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Sarietn for the irotection of Birds.

EDUCATIONAL SERIES. Edited by H. E. DRESSER, F.L.S., F.Z.S.

No. 415 OWLS.

By MONTAGU SHARPE, Vice-Chairman Mippx. C.C.

LONG-EARED OWL.
“Was by a mousing owl hawked at and killed.” — Shakespeare.

I. Name—OWL.

Family—Strigidz.
Genus—1. Striz. S. fammea. Barn or White Owl.
2. Syrntum. SS. aluco. Wood Brown or Tawny Owl.

3. Asio. A. otus. Long-Eared Owl.
A. brachyotus. Short-Eared Owl.

II. General Description and Proportions in Inches.
Barn or White Owl.—Upper parts orange buff, pencilled with grey and spotted
with blackish grey and white, face and under parts white, bill pale yellow, feet
generally with bristles, claws black. Tip of beak to tip of tail, 13; wing closed,

11; tail, 5; body, 7.
Tawny or Wood Owl.—Upper parts reddish brown, spotted with darker brown
and blackish ; lower parts buffish white mottled with brown, and streaked with

dusky brown; legs feathered, claws whitish at base. Tip of beak to tip of tail, 18;
wing closed, 12; tail, 7; body, 93.
Illustrations by_Joseplt Wolf, ~from, ‘‘ British Birds in their Haunts,” by kind permission of Society for
- Mi Pot “Promoting Christian Knowledge.

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Long-Eared Owl.—Upper parts buff, mottled with brown of various shades; ear
tufts large and composed of black feathers edged with buff; the under parts are of
a lighter buff, with broad streaks of deep brown and faint transverse bars of paler
brown ; beak and claws dark horn colour ; irides rich orange yellow. Tip of beak
to tip of tail, 14; wing closed, 114; tail, 5%; body, 73.

Short-Eared Owl.—General colour dark buff; wings and tail barred with dark
brown, the rest of the plumage, except thighs and under tail coverts, streaked and
blotched with blackish brown ; irides bright yellow. Tip of beak to tip of tail, 15 ;
wing closed, 12; tail, 53; body, 8¢.

III. Where, when, and in what Numbers found.

Barn or White Owl.—England, Scotland, Ireland. Constant resident throughout
the year. Formerly common, but now rare in many places.

Tawny or Wood Owl.—England, Scotland, Ireland, in densely wooded districts
Constant resident. Incessant persecution is slowly producing its extermination.

Long-Eared Owl.—England, Scotland, Iveland, in woodland districts, and in fir
plantations. Is a partial migrant. If not erroneously regarded as vermin, and
destroyed accordingly, might become fairly common.

Short-Eared Owl.—England, Scotland, Ireland, on moorlands and marshes. <A
regular winter visitor—generally a migratory bird, but resident in some parts of
Scotland. More common in the fen districts and northern counties than elsewhere.

IV. Food.

Barn Owl.—Bats, small birds, dormice, mice, voles, rats, shrews, water rats.

Tawny or Wood Owl.—Beetles, small birds, cockchafers, mice, voles, rats,
shrews, water rats, occasionally a young game-bird or rabbit. Any misdeeds are
small in comparison with the good practical work done by this bird.

Long-Eared Owl.—Mice, rats, small birds, voles.

Short-Eared Owl.—Mice, rats, shrews, voles, occasionally birds and beetles. ;
An examination of pellets from the barn, tawny, and long-eared owls yielded the
following remarkable results :—

REMAINS FOUND.
No. of pellets
SEES Bats. Rats. Mice. Voles. | Shrews. | Moles. | Beetles. Small
|
Barn Owl ... .... 706 16 Wye 237 693 | 1590 0 0 22 (a)
Tawny Owl... a 210 O 6 42 269 33 48 48 (c) 18 (4)
Long-eared Owl... 25 0 0 6 35 0 0% «070 2

(a) Nineteen sparrows, a greenfinch, and two swifts.
peta comic caucnerchees, (eee tak na
Y. Characteristics.

Owls have the peculiar habit of ejecting pellets from the mouth containing the
indigestible remains of the food they have swallowed. They are able to see in
the night-time, and possess a noiseless flight, necessary on account of the keen
sense of hearing possessed by their prey, viz., mice and rats, ete.

The Barn Owl’s usual note is a screech, and at times a snore.

The Tawny Owl is a dull and sombre bird, seeking seclusion in its gloomy forest

haunt. It utters a clear and loud hoot.

ViTH DRA Ve wN
MAY 9 1919
PUBLIC

WASHINGTON T oY D.C.

The Long-Eared Owl is less strictly nocturnal in its habits.

The Short-Eared Owl may be seen quartering the ground at all hours of the day.
Where great plagues of mice have occurred this species has been known to flock

. Laie
RSQ

in numbers to the place.

VI. Protection.

Wild Birds Act, 1880.—These birds appear in the schedule, which applies to every
county in England, Scotland, and Ireland. Any owner, occupier, or other person
taking, killing, etc., an owl during close season,* or possessing or selling an
owl after 15th March, is liable to a penalty of £1 for each bird.

Wild Birds Act, 1894.—Their eggs are protected at present (1896) in the following
counties :+-—

ENGLAND—I. Norruern: Durham, Cumberland, Westmoreland; II. Miptanp:
Bedford, Chester, Derby, Gloucester, Huntingdon, Leicester, Lincoln (parts of Kesteven
and Lindsey), Northampton, Stafford, Warwick, and West Suffolk; IIT. Souruurn:
Devon, Hertford, Isle of Wight, Metropolitan Police District (including London and
Middlesex), Norfolk, Oxford, Southampton.

SCOTLAND—Aberdeen, Berwick, Dumfries, Kircudbright, Wigtown, Orkney,
Shetland, East Haddington, Linlithgow, Islay, Jura, Colonsay, and Tiree.

IRELAND—Roscommon.

Any owner, occupier, or other person taking or destroying an owl’s egg is liable to
a penalty of £1 for each egg. The eggs of the four species are pure white, nearly round, and
measure about 14 by 14 inches, those of the Tawny Owl being somewhat larger.

VII. Remarks.

It was a wise legislative proceeding that granted protection to owls, for of all birds,
from a farmer’s standpoint, they are among the most useful, and are placed in the highest
class by the economist. Will no one explain to the whole generation of gamekeepers what
a stupid and aimless crime is the wholesale persecution of these pleasing birds ?

Half a dozen pole-traps in use on one estate will keep down and even exterminate the
owls inhabiting the country for miles around. Richard Jefferies relates that in one instance
no fewer than two hundred owls were taken in one pole-trap in a plantation of young
fir trees, doubtless held fast by their crushed legs, and doomed to perish miserably by
slow degrees! ‘Two hundred convictions at £1 each, with costs, would be a large sum to pay
for using that pole-trap ! !

Our ancestors, wiser than we are, always made in their great barns an ingress for owls—
an owl hole, with often a stone perch. If you do not possess a hollow tree, why not
construct a suitable place and try to induce a pair of barn owls to reside on your premises ?

* Generally from 1st March to 3lst July; but in some counties from 1st February to 3lst August in
each year.

+ It is expected that other counties will before long obtain similar orders of protection under the Act
of 1894,

ia ae

“T made a place with stone and mortar, about four feet square, and fixed a thick oaken
stick firmly into it. Huge masses cf ivy now quite cover it. In about a month or so after
it was finished a pair of barn owls came and took up their abode in it. I threatened to
strangle the keeper if ever after this he molested either the old birds or their young ones.

This year I have had four broods . . . . and it will help to supply the place of
those which in this neighbourhood are still unfortunately doomed to death.””—CHarLEs
WATERTON.

When farmers complain that the barn owl destroys the eggs of their pigeons they lay the
saddle on the wrong horse. They ought to put the blame on the rat. If it were really an
enemy of the dovecot we should see the pigeons in commotion as soon as it begins its
evening flight.

All day long, while the owls are snoozing and blinking in holes and corners, the kestrel
keeps quartering the fields with the eyes of a lynx for mice and cockchafers. At night the
owl takes up the good work of the kestrel, as the bats continue that of the swallow in the
destruction of insects.

Owls, it has been said, ought to be as common as rooks; they should be tempted in
every way to live amongst us, and a reward should be given to every farm hand who brought
first news of a nest upon the grounds. The remissness and ignorance of proprietors and
keepers in the matter is so extraordinary, that, before a change can take place, the
owl is likely to be altogether extinct. In Scotland I have heard they have positively been
driven to importing owls from the Continent to cope with the mice.

Owls are lynx-eyed cats with wings, and the benefit they confer upon agriculturists is
almost incalculable. There are ten tiny creatures—four mice, three voles, three shrews—
which, if not kept under, would quickly devastate our fields. Many English counties have been
overrun by hordes of rodents, which, in many cases, have done very considerable damage.

It has been computed that an owl, when it has young, will bring a mouse, etc., to its
nest every fifteen minutes.

Where, in game-preserving districts, owls have been shot down and exterminated, the
inevitable results have followed, viz., swarms of rats and mice, in such numbers as to
constitute a plague.

Owls and kestrels are frequently attracted to game coverts by the number of rats and
mice to be found there, in consequence of the food laid down for the game birds. Therefore,
from the game-preserver’s standpoint, the destruction of birds of prey—owls, especially—is
a short-sighted policy, as the two live well together.

(The above leaflet is chiefly extracted from the following works :—“ British Birds,’ Seebohm; “Ornithology

in relation to Agriculture, etc.,” Watson; ‘‘The Barn Owl,” W. H. Hudson; “Our Country’s Birds,”
W. J. Gordon.)

Educational Series, 13d. per 6 copies, post free. No. I.—_OWLS. No. II.—WOODPECKERS.
Others in course of preparation.

Pamphlets on the general question of Protection of Birds may also be obtained from the Society’s
Publishing Department, Knowledge Office, 326, High Holborn, London, W.C., or of Mrs. F. E. Lemon
Hon. Sec., Hillcrest, Redhill, Surrey.

Special terms for County Councils and Educational Authorities.

The Society’s Publishing Office, Knowledye, 326, High Holborn, London, W.C. 1896,

Society for the Protection of Birds,

EDUCATIONAL SERIES. Edited by H. E. DRESSER; F.LS.; E:Z:S;

No. 2,—_WOODPECKERS.

By Sin HERBERT MAXWELL, Barr., M.P., ete.

LESSER SPOTTED WOODPECKER.

I. Nme—VW/OODPECKER.

Family—Picide.

Genus—1l. Dendrocopus. Dendrocopus major. Great Spotted Woodpecker.
Dendrocopus minor. Lesser Spotted Woodpecker.
Genus—2. Gecinus. Gecinus viridis. Green Woodpecker, or Yafile.

II.—General Description.

Great Sporrep Wooprrecker.—Crown and upper parts black, a crimson patch on the
back of the head, a white spot on each side of the neck; scapulars, lesser wing coverts,
and under parts white; belly and under tail coverts crimson. (Female without
crimson on head.) Length, 93 in.; wing closed, 5?in.; tail, 4in.

Lesser Spotrep Wooprrcker.—Forehead and lower parts dirty white ; crown bright
red; nape, back, and wings black with white bars; tail black, the outer feathers
tipped with white and barred with black; iris red. (Female without crimson on
head.) Length, 54 in. ; wing closed, 3$in.; tail, 2} in.

GREEN WooprEcKER.—Upper parts olive green; rump yellow; under parts greenish
grey ; crown, back of the head, and moustaches crimson; face, black. (Female
less crimson on the head; moustaches black.) Length, 13. in. ; wing closed, 6} in. ;
tail, 43 in.

Illustration from “British Birds in their Haunts,’ by Johns. By kind permission of the Society for
Promoting Christian Knowledge.

ITI.— Where, when, and in what Numbers found.

All three species are resident throughout the British Islands, but rare in the North of
England, Scotland, and Ireland. On the East Coasts of England and Scotland the numbers
of the Great Spotted Woodpecker are considerably increased during the season of migration.
It is doubtful if the Green Woodpecker occurs in Scotland. All three species are residents.

IV.—Food.

Principally insects found in the crevices of barks and decayed wood of trees ; also nuts,
acorns, &c., and occasionally fruit and seed. The Green Woodpecker feeds also largely on
ants and their pupe.

Y. Characteristics.

The Woodpeckers are shy, restless birds, frequenting groves and wooded districts, where
they may be seen flying from tree to tree, examining the bark or tapping the decayed branches
in search of their insect food. They nest in holes, which they excavate in soft-wooded trees,
and deposit pure white, very glossy, eggs, which are slightly pyriform in shape.

VI. Protection.
Wild Birds Act, 1880.—These birds appear in the Schedule.
Wild Birds Act, 1894.—The eggs are protected in the following Counties :—
ENGLAND—(1) Cumberland, Durham; (2) Bedford, Gloucester, Huntingdon,

Lincoln (parts of Kesteven and Lindsey), Northampton, Stafford, Warwick, and West
Suffolk ; (3) Devon, Hertford, London and Metropolitan Police District, Southampton.

SCOTLAND—Berwick, Dumfries, Kireudbright, and Wigtown.

IRELAND—Any owner, occupier, or other person taking or destroying a Wood-

pecker’s egg, penalty £1 for each egg.

FA lode

GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER. GREEN WOODPECKER.

VIT.—Remarks.

There is no more trustworthy herald of Spring than the Green Woodpecker, or Yafile,
as English countrymen call this handsome bird. February sunshine often beguiles the
throstle and the merle into fallacious song, and let no wayfarer leave his wraps because the
ringdove coos smooth assurance from the elm. There is no trust to be placed in these; but

Illustrations, by kind permission of Messrs. Longmans, Green, & Co., from “ British Birds,” by
W. H. Hudson. C.M.Z.S.

as soon as you hear the Yaftle’s laughing note you may be sure the sap is rightly astir, and
that presently the grove will be dim with new greenery. The jay, harshly garrulous at other
times, falls cunningly silent in the nesting season, but the Yaffle cannot hold his tongue in
the honeymoon.

This is one of those pretty birds that run heavy risks by reason of their gay plumage.
His sage-green mantle, flaming crest, yellow back, and chequered tail-coverts have brought
him into great request with the “ plume ” trade, which our gentle ladies, by their passive
obedience to despotic milliners, so deplorably encourage. There are signs, however—welcome
signs—that in proportion as they are becoming better informed of the nature and effects of ©
this trade, so lady customers are showing discrimination and forbearance in the matter of
hat and bonnet decoration. This is no more than might have been reasonably expected, for
nobody believed that Englishwomen would consciously encourage cruelty.

Men who understand country matters as a rule look favourably on Woodpeckers of all
sorts at the present time. But it was not always so. A generation ago these beneficent
birds were classed as vermin. There are few, if any, English manors where the register of game
and vermin has been kept for so many years as at Lord Malmesbury’s beautiful place, Heron
Court, near Christchurch. There are some mournful entries in the lists of vermin destroyed
by the keepers on this estate during a single year, 1852—the only year of which I
possess the record. Among them figure no less than fifty Woodpeckers, owing, no doubt, to
the same groundless suspicion that caused the destruction during the same period of two
hundred and fifty hedgehogs—namely, that they devoured the eggs of game. The hedgehog,
alas! still figures in the black list of most gamekeepers, but few are so ignorant now as to
molest the Yaffle.

Indeed, there is hardly any bird which by reason of its insatiable activity in the pursuit
of insects hurtful to vegetation better deserves protection at the hand of man; and let it not
be forgotten that insects, taken as a whole, have been pronounced to be the most successful
of all forms of life. As it is, they far outnumber all the land animals of the world, and it is
only because one-half of this mighty host preys on the other half, and that the majority of
birds, fish, and reptiles, as well as many beasts, live on them, that insects have not
multiplied to the exclusion of all other animals from the globe. It is, therefore, no unim-
portant function that a purely insectivorous bird like the Woodpecker discharges in the
scheme of nature.

Luckily, all the Woodpeckers are very wary in their habits, seldom offering a chance to
the mischievous hedge-popper, and requiring to be approached stealthily even by the
friendly observer of their movements; so that in those parts of Great Britain where woodland
has never completely disappeared they are still fairly plentiful. In Scotland it is otherwise.
That country was entirely stripped of its ancient forests, and with the forests disappeared
much of the sylvan fauna. The Green Woodpecker is unknown there, though there seems no
reason why it should not be restored now that there are such extensive plantations. The
Spotted Woodpeckers, being of more migratory habits, have made irregular appearances
there of late years. ;

It is worth some trouble to watch the Yaffle at work upon a tree. Beginning at the
root, it raps incessantly as it works up the stem, probably with the double purpose of
disturbing any lurking’ insects and of detecting unsound wood, where fat grubs may be
harboured. As soon as the game is afoot the tongue of the bird comes into play—a most
serviceable instrument for the capture of creeping things. The tip is horny and armed with
a few bristles; the bone of the tongue is prolonged backwards in two branches, reaching
round the back and over the top of the skull, and meeting again in the cavity of the right
nostril, where they are attached. Inside the bow thus formed runs a strip of muscle, which,
when it is contracted, bends the bow and extrudes the tongue. Then, beneath each ear is a
gland, discharging a glutinous secretion into the trough of the lower mandible, where the
tongue lies when at rest, enabling the bird to pick up the smallest creeping thing.

Admirable as is the tongue of the Green Woodpecker, as an example of consummate
adaptation of structure to requirements, it is by no means the only organ which has been
modified to suit this bird’s peculiar mode of getting a livelihood. The foot is what is known
as “ zygodactylic ”—that is, arranged with two toes before and two behind, and the tail coverts

are stiff, with sharp points, so as to act as asupport in climbing. Then the breast-bone has been
pared away in a remarkable manner, so as to clear the tree trunk in ascending, for the Yaffle
never “climbs down”’; when he gets as high in a tree as he thinks there is any need for, he
either begins operations again at the base or flies off in a jerky, undulating way to another.
The pectoral muscles are wanting in the depth and power necessary for a prolonged flight,
which matters little to a bird like the Yaffle, of exclusively sylvan habits; though it is
a mystery how some of the other species similarly specialized can undertake their regular
annual migration in spite of this disability. Dr. Bowdler Sharpe has recorded how five
* young Great Spotted Woodpeckers were brought to him and Mr. Seebohm when in
Heligoland. These birds had alighted in an exhausted state in a potato field.

The characteristic formation of the breast-bone has been an advantage to the Yaffle in a
way that can hardly have been foreseen when it was planned in nature’s workshop. The
resulting shallowness of the pectoral muscles—which render the breast almost devoid
of flesh—is the reason why omnivorous man has never admitted the Green Woodpecker
to his larder—or, at least, if he has done so, it is not recorded that he ever repeated
the experiment. Even in France, where everything at all edible is turned to immediate
use for the table, nobody has yet concocted a palatable dish of Piverts. Thus it
comes to pass that, though one may travel in France for many days in Spring without
hearing the gladsome note of blackbird, thrush, or lark, you cannot be long in a French
woodland without being greeted by the Yaffle’s well-known cry. It is as inseparably
associated with the oak copse which represents the ancient forests of the Loire, as bunches
of mistletoe are with the roadside poplars.

The affinity of birds and reptiles in the scheme of animated nature has been recognized
long ago. The Green Woodpecker, besides its creeping habit, its extensile viscid tongue,
and certain anatomical peculiarities in the bones of the head, possesses another attribute
recalling the reptile kingdom. Its young are hatched as naked as young lizards,
instead of being protected with down, like nearly all other nestlings. Perhaps, however,
seeing that the nest is always in the heart of a tree, down has been dispensed with as a
superfluity, unnecessary to young things so well protected against cold draughts.

The other two native species of Woodpecker—the Great and the Lesser Spotted—are
not less remarkable than the Yaffle for their gay coats; but they are less likely to attract
attention, for, unlike their green cousin, they do not frequent anthills, they are not talkative,
and they generally move among the higher branches of the forest. Black, barred with white,
with sparks and streaks of scarlet, is the livery of the males of both Dendrocopus major and
minor. The female also is started in life with a smart cap of red feathers; but, strange to
say, when the young hens attain the age of six months all red disappears from their plumage,
not by a moult, as Yarrell supposed, but by a change in the feathers from red to black. A
similar change takes place in the young males; thefeathers of the fore part of the head remain
scarlet till the first moult, which comes at the age of about ten months, when they are replaced
with black. Simultaneously the back of the head and neck, hitherto black, becomes adorned with
scarlet feathers, and remains so through life. No reason has been found for these changes ;
indeed the conspicuous colouration of the British Woodpeckers is very surprising and
unaccountable, inasmuch as birds of similar haunts and habits, such as the Wryneck, Tree-
Creeper, and Nuthatch have the advantage of protective colouring, closely resembling the
bark of trees which they frequent.

Woodpeckers, the Green as well as the two Spotted kinds, are still to be numbered
among the avifauna of London, their appearance in Kensington Gardens having been
noted several times in recent years.

Educational Series, 14d. per 6 copies, post free. No. I—OWLS. No. II—WOODPECKERS.

Others in course of preparation.

Pamphlets on the general question of Protection of Birds may also be obtained from the Society’s
Publishing Department, Knowledge Office, 326, High Holborn, W.C., or of Mrs. F, E. Lemon, Hon. Sec.,
Hillcrest, Redhill, Surrey.

Special terms for County Councils and Educational Authorities.

—

The Society’s Publishing Office, Knowledge, 326, High Holborn, London, W.C, 1896,

Society for the Protection of Birds.

EDUCATIONAL SERIES. Edited by H. E. DRESSER, F.LS., F.ZS.

Noe. . 3.—STARLING.

By O. V. APLIN, F.L.S.,

Member of the British Ornithologists’ Union.

THE STARLING.

I, Name—STARLING.

Family—Sturnide.

Genus—Sturnus. Sturnus vulgaris. Starling.

II. General Description.

Adult male, in summer: black, but brilliantly shot with purple, green, and blue;
feathers of upper parts tipped with buffish-white ; wing and tail quills greyish-black, slightly
shot as above, and edged with pale brown; bill yellow. Length, 8} inches; wing, 5} inches.
Female: less bright and glossy, and more spotted. In winter: feathers of head and body
have large dirty-white or buff tips; bill dusky. Young, on leaving nest, greyish-brown

Illustration by Joseph Wolf, from “British Birds in their Haunts.” By kind permission of the Society
for Promoting Christian Knowledge,

eae

above and dirty-white beneath; bill dusky horn colour. In this plumage it is the
“Solitary Thrush” of Montagu and Bewick.

II]. Where, when, and in what numbers found.

An abundant resident, generally distributed over the British Isles; although it is only
of late years that it bas become common in some parts of Scotland, and has taken to
breeding in some districts in Ireland. In autumn there is an immigration from Northern
Europe, especially on our eastern coasts ; and there is an internal westward migration.

IVY. Food.

Worms; grubs of the chafer, daddy-longlegs (crane fly), etc., etc.; small snails ;
slugs ; insects, including grasshoppers, the “turnip fly”? and other beetles, flies, and other
winged insects ; caterpillars affecting oak trees; and ticks; hedge berries, especially those
of the elder and rowan. In winter some grain is eaten, but rarely. In some seasons
(especially very dry ones), and in some districts, but not everywhere, a good deal of garden
fruit, especially cherries ; currants also are said to be eaten, and (in 1896) pears.

V. Characteristics.

Hardly any bird is more easily encouraged to breed by the erection of small nesting
boxes. Starlings may often be seen taking insects on the wing, and flying round almost
like swallows for a considerable time. The Starling runs and walks on the ground
with ease. It breeds in holes in trees, roofs, houses, towers, and ruins; in crevices and
holes in rocky cliffs; in the heads of water-pipes; and, in the northern isles, in holes
under stones, rat and rabbit holes, and holes in turf dykes, peat stacks, ete. The nest is
made of straw, dry grass, and occasionally a few twigs, usually lined with some feathers,
wool, or scraps of other material. Nesting goes on from the early part of April until the
latter part of May. Eggs, from four to seven in number, uniform pale greenish-blue, about
1:2 in. in length and ‘85 in. in breadth. Single eggs are not uncommonly found deposited
on the grass. Two broods are often reared by the same pair of birds. Young very noisy in
nest; after leaving it they form flocks and resort to the grass fields and hedgerow trees.
Song pleasing, and accompanied by a puffing up of feathers and shaking of wings; composed
of chattering notes, snapping noises made by beak, and long, sweet whistles. Mimics notes
of other birds. Very loquacious, and call and alarm notes very varied; e.g., “stare” or
“starr,” “spatt,’ a whistle, and a metallic “tink” or “ quink.”

VI. Protection.

Wild Birds Protection Act, 1880.—This bird does not appear in the schedule, but
anyone other than the owner or occupier of land, or his agent, taking, killing, etc., a Starling

[ 3
during close season,* or possessing or selling a Starling after 15th March, is liable to a
penalty of 5s. for each bird.

Wild Birds Protection Act, 1894.—The eggs are protected (1896) in the following
counties :—

EneLanp :— Metropolitan Police District, mcluding London and Middlesex; in the
breeding areas in Northumberland, York (East Riding), Cambridge, Chester, Norfolk, East
Suffolk, Devon, Essex, Kent, and Isle of Wight.

ScorLanpD :—Orkney.

Wild Birds Protection Act, 1896.—In addition to any penalty under the Act of
1880, the Court may now order any trap, net, snare, etc., used by the offender to be forfeited.
The Starling is protected throughout the whole year in the county of Middlesex.

VII. Remarks.

The Starling is one of those birds which are pre-eminently fit to survive. It is wary
enough to take care of itself, without being at all shy, that is to say, it does not in the least
mind the company of human beings, provided they do not molest it. Indeed, with this
proviso, it rather prefers to settle down as man’s near neighbour, because his cultivated
eround, his grazing land where cattle are kept, and his gardens, are always rich in worms
and insects, while his buildings afford admirable nesting quarters. Now this tolerance of
the presence of the human race is a very important factor in deciding the comparative
abundance or scarcity of any bird in England. For in a thickly-populated country, if a
bird cannot bear to be near human beings, and to see a good deal of them—well, it must go
somewhere else, and it goes, Birds differ in this respect in a very curious way.

The Starling is also a bold, pushing, persistent bird, of a roving disposition, able and
willing to adapt itself to new surroundings, given to coveting and taking possession of its
neighbour’s house, and eminently well fitted for staking out new claims for itself and its
posterity. It is, in a word, a good colonist. In addition to this the Starling can feed
himself easily, being able on occasions to dispose of a tolerably varied bill of fare. In
winter the birds assemble in flocks. Together they hunt for food, and together they roost
in some wood, shrubbery, or great reed or rush bed. It is probable that they range far and
wide for food in the winter, for big roosting-places are few and far between, and it is a
common sight late on a winter’s afternoon, to see flock after flock travelling rapidly in the
same direction. It is a fact worth remarking upon that the Starling gets up rather late in
the morning—a sufficient proof that it takes care of itself, and that the early worm, to this
great hunter of worms, is no better and more desirable than one picked up in a well-aired
world. Most people must have noticed the winter habit of the flocks of Starlings of
consorting with flocks of Rooks. It has not been satisfactorily explained which, if either,

* Generally from 1st March to 31st July, but in some counties from Ist February to 31st August. A
further period may be obtained through the Act of 1896, as in Middlesex.

(P=
=
eS)

party, profits by this arrangement. Rooks are keen enough in finding their own food, and
it is more probable that the Starling profits by their companions’ large beaks and greater
powers of breaking the ground. We can imagine, too, an active Starling (no bird is more
active on its feet) cutting in and picking up some morsel unearthed by the stronger and
more powerful, yet slower, Rook. Perhaps the Starling profits by the vigilant outlook kept
by the sentinel Rooks. In the case of an alarm to the mixed host, it is amusing to see how
quickly the Starlings are up; the partnership is dissolved in a moment, and with manceuvres,
executed with greater quickness and precision than any troops can attain to, their ranks close
up, and a compact phalanx wheels out, leaving the disorderly ranks of its confused allies to
get under weigh as best they can. I must not write here of the Starling’s manner of feeding,
its beautiful aerial manceuvres, its wonderful wheeling and turning, to be witnessed on a
winter’s evening at one of its great roosting-places, and of the vast numbers which collect at
such roosting-places. Its covering of feathers fits closely to its body, the feathers them-
selves being glossy and rather hard, so that the plumage is not easily draggled, and is very
weather proof.

Finally, the Starling has a wandering and migratory habit, and when other birds are
starving in hard weather the Starling departs for some more genial and hospitable locality.
It is true that some, even a good many, perish in severe winters, but I have always noticed
that the great flocks, which we generally have in my own neighbourhood in mild winters,
disappear in hard weather, to reappear almost immediately a thaw sets in. The Starling
often visits low-lying sea shores in winter, where between high and low water mark food is
always to be obtained.

It is not then surprising to find that the Starling is steadily increasing in numbers, and
that during the last half century or so it has increased its range in Great Britain.

This great increase in the Starlings’ numbers is being watched by ornithologists with
interest; for it has given rise to two great questions anent the future history of this
bird and others. The first is, what effect will the increased Starlings have on the increase of
some other birds? When Starlings take up their summer quarters in a wood, or in some
locality where trees are abundant but buildings scarce, there is a run on any convenient hole
ina tree. A Starling will build in almost any hole, if it is not too large, but some birds,
e.g., Woodpeckers and the Nuthatch, are more particular. The Starling is not content to take
only the deserted or vacant holes, to which it would be welcome, but when a Woodpecker has
chipped out a new hole or enlarged an old one, or when a nuthatch has carefully plastered
up the gaping mouth of some hole so as to adapt it as a residence for itself, these industrious
and not too common birds are only too likely to be ousted by a pair of noisy Starlings.
The fight for a hole lasts often all day long, and the Starling wins, as other greater fights
have been won, by wearing out its adversaries. Time after time the rightful owners dash at
the intruders, who, not being furnished with a very business-like fighting beak, beat a hasty
retreat, only to return almost immediately and continue their annoying harsh cries and
demonstrations. Indeed, the Starlings’ business is not to fight, but to tire the owners out
and cause them to give up the hole in disgust. The Starlings bring bits of building
materials with them, and, presently, when both of the exasperated owners have dashed after

Poo”

one Starling, the other slips into the hole. Perhaps he remains at the entrance swearing
and screaming, but even if he comes out again he has deposited a long straw or some such
material in the nest. No Nuthatch would put up with the untidy furniture a Starling uses,
and the Woodpecker positively hates any such trash, having what I once heard a purveyor of
household goods call a very severe taste in the matter of furniture. So the Woodpeckers and
Nuthatches have to go elsewhere, and where Starlings are very abundant in woods and wood-
land districts, I have no doubt that they are already somewhat detrimental to the existence
of the birds just referred to.

