, and Micro-
glossa aterrima. There are many rare types, and several new
species, of which we are glad to say Mr. G. R. Gray has under-
taken the task of description. Prom Havre-Dorey comes Goura
coronata, while, according to Mr. Wallace's information, Goura
victories is from the island of Jobief. Mr. Wallace’s private

* ‘‘ Zoological Society, Tuesday, March 22nd. — Mr. S. Stevens read
an extract from a letter received by him from Mr. A. R. Wallace, dated
‘Batchian, Moluccas, Oct. 29, 1858,’ in which Mr. Wallace stated that
he had the finest and most wonderful bird in the islands — a new Bird of
Paradise, of a new genus, quite unlike anything yet known. Mr. Wallace
enclosed a rough sketch of the bird. Mr. G. R. Gray having *had the
above sketch placed in his hands for examination and comparison with
the other known species of Paradisea, agreed with Mr. Wallace that it is
an entirely new form, differing from all its congeners, approaching most
nearly to the King Bird of Paradise; but, in place of the lengthened caudal
appendages, it has springing from the lesser covert of each wing two long
shafts, each being webbed with white on each side at the apex. The
possession of these peculiar winged standards induced Mr. G. R. Gray to
propose the subgeneric name Semioptera ; and he further added the pro-
visional specific name of wallacii, in commemoration of the indefatigable
energy Mr. Wallace had hitherto shown in the advancement of ornitho-
logical knowledge.” — [Literary Gazette, March 26th.)

t See Mr. Wallace’s letter in the ‘ Zoologist ’ for March last.

Letters, Extracts from Correspondence, Notices, ^c. 211

collection, which Mr. Stevens has kindly allowed us to inspect,
contains specimens of Lorius superhus, Fraser (P. Z. S. 1845, p. 16),
from the islands of Mysor or Jobie ; and£Jo5 cyanogenia,^^., from
the Mafors Islands ; thus giving precise habitats to these two
little-known species. The more information we obtain about the
birds of these and similar island-groups, the more examples we
find of the occupancy of distinct geographic areas by repre-
sentative species — one of the fundamental truths of the still im-
perfectly developed theory of the distribution of animal life upon
the surface of our globe.

A communication from Mr. Blyth, dated Calcutta, February 8,
1859, informs us that one of the remarkable Pheasants [Diardi-
gallus fasciolatus), mentioned above, was then still living in a
private menagerie in Calcutta, and in first-rate plumage — the
tail very remarkable — a most gracile, elegant, and game-looking
bird.^^

Mr. Blyth also mentions the arrival of some more birds from
the Andaman Islands — Hcematornis cheela, Irena puella (the
Indian race), Pericrocotus peregrinus, and an Oriolus, probably of
a new species. It is much smaller than O. macrourus of the
Nicobars, with a very narrow nape-mark, only half as broad as
in the Burmese O. tenuirostris, one-third as broad as in O. in-
dicus and 0. macrourus, and one-fourth as broad as in O. chi-
nensis. A new typical Sturnopastor, also said to be from these
islands, he proposes to call S. niger. It is one-third smaller
than S. contra, and all black, except a small whitish-grey patch
on the centre of the belly, some white lunules on the rump,
and some brightish yellow under the wing and orange naked
skin round the eye.” Mr. Blyth goes on to say, The Burmese
Kestrel is a very distinct new species, Tinnunculus atratus, nobis.
I have long had one, but hesitated to describe it on one speci-
men only. I still want the adult male.”

Prof. Baird, of Washington, is intending to reissue his
General Report on N. American Birds, as a separate publication.

212 Letters y Extracts from Correspondencey Notices y ^c.

in one volume 4to (1064 pp.)^ and with seventy-five plates of
hitherto unfigured species. We understand that the first volume
of Dr. Brewer’s work on N. American Oology will also be ready
very shortly. Mr. J. W. Audubon also announces the republica-
tion, by subscription, of his father’s celebrated and gigantic work
on the Birds of North America. It will be issued in forty-four
Numbers, of ten plates each, at ten dollars per Number, so that
the cost of the new work will only amount to half of that of the
original. A copy of the first part may be seen at Messrs.
Triibner’ s.

At Stevens’s Auction- rooms, on April 2nd, a skin of the new
Cassowary [Casuarius bennettii) was sold for <£10 to a London
dealer. This bird, which was shipped from Sydney for England
in good health, was accidentally killed during the voyage. It
has since, we are happy to say, passed into the collection of the
British Museum. The arrival of a fresh pair of these same
birds, which were sent ofi* from Sydney in February last as a
present to the Zoological Society by Dr. Bennett, may shortly
be expected.

A sale of eggs obtained by Mr. Wolley’s collectors in Lap-
land, chiefly in the year 1858, took place at the same Auction-
rooms on March 8th. The three eggs that fetched the highest
prices were those of the Smew [Mergus albellus) — out of the nest
spoken of in Number I. of ‘ The Ibis’ — £5 5s. ; the Bar-tailed
Godwit [Limosa rufa)y £4 8s. ; and the Buifon’s Skua [Lestris
parasiticus) y £4. Of the latter egg, Mr. Wolley remarks, in a
letter, — This is a very difficult egg to get, because it seems
doubtful whether the bird breeds at all upon the coast, though
Richardson’s Skua does so in plenty, all round the North Cape,
and down the Russian coast.” The eggs of the Waxwing [Am-
pelis garrula)y of which there were nine in the sale, averaged
about £3 each. The Pine-Grosbeaks’ [Strobilophaga enucleator)
sold for £2 25. There were likewise in the catalogue eggs of
the Spotted Redshank [Totanus fuscus)y Lapp Owl (Strix lap-
ponica)y Siberian Jay [Perisoreus infaustus)y Siberian Tit [Parus
sibiricus)y and the Anser finmarchicus of Gunner — all first disco-
vered by Mr. Wolley.

THE IBIS.

No. III. JULY 1859.

XXIII. — On the Ornithology of Central America, Part III.

By Philip Lutley Sclater and Osbert Salvin.

[Concluded from p. 138.]

Ordo II. ACCIPITRES.

Pam. I. VULTUBIDiE.

251. Cathartes AURA (Linn.). (N. A.)

If Mr. Cassinis authority for the occurrence of C, hurrovianus
at Vera Cruz is good, that bird also doubtless occurs in Guate-
mala ; but, as far as we know, it has not yet been observed. AH
the birds especially noticed by Salvin, presented the characters
of the true C. aura of the U.S.

In this country this Vulture is not nearly so abundant as C.
atratus. Leaving to that species all the duties of the scavenger,
it frequents the more uncultivated and forest districts. A few
may always be seen about the Lake of Duenas.

252. Cathartes atratus (Bartram). (N. A.)

Except perhaps Quiscalus macrurusj this is the most familiar
bird in Guatemala. Every town and village has its Zopilotes ;
and badly would the inhabitants exist were it not for these
diligent scavengers. At night they usually retire to the forest,
and in the early morning troop back to their posts in the streets
and lanes, and about the tops of the houses and churches.

They build their nests in the forest, though, in Antigua Gua-
temala, it is said that they use the ruins of the old churches for
that purpose.

VOL. i.

Q

314

Messrs. Sclater and Salvin on the

253. Gyparchus papa (Linn.). (N. A.)

It is only on the coast-regions that the King Vulture is found ;
it does not extend its range into the central district. In the
above localities it is frequently to he observed either soaring high
in the air, and wheeling in circles during the heat of the day, or
presiding over a putrid carcase, and driving off any presump-
tuous Black Vulture that may venture to approach within pre-
scribed limits. Having eaten his fill, he sits in a tree hard by
the carcase, sleeping and digesting his meal, while his late
attendants fight and scramble for each disgusting morsel. The
Spanish term for this bird is el Bey Zopilote,^^ exactly answer-
ing to our King Vulture.

Fam. II. FALCONIDiE.

Subfam. PoLYBORINiE.

254. PoLYBORUs THARUS (Molina) : Baird^s Beport, p. 45.

(N.A.)

This bird is universal in its distribution throughout the
country, and appears equally abundant everywhere. At Duenas
it is a constant resident, and breeds in the surrounding hills.

The food of this species consists principally of the ticks of
animals.

255. Ibycter americanus (Bodd.) : PI. Enl. 417 : Falco
aquilinus, Gm.

In the Pacific coast-region this bird is found ; and its extra-
ordinary cry, well expressed by the word ^ cacao j* uttered with
the first syllable reiterated several times, may not unfrequently
be heard resounding through the dense tropical forest. It would
appear to be confined to this region, since no examples have been
as yet forwarded to this country through the instrumentality of
Mr. Skinner or other hands. The species may be generally
observed in pairs, seldom singly ; but sometimes several occur
together. The cry is made by the bird when sitting on a branch ;
and the tail is expanded with a jerk, on the utterance of each
note.

Ornithology of Central America. 215

Subfam. Aquiline.

256. Pandion carolinensis (Gm.) ; Baird, Rep. p. 44.
(N. A.)

Occurs abundantly on both the coast-regions; also par-
ticularly noticed about Belize, where it is said to breed.

257. Herpetotheres cachinnans (Linn.).

This species is not uncommon in the Atlantic coast-region,
and about the village of Chimalapa it is even of frequent occur-
rence. Throughout the Pacific coast-region it would appear to
be less numerous, as a single individual only was noticed near the
hacienda ^ La Grande.^ It is known among the Spaniards by
the name of the ^ Guansi.’

258. Spizaetus ornatus (Baud.).

Numerous examples of this fine bird have been transmitted
by Mr. Skinner from the Vera Paz, procured in Cajabon and
other localities.

259. Spizaetus tyrannus (Max.) : Temm. PI. Col. 75.

Likewise transmitted by Mr. Skinner, and now in the Norwich

Museum.

260. Spizaetus melanoleucus (Vieill.) : Temm. PI. Col. 79.

One example of this bird is also in the Norwich Museum.

Transmitted by Mr. Skinner.

261. Thrasaetus harpyia (Linn.).

Transmitted by Mr. Skinner from the Vera Paz. Many
stories of the boldness of the Harpy, in its depredations on their
pigs, are told by the Indians ; but most of them with such evi-
dent exaggeration, that the truth is difficult to arrive at.

262. Urubitinga zonura (Shaw). Falco uruhitinga^ Gm. :
Sclater, P. Z. S. 1858, p. 128.

This bird is found throughout the whole country, on the
Pacific, at Duenas, and in the Vera Paz, from which latter
district examples have been forwarded by Mr. Skinner. It
would appear, however, to be an inhabitant of the hotter, rather
than the temperate region, as its occurrence in the central district
is not frequent.

Q 2

216 Messrs. Sclater and Salvin on the

263. Urubitinga anthracina (Nitzscli) : Sclater, P. Z. S.
1858, p. 129.

Transmitted by Mr. Skinner. Two immature birds of tbis
species were sbot by Salvin at Punta Arenas, in the Gulf of
Nicoya, on the Pacific coast of Costa Pica. The stomachs of both
these birds contained fragments of small Crustacea. Mr. Leyland
obtained examples of this bird in the vicinity of Omoa.

264. Urubitinga ?

Several skins of a Urubitinga in an immature state of plumage
have at dififerent times been transmitted by Mr. Skinner. One
of these, in the Norwich Museum, shows a few feathers indi-
cating that the adult is of the usual dark colouring of this group.
Until lately, Mr. Gurney referred it to the South American
U. schistacea ; but, on closer comparison, he now concludes that
it differs specifically from that bird, and belongs to a species
whose adult plumage is as yet unknown.

265. Urubitinga uNiciNCTA(Temm.) : PL Col. 313. Craxireoc

unicinctus, Baird, Pep. p. 46. (N. A.)

In the Norwich Museum. Transmitted by Mr. Skinner.

266. Buteogallus nigricollis (Lath.) : Strickl. Orn. Syn.
p. 43.

About the forest-swamps of the low district in the neighbour-
hood of the village of Santana Mixtan, this species occurs. Here
it is not uncommon, and may be seen sitting on a dead stump
or branch of a tree, uttering occasionally its harsh monotonous
cry. From the stomach of one shot in the above locality were
taken the scales of some species of fish, which, with the strong
smeft of the claws, left no doubt as to the nature of its food.

Subfam. Buteonin^e.

267. Buteo insignatus, Cassin, B. of Cal. pp. 102 et 198,

pi. 31. (N. A.)

We have Mr. Gurney ^s authority for ascribing a single spe-
cimen shot by Salvin at Duenas to this curious species. It
appears to be rare in that district as elsewhere, as no others
were observed, and none of the collections forwarded by Mr.
Skinner have contained examples.

217

Ornithology of Central America.

268. Buteo borealis (Gm.). (N. A.)

This species seems to be generally and plentifully distributed;

and numerous examples in all stages of plumage, from the
young to the adult, have been transmitted by Mr. Skinner. It
occurs also at Duenas.

269. Buteo harlani (Aud.) ? (N. A.)

A Buzzard, which Salvin refers to this species, was seen by
him at Duenas, but is by no means common. See Mr. Gurney^s
views on this bird in P. Z. S. 1857, p. 210.

270. Buteo pennsylvanicus (Wils.). (N. A.)

Transmitted by Mr. Skinner.

271. Buteo zonocercus, Sclater, P. Z. S. 1858, p. 130.

The only example known of this Buteo was transmitted from

Guatemala by Mr. Skinner, and is now in the Norwich Museum.

272. Buteo albonotatus, Kaup, Isis, 1847, p. 399.

The southern slope of the Cordillera appears to be the true
habitat of this species, but even here it cannot be said to be
common. Like many of its class, it is a feeder on beetles and
locusts.

273. Buteo ghiesbreghtii, Du Bus, Esq. Orn. pi. 1.

This magnificent species occurs not unfrequently throughout

the Pacific coast-region, where it is well known to the natives. It
appears to be confined to that district, as no examples have been
procured by the many collectors that have traversed the corre-
sponding region on the Atlantic.

274. Asturina nitida (Lath.) : Temm. PI. Col. 87 et 294.
Though abundant in the hot country on both coast-regions of

the Bepublic of Guatemala, this bird does not .occur in the tem-
perate region. Its food consists of Lizards ; and, as appears to
be the case with all Hawks selecting such food, the flesh is
very rank.

275. Asturina magnirostris (Gm.) : PI. Enl. 464.

Like the last, this bird is confined in its range to the hot
coast regions, where it is abundant. Its food comprises small
reptiles, centipedes and locusts.

218

Messrs. Sclater and Salvin on the

276. Asturina brack yura (Vieill.). Buteo hrachyur'us,
Vieill. Nouv. Diet. iv. p. 477; Pucheran, R. Z. 1850, p. 86.
Asturina albifrons, Kaup, Isis, 1847, p. 200, et Contr. Orn.
1850, p. 67.

One specimen of this fine species, transmitted by Mr. Skinner,
is now in the Norwich Museum.

Subfam. Accipitrin^.

277. Geranospiza CCERULESCENS (Vieill.). Bparvius caerules-
cenSf Vieill. Nouv. Diet. x. 318. Falco gracilis et Falco hemi-
dactylus, Temm. PI. Col. 91 et 3. Ischnosceles niger, Du Bus,
Esq. Orn. pi. 16.

The best authorities now seem to be agreed that there is only
one species of this form. As that occurs in Southern Mexico
as well as in South America, there can be no doubt of its also
being found in Guatemala.

278. Micrastur gilvicollis (Vieill.). Sparvius gihicollis,
Vieill. Micrastur concentricus, auct.

Transmitted by Mr. Skinner.

279. Micrastur rupicollis (Vieill.). Sparvius ruficollisj
Vieill. Falco xanthothoraxy Temm. PI. Col. 92.

A skin of this bird received from Mr. Skinner is in Salvin^s
collection.

280. Micrastur semitorquatus (Vieill.). Sparvius semi-
torquatus jYieilL Falco brachypterus, Temm. PI. Col. 116, 141.
Falco percontator, Cabot, Boston Journ. iv. 462.

Examples of this species have been transmitted by Mr. Skin-
ner. Dr. Cabot observed it in Yucatan.

281. Accipiter fuscus (Gm.). (N. A.)

This species occurs rarely in the Pacific coast-region. Exam-
ples also have been transmitted from Vera Paz.

282. Accipiter erythrocnemis, Kaup, Jard. Contr. Orn.
1850, p. 64.

Transmitted by Mr. Skinner. ISisus chionogaster, Kaup
(P. Z. S. 1851, p. 41), from Coban, is probably nothing more
than this species.

Ornithology of Central America, 219

Subfam. Falconing.

283. Falco anatum. Bp. (N. A.)

A single example of this bird, in an immature state of plu-
mage, was shot at Duenas in February, 1858.

^ 284. Hypotriorchis FEMORALis (Temm.). Falco femoralis,
Temm. PI. Col. 121 et 343.

Transmitted by Mr. Skinner.

_ 285. Hypotriorchis rupigularis (Baud.) : Strickl. Orn.
Syn. p. 88.

Transmitted by Mr. Skinner.

286. Tinnunculus sparverius (Linn.). (N. A.)

This is a very abundant species over the whole republic of
Guatemala ; but at Duenas it is migratory, being a visitant there
only during the winter months. The name applied to this
species by the Spaniards is ^ Klis-klis.^

287. Harpagus bidentatus (Lath.) : Temm. PI. Col. 38
et 228.

Transmitted by Mr. Skinner.

Subfam. Milvin^.

288. Cymindis cayennensis (Gm.).

The Norwich Museum contains an example of this species
from Honduras. Mr. Leyland met with it in the S. Pedro
Mountains.

289. Cymindis uncinatus (Temm.), PI. Col. 103, 104 et
115.

Transmitted by Mr. Skinner.

290. Rostrhamus sociabilis (Vieill.).

Salvin ascribes the immense flights of hawks seen by him in
the month of March in the Pacific coast-region, migrating in a
north-westerly direction, to this species. The bird is well known
to the Spaniards under the name of the ‘Asacuani f and the
term has become proverbial for a person who is constantly wan-
dering from place to place. Mr. Leyland procured a single
specimen of this bird near the Lake of Peten.

220

Messrs. Sclater and Salvin on the

291. Elanus LEUCURUS (VieilL). (N.A.)

Transmitted by Mr. Skinner.

292. IcTiNiA PLUMBEA (VieilL). (N. A.)

The Norwich Museum contains an example of this species
from Honduras.

293. Elanoides furcatus (VieilL). (N. A.)

Examples from the neighbourhood of Cajabon have recently
been forwarded by Mr. Skinner; one of these is in the imma-
ture plumage, and shows a white edging to the feathers of the
wing-coverts. If accounts are correct, this bird is more nume-
rous at Belize, where it is also said to breed.

Subfam. CiRCiNiE.

294. Circus HUDSONicus (Linn.). (N.A.)

This is a migratory species at Duehas, and probably through-
out the whole country. During the winter months two or three
females, or immature birds, generally frequented the Lake, the
adult males being much less commonly seen. It occurs in the
Pacific coast-region ; and examples have also been transmitted
from the Vera Paz.

Pam. III. STRIGID^.

295. Glaucidium infuscatum (Temm.). Strix passeri-
noideSy Temm. PL Col. 344.

A single example of this little Owl w'as shot by Salvin near
the village of Laguna, one day^s journey from Guatemala. This
species has frequently been included in the collections trans-
mitted by Mr. Skinner.

296. Glaucidium jardinii. Bp. Phalcenopsis jardiniiy Bp.
Compt. Bend. xli. 654 (?).

The Norwich Museum contains an Owl, transmitted by
Mr. Skinner, which seems to belong to this species.

297. Scops m^callii, Cassin, Birds of Californ. p. 180 (?).

A specimen received from Mr. Skinner, in the Norwich Mu-
seum, seems to agree very well with the example of this bird
from Mexico, as referred to in P. Z. S. 1858, p. 296.

Ornithology of Central America.

221

298. Scops ?

Though a skin from Cajabon seems to present some features
that might entitle it to be considered as a distinct species, yet
so much obscurity exists with respect to these Owls, that to give
new names tends only to increase the confusion. The species to
which it is most nearly allied are Bcops usta, Sclater, P. Z. S.
1858, p. 132, and /S. hrasiliensis, from the former of which it differs
in having the ears less conspicuous, and in wanting the deep
rufous tinge that pervades the whole plumage of that bird. It also
has a light marking over the eye which is wanting in S. usta.
From the latter it differs in its general tone of colouring, the
breast being lighter and the back richer and more rufous. More
examples will be necessary, to trace the changes of its plumage,
before entering upon its claims to be held as a really distinct
species.

299. Lophostrix stricklandi, Sclat. et Salv. Scops cris-
tata, Baud., var.j Strickl., Contr. Orn. 1848, p. 60, pi. 10.

The late Mr. Strickland has, in his usual accurate manner,
pointed out the characters which distinguish this Central Ame-
rican bird from its prototype of Cayenne. He was acquainted
only with one example, from which his figure was taken.
Mr. Skinner having lately transmitted three examples of this
bird from the Vera Paz, all of which agree in the distinctions
given by Mr. Strickland, we cannot avoid considering it as en-
titled to specific rank. The most obvious differences are the
absence of the white on the forehead, the blackish ear-coverts,
and the much more distinct markings on the wings in the
present bird.

300. Syrnium nebulosum (Forster) : Baird^s Eep. p. 56.
(N. A.)

The Norwich Museum contains examples of this Owl trans-
mitted by Mr. Skinner from Cajabon, where it appears to breed,
as one of the specimens is in the downy plumage of the young
bird.

301. Syrnium virgatum, Cassin, P. Z. S. 1856, p. 285.

Numerous examples of this species have been transmitted by

Mr. Skinner.

222

Messrs. Sclater and Salvin on the

302. Syrnium perspicillatum (Lath.), Strickl. Orn. Syn.
p. 193.

The hotel-keeper at Escuintla had in June last a bird in the
immature plumage of this species ; and the collection of Don
Vicente Constancia in Antigua Guatemala contains a similar one.

303. Strix PRATiNCOLA, Bp., Strickl. Orn. Syn. p. 179. (N.A.)

Transmitted by Mr. Skinner.

Ordo III. COLUMBiE.

Fam. COLUMBID^.

804. CoLUMBA RUPiNA, Tcmm. Pig. t. 24 ; Bp. Consp. ii.
p. 52.

Three or four Pigeons were seen on the banks in the trees,
when ascending the Rio Dulce in the middle of December. One
only was secured, which proved to be a female of this species in
very fine plumage. We are not aware that its occurrence so far
north has been previously noticed.

305. CoLUMBA LEUCOCEPHALA, Linn.

Inhabits the Keys, or small islands, on the coast of Honduras
(Leyland).

306. CoLUMBA sPECigsA, Gm.

Near Lake Peten (Leyland).

307. Leptoptila albiprons. Bp. Consp. ii. p. 74. Peristera
hrachypteraj Gray, MS.

This is a very abundant species at Duenas, where it is seen
under or in the lower parts of the trees. It occurs generally in
pairs, and is resident all the year.

308. Peristera cinerea (Temm.).

Omoa (Leyland).

309. Zenaidura Carolines sis (Linn.) : Bp. Consp. ii. p. 84.
(N. A.)

Also very abundant about Duenas, but inhabits the open
districts. It usually congregates in flocks, and is resident.

Ornithology of Central America, 223

310. SCARDAFELLA INCA, Bp.

Found in flocks with Chamcepelia rufipenniSj near S. Pedro and
Peten, Honduras (Leyland).

311. Zenaida LEUCOPTERA (Linn.) : Bp. Consp. p. 81. (N. A.)

Omoa (Leyland). One of the common Doves about Duehas

in April and May. It is found on the ground in the open
savannahs.

312. CHAMiEPELTA RUFiPENNis, Bp.Oonsp. ii. p. 359 : P. Z. S.
1858, p. 359.

Obtained by Capt. Taylor at Comayagua, Honduras.

313. Cham^pelia passerina (Linn.).

This is one of the most familiar birds of the central region,
where it is the only small Ground-dove found. In the coast-
regions its place is supplied by two other species at least. At
Duehas it is abundant, residing all the year, and breeding in the
cochineal-plantations, where it deposits its eggs, two in number,
on the ground under the rows of ^ Nopal.^

The Spanish name for this species is ^ Tortolita.’

Ordo V. GALLINiE.

Fam. I. CRACIDiE.

Subfam. CRACiNiE.

314. Crax alector, Linn. ^

In the forests of both coast-regions this species occurs, though
somewhat sparingly. It is usually seen in the early morning, or
in the evening, perched on a branch of a tree, where it rests,
looking at a passer-by with a vacant rather than an alarmed
expression. When thus found, a sportsman may approach in
the most open manner to within gun-shot. To the Spaniards it
is known as the ^ Pahuil,’ and to the mahogany-cutters of Belize
as the ' CurassowJ

Subfam. Penelopin^.

315. Penelope purpurascens, Wagler.

This bird frequents the same localities as Craoc alector ; and the
habits of the two closely resemble each other ; but P. purpu-

224

Messrs. Sclater and Salvin on the

rascens is much more numerous, and occurs abundantly in many
parts. It is said to build in trees. The Spanish name is Pavo/
which is translated as ^ Turkey ^ by some, and ^ Peacock ’ by
other writers on Central America.

316 Penelope nigra. Eraser, P. Z. S. 1850, p. 246, pi. xxix.

In the British Museum. Transmitted by Mr. Skinner.

317. Ortalida vetula (Wagler). Penelope vetula^Wdi^. Isis,
1830, p. 1112; Moore in P. Z. S. 1859, p. 62.

Transmitted by Mr. Skinner. In Sir William Jardine^s col-
lection. Birds of this genus are common in both the coast-
regions, and known by the name of ^ Chacha.^ They inhabit
the forests, and are always seen on the trees.

318. Ortalida leucogastra (Gould). Penelope alhwenter,
Less. Rev. Zool. 1842, p. 174 (nec Wagl.). Penelope leuco-
gastra ^ Gould, P. Z. S. 1843, p. 105 ; Gould, Voy. Sulphur, Zool.
p. 48, pi. xxxi.

This Guan is very abundant in the Pacific coast-region, where,
in the neighbourhood of the more remote and smaller villages, the
woods in the early morning resound with its loud continued
cries. Like Penelope purpurascens, it is usually seen in trees,
and shows little symptom of alarm on one approaching. The
time of breeding seems to extend over some period, as young
birds and fresh eggs were observed simultaneously in the month
of March. The former appear to run almost immediately on
becoming free from the shell, and, clinging to the branches of the
underwood, are nimble in eluding capture. The nest is usually
placed in a low bush, and is composed entirely of small twigs.
The eggs, two in number, are of rough texture, and in colour
pure creamy-white; they measure, axis 1*25 in., diam. 1*5 in.

Subfam. Oreophasidinae.

319. Oreophasts derbianus. Gray & Mitch. Gen. of Birds,
pi. 121 : O. fronticorniSf V. d. Hoeven.

This bird, one of the most curious as well as the most in-
teresting in Central America, is extremely rare, and its range, as
far as is at present known, circumscribed within very narrow limits.
The single volcanic peak ^el Volcan de Fuego^ is generally said

Ornithology of Central America. 225

to be its sole habitat/^ though there is strong reason to believe
that the specimens procured by Mr. Skinner were obtained from
the neighbouring mountain^ ^ el Volcan de Agua/ From careful
inquiries made at Duehas of Indians who were acquainted
with the bird, it would appear that the belt of forest which
encircles each of these volcanos between the elevations of 7000
and 11,000 feet above the sea-level is its natural home, where it
is constantly resident. The characteristic tree of this forest-
region is the celebrated Hand-plant of the Mexicans [Chiro-
stemon platanoides) — ^la Mano del Mico ^ (the Monkey^ s Hand)
of the Spaniards, which there grows luxuriantly. Whether or
not the Oreophasis occurs in the volcanos of Atitlan and the
Altos, remains yet to be investigated ; but, as all these and also
the smaller cone of Pacaya present corresponding physical fea-
tures to those of Agua and Fuego, it is not at all improbable
that it may also be found in these mountains.

There appears to be no distinctive name for this bird ; among
the natives, however, it is known as the Turkey with the red
head (^el Pavo con la cabeza colorada^).

Fam. II. PHASIANIHiE.

320. Meleagris ocellata, Temm.Pl. Col. 112.

This Turkey seems entirely confined in its range to the
country included between the base of the Great Cordillera and
the Atlantic, of which the promontory of Yucatan occupies the
greater portion. From all accounts, the little-known district, of
which the Lake of Peten forms the chief feature, is its head-
quarters ; and there it would appear to be of not unfrequent
occurrence. It seems almost unknown to the natives of the
Republic of Guatemala ; but the inhabitants of Belize, who have
connection with the mahogany-cuttings, have more or less infor-
mation respecting it. The Spanish name is ^ Pavo real,^ or, more
properly, ^ Pavo real del monte ^ (Wild Turkey).

Fam. III. PERDICID^.

321. Ortyx nigrigularis, Gould, Mon. Odont.pl. 4.

Yucatan (Cabot) : pine-ridges of Belize (Leyland).

226

Messrs. Sclater and Salvin on the

322. Ortyx leylandi, Moore, P. Z. S. 1859, p. 62.
Honduras between Omoa and Comayagua (Leyland).

323. Cyrtonyx ocellatus, Gould, Mon. Odont. pi. 8.
Guatemala (Gould).

324. Dendrortyx leucophrys, Gould, Mon. Odont. pi. 21.
Received direct from Coban (Gould).

325. OnoNTOPHORUS guttatus, Gould, Mon. Odont. pi. 28.
Obtained by Mr. Dyson in the Coban palm-ridges, and in

Yucatan.

Fam. IV. TINAMID^.

326. Tinamus major, Gm. ? : Moore, P. Z. S. 1859, p. 63.
Belize and Omoa (Leyland).

327. Tinamus cinnamomeus (Less.) : R. Z. 1842, p. 210.
Vicinity of La Union, S. Salvador (Lesson).

Ordo VI. GRALLiE.

Fam. I. ARDEIDjF.

328. Garzetta candidissima (Gm.) : Baird, Rep. p. 665.
(N. A.)

Common on the Atlantic coast, and sometimes visits the Lake
of Duehas. Generally seen in companies.

329. Herodias egretta (Gm.) : Baird, Rep. p. 666. (N. A.)
Also common, but more solitary in its habits, both on the

Pacific and Atlantic coasts.

330. Ardea herodias (Linn.). (N. A.)

Occurs at Duenas ; seen fishing in the river Guacalate.

331. Florida c^erulea (Linn.) : Baird, Rep. p. 671 ; P. Z. S.

1859, p. 63. (N. A.)

Specimens transmitted by Mr. Skinner are labelled Coban.^^
Leyland found it common near Omoa.

332. Tigrisoma tigrinum (Gm.).

Obtained at Tigre Island, on the Pacific coast of Honduras,
by Mr. G. C. Taylor.

227

Ornithology of Central America.

333. Butorides viRESCENs (Linn.). (N. A.)

Quite common on all the rivers on the coast among the

mangrove swamps.

334. Nycticorax gardeni (Gm.). (N. A.)

A young bird of this species has been transmitted by Mr.
Skinner. Omoa and Peten (Leyland).

Fam. IT. ARAMID^.

335. Aramus holostictus (Cab.), Journ. f. Orn. 1856,
p. 426. A. scolopaceusl, Moore, P. Z. S. 1859, p. 64.

Belize and Omoa (Leyland).

Fam. 111. CANCROMIDiE.

336. Cancroma cochlearia, Linn.

Occurs in the forest-swamps on the Pacific coast not uncom-
monly. Skins have also been transmitted by Mr. Skinner from
the Atlantic coast-region.

Fam. IV. EURYPYGID^.

337. Eurypyga helias (Pall.).

Mr. Skinner has transmitted skins of this bird, which seem
quite identical with S. American specimens.

Fam. V. TANTALID^.

338. Tantalus loculator, Linn. (N. A.)

This bird is not uncommonly seen about the large rivers in
the forests of the Pacific coast-region. It is known by the
Spanish name ^ Acatr as. ^

Fam. VI. CHARADRIID.^.

339. Charadrius virginicus, Borck. (N. A.)

About the second week in April, a few of these birds made
their appearance at Duenas in the open pasture land. They
were always found in company with a flock of Bartram^s Sand-
piper.

340. iEGiALiTis vociFERUS (Linn.). (N. A.)

During the winter months a flock of these Plovers frequent

228

Messrs. Sclater and Salvin on the

the open land near Duenas, sometimes feeding in the Cochineal
plantations between the rows of Nopal. Omoa (Leyland).

341. Hoplopterus cayanus (Lath.) : Moore in P. Z. S. 1859^
p. 63.

Honduras (Leyland).

Pam. VII. H^MATOPODID^.

342. HiEMATOPUs PALLIATES, Tcuim. (N. A.)

Oyster-catchers were seen at the mouth of the Nagualate on

the Pacific, probably referable to this species.

Pam. VIII. RECURVIEOSTEIDiE.

343. Himantopus nigricollis, Vieill. (N. A.)

A specimen of this bird is in the collection of Don Vicente
Constancia of La Antigua Guatemala ; procured near the modern
city.

Pam. IX. SCOLOPACIDtE.

344. Gallinago* ?

This seems to be the common Snipe of Guatemala, and, like
the rest of its genus, frequents the swampy spots, and especially
the pools formed during the rainy season. It is very abundant
in the months of October and November about the plateau on
which the city of Guatemala stands. At Duenas it occurs in
considerable numbers in Pebruary and March, about the narrow
belt of swampy land that surrounds the lake on nearly all
sides. When put up, they seldom fly far, but alight again 50
or 100 yards off. They are by no means shy, but admit of one
approaching to within easy shooting-distance before taking wing.

On excellent authority it is stated that in this same locality
there occurs, but very rarely, a dark-coloured Snipe resembling
the present bird in all respects but colour. Can this be the G,
sahini of this species ?

345. Gallinago wiLSONi, Bp. : Moore, P. Z. S. 1859, p. 64.
(N.A.)

Common at Omoa (Leyland).

* We have not yet been able to identify this Snipe, which appears cer-
tainly distinct from G. wilsoni.

229

Ornithology of Central America.

346. Tringa maculatAj Vieill. : Baird^s Rep. p. 720. (N. A.)
About the beginning of April, and towards the end of the dry

season, a great part of the stream is diverted from the river Gua-
calate, and thrown on the open pasture-land near Duenas.
During this period numbers of Scolopacid(je frequent the inun-
dated part, of which Tringa maculata is 'the most abundant. At
this season this bird, taking its food from fresh water, proves
excellent eating.

347. Tringa wiLSONii, Nuttall : Baird^sRep. p. 721. (N. A.)
About the mouth of the river Nagualate, on the shore of the

Pacific, this bird occurs in some numbers in the month of
March.

348. Calidris arenaria (Linn.). (N. A.)

Like the last, occurs on the Pacific, where it is abundant in
some parts.

349. Ereunetes petrificatus. 111. Tringa semipalmata^

Wils. : Baird^s Rep. p. 724. (N. A.)

A single bird of this species was shot near Duenas in the
month of April, from amongst a flock of Tringa pectoralis.

350. Micropalama himantopus (Bp.) : Baird^s Rep, p. 726.
(N. A.)_

One individual, the only one seen, was shot, like the last, from
amongst a flock of Tringa pectoralis in April.

351. Gambetta melanoleuca (Gm.) : Baird’s Rep. p. 73L
(N. A.)

This species seems more solitary in its habits than many of the
other Sandpipers. Seldom more than one individual is seen at
once ; it also prefers the lake-sides to the marshy resort of the
other species.

352. Gambetta flavtpes (Gm.) : Baird’s Rep. p.732. (N. A.)
A small flock of these birds used to be in company with the

Tringa pectoralis at Duenas during the early part of the month
of April.

353. Rhyacophilus solitaries (Wils.) : Baird’s Rep. p. 733,
(N. A.)

Transmitted by Mr. Skinner.

VOL. I. R

230 Messrs. Sclater and Salvin on the

354. Tringoides macularius (Linn.) : Baird’s Bep. p. 735.

(N.A.)

About most of the rivers this species is to be met with during
the winter months ; but they are principally in the unspotted,
immature state of plumage. Their range is wide, and includes
both the table-land and the coast country.

355. Limosa fedoa (Linn.) : Baird’s Bep. p. 740; P. Z. S.
1859, p. 64. (N.A.)

Common at Belize, according to Leyland.

356. Actiturus bartramius (Wils.) : Baird’s Bep. p. 737.

(N.A.)

A flock consisting of about eighteen or twenty members arrive
about the beginning of April at Duenas. There seeking the
dry open savannahs rather than the marshy pools, they fully
justify the appellation of the Field- Plover. To the Charadriidce
their actions and habits closely assimilate them.

Earn. X. BALLID.E.

Subfam. Ballinae.

357. PoRZANA CAROLINA (Linn.) : Baird, Bep. p.749. (N.A.)
This Bail is the only one occurring about the Lake of Duenas,

where it would appear to be migratory, leaving that district on
the approach of summer.

Mr. Skinner has also transmitted specimens from the Vera Paz.

358. CoRETHRURA CAYENNENSIS, Gui. (?) : MoOl’C, P. Z. S.
1859, p. 64.

Omoa (Leyland).

359. Aramides cayennensis (Gm.) : Moore, P. Z. S. 1859,
p. 64.

Omoa; not common (Leyland).

Subfam. Fulicin^.

/

^0. PoRPHYRio MARTINICA, Linn. : Moore, P. Z. S. 1859,
p. 64; Baird, Bep. p. 753. (N.A.)

Lagoons near Peten (Leyland).

>^6i. Fulica AMERICANA (Gm.) : Bail’d, Bep. p. 751. (N.A.)
Transmitted by Mr. Skinner. Coots are abundant on the

231

Ornithology of Central America.

Lake of Duefias ; but, as specimens have not been collected,
they cannot be referred with certainty to this species.

Subfam. Parking.

362. Parra gymnostoma, Wagler. Parra cordiferaj Less. :
Des Murs, Icon. Orn. pi. 42.

Very common at Belize and Peten ; less so at Omoa (Leyland).
Observed by Salvin in the Pacific coast-region near Santana
Mixtan, and obtained by Capt. C. L. Wyke on the Lake of
Amatitlan in the central region.

Ordo VII. ANSERES.

Pam. I. ANATID.E.

363. Dendrocygna autumnalis (Linn.) : Baird, Rep. p. 770.

(N. A.)

Shot by Mr. G. C. Taylor on the Lake of Yojoa, Honduras.

364. Dafila acuta (Linn.) : Baird, Rep. p. 776. (N. A.)
Seen at Belize in December, and common, during the winter,

on the Lake of Duefias. It departs northward in March.

365. Querquedula carolinensis (Gm.): Baird, Rep. p. 777.

(N. A.)

Aloor River, Honduras (Leyland) .

366. Querquedula discors (Linn.) : Baird, Rep. p. 779.
(N.A.)

Common in winter on the Lake of Duefias, but disappears in
March. Also seen at Santana Mixtan, Pacific coast-region.

367. Spatula clypeata (Linn.) : Baird, Rep p. 781 . (N. A.)
Like the two preceding, inhabits the Lake of Duefias during

the winter, and departs towards the end of Mareh.

368. Mareca AMERICANA (Gm.) : Baird, Rep. p. 783. (N.A.)
Common on the Lake of Atitlan, where it was seen in May

1858, and also observed near the village of Laguna, about a
day’s journey from Guatemala.

369. PuLiGULA AFFiNis, Eytoii ; Baird, Rep. p. 791. (N.A.)
Excessively abundant on the Lake of Duefias in the winter

R 2

232

Messrs. Sclater and Salvin on the

months, and seen on the Lake Atitlan as late as the month of
May.

370. Cairina moschata (Linn.).

All the domestic varieties in Central America seem to derive
their origin from this species. It is found abundantly on both
coasts, frequenting the forest swamps. At Belize it is a well-
known bird, as the nature of that district is well adapted to its
habits. In the Pacific coast-region it is more local, as the
swamps are much more limited, and are of comparatively small
extent. The bird is more frequently seen sitting on a branch
of a tree than in any other position. During the day-time it
remains in the forest ; but towards evening it seeks the fields of
maize, and many may be seen sitting about the surrounding
trees, the flock at a distance looking like a troop of Black Vul-
tures [Cathartes atratus). Though shy and by no means easy
of approach, a sportsman has no difficulty in obtaining two or
three birds between sun-down and dark, by hiding up amongst
the trees and shooting as the birds fly round over head. The
flesh is excellent and very tender. This bird is said to breed in
December.

371. Erismatura rubida (Wils.) : Baird, Rep. p.811. (N. A.)

On the Lake of Duenas this is the only resident species of

Duck. Its numbers diminish during the period of the spring
migration, the immature birds at that time probably seeking
other quarters. It is a bird more easily procured than any of the
other ducks frequenting the lake, as its powers of flight render
its escape less easy. Not but that it flies as well as any other
when once fairly started ; but it finds difficulty in rising from
off the water, so much so, that, by sailing down wind towards a
bird, it usually admits of approach to within easy shooting-
distance. Sometimes, however, it seeks safety by diving ; and
when such is the case, its powers in this respect are so great
that escape is almost certain to ensue. It builds in May,
amongst the reeds on the margin of the lake, making a nest of
the dead flag with a little down. The eggs are, as might be
expected, by analogy with those of the European Erismatura
mersa, rough in texture, but perhaps hardly in such a degree as

233

Ornithology of Central America.

the eggs of that species. They are of a dirty creamy-white colour,
and measure, axis 2 inches 4| lines, diam. 1 inch 10 lines ; but
are sometimes rather more elongated, as others measure, axis
2 inches 7 lines, diam. 1 inch 9^ lines.

Fam. 11. LARIDiE.

372. Chroicocephalus atricilla (Linn.) : Baird^s Rep.
p. 850. (N. A.)

Common about Belize, and said to breed in the Keys along
the coast.

373. Angus stolidus (Linn.) : Baird, Rep. p. 864. (N. A.)
Observed on the Pacific coast.

Fam. III. PELECANIDiE.

374. Pelecanus erythrorhynchus (Gm.) : Baird, Rep.‘

p.868. (N. A.)

Transmitted by Mr. Skinner, having been obtained on the
Pacific coast.

375. Pelecanus fuscus (Linn.) : Baird, Rep. p.870. (N. A.)
Seen on the Atlantic coast, and found breeding by Mr. G. C.

Taylor in the Bay of Fonseca, on the Pacific.

376. Phalacrocorax mexicanus (Brandt) : Baird, Rep.
p. 879. (N.A.)

Lake of Peten (Leyland).

377. SuLA FIBER (Linn.) : Baird, Rep. p.872. (N.A.)

One of these birds came on board the steamer, off the coast

of San Salvador.

Fam. IV. PLOTIDiE.

378. Plotus anhinga, Linn. : Baird, Rep. p. 883. (N.A.)
Found at Lake Peten, by Leyland.

Fam. V. TACHYPETID^.

379. Tachypetes aquila (Linn.): Baird, Rep. p.873. (N.A.)
Observed on both coasts. Mr. G. C. Taylor obtained eggs of

this bird in the Bay of Fonseca in 1858. See P. Z. S. 1858,
p. 318, and ^ Ibis,^ No. II. (antea, p. 150).

234 Mr. J. H. Gurney^s List of a Collection of Birds
Fam. VI. COLYMBIDiE.

■' 380. PoDiLYMBUs PODiCEPS (Linn.). (N. A.)

This is a resident species at Dnefias. It breeds in May,
making a nest amongst the reeds of the lake, consisting of a pile
of flags heaped up so as just to raise the edge of the structure
above the surface. The eggs are generally half-immersed. They
are from two to four in number, and are of a chalky exterior on
an under surface of bluish green ; they measure, axis 1 inch
6| lines, diam. i inch 1 line.

381. PoDICEPS — — ?

A small Grebe is common on the Lake of Duenas ; but speci-
mens have not yet been obtained. Its general appearance and
habits are much the same as in the European P. minors but it is
smaller in size.

Fam. VII. HELIORNITHILJE.

382. Heliornis fulica, Bodd.

Inhabits the Pacific coast, being found in the submerged
swamps underneath the trees. The only specimen obtained was
swimming in the water, near the village of Santana Mixtan.

In concluding our list, we beg to acknowledge the assistance
we have received from Mr. Gould in determining the TrochilidcBy
and from Mr. Gurney in making out the species of Accipitres.
Although we have enumerated 382 birds as occurring in Central
America, the catalogue is still in many particulars very incom-
plete, and we have no doubt that future researches will make
great additions to it.

XXIV. — List of a Collection of Birds from the colony of Natal
in South-eastern Africa. By J. H. Gurney, M.P., F.Z.S.

(Plate VII.)

The following is a list of a series of Birds of Prey, Goatsuckers,
Kiugfishers, Cuckoos, and Water-birds recently received by me
from the colony of Natal, to which I have added the names of a
few species belonging to the same groups from two other col-
lections made in the same country.

from the colony of Natal in South-eastern Africa. 235

With a few exceptions^ they have been forwarded to me by
Mr. Thomas Ayres, of Urban, whom I have pleasure in
recommending to the readers of * The Ibis ’ as a zealous col-
lector of specimens and of information, and who has the addi-
tional merit of sending his skins over in excellent order and at
very reasonable prices.

Mr. Ayres has sent me notes respecting most of the birds in
the following list. I have inserted the substanee of his observa-
tions, after the names of the species to which they refer. In
some cases I have added a few remarks of my own, which are
distinguished by brackets and initials.

Catton Hall, Norwich, March 1859.

1. VuLTUR OCCIPITALIS (Burch.). Occipital Vulture.

Male. Bill blood-red, blaek at the tip and light blue at the

base ; skin round the eye and nostril light blue ; eye light
brown ; skin of neck the eolour of lilac. These birds are much
more rare here than the other kinds of Vultures, only going in
pairs, and generally coming to feed when the other kinds of
Vultures are not present; they are exceedingly shy and wary.
This is the only one we have been able to shoot.

2. Otogyps auricularis (Baud.). Sociable Vulture.

Male. Eye very dark brown ; skin of the neck, feet and legs

pale or flesh-colour. Appears invariably with the large Grey
Vulture {Gyps fulvus) ; he is more wary and diffieult to get than
the Grey. About a month ago, I saw Vultures congregating at a
certain spot well-sheltered by bush, so I ran at once to get a shot;
after creeping on my hands and knees, that I might not be seen
by the birds, through a very thick bush, I got within thirty yards
of them. I could see nothing of the beast they were devouring;
there were so many of the Black and Grey Vultures {Otogyps
auricularis and Gyps fulvus) y that they completely covered the
poor beast, which was being torn to pieces by inches ; but he
appeared to be in the most fearful agony : the loud bellowings,
deep breathings, and struggles of the poor ox to escape his
tormentors, accompanied with the loud hisses and cacklings of
the birds, were sickening to hear. I hastened to fire my first
barrel, which brought down only one bird; and then hastily

236 Mr. J. H. Gurney’s List of a Collection of Birds

crept out from my cover, for the purpose of despatching the
ox with my second, when behold nothing but a skeleton was
before me ! — the whole of the noises were made by the birds
themselves. I never was more astonished in my life. No one
would credit the power of lungs these birds have. As for the
struggles of the ox, it must have been the noise of their wings,
as they were in one mass, tearing and fighting and struggling
together, some fifty of them. It was a wild sight, and well worth
the seeing,

3. Neophron percnopterus (Linn.). Egyptian Vulture.

Male. Eye reddish brown ; skin round the eye and neck

bright yellow ; legs pale. This is a very rare bird here, and we
know next to nothing of its habits. In its stomach we found
bits of bone from one to two inches long, and carrion, appa-
rently parts of the blade-bone of an ox. We have never seen
these birds with the other Vultures, but they seem to eat the
same kind of food. This specimen appeared to be hunting for
his food, flying about, and frequently alighting.

4. Neophron pileatus (Burch.). Pileated Vulture.

Eye small and dark brown ; skin round the eye and neck
flesh-colour ; legs dark. Not so shy as the large Vultures ; fre-
quently alight on trees, which 1 have not seen the large Vultiu’es
do; feed on carrion. I have seen but few of them.

5. Gyps FULVus (Gmel.). Fulvous GriflPon Vulture.

These birds are gregarious ; they gather together in great
numbers when any animal dies, to devour it, and will sail in
company for a length of time ; they are exceedingly wary and
cunning, circling round and round in the air for hours before
they alight, always reconnoitring the ground well. I have been
told by a friend, that these birds, when a number are collected
together, after having eaten the flesh from one side of a bullock,
will all pull together and turn the carcase over, to eat the flesh
from the other side. The Calfres say that, when short of food,
these birds will eat the young shoots and leaves of grass ; and
there certainly were a few blades in the stomachs of the two
specimens sent. Iris light brown.

from the colony of Natal in South-eastern Africa. 237

6. Sagittarius secretarius (Scop.). Secretary Bird.

Male. Eye very light brown ; legs pinkish white. Bare

about D^Urban, and exceedingly shy; stalk about when feeding
like the Bustards. The stomach of the specimen sent contained
rats, locusts, lizards, and small snakes. The Secretary also feeds
on moles.

7. PoLYBORoiDES RADiATUS (Scop.). Bayed Gymnogene.

Very small dark eye, iris nearly black ; cere, skin round the

eyes, and legs bright light yellow : bill black.

This bird principally frequents places where the grass has
been burnt, stalking over the ground like the Bustard, and pick-
ing up insects, which seem to be its ehief food. The stomach of
one specimen sent contained the remains of a blue-headed
lizard. It does not take long flights. The legs of this bird
bend backwards at the knee in an extraordinary manner, very
much as if they were out of joint ; whether the bird can bend
them back at pleasure, I cannot say.

[Mr. Ayreses note of the colour of the iris in this species
(which was also verified by a drawing which he sent me) is im-
portant, as both Dr. A. Smith and Dr. Hartlaub describe the
iris of this bird as yellow.

The West African specimens sent to me by Mrs. Hinderer
are stated to have had a bright purple’^ tint in the eye, which
has not been noticed by Mr. Ayres.

The late Dr. B. Vierthaler, who met with this species in Sen-
naar, says that the cere and cheeks of the immature bird are red,
but that the red fades immediately after death [vide ^Naumannia’
for 1852). A slight tinge of red is sometimes traeeable on these
parts in the skins even of adult specimens, when first damped
for mounting.

The peculiarity of the position of the tarsus alluded to by
Mr. Ayres was also mentioned to me some years since by M.
Jules Verreaux, from whose description, I should suppose it to be
only occasionally assumed at the will of the bird ; be this as it
may, the mechanism by which so curious a result is produced
would seem to be well worthy the attention of the anatomist,
which, as far as 1 know, has not hitherto been directed to it.—
J. H. G.]

238 Mr. J. H. Gurney^s List of a Collection of Birds

8. Helotarsus ecaudatus (Baud.). Short-tailed Bateleur.

In the immature bird, the eye is brownish-yellow ; legs and

feet dull white ; bill dull green, but black at the tip ; cere light
green. These birds feed upon carrion, appearing with the
Vultures ; they also prey upon moles. They settle in trees, and
erect the crest when wounded ; they are rare, and extremely shy.

9. CiRCAETUs THORACicus (Cuv.). Black-breastcd Harrier-
Eagle.

Not rare, but excessively wild, and generally soar about at a
great height, far out of shot. The stomach of the specimen sent
contained a chameleon and a green-headed lizard, both swallowed
whole ; it also feeds on snakes, both poisonous and innocuous.
Iris yellow.

10. Spizaetus occipitalis (Baud.). Occipital Hawk-Eagle.

Common : feed entirely on field rats and mice, which they

swallow whole ; watch from a tree for their prey. The crest is
always erected when the bird is stationary, but lies fiat on the
head when it is flying. These birds on bright still days fre-
quently soar to a great height, wheeling round and round and
uttering their shrill cries ; they are comparatively tame. Iris
yellow.

11. Aquila NiEVioiDES (Cuv.). Tawiiy Eagle.

Rare. Iris light brown ; feet and cere light yellow ; bill blue,
but black at the tip. The CafiPres assert that these birds carry oflp
kids and the young of the antelopes ; they also feed on carrion,
which I believe is their principal food. One specimen sent was
shot whilst chasing a hawk that was carrying ofi* a fowl on which
it had pounced, and which the eagle appeared to covet.

12. Haliaetus vocifer. Vociferous Sea-Eagle.

Eye very light brown ; skin round the eye and nostril light
yellow j legs and feet dull white. These fine birds frequent the
bays and lakes along the coast, feeding principally on fish, which
they catch alive, by pouncing suddenly upon them when in
shallow water ; they then carry their prey to a tree to devour it,
holding it fast by one foot while they tear it in pieces. These
Eagles also capture ducks, or other wild fowl, that have been

from the colony of Natal in South-eastern Africa. 239

previously vrounded, and are often seen inland many miles from
the coast, where they feed with the Vultures on the carcases of
cattle, carrying away large lumps of flesh, and eating them on
some adjacent tree. They soar to a tremendous height, utter-
ing a very shrill piercing cry, which may be heard at a great
distance ; and will sit for hours on the dead branch of a tree near
the water, waiting for the tide to recede far enough to enable
them to take their prey ; they also frequently alight on the
water like gulls, and remain for a length of time on it; but I
cannot say whether they are expert swimmers or not.

[The immature birds of Haliaetus vocifer difier considerably
in the colouring of their plumage and in the disposition of its
markings. I believe that it is a young male of this species
which is figured and described in Le Vaillant^s ‘ Oiseaux
d’Afrique,^ No. 5, under the title of Le Blagre,^'* and that it
is an error to quote Le Blagre of Le Vaillant^^ as a synonym
of Haliaetus leucogaster^ to which it is by some authors referred.
— J. H. G.]

13. Pandion haliaetus (Linn.). Osprey.

These birds frequent the salt-water lakes along the coast ; they
alight on trees near the water, and will also frequently settle on
the sands when the tide is down, and remain in the same spot
for an hour or two. They generally hover two or three seconds
over a fish before they plunge into the water after it, and very
frequently miss their aim. When they have caught a fish, they fly
to a tree to eat it at leisure. They are very shy birds, and difiicult
to obtain. Iris light yellow ; legs bluish slate-colour,

14. Milvus parasitus (Baud.). White-billed Kite.

Common and bold. They take our chickens, feed also on

rats or any carrion ; and I have sometimes found insects in their
stomachs.

These Kites seem to have a very acute sense of smell ; for they
invariably appear with or before the Vultures, to feed on any ox
that may have died, and will (when afraid to settle, in con-
sequence of the ravens or other birds) dart down and tear off
pieces of flesh with their talons, and devour them whilst flying,
after which they will return and take more in a similar manner.

240 Mr. J. H. Gurney List of a Collection of Bwds

They generally come here in September, and leave again in
March or April. Iris brown.

15. Elanus melanopterus (Baud.). Black-winged Elanus.
Rare. Iris orange. The Caffres assert that it chases pigeons

and catches them on the wing. This bird is frequently unsteady
in its flight, and its appearance then much resembles that of a
small sea-gull. It takes its prey (which consists principally of
rats) much in the same way as Tinnunculus rupicolus. They are
generally to be found in the open country, alighting on the tops
of low trees scattered over the Veldt/^

16. Pernis apivorus (Linn.). Honey Pern.

Very rare. The stomach of the specimen sent was filled
with a peculiar kind of wasp. Iris bright yellow; legs also
yellow.

[The example sent, an adult male, is the only instance which
has come to my knowledge of the occurrence of this species south
of the equator. — J. H. G.]

17. Avicida cuculoides (Sw.). African Pern.

Frequents the dense bush, and is extremely shy. When

it first leaves the nest, the iris is a very light brown, but sub-
sequently becomes of a bright lemon-yellow ; the legs are light

18. Tinnunculus rupicolus (Baud.). Rock Kestrel.
Neither rare nor shy; preys on small birds and rats, which

it hunts on the wing, hovering over the high grass, remaining
many seconds stationary in the air. It chases the Milvus para-
situs and other large birds away from its station, attacking them
with great spirit, rising above them and then darting down on
their backs. It builds its nest on the sides of precipices in the
clefts.

19. Buteo jakal (Baud.). Jackal Buzzard.

Shy, but not rare. They feed on insects (principally black
crickets and grasshoppers) and also on rats and birds. They
frequently select a tree which stands alone, on the top of which
they perch, watching for their prey, which they take on the

from the colony of Natal in South-eastern Africa. 2 J.1

ground generally within a radius of fifty or sixty yards, some-
times running on the ground a considerable distance with great
swiftness. They roost at night for a length of time on the same
tree, taking the same route eaeh evening ; they also hunt over
a piece of ground, flying a short distance, then hovering, then
flying a short distance again. Iris dark brown in adult, lighter
in immature specimens.

20. Astur melanoleucus (Smith). Black and White Gos-
hawk.

Rather rare. A very bold bird when pursuing its prey. It
has frequently chased our pigeons under the verandah of our
house. When this hawk appears, the pigeons seem perfectly
aware of their danger ; they fly from home, taking a large
circuit and ascending as quickly as they can till nearly out of
sight. The hawk follows them, and, having much greater power
of endurance, gradually gains the ascendency, when its tactics
are immediately changed. It still pursues them, but, as they
wheel round, cuts off the angles and so gains on its prey, which
it otherwise would not do. The pigeon is certain to be caught
unless it flies straight home or into some thick bush, when the
hawk will not follow.

Though exceedingly shy, these birds fear neither guns nor
shouting when pursuing their prey, and even when struck with
shot, if not severely wounded, still eontinue the ehase. They
always catch their prey on the wing. Iris light yellow.

21. Accipiter tachiro (Baud.), Tachiro Hawk.

Iris dark greenish-brown ; cere dark green ; bill black, but
blue at the base ; legs yellow, but with a dark tinge on the
upper part of the tarsi. This hawk lives entirely in the bush,
especially frequenting the neighbourhood of wooded streams,
and darts upon its prey (small birds) from the trees above. The
stomach of one specimen examined contained the remains of a
frog.

[I may take this opportunity of observing that the geogra-
phical range of the Accipiter tachiro does not appear to be
exclusively limited to Afriea, as I obtained an adult male sped-

242 Mr. J. H. Gurney^s List of a Collection of Birds

men from Mr. Warwick, who assured me that he received it
from Erzeroom. — J. H. G.]

22. Accipiter exilis (Temm.). Red-bellied Hawk.

This hawk is rare, but not shy ; it will sometimes cany off
a small chicken with great swiftness, disappearing as suddenly
as it appeared. Iris yellow.

23. Accipiter minullus (Baud.). Least African Hawk.
Lives in the bush, darting with incredible celerity on any

small bird that comes within its reach, and taking it on the
wing. Iris light yellow ; legs bright yellow.

24. Circus rantvorus (Daud.), South-African Harrier.
Eyes and legs light yellow. Very similar in their habits to

Milvus parasitus, but hunt more over one spot of ground, back-
wards and forwards, flying close to the ground, and frequently
hunting the same spot day after day; though their flight
appears laboured and heavy, they keep on the wing a great
length of time, seldom alighting except to take their prey, which
they devour on the ground, and which principally consists of
rats. They do not feed on carrion, like Milvus parasitus.

25. Ephialtes capbnsis (Smith). Cape Scops Owl.

Male. Eye large and bright yellow ; feet brownish yellow.

Rare here. The only one we have shot : the stomach contained
a few moths, but no signs of mice, or anything of that kind.

This Owl utters a shrill, melancholy, monotonous note, gene-
rally soon after sunset, and occasionally in the night.

26. Bubo maculosus (VieilL). Spotted Eared-Owl.

Rather rare and very shy. Roosts in trees. Iris yellow.

27. Athene woodfordi (Smith). Woodford^s Owl.

[Sent from Natal, but not by Mr. Ayres. — J. H. G.]

28. Strix capensis (Smith). Cape Yellow Owl.

Feeds on rats ; sleeps in the day-time on the ground, in the
grass. I have never seen them alight on trees. Eye black.

29. Caprimulgus infuscatus (Riipp.), Fuscous Goatsucker.
These birds roost only in trees, and when disturbed fly to

another tree, always perching lengthways on the branch. ^Vhen

from the colony of Natal in South-eastern Africa. 243

they feed during the night, they settle on the ground and watch
for insects as they pass. The stomach of one specimen sent was
filled with winged ants. The eye is large ; the iris dark brown.

30. Caprimulgus natalensis (Smith). Natal Goatsucker.

This species does not roost in trees, but always on the

ground amongst the grass, and when disturbed alights again in
the grass. They feed principally on beetles, which they swallow
whole. Iris dark brown.

31. Halcyon fuscicapilla (Lafr.). Brown-hooded King-
fisher.

[Sent from Natal, but not by Mr. Ayres. — J. H. G.]

32. Ceryle maxima (Pallas). Great African Kingfisher.

Eye nearly black ; bill black. These birds frequent the

rivers and lakes, and are not found far from the coast. They
feed entirely on fish, which they dart on from their perch on a
bough above. When flying, they make a loud chattering noise,
audible at a great distance. They generally roost at night at
the same pool and on the same pond for a length of time, wan-
dering away in the day-time and returning at night. I find in
some of them intestinal worms (somewhat similar to the Wire-
worm of England), which eat into their flesh and entrails, but do
not seem to injure the health of the bird.

[Dr. Hartlaub, in his admirable work on the birds of West
Africa, treats Ceryle maxima of Pallas and Ceryle gigantea of
Swainson as distinct species, but states that it is not without
some consideration^^ that he has adopted that opinion. Although
I feel much diffidence in expressing a dissent from Dr. Hart-
laub^s conclusion, I must state that such evidence as I have been
able to obtain appears to me to be adverse to the opinion of
these two supposed species being really distinct. And I am the
more disposed to think they are the same, because their alleged
distinctness rests much upon difierences of measurement, which,
it appears to me, must not be relied on too minutely. As an
example, I may mention that six specimens from Natal in the
present collection do not entirely agree in measurement either
with the dimensions assigned by Dr. Hartlaub to Ceryle maxima
or with those assigned to C. gigantea.

244 Mr. J. H. Gurney^s List of a Collection of Birds

Dr. Hartlaub^s measurements of the two supposed species are
as follows : —

C.maoeima: — Long. Rostr. 2'' 9'". Al. 7'' 3'". Gaud,

4" 5"'.

C. gigantea : — Long. 15^". Rostr. 3^' V". Al. 7" 10'". Gaud.

4V'.

The dimensions of six specimens sent to me from Natal are
as follows : —

No. 1.

S Adult

Long. tota.

... 17

Rostri.

Alae.

8

Caudfe.

4i

^•2

No. 2.

S Adult

... 15f

3-1

8

^2

No. 3.

^ Immature

... 16

3i

7f

41-

No. 4.

$ Adult

... m

8

4i

No. 6.

$ Immature

... 17

3

8

4|

No. 6.

2 Immature

... 16i

31

8

4|

The above particulars appear to me clearly to indicate that the
minute details of measurement in this Kingfisher are subject to
a good deal of individual variation, and ought not to be too
much relied on as grounds of specific distinction.

In this as in several other species of the genus Cey'yle, the
females are distinguished from the males by the greater amount
of rufous colouring on their lower surface. Mr. Ayres having
carefully noted the sex of his specimens, I am able to give the
following particulars of the colouring of the sexes in this species.
My remarks will be confined to the under side of the bird, the
upper parts being the same in both males and females.

6 Adult, Throat and chin white, bordered on the sides
with black and white mixed : chest rufous, also bordered on the
sides with black and white : abdomen white ; sides white, with
transverse bars of black : under tail-coverts white, spotted with
black, the spots in some specimens forming transverse bars :
feathers on the under side of the wing white.

2 Adult. Throat and chin as in adult S : chest slate-
coloured, varied by the feathers having black centres and being
also more or less barred with transverse white markings ; the
slate-colour and black predominating on the upper part of the
chest, and the white on the lower part adjoining the abdomen :
abdomen, sides, under tail-coverts, and feathers on the under
side of the wings uniform rich rufous.

from the colony of Natal in South-eastern Africa. 245

2 Immature. The same as the adult except that the
feathers on the upper part of the chest are edged with white,
tinged with rufous, and the dark portions of these feathers are
black and not partly slate- coloured as in the adult $ .

The lower part of the chest is a pure white without the dark
spots observable in the adult $ .

S Immature. The same as the immature $ , except that the
centre of the abdomen is white throughout its whole length,
forming a longitudinal white band, which is prolonged through
the under tail-coverts. The feathers on the under side of the
wing are also white, as in the adult 6 .

I may add that the figure given of this Kingfisher in Swain-
son^s ^ Birds of Western Africa^ (plate 11) represents an adult
male, and that in the ^ Planches Enluminees^ (plate 679) a male
in immature dress. In the plates to Dr. Beichenbach^s ^ Alce-
dinese,^ figure 3101 represents an immature female, 3102 an im-
mature male, 3103 an adult male (copied from Swainson), and
3486 an adult female. Dr. Beichenbach considers Ceryle maxima
and C. gigantea as true and distinct species, and so describes them
in the work to which I have referred. He gives the two first-
mentioned figures as representing C. maxima^ and the two last-
named as C. gigantea. — J. H. G.]

33. Ceryle rudis (Linn.). Black and White Kingfisher.

Eye black : feeds entirely on fish ; frequents the lakes and

rivers near the coast ; not found in the interior. This bird hovers
over the water before darting down, and if not successful flies
on further and hovers again ; having caught a fish, it flies to a
bough or post to swallow it.

34. Alcedo quadribrachys. Bp. Dark-blue Kingfisher.

Eye black : feeds entirely on fish ; frequents both the coast

and the interior; darts on its prey from a bough above the
water ; does not hover like Ceryle rudis.

35. CoRYTHORNis CRiSTATA (Linn.). Little Crested King-
fisher.

Eye black ; legs and bill brilliant red : frequents both the
coast and interior streams, and feeds on freshwater shrimps and
small fish, but principally the former ; also on beetles and

VOL. I. s

246 Mr. J. H. Gurney^s List of a Collection of Birds

insects ; darts from a bougli on its prey. Builds in holes in the
banks, merely forming a small round chamber at the end of the
hole.

36. IspiDiNA PiCTA (Bodd.). Painted Kingfisher.

These birds feed entirely on butterflies and insects caught on
the wing ; they frequent the dense bush, and are often seen along
the streams, but never catch fish.

37. OxYLOPHUS SERRATUS (Sparrm.). Edolio Cuckoo.

Eye nearly black ; tarsi slate-coloured. These birds feed on
caterpillars, ants, and other insects, in search of which they
hop about amongst the thick creepers, principally frequenting
small, low, isolated bushes. They are weak on the wing, and
do not take long flights, but are migratory, arriving in October
and leaving in March. The gizzard of this bird is most curious :
the inner skin is lined with hair like the hair of a young mouse,
and is quite separate from the flesh of the gizzard.

[It will be recollected that a similar appearance of the stomach
being lined with hair frequently occurs in specimens of Cuculus
canorus, and that these hairs were ascertained by the late Mr.
Thompson of Belfast to be those of the larvae of the Tiger Moth,
on which the Cuckoo frequently feeds. (See Proceedings of
the Zoological Society for 1834, page 29.) — J. H. G.]

38. Cuculus nigricans, Sw. African Black Cuckoo.

Eye very dark brown. This bird has a very loud, harsh
note, and is more shy than the generality of Cuckoos ; it is
active, remaining but a short time in the same spot ; it feeds on
caterpillars ; it visits this part of the country periodically, dis-
appearing during the winter months.

39. Cuculus gularis (Steph.). African Grey Cuckoo.

Eye brownish yellow ; legs light yellow ; very rare. Fre-
quents small bushes in the open country ; perches upright on a
bough, like a Hawk, and resembles the smaller Hawks in its
flight.

40. Chrysococcyx sMARAGDiNEus (Sw.). Emerald Cuckoo.

These splendid birds, though not by any means plentiful,

are easily obtained, in consequence of their loud call, which they

from the colony of Natal in South-eastern Africa. 247

make at short intervals. They will remain on the same tree,
and nearly the same hough, for hours together j they feed prin-
cipally on caterpillars, hut sometimes catch the winged females
of the white ant as they rise from the ground, darting upon
them similarly to the Flycatchers or Drongo Shrikes. It has a
swift dipping flight, similar to that of the Wagtails, and when
disturbed generally flies to a good distance. It frequents bushy
country near the coast.

41. Chrysococcyx auratus (Gm.). The Didric Cuckoo.

[Sent from Natal, but not by Mr. Ayres. — J. H. G.]

42. Chrysococcyx claasii (Cuv.). Klaas^s Cuckoo.

These birds are more active than C. smaragdineus, not re-
maining so long in the same place ; they also have the dipping
flight of the Wagtails, but do not call so frequently, and their
note is not so loud. They feed on caterpillars.

43. Indicator minor, Stephens. Least Honey-Guide.

Too well known to need description. Feeds principally on

caterpillars.

44. Centropus superciliosus (Riipp.). Eyebrowed Spur-
Cuckoo.

[Mr. Ayres has sent me two specimens, which appear both to
belong to this species. I add his remarks respecting each, pre-
mising that No. 1 appears to me to be an immature, and No. 2
an adult specimen. No. 1 is marked as $ by Mr. Ayres ; the sex
of No. 2 he has not marked. — J. H. G.]

No. ]. Eye light brown; legs bluish slate-colour. This
bird frequents the dense bush, and principally lives amongst
impenetrable creepers, where it hunts about in search of the
insects which it feeds upon; if disturbed, it flies but a short
distance.

No. 2. Eye splendid bright crimson ; bill black ; feet and legs
light slate-colour : is common here, and frequents marshy and
reedy places. I take it to be a distinct species from No. 1, the
colour of the eye differing so much ; but the note is precisely
similar — a loud, melancholy, cooing noise ; they call most in wet
weather ; they are fond of getting up into trees that are covered
with creeping plants, and sunning themselves; they generally

s 2

248 Mr. J. H. Gurney^s List of a Collection of Birds

fly on to the lower part, and gradually hop upwards till they gain
the top ; they can fly but a very short distance at a time, and are
easily caught if chased out into the open grass, though they lie
very close, and it requires a good dog to find them ; if disturbed,
they immediately fly to the thickest cover at hand, and commence
running like the Kails. They feed on grasshoppers, caterpillars,
and other insects.

45. Zanclostomus ^neus (Vieill.). Bronze Cuckoo.

The eye in this species is a beautiful dark red. It is rather
a rare bird, and frequents the dense bush, where it creeps about
like the Colies. Its habits resemble those of Centropus super-
ciliosus, but it is not so active. It feeds on locusts and large
grasshoppers.

46. Totanus glareola (Linn.). Wood Sandpiper.

[Sent from Natal, but not by Mr. Ayres. — J. H. G.]

47. Scopus umbretta (Gm.). Umbrette.

Eye very dark; legs black. Spread all over the country,
but not numerous, and always seen singly. They frequent the
streams of the interior, and the rivers and lakes near the coast :
they are not very shy.

48. Geronticus hagedash (Sparrm.). Caffer Ibis.

Mr. Ayres states that he is unacquainted with the habits of
this Ibi&.

49. CicoNiA LEUCOCEPHALA (Temm.). Violet Stork.

Eye dark brown ; bill black, red towards the tip ; legs black.
Frequents the bays and swamps along the coast (occasionally
coming inland). As the tide recedes, they wade into the water
after crabs and small shell-fish, of which (especially the first)
their food principally consists. They are gregarious, and not so
shy and cunning as most of the Waders ; the flesh is coarse, and
not good eating. The stomach of the specimen sent contained a
large quantity of the shells of small crabs, a few small shell-fish,
and a very few fish-bones.

50. Ardea ciNEREA (Linn.). Common British Heron.

[Sent from Natal, but not by Mr. Ayres. — J. H. G.]

i

■■ ■■

V ^ '

1^.