The second great question is, how are these increasing hosts going to feed themselves in
the future ? Will they alter their mode of life ? The Starling at present has a curious character
in respect of its food. On the whole it may be said to be an extremely beneficial bird ; this
is true of the bird over the whole country. In some districts it may be said that it never does
any harm, in others that it is practically harmless; but, unfortunately, in some districts
the Starling does, undoubtedly, very considerable damage to cherry growers. The charge of
eating cherries, and of feeding its young with them, was made over fifty years ago; it has been
repeated and proved over and over again, and yet, even to-day, the habit is not universal in
all districts, nor is it constant in some others. In my own district, only one instance of
serious cherry robbery has come under my notice, and only a few weeks ago a correspondent
of the Field newspaper wrote, from a district where the orchards were well stocked with fruit,
including cherries, to say that he had never seen a Starling attack a fruit tree of any
description. Lord Lilford wrote that in Northamptonshire he never heard any gardener
speak of the Starling as an enemy. The Starling has been charged with destroying the eggs
of Pigeons and other birds, but the charge has not been satisfactorily proved. Apart from
cherry eating, and very occasional offences in eating currants, pears, and other garden fruit,
no bird does more good in respect of the food which it eats. And the result of even a
rather prejudiced and very incomplete investigation into the food of some of our birds
recently carried out, was that the Starling was declared to be a beneficial bird. It rids the
pasture fields of noxious grubs and insects, the sheep of ticks, and the trees of caterpillars.
Instances have been known of its clearing turnip fields attacked by “ fly,’ and I have known
it visit a field of peas affected by aphides, with good results. The good it does in these
ways would be sufficient to make up for far graver faults than those which have been laid
to its charge.

Educational Series.—3 copies, 1d.; 1 dozen, 3d.; 100, 1s. 6d., post free.

Pamphlets on the general question of Protection of Birds may also be obtained from the Society's
Publishing Department, Knowledge Office, 326, High Holborn, W.C.; or of Mrs. F. E. Lemon, Hon. See.,
Hillcrest, Redhill, Surrey.

Society for the Protection of Birvs.

EDUCATIONAL SERIES.

No. 1.—OWLS, by Montacu Suarpr, J.P., D.L.

No. 2.—WOODPECKERS, by Sir Hersert Maxwe zt, Bart., M.P.
No. 3.—STARLING, by O. V. Artin, F.L.S., M.B.O.U.

No. 4.—SWALLOWS, by Tuomas SoutHwe tt, F.Z.S.

No. 5.—KINGFISHER, by Sir Epwarp Grey, Bart., M.P.
No. 6.—OSPREY, by J. A. Harvise-Brown, F.R.S.E., F.Z.S.
No. 7.—DIPPERS, by W. Lock MELLeErsy, B.A.

No. 8.—NIGHTJAR, by Montacu Suarpr, J.P., D.L.

No. 9.—TITMICE, by Sypney Buxton, M.P.

No. 10.—KESTREL, by Rev. J. E. Ketsaty, M.A.

No. 11.—PLOVERS, by Josern A. Peasr, M.P.

IN (COCKSE| OF PREPARATION.

No. .—TERNS, by Tuomas Soutuwett, F.Z.S.

No. .—WAGTAILS, by W. Warve Fow ter.

No. .—CHOUGH, by J. A. Harvir-Brown, F.R.S.E., F.Z.S.
No. .—GOLDFINCH, by W. H. Hupson, C.M.Z.S.

No. .—dAY, by Joun CorpEaux, M.B.O.U.

No. .—GULLS, by Howarp Saunprrs, F.L.S., F.Z.S.
No .— by Wm. EAcLE Crarke, F.L:S., etc,
No. .—SKUAS, by T. E. Bucxtey, M.A,, F.Z.S.

And Wild Birds Protection Acts and Orders, 1880 to 1896, with
Explanatory Notes. by F. E. Lemon, M.A., LL.B.

Copies of the above Series may be obtained from the Society’s Publishing Department,
“Knowledge’”’ Office, 326, High Holborn, W.C., or from the Hon. SEc., Mrs. F. E. Lemon,
Hillcrest, Redhill, on the following Terms :—Post Free: 3 Copies of any one number of the
Series, ld.; 1 Dozen, 3d.; 100, 1s. 6d. Assorted Packets: 1 Copy of any six numbers, 2d. ;
1 Copy of any twelve, or 2 Copies of any six numbers, 4d. ; or fifty Assorted numbers, 1s.

Special Terms for Larger Quantities, and to County Councils, the Constabulary, Schools,

and Educational Bodies.
TANUARY, 1897.

The Society’s Publishing Office, Knowledge, 326, High Holborn, W.C,

Society for the Jirotection of Birds.

EDUCATIONAL SERIES. Edited by H. E. DRESSER, B.S; Figs:

No. 4.—SWALLOWS.

byt rtOMAS).SOUTHWELE: F.Z.S.

SWALLOW.
I. Name.-SWALLOW.
Family—Hirundinide.
Genus—1l. Hirundo. Hirundo rustica. The Swallow.
5 2. Chelidon. C. urbica. House Martin.
; 3. Cotile. C. riparia. Sand Martin.

II. General Description.

Tue Swatrtow.-——Adult, male: Forehead chestnut; all the upper parts shining steel
blue ; wing and tail-quills black glossed with bluish-green, the middle tail feathers
wholly so, the others with the inner web more or less patched with white ; chin and
throat chestnut, followed by a broad band of black, glossed with steel blue; rest of
the lower surface warm buffy white (deepest about the vent) ; legs, toes and claws
black. Female: Colours not so pronounced. Length, 8} in., outermost. tail
feathers nearly 5 in.; shorter in the female, and the full length not acquired by the
young until after the first moult,

Tue House Marrin.—Adult in both sexes: Upper parts glossy bluish-black ; rump

Illustrations on pages 1, 4, and 6, from “ Manual of British Birds,” by Mr. Howard Saunders, by kind
permission of Messrs. Gurney & Jackson.

white; wings and tail-quills dull black; chin, lower parts, and feathers on legs,
white. Young birds sooty-brown above, little gloss, and not so pure white beneath.
Length about 54 in. Tail in the young birds less forked.

Tae Sanp Martin.—Adult, male: Upper part nearly uniform mouse colour, palest on
the rump; wings and tail blackish-brown ; under parts white except a mouse-
coloured pectoral band (this latter rather narrower in the female). Birds of
the year have the feathers of the upper parts tipped with dull white, and under
parts tinged with buff. Length about 43 in.

III. Where, when, and in what Numbers found.

All three species are common summer migrants to our shores, the Sand Martin usually
arriving first about the end of March, shortly to be followed by the Swallow, and about ine
same time by the House Martin, and retreating in the same order. The Swallow is
generally distributed, decreasing in numbers as the North is approached, but visiting the
Hebrides and even occasionally Orkney and the Shetlands. The House Martin also visits
the latter Islands, but is unknown in the Hebrides. The Sand Martin is also widely diffused
in suitable localities throughout the British Isles, but from its habits is somewhat ore local.

IV. Food.

All three species subsist entirely on insects, and render incalculable service by the
enormous numbers of these pests which they destroy.

V. Characteristics.

The Swallows are characterised by their almost ceaseless flight, which is proverbially
rapid and graceful, and is continued from early dawn till dusk. The two first-named species
select as their home the neighbourhood of human dwellings, especially preferring those in
the vicinity of water, and although from the nature of its nesting-site the Sand Martin is
less the companion of man, this does not appear to arise from choice. Their nesting habits,
which are interesting, will be briefly alluded to in Section VIT.

VI. Protection.

Wild Birds Protection Act of 1880.—These birds do not appear in the Schedule,
but (1896) have been added to it in the following Counties :—

Encianp:—Durham; Lancaster; Buckingham; Huntingdon (Swallows only); Leicest er;
Lincoln (Kesteven and Lindsey); Stafford; West Suffolk; Worcester; Kent; Metro-
politan Police District, including London and Middlesex ; Tsle of Wight; Wilts.

Wates :-—Brecon.

In these Counties any owner or occupier, or other person, taking, killing, ete., any of
these birds during close season,* or possessing or selling one of them after 15th March, is
liable to a penalty of £1 for each bird.

Wild Birds Protection Act of 1894.—Thceir eggs are protected in the following
Counties} :—

* Generally from Ist March to 31st July; but in some counties from Ist February to 31st August in each
year. A further period may be obtained through the Act of 1896.

+ It is expected that other counties will before long obtain similar orders of protection under the Act
of 1894.

Enetanp :—Durham; specified areas in Northumberland and York (East Riding) ;
—Leicester ; Lincoln (Kesteven and Lindsey); West Suffolk; Worcester; specified
areas in Cambridge, Chester, Norfolk and East Suffolk ;—Kent; Metropolitan
Police District, including London and Middlesex; specified areas in Devon and
Isle of Wight.

Scoruanp :—Orkney (Swallow and House Martin).

In the above places, any owner or occupier, or other person, taking or destroying the
eges of these birds is liable to a penalty of £1 for each egg.

ty

Wild Birds Protection Act, 1896.—In addition to any penalty under the Act of 1880,
the Court may now order any trap, net, snare, etc., used by the offender to be
forfeited.

These birds are protected throughout the whole year in the County of Middlesex.

VII. Remarks.

1. Tue Swattow.—True it is that one swallow does not make a summer, and this
charming bird which comes to us with the promise of sunny skies and opening Howers,
frequently falls a victim to its misplaced confidence in the changing climate of our
inhospitable springs.

While yet “the trembling year is unconfrm’d,” and winter oft resumes, the breeze ‘chills
the pale morn and bids his driving sleets deform the day delightless,” the early arrivals of
these birds suffer greatly ; it is piteous to see them skimming wearily over the water or under
the shelter of a wall or fence, too often only to fall victims to cold and starvation. But
when warm sunny weather has at last taken the place of fitful spring, and insect life has
responded to its genial influence, what a thing of beauty is this charming bird as it pursues
its rapid flight, turning and doubling in the chase of its active prey, or sits sunning itself
on some chimney or gable, softly warbling its pretty song; or it may be on the margin of
the village pond, collecting the moist soil which is to form the foundation of its nest!

Hunting over the grass, in and out amongst the cattle, or under the eaves of houses,
this sociable little bird is seldom seen far from the haunts of man, and when its nesting site
is chosen, it is either the large open chimney of some humble cottage, the rustic porch, or
the rafters of the cattle shed or barn. Its whole existence seems to be a delight, and it is
absolutely fearless of man, as though conscious of the benefits it confers upon him. Not
much time is wasted after its arrival before the cares of housekeeping begin to occupy its
little breast, and the old nest is inspected and repaired, or if need be a new one constructed.
This is a saucer-shaped structure built of clay, mterwoven with grass or straw and warmly
lined with feathers; and herein it deposits its five or six lovely translucent white eggs,
prettily spotted with orange-brown and grey. These in due time are hatched, and early
and late the parent birds may be seen hurrying to and fro feeding their hungry young
ones. No prettier sight than watching this labour of love can be imagined, and the writer
recalls a nest attached to the rafters of a summer-house where the parents passed in and

.

foot
r

—

(sy

out in close proximity to him, delivering their welcome burdens to their precious young
ones, whose little chins projected beyond the edge of the nest, while their bright eyes looked
down fearlessly on the stranger beneath them. The first brood disposed of, the old birds
rest not, but renew their labours at once, and should circumstances favour, a second brood
follows their elder brethren, and ranges itself alongside of them on the roof, tree, or telegraph
wires, surveying the busy world below, and perhaps dreaming of the approaching flight
southward for which their parents have been preparing them.

Migratory parties now soon commence taking their departure, and are in due time
followed by the late broods and old birds, and by the end of October only an occasional
belated bird is to be seen, although there are records of much later occurrences. In the
choice of a nesting place, as has been said, this bird frequently evinces considerable
eccentricity, often choosing situations where it has to come into very close contact with
man or other disturbing influences; many such instances have been recorded, but space
will only allow me to add one other to the list. Im the year 1894, a gentleman residing at
Corton, near Lowestoft, informed me that a swallow had made a nest amongst the machinery
of a wind flour-mill. It entered by the hole through which the shaft bearing the mill sails
passed, and had to “dodge ” the revolving sails every time it came and went, the mill being
in daily use. The nest itself was built on the underside of a large wheel known as the
“‘wallower,” and was constantly revolving with this wheel. It was estimated that the nest
and sitting bird travelled in a circle at the rate of about 180ft. per minute, the bird going
tail foremost. Here, in almost constant motion, and amongst the creaking and shaking of
the machinery, the bird hatched and carried off its young ones in perfect safety.

2. Tue House Marrin.—Mr. Stevenson, in his charming account of this bird in the
“Birds of Norfolk,” truly says a small book might be written on the habits of this

“universal favourite ”

without exhausting
the subject, and I, alas, have little more than
a page to devote to it.

Myths die hard, and it took a long time
to slay the myth of hybernation of the
Swallow tribe, but we think there are not
many living now who expect to find swallows
and martins clustered together in holes in
the ground, hollow trees, or in the mud at
the bottom of the village pond when Nature
a ei is fast bound in winter’s frosty fetters.
= Hh uy i ee : Belated Martins there occasionally are, but

ina even these if they do not succumb to cold
and want of food eventually follow their
brethren to warmer climes, there to await
the return of the season of reproduction
HOUSE MARTIN. which irresistibly recalls them to their true
. home.

The 18th of April will generally be marked by the appearance of the Martin if it is not
in evidence a day or two earlier, but, alas, it visits us in far smaller numbers than formerly,

No sooner does the weather become genial than the birds visit their old nests, returning
season after season to the same spot with the greatest regularity and pertinacity, and at once
commence the necessary repairs or reconstruction. Though by nature a cliff builder, the
Martin for the most part selects the sheltering eave of a dwelling-house, frequently in
busy towns, for its nesting site, and there it constructs of mud and straw its semi-spherical
abode, the back and perhaps the top being formed by the wall and eaves of the house,
and only a small hole being left for ingress and egress. As the bird is very sociable in
its habits, several nests are often erected round the same house, and occasionally quite
a row of these singular habitations are seen side by side. Occasionally, I fear too often,
the labour is all in vain, and, when complete, the nest is taken possession of by the
marauding sparrow ; the decrease of Martins of late years is attributed by some partly to
this cause. It is interesting to see these elegant birds collecting mud to form their nests
from any damp place by the wayside, and in continued droughts they will follow the water-
carts, collecting the moistened soil from the little pools left on the roads. Both birds work
at the structure, to which they cling in succession by claws and tail, each one in turn laying
its little brick; a few dried grasses and a warm lining of feathers complete the structure.
The eggs are pure translucent white, and number four or five.

_ Inthe evening “The sitting bird leaves her nest for a while to stretch her weary limbs
and join with her mate the twittering throng. Now, mingling in full chorus, they swarm
over our heads ; now, separating in all directions, they skim over the trees and housetops,
rising and falling under the eaves of our dwellings; and, again collecting, repeat their varied
movements, till, almost imperceptibly, when the sun has set and the deepening shadows are
stealing over the scene, they drop off by degrees to their respective homes, and the stillness
of the summer night succeeds in strange contrast to their busy actious.” *

When the young are hatched, the quantity of noxious insects destroyed by these useful
birds, large at all times, is immensely increased. Macgillivray, who was an excellent observer,
states that in the middle of July a pair of these birds visited their young ones with food
three hundred and seven times in one day, between the hours of four a.m. and eight p.m.,
making at certain parts of the day twenty-eight visits per hour, and as they rear two broods,
the services each pair render must be inestimable.

As the season advances the young birds congregate and take their departure, leaving
the old ones and the late broods to follow. Not unfrequently the late broods are found
dead in the nest; whether they have been deserted by their parents, whose migratory
impulse has been too strong to allow them to remain, or whether they have perished from
scarcity of food is uncertain, but I am inclined to adopt the latter belief, and by the
middle of October the resident birds have, as a rule, disappeared. But even then we have
not seen the last of the Martins, for during November and even into December, should
the season be open, flocks of passing migrants on their way from still more northerly

* “ Birds of Norfolk.” Vol. I., page 335,

[ea6y

localities to their winter quarters put in an appearance, but soon they pass on and are no
more seen till spring comes again.

3. THe Sanp Marriy.—Yet one more member of this interesting family is a regular
visitor to our land, and this is the earliest to arrive, frequently putting in an appearance
towards the end of March, when it is generally recorded by not very observant people as the
“ Swallow,” which bird, however, does not reach us till some time later. The active little Sand
Martin is in no hurry to commence the duties of maternity, and for some weeks it may be
seen busily hunting for insects showing great partiality for water. Its flight differs from
that of the two preceding species; although equally rapid, it is distinguished by a peculiar
jerking mction, which is admirably described by Macgillivray as follows :—‘ There comes a
Bank Martin, skimming along the surface of the brook, gliding from side to side, deviating
by starts, now sweeping over the bank, wheeling across the road, making an excursion over
the cornfield, then rising perpendicularly,
slanting away down the wind, fluttering
among tie spikes of the long grass, and
shooting off into the midst of a multi-

99

tude of its fellows.” Mr. Stevenson, who
quotes this passage in his ‘ Birds of
Norfolk,’’ adds, “Almost as one reads
this graphic passage, low hurried twitter-
ings seem to fall upon the ear, and he
who in his mind’s eye cannot see that
Martin is no true lover of Nature.”
When the time does arrive for these
vay little birds to turn their attention to

more serious matters, unlike the two
SAND MARTIN. other members of the family, they
repair to some railway cutting, a sand
or chalk pit, or other suitable locality, and there congregating, often in very large numbers,
they form for themselves little burrows in the face of the cliff, from two to three or even
more feet deep in the friable soil, at the far end of which the nest is placed, and here are
deposited, on a collection of roots or grass, lined with feathers, the five or six pure white
egos. These nest-holes are sometimes very numerous and in close proximity, and the labour
incurred in excavating them must be immense; probably the same hole is occupied year after
year by the same pair of birds, and it occasionally happens that a Kingfisher takes
possession of one of the burrows, which it slightly enlarges for its own purposes. Some years
ago, the writer saw a colony of “Sand” Martins which had taken possession of a large heap
of sawdust, consolidated by time, and in the face of which they had driven their galleries.
It is a pretty sight to watch these little mouse-like birds going to and from their nests
in perpetual streams, returning with unerring precision each one to its own burrow, at the
entrance of which it alights and immediately disappears into the depths. When the

‘ 4
young ones appear the multitude of birds hawking in the neighbourhood is greatly
increased.

The end of August finds the numbers of Sand Martins considerably decreased, but they
still frequent their old haunts, flying in large quantities over the meadows and rivers, and
clustering on the reeds and telegraph wires in crowds. Flight after flight, however, take
their departure, till by the end of September Sand Martins are rare birds in the land, and
they have all returned to the sunny African clime from which they came to us in the spring.

There is one other member of the same family, the Purple Martin of the American
continent, a single example of which has been found in Ireland; but this, although a very
interesting species, does not concern us here. The Swifts, too, although popularly associated
with the Swallows, belong to an entirely distinct family (Cypselidx), their nearest allies being
the Humming-Birds (Trochilide).

And now if I have succeeded in interesting my readers in these charming birds, which
are fraught with such pleasant associations, and whose habits are so attractive, may I
earnestly beg that never again will they desecrate their remains by applying them to
purposes of personal adornment—many thousands are killed, we are told, on their annual
migrations to supply the demands of the “plume trade,” as offerings to that inexorable
demon, FasHIon. How long will our wives and sisters turn a deaf ear to the pleadings of
this and kindred societies on behalf of these and other lovely creatures, and for the sake of
a passing whim compass their utter destruction? Will neither their beauty nor their utility
save them from annihilation? and must the common right of all in the beautiful creations
with which God has adorned the earth be sacrificed to the vanity and thoughtlessness of
the few ?

Illustration from “ British Birds,” by W. H. Hudson, by kind permission of Messrs. Longmans, Green & Co.

Educational Series, 3 copies, 1d ; 1 dozen, 3d.; 100, 1s. 6d., post free.
Pamphlets on the general question of Protection of Birds may also be obtained from the Society’s
Publishing Department, Knowledge Office, 326, High Holborn, W.C., or of Mrs. F, E. Lemon, Hon See.,

Hillcrest, Redhill, Surrey.
Special terms for County Councils and Educational Authorities.

Society for the Protection of Birys.

EDUCATIONAL SERIES.

No. 1.—OWLS, by Monracu Suarpe, J.P., D.L.

No. 2.—WOODPECKERS, by Sir Herserr Maxwett, Bart., M.P.
No. 3.—STARLING, by O. V. Artin, F.L.S., M.B.O.U.

No. 4.—SWALLOWS, by Tuomas SoutHwett, F.Z.S.

No. 5.—KINGFISHER, by Sir Epwarp Grey, Bart., M.P.
No. 6.—OSPREY, by J. A. Harviz-Brown, F.R.S.E., F.Z.S.
No. 7.—DIPPERS, by W. Lock ME ttersu, B.A.

No. 8.—NIGHTJAR, by Montacu Suarprr, J.P., D.L.

No. 9.—TITMICE, by Sypney Buxton, M.P.

No. 10.—KESTREL, by Rev. J. E. Ketsaty, M.A.

No. 11.—PLOYVERS, by Josepn A. Pease, M.P.

IN (COURSE, OF “PREPARATTON,

o. .—TERNS, by Tuomas Soutuwett, F.Z S.

o. .—WAGTAILS, by W. Warne Fow ter.

No. .—CHOUGH, by J. A. Harvir-Brown, F.R.S.E., F.Z.S.
o. .—GOLDFINCH, by W. H. Hupson, C.M.Z.S.

o. .—JAY, by Joun Corpeaux, M.B.O.U.

No. .—GULLS, by Howarp Saunnpers, F.L.S., F.Z.S.

No. .— by Wm. Eacre Crarxe, F.L.S., ete,
No. .—SKUAS, by T. E. Bucxtey, M.A,, F.Z.S.

And Wild Birds Protection Acts and Orders, 1880 to 1896, with
Explanatory Notes, by F. E. Lemon, M.A., LL.B.

Copies of the above Series may be obtained from the Scciety’s Publishing Department,
“Knowledge” Office, 326, High Holborn, W.C., or from the Hon. SEc., Mrs. F. E. Lemon,
Hillerest, Redhill, on the following Terms :—Post Free: 3 Copies of any one number of the
Series, ld.; 1 Dozen, 38d.; 100, 1s. 6d. Assorted Packets: 1 Copy of any six numbers, 2d. ;
1 Copy of any twelve, or 2 Copies of any six numbers, 4d.; or fifty Assorted numbers, Is.

Special Terms for Larger Quantities, and to County Councils, the Constabulary, Schools,

and Educational Bodtes.
JANUARY, 1897.

The Society’s Publishing Office, Kiowledge, 326, High Holborn, London, W,C.

Society for the Protection of Birds.

EDUCATIONAL SERIES. Edited by H. E. DRESSER, F.L.S., F.Z.S.

No. 5.—KINGFISHER.,.

by oi EDWARD GREY, Bart. M.P.

KINGFISHER.

I. Name.—KINGFISHER.

Family—Alcedinide.
Genus—Alcedo. Alcedo ispida. Kingfisher,

II. General Description.

Adult male: Head, wings, and moustache, dark greenish blue, slightly mottled with
dirty white; back, azure blue witha faint greenish tinge; tail, dark blue; throat, white ;
lower ear coverts and under parts chestnut; bill, orange on the basal part, but otherwise
blackish ; feet reddish brown. Total length, 7 inches; wing, 3 inches. Female: Somewhat
duller and greener in tone of colour than the male. Young: Resembles the female, but is
even duller in tone of colour, and the bill is entirely black

III. Where, when, and in what numbers found.

The Kingfisher is resident and very generally distributed throughout England and
Scotland, but becomes rarer in the northern part of the latter country, and is found also in

Illustration by kind permission of Messrs. Longmans, Green, & Co., from ‘British Birds,’ by
Mr. W. H. Hudson.

=
bo
=

Ireland, but chiefly in the lowland districts. Owing to the persecution it has suffered, its
bright plumage being greatly sought after both for decorative purposes and for the making
of artificial flies, it has greatly decreased in numbers of later years, and it is one of our birds
that especially needs and deserves protection.

IV. Food.

Small fry of various kinds of fish, minnows, sticklebacks, etc., dragon-flies, water beetles,

and aquatic insects of various kinds.

V. Characteristics.

In general habits it is somewhat solitary, a single pair frequenting the stream or the
portion of the stream where they have taken up their quarters, and they evidently resent the
intrusion of others on their domain. They frequent streams, brooks, and rivers—especially
where the banks are wooded and the current is not too rapid—ponds, lakes, and even the sea-
shore. The flight of this bird is direct and very swift, performed with very quick beats of the
wings. It will sit for long on a branch or any other suitable perch over the water, and
when a small fish passes will plunge suddenly in the water, rarely missing its prey. It
deposits its eggs—which are glossy white, roundish in form, five to seven in number, and
measuring 0°75 by 0:57 in size—on the small fish bones and exuvie cast up by the birds, at the
end of a hole in a bank, which is generally about four feet long, narrower at the entrance, and
widened considerably at the end which forms the nest chamber.

VI. Protection.

Wild Birds Act, 1880.—This bird appears in the Schedule, which applies to every
County in England, Scotland, and Ireland. Any owner, occupier, or other person taking,
killing, etc., a Kingfisher during close season,* or possessing or selling a Kingfisher after
15th March, is liable to a penalty of £1 for each bird.

Wild Birds Act, 1894.—The eggs are protected at present (1896) in the following
Counties, or specified breeding areas in Counties :+—

Enatanp:—I. Cumberland; Durham; Northumberland; Westmoreland ; Yorks,

E. Riding; specified breeding area, Promontory of Spurn, including Kilnsea Warren.

II. Bedford, Cambridge ; specified breeding area, Wicken Sedge Fen ; Chester ; specified

breeding area, Hundred of Wirrall; Derby; Gloucester; Huntingdon; Leicester ;

Lincoln; Kesteven and Lindsey; Norfolk; specified breeding areas; Northampton ;

Stafford ; Warwick; East Suffolk; specified breeding area; West Suffolk; Worcester.

III. Devon; Hertford; Isle of Wight; Kent; Metropolitan Police District Gncluding

London, and Middlesex), Southampton.

WateEs :—Brecon; Glamorgan ; Pembroke.
Scornanp :—Berwick; Dumfries; Elgin; Haddington; Kirkcudbright ; Wigtown.

* Generally from 1st March to 31st July ; but in some counties from 1st February to 31st August in each
year. A further period may be obtained through the Act of 1896, as in Middlesex.
+ It is expected that other counties will before long obtain similar orders of protection under the

Act of 1894.

al
si)

TRELAND :—Roscommon.
Any owner, occupier, or other person taking or destroying a Kingfisher’s eggs, penalty
£1 for each egg.

Wild Birds Act, 1896.—In addition to any penalty under the Act of 1880 the Court
may now order any trap, net, snare, etc., used by the offender to be forfeited.
This bird is protected throughout the whole year in the County of Middlesex.

VII. Remarks.

All birds have some more or less distinct peculiarities of plumage, voice, manner, or habit,
by which, if we observe them closely, we come to know them well. It is for the brilliancy of
its plumage that the Kingfisher is renowned. Many British birds have beautiful colours, but
not one of them has plumage which is so bright as the Kingfisher’s, and which flashes so as
the bird flies through the air. We have plenty of common birds of all sizes, from the cock
pheasant to the tomtit, which look gay enough if we see them near and still, and yet we do
not see their colours brightly as they fly ; but the Kingfisher’s plumage is so bright that the
bird looks brilliant even as it passes on the wing, and, though its flight is swift, the very speed
of it seems to make the colour flash the more.

It is unreasonable enough that a bird which is so beautiful as it fies should be most
often killed because of its beauty, but this is no doubt one cause why Kingfishers are so
comparatively seldom seen. Any day and any walk is more interesting and more happy for
having seen a Kingfisher, and if men were wise this should have led to the preservation of
the birds. It has, on the contrary, hitherto led to their destruction. Meyer says of the
plumage: ‘“ The Kingfisher surpasses all other British birds in the brilliancy and changeable-
ness of its colouring, which varies with every change of position, from the most brilliant
turquoise blue to the warmest green in the lighter parts of its plumage, and in the darker
reflecting copper and gold. . . . . When dead and preserved for a cabinet its plumage
has a dull bluish or muddy-green appearance, and the brilliant tints of life have vanished.”

Another reason why Kingfishers are sometimes killed is that they eat small fish,
including the young of trout and other fish, which are preserved and bred for sport, But
there are more destructive enemies to these than Kingfishers, and if the other enemies are
kept down I do not believe that the stock of fish in any river will be seriously affected by
Kingfishers, and the sight of them certainly adds a great deal of beauty and interest to a
day’s fishing.

The Kingfisher nests in banks, in a hole either of its own or of some other creature’s
making, and as the hole is of some depth it is generally impossible to see the eggs without
digging them out and destroying the nest, which should never be done. The shell of the
egg is white, but it is so transparent that the colour of the yolk shows through and
gives it a delicate orange tinge. I only once saw a fresh egg, and that was under very
exceptional circumstances. An old willow by the side of a stream had been blown
down and lay prone, having lifted up a large piece of the bank with its roots: the willow
still lives, and grass and weeds still grow on what was the surface and is now the front side

Pea

of its roots; but at the back, over the stream, the earth is bare, and here there are many
holes. At one of these, early in April, 1894, Kingfishers were feeding well-grown young
birds; later on, in the middle of May, Kingfishers were still haunting the willow, and amongst
the grass on the front side a little opening was found, where the soil had fallen out of a
chink between two strong roots. Behind these was the nest, in which about seven eggs could
be seen, and one was taken out with a twig, for the nest could not be reached through the
chink with a finger, and the proper entrance was a hole some feet away on the other side.
It was some time before I saw the nest again that season, but the place was not disturbed,
and from what I did see afterwards this second brood also was apparently reared successfully.
When the young birds are old enough they seem to creep to the mouth of the hole and take
the little fish from the old bird, who clings on outside. The eggs in the instance given
were surrounded as usual with the débris of small fish, which had accumulated during
this or previous nestings.

The Kingfisher generally watches for its food sitting motionless upon a branch over-
hanging the water, but some authors say that it also at times hovers on the wing, like a
kestrel, looking for its prey. The Kingfisher darts down upon its prey with great speed, and,
when it comes out of the water with a little fish, flies off with it toa branch or stump, and,
before swallowing, kills it with a few blows against the wood. The dart of the Kingfisher
into the water is not a flight down, but a dive: a header taken with great force and closed
wings.

The note of the Kingfisher is compared by many writers to the piping of the common
sandpiper. When disturbed it is very shrill indeed, and plaintive, as if the bird were
complaining. Indeed, the constant persecution for the sake of its beauty gives sad enough
reason for complaint, and we owe the preservation of the species partly, perhaps, to the
swiftness of its flight, but mostly to its extreme wariness and unobtrusive habits. It is a
very shy bird, and prefers solitude, as if, being so brilliant, its only chance of escaping notice
was to be quiet and alone. So shy is it that often enough it flies long before it is seen, and
the only sign one has of its presence is the shrill plaintive piping as it flies rapidly away.
The late Lord Lilford says, however, that where it is not persecuted it rewards mankind by
becoming “ very fearless and even familiar,” and that once a Kingfisher settled on a fisbing
rod which was resting over the side of a punt in which he was at luncheon.

_ Educational Series.—No. 1.—OWLS. No. 2,—WOODPECKERS. No. 3.—STARLING. No. 4.—
SWALLOWS. No. 5._KINGFISHER. No.6.—OSPREY. No. 7.—DIPPERS. No. 8.—NIGHTJAR.
No. 9.—TITMICE. No. 10.—KESTREL. No. 11.—PLOVERS.

Others in course of preparation.

Copies of the above may be obtained from the Society’s Publishing Department, Knowledge Office,
326, High Holborn, W.C., or from the Hon. Sec., Mrs. F. E. Lemon, Hillcrest, Redhill, on the following
terms :—Post free: three copies of any one number of the Series, 1d.; one dozen, 3d.; 100, Is. 6d.
Assorted packets, one copy of any six numbers, 2d.; one copy of any twelve, or two copies of any six
numbers, 4d; or 50 assorted numbers, Is. Special terms for larger quantities, and to County Councils, the
Constabulary, and Schoo!s.

The Society’s Publishing Office, Knowledge, 326, High Holborn, London, W.C. 1896.

Society for the Protection of Birds.

EDUCATIONAL SERIES. Edited by H. E. DRESSER, F.L.S., F.Z.S.

No. 6.—OSPREY.

By J. A. HARVIE-BROWN, BoRGS: Beye BeZ,.S:

OSPREY.
I, Name—_OSPREY..”*
Family—Falconide.
Genus—Pandion. P. haliztus.

The Osprey.

II. General Description and Proportions.

Adult, male: Head white, striped with dark brown ; ear-coverts and a stripe to the hind
neck blackish-brown ; upper parts dark brown witha purplish gloss; under parts white, the

breast marked with brown ; legs and cere lead blue, iris, yellow. Total length about 23 in.,

* Norr.—Not to be confounded with the Osprey plumes of commerce, so often alluded to by this Society
in other leaflets.

Illustration, by kind permission of Messrs. Gurney & Jackson, from ‘“ Manual of British Birds,” by
Mr. Howard Saunders,

[= ee]

wing 19} in., tail 82 in. The female is larger but otherwise resembles the male, and the
young bird has the feathers on the upper parts edged or tipped with white ; the breast
feathers are pale brown, edged with white, and the tail is distinctly barred.

III. Where, when, and in what Numbers found.

The Osprey inhabits a vast area of both the Old and New Worlds, from the further
forest growths in the north of both Continents to Australia and New Zealand, and some of
the Pacific Islands in the Old, and down to Brazil in the New. Abundant where least
disturbed among the great forests of the north; scarce in Britain. Nests only in a few
personally preserved localities in Scotland.

IV. Food.

Almost entirely fish—salmon, grilse, trout, pike; and the last-mentioned is favourite
food, and often the most easily obtained, though grils2 or salmon are preferred, though not
always so easily caught, as the Osprey rarely strikes a fish unless it is pretty close to the surface :
fresh-water fish principally, but also certain species of sea-fish such as shad. It is specially
fond of carp, which at certain seasons are also easily obtained on the shallows, or in marshy

runnels.

VY. Characteristics.

Except where constantly subjected to annoyance or disturbance at their breeding-haunts,
the Osprey is not a shy bird as compared with some other persecuted Raptores. Hence, it is
easily approached and destroyed during the migration season, when old and young leave their
summer homes. Ospreys have regular times at which they fish, usually at some distance
from the nest and young, and often flying over the same routes to and from their feeding
grounds. They build a bulky nest on tall trees or ruinous buildings, usually in forest land
studded with lakes or intersected by rivers. In America they nest often in large colonies,
but, so far as ascertained, only in single pairs in Europe. But there may be said to be almost
the commencement of a colony at one locality in Scotland, owing to the strict personal protec-
tion there afforded to the species for many years past. The Osprey renews its nest yearly,
building upon the previous structure, but is apt to become disgusted if the said original
structure is interfered with or the materials persistently carried off by other birds.

VI. Protection.

Its protection by law is not fully provided for, whether at its nesting-haunts or during
the migrations of old and young.

Wild Birds Protection Act, 1880.*—These birds do not appear in the schedule, but
are protected during close time except as against owners and occupiers of land. The Osprey
has, however, been added to the Schedule in the following counties :—

* Generally from Ist March to 81st July, but in some counties from 1st February to 31st August in each year.
A further period may be obtained through the Act of 1896.

Laer<s]

Enetanp :—Durham; Northampton; Devon; Kent; Metropolitan Police District

including London and Middlesex ; Somerset; Wilts.

Wates :— Pembroke.

Scortanp :—Dumfries; Elgin; Kirkcudbright ; Wigtown.

Wild Birds Protection Act, 1894.—The eggs are protected (1896) in the following
counties :—

Ewnatanp :—Gloucester; Leicester; Stafford; Warwick; Devon; Kent; Metropolitan

Police District, including London and Middlesex.

ScorLtanp :—Dumbarton ; Dumfries; Elgin; Kirkcudbright ; Wigtown.

Wild Birds Protection Act, 1896.—In addition to any penalty under the Act of 1880,
the Court may now order any trap, net, snare, etc., used by the offender, to be forfeited.

The Osprey is protected throughout the whole year in the county of Middlesex.

Note.—The eggs are not protected specially by any County Council’s adoption
cf the Act, because none of the counties where the species is found nesting have
adopted the Act. To protect the species thoroughly the Act would have to be adopted in all
the counties, not only where it breeds now, but also in all the counties where it formerly bred.
And its further protection should be provided for in many English and Scottish counties
through which it passes on migration. Dumbartonshire has wisely profited in this respect,
and that example should be followed by others.

It receives, however, private and personal protection at its nesting-haunts, which, how-
ever, is in great degree rendered vain by the selfishness of collectors and shore-poppers, and
even, in some instances,. the undiscriminating game preservers—we cannot call them
“sportsmen”’ in the best and truest sense of the word.

VII. Remarks.

The history of Scottish Ospreys goes back into the last century, whence. the
chronology of their dates, with here and there a hiatus, extends down to the present
time. That is to say, we have sufficiently continuous data to mark distinctly their almost,
if not quite, continuous occupation of many sites in Scotland. But at the present day these
numerous sites, principally by the cupidity of private collectors, have been long deserted, and
the places that once knew these fine and harmless birds know them no longer, and the
glory has departed from many an ancient stronghold. It is not necessary here to go into
chronological detail of the occupancy of all of these sites, but we desire to speak of one or
two only, and of these very shortly.

The earlier writers—Pennant and others—and the old Statistical Account mention the
Ospreys of West and East Inverness-shire; and early in the nineteenth century Colonel
Thornton also speaks of their rarity even then—so far as he knew—and of the presence of
Ospreys in Glenmore. The geologist MacCulloch also spoke of them in Rothiemurchus in
1824; and links of evidence of their continuance there are easily picked up by those who have
made special study and enquiry, running almost uninterruptedly from 1843 (Carruthers)
to 1852. A break in chronology then occurs,—but not necessarily in occupancy,—but we find
again records in 1879 and 1880, perhaps continuously down to 1888, when, we ascertain, that

eres

once more disturbance and greed intervened. Nevertheless, occupancy continued down
to 1887, when a grievous thing happened in an adjoining county, at a new site never before
oceupied, followed by a vicious battle between surviving birds in 1888. We cannot in this
place relate all these grievous circumstances, but we give our own experiences in 1892, which
will, we believe, suffice to call forth expression and condemnation of the acts, and assist, we
sincerely trust, in influencing those who can do so to protect our Ospreys of the future.

We visited an Osprey’s nest in Strathspey one day in early May, 1892. One bird alone
was seen. The nest was complete, even to the last shred of lining, but empty. We picked
up a first primary wing-feather at the root of the tree, beneath the nest, shot-shattered. The
direction of the shot was clearly traceable, gapping the inner web at one place, and searing
the rest of the web in the direction of the body. The shot must have then struck the wing
bone close to the base of the quill (right wing), causing distention, or otherwise cutting or
affecting the muscle, resulting in the casting of the quill. The quill appeared perfectly fresh ;
so fresh, indeed, that we came to the conclusion at the time—one which became strengthened
afterwards—that the eggs were taken and the old bird shot early on that same Monday
morning, or on the previous day.

We hope some steps can be taken by the proprietors of land where the Osprey still holds
precarious domicile; and, indeed, one step towards the desirable attainment—the perfect
preservation of these now rare and harmless birds—has been taken by a well-known and
influential society —the Zoological Society of London. This Society has repeated the wise
policy inaugurated in 1890, when they awarded their chief medals for the preservation of
another of our own rare species—the Great Skua—in Shetland. We believe proprietors
of Osprey-haunted homes will double or treble their energy, and resolve that such shameful
treatment be guarded against for ever in the future. We write purely in the interest of our
feathered friends, and, as the season advances now, it is not too early to publicly draw attention
to the state of affairs in Ospreydom, in further preparation for 1897.

The two medals of the Zoological Society have been awarded to the present representatives
of the families of Grant of Rothiemurchus—the present proprietor being John Peter Grant,
Esq. ; and Cameron of Locheil—the present proprietor bemg Donald Cameron, Esq.

The above notes were written in 1895. Since then the Ospreys of Rothiemurchus have
twice taken off their young, and an additional site has been occupied on Locheil’s property.
Alas! however, birds continue to migrate and suffer death at English and other localities, far
removed from their breeding haunts, and it is here, perhaps, where we, who desire their
protection, most require the aid and application of the law.

Educational Series.—No. 1.—OWLS. No. 2._WOODPECKERS. No. 3.—_STARLING. No. 4.—
—SWALLOWS. No. 5.—KINGFISHER. No. 6.—OSPREY. No. 7.—DIPPERS. No. 8.—NIGHTJAR.
No. 9.—TITMICE. No. 10.—KESTREL. No. 114.—PLOVERS. ;

Others in course of preparation.

Copies of the above may be obtained from the Society’s Publishing Department, Knowledge Office,
326, High Holborn, W.C., or from the Hon. Sec., Mrs. F. E. Lemon, Hillcrest, Redhill, on the following
terms:—Post free: three copies of any one number of the Series, 1d.; one dozen, 3d.; 100, Is. 6d.
Assorted packets, one copy of any six numbers, 2d.; one copy of any twelve, or two copies of any six
numbers, 4d.; or 50 assorted numbers, Is. Special terms for larger quantities to County Councils, the
Constabulary and Schools.

‘The Society’s Publishing Office, Knowledge, 326, High Holborn, London, W.C. 1896,

Society for the Protection of Birds.

EDUCATIONAL SERIES. Edited by H. E. DRESSER, F.L.S., F.Z.S.

Oooo

No. 7.—DIPPERS.
by WV. 1 MELEERSH, “BAY
Member of the Cotteswold Nat. Field Club.

s
7

DIPPER. _
I. Name.—DIPPER.
Family-—Cinclide.
Genus—Cinclus. 1. Cinclus aquaticus. The Dipper.
2. Cinclus melanogasta. The Black-bellied Dipper.

Other names: “ Water-Ouzel” (because once thought to belong to the Ouzel, i.e., the
Thrush Family), “ Water Colly” (in and from Somerset, westward), “ Water Crow,” and
“Water Pyet” (in Scotland).

II. General Description.

Dipper.—Colour above, dark grey and black, head and nape amber brown, throat and
upper breast white, lower breast dull red, passing into black and slatish brown on the
rest of the under parts. Length, 6? inches ; wing, 32 inches. A darker form seems to
appear on higher ground; e.g., im Derbyshire, birds found at a height of 1500 feet
are darker than those at 500 feet only. This form, still much darker, is the sub-
species next described.

Black-bellied Dipper.—Same as the above, except that the dull red is replaced by dark
brown or black, and the bird is a trifle larger.

ITI. Where, when, and in what numbers found.

1. Tue Diprer.—A resident in the counties south of the Bristol Channel, in Wales and
Derbyshire, and thence northward to Scotland and in Ireland. Very rare in the East of
England ; found chiefly as an occasional visitor to other counties, though breeding in a few
suitable localities.

Illustration by Joseph Wolf, from “ British Birds in their Haunts.” By kind permission of
the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge.

eral

2. Tur Buack-settiep Diprer.—This form takes the place of the other in the East of

England, but only as a winter visitor from Scandinavia and North Russia. There it has its
home and leads a hardy life.

IV. Food.

An insect diet, such as spiders, water beetles, and caddis worms. The birds, too, eat.
small molluses and “ bullheads.”

V. Characteristics.

The Dippers only live by such a river or brook that sings—

““T chatter over stony ways, in little sharps and trebles ;

I bubble into eddying bays, I babble on the pebbles ;”
and in their shyness they are as restless. Their nest is domed, about a foot high, not so
broad, and made of moss—such as the greater water moss, which grows on the beds of
streams. Sometimes this is mixed with hay, but it is always very closely matted together,
about three inches thick at the top and less at the sides, with a little mattress of hay and
leaves for the eggs. It is tucked intoa shallow hole in the rocks, or under the roots of a tree,.

or behind a waterfall, and the entrance is low down on the side. The eggs are white but not
ologsy.
reo) a

VI. Protection.

Wild Birds Protection Act, 1880.—This bird does not appear in the Schedule, but has
been added to it in the following counties :—

Eneitanp—Lancaster.
Wates—Pembroke.
Scortanp—Berwick; Dumfries; Elgin; Kirkcudbright; Wigtown.

Any owner, occupier, or other person taking, killing, etc., a Dipper during close season,*
in the above-named counties, is liable to a penalty of £1 for each bird. In all other places
the Dipper is protected during close time except as against owners and occupiers of land, the
maximum fine for each bird being 5s.

Wild Birds Protection Act, 1894.—The eggs are protected in the following counties :—

Enetanp—l. Northern.—Cumberland ; Durham; Westmoreland ; and the breeding
areas in Northumberland ; York, East Riding. II. Midland.—Breeding areas in

Cambridge; Chester; Norfolk; Lincoln; East Suffolk. III. Southern.—Devon and the

breeding areas in Essex; Kent; Isle of Wight.

Scornanp—Berwick ; Dumfries; Elgin; Kirkcudbright ; Wigtown.
IreLanp—Roscommon.

Any owner, occupier, or other person taking or destroying a Dipper’s egg in any of these
places is lable to a penalty of £1 for each egg.

Wild Birds Protection Act, 1896.—In addition to any penalty under the Act of 1880,
the Court may now order any trap, net, snare, etc., used by the offender to be forfeited.

VII. Remarks.

The world would think that a little bird such as this, with its quiet look of innocence,
lonely unambitious habits, and sombre plumage, would certainly have escaped persecution.
However, fortune has not created the bird an exception, for its share of persecution has been
meted out, and that by anglers. Everywhere, from the Highlands—where the Dipper is also
known as the “ Kingfisher” —southward, it has been accused, and in uncounted numbers it has
been destroyed. The belief has been that it fed on the eggs and tiny young of salmon and trout.
But 250 years ago, Isaac Walton was right when he omitted its name from his accurate list
of the enemies to those fish. Other anglers who lived about his time might have thought
differently of its claim to innocence ; yet, if so, as much poets as anglers in bygone days of
peace, they doubtless said with him that they “loved to kill nothing but fish.” The crusade

* Generally from 1st March to 31st July—but in some counties from 1st February to 31st August in
each year. A further period may be obtained through the Act of 1896.

against the bird was probably only begun when anglers became numerous, and anxious that
ne’er a fish should be lost on their limited waters. But this was before the days when every
theory calls for proof. Now it is known that the Dipper scarcely harms a fish of sport, but,
on the contrary, does a vast amount of good. It rids all streams wherein it feeds of those
insects which, at certain stages of their existence, are, as well as “bullheads,’ most
destructive to the eggs of salmon and trout. As its usefulness becomes widely known
the bird may again become common—another English pet, a Robin of the brook, yet safer
than a Robin, for its nestlings can, at any rate, never be troubled by the modern cat! Along
one trout stream that I know, the bird has ceased to be molested since its virtues have become
known, and where it was formerly but a visitor several pairs now live and breed. There
would be more there were it not for the fact that each pair is jealous of its own boundaries.
A part of every stream where the birds are found belongs to one pair of them, and they, as
well as we, have a law of trespass.

To know the birds as they are, one must go down this allotted part of some hill stream.
The water rushes, bubbles, and eddies, over and amid stones and moss; where white froth
and black pools contrast with the colours of the bird they hide. Slowly and stealthily must
movements be made, not one step further forward until the eye is sure that at the back of the
stone, or round the corner of the brook coming into view, there is no Dipper.

That it is being sought in winter matters not. Though icicles and broken tiles of ice make
chill the banks with little wintry vaults beneath, food is still to be found in troubled water,
and that is all the bird wants. Such a haunt—shaded, too, by a few fir trees and flecked by
birches—cannot fail to hold what one is seeking, and, if careful, the search is soon rewarded.
The bird stands there in its favourite spot, on some small loose stones at the edge of the dark
pool, with its feet lapped by the ever moving water, and its back anon splashed by the little
waterfall hard by. It moves little then, for its short legs and curved claws are ill adapted
for walking, and it has no claim to elegance like its fellow-tenant of the stream, the Grey
Wagtail. The Dipper’s short tail poised upwards rivals that of the Wren; its stolid form
partly bowed makes jerky bobs more often than does a Robin’s, and when seen in its straight
flight it more resembles a ball thrown from the hand, so little are its wings extended. Its
first morsel of food may be close by, so, merely bobbing more than usual, the Dipper’s head
and neck are in and out of the stream with a little flop and a splash. But it is a water-
loving bird, and ere long its next move evades the sight as it flies to the centre of the
eddying pool, seems to rest for a moment, with its white breast embraced by the snowy
froth, and then is gone—diving to the bed of the torrent.

Other birds, such as the Kingfisher and Tern, plunge in from a height; but the
Dipper flies on to the water, floats there for a moment, and then plunges or sinks in. With
its body covered with small white bubbles, and slanting down head foremost, it propels itself
with sharp jerks even against the current, making its powerful wings do duty for its
unwebbed feet. It flies in the water. Its wings have been seen well stretched out, gallantly
fighting the rapids, until it reaches the bottom. There its curved claws help it, as it looks
into crevices and under stones for its food. Presently it comes up at the top of the current,
seemingly flings itself on to a stone, remains still for a moment, makes a bob, catches sight
of its visitor, and uttering a weird little shriek darts down the stream. If it is followed, too
quick are its eyes now not to catch sight of one the moment, it is seen, and again it will have
to be followed ; probably in constant similar stages to the end of its domains. Then with
a swift rise into the air, uttering again and again its shrill notes, it flies back high overhead
whence it came. Those notes, those weird shrieks, more than doubled by the lonely valley,
are caught up by the enchaining hills, and seem to thrill one with a sense of lurking danger,
until they cease amid the tiers of firs in the mist. If still pursued it might grant one a
chance in the wintry twilight of hearing its song—the warbling strain of a bird happy all
the year round, never tired with its wild life and unchanging source of food.

Scarcely again, though, will there be such a beautiful sight as that once seen by Mr. Robert
Gray in Lanarkshire. A wild stream was swollen, and in the centre, where the current was
slow, floated a detached piece of turf frozen in ice. On this stood a dipper, singing, as dusk
fell on all around, its evening hymn, thrilling the rugged and sterile surroundings with the

Pee ae

outburst from a little heart, thankful that in the midst of that cold scene it was ever able to
live and be warm. It sang on quite regardless of its danger, until some rapids were
approached, when, seeing its change of position, it sprang from its perch, and flew up the
stream, to rest for the coming day.

In early March—unless a late season—when the days begin to get bright, and the
evenings are clear and still, except for the melody of the first spring songsters, it will commence
its nest. Then it seems regardless of man as it chases its mate with the same sharp cries up and
down and round the stream. Then, too, when the early rays of the morning sun are dancing
on the ripples, it sings close to man’s abode. At some old-fashioned mills I know, the
inmates delight in this, as it sits outside, on some old wooden post green with moss, and
warbles a subdued love ditty. But the old birds are most cautious in building their nest,
swiftly flyimg to the chosen site, and, if observed, in the same moment doubling round and
away with the unused material. What a home, too, it is when finished ; defying the water that
splashes on it, and the eyes that would find it amid its like surroundings! What firmness,
too, either parent will show in keeping to its eggs when once it has been discovered on the
nest, and even after it has been actually handled on it.

When the young first come out with the may-blossom, and float and play and dive in the
water, one can also see them taught to fly. This an old bird will do, sitting for once in a way
on a low stout branch, and flying from it a little distance with the small pupils behind. About
this time, too, another unusual sight may be seen. The young birds will settle on the top
branches of such a tree as a swaying birch, to glory in the strength of their curved claws.
They soon equal the parent birds in all they do, and then leave the old home, and work their
own way in the world, whilst in the same nest the old birds will rear another, or, rarely, even
two more broods.

As has been shown, the bird has every claim for protection. ‘he boon it confers on
anglers is undoubted. One of the greatest points in favour of this is from the works of the
late Mr. Francis Day, author of “The Fishes of Great Britain and Ireland.’ He showed
that the above-named food of the Dipper is also the worst enemy to salmon and trout, but
he found only one instance of the bird, out of the hundreds he examined, having eaten the
egos of a trout, and in this instance the bird may have been driven by hunger to feed on the
fish spawn.

In other ways, too, no bird rewards its protectors more. Its real attraction is the bed of
a stream; whether it be like that described, or one on barren moors, or in the low-lying vale
of a southern county. In the latter I have found the birds living close to a farm meadow
with nought for them except water madly rushing over a broken stone dam, the greater
water-moss, and their food. But the farmer, and especially his boy, have watched and cared
for it and have protected its nest. They have seen its annual two broods brought up, they
have delighted in most of the sights described and in the song, and the old birds stay on to
reward them. This shows how the Dipper may spread if properly protected. The race is
truly English in courage and thoroughness, as also in its love of the water and affection for
its young brood. Our attachment through years and generations to the same home is theirs
also, and the birds, if protected, will enable many persons in the future to say what one person
I know has said: that he can vouch for a pair of Dippers having nested in the very same spot
every year for half a century, and he does so with gratitude.

Educational Series.—No. 1.—OWLS. No. 2.—WOODPECKERS. No. 3.—STARLING. No. 4.—
SWALLOWS. No. 5.—KINGFISHER. No. 6.—OSPREY. No. 7.—DIPPERS. No. 8.—NIGHTJAR.
No. 9.—TITMICE. No. 10.—KESTREL. No. 114.—PLOVERS.

Others in course of preparation.

Copies of the above may be obtained from the Society’s Publishing Department, Knowledge Otfice,
326, High Holborn, W.C., or from the Hon. Sec., Mrs. F. E. Lemon, Hillcrest, Redhill, on the following
terms :—Post free: three copies of any one number of the Series, 1d.; one dozen, 3d.; 100, 1s. 6d.
Assorted packets, one copy of any six numbers, 2d.; one copy of any twelve, or two copies of any six
numbers, 4d; or 50 assorted numbers, 1s. Special terms for larger quantities, and to County Councils, the
Constabulary, and Schools.

The Society’s Publishing Office, Knowledge, 326, High Holborn, London, W.C. 1896.

Sactety for the Jirotection of Birds.

EDUCATIONAL SERIES. Edited by H. E. DRESSER, F.L.S., F.Z.S.

No. 8. —NIGHTJAR.
By MONTAGU SHARPE, Depy.-Chairman Middlesex Q. Sess. and Cu Council,

* While o’er the cliff th’awaken’d churn owl I hung
Through the still gloom protracts his chattering song.”
“GHLBE Rt WHITE.

I. Name—NIGH TJAR.

Family—Caprimulgide.

Genus—Caprimulgus. C. europeus. Nightjar, Nighthawk, Fern Owl or Goatsucker.
II. General Description and Proportions in inches.

The feathers are of a greyish white, occasionally varied to buff, but generally nearly
concealed with delicate pencillings of dark grey or buffy grey, and shaft lines and obscure bars
of nearly black. The under side of the wing is of a lighter shade. The male bird is
distinguished by white tips to the outside tail feathers, and by patches of white on the cheeks,
throat, and wings. Tip of beak to tip of tail, 10; wing, closed, 7}; tail, 54; body, 45.

III. Where, when, and in what Numbers found.

England, Scotland, and Ireland. The Nightjar is more numerous in the South than in
the North of England. It is not a gregarious bird, and is generally to be found amongst
bracken, furze, and brambles on heaths, moors, or open spaces bordering on woods.

It is one of the latest migrants to arrive on our shores, gener ally appearing in about the

Tllustrations on pages 1 and 4, by ed permission e Mesem Gis & Teneo from “ Manel of
British Birds,” by Mr. Howard Saunders.

RACE!

middle of May and leaving in September, but. it has been known to stay in the south-west of
England as late as November.

This harmless, interesting bird is, alas! too often shot down in the mistaken belief that

it is a hawk.
IV. Food.

Cockchafers, moths, and nightflying insects.
VY. Characteristics.

Like the owl, the Nightjar possesses the peculiar habit of ejecting from the mouth
pellets consisting of the indigestible remains of the food it has swallowed, and it is likewise
a nocturnal bird, hunting for its food when the sun is below the horizon.

During the day it sits quietly in a sheltered spot on the ground, or perches lengthways
along a bough, and not across it.

There are large bristles on the gapes, and at the side of the middle toe there is a horny
development divided into slits, which are supposed to be for the purpose either of clearing off
parasitical insects with which this bird is infested, or for the better clinging on to the sides of
a branch when seated longways upon it, or for cleaning the bristles on the gape from the
débris of wiaged insects, but it is not yet definitely known for what this serrated claw is used.
VI. Protection.

Wild Birds Act, 1880.—This bird appears in the schedule, which applies to every
county in England, Scotland, and Ireland. Any owner, occupier, or other
person taking, killing, etc., a Nightjar during close season,* or possessing or
selling a Nightjar after 15th March, penalty £1 for each bird.

Wild Birds Act, 1894.—Its eggs are protected at present (1896) in the following
counties or specified breeding areas in counties : f—

Enexanp.—I. Durham; Northumberland, specified breeding area, Holy

Island; Yorks., E. Riding, specified breeding area, Promontory of Spurn, including

Kilnsea Warren. II. Bedford; Cambridge, specified breeding area, Wicken Sedge Fen ;

Chester, specified breeding area, Hundred of Wirrall; Gloucester; Leicester ; Lincoln,

(Kesteven and Lindsey); Norfolk, specified breeding area (1), Hickling, Ormesby,

Rollesby, Hemsby, Filby and Burgh Broads ; (2) North Wotton and Cley-next-the-

Sea; Northampton; Stafford; East Suffolk, specified breeding area, sea coast from

River Blyth to Languard Point; West Suffolk; Warwick; Worcester. ILI. Devon;

Essex, specified breeding area, Shoeburyness, and three tidal rivers; Hertford; Isle of

Wight; Kent, five specified breeding areas; Metropolitan Police District, including

London and Middlesex.

Wates—Brecon; Pembroke.
Scottanp—Aberdeen ; Dumbarton; Dumfries; Elgin; Kircudbright; Wigtown.
JrELAND—Roscommon.

Any owner, occupier, or other person taking or destroying a Nightjar’s eggs, penalty £1

for each egg. Its eges are white, marbled and clouded with grey and brown, and measure

about 1,8, x 3%, inches.

* Generally from 1st March to 31st July; but in some counties from 1st February to 31st August in each
year. A further period may again be obtained through the Act of 1896 as in Middlesex.

+ It is expected that other counties will before long obtain similar orders of protection under the Act of
1894.

foe 7

Wild Birds Act, 1896.—In addition to any penalty under the Act of 1880 the Court
may now order any trap, net, snare, etc., used by the offender to be forfeited.
This bird is protected throughout the whole year in the County of Middlesex.
VII. Remarks.

The Nightjar, being a voracious feeder on winged insects, has been wisely protected by the
Legislature, and on account of the benefit it confers on mankind it should be welcomed and
left unmolested.

Many silly prejudices have sprung up concerning this bird, since its habits are not much
observed, owing to the fact of its flying about during the hours of night. It is the
victim of numerous local names or aliases, all more or less suggestive of its habits and
peculiarities. ‘“ Fern Owl,” because it is frequently to be met with amid ferns and bracken, ou
moors and heaths, and on account of its noiseless dextrous flight during the hours of night.

“ Goatsucker,” from an ancient and silly superstition that the bird can draw milk frow a
goat, “ probably arising,’ as Seebohm remarks, ‘from the wideness of its gape and from
the fact that the poor harmless bird hawks over the sleeping herds to catch the insects
founa in their vicinity.” ‘ Nighthawk” or “ Dorhawk,” on account of the bawklke
manner in which it beats about for insects, while its beak and claws are too weak to
catch birds or mice. It is also named “ Wheelbird,” ‘Churn Owl,” ‘“Eve-Jar,” or “Jar
Owl,” ete.

As the owl continues at nightfall the good work of the kestrel, so does the Nightjar that
of the swallow and swift. But while the Nightjar can twist and turn with nearly the facility
of the swallow when searching for insects over the tops of trees, it is neither swallow, hawk,
nor owl, but is a most interesting and useful bird, one of a family of some seventy species
which are found throughout the world.

Only two species, the Red-necked Nightjar and the preseut species, however, breed in
Europe, one of which is this summer migrant to our shores, while the other is known to have
come over only once, and therefore need not be referred to in this leaflet. A third species,
the Egyptian Nightjar, has also once occurred in Great Britain.

The Nightjar does not make a nest, but deposits its eggs, two in number, on the ground,

Illustration, by kind permission of Messrs. Longmans, Green & Co., from “British Birds,” by
Mr. W. H. Hudson, C.M.ZS.

arr

or on short moss, frequently in open patches on heaths. The eggs, which measure about
1:20 x 0°85 inches, are white, blotched and marbled with blackish brown and purplish grey.

The note of the Nightjar, when perched, is like the loud and prolonged purr of a eat, or
a “ ch-u-rr”’-like sound, which on still evenings may be heard at some distance ; but while on
the wing its common note is a clear and somewhat rapidly repeated “ coic, coic.”

“Gamekeepers either shoot the Nightjar in the belief that it is a species of hawk, or
they nail it up in their museums along with cuckoos and kestrels to imcrease their show of
vermin, under the impression that their employers will not discover that these birds are not
hawks of some kind that are injurious to game.”