Ibis, i.669,

1

fi'om the colony of Natal in South-eastern Africa. 249

51. Herodias flavirostris (Temm.). African Yellow-billed
White Heron.

[Sent from Natal, but not by Mr. Ayres. — J. H. G.]

52. Ardetta minuta (Linn.). European Little Bittern.

Immature male. Eye bright yellow ; bill greenish-yellow, but

brown along the top ; legs dull green, but soles of the feet and
back of the legs light yellow. The only specimen seen : shot
in a small river about twelve miles from the coast : stomach con-
tained shrimps and small fish. This bird was hopping amongst
the reeds from one to the other about three feet from the surface
of the water with great celerity, occasionally stopping and
attempting to hide itself, not by hopping to the ground, but by
making itself appear as much as possible like an upright reed —
compressing its feathers, and stretching its neck to the utmost
with the bill quite perpendicular, so as to be scarcely distinguish-
able from the reed upon which it was sitting.

53. Rallus aquaticus (Linn.). European Water Bail.

[Sent from Nata], but not by Mr. Ayres. — J. H. G.]

CoRETHRTJRA RUFicoLLis (Gray). Jardiue’s Rail.

Frequents marshes and boggy places ; is very difficult to
put up, and only flies three or four yards ; it is easily caught
if the grass is not too long, and evidently cannot fly more than
a few yards at a time.

55. Parra africana (Gmel.). African Jacana.

[Sent from Natal, but not by Mr. Ayres. — J. H. G.]

Xfi- Porphyrio smaragnotis (Temm.). Green-backed Por-
phyrio.

[Sent from Natal, but not by Mr. Ayres. — J. H. G.]

Gallinula chloropus (Linn.). European Waterhen.

[Sent from Natal, but not by Mr. Ayres. — J. H. G.]

Gallinula PUMiLA *, Sclater. (PI. VII.) Natal Gallinule.

Mr. Ayres states that he is unacquainted with the habits of

* Mr. Gurney has sent me this Gallinule for examination. I can find
no described species which at all agrees with it, and am inclined to

250 Mr. J. H. Gurney^s List of a Collection of Birds

this Gallinule^ which he procured in Natal, but did not shoot
it himself.

59. PoDiCA PETERsii, Hartlaub. Peterses Finfoot.

Pare, and exceedingly shy. Frequents the rocky streams
of the interior of the country ; can scarcely rise from the water;
generally flies along the surface, aiding itself with its feet, which
are lobed ; when disturbed it hides under the banks, similarly
to the Moor-hen in England. The legs are bright red, and the
eye dark. Feeds on freshwater shrimps and small fish.

[This species, which is considerably larger than the P. senega-
lensis of West Africa, was described by Dr. Hartlaub in 1851,
under the name of Podica petersiij in honour of Professor Peters,
who first discovered it in Mozambique, and who subsequently
(in 1856) himself described it under the name of Podica mo-
sambica. It has also been designated by Lichtenstein, in the
Berlin Museum, Heliornis impipi {vide note on Podica senega-
lensis in Hartlaub^s ^ Ornithology of West Africa,^ p. 250).

During the breeding-season, the feathers on the crown of the
head, the nape of the neck, and the upper part of the back of
this bird, which are ordinarily of an olive-brown colour, show an
edging of bluish-black with a metallic lustre.

consider it new. It is a typical Gallinula of small size, whence I propose
to call it

Gallinula pumila, sp. nov.

Supra saturate umbrino-brunnea, cervice, uropygio laterali et alis externe
cinerascentibus : subtus albicanti-cinerea, gula pallidiore, albicante ;
pectore et ventris lateribus brunneo perfusis : cauda nigra, hujus
rectricibus extus brunnescente vix tinctis; caudae tectricibus inife-
rioribus, crissum nigrum circumdantibus, albis : hypochondriis cine-
rascenti-brunneis, plumis quibusdam albis ornatis : rostro flavo, cul-
mine brunnescente : scuto frontali trigono, verticem versus colore
coccineo terminate : pedibus pallide flavicanti-brunneis ; long, tota
9‘7, alae 5‘0, caudae 2*5, tarsi 1*5.

The frontal shield of this bird is terminated in two straight lines which
form the sides of an isosceles and nearly equilateral triangle, with a line
drawn across the culmen and joining the points where the feathering
terminates for its base. The edge of this shield next to the feathers
appears to have been bright crimson in the living bird. The long white
spots on the elongated feathers of the flanks, and black crissum surrounded
by the pure white subcaudals, are highly characteristic of the genus of
which it is a member. Mr. Wolf’s drawing (Plate VII.) will, I think,
render the species easily recognizable.

from the colony of Natal in South-eastern Africa. 251

The throat, sides of the neck, cheeks, and chin, which at other
seasons are white, then assume a dark lead-colour, which is sepa-
rated from the darker metallic tint on the back of the neck by a
narrow and somewhat irregular white line running backwards
from the eye down the whole length of the side of the neck. —
J. H. G.]

60. Nettapus madagascariensis (Gm.). Madagascar Dwarf-
Goose.

These birds are gregarious, frequenting the lakes and rivers
near the coast.

61. Anas spars a (Smith). White- spotted Duck. (Eyton,
Anatidse, p. 142 ; 111. S. Afr. Zool. pi. 97. Anas leucostigma,
Riippell, Syst. Ueb. tab. 48.)

Eye very dark brown. We seldom find more than two of
these birds together ; they frequent the rocky streams in the in-
terior of the country, and are by no means plentiful ; they are
exceedingly shy and wary. In the moulting- season we have shot
them so denuded of feathers that they could not fly a yard, and
depended for their safety on diving and hiding under the banks,
at which they are very expert, and it is difiicult to frighten them
from their hiding-place.

[The sexes in this Duck appear, from the skins sent by Mr.
Ayres, to be similar in plumage ; but the male bird considerably
exceeds the female in size. — J. H. G.]

62. PcECiLONETTA ERYTHRORHYNCHA (Gm.). Crimson-billcd
Duck.

[Sent from Natal, but not by Mr. Ayres. — J. H. G.]

63. Dendrocygna viduata (Linn.). White-masked Duck.

Gregarious, frequenting the lakes and rivers near the coast.

[It is well known that this Duck is found in the north-
eastern parts of South America, as well as in Africa. Specimens
from the two continents appear to me, on examination, to be
identical. — J. H. G.]

64. Plotus LEVAiLLANTii (Temm.). Le VaillanPs Darter.

[Sent from Natal, but not by Mr. Ayres. — J. H. G.]

252

Messrs. A. and E. Newton^s Observations

XXV. — Observations on the Birds of St. Croix y West Indies,
made, between February 20th and August 0th 1857 by Alfred
NewtoNj and, between March 4ith and September 2^th 1858
by Edward Newton. (Part III.)

[Continued from page 150.]

t 25. Grey Pigeon. Columba corensis, Gmel. C.pw'tori-
censisy Temm., Pig. pi. 15; d^Orb. Voy. de File de Cuba^ Ois.
pi. 27. C. monticohy Yieill. C. imbricata, Wagl. Blue Pigeon.”

This fine bird is commonly said to be a visitor from Porto
Bico, and not to breed in the island; but we are inclined to think
it occasionally does so. It is not very abundant^ and is generally
seen in small flocks of six or seven. It appears to feed sometimes
on the blossom of the Mountain-cabbage, and chiefly frequents
the hills in the north of the island, but now and then may be
observed in the extensive tract of bush-land on the south side.
Its flight is very like that of our Wood Pigeon (C. palumbus, L.).
The bill is bright lake, yellowish- white at the tip of both man-
dibles. The skin round the eye nearly bare and of a dull red,
with a little fine yellow bloom upon it. The iris is double, the
inner ring scarlet, the outer and narrower one golden-yellow,
legs and feet lake, claws dark horn-colour.

“The manager of the Great Fountain Estate told me that
many years ago he had a young ^ Blue Pigeon ^ brought to him
alive from the nest. It lived with him a long time, and became
exceedingly familiar, but of course, like all pets, came to an un-
happy end.” — A. N.

“ On April 29th, 1858, I observed some boys looking up into
a Thibet-tree not a hundred yards from the shore, close to the
town of Frederiksted; and going to the spot, found they were
watching a bird of this species which one of them said he had seen
fly in from the sea that morning. The bird was evidently much
tired, and remained for two hours in the same place, when, risking
the displeasure of the Danish authorities, I shot it. It proved
to be a male, and, though in good condition, had nothing in its
crop but a few leaves of the Thibet Tree, which it had probably
plucked off as it sat. I continued to see this species up to the
time of my departure from the island.” — E. N.

253

on the Birds of St. Croix.

26. White-crowned Pigeon. Patagioenas leucocephalus,
Reichenb. Icon. pis. 223, 255. Columba leucocephala, L. ; Bp. Am.
Orn. pi. 15. fig. 1 ; And. pi. 177. White-head Bald-pate.^^

Inhabits the same localities as the last species, but is not so
common. It is also said of this bird that it migrates from
Porto Rico, though it does undoubtedly breed in the island ; as
we have a specimen of a young one, shot July 28th, 1858, which
could not have left the nest many days.

An example of this species which had been originally captured
in an out-house, where it was supposed it had taken refuge from
some bird of prey, lived for two or three years in the possession
of our friend Dr. Carden of St. Croix, who kindly permitted
us to present it to the Zoological Society of London, in whose
gardens it was safely deposited last October, and where it is still
thriving.

1 27. Zenaida Dove. Zenaida amahilis, Bp., Am. Orn. pi. 15.
fig. 2. Columha zenaiday Aud. pi. 162. Mountain Dove.^^

This handsome bird is very common, and, besides affording
very pretty shooting, has the additional advantage of being
excellent eating. Though it is numerous on the hills, as its
local name would lead one to expect, it is likewise plentiful in
any part sufficiently overgrown with bush. It does not appear
to us to be so very terrestrial in its habits as is stated by some
writers ; nor have we particularly marked the “ peculiar whistling
of the wings mentioned by Mr. Gosse (B. Jam. p. 308) and
others. Its flight is remarkably rapid. It breeds from April
to the end of July, and builds an ordinary-looking Pigeon^s nest
— a mere platform of twigs, in a bush or tree at any height from
a few feet to twenty. It lays two eggs, which, in this island at
least, are perfectly white, and not of a drab hue,^^ as stated by
Mr. Gosse {Ih. p. 310). The young birds are often taken from
the nest and brought up without much difficulty. The cooing
of this Dove much resembles the noise made by sounding a
conch- shell.

t 28. White-fronted Ground-Dove. Chamcepeliatrochila,
Bp. Consp. Av. ii. p. 77. Ground-Dove.^^

Very common everywhere. It is seen perpetually running

254 Messrs. A. and E. Newton^s Observations

about on the roads, rather like a Starling (Sturnus) both in its
habit of taking short flights and quick manner of picking up
things from the ground as it goes. It breeds in various situa-
tions, sometimes on the ground amongst the Guinea-grass, at
others in a low bush, or even on the Sugar-canes, and occasion-
ally tolerably high up on a Manchioneel, in which case it often
selects a tuft of Old-man^ s-beard (Tillandsia) as a foundation
for its nest, which is a more compact structure than that built
by most Doves.

On April 6th, 1857, as I was riding, I started a Ground-
Dove from its nest on a Manchioneel- tree that had been cut
off about flve feet from the ground. The stump was about a
hand^s breadth in diameter; and the middle of it having rotted
away, a sort of cup was formed by the upstanding bark, just of
a convenient size to hold the nest, which consisted merely of a
few bits of dried grass. The whole affair reminded me very
much of a nest of a Mealy Redpoll [^giothus Unarm (L.) ;
Fringilla borealis ^ Temm.) which I once saw in Norway.

The brighter colours of this little Dove distinguish it even on
the wing from its northern ally, the Ground-Dove of the United
States, C, passer ina (Sw.).^^ — A. N.

In this bird the bill is pinkish-brown, darkest at the tip.
The iris consists of four rings : the outer one, which is narrow, is
black ; the second about three times as broad and lake-pink ; the
third, a mere line, black ; and the fourth and inside one, gold.
The feet are flesh-colour, the claws dark.

We have specimens of this species from Jamaica, in every
respect identical with those from St. Croix and St. Thomas.

We wish to record our obligations to Mr. George Gray, of the
British Museum, for his kind assistance on many points, but
most especially in determining the Columbidce here mentioned.

t 29. Virginian Quail. Ortyx virginianus. Bp.; Wils.pl. 47;
And. pi. 76 ; Yarr. B. B. ii. p. 348 (fig.). ‘^Quail.^^

Introduced into the island some fifty years ago, or more, by
one of the Governors, and now very common in almost every
part of it, but especially abundant in the grass-lands of the
south-west, where the loud call- note of the cock may nearly
always be heard. We have several times seen birds of this

255

on the Birds of St. Croix.

species fly up and perch upon trees ; twice this happened on
their being sprung by a dog. They breed from the end of
April to the middle of July, and often lay a dozen or fifteen
eggs. The nest does not appear to us to be ever covered over
as described by some writers, and consists merely of a shallow
hole scraped in the ground, in which is deposited a little dried
grass or trash — the leaves of the Sugar-cane, — but it is cer-
tainly often placed to leeward of a protecting cane ^^stooP^*.

30. Virginian Plover. Charadrius virginicus, Bechst. (7.
pluvialiSy Wils. pi. 57. fig. 4, and pi. 59. fig. 5. C. marmoratus,
Wagl. ; Aud. pi. 300. Plover.^^

An autumnal migrant, appearing often in large numbers.
They are usually seen after a gale of wind from the South or
South-West ; and hence arises the belief prevalent in the island,
that these birds, and indeed all the Waders, come from the
Spanish main ; but the unquestionable explanation of the fact is
that the birds are arrested in their southward migration by the
wind, and are therefore compelled to defer journeying further
until the weather has changed; or else that, having partly
crossed the Caribbean Sea, they are driven North again.

The arrival of this bird is hailed with delight by St. Croix
sportsmen of all classes and colours : every one who possesses a
gun sallies forth to the ^ pastures ^ on the south side of the
island, which are grassy plains, and in wet weather in the con-
dition which an East- Anglian fen-man would call ^ splashy.^ Here
are seen people in all directions, — those who are armed standing
behind, or, if it is raining, sitting in their carriages, while the
unarmed are scattered on every side ; and all are employed in
keeping a good look-out. Presently some one calls out, ^ Mark ! ^
and a long line of these Plovers are seen flying up from the
sea, ignorant of the fate which awaits them. They do not appear
in the least shy — their habits in this respect differing very much

* All the attempts which have been made to naturalize this bird in the
United Kingdom seem to have completely failed ; and, in our opinion, its
name should be erased from the British and European lists. As far as
concerns the Eastern Counties of England, often mentioned as the district
colonized by it, we can state pretty positively that it is not now found in
them.

256

Messrs. A. and E. Newton^s Observations

from those of our own Golden Plover {C. pluvialis, L.) in England,
and probably from their own at other times when not wind-bound
and wearied — ^but run the gauntlet of the carriages, only twisting
from one to get shot at from another, and often, after flying
round once or twice, pitching within a short distance*. In 1858,
I heard of their first occurrence on August 31st.

^^It is rather a curious fact, that I did not see a single Plover
that had not more or less trace of the black breast of the breeding-
plumage remaining ; and I saw some hundreds ; it would seem
therefore that the young birds must take a difierent line in their
migration from their parents. The bird with the black breast
is always called simply the ^ Plover,^ and is spoken of in the
island as distinct from the ^ Golden Plover/ This latter I did
not meet with ; but in my opinion it is most likely the young of
the present species, keeping in separate flocks and migrating at
a different time, — a habit possessed by birds of passage, first
noticed, I believe, by M. Temminckf.^^ — E. N.

31. Turnstone. Strepsilas interpres, Illig. ; Wils. pi. 57.
fig. 1 j Aud. pi. 304; Gould, B. Eur. pi. 318; Yarr. B. B. ii.
p. 433 (fig.)-

“ I saw a company of five or six of this thoroughly cosmopo-
litan species in the beginning of April, 1857, on the south
shore of the island.^^ — A. N.

I shot two Turnstones from a flock of three on the sea-
shore, Sept. 8th, 1858. One was a young, the other an old
bird.^^— E. N.

32. Sanderling. Calidris arenaria^ Cuv. ; Wils. pi. 59.
fig. 4, and pi. 63. fig. 3 ; Aud. pi. 338 ; Gould, B. Eur. pi. 335 ;
Yarr. B. B. ii. p. 427 (fig.).

I killed a female bird Sept. 13th, 1858.^^ — E. N.

Examples of this species from the New World seem to be
constantly larger than those from the Old.

* ‘‘ So much of the above is identical in opinion, if not in language, with
the expressions made use of by Mr. Hurdis, in his ornithological notes con-
tributed to Mr. J. M. Jones’s excellent little book ^The Naturalist in
Bermuda’ (pp. 71 et seq.), that I feel it necessary to mention that this
paper was written before I had seen that work.” — E. N.

t Manuel d’Ornithologie, 3me partie, Intr., p. xliii., note.

257

on the Birds of St. Croix.

33. Spotted Sandpiper. Tringoides maculariuSy Gray ; Wils.
pi. 59. fig. 1 ; Aud. pi. 310 ; Gould, B. Eur. pi. 317; Yarr. B.
B. ii. p. 544 (fig.).

This occasional straggler to England is tolerably common in
St. Croix, and probably remains there throughout the winter.

In 1858, it was absent, according to my observation, from
April 27th to July 27th.^^ — E. N.

34. Yellow-shanked Sandpiper. Gamhetta fiavipes, Bp.
Totanus flavipes, Wils. pi. 58. fig. 4 ; Aud. pi. 228 ; Yarr. B. B.
3rd ed. ii. p. 637 (fig.). Yellow-legs.^^

This recent addition to the British list occurs, but not plenti-
fully, in spring and autumn, and probably does not remain in
the island the winter through.

‘‘1 obtained a specimen July 26th, 1857.^^ — A. N.

I saw it first on August 3rd, 1858.^^ — E. N.

35. Solitary Sandpiper. Rhyacophilus solitarius. Bp.
Tringa solitaria, Wils. pi. 58. fig. 3. Totanus chloropygius,
Vieill. ; Aud. pi. 289. T. glareola, Ord.

This, the representative in the New World of our Wood
Sandpiper (i?. glareola, Kaup), which it closely resembles in
osteological characters and general appearance, has perhaps
more the habits and note of the Green Sandpiper {Helodromas
ochropus, Kaup). In St. Croix it is pretty common, and arrives
about the same time as the Yellow-legs.

I obtained a specimen July 26th, 1857.^^ — A. N.

I saw it first on August 5th, 1858.^^— *E. N.

36. [?] (?) Godwit. Limosa (?). Curlew.^^

We suppose a brown-plumaged Wader described to us as

sometimes occurring in autumn, with an «/j9turned bill, but
called a Curlew,^^ to be one of the American Godwits, though
which species we are unable to state.

37. Semipalmated Sandpiper. Ereunetes petrificatuSj 111.
Tringa semipalmata, Wils. pi. 63. fig. 4 ; Aud. pi. 408.

Grass Bird.^^

258

Messrs. A. and E. Newton^s Observations

Occurs in autumn, and frequents the pastures, in flocks of
from ten to twenty.

In 1858, first seen on August 14th.^^ — E. N.

38. WiLSON^s Stint. Actodromas wilsonii (Nutt.). Tringa
pusilltty Wils. pi. 37. fig. 4; Aud. pi. 320; Yarr. B. B. 3rd ed. i.
pref. p. vi. Grass Bird.^^

This, like the species last mentioned, occurs in autumn,
frequenting the sea-shore as well as the pastures but more
than two are seldom seen together.

"I saw this species first on August 19th, 1858.^^ — E. N.

39. Pectoral Sandpiper. Tringa maculatay Vieill. T.
pectoralisy Bp. Am. Orn. pi. 23; Aud. pi. 294; Gould, B. Eur.
pi. 327 ; Yarr. B. B. ii. p. 654 (fig.).

I met with this bird occasionally after September 14th,
1858, and obtained some examples ; but I never saw more than
two in company.^^ — E. N.

Specimens of this species differ remarkably in size, as is pro-
bably the case with many of the Tringince ; and it is possible
that in the present instance it may be found that these differ-
ences in size are accompanied by a constant variation in plumage,
and perhaps also in nesting-locality, so as to form races which
should be always carefully distinguished from one another, as is
the case with the larger and smaller Dunlins of Europe (Tl aU
pina, L., and T. schinzii, Brehm \nec Bonap., Gould, and Yarr.];
T. cinclus minor y Schl.) and the Dunlin of America {T. americanay
Cass.).

40. [?] WiLSON^s Snipe. Gallinago wilsoniiyl^^. Scolopax
gallinagoy Wils. pi. 47. fig. 1; Aud. pi. 243. S.brehmiiy auct. [?].

Appears, by all accounts, to occur in the fall of the year, but
very irregularly, and in no great numbers.

I saw what 1 have little doubt was a bird of this species.
Sept. 24th, 1858.^^— E. N.

41. Black-necked Stilt. Himantopus nigricollisy Vieill. ;
Aud. pi. 328 ; Gosse, 111. B. Jam. pi. 108. Recurvirostra himan-
topuSy Wils. pi. 58. fig. 2. “Bastard Flamingo.^^

259

on the Birds of St. Croix.

Though most of the inhabitants know this bird by name, yet
very few have seen it alive or dead. It is certainly not common
in the island, but is probably a regular visitant, even if not a
permanent resident.

On my arrival in St. Croix in 1857, there was given to me
the skin of a bird of this species, which had been shot, some
years previously, on the borders of the large putrid pond on the
south side of the island, called Krausse^s Lagoon. It was re-
garded as a very great curiosity, and justly so, since it was then
probably the only bird-skin that had ever been prepared in
St. Croix.’^ — A. N.

This species only came under my observation on a few oc-
casions, and always at the name locality, namely, Krausse^s
Lagoon. This lagoon is surrounded by a dense girdle of Man-
groves, and clumps of the same trees stand out in the midst of
the water, some of them forming islands (if islands they can be
called where there is no terra firma^ but only the network
of their arching roots to afford a landing-place), or belts sub-
dividing the lagoon into ponds of various sizes and shapes. The
water is seldom more than two feet deep, in some places not two
inches, so that every slight change, even of half a point, in the
^ Trade ^ alters the relative extent of mud and lake. Excepting
the Mangroves, the shores of the lagoon may be said to be
almost destitute of vegetation : there are no tall rushes, no bam-
boos, no long reeds or grass ; the Mangrove alone, but most
luxuriantly, grows out of the mud. When embarked on the
waters of this pool, so delightful to the eye, one^s sense of
smell is assailed by the most pungent odours, recalling remi-
niscences of blowing eggs once fondly cherished but long since
deserted by their rightful owners. They increase as every step
taken by the naked negro who is pushing along the flat-bot-
tomed ^ bateau ^ stirs up the mud, and serve to excuse, if they
do not require, the use of the strongest tobacco, to enable one
to hold up one^s head. Even the keenest sportsman or the
most ardent ornithologist is almost prostrated by the horrible
stench of sulphuretted hydrogen. But at length, on emerging
from an opening in one of the innumerable belts of trees which
intersect the lagoon, one^s attention is attracted by three or four

260 Messrs. A. and E. Newton^s Observations

birds wading mid-leg in the shallow water ; and though seen for
the first time, one knows them at a glance to be Stilts : they are
quite regardless .of the approach of the boat, but walk about
slowly, sometimes picking up insects from the surface, at others
dipping their bills below it, and then stopping with their heads
on one side, as if listening or looking intently into the water.
Three or four times did it happen to me thus to see this species ;
and I regret that the unsavoury nature of the locality, and my
desire to obtain specimens of this singular bird, prevented my
observing more of its habits.^^ — E. N.

The iris in this bird is very narrow, but of a fine red \ the bill
is black ; the legs bright red. To judge by the breast-bones of
the two, the American is smaller than the European Stilt {H.
Candidas j Bonn.).

[?] American Coot. Fulica americana^ Gm. ; Aud. pi.
239. F. atraj Wils. pi. 73. fig. 1.

“ I saw what was doubtless this bird on more than one occa-
sion, though I never procured a specimen. — A. N.

American Water-hen. Gallinula galeata, Bp. pi. 27.
fig. 1. G. chhropuSj Aud. pi. 244. Water-fowl.

Common and resident. Its note is very difierent from that
of our European species (G. chloropuSj L.), which it so closely
resembles in appearance ; but otherwise the habits of the two
birds seem to be identically the same, and their eggs are not to
be distinguished from each other. It breeds in April.

44. Carolina Rail. Porzana Carolina (L.) ; Edwards, B. iii.
pi. 144; Wils. pi. 48. fig. I; Aud. pi. 233.

A female was brought to me alive April 24th, 1858, — the
only occurrence of the species that came to our notice.^^ — E. N.

45. Clapper Rail. Rallus longirostris, Bodd. (1784), PI.

Enl. no. 849. J?. crepitans y Gmel. (1788) ; Wils. {descr., non

tab.) y Aud. pi. 204; Cassin in Baird^s Rep. B. Pac. R. R.
Survey, p. 747.

There seems to be little or no doubt (as first, we believe, sug-
gested by Mr. Cassin, loc. cit.) of the identity of the Rallus
crepitans of Gmelin with the Rale a long bee of the ^ Planches En-

261

on the Birds of St. Croix.

lumindes f and we have accordingly considered the two names
as equivalents. This bird is very local in St. Croix, only fre-
quenting, as far as we know, the large Lagoon on the south
side of the island, before mentioned; but it is there pretty
numerous, and breeds.

This species is very noisy, especially in the evening ; and
when a gun is fired in their haunts, they may be heard on every
side. They are very shy, and not easily shot, as, on approach-
ing, they are seen running across the shallow water or hopping
from root to root of the Mangroves, looking like so many rats,
to take refuge among the thickest of the bushes, not even showing
themselves again as long as danger is apparent. The only adult
specimen I obtained was shot by Mr. 0. Salvin, July 21st, 1858,
when I visited the lagoon with him. As we walked up to the spot,
I saw two of these birds on a muddy flat some way from the water ;
but before I could put the caps on my gun, they both disappeared
in the bushes, leaving behind them, however, a young one which
could not have been long hatched. This I immediately caught ;
and remaining perfectly still for ten minutes or so, one of the old
birds reappeared, to fall a victim to its maternal anxiety. The iris
of this example was reddish hazel ; the upper part of the upper
mandible and tip of the lower brown, the base of both reddish ;
the legs liver-colour, redder on the front of the tibiae, the claws
umber. Its stomach contained a portion of a crab, and a few
shells. The young bird was completely clothed in black down
with a greenish gloss ; the bill with the under mandible and
distal half of the upper, as well as an elongated patch over each
nostril, bright scarlet; the rest livid black.^^ — E, N.

t 46. Green Heron. Butorides virescens. Bp. Ardea vi~
rescens, L. ; Wils. pi. 61. fig. 1 ; Aud. pi. 333. Herodias vi-
rescens, Bp. {olim). Green Gaulin.^^

This pretty little Heron is very common, and, as before men-
tioned, is one of the birds especially tyrannized over by the
Chicheree (Tyrannus dominicensiSf Bp.). Of a mild and inoffen-
sive disposition, it merely protests against the system of bullying
to which it is subjected, by a few loud and hoarse croaks, and,
after evading one or two of its enemy^s stoops, drops helplessly
into the nearest covert, which is often so dense that one wonders

VOL. I.

262 Messrs. A. and E. Newton^s Observatiom

how it will ever again get out. Even the common Humming
Bird of the island {Eulampis chlorol(BmuSf Gould) will often give
chase to it, and cause it to change the direction of its flight. It
breeds from March to July, having certainly two broods in the
year. The nest is usually placed in a tall tree, most generally a
Tamarind, and often near houses ; for the bird seems not only
fond of the society of its fellows, but also to afiect rather that of
men. When on the wing, and seen from above, the back of
this species appears almost of a sky-blue, which colour contrasts
most agreeably with the golden-yellow of its outstretched legs.
An adult female, shot April 18th, 1857, had the upper mandible
and upper half of the lower mandible dark grey, the lower half
yellowish horn-colour ; the upper part of the lore bright king-’s-
yellow, the lower part of it and the orbits greenish yellow; the
iris bright yellow, deepening outwardly into red; the legs and
toes yellowish green, soles and interdigital membranes bright
yellow-ochre. Its stomach contained five lizards {Anolisj sp. ?),
one of them of a good size, one large cricket, besides a mass of
elytra and other remains of beetles. The young in the down are
black. The eggs, three or four in number, are of the beautiful
sea-green common to most birds of this family, but paler than
the average.

Mr. G. B. Gray has kindly afforded us the opportunity of
comparing our specimens with those in the British Museum
from various localities in North America and the West Indies.
There appears to be a pretty constant distinction between them,
southern examples being decidedly smaller in size and of a
more bluish hue than those from the north ; but we cannot say
that this distinction amounts to a specific difference. Dr. Gund-
lach has described (Lembeye, ^ Aves de la isla de Cuba,^ tab. xii.
p. 84) a Butorides under the name of Ardea hrunnescens, from
Cuba, which Dr. Cabanis considers (Journ. f. Orn. iv. p. 344) to
be specifically distinct from the North American bird ; and this
may be the ordinary West Indian form. We have deposited ex-
amples from St. Croix in the National Collection.

47. Yellow-crowned Night Heron, Nyctherodias vio-
laceus, Reichenb. Ardea violacea, Linn. ; Wils. pi. 65. fig. 1 ;

263

on the Birds of St. Croix.

Aud. pi. 336. A. jamaicensis, and A. cayanensisj Gmel. [nec
Selby). “Grey Gaulin.^^

Not very common, and generally inhabiting the Mangrove
swamps, though leaving them to feed in the interior of the
island. Towards evening one may often see this species soar-
ing at a vast height. It breeds, we are inclined to believe, in
St. Croix ; but we never obtained its eggs.

“An adult male, shot July 25th, 1857, had the bill black,
pale yellow about the base ; iris and orbit bright golden-yellow ;
legs and feet bright king^s-yellow, the larger scutellations deep
brown. The stomach of this example, which was killed about
three o'clock in the afternoon, was quite empty." — A. N.

This species when immature may be easily recognized from
the common American Night Heron {Nyctiardea gardenii, Baird),
which is found in Jamaica and some of the other West Indian
islands, by its much stouter bill, the more rufous colouring of
the upper parts, especially the crown of the head, and the almost
entire absence of the light-coloured triangular spots which tip
each feather of the back and shoulders *.

48. [?] — (?) Egret. Egretta if) — (?). “White Heron."

White Herons are said to have been seen not unfrequently in

St. Croix ; but we are unable to say whether more than one
species occurs, or to suggest which it may be. .

“ I saw a white Heron about the size of the species last
noticed, at Krausse's Lagoon, August 14th, 1858." — E. N.

49. [?] Great Blue Heron. Ardea herodias, L. ; Wils.
pi. 65. fig. 2; Aud. pi. 211. “Heron."

“In March and April, and again in August, 1857, I occa-
sionally saw an example or so of what must, from its size, have
been this species, though I never procured a specimen." — A. N.

“ This bird may possibly breed in the island, as I observed

* A bird shot at Great Yarmouth, in May 1824, being considered to
belong to this species (Youell, in Linn. Trans, xiv. p. 688), the ‘‘ Cayenne
Night Heron ” has accordingly been inserted in the British list by Mr.
Selby (Brit. Om. ii. p. 43) and some other authors; but this specimen
still exists in the collection of Mr. J. H. Gurney, and the opinion of that
gentleman and Mr. W.R. Fisher on the point may be seen in their admirable
“ Account of Birds found in Norfolk ” (‘ Zoologist,’ 1846, p. 1322).

T 2

264

Mr. W. H. Simpson^s Nan'ative

one June 10th, 1858. It is a very wary species, taking alarm
at almost any sound ; and though after a short and heavy flight
settling down again just at the distance which gives one hope of
a successful stalk, it is only with the intention of repeating the
operation.^^ — E. N.

[To be continued.]

XXVI. — Narrative of the discovery of some Nests of the Black

Woodpecker (Picus martins) in Sweden. By W. H. Simpson,

M.A.

The forests of Sweden seem to be the head-quarters of the
European Woodpeckers. No less than eight species are enu-
merated as occurring in that country ; viz. Picm martins, P.
viridis, P. canus, P. leuconotus, P. major j P. medius, P. minor.
and P. tridactylus.

In the districts south of the Great Lakes, especially towards
the Baltic, the forests, though not so extensive as in the Central
and Northern parts of the Peninsula, still cover vast areas of
the level surfaces, the remainder being largely occupied by lakes
and morasses. Cultivation has not made much progress here,
and, as the sale of timber is most profitable to the proprietors,
few but the woodcutter ever invade these regions. In the vici-
nity of settlements, or wherever there is facility of carriage, the
trees are of second growth, and stand in blocks of various ages,
divided by lanes often of great length and regularity. There
are, however, districts little touched by the axe, which are more
exclusively delivered over to the birds of the air and the beasts
of the field ; here the Wolf and the Glutton, not to mention
Foxes in abundance, still dwell in snug lairs amongst the huge
granite boulders that are matted over with a covering of heather,
cranberry, and similar plants; — quiet gloomy spots, seldom
reached by the sun, where the fir and the pine, the beech and
black poplar of all ages and sizes are mingled in rank confusion.
The mouldering remnants of past generations of trees lie pro-
strate on the ground, or lean for support against their more vigor-
ous neighbours, thus forming a tangled mass by no means easy
for man to penetrate, though much beloved by many of the

of the discovery of some Nests of the Black Woodpecker. 265

Woodpeckers. Picus viridis is not to be found in such a locality ;
the old oaks in the open parts are more suited to his taste,
where he may be seen in company with the Roller and the
Hoopoe, the Jackdaw and Starling, the Creeper and Nuthatch.
But for P. martins and P. major ^ such a place as I have attempted
to describe is admirably adapted, both on account of the abun-
dance of soft and decaying timber, and likewise because there is
little fear of molestation from mankind, in most countries the
worst enemies of birds. No other of the five remaining Scan-
dinavian Woodpeckers fell under my observation in the South
of Sweden, though in a country so well suited for the Picidce it
is to be expected that most of them occur, with the exception,
perhaps, of P. tridactylus, which is a more northern species.

Towards the latter end of May, 1856, I happened to be stay-
ing with a Dane, the overlooker of a large forest belonging to

Count L , having been introduced to him by my companion,

who was likewise a Dane. When he heard that I had come all
the way from England to find the Bo’^ of the Spilkraka* (P.
martins), he sent for his chief woodman to inquire what chance
there was of getting one. The woodman said that he had fre-
quently seen birds throughout the spring, and had in former
years even noticed their Bo,^’ but that it was generally so high
that nobody could get at it; that this year a pair of birds were
known to frequent the edge of a clearing about four miles di-
stant, and that if we would accompany him early next morning
we might possibly discover the object of our search. This was
cheering intelligence, and caused us to make an early start.
Our way lay chiefiy through a monotonous wood of spruce firs,
very uninteresting in appearance, and apparently destitute of
any species of bird, so much so that my heart misgave me as to
the success of our undertaking. But on crossing the clearing
(a square of about 1000 yards), a Spilkraka was seen to slip
quietly away from the upper part of a tall spruce to which he

* I am informed by Mr. Alfred Newton that ‘ Spil-kraJca * means Spill-
or Chip-Crow. ‘ Spill ’ is now hardly used in English except for a
piece of paper or other substance employed for lighting candles. Mr.
Newton doubts whether ‘ spill ’ is any longer in use in Swedish as a sub-
stantive, but states that the verb ^ spillr a,’’ to splinter, is of common
occurrence. — Ed.

266 Mr. W. H, Simpson^s Narrative

had been clinging, and to fly towards the far corner of the
square, where he uttered a single warning cry and disappeared.
It took us a very short time to cross the remaining space in the
direction he had gone, and it became speedily manifest that one
object of our journey was attained. We had found the Bo^^
without any difficulty on the skirts of the clearing, where the
ground was depressed somewhat below the general level ; and
not far from the edge of a marsh there stood the remains of an
ancient birch some 30 feet in height, and slightly overhanging to-
wards the opening. Near the top on our side was a fresh hole ; but
what was more to the purpose, from out of that hole there peered
the unmistakeable head and bill of P. martins gazing at the party
without evincing much alarm. My first care was to prevent my
companion from blowing to pieces, at the trifling distance of ten
yards, that head so temptingly displayed before the muzzle of
his gun. This point gained, a tap from the woodman^s axe
caused the bird to retreat ; when we commenced operations,
pending which the old ones remained in the vicinity. Some-
times they would come within gunshot, and then, as if alarmed
at their own audacity, swing round to the other side of the tree
to which they might be clinging, poking so much of the head
forwards as to enable them to see what was going on. In this
position they would beat a rapid and angry tattoo upon the trees,
and occasionally utter, in addition to their ordinary cry, one of
the most peculiar notes I ever heard from any European bird,
and which more resembles the sharp and momentary ring of a
shrill-toned bell than any other sound with which lam acquainted.
We heard this note subsequently whilst operating upon another
nest j but it appears not to be uttered except under great excite-
ment, and then, perhaps, only by the female. The entrance-
hole was within two feet of the top of the tree, which was easily
ascended, the bark being very coarse. On examining it I found
the edges much rougher than those of holes made by P. viridis,
the sides sloping slightly upwards towards the interior. In shape
it was elliptical, the horizontal being perhaps a fourth larger
than the perpendicular diameter. The roof of the cavity was
quite honeycombed by the strokes of the bird^s bill ; and this
peculiarity was noticed in the two nests subsequently discovered.

of the discovery of some Nests of the Black Woodpecker. 267

The depth of the cavity below the entrance-hole was rather less than
two feet, which was quite sufficient to prevent my ascertaining what
lay at the bottom, though there was no difficulty in introducing
the hand as far as the upper part of the cavity. An alarm that
the old stump was giving way with my weight brought me very
speedily to the ground. The woodman meanwhile cut down a
young spruce, and had it reared up against the ancient birch to
prevent the anticipated catastrophe. He then went up himself
and laid open the nest — being able to do so with his hands alone,
so far as to introduce the whole of his arm into the cavity. To
my intense delight he proclaimed that there were eggs at the
bottom. I immediately ascended, in order to see them in situ ; but
that was impossible without further enlarging the hole, for which
my fingers were not strong enough. The party below in the
interval had rigged up a long pole with a cap attached to the
end of it, into which I deposited the eggs, and then slipped
down in time to receive them once more into my hands. They
were five in number, one much fresher than the others, which
were partially incubated ; though on blowing them, it was found
that no feathers had been formed. In their smooth ivory tex-
ture these eggs very much resemble the well-known eggs of
Ficus viridis. The fresher one was of a glossy white, and suffi-
ciently transparent to show the colour of the yolk ; the others
were slightly wood-stained, and presented a duller appearance,
owing to their having been incubated. When blown, this differ-
ence is removed ; but the wood- stains of course remain, and
somewhat detract from their beauty. In shape they resemble
eggs of P, viridis, and are not so much larger as I expected
would be the case.

The hole was of this yearns making. However, the bird is not
in the habit of always making a fresh hole, as I afterwards found
out. Of the three inhabited nests discovered, two were new
and one old. Our woodman had a theory that the Spilkraka
occupies its Bo during two successive years if not disturbed,
and he thought that this identical pair were a young couple that
had just set up for themselves. Chips, some of them half an
inch in length, lay plentifully at the foot of the tree, giving the
ground the appearance of the floor of a carpenter^s workshop. I

268

Mr. W. H. Simpson^s Narrative

was engaged in securing some of these as specimens of the
Spilkraka^s workmanship, when a loud trumpeting sound was
heard in the distance, announcing that a fresh excitement was in
store for us. This was caused by a pair of Cranes, who presently
came within sight, flying low across the opening, and right down
upon our position. All our party crouched; and my companion was
in great hopes of bagging the brace, which he would have done
but for a slight noise that caused the birds to swerve towards
the left, where they disappeared in the direction of the marsh.
We were following the line they had taken, but had not gone a
hundred yards from the birch-tree, when the male Black Wood-
pecker in his anxiety to see what had happened flew upon it,
and, after making two or three spirals round the trunk, slipped
into the hole. Unluckily for him he came out again, and clung
to the broken edge, in which position my companion, to my in-
tense annoyance, fired at and brought him down. However, as
there was no help for it, I took the bird and had it skinned. We
continued to follow the line of the Cranes until we arrived at the
edge of the marsh, but nobody was willing to accompany me
further, and I thought it unadvisable to proceed alone, as the
very first plunge took me up to the waist.

We afterwards searched another part of the country in a
different direction, where the forest was of a more varied cha-
racter, one especial feature being the existence of occasional
groups of ancient oaks, which stand somewhat after the fashion
of ornamental timber in a park. They have been left when the
rest of the wood was cleared away, and are apparently doomed
to be the last of their race, as no young trees of the same spe-
cies are growing up to succeed them. These Oak-groves are full
of Starlings, Jackdaws, and Stockdoves ; besides which, the Green
Woodpecker, Roller, Creeper, and Nuthatch were also noticed.
The Harfogel {Upupa epops) and the Gorktyta [Yunx torquilla)
also occur, and are said to breed in these places regularly. Some
of the oak-groves are remarkably pretty spots, always refresh-
ing to the eye wearied with the sombre depths of the forest, as
it rests upon the green turf beneath the picturesque old trees
smiling in comparative sunshine, and generally studded with the
Wood Anemone amongst other flowers of the Northern spring.

of the discovery of some Nests of the Black TVoodpecker. 269

However, there was no chance of finding the Spilkraka here ; so I
placed myself under the guidance of another woodman, who
eventually brought me to a group of firs evidently frequented by
a pair of P. martins ; for we heard their now well-known cry,
though unable to perceive them. My guide showed me a hole
that had been inhabited the two preceding years ; but, as it was
some 50 feet up an immensely tall fir, I felt rather happy that
the evident absence of the birds relieved me from the necessity
of laying siege to that particular nest. Several of the trees were
perforated, but we could not find out the right one.

On the following day the search for Pious martins was re-
newed in a portion of the forest some seven miles to the N.W.
of the house, and where the Bo of the Glada [Milvus regalis)
was also said to occur. We proceeded for several miles along one
of the straight rides which traverse this forest, through what
appeared at a distance to be a complete wall of pines. From a
hut by the way a woodman was picked up, who proved a valuable
recruit, and under whose guidance we turned off the ride to the
left, following a slightly traced path which conducted to a clear-
ing full of old oaks, similar to those previously mentioned.

The ground in many places hereabouts is very rough, and en-
cumbered with masses of decayed and decaying timber, above
which shoot very tall firs much mixed with black poplar. We
found in the remains of an old birch the nest of Parus cristatus^
my attention being first drawn to the tree by the uneasiness of the
birds. On examining it more narrowly, a hole was apparent
about the size of a penny, newly made, and within reach from
the ground. I cut it open easily with a pocket-knife, and found
young ones almost ready for flying \ the crest was very strongly
developed. After being duly inspected, they were restored to the
tree, and the hole made up. Further on in this direction was a
marsh with much underwood, said to contain Cranes, though
none were seen or heard. The chief feature, however, hereabouts
is the Hackspett {Picus major), which is numerous, and has a
great partiality for the black poplar here so abundant. The
number of old holes bored in these trees is surprising. It is
very possible also that Picus medius may have its share in
this work, though I could not say with certainty that an exam-

270 Mr. W. H. Simpson^s Narrative

pie of that species came under our notice. The woodman, how-
ever, told me, that he knew of two or three kinds of the Hack-
spett ; but unquestionably Pious major is the most numerous here.
Two inhabited nests were discovered ; in one of these the cries
of the young were plainly heard, so that we were spared the
trouble of cutting it open.

Suddenly the attention of the party was arrested by the un-
mistakeable cry of a Spilkraka. We continued to pursue the
direction of the welcome sound until we arrived at a part of the
forest not very far from the reported Crane marsh, containing
several tall poplars mixed with pine and fir. Here both the birds
were seen ; but as there were several old holes, though none of
this yearns making, we scattered about in different directions,
and then stopped to watch. After waiting for about an hour,
one of the birds, which had evidently slipped in unobserved
since our first sighting them, was seen to come out of a hole by
myself, and two others, all from different points. We sprang
up simultaneously, the alarm was given, and in a very short
time the entire party was standing under the tree — a straight
poplar not far short of 100 feet in height, and destitute of
anything that could be fairly called a branch, its upper parts
being in a broken and decayed condition. There were two old
holes of the Spilkraka, both below the inhabited one, which was
about 35 feet from the ground, and not of this year’s making.
As the bole of the tree was perfectly smooth and very thick,
there appeared no reasonable chance of climbing up, so as to use
the axe with any effect. Indeed the woodman shook his head
at the very idea ; and we knew that if he could not manage it, no
one else could. The overlooker was perfectly willing to allow
the tree to be felled, as black poplar here is of no value ; but
there was nothing against which it could be felled, and to bring
such a mass at once to the ground would have been utter de-
struction to everything in the nest. Nor was there any hope of
getting a rope attached to the upper branches, which were quite
untrustworthy. Altogether the prospect was very black indeed,
and there seemed every probability that the second nest of P.
martins would prove too difficult of access for us. A council of
war was held, when it was agreed that nothing could be done

of the discovery of some Nests of the Black Woodpecker. 271

that day, and that the matter should stand over for the present ;
but the woodman said that he should return early in the morn-
ing, and build a ladder on the spot sufficiently high to reach the
Bo/^ It was to be ready next day at noon, when all the party
was to reassemble and assist in hoisting it.

Comforted by this assurance, we returned to a neighbouring
forest settlement. Just at dusk, a man living near came and re-
ported a Bo of the Spilkraka and another of the Hackspett.
To the latter I proceeded immediately, but on cutting it open
found three young ones half-fledged.

Next morning an early start was made for the third Spil-
kraka’s Bo,^^ reported the previous evening. It was situated
in a much thicker part of the wood than either of the others.
Indeed I am inclined to think, judging also from old nests, that
this bird prefers to breed in the neighbourhood of some opening,
whether caused by nature or the axe. The hole in this case was
situated about halfway (20 feet perhaps) up a dead fir. Being
somewhat impatient on this occasion, I requested the man to fell
the tree, which he did in the course of ten minutes, causing it to
fall with wonderful accuracy against one of its neighbours which
he had selected; but the weight was too great, and both came
to the ground with an awful crash. On going up to the hole
young ones were heard, but could not be reached without our
further enlarging it. The cavity of this nest was an inch or two
over two feet from the honeycombed roof to the base on which the
young had rested ; these, together with much of the sawdust, had
been thrown forward, but, singularly enough, though stunned,
they were not killed by the concussion. Had there been eggs,
they must, I think, have been broken to pieces. There was a
considerable quantity of sawdust which had the appearance of
sand, the particles being much finer than those of the nest in
the birch-tree. Three birds were all the nest contained ; they
seemed to have been hatched about four days. As there was
no hope now for them, they were put into spirits, and afterwards
given with several others to my friend Mr. John Wolley, to
whose suggestions the results of this expedition were chiefly due.
The old birds did not exhibit the usual amount of anxiety ; but
just before we left, the female suddenly appeared and clung to

272 Discovery of some Nests of the Black Woodpecker.

a tree within fifteen yards of our heads, where she remained for
a few moments, and then swung round to the other side, from
which position she kept peeping at us, as is their wont, but
without uttering the peculiar cry.

There now remained the second nest, the taking of which was
still doubtful, as I was determined on no account to have the
tree felled, after the results in the last instance. Noon found us
all assembled, and the ladder quite ready. It was an ingenious
affair, constructed of two young fir-trees joined at intervals of
four feet by cross bars passing through the flanks, beyond which
they projected some distance. There was neither nail nor peg
in it, and the whole had been made on the spot by the woodman
and his comrade with axe and borer. The length of it was about
40 feet. Nothing now remained but to rear it. This was done,
after the thin end of the ladder had been placed against the
tree, by means of two notched poles, which were fitted, one into
either flank of the ladder, as it rested. The flanks were then
gradually raised, each by two men, whilst the others pushed
against the heavy end; so that as the first four iu creased the
elevation of the ladder, the second party kept diminishing the
distance between its base and the base of the tree upon which
the weight was principally thrown, until the ladder itself stood
at an angle of about 80° from the ground with the top round
still under the hole. The woodman then went up, and announced
to my dismay that there were young ones in this nest also.
After satisfying myself, by inspection, of the truth of his state-
ment, I directed him to enlarge the hole sufficiently for us to see
what they were like, which he proceeded to do, after first se-
curing the top of the ladder by means of a rope. Before this was
done, the ascent was very ticklish work. The axe revealed to us
four young ones, half-grown and very vicious, being well able
and willing to use their bills upon intruding fingers. One was
taken to secure a specimen of the bird in this stage, which was
not much after all our trouble ; the other three were left poking
their ugly heads out of the window so unceremoniously made in
their habitation. The rope was then untied, the ladder thrown
down and broken, and the storming party prepared to move off
to different parts of the forest according to their several destina-

Mr. E. Fountaine on the Nesting of a pair of Eagle Owls. 273

tions. The old ones meanwhile had never ceased to ring their
alarm note, and angrily tap the neighbouring trees ; but before
we lost sight of the well-known spot, I was pleased to see the
mother boldly re-enter her violated abode to comfort her asto-
nished but undaunted offspring, who suffered, I am inclined to
believe, no further inconvenience from our visit beyond a slight
increase of air and light into their apartment.

Some days afterwards I returned to the very place in company
with Mr. WoUey, who was desirous of visiting this wonderful
Woodpecker locality, where the tall poplars have been bored on
all sides during so many succeeding years. The broken ladder
lay at the foot of the tree, which itself bore marks of the recent
axe, but no young ones looked out upon the intruder, no old
ones rang out the alarm note from amongst the neighbouring
trees. The family had gone, and the forest was silent.

London, February 26, 1859.

XXVII. — Notes on the Nesting of a pair of Eagle Owls (Bubo
maximus) in confinement. By Edward Fountains.

A PAIR of Eagle Owls [Buho maximus) have bred with me in
confinement during eleven successive years.

The first nest was made in May 1849 ; in it were laid three
eggs, the first on April 13th ; three young birds were hatched
and all reared.

The second nest was made in March 1850; there were three
eggs laid, the first on the 10th ; two young birds were hatched,
which were sent to Mr. J. H. Gurney ; one egg was bad.

The third nest was in February 1851 ; there were three eggs
laid, the first was laid on the 10th ; three young birds were
hatched and all reared.

The fourth nest was in February 1852 ; three eggs were
laid, the first was laid on the 10th ; three young birds were
hatched and all reared.

The fifth nest was in February 1853 ; three eggs were laid,
the first was laid on the 14th ; three young birds were hatched
and all reared.

The sixth nest was in February 1854 ; three eggs were laid.

274 Mr. E. Fountaine on the Nesting of a pair of Eagle Owls.

the first was laid on the 20th ; three young birds were hatched
and all reared.

The seventh nest was in February 1855 ; three eggs were
laid, the first was laid on the 3rd ; all the eggs were destroyed,
the weather being so severe. Another nest was made of three
eggs in the end of the month, but, the weather still being ex-
ceedingly cold,* that nest was also destroyed]; no young ones
were hatched that year.

The eighth nest was in January 1856 ; three eggs were laid,
the first was laid on the 12th ; all the eggs were destroyed, the
weather being very cold. Another nest was made in February; the
first egg was laid on the 10th ; three young birds were hatched
and all reared.

The ninth nest was in January 1857 ; two eggs were laid; the
first was laid somewhere at the end of the month, but was de-^
stroyed, the weather being too cold. Another nest was made in
February ; it had two eggs ; both birds were hatched and both
reared.

The tenth nest was in January 1858 ; two eggs were laid, and
both destroyed, the weather being too cold. Another was made in
February ; it had two eggs ; both birds were hatched and both
reared.

The eleventh nest was in February 1859; two eggs were laid,
the first was laid on the 10th. I came home and found one bird
dead in the egg, the other egg was rotten. Another nest was
made in April; the first egg was laid on the 13th, another on
the 17th, in which state I left them, and having since been
absent from home, I cannot say any more at present. I have
proved that many of the first nests were destroyed, not from the
coldness of the weather, but because the young birds were egg-
bound ; and when I was myself from home, there was no one
who understood how to take them out of the shell. I could
have saved the young bird this year if I had been at home. I
found on one occasion a young bird egg-bound, which it took
me three days to take from the shell. This bird lived and was
brought up.

Three pairs of the Owls which I brought up in confinement
have at different times laid eggs and sat on them, but the eggs have

I

,1 .'Wolf, litL..

M & -N'. Kaiiiiart,

ACCTPITER HAPLOGHRO-US .

Mr. P. L. Sclater on an undescribed Species of Hawk. 275

never proved good. My original hen bird had been kept twenty
years in confinement before I had her ; the male bird was said
to be only a year old when it came to me. The only nest made
by the old Owls is a shallow hole scratched in the earth at the
bottom of the cage. I have introduced a lining of short straw
into the hole after the first egg is laid. The earth is scratched
away from the hole by both birds ; but the cock commences the
operation, and performs the greater part of it. The period of
incubation is thirty days, and one week usually elapses in addi-
tion between hatching the first egg and the last. The Owls are
kept in a cage about eight feet square and about the same
in height, and are fed on rats, rabbits, and birds.

Easton, Norfolk, May 7th, 1859.

XXVIII. — Characters of an undescribed Species of Hawk from
New Caledonia. By Philip Lutley Sclater.

(Plate VIII.)

Mr. Gurney has kindly entrusted to me for examination some
specimens of Kapacious Birds which he has lately acquired
from New Caledonia. Amongst them is an example of a species
of Hawk apparently hitherto unnoticed, and which I have little
hesitation in considering as new. Its simple style of colora-
tion has induced me to propose to call it

Accipiter haplochrous. (Plate VIII.)

Saturate schistaceus, capite et dorso medio nigricantioribus :
nuchse plumis intus albis : rectricum pogoniis internis pal-
hde schistaceis, vittis numerosis nigricantibus subobsolete
transfasciatis : abdomine toto a pectore medio cum crisso,
tibiis et alarum tectricibus inferioribus albis : pectore medio
et remigum pogoniis internis subtus albis, nigro trans-
versim lineatis : rostro plumbescenti-nigro ; pedibus au-
rantiis, unguibus nigris : long, tota 14*5, alse 9*3, caudse
6-6, tarsi 2 ’6.

Hab. in ins. Nova Caledonia.

The single specimen of this bird sent is labelled as a female.
It was killed on the island Nu,^^ Port de France, New Cale-
donia, in April 1858, and appears to have been prepared by Mr.
John Macgillivray.

The nearest ally of this fine species that I am acquainted with

276 Mr. P. L. Sclater on an undescribed Species of Hawk.

is the Accipiter poliocephalus of Mr. G. R. Gray, from the Aru
Islands, described in the ^ Proceedings of the Zoological Society ^
for last year*. It is, however, quite distinct in coloration from
that bird. Other near relatives seem to be Accipiter rufitor-
ques t, of the Feejee Islands, Accipiter hyogasterX, of Amboyna,
and Astur trinotatus\, of Celebes. Mr. Gurney thinks that these
species, together with the well-known so-called Goshawk of New
Holland [Astur novm hollandicBi Gould, B. Austr. i. pis. 14, 15),
constitute a small group of stout-built Hawks, which maybe con-
sidered in some degree distinct. The term Leucospizay proposed
by Dr. Kaup for the isolation of Falco nova hollandia^ might be
employed for the subgeneric denomination of these birds. They
are all remarkable for simplicity of coloration in an Order where
this is the rule rather than the exception.

Besides Accipiter haplochrous, Mr. Gurney received three
other species of Accipitres in the same collection, namely, Hali-
astur sphenurus (Gould, B. Austr. i. pi. 5), cS and $ , killed at
Port S. Vincent, New Caledonia, May 21st, 1858 ; Astur ap-
proximans (Gould, B. Austr. i. pi. 7), $ juv., from Nu,^’ New
Caledonia, March 21st, 1858; and three examples of a Circus,
probably identical with Circus assimilis, as figured in Gould^s
' Birds of Australia^ (i. pi. 26). The latter were obtained in Port
de France and Port S. Vincent in March, April, and May, 1858.

Mr. G. B. Gray has lately communicated to the Zoological
Society a List of New Caledonian Birds,^^ which was read at
their Meeting on May 10th last ; and gives a complete account
of what is known of the ornithology of this island.

The accompanying figure of Accipiter haplochrous is by Mr.
Wolf, and represents the bird reduced to one-third of its natural
dimensions.

* See P. Z. S. 1858, p. 170.

t Accipiter rufitorques, Peale, Zool. U. S. Expl. Exp., Birds, p. 68 ;
Cassin, ibid., ed. 2. p. 90, Atlas, pi. 2. figs. 1 & 2. This species is figured
by M. M. Hombron and Jacquinot in Plate 2 of the Atlas of the Voyage
au Pol Sud,” 2L& Epervier oceanien, $ ou variete”; their Epervier
oceanien c?,” being referable to Accipiter hyogaster. See Dr. Pucheran's
remarks in the ‘‘ Zoologie ” of the same work, vol. iii. p. 48.

X Falco hyogaster, Miill. Verb. Ethn. p. 110.

§ Astur trinotatus, Temm. MS. : Bp. Consp. i. p. 33.

Rev. H. B. Tristram on the Ornithology of N. Africa. 277

XXIX.-— On the Ornithology of Northern Africa. By the Rev.

H. B. Tristram, M.A., F.L.S. (Fart 11. The Sahara.)

[Continued from page 162.]

(Plate IX.)

Though I speak of The Sahara as the term is commonly
used in Europe, for the great Northern Desert of Africa, yet the
employment of this word in such a sense is not strictly accurate.
The Arabs divide Africa north of the Line into three portions,
the Tell, the Sahara, and the Desert ; the Tell being the corn-
growing country from the coast to the Atlas ; the Sahara, the
sandy pasture land where flocks and herds roam, from the Atlas
through the Hauts Plateaux or Steppes, to the region where all
regular supply of water fails ; and the Desert, the region which
extends thence almost to the watershed of the Niger — arid, salt,
afibrding no sustenance to cattle or sheep, but where the camel
snatches a scanty subsistence, and which is, excepting in its
rare oases, equally inhospitable to man. It is to the feathered
denizens of these vast tracts south of the Atlas that I propose to
confine my observations in this paper, i. e. to the birds which
inhabit the deserts, or resort to the various oases which I visited
from 1855 to 1857.

If any reader of these rema^’ks has formed his idea of the
great African Desert from Turner^s well-known picture, with its
unbroken horizon line on all sides, a dying camel in the fore-
ground, and a vulture soaring aloft the only objects to break its
monotony, let him at once dispel the misty illusion. Imagine
rather what the north-eastern portion of England would be if
completely drained of its streams and denuded of its vegetation :
wooded dells transformed into rocky naked nullahs, and tillage
plains covered with a soil pulverized by the combined action of
heat, wind, and attrition.

With all its monotony, the Desert has its varieties. One day
you laboriously pick your steps among bare rocks, now sharp
enough to wound the tough sole of your camel, now so slippery
that the Arab can scarce make good his footing. Another day
you plunge for miles knee-deep in loose suffocating sand-drifts,
ever- changing, and threatening to bury you when you halt.

VOL. I. U

278

Rev. H. B. Tristram on the

Sometimes a hard pebbly surface permits a canter for hours
over the level plain amidst dwarfs leafless, dust-coloured shrubs.
Perhaps on surmounting a ridge, the mirage of a vast lake
glittering in the sunshine excites both the horse and his rider.
On, on, gallops the wiry little steed over sand hard and crisp,
and coated with a delicate crust of saltpetre, the deposit of the
water, which at rare intervals has accumulated there, and formed
the Chotts and Sebkhas of the Desert. Occasionally the traveller
is gladdened and refreshed by pitching his camp in a Dayat, or
reposing for a few nights under the palm-trees of an Oasis.

Each of these — the rocky ridges, the sand-drifts, the plains,
the Chotts or salt-plains, the Dayats, and the Oases — have then-
peculiar ornithological characteristics. But by far the most in-
teresting portions of these regions are, as might have been anti-
cipated, the Dayats and Oases. The Dayat may be looked upon
as an unimprovable oasis, in which there is no constant supply
of water to be found at any depth, but where, from the con-
figuration of the substratum of limestone, — it being in fact de-
pressed into something like a saucer, — moisture gathers after
the rare and uncertain thunder-storms. This moisture afi'ords
just sufficient support for a few Terebinth-trees {Pistacia atlan-
tica) and wild Jujubes [Zizyphus spina Christi), under whose
shade a scanty herbage, intermingled with such desert plants as
the Staticce, the ^isymbri<2y Neurada procumhenSy Bunias pro-
stratay Brassica lyratay Cleome arabicay Hippocrepis comosay is
browsed upon by troops of gazelles and a few antelopes. In
the Oases, on the contrary, water may always be relied upon at
a depth varying from 40 to 80 yards in the deposit of sand
immediately overlying the limestone, and said by the Arabs to
form underground streams, though it never rises to the surface
without the aid of Artesian wells *.

Here are the winter-quarters of many of our familiar summer
visitants. The Chifi’chafi', Willow Wren, and WTiitethroat hop
on every twig in the gardens shadowed by the never-failing
Palm. The Swallow and Window Martin thread the lanes and

* It is interesting to note, that the theory and practice of Artesian wells
seem to have been well known to the tribes of the Desert for many centu-
ries, as is recorded by the Arab historians.

Ornithology of Northern Africa. 279

sport over the mouths of the wells in pursuit of the swarming
mosquitoes; the Hoopoe solemnly stalks on every dunghill, a
cherished and respected guest. The White Shrike {Lanius de-
albatus) perches motionless on the extremity of the Palm-leaf,
while a pair or more of the Egyptian Turtle-dove nestle in the
centre of almost every tree ; and a random shot is pretty sure to
start from under the Dates a dozing Booma,^^ or Little Owl
[Athene numida). These peaceful retreats seem to be rarely
visited by any Baptor more formidable than the Kestrel.

Not so in the Dayats. Here the Golden Eagle, the Royal
and Arabian Kites hold court and courtship, and carry on a
perpetual, but bloodless, warfare with the Raven. The shrubs
are occupied by the Shrike [Lanius dealhatus), small flocks of
Crateropus numidicus, the lovely little Ruticilla moussieri, whom
I might almost call the ornithological feature of the Dayat ;
whilst heard, but not seen, the Dartford Warbler chirps forth
his incessant Pittechou, pittchou.^^

If you wish to make acquaintance with the tribe of the Rock-
Chats [Dromolcea) , you must follow the Marmots to the rocky
defiles of extinct streams, the ^ Weds ^ of the Arabs. The
hard gravelly plains are the homes of the Sand-grouse and the
various thick-billed and stout-billed Larks [Rhamphocorys and
Otocorys), while the loose sands vainly conceal the burrowing
beetles from the long bills of the Ground-larks [Certhilauda) .
On the surface of the Chotts, the little Plovers and other Gralla-
tores incessantly run along, as if awaiting the returning tide of
the primaeval ocean, which formerly swept over them. But, as
our Editor wishes for specification, not generalization (when will
he solve for us the naturalist^s and the logician's cruXy ‘‘ What
is a genus, and what is a species ?), I must proceed to details.

1. Gyps fulvus. (Griffon Vulture.) Nissr^^ Arab.

As, happily for the traveller, camels do not die every day
under the weight of their water-skins, the Griffon does not habit-
ually visit the Desert. Still he occasionally gives it a passing
call, though, if his meal be deposited near an oasis, he is usually
forestalled by the Hyaena [^‘ Duhha,^^ Arab.), who lurks in the
Weds.” On one occasion a camel in our caravan having become

u2

280

Rev. H. B. Tristram on the

foot-sore had to be slaughtered on the spot, and his burden dis-
tributed among the others. Our attendants selected the tenderest
morsels for ' kouskous/ the Arab broth ; and it was not till the
next morning that a vulture scented, or rather descried, his prey.
That the Vulture uses the organ of sight rather than that of
smell, seems to be certain from the immense height at which he
soars and gyrates in the air. In this instance one solitary bird
descended, and half an hour afterwards was joined by a second.
A short time elapsed, and the Nubian Vulture [Otogyps nuhicus)
appeared, self-invited, at the feast ; and before the bones were left
to the Hysena, no less than nine Griffons and two Nubians had
broken their fast. I should hesitate to assert that they had satis-
fied their appetites. I have observed the same regular succession
of diners-out on other occasions. May we not conjecture that
the process is as follows ? — The Griffon who first descries his
quarry descends from his elevation at once. Another, sweeping
the horizon at a still greater distance, observes his neighbour's
movements and follows his course. A third, still further re-
moved, follows the flight of the second j he is traced by another;
and so a perpetual succession is kept up as long as a morsel of
flesh remains over which to consort. I can conceive no other
mode of accounting for the numbers of vultures which in the
course of a few hours will gather over a carcase, when previously
the horizon might have been scanned in vain for more than one,
or at the most two, in sight. Does not this explain the im-
mense number of vultures who were congregated in the Crimea
during the siege of Sebastopol, where the bird was compa-
ratively scarce before ? May not this habit of watching the
movements of their neighbours have collected the whole race
from the Caucasus and Asia Minor to enjoy so unwonted an
abundance ? The Arabs believe that the vultures from all North
Africa were gathered to feed on Russian horses in the Crimea,
and declare that during the war very few ^ Nissr^ were to be
seen in their accustomed haunts.

The Griffon, however disgusting his food, is by no means an
unamiable or disgusting bird. He is certainly cleanly in his
habits, docile, and of remarkable intelligence. With his fellows
he is good-tempered ; and, voracious as he is, never grudges to

281

Ornithology of Northern Africa.

share the feast with as many as choose to join him. There is
none of the snarling and quarrelling of the canine tribe, nor any
attempt to rob a weaker cousin of his portion, nor to devour a
savoury morsel in secret ; but each of the company amicably
keeps his place, without attempting to eject his neighbour.
Yet it must be allowed that the pace at which he gobbles is
' a caution ^ to an American table d^hote.

For some months we possessed two Griffons taken from the
nest, who at length arrived safely in England. They never at-
tempted to desert us, differing in this respect from our Lammer-
geyers, but remained contentedly about the tents, or perched
on the backs of the baggage-camels en route. They took a pecu-
liar interest in taxidermy, scrutinizing, head on one side, the
whole operation of bird-skinning, and perfectly aware of the
moment when a morsel would be ready, exhibiting a more than
ordinary excitement when they saw the skin drawn back over the
head, and knew that the whole carcase would soon be cut off for
them. One of these birds was of a desponding, querulous dispo-
sition, the other of a very different natural temperament, always
contented and cheerful, a universal favourite in the camp, while
his fellow received, I fear, many a sly kick for his complaints.
They were able to fast for days ; but, whenever such an oppor-
tunity as a camePs carcase presented itself, would be revenged on
their Lent. I have seen our pet, Musha Pasha,^^ attack the
entrails of a camel, and, as his crop became distended, sink upon
his breast unable to stand, till at length, even this position being
too much for him, he lay on his side still eating, until over-
powered and helpless he fell asleep. This enormous capacity for
food, combined with the power of long abstinence, is a wonderful
provision of Creative Wisdom for carrion-feeders, whose supply
is so uncertain, while the necessity for the immediate removal of
offensive matter is so urgent. The strength of the Vulture’s
stomach is equal to its capacity, for on one occasion one of our
Griffons devoured a half-pound pot of arsenical soap with no
further inconvenience than a violent fit of vomiting.

I have nothing to add to the remarks of Mr. Salvin in the last
Number of ^ The Ibis’ on the nidification of the Griffon, beyond
noticing that Messrs. Sclater and Taylor have this year brought

282

Rev. H. B. Tristram on the

from our old nesting locality. Kef Laks, an egg which is richly
coloured over its whole surface with red blotches and spots. I
may remark that the Griffons we saw in the Desert always
appeared to come from the north, not from the south.

2. Otogyps nubicus, (Nubian Vulture.)

This bird did not often come under my observation, but is
a constant resident in the Sahara, though in very limited num-
bers. While the Griffon breeds throughout the Atlas, the
Nubian seems to resort to more southern ranges for his eyrie.
There is a breeding-place to the south-west of Biskra, in some
lofty isolated cliffs, and another near the stupendous gorge of
El Kantara, where I have watched these birds with the tele-
scope. The heavier build, larger size, and short stout neck and
head render this bird distinguishable at a glance from the Griffon.
The plumage also appeared to me darker ; but I am inclined to
think that the hues of all vultures change much according to
age. I noted three or four among some precipitous ridges
between the M^zab country and the oasis of Waregla, in lat.
32° N., and was told by the natives that they remained there
all the year. As .we saw them in December, it is probable they
breed in these cliffs. Their habits seem precisely similar to
those of the Griffon.

3. Neophron percnopterus. (Egyptian Vulture.)

The inhabitants of the Desert are familiar with the ^ Rakhma,^
which is very rare in winter (I only observed one in the M^zab
country), but visits all the oases, and follows the nomad camps
for offal in summer.

4. Gypaetus barbatus. (The Lammergeyer.)

The southern limit of the ' Boulakhia ^ appears to be the
oases of Laghouat and of Biskra, so that he only just makes
good his claim to rank among the birds of the Desert. I shot
one specimen in the range of cliffs behind Laghouat, and its
plumage was of the richest ochreous colour I ever saw. Had he
dyed his feathers in any muddy water, he must have gone many
leagues for his bath. Of the many adult Gypaeti which I have
observed in Africa, I never saw one without the rich tawny hue on
the neck and under surface of the body. Either this is the true

283

Ornithology of Northern Africa.

adult hue, or the bird of the snowy peaks of the Alps may become
assimilated in colour, while in the Sahara he reflects the pre-
vailing tints around him. The Lammergeyer^s favourite food
{reptilia) abounds in the Desert, and his rare occurrence at any
distance from the mountains is therefore the more remarkable,
unless it be that he is more loath than the Grifibn to exercise the
powers of flight which he certainly possesses. The Lammer-
geyer is, by comparison with the Griffon, a stupid bird, as well
as an unsociable one ; rarely more than two or three are seen
together. Butin its flight it is the most majestic of birds : sail-
ing like a Falcon, he will skim for miles without any perceptible
motion of the wings, stilly gliding through space till lost to the
telescope ; then, returning, he will turn the sharp corner of a
clifi* in the gorge, just bending his long cuneate tail, one wing
gently drawn-in like the Falcon^ s, and as gently again expanded.

5. Aquila chrysaetos. (Golden Eagle.)

I never observed this bird in any of the cliffs by the ^ Weds ^
or mountain ranges of the Desert j but in the Dayats it abounds.
It might almost be said to be gregarious, especially in the
Dayat of Tirehmet, a day^s journey north of Berry an in the
M^zab. The wood here extends over many acres ; and I saw no
less than seven pairs of Golden Eagles, who had each their nest.
There were many other unoccupied nests ; in fact, there were
few Terebinths of any size without a huge platform of sticks on
the topmost boughs. Many of the smaller Dayats were tenanted
in like proportions. Any zealous oologist might collect in this
region the eggs of 50 nests in a month, could he obtain a suf-
ficient supply of water to enable him to remain ; but the neces-
sity of sending a four days^ journey for water may preserve this
colony undisturbed for many years to come. The Gazelles and
Sand-grouse who resort to the Dayats are probably a sufficient
supply for the Eagles and Kites who reside here, and the im-
possibility of finding other nesting-places may render the Eagles
less tenacious of their domains. Being undisturbed, they are
very fearless ; and I twice walked under a tree and brought
down a fine specimen with No. 7 shot.

6. CiRCAETus GALLicus. (The Short-toed Eagle.)

This Eagle came only once under my observation in the De-

284

Kev. H. B. Tristram on the

sert. It was preying upon a large lizard in the Desert of Souf.
The Arabs seemed, however, well-acquainted with it under its
name of ^ Ogab abiad.^

7. Falco sacer. (The Saker Falcon.) El Sakkr^^ Arab.

8. Falco lanarius. (The Banner Falcon.)

I much regret that the extreme value set by the Arabs upon
their Falcons, and their suspicion of my designs, prevented me
from bringing home a specimen of the much-disputed Saker
Falcon. I purchased a skin in Tunis of the Falco lanarius, and
obtained myself the Falco punicus in the Desert in winter, as
Mr. Salvin also did when we were together in spring. Still, I
had many opportunities of observing the Banner and Saker in
a state of domestication, and occasionally saw a bird haunting
the cliffs which could be none other than the true Banner. As
far as I could discover, the Banner breeds about the Atlas
range, chiefly, if not exclusively, on its southern side, while the -
Saker is a more truly Desert habitant.

The Arab Sheiks pursue the sport of falconry with all the
zeal, skill, and science of the “ noble mysterie of our ancestors.
The villein who presumed to raise his hand against the king^s
deer was not more certain of condign punishment from the
Norman, than the plebeian Sehaur who should dare to cast a
hawk in the Sahara. No Agha or Sheik of high degree ever
moves for war, business, or pleasure unattended by his falconers,
who are his confidential lieutenants. The care of three Falcons
is considered sufficient employment for one falconer with an
assistant ; and on the march, one or two of these important
personages follow mounted immediately behind the Sheik, with
a hooded Falcon on the wrist and one perched on each shoulder.
The Houbara Bustard is the favourite quarry ; but eagles, kites,
sand-grouse (and in the case of the Sakkr Falcon, the gazelle)
afford equal sport to the huntsman. When a Bustard is descried,
the whole cavalcade instantly halt, the hawk on the wrist is
transferred to the hand of his master, who, attended by his fal-
coners alone, instantly sets off, and unhooding his bird, thi'ows
him from his wrist towards the Bustard. Much skill is exercised
in drawing the attention of the Falcon to the Bustard before it
rises. Should it unfortunately take wing before its pursuer has

285

Ornithology of Northern Africa,

poised herself above it, an ill-trained or impetuous bird is very
apt to strike it in the air. This, according to the view of your
Desert connoisseur, is a most unpardonable and unsportsman-
like offence, to be punished with death. A skilful hawk will at
once rise to a considerable height, then swooping down make
feints until the Bustard takes to its legs instead of its wings.
The Falcon then poises herself over it while a second is flung
off the wrist, and the two together give chase, — the speed of the
Houbara being such that a fleet Arab can scarcely keep up with
the pursuit. The poor bird runs along, aiding its speed by a
perpetual fanning with its wings, its head stretched forward
like a corncrake's, and its conspicuous black and white ruff
folded close back over its neck, — a pitiable contrast to the proud
fellow who was lately strutting with head erect, elevated crest,
and expanded ruff, challenging all comers. The pursuers hang-
over him only a few yards above him, and at each effort he
makes to take wing, swoop down with a feint. It is considered
the excellency of a Falcon to make these feints at the quarry
until it is nearly exhausted, when the fatal swoop is made, and
the bird instantly drops, struck dead by the hind claw having-
pierced its vertebrae. This manner of hunting is probably prac-
tised both to afford more prolonged excitement to the horsemen,
but chiefly from the singular mode of self-defence adopted by
the Houbara, and which I have had various opportunities of
observing myself. As the hawk approaches, the Houbara ejects
both from the mouth and vent a slimy fluid *. A well-trained
bird eludes this shower by repeated feints until the quarry's
supply of moisture is exhausted ; an impatient one rushes in,
and gets his feathers and whole plumage so bedaubed, that his
flight is materially impeded, and his swoop, when made, is irre-
solute.

With a leash of Falcons, two Haggards, and a Tiercel Sakkr,
1 have known three Houbaras and a Sand-grouse or two cap-
tured in a day, and the chase was terminated merely on account
of the fatigue of the horses. I was never actually present at the
chase of the gazelle, but it is very commonly practised, and I

* I have experienced, to my annoyance, a similar mode of defence
adopted by the Water-Tortoise.

286

Rev. H. B. Tristram on the

have seen a gazelle brought into camp that had been so taken.
This sport requires, however, more birds, and is very dangerous
to the Falcons, who frequently impale themselves on the horns
of their prey. It is not uncommon for both pursuer and victim
to fall dead at one mutual stroke.

In the pursuit of the Sand-grouse {Pterocles setariuSy Pt.
arenarius, and Pt. guttatus), no such dallying is allowed as with
the Houbara. The covey rise, the hawk is thrown off with a
jerk, another and another are thrown in rapid succession, and
each singles out his own victim and strikes him in mid-air.
But the same Falcon is seldom trained for both sports. The
flight of the Ganga and Chuhhah (as Pt. arenarius and Pt. seta-
rius are named) resembles that of the Golden Plover, and their
defence is the very reverse of the method of the Houbara. They
attempt, in wheeling circles, to rise above the Falcon, and scat-
tering at a great height often distract his pursuit, and unless
the hawk has been unhooded and thrown the very moment they
were flushed, they are frequently successful. The education for
this chase is by means of a trained Raven, who wheels in circles
over the young bird, tempting him higher and higher.

The apparatus of African falconers seems to be the same as
in the olden time among ourselves — the same hoods and gloves,
the same care in feeding, and the same quaint remedies and
nostrums. I never was able to discover the breeding-places of
the Sakkr, though I have seen the young birds in captivity
scarcely fledged. The price of a well-trained Sakkr or Banner
is from 200 to 300 Spanish dollars (j04O to £60) ; and I re-
peatedly, but in vain, offered 200 dollars for one. The Sheik
considers a falcon of the same value as a thoroughbred horse,
and will exchange one for the other. No wonder then that I
found it impossible to obtain a specimen for my collection. In-
deed, it would have been a crime of the blackest dye to have
shot one had I had the opportunity. The Arab holds with old
Master Latham —

** A Faulcon is a Prince’s pleasant sport.

’Tis sport and pleasure delightful to the eye.

Haggard hawke with mounting Lark to flie.

Amidst your pleasures then take this delight.

Maintain the Faulconer and his Faulcon’s flight.”

287

Ornithology of Northern Africa.

The Lanner and the Sakkr are not the only Falcons trained
by the Arab noble. The Falco barharus, or ^^Bourni/^ is
equally esteemed for the partridge and sand-grouse, and the
Goshawk and lesser Falcons are also trained.

My hawking companion and kind host the Sheik, Bou Disah,
now the Agha of the Weled Mockhta, who is considered not
only the wealthiest chieftain, but the most learned falconer of
Southern Algeria, gave me the following account of the Falcons
used for the chase.

The falconer recognizes seven sporting hawks : —

1st. El Sakkr {Falco sacer) .

2nd. Abli [Astur palumbariuSj Goshawk ?) .

3rd. Et Terakdl {Falco sacer 2 ?) .

4th. Tai'r el h^ohr (i. e. the noble bird, the Falcon par ex-
cellence).

5th. El Bah^ri.

6th. El Bourni {Falco barbarus).

7th. Ez Zebarbach (the Hobby, Hypotriorchis subbuteo).

Of these, ^^El Sakkr, ^^L^Abli,^^ and ^^Et Terakel^^ are
trained for the gazelle, the bustard, and large game.

Tair el h^ohr and El Bourni are trained for the bus-
tard, the partridge, and the sand-grouse, as well as for small
birds, but are preferred for the bustard and the hare. ^^El
Bah’ri is used for partridges, sand-grouse, and small birds.

“ Ez Zebarbach is used only for larks and other small birds.

Now it is not easy to assign species to these various Arab
names, and it is evident, I think, that the African falconer,
like the European, has been in the habit of giving distinct names
to the different sexes of some at least of his hawks.

1st. El Sakk^r. This bears its identification in its name. It
is an interesting proof of the extensive commerce in Falcons in
ancient times, that our mediaeval falconers had given to this
bird a name derived, not from its peculiar sanctity, but the trivial
appellation by which it was known in its native plains.

But what are L^Abli and Et Terakel ? My friend Bou Disah
could not point them out at the time, not having them with him
on any occasion when I accompanied him, though he assured me
he possessed Et Terakel in his mews at his head camp. These

288

Rev. H. B. Tristram on the

two he stated to be the largest of all the hunting Falcons. My
conjecture is that Terakel is merely the female F. sacei\ and that
L^Abli is the Goshawk, which once, and once only, I saw in the
Desert trained for the chase. Its owner was not a learned
falconer, and could give it no other name than Tair el h^ohr,
generally used by the ignorant for all Falcons collectively, but as
a specific designation applicable either to F. lanarius or F. pere-
grinus only. Bou Disah had with him only Sakkr, all of the
same size, therefore of the same sex ; but he states that Et
Terakel is very like it, only larger and finer. In another part of
the Desert many months afterwards I met with a Sheik who
possessed seven of the F. sacer, all of the same size, which he
called Sakkr, but which were larger than the birds of Bou Disah,
and therefore I conjecture them to have been his Et Terakel.^^

I subjoin the description and measurements of Bou Disah^s
bird, as jotted down at the time : —

Whole length 18 inches. Length of wing from carpal joint
12^ inches. Length of tail 6| inches. Length of tarsi If inch.
Wings closed to within an inch of the extremity of the tail.
Feet and tarsi very pale blue. Cere the same colour, with the
beak black. Irides dark brown. Chin white, with the moustache
scarcely visible. The whole upper plumage a uniform slate-
colour. Ten bars on the tail. The first toe If inch ; hind toe
\ inch.

I also give a description and measurements of seven Falcons in
the possession of Ali Bey of Tuggurt, in December 1856 : —

Whole length I9f inches. Length of wing from carpal joint
14 inches. Length of tail 7 inches. Length of tarsi 2f
inches. Wings closed to the extremity of the tail. Feet and
tarsi lemon-coloured. Cere greenish-white. Bill bluish -grey,
but darker at the tip. Irides almost black. Moustache very
faint and small, running ~ inch down from the eye. The throat
white. The top of the head reddish ash-colour, with fine black
longitudinal streaks. The breast and lower tail-coverts white
with oblong slate-coloured spots. The back and upper plumage
uniform slate- brown ; the feathers slightly fringed with ginger-
brown. The tail with ten chestnut-coloured bars. Under-wing
plumage brown, with white bars.

289

Ornithology of Northern Africa.

T met at Souf, a month later, with Falcons answering the
above description in every respect excepting size. They were
only 16i inches long, and no doubt the males of the same species.

4th. Tair el h^ohr. I cannot say whether this be specifically
the F, lanarius or F, peregrinus, which latter never occurred
within my observation in the Desert.

5th and 6th. El Bah^ri and ElBourni. The latter is certainly
Falco barbarus, as described by Mr. Salvin in ^The Ibis,^ No. 2.
The El Bahh^i I believe to be only the falconer^s appellation for
the female. I never was fortunate enough to meet with it in the
field ; but my informant stated it to be a long- winged Falcon, and
the best of all for partridge (El Hadjel) and “ Kif-kTf Bourni
khebir,^^ — ^just the same as F. barbarus y but larger.

7th. Ez Zebarbach is the name I have seen applied to the
Hobby when trained. I believe that the Fjrythropus vespertinus
(Orange-legged Hobby) is also sometimes trained under this
name; or it may be Hypotriorchis eleonorce, of which my in-
formant spoke as a small Tai’r Saouda,^^ or Black Falcon, used
by some for larks.

I may meotion that few Arab falconers keep their hawks
over the moult, usually turning them loose in their breeding-
places and securing the young ones. Hence, and from the ex-
traordinary want of observation in the Arab, I suspect arises
much of the controversy which overlies the whole question of the
various species of Falcon. 1 should have felt inclined to have
inserted, for the sake of comparison, the description of my
Falco lanarius, had it not been procured in Tunis, and therefore
not a Sahara specimen. I can only state a confident belief, not
a positive assertion, that I have seen this bird in the Desert in a
state of nature. If any friend feel inclined to question the accu-
racy of the guesses advanced in this paper, I promise him no one
will be better pleased than myself to have the subject elucidated,
and I will not follow old Latham’s retort, —

“ If any Criticke into censures breake,

Hee’s but a Bussard, wee of Hawkes doe speake.’*

9. Falco barbarus. (Barbary Falcon.) Bourni,” Arab.

Besides the trained birds with which I have chased the Sand-
grouse, I have occasionally seen this Falcon wild on rocky pre-

290

Rev. H. B. Tristram on the

cipices. My specimen I shot in December, near the M^zab
country, whilst it was being pursued by a party of Ravens. It
was a male in immature plumage. From the warning I received
from my guides, I never ventured to offend prejudices by shoot-
ing a second specimen. The careful and able notes of Mr. Salvin
in the last Number of ^ The Ibis ^ render it needless to state more
than merely the occurrence of this bird in the Sahara.

10. Hypotriorchis subbuteo. (The Hobby.)

Migratory in the Desert : halting in the Dayats, apparently

on its passage south.

11. Tinnunculus alaudarius. (The Kestrel.)

The Kestrel, identical with that of Europe, although a futile
attempt was once made to separate it under the name of guttatm,
probably from the purity of its colours under so bright an
atmosphere, is abundant in every part of the Desert except the
plains. In the oases he preys on the Palm Rat [Mus chamce-
ropsis)y which nestles in little communities in the crown of the
Date-trees, or he pursues the large Scarabcei in the gardens. In
the rocky ^ Weds ^ he finds abundance of ^ Gundi ^ [Ctenodactylus
massoni)j the Marmot of Africa ; and in the Dayats I have often
watched him pouncing upon the Jerboas as they leave their
holes.

12. Astur palumbarius. (Goshawk.)

I saw one specimen trained for hawking, but never met with
the bird in a state of nature.

13. Milvus regalis. (Common Kite.) “ Hadaya Hamra/*
Arab.

Abundant in the Dayats, where it breeds on trees, and preys
upon the various species of Sand-grouse, living apparently at
peace with the Golden Eagles before mentioned.

14. Milvus ^GYPTius. (Egyptian Kite.) Essaf/’ Arab.

This Kite, which in the Sahara takes the place of the Black

Kite {M. ater) of the Atlas, exactly resembles it in all its habits.
I observed the same contrast between its character and that of
the Red Kite which exists between the latter and the Black
Kite. Sociable, fearless, and inquisitive, it approaches man far

291

Oi'nithology of Northern Africa.

more readily than its congener ] nor will the report of a gun
drive it off for more than a minute or two. It hangs over the
Arab camp waiting for offal, and probably counting the poultry-
stock ; and as scraps of burnouses and coloured cloth are scarcer
in the Desert than in the mountains, it hangs about its nest,
which is always in a tree, the cast-off coats of serpents, large
scraps of thin bark, and perhaps a bustard’s wing. Its home
is certainly the marine-storeshop of the Desert.

15. Ascalaphia savignii. (Egyptian Eared Owl.)

I once found a decayed specimen of this bird which had been
killed among some rocks by an Arab a few days previously.

16. Scops zorca. (Scops Owl.) Maroof,^ Arab.

Scarce in the Oases.

17. Athene NUMiDA. (Algerian Little Owl.) Arab.

Extremely abundant in all the Oases, and wherever the Date-

palm is found. It roosts by day in the dark recesses of the
Palm ; but the natives state that its favourite breeding-places are
down the wells, in the sides of which it burrows. I have ob-
served the birds descend in the evening into a deserted well,
though for the most part they fly high in the dusk, uttering
their monotonous, but not unpleasing note, well represented by
their name Booma.^^ The light plumage seems to be acquired
by age, and the young bird is sometimes as dark-coloured as
European specimens of Athene noctua. I have on two occasions
found these dark- and light-coloured birds paired together. I
should therefore have been inclined to doubt the specific distinc-
tion of the African race, were it not that in a large series of some
twenty specimens they are invariably smaller than the A. noctua ;
and the same remark holds good of a series of eggs from S.
Algeria compared with those from the south of France. The
largest skins ( $ ) scarcely exceed 8 inches in length.

18. CoRvus CORAX. (Raven.) HhWahhj^ Axob.

Plentiful in the Dayats, where it resides in communities, re-
turning home to roost at sunset in a long file after the manner
of Rooks. It seems strange, that the Raven, so solitary here,
and which chases away its own progeny from its neighbourhood
(unless it be grievously belied), should be so gregarious both in

292

Rev. H. B. Tristram on the

the mountains and deserts of Africa. Though not breeding in
communities, the nests are frequently within a few yards of each
other. It wages an incessant and noisy warfare with the Eagles
and Kites, who share the Terebinths of the Dayats with it, and
are seldom the aggressors in these skirmishes. The Raven be-
gins in the Desert to repair his nest in December.

19. CoRvus MONEDULA. (Jackdaw.)

Extremely abundant wherever there are rocky gorges near an
oasis.

20. Pyrrhocorax graculus. (The Chough.)

The Chough is very local, and known to the Arabs by the
name of Ogreeh Hamraiah/^ the Red Crow. It came under
my observation only at two very distant points on the edge of the
Sahara, viz. the cliffs of Bokhari, south of Algiers, and the gorge
of El Kantara, south-east of Constantine, the key of the Desert
and the first of the Oases. In both these localities I obtained
eggs — in 1856 at Bokhari, in 1857 at El Kantara. The Chough
thus barely gains a claim to be held a bird of the Sahara, not
penetrating so far south as his rival and persecutor the J ackdaw,
though in winter he descends beyond Biskra to feed, return-
ing to his cliffs at night. It is interesting to observe one of
our northern coast birds in a scene so strangely different, and
bearing a similar relation to the Jackdaw as he does on the
English cliffs. The Alpine Chough has not yet been observed
in Algeria.

21. Pica MAURiTANiCA. (Algerian Magpie.) El Agahg,^^
Arab.

A few pairs may occasionally be seen in the northern portions
of the Sahara. In habits it differs not from our Magpie, but is
a most interesting species, from the singular bare spot which
extends half an inch behind the eye, and is of a brilliant ultra-
marine blue in the living bird. The colours are not ( ?tributed
exactly as in our bird, the white on the scapulars being of not
more than half the extent, while the black on the breast descends
down to the belly, which alone is white for the space of about
2 inches; and the bill is more slender and the tarsi longer
than in the European species. There is a distinction between

293

Ornithology of Northern Africa.

the plumage of the sexes which I am not aware of having seen
remarked, viz. that the white on the inner webs of the first ten
primaries of the wings extends much further in the male than in
the female.

22. Sturnus VULGARIS. (Starling.) Zerzoury^ Kvdh.

Vast flocks of the Starling resort to the Date-forests in winter,

and do incalculable damage to the ripe fruit. They are snared
and destroyed by thousands, being prized for food; yet there
seems no appreciable diminution of their numbers, till the Date-
crop is gathered and spring commences, when not a straggler-
remains in Africa. They are accompanied occasionally by a few
individuals of

23. Sturnus unicolor. (Black Starling), which, unlike the
other, is a resident in Algeria, breeding in solitary and retired
spots, in holes either of trees or rocks.

24. Passer salicarius. (Spanish Sparrow.) Zaouchy^
Arab.

Abundant in vast flocks wherever there is moisture, and espe-
cially among the reeds in the salt marshes. At Waregla and
Tuggurt, where the salt lakes are never dry, the noise of these
birds is perfectly deafening, and a hundred may be, and, I am
told, have been, brought down at a shot. Its habits are certainly
very different from those of its familiar congener here, though in
boldness and activity it rivals him. I am not acquainted with
the bird in Spain ; but in Africa, as a general rule, it does not
affect the habitations of men, and always breeds near water in
vast colonies of many thousands.

25. Passer italic. (Cisalpine Sparrow.)

Though having the same chestnut head as the preceding, this
bird is easily distinguishable by the absence of the bright black
streaks on the flanks so conspicuous in the other. Yet, though,
in a series of the two, it is often difficult to draw the line, in
its habits this Sparrow agrees exactly with our own, inhabiting
the roofs of houses and the rafters of sheds in preference to
the more distant groves and gardens. I never found it in great
communities at a distance from buildings ; but wherever man

VOL. I.

X

296

Rev. H. B. Tristram on the

continues his warbling from sunrise till nearly noon. His voice,
though not so strong, is quite as varied and mellow as that of
our own common Linnet, to which it bears considerable resem-
blance in tones. Our habitation was mierely an open shed on
one side of a courtyard, and frequently these Buntings would
perch on the opposite side during meals, and at length the
boldest of them summon courage to hop across the court and
pick up fragments of couscous at our feet. It builds both
in holes in walls about houses and gardens, and also in rocks.
I have found the nest in process of being built, in El Kantara,
in April, though I never succeeded in obtaining the eggs.

31. Monticola cyanea. (Blue Rock-Thrush.) Tuttow
Khifan” i, e. Rock-Thrush, Arab.

Few spots where there is any vegetation are without a pair
of these shy and wary birds, who maybe detected dropping like
a Wheatear behind a rock in a ravine, or perched on the mud
wall of a palm grove, the male occasionally rising and hovering
like a lark at some height during his song, which is, however,
more frequently chanted from the top of an isolated rock. It
occasionally perches on bushes, and, as a songster, possesses
organs of voice of not less power, compass, and variety than our
own Song-Thrush.

32. Monticola saxatilis. (Common Rock-Thrush.)

Decidedly a scarcer bird in the Sahara than the former, more

shy and wary, and resorting only to the higher grounds. In
the upper portions of the Atlas it is more plentiful ; but I have
only seen it three or four times in the Desert, and then only on
such elevated situations as the summits of the Chebkha M’zab.

33. DromoLtEA LEUCURA. (Black Wheatear.) ^‘BouHaoud/^
Arab.

The Chats are the tribe of all others most universally distri-
buted in the Desert, yet having specifically very narrow limits.
They are, too, the only class of birds there who have any distinc-
tive or conspicuous colouring. The Larks of various species or
the Sand-grouse may be on all sides, yet only a practised eye
can detect a sign of life in the waste. But the lively Chat is

297

Ornithology of Northern Africa.

seen afar ; his clear bright colouring gleams in contrast with
the universal brown around him. Conscious of his attractions, he
attempts no concealment, but relies for safety on his watchful
eye and rapid movements, and, above all, on the snug retreat
which he always has open before him — his hole in the rocks or
his burrow in the sand. I think that those who are familiar
with the habits of this class will at once admit the propriety of
Cabanis^ separation of the genus Dromolaea from the old one
of Saocicola. Strong as are the structural afSnities through-
out the whole, the manners of the living birds are in marked
contrast. Wherever there are savage ravines, bare cliffs re-
flecting a burning glare on the hungry valley, rent chasms, fear-
ful in the unspeakable stillness which pervades the transparent
atmosphere around, gorges which strike the intruder with awe,
as though life, vegetable or animal, had never dared to intrude
there before, even here may a pair of Rock-Chats of some species
or other be detected. If a snap shot has been successful, the
victim generally contrives to escape into some deep fissure to
die j and frequently it is impossible to recover the spoils.
Dromolcea leucura is found only in the north of the Desert.
EP Aghouat may be considered its southern limit ; and it alone
of the class comes up to the foot of the Atlas, on the southern
slopes of which it is tolerably abundant from Morocco to Tunis,
breeding among the rocks, building a compact nest of moss and
hair, and laying ordinarily four eggs, somewhat larger than
those of the Wheatear, of a rich deep greenish blue, covered
towards the larger end with rust-red blotches and spots. Its
song is monotonous, consisting of but three notes ; but the call-
note is clear, loud, and musical.

31. Dromol^a leucopygia (Brehm, Cab. Journ. f. Orn.
1858, p. 66). (White-rumped Rock-Chat.)

Of this bird I had prepared a description as of a new species,
under the very name given to it by Brehm, before I was aware
that he had already published it from Nubian specimens in
Cabanis’ Journal, — a lesson this to naturalists not to allow a
year and a half to elapse before making public their discoveries ;
for I ha ^ obtained a series of specimens a twelvemonth before

298

Rev. H. B. Tristram on the

Brehm received his birds from Nubia. This species differs from
D. leucura in having the whole tail white, with the exception
of the lower portion of the two centre feathers, while the vent
and the lower portion of the back are snowy white to the extent
of three inches from the extremity of the tail. The whole of the
rest of the plumage is glossy black, instead of the rusty colour
characteristic of D, leucura ; and the bird is in all its propor-
tions more slender and a little smaller. In its habits it no way
differs from its congener. It never approaches the north of the
Sahara, and is strictly confined to the ^ weds ^ or dry ravines of the
M^zab country.

35. Dromol^a leucocephala (Brehm, Journ. f. Orn. 1858,
p. 62). (White-headed Rock-Chat.)

This bird I also procured in considerable numbers in the
southern portion of the Sahara in 1856. It was first described
by Brehm in 1858, from Nubian specimens. I have compared
mine with one of Brehm^s type specimens, and the only distinc-
tion I can perceive is that the white of the Algerian bird extends
a little higher up the back. It only differs from D. leucopygia
in having a snow-white head. There is a narrow band of black
just above the nostrils extending over the eyes. The rest of the
forehead, crown, and down to the nape of the neck are white. The
whole under-plumage glosssy black to the vent, which, with the
under tail-coverts and the extremity of the feathers about the
thighs, is snow-white. Neither in this nor the preceding bird
is there the slightest difference between the sexes in plumage.
This Rock- Chat has a further range east and west than D.
leucopygia, and is far more abundant in its localities, but does
not come so far north. Closely as it resembles it, I never ob-
served the two species together. It is very pugnacious, and
lives all the winter in pairs, each couple preserving its own
domain undisturbed. I have watched a male perched on a point
of a rock, with his white tail expanded like a fan, and perfectly
erect, whistling loud defiance to a rival at the other side of the
ravine. The challenge is speedily taken up, and they advance
nearer each other, till, after a very short encounter, they retire
to their respective sides. No doubt the scarcity of their insect

SAxicozA miLOTHAMNA

' t) '

1

Ornithology of Northern Africa. 299

food compels the Rock-Chats to distribute themselves very
sparsely.

This bird has been mistaken by Capt. Loche in his catalogue
for Dromolcea monachal of Eastern Africa, from which it is quite
distinct.

36. Saxicola philothamna t, Tristram, Ibis, 1859, p. 58.
(Bush-Chat.) (Plate IX. fig. 1 cJ, 2 $ .)

I have some doubts as to whether this bird should not be
placed among the Dromolceoe, from its structural characters. But
though the largest of its genus, it is in all its habits certainly a
Saxicoluj and not a Bock-Chat. I have, therefore, proposed to
allow it to remain in the old genus. I first met with it near
the caravanseray of Ain eP Ibel, a day^s journey north of EP
Aghouat, and thenceforward until our approach, in the follow-
ing spring, to the Tunisian frontier it occurred sparingly at
intervals, wherever the nature of the country afforded scope for
its peculiar habits. I found it near the Dayats of EP Aghouat,
near Waregla, and far to the north-east at El MarPer, south-east
of Biskra. It is a constant resident and a very early breeder in
those portions of the Desert which are composed of loose sand
studded with low stunted bushes. Among rocks or in the Salt-
districts I never detected it. It perches, like the Whinchat, on
the top of ’a bush, uttering incessantly a very similar note.
The male and female are constantly together, and on being
alarmed take refuge sometimes in flight, but more generally
disappear into a burrow in the sand. The first I shot vanished
in a moment, and though certain he had fallen, I was compelled to
relinquish my search. The second disappeared as mysteriously;
but observing a drop of blood at the entrance of what seemed
to be a small lizard^s hole, I dug down, and, after a quarter of
an hour^s excavation, recovered the bird, quite dead. At this

* Figured in Temminck’s PI. Col. 359. fig. 1.

t This species is certainly the same as Loche's Dromolcea isabellina
(Cat. Mamm. et Ois. p. 64), as testified by his marked specimens ; but it is
not the bird to which Temminck and Ruppell have given that specific
name. Dr. Hartlaub, to whom we sent a copy of the figure, with a request
to assist us in identifying it, informs us that the female is marked S. ruji-
ceps, Buvry, in the Berlin Museum. — (Ed.)

300

Eev. H. B. Tristram on the

moment the female issued from another hole close by, and
escaped. On further search, I found a small chamber with last
yearis nest, and another passage out, by which the remaining
bird had escaped. The Arabs say that they use old snake-
holes, and make a second exit themselves, for security from the
large carnivorous lizards, which are their great enemies. The
retreat is always just under a bush, no doubt for the sake of
greater consistency in the sand, which otherwise would certainly
fall in and choke the inhabitants. I found new nests in process
of construction as early as January. The fragments of old eggs
which I picked up are, as might have been expected, of a blue
colour. There is, as will be seen from the Plate, a remarkable
difference in plumage between the male and female, thus refer-
ring it rather to Saocicola than to IDromolcea,

37. Saxicola (enanthe. (Wheatear.)

38. Saxicola stapazina. (Stapazine Chat.)

39. Saxicola aurita. (Eared Chat.)

These three Chats occur in the northern portion of the Hants
Plateaux, but are merely winter visitants.

40. Saxicola lugens, Licht. >8. leucomela, Temminck,
PI. Col. 257. (Mourning Chat.)

This bird, in habits very like S. philothamnay but less con-
fined to the bushy portions of the Desert, does not appear to
come so far north even as the M^zab country. It dw^ells in the
boundless deserts of the Touareg, south of the furthest French
imaginary line. It was only here, and in the Chamba country,
south-west of Waregla, in lat.30° 50', that I obtained specimens.
It is very shy, and possesses great powers of flight.

41. Saxicola deserti, Biipp. (Desert Chat.)

In the general distribution of its colours this Chat very much
resembles the S. stapazina, but the bill and tarsi are at least half
as long again, and the black of the throat extends much further,
the rufous head and back being exchanged for a more sombre
Isabel colour. There is no sexual distinction of plumage. Like
the last-described, it is restricted to the south of the Sahara, but
resorts to the level, shrubless Salt-plains, hopping along the

301

Ornithology of Northern Africa,

sand_, and when alarmed continuing its flight to a considerable
distance. It was obtained in the dreary desert between Gue-
nara and Hadjira, and also in the Chotts near Tuggurt. It
breeds iu burrows.

42. Saxicola halophila, Tristram, Ibis, 1859, p. 59. (The
Salt-loving Chat.)

Like the preceding in its habits and localities, but apparently
occurring only in the eastern and Tunisian portions of the
Sahara. The general tone of plumage somewhat resembles that
of S. philothamna, to which in its perching and burrowing habits
it bears affinities. There is a peculiar silky texture in its loose
plumage, which I have not observed in other Chats. It is
shorter, but more robust than the S. stapazina, and wants the
dark back, throat, and shoulders of S. philothamna. Its incon-
spicuous cinnamon head and back render it very difficult to de-
tect, either on the ground or perched on a tuft of Desert-rush.
On the first occasion on which I met with it, the chase cost me
an hour's pursuit before I could get within shot, the little fellow
keeping quietly but constantly about a hundred yards ahead.
There is very little difference between the sexes in plumage, the
female being without the dark cheeks, and rather fainter in
general coloration.

43. Saxicola homochroa, Tristram, Ibis, 1859,p. 59. (Soli-
tary Chat.)

The .smallest and most inconspicuous of its class, exiled to a
region where none others exist. In the restless sand-drifts
of the Desert of Souf, and the ^ Dunes de sable ^ which roll
and rise beyond the Tunisian Djereed, is the home of this soli-
tary and melancholy bird. While toiling through this weary
Sand-ocean in a three-days' journey, this and Galerida arenicola
were the only living things that crossed our path. With the
exception of its dark-brown primaries and rectrices and dull-
white tail- coverts, it is of a uniform pale sand-colour. The
sexes are identical in plumage. It sits at the edge of a sand-
drift, and as the shelving sides crumble down with the wind, it
seems to search for its food in the debris.

[To be continued.]

302 Mr. 0. Salvin^s Five Months^ Birds^ -nesting

XXX. — Five Months’ Birds’ -nesting in the Eastern Atlas. By

OsBERT Salvin, B.A., Corr. Memb. Zool. Soc. (Part II.)

[Continued from p. 191.]

21. Caprimulgus europ^us. (Goatsucker.)

While we were encamped at Kef Laks^ an Arab brought to
the tents a Goatsucker, half-dead. This was the only occasion
on which I met with this bird.

22. Cypselus apus. (Swift.)

On the 8th of March, I saw a single bird of this species fly-
ing over the city of Tunis. I did not observe it again until
reaching Algiers, where it occurred in plenty.

23. Cypselus melba. (Alpine Swift.)

This species is more commonly seen about the plains of the
Salt Lake district than in the more mountainous parts of the
country, though in the latter it is by no means of unfrequent
occurrence. At Kef Laks I was vain enough to attempt to
shoot some specimens on a windy day ; though they frequently
came within shot, their pace was so great, that I totally failed
in my object, and only succeeded in firing my gun two or three
times. The Alpine Swift breeds in most of the rocks of the
country ; but we did not procure any of its eggs.

24. Hirundo rustica. (Swallow.)

I found several pairs of these birds at the caravanseray of Ai'n
Yacoute, on the road between Constantine and Batna, where
they had their nests among the rafters of an open shed.

25. Chelidon urbica. (Martin.)

In the first week of March I saw several Martins at Sousa,
and others subsequently at Tunis.

26. CoTYLE RiPARiA. (Sand Martin.)

On one or two occasions, I observed birds of this species on
the road between Tunis and Kef during the third week in
March, I never saw others subsequently.

27. CoRACiAs GARRULA. (Roller.)

About the wooded hills that skirt the elevated plains of the
Eastern Atlas, the Roller may not unfrequently be met with.

in the Eastern Atlas.

303

In these districts it breeds in the month of May^ choosing for
the position of its nest a hollow in a tree, and usually preferring
one that has a side entrance. In this the eggs are deposited on
no softer nest than that which the chips of dead wood at the
bottom afford. The Arabs used frequently to catch the birds
in their holes and bring them, eggs and all, to us. Their local
name is Shrugwrug’^ derived from one of the cries of the bird,
which it well expresses.

28. Merops apiaster. (Bee-Eater.)

The first time I observed this species was towards the end of
April, at Kef Laks, where a fiock, apparently just arrived, passed
over my head. It is plentiful about Djendeli, and breeds, boring
the hole for its nest, in banks of the river Chemora and the ditches
that drain the low land near the lake. There the soil is alluvial
and soft, and the bird finds little difficulty in making its exca-
vation. During our stay, I took several nests, and latterly be-
came an adept at knowing at once which holes were tenanted,
and where and when to dig. A little circumspection is neces-
sary at first j for not unfrequently the occupant of the hole is
not a Bee-eater, but a toad or snake. The scratchings made by
the bird^s feet in passing in and out, and the absence of fresh
earth beneath the orifice are generally sure indications of the
excavation having been completed, and consequently of a strong
probability that there are eggs within. The holes pierced by this
bird usually consist of a horizontal passage about three or four
feet long, the entrance being at various heights from the level
ground. This passage, from a circular opening, is gradually
enlarged horizontally till it arrives at a chamber of about a foot
in diameter, and domed over. In this chamber the eggs are
frequently deposited. Should, however, none be found, it is
necessary to feel all round the chamber ; and in many instances
another passage of about a foot long will be found communicating
with a second chamber in all respects similar to the first, in
which, if it exist, the eggs are placed. The bird makes no nest ;
but the fioor of the chamber is strewn with the legs and wing-
cases of Coleoptera in such abundance that a handful may be
taken up at once. In most instances, I caught one of the old

304 Mr. 0. Salviii's Five Months^ Bird^ -nesting

birds in the chamber containing the eggs ; while the hole was
being enlarged, it would, every now and then, attempt to escape.
The eggs are laid early in June, and are usually six in number.
The flight of the Bee-eater is somewhat like that of a Swallow
[Hirundo rustica), though its movements are much slower ; and
it is frequently to be seen perched on a bush. Its cry is harsh
and monotonous.

29. Upupa epops. (Hoopoe.)

The Hoopoe was abundant about Djendeli when we were
there. In every direction in the wooded hills of this district, the
cry from which the bird takes its trivial name might be heard ;
but, common as it was, we never obtained a single egg.

30. Calamodyta locustella. (Grasshopper- Warbler.)

Every night while we were encamped near the Marabout of

Sidi Khalifa Cherif, I used to hear the peculiar cry of a member
of this genus. On one occasion I saw, at the same place, a bird
which I considered at the time to have been a Grasshopper-
Warbler. The place appeared ill-adapted for this fen-loving
bird, being dry and sterile ; but from the fact of its being found
in England in fens, woods, and moors indiscriminately, it would
seem that the cover afforded by the sedge, rather than the
moisture of the situation, is what is sought for by the bird.

31. Calamodyta LUSCiNoiDEs. (Savins Warbler.)

I found this bird abundant in the marsh of Zana. On ap-
proaching the margin of the reeds, its peculiar rattling note
might be heard in every direction. The bird, when uttering
this cry, climbs to the very top of a reed, often choosing the
tallest, where it sits, if not disturbed, for several minutes, with-
out changing its position. When singing, the head is moved
slowly from side to side, by which means it may be that the
ventriloquism ascribed to the Grasshopper- Warbler is produced,
— -the apparent change of position of the bird being, in fact, a
change in the direction in w^hich the sound of its voice is thrown.
On taking alarm, the songster drops instantly into the thickest
sedge, when pursuit is hopeless, as it carefully eludes observa-
tion, never showing itself in open flight ; sometimes, however.

in the Eastern Atlas,

305

its course may be traced by the shaking of the reeds as it springs
from one to another. The peculiar nest of this species — a
beautifully-compact structure composed entirely of dead flag —
is artfully concealed in the thickest parts ; and at Zana it can
only be found by wading in mud and water up to the middle,
and even then it is quite a chance to find one. The eggs from
this locality are decidedly ' smaller than English and Dutch
specimens.

33. Calamodyta cettit. (Cetti^s Warbler.)

On one or two occasions, among the tamarisk-trees on the
banks of the Chemora, I caught a momentary glimpse of a bird
of this species — not more than was sufficient to recognize it. It
appears to be shy, and not common in the Eastern Atlas.

33. Calamodyta aquatic a. (Aquatic Warbler.)

At the head of the little marsh of Ain Djendeli I more than
once observed a pair of this Warbler. We afterwards found it
more abundant at Zana, where it was breeding. In its habits
it much resembles the common Reed Warbler (C. arundinacea) ;
the eggs also are similar.

34. Calamoherpe turdoides. (Thrush-like Warbler.)

The commonest species of the Sylviince in the marsh of Zana,

where its incessant note, day and night, assails one^s ears. It
breeds abundantly am.ongst the taller reeds.

35. Pyrophthalma melanocephala. (Sardinian Warbler.)

This is one of the most striking of the smaller species in

North Africa. About Tunis and elsewhere in the Regency it is
common, and extends along the ridge of the Atlas to Souk
Harras, where we lost sight of it on entering the less wooded
and more sterile portions of the mountain chain.

36. Sylvia cinerea. (Whitethroat.)

Observed during the first week in April between the foot of
the rock of Djebel Dekma and the river Medjerda.

37. Sylvia conspicillata. (Spectacled Warbler.)

A true inhabitant of the Salt Lake districts, where it is found
abundantly, frequenting the low shrubs that cover the uncul-
tivated portions of that region. It is a shy and wary bird, and

306 Mr. 0. Salvin^s Five Months^ Birds^ -nesting

carefully eludes observation by skulking from busb to bush as
one approaches. In the above-mentioned shrubs it builds its
nestj making a loose but neat structure of dry grass with a
scanty lining of horsehair. The eggs in one nest seldom exceed
four. The Arabic name is M^zizzee.”

38. Sylvia orphea. (Orphean Warbler.)

This is a tolerably common bird about the wooded hill-sides
of Djendeli, where it usually breeds, though we sometimes ob-
tained nests from the tamarisk-trees in the plain. Its nest much
resembles that of the common Blackcap [S. atricapilla), but
differs in being more compact and thicker ; the position in the
branch of the tree selected is usually similar. The note of this
bird is pleasing, but hardly so much so as to entitle it to the
name of the Orphean Warbler.

39. Hippolais polyglotta. (Latham^s Pettychaps.)

A very common bird about the Chemora, where we found it
breeding in the tamarisk-trees.

40. Phylloscopus rufus. (Chiff-chaff.)

This was the first bird I heard on landing at Philippeville
before proceeding to Tunis. It appears to winter in Algeria.
I obtained specimens near El Djem in March.

41. Phylloscopus trochilus. (Willow Wren.)

During the month of March I shot more than one of this
species in the Regency of Tunis.

42. Phylloscopus sibilatrix. (Wood Wren.)

I shot a single specimen of this bird (the only one I saw)
in May, near where the Chemora empties itself into Lake
Djendeli.

43. Saxicola (Enanthe. (Wheatear.)

A specimen of this bird was shot near Zana in June.

44. Saxicola leucura. (Black Wheatear.)

More abundant about the Djendeli district than elsewhere.
It appears to be an earlier breeder than other Saocicolce, as young
were found at the end of May in an advanced stage.

in the Eastern Atlas,

307

45. Saxicola aurita. (Eared Wheatear.)

The favourite resort of this species is among the stony ground
at the foot of the hills ; and in such places it may be looked for,
and generally found. Roman ruins also are much frequented.
We obtained two nests from the Madracen, where they were
placed in the interstices of the stone of that building. Usually
the nests were close by, or under a large fragment of rocL

46. Saxicola stapazina. (Russet Wheatear.)

Is found in similar situations to those of the last, and appears
equally distributed over the same districts. No difference is
noticeable between the eggs of this and the former species.
The Arabic name for all the Wheatears is

47. Pratt NCOLA rubicola. (The Stonechat.)

By no means uncommon in the mountainous districts.

48. Saxicola rubetra. (The Whinchat.)

Also common in localities similar to the last.

49. Ruticilla moussieri. (Moussier’s Redstart.)

This species, which is peculiar to North Africa, is perhaps .one
of the most interesting in the Regency of Tunis and Eastern
Algeria, where I had the pleasure of observing it. Its favourite
resorts are the ruins of the old Roman cities which lie scattered
in all directions throughout this district, and the loose rocky
ground which skirts the plains at the foot of the surrounding
hills. When visiting such spots, the bright plumage of the
male, as he glides from stone to stone, is one of the first objects
that attract the attention. The note uttered by the male during
the breeding- season is peculiar ; and, unlike that of any of its
congeners, it is monotonous, but not unpleasing. This bird
seems intermediate between the Stonechats and Redstarts ; but
I am inclined to consider that it is more closely allied to the
former than to the latter : the character of the plumage of the
male would lead one to this supposition ; and its habits, actions,
and nest tend rather to confirm the idea. The eggs, which are
white with the faintest tinge of greenish-blue, only indicate its
connexion with the whole group, including the Wheatears ; and,
as in the case of the eggs of Saxicola oenanthe, I have no doubt
that spotted varieties occur. On observing the eggs of the

308 Mr. 0. Salvin^s Five Months^ Birds* -nesting

Baxicolce and Buticillm mentioned in this paper, an intimate
relationship can he traced between the whole. In the first in-
stance, take the richly-coloured and highly-marked eggs of

leucura, S. aurita, and stapazina, all of which are greenish-
blue, with decided spots of red-brown ; next to them I would
place those of B. rubetra, which are similarly marked, but not so
deeply ; then those of S. rubicola, which also are spotted, but
more indistinctly ; next follow the pale, delicately coloured eggs
of S. cenanthe, in which a tendency to spotted varieties is not
unfrequently noticeable ; then come the eggs of R. jjhoenicura,
among which spotted varieties occur, but not so commonly as in
the preceding. Those of R, moussieriy with their just traceable
colouring, follow next in succession ; and lastly, those of R. tithys,
which, though white, and difiering widely from the well-marked
eggs of S. leucura, can still be connected with the series through
the medium of cenanthe and R. moussieri.

The Arabic name for this bird is ZinzuckF

50. Ruticilla phcenicura. (Redstart.)

I met with this species near El Djem, in the south of the
Regency of Tunis, at the end of February.

51. Ruticilla tithys. (Black Redstart.)

Not an uncommon bird near Tunis and many of the villages
of the Regency ; but it would appear to be more rare in the
mountainous districts, as I have no note entered of having-
observed it.

52. Erythacus rubecula. (Robin Red-breast.)

I shot a Robin near Sousa in the beginning of March. I
never saw another during my whole stay.

53. Philomela luscinia. (Nightingale.)

I observed Nightingales in a wooded ravine near Khifan
M^sakta, in the early part of April. In the Salt Lake districts it
does not seem to occur.

54. Aedon galactotes. (Rufous Sedge Warbler.)

The head-quarters of this bird seem situated in the Salt Lake
districts, where we found it abundantly through the months of
May and June. It does not appear that marshy ground is an

in the Eastern Atlas.

309

indispensable requisite to their haunts ; for I observed it not un-
frequently in the arid district of Guerah el Tharf. In the map,
this lake looks a magnificent piece of water ; but it is in reality
what most of the places similarly laid down are^ viz. a wide ex-
panse of sand covered with saline incrustation, which only in
peculiarly wet seasons is flooded with water. There nearly
always exists in most of these sandy plains a great amount of eva-
poration, which, with the white saline matter on the surface, at
a distance of a few miles gives all the appearance of a turbulent
lake. Indeed, so perfect is the deception, that on arriving at
Ai'n Beida, we supposed that, when looking on Guerah el Tharf,
we had in view a magnificent lake; and so we continued to
believe it, till a morning^s ride destroyed the illusion. Sub-
sequently I saw many other instances of mirage, in some of
which the hills, clouds, and all the surrounding objects were
perfectly reflected. Near A'in Djendeli, I used frequently to
notice the present species about the trees that overhang the dry
stony water- courses that run from the hills into the plain be-
neath. We never found a nest, however, in one of the above-
mentioned places ; and it would seem that the bird prefers a
moister soil for its breeding-haunts, such as is afforded by the
lowlands near lake Djendeli, where the Tamarisk-trees grow on
the banks of the Chemora and the small Ain or spring. The
nest we found usually placed conspicuously in the fork or on a
branch of one of these trees, and with apparently no attempt
at concealment. The heights at which the structure is placed
vary from one to six feet from the ground. In one instance I
found a nest among the roots of a tree in a bank-side, in a
place where one would have expected in England to have found
the nest of a Robin. The materials employed are the dead
shoots of the Tamarisk, which form the outside, — the inside and
lining being usually coot^s or duck^s feathers, mingled with
wool or cameTs hair ; and in nine cases out of ten, a small piece
of serpent^s skin is loosely placed in the bottom of the nest*.

The number of eggs varies from three to five. They are laid
about the third week in May.

* I have since observed other instances of serpent’s skin similarly used.
As to what object the bird has in view in employing such material, I can
form no conjecture.

VOL. I.

Y

310

Mr. 0. Salvin’s Five Months^ Birds^ -nesting

In its habits this bird is shy, and is careful to elude observa-
tion. When it alights on a twig, it expands its tail, and shows
the peculiar markings which terminate each feather. While
holding it thus extended, it raises it once or twice, somewhat
after the manner of Copsychus macruruSy a bird which must be
familiar to all who are acquainted with the New Aviary in the
Gardens of the Zoological Society. I may here remark that
the eggs of Aedon galactodes are not to be distinguished from
those of Anthus rufescens, a bird equally or perhaps more com-
mon in the same districts in the Atlas : so that eggs ascribed to
this species from that country, without undeniable proof that
they are what they profess to be, can only be received with great
doubt, and are in fact valueless to a collection. Among the
Arabs of Djendeli this bird is known as El Hamara^^ — the
Red Bird.^^

55. Parus ultramarinus. (Ultramarine Titmouse.)

This highly-coloured representative of our common Bluetit
[Parus cceruleus) is abundant in all the wooded districts. In
the mountains it may not unfrequently be observed about the
shrubby vegetation which clothes many of the precipices. In
its habits, as might be expected, it much resembles our familiar
species. I never saw P. ledouci, nor have I any note respecting
P. major y which latter species is said to be common.

56. Budytes flava. (Grey-headed Yellow Wagtail.)

This Wagtail I observed at Kef Laks, apparently on passage.
It afterwards occurred in plenty at Zana and Ain Djendeli. It
appears local in its distribution, but common where it is found.

57. Motacilla alba. (White Wagtail.)

Common about Tunis in Eebruary, but not afterwards ob-
served.

58. Anthus pratensis. (Meadow Pipit.)

I shot one specimen of this bird at Kef Laks in April.

59. Anthus rufescens. (Tawny Pipit.)

Towards the end of April I first observed this Pipit, when I
collected some specimens on the plateau of Kef Laks. We
afterwards found it abundant about the plains of Djendeli, from

in the Eastern Atlas.

311

which district we obtained its eggs. These vary much^ some
being light-coloured and almost like Wagtails’, while others are
much darker and more profusely marked. The nest is com-
posed of roots, with a lining of horsehair, and is placed on the
lee side of a bush, the prevailing wind being from the north-
west.

60. Turdus viscivorus. (Misseltoe Thrush.)

On passing through the Waregra country, near the Tunisian
frontier, I shot several of these birds, and saw others.

61. Turdus merula. (Blackbird.)

The Blackbird is common in the wooded parts of Tunis. It
appears to be a resident in the Eastern Atlas, as we obtained
several nests near Souk Harras.

62. Turdus musicus. (Thrush.)

• Common all over the plains about Tunis in February.

63. Monticola sAXATiLis. (Common Bock-Thrush.)

This Bock-Thrush does not appear to be nearly so common as

the Blue Bock-Thrush in the districts we visited ; indeed, except
on one occasion, at Kef Laks, I have no instance noted of having
met with it.

64. Monticola cyanea. (Blue Bock-Thrush.)

In all the mountainous parts and rocky passes, the Blue
Bock-Thrush occurs ; and in such places one may seldom listen
in vain for the plaintive notes of this beautiful songster. We
were unsuccessful in obtaining their eggs, though many pairs
must have had their nests within easy reach of our different
camps while we remained in the mountains.

65. Ixos OBSCURUS. (Dusky Bulbul.)

I shot a pair of these birds near Kef Laks. I found them near
the bank of a small wooded stream that runs in the valley on the
south side of the plateau. My attention was first attracted by
the rich song of the male bird ; and after waiting a short time,
I succeeded in obtaining both it and the female.

66. Muscicapa luctuosa. (Pied Flycatcher.)

This bird is not uncommon about Souk Harras, but is more
rare in the Salt-lake districts.

Y 2

312 Mr. 0. Salvin^s Five Months^ Birds^ -nesting

67. Lanius meridionalis. (Great Grey Shrike.)

This Shrike seems confined in its range to the northern slope
of the Atlas, whilst its place is occupied in Tunis and on the
southern watershed by L. algeriensis, I found a nest at Foum
el Hameer, on the borders of Guerah el Tharf, and endeavoured
to obtain the bird, but did not succeed ; however, as I was pur-
suing it, I was enabled to see that it was this, and not the next
nearly allied species.

68. Lanius algeriensis. (Algerian Grey Shrike.)

I frequently met with this bird in Tunis, at Sousa, and other
parts of the Regency, but lost sight of it on ascending the Atlas
range.

69. Lanius rufus. (Woodchat Shrike.)

Is everywhere abundant in Eastern Algeria and Tunis. It
breeds in great numbers on the hill-sides in the neighbourhood
of Djendeli, making a nest composed almost entirely of one
material, viz. a small grey flower, which the bird collects with
the stalk, and entwines into its nest, employing the same for the
lining. The whole structure is beautifully neat and compact.

70. Garrulus cervicalis. (Algerian Jay.)

I saw this bird on several occasions near Souk Harras, but lost
sight of it on passing to the less-wooded country.

71. Pica MAURiTANiCA. (Moorish Magpie.)

This Magpie is common in the Eastern Atlas ; we found it
breeding at Djendeli, where it frequented the wooded hills, and
built in the Terebinth trees. The eggs are laid about the third
week in May, but some earlier, as young birds were brought to
us before the end of that month.

72. CoRVUs coRAx. (Raven.)

The Raven we found abundant everywhere. It was no un-
common sight to see twenty or thirty birds at one time. They
build in every available clifi’. All the eggs of C, corax from this
district are remarkably small in size.

73. CoRVUs monedula. (Jackdaw.)

Common in many parts, especially about the cave at Djebei
Dekma.

in the Eastern Atlas.

313

74. Pyrrhocorax graculus. (Chough.)

About the hills that surround the plain that holds the marsh
of Zana, 1 not unfrequently used to observe the Chough. While
we were staying there, a Frenchman shot one, which proved to be
this species, and not P. alpinus.

75. Sturnus unicolor. (Sardinian Starling.)

I have no note respecting the Common Starling ; but as it is
said to occur commonly at Tunis during the winter, I, doubtless,
omitted to remark it. The present bird I saw at Kef in the
Regency of Tunis, subsequently at Djebel Dekma, and lastly at
Zana.

76. CoccoTHRAUSTEs VULGARIS. (Hawfinch.)

On one occasion, about the middle of May, I saw a pair of
Hawfinches among the Tamarisk-trees that grow near the spring
of Ain Djendeli.

77. Fringilla spodiogena. (Algerian Chaffinch.)

This bird is common about Tunis ; but we lost sight of it on
moving westward.

78. Serinus meridionalis. (Serine Finch.)

Common about the olive-groves near Sousa and other parts of
Tunis, but decidedly rare in the mountainous and more elevated
parts.

79. Carduelis elegans. (Goldfinch.)

Common everywhere. At Djendeli this bird builds a neat nest,
composed almost entirely of the flower of the Tamarisk.

80. Chloris aurantiiyentris*. (North- African Greenfinch.)

Though this bird is represented as common in many parts of

the country, I saw but little of it. I shot one near Souk Harras ;
and afterwards we obtained a few nests near Djendeli. The
bird appears to be justly entitled to a specific appellation, as
being distinct from the common Greenfinch {Fringilla chloris.)

81. Linaria cannabina. (Linnet.)

I met with large flocks of this bird near Carthage, in February.

* Ligurinus aurantiiventris, Cab. Miis. Hein. p. 158?; Chlorospiza
chloris, cx Algeria, auct. — (Ed.)

314

Mr. 0. Salvin^s Five Months^ Birds^ -nesting

82. Passer salicicola. (Spanish Sparrow.)

Is found in great numbers during the breeding- season among
the Tamarisk thickets on the Chemora_, and in the high sedge at
Zana. The Arabs destroy the nests, eggs, and young, wherever
they find them, as their great numbers do much damage to the
crops of corn. The nests are placed as thickly as they can
stand — the whole colony consisting of perhaps one hundred
pairs, occupying only five or six trees. The noise and ceaseless
chattering proceeding from one of these sparrow towns ” can
easily be imagined ; and, guided by the sound alone, one may
walk directly to the spot from a considerable distance. One
Sunday morning, four Arabs came to our tents, and, gravely
sitting down in a row, opened the hoods of their burnouses, and
displayed 800 or 1000 sparrows^ eggs, which they arranged in
four heaps before them, and remained in their sitting posture
contemplating them with evident satisfaction. We were rather
taken by surprise, but selected the best for our collections,
reserving the rest for omelettes.

83. Emberiza cirlus. (Cirl Bunting.)

I frequently saw the Cirl Bunting at Khifan M^sakta and its
neighbourhood. We afterwards, in May, obtained nests.

84. Emberiza miliaria. (Common Bunting.)

Everywhere very abundant.

85. Alauda arvensis. (Skylark.)

The Skylark is very common about Tunis in February ; but it
occurs rarely in the Salt-lake country, the head-quarters of A,
calandra, cristata, and brachydactyla,

86. Galerida cristata. (Crested Lark.)

Is abundant in all the plains both in Tunis and the Salt-lake
country. In the latter districts we found it breeding in the
month of May, but some eggs were obtained in April. Though
the plains appear to be most frequented, it was by no means of
unusual occurrence to find the Crested Lark in the mountains
and rocky passes, in this respect differing from A. calandra and
brachydactyla^ both of which we found exclusively in the level
country.

in the Eastern Atlas.

315

87. Calandrella brachydactyla. (Short-toed Lark.)

This lark is much more local in its distribution than the

last — its range being confined to a few favoured spots in the
elevated plains. About Am Beida it is abundant, and through-
out the great plain of El Tharf it may be commonly met with ;
in the neighbourhood of Djendeli it also occurs. Like the rest
of its congeners, it places its nest on the sheltered side of a
bush, — the scrubby vegetation which clothes the whole of that
arid district affording the necessary protection for its offspring.
The eggs of this species vary very much ; even in the same nest
hardly two similar ones are to be found. So different were some
of the varieties, that the greatest care was necessary in identi-
f3ring their true parentage.

88. Melanocorypha calandra. (Calandra Lark.)

The large size of the Calandra makes it conspicuous among
its congeners in places where the other species are found. It
seeks the pastures and corn-fields more than the above-men-
tioned species, though in some places all three are found toge-
ther in equal abundance. The number of eggs varies from
three to five ; they are laid about the second week in May, but
some earlier.

89. Loxia curvirostra. (Crossbill.)

On the 26th of March, we met with the Crossbill half a day^s
journey westward of Kef, on a ridge of the mountains covered
with pine-trees. There were five or six of them, consisting of
two parent birds with their young just out of the nest.

90. Picus NUMiDicus. (Numidian Woodpecker.)

I shot one of these birds in a tree that overhangs a small
marabout that stands on the north side of the eastern precipice
of Djebel Dekma.

91. Gecinus levaillantii. (LevaillanPs Woodpecker.)

This elose ally, but well-defined representative of our common

Green Woodpecker {Gecinus viridis) is not uncommon in dis-
tricts where there are large trees. I met with it on several
occasions ; and a nest of seven eggs, with the old bird, was
brought to us by an Arab. These eggs appear, on comparison,
decidedly smaller than those of our familiar species.

316 Mr. 0. Salvin^s Five Months^ Birds^ -nesting

92. CucuLus CANORUs. (Cuckoo.)

In the Waregra country, near Sidi Youssef, towards the end
of March I saw several Cuckoos, one of which I shot. I have
no recollection of having either met with it or seen it subse-
quently.

93. OxYLOPHUs GLANDARius. (Great Spotted Cuckoo.)

Mr. Hewitson, quoting Mr. Tristram, has given an account of

the breeding of this bird {vide ^Ibis,^ vol. i. p. 76), to which a few
additional remarks of my own may not be here out of place. I
was unfortunately the one of the party that saw least of this bird ;
therefore I can only add a little information as to the manner in
which our eggs were obtained, and, I am sorry to say, nothing to
the general habits of the bird. I first observed it in the Waregra
country, near the Tunisian frontier, after which we lost sight of
it till the middle of May, when our attention was drawn to the
fact of its existence in the neighbourhood in which we were then
located, by the information brought by Mr. Tristram from Batna.
On the morning of the 20th of May, an Arab brought us two
eggs which corresponded so well with the egg Mr. Tristram had
previously obtained, that our expectations were raised to the
highest pitch. A few hours after, another egg was brought from
another quarter ; and in the evening of the same day, four more.
With none of these eggs were any of the Pica mauritanica. On
blowing them, the first two proved to be about half-incubated, and
the zygodactylic structure of foot was clearly visible ; the others
were fresh. I may add, that on taking each of the Arabs to my
box of skins, each separately selected a Common Cuckoo, and
showed wherein the Great Spotted Cuckoo difiered. There was
no skin of 0. glandarius in the box. On the 20th of May,
therefore, we had no doubt that we had the eggs of this Cuckoo.
On May 25th, Mr. Simpson was taken, by an Arab who had
been in the habit of collecting for us, and who lived in a camp
not far from ours, to a nest, in which he found three eggs
corresponding exactly to those we had previously obtained. Mr.
Simpson did not see the birds near, and at the time supposed,
from the fact of the nest being so close to the Arab tents, that
the eggs had been put there by the man who showed it to him,

in the Eastern Atlas.

317

in order that he might more easily watch that no other Arab
took the eggs and deprived him of the reward we had offered.
Mr. Simpson, on reconsidering the facts of the case, is now of
opinion that the eggs had been deposited by the bird herself.
The nest in which these eggs were placed was described as an
old one, and as probably one of a Magpie [Pica mauritanica).
The next nest obtained was on May 30th, and was that taken by
Mr. Tristram, as related in the paper referred to above. Two
other eggs were brought to us on another occasion. Returning
again to the different nests above mentioned, it would appear
that on no occasion did we find other eggs with those of the
Cuckoo, and that certainly on two occasions more than one egg
was found in the nest, viz. in the nest taken by Mr. Simpson,
and in that taken by Mr. Tristram. Again, there is a proba-
bility, from the fact of the two eggs first brought being equally
incubated, that they were from the same nest ; and it is also pre-
sumable that the four eggs brought on the same day were from
the same nest, as two of them showed marks of imperfect forma-
tion in the shell, one more than the other, indicating the order
in which they had been laid. The circumstance of Mr. Tristram
finding two of the eggs of this bird marked as Pica mauritayiica,
and two others, really Magpies, similarly marked, after all proves
nothing. They were not taken by any of us, else they would have
been so noted, but were brought to our tents by some Arab ; and
it is as likely that he took them from two, three, or four nests, as
from one. Further evidence than an Arab^s bare statement we
usually deemed necessary to determine whether the eggs brought
to us were from one or more nests. I believe it is contrary to our
experience of parasitic Cuckoos to find nests occupied by eggs,
certainly of a Cuckoo, more than one in number, and they the
only eggs in the nest*. I am not disposed to throw any doubt
upon M. Brehrn^s statements respecting the habits of this bird.
I have not his paper, and I am sorry to say it is now in-
accessible to me ; but, if I recollect rightly, he follows the bird
through the whole of the breeding-season, and had on many
* In writing to me respecting an egg of the Chrysococcyx lucidus of
Australia, Mr. W. Bridger says that it was incubated while the eggs of
Acanthiza chrysorrh(£a, in the nest of which he found it, were fresh, show-
ing that the egg of a parasitic Cuckoo may be the first deposited in a nest.

318 Recent Oj'nithological Pvhlicatiom,

occasions seen the young Cuckoo with the young of its foster-
parents in the same nest. We only obtained the eggs in the
manner I have stated, and unfortunately left their haunts before
the young were hatched ; our work therefore was left imperfect,
and it remains the enviable task of some enterprising naturalist
to unfold the mystery that still hangs over the breeding-habits
of this bird. For his guidance, whoever he may be, let me add
that the wooded hills on the south side of Lake Djendeli, and
in the neighbourhood of the Madracen, both which districts lie
a little to the eastward of the high-road between Constantine
and Batna, may be considered as favoured breeding localities of
Oxylophus glandarius. I have refrained from suggesting any
probable hypothesis which might clear up the difficulty, as I feel
sure that before long we shall arrive at the facts of the case, and
any false supposition might tend to error.

94. CoLUMBA PALUMBUs. (Bing Dove.)

This Pigeon, which Mr. Gould assures me differs in no way
from our common Bing Dove, is abundant in many parts, and
breeds in the month of May.

95. CoLUMBA LiviA. (Bock Dove.)

Occurs in great numbers in the Cave of Djebel Dekma, and
in other suitable rocks of that district.

96. Turtur auritus. (Turtle Dove.)

Common about Djendeli, where it breeds.

97. Turtur ^gyptiacus. (Egyptian Turtle Dove.)

In the Begency of Tunis I observed this bird in many places.
It is found usually about the towns, and frequents the ruined
Amphitheatre of El Djem. I never saw it in Eastern Algeria.

[To he continued.]

XXXI. — Recent Ornithological Publications.

1. English Publications.

The fourth and concluding part of the ^ Illustrated Proceed-
ings of the Zoological Society^ for 1858, which was published
last month, contains numerous papers on Ornithology, and the
plates attached arc of the usual excellence ; — how can Mr. Wolfs

Recent Ornithological Publications. 319

pictures be otherwise than life-like ? The four parts of last yearns
^Proceedings^ together form a volume of nearly double the usual
thickness, and accompanied by no less than 45 plates. The
papers relating to Ornithology in the last part are the following :
— Characters of five new species of American Birds (p. 446),
and List of Birds collected by Mr. Louis Fraser at Cuenca,
Gualaquiza, and Zamora in the Republic of Ecuador (p. 449),
by P, L. Sclater : Synopsis generis Fringillini, Erythrurce”

by Dr. G. Hartlaub (p. 461) : “Notes on the habits of the Scy-
throps novm hollandm^^ by Dr. G. Bennett of Sydney (p. 462) :
“Notes on the habits, haunts, &c., of some of the Birds of In-
dia,^^ by Dr. A. L. Adams (p. 466) : “ On two species of Ant-
birds in the collection of the Derby Museum (p. 540), and
“Note on the genus Cichlopsis of Cabanis^^ (p.541), by P. L.
Sclater : “ On the Indian Pheasants bred in the Menagerie,^^
by D. W. Mitchell (p. 544), and “ On the Birds collected by
Mr. Fraser in the vicinity of Riobamba in Ecuador,^^ by P. L.
Sclater (p. 549). Beautiful figures of the eggs and young of
the species of Indian Phasianidce, bred in the Society's Gardens
(Lophophorus impeyanus, Catreus wallichiij Gallophasis horsfieldi,
G. albocristatus and G. melanotus)j are given. The latter are
copied from Mr. WolPs drawings in the portfolio of the Society.

The first of the two numbers of Mr. Gould^s ^ Birds of Asia'
for the present year is now ready, forming Part II. of this great
work. It contains figures of

Gennceus nycthemerus, of China.

DendrocJielidon coronatus, of India.

„ klechoy of Java.

„ wallacei, of Celebes.

„ mystaceus, of New Guinea.

„ comatus, of Eastern Malasia.

Harpacies duvauceli, of Sumatra and Borneo.

„ rutilus, of Malacca.

Amydrus tristrami, of Palestine.

Merula castanea, of Northern Hindostan.

„ albocincta, of „ * „

„ boulboul, of „ „

Parus dichrous, of Nepal.

„ rubidiventris, of Nepal.

„ rufonuchalis, of N.W. India.

,, melanolopkus, of „

320 Recent Ornithological Publications.

Mi:, Gould will excuse us for remarking that Amydrus tristrami
is from Palestine, not Asia Minor ; and that Parus dichrous be-
longs to the section LophophaneSy which appears to be fairly
separable, generically, from Parus^.

The Trustees of the British Museum have lately published
Part III. Sect. II. of the ^ List of Specimens of Birds in the
Collection,^ embracing the Psittacidce. Like the other bird-
catalogues, it is written by Mr. G. B. Gray, and bears evidence
of his usual laborious painstaking in the compilation of syno-
nyms. In his present arrangement, Mr. Gray has yielded to a
certain extent to the principles of geographical zoology as now
recognized ; as, for example, in separating Chrysotis from Psit-
tacuSy Loriculus from Psittaculay &e., but he has not, in our
opinion, carried these principles to their legitimate development.
Although we should at present be almost afraid to enter the lists
on behalf of Prince Bonaparte^s theory, that the Parrots of the two
hemispheres are as distinct as the Monkeys, we have little doubt
that this position will ultimately be established, when the osteo-
logy and anatomy of the group have been properly worked out.
Such being the case, we look upon all generic combinations of
Old World and New World species as unnatural; and we are sorry
to see that Mr. Gray still unites Caica and Pionus with Psit-
tacuSy Agapornis with Psittacula, and so on. With regard to
other points, we may remark that from Mr. Wallace's observa-
tions (Ann. Nat. Hist. Peb. 1859, p. 147) it now seems certain
that Eclectus does not belong to the Loriince. Again, Masca-
rinus (meaning Mascarene, i. e. Madagascarian) surely cannot
be used generically or subgenerically for a group of Moluccan
Parrots. Its proper type is the Psittacus mascarinus of Gmeliu,
from Madagascar. It is true that Lesson unnaturally associated
with this bird the Green Parrots of the Moluccas, and put them
both in the same genus — Mascarinus ; but, when we refer them
to their respective positions, Mascarinus must be applied to the
Madagascar bird, and the Green Parrots of the Moluccas require
a new appellation, which, as it has been already suggested, may
be Polychlorus’\,

Though the characters of new species given in the notes

* Confer Cassin in “ Birds of California, Oregon, &c.,” p. 18.

t See Proc. Zool. Soc. 1857, p. 226.

Recent Ornithological Publications. 321

to the present ^ List of Parrots ^ are somewhat curt, this is a
much better plan than that of publishing names without any
description at all, as has been done on former occasions : and
we may hope that this practice, which has nowhere been more
loudly condemned than in the preface of one of the recent cata-
logues* published by the Trustees, has been now finally aban-
doned.

The total number of Parrots enumerated in Mr. Gray^s list
(which contains all described species, whether specimens are in
the national collection or not), arranged in the different sub-
families adopted by Mr. Gray, is as follows : —

I. Pezoporinae . . . .

, ... 87

II. Arinae ....

. ... 82

III. Loriinae ....

. ... 69

IV. Psittacinae . . .

. ... 108

V. Cacatuinae . . .

. ... 34

380

This gives us 151 species in the New World, and 229 in the
Old World. It is certainly remarkable, that of the latter group
only 25 f occur in Africa, though its geographical extent is so
great, and we know of nothing that would seem to unfit it for the
residence of Psittacidce.

Mr. Breeds work, on the ^ Birds of Europe not observed in the
British Isles, ^ has reached its thirteenth number. We must again
call Mr. Breeds attention to the importance of consulting recent
authorities. The Hooded Shrike has, we believe, only occurred
in Spain in the imagination of dealers, whose object is always to
increase the list of European birds. (See Dr. Hartlaub^s
notes in Proc. Zool. Soc. 1858, p. 292.) And Le VaillanPs
^ Tchagra ' is quite a different species from the L. cucullatus of
Temminck, a scarce bird even in Northern Africa; so that
Temminck and Degland were not so far wrong, after all, in their
remark alluded to, p. 174.

The second part of Mr. Eyton^s ‘ Osteologia Avium ^ is now
ready. It contains a continuation of the plates, and the letter-

* Catalogue of Batrachia Salientia, by Dr. A. Gunther, 1858.

t Namely, Palceornis, 3 sp., Psittacus, 2 sp., Pceocephalus, 10 sp.,
Agapornis, 6 sp., Coracopsis, 3 sp., and Mascarinus, 1 sp.

322 Recent Ornithological Publications.

press relating to the ^Raptores^ — the first of Mr. E}i;on^s
Orders.

2. French Publications.

The numbers of the ‘ Revue et Magasin de Zoologie ^ for
February, March^ and April of this year have reached us. They
contain several articles on Ornithology. (1) ^^Description et
figure d^une nouvelle espece Euphonia” by Ch. F. Dubois.
This Guatemalan Euphonia {E. cyaneidorsalis) seems difiPerent
from the Mexican E. occipitalis, though closely allied to it. It
is, therefore, very probable that the bird included in the list of
Guatemalan species {antea,^A7) ^^Chlorophonia occipitalis
belongs to the latter species. We request Sir William Jardine^s
attention to this point. (2) Notes Ornithologiques,^^ by M. A.
Moquin-Tandon ; a continuation of that gentleman^s notes on
the Birds of Southern France. (3) Notes sur quelques Oiseaux
du Mexique,^^ by M. H. de Saussure. Three new species are
described, Hypotriorchis ferruginous, Acanthylis semicollaris, and
Quiscalus sumichrasti, and other notes are given. (4) Notice
sur un vieux mMe de Canard siffleur a plumage de femelle,^^ by
M. L. Roget, of Geneva.