I will conclude with a couple of extracts from letters written in 1769 by that delightful
naturalist, Gilbert White, of Selborne:—“ . . There is no bird, I believe, whose manners,
I have studied more than those of the Caprimulgus, as it ig a wonderful and curious creature ;
but I have always found that, though sometimes it
may chatter as it flies, as I know it does, yet iu
general it utters its jarring note sitting on a bough,
and I have for many a half hour watched it as it sat
with its under mandible quivering, and particularly
this summer. It perches usually on a bare twig with
its head lower than its tail. This bird is most

punctual in beginning its song exactly at the close of
day; so exactly that I have known it strike up more
than once or twice just at the report of the Portsmouth
evening gun, which we can hear when the weather is
still. It appears to me past all doubt that its notes

are formed by organic impulse, by the powers of the
parts of its windpipe formed for sound, just as cats purr . . .” “ . . The powers
of its wing were wonderful, exceeding, if possible, the various evolutions and quick turns of
the swallow genus. But the circumstance that pleased me most was, that I saw it distinctly,
more than once, put out its short leg while on the wing, and, by a bend of the head, deliver
somewhat into its mouth. If it takes any part of its prey with its foot, as I have now the
greatest reason to suppose it does these chafers, I no longer wonder at the use of its middle
toe, which is curiously furnished with a serrated claw.”

(Some of the above information taken from “ British Birds,’ Seebohm, and ‘Our Country’s Birds,”

STARLING. No. 4.—
—SWALLOWS. No. 5._KINGFISHER. No. 6.—OSPREY. No. 7.—DIPPERS. No. 8.—NIGHTJAR.
No. 9.—TITMICE. No. 10.—-KESTREL. No. 14.—PLOYERS.

Others in course of preparation.

Copies of the above may be obtained from the Society’s Publishing Department, Knowledge Office,
326, High Holborn, W.C., or from the Hon. Sec., Mrs. F. E. Lemon, Hillcrest, Redhill, on the following
terms:—Post free: three copies of any one number of the Series, 1d.: one dozen, 8d.; 100, 1s. 6d.
Assorted packets, one copy of any six numbers, 2d.; one copy of any twelve, or two copies of any six numbers,
4d.; or 50 assorted numbers, 1s, Special terms for larger quantities to County Councils, the Constabulary
and Schools.

The Society’s Publisking Office, Knowledge, 326, High Holborn, Londcn, W.C, 1896,

Society for the Protection of Birds.

EDUCATIONAL SERIES. Edited by H. E. DRESSER, F.L.S., F.Z.S.

No. 9.—TITMICE.

Bye oy DINE «BURST ON.” WEP?

LONG-TAILED TIT.

I, Name—TITMOUSE.

Family—Paride.
Genus 1.—Acredula. . rosea. Long-tailed Titmouse,
Genus 2.—Parus. . major. Great Titmouse.

. ceruleus. Blue Titmouse.

. britannicus. Coal Titmouse.

. palustris. Marsh Titmouse.
. eristatus. Crested Titmouse.

ott th

Genus 3.—Lophophanes.

II. General Description.

Lone-TarLep Trrmousr.—Forehead and crown white ; sides of the crown, nape, and upper
part of the back black; lower back and scapulars rose coloured ; wings blackish
brown, the inner quills margined with white; tail long, graduated, black, the outer
feathers margined and tipped with white; under parts white, the flanks tinged with
rose. Total length about 6 in., wing 23 in., tail 3,$,in. The female has the head
more marked with black, and the young are duller in colour and lack the rose
colour in the plumage.

Great Trrmouse.—Crown, chin, throat, and a band on the side of the neck bluish black ;
back yellowish olive; wings blackish brown, externally with paler margins; wing
coverts blue grey with white tips; tail slate grey, the outer feathers tipped and
margined with white; cheeks white; under parts yellow with a black central streak.
Total length about 54 in., wing 3 in., tail 2} im. The female is rather duller, and
the young have the cheeks tinged with primrose yellow.

Illustrations by kind permission of Messrs. Longmans, Green, & Co., from “British Birds,” by
Mr. W. H, Hudson, C.M.Z.S,

[rete]

Buvure Trrmouse.—Crown blue, encircled by a white band; cheeks white; chin, a band
encircling the white cheeks and one passing through the eye to the nape, blackish
blue ; back yellowish green; wings and tail blue; under parts sulphur yellow with
a blue black central streak ; bill black; legs blue grey. Total length about 44 in.,
wing 2% in., tail 2in. The female scarcely differs from the male, and the young
have the blue much duller in tinge.

Coat Trrmouse.—Crown and nape bluish black ; cheeks, sides of the neck, and a patch
on the nape, white; back greyish olivaceous; wings and tail brown, the wings
crossed by two white bands; throat black; rest of under parts white, washed with
fawn on the flanks and belly; bill, legs and feet, dark brown. Total length about
42 in., wing 2,3, in., tail 144,in. The female is rather duller in colour, and the
young more so, and these latter have the nape patch, cheeks, and under parts
washed with sulphur yellow.

Mars 'l'rrmovusr.-—Crown, nape, chin, and throat black; cheeks dull white; back
olivaceous brown ; quills and tail ashy brown, with paler external margins; under
parts dull white, the flanks washed with buff; bill black; legs and head grey.
Total length about 43 in., wing 23 in., tail 2i in. The female resembles the male,
but the young are duller and browner in colour.

Crestep Trrmouse.—Feather on the crown elongated, forming a conspicuous re-curved
crest; black in colour, tipped with greyish white; sides of head and neck greyish
white; a narrow line of black passes through the eye to the nape, and two bands of
black cross the sides of the neck; throat also black; back, wings, and tail brown ;
under parts dull white; flanks warm buff. Total length about 43 in., wing 24 in.,
tail 2 in

III. When, where, and in what numbers found.

Long-tailed Tit.—Resident throughout Great Britain and Ireland; less commonly
distributed in Scotland than in England. Great Tit.—Resident throughout British Isles.
Blue Tit.—Resident throughout British Isles; common everywhere. Coal Tit.—Resident
throughout British Isles, but nowhere so abundant as the two preceding species. Marsh
Tit.—Resident in England and Wales, rare in Scotland, but does not extend to Ireland.

Crested Tit.—Not uncommon in some of the old pine forests in Scotland, but of rare

occurrence in England, and of doubtful occurrence in Ireland.

IV. Food.

Insects, grubs, and seeds. The Long-tailed Tit is almost, if not quite, insectivorous.
The other Titmice vary their diet more with seeds—the seeds chiefly of destructive weeds,
and to a small extent they also feed on berries.

V. Characteristics.
The various peculiarities of these five Tits are dealt with and contrasted in
Paragraph VII.

VI. Protection.

Wild Birds Protection Act, 1880.—These birds do not appear in the Schedule, but
(1896) have been added to it in the following counties :—

Long-tailed Tit,—Enenanp: Lancaster, Buckingham, West Suffolk. Watnes: Brecon.

ScorLtanp: Berwick.

Blue Tit.—Scotnanp: Berwick.

Coal Tit—Enetanp: Buckingham, West Suffolk. Scorntanp: Berwick.

Marsh Tit.—Enetanp: Buckingham, West Suffolk.

In these Counties any owner, occupier, or other person taking, killing, ete., any of the
specified Tits during close season,* or possessing or selling one of them after 15th March,
is liable to a penalty of £1 for each bird. Elsewhere all Tits are protected during close time,
except with regard to owners and occupiers of land.

* Generally from Ist March to 3lst July; but in some counties from Ist February to 31st August in
each year. A further period may be obtained through the Act of 1896,

[3

Wild Birds Protection Act, 1894.—The eggs are protected (1896) in the following
Counties *—
Long-tailed Tit.--Enatann: Leicester; Metropolitan Police District, including London and
Middlesex; Warwick; West Suffolk; Worcester. Wars: Brecon. Scornanp: Berwick.
Blue Tit.—Scotnanp: Berwick.
Coal Tit —Enenanp: Leicester; West Suffolk. Scornanp: Berwick.
Marsh Tit.—Enenanp: Leicester ; Warwick ; West Suffolk; Worcester.
The eggs of all species are protected in the specified breeding areas in the following
counties :—
Enetanp: Northumberland; York (East Riding); Cambridge; Chester; Norfolk;
Suffolk ; Devon; Essex; Kent; Isle of Wight.
In the above places any owner, occupier, or other person taking or destroying the eggs
of the specified Tits is liable to a penalty of £1 for each egg.
Wild Birds Protection Act, 1896.—In addition to any penalty under the Act of 1880
the Court may now order any trap, net, snare, etc., used by the offender to be forfeited.
Long-tailed Tit.—This bird is protected throughout the whole year in the County of
Middlesex.

VII. Remarks.

Five common species of Tomtits, all original and delightful in their own little ways,
abound in our woods, hedgerows, and gardens. The largest is the Great Tit or Oxeye, with its
noticeable yellow and black markings ; the smallest, the delightful little Long-tailed Tit. The
brightest coloured is the Blue Tit, with its blue markings, whilst the Coal Tit and the
Marsh Tit are the most soberly attired. The sixth species, the Crested Tit, which is also
plainly marked, is, as above stated, rare in England.

The wings of these mites of birds are, fortunately, too small to be of use to the
“feathered” woman. Fortunately also, as the Tomtit flies rather in families than in flocks,
the farmer or gardener who, under the erroneous impression that the birds have come to rob
him of his seed or of his fruit, may wish them ill, seldom considers them worth a charge of
powder and shot.

Hence these Tomtits, living a fairly blameless life, are little disturbed in their busy and
restless existence, and are able to bring up their large families in comparative peace. Lively,
acrobatic, fearless, pugnacious, restless, ornamental, they add much to the interest and the
attractiveness of our country life. Indeed, it is this wealth of bird life that makes the great
distinction between our English and the Continental woods and hedgerows ; and which, if
the farmers, gamekeepers, and gardeners would but appreciate it, does so much to keep
down noxious insects and other pests.

The Tomtits clearly come within the category of birds that should be protected. Abso-
lutely and entirely harmless I do not assert them to be. But it can be confidently stated—on
the authority of such naturalists as St. John, Yarrell, Lilford, Stevenson, Macgillivray, and
others, reinforced by the observation of anyone who takes the trouble to watch their ways--
that the good they accomplish far, and very far, outweighs any incidental harm they may do.
And, indeed, any harm they do is mostly incidental, and done without malice prepense. —

The Titmouse has a bill adapted both for soft and hard food, to the consumption of insect
and of seed alike. Its food, taking the Tomtits as a class, and without drawing invidious, and
therefore perhaps dangerous, distinctions between the different species, consists primarily of
insects and their eggs, of grubs, of caterpillars, of spiders, and the like; and the number of
these they will consume in a day, especially when rearing their young, 1s almost incredible.

In the second degree their food consists of seeds and fruits of tree, shrub, and plant ;
and, doubtless, they do, from time to time, consume seeds and grain at which they had better
have drawn the line.

* It is expected that other counties will before long obtain similar orders of protection under the
Act of 1894.

+ Besides these six, two other Titmice are rare visitants with us, V1z-; Acredula caudata, the Scandi-
navian Longtailed Titmouse, which differs in that the adult bird has the entire head and nape pure white ;
and Parus ater, the Continental Coal Titmouse, which has the back slate grey instead of olive grey. The
Bearded Reedling, Panurus biarmicus, is commonly supposed to be a Tomtit, but in fact does not belong to
that family. Formerly it was fairly common in the “ Broad ” Country, but 1s now, alas! nearly extinct.

ak oat

But much of their supposed fruit-destroying propensities are due, it is almost certain,
not to any desire to dis-bud a fruit tree or to rob an orchard, but because the particular bud
or fruit in question already conceals a canker. It is this hidden grub which the Tomtit
desires—a noxious insect, though to him a delicacy, and which, if allowed to live, would not
only destroy the particular bud or fruit, but might be the progenitor of further and unlimited
destruction.

Similarly, their inconvenient and disordering investigations of thatch and straw are, we
may charitably believe, dictated by a search for concealed insects, and not by desire for
depredation nor by love of destruction.
The slaughter of Titmice by farmer or
gardener is, as has been well said, “an act
of economical suicide.”

The Tomtits are easily distinguishable
in our woods. They all possess much the
same sharp little note or twitter; they are
all endowed with more or less the same
restless disposition. They all have the
same sudden, floppy, flappy, undulating
flight; and, ever on the move in search of
food, they delight in the same agile acrobatic
movements. The Blue Tit is, perhaps, the
most attractive. Perky, impudent, active,
graceful, and beautifully coloured, it is a
very charming sight to see a Blue Tit, or,
better still, a lately fledged family, clinging,
mostly head downwards, to the slender
and waving boughs, rapidly examining the
under side of each leaf and the interior of each crevice in the bark for the food they love.
The boldest, the noisiest, the most strikingly marked is the Great Tit. The Coal and
Marsh Tits, less brightly coloured and less visible to the eye, are nevertheless noticeable
through their unceasing activity. The smallest, the fluffiest, the most delicate looking—
though, constitutionally, perhaps the strongest of all—is the Long-tailed Tit, with its comically
long tail. It is a real delight to watch a large family—and the families reared in the mar-
vellously constructed nest are always large—wending its way leisurely through a wood. They
travel from tree to tree, fluttering and conversing in the foliage overhead. At one moment all
the members of the family are collected on a bough; the next, led by one more adventurous
than the rest, off they all dart together to another tree, as though impelled by a simultaneous
idea ; there, ever twittering, the search and re-search for insects in leaf and twig is renewed.
At night, it is said (though I have never seen it myself) that the whole family, seeking
warmth, squeeze together until they form one fluffy ball of feathers.

In two ways these little birds (other than the Long-tailed Tit, which is not to be tempted
by human artifice) can be watched to great advantage.

A bowl filled with maize, hemp, or corn (unless, indeed, the offer of seeds of this descrip-
tion may be thought to be weakening for their morals, as tending to bring on a craving for
forbidden food! ) may be hung up near house or cottage ; or a lump of fat, a meaty bone, or
a cocoanut be tied to a stick. Before long the Tomtits of the neighbourhood, attracted to
the food, will, their shyness once overcome—and shyness is not their weak poimt—spend
the livelong day darting backwards and forwards to the tempting morsel. Thus can their
idiosyncrasies be watched and noted.

The Marsh Tit—who, it must be confessed, is very fond of seeds—darts down and is off
again, taking away the seed to be dissected and devoured in security. Neither does the Coal
Tit care to prolong its stay. But the Great Tit will discuss his food on the spot, and, in full
view, leisurely hammer away at his seed till he succeeds in extracting the kernel; and the
Blue Tit, though with more haste and hurry, more jerks and twitterings, does the same.

Another effective plan of cultivating their acquaintance, where circumstances permit, is
to nail nesting boxes up against the trees. These boxes should be about thirteen inches in

GREAT TIT.

eae

length, by four inches broad and deep. They should have easily lifting lids, and at one end
a small hole should be cut. The hole must be small to prevent large birds and squirrels
from intruding or robbing. The box, for convenient observation, should be nailed some five
feet from the ground. No nesting material should be inserted; every shred of it will be
ejected before the real nest is begun. The box sbould be placed in position some months
before the nesting season, so that it may get weatherworn, and so that the birds may become
accustomed to its presence.

The nesting box was suggested by the nesting places sometimes selected by the Tit and
other birds, such as wooden pumps, cross road letter boxes, and the like; and certainly it is
most popular with some classes of birds, Tomtits especially.*

In these boxes the Tomtits industriously construct their mossy, feathery, furry nests,
and lay their numerous clutch of brown-spotted white eggs, which are most carefully covered
out of sight when business or pleasure calls them away from home. In due time the downy
little chicks arrive, and, as they grow and fatten and put on feathers, the nest becomes
unduly congested ; and often the young broods have
to be content to live in layers, one set on the top of
another. This is especially the case with the Blue
Tit, which rears the largest broods. It is always a
mystery how the unfortunate and over-driven
parents manage to know each time whose turn it is
to be fed, for each and every chick is always
clamorous for food. Perhaps, as the top layer is
fed, it sinks by the force of gravity to the bottom,
and the lighter and unfed layer comes to the top!

These nest boxes bring out again the difference
of disposition. The Coal Tit and the Marsh Tit
nervously fly off the nest at the approaching foot-
step, and twitter tremulously around while the
precious box is being examined. The Blue Tit
sometimes, the Great Tit nearly always, will remain
sitting on the eggs or covering the young if the
lid of the box be gently opened. The Blue Tit,
anxiously and attentively watching for any further CRESTED TIT.
sign of danger, sits silent, till, the strain becoming
more than she can bear, off she flies. The Great Tit, on the other hand, will even allow itself
to be stroked; but it keeps a stern eye on the intruder, and relieves its feelings the while
by audibly swearing.

A box full of little Blue Tits, just ready to fly, is as pretty a sight as one could wish
to see ; and for days after they leave the box the family flutter around its immediate
neighbourhood.

All the Tits nest in holes or boxes as above described excepting the Long-tailed Tit,
which builds a beautifully constructed oval nest, with a small hole on the side, composed of
lichens, moss, spiders’ webs, etc., closely felted together, and well lined with feathers or hair.
The nest is placed in a bush, creeper, or ivy, or else in the branch of a tree—sometimes low
down and at others high up. They lay from eight to twelve white eggs, spotted with red.

I commend the Titmice to the observation of all lovers of birds, and their protection to
all those interested in gardening or agriculture.

* Besides the four Tomtits above mentioned, we have constantly building in our small boxes the
Redstart, the uninvited and ubiquitous Sparrow, and the sleek and cute-looking Nuthatch, who, for greater
security, clays down the lid of the bor. Occasionally even the Wryneck condescends to come; nesting late,
he mostly chooses a box in which a Tomtit has already built and hatched, incontinently evicts all the young
Tomtits, kicks out all the nest, and lays his own delicate and transparent white eggs on the bare boards.

Pamphlets on the general question of Protection of Birds may also be obtained from the Society’s
Publishing Department, Knowledge Office, 326, High Holborn, W.C., or of Mrs. F. E. Lemon, Hon, Sec.,
Hillcrest, Redhill, Surrey.

Soctety for the Protection of Birds.

EDUCATIONAL SERIES.

No. 1.—OWLS, by Monracu Suarps, J.P., D.L.

No. 2.—WOODPECKERS, by Sir Herserr Maxwe tt, Bart., M.P.
No. 3.—STARLING, by O. V. Aptin, F.L.S., M.B.O.U.

No. 4.—SWALLOWS, by Tuomas Soutuwe t, F.Z.S.

No. 5.—KINGFISHER, by Sir Epwarp Grey, Bart., M.P.
No. 6.—OSPREY, by J. A. Harviz-Brown, F.R.S.E., F.Z.S.
No. 7.—DIPPERS, by W. Lock Me ttrersu, B.A.

No. 8.—NIGHTJAR, by Monracu Suarpz, J.P., D.L.

No. 9.—TITMICE, by Sypney Buxton, M.P.

No. 10.—KESTREL, by Rev. J. E. Kexsatt, M.A.

No. 11.—PLOVERS, by Josernu A. Prasz, M.P.

IN COURSE. OF PREPARATION,
No. .--TERNS, by Tuomas Soutuwe tt, F.Z S.

No. .—WAGTAILS, by W. Warpve Fow ter.

No. .—CHOUGH, by J. A. Harvise-Brown, F.R.S.E., F.Z.S.
No. .—GOLDFINCH, by W. H. Hunson, C.M.Z.S.

No. .—dAY, by Joun Corpgeaux, M.B.O.U.

No. .—GULLS, by Howarp Saunpers, F.L.S., F.Z.S.

No. .— by WW, AcrE Clarke. o.-eve
No. .—SKUAS, by T. E. Bucxtey, M.A,, F.Z.S.

And Wild Birds Protection Acts and Orders, 1880 to 1896, with
Explanatory Notes, by F. E. Lemon, M.A., LL.B.

Copies of the above Series may be obtained from the Society’s Publishing Department,
‘‘Knowledge”’ Office, 326, High Holborn, W.C., or from the Hon. SEc., Mrs. F. E. Lemon,
Hillcrest, Redhill, on the following Terms :—Post Free: 3 Copies of any one number of the
Series, ld.; 1 Dozen, 8d.; 100, Is. 6d. Assorted Packets: 1 Copy of any six numbers, 2d. ;
1 Copy of any twelve, or 2 Copies of any six numbers, 4d.; or fifty Assorted numbers, 1s,

Spectal Terms for Larger Quantities, and to County Councils, the Constabulary, Schools,

and Educational Bodies.
JANUARY, 1897.

The Society’s Publishing Office, Knowledge, 326, High Holborn, London, W.C,

Society for the Yrotection of Birds.

EDUCATIONAL SERIES. Edited by H. E. DRESSER, FP. E. Ss: 2.5:

Oooo

No. 10.—KESTREL.

Byethe: Rev. J. He KELSAEL aA.

KESTREL.
I. Name.—-KESTREL o9r WINDHOVER.
Family—Lardconide.
Genus— falco. Falco tinnunculus.

II. Genera] Description.

Adult male : Head, neck, lower back, and tail, bluish grey, the latter tipped with white,
below a broad black band; back, pale chestnut, with small black spots; under parts buff,
streaked and spotted with black ; legs and feet yellow. Length, 13 inches. Female ; Upper
parts reddish brown, barred with black ; several narrow bands of black on the tail, with a broad
one near the tip. Very old hens partially assume male plumage, and have more or less blue on
the rump and tail. Length, 15 inches. The young resemble the female, but are somewhat
lighter in colour. (Howard Saunders.)

Illustration by Joseph Wolf, from ‘‘ British Birds in their Haunts,” by kind permission of the Society for
Promoting Christian Knowledge.

Lee

III. When, where, and in what numbers found.

Found in all parts of Great Britain at all seasons, except that it migrates as a rule from the
northern districts of Scotland in winter. (Howard Saunders.)
We sometimes receive an immigration from Northern Europe in autumn.

IV. Food.

Principally mice and insects, rarely small birds.

V. Characteristics.
A small hawk, with a red back, and hovering flight.

VI. Protection.

Wild Birds Act, 1880.—This bird does not appear in the Schedule, but has been added
in the following Counties :—

ENGLAND :—Durham; Lancaster.—Bedford; Buckingham; Chester; Derby; Lincoln
(Kesteven and Lindsey) ; Northampton ; West Suffolk—Devon ; Hertford ; Isle of Wight ;
Kent ; Metropolitan Police District (including London and Middlesex); Somerset ;
Wiltshire.

ScorLanp :—Aberdeen, Dumfries, Elgin, Haddington, Kirkcudbright, Wigtown.

In these counties any owner, occupier, or other person taking, killing, etc., a kestrel during
close season,* or possessing or selling a kestrel after 15th March, is liable to a penalty of #1 for
each bird.

Wild Birds Act, 1894.—Its eggs are protected at present (1896) in the following
counties :+—

ENGLAND :—Cumberland ; Durham; Northumberland ; Westmoreland ; Yorks, East
Riding (specified area); Bedford; Chester; Derby; Gloucester; Leicester; Lincoln ;
(Kesteven and Lindsey); East Suffolk (specified area) ; Northampton ; Stafford ; Norfolk
(specified area); West Suffolk; Warwick ; Worcester; Devon; Essex (specified area) ;
Hertford ; Kent ; Metropolitan Police District (including London and Middlesex) ; Isle of
Wight.

WaLEs :—Brecon.

ScorLanp :—Aberdeen ; Dumfries; Elgin; Haddington ; Kirkcudbright ; Linlithgow,
Wigtown.
Any owner, occupier, or other person taking or destroying a kestrel’s egg in these counties
is liable to a fine of £1 for each egg.

Wild Birds Act, 1896.—In addition to any penalty under the Act of 1880, the Court may
now order any trap, net, snare, etc., used by the offender to be forfeited.
The Kestrel is protected throughout the whole year in the County of Middlesex.

* Generally from Ist March to 31st July; but in some counties from rst February to 31st August in each year.
A further period may be obtained through the Act of 1896, as in Middlesex.

+ It is expected that other counties will before long obtain similar orders of protection under the Act of 1894.

VII. Remarks.

Poor Kestrel! One is sometimes inclined to write him down “the last of British Hawks !”
Well, not quite so badas that. The Sparrow Hawk is still a common bird, and the Peregrine,
the Merlin, the Hobby, and the Buzzard may be found in certain favoured spots; but in nine
cases out of ten the only hawk that we are sure to meet in our country walk is the Kestrel,
whereas there was once a time when the Peregrine dwelt in every cliff, and in many steeples too,
when the Harriers beat over every field and marsh, the Kite harried every farmyard, and the
Buzzard wheeled and screamed over every wood.

And now none are left to the casual lover of nature except the Kestrel and the Sparrow Hawk.
And as the Sparrow Hawk is a sad poacher, the first thing to be done on behalf of the Kestrel
is to make sure that every game preserver and every keeper knows the two birds apart, for in
some places the name Sparrow Hawk is persistently applied to both species. In fact, to
quote the late Lord Lilford, ‘it is much to be wished that all who are interested in game should
be impressed with the difference between the Sparrow Hawk and its less destructive relations.”

The Kestrel, then, is the red hawk that hovers; the Sparrow Hawk is the blue hawk
that dashes, The Sparrow Hawk sweeps along under the hedge, or round the hay-rick, or
along the side of the copse, and pounces on some greedy flock of quarrelling sparrows, or on
the scattered brood of partridge or pheasant. The Kestrel hangs almost motionless in mid-air,
as though suspended from the sky bya thread, looking down with keen eyes for mice and
grasshoppers on the ground below, and suddenly dropping upon its prey. There are one or two
other British hawks which occasionally hover in a similar manner, but they are much larger, and,
of course, much rarer birds.

We must not expect to obtain protection for the Kestrel unless we can prove that he
seldom or never destroys game-birds. The greater number of naturalists agree in declaring that
his principal food consists of mice—that is field mice and voles, destructive little creatures which
lay waste miles of country when they are allowed to increase without restraint. As the Swallows
and the Nightjar divide the day and night in their ceaseless pursuit of insects, so the Kestrel
relieves the Owls in the work of thinning the hosts of mice.

But the Kestrel does not despise insects, and is known to devour quantities of grasshoppers,
beetles and their grubs, especially dor-beetles and cockchafers, crane-flies (daddy-long-legs), and
even worms.

Frogs and slow-worms also occasionally afford him a change of diet; and little birds?
What, never? Well

That observant and accurate Devonshire naturalist, Col. Montagu, declared that he never
found a feather in the stomach of this bird, which would alone be enough to prove that such a
diet is very exceptional.

But perhaps the best and fairest summary of this vexed question is contained in the follow-
ing quotation from the “Field and Covert Shooting” volume of the Badminton Library, this
particular extract being from the pen of the Hon. Gerald Lascelles, Deputy Surveyor of the New
Forest, who writes, of course, from the point of view of the sportsman and not of the senti-
mentalist :—

“ As a rule there is no more harmless bird than the common Kestrel or Windhover, com-
monly confused by ignorant and unobservant keepers with the Sparrow Hawk, and ruthlessly
destroyed by them. Very different are the habits of the two species, and while little or no
good can be credited to the Sparrow Hawk, the Kestrel may lay claim to being one of the
farmer’s best friends in existence. Its principal food consists of the common field mouse,
and of the numerous beetles and larve which it can glean from the face of the land. Grass-
hoppers are a favourite food, and it has frequently been seen to destroy the slow-worm ; while
there are also instances on record of its taking the adder. Very rarely, indeed, does it seize
a bird of any kind, and then only if they are crouching on the ground. But its weak feet
and lack of courage render it quite unable to hold even a three-parts grown partridge. There

ts aol

is one occasion, and one only, when the Kestrel should be killed without mercy. It is when
an old bird, having a brood at home to bring up, finds out the coops where a number of
pheasants or partridges are being reared. Having once discovered with what ease she can
take any of the tiny, half-tame, wholly foolish little creatures, she will return again and again
til she has destroyed the whole lot. Let that Kestrel be killed without an hour’s delay,
but let not that be made an excuse for killing in future every individual of a species which
does so much good.

“All animals resemble human beings in one respect, namely, in their proneness to contract
evil habits.

“The unfortunate bird that had taken to paying visits to the coops has paid for its
iniquities with its life; but it does not follow that every other Kestrel need do the same.
As an instance in point the following fact may be mentioned :—

“In 1883 about three hundred pheasants were being reared by a keeper in a field partly
surrounded by a wood of ancient trees of considerable extent. In this wood were the nests
of no iess than six pairs of Kestrels, none of which was more than three-quarters of a mile
from the coops. ‘The keeper had been strictly ordered not to molest the Kestrels in any
way, and ere long he came with a piteous tale as to the birds which had been carried off
before his very eyes by those hawks.

“He was at once ordered to conceal himself with his gun, close to the coops, and to
shoot any hawk he found in the act of skimming down to them.

“Ere the day was out he triumphantly produced both the male and female of a pair
of Kestrels which he had shot in the very act of taking his birds, and wanted to know ‘what
we had to say to that,’ and if we still believed that ‘Kestrels did no harm?’ ‘Very well,’
we said, ‘keep your gun handy, and shoot any hawk you can catch within range of your
crops ; but let them come to you—do not go to them.’

‘‘ Not another Kestrel was killed that year, though the other five pairs all reared their broods,
and their nests were no further off than that of the pair which fell into bad habits, and died in
consequence.

“Tet the keeper use his discretion, then; and while he will do well to kill any individual
Kestrel that does harm to him, he should be restrained from killing down too closely such
useful birds.”

[For permission to copy this lengthy extract, we are much obliged to the publishers,
Messrs. Longmans, Green, & Co.]

The Kestrel seldom, if ever, builds a nest, but either makes use of the former dwelling of a
Crow, Magpie, or Wood Pigeon, or else lays its eggs ina hole in the cliff, quarry, or chalk-pit,
or a church tower or hollow tree. (Howard Saunders.)

From the top of a high cliff we may often look down on the flight of this bird, and
recognize it by its red back.

The eggs are thickly mottled with rich reddish brown. ‘The usual note is a loud “ klee,
klee, klee, klee.”

The late Rev. C. A. Johns, author of ‘ British Birds in their Haunts” (S.P.C.K.), wrote
that he had often noticed that Chaffinches and other small birds showed no dread of a tame
Kestrel in a garden, but fearlessly perched in the same tree with it.

Educational Series.—No. 1.—OWLS. No. 2,—WOODPECKERS. No. 3._STARLING. No. 4.—
SWALLOWS. No. 5.—KINGFISHER. No. 6.—OSPREY. No. 7.—DIPPERS. No. 8.—NIGHTJAR.
No. 9.—TITMICE. No. 10.—KESTREL. No. 11.—PLOVERS.

Others in course of preparation.

Copies of the ahove may be obtained from the Society’s Publishing Department. Know/ledje Office,
326, High Holhorn, W.C., or from the Hon. See., Mrs. F. E. Lemon, Hillcrest, Redhill, on the following
terms :—Post free: three copies of any one number of the Series, 1d ; one dozen 3d.; 100, Is fd.
Assorted packets, one copy of any six numbers, 2d; one copy of any twelve, or two copies of any six
numbers, 4d.; or 50 assorted numbers, 1s. Special terms for larger quantities to County Councils, the
Constabulary and Schools.

The Spee s Publishing Office, Rnowledie, 326, Gch Holo monde W.C. 1896.

Aorety for the Protection of Birds.

EDUCATIONAL SERIES. Edited by H. E. DRESSER, F.L.S., F.Z.S.

No. 11.--PLOVERS.

Dye Oot ih As IPEOASE, MEP “Sze:

LAPWING.
I. Name-—PLOVER.
Family—@dicnemide.
Genus 1.—C@dicnemus. GZ. scowpax. Stone Curlew, or Norfolk Plover.
Family— Charadride.
Genus 2.—Charadrius. C. pluvialis. Golden Plover.
Genus 3.—Sguatarola. S. helvetica. Grey Plover.
Genus 4.—“£gialitis. LE. hiaticula. Ringed Plover.
LE. curonica. Lesser Ringed Plover.
LE. cantiana. Kentish Plover.
Genus 6.—£udromias. £. morinellus. Dotterel.
Genus 6.— Vanellus. V. vulgaris. Lapwing, or Pewit.

II. General Description and Proportion in inches.

Stone CuRLEw.—Upper parts, greyish brown, varied with blackish brown; under parts, white,
streaked with dark brown ; wings, blackish, with a light band across them, and the two
outer quills banded with white ; tail, light brown, mottled with dark brown, and tipped

Illustration, by kind permission of Messrs. Longmans, Green, & Co., from ‘‘ British Birds,” by W. H. Hudson.

Taal
N
[tas

(the two central feathers excepted) with black ; bill, greenish yellow, tipped with black ;
legs and eye, yellow. ‘Total length, 13} inches ; wing, 9 inches; tail, 42 inches.

GOLDEN PLoveR.—Upper parts, blackish brown, spotted with yellow; under parts, black,
the sides of the neck bordered with white; wings, blackish; axillaries, white; bill and
legs nearly black; eye, brown. ‘Total length about 10} inches ; wing, 72 inches ;
tail, 3 inches. In winter the under parts are white, the breast mottled with greyish
brown.

Grey PLover.—Differs from the Golden Plover in having the upper parts white, barred
with black and brown ; in having a small hind toe; and the axillaries are black.

RinGeED PLovER.—Forehead and a stripe behind the eye, white ; the forepart of the crown,
the sides of the head, and a broad collar round the lower neck (much broader on the
breast), black ; rest of the upper parts, brown ; and of the under parts, white ; wings,
blackish brown, with a narrow bar; outer tail feathers, white, the rest brown, tipped
with white; bill, yellow, tipped with black; legs, orange yellow. Total length, 7? inches;
wing, 53 inches ; tail, 23 inches.

LESSER RINGED PLOvER.—Differs from the Ringed Plover in being much smaller; the
shafts of all the primaries are dusky, except the outer one, which is white; and the upper
parts are paler in colour. ‘Total length, 63 inches ; wing, 4% inches ; tail, 2¢ inches.

KentisH PLover.—Forehead, and a line above each eye, white ; lores, a stripe behind the
eye, forecrown, and a patch on each side of the neck, black ; crown and nape reddish
brown; rest of the upper parts brown, and of the under parts, white; legs and
feet black. Total length, about 6% inches; wings, 4¢ inches ; tail, 13 inches. The
female is duller in colour, has no black on the crown ; and the neck patches are brown.

DorreREL.—Crown and nape black, bordered by a broad white stripe ; forehead mottled ;
upper parts ashy brown; chin and throat whitish; breast ashy brown, marked with
black ; a white band across the breast ; lower breast and flanks rich chesnut red;
belly black ; under tail covert white ; axillaries grey ; bill blackish ; legs yellowish
brown. ‘Total length, about 9 inches ; wing, 6 inches; tail, 2¢ inches.

Lapwinc.—Head crested; crown, throat, and breast, black, with greenish or purplish
gloss ; sides of the neck, and rest of under parts, white ; upper parts metallic green,
glossed with purple and copper ; tail white, tipped with black ; upper and under tail
coverts reddish buff; bill black ; legs and feet reddish brown. ‘Total length, about
124 inches ; wing, 9 inches ; tail, 4 inches.

III. Where, when, and in what numbers found.

THE STONE CURLEW is fairly common in suitable localities in England, rare in the north,
and of uncommon occurrence in Scotland and Ireland. It arrives in April and leaves
in October, but some few remain in mild winters.

GOLDEN PLOVER is a common bird, especially in winter, throughout Great Britain, and
breeds in south England in elevated localities, and in Scotland and Ireland.

Grey PLovER is only a winter visitant to our coasts, and does not breed here, but at that
season 1s not uncommon.

aoa)

RINGED PLOVER is a common and resident species on our coasts, and inland lakes, and
on migration on the banks of rivers.

LEssER RINGED PLover is of very rare occurrence in England, and has not been met with
in Wales, Ireland or Scotland. A small form of the Ringed Plover has often been
mistaken for it.

KENTISH PLOVER is found in small numbers on the coasts of England, but does not
winter with us, is a very rare visitant to Ireland, and does not occur in Scotland.
Formerly it used to breed not uncommonly on our Southern coasts, but has been
nearly exterminated, chiefly by collectors.

DotteEREL arrives in April and leaves us again in August or September, and breeds in
greatly diminished numbers in the Lake districts and in Scotland, but is of rare
occurrence in Ireland. It has been subject to great persecution by collectors, and
owing to its feathers being held in esteem by anglers for dressing artificial flies.

LaPWING is common and resident throughout the British Islands, but appears to be more
numerous in winter.

Besides the above, there are several other species which are met with only as rare visitants
and are, therefore, not included. ‘These are the Eastern Golden Plover (Charadrius fulvus)
the Cream-coloured Courser (Cursorius gallicus), the Sociable Plover (Chettusia gregaria), and
the Killdeer Plover (4gtaditis vocifera ).

IV. Food.

All the above species feed on worms, beetles, insects of various kinds, shrimps, sand-
hoppers, small molluscs, etc., and are, therefore, not only harmless, but of considerable use.

V. Characteristics.

The Stone Curlew frequents chalk downs, open heaths, and sandy soil ; the Golden Plover
the sea coast, moors, heaths, and ploughed fields, the last especially, in winter. The Lapwing
is usually found on inland heaths and marshes, and in winter on cultivated land. The Dotterel
frequents moorland, especially in elevated localities, and is partial to chalky soil, and the
Kentish and Ringed Plovers frequent the sea coast, sandy dunes, and even inland lakes. ‘Those
that breed with us spread about in suitable localities during the breeding season, but on passage
and in winter they collect in small family parties or flocks, and at that season almost all are
more frequently to be met with on the coasts, where they are better able to find food. They
nest on the ground; the Dotterel depositing three, but all the rest usually lay four eggs, and
the young are able to run directly they leave the shell; and, when an intruder approaches.
hide at once, and are not easily seen, as their colours assimilate so closely with the surroundings,

The note of all the Ringed Plovers and of the Grey and Golden Plovers is a clear loud
whistle, and the Stone Curlew has a loud, shrill, call note, not unlike that of the Curlew.

VI. Protection.

Wild Birds Protection Act, 1880.—These birds appear in the Schedule, which applies
to every county in England, Scotland, and Ireland. Any owner, occupler, or other person
taking, killing, etc., a Plover during close season,* or possessing or selling a Plover atter 15th
March, is liable to a penalty of #1 for each bird.

* Generally from Ist March to 31st July ; but in some counties from Ist Febiuary to 31st August in each
year. A further period may be obtained through the Act of 1896.

[4°]

Wild Birds Protection Act, 1894—The eggs are protected in the following counties* :—

Stone Curlew. ENGLAND: Herts; Kent; Norfolk; West Suffolk. ScoTLanp: Orkney.

Golden Plover.—ENGLAND: Northumberland; Westmoreland. ScoTLanp: Aberdeen ;
Elgin ; Orkney. IRELAND: Roscommon.

Ringed Plover.—ENncGLanD: Northumberland (Farne Island); Norfolk ; Lincoln
(specified area in Lindsey) ; Dorset (specified area). ScoTLAND: Berwick ; Dumfries ;
Elgin ; Haddington ; Kirkcudbright ; Orkney ; and Wigtown.

Kentish Plover.—ENGLAND: Kent.

Lapwing.—ScotLtanp: Aberdeent ; Argyll (Isles of Islay, Colonsay, Coll, and Tiree) ;
Dumbartont ; Dumfriest ; Elgin; Kirkcudbrightt ; Orkney ; Wigtownf.

Dotterel ENGLAND: Cumberland; Durham; Westmoreland. Waters: Brecon.
ScoTLAND: Dumbarton; Orkney.

The eggs of all species are protected in the breeding areas in the following counties :—

ENGLAND : Northumberland (Holy Island); York (East Riding)—Cambridge ; Chester ;

Norfolk ; East Suffolk—Devon ; Essex; Kent; Isle of Wight. ScorTLanp: Orkney (whole
county).

Any owner, occupier, or other person taking or destroying eggs of specified Plovers in
above-named places is liable to a penalty of f 1 for each egg.

Wild Birds Protection Act, 1896.—In addition to any penalty under the Act, 1880,
the Court may now order any trap, net, snare, etc., used by the offender to be forfeited.

VII. Remarks.

Ornithologists have some difficulty in drawing a hard and fast line of demarcation between
Plovers and some of their allies, and the respective degree of affinity is not fully determined.

The list given here are birds which are either generally or occasionally recognized under the
name of > Plover.”

The Plover or Lapwing is also known by the names “ Peewit, Puit, Peesweep, Wype,
Teuchit, and Hornpie.” Plovers can hardly be called migratory, as many remain throughout
the winter, especially in the absence of frost and snow ; the majority, however, in hard weather,
go south to North Africa, whereas others remain by the estuaries of rivers in the British Isles.

In February and March, numbers come from abroad, pair, and spread themselves over
nearly the whole country. ‘Their note is conveyed by the word “ peewit ” or ‘ peaswit,” from
whence is derived two of the names by which they are popularly known.

Restless, watchful, and shy, these birds rarely approach either trees or houses, and even
when roosting in the day, they keep a sentinel on the alert to warn the flock if any danger
approaches. ‘The designing ways by which they seek to decoy an intruder from their young
are remarkable, the male being most clamorous, the female running some way from her nest or
brood before venturing to excite attention by simulating lameness or an inability to fly. They
run swiftly with their heads poked downwards, stopping suddenly at intervals, and in their

* It is expected that other counties will before long obtain similar orders of protection under the Act
of 1894.

+ From 15th April in each year.

Boece!

somewhat peculiar flight they proceed by a series of easy jerks, but with a rapid movement of
the wings. ‘The wings may be seen to be always outstretched on each side when the bird
settles.

The Lapwings feed chiefly in the twilight or clear night, and restrict themselves wholly to
animal food. Competent naturalists assert, by striking a foot they make the ground vibrate in
a way to cause worms to come to the surface of the ground; the vibrations so caused are said
to be similar to those made by a mole, the worm’s natural enemy, and thus the worm is induced
to come up to the surface to meeta no less deadly enemy. Of all birds the Lapwing is, perhaps,
the farmer’s best friend, it kills a variety of insects injurious to agricultural produce, such as
slugs, wire-worms, caterpillars, turnip fly, and larve of various kinds. The number of eggs
deposited is usually four, and these are placed in the nest with the small ends towards the
centre, thus occupying the least possible space.

The Lapwing at one time was decreasing, but the Acts of 1872, and of 1880 and 1894 have
done something to preserve this valuable bird. Care, however, should be taken that their
numbers should not diminish by their eggs, which are esteemed as a delicacy, being too closely
sought after for the table. ‘To give some indication of the popularity of Plover’s eggs, it may be
stated that 800,000 eggs are annually imported into London from Friesland in Holland.
The Norfolk Plover, Stone Plover, Stone Curlew, or Thick-knee, is most often found
near the East Coast in Norfolk and Yorkshire, but is known in many other places, and in
certain localities appears to be a regular summer visitant. They arrive about April and leave
towards the end of September in flocks from four to seven, and migrate by night. They
repair to water in the evening. ‘They are naturally shy, but can be easily tamed. Their wild
wail at night is rendered by the word “kroeeet.”

_ The Golden Plover is frequently found on high ground throughout the British Isles, but
it is especially numerous in Sutherland, Durham, Yorkshire, and the fen districts of Cambridge.
Golden Plovers are both indigenous and migratory. Many arrive in this country in November,
and disperse generally in February to breed on bogs and undrained hills, but in frost and snow
many leave for the Mediterranean basin, and others resort to the sea coast. A skilful imitation
of their cry will bring them to you ; the note may be produced by a whistling sound most nearly
rendered by the word ‘“ tluwee-tluwee.”

The Grey Plover is not a common bird in Britain. When they migrate they do it in two
long lines headed by one bird ; the Grey Plover walks slowly, and with grace.

The Ringed Plover (also known as Stonehatch, Plover’s Page, and Sealark) is found on
nearly all our coasts, especially by estuaries and creeks, and sometimes by inland lakes and
ponds. It avoids the waves neatly by deviating just as much, and no more than is necessary,
from its course, and thus, without allowing the waves to touch it, runs along the edge of the
water. Flocks vary from a dozen to hundreds. The Little Ringed Plover is a very rare
visitor to our land.

The Kentish Plover associates with Ringed Plovers, but keeps distinct in flight. Their
nests contain, like those of all the other Plovers excepting the Dotterel, four eggs.

The Dotterel is to be found in certain lake districts, also on the Yorkshire wolds, and
occasionally elsewhere. There are generally ten or twelve together. It migrates about April to
breeding grounds in the north—to the Grampian hills and mountains in the north of Scotland.
It returns again about the end of August, and stays till October or November. It is easily
trapped, hence the origin of its name, from the word “ dote” or a “ fool.”

Educational Series, 3 copies, 1d.; 1 dozen, 3d.; 100, 1s. 6d., post free.
Pamphlets on the general question of Protection of Birds may also be obtained from the Society’s
Publishing Department, Knowledge Office, 326, High Holborn, W.C., or of Mrs. F. E. Lemon, Hon. Sec.,

Hillcrest, Redhill, Surrey.
Special terms for County Councils and Educational Authorities.

Society for the Protection of Birds.

EDUCATIONAL SERIES.

No. 1.—OWLS, by Montacu Suarpg, J.P., D.L.

No. 2.—WOODPECKERS, by S1tr Hersert Maxwe tt, Bart., M.P.
No. 3.—STARLING, by O. V. Aptin, F.L.S., M.B.O.U.

No. 4.—SWALLOWS, by Tuomas SoutHwett, F.Z.S.

No. 5.—KINGFISHER, by Str Epwarp Grey, Bart., M.P.
No. 6.—OSPREY, by J. A. Harvie-Brown, F.R.S.E., F.Z.S.
No. 7.—DIPPERS, by W. Lock MEL tersu, B.A.

No. 8.—NIGHTJAR, by Montacu Suarpr, J.P., D.L.

No. 9.—TITMICH, by Sypney Buxton, M.P.

No. 10.—KESTREL, by Rev. J. E. Ketsati, M.A.

No. 11.—PLOVERS, by Joseru A. Pease, M.P.

INMCOURSE NOL PREBLE A THA THON:

No. .—TERNS, by Tuomas Soutuwe tt, F.Z.S.

No. .—WAGTAILS, by W. Warve Fow ter.

No. .—CHOUGH, by J. A. Harvir-Brown, F.R.S.E., F.Z.S.
No. .—GOLDFINCH, by W. H. Hupson, C.M.Z.S.

No. .—dAY, by Jonn CorpeEaux, M.B.O.U.

No. .—GULLS, by Howarp Saunpers, F.L.S., F.Z.S.

No .— by Wm. Eacie Crarxe, F.1-5.. ete,
No. .—SKUAS, by T. E. Bucxtey, M.A., F.Z.S.

And Wild Birds Protection Acts and Orders, 1880 to 1896, with
Explanatory Notes, by F. E. Lemon, M.A., LL.B.

Copies of the above Series may be obtained from the Scciety’s Publishing Department,
‘““Knowledge’’ Office, 326, High Holborn, W.C., or from the Hon. SEc., Mrs. F. E. Lemon,
Hillcrest, Redhill, on the following Terms :—Post Free: 3 Copies of any one number of the
Series, 1d.; 1 Dozen, 8d.; 100, Is. 6d. Assorted Packets: 1 Copy of any six numbers, 2d. ;
1 Copy of any twelve, or 2 Copies of any six numbers, 4d.; or fifty Assorted numbers, 1s,

Special Terms for Larger Quantities, and to County Councils, the Constabulary, Schools,

and Educational Bodies.
JANUARY, 1897.

The Society’s Publishing Office, Knowledge, 326, High Holborn, London, W.C.

Society for the Jirotection of Birds.

EDUCATIONAL SERIES. Edited by H. E. DRESSER, F.L.S., F.Z.S.

No. 12.--TERNS, or SEA SWALLOWS.

Dy EOMAS SOUTEWEELE, i .Z.5:

THE COMMON TERN.

I. Names} ERNS, oR SEA SWALLOWS.

Family—Luride.

Sub-Family—Sterninw or Terns.

Genus—Sterna. S. fluviatilis. Common Tern.
S. minuta. Lesser Tern.

II. General Description.

Common Trrn.—Adult in summer. Bill, coral red, point black; irides, dark brown ;
forehead, crown, and nape, black; back and wings, ash grey ; chin, neck, breast, and
under surface, dull white ; legs, coral red. Whole length, 14} inches. (Yarrell.)
The wings are long and pointed; tail, deeply forked. The adult female does not
differ in plumage from the male.

Lesser Tern.—Adult in summer. Beak, orange, tipped with black; irides, dusky ;
forehead, white; crown of head and nape, jet black; back and wings, uniform
delicate pearl grey; tail, forked; chin, throat, sides of neck, breast, and all the
under surface of the body, pure white; legs, orange. Total length, rather more
than 8 inches. (Yarrell.)

Illustration, by kind permission of Messrs. Gurney & Jackson, from ‘Manual of British Birds,” by
; Mr. Howard Saunders.

[20

III. When, where, and in what numbers found.

Both species visit us for the purpose of nesting, arriving in May and departing in
September or early in October.

IV. Food.

Their food consists of tish fry, shrimps, and crustaceans, which they take on the wing.

V. Characteristics.

The Terns constitute a sub-family of the numerous family Laride, or Gulls. They are
exceedingly graceful birds on the wing, their buoyant, gliding flight and deeply-forked tails
having obtained for them the name of Sea Swallows.

VI. Protection.

Wild Birds Protection Act, 1880.—These birds appear in the Schedule, which
applies to every county in England, Scotland, and Ireland. Any owner, occupier, or other
person taking, killing, etc., a Tern during close season,* or possessing or selling a Tern
after 15th March, is liable to a penalty of £1 for each bird.

Wild Birds Protection Act, 1894.—Eggs protected in the following Counties :—

Common Tern.— Ene ann: Northumberland (Farne Island) ; Chester ; Dorset (specified
area). Scornanp: Berwick ; Dumbarton; Fife; Haddington ; Lanark ; and Stirling.

Lesser Tern.—Enetanp: Dorset (specified area). Wares: Glamorgan. ScoTLann:
Fife; Stirling.

In Northumberland (Farne Island) and Fife the eggs of the Sandwich, Roseate, and
Arctic 'lerns are also protected.

The eggs of all species are protected in the following counties :—

Enatanp: Cumberland; Norfolk; and the Borough of Barrow-in-Furness. ScoTLAND :
Argyll (Isles of Islay, Colonsay, Coll, and Tiree) ; Orkney.

And also in the breeding areas in the following counties :—

Enetanp: Northumberland (Holy Island); York (East Riding); Cambridge ;
Chester; Norfolk; East Suffolk; Devon; Essex; Isle of Wight. Scornann:
Fife (Tentsmuir).

Any owner, occupier, or other person taking or destroying the eggs of Terns in above-
named places is liable to a penalty of £1 for each egg.

Wild Birds Protection Act, 1896.—In addition to any penalty under the Act of 1880
the Court may now order any trap, net, snare, etc., used by the offender to be forfeited.

VII. Remarks.

The members of the family to which the Terns belong are remarkable for the beauty
and compactness of their plumage, the charming contrasts between sharply-defined black,
white, and delicate pearl greys, the snowy whiteness of the under parts, in some species
suffused with a blush of lovely rosy hue.

It is a lovely morning in early May, the tide is rapidly flowing over the shallow sandy
beach, the ripples, dancing in the sunlight, lave the thirsty shore, and the sand eels and
shrimps, liberated from their hiding places, once more delight in the returning flood ; off the
shore small shoals of baby fish swim along close to the surface, sometimes springing into the

* Generally from 1st March to 31st July ; but in some counties from 1st February to 31st August in each
year. A further period may be obtained through the Act of 1896.

[8 ]

air like flakes of polished silver; large Gulls are passing far out at sea, and the Ring
Dotterels are running along, busily searching for their breakfast at the margin of the wavelets.
A short distance out over the shallow sea a newly-arrived flock of Common Terns is leisurely
beating along, fishing as they approach us. The whole flock is in constant motion, and it is
difficult to keep one particular bird long under observation, but they pass in rapid succession
across the field of our glasses. Never rising to any great height above the water, they are
intent on watching the small fish and shrimps near the surface, and it is charming to see how
they arrest themselves in full flight, the tail drawn down and wings aloft, hovering like a
Kestrel, the beak pointing direct downwards, and the eye keenly on the watch. In an instant
the little fisherman has precipitated himself headlong into the sea with a force which splashes
up the water all around, and he rises again, probably with a tiny fish or sand eel in his bill,
or, should he have failed in his attempt, once more to pursue his deviating course. These
tactics are repeated again and again by each individual of the party, the whole crossing and
re-crossing, wheeling and plunging, in incessant motion, and screaming with apparent delight,
until the happy little party have passed out of sight. Often they will all forsake their fishing
to examine some strange object floating in the sea—for curiosity is one of their strong features
—or to visit the boats of the fishermen, flyimg around in the most fearless manner, and
scrambling for fish refuse that may be thrown to them.

Towards the end of May they resort to their breeding stations, and there on the shingle,
or in sheltered depressions amongst the sandhills, deposit their three rather large eggs—
nest there is little or none—which are of a yellowish stone colour, blotched and spotted
with grey and reddish brown. When breeding the birds are always on the alert, rising in the
air long before their treasures are reached, and, when the danger becomes more imminent,
dashing in the most fearless manner at the intruder, at the same time filling the air with
their piercing cries. In due time their pretty mottled young are hatched, their protective
colouring, like that of the eggs, rendering them, when crouching in the shingle, almost
invisible except to their parents, who continue to feed them until they are strong on the wing.

But all this happiness comes to an end on the lst of August; then the poor birds have
spread along the coast, entered the estuaries of the rivers, and haunt the piers at our
watering places, where, instead of affording delight to the seaside visitors, the close time
being at an end, they only form an easy prey to the prowling gunner. So confiding are they
that they can be approached without difficulty, and a wounded Tern by its screaming attracts
every other Tern within hearing, so that the noble sportsman has no difficulty in making
such a bag as will fully establish his reputation as a skilful fowler. Added to this, there is
the professional gunner with his large orders for wings, and between these and the eggers no
wonder that fewer birds each year return to their much-disturbed nesting places.

By the first week in October the Terns have almost all left our coast and gone southward.

Tue Lesser Tern.—In Norfolk, to which county the writer’s experience of the Terns
has been chiefly confined, this species is generally known as the “ little mow,” to distinguish
it from the previous species, here called the “ big mow”; other names are the “ chit pere,”
“shrimp-catcher,” and “ dip-ears,” the latter highly suggestive of its mode of fishing.

Their habits are very similar to those of the larger species, and their flight equally
varied and graceful. They also possess that fatal gift of curiosity which renders them so
easy of approach. A slight depression in the sand or shingle is the only receptacle for the
three eggs—more often only two—and the usual locality selected isa marshy spot between the
sandhilJs on the coast; both the eggs and the young in the down are admirably protected
by their remarkable similarity in colour to the surrounding objects.

Mr. Stevenson, in his “ Birds of Norfolk,” gives a charming account of this bird, from
which I trust I may be pardoned for making the following extract :—

“Long may it be ere these exquisite little birds cease to frequent our coasts during the
summer months; and yet, when considering their extended range in former days, and the
contracted area within which they are still found breeding, one can but contemplate the

worst result from the combined effects of shooting and egging. Too often, I am sorry to
say, these delicate little creatures are slaughtered for the mere sake of sport, their pretty
forms being left to rot upon the beach, to which each action of their harmless lives lent a
further charm. The collector, even though with some excuse in the desire to obtain
specimens for preservation and study, will feel but small delight in the possession of his
prize, if, as once happened to myself at Salthouse, his victim’s mate, with plaintive cries,
comes hovering round. MHeedless of danger to itself, this widowed bird called on its dead
companion with every accent of distress and grief, and finding still no answering note, it
gently seized its partner by the beak, and tried to bear it off. What would I not have given
to recall that luckless shot? And oft as I remember that touching instance of animal
affection, the thought occurs—
““¢ Have they no feeling? Or does man pretend
That he, alone, can make or mourn a friend ?’’

It is these delicate and beautiful birds which are most in request—cf course in their
breeding plumage—to supply the “smashed birds” and groups of wings which, notwith-
standing twenty years’ exposure of the cruelty of the practice, still, I regret to see, are more
than ever in fashion as trimmings for ladies’ hats. It is quite time to speak out, and fix the
blame where it is most assuredly due. After all that has been said and written, it is
impossible for women to plead ignorance, and the only legitimate conclusion to which we
can arrive is that they deliberately sacrifice all their finer feelings at the shrine of fashion,
and care not what amount of suffermg and wrong is inflicted provided their vanity is
gratified. It is impossible for a lover of these beautiful gifts of God even to enter His
house without his susceptibilities being shocked by the display of these unholy trophies all
around, and he wonders at the temerity of the wearers in presenting themselves even before
their Maker branded with the evidence of the wanton destruction of these creatures, which He
assures us share His care equally with ourselves, and this simply with a view to the indulgence
in that passion for personal adornment which their Master condemns in such unmistakable
terms. Has it never occurred to the “modern woman” what a debasing reversion to the
lower level of the savage this fondness for the display of “trophies” indicates? It is argued
that these wings and plumes are so beautiful, and this is true of everything in its right place.
How beautiful the wing of a bird is only they can know who have studied the wonderful
arrangement and ultimate structure of each feather; and surely such an one would not apply
it to so base a purpose. So also is the human head beautiful; but to the writer, and I doubt
not to many others, the sheaf of wings, or the distorted body of a bird, displayed in a woman’s
hat is as repulsive an object as the dried human head which adorns a Dyak dwelling, or the
scalp hanging from the wampum belt of the North American Indian. All alike are emblems
of barbarism, however much in the one case they may be glossed over by the veneer of
“ civilization.”

Educational Series.—No. 1.—OWLS. No. 2.—_WOODPECKERS. No. 3.—STARLING. No. 4.—
—SWALLOWS. No. 5.—KINGFISHER. No. 6.—OSPREY. No. 7.—DIPPERS. No. 8.—NIGHTJAR.
No. 9.—TITMICE. No. 10.—KESTREL. No. 11.—PLOVERS. No.12.—TERNS. No. 13.—WAGTAILS.
No. 14.—CHOUGH. No. 15.—JAY. No. 16.—SKUAS.

Others in course of preparation.

Copies of the above may be obtained from the Society’s Publishing Department, Knowledge Office,
326, High Holborn, W.C., or from the Hon. Sec., Mrs. F. HE. Lemon, Hillcrest, Redhill, on the following
terms :—Post free: three copies of any one number of the Neries, 1d.; one dozen, 3d.; 100, 1s. 6d.
Assorted packets, one copy of any six numbers, 2d.; one copy of any twelve, or two copies of any six

numbers, 4d.; or 50 assorted numbers, ls. Special terms for larger quantities to County Councils, the
Constabulary, and Schools.

The Society’s Publishing Office, Knowledge, 326, High Holborn, London, W.C. 1897.

Society for the Protection of Birds.

EDUCATIONAL SERIES. Edited by H. E. DRESSER, F.L.S., F.Z.S.

No. 13..-WAGTAILS.

by We. WARDE CPOWLER,

GREY WAGTAIL.

I, Names.—P]ED WACTAIL, GREY WACTAIL, YELLOW (or Ray's) WA@TAIL.
Family—Motacillide.
Genus—Motacilla.
Species—M. lugubris. Pied Wagtail. M. melanope. Grey Wagtail.
M. rait. Yellow Wagtail.
II. General Description.

1. Prep Waerart.—Adult male in breeding plumage: forehead and sides of the head
and neck pure white, contrasting strongly with the deep black of crown, nape, throat,
and breast; upper parts and wing-coverts black, and the latter margined with white,
forming a double bar ; wing-quills blackish ; tail black, except the outer two pairs,
which are mainly white ; belly white; bill, legs, and feet, black. Length 74 inches,
wing 34 inches. The female has the back chiefly grey, and has less black on head
and breast. In winter both sexes lose the black chin and throat, and become greyer
on the back. The young are grey of various shades, and are often called Grey
Wagtails by the inexperienced.

2. Grey Waerart.—Adult male in breeding plumage: crown, ear-coverts, and upper
parts generally, slate-grey ; a narrow white streak above the eye, and a broad white
line below it, running to the neck ; wing feathers brownish-black, the long secondaries
with whitish margins; tail feathers blackish, except the outside pair, which are
white, and the next two pairs, which are partly so; chin and throat black; breast
and under parts sulphur-yellow; bill, legs, and feet, brown. Length rather more

Illustrations on pages 1 and 3, by kind permission of Messrs. Longmans, Green & Co., from
“British Birds,’ by Mr. W. H. Hudson, C.M.Z.S,

L-2 4

than 7 inches, wing 33 inches. The female is a little duller in colour, her tail is
slightly shorter, but in both sexes it is conspicuously long. The young are duller
and browner.

3. YeLtow Waerarit.—Adult male in breeding plumage: head and upper parts greenish-
olive, but the forehead is yellower, and there is a conspicuous yellow streak over the
eye; wings brown; tail feathers blackish-brown, except the two outer pair, which
are almost white; under parts sulphur-yellow; bill, legs, and feet, black. Length
about 6 inches, wing 3,4, inches. ‘The female is browner above, and the yellow parts
are less bright. In autumn both sexes become paler. The young are at first
ereenish-brown above, and buff below, but soon grow more like their parents.

III. Where, when, and in what numbers found.

The Pied Wagtail is a common resident throughout the kingdom, but it has a tendency
to move from north to south in autumn, and many migrate at that time to France, returning
in spring.

rThe Grey Wagtail is resident in all parts of Great Britain where there are swift streams,
and is not uncommon in Ireland. In winter many descend to the lower country, but few
remain there to breed, and only when they are tempted by some mill stream or artificial
water-fall.