We have managed to procure, after some trouble, the number
of the Scientific Journal — ^L^Institut^ — which contains Dr.Pu-
cheran^s article entitled Oiseaux des Isles Sandwich,^^ alluded to
in our last Number. It is No. 1306, published 12th Jan. 1859.
The article appears to have been the substance of a communica-
tion made to the Societe Philomathique of Paris, and relates to
the general character of the peculiar Avifauna of the Sandwich
Islands. In No. 1310 of the same Journal, published 9th Feb.
1859, is a second paper by the same author, read before the
same learned body : — Observations sur deux especes de Pas-
sereaux originaires des A9ores.^^ The discovery of a new species
of the limited group of true Fringillce in the Azores [Fringilla
moreleti) is of great interest. The bird appears to be allied to
F. canariensis and F. teydea of the Canaries. The second Pas-
serine mentioned is, strange to say, the Greater Bullfinch of
Europe {Pyrrhula coccinea). The occurrence of these European
forms in the Azores tends to throw these islands into the same
category as the Canaries and Madeira, and to show that they

Recent Ornithological Publications. 323

were part of the old Atlantic continent, as first imagined,
we believe, by the late Professor Edward Forbes*.

But the greater the interest of these papers by Dr. Pucberan,
the more the pity that they should appear only in an ephemeral
publication, such as this newspaper. It is true, that M. Lesson
was formerly in the habit of deseribing his supposed new spe-
cies of birds in the ^Echo du Monde Savant,^ and that of late
years, we believe, some American writers have published cha-
racters of new species of fishes in the ‘ San Francisco Herald;^
but such examples are hardly worthy of imitation, especially by
a writer who has all the best scientific journals in Europe open
to him.

3. German and Scandinavian Publications.

’ We regret not to have yet been able to see a copy of the first
part of Dr. Cabanis’ 'Journal^ for this year. We are, however,
quite aware that it is published, since Dr. Hartlaub has for-
warded to us a separate copy of his important article Mo-
nographische Uebersicht der Glanzstaare [Lamprotornithinae)
Africa^s,^^ with which the number commences. It is almost
superfluous to say that this group of birds is here worked out
in the usual masterly manner in which Dr. Hartlaub always
treats subjects appertaining to his favourite study, and which
has caused him to take rank, in the words of a recent writer t,
as the most accomplished living ornithologist of Europe.^^
Dr. Hartlaub divides the African Lamprotornithince as follows : —

a. Augornithes (25 species).

1 . Lamprotornis, containing 5 species.

2. Lamprocolius „ 15 „

3. Notauges „ 4 ,,

4. PhoUdauges „ 1 „

b. Moriones (9 species).

5. PilorJiinus, containing 1 species.

6. Amydrus „ 5 „

7. Oligomydrus „ 1 „

8. OnycJiognathus 2 „

Looking at their geographical arrangement, II species are
exclusively western, 7 southern, I eastern, and 8 north-eastern ;
4 are common to north-eastern and western Africa, and 2 are of
wide distribution.

Dr. Erhard has reprinted his Notes on the Birds of the Cy-

* Confer Tristram in “ The Ibis/’ antea, p. 155.
t Cassin, in Pr. Ac. Sc. Phil. 1859, p. 32.

324 Recent Ornithological Publications,

cladesj which we alluded to {antea, p. 107) as published in ^ Nau-
mannia’ for 1858^ in the first part of an interesting brochure,
entitled Fauna der Cycladen In the second part of this
book we are promised a figure of the new Falcon {Falco dichrous),
discovered by the author in these islands.

Professor Carl J. Sundevall, of Stockholm, has courteously
forwarded to us the first five numbers of his ^ Svenska Foglarnat-^
We beg to call the attention of those who are interested in
European Ornithology to this work, the most recent authority
on the birds of Scandinavia. Reduced figures, nicely drawn,
and coloured sufficiently accurately for identification, are given
of all the species.

Professor Sundevall has also sent us separate copies of a
valuable paper which he has lately contributed to the ^ Transac-
tions ^ of the Royal Academy of Sciences of Stockholm, entitled
" Kritisk Framstallning af Fogelarterna uti aldre ornithologiska
arbetenj.^^ It consists of critical remarks on two classical
works on Ornithology, Sparman^s ^ Museum Carlsonianum,^
and Le VaillanPs ^Oiseaux d^Afrique.^ These are of great
value, the notes on the former being often founded on examina-
tion of the type-specimens now in the Museum of Stockholm.
Being written in Latin, they are rendered more generally
accessible. Professor SundevalPs great knowledge of South
African Ornithology renders his remarks on Le Vaillant of the
highest interest. He states broadly (what we have long con-
sidered, and is now well known, to be the case), that Le Vaillant
has described and figured as South African many birds which
really belong to very different countries, and never occur there at
all ; and, not only this, but has entered into long details re-
specting their habits and manners, as observed by himself. Out
of the 284 species contained in Le VaillanPs great work.
Prof. SundevalPs summary gives 134 only as well-determined
South African, 9 imperfectly determined, and 10 doubtful species.
No less than 60 are placed in the category of Aves pseudo-

* Leipzig, 1858, Voigt and Gunther, 1 16 pp., sewn.

f Svenska Foglarna, med text af Professor Carl J. Sundevall ; teeknade
och lithographierade af Peter Akerlund. Stockholm, 1856 — 1858.

X Kon. Vet. Akad. Handl., Band ii. No. 3 (1857).

Recent Ornithological Publications. 325

capenseSj certe non in Africa Meridionali, a Le V. peragratd,
inventce, etsi eas auctor, veritatem parum curans, asseverat seip-
sum invenisse, adjectd plerumque historiold de vit<2 ratione, de
capturd, et cetJ^ Finally, there are 71 birds which the author
himself admits to be of extraneous origin. Among the 284
species, 13 are certainly aves arte factce — made-up species,
and 9 others, according to Prof. Sundevall, are to be suspected
as of like origin.

4. American Publications.

In the First Number of ‘ The Ibis^ we mentioned the arrival
in this country of copies of an important accession to Zoological
literature — the second edition of the ‘ Mammalogy and Ornitho-
logy of the United States Exploring Expedition during the years
1838-42, under the command of Charles Wilkes, U.S.N.^ The
work consists of a quarto volume of 466 pages, accompanied by
a folio atlas of plates. The letterpress is from the pen of Mr.
John Cassin, of the Academy of Sciences of Philadelphia, a
gentleman who, from his excellent knowledge of general ornitho-
logy, and his position as one of a learned body which has in its
custody probably the largest and most perfect ornithological col-
lection in the world, was above all persons qualified to undertake
the task of naming and determining the specimens of the large
series of birds* amassed by the Expedition ; and this task, as we
think it will be generally acknowledged, he has performed with
singular ability and success. The plates, being drawn on steel,
have not the lifelike appearance of the productions of some of our
recent European artists, but are generally highly creditable to the
executor, and sufficiently accurate for the determination of
species.

Having said so much, we hope to be permitted to comment
upon one or two points which, as we turn over the leaves of Mr.
Cassin’s volume, seem to require notice, without rendering our-
selves liable to the charge of unduly severe criticism. In the
first place, we think something ought to have been said in the
preface about the extraordinary circumstances which attended

* The Appendix gives a list of no less than 748 species, collected during
the expedition. See p. 429.

VOL. I. Z

326 Recent Ornithological Publications.

the production of the first edition of this book. It was written
by Mr. R. Titian Peale, one of the naturalists of the Expedition,
and bears the date 1842 on its title-page. But few copies — only
one hundred, it is said — were issued, and the rest, if ever com-
pleted, were destroyed by fire at Washington. However this may
have been, the volume is one of excessive rarity, and only in very
few instances has found its way to Europe. A cii’cumstance
which no doubt rather prevented any attempt to reproduce
copies of it in its then shape was, that it was hardly a creditable
book to bring before the scientific world. Being the composi-
tion of one who seems to have had little, if any, previous know-
ledge of his subject, the errors were very numerous. Old, well-
known birds were described as new ; species were referred to
impossible genera, and the descriptive characters so drawn up
that it was next to hopeless to attempt to use them for the pur-
poses of determination. The public are indebted to Dr. Hartlaub,
of Bremen, for an extended critical notice of this scarce volume,
published in Wiegmann^s ^Archiv fiir Naturgeschichte^,^ in
which such of these mistakes as could be corrected without
inspection of the type specimens were set right. And we
cannot understand why Mr. Cassin has hesitated to acknowledge
the services rendered to science by the author of this admirable
critique, where the greater part of Peale^s errors were corrected
eight years ago, and which must manifestly have been of great
assistance to him in preparing the present edition.

We subjoin a few notes upon some of the species of bii’ds in-
cluded in Mr. Cassinis list ; —

P. 78. Sarcorhamphus papa has been mentioned as an in-
habitant of Southern Mexico, in P. Z. S. 1857, p. 226, having
been obtained in Vera Cruz by M. A. Boucard.

P. 118. Corvus ruficollis. — We cannot believe that this Crow
is not uncommon in the island of Madeira, as Mr. Peale has
stated. It is not mentioned at all in the list of a careful observer
of the birds of that island, E. Vernon Harcourt, Esq., given in
the ‘Annals of Nat. Hist.^ June 1855, We agree with Mr.
Cassin that it is not a West African species ; and, were it so, the
zoology of Madeira is purely Palsearctic, and has nothing to do

* See Wiegmann’s Archiv f. Naturgesch. xviii. Jahr. 1 Bd. p. 93.

Recent Ornithological Publications, 327

with the -Ethiopian type. As to the publication of Museum ap-
pellations without descriptions^ we also cordially agree with Mr.
Cassin that " this proceeding, though it may do well enough to
heighten the distinction and scientific consideration of the not
very energetic directors or head or assistant keepers of museums,
yet materially retards the most important object for which they,
and the establishments with which they are connected, are
maintained by their governments or constituents, — which is the
difiusion of knowledge.^^

P. 124. Calornis corvina, — This bird is certainly not a Calor^
nis, that genus being typified by Calornis cantor j a very different
form. We believe it would be better placed in Prince Bona-
parte^s genus Lamprocorax, as it has been arranged by Dr.
Hartlaub (Journ. f. Orn. 1854, p. 168). Is Mr. Cassin sure
that the Samoan bird is the same as the Carolinian ?

P. 155. Tcenioptera obscura. — Tcenioptera is a pure Neogean
(New-world) form belonging to a purely Neogean family, the
Tyrannidce. It would be quite as unnatural to find a Tcenioptera
in the Sandwich Islands as a Phasianus in South America, or a
Toucan in Africa. The wing, ^^with the first quill shorV^ at once
shows this bird is no Tcenioptera^ — in that genus the first quill
being nearly as long as the second. We suggest for this bird
the new generic title PhceorniSy and propose to call it Phceornis
obscura,

P. 159. Tatar e otaitiemis, — The oldest synonym for this
bird is Turdus longirostris of Gmelin, it being Latham^s Long-
billed Thrush (Gen. Syn. iii. 67), from the island of Eimeo,
as we are able to assert, from having examined type specimens
so marked in the Derby Museum.

P. 277. Peristera erythroptera, — There seem to be several
nearly-allied species confounded under this name. Mr. G. B.
Gray has recently (P. Z. S. 1856, p. 7. pi. 115) described and
figured the bird from the Samoan islands as Calcenas stairi.
The group seems far removed from Peristera, We have recently
seen specimens of a closely-allied species from New Caledonia.

P. 337. Bernicla inornata. — The bird represented in Gray and
MitchelPs Genera, pi. 165 (as has been already stated in P. Z. S.
1859, p. 290), is not Anas inornata. King, and should bear the

z 2

328 Recent Ornithological Publications.

name poliocephala. Specimens of both B, magellanica and B.
poliocephala are now living and breeding in the gardens of tbe
Zoological Society.

P. 385. Sterna meridionalis, — This name has been already
used in the same genus for a species closely allied to Stei'na
anglica by Dr. Brehm, and should therefore be changed.

P. 391. Inca mystacalis. — The generic term Inca is subse-
quent in point of date to Ncenia, Boie (1844), and Larosterna,
Blyth, Cat. B. Mus. As. Soc. 1849, p. 293.

The ^Proceedings of the Academy of Natural Sciences of
Philadelphia,^ of which we have received the first 84 pages
belonging to the present yearns volume, contain an important
paper by Mr. Cassin — the first part of a Catalogue of Birds
collected on the rivers Camma and Ojobai, Western Africa, by
M. P, B. Duchaillu in 1858, with notes, and descriptions of
new species.^^ The collection here treated of is the most ex-
tensive and interesting^^ yet made by this young and enter-
prising explorer, and contains many new and fine species —
Meropogon hreweri, Parmoptila woodhousiij Muscipeta speciosa,
and others described by Mr. Cassin. We doubt, however, if
the first-named will be found eventually to be a Meropogon^ of
which the one known species is a curious type, from Celebes,
only known in the Leyden Museum. At any rate, it is a sin-
gular genus if really composed of two species, one from Celebes
and another from West Africa. We do not quite understand what
birds Mr. Cassin means by Haliaetus hlagrus, sp. 4, and Spil-
ornis hacha, sp. 7 of his list. The latter is an Eastern Asiatic
bird, from Java and Borneo ; and we have always been inclined
to consider Le VaillanPs story of its occurrence in Africa as
purely fictitious. The former has been generally considered to
be synonymous with Cuncuma leucogastra, though Mr. J. H.
Gurney* rather refers it to the young stage of Haliaetus vocifei\
But Circaetus melanotis of Verreaux, described in Dr. Hart-
laub^s System of W. A. Ornithology, is quite another thing from
Spilornis bacha (as generally understood). It is a true Circaetus
of small size, and probably, according to Mr. Gurney’s ideas, the
young of Circaetus cinerascens of J. Muller t«

* See antea, p. 239. f v. Muller, Ois. d’Afrique, pi. 6.

Letters, Extracts from Correspondence, Announcements, ^c. 329

Professor Baird has forwarded us a catalogue of North Ame-
rican birds^ printed on thin paper in clear type, and useful for
labelling specimens or marking off desiderata. We believe it
is issued by the Smithsonian Institution, for the use of their
numerous collectors.

XXXII. — Letters, Extracts from Correspondence, Announce-
ments, ^c.

It is with sincere regret that, although only arrived at our third
Number, we have already to record the loss of one of our con-
tributors. Mr. Edward Evans, the joint author with Mr. Wil-
son Sturgeof the paper On the Birds of Western Spitzbergen,^^
printed in our last Number, died at Neath on the 1 3th of April,
after a few days’ illness, at the early age of twenty-six years.
The deceased gentleman was a member of the Society of Friends,
and, although so young, was conspicuous for his activity in the
furtherance of philanthropical objects. As ornithologists, we
must respect his memory, as that of a keen lover of our study,
and the traveller who brought to the knowledge of naturalists a
new and very interesting bird, the Lagopus hemileucurus.

We have received the following letters : —

To the Editor of The Ibis,

Sir, — I trouble you with a few remarks upon the Dartford
Warbler [Sylvia provincialis, Temm.), a bird not uncommon on
the south coast, and near Brighton, particularly in the autumn.
Mr. Swaysland, Naturalist, 4 Queen’s Road, Brighton, killed
five on the 30th of November, 1858, which I saw in the meat;
two of these were cocks and two hens; the other I do not
remember. At that period of the year you can get a good view
of them, and again in the spring ; in general they are too shy,
keeping low in furze. If there is a whitethorn bush in the
latter they always fly to it, and sitting on the top, cry pur, pur,
pur, swelling out the feathers of the throat. The hen in autumn
plumage appears lighter and smaller than the cock. These
little birds care not for snow, as under the thick furze they are
warm and comfortable. Mr. Tristram, who has lately done so
much for the science of ornithology, mentions in his Catalogue

330 LetterSy Extracts from Correspondence, Announcements,

of Eggs/^ in 1857, that in Algeria they are entirely confined
to the dry highlands, far away from the habitations of man ;
near Brighton, however, they may be shot within a mile or less
of the houses j — this I take to be exceptional. The spring
plumage of Sylvia provincialis is much darker than the autumn ;
the bird appears almost a different species. On the 6th of April,
1859, I saw a cock lately killed : the beak of this specimen was
quite denuded of feathers on the under mandible, in the manner
of the Book, to which it bore a strong resemblance. Mr. Sways-
land and I compared the beak with that of one killed the pre-
vious autumn : this was well clothed, and we could only explain
the circumstance by supposing the bird to dig in the ground as
does the Book ; during frost the earth would be soft at the
roots of the furze. I am told that this appearance of the under
mandible is common to specimens killed in spring. Probably
some of your readers may be able to confirm the circumstance I
have mentioned, which 1 do not find recorded by any ornitho-
logical writer.

I may here call your attention to the fact of two specimens of
the Short-toed Lark [Alauda hrachydactyla) having been ob-
tained near Brighton. I saw one alive on September 26th,
1854, which had been caught by boys on the Downs, and kept
in confinement some time, not being distinguished from the
Skylark. This bird cracked seeds like a Canary, instead of
swallowing them whole ; it was very tame, and ultimately killed
and stuffed. The second specimen was killed in April 1858, by
a person on the sea- shore, who saw it come to land, and light,
after a short rest, upon the road, where it immediately began
dusting itself. I did not see this bird, but my informant was
the person who killed it, and one who is quite trustworthy : it
was afterwards preserved.

Yours, &c.,

George Dawson Bowley.

5 Peel Terrace, Brighton,

8th April, 1859.

To the Editor of The Ibis.

Sir, — I obtained on the 1st of this month a nest and eggs of

Letters j Extracts from Correspondence y Announcements y ^c. 331

what I believe to be the Ash-coloured Shrike (Lanius ex-
cubitor). I was staying at Hayling Island, on the coast of
Hampshire, at the time, and was out naturalizing, when I saw
the nest taken out of a large, thick, scrubby hedgerow, consist-
ing principally of brambles and blackthorn. It was found by
some boys belonging to the Coast-guard Station ; and they
described the old birds, one of which was on the nest at the
time, as like very large Wheatears. One of the boys had seen
the birds near the same place about ten days before, and had
found the nest, which he was obliged to pull down in order to
see if there were any eggs in it ; it was, however, not quite
finished, and he believed this to be the second nest of the same
birds. I mentioned the above circumstances to Mr. Hardy, the
Rector of the island, who is a thorough naturalist, and he con-
firmed me in my belief by telling me that for several years he
had observed a pair of Ash-coloured Shrikes in his grounds,
that they frequented some railings in front of his window,
and that he took great interest in their habits, and had twice
obtained their nests and eggs. The railings had been removed
a year or two ago, and he had not seen them since. He also
told me that he thought there were generally two pairs of these
birds in the island, and mentioned the exact haunts of the
others. He is well acquainted with the Red-backed Shrike,
which is not rare there, and said he was not likely to confound
them together.

On getting home I compared the eggs which I had from the
boys with the Shrikes’ eggs in my cabinet, and they are decidedly
larger than any of those of the Red-backed which I possess. I
had my glass with me when I met the boys, and tried hard to
detect the birds, but without success ; and as I soon afterwards
had to leave the island, I was prevented from going to the
second locality. If I am able, however, I shall hope another
year to obtain some further facts on this subject.

Yours, &c.,

William Henry Hawker.

Green Hook, Horndean, Hants,

June 16th, 1859.

332 Letters j Ewtr acts from Correspondence, Announcements, S^'c.

Mr. Wallace's last letters (dated Batchian, Jan.28tli, 1859^*)
announce that he has heard of a second and finer species of
Paradise-bird in that island. Also that he has sent off speci-
mens of the newly-discovered Semioptera wallacii * by the Over-
land Mail to Mr. Stevens, so that they may be very shortly
expected in this country f.

Mr. Fraser's collections are still detained in Ecuador by the
blockade of Guayaquil. His last letters (dated ^^Trugincho
above Puellaro, April 18th ") say, —

Guayaquil is, and has been strictly blockaded for now eight
months by the Peruvian fleet, the mail alone being allowed to
pass ', and it is said that the population is suffering from the
scarcity and high price of provisions.

On the 22nd of March we had two shocks of an earth-
quake ; it occurred about 8*30 a.m. I received it in Calacali ;
it was quite momentary, and being in my quartero at the time, I
can only say it was indescribable (I had experienced two in
Malta in 1846 or 1847, and was much of the same opinion
then), — a noise, sensation, and confusion ; the one followed the
other so quickly that there was not any time for reflection until
all was over, and the mischief done. On going into the patio or
yard to see what was the matter, I found the adjoining quarter
or room thrown down, and the rest of the building so cracked
and shaken as to be in a ruinous state, except my solitary
quarter, which alone escaped with very slight damage. The
church-door was thrown down, but I did not see or hear of
further mischief in that puehlo. San Antonio, which I passed
through the same day, had both churches thrown down, but 1
did not hear of further damage.

“ The air, en camino, was filled with clouds of fine dust from
the slips on the mountain sides.

Descending the mountain to the river, below Perucho, the
earth had slipped over the road in three places, and we had to

* See antea, p. 210, and P. Z. S. 1859, p. 129.

t Since writing the above, these birds have arrived. We hope to give
full particulars about them in our next Number.

Letters, Extracts from Correspondence, Announcements, &;c. 333

make the beasts scramble over the loose mounds to continue our
way. The mountain here was cracked in every direction, and it
was as much as spurs could do to make the terrified animals
progress.

In Quito the tall massive church towers have in many in-
stances, together with some thirty or forty houses, been thrown
down, and the buildings more or less damaged. Scarcely a
house or a room has escaped without cracks ; some fronts of
houses lay in heaps in the streets : twelve persons were killed.

Tacunga, Ambato, and Riobamba have escaped entirely, but
Guano and the provinces have suffered severely. In Guayaquil
some thirty houses have been thrown down.

“ The general belief is that Pichincha has been the cause of
all, but I imagine it to have been the cure, for it appears that
the nearer Quito the slighter the shocks; and this opinion is
partly confirmed by the following extract from Professor Jame-
son^s letter : — ‘ The people here (Quito) believe that the volcano
of Pichincha has been the cause of the catastrophe, — an opinion
in which I cannot concur, otherwise the effect would have been
more local. In fact, the city, considering the height of the
public buildings, has suffered comparatively little damage, whilst
some villages in the neighbouring province, such as Cotocachi
and Aluntagui, are in a heap of ruins.^ The shock in Guaya-
quil must have also been extremely severe. In Perucho it was de-
scribed as flowing from east to west. But C. B. Buckalew, Esq.,
the United States Minister, who was in his patio at the moment,
says he distinctly saw the wave pass along the ridge of the roof
of his house, which lies north and south, and cross that portion
which is east and west, and that the whole city below was for the
moment in motion like a wave of the sea, followed by a cloud of
dust from the tumbled building materials.^^

Mr. Osbert Salvin, one of the most active contributors to
^The Ibis,^ left England on the 17th of May last, by the
W. I. M. Steamer ^Atrato,^ on his return to Guatemala, where,
being about to become a resident, he will neglect no opportu-
nity of investigating the natural products of this little-known
VOL. I. 2 a

334 Letters j Extracts from Correspondence , Announcements, ^c.

country. Mr. Salvin^s letter, dated May 28th, on his passage
out, says— Some Swallows {Hirundo rustled) came on board
when we were 180 miles N. W. of the Azores ; so it is probable that
the bird is found in those islands. On Sunday last. May 22nd,
we passed close to Graciosa, and saw Terceira, Pico, St. George,
and Payal. Almost every inch of Graciosa seems to be culti-
vated, and the hill-sides are all fenced out into fields. I have
not seen a single Tropic-bird {Phaethon). We expect to make
Sombrero before noon tomorrow, and to reach St. Thomas by
six o^ clock in the evening ; if so, we shall have made the passage
in 12 days 7 hours.^^

Professor Baird, of the Smithsonian Institution, M^ashington,
D.C., gives us a most promising account of what is now doing
in North America in the way of Natural History. He says —
^^Much as has been done in previous years in the way of
Natural History exploration in North America, the present year
is likely to witness more than ever. A large number of parties
are out in the field, and in most cases accompanied by much
better taxidermists than the previous ones. We have had vast
collections of birds brought in heretofore, but they have been
made by amateurs and beginners, not professional operators, and
very few have been fit to give away or to mount. All this will,
I hope, be improved this season.

A most important expedition is that of Mr. Kennicott to
the Hudson^s Bay region. He is now on Lake Winnipeg, en
route either for Fort York or Fort Simpson. He will remain
two years or more in the country, and will make a clean sweep.
His special object is the eggs ; but he will collect birds too.
He has met with the heartiest cooperation from Sir George
Simpson, who has ordered all possible facilities to be given him.

Next, in the main Bocky Mountains are no less than four
well- equipped parties of Government explorers, on difierent par-
allels between our northern and southern boundary ; several
of them have regular taxidermists with them. There is an ex-
cellent collector at Fort Crook, near Mount Shasta, in Northern
California, who has already gathered some 500 specimens, to
come in by next steamer.

Letters, Extracts from Correspondence, Announcements, ^c. 335

The most important operation, however, is that at Cape St.
Lucas, at the end of the Gulf of California, in charge of Mr.
Xantus (de Vesey). Recollected 2000 birds at Fort Tejon in
some fifteen months, under great disadvantages. He now has
almost his whole time to devote to Natural History, and a re-
gular assistant besides. If nothing untoward occurs, he will
exhaust the Western part of Mexico in the two years of his re-
sidence.

We are devoting particular attention to completing our col-
lection of North American eggs, and have issued widely a circular
already sent you. It already promises good results.

^^ We have had a few birds from Piura in Peru, and fifty
species from the line of the Panama railroad. I am going to
arrange all our South American birds in one series. We have
a dozen or two of Trinidad birds in alcohol, and are promised a
series of Bahaman specimens by a gentleman just returned
thence.^^

Professor Baird also menti(^ns, that the ^ Sacred Vulture*^
of Bartram, a bird quite unknown since its alleged discovery in
the last century, is said to have been met with again in Florida ;
and in relation to the same bird we have seen two letters from
Mr. Alexander S. Taylor, of Monterey, California, reprinted from
the ^ San Francisco Herald.^ Neither of these communications,
however, contain anything very positive on the subject ; and the
statement of the “ intelligent Sonoranian that the bird has
four wings renders us unwilling to place much confidence in
the rest of his details on this subject.

The new pair of Bennett^s Cassowary {Casuarius bennettii),
announced in our last Number as likely to be added to the col-
lection at the Zoological Gardens, arrived in good condition a
few weeks ago, so that the Society now possesses three living
examples of this remarkable bird. Dr. Bennett, of Sydney, the
liberal donor of these animals, is himself now on a visit to this

* Vide Cassin, B. of Cal., Oregon, &c. p. 57.

336 LetterSj Extracts from Correspondence y Announcements y ^c.

country, and has brought with him, amongst other interesting
objects of natural history, several eggs of this Cassowary in a
more perfect state than the examples hitherto received. The
Zoological Society have also further increased their collection of
BtruthioneSy by obtaining a young pair of Ostriches from the
Cape of Good Hope. When these have a little further pro-
gressed towards maturity, we shall have a fine opportunity of
comparing the Northern and Southern birds together. The
Society have also recently received examples of several other in-
teresting birds — the White-winged Trumpeter {Psophia leu-
coptera), the Cardinal Eclectus {Eclectus cardinalis), the Austra-
lian Thick-knee [(Edicnemus australis) y and two fine pairs of the
European Waxwing {Ampelis garrula).

THE IBIS

No. IV. OCTOBER 1859.

XXXIII. List of Birds observed and collected during a Voyage in
the Red Sea. By Dr. Theodor von Heugltn. Edited and
translated by Dr. G. Hartlaub.

(Plates X. and XI.)

E. signifies Coast of Egypt, between Cosseir and Sawakira.

A „ Coast of Abyssinia.

D. „ Danakil country, between the Peninsula of Buri

and the Gulf of Tadjura.

S. „ Somali coast.

S.A. „ Southern Arabia.

[All measurements and colours of naked parts are taken from fresh speci-
mens. The measurements are given in old French feet and inches.]

1. Neophron percnopterus.

E., A., D., S., S.A. Very seldom in company with N. pileatus.

2. Neophron pileatus.

Near Massaua. Islands of the Dahalack group. Very com-
mon in the marshy country near Chor-Mosgan (S.). Not seen
about Tadjura and Berbera.

3. VuLTUR occipitalis.

Not rare near Massaua. Not observed in the Somali country.

4. Aquila rapax.

Was found breeding in Aug. 1858, on the coast of Abyssinia.
It nests on high Zizyphus and Balanites trees.

5. Pandion haliaetus.

In pairs along the whole coast of the Red Sea and the Gulf
of Aden. A fresh nest found on a Schora-tree {Avicennia) in
October 1857, on the island of Saad-e-din, near Zeila. Many
VOL. I. 2 b

338

Dr. Heuglin^s List of Birds

old nests on rocks and prominent hills along the coast. Once
on the island of Dehir I found a nest on the roof of a de-
serted fisherman^s hut. Another stood on the vaulted ceiling of
an old cistern near Aualites, in the neighbourhood of Zeila.

The nest is built of strong dry branches and boughs, is nearly
cylindrical, from two to three feet high, very strong and solid,
and above rather flat. The lining consists of smaller branches,
seagrass, and Ahu-ketdf Ax^h.

6. Helotarsus ecaudatus. (A., D.)

Mountainous districts of Somali.

7. Falco ELEONORA. Falco concolorf Riippell.

Island of Barakan in the Bed Sea. Old male : of a uniform
blackish schistaceous grey, with the throat pale, iris dark brown,
lores and naked space round the eye sulphur-yellow; beak
bluish-corneous, yellowish at the base; feet deep-yellow, nails
blackish-corneous. Wings 8^' longer than the end of the tail.
Measurements (taken from fresh birds) : toe 12''; wing 10" 2'".
Younger bird : ground-colour dirty brownish-black ; throat very
pale. Young : above dark cinereous, margins and tops of plumes
ferruginous; below rufous with dark longitudinal spots along
the shafts ; throat pale ; beard very distinct, dark blackish.

One adult specimen from Dahalak shows darker stripes on
the back ; but these are not so distinct and well-marked as in
F, ardesiacusj V. The throat was in this specimen of a dirty
whitish colour.

I found this fine falcon not further north than 16°, on naked
rocks and coral islands, in the archipelagos of Dahalak, Hanakil,
Amphila, near Bas Bachemeh and on Bur-da-Bebschi. It lives
there during the breeding-season (Aug. to Sept.) in pairs, feeding
upon smaller birds and locusts, of which latter it tears out the
legs on the wing, like F. rufipes. Both sexes had breeding-spots.
On the 30th of August I discovered four breeding pairs on a rock
near the island of Dahalak el Kebir (15° N.L.), and found three
nests, which were placed very artlessly on the rocky precipice.
One contained three, the two others each two eggs. In size and
colour the eggs were intermediate between those of F. cesalon and
F. suhhuteo. Bonaparte (judging from his description of this

collected on the Red Sea.

339

species in the ^ Iconografia della Fauna Italica seems to have
known only younger birds after the first moult in autumn.

8. Falco tanypterus {or peregrinus

Observed on the island of Bur-da-Rebschi.

9. Milvus parasiticus.

Very common on the Danakil and Somali coast. (A., S.A .,
&c.)

10. CaPRIMULGUS EUROPtEUS,

Met with in September on the Danakil^ in October on the
Somali coast.

11. CaPRIMULGUS POLIOCEPHALUS^ Bupp.

In September and October near Tadjura (D.).

12. Cypselus, sp.

Observed near Massaua and Eilet (A.) ; small, black, with
the rump white.

[Very probably C. abyssinicus, Licht. — Ed.]

13. Hirundo rustica.

Single specimens. Observed in summer near Suez, Cosseir
and Tadjura. On the 16th of November a fiock near Djebel-
tiar. (S.)

[The specimens sent for examination are certainly H. rus-
tica.— Ed.]

14. COTYLE TORQUATA.

Tadjura (D.).

15. CoTYLE PALUDICOLA.

Tadjura (D.).

16. Coracias garrula.

In October and November very numerous in woody marshes
on the Somali coast. Here locusts abounded, and many birds
were feeding eagerly on them. Shot on the island of Debir in
the Red Sea, on July 29th.

17. Halcyon chlorocephala [(jm.) = Qeryle abyssinica^
Lichtenst. Nomencl. Mus. Zool. Berol. p. 67 ; Aug. v. Pelzeln,
Sitzungsber. Kais. Acad. Wissensch. 1856, Apr., p. 500. — Iris
brown, feet bluish-carneous ; under mandible at base reddish.

2b 2

340

Dr. Heuglin's List of Birds

On trees and bushes in marshy places along the coasts of
Abyssinia, Danakil, and Somali.

[I cannot discover any material difference between the birds of
Eastern Africa and those of the Indian Archipelago. — En.]

18. Halcyon semic^erulea (Forsk.).

Seems to be only a bird of passage. During the whole of Sep-
tember and up to the middle of October not one single specimen
was seen on the Danakil coast. But from this time many of
them occurred about Tadjura, Ambabo, &c. They lived in pairs
on Mimosa and Zizyphus trees. Near Berbera (S.) more rarely
on saline plants.

19. Halcyon chelicuti. (A., D.)

On trees.

20. Merops superctliosus.

In October, in large flocks, on the Somali coast.

21. Merops cuviERi. (A., D.)

22. Upupa epops. (D.)

23. Nectarinia habessynica. (A., D.)

24. Nectarinia, av. jun. (spec.?).

Tadjura.

25. Oligura microura. (D., A.)

26. Drymoica rufifrons (Riipp.). (D., S.)

27. Drymoica gracilis (Riipp.).

Island of Agig.

28. Sylvia delicatula (Hart.), n. sp. (Plate X. fig. 1.)
Supra pallide isabellino-brunnescens, remigibus fuscis, dorsi

colore limbatis ; subtus multo pallidior, albida ; cauda lon-
giuscula, rectrice extima tota alba, secundse apice et pogonio
externo albidis interno nigricanti-fusco, tertia fusco-nigri-
cante, macula parva apicali alba, margine externo rufes-
cente; mediis pallide rufis, medio longitudinaliter fusces-
centibus ; subcaudalibus et subalaribus albidis ; rostro et
pedibus gracillimis, pallide flavis, illius culmine et apice
nigricantibus ; iride flavissima : long. tot. 4" 5''^, alt. 2" 2'",
rostr. afr. 4'^', caud. 2^' 1'", tars. (Mus. Brem.)

Ibis, 1859. FIX

John Jennens, lith.

Stannard & DixoTi .

Figl, SYLVIA DELICATIJLA...P.340.
Fig.2,S-, SULA ME LAN OPS P.351.

collected on the Red Sea,

341

I found this beautiful species in dry localities, in dense salt-
plant copses, near the strand about Berbera, Meid, Armati, &c.
Manners and voice much like those of Drymoica. Very shy and
swift. October and December. Not rare.

[A true Sylvia, congeneric with S, suhalpina, S, conspicillata,
&c. — Ed.]

29. Calamoherpe turdoides.

Young birds in August, on the woody island of Schech-said,
near Massaua.

30. Sylvia cinerea.

Island of Dahalak, in August.

31. Aedon MINOR (Cab.). (D., S.)

October, Tadjura.

32. Aedon familiaris (Menetr.).

Tadjura.

32 a. ? Calamoherpe pallida (Ehrenb.).

[Probably this species. Specimens collected in Spain by A.
Brehm. differ by having the beak broader. Adult female from
Tadjura. — Ed.]

33. Saxicola saltatrix (Menetr.). (D.,S., S.A.)

34. Saxicola stapazina. (D., S., S.A.) Oct. and Nov.

35. Saxicola melanura. (D., S.A.)

36. Saxicola deserti.

Observed near Berbera.

37. Motacilla alba.

In flocks on the Somali coast at the end of November.

38. Budytes flava. (D., S.)

September to November.

39. Cercotrichas erythroptera. (D., A.)

40. Ixos ARSINOE. (D.)

41. Oriolus galbula.

In September, on palms in the Asab bay (13® N.L,),

342

Dr. Heuglin’s List of Birds

42. Muscicapa grisola.

Observed near Aden. Not rare in the middle of October near
Tadjura, and somewhat later on the Somali coast.

43. Lanius lahtora (Sykes).

Observed on the island of Agig (18-19° N. L.)^ on Dahalak,
and near Tadjura.

[I have accurately compared the original specimen with a fine
male from Madras in the Bremen collection, and cannot dis-
cover any true difference, except in the beak, which is somewhat
shorter in the African bird. — Ed.]

44. Lanius spinitorques.

On the island of Dahalak and near Tadjura. Old and young
birds.

45. Lanius somalicus, Hartl., n. sp.

Above, fine black, except the middle of back being transversely
variegated with grey and whitish j below, white without any rose-
tint. Tail much like that of L. minor, 1st November, 1857,
I killed two birds of this kind on a marshy and well- wooded plain
near Bender-Gam in the country of the Ker-Singeli-Somals.
Both were afterwards lost during a fight. Size of L. minor. The
female above more of a dirty fuliginous colour.

[There can be no doubt about this being a neiv species. — Ed.]

46. Nilaus capensis.

One specimen, from the Bio Gore near Berbera.

47. Laniarius cruentatus. (D., A.)

48. CORVUS APPINIS (R.).

In the mountains near Tadjura. A younger bird of this spe-
cies from Tadjura had the feathers of the chin and throat of a
pure cinereous. Several Abyssinian specimens showed the same
colouring, but less distinctly.

49. Amydrus blythii (Hartl.).

Erom the Rio Gore near Berbera on the Somali coast.

50. BuPHAGA ERYTHRORHYNCHA. (A., D., S.)

51. Hyphantornis galbula (Riipp.).

Near Tadjura and in the country of the Gissa-Somali.

collected on the Red Sea.

343

52. Amadina cantans. (A., D., S.)

53. Vidua paradisea. (D.)

54. Fringillaria septemstriata. (A.)

55. Certhialanda desertorum.

South of Berenice (Ras Benass, 24° N. L.). Along the East-
African coast to the Somali country.

_56. Pyrrhulauda crucigera.

From 24° N. L. down to the coast of Abyssinia.

57. Pyrrhulauda leucotis.

Coast of Abyssinia, Danakil and Somali. — Island of Dahalak.

58. Buceros erythrorhynchus. (D., S.)

59. L^modon melanocephalus. (A.)

60. Trachyphonus margaritatus. (D., A.)

61. Dendrobates hemprichii. (A.)

62. CuCULUS CANORUS (?).

Observed, but not shot, in August in the valley of Ailet and
on the island of Dessi.

63. Turtur risorius. (A., S., D.)

September to October.

64. Turtur ^egyptiacus. (A., S., D.)

Cosseir. Sanakim.

65. (Ena capensis.

From 22° N.L. along the whole coast of Eastern Africa.

66. Numida ptilorhyncha. (A.)

67. Pternistes rubricollis. (A., D.)

Very common near Tadjura.

68. Pterocles lichtensteinii.

Very common in the Danakil and Somali countries.

69. Struthio camelus (L.).

On the Bed Sea not further to the north than the valleys
about Berenice Troglodytica (24° N. L.). Frequent in the plains
of Habab. Not met with in the Danakil country, but most

344

Dr. Heuglin^s List of Birds

certainly occurring in the saline plains that separate the latter
from Abyssinia. Very common in the Somali country^

“ I was told by a rather trustworthy man, a hunter, that south
of Fazogloa, near Djebel Dul, there existed a little didactyle Os-
trichj not higher than Otis arahs, but in figure and colour much
like S. camelus.” \^Autruchon, Temm. ? — Ed.]

70. Otis heuglinii, Hartl., n. sp, (Plate XL)

$ , adult, : Pileo et facie nigris, vitta angusta verticali ab an-
gulo frontali ad nucham usque ducta alba ; nigredine gulari in
apicem excurrente ; genis pure albis ; coUo medio cinereo, pectus
versus magis magisque rufescente, maculisque minutis obscuri-
oribus transversim notato ; colli infimi ptilosi antice elongata
fasciaque fusca terminata ; corpore supra dilute ochraceo, nigri-
cante irregulariter fasciolato et variegato ; tectricibus alarum
extimis nigris, ad basin et ad apicem late albis ; dorso medio,
uropygio, tectricibus caudse superioribus et cauda supra magis
cinerascentibus, gracillime undulato-fasciolatis ; fascia ante-api-
cali caudse obscura, ipso apice albo, fascia altera vix conspicua ;
remigibus primariis tribus externis nigro-fuscis, reliquis iiTegu-
lariter et late albo fasciatis ipsisque apicibus albis ; secundariis
nigro-fuscis, macula apicali cuneata lata obtusa alba notatis, ad
basin pallidis ; corpore subtus, subalaribus et axillis pure albis ;
rostro virescenti-nigro, apice pallidiore ; pedibus sordide et
pallide flavidis ; iride fusca. Long. tot. 2' 9" 6’" ; tars. 5 " 6"';
rostr. ab ang. oris 3" 5'", afr. 2" 11'"; al. 1' 6".

In small flocks of three or four birds in the dense underwood
near the wells of Thushha on the route between Zeita and
Harar. Not very shy.

[This beautiful Bustard seems to be quite new. It is totally
different from the Sypheotides humilis of Blyth. Ed.]

71. Otis arabs.

In the Samher-country (coast of Abyssinia) and on the plains
of Habab.

72. (Edicnemus affinis.

Coast of Abyssinia and Habab. Danakil-country south to
Tadjura.

Ibis. Fi.XI

Joliri Jennen-s, litL.

Starmard feDixou-

OTIS HEUGLINIJ

collected on the Red Sea.

345

73. Glareola limbata.

Dahalak. Coast of Abyssinia. Large flocks on sandy plains,
or in marshy places near the sea.

74. Sarciophorus pileatus.

Dahalak. Coast of Abyssinia.

75. Charadrius TRicoLLARis ? {cinereocolUs,

Neck pale cinereous; two black bands on the fore-neck;
basal half of beak, and naked ring round the eyes, of a fine
minium-red; feet greenish-grey. In pairs; on rivulets along
the Abyssinian coast.

76. Charadrius ctrrhipedesmos.

Danakil country, near Tadjura.

77. Charadrius cantianus.

African coasts of the Red Sea, Danakil, and very probably
also Somali-coast. S ad. from Tadjura. Iris dark-brown ; feet
brownish-grey ; beak black ; length 6" ; wings 2" 9'" ; tars.
7"'.

78. Charadrius geoffroyi, "VyagL

Through the whole year on the coasts of the Red Sea. Medi-
terranean coast, near Pelusium. $ ad. from Sanakim. Iris
dark-thrown ; feet bluish-grey, the joints darker; beak blackish.
Length 7" 8'".

The last three species live in separate small flocks near the
sea.

79. HtEMatopus ostralegus.

In flocks of three to five individuals on the coast of the Red
Sea, Danakil, and Somali. Seems to occur through the whole
year.

80. Ardea goliath.

Rather frequent near the sea on the African coast south of
21° N.L. Always in small flocks. The voice sounds very
much like the hoarse barking of a dog, and is very strong. El
Mirrehj Arab.

81. Ardea purpurea.

In the height of summer near Sanakim, Massaua. Always
smaller than the European bird, and very intense in colouring.

346

Dr. Heuglin^s List of Bwds

82. Herodias schistacea.

South of 23° N. L. on both coasts of the Red Sea and on the
Gulf of Aden. Often in larger flocks.

83. Bubulcus ibis, Hasselqu. [A^'dea huhulcuSj Sav.)

Flocks observed in autumn on the southern coast of the Red

Sea.

84. Buphus comatus.

In September large flocks of this species were observed in the
marshes on the Red Sea, near Ras Belul and Asab Bay, between
13° and 14° N.L.

85. Butorides atricapillus.

On the African coast, south of 19° N.L. — D.S. Lives on
the strand and on rocks, creeps into holes, and hides itself
in high trees near the strand. Breeds socially on dense shore-
trees {Avicennia)j and builds a nest very much like A. minutay
high and conical and very solid. Length of beak 15"-16" ;
wing 6" 2'" ; tars. 1" 9'"; dig. med. c. ung. 1" lOJ'".

86. Ardeola minuta.

Shot near Tadjura, in October.

87. Platalea leucerodia.

Very small specimens. Lives in pairs or in small flocks on
the whole coast of the Red Sea, but not further south than
Dahalak. Met with in summer and autumn. Long, rostr. a
fr. 6" 8'" ; tars. 3" 10'". Long. tot. 2' 5" 6'". Iris in the old
bird deep-red, in the younger one yellow. The naked space
round the eye is yellow in the young bird ; throat deep-yellow,
a little brownish.

88. Dromas ardeola.

Alone or in little flocks in the Gulf of Aden ; seems to mi-
grate to the south in autumn, a few remaining on this side of
the tropic. Near Suez and Tor I have never seen it. Breeds
socially in June and July in deep holes, made by itself, on sandy
islands. El Hancovy Arab.

89. CiCONIA ABDIMII.

In aqtumn, near Dahalak and about Tadjura.

collected on the Red Sea.

347

90. Scopus umbretta.

On wooded brooks, Abyssinian coast.

91. Tantalus ibis.

Coast of Abyssinia.

92. Ibis religiosa.

In August and September, on the island of Dahalak, and on
the coast of Abyssinia. In pairs.

93. Numenius tenuirostris.

Throughout the whole year on the Red Sea, and in the Gulf
of Aden. In winter I found them at Suez, and in Arabia Petrsea ;
in July, near Cosseir ; in August, near Massaua ; from October
to December, rather numerous in the Gulf of Aden.

94. Limosa rufa (?).

Prom September to November, in Asab Bay, Ras Belul, and
near Tadjura (Somali). Long. tot. 13" 2'". Iris dark-brown;
feet plumbeous ; beak blackish-corneous ; basal half of the under
mandible pale-reddish.

95. Totanus stagnatilis.

Seen near Massaua.

96. Totanus glareola.

Seen near Massaua.

97. Totanus calidris.

In immense flocks in August near Massaua, afterwards every-
where single specimens on the Danakil and Somali coast.

98. Totanus glottis.

In winter on the Red Sea and the Somali coast. Not seen
in summer.

99. Actitis hypoleucus.

On the whole Red Sea, Danakil and Somali coast. Never
in large flocks. Probably throughout the whole year.

100. Tringa variabilis.

Prom July to September in summer dress and annotine young
birds; between Sawakim and Bab-el-Mandeb, alone and in small
flocks. In October and November on the Somali coast, in
winter dress.

348

Dr. Heaglin^s List of Birds

101. Tringa subarquata.

Exactly as the former.

102. Tringa ochrofus.

Coast of Abyssinia.

103. Calidris arenaria.

From June to the middle of September I did not observe
this species on the Eed Sea. The first were seen at the end
of September near Ras Belul (13° N.L.), in small flocks on the
marshy coast, some individuals being still partly in summer
dress. In October and November it was very frequent in the
winter plumage near Zeila, Berbera, Bender Gam, &c.

104. ? Limicola pygm^a.

Very probably seen, but not distinctly recognized, near Ras
Belul.

105. Phoenicopterus erythr^us, Verr.

A few seen at Dahalak and near Massaua in September.
More frequent at Amphila, in Asab Bay. Sometimes even in
flocks of some hundreds. Naked parts about the beak and the
eyes, deep rose-coloured ; iris pale yellow ; head and neck of a
deep aurora-red.

r* erytnraus, r» erytfiraus. if, erytnrmis, r, antiquoYum, .r. antiq^
^ ad. Jun. Tripoli. Egypt. Cape.

a jii ii hi a lii li hi h hi

Rostr. a rict. ad ap. . 3 ll^ 3 8

„ a fronte 48 42 42 46 49

Nigredo rostr. sup. ..27 23 26 2 2| 2 3^

Tarsus 10 8 9 10 10 5 13 3 11 10

Tibiae pars nuda .... 7 7

Ala 14 8 13 9

Dig. med. sine ung. .3 4^ 3 O^

Ung. dig. med 4^ 4^

106. ChENALOPEX iEGYPTIACA.

On the Amher coast, shore of Asus, near Eilet.

On a former voyage I observed in winter near Suez, Tor, the
Gulf of Moileh, &c.. Anas clypeata, A, querquedulaf A. crecca,
and A. acuta, all of which I think I saw again near Massaua,
Ras Belul, &c., but could not get within shot.

107. PODICEPS MINOR.

In December near Suez.

collected on the Red Sea.

349

108. PoDICEPS AURITUS.

In December near Suez.

109. Thalassidboma, sp.

Single individuals and whole flocks seen at the end of
September, near Bab-el-Mandeb.

110. PUPFINUS, sp.

Some specimens observed on the coast of Somali ; dark above
and white below ; size of a turtle. They passed the ship in a
very rapid and serpent-like flight.

111. Rhynchops flavirostris.

Small flocks in July and August on the Red Sea, between
20° N.L, and 14° N. Island of Dahalak.

112. Larus fuscus.

Through the whole year in pairs on the Red Sea, and on the
Gulf of Aden. Abu Daghaba, Arab.

113. Larus leucoph^eus, Licht. ; Bonap. Consp. vol. ii.
p. 219.

Seen near Ras Belul; more frequent on the Somali coast and
in the Gulf of Aden. Mas adult, (hyeme) : Length from the top
of the beak to the end of wings 2' 1", wing 16' 5'". Naked space
round the eye, deep -red ; iris, pale-brown, with many minute
black spots ; rictus orange-red ; upper mandible pale ochre-
yellow, before the point orange ; under mandible pale greenish-
yellow, a spot before the point deep aurora-red ; feet very pale
ochre-yellow, membranes somewhat darker. Foem. jun. (hyeme) .
Length of wing, 16 '. Naked space about the eye and iris pale-
brownish, the latter also minutely spotted ; beak dirty yellowish-
carneous \ under mandible a little more plumbeous, a large black
band before the top j feet pale-bluish, membranes carneous.

114. Larus leucophthalmus.

Very scarce north of the tropic, but very frequent more to the
south. Somali coast. Adjameh, Arab. Long. 16" 6'" (ad ap.
caud.), 18" 2"' (ad ap. ah), tars. 1" 9'". Naked space round eye
and beak coral-red, with the point blackish ; iris dark-brown ;

350 Dr. Heuglin^s List of Birds

gullet yellowish-carneous ; feet yellow, the joints more plum-
beous,

115. Larus hemprichii.

Lives with the former, but not in company with it. Long.
17" 4'" (ad ap, caud.) ; 19" 1"' (ad ap. alar.) ; tars. 1" 11'" ; al.
12" 11"'. Beak in the old bird greenish-corneous, sometimes
more yellowish, point deep wax- yellow ; a coral-red band before
it, bordered posteriorly with black ; angle of mouth deep-red ;
feet deep-yellow. Young : Beak plumbeous, with a black band
and a pale wax-yellowish spot at the top ; gullet reddish-came-
ous j eye-ring blackish-carneous j feet greenish-plumbeous.

Both species, Larus leucophthalmus and L. hemprichii^ feed
upon crabs and Mollusca; live in large flocks, more on the
African coast ; breed socially on the sand, among salt-plants,
often rather distant from the coast. Their breeding-time is
between July and September. In November and December
they seem to migrate to the south in large flocks.

116. Sterna VELOx, Biipp.

More frequent in the southern parts of the Red Sea. Breeds
in July and August. Not rare on the Somali coast.

117. Sterna affinis, Riipp.

With the former.

118. Sterna caspia.

In pairs through the whole year in the Red Sea and the Gulf
of Aden. Abu Djirreh : Arab.

119. Sterna fuliginosa.

In pairs or little flocks in the Red Sea south of 14° N.L.,
and on the Somali coast. Rare on the Guano-island of Bur-da-
Rebschi. Gullet bluish-car neous. [A specimen of the younger
bird : above, dark brown with white spots ; below, paler brown ;
beak, white ; agrees exactly with the flgure given by Gould, in
the ‘ Birds of Australia,^ pi. xxxii. vol. 7. — Ed.]

120. Sterna infuscata.

With the former ; not found on the island of Bur-da- Rebschi.
Length, 14"; wing, 9" 9'"; tars. 9'". Gullet blackish.

collected on the Red Sea,

351

121. Sterna, sp.

122. Sterna minuta.

In summer on the Red Sea, in small flocks from 3-6 birds.
Dighes, Arab.

123. Sterna senegalensts, Sw.

In large flocks south of the tropic. Breeds socially on coral
islands in July, August, and September. Ahu-haten^ Arab.

124. Sterna meridionalis, Br.

Near Massaua.

125. Anous tenuirostris.

Single individuals on the whole Red Sea. On my last voyage
only south of 14° N.L., from the end of September. In
countless numbers in the Gulf of Aden, where it breeds in the
height of summer on the island of Bur-da- Rebschi ; we could
easily catch them with our hands. Length to the end of wing
14" 13"' ; wing 9" 6'" ; tarsus 10'". Gullet pale-yellow ; inter-
digital membranes dark yellowish-carneous.

126. Phaeton ^thereus.

Singly or in small flocks of from three to six on the Dahalak
Isles, near Amphila, Ras Belul, Aden, and about Bur-da-Rebschi.
Manners and voice much like Sterna caspia. Appears to
copulate while swimming, in the month of August.

127. Dysporus sula. (L.)

On the whole Red Sea, alone and in flocks. — El Smet, Arab.

128. Sula melanops, Hartl., n. sp. (Plate X. fig. 2.)

Mas ad. : Alba, subflavescens ] remigibus, scapularibus tectrici-
busque alarum extimis et rectricibus nigris, omnibus ad basin
albidis vel pure albis ; scapis infra albis ; flexura alse alba ;
rostro virescenti-flavo, basi nigro ; periophthalmiis et mem-
brana gulari rotundato-truncata nigris; iride rubescenti-
flava; pedibus cserulescenti-plumbeis, membranis obscurio-
ribus, unguibus comeo-nigris, ad apicem albidis; digiti
medii margine serrato toto albo. Long. 27-28''; rostr. a
rict. 4" 6'"; rostr. a fr. 3" 9'"; al. 16-1 6|"; caud. 8"; tars.
2" ; dig. med. c. ung. 3" 10'"-3" 11'". Jun. : Capite, collo et
corpore supra fuliginosis; fascia nuchali pallidiore parum
corispicua ; plumis dorsi ad apicem et ad basin albidis ; sub-

353

Mr. 0. Salvin^s Five Months^ Birds^ -nesting

alaribus albo brunneoque variegatis ; remigibus et cauda
• fusco-nigris ; corpore inferiore reliquo albo-flavescente ;
iride brunneo-flava ; rostro magis virescente.

Only about Bur-da-Rebscbi or Djebel-tiar, a guano island,
live miles distant from the Somali coast near Med, where we ob-
served six or eight pairs ; probably also on Abd-el-Kuri and the
cliffs of Cokotora. In November I found fledged young on Bur-
da-Rebschi. The flight of the adult bird is waving, Albatros-
like, and not so rapid as that of Sula fusca or the Cormorants.
The young birds are stupid and easy to be caught by the hand.
They seem to feed solely upon fishes. Not difficult to tame.

[If not Sula cyanops of Sundeval, this species is new ! But Sun-
deval calls the face and naked throat simply the iris “flavis-
simaP the beak hlue^ olivaceous at the tip, the feet ^^olive^^ !! The
Sula capensis is altogether a larger bird, and quite difierent in
the elongate form of the gular membrane, which runs down the
fore-neck in a narrow line. The Sula dactylatra of Lesson,
which I have never seen in any collection, had the feet yellow.
—Ed.]

139. Pelecanus rufescens.

Not rare south of the Tropic, in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
Very frequent near Massaua and Amphila. Ahu-djirahj Arab.

130. Phalacrocorax, sp,

A flock at the end of November near Bender Gam (Somali).

XXXIV. — Five months^ EMs' -nesting in the Eastern Atlas. By
OsBERT Salvin, B.A., Corr. Memb. Zool. Soc. (Part III.)

[Concluded from page 318.]

98. Pterocles alchata. (Pin-tailed Sand Grouse.)

The extensive sandy plains termed the Harakta, of which El
Tharf is one of the largest, are the only localities in which we
met with this Sand Grouse. Like the following species, it
makes no nest, but scrapes a slight hollow in the sand, in
which it deposits its three eggs. These are laid in May, the
young being hatched about the second week in June. The only
species of Pterocles which occur in these elevated districts are

in the Eastern Atlas. 353

P. alchata and P. arenarius : further to the southward others
are found.

99. Pterocles arenarius. (Sand Grouse.)

Is found in the same localities as the last-mentioned species,
but it also occurs about Djendeli and the Madracen, where I
never met with P. alchata.

100. Caccabis petrosa. (Barbary Partridge.)

The Barbary Partridge is very abundant in all the country
we visited, especially in the Regency of Tunis. It lays its eggs
about the beginning of April, from eleven to fifteen forming the
usual complement. It is known to the Arabs as El HadjeU’

101. Turnix coturnix. (Quail.)

Vast numbers of Quails are said to occur along the eastern
coast of Tunis, and in the adjacent islands, during the period of
the spring migration in April. A few remain to breed, and
they may be met with in scattered pairs all over the country.

102. Otis tetrax. (Little Bustard.)

Throughout the extensive plains of Tunis the Little Bustard
seems generally and plentifully distributed. In the Eastern
Atlas its favourite resorts are the Arab corn-fields and grassy
pastures ; and it appears to seek rather than avoid cultivation,
in this respect widely differing in taste from its congeners, O.
tarda and Houbara undulata. The eggs of this species are laid
about the middle of May, but some birds defer the period of
incubation till June, as we obtained eggs as late as the 27th of
the latter month. The nest was usually found in a corn field.
One shown me by an Arab near Ain Djendeli was so situated.
It consisted merely of a little dry grass placed in a slight
hollow in the ground. There were tw^o eggs in this nest when
it was shown to me. While I was endeavouring to make the
Arab comprehend that if unmolested the bird would lay more,
he destroyed the nest with a stick in his hand, but fortunately
did not injure the eggs. Three or four seems to be the usual
complement of eggs laid by one bird.

103. Houbara undulata. (Houbara Bustard.)

We only meet with the Houbara in the Harakta country near
VOL. I. 2 c

354 Mr. 0. Salvin^s Five Months^ Birds^ -nesting

Guerali el Tharf. As this country was worked by Mr. Simpson
while I was at Djendeli and Zana, I have nothing noted of the
habits of this bird, as I did not see it when passing through
that district.

104. (Edicnemus crepitans. (Stone Curlew.)

This bird was our constant companion while encamped in the
lake districts. We seldom used to see it during the day, but
towards evening and after sundown the cries of several indivi-
duals resounded incessantly round our tents.

105. CuRsoRius GALLicus. (Cream- colourcd Courser.)

It was not until the end of June that I met with this bird.
We had just broken up our final camp at Zana, and were
returning by way of the Caravanserai of Ain Yacoute to Con-
stantine, when, at a short distance from the former place, we
encountered a small flock in one of the undulating and sterile
plains through which the high road to Batna and Biskra runs.
The birds showed little symptoms of fear, and ran before our
horses, or flew round our heads. At the time we thought they
were not breeding there, but, as they were all in full adult
plumage, I have since considered that they were there for no
other purpose. The fact was, our faces were set homewards, and
it was difficult to stop, even for the eggs of the Cream-coloured
Courser. Mr. Tristram kindly gave me one of the eggs obtained
by him, as mentioned in The Ibis, Vol. I. page 79; and, compar-
ing this with Mr. Gurney^s and Mr. Newton’s examples from
Tangiers, I may remark that, as regards my own specimen, the
intensity of colour is decidedly in favour of the latter ; and I
attribute this inferiority to the efiect of exposure, which in the
parching climate of Southern Algeria is fatal to the colour of
eggs.

106. Glareola pratincola. (Pratincole.)

The Pratincole was found in the table lands of the interior,
frequenting the salt lakes and freshwater marshes. Its fearless
manner and familiar habits cause it to rank high among the
interesting birds of the country; and I remember few that I have
watched with greater pleasure. When in proximity to their nests,
the whole flock come wheeling and screaming round, while some

in the Eastern Atlas,

355

dart passionately down to within a few feet of the intruder’s
headj retiring again to make another descent. When the first
transports of excitement are over, they all alight one by one on
the ground. Some stand quite still, watching with inquiring
gaze j while others stretch themselves out, first expanding one
wing, then the other, and sitting down extend both legs. In
this position they remain some seconds as if dead, when, sud-
denly springing up, they make another circuit over head, and
the whole flock passes quietly away. The bird makes no nest,
but deposits its three eggs in a slight depression of the bare
sand. The eggs are usually placed with their axes parallel.
We several times visited places where numbers of these birds
were breeding ; yet we never succeeded in finding a young one,
though many of the eggs were on the point of being hatched.
This fact certainly favours the idea that on leaving the egg the
young are capable of running like those of other Grallce,

107. Charadrius pluvtalis. (Golden Plover.)

I several times saw flocks of Golden Plover near the city of
Tunis in February and the beginning of March.

108. ^Egialites cantiacus. (Kentish Plover.)

Occurs in abundance along the shores of the large lagoon of
El Baheira which lies between Tunis and La Goletta. We
afterwards found it breeding on the borders of most of the salt
lakes in the interior.

109. ^gialites minor. (Little Ringed Plover.)

In the neighbourhood of the marsh of Zana, we more than
once met with this bird, but were unsuccessful in obtaining its
eggs.

110. Grus cinerea. (Crane.)

The Crane is found in Tunis in great numbers during the
winter months, frequenting the large plains. On one occasion,
between Tunis and Oudena, I counted 108 of these birds on
the wing at once. They are said to be migratory, and pro-
bably they seek their breeding haunts in the continent of
Europe.

111. Anthropoides VIRGO (Demoiselle Crane).

Towards the eastern extremity of the marsh of Zana I several

2c 2

356

Mr. 0. Salviii^s Five Months^ Birds^ -nesting

times saw a small flock. We arrived there too late to obtain
their eggs.

112. Herodias garzetta (Little Egret).

The marsh of Zana, which 1 have occasionally mentioned
above, is one of those places where the Waders and Ducks seem
to delight in congregating ; and, as the swampy ground is of
very limited extent, few spots furnish a richer feast to the eye
of a devotee to the science of Ornithology. Our tents were
pitched close to the springs at the western end of the lake, not
far from the Marabout of Sidi el Hadj ben Ameer, an unim-
posing edifice erected to the memory of a saint of peculiar
sanctity, but then tenanted only by a pair of Storks [Ciconia
alba) and their young brood. My favourite walk in the

morning was to take a circuit of the marsh. Starting at
break of day, the first sound that assailed my ears was the
harsh note of Sylvia turddides — a small patch of reeds, not
60 yards from our tents, being occupied by a pair of these
ceaseless chatterers. Attention would next be called to the
Storks on the Marabout, which, on any one approaching,
would make their young crouch down in their nest, while they,
standing over, would assume an expression calculated to lead
one to suppose that they were perfectly innocent of the exist-
ence of the young brood at their feet. As I walk on a few
yards further to escape the din of a noisy colony of Spanish
Sparrows {Passer salicicola), and stand still, the morning air
bears from the neighbouring reeds the soft rattling note of
Savins Warbler {Locustella savii) to my ears, and I see the little
songster perched on the extremity of the tallest reed, pouring
forth its peculiar song, which, now swelling, now softening,
has given to the bird the title of a ventriloquist. A few yards
further, and the Pratincoles {Glareola pratmcola) attract my
attention by their incessant cries and furious attacks, as if
resenting my intrusion in their domain. Among them may
be a few Stilts {Himantopus melanopterus)^ which, after making
a circuit overhead, alight close to a small pool of water. In
this are seen some Shovellers and White-eyed Ducks {Spatula
clypeata and Nyroca leucophthalma) , which allow me to survey
them with my telescope, but on closer inspection betake them-

in the Eastern Atlas.

357

selves to the reeds. As I turn now along the northern side of
the marsh, I hear the Water Hen and Water Rail {Gallinula
chloropus and Rallus aquaticus) harshly calling, while now and
then a Wild Duck {Anas hoschas) or Pochard {Fuligula ferina)
flies out, and, wheeling round, returns. Here too an occasional
Squacco Heron {Buphus ralloides) or Sandpiper {Totanus gla-
reola ?) rises ; and passing suddenly a corner of the reeds, a
startled Purple Water Hen {Porphyria hyacinthinus) makes all
possible haste to gain the denser cover. Leaving the tall reeds,
and plunging knee-deep into water and mud, I now come
upon the main body of Squacco Herons, and here and there a
Bittern {Botaurus stellaris) ; here too may be seen the active
little Baillon’s Crake {Crex baillonii), allowing one but a mo-
mentary glimpse as it passes into the sedge. In the more
open part, further to the eastward. Stilts occur in great
abundance ; and I never miss an opportunity of watching
the ease and grace with which they manage their apparently
unwieldy legs. As their nests are near, these birds make the
air resound with their harsh, discordant cries. Near the Stilts
I usually see an Avocet {Recurvirostra avocetta) or two stalking
quietly about the marsh in search of food. Here, too, most of
the ducks are to be seen ; and 200 or 300 yards lower down,
troops of Ruddy Shieldrake {Casarca rutila), and with them a
small flock of Demoiselle Cranes {Anthropdides virgo). These
last wend their way eastward to Chot Saboun, and I see them
no more. Returning by the south side of the marsh along the
water’s edge, I find the Kentish Plover, and occasionally a
Little Ringed Plover {JEgialites cantiacus and uE. minor) ; while
in the short reeds stand a row of ButF-backed Herons {Herodias
russatd), contrasting strangely in their sluggish movements with
the active Little Egrets {Herodias garzetta), some five or six of
which may be feeding near with a Glossy Ibis {Ihis falcinellus) ,
the Devil Heron” in their company. The Bufl’-backs wake up
as I approach, and fly away to the Roman ruins close by, there
to bask again, standing, some on the overturned stones, some
on the decorated arches, two of which still stand at the northern
extremity of the old city. The pools on the south side are full
of Coots {Fulica atra), and here and there a White-headed

358 Mr. 0. Salvin^s Five Months’ Birds’ -nesting

Duck [Erismatura mersa) j and here^ toOj it was that I used to see
the greatest number of Red-crested Whistling Ducks [Branta
rufina), A distant screaming warns me to watch the Gull-billed
Terns {Gelochelidon anglica) as they come skimming the water,
making for the freshly-cut grass-fields to seek their breakfast of
beetles and grasshoppers. At every corner of the reeds I now
startle up a Little Bittern (Ardetta minuta) ; and the Grey-headed
Wagtail [Budytes fiava) continually shows itself. Soaring over
the Arab tents, if the dogs allow me to look up, I see Egyptian
Vultures and Black Kites {Neophron percnopterus and Milviis
ater)y and nearer the clifi's a few Choughs and Alpine Swifts
[Pyrrhocoraoc graculus and Cypselus melha). My walk is now
terminated ; and, ready for breakfast, I usually find the tents
beset by Arabs : most of them come to talk with our servants,
but some with more profitable intent, bearing vegetables,
cooscoos and corn. The boys bring eggs or information about
nests — the object of another ramble.

Though we never obtained the eggs of the Little Egret, I am
inclined to think it a much earlier breeder than either the Buff-
backed or Squacco Herons, as a female I shot at Zana, on June
22nd, bore every appearance of having hatched its young — -
the moulting of the feathers having advanced considerably, and
the eggs in the ovary being small.

113. Buphus bubulcus. (Buff-backed Heron.)

Though local, the Buff-backed Heron occurs abundantly
where it is found. 1 first met with it near Bizerta and after-
wards at Zana, at which latter place it was common, a large flock
frequenting the marsh. We did not obtain any of their eggs,
and to all appearance the birds had not entered upon their do-
mestic duties when we left their haunts. Is the bird mentioned
in Mr. E. C. Taylor^s ^ Ornithological Reminiscences of Egypt,^
and called by him Ardea russata and Ardea bubulcus, Savigny,
this bird, or its Indian representative * ? The eggs from Ceylon

* We believe that there is no doul)t that the Egyptian bird is the true
Butf-backed Heron — the same species which occurs in England. The
Indian Ardea coromanda, Bodd,, to which bird Temrainck first applied the
epithet russata (See Man. d’Orn. ed. 2. p. 566), is not separable, according
to G. R. Gray, but is distinguished by Bonaparte (Consp. ii, p. 125).

in the lEastern Atlas.

359

are very different from those of this species collected by Mr.
Tristram and Capt. Loche.

114. Buphus RALLoiDES. (Squacco Heron.)

Common in the marsh of Zana, but found in single birds or
two or three together, rather than in flocks like the Buff-backed
Herons.

115. Ardetta minuta. (Little Bittern.)

I only met with this bird in the marsh of Zana, where it is
extremely common.

116. Botaurus stellaris. (Bittern.)

A few pairs of Bitterns frequented the marsh of Zana. As
far as we could ascertain, they had laid their eggs and hatched
their young before we had arrived there.

117. Nycticorax griseus. (Night Heron.)

I only observed this bird on the lake of Bizerta, where we
found a few sitting about the fence-work made for stopping the
fish.

118. CicoNiA ALBA. (White Stork.)

Abundant at Bona and the old towns in the Regency of Tunis.

119. Ibis falcinellus. (Glossy Ibis.)

I several times saw a Glossy Ibis accompanying a small flock
of Little Egrets at Zana. It would appear, from Mr. Tristram^s
account of them at Lake Halloula, always to show this partiality
for Herons, but not to be constant in its attention to one species.

120. Numenius tenuirostris. (Slender-billed Curlew.)

In the Regency of Tunis, on more than one occasion, I saw

a flock of these Curlews, and, on an undulating plain near El
Djan, succeeded in shooting one.

121. Totanus ochropus. (Green Sandpiper.)

While searching for snipe in a small marsh near Sousa, Mr.
Simpson shot one of these birds.

122. Totanus calidris. (Redshank.)

Observed in the same marsh.

123. Recurvirostra avocetta. (Avocet.)

We only saw" the Avocet at Zana and Djendeli, though we did

360

Mr. 0. Salvin^s Five Months^ Birds^ -nesting

not until afterwards recognize the birds seen at the latter place
as belonging to this species^ which they undoubtedly did. At
Chot Saboun, the eastern extremity of the marsh of Zana, the
bird was most numerous. I myself only saw an occasional bird
near our camp at Zana^ Chot Saboun involving a longer ride
than I could take without an attack of the climatic fever under
which I suffered during the last three months of my stay.

124. Himantopus melanopterus. (Black-winged Stilt.)

Abundant at Zana^ a few pairs occurring at Djendeli and

Guerah el Tharf. Over the whole of the lower end of the marsh
of Zana and Chot Saboun the Stilt breeds in great abundance
amongst the wet grass, choosing for the position of its nest a
small tuft, so as just to keep the eggs out of the water. Some-
times, however, this object is not attained, as we occasionally
found nests in which the eggs were half immersed. The bird
uses its long legs with much greater ease than might be ex-
pected; and its long, deliberate strides, as it stalks about in search
of food, are far from being ungraceful. The only time they seem
to be in its way is at the moment of taking flight, when they
hang awkwardly down till the bird, being fairly started, stretches
them out, extending them far beyond the tail. We used to
search for the nests of this bird on horseback, and, on observing
one sitting, to ride up without taking our eyes off the place. The
bird would remain quiet till we were within thirty yards of the
nest, when it would walk slowly away, till, aware of our purpose,
it would rise and fly wheeling and screaming overhead. The
young Stilt is able to walk almost immediately on leaving the
egg ; one we found was capable of moving about while the other
three were struggling to free themselves from the shell. The
nest is composed of a few bits of dead reed or grass. The com-
plement of eggs laid by one bird is four.

125. ScoLOPAx GALLiNAGo. (Commou Snipe.)

Mr. Simpson and I found several Snipes in a small marsh near
Sousa. I afterwards put one up at Zana, about the middle of
June.

126. Rallus aquaticus. (Water Rail.)

Common in the marshy ground of Zana and Djendcli.

in the Eastern Atlas.

361

127. Crex baillonii. (Baillon^s Crake.)

This shy little bird we used to see occasionally at Zana, where
we obtained one nest, which an Arab brought to our tents.