The Yellow Wagtail is a summer visitor only, fairly abundant in all pasture lands in
England, but less common in the north and in Ireland. It arrives in April and leaves us
in September.

IV. Food.

All the Wagtails are insect eaters, as anyone may see for himself on lawn or meadow, or
by the brookside. This is the reason why the Pied and Yellow species are so fond of running
about by cattle and sheep, which stir up the insects as they graze. The Grey Wagtail also
eats small molluscs, which it finds in the brooks, and is fond of minute beetles; but this
bird will frequent a lawn if it be near the nest, and pick up insects in the same charming
frisky manner as the Pied Wagtail.

Y. Characteristics.

The Wactails, like their near relations the Pipits, are birds of very well marked habits,
in which they all closely resemble each other. They all run instead of hopping, they all
have a very graceful undulating flight, and the shrill short call note is in all the three species
much alike, though that of the Yellow Wagtail, the smallest of the three, is finer and
higher in pitch. But the leading characteristic of the genus is the tail motion, which has
earned for these birds many local names, such as Dishwasher. The longest tail of the three
is that of the Grey Wagtail, which is seldom still; it is moved up and down together with
the whole body, while in the other species it is “ wagged” more independently of the body,
and less persistently. In nesting habits the three species differ to some extent. The Pied
Wagtail’s nest may be almost anywhere—in banks, walls, cattle sheds, thatch, or in any
place likely to escape the notice of its persistent enemy the Cuckoo. It is particularly fond
of railway stations, where it almost always meets with protection from the officials. The
eges are greyish-white in ground colour, spotted all over with greyish-brown. The Grey
Wagtail will sometimes build in walls covered with creepers, or in the rafters of a
boathouse; but its usual choice is a steep bank near water, and it prefers to have a ledge of
rock overhanging the nest, The eggs of this bird are as a rule pale grey, mottled with light
brown. The Yellow Wagtail builds always on the ground, often in a cornfield and in a
furrow, and its eggs closely resemble those of the Grey Wagtail. All three species use
much the same material for the nest; it is generally of dried grass, roots, and moss and hair,
but differs both in material and bulk according to the position and locality.

Gn... eee

ees

VI. Protection.

Wild Birds Protection Act, 1880.—These birds do not appear in the Schedule, but
have been added in the following counties :—

Pied Wagtail_—Enauanp: Lancaster, Bucks, Chester (Hundred of Wirrall), Leicester,

Rutland, Stafford, West Suffolk, Worcester, Isle of Wight. Wats: Brecon.

Grey Wagtail—Eneuanp: Lancaster, Bucks, Leicester, Rutland, Stafford, West
Suffolk, Wares: Brecon.

Yellow Wagtail—Enetanp: Lancaster, Bucks, Chester (Hundred of Wirrall),
Leicester, Rutland, Stafford,
West Suffolk, Worcester,
Isle of Wight. Watzs:
Brecon. Scortanp : Berwick.

White Wagtail.— Eneuanp:
Leicester, Rutland, Stafford,
West Suffolk.

In these Counties any owner or
occupier, or other person, taking,
killing, ete., any of these birds during
close season,* or possessing or selling
one of them after 15th March, is liable
to a penalty of £1 for each bird. In
any other place anyone other than the
owner or occupier of land, or his
agent, taking, killing, etc., any Wagtail
during close season, or possessing or
selling a Wagtail after 15th March, is
liable to a penalty of 5s. for each PIED WAGTAIL.
bird.

Wild Birds Protection Act, 1894.—The eggs are protected (1897) in the following
counties :—

All Species. —Enetanp: Durham, Leicester, West Suffolk, Metropolitan Police District

(including London and Middlesex). Wars: Pembroke. Scornanp: Orkney.

Pied Wagtail— Waters: Brecon.

Yellow Wagtail—Wates: Brecon. Scornanp: Berwick.

White Wagtail.—Enentanp: Devonshire.

In the above places any owner or occupier, or other person, taking or destroying the
eggs of these birds is lable to a penalty of £1 for each egg.

Wild Birds Protection Act, 1896.—In addition to any penalty under the Act of 1880,
the Court may now order any trap, net, snare, etc., used by the offender, to be forfeited.
~ All Wagtails are protected throughout fhe whole year in the counties of London,
Middlesex, Essex (M.P. District and Parishes of Epping, Theydon Bois, etc.), and the
Boroughs of Cardiff and Kingston-upon-Hull.

VII. Remarks.

The true way to induce in young people a kindly feeling towards animals is surely to
teach them to notice their habits, and to learn something about them. Among birds the
Wagtails, like the Swallow tribe, form a convenient group for this purpose. They are
comparatively tame and trustful; they are conspicuous, especially in the breeding season ;
they are most beautiful in shape ‘and in gesture. Their common characteristics are strongly

* Generally from Ist March to 31st July—but in some counties from Ist February to 3lst Augus in
each year. A further period may be obtained through the Act of 1896.

[44

marked, yet they differ among themselves both in habit and colouring, and their varieties of
plumage at different seasons of the year form a most interesting study for a beginner. It
may be remarked that there are two other species for which a look out may always be kept in
this country, a fact which gives a special interest to almost every Wagtail that presents itself
to theeye. These are the White Wagtail (M. alba), which closely resembles the Pied Wagtail,
but has a grey back instead of a black one in the summer, and the Blue-headed Wagtail
(M. flava), which is hardly to be dis-
tinguished from the Yellow Wagtail,
except by its bluish-grey head and a white
stripe over the eye. These two may
always be found on the Continent,
together (in some localities) with other
forms slightly differing from each other,
the many varieties thus combining to
make the whole group a most interesting
and profitable object of study. But the
learner at home will find plenty to do in
observing the three species described
above, their movements and changes of
plumage at different times of the year, as
well as their nesting habits, and their
relation to the Pipits; and there are,
fortunately, few parts of England and
Wales where all three may not be seen at
one time or another.

As an instance of the utility of these
birds I may cite the following from the
‘Gardeners’ Magazine,” viz. :—‘ The PIED WAGTAIL,

Waetails afford a peculiar example of the

indirect usefulness of small birds. The liver-fluke, that so often devastates our flocks and herds,
begins its career in the body of a water-snail. In browsing on marshy pastures, the cattle
and sheep take with their herbage a considerable number of snails, and, consequently, a
considerable number of embryonic entozoa, or, say, incipient flukes. Amongst thousands of
flukes swallowed and digested, a few will escape and find their way to the livers and brains
of the animals, and there begin their work of destruction. The Wagtail affords a great
protection, as he is persistently fond of marsh snails, and the marsh farmer is his own enemy
if he destroys the birds.”

Educational Series.—No. 1.—OWLS. No. 2.—WOODPECKERS. No. 3.—STARLING. No. 4.—
SWALLOWS. No. 5.—KINGFISHER. No. 6.—OSPREY. No. 7.—DIPPERS. No. 8.—NIGHTJAR.
No. 9.—TITMICE. No. 10.—KESTREL. No. 14.—PLOVERS. No.12._TERNS. No. 13.—WAGTAILS.
No. 14.—_CHOUGH. No. 15.—_JAY. No. 16.—SKUAS.

Others in course of preparation.

Copies of the above may be obtained from the Society’s Publishing Department, Knowledge Office,
326, High Holborn, W.C., or from the Hon. Sec. Mrs. F. E. Lemon, Hillcrest, Redhill, on the following
terms :—Post free: three copies of any one number of the Series, 1d.; one dozen, 3d.; 100, 1s. 6d.
Assorted packets, one copy of any six numbers, 2d.; one copy of any twelve, or two copies of any six
numbers, 4d; or 50 assorted numbers, Is. Special terms for larger quantities, and t» County Councils, the
Constabulary, and Schools.

Tllustration by Joseph Wolf, from “ British Birds in their Haunts,” by kind permission of
the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge.

The Society’s Publishing Office, Knowledge, 326, High Holborn, London, W.C, 1897.

Society for the Protection of Birds.

EDUCATIONAL SERIES. Edited by H. E. DRESSER, F.L.S., F.Z.S.

No. 14.—CHOUGH.

Bye cL ARN LE-BROWN, RIS. By B.Z.S. rc.

CHOUGH.

I. Name—_CHOUG H.

Family.—Corvide.
Genus.—Pyrrhocorax. P. graculus (L).

II. General Description.

Entire plumage jet black, glossed on the body with steely blue, and on the wings and
tail with greenish blue; iris, brown; beak and legs, coral or vermilion red; claws, horny
black. Total length about 164 in.; wing, 102 in.; tail, 53 in.

IlI. Where, when, and in what numbers found.

The Chough is found throughout the Palearctic region, as far north in Europe as the
British Isles, but is of somewhat local distribution. In Britain it is less frequent than
formerly, and the causes of the reduction in its numbers are difficult to explain. It is not
rare in the Channel Islands, still survives along the south coast of England, but in limited

Illustration, by kind permission of Messrs. Gurney & Jackson, from ‘‘ Manual of British Birds,” by
Mr. Howard Saunders.

bP

numbers, and locally as far as Cornwall; not rare in the north of Devon, but has become
scarce on Lundy Island; found on the sea cliffs of Wales, and at some inland localities there.
As a nesting species in Wigtownshire and Ayrshire it has almost, if not quite, vanished, but
occasionally a few are seen at their old haunts. Thence, northwards in Scotland, it is found
in Gigha, Islay, and Jura, and in the west and east of Skye, and in a very few other localities
which we do not name; but Skye contains its most northerly distribution as a nesting species.

The Chough is also known to revisit old long-deserted haunts in the south-east of
Scotland, as well as in the south-west. The late Mr. Robert Gray appears to have given
some credit to early reports of its presence at Troup Head, in North Aberdeenshire, and has
since been quoted for this locality by Dresser. Gray said, however, in partial caution :
“Indeed, it may be questioned if a single Chough has been seen either at Troup Head or at
St. Abb’s Head for the last ten or fifteen years.’ A. G. More at that time carried the
distribution as far north as Sutherland; but Mr. George Sim, commenting upon these
records, says, with regard to the North Aberdeenshire coast, ‘‘Gray might have more truly
said thirty or forty years ago,” and we are of the same opinion.

In Ireland it is still abundant, though restricted for the most part to the precipices of
the sea cliffs of the north and west of the country.

IV. Food.

Principally insects, grubs, larve, beetles, and more rarely grain; perhaps occasionally
carrion, as often quoted by authors, but the original source of which information we have not
been able to discover. Personally we think it more likely beetles and grubs in the said
carrion that are the objects of their attention.

V. Characteristics.

Whilst shy or restless at their nesting haunts, Choughs are more confiding at other
seasons, or when feeding or at play. They are sprightly birds both on land and when on wing,
gambolling as they fly in companies along the irregularly contoured sea cliffs, or at inland
haunts, imitating the manner of other species of the genus, especially of the Raven; and
play and frisk and turn somersaults in infinitely amusing fashion at times and seasons when
on land.

The nest isnot usually a bulky structure—or, at least, not often so bulky as a Jackdaw’s—
though occasionally it assumes considerable dimensions; more often, however, very little
material at all is used.

The eggs vary less in coloration than others of the genus. In colour they range from
pale greenish grey ground colour to creamier and whiter tints, marked more or less profusely

with black, purple, or lilac (underlying the shell) blotches, and less frequently streaks.
Size about 13 in. by 13, in.

VI. Protection.
Wild Birds Protection Act, 1880.—This bird appears in the Schedule which applies

to every county in England, Scotland, and Ireland. Any owner, occupier, or other person,
taking, killing, etc., a Chough during close season,* or possessing or selling a Chough after
15th March, is liable to a penalty of £1 for each bird.

* Generally from 1st March to 31st July; but in some counties from 1st February to 31st August in
each year. A further period may be obtained through the Act of 1896.

Bat

Wild Birds Protection Act, 1894.-—The eggs are protected in the following
Counties :—

Eneianp: Cornwall; Devonshire; Dorset (specified area).
ScortanD: Argyll; Dumbarton; Elgin; Kirkeudbright; Wigtown.

Any owner, occupier, or other person taking or destroying the eggs of the Chough in
above-named places is liable to a penalty of £1 for each egg.

Wild Birds Protection Act, 1896.—In addition to any penalty under the Act, 1880,
the Court may now order any trap, net, snare, etc., used by the offender to be forfeited.

VII. Remarks.

We have had personal experiences of the species in its native haunts in Cornwall in
1863, several of the Inner Hebrides, and Coast of Skye; but we did not see them in the
Channel Islands.

Although the Chough has become much scarcer than formerly, it is still known—as we
have already indicated—to return occasionally to some of its old haunts. It may be desirable
in this place to mention some of these deserted nesting stations, with the view of inducing
more efficient protection in the future, and calling in for that purpose the latest “ resources
of civilization.” With encouragement and careful attention at such places as I will name,
there seems little doubt they might reasonably be expected to return permanently, and not
only to visit them but to reoccupy them. Thus I would specially enumerate the old coast
and inland localities in Ayrshire and Wigtownshire and the south-west generally of Scotland,
the Berwickshire coast, Inner Hebrides (where proprietors can keep watch and ward), and
the coasts of Campbelltown and the Mull of Kintyre; and also, of course, all presently occupied
situations. In this connection, all the particulars so interestingly conveyed by the late
Mr. Robert Gray in his “ Birds of the West of Scotland,” should have the most careful atten-
tion bestowed upon them by active members and petitioners of the several County Councils.
We know where the few remaining sites are rigidly preserved, and also where they are
neglected. It is here that the County Councils can do a great deal of good. Proprietors in
some places can and do effectually preserve their Choughs and other rare birds, but the
assistance of the law has over and over again proved of great value; to witness which state-
ment we have only of our knowledge to instance the case of the Great Skua in Foula and

Shetland.

The Chough ought to receive attention from the County Councils of the following
counties in Scotland, viz. :—Berwickshire, East Haddington, Stirlingshire, Wigtownshire,
Kirkcudbright, Renfrew, Ayr, Dumbarton, Argyll, the Inner Hebrides, Skye—wherever these
County Councils have not already provided for its safety.

Several reasons for the decrease of their numbers have from time to time been put
forward, but, as we have already said, it is extremely difficult to decide which factor or factors
have been most instrumental in causing their disappearance,

The increase of the Jackdaw cousinship is certainly a marked feature in ornithological
history, and this, by many people, and by some writers, has been assigned as a primary cause
at certain localities. But this cannot be applied in connection with the early desertion of the
Outer Hebrides, where, as we are informed by Macgillivray, it was present m Barra prior to
1830, because then, and now at the present day, the Jackdaw was and is a rare bird in these
Outer Islands. The known increase of Jackdaws among the Inner Isles, however—it is
possible—may present opportunities for observers to compare statistics. In the cathedral of

eB

Tona, a pair or two used to live amongst the crowd of cousins—some thirty pairs of Jackdaws.
Graham considered that “ the Choughs were always friendly,” but perhaps they were obliged
to be, and the cousins only reciprocated until more pressing times arrived. Certainly we would
never advocate the protection, or at least over-protection, of Jackdaws. We have little trust
in their good faith. Their pilfering habits, Tammany-Ring proclivities, and general upper-
hand assertiveness of character, and of numbers, make them at least “ suspicious characters ”
towards their weaker-billed relations. They treat other weaker species badly, and even pilfer
from “royal” sanctuaries. It is their nature.

The direct influence of man does not appear to have had much to do with the decrease
of the Chough, certainly—at least at our Scottish localities—but it rests with us to make
sure, so far as we can, that it be not our fault if they do not again increase.

The Peregrine Falcon is quite an abundant species in Scotland, well able to maintain its
own. It has been—and we admit not without reason—accused of being instrumental in the
decrease of the Chough; and indeed it has, not once, but several times, been stated to us
that the Chough is a bird it is particularly fond of. We strongly incline to the belief that
the Peregrine has caused the disappearance of the Chough from more than one west. island
locality, and of these mostly such islands as are limited in extent of coast-line; and where
Peregrine Falcons have long been known to hold their watch-towers, we can easily enumerate
several of these, but here will only mention the Island of Eigg (v. “ The Vertebrate Fauna of
Argyll and the Inner Hebrides,” pp. lix. and 86): and the belief also regarding the formerly
well-stocked islands of Gigha and Cara, not to speak also of the opposite shores of Kintyre.

We may seem to our readers to have dwelt at great length on these coincidences, but
we act upon the principle that:—as a Society for the Protection of Birds we ought not
to shirk the “why and the wherefore,” lest by rash application of the law, injustice to
any species may be wrought, as has over and over been done before by acclimatization
societies—for instance, the rabbit in Australia and New Zealand, and following it the stoat
and weasel !—and the injustice done by over-preservation and ill-considered “acclimatization”
of species utterly inimical to the natural state of things.

The Chough cannot be considered a migratory bird. It is indeed a local species, and
also a locally resident species. Therefore do not let man shoot, trap, or destroy them. If they
for selfish ends and purposes do so, then their true friends—naturalists—cannot hope to
see any improvement in their status and future welfare.

Thus, then, we close our case for our plaintiff, who asks the pathetic question—
“(Can you show any Caws why I should not be protected P”

Educational Series.—No. 1.—OWLS. No. 2—WOODPECKERS. No. 3.—STARLING. No. 4.—
SWALLOWS. No. 5.—KINGFISHER. No. 6.—OSPREY. No. 7._DIPPERS. No. 8.—NIGHTJAR.
No. 9.—TITMICE. No.10.—KESTREL. No.11.—PLOVERS. No. 12.—TERNS. No. 13.— WAGTAILS.
No. 14.—CHOUGH. No. 15._JAY. No. 16.—SKUAS.

Others in course of preparation.

Copies of the above may be obtained from the Society’s Publishing Department, Knowledge Office,
326, High Holborn, W.C., or from the Hon. Sec., Mrs. F. E. Lemon, Hillcrest, Redhill, on the following
terms:—Post free: three copies of any one number of the Series, 1d.: one dozen, 3d.; 100, Is. 6d.
Assorted packets, one copy of any six numbers, 2d. ; one copy of any twelve, or two copies of any six numbers
4d.; or 50 assorted numbers, 1s, Special terms for larger quantities to County Councils, the Constabulary

and Schools.

The Society’s Publishing Office, Knowledge, 326, High Holborn, London, W.C. 1897.

Society for the Jirotection of Birds.

EDUCATIONAL SERIES. Edited by H. E. DRESSER, F.L.S., F.Z.S.

No. 15.—THE JAY.

By JOHN. CORDEAUX, F.R.G.S., M.B.O.U.

I. Name—J AY. pe

Family—Corvide.
Sub-Family—Garruline. Garrulus glandarius (Linn).

II. General Description.

Jay.—Adult male: crest whitish, the feathers either tipped or striped down the centre
with black; chin and throat white, bordered with a broad black streak running downward on
each side from the base of the bill; upper parts, vinaceous brown; primaries black, margined
with dull white ; secondary quills black, with half the outer webs white; innermost feathers
chestnut, and tipped with black; under parts, pale cinnamon. The most conspicuous and
attractive portion of the plumage is the turquoise and cobalt patch on the wings, barred trans-
versely with black; rump and under tail-coverts white ; tail black, with indistinct bluish bars
at base. Length, 143 inches ; extent of wing, 23 inches. Irides, pale blue; legs and feet,
pale brown. ‘The female has the crest less produced, colour less bright, and the blue of the
wing less pure. Young birds of the year are withcut the blue irides.

III. Where, when, and in what numbers found.
The Jay is a resident throughout the year in the British Islands, also over the greater
part of the Continent, from the Arctic Circle to the Mediterranean Islands, and from the

Illustration, by kind permission of Messrs. Gurney & Jackson, from “ Manual of British Birds,’”’ by
Mr. Howard Saunders.

[ 2 ]

Ural to the Atlantic. In many localities in England and Scotland it is a decreasing species.
Tn the eastern counties, and also the south-eastern, the ranks of the resident jays are swollen
in the autumn by occasional flights, presumably coming from the Continent. These spread
over the country, or pass through from north-east to south-west.

IV. Food.

The Jay is practically omnivorous, and it is credited with eating a great variety of
substances. Principally its food is insects and their larve, beetles, worms, slugs, snails,
fruit and wild berries, beech-mast, acorns, oak-galls, grain of allsorts, mice and shrews, eggs,
and young birds.

V. Characteristics.

The Jay iscautious, shy, and retiring inits habits, frequenting woodlands, plantations, copses,
thick hedgerows full of timber trees, and fox covers. It will announce its presence in those soli-
tudes by harsh unmusical screams, but in the nesting season the wary bird remains mute for
the purposes of concealment, retiring before an intruder in short flights from tree to tree, or
dropping beneath the top of the underwood and hiding in the densest part of the covert. In
the shooting season, when much disturbed by beaters and repeated firing, jays will leave a
wood, retreating, when practicable, along some well-timbered hedgerow, from tree to tree.
Their undulating flight on these occasions is laborious, uncertain, and weak, with slow beats
of the wings. It is able, however, on migration to cross the North Sea, and with apparent
ease, in large flights. Jays feed much on the ground beneath trees and underwood, and do
not, as a rule, care to go far from covert, or into large open spaces and fields, such as are
resorted to by rooks and jackdaws. It will, however, visit plots of peas in the open field, the
temptation overpowering its usually discreet movements. On the ground the Jay does not
walk, but advances by a series of hops.

The nest is a compact structure of sticks and twigs, lined with fine roots and dead
grasses, often placed in the fork of a timber tree, or a fir, holly, yew, or hawthorn. A
favourite spot is against the ivy-covered bole of a tree, or concealed behind a mass of
climbing honeysuckle. The eggs—five to seven—are greenish-grey, densely spotted with
olive-brown, more particularly at the large end, where they sometimes form a zone.

VI. Protection.

Wild Birds Protection Act, 1880.—This bird does not appear in the Schedule to the

Act, but has been added in the following counties :—
Scotianp: Banff; Haddington; Midlothian.

In these Counties any owner or occupier, or other person, taking, killing, etc., any Jay
during close season,* or possessing or selling one of them after 15th March, is liable to a
penalty of £1 tor each bird. In all other places anyone, other than the owner or occupier of
land, or his agent, taking, killing, etc., a Jay during close season, or possessing or selling a
Jay after 15th of March, is liable to a penalty of 5s. for each bird.

Wild Birds Protection Act, 1894.—The eggs of the Jay are protected in the following
Counties :-—

Scornanp: Banff; Haddington; Midlothian.
And in the breeding areas established in the following Counties :—
Enetanp: Northumberland (Holy Island); York—Hast Riding ; Cambridge ;

Cheshire; Norfolk ; East Suffolk; Devon; Essex; Kent; Isle of Wight.

ScornanpD: Fife.

Any owner or other person taking or destroying the eggs of a Jay in the above-named

areas is liable to a penalty of £1 for each egg.

* Generally from 1st March to 3lst July; but in some counties from Ist February to 31st August mA
each year. A further period may be obtained through the Act of 1896.

(sora

Wild Birds Protection Act, 1896.—-In addition to any penalty under the Act, 1880,
the Court may now order any trap, net, snare, etc., used by the offender to be forfeited.
The Jay is protected throughout the whole year in the Borough of Cardiff.

Vil. Remarks.

Regarding the present status of the Jay in the British Islands, according to the latest
information, it is not found in Shetland. Dr. Saxby only once saw a single bird off
Halligarth going south on migration. We can find no record of its occurrence in Orkney,
nor in the most northern of the Scottish counties. In Southern Scotland it is yet fairly
common in some counties, or portions of counties, but rapidly decreasing through the
persistent persecution of keepers.

In Ireland it is restricted (according to Mr. Allan Ellison, Zool. 88, p. 106) to Kilkenny
and Queen’s Counties, with parts of Carlow, Kildare, King’s County and Tipperary.

In many parts of England, where game preserving is carried to excess, it has become
practically extinct. In some other localities, however, it is yet tolerably plentiful.

Should the Jay ever disappear in England, this misfortune will have been brought about
by three causes. The hostility and persecution of gamekeepers ; the demand for the wings
for hat plumes ; and in a less degree for the blue feathers from the wing for dressing salmon
flies. The chief and most wholesale destruction is due to the first of these causes. Game-
keepers are not the most discriminating of men; there are certain dislikes and prejudices
which neither time, argument, or persuasion will ever induce them, as a class, to forego. The
stereotyped charge against the Jay is that it plunders the nests of game birds, and occasionally
snaps up a nestling. Possibly so, and we have no intention of disproving the charges ; yet,
on the other side, we can testify that when resident in an old manor house, close to great:
woodlands where Jays abounded, and at a time when we gave special attention to the increase
and protection of game, daily almost going with the keeper on his trapping rounds, and deep
in every question relating to woodcraft, in these’ now far away days we came to the opinion,
stuck to ever since, that the actual injury done by Jays to game birds is greatly exaggerated,
and not really worth taking into consideration, being probably outweighed by their good
deeds in other directions. What we did not like was their partiality for ripe cherries aud
filberts. 'The first, however, was always effectually guarded by nets, and the second by the
occasional firing of a gun or pistol by the gardener. This, in a short time, made the thieves
most cautious in their approaches.

Jays are frequently taken in pole-traps, set in rides or open places in woods. This is a
device for slowly torturing innocent birds to death, which, for ingenuity and cold-blooded
cruelty, surpasses everything else of its sort. Shame, shame, we say, on any who still continue
to either use or countenance this atrocity, which has done, and is doing, more than anything
else, to bring discredit on the excessive preservation of game.

There are some few landed gentry who will not allow their keepers a free hand, and we
know of two charming country homes where one of the prettiest sights is to watch the Jays
out of the neighbouring covers hopping about like great thrushes on the well-kept lawns to
pick up grains of Indian corn scattered for them.

Of the many associations which give a charm to English rural life, the scolding cry of
the Jay, coming from some sheltered copse, is not the least pleasant. Cowper was well
aware of this when he wrote—

“The cawing rooks, and kites, which swim sublime
In still repeated circles, screaming loud,
The jay, the pie, and e’en the boding owl
That hails the rising moon, have charms for me.’

Of these, the Kite has gone, and, we fear, for ever; and the Jay, the Pie, and Owl only
continue to exist, in vastly reduced numbers, by the forbearance of the few.

Space would not allow us to go as fully into the subject as we would have wished. We
cannot, however, pass over one of the most remarkable facts in connection with the life-

3

sy

history of the Jay, namely, its migrations. It is a well-known fact that large numbers of
these birds appear suddenly in the autumn—to the great surprise and discomfiture of the
keeper, who wonders what the guv’nor will think—in woods where they are seldom seen at
other seasons.

This was so in 1877, between October 18th and 22nd, when Jays, previously rare birds,
became exceedingly plentiful in the woods of Oxfordshire. In 1879 a flight of two to three
hundred came in close to Dover, and after a short rest proceeded inland. Again in 1+82,
early in October, in West Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire, and Oxfordshire, large numbers
of Jays were observed, as well as in parts of south-west England.

Let us see what was going on in a corner of Western Europe on that date. That veteran
ornithologist, the late Herr Gitke, of Heligoland, in his diary, under date of October 6th,
1882, says: “A stormy south-east wind, weather clear: Jays in hundreds ; Hedge Sparrows
in unprecedented numbers; Chaffinches and Meadow Pipits in hundreds of thousands.” On
the 7th the entries are: ‘‘ Wind south-east, almost a storm, weather clear: Jays travelling
across the island uninterruptedly in hosts of thousands and millions; enormous numbers of
Hedge Sparrows, Chaffinches, and Meadow Pipits.’ On the 8th: ‘Wind south-east,
freshening, weather clear; Jays in still greater numbers than on the day before, uninterrupted
swarms, counting to thousands, passing across, as well to north and south of the island.” Since
1882 only one solitary individual has been seen. It is scarcely probable that our English
woodlands would take a tithe of those numbers; it is therefore likely that the main body went
further south, into France and Spain.

There is nothing more marvellous in the whole range of our knowledge than this
outgoing of the Jays, because they are weak-winged birds, with body-feathers loose and
fluffy, and a somewhat unmanageable tail in a gale of wind; also they are not ranked amongst
regular migrants, spending their days in endless flittings to and fro from tree to tree. Why
are they here, then, on the confines of Western Europe in assembled thousands? Surely the
forest lands from the Elbe to tbe Vistula, and the Vistula to the Ural, are wide and
deep enough to shelter and supply food for the whole tribe. Then why the need of this
exodus ? and what impulse, or feeling of necessity, working in each individual, urges forward
collectively their long flight—out and away—into the unknown? From below comes no
murmur of beech boughs, no sighing of pine tops, only the eternal wash and rumble of the
cold, grey, pitiless sea, and on every side a limitless water-horizon, which for anything they
can know to the contrary (being probably birds of the year) may prove an Atlantic, an
ocean without a further shore. Did Columbus and his sailors ever venture more ?

A local name of the Jay in Lincolnshire is “ Popinjay,”’ a gaily-coloured figure of a
bird set up as a mark to be shot at, in the days of the long-bow and cross-bow. ‘‘ Jay,” too,
was a term of contempt, as applied to some gaily dressed fellow. Thus in Cymbeiline
(Act IIT., Se. 4) :-—

ce

Some jay of Italy has betrayed hin.”

Educational Series.—No. 1.—OWLS. No. 2,-WOODPECKERS. No. 3.—_STARLING. No. 4.—
SWALLOWS. No. 5.—KINGFISHER. No. 6.—OSPREY. No. 7.—DIPPERS. No. 8.— NIGHTJAR.
No. 9.—TITMICE. No.10.-. KESTREL. No. 11..PLOVERS. No.12.—TERNS. No. 13.—WAGTAILS.
No. 14.—CHOUGH. No. 15.—JAY. No. 16.—SKUAS.

Others in course of preparation.

Copies of the above may be obtained from the Society’s Publishing Department, Knowledye Office,
326, High Holborn, W.C., or from the Hon. Sec., Mrs. F. EK. Lemon, Hillcrest, Redhill, on the following
terms :—Post free: three copies of any one number of the Series, 1d.; one dozen, 8d.; 100, Js. 6d.
Assorted packets, one copy of any six numbers, 2d.; one copy of any twelve, or two copies of any six
numbers, 4d., or 50 assorted numbers, 1s. Special terms for larger quantities to County Councils, the
Constabulary, and Schools.

The Society’s Publishing Office, Knowledge, 326, High Holborn, London, W.C. 1897.

Sortety for the Protection of Birds.

EDUCATIONAL SERIES. Edited by H. E. DRESSER, F.L.S., F.Z.S.

a

No. 16.—SKUAS.

Biya by Erbil ICY EM A. aE .Z,.S:

SKUA.
I. Name.—SKUA.
Order—Gavie. Family—Laride. Sub-Family—-Stercorartine.
Four Species are included in this Genus, viz. :—
Stercorarius catarrhactes (L.). Great Skua.
Stercorarius pomatorhinus (Temm). Pomatorhine Skua.
Stercorarius crepidatus (Banks). Richardson’s Skua.
Stercorarius parasiticus (L.). Buffon’s Skua.