128. PoRPHYRio HYACiNTHiNUS. (Purplc Water Hen.)

This magnificent species is common at Zana, where it keeps

very much out of sight under the cover of the taller reeds. It
is, I believe, in the habit of destroying the Ducks^ nests whenever
it can get an opportunity. Many a time did we leave a nest for
the satisfactory determination of the species to which it belonged,
and return to find every egg broken and sucked out. Tt may
be calumny to ascribe these depredations to Porphyria hyacin-
thinus ; but I strongly suspect the charge is not unfounded. The
eggs are so much taken by the Arabs that I can speak with no
certainty of the usual complement laid by one bird.

Gallinula chloropus. (Water Hen.)

Excessively common at Zana, judging from the number of
eggs brought to us by the Arabs.

Fulica atra. (Coot.)

Also common at Zana, Hjendeli, and Bizerta, in none of which
places did I observe the Crested Coot {Fulica cristata).

131. Phcenicopterus antiquorum. (Flamingo.)

It seems to be an almost universal rule throughout the world,
that where their are salt lakes, there Flamingos are found *.
It certainly is the case in Tunis, and the province of Constantine
in Eastern Algeria; no permanent salt lake of any extent is
without them. Every one who has visited Tunis must remember
the vast numbers that are to be seen in the lagoon of El Baheira
and the lake on the north western side of the town, and will
recall to mind the magnificent sight of a thousand or more
of these beautiful birds rising from the water at one time, the

* Mr. Darwin (‘ Naturalist's Voyage/ new ed. page 66) states that he
found Flamingos in Patagonia, Northern Chili, and the Galapagos
Islands, frequenting the salt lakes. They are also found in the salt lakes
of Siberia. (See ‘ Pallas's Travels, 1793 to 1794,' pp. 129-134.) The
whole physical features of the Eastern Atlas range suggest the idea of its
recent elevation above the sea-level ; and I would include the upheaval
of this portion with that of the Sahara, as conjectured by Mr. Tristram.
(Ibis, vol- i. p. 155.)

362 Mr. 0. Salvin^s Five Months’ Birds’ -nesting

whole mass, from the colour on their expanded wings, looking
like an animated rosy cloud. They are extremely difficult of ap-
proach ; and 1 only succeeded in shooting one, which proved to be
a splendid male. On dissecting this bird, I found in the gizzard
nothing but the vegetable matter that grows at the bottom of
these lagoons ; I am therefore led to suppose that this forms the
principal part of its food, and not the worms which burrow in
the mud, as Mr. Darwin suggests. Naturalist^s Voyage,^ new
ed. page 66.) We found the bird equally abundant at Djendeli
throughout the month of May, but obtained no certain clue to
its breeding localities or nesting habits : the Arabs could tell us
nothing, and we were unable to discover anything ourselves.

132. Casarca rutila. (Kuddy Shieldrake.)

Though this bird is numerous in all the salt lakes of the
elevated plains, its egg is one of the most difficult to obtain.
One nest only rewarded our labours. The rarity of the eggs is
hardly so surprising, when the situation chosen by this bird for
its nest is considered. It selects a hole or crevice of a cliff for
its breeding place, and associates with the Raven, the Black
Kite, and Egyptian Vulture during the period of the reproduc-
tion of its young. Almost immediately on encamping at Ain
Djendeli we used daily to see a pair of Ruddy Shieldrakes pass
over our tents, their direction always being backwards and
forwards between the cliffs to the south of us and the small,
marsh between us and the lake. After careful investigation,
the nest was discovered to be in a hole in the face of a rock,
which required all the skill of Mohamed and all our appliances
of ropes, &c. to reach. The result was four hard-set eggs,
which are now in the collections of Messrs. Tristram, Simpson,
J. Wolley, and myself. Though the Arabs were aware of the
habits of this bird, we did not succeed in obtaining any more
eggs. It is probable, from its name, that the Mountain Goose
{Casarca cana) of South Africa has similar habits. These facts
suggest the interesting question as to how and when the young,
when hatched, are conveyed from their aerial home to their
natural element, upon which I regret to say I can throw no
satisfactory light.

in the Eastern Atlas.

363

133. Anas boschas. (Wild Duck.)

Common at Zana.

134. Chaulelasmus streperus. (Gadwall.)

Also common at Zana.

135. Pterocyanea circia. (Garganey.)

1 shot a Gargany in the Medjerdah just below Djebel Dekma
during the first week in April.

136. Spatula clypeata. (Shoveler.)

In a small open pool of water to the northward of the Mara-
bout of Sidi el Hadj ben Ameer at Zana^ I used generally to
see a pair of this Duck. It did not seem a common bird in
the marsh.

137. Branta RUFINA. (Red-erested Whistling Duck.)

In the open pools at the upper end of the marsh of Zana, I
used frequently to see several pairs of the Red-crested Duck.
Two nests only were obtained. The second lot, consisting of seven
eggs, were of a most brilliant fresh-green colour when un-
blown; the contents were no sooner expelled, and the egg
di-y, than the delicate tints were gone, and their beauty sadly
diminished.

138. PuLiGULA CRisTATA. (Tufted Duck.)

Abundant in the lake of Bizerta in March.

139. Fuligula ferina. (Pochard.)

Very abundant during the winter months in the lagoon of El
Baheira. At Zana it was far from uncommon, but we were not
fortunate in obtaining their eggs with certainty. The Arabs of
the encampments surrounding the marsh ransack the whole of
it for the eggs of the birds that breed there, those of the Ducks
being their special object of search. The consequence was, we
were unable to induce them to leave a nest, when found, in order
that by showing it to us, we might, by seeing the bird, identify
the species. It was, after all, giving up ceTtainty for uncertainty
on the part of the finder ; for if we refused to buy the eggs, he
still had them to eat ; while, if he left them, another Arab was
almost sure to take them. We had not much better fortune
with some French mowers, who were there making hay for a

364 Mr. 0. Salvin’s Five Months^ Birds^ -nesting.

detachment of cavalry ; for they found the Ducks^ nests by
cutting the grass over them^ and desertion on the part of the
bird infallibly ensued if the eggs were left.

140. Nyroca leucophthalma. (White-eyed Duck.)

This bird also breeds at Zana and Djendeli. We were more
fortunate in obtaining their eggs than those of the other species
of Ducks. The Widgeon {Mareca penelope) is not found in
either place, at least we never saw it ; and so brilliant a bird as
the cock could hardly have escaped observation j consequently
the eggs from these districts may fairly be ascribed to this bird,
as no other Duck in the country lays similar eggs.

141. Erismatura mersa. (White-headed Duck.)

Is common in the lagoon of El Baheira. We afterwards saw
it at Djendeli and Zana, but did not obtain its eggs.

142. PoDiCEPS CRisTATUs. (Great Crested Grebe.)

Occurs in the lagoon of El Baheira.

143. PoDicEPs AURiTUS. (Eared Grebe.)

Very common in the lagoon of El Baheira during the winter.
I afterwards observed it in Lake Djendeli, but did not obtain
any eggs.

144. PoDiCEPs MINOR. (Little Grebe.)

At Zana the Little Grebe is common, and breeds there.

145. Thalasseus cantiacus. (Sandwich Tern.)

I shot a Sandwich Tern flying over the lagoon of El Baheira,
and saw others.

146. Gelochelidon anglica. (Gull-billed Tern.)

The representative of this species in the lagoons of Tunis
and the lakes of the interior appears to difi*er Immaterially from
the true G. anglica, which extends its range into India. Mr.
Gould, who has kindly compared my examples with his own,
assures me that this is the case. At Zana we found it breeding,
a considerable number frequenting the marsh. Numerous as
the bird was, we only obtained five eggs; one other egg our
servant Bilgarzoum broke, having wound it up in his turban by
way of putting it in a safe place to take it to the tents. Of
course, when he went to unfold it, it was hopelessly flat. No

365

Observations on the Birds of St. Croix.

reasonable doubt can exist regarding these eggs, as no other
bird at Zana could possibly have laid them, but we did not take
any ourselves. They build, probably, on some of the small
mounds on the north side of the marsh, which stand like islands
out of the swampy ground. The statement in Mr. Tristram^s
Sale Catalogue of 1858, describing their eggs as laid on the tops
of the highest hills, was an idea we entertained at one time
from a vague description, given by the Arab who brought us
the first eggs, of the place where he found them. This idea
we afterwards rejected as resting upon insufiicient evidence.
In fact we left Zana before these birds had begun to sit, and
consequently were never able to determine the exact localities
where they bred. These Terns feed over the grass fields and
open land, hovering and descending, as our more familiar species
do on the English coast over a shallow, their food being grass-
hoppers and beetles, which there swarm, instead of sand-eels.

147. Hydrochelidon fissipes. (Black Tern.)

On one occasion I saw Black Terns skimming over the lake
of Djendeli.

148. Carbo cormoranus. (Cormorant.)

Several Cormorants share with the Ospreys (Pandion haliaetus)
the posts set up in the lagoon of El Baheira.

I regret that I have been able to give so imperfectly the
Arabic names of the birds in the preceding pages. Much more
complete information on this point will be found on referring
to Capt. Loche^s ^ Catalogue des Mammiferes et des Oiseaux
observes en Algerie published at Paris, 1 vol. 8vo.

XXXV. — Observations on the Birds of St. Croix, West Indies,
made, between February 20th and August Qth 1857 by Alfred
Newton, and between March ^th and September 2^th 1858
by Edward Newton. (Part IV.)

[Concluded from p. 264.]

(Plate XII.)

t 50. [?] (?) Flamingo. Phoenicopterus (?).

Large bands of some species of Flamingo — probably the Ph.

366 Messrs. A. and E. Newtoii^s Observations

ruber of Linnseus — are said to have formerly visited St. Croix
periodically, and even of late years a few seem to have been
occasionally observed : on the south side of the leeward end of
St. Thomas, a large indentation still bears the name of Fla-
mingo-pan Bay.

51. Black-billed Whistltng Duck. Dendrocygna arbor ea,
Eyton. Anas arbor ea, L. : Edw. Birds, pi. 193; PI. Enl. 804.

Mangrove Duck.^’

This species is pretty common on the Mangrove Lagoons, but
much oftener heard than seen. The whistling noise it makes
while flying causes it to be well known by persons who have
never even set their eyes on a specimen; for it is chiefly at night
that it quits its solitary haunts to feed. It probably breeds in
the island ; but we have no positive authority for saying that it
does so, and we regret we cannot furnish more information re-
specting it.

I procured specimens of both sexes ; and, as the trachea of
no one member of the genus Dendrocygna has been figured, that
I am aware of, I am glad to be able
to give a representation of the or-
gan in this species. The labyrinth,
in form, may recall that of the Gar-
ganey [Pterocyanea circia, Bp.), but
is sufficiently different from it in
many respects.

I have not seen specimens suf-
ficient to be able to record the sea-
sonal changes of plumage in this
species. A male, killed July 21st,

1858, bore no sign whatever of
moulting. In general appearance it
greatly resembled a female obtained September 17th, 1858.
The iris was brown, the bill black, legs dull ash-grey, the feet
darker, and the claws black.^^ — E. N.

52. [?] American Scaup Duck. Fulix affinis, Baird. Anas
marila, Wils. pi. 69. fig. 3 ; Fuligula affinis, Eyton ; Anas ma-
rildides, Vigors, nec Yarrell.

367

on the Blinds of St. Croix,

“ Ou March 29th, 1858, I saw some ducks on a lagoon
which appeared to me to be of this species, but I was at too
great a distance to be able to say much about them/^ — E. N.

53. [?] Dominican Duck. Erismatura dominica, Eyton.
Anas dominica, L. ; PL Enl. 968.

In 1857 a pretty large lagoon between the Green Quay
and Southgate Farm Estates, at the eastern end of the island,
was frequented by a small flock of what seemed to me to have
been most likely this species. On March 9th I first saw some ;
but they were sitting motionless on the water, and, having only
a small glass, I could make Out nothing about them. But I had
a good opportunity of seeing them one day in May ; there were
then a good many of them, perhaps twenty or twenty-five ; they
swam very low in the water : indeed it almost seemed as if the
hinder part of their backs were beneath the surface ; and their
tails stuck up perpendicularly at some little distance off, almost
as though they had no connexion with the birds. On June 15th
I all but succeeded in getting a shot at some five or six of these
ducks, and had another good view of them. The lagoon on
which I found them is nearly divided into two unequal portions
by a low point which juts out from one side of it : about half-
way along this spit of land I placed myself, squatting down
among the mangroves, while I sent the lad who was with me
round to the other side to try and drive the birds within shot of me
— they being then about the middle of this portion of the pond.
He arrived at the spot I had pointed out opposite to me, and
disposing his garments in graceful folds about his head and
shoulders, walked into the water, which he found to be nowhere
above four feet in depth. The Ducks thereupon ceased feeding,
and collected together, but did not seem for a time ill-disposed to
be driven my way, merely keeping some eighty yards in front of
him, as he waded and they swam across. Suddenly they stopped,
swam to-and-fro for an instant or two ; and I felt sure they
had divined my presence, probably by getting wind of me. In
another moment they were up : away they went, flapping along
the surface ; and as they rounded the point towards the other
part of the lagoon I lost sight of them. I still lay quiet,

368 Messrs. A. and E. Newton^s Observations

hoping they might come round ; but they did not do so, nor
could I discover whither they had gone. I do not think I ever
saw the species again — A. N.

We believe that several other species of Anatidm occur from
time to time, but especially in winter, in the island. Erom the
descriptions which have been given us, we suppose the Dusky
Duck {^Anas ohscura, Gmel.) and the American Wigeon [Mareca
americanUi Steph.) to be among the number j and in the spring
of 1857, a flock of Wild Geese, probably the common Canadian
species {Bernicla canadensis^ Boie), were said to have been seen ;
we are, however, unable to indicate more particularly which
members of the family come under the Creole designations of

Teal,^^ Wigeon/^ Diver, &c.

t 54. Brown Pelican. Pelicanus fuscus, L. ; Aud. pis. 423
& 424.

Probably the first birds to meet the eye of a stranger arriving
at St. Croix would be a small flock of Pelicans. No shooting
being permitted by the police in the roadstead of Prederiksted or
harbour of Christiansted, they are there very tame, and take no
heed whatever of what is going on, often flying within a few yards
of the landing-stages or boats, utterly regardless of the human
beings with whom they may or may not be crowded. In other
places they are much more wary, and, unless one is concealed,
admit of no near approach. A few may almost always be seen
in a ride along the southern and western shores of the island,
either resting lazily on a stump in the water, or with a degree
of clumsy activity diving for fish, their occupation being to all
appearance afiected by the state of their appetite. When en-
gaged in taking prey, they fly over the shallows which form their
hunting-ground until they find a promising spot ; there they
alight and begin diving incessantly, and they seem always to
rise to the surface, with their heads in a direction contrary
to that in which they had them when they went under. They
are said to breed on the island ; but we were unable to ascertain
that they did so, though they are probably resident all the year
round ; and we believe they do breed at Tortola or on some rocks
adjacent to that island.

369

on the Birds of St. Croix >

t 55. Booby. Dysporus sula, 111. ; Pelecanus fiber j Sc P. sula,
L. j Sula fusca, Vieill. ; Aud. pL 426.

This species is met with occasionally in the island, but we are
pretty sure that it does not breed in the immediate vicinity, and
it evinces too great a partiality for the deep-sea fishery to occur
often.

One was brought to me alive in September 1858 by a negro,
who said he had found it asleep. I tried to keep it, but could
not induce it to feed itself. Food was forced down its throat
for several days, but at last it died. It was of an extremely
fierce disposition, showing even in its reduced state no signs of
fear.

Between St. Croix and St. Thomas, on September 28th, one
came within five yards of the schooner in which I was ; and I
was told that one fiew so close over the deck of one of the Royal
Mail Company's steamers that it was caught on the wing by a
passenger.^^ — E. N.

t 56. Frigate Bird. Tachypetes aquilus, Vieill. ; PI. Enl.
961 ; Aud. pi. 421 ; Fregata aquila, Cuv. Hurricane Bird.’^

This species we have only seen, as far as St. Croix is con-
cerned, soaring at a very great height over the island or the
adjacent sea, and a most beautiful sight it is to watch one or
more of these birds hanging in the sky above. There is no
motion to be observed in their wings ; at one time the deeply
forked tail is seen to be open, at another it is brought into a
wedge-like shape, but the birds seem to rest immoveable.
Before a gale, however, they are said often to fly quite low,
or even to settle on the ground ; and hence is derived their
name, as under these circumstances they are more generally
observed than at other times, and thus are said to be the fore-
runners of bad weather. This species is said to breed about
Tortola.

“ On February 18th, 1857, on my outward voyage, between
the islands of Antigua and Radonda, I saw a large flock of what
appeared to me to be Boobies (the last-mentioned species),
which with loud croaks and shrieks were plunging about; every
now and then the confusion amongst them being heightened by
a Frigate Bird descending from aloft and giving chase. Un-

voL. I. 2d

370

Messrs. A. and E. Newton^s Ohservations

fortunately this exciting scene took place much too far from the
ship to be well enjoyed by me/^ — A. N.

57. [?] (?) Cormorant. Phalacrocorax (?)

Shag.^^

Some species of this sort of bird must sometimes occur in St.
Croix, according to the accounts we have received.

t 58. [?] — — (?) Tropic Bird. Phaeton (?). Boat-

swain.^^

We do not venture, in the absence of specimens procured on
the island, to suggest which of the two Atlantic species of this
genus it is that is sometimes observed in St. Croix. Perhaps
both the Common [Ph. oithereus, Z/.)* and the Yellow-billed
[Ph. flavirostris, Brandt) may occur there, since the former is
said to breed on Tobago, and the latter on the Bermudas
(Jardine, Contr. Orn., 1852, p. 351 et seq.)y besides being met
with on the south side of Cuba (Lawrence, Baird^s Pac. B. R.
Rep., Birds, p. 885) ; but the geographical range of the different
members of this genus seems at present to be little understood.

^‘^On my voyage out in 1857, I saw the first Tropic Bird,
February 12th, in longitude 44°. It took two or three rapid
turns round the ship, but a good way off and high up, and then
it left us. Meanwhile I had had a good look at it with my
glass, and could see its red bill very plainly. It was therefore
clearly Ph. cethereus. The same day we had passed some floating
animals not very much unlike Portuguese Men-of-war [Physolia)
in shape, but a good deal smaller, for which I tried in vain to
fish. Whether to connect the birds^ appearance with theirs or

* Examples which are said to have been of this — though perhaps merely
becai’se it seems to be the best known — species have occasionally been
met with in Europe, and there is good reason to believe that it has once
occurred in England. British ornithologists, however, have fortunately not
^ hitherto provided it with Letters of Naturalization. There can be, we
think, little doubt that the ‘‘Tropical Bird ” mentioned at page 164 of the
‘Natural History of Lancashire, Cheshire, and the Peak’ by C. Leigh
(London : 1700), was a specimen of Fh. cethereus, L., and the bird recorded
by the late Professor J. Fr. Naumann in the preface (p. iv.) to the twelfth
and last volume of his ‘ Naturgeschichte der Voegel Deutschlands,’ as
having been taken at Heligoland, was probably of this species.

371

on the Birds of St. Croix ^

not, I do not know. The flight of a Phaeton does not resemble
that of any sea-bird I am acquainted with ; its chief peculiarity
consists in tbe regular and rather rapid strokes of the wing,
without, as far as I could see, any intermission.^^ — A. N.

‘*1 saw the first Tropic Bird on my outward voyage in 1858,
February 27th, our position at noon on that day being lat.
29° 22' N., long. 42° 42' W.”--E. N.

t 59. [?] Black Skimmer. Rhynchops nigra^ L. ; Wils. pi.
60. fig. 4; And. pi. 433.

'^On June 14th, 1858, between St. Thomas and St. Croix, a
bird, 1 believe of this species, passed close to the vessel I was
in; I could see its black back and white belly distinctly —

E. N.

t 60. [?] Sooty Tern. Onychoprion fuliginosus (Gmel.).
Sterna fuliginosa, Gmel.; Wils. pi. 72. fig. 7; And. pi. 432;
Yarr. B. B. 3rd edit. hi. p. 543, fig.

“Towards the end of May, 1857, 1 saw about midway between
St. Thomas and St. Croix several birds which appeared to me
to be of this species.^^ — A. N.

Mr. Osbert Salvin informs us that on the 29th of May last
(1859), when passing along the south side of Tortola and St.
J ohu^s, he saw a good many of these birds. They came close to
the ship, and he could make them out quite well. At the same
time he also saw some Noddies [Anous stoliduSj Leach), which
species probably occurs about St. Croix as well.

t 61. Royal Tern. Thalasseus regius, Gambel. Sterna
cay ana, Aud. pi. 429.

In 1854 we received from St. Croix a specimen apparently
of the species above cited, which had been killed in the island ;
and round its shores we have not unfrequently seen Terns
flying, which, from their size, we should judge to be the same
as that example.

t 62. Laughing Gull. Chreecocephalus atricilla (L.). Larus
ridibundus, Mhls. pi. 74. fig. 4. L. atricilla, Aud. pi. 443;
Mont. Om. Diet. ; Yarr. B. B. iii. p. 439.

We have often seen a small Gull with a dark hood about St.

2 D 2

372

Messrs. A. and E. Newton^s Observations

Croix^ and, as we obtained skins of the true Laughing Gull at
St. Thomas, we have not much hesitation in referring the former
to this species*. It generally keeps in small flocks at no great
distance from, the shore. We do not know that it breeds on
any of the neighbouring islands, but the harbour of St. Thomas
is seldom without its little foraging party.

t 63. [?] (?) Storm-Petrel. Thalassidroma (?).

64. [?] (?) Storm-Petrel. Thalassidroma (?) .

On the 14th June, 1858, being between St. Thomas and St.
Croix, a pair of small Storm-Petrels came under our lee for some
minutes. On September 28th I saw some two hundred Storm-
Petrels of a larger size, feeding much after the manner of
Shearwaters [PuffinuSj Briss.) near the harbour of Chriwstiansted.
The former of these birds I should imagine to have been Wilson^s
{Th. wilsoni, Bp.) and the latter Bulwer^s Storm-Petrels {Th.
bulwerij Gould) ; but I am only certain of one thing, which is
that the examples seen on these two occasions were of two
different species.^'’ — E. N.

“ I saw no Stormi-Petrels in the West Indian seas f; but on

* We believe that hitherto the only instance recorded on reliable au-
thority of the occurrence in Europe of Ch. atricilla is that mentioned by
Colonel Montagu, as quoted above, and this so long ago as the month of
August 1774. The statements of M. Temminck (Man. d’Orn. ii. p. 779
et seq.) have been copied by other naturalists, for example. Professor Savi
(Orn. Tosc. hi. p. 76) and Mr. Yarrell (B. B. hi. p. 442) ; but Dr. Schlegel
has shown (Bev. Crit. p. 114 et seq.) that these originated in an error of
Herr Natterer, who mistook individuals of the Mediterranean Larus
audouiniy Payreaudeau, for those of this species.

t “ On the occasion mentioned in my note on the Frigate Bird {vide
supra), mingling with the large flock of Boobies were a great many birds
evidently Petrels, apparently about the size of our Manx Shearwater
{Puffinus anglorum, Ray) and similarly coloured, that is to say, dark above
and white beneath, but having much more the flight of a Fulmar {Pro-
cellaria glacialis, L.). They were, I suspect, of the species known to the
French colonists of Guadeloupe as ‘ le Diablotin,’ mentioned, but not de-
scribed, by M. De Lafresnaye in 1844 (Rev. Zool. vh. p. 168), under the
name of ' Procellaria diabolica, L’Herminier,’ being doubtless identical
with the P. meridionalis described by Mr. G. N. Lawrence in 1847 (Ann.Lyc.
N. H. New York, iv. p. 475), and most probably with the P. hcssitata of
Dr. Kuhl (Beitr. zur Zool. p. 142). If this be the case, the last-mentioned
name, having been published in 1820, has the priority, and should be used.

373

on the Birds of St. Croix.

my passage from St. Thomas to Halifax, Nova Scotia, towards
the end of August 1857, a day or two before arriving at the
Bermudas, two or three came round the steamer, and these
seemed to me to be Th, wilsoni. North of Bermuda we had a
larger escort, amounting perhaps to forty or fifty at once, and
there were clearly two species among them, but which they
might have been I do not pretend to say. We were going at a
good speed ; and I fished for them to no purpose.^^- — A. N.

We have now enumerated all the species of birds which we
have satisfactory reasons for believing to be found in St. Groix ;
but we must beg leave to subjoin a few remarks on some which
have been said by former observers to occur in the neighbouring
islands, and which further investigation may discover in the
locality of which we have been treating.

The earliest work noticing the Natural History of the Danish
West Indian Colonies, with which we are acquainted, is that of
Dr. West, published, it would seem, at Copenhagen in 1793.
The original edition we have not ourselves examined; but we
have seen a translation of it into German* *, which was made the
following year, from which it appears that, though the Flora
and some portions of the Fauna are more or less fully treated of,
only two birds are mentioned (p. 243), namely —

^^Ardea ccerulea. v[w/^o]. Gaulding, Crab-eater.^^
and ‘‘Fulica chloropus. v. Cooh [sic], WasserhuhnJ^

The former of these is, we imagine, not the Linnean species of
that name, but Butorides virescens (No. 46) of this paper, while
the latter is, of course, Gallinula galeata (No. 43).

The next author who treats of the Zoology of the Virgin
Islands, to which group St. Croix and St. Thomas belong, is
M. Ledru, one of the naturalists accompanying the expedition
(whereof the celebrated Mange was also a member) commanded

Mr. G. R. Gray’s carefully drawn-up list of the synonyms of this and
three other very distinct species which have been confounded with it, will
be found in the ‘ Zoologist ’ for 1852 (x. p. 3696). The short list given
by the late Mr. Yarrell (B. B. Suppl. 2, p. 63, and 3rd Edit. iii. p. 643),
as well as his statement that a figure of this species is given by Forster in
his unpublished drawings, is, I regret to say, incorrect.” — A. N.

* “ Beytrage zur Beschreibung von St. Croix, &c. : von Hans West,
Rector am Westindischen Schulinstitut, &c. Kopenhagen, 1794.” 8vo.

374

Messrs. A. and E. Nevvton^s Observations

by Captain Baudin in the years 1796-8. His work accom-
panied by notes by M. Sonnini, was not published until twelve
years after his return to France. It contains an '^Essai sur
Fhistoire naturelle des lies danoises/^ from which (vol. ii. p. 39)
we transcribe what relates to the birds, adding our own com-
ments.

La petite perruche, ou tovi a tete d^or. — Psittacus tui Gm.,
352.^’ This is in all probability the Parrakeet which is now
found in St. Thomas, and there only (as far as we know),
restricted to the hills on the eastern side of the harbour, called
Havensigt. To our brother, Mr. F. R. Newton of St. Croix,
we are indebted for some specimens of this bird, obtained during
the past summer, which not only, as indeed might have been
predicted from its hahitatj is riot Gmelin^s Ps. tui, but appears
to be a species hitherto undescribed. It belongs to the genus
ConuruSj and, though it a good deal resembles C. ceruginosus
G. B. Gray, yet differs from that bird in wanting the brown
throat. We subjoin the character of this new species drawn up
by Mr. Sclater, who has bestowed upon it the name of Conurus
xantholcemus, and described it in the ‘Annals of Natural History^
for September last (ser. 3, vol. iv. p. 225) : —

“Lsete viridis, pileo summo cserulescente ; fronte lato, oculorum
anibitu, lateribus capitis et gula aurantiaco-flavis : pectore ful-
vescente: abdomine et tectricibus alarum inferioribus pallide
flavo-viridibus, ventre medio aurantiaco-flavo : remigibus alarum
intus fusco-nigris, extus cserulescenti-viridibus ; cauda subtus
flavicanti-olivacea, supra dorso concolore, apicem versus cseru-
lescente; rostro nigro, pedibus nigricantibus. Long, tota 9*5,
alse 5'3, caudse 4*3.^^

The next birds in M. Ledru^s list are-—

Le carouge de Cayenne. — Oriolus Cayennensis-\ , Gm., 391;
and Le grebe-duc-Laart. — Colymbus thomensis, Gm., 592 :
neither of which do we know. And then comes

^‘Le pigeon vert. — Columba Sancti-Thomcej Gm., 778^^ —

* ‘‘Voyage aux lies de Teneriffe, la Trinity Saint-Thomas, Sainte-
Croix et Porto-Ricco, &c. Par Andre-Pierre Ledru, &c. Paris, 1810.”
2 vols. 16mo.

t Perhaps Pendulinus dominicensis (Linn.), which is common in St.
Domingo, and, we believe, occurs in Porto Rico. — Ed.

375

on the Birds of St. Croix.

of which we trust we may yet obtain specimens, though we
have never met with any person in the island who was cognizant
of a Pigeon in which green was the prevailing colour. Gmelin^s
C. sancti-thomce is by Mr. G. R. Gray (List of Columbse, B. M.
(1856), p. 13) referred, but with doubt, to Treron phcenicopteraj
Blyth, a Nepalese species, with which the bird from St. Thomas
is hardly likely to prove identical.

M. Ledru says that MM. Baudin and Mauge brought from
St. Thomas le cou-jaune, — Matacilla pensilis, Gm., 960,
qui ressemble un peu h la linotte, — fringilla linota) mais il
est plus mince et plus jaune.^^ ! We have before stated that
we are sure that any person, on the look-out for birds in these
islands during the winter months, would meet with many more
of the North American Warblers than occurred to us; we there-
fore see no reason to doubt that this species, whose proper name
appears to be Dendroeca superciliosay Baird, may be found in
either St. Thomas or St. Croix*.

Le pigeon cocotzin, ou petite tourterelle, — columha pas-
serintty Gm., 787,^^ is evidently the Chamcepelia trochila (No. 28)
of this paper, which was only separated by Prince C. L. Bona-
parte in 1854 from the United States^ species with which it
had been previously confounded.

The next statement of M. Ledru is one to which’ we can
scarcely give unqualified assent, even if we felt sure we under-
stood his meaning. He includes in his list, but without naming
them, Cinq colibris et deux oiseaux-mouches d^une autre
espece (le- male et la femelle), dont les couleurs sont moins
foncees.^’ Now there is certainly found in St. Thomas, besides
the two Humming-birds Eulampis chlorolcemus and Orthorhyn-
chus exilis (Nos. 8 and 9) of this paper, which also occur in
St. Croix, a third species f, of which we have, thanks to the
exertions of Herr. Riise, a good series of specimens ; and
these apparently difier only in size from examples of Lampornis

* It occurs in Jamaica, from which islands we possess specimens. —
Ed.

t ^‘On May 25th, 1857, I saw in a garden in the town (Charlotte-
Amalie) of St. Thomas, a largeish Humming-bird, which was nearly white
beneath, and was therefore probably either a female or young male of this
species.” — A. N-

376 Messrs. A. and E. Newton’s Observations

aurulentus (Vieill.) from St. Domingo and Porto Rico, with
which Mr. Gould has allowed us to compare them. But we are
far from thinking that the number of species of Trochilidce found
in St. Thomas is so great as would appear from what M. Ledru
says, even according to the most moderate interpretation of his
words ; and we venture to suggest that it is swollen from his
having taken as specific distinctions the different states of
plumage dependent upon age, sex, and perhaps season, assumed
by the Humming-birds which we know to exist there. It may
be worth remarking that there is a dealer in bird- skins in that
island, whose endeavours to provide purchasers with what they
may desire, rather than with what actually occur, are quite
as unremitting as those of some of his paler-faced professional
brethren in Europe; and we now have in our possession skins
of Petasophora cyanotis and Ei'ythronota felicim (Bourc.) said
by him to have been obtained in St. Thomas, but which were,
doubtless, imported from their native regions on the shores of
the Spanish Main.

M. Ledru’s list concludes with —

Un todier, nomme vulgairement perroquet de terre,^ of
which we can only say that we know nothing.

Mr. John P. Knox, in the little work we before quoted from,
devotes a chapter to the Natural History of St. Thomas, in
which he gives a slight sketch of its Ornithology (Hist. Acc.
St. Thos., p. 220), the greater part being copied from Ledru’s
work. He begins with a quaint account of the Ani or Black
Witch,” Crotophaga ani (No. 22), and goes on to tell us that,
besides the “Parson Sparrow,” Phonipara hicolor (No. 21),
“ there is also another sparrow ; but its name is unknown : ” a
species on which we can throw no light. He adds to the
information supplied by Ledru respecting “the Yellow-neck
(Matacella [sic] pensilis),” that “it is destructive to grapes,”
and speaks of “ the Thrush, one or two species,” including therein
Cichlherminia fuscata (No. 10), as we gather from the context.
He then states (p. 221) that “ a species of parrot and a little
parroquet (Psittacus tui) are found quite abundant near
Havensigt.” This latter is doubtless the Conurus xantholcemus
just mentioned; but we are at present ignorant of the former,
though we believe there is such a species to be found, and it

377

on the Birds of St. Croix.

may possibly turn out to be the Porto-Rican Chrysotis vittata
(Bodd.). Mr. Knox is aware that two species of Humming-
birds visit the gardens/^ and truly remarks that the Ground
Dove/'* Chamcepelia trochila (No. 28), is plentiful. He also
asserts that ^Uhe Green Pigeon (Columba Sancti Thomas [sic]),
and several other varieties from Porto Rico, are often found,
and that Two species of hawk, the one much more numerous
than the other, are frequently seen,^^ adding that they prey
principally upon lizards,^^ which is certainly true as far as
regards the common one, Tinnunculus sparverius (No. 3), as we
have observed. The statement that The quail is very rare,^^
we are disposed to question, but not so that which follows : A
single species, the owl, equally rare.^^ At present, we are not
aware what this last-mentioned bird may be, but we have hopes
that Herr Riise will enable us to determine ; it is even very
possible that more than one species may occur *. Mr. Knox
concludes his sketch as follows : — The tropical sea birds,
especially the pelican and various species of gulls, visit the
coast and harbour. A small sandpiper, ducks, plover, king-
fisher, and green heron (Ardea viridus [sic] ), are occasionally
seen.^^ This last-mentioned bird is of course Butorides virescens
(No. 46).

We before mentioned that we had good reason to believe that
some kind of Woodpecker was occasionally found in St. Croix;
but we were unable to give any indication whereby the species,
or even the genus, could be ascertained. Apotheker Riise has
very recently transmitted to us a specimen of a Woodpecker
obtained by a collector employed by him, in Bieque or Crab
Island near Porto Rico, and pronounced by Mr. Sclater to be
Picus portoricensis oi Haudin (Ann. du Mus. d^Hist. Nat. ii.
p. 285), first discovered by Mange (Ledru, Voyage, vol. ii.
p. 258), which belongs to that peculiarly American genus,
Melanerpes of Swainson. Melanerpes portoricensis may therefore
very likely be the species that is found in St. Croix. Mr. Riise

* “Mr. Cassin of Philadelphia informed me, in September 1857, that
the Museum of the Academy of Natural Sciences at that place contained
a specimen of Scops portoricensis from St. Thomas ; but it escaped my
memory to look for it in that magnificent collection.” — A. N.

378 Messrs. A. and E. Newton on the Birds of St. Croix.

at the same time was so good as to send us from the same
locality an example of Saurothera vieillotii Bp. ; and in thus
acknowledging his kindness, we cannot but express our hope that
he will continue to investigate the zoology of the neighbouring
islands, and our wish that as great success may attend his orni-
thological as has already crowned his conchological labours.

Mr. Hewitson, whose fidelity. as an oological draughtsman ‘
needs no commendation from us, and who has already evinced
the interest he has taken in the success of this magazine, having
kindly consented to delineate some of the eggs of the Birds of
St. Croix obtained by us, we here subjoin a reference to the
specimens figured in the accompanying plate, and we feel sure
that all the readers of ‘ The Ibis ^ will join with us in con-
gratulating him on the result he has achieved, when for the first,
and we trust not the last time, extending his labours to exotic
oology. For our own part, we can safely say that we were
careful to send him, for the purpose of illustration, only eggs
that had been rigidly identified.

EXPLANATION OF PLATE XII.

Fig. 1. Egg of Dendrceca cestiva (No. 15), p. 143.

„ 2. „ „ Phonipara bicolor (No. 21), p. 147.

„ 3. „ ,, Certhiola fiaveola (No. 7), p. 67.

„ 4. „ „ Tyrannus dominicensis (No. 20), p. 146.

„ 5. „ „ Crotophaga ani (No. 22), p. 148.

„ 6. „ „ mVescews (No. 46), p. 261.

„ 7. i, „ Tinnunculus sparverius (No. 3), p. 63.

„ 8. „ „ Cichlherminia fuscata (No. 10), p. 141.

And now, in conclusion, we must record the very great obliga-
tions we are under to the numerous friends, both at home and
abroad, who have in one way or another assisted us in these
Observations.^^ The names of several have already been
mentioned as occasion offered ; but there are many others — and
among them some to whom we owe most of all — whose kind
assiduity in furthering our objects deserves, and would obtain
from us, a like acknowledgment, were we sure that that way of
showing our gratitude would be the one most agreeable to them

* Also a species peculiar to Porto Rico, represented in Jamaica by S.
vetula, in S. Domingo by S. dominicensis , and in Cuba by -S. merlini. — Eu.

Ibis 1859 FI XIL

W C. Hewitaan, iel. et iitk.

PriT±ecL lyll-LrllmajiSd- L Wytan.

MUq

7 n

sSigALHiS

.•^9>

Mr. R. F. Tomes on Whit eh Thrush.

379

as private persons. But there is one gentleman, with whom,
from his position as Editor of ' The Ibis,^ this excuse would
not be valid ; and therefore in exceptionally particularizing Mr.
P. L. Sclater as one of those to whom whatever merit there
may be in this paper is largely due, we offer our best thanks
equally to our unnamed friends, especially those resident in that
island for whose prosperity we most fervently wish.

XXXVI. — On the occurrence of Whiteh Thrush (Oreocincla
aurea) near Stratford-on- Avon, with remarks on the genera
Oreocincla, Turdus, and Merula. By Robert F. Tomes.

The opportunity of examining a recently-killed specimen of the
Turdus aureus of M. Hollandre [T. Whitii of YarrelFs ^British
Birds^), occurs so rarely, that on the receipt of a recently-shot
specimen, I thought it desirable to make an examination of it
at once, before it had undergone mutilation of any of its parts
in the process of preservation. Afterwards I examined with
care the digestive organs, and the form and proportion of its
sternum and other bones. The record of these peculiarities,
with the addition of some remarks which I am able to give
relative to its habits, will, I believe, render the following de-
scription more complete than any one which has yet appeared.
When examining the osteology, I had occasion to make a
comparative use of the skeleton of some other of our British
Thrushes, and shall take the present opportunity of adding a
few comments on the value of some of the divisions into which
the genus Turdus has been divided.

I may commence by stating that the village of Welford, five
miles west of Stratford-on-Avon, where the specimen was
obtained, is situated in a bend of the Avon, and that the soil is
a rich alluvium. Its position is highly favourable for the
growth of timber and fruit trees ; and it is well shrouded in
orchards and small enclosures, fringed with their hedge-rows and
ivied elms, affording a favourite haunt for many of the smaller
birds, with a good supply of cherries and other fruits in the
summer months, and of berries through the autumn and winter
seasons. From a cherry orchard, a few miles down stream, I

380

Mr. R. F. Tomes on Whites Thrush.

obtained, a few years since, a specimen of the Rose-eoloured
Pastor j and Starlings and Thrushes abound. Of insect-feeders
there is an equally good supply ; and I have had more than one
opportunity of inspecting the nesting of the lesser Spotted
Woodpecker.

In a small grass inclosure immediately adjoining the village,
and thickly surrounded by elms, a friend of mine observed a
bird rise from a dry leafy ditch, which at the first glance was
mistaken for a Woodcock, but soon recognized as one of the
Thrush kind. This happened on the 6th of January ; and on
hearing the account, I stimulated further search, but without
effect until the 23rd of that month, when the bird was again
flushed from the same inclosure, and, as before, from the bottom
of a dry ditch amongst dead leaves. Again on the 26th it rose
from the same ditch, and within a few yards of the same spot.
On each occasion it was busied in turning over the dead leaves,
from beneath which it appears to have taken its food. Although
Blackbirds, Thrushes, and Missel- thrushes were abundant and
seen at the same time feeding on the ivy and hawthorn berries,
the present bird was always observed to resort only to the trees
or hedges when disturbed, and then merely as a place of rest,
remaining for some time perched in an upright position in one
spot, without noticing the berries or the species feeding on them.
Its flight when roused from its feeding was very undulating,
like that of the Green Woodpecker, and low, often settling on
the ground, and only making choice of a tree when it happened
to pass under one, into which it rose almost vertically. As far
as its habits could be ascertained from these short opportunities
of observation, it would appear to be almost entirely a ground
feeder. Mr. Blyth says of the allied Indian species, Oreocincla
dauma, that it is generally met with amongst bamboos, in which
situation the ground would very likely be the attraction, rather
than the canes.

I have been thus particular in the description of the locality
in which the bird appeared, on account of the interval which
occurred between its first and second appearance; for it must be
supposed that it was a suitable one, or it would not have again
returned to it after an absence of more than a fortnight.

Mr. R. F. Tomes on White’s Thrush.

381

An examination of the specimen when obtained gave the
following results.

The tail-feathers are fourteen in number; the two central
ones the shortest, the next pair of nearly equal length with the
outer pair, and the remaining ones, viz. four on each side,
nearly equal in length and the longest. The outer one has its
root dusky, more extended on the inner than on the outer web :
middle part greyish, tinged with yellow ; the tip white, less
distinct on the outer than on the inner web. Second feather
similar but darker, and less grey, with the dusky part almost
black, and reaching to two-thirds of its length. Third one
with the dark part extended almost to the white tip, leaving
only a small space of yellow-brown on the outer web, but
having some of that colour at the root on that web. Fourth
with the same patch of yellowish at the base, but reaching for
more than half its length ; whilst that which was reduced to a
small space on the third near its tip, is in this one quite lost.
Fifth, similar to the fourth, but tlie yellow-brown extended to
fully three-fourths of its length. Six and seventh wholly yellow-
brown, faintly barred on both webs with darker brown. All
the white tips decreasing in size from the outer to the inner
feathers, on which they are almost obsolete *.

First quill short and rudimentary. Of those which really
compose the end of the wing, the first and fourth are nearly
equal, and the second and third also nearly equal in length and
the longest in the wing — longer by four or five lines than the
first and fourth. The wing, in its structure, does not differ
much from that of the Fieldfare, Song- thrush. Ring-ousel, or
Missel-thrush, the relative length of the quills being pretty
similar. Closed wings with their ends extending to within two
inches of the end of the tail.

Irides very dark brown, almost black. Upper mandible
uniform dark brown ; lower one similar, but yellowish towards
and at the base. Legs and feet pale yellowish-brown ; claws the
same, but paler. Weight 93§ drachms.

* The late Prince C. L. Bonaparte, in his monograph of the genus
Oreocincla, distinguishes this species from all the others thus : — “ Cauda
rectricibus 14, variegata.’*

382 Mr. R. F. Tomes on White’s Thrush.

n ///

Length from point of bill to end of tail . . 12 2

„ of tail 4 5

„ of bill, along the ridge 0 10

„ of bill, gape line 13

„ of wing from carpal joint, following

its anterior curve ...... 73

„ of tarsus 15

„ of middle toe and claw 14

' ,, of hind toe and claw 12

Expanse of wings 20 6

The digestive organs differ somewhat from those of such of
our British Thrushes as I have been able to make comparison
with, in being strictly adapted to an insectivorous diet. The
tongue, tapering to a smooth cleft point, is somewhat horny,
and rather distinctly serrated on its upper surface near the root.
(Esophagus of moderate length, without crop or dilatation, but
rather wide ; proventriculus moderately well developed, much
more so than in the Blackbird, relatively much as in the Song-
thrush. Stomach membranous, indicative of a more insectivorous
regimen than the Blackbird ; of small size, scarcely exceeding in
this particular that of the much smaller Song-thrush; irregularly
oblong, its greatest diameter being at right angles to a line
between the two orifices. Intestine rather short in relation to
the size of the bird, only exceeding that of the Blackbird by
three or four inches, whilst in the bulk of the two birds there is
manifestly a much greater difference than this. It is of medium
size, and decreases evenly to the cseca. The latter are much

more distinct than in the Blackbird, but somewhat

like

those

the Song-thrush. Cloaca large.

The following are the dimensions of these parts :

Length of the oesophagus

//

4

III

3

Breadth of do

0

4

Length of the proventriculus

0

8

,, between the two orifices of the stomach

0

4

,, of the stomach measured at right

angles to the last dimension . .

0

10

of the intestine 21 0

Mr. R. F. Tomes on White’s Thrush.

383

II III

Greatest breadth of the intestine .... 03

Length of the cseca 0 4

jj of the cloaca 14

Breadth of do 0 6

For the synonymy of this species, I refer the reader to the
late Prince C. L. Bonaparte^s Monograph of the genus Oreocincla
in the 'Revue et Magasin de Zoologie/ No. 5, 1857. The
presence of fourteen feathers in the tail, determines the species.

MTthout having gone into the subject with sufficient care to
give a decided opinion, it has always appeared to me that the
genera into which many families of birds have been divided are
based upon a series of very minute differences of a purely
external nature, without sufficient care having been first exercised
in endeavouring to ascertain how far they may be referable only
to the peculiar habits of the species. Assuming, by way of
argument, that such has in some instances been the case, it
must be pretty clear that the value of such divisions will depend
almost entirely on the number of species contained in each.
For instance, were we to take any genus of birds as given by the
older writers, we should find it to consist of an assemblage
having considerable diversity in the details of external parts ;
but perhaps the difference might be so slight that we should
hesitate before dividing it into a series of new genera. A
considerable number of the species would possibly be possessed
of absolutely the same characters, differing only in such as we
should not hesitate to name as purely specific. From the
others these might differ in an inconsiderable but constant
manner ; but their separation would in this case be a very proper
one : whether of generic or subgeneric rank would not affect
the question. Clearly the differences, however minute, could
not be regarded as specific ; and in this manner a character, of
apparently small value in itself, might become highly serviceable
as a means of classification. Indeed its constancy might out-
weigh a peculiarity of more marked aspect when of limited
occurrence, since it might be difficult in this case to determine
what were specific, and what generic characters. No such dif-
ficulty could occur in the former of these supposed instances.

384

Mr. R. F. Tomes on White’s Thrush.

Having proceeded with this method as far as practicable, the
remainder would have to be considered. Amongst such re-
mainder will be found species differing too much from each
other to be with consistency grouped together, but which never-
theless are not strongly marked enough to induce us to make a
new genus for each one. But we are compelled either to do
this, or place them all together — the constancy of the characters
not being here determinable.

Such has been pretty much the case amongst the limited
number of Turdidcs which I have had for comparison. I have
now before me the following species — Turdus musicus, T. iliacus,
T. ohscuruSf Gm., T. pilaris ^ T. viscivorus, T, torquatm, T.
cyaneus, T. merula, T. migratorius, T. mustelinusy and a few
other species, besides Oreocincla dauma, O. aurea^ and O. lunulata.
From these I select the first three, their general similarity being
so great, even to the distribution of the colours and the
markings of the feathers, that the most determined genus-
maker would scarcely attempt to sever them. But on com-
paring the Song- thrush and Redwing, I find, besides the discre-
pancy in size, a greater relative length of wing in the latter
than in the former. I shall proceed to analyse the value of this
difference, as a means of arrangement of the two species.

The wing itself is structurally similar in both of them ; that
is, it has the same relative length of those feathers which con-
stitute the end of the wing, but they are somewhat longer in
relation to the secondaries and tertiaries in the Redwings. This
difference in the length of the wing, indicative of greater or less
powers of flight, is explained by the migratory and resident
habits of the species ; and on examining those internal parts
which are instrumental in flight, we find that, although the
migratory species is the smaller of the two, and has a sternum
proportional to its size, the keel is fully as deep as in the
larger and resident species : relatively ^ therefore, it is deeper.
This is just as it should be : the longer wing necessary for the
performance of specific migratory habits requires a greater
development of muscle to wield it ; and this is accomplished by
the greater depth of the keel. This peculiarity is a purely
adaptive one ; there is no indication of an essential character in

Mr. R. F. Tomes on Whitens Thrush. 385

this, the only recordable difference in the osteology of these
species*.

A comparison may now be made between the Blackbird and
Fieldfare, two species of somewhat similar size, one resident and
the other migratory, as before, and, in like manner, characterized
respectively by shortish and rounded wings, and by longer and
more pointed ones. We feel quite prepared for results similar
to those observed in the two preceding species, and are quite
satisfied with finding that the sternal keel of the Blackbird is
shallow as compared with that of the Fieldfare. But here the

* The intimate connexion which must needs exist between the external
and internal parts of the organ of flight, involves another question of con-
sideration to the scientific naturalist. I allude to the influence of external
causes. As all the feathers of a bird, including of course those used in
flight, are simply a development of the cutaneous system, it follows that, if
any particular conditions of existence affect that system, they must affect
also the internal parts with which it is immediately connected. However,
we have yet to learn in what manner the plumage of birds is affected by
external causes. The clothing feathers may be liable to modification Quite
apart from those which serve for locomotion ; and this supposition (for I
only advance it as such) has its analogy in the class Mammalia. The
different species of Tupaia have fur of precisely the same quality and
texture, and even colour, as some of the Squirrels of the same region ; and
the similarity is, as it seems but fair to suppose, due to their existence
under similar external conditions. But the claws of these animals suffer no
equalizing modifications ; and they also are a part of the cutaneous system.
It would be highly interesting to ascertain what part of the plumage of
birds answers exactly to those parts of the cutaneous system of mammals
which are developed into horny appendages subservient to locomotion and
other uses. The claw of a tiger has as exact a relation to the whole of
the limb on which it is fixed, and acts as perfectly with it as does the hoof
of a horse with the limb to which it is affixed ; but the hair which clothes
the limb would seem in either case n^^t necessarily to hold any direct or
immediate relationship with the type on which the limb is constructed.
The legs of the Tiger and Horse would perform their functions equally well
if wholly deprived of hair, or if an exchange were made of it ; but if
deprived of claw and hoof, or an exchange made of them, very different
results would accrue. If analogy be of avail in such cases, the same ought
to hold good with birds, and we should be able to separate correctly the
clothing plumage from that which serves for locomotion. This might
furnish an argument for those who deem that everything necessary for the
study of ornithology may be found in dry skin and feathers, since the
native and special use of the limb should be understood by the study of
these.

2 E

VOL. I.

386

Mr. E. F. Tomes on Whitens Thrush,

coincideiice eaads ; these species do not any further represent the
former ones : the sternum of the Fieldfare does indeed represent
pretty accurately that of the Eedwing ; but that of the Blackbird
will not satisfactorily take the place of the Song- Thrush. The
sternum of the Blackbird has its hinder margin much more
deeply incised on either side than that of the Fieldfare or Song-
thrush, or Redwing, — the notches entering into the body of the
bone for half its length, whereas in the latter species they do not
divide the bone for more than one-third of its length. Again,
instead of the transverse and nearly straight outline which this
margin of the bone assumes in the species just referred to, we
have in the Blackbird a distinctly rounded outline — the two
lateral processes which ai’e separated by the notch being a
quarter of an inch shorter than the centre where the keel merges
into that margin.

On comparing the sternum of Oreocincla cmrea with those of
the foregoing species, I meet with characters which are common
to several of them. The keel is deep, as in the migratory species ;
and its depth, as in them, is proportional to the length of wing.
In accordance with this indication of its powers of flight, are the
strength of all the bones therewith connected. Thus the ribs
are rather broad, and have their hind processes considerably
developed, well united to the rib from which they spring, and
lying firmly upon the one over which they pass. The scapular
and clavicular bones also are strong, and firmly set, and well
marked with seams and ridges for the attachment of muscles ;
and the sternum itself has similar impressions. The costal
process is divided from the body of the bone by a more promi-
nent ridge than is usual in the TurdidtE, which first assists in
forming a support for the foot of the coracoid bone, and then,
extending in a backward direction, divides where it meets the
the notch in the hinder margin of the sternum, and, proceeding
backward on each side of that notch, assists at the same time in
giving strength to that part of the bone, and supplying a suit-
able surface for the attachment of the muscles used in flight.

Notwithstanding the strength of these parts of the skeleton,
the hinder part of the sternum itself exhibits a low degree of
development. As in the Blackbird, that margin is rounded, and

Mi% R. F. Tomes on Whitens Thrush.

387

even more so than in that species. The lateral notches enter into
the bone for half its length, and are proportionally broad; while
the side processes are so short that their outer angle reaches
scarcely further in a forward direction than two-thirds of the
entire length of the sternum, taken along the line of the keel.

Wishing, if possible, to ascertain more exactly the importance
of this character, and knowing that the adult plumage of Oreo-
cincla represents the immature plumage of some of the more
typical Thrushes, I obtained for examination some of the latter
when in that stage of plumage which most nearly resembles that
of the Oreocincla. The results were satisfactory. I select as
an example the Missel- thrush. In a mature bird the hinder
margin of the sternum is transverse and but slightly rounded, —
the notches on either side being of moderate size, and almost
closed posteriorly. In a young bird, full-grown but retaining the
spotted nesting-plumage, the hinder margin of the sternum is
more rounded, and its lateral incisions are deep and open — in
a word, very much like that part of the sternum of the Oreo-
cincla aurea. The same differences in the sternum at different
ages obtain also in the Ring -ousel, probably also in many other
species.

Through the great kindness of Mr. Alfred Newton I am
enabled to add a few notes on the sternum of some other
Turdidce : —

1. Turdus migratorius. — Form typical, sternum indicating a
state of development similar to those of the Fieldfare and Ring-
ousel.

2. T. fuscatuSj Vieill. West Indies. — Two sterna of this
species, sent by Mr. Newton, differ somewhat in the size and
openness of the notch in the hinder part, but in both they are
of moderate size. In one they are very like those in the ster-
num of the adult Missel-thrush ; but in the other they are so
much closed posteriorly as to present the appearance of two oval
foramina. In general outline, too, the sternum of this species
and the Missel-thrush bear considerable resemblance to each
other.

3. Monticola cyanea. — The first thing noticeable in the sternum
of this species is its small size compared with that of the Redwing

2e 2

388

Mr. R. F. Tomes on White’s Thrush.

(whereas the wings of the two species are very nearly equal), the
shallowness of its keel, and its greater solidity. Its hinder margin
is not more rounded than that of the Song-thrush or Redwing, and
it is much less broken by incisions, these being of comparatively
small size, and almost closed posteriorly. It would not be difficult
to regard this species as one of a high degree of development
amongst the TurdideSj but adapted to some special mode of life.

Of the sternum of two other species kindly forwarded by
Mr. Newton, I refrain to speak. One of them, Ixos ohscurusy is
but remotely related to the genus Turdus; and the other,
Ixos 'xanthopygiuSy I should also suppose, from the inspection of
the sternum, to be of equally distant relationship. I have not
examined a specimen of the latter species.

The modification in the form of the sternum of the species
mentioned in this paper may be formally expressed in the fol-
lowing manner : —

* Outward form typical,

1. Sternum with the hinder margin nearly straight; lateral

incisions nearly or quite closed posteriorly.

Ex. Turdus viscivorusy T. fuscatusy Monticola cyanea,

2. Sternum with the hinder margin moderately straight ; lateral

notches rather deeper, not closed posteriorly.

A. Organs of flight adapted for migratory habits.

Ex. Turdus iliacusy T. pilaris, T. torquatus, T, migratorius,
T. obscurus,

B. Organs of flight not adapted for migration.

Ex. Turdus musicus.

** Outward form suhtypical,

1. Sternum with the hinder margin rounded, deeply notched,
and exhibiting a degree of development in the adult similar
to that of the immature of the foregoing and more typical
group.

A. Organs of flight adapted for migratory habits.

Ex. Oreocincla aurea,

B. Organs of flight not adapted for migration.

Ex. Turdus merula.

389

Mr. J. H. Gurney^s List of Birds of Prey.

It remains for further and more extended examination to
show us with what external characters these various modifica-
tions of the sternum accord^ and with what degree of constancy.
The foregoing investigations, however, lead us to the conclusion
that any considerable difference in external characters is accom-
panied with some modification or other in the form of the
sternum.

Aud now 1 can readily fancy that, if any of the readers of this
Magazine have taken the trouble to follow me to this point,
they will be rather likely to exclaim, Why all this about a
Blackbird and a Thrush ? for it is of them that chief mention is
made, and it could scarcely be worth while to take up so much
space about such very common species : surely we did not want
to hear so much about them.^^ Let me assure them that they
are mistaken. If they are genuine zoologists they do want to
hear all this and a great deal more, but in a more extended
and better digested form than I have been able to give it, and
with a more general knowieage of the method of working it
out than I possess.

In order to arrive at a definite and truthful conclusion in a
question like the one I have here propounded, it is absolutely
necessary that we go through a great amount of laborious and
minute comparison of part with part of many species before we
can safely generalize ; and the commonest species will furnish
materials of value quite equal to what we can obtain of the rarer
ones, with this striking advantage — that we can readily multiply
our opportunities of investigation, and thereby prune away errors
that are sure to find their way into restricted labours, even of
the most watchful. And, besides, the commoner the species,
the easier it is for every one to corroborate or refute what has
been advanced.

XXXVII. — List of Birds of Prey received from Beyrout.
By John Henry Gurney, M.P., F.Z.S.

The following is a list of Birds of prey, of which specimens
collected in Syria have recently been sent to me by Mr. Louis
Lauretta of Beyrout. I may, perhaps, be allowed to add that

390

Mr. J. H. Gurney’s List of Birds of Prey.

Mr. Lauretta is happy to undertake commissions for the collec-
tion of Syrian specimens of zoology and geology, and also of
objects of antiquarian interest, and that the ornithological
commissions with which I have entrusted him have been
executed to my satisfaction.

The Raptorial species which I have received from Beyrout
through Mr. Lauretta are-—

1. Gyps fulvus (Gmel.). (Griffon Vulture.)

2. Neophron PERCNOPTERus (Linn.). (Egyptian Vulture.)

3. Aquila NtEVIA (Gmel.). (Spotted Eagle.)

The specimen sent belongs to 4;he smaller race, the true
Aquila naevia, as distinguished from the larger race which
inhabits the vicinity of the Caspian Sea as well as southern
parts of Eastern Europe and Western Asia, and to which Pallas
gave the specific name of clanga,

4. Aquila pennata (Gmel.). (Booted Eagle.)

5. CiRCAETUS GALLicus (Gmel.). (European Harrier-Eagle.)

6. Buteo tachardus (Baud.), -(^achard Buzzard.)

7. Pernis apivorus (Linn.). (European Honey- Pern.)

8. Tinnunculus ALAUDARIU& (Gmel.). (British Kestrel.)

9. Hypotriorchis subbuteo (Linn.). (British Hobly.)

10. Ealco peregrines (Linn.). (Peregrine Falcon.)

IL Accipiter sphenurus* (Riipp.). (Riippell’s Sparrow-
hawk.)

This is the first instance w^hich has come under my notice, of
the occurrence of this species beyond the limits of the African
continent. The collection contained five examples, in difierent
states of plumage.

12. Circus swainsoni (Smith). (Swainson’s Harrier.)

* See Riippell, Syst. Ueb. Vog. N.-O. Afr., where this bird is figured,
pi. 2. Mr. Gurney has sent us a series oi Accipiter badiusoi India, and A.
brachydactylus of West Africa, for comparison with the present species.
These three birds and A. polyzondides, Smith, of South Africa, are all
certainly very closely allied ; but we are not yet prepared to say that they
may not be distinguished. — Ed.

]\Ir. B. G» Elliot on New Species of Birds. S91

13. Circus cineraceus (Mont.). (Montague^s Harrier.)

14. Circus ^ruginosus (Linn.). (Marsh Harrier.)

15. Sybnium aluco (Linn.). (Tawny Owl.)

16. Brachyotus palustris (Bp.). (Common Short-eared
Owl.)

[In enumerating the authorities on the birds of S^yria and
Palestine, in reference to Mr. Tristram^s article on the Orni-
thology of Southern Palestine/^ in No. 1 of ‘ The Ibis ^ [vide
antea, p. 38), we omitted to mention the name of the Marchese
Orazio Antinori, who has made some interesting discoveries in
the ornithology of those countries — Cypselus galilceensis and
Picus cruentalusy described in ^ Naumannia^ (v. p. 307, and vi.
p. 411). Mr. Gurney^s present contribution towards our know-
ledge of the birds of this country gives us an opportunity of
supplying this omission. — Ed.]

XXXVIII. — Descriptions of Six New Species of Birds.

By Daniel G. Elliot, of New York.

(Plate XIII.)

* 1. Thalassidroma gracilis, Elliot, sp. nov.
Nigro-fuliginosa, fascia alari pallidiore; uropygio abdomineque
medio albis ; rectricibus nigerrimis ; cauda emarginata :
rostro et tarsis gracillimis nigris.

Sp. Ch. Plumage sooty black. Quill feathers brown. Se-
condary coverts margined with light brown. Bump, upper
tail-coverts, and middle of abdomen white. Tail black, the two
outer feathers with a white mark on the lower half of the inner
web, growing narrower as it ascends j lower half of the shafts
white, the rest black. Under tail-coverts white, margined with
black. Breast sooty. Bill black. Tarsi and feet very long
and slender, black. Length 5* *90; wing 5'22^ tail 2*40; bill
0 40; tarsus 1*20.

Hah. West Coast of America.

Remarks. This species is very abundant on the coast of Chili,
only coming to the mainland in the breeding-season. During that
period, for a great part of the day. and night they retire to the
clefts of the rocks, taking flight only in the early morning. The

392

Mr. D. G. Elliot on New Species of Birds.

female lays two eggSj pure white, of an oblong form, and she
sits upon them alternately with the male. The young, when
they are hatched, are covered with a sooty-coloured down, which
in a few days changes to the plumage of the adult. There is no
difference between the sexes in the colour of their plumage. It
is not unusual to meet these birds in flocks of from ten to fifteen
individuals, scattered over a small space at the distance of from
thirty to forty miles from the shore. When flying, it frequently
drops its feet upon the water, giving to it the appearance of
walking. Its food consists principally of the small Mollusca
which float upon the surface. Its note is shrill, and is always
heard in the morning and evening when it is about to take
wing. When it wishes to rise from the ground, it is obliged
to run for a short distance with extended wings. It sits upon
the water only when it has found some food too heavy for it to
raise, when it settles beside it. The specimen described was
taken in the month of May, and is a male.

I have given it the name of gracilis on account of its
being the most slender in form of all the species yet known.
The general plumage is browner and more lustrous than in T.
wilsonij to which it is most nearly allied ; and the middle of the
abdomen is white, whereas in T. wilsoni the entire under surface
is sooty brown. The nostril is high and very open; in the
latter species it is rather depressed and closed. The tail is less
emarginated in this species ; and the bases of the two external
rectrices only are white, while in T. wilsoni they are all white at
the base. The bill, tarsi, and feet are much more slender in the
present species.

2. Sycobius CASSINI, D. G. Elliot.

Capite supra et vitta latissima in pectore intense coccineis:
mento, jugulo, alis, cauda et corpore toto nigris : rostro
nigro ; pedibus brunneis.

Jet-black ; upper part and side of head, nape of neck, throat
and breast deep crimson ; bill black ; legs and feet brown.
Length 5*3; wing, 3*58; tail 2*45 ; bill *8; tarsus *8.

This species comes from the forests of Gabon; and I take
great pleasure in naming it after our distinguished ornithologist
Mr. John Cassin of Philadelphia, so well known for his various

393

Mr. D. G. Elliot on New Species of Birds.

and able publications in this branch of science. All that is
known of this bird is that, like the other species of the genus, it
frequents the edges of the forests in small flocks, feeding chiefly
upon seeds. Its nest is suspended from the branch of a lofty
tree, is roughly made, and is entered by an opening in the side.
The species does not appear to be migratory. The specimen
from which the description was taken was received by M.
Verreaux from Gabon, in May 1859.

3. Sycobius nuchalis, D. G. Elliot.

Niger, occipite et nucha coccineis : rostro et pedibus nigro-
plumbeis.

Jet-black; occiput and nape of neck bright crimson; bill
and tarsus bluish-black. Length 6‘3 ; wing 3*9 ; tail 2*88 ;
tarsus 1‘0 ; bill along gape I'O.

All that I have said regarding the S. cassini will equally apply
to the present species, with the exception that I am ignorant of
the sex of the specimen, but should judge it to be a female, as
the male in all probability would have red, either upon the throat
or breast. It would seem also to be one of the largest and
strongest of all the species described. It was received from the
same locality as S. cassini by M. Verreaux.

4. Myiagra rufiventris, J). G. Elliot *.

Capite colloque intense viridi-plumbeis ; corpore supra palli-
diore : pectore cinnamomeo-rufo ; abdomine tectricibusque
caudae inferioribus pallidioribus : alis caudaque fuscis ;
rostro et pedibus plumbeis.

Head, throat, nape of neck, and upper part of breast deep
lead- colour, with greenish reflexions; back lighter; lower part
of breast chestnut, growing lighter towards the abdomen ;
upper side of wings and tail dark brown, beneath light ash.
First quill equal to sixth. Feet and bill lead-colour; under
wing-coverts slate-coloured, bordered with white. Length 7*52;
wing 2-8; tail 2*7; tarsus 1-82; middle toe 0*35, its claw
0-08.

Hab. Samoan or Navigators^ Islands.

This specimen was received by M. Verreaux in 1858, from the

* This bird should be compared with Platyrhynchus albiventris, Peale,
united by Mr. Cassin to Myiagra ruhecula (Lath.) of Australia. See U. S.
Expl. Exp. ‘Birds/ p, 149. — Ed.

394 Mr. D. G. Elliot on New Species of Birds.

above islands. It is nearest allied to the Myiagra plumhea of
Gould^s B. of Anstr. ii. pi. 89, but is distinguished by its deeper
colour, chiefly on the head and throat, and by having the lower
surface chestnut instead of white.

5. Megabyas bicolor, D. G. Elliot.

Niger, nitore nonnullo seneo ; uropygii plumis laxis et corpore
toto subtus albis : rostro nigro : tarsis et pedibus rubris.

Sp. Ch, Head, back, wings and their under coverts, and tail
black, with greenish reflexions ; rump and entire under parts
pure white ; bill black ; tarsi and feet reddish. Of the same
size as female.

Remarks. My attention was drawn to this species by M.
Jules Verreaux, who has described the female under the name of
Megahyas fiammulatus (Bevue ZooL 1855, p. 348). This is the
first time, to my knowledge, that the male has been received ; and
I propose to give to the species the name of Megahyas hicolor, on
account of the great difierence, in the plumage, between the sexes.

This specimen also was received from Gabon by M. VeiTeaux.

6. Platypsaris affinis*, H. G. Elliot. (Plate XITI.)
Supra cinereo-plumbea : semicristata : dorsi et scapularium

macula basali albis *. subtus cinereo-albescens, collo antico
roseo ; mento paulum albescente ; juguli parte laterali
cinerea : remige secundo brevi, nigricante, margine externo
et parte interna et macula parva ad ipsam basin albis :
rostro et pedibus nigris : cauda emarginata. Long, tota
6*0 ; alse 3*45 ; caudse 3*9.

Hah. in Mexico.

This species of Platypsaris, to which I have given the name
of affinis, is closely allied to Platypsaris aglaice (La Fresnaye),
from which, however, it can easily be distinguished by its much
smaller bill, and the general lighter colour of its plumage, as
well as the distinct black head, whereas there is little or no
difiPerence in the adult male of P. aglaice, between the colour
of the head and back.

The rose-colour of the throat is brighter in P. affinis, and

* A series of skins from Vera Cruz recently examined all belonged to
this bird. On the other hand, a specimen from Oaxaca seems to be what
Mr. Elliot considers as true P. aglaice. I am not yet convinced of their
specific distinctness. — (P, L. S.)

Ibis I859.TlXiIi:

(Platypsans affmis . (D. G. Elliot)

OiLdart ddl.

MM

Mr. A. E. Knox on the Habits of the Black-winged Stilt. 395

does not extend so far down upon the breast. The under wing-
coverts are rufous brown, whereas those of P. aglaice are black
and white.

The black of the head and neck is separated from the
plumbeous of the back by a narrow line of ash-colour ; and the
ears are tinged with purple. Beneath, this species is much
lighter than P. aglaice, being ashy white.

The tail is brown, edged with ash — but emarginate, whilst that
of P. aglaice is round.

The specimen from which the description is taken is an adult
male, received by M. Verreaux from Mexico, in 1858. The

female has not yet, to my knowledge, been met with,
below a measurement of the two species.

P. aglaice. P. affinis.

I give

Length ....

. 7-00

Length . . .

. 6-00

Wing ....

. 3-60

Wing ....

. 3-45

Tail

. 3*30

Tail

. 2*90

Tarsus ....

. 1-00

Tarsus ....

. *82

Middle toe . . .

. -60

Middle toe . . .

. *55

Bill above . . .

. -68

Bill above . . .

. -50

„ along gape .

. *95

„ along gape .

. -65

Width of bill at nostrils *40

Width of bill at nostrils *30

XXXIX. — On the Habits of the Black-ivinged Stilt, as observed
on its occurrence in Sussex. By A. E. Knox.

On the 17th of May last, a specimen of the Black- winged Stilt
{Himantopus melanopterus) was killed on the banks of a small
pond about a mile from this place, in a partially enclosed district
surrounded by unreclaimed moorland, near the junction of Mid-
hurst and Bepton commons.

This is the first time that the Stilt has ever been obtained or
seen in the county of Sussex ; and it would appear to be nearly
equally scarce in all parts of the British Islands.

Opportunities for observing the habits and manners of these
rare and accidental visitors so seldom occur, that 1 shall make
no apology for the length of this communication. Apart, how-
ever, from the rarity of the species, there are circumstances

396 Mr. A. E. Knox on the Habits of the Black-winged Stilt.

attending the occurrence of the individual in question which
appear to. me to he especially worthy of notice,, as tending to
throw some light on its remarkable^ and^ to the ordinary ob-
server, grotesque external conformation.

The pond to which I have alluded is very shallow — the depth
of the water, even at fifteen paces from the shore, scarcely ex-
ceeding a foot. About that distance from the banks, the surface
was covered with numerous blossoms of the Water Crowfoot
[Ranunculus aquatilis). On examining these next day, and fre-
quently afterwards during last month, I found them inhabited
by numerous minute Dipterous and Coleopterous insects (small
flies, midges, and beetles), comfortably nestled at the bottom of
the flowers among the staiiiens, from which, indeed, none but the
most delicate and attenuated instrument would be capable of
extracting them without at the same time injuring the blossoms.
Now, not one of our wading or swimming birds, except the Stilt,
possesses a beak perfectly adapted to this purpose. But the
Stilt has a bill almost as finely pointed as that of a Humming-
bird ; and those which make the nearest approach to it, as some
among the smaller TringWy want the accompaniment of length
of limb — that unusual development of tibia and tat'sus — to enable
them to wade to a sufficient distance from the shore.

The bird was first noticed by an intelligent lad, the son of a
small farmer of the name of Pearson, while driving the cows
home to be milked in the evening. It was then standing nearly
up to its belly in the water, and rapidly extracting the insects
from the flowers, or, as the boy supposed, picking the petals
themselves. It allowed him to approach within twenty yards
before it took flight, when it extended its long red legs behind
it, after the manner of a heron, and, alighting again on the
opposite bank, immediately recommenced wading out to the
water-plants. Young Pearson then hastened home to his father,
who lives at a short distance from the pond ; and the latter,
hurrying to the spot with a loaded gun, found the bird em-
ployed as before among the flowers of the Water Crowfoot. But
it was now exceedingly shy and wary of the gun, flying from
one side of the pond to the other, before Pearson could get
within shot (but never uttering any cry or sound), so that at

Mr. R. Elwes on the ShorUtailed Petrel.

397

last he found it necessary to resort to stratagem, and to en-
deavour to stalk the bird. This a newly made ditch and
bank, one extremity of which approached within a few yards of
the water’s edge, enabled him to do successfully. On raising
his head above the bank, just before he fired, he perceived the
Stilt within twenty yards of him, knee-deep in the water, in the
midst of a cloud of gnats and midges, at which he was snapping
right and left, much after the manner (to use Pearson’s own
simile) of a dog when teased by the flies in hot weather.

The bird, fortunately but little injured by the shot, was
brought to me on the following morning, and on subsequent
dissection proved to be a female. The ovarium contained several
eggs, the largest of which was about the size of a pea. The
stomach was crammed with beetles and gnats in a half-digested
state, the elytra of the former showing that difierent species had
been captured. After the first pleasurable sensations on pos-
sessing and examining in the flesh a perfect specimen of so rare
a visitor had passed away, I could not help being struck with the
remarkable tenuity of the tips of the mandibles, as well as by
the more obvious peculiarity from which the bird has derived its
name (the extraordinary length of its legs) ; but after listening
to the simple story of George Pearson and his son, I perceived
that the mystery was solved, and that here was a new instance
of the wonderful adaptation of means to an end, of structure
to habits, such interesting examples of which are continually
presenting themselves to the observant naturalist.

XL. — Note on the Breeding and Mode of Capture of the Short-
tailed Petrely or Mutton Bird (Pufiinus obscurus), in the islands
in Basses Straits. From the Journal of Robert Elwes.

The little settlement on Vansittart’s or Gun-carriage Island,
one of the Flinders’s Islands group in Bass’s Straits, lies in a
cove, on one side sandy, but on the other closed in by huge
granite rocks, behind which the sealers have built their houses,
and which serve also to shelter their boats from the sea. Tucker’s
(the chief settler’s) house was comfortable enough. His wife

398

Mr. R. Elwes on the Short-tailed Petrel.

was a Hindoo woman from Calcutta, active and industrious, who
kept it in good order. The other men had native wives or
^gins^ as they called them, from Australia and Van Diemen^ s
Land.

Their original occupation was sealing; for these islands formerly
swarmed with Seals. In the course of time these animals
became exterminated ; and now their principal livelihood is de-
rived from the Mutton-birds which are found here in incredible
numbers.

These birds, called also Sooty or Short-tailed Petrels [Puf-
finus hrevicaudiSj Gould, B. Austr. vii. pi. 56), have such long
wings, that, like the Albatros, the largest of their tribe, they
have great difficulty in rising from the ground when settled ;
and it is this peculiarity that makes their capture so easy. They
build in holes in the ground. The islands which they frequent
are burrowed over in all directions just like a rabbit-warren. They
arrive in huge flocks about the 21st of September, generally to
the day, to prepare their holes and clean them out. There is
tremendous fighting and quarrelling for these holes. When the
birds have arrived a few days, their tracks or pathways begin to
be apparent, or, as the sealers say, they begin to show their
runs for they go down to the sea every morning. The sealers
then dig a large pit in one of the main runs with small fences
on each side leading down to it like a funnel. When all is
ready, some morning at day-break, when the birds come out of
their holes, they are driven down these runs into the pitfall.
^fWe rushes ^em down. Sir, and they all tumbles over one
another into the hole,^^ was the way the men expressed it. They
crowd down and fall in by hundreds, crushing and smothering
oach other until the pit is full, when the men break down the
fence at the sides and let the rest escape. They generally take
2000 or 2200 in each drive. The men then jump into the hole
and set to work to pick them, pulling off the body-feathers and
stuffing them into bags and throwing the carcasses out of the
hole. This lasts till noon. It is hard work ; and before the end
of the season their nails sometimes come off from the continual
plucking. It takes the feathers of 25 birds to make a pound,
which sells at Launceston for twopence ; but Tucker, his wife, and

Dr. W. Jameson and Mr. L. Fraser on Humming-birds, 399

his pal Dick collected a ton of feathers last year. To do this
they must have killed 56,000 birds; and yet they say their
numbers do not seem to decrease. The birds come back to the
islands again on the 23rd of November to lay. They lay but
one egg, and generally on the day or the day after they arrive.
The sealers collect a good many for their use ; and when the
young birds are nearly full-grown, they attack them again for
the sake of the oil with which the old birds feed them. They
thrust their bands into the hole, pull out the young bird by the
head, kill it by squeezing it; and holding it up by the legs, the oil
mns out of its beak. This oil is very clean and pure, burns
well, and sells at Launceston at four shillings per gallon. When
the young birds are full-grown they are very fat. The men then
pull them out of their holes, split them, and salt them. It is
rather dangerous work catching them in this way; for many
venomous snakes dwell in the holes, and are sometimes seized
and pulled out instead of a bird.

XLI. — Notes on some of the Humming-birds of Ecuador figured

in Mr. GouWs Monograph, By Dr. William Jameson, of

Quito, and Louis Fraser, Corr. Memb. Zool. Soc.

1. Oreotrochilus CHIMBORAZO (Gould, Mon. pt. 2).

This bird is not found below the elevation of 14,000 feet ; but
vegetation does not cease here, as M. Bourcier seems to say —
for how then could these birds live ? It is never seen perching
on the extremity of the Chuquiraga [Chuquiraga insignis)^ as re-
presented in Mr. Gould’s plate, but always clinging to the sides
of the flowers of that plant. It is very abundant in its locality.

2. Oreotrochilus pichincha (Gould, Mon. pt. 2).

It is impossible that any species can be more common than
0. Chimborazo ; but this bird is more attainable on account of
the proximity of Pichincha to Quito. Like the former, it is not
found below the altitude of 14,000 feet.

3. Lesbia AMARYLLIS (Gould, Mou. pt. 7),

This bird is only found on the Table-land.

4. Patagona gigas (Gould, Mon, pt. 9)*

400 Herr Badeker’s and Dr. Brewer’s Oological Works.

The American Aloe (Agave americana) is the only plant this
bird is ever seen feeding upon.

5. Adelomyia melanogenys (Gould, Mon. pt. 9).

This species is never found in or near Quito, but only in the
lower and warmer countries.

6. Eugenia imperatrix (Gould, Mon. pt. 11).

Prof. Jameson’s specimens of this fine Humming-bird were
obtained in the neighbourhood of Auca, on the road to Nanegal,
at about 6000 or 7000 feet elevation. They were feeding on the
AlstrcemericBy Daturce not being found in that locality.

7. Cceltgena wilsoni (Gould, Mon. pt. 11).

There must be some error when Bourcier states that he killed
this species at an elevation of 10,000 feet, and in Nono, which
lies at about 9000 feet. This bird belongs strictly to the warmer
countries, such as Nanegal, which is only about 4000 feet in
altitude.

8. Agl^actis cupreipennis (Gould, Mon. pt. 12).

The females of this species have the glittering back, but not
so brilliant as in the males.

9. Helianthea LUTETiiE (Gould, Mon. pt. 13).

This bird is found in the valleys of Lloa and Pelogalli, but not
nearer Quito.

XLII. — Review of Herr Badeker’s* * and Dr. Brewer’s f
Oological Works.

Birds’-nesting and Egg-collecting are pursuits the practice of
which has for some time ceased to be confined to truant school-
boys, but, except by a limited few, the occupation of an Oologist
has been, until very lately, regarded as much below the serious
dignity of a scientific naturalist. Even now, there are ornitho-

* Die Eier der Europdischen Vogel nach der Natiir gemalt von Fr.
W. J. Badeker, mit einer Beschreibnng des Nestbaues von Ludwig
Brehm. — Leipzig und Iserlobn. [In course of publication.]

t Smithsonian Contributions to Knowledge. North American Oology.
By Thomas M. Brewer, M.D. Part I. — Raptores and Fissirostres.
Washington City : 1857. [Issued 1859.]

Herr Badeker^s and Dr. Brewer’s Oological Works. 401

legists who smile with benignant pity at the simplicity of those
followers of old Sir Thomas Brown’s example who make a study
of egg-shells. Not recognizing the possibility of deducing from
them any ideas worthy to be entertained by sensible men, they re-
gard the possessors of egg-cabinets simply as weak victims of an
uncontrollable propensity for acquisitiveness, much indeed as Cap-
tain Lemuel Gulliver, of veracious memory, looked upon the
Yahoos with their hoards of shining stones, whereof they were
so violently fond.” But the number of these ornithological
purists is decreasing, and at any rate there are persons enough
— among whom we hope to count a majority of our readers — -
who think differently from them, and we will therefore waste
no time in attempting to convert the remainder, or in offering
any excuses for occupying these pages with a somewhat general
article on Oology.

Both the works of which the titles stand at the head of this
paper are most welcome additions to egg-literature. To that of
Herr Fr. W. J. Badeker we shall give priority of notice, since it
saw the light before Dr. Brewer’s. Brief allusion to its merits
has already been made in a former Number of the ^ Ibis ’ {antea,
p. 203), and that it will be found of great utility to naturalists
is not to be doubted ; but it is fair to say that it has some draw-
backs, among which its unnecessarily large size and the irregu-
larity of its appearance are not inconsiderable. There are,
besides, certain defects in the execution of the plates, of which we
shall presently speak. With all this, however, it is to be highly
commended. Four parts {Lieferungen) are now before us, each of
which contains eight plates, comprising numerous figures, often
indeed a good series, of varieties of the same species. Thus are
afforded representations of no less than five examples of the eggs
of Buteo leucurus, eight of Sterna hirundOf and of others in like
proportion, and the specimens chosen for illustration, as far as
we are able to judge, are generally well selected. When it is
considered that in this portion of the work upwards of six
hundred and eighty eggs are figured, while as yet but about two
hundred nominal^ species are treated of, some accurate notion

* Of course it is only natural that Herr Ludwig Brelim, who, assisted by
Herr W. Passler, is the author of the letter-press accompanying Herr

VOL. I. 2 F

402 Herr Badeker^s and Dr. Brewer’s Oological Works.

may be coneeived of the extent to which the illustration of varieties
is carried. Notwithstanding this, the low price of the work is
marvellous.

Our limits will not permit us to comment at length upon
all the four parts of Mr. Bicker’s book ; let us therefore take
the first only. We can hardly go into the question as to what
birds should be included as European, or recognized as good
species, and what should not, but the views of those who con-
sider the Aquila clanga of Pallas from Central Asia distinct
from A. n(Bvia, may receive strength from the appearance of the
eggs figured in Plate I., wherein the representations of the East-
ern are decidedly larger, as is the case with the birds, and less
deeply marked than those of the Western examples. In Plate
II. the three figures of the eggs of the Osprey give but a faint
idea of the numerous varieties presented by a really fine series,
such as is possessed by at least one gentleman in this country.
By Plate III. the characteristic differences of the eggs of the
species of Buntings therein figured are very fairly preserved, and
a respectable selection of each is given. For Plate IV., which
comprises several of w^hat according to the Editor are known in
English as the “ Trush ” and Ouzel,” we cannot say so much.
Those well-known favourites, oft the earliest of the year,” to
which we have been used all our lives, the eggs of the Misseltoe
and Song Thrush, and the Blackbird, have small justice done to
their beauty ; and we should like to have known a little more
about the specimens figured of the supposed eggs of the Tardus
minor of Gmelin, than that they were sent from Labrador “with
the birds,” — a phrase greatly employed, it is true, by dealers,
but which may mean anything or nothing, and we fancy in prac-
tice most generally means the latter. Plates V. and VI. afibrd us
some examples from the Grallatorial order, and it is in these
figures that the chief defect of the artist first becomes very appa-
rent. Any person slightly acquainted with the principles of
drawing must know that a marking, be it spot or blotch of any

Badeker’s plates, should walk in the way of his father ; but there can be
little doubt that many of the so-called ‘ species ^ erected by “ the sturdy
Nestor of German Ornithologists ” are not even permanent local races,
much less ' sub-species,’ as ^ome natumlists have chosen to consider them.

Herr Badeker’s and Dr. Brewer^s Oological Works. 403

shape, on a convex surface, such as an egg-shell, presents its
full form and dimensions only when placed exactly in front of the
spectator, and consequently that all the markings, except the
comparatively few on the portion of shell nearest to the eye,
seem to be more or less contracted or in profile according as they
are situated at a greater or less distance from that portion. On
this principle therefore all drawings of eggs should be made.
Simple, however, as it would appear to do this, yet in practice,
as we can testify from our own experience, it is by no means
easy. Hence it arises that there are few persons who Can deli-
neate an egg so that it may look like what it is intended to be, and
not like a representation of a flat surface. Mr. Badeker is much
given to this defect, and we see in numerous instances the spots
at the margin of his figures, which resemble eggs in being of
<^he same shape as their shadows, exactly the same in size and
form as those at the centre. This is especially to be observed in
figs. 4 and 5 of Plate VI., representing the eggs of the Golden
Plover and Dotterel. No amount of shading, no judicious arrange-
ment of light, will avail anything towards producing on a flat
surface the semblance of a convex one, so long as this first principle
is neglected. Plate VII. is devoted to the Common, Arctic, and
Little Terns, the difierent varieties of which we do not think have
ever been so well illustrated, in spite of the one prevailing defect
to which we have just alluded. Plate VIII. introduces us to
some of the Ducks. We are not sorry to see that our artist
figures mottled eggs of birds of this family, for we are inclined
to think that the spots so often to be observed on eggs of the
Eider, and occasionally on those of other ducks, are not to be re-
garded as monstrous, but as having the character of true mark-
ings, We doubt if eggs of the King Duck are generally so
much more deeply coloured than those of the Common Eider, as
would appear from Mr. Badeker’s drawings. Mr. Hewitson
in the last edition of his work has figured (Eggs B.B. 3rd ed.
PI. CXV., fig. 2) one of the former, almost as pale in colour as a
Wild Duck^s, but until a larger series of more carefully identified
examples than those usually received from Baffin^s Bay are ob-
tained, we hardly venture to pronounce judgment on this point.

2 f’ 2

404 Herr Badeker’s and Dr. Brewer s Oological Works.

We will, however, make bold to say that there is always a
difference between the hues of the eggs of the Common and
Velvet Scoters, unless indeed they have both suffered from the
effects of air and light, and a more decided difference than is
shown in Herr Badeker’s figures.

With regard to the remainder of the work, it will suffice to
point out one or two slight inaccuracies, and to take a cursory
glance at some of those points which may be regarded as pre-
senting most interest to British Oologists. Our authors are
certainly in error when they speak of the Three-toed Woodpecker
of Europe being found in North America. Though by Swainson
and older writers one of the Nearctic species was mistaken for
the Linnean Pious tridactyluSy there can be no question of its
distinctness. So also it is a mistake to suppose that the range
of the Common Kingfisher extends to Eastern Asia and Africa,
each of these regions possessing its own stock of allied but quite
independent forms. We suspect too that Herr Schrader, invert-
ing the proper process, and identifying (?) the bird by the egg,
instead of the egg by the bird, has successfully laid the founda-
tion of an error in asserting that the Chiff-chaff goes as far north
as 70° lat. We are indeed pretty sure that if it occurs at all in
the Scandinavian peninsula, it is only in the extreme south.
But the refutation of inaccuracies such as these, several more of
which could be mentioned, many persons may consider irrelevant
to the present subject, though for our own part, regarding the
geographical distribution of species as one of the most interesting
and important studies within the whole range of natural science,
we are at all times anxious to see mistakes of this sort corrected.

We must remark that though our authors follow a practice
which we cannot but commend, in giving for each species an
English and French as well as a German common name, yet, by
some extraordinary mischance, not to take notice of those acci-
dental misspellings to which writers of a foreign language, and
that language English, are always liable, they seldom light upon
a name appropriate, or indeed at all commonly in use. Thus,
what reader in this country would recognize Aquila heliaca as
the King^s Eagle,^^ or Falco communis as the Blue-black

Herr Badeker’s and Dr. Brewer^s Oological Works, 405

Falcon ? And we suspect^ though we will not take on ourselves
to assert the fact, that there are similar instances to be found
among the French synonyms.

The information given in Mr. Badeker's work respecting the
nidification of the Green Sandpiper will most likely astonish the
minds of British Ornithologists, though they may be already
prepared for something extraordinary in the economy of a bird
whose comings and goings are certainly not well understood.
Those gentlemen who have lately tried to elucidate the mystery
will be at least surprised to learn that they should have searched
for the eggs of this species not only in the localities usually fre-
quented by other birds its nearest allies, but as the fir-trees are
a dwelling for the Stork,^^ so are they also, it would seem, occa-
sionally for the Green Sandpiper ! Hear our authors : —

The nest is sometimes on the ground in a depression, or on
a little hillock or the stump of a tree. The four eggs lie in a
sort of nest of twigs (Geiiist), dry-grass, or fir-tree-needles.
Often, however, also an old nest of Turdus musicus or T. visci-
vorus will be used ; indeed Forester Hintz once found the eggs
in a nest of Columba turtur, eighteen feet from the ground.^'’

This sounds odd to our ears, but the original account,
which appeared, we believe, in ‘ Naumannia,^ is so circum-
stantial that we hardly know whether what seems to us the
antecedent improbability of such a thing justifies us in doubting
the statement. In our ignorance of the frank-spoken Forester^s
capabilities of rightly judging the evidence of his own senses,
and giving him all the credit due to a man whose veracity has
only been impeached by the character of his own testimony,
which is certainly contrary to the experience of most people, we
are compelled to look upon the question as a thorough contest
of opposite improbabilities, and to confess that it would be a
relief to us if his statement were confirmed by some other reli-
able witness.

There is one refiection soothing to our national vanity, with
which we close Herr Badeker^s portfolio of plates and letter-
press. This is, that though we do not pretend to know what
gems ” of purest ray serene the dark unfathomed drawers of
German egg-cabinets may contain, we are disposed to question

406 Herr BMeker^s and Dr. Brewer’s Works.

the existence there of many of the ^ Desideratissima ’ of our col-
lections. It does not appear that any egg — certainly not of any
so-called “ British Bird ” * — is as yet figured in this work, of
which one Oologist or another in this country has not examples,
often of the best possible authenticity. This brings us to make
a few remarks on the progress which egg-collecting has made
within the last few years among ourselves.

We have now before us the cover of Part V, of Mr. Hewit-
son’s second work (the first edition of the Eggs of British
Birds”), bearing date 1st November, 1843,” on which that
gentleman printed a list of what were then, as far as he knew,
‘Desiderata^ to English collections. This list contains 52 species,
10 of which he subsequently obtained in time to figure them in
that edition. Of the remainder, 15 more were represented in
his third work, completed in 1856 f. From this, however, he left
out one — very properly considering that, though he had before
included it, the specimen figured was not sufficiently authentic.
This made the real increase 14, and the number still required
28. Of these at least 8 are now in British cabinets, and one is
a doubtful, not to say a bad species, which thus reduces the
number of ‘Desiderata^ to 19. To this number 16 more must
be added, to allow for those species which have of late been
included with sufficient reason in the British list, or respecting
the eggs of which, though they may have been figured, justifiable
doubts may be entertained. Thus we obtain a final result of
35, as probably representing the existing deficiencies in the
Oology of these islands. These 35 are, in our opinion, as
follows : —

Swallow-tailed Kite.
Snowy Owl.

White’s Thrush.
Gold- vented Thrush.
Dalmatian Regulus.

Parrot Crossbill.

European White-winged Crossbill.
American White- winged Crossbill.
Nutcracker.

MacQueen’s Bustard.

* The European White- winged Crossbill can hai-dly be said to be an ex-
ception, for the egg represented (PI. xx. fig. 10), though “ beglaubigt
achte,” was laid in a cage.

f We must not be misunderstood to mean that Mr. Hewitson’s third
edition comprised only 15 more species than his second, but that these 15
were included in his list of * Desiderata ’ above mentioned.

Herr Badeker^s and Hr. Brewer^s Oological Works. 407

Sanderling.

Grey Plover.

Great White Heron.
Esquimaux Curlew.
Brown Snipe.

Curlew Sandpiper.

Knot.

Buff-breasted Sandpiper.
Little Stint.

Schinz’s Sandpiper.
Pectoral Sandpiper.
Little Crake.

Spur-winged Goose.
Bewick’s Swan.
American Wigeon.
Steller’s Western Duck.
Buffel-headed Duck.
Sabine’s Gull.
Bonapartian Gull.
Cuneate-tailed Gull.
Ivory Gull.

Pomerine Skua.

Capped Petrel.

Wilson’s Petrel.

Red-breasted Goose.

We doubt not there are many gentlemen who are in the full
belief that they possess one or more specimens of several of the
species named in the above list, and we know it is not without
risk of incurring their displeasure that we venture to express our
hesitation to agree with them, for in some cases to doubt the
authenticity of a collector’s specimens is to doubt his word.
But we do not assert that such eggs do not exist, or even that we
may not have seen them ; still less do we set up our opinions as
infallible. All we would do is earnestly to implore those from
whom we have the misfortune to differ calmly and dispassion-
ately to try and examine for themselves the amount of evidence
on which the authenticity of their specimens depends. It is, we
allow, no use to require its being of such a nature as would be
admitted in a court of justice, though that would be desirable ;
but we ask, is it such as ought to carry conviction to a plain -
thinking and unbiassed mind ? We fear not. The homely
proverb, Every man thinks his own geese to be swans,’’ is not
mapphcable on those occasions, for, as soon as a person be-
comes the possessor of a supposed much-desired specimen, he
becomes also at once and unconsciously a firm believer in its
genuineness. However, we hardly dare venture further : the
duty of ^ Devil’s Advocate ’ is an ungracious one, but, if it be
found necessary to satisfy the public as to the merits of a candi-
date for the honours of Saintship, much more is it requisite that
the fair fame of a specimen which is to command the respect of
Oologists should be as free from suspicion as Caesar’s wife.”

And now a few words on the best means of remedying these

408 Herr Badeker^s and Hr. Brewer^s Oulogical Works.

deficiencies. For the eggs of the first in our list, the Swallow-
tailed Kite — hardly, indeed, to be called a British Bird — we must
look further south than we have mostly been accustomed. The
Oologists of the United States can give only second-hand ac-
counts of its nidification, but we hope it may fall to the lot of
the painstaking Mr. 0. Salvin to procure what we want from
Central America. A supposed egg indeed exists in the British
Museum, but without resting, as far as we can learn, upon any
reliable authority. The Snowy OwFs, we are led to hope, may
“ some year when the lemmings again swarm in the mountains,^^
reward the unwearied efforts of the most experienced and, we are
glad to add, the most successful collector of our time, Mr. John
Wolley, who, we trust, like an oological Charles XII., is still re-
solved to think nothing gainM while aught remains,” and de-
termined that all shall be his beneath the polar sky.” The clue
to the nesting-places of the two Thrushes in our list is still to be
found, and we cannot add to the already published information
relating to the Dalmatian Begulus. For the Crossbills, the sub-
arctic forests of both Old and New Worlds are to be investigated
with the best chances of success, and even while we write we hear
that an accomplished Naturalist in the North of England has
good expectations of some authentic eggs of Loxia pity opsittacus.
The Nutcracker is perhaps something of a reproach to British
birds^-nesters, for we understand that its eggs are in more than
one Continental cabinet, but we feel pretty confident that they
are within the reach of any person who would pass the first
three or four months of the year in the Swiss forests (by the
way, a friend has reminded us that snow-shoes, either on the
Canadian or the Scandinavian plan, would be useful auxiliaries),
and we beg leave to make this suggestion to the members of the
new ^ Alpine Club,^ some one of whom might find the occupation
a pleasant variety to the now hackneyed adventures on Peaks,
Passes, and Glaciers.” For MacQueen^s Bustard we must look
to Persia if not to our Indian Empire, and doubtless not many
years will pass before we obtain some tidings of its nidification,
and specimens of its eggs. Professor Nordmann is said to have
found the Great White Heron breeding in Poland, but for our-
selves we can place no confidence in the many supposed eggs

Herr Badeker’s and Dr. Brewer’s Oological Works, 409

said to come to this country from Russia, though there is little
doubt that satisfactory specimens might he obtained thence.
The greatest interest, however, gathers round the nidification of
those Waders, such as the Grey Plover, Sanderling, Pigmy Cur-
lew, Knot, and Little Stint *, which at irregular intervals and
for short periods throng our shores in large bands, and yet of
whose breeding-quarters what Englishman can speak with cer-
tainty? Dr. Middendorff, indeed, obtained eggs of the first
mentioned, one of which is figured in his work, but he failed to
penetrate the mystery which envelopes the movements of the
others. Even almost at the extremity of the North-East Cape,
in latitude 78° N., where the continent extends nearest to the
pole of anywhere in the world, this intrepid voyager found in
spring fiocks of these species, restlessly pressing onwards, and in
autumn there they were again, returning with their broods, to
winter perhaps in the burning plains of India, by the great lakes
of Central Africa, or even to push their outposts as far as the
Cape of Good Hope or the still unknown shores of New Guinea.
Vain seems at present the expectation of triumphing over the
obstacles which offer themselves to the Oologist in this direction,
but when the present undeserved unpopularity of Polar Explora-
tion is overcome, when political emergencies have passed away,
and adventurous spirits in our navy find no scope for their
energies in a piping time of peace, may we not hope that a
period may return when the fond dreams of old Arctics ” may
be realized, expeditions fitted out, and the circumpolar regions
reached, while their zoology is investigated by worthy successors
of Richardson and Sabine ? f

We depend on the Naturalists of Canada and the United
States helping us to a knowledge of the peculiarly North

* We had almost added to the number the Grey Phalarope, for, though
there is reason to think that bird breeds in Iceland, we have no confidence
in any of its reputed eggs received therefrom, but we recollect the speci-
men in the late Mr. YarrelPs cabinet, which, at his sale in 1856, passed
into the hands of one of the keenest and most kind-hearted of collectors.
It came from Melville Island, and is probably genuine.

t In an admirable article on the additions made of late to European
oology, the editor of ‘ Naumannia’ recently stated that the Little Stint
had been found breeding in Siberia — but without giving any authority for
the assertion. (‘ Naumannia,’ 1858, p. 125.)

410 Herr Badeker’s and Dr. Brewer’s Oological Wo?'ks.

American Waders, sucli as the Esquimaux Curlew, the Brown
Snipe, the Buff-breasted, Schinz’s and the Pectoral Sandpipers.
Eggs of the first of these are said already to have been taken in
Labrador, though we do not learn on what authority, and of the
third and last we believe specimens exist even now in Trans-
Atlantic cabinets, obtained by Professor Kumlein and Dr. Heer-
mann. The Little Crake may be expected from Southern
Europe, or, through some follower of Mr. Tristram and his friends,
from Algeria. The Red-breasted Goose has already been dis-
covered breeding in Siberia by Dr. Middendorff, and he figures
one of its eggs, while the Spur- winged must be sought for in
Africa. The incunabula of Bewick’s Swan still form a puzzle.
We do not credit the statement, though the assertors and re-
peaters of it are no mean authorities, that it nests in Iceland ; but
believe it to be a more eastern species, and, if any part of Europe
furnishes it with breeding quarters, we would perhaps indicate
the Samoied country drained by the Petchora as the favoured
spot, on the dreary coasts of which also, or in Nova Zembla,
Steller’s (miscalled the Western”) Duck, which was found by
Dr. Middendorff breeding in Eastern Siberia, may rear its young
in peace. For the American Wigeon and Buffel-headed Duck
the Hudson’s Bay Territory is our land of promise, while we fear
that for the different species of Gulls — except indeed the Bona-
partian, which possibly has not a Polar range, and may be found
breeding even as far south as the Saskatchewan or Athabaska
valleys — we must await the Saturnia regna, and the renewed
Arctic expeditions which we have above predicted. Hopes re-
specting the Pomerine Skua from Lapland, Dr. Middendorff
having already obtained its eggs in Siberia, have been held out
to us by Mr. Wolley, while, as a contrast to nearly all the locali-
ties we have enumerated, those Islands of the Blest, the remains
of the old Atlantic Continent and the Cays ” of the West
Indian Archipelago may be the scene of a crowning victory ”
over the last in our list — the Petrels — and finally reward the
Oologists’ youth of labour with an age of ease.”

To Doctor Brewer’s work we cannot devote the space which
the care bestowed upon it should deserve at our hands. It
really is, what it professes to be, designed to describe and

Herr Badeker’s and Dr. Brewer’s Oological Works. 41 1

illustrate the Oology of North America/’ and the descriptions
are not limited merely to notices of those species of whose eggs
the author can supply illustrations, but give as much information
as possible about what are still ^ Desiderata ’ to him. It pos-
sesses, too, a quality as remarkable, we regret to say, for
singularity as for merit : In all instances the illustrations are
taken directly from the egg itself, and in none has any attempt
been made to make use of drawings,” for, with a few praise-
worthy exceptions, this is a fact which cannot be asserted of
oological works in general. However, we do not entirely agree
with the Doctor in the remarks which follow the above-quoted
passage, for we consider that we have in England at least one
draughtsman whose works give an unqualified contradiction
to our author’s opinions; but we have already in this article
noticed the great practical difficulty of depicting eggs accurately,
and the consequent scarcity of competent artists. In the absence,
therefore, of a Trans-Atlantic Mr. Hewitson, Dr. Brewer is quite
right in the course he has pursued, which is that of profiting by
an “ ingenious application of photography to the aid of litho-
graphyand the result is a series of figures, somewhat deficient,
perhaps, in brilliancy, yet certainly sufficiently well coloured, and
of course unsurpassed in the fidelity with which characteristic
markings are rendered.

Of the letter-press of the work we are also justified in
speaking highly, though it is no more than might be expected
of the author. In his own language, his design embraces as
its legitimate subjects the external shape, size, and markings of
the eggs, the nests, or the substitutes for nests, the general
habits of the birds peculiar to the breeding season, and their
geographical distribution, especially so far as the last may be in
connexion with their nesting ; ” and we are bound to say that
Dr. Brewer is not one of those writers who keep the word of
promise to the ear, but break it to the hope. If there be any
let or hindrance to the due performance of what he has under-
taken, it is a stern necessity — quam vincere non datur — that
compels him to yield. Oology in the United States labours
under the disadvantage of having but few votaries, though of a
truth their paucity is in some measure compensated for by their

412 Herr Badeker^s and Dr. Brewer^s Oological Works.

ardour. We therefore heartily wish well to the grand undertaking
commenced by the Smithsonian Institution^ which was announced
to our readers in our last number by Professor Baird {anteOj-p. 334),
and trust it will enable our author, in a supplementary pubh-
cation, to fill up many of those voids, the existence of which we
regret as much as he can. The following extract from the
Doctor’s Introduction afibrds a remarkable contrast to the
results we just now laid before our readers with regard to the
oology of these islands : — The present Part embraces the
descriptions and illustrations of the eggs of the Order Raptores,
and of the Tribe Fissirostres of the Order Insessores. So far as
he [Dr. Brewer] is at present aware, these include seventy-nine
species inhabiting North America. Of these the eggs of no less
than twenty are still entirely unknown to him, while of those of
eleven others he has no means of giving illustrations.” That
is to say, the deficiencies of North American as compared with
British Oology, in this Order and Tribe, are as to 4^, or
more than 8*5 to I !

Lest it be thought that Dr. Brewer is one of those faultless
monsters whom the world ne’er saw,” we must, we suppose,
particularize a few points wherein we must join issue with his
opinions ; but this we assure our readers we do not do without
some diffidence. We are most inclined to complain of what we
think is a tendency on his part to hasty generalization : thus,
the worthy Doctor argues that additional proof of the distinctness
of Nuttall’s Buteo montanus and the B. borealis of authors is
furnished by the difFerences observable in their eggs. Now, of
the first-mentioned bird, since it appears that he has seen only
two examples, both from the same nest, it seems hardly fair to
assume that these represent the typical appearance of the egg ;
and, again, even if it be that they do so, and also that the
learned author’s assertion be correct, that they bear no resem-
blance to any eggs of B. borealis that he has ever seen, we
cannot agree with him in his deduction, because the character
of one of them, judging from his figure (PI. I. fig. 6), is exactly
that often seen in the eggs of Buzzards generally, and, we take
it, of B. borealis among them. We are not in a position to pass
an opinion on the propriety of separating the birds specifically.

Herr Badeker^s Dr. Brewer’s Oological Works. 413

and, if we were, this is not the place to discuss the question ; but
we must record our belief that the case of the separatists is not
strengthened by the evidence adduced by our author.

As a set-off to this, we must give the Doctor all praise for, in
most cases, resisting the strong temptation by which some
naturalists are often overcome, to erect into species those races
of birds, permanent though they be, which, by more general
consent, are on good grounds supposed to represent the same
creation in both Old and New worlds. It is true that the opposite
course, which also has its strong advocates, of taking no heed
whatever of the differences which may exist between these regional
varieties, is greatly to be blamed, and it appears to us that the
via media is the safest road to travel, duly considering that local
differences do not of necessity make specific distinctions. Thus,
though we are far from considering the Golden Eagles of Europe
and North America as otherwise than specifically identical, we
highly applaud Dr. Brewer’s declining to figure an egg of the
former race in default of one of the latter. We have said that
our author, in most cases, is free from a species-making inclina-
tion ; but there are exceptions, such as the Eish-Hawk and Short-
eared Owl of America, which he regards as indubitably distinct
from their European pendants ; and, with regard to the former,
complains of the ^'unaccountable persistence in error” on the
part of some English naturalists, not one of whom, we venture to
assert, ever quoted " extracts written exclusively in reference to
the American bird ” without mentioning the source of the in-
formation, a fact alone sufficient to guard against any chance of
mistake. Dr. Brewer remarks that " in their habits the European
and American birds are much more decidedly different than in
their own markings or in those of their eggs,” and proceeds to
particulars, most of which are questionable, as, for instance, that
the bird from the Old World " is found only in solitary pairs,”
and "rarely builds on trees,” but "sometimes on the ground
among reeds,” though it "almost uniformly resorts to rocky
cliffs to breed.” The fact has not been sufficiently considered,
that the habits of birds, as of men, vary according to the cir-
cumstances in which they are placed, such as the facilities of
getting food or lodging. It is no more rational because the

414 Herr Badeker’s and Dr. Brewer^s Oological Works.

Osprey does not live in large societies like the Fish-Hawk, to
conclude that, therefore, they must be specifically distinct, than
it would be to suppose that the back-woodsman and the Bos-
tonian are not of the same origin because the one prefers the
crowded city and comforts of civilization, and the other seeks
solitude and hardships in the far West. We refer Dr. Brewer
to Dr. Kjaerboelling^s ^Danmarks Fugle,’ wherein (p. 11) is
mentioned an instance of many pairs ” of the European Os-
prey breeding for about forty years in the woods at Holstein-
borg in Zealand, and we believe the instance is not a solitary
one in the districts where the bird most abounds. In these
countries too, as, for example, in Lapland, we have Mr. AFolley’s
testimony (' Catalogue of Eggs,’ 1855) besides, for its commonly
breeding in high trees,” and the assertion that it builds “ on
the ground among reeds,” rests on no better authority than the
story of its having its left foot subpalmated, as was stated by
Linnseus, and is about as true. In Scotland certainly it often
makes, or rather made, its nest on ruined towers, and even
occasionally, but very far from uniformly,” on rocky islands ;
but this is as certainly a departure from its usual habits as ob-
served in other places, and is perhaps occasioned by the unre-
lenting persecution to which it is there subjected. We will,
however, suggest a difference in the eggs of the American and
European birds which we ourselves have invariably observed,
and to the benefit of which species-makers are perfectly wel-
come, and this is, that we can always distinguish between eggs
from the two continents with our eyes shut — by the smell.

We had intended to make some observations on other species,
especially our author’s Hierofalco sacer” under which name
he blends the two easily recognizable races of the great northern
Falcon (Falco candicans, Gm., and F. islandicus, Sab.), both of
which we doubt not occur in the United States, as they do in
the United Kingdom; and also on the singular fact* of the egg

* We say “fact ” because Dr. Brewer expresses no doubt of it ; but is
it quite certain there can be no mistake here? It is very seldom that
Astur palumharius lays spotted eggs, but we never saw one even ascribed
to that species with anything like the amount of mottling exhibited by
Mr. Winslow’s example (PI. I. fig. 5).

Rev. H. B. Tristram on the Ornithology of N. Africa. 415

of the American Gos-Hawk being so unlike that of its European
congener, besides remarking on some other points; but the
length of our article warns not to try further the patience of
our readers.

We cannot, however, conclude without referring to the loss
we have recently experienced in the removal from among us
of one of the oldest, if not the very oldest, of British egg-
collectors. The frequenters of the meetings of the Linnsean and
Zoological Societies will henceforth look in vain for the kindly
smile and hearty greeting of John Drew Salmon, one of the
pioneers of oological discovery, and an active member of that
band of zealous working men which numbered in its ranks Hoy
and Heysham and Yarrell, besides others still happily spared to
us. Long may they continue to enjoy the results of their hard-
earned labours, and that they may be succeeded by a generation
as indefatigable as they themselves were, is, we are sure, as much
their wish as it is ours. Mr. Salmon, we are informed, has
bequeathed his valuable cabinet of eggs to the Linnean Society,
where we trust it will be preserved intact, as a monument to the
memory of a thoroughly single-minded man, and an example to
future naturalists of the care and discretion necessary in forming
an eminently trustworthy oological collection.

September, 1859.

XLIII. On the Ornithology of Northern Africa. By the Rev.
H. B. Tristram, M.A., F.L.S. (Part III. The Sahara,
continued.)

[Continued from p. 301.]

44. Pratincola rubetra. (Whinchat.)

45. Pratincola rubicola. (Stonechat.)

Both Stonechat and Whinchat are common in the oases as
winter visitants. The plumage of P. rubicola in the Sahara is
much richer in colour than in specimens obtained on the coast,
which are in their turn more brilliantly marked than the gene-
rality of our British specimens. I have had, through the kind-
ness of Sir W. J ardine, an opportunity of examining a series of
the South African species [Pratincola pastor, Strickland), and

416

Rev. H.B. Tristram on the

find that none of my North African birds equal it in the purity
of the black on the upper parts, nor have they the distinct dis-
tribution of colour on the shoulders and flanks, from which
Mr. Strickland defined the species. Yet, on arranging a series
from various localities, it seems almost impossible to draw the
precise line between the local varieties or species of this almost
cosmopolitan bird.

46. Ruticilla moussieri. (Moussier^s Redstart.) “Zin-
zukh” Arab.

This most beautiful and charming of all the Algerian birds
was first obtained by me in 1855, near Boghar, on the southern
slope of the Western Atlas. This is, I believe, its extreme
northern range in the western part of Algeria, and it has not
been observed, so far as I am aware, in the province of Oran or
in Morocco. But in Tunis it approaches nearer the coast, and
was there discovered by Mr. Fraser some years before Leon
Olph-Gaillard described it in 1852 in the 'Proceedings^ of
the Natural History Society of Lyons. It is an attractive little
bird, as well in its plumage as in its habits and song, partaking
of the characteristics both of the Redstart and the Stonechat,
between which it appears to be a link. In the northern Sahara
it is very scarce, but increases in numbers as we advance
southwards, being always to be found in the gardens and palm-
groves, and generally in the thickets of the dayats. In the
whole of the M^zab country it is abundant, and its lively note
and repeated cry, whence its name " Zinzukh/^ may be heard
about all the fruit-trees.

In the male bird the w^hole under plumage and upper tail-coverts
are of a bright chestnut-red, as is the tail, with the exception of the
lower portion of the two middle rectrices; the head and back black,
with the feathers slightly fringed with brown ; white forehead and
line over the eye — broad white epaulets, and a broad white patch
on the outer webs of the secondaries. The nest is compact, com-
posed externally of sticks and moss, and internally of fine hair
and wool, placed usually close to the ground in a low bush.
The eggs, four in number, are of the size and shape of those of
the Tithys Redstart {Rutvcilla tithys)^ but of a delicate white
suffused with a delicate greenish hue, unlike those of any other

417

Ornithology of Northern Africa,

bird I ever saw, and which can scarcely be described on paper.
In the eastern province we obtained several nests as far north as
Batna.

47. Dandalus rubecula. (Robin.) A winter visitant to
the oases.

48. CuRRUCA ATRiCAPiLLA. (Black Cap.)

49. CuRRUCA HORTENSis. (Garden Warbler.)

50. CuRRUCA ORPHEA. (Orphean Warbler.)

51. Sylvia curruca. (Lesser Whitethroat.)

52. Sylvia cinerea. (Whitethroat.)

All these five Warblers are common winter residents in the
oases, and among the bushes of the ravines.

53. Sylvia coNSPiciLLATA. (Spectacled Warbler.)

Arab.

The common and characteristic Warbler of the whole Sahara.
Everywhere it appears to be a constant resident, resorting
to the open grounds, where it haunts the small bushes and
StaticcCj living indifferently on the salt marshes or on the
more exposed and bleak plateaux. It does not appear ever to
resort either to the oases or the dayats, and so far differs in its
habits from all its congeners. Affecting no concealment, it hops
in front of its pursuer from bush to bush, searching for small
beetles among the roots of each. More than one or two are
never seen together, but it is impossible to ride far without de-
tecting it. In the spring of 1857, we found many nests placed
about a foot from the ground in the centre of small low bushes
in the north-eastern plains near the Nememcha country north
of Biskra. The nest is deep, very artistically constructed, and
contains four or five eggs, not larger than those of the Willow
Wren, and much resembling the paler varieties of the White-
throaCs. I never observed any with the dark spots which are
general on the latter.

54. Sylvia deserticola*, Tristram, Ibis, 1859, p. 58.
(Desert Warbler.)

Found only in the southern portion of the Desert, where it

* Stoparola deserti, Loche, Rev. Zool. 1858, p. 394. pi. 11. fig. 1 (fig.
pess.). — Ed.

VOL. T. 2 G

418

Rev. H. B. Tristram on the

seems partially to take the place of the Spectacled Warbler. I
have seen it in localities where I should not have expected to
find its congener, on the great plains where there were no shrubs
or plants. It difiers from the former in the colour of the top of
the head, which is rufous instead of ash colour, and in the throat,
neck, breast, and belly, which are of a uniform pale sand-colour,
while the Spectacled, besides its whiter chin and dark throat, has
a rich vinous tint down the whole of its flanks. Similar as the
two birds are in winter dress, I can feel no hesitation as to the
distinctness of these species, having frequently obtained both in
neighbouring or the same localities at the same time of the year.
I was unfortunately unable to visit the haunts of 8. deserticola
in the breeding season.

55. Melizophilus provincialis. (Dartford Warbler.)

Abundant in winter in the dayats, but never approaching the

oases or the habitations of man. I do not believe that it is
sedentary in the Sahara, but retires to the mountains to breed.
I have taken several nests in the Atlas in the months of May
and June.

56. Phylloscopus trochilus. (Willow Wren.)

57. Phylloscopus rufus. (Chiffchafi*.)

58. Phylloscopus bonellti. (BonellPs Warbler.)

Abundant in the oases in winter, but retiring northwards at

the end of February. The Chifi’chafi’ especially assembles in
thousands in the palm groves of EP Aghouat. The Arab name
for all three species is

59. Cettia sericea. (CettPs Warbler.)

60. Hippolais polyglotta. (Melodious Willow Wren.)

61. Hippolais pallida, Gerbe. (Pale Warbler.)

Is not this identical with Sylvia ela'ica of Lindermayer ? It
is found in the marshes about Tuggurt in considerable abun-
dance, and I have taken many nests south of the Atlas.

62. Calamoherpe turdoides. (Great Sedge Warbler.)

63. Lusciniopsis savii. (SavPs Warbler.)

The former seen and heard, the latter heard, frequently du-

Ornithology of Northern Africa. 41 9

ring winter in the sedges round the Sebkha, Waregla, N^goussa,
and Tuggurt.

64. Aedon galactodes. (Rufous Sedge Warbler.)

This birdj certainly no true Salicaria or Sedge Warbler, was
frequently observed in the Desert during winter, hovering about
the outskirts of watered gardens or hopping among the tama-
risk-trees. But as its breeding habits came under our notice
very constantly in the Atlas, I shall defer all further notice of
this eccentric Warbler for the present.

65. Drymoica strtaticeps*. Tristram, Ibis, 1859, p. 58.

In one and only one locality did 1 meet with this most graceful

Warbler. On the route between N^goussa and Tema9in we had
halted for a few hours by the salt-lake of Am Bahrdahd, one of
the most extensive of the few natural wildernesses of the Desert,
and which had not at that time been visited by any European.
Wandering in the swamp in pursuit of Crateropus fulvus, I
was struck by a clear long-drawn call of five notes, unlike any
I had ever heard — whee-why-whe-whe-hee. It was long before
among the tamarisks I could descry the songster, whom I at
length observed, now running up the boughs like a Creeper, and
then poising himself on a twig with his tail perpendicularly ex-
panded and jerking it baekwards and forwards. I only obtained
a pair, but saw two or three others. Captain Loche has, I be-
lieve, since obtained it at the same spot. It occasionally poises
itself in the air and suddenly drops down again among the long
grass. The whole upper portion of the body is of a delicate ash-
brown, reddish towards the tail, and the feathers on the crown
having a dark streak down the centre of each ; the eyebrows
whitish j a narrow black mark between the eye and the gape of
the beak ; the primaries brown ; the tail a darker brown, except
the outer rectrices, which are white, and the next pair with a
white patch at the extremity. The whole under plumage white,
with a faint rufous tinge on the flanks ; tarsi and bill a pale
orange colour. Whole length 4*25 inches, wing 2*75, tail 2T,
tarsi 0-75, bill 0’5. The sexes are similar in plumage.

Malurus Sahara, Lorhe, Rev. Zool. 1859, p. 395, pi. 11. fig. 2. — EDv

2 G 2

420

Rev. H. B. Tristram on the

The occurrence of this little bird in perhaps the most isolated
locality of the whole Sahara is very interesting.

66. Crateropus FULVUS (Desf.). Erhib el Hadjel/^ Aidh.,
i.e. the Adopted Son of the Partridge.

This bird, discovered by Des Fontaines in the last century,
forms one of the features of Saharan ornithology, numerous
wherever there are trees either wild or cultivated, and as noisy
and garrulous as the Starling, whom it much resembles in its
manner of flight. It flies very straight with its long tail ex-
panded, and is very wary. Often secreting themselves by threes
and fours in a shrub, these birds remain closely concealed, till at
the pursuer^ s near approach they silently steal away close to
the ground to the next bush. They are generally in companies of
seven or eight. Invariably do they alight at the foot of the tree
or bush, and then noiselessly creep up to the very top, descend-
ing in line on the other side, except one sentinel who remains
perched on the topmost bough to give the alarm of danger.
Often as I have watched them, I never saw them omit this pre-
caution. The note is very peculiar — chur-churr-r-r — wheer-
wheer-wheer. The nest is a loose fabric of sticks and flne roots
and straws; and I was told by the Arabs that they lay a blue
egg, which Captain Loche has since had forwarded to him, and
of which I have received a specimen. They are considered good
eating by the French Spahi officers, and have wonderful medi-
cinal qualities according to the Arab Hakeems. I found the
flesh bitter and dry. The sexes are alike in plumage. On dis-
section I have found the gizzard filled indiscriminately with
beetles and seeds.

67. Motacilla alba. (White Wagtail.) Kvdh.

68. Budytes elava. (Yellow Wagtail.)

Both extremely abundant wherever there is moisture, saline
or fresh, all through the winter. The White Wagtail is both
scattered and frequently in vast clouds. Of the Yellow I have
found the two varieties flava and cinereocapillay but did not in
the Desert meet with the lighter-coloured extreme, B, rayiy nor
with the darker-headed variety, so common in the East, B. me-
lanocephala.

421

Ornithology of No7'the7'n Africa.

None remain during the summer, though B. flava breeds in
the Atlantic district.

69. Anthus campestris. (Tawny Pipit.)

Abundant on the Hants Plateaux. Not seen further south.

70. Anthus pratensis. (Meadow Pipit.)

71. Anthus arboreus. (Tree Pipit.)

Both obtained apparently on passage, the former in large,
the latter in smaller flocks throughout the winter.

72. Otocorys bilopha. (Desert Horned Lark.) Temm. PI.
Col. 241. fig. 1.

This elegant and singularly-marked bird is by no means abun-
dant anywhere in the Desert, but may occasionally be met with
in parties of five or six on gravelly slopes, — never, so far as my
observation goes, in the sandy districts. I have found it not far
from the dayats. Heuglin^s remark is, It is certainly only a
variety of Alauda alpestris. I found it only in Arabia Petrsea
in summer. In winter it did not occur to me there.^^ (^6g* Nord-
ost Afrik. p. 43.) This was also the impression of the in-
formant of Capt. Loche, on whose authority O. alpestris is men-
tioned as Algerian. My experience so far differs from Dr.
Heuglin^s, that I found the bird throughout the winter, the
labels on my specimens ranging from November to March, in
localities precisely similar to Arabia Petrsea. There is a con-
siderable difierence in size between the two species, my series of
O. hilopha rarely exceeding 5f inches in length, and the length
of wing 3*8 inches, while O. alpestris is usually 7 inches in
length, and the wing from carpal joint 4^ inches. The black
tufts of feathers or horns extend in the male *9 inch behind the
eyes, which considerably exceeds the length of the corresponding-
tuft in any specimens I have seen of 0. alpestris in the breeding-
season ; and though the relative distribution of the plumage is
similar in both birds, yet the coloration is of so very distinct a
hue that it is difficult for me to believe in the identity of the
species. There is not a trace of yellow in the plumage of
O. bilopha, its place being supplied by the purest white ; and the
whole upper plumage, scapulars, and wing-coverts are of a uni-
form rich isabel colour, paler than in any other Desert- lark, except

422

Rev. H. B. Tristram on the

Ammomanes pallida. It would be remarkable and unusual were
the same species, which is migratory as far as the Arctic circle,
to be found resident on the arid plains of Arabia and Africa
under conditions so dissimilar from those of its northern habitats.

73. Calandrella brachydactyla. (Short-toed Lark.)

Many flocks occur in winter in the neighbourhood of the

oases and on the northern limits of the Sahara. It breeds abun-
dantly under the slopes of the Atlas, but not, so far as I am
aware, in the Desert.

74. Calandrella reboudia, Loche, MSS.; Ibis,vol. i. p.58.
(Reboud^s Lark.)

I have retained the name given to this bird, in honour of
Dr. Reboud, a zealous Algerian naturalist, by Capt. Loche,
although he has not yet published a description of the species.
It differs from C. brachydactyla in having the outer portion of
the external rectrices of a pure white, and the beak much shorter
and stouter, besides the usual pale coloration so distinctive of
Desert birds. It is, unlike its congener, a permanent resident in
the Desert, and has a wide lateral range, as I have obtained it
in the western Sahara, and have received a female specimen, with
a nest of four eggs, taken a little to the south of El Djem, in the
Regency of Tunis. The eggs are like large varieties of C. h'achy-
dactyla. I am not aware of the two species ever occurring in the
same localities. The present is most probably merely a Desert
form of its congener.

75. Ammomanes isabellina (Temm.) ; Consp. Av. p. 244.
(Desert-Lark.)

Occurs first on leaving the Hants Plateaux in small numbers,
but is more plentiful further south, inhabiting the open plains,
where it is difficult to conceive how it finds subsistence. Its lateral
range is wide. I have obtained it from the frontiers of Morocco
to Arabia Petrsea. It is sedentary, and breeds both in the
Algerian Sahara and in the wilderness of Judsea, in both which
localities I have taken the nest, neatly formed of grass in a de-
pression under a tuft of weeds, and with four eggs, in size nearly
equal to those of Galerida cristata, but never so elongated, mea-
suring 1 1 lines by 8 lines, of a rich cream colour, blotched,

423

Ornithology of Northern Africa.

especially towards the large end, with brown and red spots. In
its habits this very distinct species exhibits, so far as I am aware,
no distinctive peculiarities, living in small flocks, and poising
itself in the air like its congeners. Its notes are few, though
not unmelodious, and its song will bear no comparison, either in
volume or sweetness, with that of the Skylark. It varies con-
siderably in size, but its average length is about inches.

76. Ammomanes pallida, Cab., Mus. Hein. p. 125. A. ele-
ganSj A. Brehm. (Pale Desert-Lark.)

This Desert Lark may be distinguished at a glance from the
former, not only by its inferior size, as it measures only about
5 1 inches in length, and wing from carpal joint 3*8 inches, but
more especially by the distinct black bars on the extremities of
the rectrices and primaries. Its whole plumage, too, as its name
implies, is of a paler colour, and without the reddish hue which
pervades A. isabellina. The beak is very stout and conical, only
4 lines from the gape, while that of A. isabellina measures
6 lines. It is more strictly confined to the southern Sahara, never
being found in the northern or rocky districts, and though not
scarce in its localities, is rather solitary in its habits, more than
two or three being very rarely observed together. Its flight is
jerking and short ; nor have I noticed it poise itself on the wing.
Its notes are very varied and melodious, but not powerful. The
egg is peculiar, similar in shape to that of Caland. brachy-
dactyla, measuring 9 lines by 7 ; the ground-colour dingy white,
and covered over its whole surface by very minute brown spots,
but never blotched.

77. Ammomanes regulus ; Bp., Compt. Rend. xliv. p. 1066
(1857) : Rev. et Mag. de Zool. 1857, p. 283. (Little Desert-Lark.)

This beautiful little Lark, first described by Prince Bonaparte
from specimens procured for him by Capt. Loche, is decidedly
the smallest of its genus, measuring from 4| to 4| inches in
length, and in length of wing from carpal joint 3*4 inches. In
general coloration it resembles the preceding species, but is on
the whole paler in its hues, the flanks being pure white instead
of sand-colour ; and the breast, which in A. pallida is of a very
pale Isabel, is in A. regulus white, with faint traces of pale Isabel

434

Rev. H. B. Tristram on the

on the centre of some of the feathers. But the most characteristic
difference is in the coloration of the primaries and rectrices.
The former are only faintly tipped with blackish brown ; and on
the tail, instead of a broad bar of black, there is a triangular
mark, commencing on the inner edge of the external rectrices,
and extending at its apex half an inch on the eentral quill. The
tarsi, feet, and bill are of a dingy white. It is a very scarce bird,
and only occurs on the southern limits of the Sahara, near
Waregla, and in the southern portion of the Chamba territory.

78. Alauda arvensis. (Skylark.)

Stated by Capt. Loche to visit the Sahara in winter, but never
came under my observation.

79. Rhamphocoris clot-bey. (Cavaignac’s Lark.) Melano-
corypha clot-hey, Bp. Consp. Av. p. 342, lerapterhina cavaig-
naciij Des Murs, Rev. Zool. 1851, p. 35, pi. 1.

This grotesque and singular-looking bird is found in small
flocks on the mountain-sides south of El Aghouat. I never
heard of its being obtained in any other locality, nor did I ever
meet with it but on one occasion, when I obtained four speci-
mens. In its flight it resembles the other Larks, and at first
sightyfrom the broad black and white bands on the secondaries,
might be taken for Certhilauda desertorum. It runs with great
rapidity, and is very shy. The whole of the upper plumage is
ruddy isabel. The neck and breast whitish, with large round
blaek spots occupying the centre of each feather; cheeks and
moustache black, with a white subauricular spot ; throat white.
Primaries brownish black ; secondaries black, with the lower third
part pure white ; rectrices sandy white, with a small brownish-
black spot on the inner web of the external feathers, increasing
in each feather, until in the centre oije it occupies a third of the
whole length. Tarsi and feet covered with very prominent white
scales ; hind claw not equalling the length of the toe. But the
most singular feature of the bird is its bill, which is, I believe,
without an analogue. It is very solid, eonical, and arched,
*7 inch from the gape, and *5 inch perpendicular diameter, stone
colour, but black at the tip. The lower mandible has a sharply-
cut notch on each side about the eentre, over which a semicircular

Ornithology of Northern Africa. 425

portion is scooped out of the upper mandible, leaving a crescent-
shaped aperture, through which a straw may be passed, and then
at an acute angle fitting closely down on the lower mandible,
which, though notched, is perfectly straight along its whole
centre line.

Total length to 6| inches. Wing from carpal joint 5 inches.
Tarsi *9 inch.

80. Melanocorypha calandra ; Bp. Consp. Av. p. 242.
(Calandra Lark.)

Though swarming on the coasts, and by far the most common
Lark in the Tell, the Calandra soon becomes scarce in the inte-
rior, and can only doubtfully claim a place in the Sahara list.
The two specimens I obtained on its edge are decidedly larger
than those of the plains on the other side the Atlas, measuring
8 inches in length, with beaks more robust and longer than in
other specimens, *8 inch from the gape instead of ’6 inch, but do
not exhibit any further specific distinction.

The Calandra is in high esteem by French epicures, and
ranks among the best ^ gibier^ of the Algerian chasseur.

81. Galerida CRisTATA. (Crested Lark.) ^^Gouhah^^ Xxoh.

In the north of the Sahara. Further south its place is sup-
plied by its congeners.

82. Galerida abyssinica; Bp. Consp. Av. p. 245. (Abys-
sinian Crested Lark.)

The commonest Lark of the Desert, though scarcer in the
southern districts. It differs only in colour from the G. cristata,
being of a rufous isabel hue on the upper parts, with darker
lines down the centre of each feather. Its eggs resemble pale
varieties of its congener.

83. Galerida isabellina; Bp. Consp. Av. p. 245. (Isabel-
line Crested Lark.)

This very distinct variety is far less abundant than the last,
being confined to the most desolate districts. It is much
smaller, shorter by at least an inch, with its hues more uniformly
pallid, and the darker mark down the centre of each feather
almost obliterated. Its bill is of similar proportions, in no way
differing from that of G. cristata. I do not find the remark of

426 Rev. H. B. Tristram on the

Prince Bonaparte, as to the crest being longer, to hold good
uniformly. I obtained one nest, the eggs of which resemble
pale-coloured varieties of G. cristataj but are scarcely larger
than those of Calandrella hrachydactyla.

84. Galerida arenicola, Tristram, Ibis, vol. i. p. 58. (The
Sand Lark.)

This bird may be at once distinguished from its congeners by
its bill, which is extremely elongated, slender, and curved, its
length being *9 inch from the gape. The total length is from
6| to 6f inches, being the full dimensions of G. ahyssinica. Its
coloration also is similar, but paler, and the flanks and belly
are suffused with a faint Isabel hue. From its beak, and general
conformation, it seems to be a link between the genera Galerida
and Certhiluuda. I met with it only in the extreme east of the
Algerian and in the Tunisian Sahara. Circumscribed by these
almost unexplored tracts, it has probably hitherto escaped the
observation of naturalists.

85. Galerida macrorhyncha ; Tristram, Ibis, vol. i. p. 57.
(Long-billed Crested Lark.)

Unlike its congeners, this bird, by far the largest of its genus,
appears only to resort to the northern edge of the Sahara, where
its lateral range extends from Morocco to Tripoli. As might
be anticipated from its habitat, its plumage partakes only in a
slight degree of the sandy hues which mark the true Desert
habitants, although very much paler than any Crested Larks
obtained in Europe or in the Tell. It is unneeessary to repeat
the diagnosis already given in ^ The Ibis,^ but its size will at
once prevent it from being mistaken for any other species.
Its whole length is 7*8 inches, wing 4*5, tail 2*8, beak 1 *0,
tarsi 1*05. The form of its bill resembles that of G. areni-
colay but, though curved, it is not so slender, and is stouter and
more compressed at the base. In both species the extremity of
the bill is rounded and dilated, instead of running to a point
as in other Galeridee. This may probably arise from its habit
of constantly digging into the soil for its food, from which
cause also the capistra are generally much worn and the nostrils
bare. It is very abundant near El Aghouat, where I first re-

427

Ornithology of Northern Africa,

marked it following the labourers in a barley patch, after the
manner of a rook. It appears to be confined to those districts
where there is water and cultivation. I was not fortunate
enough to meet with it in the breeding-season. I presume that
this is the species catalogued, but not described, by Captain
Loche as Galerida randomly as I first drew his attention to the
bird as new, and supplied him with specimens in 1857.

86. Certhilauda duponti (Vieill.) ; Bp. Consp, Av. p. 246.
(Dupont’s Lark.)

This elegant and delicately marked bird — a link between Gale-
rida and Certhilauda, beautifully illustrative of the gentle grada-
tions by which Nature glides from one type to another — is, I
believe, the very rarest of all the Larks of the Sahara. I found
it only in the far south, in the Wed N9a, at which place it
was also obtained by Captain Loche a few months afterwards.
Neither of us ever saw more than two or three pairs. The
white outer tail-feathers give it the appearance at first sight of
our common Skylark, for which indeed it passed with my com-
panion, who was the first to shoot it. Captain Loche obtained a
nest of four eggs, one of which he kindly presented to me. As
might have been expected, the eggs difier much from the typical
characteristics of the Lark. They are very round, 9^ lines by 8,
of a soiled white colour, with pale brown blotches sparsely scat-
tered over the surface, bearing a strong resemblance to small
varieties of Lanius ewcuhitor, but with an ivory polished surface.

87. Certhilauda desertorum (Stanley) : Bp. Consp. Av.
p. 246. (Bifasciated Lark.)

Universally distributed throughout the whole of the true
Desert. Unlike its congeners, it seems to be a most solitary
bird, and seldom, except in the breeding-season, have I seen
even two together. But a day rarely occurred when we did not
obtain a few specimens on the march ; and indeed this game
formed our principal and favourite animal food. Although its
uniform of inconspicuous drab renders it most difficult of detec-
tion on the ground, its restless habits soon attract attention.
The moment it extends its wings, the broad black bar across the
snow-white secondaries attracts the eye and renders it an easy

428

Rev. H. B. Tristram on the

mark. At first sight it reminded me much of a Plover in the
manner in which it rose and scudded away. Indeed there is
nothing of the Lark in it« flighty except in early morning, when
I have watched it rise perpendicularly to some elevation and
then suddenly drop, repeating these gambols uninterruptedly
over exactly the same spot for nearly an hour, accompanying
itself by a loud whistling song. It runs with great rapidity,
and it requires no little speed of foot to capture a broken-
winged victim. In the stomach of those I opened I found
small coleoptera, sand-flies, and hard seeds. There is something
very graceful in all its movements, and the distinct markings of
its wings and the expansion of its long black tail render it
really a beautiful bird when flying.

The egg is very large, 12 lines by 8 j the ground-colour like
that of C. dupontij but the brown blotches smaller and far more
closely distributed, especially towards the broader end. It
would not be easy to select it out of a series of some varieties
of Lanius excuhitor.

88. Certhilauda salvtni, Tristram, Ibis, vol. i. p.'57.
(Salvin^s Lark.)

I have ventured to describe
this bird as a species, and to
name it after my friend Osbert
Salvin, one of the most zeal-
ous of our young ornitholo-
gists, and the most amiable
of travelling companions,
though I am aware that it
may be termed a local race
more properly than a species.

Its length is 7*8 inches, the
wing 4*5, tail 3*1, tarsi 1*3,
being about 1*5 inch shorter than C. desertorum. I found I
could always distinguish the species on the wiog by the broader
white on the secondaries. It is also a much more slender bird,
and the difference in the size of the skeleton is far greater than
would have been imagined from the appearance of the skins in a
cabinet.

429

Ornithology of Northern Africa,

To the accompanying sketches of the sterna of the two species
I subjoin their comparative measurements : —

C. desertorum. C. sahim.
inch. inch.

Joint of furculum to posterior end of sternum 1*7 . . 1'4

Depth of keel

... -45 . ,

. *375

Length of keel ......

... II .

. *8

Span of arch of keel ....

... -7 .

. -6

The smaller species I met with only in the southern and
south-eastern districts, never in the central or western j but
where it occurred, it by no means supplanted the commoner
bird. I found, on consulting Captain Loche, that he had ar-
rived independently at the same conclusion as myself, that there
were two species, i. e. as species are now made.

Writing with a series of about 100 Larks of various species
from the Sahara before me, I cannot help feeling convinced
of the truth of the views set forth by Messrs. Darwin and Wal-
lace in their communications to the Linnean Society, to which
my friend Mr. A. Newton last year directed my attention, On
the Tendency of Species to form Varieties, and on the Perpetua-
tion of Varieties and Species by natural means of selection^.’’
It is hardly possible, I should think, to illustrate this theory
better than by the Larks and Chats of North Africa.

In all these, in the congeners of the Wheatear, of the Rock
Chat, of the Crested Lark, we trace gradual modifications of
coloration and of anatomical structure, defiecting by very gentle
gradations from the ordinary type ; but when we take the ex-
tremes, presenting most marked differences. Are these extremes,
it may be asked, further removed from each other than the
Guinea Negro or the Papuan is from, the typical Caucasian?
and are these species aboriginal and indigenous, or are they de-
veloped by climatic and other local causes ? I think the latter
alternative almost demonstrable in the case of these birds.
These differences of structure (I am using the word here in its
widest sense, to include colour, form, and size) doubtless have a
very direct bearing on the ease or difficulty with which the

* Journ. Proc. Linn. Soc. Zool. III. p. 45.

430

Rev. H. B. Tristram on the

animal contrives to maintain its existence. In the Desert^ where
neither trees, brushwood, nor even undulation of surface afford
the slightest protection from its foes, a modification of colour,
which shall be assimilated to that of the sun’ounding country,
is absolutely necessary. Hence, without exception, the upper
plumage of every bird, whether Lark, Chat, Sylvian, or Sand-
grouse, and also the fur of all the small mammals, and the skin
of all the Snakes and Lizards, is of one uniform isabelline or
sand colour. It is very possible that some further purpose may
be served by the prevailing colours, but this appears of itself a
sufficient explanation. There are individual varieties in depth
of hue among all creatures. In the struggle for life which
we know to be going on among all species, a very slight
change for the better, such as improved means of escaping from
its natural enemies (which would be the effect of an alteration
from a conspicuous colour to one resembling the hue of the
surrounding objects), would give the variety that possessed it a
decided advantage over the typical or other forms of the species.
Now in all creatures, from Man downwards, we find a tendency
to transmit individual varieties or peculiarities to the descend-
ants. A peculiarity either of colour or form soon becomes here-
ditary when there are no counteracting causes, either from
change of climate or admixture of other blood. Suppose this
transmitted peculiarity to continue for some generations, espe-
cially when manifest advantages arise from its possession, and
the variety becomes not only a race, with its variations still more
strongly imprinted upon it, but it becomes the typical form of
that country. If it be objected that we see many varieties which
do not become hereditary, we may reply, that these varieties
having experienced changes not advantageous to their means of
existence, may from that very cause become extinct. Still there
are many which continue, as the Pied Raven of the Faroe
Islands, and the Tailless Manx Cat.

To apply the theory to the case of the Sahara. If the Alge-
rian Desert were colonized by a few pairs of Crested Larks, —
putting aside the ascertained fact of the tendency of an arid, hot
climate to bleach all dark colours, — we know that the proba-
bility is, that one or two pairs would be likely to be of a darker

431

Ornithology of Northern Africa.

complexion than the others. These, and such of their offspring
as most resembled them, would become more liable to capture
by their natural enemies, hawks and carnivorous beasts. The
lighter-coloured ones would enjoy more or less immunity from
such attacks. Let this state of things continue for a few hun«
dred years, and the dark-coloured individuals would be exter-
minated, the light-coloured remain and inhabit the land. This
process, aided by the above-mentioned tendency of the climate
to blanch the coloration still more, would in a few centuries pro-
duce the Galerida ahyssinica as the typical form. And it must
be noted, that between it and the European G, cristata there is
no distinction but that of colour.

But when we turn to Galerida isabellina, G, arenicolaj and
G. macrorhynchaj we have differences not only of colour but of
structure. These differences are most marked in the form of
the bill. Now to take the two former first. G, arenicola has
a very long bill, G. isahellina a very short one ; the former resorts
exclusively to the deep, loose sandy tracts, the latter haunts the
hard and rocky districts. It is manifest that a bird whose food
has to be sought for in deep sand derives a great advantage from
any elongation, however slight, of its bill. The other, who
feeds among stones and rocks, requires strength rather than
length. We know that even in the type-species, the size of the
bill varies in individuals, in the Lark as well as in the Snipe.
Now, in the Desert, the shorter-billed varieties would undergo
comparative difficulty in finding food where it was not abundant,
and consequently would not be in such vigorous condition as
their longer- billed relatives. In the breeding-season therefore
they would have fewer eggs and a weaker progeny. Often, as
we know, a weakly bird will abstain from matrimony altogether.
The natural result of these causes would be that in course of time
the longer- billed variety would steadily predominate over the
shorter, and in a few centuries they would be the sole existing
race, their shorter-billed fellows dying out until that race was
extinct. The converse will hold good of the stout-billed and
weaker-billed varieties in a rocky district.

Here are only two causes enumerated which might serve to
create as it were a new species from an old one, yet they are
perfectly natural causes, and such as, I think, must have occurred,

432

Rev. H. B. Tristram on the

and are possibly occurring still. We know so very little of the
causes which in the majority of cases make species rare or com-
mon/that there may be hundreds of others at work, some even
more powerful than these, which go to perpetuate and eliminate
certain forms according to natural means of selection/’ But
even these superficial causes appear sufficient to explain the
marked features of the Desert races which frequently approach
so very closely the typical form, and yet possess such invariably
distinctive characteristics, that naturalists seem agreed to elevate
them to the rank of species. The differences in size may be
yet more simply explained by the facility or difficulty of sustain-
ing existence in varying localities. On similar principles we
may account for the existence of such a bird as Galerida maci'o-
rhyncha in the warm, genial climate of the Oases, where, winter
being unknown, and food always abundant and close at hand,
every stimulus is afforded to a vigorous development, while its
prey being generally hidden in the soft open mould of the gar-
dens and barley patches, any tendency to elongation of the bill
is fostered and encouraged, until we find a race two inches longer
than Galerida isahellina, and with a bill exactly double in length
(1 inch instead of -5).

A process precisely similar may be supposed to have developed
the various species of Desert Chats, until we find in the desert of
Souf that all distinctive trace of colour has been scorched out,
and instead of the brightly clad Baxicola stapazina, we have no
more cheerful representative of the genus than >S^. homochroa.
Widely as these two extremes appear to be separated, yet a well-
chosen series of the numerous African species of the class will
exhibit a range of transitions so imperceptible, that it will be
found very difficult without careful comparison to draw a line
between one species and the next.

I cannot but hope that ere long ornithologists will systema-
tically recognize, what is already admitted in a great degree by
conchologists, the clear distinction between species and race. I
do not see any difficulty in taking as the true definition of a
species all the individuals who may resonably be presumed to
have a common origin, though among them there may exist
races differing from one another even in a considerable degree.

I do not mean for a moment to imply that such birds as Rham-

433

Ornithology of Northern Africa.

phocoris clot-hey have been developed out of any known Eu-
ropean form, or that we are to presume so far to limit Creative
Power as to endeavour to explain the growth of Desert species uni-
versally by the development of individual peculiarities. Wherever
may have been the centre whence they sprung, undoubtedly there
are many creatures to be found there which could not have been
developed by any conceivable process from other known races.
But whilst it is contrary alike to sound philosophy and to Chris-
tian faith to doubt the creation of many species by the simple
exercise of Almighty volition, still, knowing that God ordinarily
works by natural means, it might be the presumption of an
unnecessary miracle to assume a distinct and separate origin for
many of those which we term species. We may speculate on
the question for a life-time ; this conclusion alone so far is cer-
tain,— that every peculiarity or difference in the living inhabit-
ants of each country is admirably adapted by the wisdom of
their beneficent Creator for the support and preservation of the
species.