II. General Description.

Great Sxvua.—The general colour of the whole bird is dark brown, mottled on the
upper parts with a dull white, under parts rather lighter in colour. When looking

TlJustration, by kind permission of Messrs. Gurney & Jacksor, from “Manual of British Birds,” by
Mr. Howard Saunders,

down on one flying, there is a very conspicuous patch of white nearly in the centre
of each wing, caused by the white colour of the bases of the quills. Bill hooked and
black ; legs and feet black, with hooked and sharp claws. Length, 24 to 25 inches ;
wing, 16 inches. The sexes are alike in colour, and the young only differ from
the adult in the greater freshness of the plumage.

PomatorHine Sxvua.—Front and crown of head, sooty black; neck, white, with straw
coloured, sharp-pointed feathers ; upper parts, chiefly umber brown, the two middle
tail-feathers projecting four inches, and being twisted vertically ; breast, dull white ;
flanks and abdomen, brown. Length, 21 inches; wing, 14 to 14¢ inches. Younger
examples have a brown pectoral band, under parts more or less striped, barred tail
coverts, and central feathers but little elongated. The bird of the year is brown,
mottled and barred with dull rufous.

Ricuarpson’s Sxkua.—There are two forms of this species, a dark and a light race. The
adult of the former is wholly of a sooty colour; the light race is very dark brown
or sooty on the back, the chin light, then a dark band, and the rest of the under
parts white; the nape of the neck yellowish; this latter is seen at times in the
dark form. In both forms the two middle tail feathers project from 14 to 2 inches
beyond the rest, and the quills of all the primaries are white. Whole length,
20 inches. Young birds, dark above, light below, and mottled all over.

Burron’s Sxua.—Crown of head, dark brown ; neck, nearly encircled with buffish yellow ;
back, brownish grey ; under parts, white; two central tail feathers about 9 in. longer
than the others. Length, including central tail feathers, 23 in. Bill, dark horn
colour ; legs, slate grey ; feet, black. Immature birds are barred with greyish brown
and white on both under and upper parts, especially on the breast, flanks, and tail
coverts. At all ages, only the quills of the two outer primaries are white.

JII. Where. when, and in what numbers found.

All four species are found on migration along the British coasts, but are much commoner
on the east side than on the west, and are far more abundant during the autumn than the
spring migration. ‘'T'wo species breed in the British Isles: the Great Skua in Shetland only ;
the Richardson’s Skua in Orkney, Shetland, the Outer and Inner Hebrides, and one or two
places on the northern mainland. None of the species can be called resident in the strict
sense of the word, though a few occur in the south during winter. In Ireland all the species
are rare, only Richardson’s Skua being a periodical visitor.

IV. Food.

Generally fish, which they procure mostly by chasing gulls and terns, and forcing them
to disgorge, adroitly catching it before it reaches the water. The Great Skua is more
carnivorous, preying on other birds, mostly gulls, but both the Pomatorhine and Buffon’s
Skua also prey on the Lemming, a small northern and migratory rodent; the latter species
also feeds on crowberries in the summer.

V. Characteristics.

The great characteristic feature in the Skuas is the way in which they live by chasing
gulls, and feeding on the fisk disgorged by them. They make their nests in open ground,
amongst heather or grass, and usually lay two eggs of a brown colour, spotted with
darker brown. They swoop down on anyone who approaches their nest with great rapidity,

cs 7

and though rarely hitting, the rush and wind of their wings is very startling when the attack
is made from behind and unperceived.

VI. Protection.

Wild Birds Protection Act, 1880.—These birds appear in the Schedule, which applies
to every county in England, Scotland, and Ireland. Any owner, occupier, or other person,
taking, killing, ete.,a Skua during close season,* or possessing or selling a Skua after 15th
March, is liable to a penalty of £1 for each bird.

Wild Birds Protection Act, 1894—The eggs are protected in the following
counties :—
Great Skua or Bonxie.—Scotianp: Zetland.
Richardson’s Skua.—Scotianp : Argyll (Isles of Islay, Colonsay, Coll, and Tiree)
Zetland.
Any owner, occupier, or other person, taking or destroying eggs of specified Skuas in above-
named places, is liable to a penalty of £1 for each egg.

bd

Wild Birds Protection Act, 1896.—In addition to any penalty under the Act of
1880, the Court may now order any trap, net, snare, etc., used by the offender to be forfeited,

VII. Remarks.

Unless especially looked for, Skuas are not birds at all likely to be met with by the
ordinary individual except he invades their breeding haunts. Visitors to the seaside,
however, more especially when engaged in the exciting sport of hand-line fishing in the
autumn, may have their attention drawn to them when one of these birds shows itself in its
most characteristic manner. Perhaps the fish are not taking very well, and he is idly
watching a flock of gulls hovering over a shoal of small fish, when a dark-plumaged bird
passes the boat with a very hawk-like flight, and dashes into the assembled birds. Instantly
there isa general stampede, but the Skua (for such is the dark, hawk-like bird), having marked
a gull or tern with his maw full of fish, goes straight for it. Up and down, trying to
escape in every possible way of flight, goes the gull, persistently followed by the Skua,
getting an occasional blow if obstinate, until with a loud shriek of disgust it ejects its
hard-earned prey, when the Skua, shooting downward, catches the morsel before it reaches
the water, and almost invariably goes straight away with it. The bird thus seen is generally
the commonest of all the species, Richardson’s Skua.

If you invade this same bird’s. haunts when breeding, and approach his nest, more
especially if you have a dog with you, he will boldly advance to the fray. The dog will be
the first one to suffer, and if not used to their ways, after one or two unsuccessful attempts
to catch the bird as he swoops down on him, will give it up, and keep close to your
heels in a state of terror at such an unusual attack, a complete upsetting of his preconceived
notion of anything with feathers on it. Then comes your turn, and although you may be quite
used to this style of treatment, yet the sharp whish and rush of air, with perhaps a slight
touch of a wing, at times when you are not thinking of it, causes an involuntary shiver
and ducking of the head. They are fine, bold birds, and well worth watching in their breeding
haunts.

Curiously enough, although they attack gulls in the manner before described, yet both
parties breed together. One place in Orkney we came across was covered with nests of the
Lesser Black-backed Gull, and a large number of Richardson’s Skuas’ nests were scattered

* Generally from 1st March to 31st July, but in some counties from Ist February to 3lst August in
each year. A further period may be obtained through the Act of 1896.

rea ae ote

iL

amongst them. The birds were of all the different colours that these Skuas affect, from
sooty black to more than half white, one or two showing a good deal of white on the wing.

The only other species that breeds in the British Isles is the Great Skua. Always
restricted in its breeding haunts (only one or two places in Shetland being occupied by it),
the bird having been considered “ rare,” has suffered accordingly. Indeed, only a few years
ago its numbers were reduced to a very few pairs, but now, thanks to the fostering care of
the Edmonstons of Unst, and the Traills of Foula, they are well on the increase, and as
popular interest and sympathy have been enlisted on their behalf we may consider their
position as pretty well established.

If Richardson’s Skua is hawk-like in its flight, the Great Skua is decidedly more eagle-
like, and I was struck, wheu sitting down watching the birds flying below me, at their strong
resemblance to a young Sea Eagle that had had the ends of its wings and tail docked. Their
behaviour when near the nests is just the same as the Richardson’s Skua I have just described,
though they attack you more from the front, and more often come at you skimming along the
ground, rising right into your face with their legs and feet stuck out straight before them, than
with a downright swoop. They are not sociable with other birds at their nesting grounds,
keeping quite to themselves, and, as far as I could see, allowing no other birds to nest in the
area in which their own nests were placed. These are large and somewhat untidy heaps of
dried grass, hollowed out in the centre, while those of Richardson’s Skua are merely slight
hollows in the ground, generally among short heather, with a slight lining of grass; in each case
the number of eggs is almost invariably two. These are usually dark brown in the ground
colour, sometimes of a light greenish brown, and are marked with darker spots and blotches,
mostly at the larger end.

The other two species being aliens as regards their domestic economy, we need say no
more here on that subject, except that they are very much the same as the two already mentioned.
In the autumn, however, the Pomatorhine Skua is a by no means infrequent visitor to our
coasts, these being subject at times to an irruption, a notable example of this being the year
1879, when they were recorded in vast numbers from all parts of the British Isles, appearing
literally in thousands off the Yorkshire coast. We may add that they appear in summer off
the coast of Lewis; most of the birds seen there in June being adults in full breeding
plumage. The Buffon’s or Long-tailed Skua, is the rarest of the genus in the British Isles,
more especially in the adult state.

What part the Skuas take in the economy of Nature it is not easy to say, but no one
who observes birds can fail to be struck with their interesting ways, both “at home” and
abroad. ‘They seem to be playing at gulls turning into Hawks, and very well they act
their parts, and with no lack of success.

One of the local names of the Skuas in Scotland is “ Dirty Allan,” from their habit, as
described, of eating the fish disgorged by the gulls they chase. In Yorkshire they are
called “‘Murrylanes,” sometimes spelt “ Murrel-hens,” but the derivation of the word
is obscure.

Educational Series.—No. 1.—OWLS. No. 2,—WOODPECKERS. No. 3._STARLING. No. 4.—
SWALLOWS. No. 5.—KINGFISHER. No. 6.—OSPREY. No. 7.—DIPPERS. No. 8.—NIGHTJAR.
No. 9.—TITMICE. No.10.-KESTREL. No. 11.—PLOVERS. No.12.—TERNS. No. 13.—WAGTAILS.
No. 14.—CHOUGH. No. 15.—JAY. No. 16.—SKUAS.

Others in course of preparation.

Copies of the above may be obtained from the Society’s Publishing Department, Knowledye Office,
326, High Holborn, W.C., or from the Hon. Sec., Mrs. F. E. Lemon, Hillcrest, Redhill, on the following
terms :—Post free: three copies of any one number of the Series, 1d.; one dozen, 8d.; 100, 1s. 6d.
Assorted packets, one copy of any six numbers, 2d.; one copy of any twelve, or two copies of any six
numbers, 4d-; or 50 assorted numbers, 1s. Special terms for larger quantities to County Councils, the
Constabulary, and Schools.

The Society’s Publishing Office, Knowledge, 326, High Holborn, London, W.C. 1897,

Society for the Protection of Birds.

EDUCATIONAL SERIES. Edited by H. E. DRESSER, F.L.S.,,. F.Z.9,

No. 17,—FLYCATCHERS.
By JOHN R. B. MASEFIEED, M.A,
Vice-President North Staffordshire Field Club.

“ The Flycatcher is of all our summer birds the most mute, and the most familiar.” —Gilbert White.

FLYCATCHER,

I. Name-—FLYCATCHERS.

Family—Muscicapide,
Genus—Muscicapa. M. grisola. Spotted Flycatcher,
M. atricapilla. Pied Flycatcher.

II. Genera] Description.

SporreD FrycatcHer.—The male scarcely differs from the female in plumage: head
and back light brown, with a few darker brown streaks on the top of the head ;
wings and tail darker brown; breast dull white and chin purer white, and both
spotted or with short streaks of dark brown; under parts white; legs, toes, and
claws very dark brown, almost black; irides hazel, bristles around the base of the
beak; beak broad at the base, dark brown, and curved near the tip of the upper
mandible. The greater portion of the feathers of the young are tipped with light
buff, giving the bird a truly “spotted” appearance. In autumn, just previous to
migration, the young assume a more adult plumage, only much lighter in colour
generally and still retaining a few spotted feathers. Total length, 54 in:; wing,
34 in.; tail, 2¢ in.

Illustration by Joseph Wolf, from “British Birds in their Haunts,” by kind permission of the Society for
Promoting Christian Knowledge,

[ s2eed

Prep FrycatcHEer.—Forehead white; top of head, nape, back, and upper tail feathers,
black ; other tail feathers partially edged with white; outer wing coverts black ;
smaller wing coverts edged with white; beak, legs, toes, and claws black ; irides
dark brown; breast and lower parts of body white. The female is without the
white forehead, and of a much browner black where black in the male; wing
coverts edged white; under parts dull white. The young are partially spotted
with dark brown. Total length about 5 in.; wings, 3 in.; tail, 2 in.

III. Where, when, and in what Numbers found.

Tue Srorrep Frycatcuer.—A common summer migrant, arriving about the second
week in May and leaving our shores again about the middle of September, or sometimes as
late as October. Very generally distributed throughout the British Isles, but becoming
yarer towards the North of Scotland, and somewhat local in Ireland.

Tur Prep FrycatcHer.—Also a summer migrant to the wilder parts of the North and
North-Eastern Counties of England, and frequently met with in the Lake District and in the
valleys of the mountainous parts of Mid and North Wales. This bird also occurs, and
occasionally breeds, in the Midland Counties of England and in Scotland, and has been met
with a few times in Ireland. It arrives in April, leaving again in September.

IV. Food.

Both of these Flycatchers feed exclusively on insects, although an instance has been
recorded of the Spotted Flycatcher feeding on earth-worms when pressed by hunger in cold
weather. The value of both species to the gardener and farmer is
inestimable. An unfortunate idea that Flycatchers occasionally feed
on ripe cherries has never been substantiated or proved, and such
a report has, no doubt, arisen from the Flycatchers feeding on the
flies and other insects which are attracted to the ripe fruit, and
this has unfortunately given the Spotted Flycatcher the local name
of ‘cherry sucker’? in Kent. The food of these birds must be in a
living state or just killed, or they will not take it.

VY. Characteristics.

Tue SpotreD FiycarcHer is,as Gilbert White most truly states,
of a “familiar” and trusting nature, frequenting the homes and
haunts of man, orchards and lawns. It may easily be identified by
its habit of perching on a dead branch, a wooden or iron railing, or
some other open or conspicuous perch from which it may clearly
view the flies and other insects flying near, at which it makes a
sudden dash, hovering momentarily while seizing its prey with un-
erring alm, with a distinct snap of the beak, and then returning again
to its station to watch for more. This will often be repeated time
after time until the insects in that near vicinity have been cleared
away, and then the little bird will move off to another advantageous
perch. The Spotted Flycatcher is a late as well as early feeding bird,
often catching moths and beetles in the twilight and again being on
the alert with the early dawn. When feeding its young, this bird sometimes captures a
number of insects, holding them all in its beak until visiting the nest. Although it has a
little, low song, it is seldom heard, and Gilbert White accordingly describes it as “the
most mute of all our summer birds.” Its ordinary note is a weak chirp resembling “ tic,

Illustration from “ A Mendip Valley,” by kind permission of Mr, Theodore Compton.

ee Pe TT ea ens

RT ke Re eat S

L Seal

tic,” but its alarm note when anyone approaches the nesting place is a sharp call resembling
the words ‘“E-gypt, E-gypt, H-gypt” quickly and sharply pronounced, and varied by a
sharp “chick, chick,” the bird at the same time becoming very excited, and with raised

crest often approaching within a few feet of the intruder and endeavouring to draw away
his attention from the nest.

Tue Prep FrycatcHer.—The male of this bird has a short, low song, and its habits
generally, and especially its mode of capturing its food, are very similar to those of the
Spotted Flycatcher, from which, however, it is ‘easily distinguished by well-marked and
distinct black and white plumage.

A description of the nests and nesting habits of the Flycatchers will be found in
paragraph VII.

VI. Protection.

Wild Birds Protection Act, 1880.—This bird does not appear in the Schedule to the
Act, but has been added in the following counties and county boroughs :—

Spotted Flycatcher—Enetanp: Barrow-in-Furness (C.B.); Lancashire; Chester
(Hundred of Wirrall); Leicester; Rutland; Salop; Stafford; West Suffolk;
Worcester; Isle of Wight; East Sussex; Hastings (C.B.) Waters: Brecon.
Scottanp: Fife (Tentsmuir).

Pied Flycatcher. — Enauanp: Barrow-in- Furness (C.B.) ; Cumberland; Bucks;
Leicester; Rutland; Stafford; Worcester; Salop; East Sussex; Hastings (C.B.).
Wates: Brecon.

In these counties any owner or occupier, or other person, taking, killing, ete. any
Flycatcher during close season,* or possessing or selling one of them after 15th March, is
liable to a penalty of £1 for each bird. In all other places, anyone other than the owner or
occupier of land, or his agent, taking, killing, etc., during close season, or possessing or
selling a Flycatcher after 15th of March, is liable to a penalty of 5s. for each bird.

Wild Birds Protection Act, 1894.—The eggs are protected (1897) in the following
counties :—

Spotted Flycatcher.—Enexanp: Leicester; Salop; West Suffolk; Warwick; Worcester;
London (including Middlesex and Metropolitan Police District). Wares: Brecon;
Pembroke. Scornanp: Fife (Tentsmuir).

Pied Flycatcher—Enetanp: Cumberland; Barrow-in-Furness (C.B.); Durham;
Leicester; Salop; Warwick; Devon; London (including Middlesex and Metropolitan
Police District). Wars: Brecon.

Any owner, occupier, or other person, taking or destroying the eggs of these birds in
the above places is liable to a penalty of £1 for each egg.

Wild Birds Protection Act, 1896.—In addition to any penalty under the Act of 1880,
the Court may now order any trap, net, snare, etc., used by the offender to be forfeited.

The Spotted Flycatcher is protected all the year round in the Counties of Stafford ;
Isle of Wight; London; Middlesex and Essex; and in the County Boroughs of Cardiff

* Generally from 1st March to 1st August; but in some counties from 1st February to 1st September
in each year. A further period is obtained through the Act of 1896.

Lee |

and Kingston-upon-Hull; and the Pied Flycatcher in the Counties of Stafford; London;
Middlesex and Essex; and in the County Boroughs of Cardiff, Kingston-upon-Hull, and
Hastings.

VII. Remarks.

By reason of the familiarity of the Sporrep Fiycatcuer, and from its habit of building
its nest near the haunts of man, in holes in walls, on a sheltered ledge, on a beam or other
woodwork, on a branch of a tree against the trunk, behind the hinge of a door, or on a
branch of a tree trained against a house or other building, this bird may easily be
provided with an artificial nesting place, and so attracted to build its nest upon or near our
houses, and thus afford us the great pleasure of watching its nidification and mode of
feeding its young in its natural freedom and liberty. For this purpose a little wooden
bracket or shelf, placed in the angle of two walls, under the projecting eaves, or in the corner
of a window or door frame, is all that is necessary. The sketch below shows the most
convenient shape of such a bracket, of which the front ledge is semi-circular, and about an
inch and a half high, and should be covered with bark, virgin cork, or moss. The holes at
the sides show where nails are driven to support the bracket. The
sides are about four and a half inches in length. Holes should be
bored in the bottom for drainage. A pair of Flycatchers have
used one of these nesting shelves for many years, and have often
reared two broods in one year. Another attractive nesting place
may be formed by cutting out half a brick from a wall, some
eight to nine feet from the ground. A further inducement to
attract this bird to the nesting place is to erect a stick with a
cross perch in an open situation, such as the centre of a lawn at
a short distance from the nest, and the birds will soon take advan-
tage of this perch from which to “hawk” after the insects
flying around, and the parent birds will place their newly flown
young on such a perch and feed them there. The nest of the Spotted Flycatcher is made of
moss and fibrous roots, lined with horse hairs and a few feathers, wool, leaves, etc. The
eggs are four to six in number, the ground colour light greenish blue, or bluish cream
blotched or streaked more or less with rusty red.

THe Prep Fiycarcusr’s favourite nesting place is a hole in a tree or wall. The nest
is made of fine roots, grass, hair, and dead leaves. The eggs are five to eight in number and
of a delicate light greenish blue in colour.

This Hlustration by kind permission of Messrs. Taylor Brothers, Leeds, from “ Wild Bird Protection and
Nesting Boxes,’ by Mr. John R. B. Masefield, M.A.

Educational Series.—No. 14.—OWLS. No. 2.—WOODPECKERS. No. 3.—STARLING. No. 4.—
—SWALLOWS. No. 5.—KINGFISHER. No. 6.—OSPREY. No. 7.—DIPPERS. No. 8.—NIGHTJAR.
No. 9.—TITMICE. No. 10.—KESTREL. No. 114.—PLOVERS. No.12..TERNS. No. 13.—WAGTAILS.
No. 14.—CHOUGH. No.15._JAY. No. 16.—SKUAS. No.17.—FLYCATCHERS. No. 18.—NIGHTINGALE.

Others in course of preparation.

Copies of the above may be obtained from the Society’s Publishing Department, Knowledge Office,
326, High Holborn, W.C., or from the Hon. Sec., Mrs. F. E. Lemon, Hillcrest, Redhill, on the following
terms :—Post free: three copies of any one number of the Series, 1d.; one dozen, 3d.; 100, 1s. 6d.
Assorted packets, one copy of any six numbers, 2d.; one copy of any twelve, or two copies of any six
numbers, 4d.; or 50 assorted numbers, 1s. Special terms for larger quantities to County Councils, the
Constabulary, and Schools.

The Society’s Publishing Office, Knowledge, 326, High Holborn, London, W.C. 1897,

———_

Society for the Protection of Birds.

EDUCATIONAL SERIES. Edited by H. E. DRESSER, F.L.S., F.Z.S.

No. 18.—NIGHTINGALE.

By J. H. ALLCHIN,

Bentlif Curator, The Museum, Maidstone.

THE NIGHTINGALE.

I. Name—NIGHTINGALE.

Family—Turdidzx.
Genus—Daulias. D. luscinia. Nightingale.

II. General Description.

In the adult birds the upper parts are russet-brown shading into reddish chestnut on
the tail-coverts and tail, the colour of the latter being very noticeable on flight; the cheeks,
throat, and under surface of the body are a greyish white, the flanks and breast being
tinged with buff ; bill, legs, and feet, brown; iris hazel. Total length, 6} inches. The female
is similar to the male in colour, but slightly smaller in size. The young in their first
plumage are a duller and more sober brown than the adults, and are speckled over with
ochreous brown markings, which may easily cause them to be mistaken for the young of the
Robin, to which bird the Nightingale is a close ally.

III. Where, when, and in what numbers found.

The English Nightingale is the only representative in this country of a genus which
includes three species. The distribution of the bird is confined entirely to England, and
even here its range is limited, for it does not appear to go farther north than Yorkshire,

[24a ‘ ee ae

whilst in the western counties Devonshire and the Welsh border are the extent of the
bird’s range asa rule, although a straggler does occasionally wander a little more to the
west and creates a large amount of interest amongst the music-loving people of Wales.
In Science Gossip of 1894 the visit of a Nightingale te North Wales is recorded, and the
intense interest which the bird’s advent excited is described.

As animmigraut the Nightingale comes to our shores about the middle of April; in the
neighbourhood of Maidstone, where I have taken observations for several years, the dates on
which I have first heard the bird have varied from April 14th to the 24th, and the latest
recorded date on which I ever heard the call-note was August 30th, 1889.

In the autumnal migration the Nightingale leaves our country about the commencement
of September, passes southward through Hurope, and winters as far south as Abyssinia.

IV. Food.

Insects of various kinds, grubs, caterpillars, ants and their eggs, the last named being
an especially favourite diet of the Nightingale, who also feeds on earwigs, spiders, etc.

The young are fed chiefly with small green caterpillars.
V. Characteristics.

The Nightingale in its movements and habits much resembles its near relative the Robin ;
the action of flight in the two birds is very similar, and the former bird also has the same
custom of flitting along a hedgerow, or by the side of a wood, from which it occasionally
darts down to the ground to pick up a wandering ant or beetle, or some other morsel of food,
and at the same time it jerks its tail up and down after the manner of the Robin. When the
bird is perched on the bough of a tree, pouring forth its wonderful song, the head is thrust
slightly forward, the tail at the same time being rather depressed. As a songster the
Nightingale sings both by day and night, and the day and night singers are not separate
birds, as was thought to be the case at one time,

VI. Protection.

Wild Birds Protection Act, 1880.—This bird appears in the Schedule, which applies
to every county in England, Scotland, and Ireland.

Any owner, occupier, or other person taking, killing, etc., a Nightingale during the
close season,* or possessing or selling a Nightingale after March 15th, is liable to a penalty
of £1 for each bird.

Wild Birds Protection Act, 1894.—The eggs are protected at present (1897) in the

following counties, or specified breeding areas in counties :-—

Eneianp.—Yorkshire (W. Riding); Bedford; Gloucester; Huntingdon; Leicester ;
Lincoln (Kesteven and Lindsey); Northampton; Salop; Stafford; West Suffolk;

. Warwick; Worcester; Devon; Herts; Kent; London (including Middlesex and
Metropolitan Police District); and the County Boroughs, Huddersfield, Hastings,
and Cardiff.

Wates.—Brecon, Glamorgan, and Pembroke.

Any owner, occupier, or other person taking or destroying the eggs of the Nightingale in
either of the above-named counties or specified areas is liable to a fine of £1 for each egg.
The eggs, which are generally four or five in number, but occasionally six, are olive-

brown or olive-green in colour; and when of the former tint are not altogether dissimilar
from the colour of the bird itself.

* Generally from 1st March to Ist August; but in some counties from 1st February to lst September
in each year. A further period is obtained through the Act of 1896.

if sb
Wild Birds Protection Act, 1896.—In addition to any penalty under the Act of 1880,
the Court may now order any trap, net, snare, etc., used by the offender, to be forfeited.

The Nightingale is protected all the year round in the counties of Stafford, Essex,
London, Middlesex, and the County Borough of Kingston-upon-Hull.

In connection with the protection of the Nightingale it is pleasing to be able to remark
that farmers and fruit growers are agreed that the bird should be most fully protected ; not
merely from a sentimental point of view, but because of its usefulness as an insect-eating
bird. One large fruit grower in this district, who has very kindly supplied me with valuable
information concerning the feeding habits of some of our wild birds, wrote :—“TI should like
to see a heavy penalty enforced against anyone destroying these birds”—referring to the
Nightingale and several other British birds enumerated in a list.

VII. Remarks.

At the time of the immigration of the Nightingales to this country the male birds
precede the females by a few days, and at once commence their song, by that means attracting
their mates on the arrival of the latter, and the song is continued during the period of
incubation, after which the energies of both parents are devoted to feeding the young: it
occasionally happens that the song is continued to a later period of the season, and in 1888
I heard a Nightingale singing as late as July the 15th, which was an exceptionally late date ;
perhaps it is scarcely necessary to add that the notes were very hoarse and wanting in tone.

The nest of the Nightingale is built on or close to the ground, amongst a thick tangle
of undergrowth in shrubberies, copses, and woods ; and as the bird itself differs from all our
other native birds by virtue of its song, so also does its nest differ from other nests in
construction, being a most picturesque and beautiful structure, composed chiefly of dried
grasses commingled with dead leaves, those of the oak being more frequently chosen ; and
at first sight the nest may easily be passed by as a bundle of withered foliage : the interior,
however, is much more neatly finished, being lined with fiver grasses and horsehair.

IT am inclined to think that the male bird participates in the incubation of the egos, and
ain induced to believe that to be the case through the following instance which came under
my notice a few years ago, when I was living in one of our Kentish villages, where my
garden was visited year after year by a pair of Nightingales, which always nested close by ;
one year they had their nest in a small copse that was not more than a dozen yards from
the house, so that I had frequent opportunities to observe their movements. One day, whilst
I was watching the female as she hopped about on the ground, feeding, [ saw that when she
went in the direction of the nest she was joined by her mate, who came from the copse
shaking and ruffling his feathers, and stretching himself, in the manner of birds when they
leave their eggs after a spell of sitting; he then perched on a neighbouring tree, gave a
short burst of song, and flew away, and the hen at the same time went to the nest.

To many people the Nightingale is nothing more than a voice in the wood, a sprite in
the coppice or wayside covert, and it is really a matter for wonder to meet such a large
number of individuals—even amongst those who live in the country—who do not know the
bird apart from its song, and who express their surprise when they first see a specimen in a
collection, or have the living bird pointed out to them in the midst of its haunts; and they
appear to consider it a marvellous matter that such a plainly coloured, sober-looking bird
should possess so powerful a gift of song.

And yet the Nightingale is not altogether a shy bird, but soon becomes accustomed to
the presence of man near its haunts, and when properly approached will allow an observer to
get very near to it, as I have often done in the garden of my former cottage home at Sutton

| sea

Valence, where the Nightingales were as bold and familiar as the Robins, frequently coming
to within a few feet from me in order to feast on the insects which the spade turned up.

The Nightingale is without doubt the special favourite amongst our British wild birds, not
on account of its beauty—although it does not fail in that respect either in elegance of form
or in colour—but owing to its wonderful power of song, which caused honest Isaak Walton
to enumerate the bird amongst “those little nimble musicians of the air that warble forth
their curious ditties, with which nature hath furnished them to the shame of art”; and to
speak of it in the following terms :—‘ But the Nightingale, another of my airy creatures,
breathes such sweet loud musick out of her little instrumental throat, that it might make
mankind to think miracles are not ceased. He that at midnight, when the very labourer
sleeps securely, should hear, as I have very often, the clear airs, the sweet descants, the
natural rising and falling, the doubling and redoubling of her voice, might well be lifted
above earth, and say, Lord, what musick hast thou provided for the Saints in Heaven, when
thou affordest bad men such musick on Earth P”

Only those who have had the good fortune to hear these birds when in the fulness of
their singing powers can appreciate the charm which enters into the listener’s feelings when
surrounded by a choir of these feathered songsters; a charm which is enhanced and
impressed more deeply into the hearer’s enjoyment if the occasion be at night, when all other
sounds are hushed and stilled, save the gentle soughing of the wind through the trees, which
bears on its waves the music of the voices of the night.

Unfortunately this bird’s gift of song has rendered it a great favourite amongst bird
fanciers, and one of its chief enemies in this country has been that curse of the wild bird
life of England, the lazy, hulking birdcatcher, who, until the Wild Birds Protection Acts
came into operation, spread his net annually and captured the Nightingales in large numbers
on their first arrival in England (when the males can be more easily taken), and sold them for
high prices, according to the degree of their power of song. The late Mr. J. Gould, in his
work on the “Birds of Great Britain,’ wrote very strongly against the practice, and said :—
“No bird is so easily trapped, and no one is more difficult to keep in confinement; nine-
tenths, at least, of those that are taken die within a month after their capture; while those
that survive pass a miserable existence in a darkened prison, never again to chant over the
drooping bluebell, or cheer the loiterer along the green lanes of our favoured island.” We
trust, however, that the day for such a lament has passed, and that in the future the
Nightingale, whose advent is alwuys looked forward to with pleasurable expectancy, may find
in our land a sanctuary wherein she may rear her young in safety.

For a few of the details in this paper I am indebted to Dr. Bowdler Sharpe’s “ Handbook to the Birds of
Great Britain.”