89. Lanius dealbatus, De Filippi : Bp. Rev. Zool. 1853,
p. 293. Boorass/^ Arab. (The Pallid Shrike.)

While its numerous congeners who resort to the coast of
North Africa are all migrants, the Pallid Shrike, which never
transgresses the northern limits of the Desert, remains a per-
manent resident, breeding very early not only in the trees of
the oases, but in the low jujubes and prickly shrubs of the
dayats. Its nest and eggs in no way differ from those of the
Great Grey Shrike, which it much resembles in size and gene-
ral appearance. It is a remarkably fearless bird, and will remain
calmly perched on the outmost edge of a palm leaf while a party
is sitting and talking beneath the shade of the tree. It is ex-
tremely abundant in all the oases, and its plaintive cry may be
heard in every dayat. I once saw one feasting on an impaled
Dartford Warbler, but its usual food appears to be the large
Baps which swarms in myriads through the dayats and weds.
Under the old nests at least a bushel of beetle wings might
be collected, and the insects hang impaled on every jujube thorn
around. This is not a solitary bird, though hardly gregarious,
but three or four may generally be found not far apart. It is

VOL. I. 2 H

434

Hev. H. B. Tristram on the

a special object of dislike to the Willow Wren^ whose clamours
frequently disturb its noontide siesta.

No other Shrike came under my observation in the winter,
nor did any appear to halt in the Desert on their vernal migra-
tion, though on our return to the coast we found that at least
five species had arrived from the south.

90. Hirundo rustica. (Chimney Swallow.)

A few pairs of Swallows remained all the winter in each oasis ;
but none of those observed were in mature plumage, and I there-
fore presume that it is only the younger and weaker birds who stay
behind. The Arabs informed me that for one swallow they have
in winter they have twenty in summer, and that they usually retire
about the end of November, returning in February. Certainly very
few had arrived by the end of February, though in the beginning
of that month I saw myriads on the wing at Biskra, which must
have remained for some time in that neighbourhood, as they
did not reappear in any considerable numbers in Tunis till the
beginning of March. But throughout the whole winter a few
were to be seen wherever there was water or marsh. The natives
are perfectly familiar with the fact of the migration of vast flocks
to the south, which all go, as they say, to Tirabuctoo, the El
Dorado of Arab and Swallow.

91. CoTYLE RUPESTRis. (Bock Swallow.)

I saw two of these birds in December in a ravine in the M^zab
country.

92. CoTYLE RiPARiA. (Sand Martin.)

A few at El Aghouat in November. They did not appear to
winter in the Sahara, and can only, I imagine, be stragglers
there at any time, as the weds and oases afford them but few
conveniences for nidification.

93. Chelidon urbica. (House Martin.)

Exactly the same remarks will apply to this bird as to the
Chimney Swallow. A few pairs may everywhere be seen through-
out the winter, while in summer, I am told, there is not a hovel
without several building in the corners of the doorways, where
their nests may generally be seen. Those I shot were in im-
mature plumage.

435

Ornithology of Northern Africa.

94. CucuLus, sp. ?

I once chased for nearly an hour a very small Cuckoo, not

far from Tuggurt, of a uniform sand-colour, with the long tail
characteristic of the genus. Though several times very near it,
I did not succeed in obtaining it ; but some months afterwards
I saw a skin of the same, or a most closely- allied species, in the
possession of M. Henon of Batna, the only other specimen I
ever met with. I cannot refer the bird to any of those in the
catalogue of Heuglin (his Cuculus ruflcoliis I do not know) ; and
so convinced was M. Henon that his specimen was unique, that
he was unmliing to allow me to measure or describe it. In
repose the bird at a distance is not unlike Crateropus fulvus,
but is a little smaller. I met with it on a vast level chott or hard
sand-plain, far away from any cover.

95. Merops APiASTER. (Bee-eater.) Leemoon^^ or Mey-
moona” Arab.

A few stragglers occurred in November.

96. Upupa epops. (Hoopoe.) Thibeeh/^ Arab.

Great numbers of Hoopoes resort to the M^zab cities and those
of the other oases during the winter, where they are assiduous in
searching the dunghills, and strut about all the court -yards and
among the tents with the familiarity of barn-door fowls. They
are held in much reverence by the natives for their medicinal and
magical virtues, and are never molested. It is no praise to our
superior civilization to reflect that the Hoopoe might be one of
our regular English summer visitants but for the reckless selfish-
ness of every fool who can handle a gun, and out of mere wan-
tonness must needs destroy, on its first arrival, one of the most
beautiful and certainly the most graceful of the feathered in-
habitants of Europe. A few pairs remain in the weds to breed,
but the greater proportion leave the Sahara in summer.

97. Cypselus MELBA. (White-bellied Swift.)

98. Cypselus apus. (Common Swift.)

Both these birds resort to the cliffs and the mosque-towers for
nidification, buC unlike the Swallow and Martin, retire alto-
gether in winter to still more southern regions. The Common
Swift had not left El Aghouat during the first week of November.

[To be continued.]

2h 2

436

Mr. P. L. Sclater’s List of the

XLIV.— .4 List of the Tyrant-birds of Mexico, with descriptions
of some new species. By Philip Lutley Sclater, M.A.

(Plate XIV.)

The Tyrant-birds {Tyrannidce) of the New World have^ as is
now well known from the researches of Joh. Muller Cabanis,
and other writers^ no natural affinity with the Flycatchers
{Muscicapidce) of the Old World, although their habits are in
some respects similar, and they doubtless perform the same
functions in the economy of nature in their respective hemi-
spheres. While the Flycatchers are closely connected with the
Warblers [Sylviid(B), so closely indeed that it is exceedingly
difficult to decide to which of the two families to refer certain
genera, the Tyrant-birds are so intimately allied with the Fruit-
eaters [Cotingidce], that Cabanis f. Van der Hoeven J and other
writers have proposed to embrace them in the same natural
family. Without assenting to this, I admit that the two groups
of birds are very nearly allied, and must be placed next to each
other, and that there are certain forms (such as Tityra, Pachy-
rhamphus, Querula, &c.) which seem to share the characters of
both the families.

The Tyrant-birds of the New World then, assuming their
distinctness from the Fruit-eaters, form a very extensive group,
embracing numerous genera and species, at present very im-
perfectly known, and exceedingly difficult to distinguish and
classify, owing to their uniform colouring and great general
resemblance. As, however, is the case in many other difficult
groups, much assistance may be derived by paying attention to
their geographical distribution, the species of Tyrannidce, as of
other Neogean families, being, with some few exceptions, rather
restricted in their range, and those of one zoological region
being generally distinct from those of another.

Professor Baird, in his ^ General Report upon N. American
Ornithology,^ has given an elaborate analysis of the species of

* Ueber den bisher unbekannten typische Verscliiedenheiten der Stimm-
organe der Passerinen. Abb. Akad. Berlin, 1845, p. 321 .

t Ornithologische Notizen, Wiegmann’s Archiv, 1847, p- 232.

I Handbook of Zoology (English edition), ii. p. 475.

437

Tyrant-birds of Mexico.

Tyrannida which are found in the United States. My present
object is to bring together the names of such as have occurred
to me in several collections formed in Mexico, which I have
lately examined, and such as have been recorded by other writers
as found within the limits of the Mexican Confederation.

I am at present inclined to divide the Tyrannidce into four
subfamilies.

1. AttilinaCy consisting of the few members of the Attila,
Lesson (including Dasycephala, Sw.), and their allies, which seem
to form a connecting link between the Formicariidce (with which
they are arranged by Cabanis, Burmeister, and others) and the
Tyrannidce. They are, I believe, terrestrial in their habits. Their
typical colouring is rufous.

2. Tceniopterince — a very distinct division of the family, re-
cognized as such by G. B. Gray, Bonaparte, and indeed almost
all writers. They are eminently terrestrial in their habits, and
most abundant in the southern portion of the South American
continent, inhabiting the open pampas, seashores, and sides of
the rivers. Their typical ptilosis is black and white, scarcely
one olive-green species being found amongst them. The sexes
are often differently coloured in this group.

3. Tyrannince, the most numerous group in species, embracing
the typical wood-loving Tyrants, very varying in form when
carefully studied, but nearly all clothed in the same olive-green
and yellow dress, sometimes passing into rufous. The sexes in
this division are, with but few exceptions, coloured alike.

4. PlatyrhynchincRf a division formed by Dr. Cabanis for the
wide-billed birds belonging to the genera Platyrhynchus,
Todirostrum, &c., mostly of small size, and distinguished by the
usual absence of rictal bristles, and the shorter wings and long
and slender tarsi. They are, I believe, exclusively arboreal in
their habits, and in colouring do not depart from the type of the
Tyrannince, from which I am doubtful if they are really separable
as a subfamily.

Birds of all these four supposed subfamilies occur within the
limits of the Mexican Confederation. I now proceed to notice
those species of which I have myself seen Mexican specimens.

438

Mr. P. L. Sclater’s List of the

I. Attilin^.

1. Attila citreopygius (Bp.). Dasycephala citreopyga,^^.
Compt. Rend, xxxviii. p. 657; Notes Orn. p. 86; Sclater, P. Z. S.
1857, p. 227, et 1859, p. 41.

Hah. S. Mexico, Vera Cruz and Play a Vicente (Boucard), and
southwards to Guatemala and Nicaragua.

Mus. P. L. S.

II. T^niopterin^.

2. Sayornis nigricans, Sclater, P. Z. S. 1856, p. 296.
Tyrannula nigricans, Sw. Phil. Mag. 1827, p. 367 ; Baird, Hep.
p. 183.

Hah. S. Mexico, Cordova (Salle); northern provinces (Couch).

Mus. P. L. S.

The aquatic habits of the birds of this group (see Fraser in
P. Z. S. 1858, p. 457, and Salvin, antea, p. 119), as well as their
close alliance with Ochthoeca, induce me to arrange them here.

3. Sayornis pallida, Sclater, P. Z. S. 1857, p. 204. Tyran-
nula pallida, Sw. Phil. 1827, p. 367. M. saya, Bp. Sayornis
sayus, Baird, Bep. p. 185.

Hah. Whole of Mexico, Jalapa (Boucard).

Mus. P. L. S.

III. Tyrannin^.

4. ScAPHORHYNCHUs MEXicANUs, Lafi*. Rev. Zool. 1851,
p. 473; Sclater, ‘P. Z. S. 1857, p. 204.

Hah. S. Mexico, Jalapa (Boucard & de Oca) ; Orizaba
(Botteri) .

Mus. P. L. S.

5. PiTANGUs DERBiANus, Sclatcr, P. Z. S. 1856, p. 297.
Saurophagus derhianus, Kp. P. Z. S, 1851, p. 44, pi. 36. S.
sulphuratus, Gambel, Journ. Acad. Phil. i. p. 39.

Hah. S. Mexico, Cordova (Salle); Jalapa (de Oca).

Mus. P. L. S.

6. Myiodynastes luteiventrts, Sclater, P. Z. S. 1859,
p. 42. Tyrannus audax'l, Sclater, P. Z. S. 1856, p. 297.

Tyrant-hirds of Mexico. 439

Hah. S. Mexico, Cordova (Salle); Orizaba (Botteri) ; Jalapa
(de Oca).

Mus. P. L. S.

7. Tyrannus intrepidus (VieilL). T. carolinensis, Baird,
Rep. p. 171; Sclater, P. Z. S. 1858, p. 302; Sw. Phil. Mag.
1827, p. 368.

Hah. Whole of Mexico ; table-land (Sw.) ; Playa Vicente
(Boucard) .

8. Tyrannus vociferans, Sw. Quart. Journ. Sc. 1826,
p.273; Baird, Rep. p. 174. Tyrannus cassinii, Baird, Rep. p. 175.

Hah. Northern Mexico (Kennerly) ; Oaxaca (Boucard) ; and
southwards to Guatemala.

Mus. P. L. S.

9. Tyrannus couchii, Baird, Rep. p. 175.

Hah. North-eastern Mexico (Couch) ; Orizaba (Botteri).

Mus. P. L. S.

I have a specimen, collected by Botteri, which I refer, rather
doubtfully, to this species.

10. Tyrannus melancholicus, Vieill. ; Sclater, P. Z. S.
1856, p. 297 ; Baird, Rep. p. 176.

Hah. S. Mexico, Cordova (Salle) ; Orizaba (Botteri); Jalapa
(de Oca) ; and southwards to Guatemala and S. America.

Mus. P. L. S.

A common S. American species, and of exceptionally wide
distribution.

11. Tyrannus crassirostris, Sw. Quart. Journ. Sc. xx.

p.273 (1826).

Hah. Maritime and table-lands (Sw.) ; Mazatlan (Verreaux).

Mus. P. L. S.

12. Milvulus monachus, Hartl. R. Z. 1844, p. 214. M.
tyrannus, Sclater, P. Z. S. 1856, p. 297 \ Baird, Rep. p. 168.

Hah. S. Mexico, Plains of Vera Cruz (Salle) ; Playa Vicente,
Oaxaca (Boucard) ; and southwards to Guatemala and Honduras.

Mus. P. L. S.

13. Milvulus forficatus (Gm.) ; Bp. Am. Orn. pi. 2. fig.l;
Sclater, P. Z. S. 1857, p. 204; Baird, Rep. p. 169.

440

Mr. P. L. Sclater^s List of the

Hah, Whole of Mexico, Jalapa (Boucard) ; Texas and N.
Mexico (Lieut. Couch) ; and southwards to Guatemala and
Honduras.

14. Myiarchus crinitus (Linn.) ; Baird, Bep. p. 178.

I have not yet seen this species from Mexico, but, as it extends
to Guatemala [antea, p. 121), there can be no doubt of its
occurrence there.

15. Myiarchus cooperi, Kaup, P. Z. S. 1851, p. 51 ; Baird,
Bep. p. 180.

Hah, Mexico, Oaxaca (Boucard), and southwards to Gua-
temala.

Mus. P. L. S.

16. Myiarchus lawrencii. Tyrannula lawrencii, Giraud,
B. Texas, pi. 2. Myiarchus mexicanus, Sclater, P. Z. S. 1856,
p. 296; Baird, Bep. p. 181.

Hah. Whole of Mexico, Cordova (Salle); Orizaba (Bott.);
Jalapa (de Oca) ; New Leon (Couch).

Mus. P. L. S.

17. Myiarchus cinerascens (Lawr.). Tyrannula cineras-
cens, Lawr. M. mexicanus, Baird, Bep. p. 179.

Hah. Whole of Mexico ; Coahuile (Couch) ; Playa Vicente
(Boucard) ; and southwards to Guatemala.

Mus. P. L. S.

18. Myiarchus puscus (Gm.). Sayornis fusca, Baird, Bep.
p. 184.

Hah. Mexico, Jalapa (de Oca).

Mus. P. L. S.

19. CoNTOPUs BOREALIS (Sw.) ; Sclater, P. Z. S. 1858,
p. 301. Tyr annus cooperi, Sclater, P. Z. S. 1856, p. 297.

Hah. Whole of Mexico, Cordova (Salle) ; Parada, Oaxaca
(Boucard) .

Mus. P. L. S.

20. CoNTOPUs MESOLEUcus, Sclater, P. Z. S. 1859, p. 43.

Hah. S. Mexico, Orizaba (Bott.), and southwards to Guate-
mala.

Mus. P. L. S.

441

Tyrant-hirds of Mexico.

21. CoNTOPUs soRDiDULUs, Sclater, P. Z. S. 1859, p. 43.

Hah. S. Mexico, Orizaba (Bott.), and southwards to Guate-
mala.

Mus. P. L. S.

22. CoNTOPUs VIRENS (Linn.) : Baird, Kep. p. 195.

Hah. Mexico, and southwards to Guatemala.

Mus. P. L. S.

23. Empidonax brachytarsus, sp. nov.

Obscure cineraceus, pileo alis et cauda saturatioribus, uropygio
olivaceo vix tincto : tectricibus alarum minoribus et majori-
bus et secundariis extus ad apicem sordido albo stricte
marginatis : subtus dilutior, gula albicante, ventre medio
flavicante : tectricibus subalaribus rufescente vix tinctis :
rostro superiore corneo, inferiore flavido, pedibus nigris :
long, tota 5*3, alse 2'9, caudse 2*4, rostri a rictu 5*5, tarsi 5.

Hah. In Mexico Merid. ; Cordova (Salle), et Santecomapam.

Mus. P. L. S.

I have two specimens of this little bird in my cabinet, one of
them being from M. Sallees first collection made at Cordova, and
the other received from M. Verreaux. Its general appearance
is more that of a Contopus, with which it also agrees in its short
tarsi ; but its much shorter wings induce me to arrange it with
Empidonax y placing it next to Empidonax traillii of the U.S.,
which has also short tarsi. The wings are rather longer than in
E, trailliiy the second quill being longest, the third and fourth
slightly diminishing in length, and the fifth longer than the
first. The greenish tinge on the rump is hardly perceptible.

24. Empidonax pusillus (Sw.) : Platyrhynchus pusillusy Sw.
Phil. Mag. 1827, p. 366? j Baird, Rep. p. 194.

Hah. Northern Mexico, Los Nogales (Kennerly).

25. Empidonax minimus, Baird, Rep. p. 195,

Hah. Whole of Mexico, Orizaba (Bott.) : Oaxaca, Playa Vi-
cente and Talea (Boucard).

Mus. P. L. S.

26. Empidonax flaviventris, Baird, Rep. p. 198.

Hah. Whole of Mexico, Jalapa (de Oca).

Mus. P. L. S.

442

Mr. P. L. Sclater^s List of the

27. Empidonax BAIRD i, Sclatcr, P. Z. S. 1858, p. 301.

Hab. Soutlieni Mexico, Cordova (Salle) j Oaxaca (Boucard).
Mus. P. L. S.

28. Mitrephorus ph^ocercus, Sclater, P. Z. S. 1859,
p. 44 : Tyrannula (sp. 104), Sclater, P. Z. S. 1856, p. 296 :
Empidonax sp., Sclater, P. Z. S. 1858, p. 302. (Plate XIV.
%• 3.)

Hah, Whole of Mexico, Cordova (Salle) ; Orizaba (Botteri) ;
La Parada, Oaxaca (Boucard).

Mus. P. L. S.

I now figure this common Mexican species, for which, after
vainly attempting to fit it in in two or three places, I was com-
pelled to invent two new names. Its rich brown under surface
will render it easily recognizable among its Mexican brethren,
its only near ally being the next species, M. fulvifronSy which is
much paler and more huffy below.

29. Mitrephorus fulvierons (Giraud) ; Sclater, P. Z. S.
1859, p. 44 : Muscicapa fulvifrons, Giraud, B. Texas, pi. 2.
fig. 2: Empidonax fulvifronSf Sclater, P. Z. S. 1858, p. 301.

Hah. S. Mexico, Oaxaca (Boucard).

Mus, P. L. S.

30. Pyrocephalus mexicanus, Sclater, P. Z. S. 1859, p. 45:
Tyrannula coronata, Sw. Phil. Mag. 1827, p. 367 : P. ruhineus,
Sclater, P. Z. S. 1856, p. 296.

Hah. Whole of Mexico, Cordova (Salle), and southwards to
Guatemala and Honduras.

Mus. P. L. S.

31. Myiobtus sulphureipygius. Tyrannula sulphur eipygia,
Sclater, P. Z. S. 1856, p. 296.

Hah. S. Mexico, Cordova (Salle).

Mus. P. L. S.

32. Legates variegates. Elcenia variegata, Sclater, P. Z. S.
1856, p. 297 ; Ibis, 1859, p. 123.

Hah. S. Mexico, Cordova (Salle); Jalapa (de Oca) ; Oaxaca,
Playa Vicente (Boucard) ; and southwards to Guatemala.

Mus. P. L. S.

Ibis, lc359,Pi,

'-njitiiis, ad.Jia-Ldeii^f dth.. Stannard ^Dixoia.

1, GAIdPTO STOMA IMBERBE,

2, MITREPHORIJS PR^E 0 CE-R CUS .

\

I

443

Tyrant-hirds of Mexico.

33. Myiozetetes texensts, Sclater^ P. Z. S. 1859^ p. 45 :
Muse, texensis, Giraud, B. Texas, pi. 1 : Tyrannula cayennensis,
Sw. Phil. Mag. 1827, p. 367.

Hab. Whole of Mexico, Cordova (Salle) ; Jalapa (de Oca).

Mus. P. L. S.

34. Elainia placens, Sclater, P. Z. S. 1859, p. 46; Ibis,
1859, p. 123, pi. iv. fig. 2: Elcenia (sp. 113), Sclater, P. Z. S.
1856, p. 297.

Hab. S. Mexico, Cordova (Salle), and southwards to Guate-
mala.

Mus. P. L. S.

IV. Platyrhynchin^.

35. Muscivora mexicana, Sclater, P. Z. S. 1856, p. 295,
et 1859, p. 300.

Hab. S. Mexico, Cordova (Salle) ; Oaxaca (Boucard), and
southwards to Guatemala.

36. Cyclorhynchus brevirostrts. Cab. Orn. Notiz. in
Wiegm. Arch. 1847, p. 249 ; Sclater, P. Z. S. 1856, p. 296.

Hab. S. Mexico, Cordova (Salle).

Mus. P. L. S.

37. Cyclorhynchus cinereiceps, sp. nov.

Lsete olivaceus, pileo et nucha cineraceis, loris et oculorum
ambitu albis ; alis et cauda brunnescenti-nigris, extus flavo
stricte margin atis : subtus pallide cineraceus, abdomine toto
citrino-flavicante, lateribus olivaceo indutis, tectricibus sub-
alaribus pallide citrinis : rostro superiore corneo, inferiore
albido, pedibus pallide corylinis : long, tota 5*3, alse 2*5,
caudse 2'4, rostri a rictu 0*7, tarsi 0*7.

Hab. In Statu Oaxaca, reipubl. Mex. (Boucard).

Mus. P. L. S.

A recent collection from M. Boucard submitted to my exami-
nation by M. Salle contains this species, which is the Mexican
representative of the S. American C. sulphur escens, as C. brevi-
rostris is of C. olivaceus. It is easily distinguished, however, from
the southern bird by its pure cinereous cap and pale grey
throat.

I have now specimens of the following species of this group ;

444 Mr. P. L. Sclater’s List of the Tyrant-birds of Mexico.

(1) C. olivaceus, ex Brasil. ; (2) C. sp. ? probably new^ ex fl. Ama-
zonum sup. ; (3) C. brevirostris, ex Mexico ; (4) C. sulphur escens,
ex Brasil., fl. Amaz., et Nova Grenada ; (5) C. schistaceiceps, ex
Mexico; (6) C. flaviventris, ex Brasil., fl. Amaz., et Nov. Grenada;
(7) C. rujicauda (Spix), ex Cayenna et fl. Amazon.

The last-named bird is rather aberrant in form.

38. Todirostrum cinereum (Linn.) ; P. Z. S. 1857, p. 203.
Hab. S. Mexico, Santecomapam (Boucard), and southwards

to Mexico and Guatemala.

39. Todirostrum schistaceiceps, sp. nov.

Olivaceo-viride, pileo toto cum nucha obscure schistaceis : ma-
cula ante-oculari alba : alis nigris, flavicante extus limbatis ;
cauda nigra, olivaceo extus limbata : subtus cinerascenti-
album, gutture albescentiore, ventre medio lactescenti-albo,
lateribus flavescentibus : campterio flavo, tectricibus sub-
alaribus pallide citrinis ; rostro nigro, tomiis pallidis; pedibus
pallide corylinis : long, tota 3*5, alse 1*9, caudse 1*2, rostri
a rictu 6’5, tarsi 0*75.

Hab. In Statu Oaxaca, reipubl. Mexicanse (Boucard).

Mus. P. L. S.

This new Todirostrum is the only species that I have seen from
the country north of Panama besides T. cinereum and the next
aberrant bird, of which it will probably be necessary to form a
separate division. I am now acquainted with more than twenty
species of this group, but none of them much resemble the pre-
sent bird in coloration.

40. Todirostrum cinereigulare, Sclater^ P. Z. S. 1856,
p. 295.

Hab. S. Mexico, Cordova (Salle).

Mus. P. L. S.

41. Camptostoma imberbe, Sclater, P. Z. S. 1857, p. 203.
(Plate XIV. fig. 1.)

S. Andres Tuxtla, Vera Cruz (Boucard).

I here give a figure of this singular little bird from M. Sallees
type specimen, which is in my cabinet. I have not yet met with
a second example. I have pointed out its peculiar charac-
teristics in my original description referred to above. Its short

M & JT.Hanliart,

445

Mr. J. H. Gurney on PePs Owl.

wings, much compressed bill, and short tarsi, render it very di-
stinct from TodirostrurUj and this is certainly not its natural place.
It seems to be more nearly allied to Tyrannulus and Elainia,

42. Platyrhynchus cancroma (Licht.), Sclater, P. Z. S.
1856, p. 295.

Hab. S. Mexico, Cordova (Salle).

I am not quite certain of the identity of this bird with the
South American species.

43. Mionectes assimilis, Sclater, P. Z. S. 1859, p. 46 :
M, oleagineuSy Sclater, P. Z. S. 1856, p. 296.

Hab. S. Mexico, Cordova (Salle), and southwards to Guate-
mala.

Mus. P. L. S.

I possess examples of all the above species except Muscivora
mexicanay and Mexican specimens of all those I have marked as
in my collection, upon the authenticity of which I can rely. My
collection of Tyrannidce now numbers nearly 400 examples, and I
hope shortly to be able to publish a revision of the whole group.

XLV. — Note on PeVs Owl (Scotopelia peli). By John Henry
Gurney, M.P., P.Z.S.

(Plate XV.)

Having lately been most liberally presented with a living
specimen of this extremely rare Owl by Colonel O’Connor, C.B.
(Lieut.-Col. 1st W. I. Begt.), by whom it was recently brought
from the River Gambia, I have requested Mr. Wolf to draw
the bird from the life; and as the species has, I believe, not
been previously figured, I trust that the accompanying Plate
(PI. XV.) will prove an acceptable contribution to the pages of
^^The Ibis.”

The late Prince C. L. Bonaparte, in p. 44 of his ^Conspectus
Generum Avium,’ gives the following concise but comprehensive
notice of this species : —

446 Mr. J. H. Gurney on PeVs Owl.

" Genus 112.

ScoTOPELiA*, Bp. Permagna : plum<B auriculares nullw : tarsi
digitique nudi.

Strix Peli, Temm. Mus. Lugd. Figura nulla. Ex Ash-
antee. Longit. 22 pollicar. : rufo-cinnamomea nigro undulata ;
suhtus dilutior, maculis nigris panels : tarsis digitisque flavis.”

This description applies very well to my specimen, except that
the transverse markings on the upper part and the spots on the
lower part of the bird are not of a true black, but are, more pro-
perly speaking, of a dark brown, varying from the other portions
of the plumage rather in intensity of hue than in actual dif-
ference of colour. My specimen also differs from the descrip-
tion in the ^ Conspectus^ in the colour of the tarsi and feet,
which are a dirty white with a tinge of bluish-pink. The talons
are a very light horn-colour, with a tinge of dull blue. The
cere is a bluish lead-colour, and darker than the talons. The
bill is similar in colour to the cere, but much darker, except
towards the tip. The irides are an extremely dark brown. The
bill is very powerful, and more prominent than in most other
Owls ; the talons are also of remarkably formidable dimensions.

This Owl, since it has been in my possession, has evinced a
tendency to nocturnal habits, seeking the shelter of a hollow
tree, with which I have provided it, and seldom feeding much
till the approach of twilight. The food which it has preferred
since it has been in my keeping has consisted of rats and raw
fish, of both of which it partakes freely.

I understand that the bird is now in its second year. It is
very tame, and has evidently been well cared for, as will be seen by
the following interesting memorandum, with which Col. O^Con-
nor has favoured me respecting it. It will be observed that the
Owl is there spoken of under the name of Nero,"’^ which it
bore while in Col. O^Connor^s possession. The Eagle which is
referred to in the memorandum was also most liberally pre-

* The derivation of this curious generic name I believe to be o-kotos
caligo and neXeta columba (with a covert allusion to the specific name), —
although the formidable bill and talons of the bird give it anything but a
dove-like appearance. — Ed.

447

Mr. J. H. Gurney on PeVs Owl.

sented to me by Col. 0^ Connor, but it having unfortunately
died before I received it, I am unable to say to what species it
belonged.

With reference to the habitat of Ashantee^^ assigned to this
species by Prince C. L. Bonaparte, it is proper to observe, that
Dr.Hartlaub, in his work ^ On the Birds of West Africa^ (p*18),
refers to the specimen in the Leyden Museum as having been
brought from Rio Boutry. Other specimens from the River
Camma are mentioned in Mr. Cassinis list of birds collected
by M. Duchaillu, in the ^Proceedings of the Academy of
Natural Sciences of Philadelphia ^ for the present year, p. 32.
Besides these, the subject of the present notice is, I believe, the
only other individual of this species the occurrence of which has
as yet been recorded. The Barra Country, from which it was ob-
tained, is stated in ^ Pullarton^s Gazetteer ^ to lie on the north
bank of the Gambia, extending about 18 leagues along the coast,
with a breadth of 14 leagues,^^ and is therefore considerably to
the north of the localities from which the two previous specimens
were obtained.

Catton Hall, Norwich,

27th Sept. 1859.

Memorandum hy Col. 0^ Connor, C,B., Lieut. -Col. \st W.I.Regt.

Sketch of Nero, the Owl, a ‘^Peetish Bird,^ from the River
Gambia, Western coast of Africa.

During seven years^ exploration of Western Africa, I only
met one of the species of the Owl ^ Nero.^ He was brought
^ a chicken^ full of pen-feathers, or rather down, of a delicate
straw-colour, and very thick, from a lagoon in the Barra Coun-
try. No native would admit ^Nero^ as a visitor; and when the
bird was installed in Government House, the servants and head
people came in a body to remonstrate, asserting ‘ he was a Gumbi
owl, a ^ FeetisV ! ! !, and would destroy and kill whatever object
he looked on.^ The chief groom (an old soldier, who had charge
of the poultry) insisted that ^ every cock and hen would go dead.^
Strangely enough, an epidemic broke out, and carried off fifty to
sixty head of fowls ; and each day the groom placed the defunct

448

Mr. J. H. Gurney on PeFs Owl.

birds on the steps of Government House to meet the eye of
Mrs. O^Connor, seeming to exult in the mortality amongst the
feathered tribe. ^ You see wid your own eye. Missus, dat Hebil
Jumbi bird, he go kill all de fowls : Governor tink he hab long
head, but he no sabey owl : suppose you put him in de stable,
he see Nelly (Mrs. O^Connor^s favourite mare) ; de horse he go
tumble down dead/ Death at last ceased to reign amongst
the poultry population, and Nero became my principal pet ; he
ranged over the Piazza, perching on the branch of a tree ; he was
fed regularly by the orderly on roasted fish, but he often came
to the dinner-table and flew down for scraps of meat, bread-and-
butter, which he took gently from myself or Mrs. O^Connor, per-
mitting us to rub his head, crest, neck and back, seemingly en-
joying the caressing. But he would snatch meat or bones from
the cat or dog, and when the eagle was introduced into his
company, he beat him in a most unmerciful manner away from
his peculiar and original portion of the Piazza, — the eagle being
one of the fiercest and most pugnacious of African birds, brought
from the upper part of the Gambia River near ^ Wallie,^ and,
when in vigour, able to carry away a kid or small lamb. Nero
luxuriated in a tub of water, frequently washing himself and
perching on the rim until dry. He was wont to go out to the
garden or fields, where instantly an immense commotion arose
among all the birds : the larger ones flew round the owl, keep-
ing a very civil distance — the smaller birds flew away; but Nero
treated both alike with sovereign contempt ; he would return of
his own accord to the roosting-place in the Piazza, and when put
out and confined for some days, rejected all food, and pined until
restored to his perch. With me he was as tame as any canary,
and after an absence of two months recognized my voice when I
went to his cage, at Oatlands (Devon), appearing much pleased
by my taking him out for a walk on the grass. Many natives
from the interior told me ^ they had not seen such a bird before ;
but they considered him unlucky.^ I really think Nero is nearly
sans any relations, and certainly devoid of all friends in Western
Africa.

“L. S. O’CONNOK.^^

‘‘ St. Mark’s House, Jersey,

Sept. 13, 186.9.”

Mr. Wallace on the Geographical Distribution of Birds. 449

XLVI. — Letter from Mr. Wallace concerning the Geographical
Distribution of Birds.

Batchian, March 1859.

My dear Mr. Sclater, — Your paper on The Geographical
Distribution of Birds ” * has particularly interested me^ and I
hope that a few remarks and criticisms thereon may not be un-
acceptable to you. With your division of the earth into six
grand zoological provinces I perfectly agree, and believe they
will be confirmed by every other department of zoology as well
as by botany. On the number of species you give to each pro-
vince I can say nothing, you being in so much better a position
than myself for arriving at a correct conclusion j but in the
areas of the several provinces I believe you have made some very
important errors, which of course affect materially the propor-
tionate richness in species of the several provinces. These I will
take the liberty of pointing out, as well as of defining, as closely
as possible, the limits of each division.

1. The Pal^earctic Region I would extend over all Africa
north of the great Desert, for I think none of the peculiar forms of
Tropical Africa are found there. For its southern limits further
eastwards I take the parallel of 30° N. lat. as an average from
Suez to the east boundary of Afghanistan, then turning north, to
exclude the Punjaub, follow the Himalayas to Birmah, then bend
a little south, and then north again to where the 30th parallel
crosses the Yung-ling Mountains on the west of China, and follow
the same parallel across China to Chusan. This is, I think, as
fair a give-and-take as can be chosen with our imperfect know-
ledge. Now for the area : —

Square miles.

Continental Europe and Asia 14,850,000 (Humboldt.)

Deduct Continental part of “ Regio Indica **

(Arabia=North Africa) 2,630,000

12,220,000

Add for islands 280,000

Total area of Palaearctic Region 12,500,000

— instead of 14,000,000 given by you.

2. ^Ethiopian Region. In this you make a very large area,

* See Journ. Proc. Linn. Soc. ii. p. 130.

2 I

VOL. I.

450 Mr. Wallace on the Geographical Distribution of Birds.

which must certainly be a mistake. You give 12^000,000
square miles. Now Balbi gives only 8,500,000 for all Africa and
Madagascar ; and, if we estimate the part of Arabia taken from
Asia as equal to the part of Africa given to Europe, this will be
the true area. But I would suggest that such an anomalous
tract as the Sahara coming between two regions should be given
to neither ; it should in fact be considered as a Sea. It is cer-
tainly quite as unproductive of animal life as the sea, perhaps
more so ; and it gives quite an erroneous idea of the productive-
ness of Tropical Africa to add this immense desert to it. I take,
therefore, Africa south of the Sahara, and after reaching the Nile
as far north as the 1st Region, following a diagonal across Arabia
from Mount Sinai to the eastern extremity. A careful measure-
ment gives me the area of this with Madagascar as 6,500,000
square miles.

3. Indian Region. Of this we have already defined the north
limit, and I would add a tract of Arabia on the western shores
of the Persian Gulf. Its south-eastern limits I draw between
the islands of Bali and Lombok, and between Celebes and
Borneo, and the Moluccas and the Philippines. Barbets reach
Bali, but not Lombok; Cacatua and Tropidorhynchus reach
Lombok, but not Bali : this 1 think settles that point. Ca-
catua, Trichoglossus, and Scythrops in Celebes, and not in Borneo,
settle the other. No doubt many Indian forms reach Celebes;
but we must remember the proximity, and in the course of ages
the only wonder is there has not been more intercommunication.
A careful estimate of these islands, with Formosa, &c. added to the
continental portions, gives an area of only 3,100,000 square miles.

4. Australian Region . You have rather over-estimated this :
with the Moluccas, &c., North Guinea, New Zealand, and the
Pacific Islands (except the Sandwich, which I think should go
with America), I cannot make an area of more than 2,600,000
square miles. In the island of Batchian I have found Podargus,
Coriphilus, and Paradisea, which shows that the several sub-
divisions of this region are very closely connected.

5 and 6. North and South American Regions. I put the
limit between these at 22° N. ; on the coast it may be further
north, on the table-land further south, but this will be near the

Mr. Wallace on the Geographical Distribution of Birds. 451

mean. This gives for the North American region 5,500,000
square miles. South American region with West Indies 5,600,000
square miles, making a total which agrees with Balbi.

Now, taking my corrected areas and your number of species,
the proportionate richness or square miles to each species is as
follows : —

Zoological Regions.

Proportionate richness.

Wallace.

SCLATER.

1. Palsearctic, area 12,500,000, sp. 650

1

1

21,000

2. ^Ethiopian, area 6,500,000, sp. 1250

1

0600

3. Indian, area 3,100,000, sp. 1500

1

2600

4. Australian, area 2,600,000, sp. 1000

1

3000

5. North American, area 5,500,000, sp. 660 . .

1

8300

1

0000

6. South American, area 5,600,000, sp. 2250 . .

1

2500

2400

From the above estimate it results that the Indian region is
in proportion to its area the richest in species of birds, and,
when we consider how much less known it is than South Ame-
rica, we may expect that the proportion will increase. In Birmah,
Cochin China, and China, the ornithology of extensive regions is
absolutely unknown ; while in South America there is scarcely
a spot which has not been repeatedly and thoroughly explored.
Though no one is more profoundly impressed than myself with
the vast and inexhaustible riches of South America in every de-
partment of natural history, and pre-eminently in birds, yet I
am also convinced that a considerable portion of its great appa-
rent superiority to all other countries is due to the universal
spread of the Spanish and Portuguese races over every part of its
vast interior, which is thus absolutely as free as Europe to the
researches of naturalists, who have not been slow to take advan-
tage of it. No other part of the Tropical world is in this con-
dition. In three-fourths of the African and Indian regions, the
naturalist only penetrates at the risk of his life ; and, even where
this is safe, I can speak from personal experience of the great
difference between these regions and those of South America as
to the inducements to a traveller to prolong his stay. In these
countries we have absolutely no community of ideas, feelings, or

2 T 2

452 Mr. Wallace on the Geographical Distribution of Birds.

wants with the population ; whereas, even in the most remote
districts of South America, one is always in contact with men of
European race and feelings, and with at least a remnant of the
usages and wants of European civilization. South America too
possesses a physical superiority to every other region, which would
lead us to expect a vast richness in its natural productions. No-
where else in the Tropics are such vast and fertile alluvial plains,
such mighty forests, such gigantic rivers, such an extensive and
lofty range of mountains. There is no such compact mass of
intertropical land as South America. There is no mountain range
hut the Andes, both sides of which are in the Tropics. This
long succession of temperate plateaux, together with the southern
extremity of South America, adds immensely to the diversity of
its fauna, combining in fact all the varied physical features and
stations of the Old World in a space of barely one-fifth its ex-
tent. It thus happens that in many cases the natural produc-
tions of South America will bear comparison not only with any
one of the other regions, but with all the rest of the world, espe-
cially if we leave out Australia as an altogether peculiar region,
having no more connexion with the old than with the new con-
tinent.

There is perhaps no fact connected with geographical dis-
tribution more extraordinary, and at first sight inexplicable,
than the division of such an apparently homogeneous tract as
the Indian Archipelago between two provinces which have less
in common than any other two upon the earth. To the geo-
grapher and geologist, there is absolutely nothing to mark the
division between the two regions.

Borneo differs more from Java than does the former from
Celebes, or the latter from Timor. The Philippines strikingly
resemble the Moluccas in their physical features; Borneo has
much resemblance to New Guinea, yet their zoological produc-
tions differ greatly. Between the Indian and Australian zoo-
logical regions, as above defined, I believe there is absolutely no
true transition — that is, no species are common to the two,
which we cannot easily account for by the various accidents and
migrations which in the course of ages must have tended to
mingle the productions of islands so close to each other. I believe

Mr. Wallace on the Geographical Distribution of Birds. 453

that these two regions are as absolutely distinct as South America
and Africa^ and it is only because they are separated by straits
of from 20 to 100 miles wide, instead of the Atlantic, that they
have become slightly connected by the interchange of a few
species and genera.

Thus I account for Gallus reaching Celebes and Sumbawa, for
Cervus in the Moluccas, Megapodius in North-western Borneo,
a Woodpecker in Celebes, &c. There is, however, an important
physical feature which gives us the true key to the separation of
the two regions : it is, that the islands of the Indian region are
all connected by a shallow sea, while they are separated from the
Australian region by an unfathomable ocean. Of this connexion
to the Philippines I am not certain, except as far as Palawan,
which is joined to Borneo by a 50-fathom bank. Mindanao is
also closely connected by islands to Borneo.

Now look at the map of the Archipelago, and consider that
Borneo and Java have species in common by hundreds, Borneo
and Celebes only by units j and we shall be forced to believe that
the two former have been connected at no very distant epoch,
while the two latter have been ever separated, or at least during
a long geological epoch, and probably more widely than at pre-
sent. Here then is the key to the problem : — Sumatra, Java,
Borneo, and the Philippines are parts of Asia broken up at no
distant period (an elevation of 50 fathoms would in fact join
them all again) ; Celebes, Timor, the Moluccas, New Guinea,
and Australia are remnants of a vast Pacific continent in part
marked out by coral islands (see Darwin), but broken and sepa-
rated at a more distant period, as shown by the fewer species
common to the several islands, and the number of distinct sub-
faunas into which the region is divided. Celebes is in some
respects peculiar, and distinct from both regions, and I am in-
clined to think it represents a very ancient land which may have
been connected at distant intervals with both regions, or per-
haps with some other continent forming a direct connexion with
Africa. It may also at one time have had a connexion with the
Philippines. All this is indicated by a peculiar genus of Rumi-
nants in Celebes (Anoa) ; by a genus of Apes found in Celebes,
the Philippines, and Batchian, more nearly allied to the African

454 Recent Ornithological Publications.

Baboons than to any of the Archipelagian species; by the
extraordinary Babirusa of Celebes, a type of more African than
Indian form, and by several anomalous and peculiar birds and
some Hymenoptera of Celebes determined by Mr. Smith to be
identical with African, as others with Indian and Chinese species.
Here is a wide and most interesting field of research, in which I
have long been working, and which I hope by the assistance of
my collections to do much to elucidate.

XLVII. — Recent Ornithological Publications.

I. English Publications.

Mr. Gould has issued the whole of the parts of the mag-
nificent series of works upon which he is now engaged, for the
present year. We have already noticed the 1 1th part of the
‘ Birds of Asia.^ Of the ^ Humming Birds,^ Numbers XVII.
and XVIII., we need only say, sustain the reputation of the pre-
ceding parts. No less than 270 species of these wonderful
birds have now been represented ; and the two next succeeding
parts will, we believe, bring Mr. Gould nearly to the close of his
labours.

The third number of the ^ Supplement to the Birds of Au-
stralia,^ whether we regard the beauty and novelty of the species
portrayed, or the excellence of the illustrations, is perhaps one
of the finest which Mr. Gould has ever issued. The Malurus
coronatus, Semioptera wallacii, the three species of Nestor, the
Casuarius bennettii, and the Chlamydera cerviniventris are all
birds of very great interest, and it will probably be long ere such
a series of splendid novelties is again brought before the public.
Many of the species are from localities wide of the Australian
mainland, but we agree with Mr. Gould in considering that the
islands in which they originate certainly belong to the same pri-
mary fauna. The birds represented are —

Malurus coronatus, from N. Australia.

Semioptera wallacii, from Batchian.

Psephotus chrysopterygius, from N. Australia.

Nestor notabilis, from New Zealand (Middle Island).

esslingii, from New Zealand.

hypopolius, from New Zealand.

Recent Ornithological Publications. 455

Casuarius bennettii, from New Britain.

Petroica (?) cerviniventris, from N. Australia.

Chrysococcyw minutillus, from N. Australia.

Zosterops albigularis, from Norfolk Island.

tenuirostris, from Norfolk Island.

Spatula variegata, from New Zealand.

Chlamydera cerviniventris, from N. Australia.

Merula poliocephala, from Norfolk Island.

Gelochelidon macrotarsa, from N. Australia.

The first part of the ^ Illustrated Proceedings of the Zoological
Society^ for 1859 was published some time ago, and the second
part, containing all papers read up to the end of the last meet-
ing (June 28th), will be ready in a few days. The papers on
Ornithology in the ^ Proceedings ^ are many and voluminous, and
the system now adopted by the Society of issuing them in parts
renders the information concerning the many interesting novel-
ties, which are continually brought before their scientific meetings,
readily available to the public. The part of the ' Transactions^
recently published (vol. iv. part 6) also contains several papers
on Ornithology, namely by the late W. J. Broderip and the late
H. E. Strickland on subjects connected with the Natural History
of the Dodo ; by Dr. Kaup on the Owls {Strigidat) y and by P. L.
Sclater on new Accipitres belonging to the collection of the Nor-
wich Museum. Mr. Wolfs plates, illustrating the latter subject,
are among the most happy of his performances. The ^ Report
of the Council of the Zoological Society^ read at the Anniversary
Meeting in April last, gives an arranged list of the animals then
living at the Gardens. The number of species of birds exhibited
was 317, namely —

Natatores

. .. 51

Columbae

17

Grallatores . . .

. .. 39

Scansores

.... 79

Struthiones . . . ,

... 7

Insessores

.... 55

Gallinacese

... 26

Raptures

.... 43

Mr. Breeds first volume of ^ Birds of Europe not observed in
the British Isles ^ is completed, and the second commenced with
Part XVI. We do not believe that Ixos ohscurus has ever oc-
curred in Europe. See Dr. Hartlaub^s remarks in Proc. Zool.
Soc. 1858, p. 292. On the other hand, Turdus ruficollis cer-

456 Recent Ornithological Publications.

tainly has been met with within its limits and is very distinct,
in our opinion, from Turdus atrigularis.

The 'Annals of Natural History’ for the last three months
contain (p. 96) Descriptions of four new species of Humming-
birds from Mexico, by Mr. Gould — Amazilia ocai (!), Calo~
thorax pulchrUy Cyanomyia violiceps, and C. sordida, the first dis-
covered by Senor R. M. de Oca, the three latter by M. A. Bou-
card ; and (p. 224) " Descriptions of two new species of American
Parrots, by Mr. Sclater, Conurus holochlorus from Mexico, and
C. xanthol(Bmus-\ from S. Croix.

Mr. Cuthbert Collingwood^s 'Comparison between ancient
and modern views of the Migration and Habits of Birds and
' Fauna of Blackheath and its Vicinity §,^ which gives a list of
the birds inhabiting that part of the country, are both worthy of
notice.

Mr. Edward Vernon HarcourPs ' Sporting in Algeria will
be received with pleasure, especially by such of our readers as
have visited that country, or are turning their thoughts towards
an excursion in that direction. It is an agreeable and interest-
ing book. An Appendix is given of the names of the "Birds
of Algeria,^^ concerning which we have already contributed so
much information in these pages.

Among much that is of interest in the later numbers of ' The
Zoologist,^ we must claim particular attention for Mr. Osburn^s
letters to Mr. Gosse '‘on the Birds and Bats of Jamaica^^ (pp.6587
and 6658). The second species of Mock-bird noticed p. 6591
is likely to be Mimus gundlachiiy Cab., of Cuba. Of the black
Banana-bird described p. 6661, we possess several specimens,
and we believe Mr. Osburn is right in considering it ' new to
science ^

* ‘ Naumannia,’ 1858, p. 311. f See antea, p. 374.

:j: Liverpool, 1859, 24 pp, § London, 1859, 46 pp.

II London, 1859, 1 vol.

^ Mr. O&burn’s suggested speeific term ‘ nigerrimus ’ should therefore

Recent Ornithological Publications. 457

II. French Publications.

The numbers of the ^ Revue et Magasin de Zoologie ' for
May^ June, and July contain several articles on Ornithology.
In M. 0. Des Murs^ Notes sur les dernieres especes de Cepha-
lopteres/^ an attempt is made to prove that the new and striking
species of this singular genus described in our first Number
(p. 114), as also Mr. Gould^s C. glahricollis^ are nothing more
than different forms of the ordinary species, of which the latter
is regarded as the adult male ! M. Des Murs appears to be
quite unaware that, however badly acquainted the naturalists of
France may be with the adult state of C. ornatus, we in England
know it perfectly well, from the numerous fine-plumaged speci-
mens transmitted to this country by Mr. Hauxwell, and, more
recently, by Mr. Bates, from the Amazon and Ucayali. He also
seems to have quite overlooked Mr. Wallace's account of the
habits of this bird as observed by himself on the Amazons and
Rio Negro (Proc. Zool. Soc. 1850, p.206), published long before
M. de Castelnau^s imperfect notice, which he regards as the
earliest authority on this subject. It would seem almost useless
to point out the great difference in the geographical distribution
of the three species of Cephalopterus in a case where the locality
of Mr. Fraser^ s bird (Pallatanga, at the western base of the
Andes of Ecuador) is considered to be the same as the Yungas
of Bolivia ! For us, however, the mere fact of these birds being
found upon opposite sides of the Andes, at some thousands of

be employed. As a generic name — the form being apparently different
from any previously characterized among the Icteridce — we propose that
of Nesopsar; and the species will therefore stand as Nesopsar niger-
rimus. (P.L.S.)

Nesopsar, gen. nov. Rostrum rectum, capite vix brevius, subquadra-
tum, compressum, apice acuto, mesorhinio lato et piano, verticem versus
extenso : alae breves, remige secunda, tertia et quarta aequalibus et longis-
simis, quinta his paulo breviore sed primam excedente : cauda modica, qua-
drata : pedes validiusculi, tarsis brevibus, ungue postico fortiore.

Typus et sp. unica N. nigerrimus.

(? Niger unicolor, aeneo paulum splendens : rostro et pedibus niger-
rimis : long, tota 8*0, alae 4i, caudae 2*8, rostri a fronte 1*1.

$ Mari similis, sed paulo minor.

Hab. in ins. Jamaica.

Mus. Breraensi et P.L.S.

458 Recent Ornithological Publications.

miles’ distance from each other, would be sufficient to make us
very doubtful of the possibility of their belonging to the same
species. And, as for C\ glabricollis, M. Des Murs seems to
have forgotten that it was in Veragua, northwards of the
Isthmus of Panama, where this remarkable bird was discovered
by the indefatigable Warscewitz. But there can be no doubt
that the three Cephalopteri are quite distinct species in the
ordinary acceptation of the term, though closely allied, and, as
is often the case in similar instances, representatives of each
other in different zoological regions.

In the sixth number of the ^Bevue,’ M. Taczanowski gives
an interesting account of his observations on the nesting of
Parus pendulinus as noticed in Poland in the woody marshes on
the banks of the Vistula. M. Moquin-Tandon continues his
Notes Ornithologiques ” upon the birds of the South of Prance
in the 7th number.

The first part of M. Malherbe’s ' Monographie des Pics ’ has
been issued, and gives us every reason to believe that the high
expectations we had formed of its value as a scientific work will
not be disappointed. The plates are well executed, and wiU
leave no difficulty in recognizing the species of Picidce for the
future. We are not yet, however, converts to M. Malherbe’s
plan of altering established generic names, so as to make them
terminate in picus ” or picoides,^^ and we had almost hoped that
the author would have abandoned this part of his scheme, seeing
the little favour it has met with amongst his brother naturalists.

III. German, Dutch, and Russian Publications.

Among the articles in the first two parts of Cabanis’ ^Journal
fiir Ornithologie,’ we have already noticed Dr. Hartlaub’s

Monographie der Glanzstaare.” Dr. Bernstein’s notes upon
the edible-birds’-nest-making Swifts {Collocalia)^ of Java, and

* Several attempts have been lately made to clear up the somewhat
complicated synonymy of the species of CoUocalia — compare Moore, Cat.
Mus. E. I. H. vol. i. p. 98; Cassin, Zool. U. S. Expl. Exp. p. 183, and
Bonaparte, Compt. Rend. xli. p. 976. Dr. Bernstein has already con-
clusively shown that this genus of birds belongs to the Swifts ( CypselidcB),
and not to the Swallows. See Verb. Kais. Leopold. Ak. Nat. 1857, p. 15.

Recent Ornithological Publications. 459

Herr Eug. v. Homeyer^s critical remarks upon disputed species
of European birds, in reply to Professor Blasius, are also of
great interest. We are glad to see the specific validity of
Amydrus tristramii so strongly upheld by Dr. Hartlaub. With
regard to his suggestion that EeichenbacVs term Pyrrhocheira,
as established in 1850, should take the place of Amydrus, we
cannot allow that much consideration is due to Dr. Eeichenbach^s
generic names, published as they were without any descriptive
characters, or even the name of the type-species. Indeed, in
this very case, the late Prince Bonaparte did not doubt *
that the type of Pyrrhocheira was Mimus carolinensis and, for
aught we know, he is as likely to be right as Dr. Hartlaub, —
the only guide to the question being the not very clearly
delineated outline of the head and feet (Avium Syst. Nat.
pi. 53).

A thick number of ^Naumannia^ (Parts IV., V. and VI. in
one) concludes the volume for 1858, we suppose, although no
title-page and index are given. It contains several very im-
portant articles, amongst which we may point out as particularly
worthy of notice the following: — (1.) Dr. Blasius’ ^^Briefiiche
Mittheilungen fiber Helgoland,^^ p. 303. An account is here
given of the learned author^s visit to this curious little island
(which seems to be a favoured spot where all the rarest birds in
Europe delight to congregate) and its resident naturalist Herr
Gatke. Among the list of rarities given by Dr. Blasius are
six birds new to the fauna of Europe : Anthus ludovicianus, L.,
Orpheus lividus (Wils.), and Toxostoma rufum (Linn.), from N.
America; Phyllopneuste Blasius (P.e?;er5m«wm,Middend.,

nec Bp.) ; Lanius phcenicurus, Pallas, and Calamoherpe certhiola
(Pallas), from northern Asia. (2.) Dr. Blasius^ remarks upon
the Gulls of Pallas^ Zoographia Bosso-Asiatica, p.316. (3.) Dr.
Carl Boilers biographical notice of Pyrrhula githaginea, as
observed by himself in the Canaries, p. 369. (4.) H. Gathers

letter on his captures in Heligoland in 1858, p. 419. Dendroica
virens of N. America is here recorded as having been obtained
on the 1 9th October. But Larus rossii is not new to Europe,

* Compt. Rend, xxxviii. p. 56; Notes Orn. p. 39.

460 Recent Ornithological Publications.

as H. Gatke supposes, it having already occurred more than
once in the British Isles *. At p. 424, a list of 23 rare species
obtained in Heligoland by the writer is given, the greater part
of which are new to the fauna of Europe. (5.) H. Aug. v.
Pelzeln^s list of birds obtained in Madagascar by the late
Madame Ida Pfeiffer.

The division containing the Birds of H. Schlegel and J. A.
Herklots^ ‘ Fauna van Nederland ^ f is now complete, and forms
a thick duodecimo volume of 700 pp., illustrated by pretty little
figures of all the birds of Holland.

We have only lately met with a copy of Hofmanns work on
the Northern Ural J, being the Report of the exploring expedition
sent out in 1847-50 by the Imperial Geographical Society to
that country. The second volume contains a list of birds col-
lected or observed, with remarks. Seventy species are enume-
rated, but nothing of particular interest is noted.

IV, American Publications.

The tenth volume of the Pacific R. R. Reports § contains the
separate zoological Reports of the several expeditions under the
commands of Lieut. E. G. Beckwith, Lieut. A. W. Whipple,
Lieut. J. G. Parke, Lieut. R. S. Williamson, and Lieut. H. L.
Abbott. Amongst them will be found the field-notes of the
different observers upon the birds collected during their ex-
plorations, illustrated with plates of the species not previously
figured. The several articles are as follows : — (1 .) Upon the
birds collected on the survey of the 38th, 39th, and 41st
parallels, by Prof. Baird : (2.) Upon the birds collected on the
route of the 38th parallel, by Dr. C. B. R. Kennerly : (3). Upon

* YarrelPs Brit. B. ed. 3, and Suppl. to ed. 2.

t Fauna van Nederland door H. Schlegel en J. A. Herklots. Leyden,
1851-59.

X Das nordliche Ural und das Kiisten-gehirge Paechoi, &c. St. Peters-
burg, 1856, 2 vols. 4to.

§ Reports of Explorations and Surveys to ascertain the most practicable
and economical route for a railroad from the Mississippi River to the Pacific
Ocean. Vol. x. Washington, 1859.

Letters j Extracts from Correspondence, Notices, ^c. 461

the birds collected on the survey of the 32nd parallel, by
Dr. A. L. Heerman : (4.) Upon the birds collected during the

explorations in California, by Dr. A. L. Heerman. It is a pity,
the plates, which are nicely done, are not marked with the names
of the species figured, as this omission causes so much trouble
in reference.

For information concerning the first volume of Dr. Brewer's
valuable work on N. American Oology, we refer our subscribers
to the Review of this and Herr Badeker's work given above,
which has been furnished to us by one of our most valued
correspondents.

The Report of the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Insti-
tution for the year 1858 contains (p. 153) the ^^Instructions
in reference to collecting nests and eggs of North American
Birds," which we have before alluded to ; also (p. 280) a List
of the Birds of Nova Scotia," compiled, from notes by Lieut.
Blakiston, R.A., and Lieut. Bland, R.E., made in 1852-1855,
by Prof. J. R. Willis of Halifax; and a ^^List of the Birds of
Bermuda," by Lieut. Bland, both useful as local lists.

We have received a separate copy of a paper entitled Cata-
logue of Birds collected in the vicinity of Fort Teyon, California,
with a description of a new species of Syrnium/^ extracted from
the Proceedings of the Academy of Nat. Sc. of Philadelphia for
July last. The new Syrnium is S. occidentale, of the general
appearance of S. nebulosum, of which, we suppose, it is the
Western representative.

XL VIII. — Letters, Extracts from Correspondence, Notices, ^c.
Since the date of our last Number, another member of our
Ornithologists' Union has left England to take up his residence
in a foreign land. Mr. Edward Newton, having received the
appointment of Assistant Colonial Secretary at the Mauritius,
started by the Overland route on the 16th of August last, and,
by the time this announcement is read, will, we hope, have safely
arrived at his destination. Though there has been a ‘ Societe

462 Letters f Extracts from Correspondence, Notices, ^c,

d’Histoire Naturelle de Tile de Meurice^ in existence for many
years, no connected account lias ever appeared of the natural
productions of this and the neighbouring islands, and their
Fauna may be said to be almost unknown to European zoologists.
Knowing Mr. Newton^s zeal in the ^ good cause,^ and the energy
he has already shown in the Tropics of the Western Hemisphere,
we look forward with much pleasure to the access of zoological
knowledge likely to ensue from his residence in so interesting a
part of the Eastern world.

Letters received from Mr. Newton, dated during his voyage down
the Red Sea, say — “Altogether I have seen a good many birds ;
between Malta and Alexandria, Nightingales {Philomela luscinia),
a Salicaria (probably arundinacea) , Turtur risorius, e^VidiTringoides
hypoleucus ; between Alexandria and Cairo large flocks of Waders
— Totanus glottis and other smaller species, Aquila ncevioides and
Milvus cegyptius (common), Falco tinnunculus, apparently migra-
ting towards the north-west, as also Merops apiaster, Hirundo
rufula (?) and another species like H. riparia *, the last two in
flocks of thousands, evidently migrating, but going the wrong
way for this time of year — how is this ?

The following extracts are from Mr. Fraser’s last letters. The
first is dated Quito, June 14th : —

“ I propose going hence to Bodegas, there to make my head-
quarters, and to hunt the country round as high as Guaranda.
You may judge of the state of things here (caused by the block-
ade of the coast by the Peruvians and the civil war), when I tell
you that I have been trying for a full month to get boxes for my
present collection, and have not yet succeeded. We are in doubt
whether we shall have provisions to eat in a day or two. The
second portion of my Pallatanga collection (which place, by-the-
by, is about 4000 feet above the sea-level — about the same as
Nanegal) has been blockaded in Riobamba ever since December
last, and the same may be said of my collection here. Allow
me to suggest your arranging my collections according to the
altitudes of the localities, and not as in the list t before me,

* Probably Cotyle rupestris. — Ed.

t Proc. Zool. Soc. 1858, p. 449 et seq. A separate list of birds from
Cuenca is given at p. 450.

Letters j Extracts from Correspondence j Notices, ^c, 463

where those from Cuenca, Gualaquiza and Zamora are intermixed.
You have no idea how confused this appears to me. They should
stand somewhat thus : —

Cuenca, Kiobamba, Quito (9000 feet).

Gualaquiza, Zamora, Macas.

Pallatanga, Nanegal (4000 feet).

Matos, Pinipi, Calacali, Perrucho, Puellaro.

Prof. Jameson will use his best endeavours to obtain Tetra-
gonops^ for me, since I have given up the idea of returning to
Nanegal, its habitat (not Cayambe, as you state). With respect
to Milvago megalopterus I should say the birds were adult.
They are only found on the Parano (the high, bare plains), and
not having a tent, I only obtained them by accident. I think
No. 2105 is another specimen of the same species, killed about
14,000 feet up Pichincha. Upon my first visit I saw four
birds of this kind, two black and white, and two of a brownish
colour. I took the former to be the parents and the latter the
young, but they flew so high and so wild, that I could never get
within rifle-shot of them.^^

The second letter, dated Babahoyo J , J uly 24th, says ; —

This place is generally called ' Bodegas,^ i.e, warehouses or
shops, it being the place where salt is deposited and pays duty.
I reckon it at about 200 or 250 feet above the sea-level. Birds
are abundant, both as to species and specimens : flocks are seen
here, which is nowhere the case on the mountains. I have added
to my collection 57 species during the two weeks I have been
here. There is something very extraordinary as well as interest-
ing in the moulting of birds in this country. I think the sud-
den changes produce it. I found the Pichincha Humming-
bird {Oreotrochilus pichincha) pairing in imperfect plumage.
Here, at this moment, it is common to see birds without tails, or

* Tetragonops rhamphastinus is a very singular form of CapitonidcB
(described by Sir William Jardine in Edinb. New Phil. Journ. n. s. ii.
p. 404, and iii. p. 90. pi. 4), to which we had expressly called Mr. Fraser’s
attention.

t This is in answer to a question as to the age of the specimens men-
tioned in P.Z.S. 1858, p. 555.

X Babahoyo is situated upon the river of that name, thirty or forty miles
N.E. of Guayaquil.

464 Letters, Extracts from CorrespoYidence, Notices, ^c.

with only one, two, or three feathers to them. I have never met
with birds in such bad plumage before ; they look as if escaped
from confinement. They tell me that some species breed in the
rains, and others in the midst of the dry season, and that the latter
will commence in about a month. Humming-birds are rare
here, and of Tanagers I have as yet only one species.^^

We have received the following letter from Mr. Blyth : —

Calcutta, August 1st.

My dear Sir, — It will interest you to learn of the capture
of a fine adult Catarractes pomarinus in the vicinity of Moulmein
during last July (lat. 16® 20' N.). This bird was procured by
Major S. B. Tickell, who has presented it to the Asiatic Society's
Museum, Calcutta. He writes — It was picked up, or rather,
I should say, knocked down, by some village boys in a swampy
meadow about five or six miles south of Moulmein. There had
been very heavy weather in the bay for some days past ; but the
singular thing is, that this bird should have ranged so wide
from its usual haunts as to come within the influence of our
tropical monsoon.*^

Major Tickell adds, ^^Another singular occurrence is the breed-
ing of the Garganey in this part of the country (Moulmein). I
have a young one now alive, which was brought to me just
fledged from a pond or small lake about twelve miles

Here, in Lower Bengal, the two commonest species of Ducks
during the cold season are A. acuta and A. querquedula ; but I
have never heard before of either species staying to breed south
of the Himalaya.

On May 11th, 1846, I obtained, in the Calcutta Provision
Bazaar, a Phalaropus lohatus in good winter dress, though so
late in the season ; but it was exceedingly lean and out of
condition.

The late Prince C. L. Bonaparte mentions this species from
the great lake of Nicaragua, which is in latitude as low as
about 10° (Compt, Bend, xxxviii. p. 663). A more remark-
able occurrence, however, was that of Lohipes hyperboreus in the
vicinity of Madras, where it was obtained by my friend Dr. L. C.
Stewart, in winter dress, but in what month I know not exactly.

Letters, Extracts from Correspondence, Notices, See. 465

Even in England this is a very rare bird. The specimen is now
in the Calcutta Museum. I suspect that the genus Catarractes
has never before been recorded as occurring, even accidentally,
within the Tropics ; and one great reason for separating C. an-
tarcticus from C. skua was the great improbability of such a bird
ever crossing the Equator.

I have been repeatedly asked for specimens from the Andaman
Islands. Let me assure you that they are not easy to procure.
The savages maintain their own so well, that our people cannot
venture on the main island except in strong bodies; and not
the smallest progress has been made in pacifying the Negrillo
aborigines. By degrees, however, I am getting to know some-
thing of the Andaman fauna, though chiefly the marine species.
Among these is the Dugong [Halichore) in the class Mammalia.
Of terrestrial species we know as yet only of the peculiar little
Pig, Sus andamensis', and I have taken a Mouse (apparently
M. manei, and if so, doubtless introduced) from the stomach of
a venomous snake. I have information, besides, of what would
seem to be a Tupaia ; and there is a Bat of some kind, not of
recent introduction. But though sundry other small mammals
may be expected, as Squirrels and Plying Squirrels, Shrews,
Bats, &c., we know nothing of them as yet. Of birds, there is
evidence of the abundance of Parrots, Green Pigeons [Treron),
Nectariniidee, &c. ; but all that I as yet know of for certain are
as follows: —

1. Hcematornis cheela.

2. Blagrus leucogaster.

3. TodirhampJius collaris.

4. Halcyon coromanda.

5. H. smyrnensis.

6. Corvus culminatus.

7. Gracula javanica.

8. Temenuchus erythropygius.

9. Tephrodornis griseola.

10. Geocichla innotata.

1 1 . Copsychus saularis.

12. Kittacincla albiventris.

13. Artamus leucorhynchus .

14. EdoUus retifer.

15. Pericrocotus peregrinus.

16. Pycnonotusjocosus*.

17. Irena puella\.

18. Oriolus coronatus (?).

19. Carpopliaga sylvatica.

20. Caloenas nicobarica J.

21 . Anous stolidus.

* Malayan variety, with shorter ear-tufts of a deeper crimson than in
the Indian race.

t Indian variety, I. indica, A. Hay.

From the Cocos rocks northward.

2 K

VOL. I.

466 Letters, Extracts from Coirespondence, Notices, t^c.

Others, as the Collocali(B, may be predicated for certain ; but I
enumerate only what I have seen. Of Eeptiles I have seen two
lizards — one the female of apparently a second species of Dilo-
phyrus, and the other a new Philsuma, quite distinct from
Ph. cepidianum of the Mauritius, — and two snakes — Trigono-
cephalus {Trimesurus) cantori, nobis, described from the neigh-
bouring group of the Nicobars, and a Tree- Snake, common
in the neighbouring countries {Dendrophis picta) — the latter
greener or less bronzed than usual. Of Sea-fishes I have many
novelties, but need not here further allude to them or to speci-
mens in other classes.

I have received of late many good things from China, and am
surprised to see how many of our common Bengal birds extend
their range to Amoy, with some of those of the S.E. Himalaya,
and others of Java and the Philippines.

Major Tickell has also sent us a fine collection from the
mountainous interior of the Tennasserim Provinces : inter alia,
adults of Buceros tickelli and splendid examples of Podoa pei'-
sonata. Among the few novelties is a new Partridge {Peloperdix,
nobis) congeneric with personata, charltoni, &c. A large pro-
portion of the S.E. Himalayan species extend thus far; and so
we can understand Psarisoma dalhomm occurring in Sumatra.

The following extracts from a letter from Mr. Osbert Salvin
give some account of his proceedings on his way out, and in
Guatemala, up to the end of July last : —

At Jamaica I shot Hemiprocne zonaris, Vireosyhia altiloqua,
Mellisuga minima, and a Spermophila» At Belize I shot nothing,
as by mistake all my things were taken off in one of the Yzabal
schooners, and I was left behind minus my gun. Tw^o days was
I obliged to wait before another schooner sailetf, during which
time I made what use I could of my eyes, and noted a few spe-
cies, all of which, with the exception of Progne dominicensis
(as I think it must be), we have recorded in our list. I saw also
a pair of Icterus cucullatus exactly like my specimen. These
Icteri bother me sadly, particularly I. affinis or something like
it, which I have found here. I saw Sterna fuliginosa, and two
other species, while passing down the coast. At Yzabal I got

Letters f Extracts from Corresimndence, Notices j ^c, 467

Calliste larvata, four specimens ; a fringilline bird^ indigo-blue
all over, which I do not know ; Ramphocelus passerini ; Amazilia
riefferi {or arsinoe ; Thaumantias Candidas, dmdi several other
species which I do not know. Platalea ajaja and Ibis rubra
were very clearly described to me by Mr. George Baily, a resi-
dent at Yzabal : the former was killed on the lake of Duehas
(Constancia now has the specimen), so may certainly be included
in our list. On the road up I could collect nothing, as I was
by myself and without a servant, and consequently had to look
out for food for myself and beast, instead of skinning birds,
which I should have done had I had any one to do those indis-
pensable requisites for me. However, I saw many birds ; but
those that interested me most were two specimens of Momotus —
one with a brown head, the commonest of the two, and the other
a smaller species, with the centre tail-feathers much elongated :
the former of these equals in size M. lessoni, but is quite dif-
ferent. This bird seems very proud of its tail, and, sluggish as
it is in other respects, is particularly fond of whisking it about —
at one time throwing it almost over the back, at another moving
it several times backwards and forwards, ‘ painfully ^ like (to
use a homely simile) the pendulum of a Dutch clock. Its note
rendered in wmrds is rather a sort of ^ whorrrrrr ^ than ^ hoii
hou ^ : 1 saw nothing of its nest, though 1 looked out sharply.
The country in which these birds most abound lies between
Gualan and Guastatoya, including the plain of Zacapa. All this
district is an unfertile ^ tierra caliente,^ covered principally with
Cacti and Mimosa, Since I arrived here I have obtained some
good specimens of the five species of Humming-birds found near
at hand. I have also the Haven, a Swift which I do not know,
and several others. A week ago I went up theVolcan de Fuego,
that is, part of the way — some 9000 feet. I penetrated into the
haunts of the Oreophasis and Quesal [Pharomacrus paradiseus)
without result, but was much surprised with the nature of the
district. What with the few birds I collected at Yzabal, and
those I find inhabiting these dense elevated forests, I am sorely
shaken in my notions as regards the true inhabitants of the
' tierra caliente ’ and ^ tierra fria.^ The former require a care-
ful inspection — not but that the latter require it also. But

2 K 2

468 Letters^ Extracts from Correspondence, Notiees, ?^c.

more of this subject another time. This expedition did not
result in much ; but I see my way to some interesting facts
respecting the elevation of the different species^ especially the
Humming-birds. Leaving the plains of Duenas^ the first fresh
species I came upon were Delattria viridipallens and Petasophora
thalassina ; next^ Selasphorus helois(je ; and lastly, Lamprolcema
rhami. I also took a nest with three eggs of Icterus wagleri.
The structure, though of the same character — a hanging nest —
is very different from that of I. gularis, the common species on
the Yzabal road. The nest, which I now have, has none of the
depth of the other, but is comparatively shallow. Talking of
nests, a day or two ago I found two of Spermophila moreleti,
and took one rotten dried-up egg from one with a young one
in it. Nothing could be more different than this nest and that
of S. bicolor, well described by A. Newton {anted, p. 147). That
of S. moreleti, instead of the loose domed structure of S. bicolor
with a large side-entrance composed entirely of one material, is
one of the neatest nests you ever saw — a beautiful, open, trans-
parent nest, composed of fine roots and fibres, and lined with
horse-hair. It is not placed resting on a branch, but is sus-
pended, like a Reed Warbler^s {Salicaria arundinacea), by several
small twigs. Something serious must be done about this — even
to the making of a new genus, if it be not already done. The
egg, too, differs materially. With these facts, it would be almost
like putting Myiozetetes texensis with the genus Tyrannus, to
keep S. moreleti with S. bicolor *.

^^In Mammals I have done but little as yet — only three
squirrels and a young rabbit. I cannot get the Indians to bring
any : they are an apathetic race, and embrace a new idea with
great difficulty ; yet I do not despair of getting them to search, for
me, some day. Of cold-blooded Vertebrates (tell Dr. Gunther)
I have two species of frogs, a toad, one snake, and some small
freshwater fishes. Excepting the birds, I have neglected sadly
to collect ; but my time has been very much occupied these last
three weeks in making a boat for a long-meditated expedition
to the Lake of Atitlan, where W and I purpose going the

* SpermopMla bicolor properly belongs to the genus Plionipara, and is
more nearly allied to Spiza. — Ed.

Letters^ Extracts fi'om Correspondence y NoticeSy ^c. 469

week after next^ if the Canicular holds out fine. This expedition,
if it comes off, will, I expect, result in something satisfactory.
Anyhow the scenery will repay the undertaking, as being per-
haps the most magnificent which Central America can produce.^^

To the Editor of The Ibis.

Kilmory, Lochgilphead, N.B.

Dear Sir, —On going last month to my father^s property
in the Hebrides (North Uist), the keeper told me that at the
end of March 1859 he had shot a Falcon that he did not know.
Unfortunately he only wounded it ; and when he found it after-
wards, the gulls and crows, which abound there, had made a sad
mess of it. He kept the wings, tail and feet, and skull, and I
think there is no doubt it is F. islandicus or groenlandicus. I
heard the other day of the occurrence of the Shore Lark (Alauda
alpestris) in Scotland ; I am to get place and date, and will send
them to you. A Pintail Duck [Dafila caudacuta) was shot this
spring in North Uist. It is rare in the Hebrides from what I
hear : the keeper had not seen one before. The Falcon was
shot on the N. W. side of the island ; but, with a bird of such
power of flight, this does not say much as to what quarter it
came from.

I remain.

Yours truly,

John W. P. Orde.

Mr. Gurney has favoured us with a number of the San Fran-
cisco Herald, which contains a notice by Mr. A. S. Taylor of
Monterey of the discovery of the egg of the Californian Vulture
{Cathartes calif ornianus) . Mr. Gurney expects to receive the
egg in question very shortly. The following is an extract from
Mr. TayloFs article : —

“ One of the rancheros of the Carmelo, in hunting among
the highest peaks of the Santa Lucia range during the last
week of April present, disturbed two Condors from their nests,
and, at great risk of breaking his neck, brought away a young-
bird six or seven days old, and also an egg — the egg from one

470 Letters 3 Extracts from Correspondencej Notices, ^c.

tree, and the chick from another. There was, properly speaking,
no nest ; but the egg was laid in the hollow of a tall old robles-
oak, in a steep barranca, near the summit of one of the highest
peaks, in the vicinity of the Tularcitos, near a place called
Conejos. The birds are said, by some hunters, not to make
their nests, but simply to lay their eggs on the ground, at the
foot of old trees, or on the bare rocks of sohtary peaks ; others
say they lay their eggs in old eagles^ and buzzards^ nests, while
some affirm they make nests of sticks and moss ; but the truth
seems to be that they make no nests. The entire egg weighed
10^ ounces, and the contents- 8f ounces. The colour of the
egg-shell is what painters call dead dull white ; the surface
of the shell is not glossy, but slightly roughened, as in the Sea-
pelican^s (?) eggs, but not so much. Its figure is very nearly a
perfect ellipse, being a model of form and shape in itself. It
measured 4| inches in length by 2f inches in breadth (diameter),
and was 8f inches in circumference round the middle. The
egg-shell, after the contents were emptied (which were as clear,
fine, bright, and inodorous as those of a hen^s egg, with a bright-
yellow yolk), held as much as 9 fluidounces of water. Before
the egg was opened, it sank on being placed in water — probably
from its being very recently impregnated. Some of the old
hunters say the egg is excellent eating ; this one eertainly had
not the faintest musky odour, nor the slightest foreign smell.

The young Condor mentioned above was from five to seven
days old, and weighed 10 ounees avoirdupois. The whole skin
of this chick was of an ochreous yellow, covered with a dull-
white fine down ; the beak was coloured the same as in the old
birds ; the skin of the head and neck entirely bare of down, and
of ochreous yellow ; the colour of the legs of a deeper shade
than that of the body : it had the musky smell of the old birds ;
the size and appearance of a two-months-old gosling ; it had
only been dead a couple of hours.^^

Mr. John Petherick, who has lately returned to this country
for a short visit from Khartoum in the Soudan, where he fills
the situation of H. B. M.^s Vice-Consul, has brought with him

Letters, Extracts from Correspondence, Notices, ^c. 471

specimens of the celebrated Balreniceps rex and its eggs. He
informs us that this bird is met with on the upper part of the
White Nile, 4° north of the Equator, where the country is low
and flat, being intersected by numerous branches of the river,
and covered with vast reedy marshes, which are overflowed in
the wet season. The Balceniceps is here seen among the reeds,
or stationed stork-like in shallow water, on the watch for fishes,
upon which it principally subsists. It makes a large and untidy
nest among the reeds. The eggs are two in number. The speci-
mens brought by Mr. Petherick are of a dirty white, and covered
with a chalk-like epidermis. They are of a broad oval, rather
tapering towards the small end, measuring 4 inches by 3'1.
The Arabs call this bird Ahou makoub — the father of the shoe,
in allusion to its enormous shoe-like bill.

This account differs in several particulars from that given by
M. Jules Verreaux in the ‘^Edinburgh New Philosophical Maga-
zine ^ (n. s. vol. iv. p. 101 et seq.), and there can be no doubt that
M. Verreaux was misinformed by his correspondent as to the
position of the nest, nature of the food, and colour of the eggs.

The following letter relates to the occurrence of Pallas^s Sand-
grouse {Byrrhaptes paradoxus) in Norfolk. No doubt it was one
of the same flock that was observed near Tremadoc in Wales on
the 9th of J uly, as recorded in ^ The Zoologist,^ and of which
one was obtained, and is now in the Derby Museum at Liver-
pool. Through the kindness of Mr. Leadbeater, we had our-
selves an opportunity of examining the present specimen, which
was a bird in fine plumage, and more darkly banded on the
breast than is represented in the plate given in Gray and
MitchelPs ^ Genera^ (vol. hi. pi. 134). The native country of
this Sand-grouse is the barren steppes of the Kirghiz Tartars;
and I am not aware of any authentic instance of its previous
occurrence in Europe. It was first described by Pallas in his
^ Travels^ (vol. ii. App. p. Ill), and again in his ^Zoographia
Rosso- Asiatica^ (vol. ii. p. 74). A second species of this pecu-
liar form has of late years been discovered in Ladakh, and is
figured in Mr. Gould^s ‘ Birds of Asia,^ part ii., under the name
of Syrrhaptes tibetanus. While agreeing with the type-species

472 Lette7'Sy Extracts from Correspondence , Notices,

in the singular structure of the feet*, it wants the acuminated
terminations of the primaries.

To the Editor of The Ibis.

Clenchwharton, near Lynn, Norfolk,
Sept. 29th, 1859.

Sir, — Early in the month of July last, a very beautiful spe-
cimen of Pallas^s Sand-grouse [Syrrhaptes paradoxus) was shot
in the parish of Walpole St. Peter^s, in this county (Norfolk),
about two miles from the Wash. T should have made you ac-
quainted with this interesting occurrence before, but have been
waiting to gather all the information I could concerning the
capture of this rare and curious bird. I regret to say I am un-
able to add any particulars of importance, except that, though
solitary when shot, at least one other, apparently of the same
species, was observed about the same time in the neighbourhood,
but was pursued without success. The bird was skinned before
I had an opportunity of seeing it, and though by a very unskil-
ful hand, fortunately no material damage was done to it. I at
once applied in order to ascertain whether the carcase had been
preserved or examined, but I found that the operator's interest
had not extended beyond the removal of the skin ; this is much
to be regretted. We must, however, congratulate ourselves
upon our good fortune in securing the bird at all, considering it
was shot by a labouring youth wholly unacquainted with its
value, and who was quite as likely to have plucked and eaten,
or thrown the prize away (the fate of many a valuable specimen),
as to have placed it in the hands of the Pev. P. Hankinson, to
whom the Lynn Museum is indebted for this most interesting
specimen, beautifully mounted by Mr. Leadbeater of Brewer
Street. There is reason to believe our bird to be a male adult,
in perfect plumage. I believe this species has not before been
taken in this country, or even in Europe ; upon this point you
will be able to inform your readers.

It cannot be too strongly impressed upon those into whose

* Pedes maxime insoliti, tridactyli; digitis brevissimis, coahtis, solo
apice et uiiguibus distinctis, brevibus, usque fere ad ungues plumosis :
unde planta triloba, latiuscula, corneis papillis imbricata. — Pallas.

Letters j Extracts from Correspondencej Notices, 473

hands such rare birds fall, that the contents of the crop, and
the bones of the skeleton, especially the sternum or breast bone,
should be preserved.

I am. Sir,

Yours truly,

Frederick L. Currie.

Mr. E. Fountaine sends us ^^a further note* on the nesting
oiBubo maximus in captivity.”

Easton, Norfolk, June 13, 1859.

A pair of Eagle Owls bred by me in confinement have lately
laid three eggs and hatched one young bird. This is the first
instance that any of the eggs of my birds, produced by indivi-
duals bred themselves in confinement, have proved fertile. The
female which laid these eggs is ten years old, the cock about
half that age.

In a communication made to the Imperial Geographical So-
ciety of Russia, dated from a post on the banks of the Amoor in
the Ki-nghan Mountains in Sept. 1857, M. Radde, the naturalist
attached to the exploring expedition, mentions having met with
flocks of a Bombycilla,'' which, from the description given, seems
to be Ampelis phoenicoptera of Temminck, hitherto only known
from Japanese specimens received through the Dutch (see
Journ. Roy. Geogr. Soc. 1858, p. 419). From the ^Comptes
Rendus' of the I. G. S. for 1858, we learn that Prof. Radde had
passed the previous winter in the same place, and in the follow-
ing year was to explore the mountainous country of Tounkinsk.

Mr. Gould, with his usual energy, has already succeeded in
obtaining from Siam a specimen of the splendid Pheasant named
by Mr. Blyth Diardigallus fasciolatus, which we have previously
alluded to several times {antea, pp. 114, 201, 211). He has
kindly allowed us to examine it. It is certainly, in our opinion,
the same as the bird deseribed by Prince Bonaparte as Diardi^
gallus prxlatus. If, however, as appears likely to be the case, it

* See before, p. 273.

474 Letters^ Extracts from Cuirespondence, Notices, ^c.

is tlie female of this bird, which is represented in a drawing
brought by Mr. Crawfurd from Siam many years ago, both
these specific names will have to give way to an older one. Dr.
J. E. Gray having established his Phasianus crawfurdi (Griffith’s
Cuvier’s An. Kingd. iii. p. 27) upon the faith of Mr. Crawfurd’s
figure.

We are happy to be able to announce that there is every proba-
bility that the Vicomte B. Du Bus de Ghisignies will continue his
* Esquisses Ornithologiques,’ the publication of which has been
so long interrupted. On the other hand, we learn that M. de Sou-
ance’s work on Parrots*, commenced in conjunction with the late
Prince C. L. Bonaparte, has stopped at its 12th livraison, and
that there is no probability of its continuance, — M. de Souance
having parted with his fine collection of birds to M. E. Parzudaki,
who now has the disposal of them. The same fate has befallen
the corresponding work on Pigeons*.

The Zoological Society of London have recently obtained
specimens of the Buteo tachardus or African Buzzard, lately intro-
duced into the European list by Mr. Bree (Birds of Europe,
p. 97) upon the authority of Mr. J. H. Gurney. A pair of
this species were received by the Society from Mogador some
months ago. A pair of the Ruddy Shiel drake {Casarca rutila)
have bred in the Gardens for the first time this season, and
reared four fine young birds. A solitary female of the South
African White-faced Shieldrake [Casarca cana) mated this spring
with a male Common Shieldrake [Tadorna vulpanser). The hy-
brids are very curiously coloured. The same hen-bird has pre-
viously bred twice with an Indian male of Casarca rutila. A
valuable addition to the collection is shortly anticipated in the
shape of some living examples of the Balceniceps now on their
way down the Nile from Central Africa.

See antehy p. 105, for a notice of these books.

INDEX OF NAMES OF AUTHOKS.

Page

Blyth, Edward, Curator of Eoyal Asiatic Society’s Museum,
Calcutta. Occurrence of Catarractes ]pomarimLS, &c.,

in India, and Zoology of the Andamans 464

Cee-vve, Eev. H. Harpxjr. Early appearance of Caprimulgus

eur(ypceus 208

Currie, Frederick L. Letter on the occurrence of Pallas’s

Sandgrouse in Norfolk 472

Elliot, Daniel G., of New York. Descriptions of six New

Species of Birds 391

Elwes, Bobert. Note on the Breeding and Mode of Capture
of the Short-tailed Petrel, or Mutton-Bird {Puffinus

ohscurus), in the islands in Bass’s Straits 397

Evans, Edward, and Wilson Sturoe. Notes on the Birds of

Western Spitzhergen, as observed in 1855 166

Etton, T. C., F.L.S., F.Z.S., F.G.S., &c. On the different

Methods of Preparing Natural Skeletons of Birds .... 55

Fountaine, Edward. Notes on the Nesting of a pair of Eagle

Owls (Bubo imiximus) in confinement 273

Further Note on the Nesting of Bubo maximus 473

Fraser, Louis, Corr. Memb. Zool. Soc. See Jameson.

Gould, John, F.B.S., F.L.S., F.Z.S. &c. Astur 'palumbarius

shot in Suffolk 205

Gurney, John Henry, M.P., F.Z.S. List of Birds received from

Ibadan, in Western Africa 152

Irides of Milvus ater and M. csgyptius 207

List of a Collection of Birds from the Colony of Natal in

South-Eastern Africa 234

List of Birds of Prey received from Beyrout 389

Note on Pel’s Owl (Scotopelia peli) 445

Hartlaub, Dr. Gustav, For. Memb. Zool. Soc. See Heugltn.

476 INDEX OF NAMES OF AUTHORS.

Page

Hawker, Bev. William Henry, M.A. Supposed Hest and

Eggs of Lanius excuhitor 330

Heuglin, Dr. Theodor yon. List of Birds observed and col-
lected during a Voyage in the Bed Sea. Edited and

translated by Dr. G. Hartlaub 337

Hewitson, William Charles. Becent Discoveries in European

Oology 76

Jameson, Dr. William, of Quito, and Louis Eraser, Corr. tomb.

Zool. Soc. Notes on some of the Humming-birds of

Ecuador figured in Mr. Gould’s Monograph 399

Knox, Arthur Edward, M.A., E.L.S. On the Habits of the
Black-winged Stilt, as observed on its occurrence in

Sussex 395

Newton, Alfred, M.A., E.L.S., E.Z.S. &c. Bemarks on the

Harlequin Duck {Histrionicus torquatus, Bp.) 162

Newton, Alfred and Edward. Observations on the Birds of
St. Croix, West Indies, made between Eebruary 20th
and August 6th, 1857, and between March 4th and

September 28th, 1858. Part 1 59

Part II 138

Part III 252

Part lY 265

Newton, Edward, B.A., Corr. M.Z.S. See Newton, Alfred
and Edward.

Orde, John W. P. Letter on the occurrence of certain Birds

in the Hebrides 469

Bowley, George Dawson, M.A. Bemarks on Sylvia provinei-
alis, and on the occurrence of Alauda hrachydactyla near

Brighton 329

Salvin, Osbert, B.A., Corr. M.Z.S. Eive months’ Birds’-nest-

ing in the Eastern Atlas. — Part 1 174

Part II 302

Part III 352

Letter describing his Yojmge out to and proceedings in

Guatemala 466

Salvin, Osbert. See Sclater.

Sclater, Philip Lutley, M.A., E.L.S., Sec. Z.S. &c. Characters

of an undescribed species of Hawk from New Caledonia 275
A List of the Tyrant-birds of Mexico, with descriptions of
some new species 436

INDEX OF NAMES OF AUTHORS.

477

Page

ScLATER, Philip Lhtley, and Osbert Salvin. On the Ornitho-
logy of Central America. — Part 1 1

Part 11 117

Partin 213

Simpson, W. H., M.A. Narrative of the Discovery of some
Nests of the Black Woodpecker {Picus martins) in

Sweden 264 .

Stijrge, Wilson. See Evans and Sttjrge.

Taylor, Eev. E. Cavendish, M.A., E.Z.S. Ornithological Ee-

miniscences of Egypt . 41

Taylor, George Cavendish. Account of a visit to a Nesting-

place of the Erigate-bird {Fregata aquila) 150

Tomes, Eobert E. On the occurrence of White’s Thrush
{Oreocincla aurea) near Stratford on Avon, with remarks

on the genera Oreocincla, Turdus, and Merula 379

Tristram, Eev. H. B., M.A., E.L.S. Notes on Birds observed
in Southern Palestine in the months of March and April

1858 22

Characters of apparently New Species of Birds collected in
the Great Desert of the Sahara, southwards of Algeria

and Tunis 57

On the Ornithology of Northern Africa. — Part 1 153

Part II. (The Sahara) 277

Part III. (The Sahara, continued) 415
Wallace, Alfred E. Letter concerning the Geographical

Distribution of Birds 449

WoLLEY, John, junior, M.A., E.Z.S. On the Breeding of the

Smew {Mergus alhellus) 69

On the Breeding of the Crane {Grus cinerea) in Lapland . . 191

i

i

INDEX.

Acanthiza chrysorrhoea,
317.

Acanthylis coUaris, 125.

semicollaris, 322.

Accentor altaiciis, 100.

atrignlaris, 100.

huttoni, 100.

variegatus, 100.

Accipiter brachydactylus,
390.

erythrocnemis, 218.

exilis, 242.

falco tunetanns, 188.

ferox, 93.

fuscus, 218.

haplochrous, 275.

hyogaster, 276.

hypoleucas, 92.

minuUus, 242.

niger, 87.

nisus, 45.

poliocephalus, 276.

polyzonoides, 390.

sphenurus, 390.

tachiro, 241.

Actitis hypoleucus, 347.
Actiturus bartramius, 230.
Actodromas wilsonii, 258.
Adelomyia melanogenys,
400.

Aedon familiaris, 341.

galactodes, 308, 419.

minor, 341.

iEgialites cantiacus, 355,
357.

minor, 355, 357.

vociferus, 227.

jEgiothns linaria, 254.
.(Egitbalus flavifrons, 110.
Agelseus phoeniceus, 19.
Aglseactis cupreipennis,333.
Aix sponsa, 166.

Alauda alpestris, 421, 469.

arvensis, 314, 424.

brachydactyla, 314,

330.

calandra, 3] 4.

cristata, 48, 314.

Alca impennis, 174.

torda, 173.

Alcedo ispida, 47.

quadribrachys, 245.

rudis, 47.

Amadina cantans, 343.
Amazillia arsinoe, 130.

corallirostris, 130.

dubusi, 130.

ocai, 456.

riefferi, 130, 467.

Amazona auropalliatus,
138.

Ammomanes ?, 34.

elegans, 34, 106, 423.

isabellina, 34, 422.

paUida, 422, 423.

regains, 423.

Ammoperdix heyii, 41.
Ampelis cedrorum, 13.

garrula, 107, 336.

phoenicoptera, 473.

Amydrus blythii, 342.

tristramii, 32, 31 9,

459.

Anabates rubiginosus, 5,
117.

Anas acuta, 54, 464.

arborea, 366.

boschas, 54, 357, 363.

clangula, 163.

clypeata, 54.

crecca, 54.

dominica, 367.

glacialis, 163.

histrionica, 162.

inornata, 327.

leucostigma, 251.

marila, 366.

mariloides, 366.

nyroca, 161.

obscura, 368.

querquedula, 464.

rufina, 461.

sparsa, 251.

Andigena laminirostris, 114
Andropogon bicolor, 147.
Anous stolidus, 23^ 371,
465.

tenuirostris, 351.

Anser segyptiacus, 54.

albifrons, 54.

Anser arvensis, 199.

ferns, 172.

finmarchicus, 212.

palndosus, 199.

segetnm, 199.

Anthus arborens, 421.

campestris, 31,41,421.

ludovicianus, 9, 459.

pratensis, 31,310,421.

rnfescens, 310.

Anthropoides virgo, 355.
Anumbius ferrugineigula,
108.

Apteryx mantellii, 115.
Aquila barthelemyi, 202.

beUsarius, 182.

bonelli, 182.

clmysaetos, 23, 180,

202, 283.

clanga, 402.

fasciata, 88.

heHaca, 23, 404.

imperialis, 42.

mogilnik, 88.

nee via, 23, 43, 181,

390, 402.

nsevioides, 88, 93, 158,

159, 181, 238, 462.

pennata, 43, 88, 182,

390.

rapax, 158, 337.

vindhiana, 88.

Ara aracanga, 5, 137.
Aramides cayennensis, 230.
Aramus holostictns, 227.

scolopaceus ?, 227.

Arctica alle, 168.

Ardea atricollis, 153.

brunnescens, 262.

bnbulcus, 50, 153,

346, 358.

cserulea, 373.

— — cayanensis, 263.

cinerea, 37, 50, 248.

coromanda, 358.

goliath, 345.

herodias, 226, 263.

jamaicensis, 263.

purpurea, 345.

russata, 50, 358. •

480

INDEX,

Ardea violacea, 262.

virescens, 261.

Ardeola minuta, 37, 346.
Ardetta minuta, 249, 358,
359.

Arremon giganteus, 14.
Artamus leucorhynchus,
201, 465.

Ascalaphia savignii, 291.
Astur approximans, 276.

atricapillus, 86.

melanoleucus, 241.

novae hollandiae, 276.

palumbarius, 197,

287, 290, 414.

trinotatus, 276.

Asturina albifrons, 218.

brachyura, 218.

magnirostris, 217.

nitida, 217.

Athene meridionalis, 26,
46, 78.

noctua, 190.

numida, 190, 279,

291.

woodfordi, 242.

Atlapetes rubricatus, 18.
Atticora pileata, 13, 101.
Attila citreopygius, 120,
438.

Aulacorhamphus prasinus,
135.

Avicida cuculoides, 240.

Balaeniceps rex, 471.
Barkeria skinneri, 3.
Basileornis corythaix, 113.
Bernicla brenta, 167.

inornata, 327.

leucolsema, 201.

magellanica, 328.

poliocephala, 328.

Betula nana, 171.

Blagrus leucogaster, 465.
Bolborhynchus catharina,

137.

Botaurus stellaris, 357, 359,
Brachyotus palustris, 391.
Branta rufina, 358, 363.
Buarremonbrunneinuchus,
15.

chrysopogon, 15.

leucopterus, 114.

Bubo ascalaphus, 46.

maculosus, 242.

maximus, 273.

Bubulcus ibis, 346.
Buceros cassidix, 113.

elatus, 153.

ery throrhynchus, 343.

^ exaratus, 113.

Buceros fasciatus, 153.

tickelli, 466.

Budytes boarulus, 41.

flava, 31, 310, 341,

358, 420.

melanocephala, 31,

420.

rayi, 420.

Buphaga erythrorhynchus,
342.

Buphus bubulcus, 358.

comatus, 37, 346.

ralloides, 357, 359.

Buteo albonotatus, 217.

borealis, 217, 412.

brachyurus, 218.

cirtensis, 9^ 183.

ghiesbreghti, 5, 217.

harlani, 217.

insignatus, 216.

jakal, 240.

leucurus, 91, 92, 401.

montanus, 412.

pectoralis, 92.

pennsylvanicus, 217.

rufinus, 43, 91, 92.

tachardus, 93, 159,

183, 390, 474.

vulgaris, 183.

zonocercus, 217.

Buteogallus nigricoUis, 216
Butorides atricapillus, 346.

virescens, 146, 148,

227, 261, 373, 377, 378.

Caccabis heyii, 36.

petrosa, 353.

saxatilis, 35.

Cacicus montezumse, 19.
Cairina moschata, 232.
Calamodyta aquatica, 305.

cettii, 305.

locustella, 304.

luscinoides, 304.

Calamoherpe certhiola, 459

paUida, 341.

turdoides, 305, 341,

418.

Calandrella brachydactyla,
34, 58, 315, 422, 426.

reboudia, 58, 106,422.

Calidris arenaria, 229, 256,
348.

Calliste cyanotis, 1 10.

gyrola, 110.

larvata, 16, 467.

lavinia, 110.

Calocitta formosa, 22.
Caloenas nicobarica, 465.

stairi, 327.

Calornis cantor, 327.

Calomis corvina, 327.
Calothorax pulcto’a, 456.
Calurus resplendens, 132.
Campephilus imperialis ?,
136.

Camptostoma imberbe,
444.

Campylopterus delattrii,
127.

pampa, 127.

rufus, 126.

Campylorhynchus capi-
stratus, 8.

Cancroma cochlearia, 227.
Canis aureus, 156.

lagopus, 168.

Caprimulgus europaeus,
208, 302, 339.

infuscatus, 242.

isabellinus, 46, 158.

natalensis, 243.

poliocephalus, 339.

Carbo cormoranus, 54, 365.

desmaresti, 107.

CardinaUs Virginian us, 104.
CardueUs elegans, 34, 313.
Carpophaga sylvatica, 201,
465.

Casarca cana, 362, 474.

rutila, 357, 362, 474.

Cassiculus prevosti, 19.
Casuarius bennettii, 102,
115, 212, 335, 455.

galeatus, 115.

Catarractes antarctieus,465.

pomarinus, 464.

skua, 465.

Cathartes atratus, 213, 232.

am'a, 213.

burrovianus, 213.

Catreus wallicbii, 319.
Cattleyia skinneri, 3.
Celeopicus verreauxii, 105.
Celeus castaneus, 137.
Centropus senegalensis, 49,
153.

superciliosus, 247.

Centurus pucheranii, 136.

santacruzi, 136.

Cephalopterus glabricoUis,
114.

ornatus, 114, 457.

penduliger, 1 14.

Cercomacra tyrannina, 119.
Cercomela asthenia, 41.
Cercotrichas erythroptera,
341.

Ceriornis cahoti, 100.
Certhia maculata, 143.
Certhilauda desei’torum,
343, 424, 427.

INDEX.

481

Certhilauda duponti, 427.

salvini, 57, 428.

Certhiola flaveola, 67, 378.

maritima, 144.

Ceryle abyssinica, 339.

alcyon, 67, 131.

amazona, 131.

americana, 131.

gigantea, 243.

ma,Yima, 243.

rudis, 27, 41, 245.

superciKosa, 13] .

torquata, 131.

Cettia sericea, 418.
Cbalcopsitta rubrifrons,
102.

scintillata, 102.

Chamgepelia passerma,223.

rufipennis, 223.

trocbila, 253, 375,

377.

Charadrius cantianus, 345.

cirrhipedesmos, 345.

geoffroyi, 345.

biaticula, 173.

marmoratus, 255.

minor, 52.

pluviaKs, 255, 355.

tricoUaris ?, 345.

virginicus, 227, 255.

Charmosyna, 210.
Chaulelasmus streperus,
363.

Chelidon cashmeriensis,

101.

urbica, 302, 434.

Chenalopex aegyptiaca, 348.
Chiroxiphia linearis, 124.
Chlamydera cerviniventris,
455.

Chloris aurantiiventris,313
Chloronerpes sanguino-
lentus, 136.

yucatanensis, 136.

Chloropeta pallida, 159.
Chlorophanes atricapiUa,
14.

Chlorophonia occipitalis,
17, 322.

Chlorospiza chloris, 33,31.3.
Chlorostilbon caniveti, 130.
Chroecocephalus atricilla,
371.

Chroicocephalus atricilla,
233.

Chrysobronchus virescens,

100.

viridicaudus, 100.-

Clu-ysococc^ auratus, 247.

claasii, 247.

lucidus, 317.

VOL. I.

Chrysococcyx minutillus,
455.

smaragdineus, 246.

Chrysomitris mexicana, 19.

Chrysotis ?, 138.

albifrons, 138.

auripalliatus, 138.

vittata, 377.

Chrysuronia eliciae, 100,
130.

Cichlherminia fuscata, 141,
145, 376, 378.

Ciconia abdimii, 346.

alba, 36, 51, 356, 359.

nigra, 36, 51.

leucocephala, 248.

Cinclus aquations, 38.
Cinnyris osea, 41.

Circaetus cinerascens, 91,
328._

cinereus, 91.

coronatus, 91.

fasciolatus, 92.

ferox, 91.

gaUicus, 23, 92, 182,

283,390.

melanotis, 328.

pectoralis, 91.

solitarius, 91.

thoracicus, 238.

Circus ?, 26.

agruginosus, 190,391.

assimilis, 276.

cineraceus, 46, 391.

cyaneus, 46, 197.

hudsonicus, 220.

pallidus, 46.

ranivorus, 242.

rufus, 46.

swainsoni, 390.

Cistothorus brevirostris, 9.

elegans, 8.

Coccothraustes abeillii, 19.

vulgaris, 313.

Coccyzus americanus, 149.

seniculus, 150.

Coeligena wilsoni, 400.
Coereba lucida, 14.

Colaptes auratus, 110.

chrysocaulosus, 110.

mexicanoides, 137.

mexicanus, 137.

rubricatus, 137, 202.

Colluricincla fusca, 142.

Columba ?, 35.

corensis, 252.

imbricata, 252.

leucocephala, 222,253.

- — livia, 35, 50, 318.

monticola, 252.

oenas, 35.

Columba palumbus, 151,
252, 318.

passerina, 254, 375.

portoricensis, 252.

rufina, 222.

Saneti-Thomge, 374.

schimperi, 49.

speciosa, 222.

turtur, 405.

zenaida, 253.

Colymbus glacialis, 173,
174.

thomensis, 374.

Cometes? glyceria, 100.
Conirostrum supercilio-
sum, 10.

Contopus borealis, 122, 440.

mesoleucus, 122, 440.

sordidulus, 122, 441,

virens, 122, 441.

Conxirus seruginosus, 374,

astec, 137.

holochlorus, 456.

lineolatus, 137.

xantholsemus, 374,

376, 456.

Copsychus macrurus, 310.

pica, 108,

saularis, 201, 465.

Coracias garrula, 27, 302,
339.

Corethrura cayennensis,
230.

ruficollis, 249.

Corospiza simplex, 294.
Corvus affinis, 342.

cacalotl, 5, 21.

corax, 33, 49, 291,312

cornix, 33, 49.

culminatus, 201 , 465.

dauricus, 113.

monedula, 292, 312.

ruficollis, 326.

Corythornis cristata, 245.
Cotinga amabilis, 4, 5, 125,
Coturniculuspasserinus, 18
Coturnix dactylisonans, 36.

vulgaris, 50.

Cotyle paludicola, 339.

riparia, 27, 302, 434.

rupestris, 27, 434.

serripennis, 13, 126.

torquata, 339.

Crateropus chalybeus, 30,
41.

fulvus, 420, 435.

numidicus, 30, 279.

Crax alector, 223.

Craxirex unicinctus, 216.
Creurgops verticalis, 102.
Crex baillonii, 357, 361.

2 L

482

INDEX.

Crithagra hartlaubi, 203,
Crotophaga ani, 134, 146,
148, 376, 378.

sulcirostris, 135.

Ctenodactylus massoni,
290.

Cuculus, sp. ?, 435.

abyssinicus, 157.

canorus, 35, 77, 106,

316, 343.

caroHnensis, 149.

glandarius, 49, 76.

gidaris, 246.

nigricans, 246.

ruficollis, 435.

Culicivora mexicana, 9.
Cuncuma leucogastra, 328.
Curruca atricapilla, 28, 41,
417.

cinerea, 40.

cisticola, 40.

galactodes, 40.

garrula, 40.

gracilis, 40.

hortensis, 417.

languida, 40.

momus, 41.

orpbea, 28, 40, 417.

phragmitis, 40.

troclulus, 40.

viridula, 40.

Cursorius gallicus, 79, 354.

isabellinus, 79.

Cyanalcyon leucopygius,
105.

Cyanocitta melanocyanea,

nana, 21.

ornata, 21.

pumilo, 21.

Cyanocorax guatemalensis,

Cyanomyia eyanocephala,
127.

sordida, 456.

violiceps, 456.

Cyanopica cyanea, 105.
Cyanospiza ciris, 17.

cyanea, 18.

versicolor, 17.

Cyanurus bullockii, 22.

coronatus, 22.

Cyclopsitta desmarestii,210
Cyclorhis flaviventris, 13.
Cyclorliyncbus brevirostris,
443.

cinereiceps, 443.

flaviventris, 444.

olivaceus, 443.

ruficauda, 444.

schistaceiceps, 444.

Cyclorhynchus sulphures-
cens, 443.

Cygnopsis canadensis, 368.
Cymindis cayennensis,219.

uncinatus, 219.

Cypselus, sp., 339.

abyssinicus, 339.

apus, 26,47, 302,435.

coUaris, 110.

galilgeensis, 391.

melanoleucus, 125.

melba, 26, 189, 302,

358, 435.

niger, 110.

Cyrtonyx ocellatus, 226.

Dacelo gigas, 200.

undulatus, 200.

Dafila acuta, 231.

caudacuta, 469.

Dama vulgaris, 156.
Dandalus rubecula, 417.
Dasycephala citreopyga,
438.

Delattria henrica, 129.

viridipallens, 129,468

Dendrobates hemprichii,
343.

Dendrochelidon comatus,
319.

coronatus, 319.

klecho, 319.

mystaceus, 319.

Wallace!, 319.

Dendrocolaptes sancti-
thomas, 118.

Dendrocops anabatinus,
118.

Dendrocygna arborea, 366.

autumnalis, 231.

viduata, 251.

Dendroeca sestiva, 143, 378.

discolor, 144.

superciliosa, 375.

tigrina, 144.

Dendroica sestiva, 11.

blackburniae, 11.

castanea, 11.

coronata, 11.

maculosa, 11.

townsendii, 1 1 .

virens, 11, 459.

Dendrophis picta, 466.
Dendrortyx leucophrys,
226.

Diardigallus fasciolatus,
114, 201, 211, 473.

praslatus, 201, 473.

Diglossa baritula, 14.
Diplopterus excellens, 133.
I Discura longicauda, 100.

Dromaeus novae hoUandite,
115.

Dromas ardeola, 346.
Dromococcvx mexicanus,
133.

Dromolaea isabelHna, 59.
299.

leucocephala, 107,

158, 298.

leucopygia, 29, 107,

158, 297.

leucura, 29, 107, 296.

monacba, 299.

Drymoica gracilis, 340.

rufifrons, 340.

striaticeps, 202, 419.

Dryocopus guatemalensis,
135.

leucorhamphus, 135.

regius, 135.

scapi-daris, 135.

Dryoscopus turatii, 105.
Dysporus sula, 351, 369.

Eclectus cardinalis, 210,
336.

linnaei, 200.

EdoUus, sp. ?, 201.

retifer, 465.

Egretta alba, 37.

garzetta, 37.

Elaenia ?, 123.

variegata, 442.

Elainia pagana, 123.

placens, 123, 443.

variegata, 123.

vilissima, sp. nov.,

122.

Elanoides axillaris, 95.

furcatus, 95, 220.

leucurus, 95.

melanopterus, 95.

scriptus, 95.

Elanus leucurus, 220.

melanopterus, 45, 94,

160, 184, 240.

Emberiza caesia, 34.

cia, 295.

cirlus, 295, 314.

hortulana, 34.

miliaria, 34, 314.

saharae, 34.

Empidonax albigularis, sp.
nov., 122.

bail’d!, 442.

brachytarsus, 441.

flaviventris, 122, 441.

fulvifrons, 442.

minimus, 122, 441.

pusillus, 441.

— — traillii, 441.

INDEX.

483

Enneoctonus collurio, 147.

rxifus, 32.

Eos cyanogenia, 211.

fuscata, 201, 210.

Ephialtes capensis, 242.
Ereunetes petrificatus, 257.
Eriocnemis derbianus, 100.

isaacsoni, 100.

nigrivestis, 100.

Erismatura dominica, 367.

mersa, 358, 364.

rubida, 5, 232.

Erythacus rubecula, 308.
Erythronota edwardi, 100.

feHciae, 376.

niveiventris, 100.

Erythi’opusvespertinus, 26,
87, 289.

Erythropygia galactotes,28.
Erythrospiza githaginea,
34, 49, 294.

Euchsetes coccineus, 102.
Eugenes fulgens, 128.
Eugenia imperatrix, 400.
Eulampis chlorolsemus,
138, 262, 375.
Eumomota superciHaris,
132.

Eupherusa eximia, 130.
Euphonia affinis, 16.

cyaneidorsalis, 322.

elegantissima, 16.

goSdi, 17.

hirundinacea, 16.

occipitalis, 322.

Eurypyga helias, 227.
Eurystomus gularis, 200.
Euspiza americana, 18.
melanocepliala, 33.

Falco aesalon, 44, 338.

albicilla, 90.

alphanet, 188.

anatum, 63, 219.

aquilinus, 214.

ardesiacus, 338.

barbarus, 87, 184, 188,

287, 289.

biarmicus, 24, 44, 87.

brachypterus, 218.

candicans, 85, 414.

cervicalis, 24, 44.

cherrug, 24.

communis, 404.

concolor, 159, 338.

dichrous, 108, 324.

eleonorae, 159, 189,

3.38.

femoralis, 219.

gracilis, 218.

groenlandicus, 24, 469.

Falco gyrfalco, 85.

gyrfalco norvegicus,

85.

haliseetus, 63.

hemidactylus, 218.

islandicus, 24, 85,

414, 469.

jugger, 87.

lanarius, 24, 43, 86,

186, 284.

leucocephalus, 90.

norvegicus, 24.

novae bollandiae, 276.

percontator, 218.

peregrinoides, 87, 95,

185.

peregriniis, 24, 44, 63,

185, 288, 390.

punicus, 24, 1.58, 159,

184, 284.

rufipes, 338.

sacer, 24, 44, 186,

284.

saker, 86.

sparverius, 63.

subbuteo, 338.

tachardus, 94.

tanypterus, 339.

tinnunculus, 45, 462.

urubitinga, 215.

xanthothorax, 218.

Felis catus, 157.

Florida caerulea, 226.
Florisuga mellivora, 128.
Formicivora boucardi, 119.
Fratercula arctica, 172.

glacialis, 172.

Fregata aquila, 369.
Fringilla bicolor, 147.

borealis, 254.

chloris, 313.

coelebs, 33, 159.

linota, 375.

moreleti, 322.

spodiogenia, 159, 313.

Fringillaria saharae, 295.

septemstriata, 343.

Fulica americana, 230, 260.

atra, 357, 361.

chloropus, 373.

cristata, 361.

Fuligula aifinis, 231, 366.

cristata, 363.

ferina, 357, 363.

marila, 165.

Fulix affinis, 366.

Furnarius (Opetiorhyn-
chus) minor, 108.

Gralbula melanogenia, 5,
131.

Galeoscoptes carolinensis, 7
Galerida abyssinica, 425,
431.

arenicola, 58, 426,

431.

cristata, 34, 314, 422,

425 431.

— — isabellina, 425, 431.

macrorhyncha, 57,

426, 431, 432.

randonii, 106.

Gallinago ?, 228.

wilsoni, 228, 258.

Gallinula chloropus, 249,
,260, 356, 361.

galeata, 260, 373.

pumila, 249.

Gallophasis albocristatus,
319.

horsfieldi, 319.

melanotus, 319.-

Gambetta flavipes, 229,
257.

melanoleuca, 229.

Garrulus cervicalis, 32,
159, 199, 312.

coronatus, 22.

glandarius, 32, 142.

krynickii, 199.

melanocephalus, 32,

199.

Garzetta candidissima, 226.
Gavia brunneiceps, 41.
Gazzola typica, 113.
Gecinus levaillantii, 315.

vaillantii, 159.

viridis, 315.

Gelochelidon anglica, 358,
364.

niacrotarsa, 455.

Gennseus nycthemerus,
319.

Geocichla erythronota,
113.

innotata, 201, 465.

interpres, 113.

Geococcyx affinis, 134.
Geoffroius aruensis, 112,

200.

cyaneicollis, 112.

personatus, 112, 200,

210.

pucherani, 210.

Geothlypis macgillivrayii,

10.

philadelphica, 10.

trichas, 10.

Geranospiza cserulescens,
218.

Glareola limbata, 345.

pratincola, 354, 356.

2 L 2

484

INDEX.

Glaucidium jardinii, 220.

infascatum, 220.

Geronticus hagedasli, 248.
Gracula javanica, 465.
Graculus elegans, 204.
Grallaria guatemalensis,
119.

Gms cinerea, 36, 50, 191,
355.

Guiraca abeillii, 19.

Gulo borealis, 196.
Gymnocichla nudiceps,119
Gymnoglaux nudipes, 64.
Gypaetos (barbatus?), 23.

nudipes, 23.

Gypaetus barbatus, 84,
176, 282.

Gyparchus papa, 214.
Gypobierax angolensi8,108.
Gyps fulvus, 23, 42, 178,
180, 235, 236, 279, 390.

Haematopus ostralegus,
345.

palliatus, 228.

Hseinatornis cheela, 211,
465.

Haemophila rufescens, 18.
Halcyon chelicuti, 340.

cblorocephala, 339.

coromanda, 465.

coromandelianus, 201 .

fuscicapilla, 243.

lazuli, 210.

semicaerulea, 340.

smyrnensis, 201, 465.

Haliaetus albicilla, 90.

blagrus, 328.

leucocephalus, 89.

leucogaster, 239.

vocifer, 238, 328.

Haliastur sphenurus, 276.
Harelda glacialis, 174.
Harpactes duvauceli, 319.

rutilus, 319.

Harpagus bidentatus, 219.
Iledymeles ludovicianus,
17.

Helianthea lutetiae, 400.
Helidoxa jacula, 100.
Heliomaster constanti, 129.
Heliopoedica melanotis,
100, 130.

Heliornis fulica, 234.

impipi, 250.

Helminthophaga pinus, 11.
Helmitherus vermivorus,
11.

Helodromas ochropus, 257.
Helotarsus ecaudatus, 238,
338.

Hemipodius tachydromus,
79.

Hemiprocne zonaris, 125,
466.

Herodias egretta, 226.

flayirostris, 249.

garzetta, 356, 357.

russata, 357.

scbistacea, 346.

virescens, 261.

Herpetotheres cachinnans,
215.

Hierofalco sacer, 414.
Himantopus candidus, 260.

melanopterus, 53, 356,

360, 395.

nigricollis, 228, 258.

Hippolais pallida, 418.

polyglotta, 306, 418.

salicaria, 28.

Hirundo americana, 66.

horreorum, 13, 66.

riparia, 462.

rufula, 27.

rufula ?, 462.

rupestris, 47.

rustica, 27, 47, 67,

139, 146, 302, 304, 334,
339, 434.

zonaris, 125.

Histrionicus torquatus,162.
Hoplopterus cayanus, 228.

spinosus, 36, 51.

Houbara undulata, 353.
Hydrochelidon fissipes,

Hylomanes gularis, 131.
Hypotriorchis concolor,159

eleonorge, 25, 87, 189,

289.

femoralis, 219.

ferruginous, 322.

rufigidaris, 219.

subbuteo, 25, 290,

390.

Hystrix cristata, 157.

Ibis falcinellus, 357, 359.

religiosa, 51, 347.

rubra, 467.

Ibycter americanus, 214.
Icteria longicauda, 12.

polyglotta, 12.

velasquezi, 12.

Icterus affinis, 20, 466.

baltimorensis, 20.

cucullatus, 20, 466.

giraudi, 20.

gularis, 19, 468.

pectoralis, 20.

prosthemelas, 20.

Icterus spurius, 20.

wagleri, 20, 468.

Ictinia plumbea, 220.

Inca mystacalis, 328.
Indicator minor, 247.
lolgema frontalis. 111.
Irena pueUa, 211, 465.
Iscbnosceles niger, 218.
Ispidina pieta, 153, 246.
Ixos arsinoe, 38, 341.

capensis,

obscurus, 160, 311,

388, 455.

vallombrosse, 30, 41.

xanthopygius, 30, 38,

388.

Juida nitons, 105.

Junco dorsalis, 110.

Kittacincla albiventris,! 14,
465.

, sp. nov., 201.

Lsemodon melanocephalus,
343.

Lagopus albus, 170.

hemileucurus, 101,

170, 329.

mutus, 170.

Lampornis aurulentus,100,
375.

gramineus, 100.

porphyrurus, 100.

prevosti, 100.

yeraguensis, 100.

Lamprolaema rbami, 129,
468.

Laniarius cruentatus, 342.
Lanio aurantius, 15.
Laniusalgeriensis,159, 312.

cucullatus, 31.

dealbatus, 279, 433.

excubitor, 47, 146,

331, 427.

lahtora, 342.

meridionaHs, 159,312.

minor, 31, 41, 342.

phoenicurus, 459.

rufus, 312.

, yar., 41.

somabcus, n. sp., 342.

spinitorques, 342.

Larus argentatus, 38.

atricilla, 371.

audouinii, 38, 55.

fuscus, 37, 349.

glaucus, 167.

hemprichii, 350.

leucophspus, 349.

leucophfhalmus, 349.

INDEX.

Larus marinus, 168.

ridibundus, 371.

rossii, 173, 459.

sabini, 173.

suckleyii, 110.

Legatus variegatus, 123, 442
Leptoptila albifrons, 222.
Lepus mediterraneus, 157.
Lesbia amaryllis, 399.
Lestris parasiticus, 212.

— ; — pomarinus, 173.
limicola pygmasa, 348.

Limosa ?, 257.

fedoa, 230.

rufa, 212.

— rufa (?), 347.

Linaria cannabina, 313.
Linota linaria, 34.
Lipaugus rufescens, 124.
Lobipes byperboreus, 464.
Locustella savii, 356.
Lophophorus impeyanus,
319.

Lophornis belen®, 130.
Lophostrix stricklandi,221.
Lorius cardinaHs, 200.

cyanauchen, 201.

ruber, 210.

superbus, 201, 211.

tricolor, 201, 210.

Loxia curvirostra, 315.

pityopsittacus, 408.

Lusciniopsis hendersonii,
205.

japonica, 205.

savii, 418.

Lutra vulgaris, 157.

Lycaste skinneri, 3.

Malacocichla dryas, 1.

mexicana, 7.

Malurus coronatus, 454.

Sahara, 106, 202, 419.

Manacus caudsei, 124.
Mareca americana, 231,
368.

penelope, 364.

Megabyas bicolor, 394.

flammulatus, 394.

Melanerpes formicivorus,
137.

portoricensis, 377.

Melanocorypha calandra,
34, 315, 425.

clot-bey, 424.

Melanoptila glabrirostris,7.
Melanotis hypoleucus, 7.
Meleagris ocellata, 5, 225.
Melisuga minima, 466.
Melizophilus provincialis,
28. 418.

Menura superba, 203.
Mergus albellus, 75, 212.
Meropogon breweri, 328.
Merops apiaster, 27, 47,
303, 435, 462.

boleslavskii, 108.

cuvieri, 340.

persicus, 27.

superciUosus, 340.

viridis, 47.

Merula albocincta, 319.

boulboul, 319.

castanea, 319.

poliocephala, 455.

unicolor, 100.

Micrastur concentricus,218

ruficolhs, 218.

semitorquatus, 218.

Microcarbo algeriensis, 106,
159.

— — pygmjEus, 159.
Microchera albicoronata,
100.

Microglossa aterrima, 210.
Micronisus gabar, 26, 87.
Micropalama himantopus,
229.

Microsittace souancii, 202.
Milvago megalopterus, 463.
Milvulus forficatus, 121
439.

monachus, 121, 439.

tyrannus, 121, 439.

Milvus segyptiacus, 184.

aegyptius, 45, 207,

290, 462.

ater, 24, 45, 180, 184,

207, 358.

forskahli, 94.

govinda, 94.

melanotis, 94.

migrans, 94.

parasiticus, 24.

parasitus, 239, 240,

242, 339.

— — regalis, 183, 290.
Mimus carolinensis, 459.

gracilis, 7.

gundlachii, 456.

leucospilus, 108.

peruvianus, 108.

Mionectes assimilis, 124,
M5.

Mitrephorus fulvifrons,
442.

phajocercus, 122, 442.

Mniotilta varia, 10, 1 43.
Momotus lessoni, 131.

yucatanensis, 132.

Monarcha castaneiventris,
105.

485

Monticola cyanea, 296,
311,387.

— ^ — saxatilis, 296, 311.
Motacilla alba, 31, 41, 48,
310, 341, 420.

lugubris, 48.

neglecta, 48.

pensilis, 375.

Mus chamaeropsis, 290.

decumanus, 156.

manei, 465.

musculus, 157.

rattus, 157.

sylvaticus, 157.

Muscicapa ?, 31.

albicollis, 31.

atricapilla, 31.

dominicensis, 146.

fulvifrons, 442.

grisola, 41, 342.

luctuosa, 311.

texensis, 123, 443.

Muscipeta speciosa, 328.
Muscivora mexicana, 124,
443, 445.

swainsonii, 108.

Mycetes palliatus, 3.
Myiabeillia typica, 128.
Myiadestes elizabethse,
110.

obscurus, 14.

Myiagra plumbea, 394.

rubecula, 393.

rufiventris, 393.

Myiarchus cinerascens, 121,

440.

cooperi, 122, 440.

crinitus, 121, 440.

fuscus, 440.

lawrencii, 121, 440.

mexicanus, 121, 440.

Myiobius sulphureipygius,

Myiodioctes canadensis, 1 1 .

mitratus, 11.

pusillus, 11.

Myio^nastes luteiventris,
120, 438.

Myiozetetes texensis, 123,
443, 468.

Nectarinia, av. juv,, 340.

habessynica, 340.

Neophron percnopterus, 23,
42, 177-180, 236, 282
337, 358, 390.

pileatus, 236, 337.

Nesopsar nigerrimus, 457.
Nestor esslingii, 454.

hypopolius, 454.

notabilis, 454.

486

INDEX.

Nettapus madagascariensis,
251.

Nilaus capensis, 342.

Nisus chionogaster, 218.
Noctua nudipes, 46.
Numenius arquata, 53.

tenuirostris ?, 37, 347,

359.

Numida plumifera, 206.

ptilorhyncha, 343.

Nyctherodias violaceus,
262.

Nyctiardea gardenii, 263.
Nycticorax europaeus, 51.

gardeni, 227.

griseus, 359.

Nyctidromus americanus,
125.

derbianus, 125.

Nyroca leucoplithalma,356,
364.

Ocyalus wagleri, 19.
Odontoglossum grande, 3.
Odontopliorus guttatus,
226.

CEdicnemus affinis, 344.

australis, 336.

crepitans, 36, 51,

354.

OEna capensis, 343.

Oligura microura, 340.
Onychoprion fuliginosus,
371.

Oporornis formosa, 10.
Oreocincla aurea, 384, 386,
388.

dauma, 380, 384.

lunulata, 384.

Oreophasis derbianus, 4, 5,
224.

fronticornis, 224.

Chimborazo, 208, 399.

pichinchse, 115.

Oreotrochilus pichincha,
399, 463.

Oriolus cayennensis, 374.

chinensis, 211.

coronatus, 465.

galbula, 145, 341.

indicus, 211.

macrourus, 211.

tenuirostris, 211.

Orpheus lividus, 459.
Ortalida leucogastra, 224.

yetula, 224.

Orthorhynchus cristatus,
141.

exilis, 141, 375.

Ortyx leylandi, 226.

nigrigularis, 225.

Ortyx virginianus, 254.
Otis arabs, 344.

heuglinii, 344.

tarda, 36.

tetrax, 36, 191, 353.

Otocorys bilopha, 421.
Otogyps, 201.

auricularis, 84, 235.

nubicus, 280, 282.

Oxylophus glandarius, ^
316.

serratus, 246.

Pachyrhamphus aglaise,

124.

polychropterus, 124.

Pagophila eburnea, 171.
Palseornis affinis, 100.

columboides, 100.

derbianus, 100.

— — maiaccensis, 100.

schisticeps, 100.

Pandion carolinensis, 63,
215

haliaetus, 43, 183,

239, 337, 365.

Panyptila melanoleuca, 5,

125.

Paradisea apoda. 111.

papuana. 111.

regia. 111.

rubra. 111.

superba. 111.

(Semioptera)wallacii,

210.

Parmoptila woodhousii,
328.

Parra africana, 249.

cordifera, 231.

gymnostoma, 231.

Parula americana, 10, 143.

superciliosa, 10.

Parus cseruleanus, 157.

cseruleus, 310.

cinereus, 100.

dichrous, 319.

ledouci, 157, 159, 310.

major, 31, 310.

melanolophus, 319.

minor, 100.

monticolus, 100.

pendulinus, 458.

rubidiventris, 319.

rufonuchalis, 319.

sibiricus, 212.

ultramarinus, 159,

310. f

Passer cisalpinus, 33, 48,

hispaniolensis, 48.

italise, 293. ^ ^

montanus, 33.

Passer salicarius, 293.^

sahcicola, 33. 48, 314,

356.

Passerculus lincolni, 18.
Pastor roseus, 33.
Patagioenas leucocephalus,
253.

Patagona gigas, 399.
Pelecanus crispus, 37.

erythrorhynchus,

233.

fiber, 369.

fuscus, 233.

onocrotalus, 54.

rufescens, 352.

sula, 369.

Pelicanus fuscus, 368.
Pendulinus dominicensis,
374.

Penelope albiventer, 224.
— ^ — cujubi, 108.

leucogastra, 224.

nigra, 224.

purpurascens, 223.

vetula, 224.

Pephotus chrysopterygius,

454.

Perdix petrosa, 35.
Pericrocotus peregrinus,
211, 465.

Perisoreus infaustus, 212.
Peristera brachyptera, 222.

cinerea, 222.

erythroptera, 327.

Pernis apivorus, 240,
390.

Petasophora cyanotis, 376.

thalassina, 127, 468.

Petrochelidon bicolor, 13.

thalassina, 13.

Petrocincla cyanea, 30, 47.

homochroa, 101.

saxatilis, 29.

Petroica ? cerviniventris,

455.

Petronia stulta, 33.
Phseolaema rubinoides,100.
Phaethon sethereus, 105.

flavirostris, 105.

Phaethox’nis adolphi, 126.

cephalus, 100, 126.

obscmms, 100.

superciliosus, 100.

viridicaudata, 100.

Phaeton ?, 370.

sethereus, 351, 370.

Phalacrocorax, sp., 352.

370.

mexicanus, 233,

Phalsenopsis jardinii, 220.
Phalaropus fuiicarius, 174.

INDEX.

487

Phalaropus lobatus, 464.
Pharomacrus mocinno,132.

paradiseus, 2, 5, 132,

467.

Phasianus crawfurdi, 474.

mongolicus, 100.

Pbasidus niger, 206.
Philomela luscinia, 308,
462.

Philsiima cepidianum, 466.
Phoenicophaus cainrhyn-
chus, 113.

Phoenieopterus antiquo-
rum, 361.

erythraeus, 348.

ruber, 365.

Phoenicothraupis rubi-
coides, 15.

Pholidornis rushiae, 110.
Phonipara bicolor, 147,
376, 378.

Phyllopneuste bonellii, 28.

borealis, 459.

eversmanni, 459.

rufa, 28.

trochilus, 143.

Phylloscopus bonellii, 418.

rufus, 306, 418.

sibilatrix, 306.

— ^ — trochilus, 306, 418.
Piaya erythropygia, 133.
Pica beecheyii, 105.

cooki, 199.

cyanea, 199.

mauritanica, 78, 157,

159, 292, 312, 316.

Picolaptes ?, 117.

affinis, 117.

capistratus, 8.

Picus ?, 150.

canus, 264.

crueutatus, 391.

dubius, 136.

jardinii, 136.

leuconotus, 264.

major, 264.

martius, 264.

medius, 264.

minor, 264.

numidicus, 157, 159

315.

parvus, 136.

portoricensis, 377.

scalaris, 136.

tndactylus, 264, 404.

viridis, 264.

Pionus senilis, 138.

Pipra elegantissima, 16.

fastuosa, 124.

linearis, 124.

mentalis, 125.

Pitangus derbianus, 120,
438.

Pithecus innuus, 156.

Pitta maxima, 112.
Platalea ajaja, 467.

leueorodia, 51, 346.

Platypsaris affinis, 394.

aglaiae, 394.

Platyrhynchus albiventris,
. 393.

caneroma, 445.

pusillus, 441.

Plectrophanes nivalis, 170.
Plotus anhinga, 233.

levaillantii, 251.

Pluvianus segyptius, 52.
Podica petersii, 250.

senegalensis, 250.

Podiceps ?, 234.

auritus, 349, 364.

cristatus, 364.

minor, 348, 364./

Podilymbus podiceps, 234.
Podoa personata, 466.
Poecilonetta erythrorhvn-
cha, 251.

Poephila paddoni, 103.
Pogonias bidentatus, 153.
Polioptila cserulea, 9.

mexieana, 9.

Polyboroides radiatus, 153,
237.

Polyborus tharus, 214.
Pomatorhinus ruficeps, 102.
Pontoaetus leucoryphus, 88

macei, 89.

Porphyrio hyacinthinus,
357, 361.

— martinica, 230.

smaragnotis, 249.

Porzana Carolina, 230, 260.
Pratincola pastor, 415.

rubetra, 415.

— y- rubicola, 307, 415.

Prionirhynchus carinatus,
132.

Procellaria diabolica, 372.

glacialis, 168, 372.

haesitata, 372.

meridionalis, 372.

Progne dominicensis, 13,
466.

Psarisoma dalhousi®, 466.
Psilorhinus morio, 22.
Psittacula lineolata, 137.
Psittacus aruensis, 112.

flavinuchus, 138.

personatus, 200.

tui, 374.

Psophia leucoptera, 336.
Pternistes rubricollis, 343.

Pterocles ?, 35.

alchata, 352.

arenarius, 35, 286,353

exustus, 35, 50.

^ttatus, 286.

Hchtensteinii, 343.

senegalensis, 50.

setarius, 35, 79, 286.

Pterocyanea circia, 363,
366.

Pteroglossus torquatus,
135.

Ptilogonys cinereus, 13,
Puffinus, sp., 349.

anglorum, 372.

obscurus, 397.

Putorius boccamela, 157.
Pycnonotus jocosus, 201,
465.

Pyranga agstiva, 15.

erythromelaena, 15.

hepatica, 15.

ludoviciana, 15.

— — roseogularis, 15.
Pyrgisoma biarcuatum, 5,
18.

Pyrocephalus mexicanus,
442.

rubineus, 442.

Pyrrhocorax alpinus, 313.

graculus, 292, 313,

358.

Pyrrhula aurantia, 100.

coccinea, 322.

githaginea, 459.

raptor, 14.

vulgaris, 147.

Pyrrhulauda cruciffera,

343. ® ’

leucotis, 343.

Querquedula carolinensis,

— — - discors, 231.

Quiscalus macrurus, 20
213.

— sumichrasti, 322.

Eallus aquaticus, 249, 357,
360,

crepitans, 260.

longirostris, 260,

Eamphocelus passerinii, 5
16,467.

sanguinolentus, 16.

Eecurvirostra avocetta, 357,

himantopus, 258 .

Eegulus calendula, 8.
Ehamphastos carinatus
135.

488

INDEX.

Rhamphocoris clot-bey, 161
424, 433.

Rhea americana, 115.

darwinii, 115.

Rhyacophilus glareola, 257.

solitarius, 229, 257.

Rhynchaea bengalensis, 53.

capensis, 153.

Rhynchaspis cl^eata, 37.
Rhynchops flavirostris, 349.

nigra, 371.

Rissa septentrionalis, 110.

tridactyla, 169.

Rostrhamus sociabiUs, 219.
Ruticilla moussieri, 159,
279, 307, 416.

phoenicura, 144, 308.

tithys, 29, 308, 416.

Sagittarius secretarius, 237.
SaUcaria arundinacea, 468.

turdoides, 28.

Saltator atriceps, 14.

atripennis, 114.

grandis, 14.

icterophrys, 14.

magnoides, 14.

Sarciophorus pileatus, 345.
Sarcorhamphus papa, 326.
Saurophagus derbianus,
120, 438.

guatemalensis, 120.

rufipennis, 438.

sxilphuratus, 438.

Saurothera dominicensis,
378.

merlini, 378.

vetula, 378.

vieillotii, 378.

Saxicola ?, 29.

amphileuca, 39.

aurita, 300, 307.

cachinnans, 48.

deserti, 300, 341.

erythraea, 41.

eurymelaena, 29, 38.

halophila, 59, 301.

homochroa, 59, 301,

432.

isabellina, 59.

leucomela, 29, 48, 300.

leucura, 306.

libanotica, 39.

lugens, 29, 48, 300.

melanura, 341.

cenanthe, 39, 300, 306.

philothamna, 58, 299,

300.

rubetra, 29, 307.

rubicola, 29, 39,

ruficeps, 299.

Saxicola rostrata, 39.

saltatrix, 29, 341.

stapazina, 48, 300,

307, 341, 432.

Sayornis aquatica, sp. nov.,
119.

cineraoea, 119.

fusca, 440.

nigricans, 119, 438.

pallida, 438.

sayus, 438.

Scaphorhynchus mexica-
nus, 120, 438.
Scardafella inca, 223.
Sciurus dorsalis, 3.
Sclerurus guatemalensis,
118.

Scolopax brehmii, 258.

gallinago, 53, 258,

360.

gallinula, 53.

Scops ?, 221.

brasiliensis, 221.

m'calLii, 220.

portoricensis, 377.

usta, 221.

zorca, 26, 190, 291.

Scopus umbretta, 248,
347.

Scotopelia peli, 445.
Seiurus aquaticus, 142.
Selasphorus heloisse, 129,
468.

platycercus, 129.

Selenidera spectabilis, 110,
206.

Semioptera wallacii, 332,
454.

Serinus meridionalis, 313.
Setophaga flammea, 12.

intermedia, 12.

miniata, 12.

picta, 12.

ruticilla, 12, 144.

Sialia wilsoni, 8, 104.

Sitta europsea, 28.

syriaca, 27.

Siurus auricapillus, 9, 142.

noveboracensis, 10,

142.

Somateria mollissima, 167.

spectabilis, 174.

T. -nigrum, 201.

Sorex araneus, 157.

fodiens, 157.

Sparvius gilvicollis, 218.

niger, 87.

ruficollis, 218.

semitorquatus, 218.

Spatula clypeata, 231, 356,
363.

Spatula variegata, 455.
Spermophila bicolor, 147,
468.

moreletii, 17, 468.

Sphyropicus varius, 136.
Spilornis bacha, 32k

rufipectus, 113.

Spizaetus melanoleucus,
215.

occipitalis, 238.

ornatus, 215.

tyrannus, 215.

Stercorarius parasiticus,
172.

Sterna, sp., 351.

affinis, 38, 350.

angliea, 54, 328.

caspia, 37, 350, 351.

cayana, 371.

fuliginosa, 350, 371,

466.

infuscata, 350.

leucoptera, 37.

macroura, 167.

meridionalis, 328,

351.

minuta, 351.

senegalensis, 351.

velox, 350.

Sternoclyta eyaneipectus,

100.

Stoparola deserti, 202, 417.
Strepsilas interpres, 256.
Strep tocitta albicoUis, 113.
Strutluo camelus, 115,343.
Strigiceps swainsonii, 88.
Strix capensis, 242.

flammea, 26, 46.

lapponica, 212.

nudipes, 64, 66.

numida, 190.

passerinoides, 220.

pratincola, 222.

Strobilophaga enucleator,

212.

Sturnella liippocrepis, 19.
Sturnia erytlu’opygia, 201.
Sturnopastor contra, 211.

niger, 211.

Stmmus unicolor, 293,
313.

vulgaris, 33, 49, 293.

Sula capensis, 352.

cyauops, 352.

dactylatra, 352.

fiber, 233.

fusca, 151, 369.

melanops, 351 .

Sus andamensis, 465.

scrofa, 157.

Sycobius cassinii, 392.

INDEX.

489

Sycobius nucliaKs, 393.
Sylvia asstiva, 143.

americana, 143.

einerea, 305, 341,

417.

citrinella, 143.

eonspiciUata, 305,

341, 417.

curruca, 417.

delicatula, 340.

deserticola, 58, 202

417.

discolor, 144.

elaiea, 159, 418.

galactotes, 159.

gracilis, 40.

— maritima, 144.

— ~ melanocephala, 28,

minuta, 144.

orphea, 306.

pbcenicurus, 39.

provincialis, 329.

pusilla, 143.

semirufa, 39.

subalpina, 28, 341.

tolmiaei, 10.

turdoides, 356.

Sypheotides humilis, 344.
Synallaxis erythrothorax,
117.

Syrnium aluco, 391.

nebulosum, 221, 461.

occidentale, 461.

persiMcillatum, 222.

virgakim, 221.

Syrrhaptes paradoxus, 204
471. 472. ’

tibetanus, 471.

Tesia cyaneiventris, 100.
Testudo mauritanica, 177.
Tetragonops rhamphasti-
nus, 463.

Tetrao obscurus, 200.
Tetraogallus caucasicus,
116.

Thalasseus cantiacus, 364.

regius, 371.

Thalassidroma, sp., 349.

?, 372.

bulweri, 372.

gracilis, 391.

wilsoni, 372, 392.

Thalurania columbica, 100.

eriphile, 100.

furcata, 100.

venusta, 100.

verticeps, 100.

Thamnophilus doliatus,
118.

melanurus, 119.

Thamnantias Candidas
467.

Thaumastura enicura, 129.
Thaumatias Candidas, 130.
Thrasaetus harpyia, 215.
Thresciornis religiosa, 153.
Thryothorus rufalbus, 8.
*^i^isoma tigrinum, 151,

Tinactor guatimalensis,
118.

Tinamus cinnamomeus,
226.

— ; — major, 226.
Tinnunculus alaudarius
25, 169, 184, 189, 290,

Totanus ochropus, 53, 359-

stagnatilis, 53, 347.

Toxostoma crissalis, 110.

— — rufum, 459.
Trachyphonus margarita-
tus, 343.

Trpon phoenicoptera, 375.
Trichoglossus immargina-
tus, sp. nov., 201.

ochrocephalus, sp.

nov., 201.

ornatus, 112, 113.

Tringa alpina, 258.

cinclus minor, 258.

maculata, 229, 258.

maritima, 171.

ocliropus, 348.

pectoral] s, 229, 258.

pusilla, 2.58.

schinzii, 258.

semipalmata, 229

257.

solitaria, 257.

subarquata, 348.

temmincMi, 53.

variabilis, 347.

wilsonii, 229.

Tringoides hypoleucus,

- macularius, 230, 257.
Trochilus colubris, 100
129.

— melanotus, 130.
Troglodytes aedon, 9.

europaeus, 28.

Trogon ealigatus, 132.
citreolus, 132.
massena, 132.

melanonfinTialna ] QO

Tachornis iradii, 110.
Ta|hypetes aquila, 233,

Tadorna rutila, 54.

vulpanser, 474.

Taenioptera obscura, 327.
Tanagra abbas, 16.

diaconus, 16.

vicarius, 16.

Tantalus ibis, 347.

loculator, 227.

Tanygnathus rniiUeri, 113.
Tatare otaitiensis, 327.
Tchitrea gaimardi, 200.
Temenuchus ervthropv-
gius, 465. *

T^^odomis grisola, 201,

Teretristris fomsi, 110.
Tesia castaneo-coronata,

VOL. I.

atratus, 211.

cenehris, 25, 87.

rupicolus, 95, 240.

sparverius, 63, 146

148, 219, 377, 378.
Tityra personata, 124.
Toccus erythrorhynchus,

Todirhamphus coUaris, 465
Togrostrmn cinereigulare,

cinereum, 124, 444.

schistaceiceps, sp.
nov., 444.

Totanus ealidris, 347, 359.

chloropygius, 257.

flavipes, 257.

fuscus, 212.

glareola, 248,257,347

357.

glottis, 53, 347, 462.

hypoleucus, 53.

mexicanus, 132.

paradiseus, 132.

pavoninus, 1.32.

puella, 132.

xalapensis, 132.

Tryphaena duponti, 129.
Turdus anthracinus, 107.

aquaticus, 142.

atrigrilaris, 456,

aureus, 379.

■ aurocapillus, 142.

cyaneus, 384.

felivox, 7.

fuscater, 107, 142

387.

grayii, 5.

iliacus, 384, 388.

longirostris, 327.

merula, 30, 38, 311

384, 388.

migratorius, 142, 384

387, 388.

2 M

490

INDEX.

Turdus minor, 402.

modestus, 101.

musicus, 30, 31 1, 384,

405.

mustelinus, 6, 384.

obscurus, 384.

olivaeeus, 6.

pilaris, 384, 388.

ruficollis, 455.

rufitorques, 5, 6.

saxatilis, 38.

swainsoni, 6.

torquatus, 384.

unicolor, 101.

viscivorus, 311, 384,

388, 405.

whitii, 379.

Turnix africanus, 79.

coturnix, 353.

Turtur segyptiacus, 35, 50,
318, 343.

auritus, 35, 318.

risorius, 343, 462.

senegalensis, 50.

Tyrannula cayennensis,
123, 443.

cinerascens, 440.

coronata, 4^.

hammondii, 110.

lawrencii, 440.

mexicana, 121.

nigricans, 438.

pallida, 438.

Tyrannus sulpliureipygius,

audax ?, 438.

carolinensis, 439.

cassinii, 121, 439.

cooperi, 440.

couchii, 439.

crassirostris, 439.

dominicensis, 146,

148, 261, 378.

intrepidus, 120, 439.

melancholicus, 121,

439.

vociferans, 121, 439.

Upupa epops, 27, 49, 268,
304, 340, 435.

Uria briinnichii, 168.

grylle, 169.

mandti, 172.

troile, 174.

Ursus maritimus, 168.

Urubitinga ?, 216.

anthracina, 216.

schistacea, 216.

unicincta, 216.

zonura, 215.

Vanellus cristatus, 52.

■ leucurus, 52.

villotsei, 52.

Vidua paradisea, 343.

Vireo cassinii, 110.

END OE VOL. I.

PRINTED BY TAYLOR AND FR
RED LION COURT, FLEET STREET

Vireo flavifrons, 12.

longirostris, 145.

noveboracensis, 140.

oHvacea, 145.

Vireolanius icterophrys, 12

pulchellus, 12C

Vireosylvia altiloqua, 145.
466.

flavo-viridis, 12.

olivacea, 12.

pbiladelphica, 12.

Viverra sarmatica, 116.
Volatinia jacarina, 17.
Vultur monacbus, 84, 201.
occipitalis, 235, 337.

Xema ?, 54.

melanocephalum, 37.

Xipbocolaptes albicollis,
118.

emigrans, sp. nov.,

118.

Yunx torquilla, 268.

Zanclostomus seneus, 248.
Zenaida amabilis, 253.
Zenaidura carolinensis,
1222.^

Zonotrichia matutina, 18.

pileata, 18.

Zosterops albigularis, 455.
tenuirostris, 455.

ANCIS,

m

4