Educational Series.—No. 1.—OWLS. No. 2.—WOODPECKERS. No. 3.—STARLING. No. 4.—
SWALLOWS. No. 5.—KINGFISHER. No.6.—OSPREY. No.7.—DIPPERS. No. 8.—NIGHTJAR.
No. 9.—TITMICE. No. 10.—KESTREL. No. 11—PLOVERS. No.12.—TERNS. No. 13.—WAGTAILS.
No. 14.—CHOUGH. No. 15.—_JAY. No.16.—SKUAS. No.17.—FLYCATCHERS. No. 18.—NIGHTINGALE.

Others in course of preparation.

Copies of the above may be obtained from the Society’s Publishing Department, Knowledge Office,
326, High Holborn, W.C., or from the Hon. Sec., Mrs. F. E. Lemon, Hillcrest, Redhill, on the following
terms :—Post free: three copies of any one number of the Series, 1d.; one dozen, 3d.; 100, 1s. 6d.
Assorted packets, one copy of any six numbers, 2d.; one copy of any twelve, or two copies of any six
numbers, 4d.; or 50 assorted numbers, 1s. Special terms for larger quantities, and to County Councils, the
Constabulary, and Schools.

The Society’s Publishing Office, Knowledge, 326, High Holborn, London, W.C. 1897,

Society for the jrotection of Birds.

EDUCATIONAL SERIES. Edited by H. E. DRESSER, F.L.S., F.Z.S.

No. 19.—GULLS.

By HOWARD , SAUNDERS, 83.5, FZ-S.

KITTIWAKE GULL.

I. Name—_GULLS.

Family—Laridex.
Sub-Family—Larine.

Genus 1.—Larus. DL. ridibundus. Brown-headed Gull.
DL. canus. Common Gull.
L. argentatus. Herring Gull.
L. fuscus. Lesser Black-backed Gull.
DL. marinus. Great Black-backed Gull.
Genus 2.— Rissa. R. tridactyla. Kittiwake Gull.

II. General Description.

All the above Gulls when adult have the underparts and tail white, and both sexes are
alike in plumage. Hind toe well developed, except in Rissa.

Illustration, by kind permission of Messrs. Gurney & Jackson, from ‘Manual of British Birds,” by
Mr. Howard Saunders.

[2a

Brown-Heapep Guiu.—Adult in Summer. Hood dark brown; mantle French grey ;
outer quills characterized by the white centres and the dark margins of the inner
webs; an evanescent pink tint on the under parts ; bill, tarsi, and toes blood-red.
From autumn to early March the hood is almost absent. Immature, mottled with
brown on the mantle, anda band of dark brown near the end of the tail. Total
length 16 in., wing 12 in.

Common Guiu.—Larger than the above. Head white; mantle dark grey ; outer quills
chiefly black, with white ‘mirrors ” near the tips, conspicuous in flight; bill, tarsi,
and toes yellow to greenish. Jn winter the head is streaked with ash brown.
Immature, mottled brown ; dark tail band ; quills dark brown. Total length 18 in.,
wing 14 in. (long for the size of the bird),

Herrine-Guii.—Adult. Much larger than the preceding, and mantle pale grey ; other-
wise not unlike in all stages; bill yellow, with orange at the angle; tarsi and toes
flesh-colour. Length 24 in., wing 17 in.

Lesser Brack-Backep Guii.—Adult. Mantle varying from very dark grey to black ;
bill as above; tarsi and toes lemon-yellow; the foot comparatively small, and
shorter than the tarsus. Immature, darker than in the Herring Gull, notably as
regards the mottlings of the tail. Length of male 23 in., wing 16 in. ; female smaller.

Great Brack-Bacxep Guit.—Mantle deep black ; large white “ mirrors ”’ near the tips
of first and second quills ; bill as above in colour, but very large in the male ; tarsi and
toes flesh-colour, Immature, rather pale coloured in mottlings. Length of male
30 in., wing 20 in.; female smaller.

Kirriwakr Guii.—Hind toe absent or aborted; bill remarkably decurved. Adult in
Summer. Mantle slate-grey ; quills black to the tips, an excellent distinction from
Common Gull; bill greenish yellow; tarsi and toes blackish. Young, with a black
half collar on the nape; a broad black band across the shoulders ; much black on
the carpal joints and wing-coverts ; tail with a terminal black band ; bill and tarsi
dark reddish brown. Immature, with fainter collar and bands. Length 15} in.,
wing 12 in.

Ill., IV., Y.—See under Remarks.

VI. Protection.

Wild Birds Protection Act, 1880.—These birds (with the exception of the Black-
backed Gulls) appear in the schedule which applies to every county in England, Scotland,
and Ireland. Any owner, occupier, or other person taking, killing, etc., them during close
season,* or possessing or selling them after 15th March, is lable to a penalty of £1 for each
bird. The penalty in the case of the Black-backed Gull is less.

Wild Birds Protection Act, 1894.—The eggs of al] wild birds (including Gulls) are
protected in the specified areas of the following counties: Northumberland; York, E.
Riding; Cambridge ; Chester ; Norfolk ; East Suffolk ; Devon ; Essex ; Kent ; Isle of Wight ;
and East Sussex. The eggs of Gulls are also protected as follows :—

Brown-headed Gull.— Enauanp: Cumberland ; Lancaster; Barrow-in-Furness (C.B.) ;
Westmoreland; Chester; Devon. Scotnanp: Aberdeen; Banff; Dumbarton ;
Dumfries; Elgin; Kirkcudbright ; Lanark ; Midlothian; Orkney ; Roxburgh, and
Wigtown.

Common Gull.—Scornianp : Aberdeen ; Dumfries ; Elgin ; Kirkcudbright, and Wigtown.

* Generally from 1st March to 31st July; but in some counties from Ist February to 3lst August in
each year. A further period may be obtained under the Act of 1896 (q.v.)

i
es)
iy

Herring-Gull.—Scotnanp : Aberdeen.

Lesser and Great Black-backed Gulls—Enananp: Devon.

Kittiwake.—EnenLanp : Northumberland (Farne Island). Scornann: Aberdeen ;
Dumbarton ; Elgin, and Orkney.

Any owner, occupier, or other person taking or destroying eggs of specified Gulls in the
above places is liable to a penalty of £1 for each egg.

Wild Birds Protection Act, 1896—In addition to any penalty under the Act of
1880, the Court may now order any trap, net, snare, &c., used by the offender, to be forfeited.

All the year round.—Under this Act the extension of the period of protection beyond
the breeding season may be granted, and orders have been made which give protection all
the year round as follows :—

Gulls (all species).—Chester (Hundred of Wirrall) and South Shields (C.B.)
Gulls (except Black-backed Gulls).—Devon.

VII. Remarks.

The Gulls enumerated differ widely in their haunts, habits, and food ; for which reason
each species requires separate consideration.

Tue Brown-Heapep or Birackx-Heapep Gutt is the most widely distributed ; nesting
in colonies, on marshes, or near lakes—as at Scoulton Mere, Brigg, in Lincolnshire, ete.—or
on flat sandy coasts where marram grass grows; while from autumn to spring it is found
along the sea-shore or on tidal and fresh water, as well as on arable land. This is the Gull
now so well known on the Thames, and on the waters of St. James’ and other Parks ; taking
food thrown to it, or from the hand, and giving pleasure to many observers owing to its
graceful evolutions. Its flight is remarkably buoyant, and it sits very high on the water.
To the farmer it is undoubtedly a benefactor, because it devours large numbers of grubs
and worms.

Tue “Common” GULL is chiefly entitled to its trivial name in winter, so far as England
is concerned; for it is not known to nest to the south of the Border and the Solway.
In Scotland it breeds freely on grassy islands, the sides of lochs, and on slopes by the
sea, but seldom, if ever, in localities which can fairly be described as precipitous. It is, in
fact, a marsh-gull, but without the black head of the preceding species. It does not go far
from land, to which it promptly returns on the approach of coarse weather; while in
autumn and winter it may be seen in numbers on the fallows and pastures, picking up
grubs and worms. Its utility to the agriculturist is, therefore, undoubted.

Tur Herrine-Guuu is emphatically a frequenter of the sea, though it, also, is to be
found inland from autumn to spring. This is really the “Common” Gull of England, and
is the species found nesting on most of the precipitous cliffs in the British Islands, while,
less frequently it breeds among sand-hills or on salt-marshes. Although it eats
insects and their larve, it is practically omnivorous, and is a terrible destroyer of the eggs
of Guillemots and other sea-birds. It has been an important factor in the extirpation of the
Gannet at Lundy Islands It requires no special protection, being quite able to take care
of itself.

ae

Tur Lesser Biack-BackEep Guut is rather less addicted to precipitous localities, and is
more inclined to select slopes and marshes for its breeding-places. Its food is similar to that
of the Herring-Gull, with, perhaps, a larger proportion of small crabs ; but inasmuch as this
Gull breeds further inland, it is even more destructive than the preceding species to eggs and
young of game and water-fowl. A Lesser Black-backed Gull has been found choked by a
duck’s egg which it had attempted to swallow.

Tue Great Buack-BackeD Guu is the least numerous of the large sea-gulls ; it has,
nevertheless, been specially exempted from protection. It is quite “the vulture of the
shore”; feeding upon any animal-matter, from the sodden corpses of drowned sailors and
fishermen to dead or wounded water-fowl, and even sickly lambs; while it is a great
devourer of eggs. Its nest, when on the coast, is usually on some isolated crag, “holm,” or
stack ; but inland lochs also afford breeding-places.

Tue KrttrwakE Gutt is absolutely innocuous, and amply deserves protection. Its food
consists of small fish and other marine animals; while the clainour arising from the immense
colonies which frequent our rockiest shores may very likely act as a warning to vessels
approaching a dangerous coast ina fog. This is the species which has been slaughtered,
under circumstances of horrible barbarity, to provide adornments for ladies’ hats.
I have watched, day after day, a flotilla of boats procuring plumes for the market; one gang
of men shooting, and changing their guns when too hot; another set picking up
the birds, and often cutting their wings off and flinging the victims into the
sea, to struggle with feet and head until death slowly came to their relief ; and I have seen
the cliffs absolutely “spotted” with the fledglings which had died of starvation, owing to
the destruction of their parents. And it may be accounted unto me for righteousness that, in
my indignation, I hove down rocks whenever such an act would interfere with the shooters.

The Act of 1880 was insufficient to protect these poor birds, for it expired on August
1st, just at the time when Kittiwakes were nearly at their best for plumes. Such things
are, happily, of the past, for the Kittiwake’s wing is temporarily out of fashion, having given
way to the plumes of the Egret, called “Osprey” by the trade.

Educational Series.—No. 1.—OWLS. No. 2,.-WOODPECKERS. No. 3.—STARLING. No. 4.—
SWALLOWS. No. 5.—_KINGFISHER. No. 6.—OSPREY. No. 7.—DIPPERS. No. 8.—NIGHTJAR.
No. 9.—TITMICE. No. 10.—KESTREL. No. 114.—PLOVERS. No.12._TERNS. No. 13.—WAGTAILS.
No. 14.—_CHOUGH. No. 15._JAY. No. 16.—SKUAS. No.17.—FLYCATCHERS. No. 18.— NIGHTINGALE.
No. 19. — GULLS. No. 20.— LEAF-WARBLERS. No. 24.—PIPITS. No. 22.— SKYLARK.
No. 23.—GREBES. No. 24.—COMMON BUZZARD.

Copies of the above may be obtained from the Society’s Publishing Department, Knowledye Office,
326, High Holborn, W.C., or from the Hon. Sec., Mrs. F. E. Lemon, Hillcrest, Redhill, on the following
terms :—Post free: three copies of any one number of the Series, 1d.; one dozen, 3d.; 100, 1s. 6d.
Assorted packets, one copy of any six numbers, 2d.; one copy of any twelve, or two copies of any six
numbers, 4d., or 50 assorted numbers, 1s. Special terms for larger quantities, and to County Councils, the
Constabulary, and Schools.

The Society’s Publishing Office, Knowledge, 326, High Holborn, London, W.C. 1897.

Society for the Protection of Birds.

EDUCATIONAL SERIES. Edited by H. E. DRESSER, F.L.S., F.Z.S

No. 20.—LEAF=-WARBLERS.

Dy chisds: DRESSER] FOES eE:Z.S;

CHIFFCHAFF.

I. Name.—LEAF-WARBLERS.

Sub-Family—Sylviine.

Genus—Pnylloscopus. 1. P. collybita. Chiffchaff.
2. P. trochilus. W illow- Wren.
3. P. sibilatriz Wood- Wren.

II. General Description.

Cuirrcnarr.—Upper parts olive-green, somewhat yellower on the rump; superciliary
stripe yellowish, becoming white behind the ear coverts; wings and tail brown
externally, margined with olive green ; under parts dull white washed with greenish
buff; under wing-coverts pale yellow; bill and legs, dark brown; iris, brown.
Length about 4°75 inches ; wing, 2°51; tail, 2'05; tarsus, 0°8; second quill equal in
length to the seventh, and the quills externally emarginate to the sixth inclusive,
third and fourth quills longest.

Wittow-Wren.—Upper parts olive-green, yellower on the rump; superciliary streak
yellowish ; wings and tail dark brown externally, margined with greenish yellow ;
under parts yellowish white, tinged with sulphur on the flanks ; under wing-coverts,
yellowish ; bill, dark brown ; legs, light brown; iris, brown. Length, nearly 5 inches ;
bill, 0°42 ; wing, 2°65 tail, 2°15 ; tarsus, 0°8.2. The second quill intermediate in length
between the fifth and sixth, the third longest, the primaries externally emarginate
as far as the fifth. The Willow-Wren may be distinguished from the Chiffchaff by
its larger size, yellower colour, paler legs, and the difference in the wing formula
and emargination of the primaries.

Woop-Wren.—Upper parts olive-green, tinged with sulphur yellow, the crown and

Illustration, by kind permission of Messrs. Gurney & Jackson, from ‘‘Manual of British Birds,” by
Mr. Howard Saunders,

[2 1

rump yellower; wings and tail slaty-brown externally, margined with yellow; fore-
head and superciliary streak bright sulphur yellow; sides of head, chin, throat,
breast, flanks, and edge of wing, sulphur-yellow ; the rest of the under parts white ;
bill, legs, and iris, brown. Total length about 6 inches ; bill, 0°5; wing, 3°0; tail,
2:0; tarsus, 0°72; first quill short and narrow, 1'8 inch shorter than the second,
which is a trifle longer than the fifth ; third quill longest. The females of all three
species resemble the males, but are a trifle smaller, and the young birds are rather
yellower than the adults.

III. Where, when, and in what numbers found.

Currrcuarr.—A summer visitant, arriving in March and leaving in the autumn. It
is very generally distributed in Great Britain as far north as Ross-shire, but is
merely a straggler to the Outer Hebrides and Orkneys, and is also common in
Ireland in summer. A few winter in the South of England. Its general range is
from the Canaries to the Valley of the Volga, and north to within the Arctic Circle,
wintering in South Europe, Asia Minor, Persia, and North Africa.

Wittow-Wren.—Common and generally distributed in Great Britain and Ireland, from
April to September, but is rarer in Northern Scotland, and is a straggler to the
Orkneys and Shetland. It is found throughout Europe as far up as the North
Cape, and as far east in Asia as the Yenesei Valley, wintering in Persia, South
Europe, and Africa as far south as the Cape of Good Hope.

Woop-Wren.—F rom the middle of April to September it is fairly common, but
somewhat locally distributed in England, somewhat rarer in Wales, and found in
Scotland to Sutherland and Caithness, but is much rarer in Ireland. In Europe it
ranges from the far west to the Ural, and as far north as Southern Scandinavia,
wintering in Africa as far south as the Gold Coast.

IV. Food.

All the Leaf-Warblers are insectivorous, feeding almost entirely on the small insects
which they pick off the leaves of trees, flies, and insect larve, and they but rarely touch
berries of any description. Hence they are essentially deserving of protection, inasmuch as
they are most usefulin destroying many insects that are injurious to the farmer and gardener.

Y. Characteristics, see VII.

VI. Protection.
Wild Birds Protection Act, 1880.—These birds do not appear in the Schedule to the
Act, but have been added in the following counties and county boroughs :—

Chiffchaff, Willow-Warbler, and Wood-Warbler in Enenanp: Lancashire (except the
Hundred of Amounderness and Lonsdale south of the Sands); Buckingham ;
Rutland; East Sussex; Hastings (C.B.). Waxes: Brecon. Scornanp: Kincardine.

Chiffchaff also in Enenanp: Lancashire (remainder of County); Chester (Hundred
of Wirrall) ; Worcester ; Peterborough, Soke of; and Isle of Wight.

Willow-Warbler also in Enetanp: Barrow-in-Furness (C.B.). Scorntanp: Fife
(Tentsmuir).

Wood-Warbler also m Enentanp: Barrow-in-Furness (C.B.); Chester (Hundred of
Wiurall). Scornanp: Fife (Tentsmuir).

In these counties any owner or occupier, or other person, taking, killing, etc., any of

Ey eid

these birds during close season,* or possessing or selling one of them after 15th March, is
liable to a penalty of £1 for each bird. In all other places, anyone other than the owner or
occupier of land, or his agent, taking, killing, etc., during close season, or possessing or
selling a Warbler after 15th of March, is liable to a penalty not exceeding 5s. for each bird.

Wild Birds Protection Act, 1894.—The eggs are protected (1897) as follows :—

Chiffchaff, Willow-Warbler, and Wood-Warbler in Enananv: In the specified breeding
areas of eleven counties, and in Yorkshire (W. Riding) ; London (including
Middlesex and Metropolitan Police District). Wanes: Brecon and Pembroke.

Chiffchaff also in Enetanp: Leicester and Warwick.

Willow-Warbler also in Enenanp: Lancaster (south of the Ribble); Leicester ;
Warwick ; Worcester. Scorntanp: Fife (Tentsmuir).

Wood-Warbler also in Enexanp: Lancaster (south of the Ribble); Gloucester ;
Devon. Scornanv: Fife (Tentsmuir).

Any owner, occupier, or other person, taking or destroying the eggs of these birds in
the above places is lable to a penalty of £1 for each egg.

Wild Birds Protection Act, 1896.—In addition to any penalty under the Act of 1880,
the Court may now order any trap, net, snare, etc., used by the offender to be forfeited.

The Chiffchaff, Willow- and Wood-Warbler, are protected all the year round in the
Counties of Stafford ; Isle of Wight (except the Willow-Warbler) ; London ; Middlesex and
Essex (Metropolitan Police District and Epping, Theydon Bois, etc.) ; and in the County
Boroughs of Cardiff and Kingston-upon- Hull.

VII. Remarks.

The Leaf-Warblers are essentially woodland birds, frequenting groves, well-wooded
gardens, orchards, etc., where they may be seen flitting about amongst the foliage, continually
in motion, searching for their insect food. They often visit bushes, should their insect
food be there, but prefer the foliage of trees, both conifers and deciduous, and are seldom
seen seeking food on the ground. They either pick the insects or larve off the leaves and
branches of the trees they frequent, or capture gnats and flies on the wing, which they
do with great dexterity. The Chiffchaff may be recognized by its note chiff-chaff or chiffy-
chaffy, which is weak but shrill, and is uttered whilst the bird is hopping about amongst the
branches. The song of the Willow-Wren is simple and sweet, but not very varied, and its
call note is a soft, low whistle, not unlike the syllables weed, weed, but when alarmed or
suddenly disturbed it utters a rapid reiterated plaintive note. The alarm note of the Wood-
Wren differs little from that of the Willow-Wren, but its song differs and is clear and
sweet, consisting of the syllable chw or chit uttered several times in succession, followed by a
shivering note which is audible at a considerable distance. The Wood-Wren is a much
shyer bird than either the Chiffchaff or the Willow-Wren, and affects groves where
the trees are high, especially beech woods, and where the undergrowth is thick and
the ground is damp though not wet. All three species build domed or semi-domed
nests, which are almost invariably placed on the ground, on a_ bank, behind an
old tree stump or amongst dense grass. According to Yarrell, Doubleday found the nest of
a Chiffchaff in dead fern, at least two feet above the ground, and Hewitson mentions
an instance of the nest of the same species being built in some ivy against a garden
wall; but all the nests I have ever found were placed on the ground, usually in a somewhat

* Generally from Ist March to Ist August; but in some counties from 1s February to 1st September
in each year. A further period is obtained through the Act of 1896.

Ese

open spot. Of all three species, the nest of the Wood-Wren is most difficult to find, for it
is most carefully concealed amongst the herbage—often in a grass tussock—and the opening is
always well hidden from view. The nests of all three species are built of grass bents,
sometimes intermingled with a little moss; those of the Chiffchaff and Willow-Wren are
well lined with feathers, whereas that of the Wood-Wren is lined with fine grass bents and
a little horsehair—never with feathers. Occasionally both the Willow-Wren and the Chiffchaff
use a few hairs or wool in the lining of their nests, but feathers form invariably the main
portion of the lining. The number of eggs deposited by all these species varies from five
to seven, very rarely eight. Those of the Chiffchaff are white, somewhat sparingly spotted
and dotted with occasional small violet-grey shell-spots and deep purplish red surface
markings; whereas those of the Willow-Wren are white, more or less spotted, dotted, and
blotched with pale red, and are also, as are those of the Chiffchaff, occasionally, though rarely,
pure white, unspotted. The eggs of the Wood-Wren are white, minutely spotted and
speckled with deep purplish red spots, sometimes with a brown tinge, and here and there
marked with a few pale purplish grey underlying shell dots ; in some eggs the spots are more
numerous, and form a wreath round the larger end. In all three species the shell of the egg
is thin, and when fresh the yolk shows through.

Besides the above-mentioned three species, others have occurred as rare stragglers during
migration. Two of these—the Yellow-browed Warbler, Phylloscopus superciliosus, and
Pallas’s Willow-Warbler, Phylloscopus prorequlus—are very small, scarcely larger than
a Golden-crested Wren, and are greenish olive above and white below, the flanks yellowish.
The former may be recognized by having a broad yellowish white stripe over the eye, from
the base of the bill to the nape, and two conspicuous lemon-yellow bands across the wing ;
whereas the latter (Pallas’s Willow-Warbler) differs from the Yellow-browed Warbler in
having also a broad central yellow stripe along the crown, and a broad band of lemon-yellow
across the rump. A third species—the Greenish Willow-Warbler, Phylloscopus viridanus—
resembles the Willow-Warbler, but has the upper parts greener and the under parts less
yellow in tinge, and has a conspicuous yellowish white single bar across the wing. All three
of these rare stragglers are visitants from Hastern Russia and Siberia.

Educational Series.—No. 1.—-OWLS. No. 2.—WOODPECKERS. No. 3.—STARLING. No. 4.—
SWALLOWS. No. 5.—KINGFISHER. No. 6.—OSPREY. No.7.—DIPPERS. No. 8.—NIGHTJAR.
No. 9.—TITMICE. No. 10.—KESTREL. No. 14.—PLOVERS. No. 12.—TERNS. No. 13.—WAGTAILS.
No. 14.—CHOUGH. No. 15.—JAY. No.16.—SKUAS. No. 17. FLYCATCHERS. No. 18.—NIGHTINGALE.
No. 19.—GULLS. No. 20.—LEAF-WARBLERS. No. 24.—PIPITS. No. 22. SKYLARK.
No. 23.—GREBES. No. 24.—_COMMON BUZZARD.

Copies of the above may be obtained from the Society’s Publishing Department, Knowledge Office,
326, High Holborn, W.C., or from the Hon. Sec., Mrs. F. E. Lemon, Hillcrest, Redhill, on the following
terms :—Post free: three copies of any one number of the Series, 1d.; one dozen, 3d.; 100, 1s. 6d.
Assorted packets, one copy of any six numbers, 2d.; one copy of any twelve, or two copies of any six

numbers, 4d.; or 50 assorted numbers, 1s. Special terms for larger quantities, and to County Councils, the
Constabulary, and Schools.

The Society’s Publishing Office, Knowledge, 326, High Holborn, London, W.C, 1897.

Society for the Protection of Birds.

EDUCATIONAL SERIES. | Edited by UB. EE. DRESSER, F.L.S., F.Z.S.

No. 21.—PIPITS.

Bye ave, vit. FLUDSON, »€.M.Z.S;

TREE PIPIT.
I. Name—P|PITS.
Family—Wotacillide.
Genus—Anthus. A. pratensis. Meadow Pipit.
A. trivialis. Tree Pipit.
A. obscurus. Rock Pipit.

II.—General Description.

Meapvow Prrit.—Upper parts pale olive brown, the centre of each feather dark brown ;
the two outer tail feathers marked with white; under parts dull buffy white, with
numerous dark brown elongated spots. Length, 5; in. Hind claw longer than
toe.

Tree Prerr may be distinguished from the Meadow Pipit by its slightly warmer buflish
colour, and shorter hind claw. Length, 6 in.

Rock Pririr.—Upper parts pale olive brown, the centre of each feather dark brown ;
under parts dull ochreous white streaked with brown. Length, 6: im. Hind
claw equal to the toe in length.

III. Where, when, and in what numbers found.

The Tree Pipit isa strict migrant, and is fairly common in summer throughout England,
(except Cornwall and Wales, where it is scarce), on the open borders of woods, and wherever
trees grow on or adjacent to meadows and grass lands. In Scotland it is more local, and

Illustrations from Hudson’s “British Birds,” by kind permission of Messrs. Longmans, Green & Co.

[ 2 ]

becomes rare in the North. In Ireland it is almost unknown. The Meadow Pipit is resident,
and common in all open uncultivated places—hills, downs, moors, meadows, ete. This is the
most abundant of the Pipits, being found over the entire area of the British Islands ; but in
winter there is a partial or internal migration, the birds that inhabit the more exposed
districts moving southwards, or to more sheltered situations. The Rock Pipit is a resident,
and common on all the rocky coasts of the British Islands during the summer ; in winter it
seeks its food on the salt marshes and on the muddy shores of estuaries.

IV. Food.

Insects, worms, small molluscs, and small seeds, especially in winter. The Rock Pipit
feeds principally on marine insects, small crustaceans, etc., picked from the seaweed.

V. Characteristics.

The Pipits are small, inconspicuous, shy birds ; in colour, ash and neutral brown, spotted
and streaked with dark brown, and all have a pale stripe over the eye. They inhabit open
situations, and are earth lovers, feeding, roosting, and nesting on the ground. Their call-
note is a low plaintive cheep or peep, whence their name; and to sing they soar upwards to a

moderate height, and utter their notes during the descent. Their flight 1s swift and
undulating.

VI, Protection.

Wild Birds Protection Act, 1880.—These birds do not appear in the Schedule, but
have been added in the following counties :—

Tree Pipit.—Enetanp: Lancaster; Barrow-in-Furness (C.B.); Rutland; West Suffolk.
W arEs.—Brecon.

Meadow Pipit.—Enauanp: Lancaster; Barrow-in-Furness (C.B.) ; Chester (Hundred
of Wirrall) ; Rutland; West Suffolk ; Worcester. Scornanp: Fife (Tentsmuir).

Rock Pipit—Eneranp: Lancaster; Barrow-in-Furness (C.B.); Rutland. Wates:
Brecon. Scornanp: Berwick.

In these counties any owner or occupier, or other person, taking, killing, etc,, any of
these birds during close season,* or possessing or selling one of them after 15th March, is
liable to a penalty of £1 for each bird. In any other place, anyone other than the owner or
occupier of land, or his agent, taking, killing, etc., any Pipit during close season, or
possessing or selling a Pipit after 15th March, is liable to a penalty of 5s. for each bird.

Wild Birds Protection Act, 1894.—The eggs are protected as follows :—

All Species—Enenanp: Breeding areas in Northumberland; York (Hast Riding) ;
Cambridge; Chester; Nortolk; East Suffolk; Devon; Dorset; Essex; Kent; Isle of
Wight. And in the foilowing counties: —Wates: Pembroke. Scornanp: Orkney.

Tree Pipit—Hnatanp: Lancaster (8. of the Ribble); West Suffolk. Wanzs: Brecon.
Meadow Pipit.—Enetanp: Lancaster (S. of the Ribble); West Suffolk. Scornanp: Fife.
Rock Pipit.—Enetanp: Lancaster (S. of the Ribble); West Suffolk. Scornanp: Berwick,

In the above places any owner or occupier, or other person, taking or destroying the
eggs of these birds is liable to a penalty of £1 for each egg.

Wild Birds Protection Act, 1896.—In addition to any penalty under the Act of 1880,
the Court may now order any trap, net, snare, etc., used by the offender, to be forfeited.

* Generally from Ist March to 3lst July; but in some counties from 1st February to 3lst August in
each year. A further period may be obtained through the Act of 1896.

seal
VIT.—Remarks.

The Pipits, compared with most birds of other genera, might be described by a series ot
negatives, since they have no special grace, nor brightness, nor anything remarkable in
language and habits to distinguish them. Small, modest-coloured birdlings, shy of disposition,
passing most of their time concealed among the grass, heather, and bracken in pasture lands
and untilled or waste places, they are not familiar to our sight like the birds of the
homestead, orchard, and field, and appear to have no special attraction. Yet in some ways
they are exceedingly interesting, and are not without a charm of their own.

One striking fact concerning the Pipits is the close resemblance of one species to
another. The Linnet and Twite among Finches, and the Chiffchaff and Willow-Wren among
Leaf- Warblers, are not nearly so much alike as two
Pipits. And this likeness, which formerly made it
dificult for our ornithologists to distinguish one
from another of our British species, is not confined
to the birds of our islands. The genus, or group
(as it might be called) has an exceedingly wide
range. Indeed the Pipits are almost cosmopolitan,
since with the exception of the Polynesian sub-
region, which includes all the tropical islands of
the Pacific, they ave found in all regions of the
earth. Yet in all climates and situations they are
seen to be very much alike in size, form, colouring,
language, flight, and hfe habits. This wide dis-
tribution and strong family likeness shows that
the Pipits have existed almost without change
tor a very long period on the earth.

In appearance the Pipits are small Larks, hence

the common country name of Titlark for these birds, ROCK PIPI?.
and sometimes of Wood Lark for the Tree Pipit. a. :
The early English ornithologists described the Meadow Pipit as the Lesser Field Lark ; and
Linneus and his followers included the Pipits and Larks in the genus Alauda. But the re-
semblance is only superficial. In the more permanent characters—structure, moult, ete.—on
which our modern systems are based, the two genera are unlike; and the Pipits have been
removed from their neighbourhood to the Larks and placed alongside the Wagtails. This may
at first seem a very arbitrary arrangement; but in the study of birds, as of many another
subject, we are eventually brought, however reluctantly, to accept the truth that things are not
what they seem. In their structure Pipits and Wagtails are alike, and if we closely observejthese
two widely different birds we do perceive a faint family likeness, albeit one is so inferior in
lustre. The finer bird has undoubtedly sprung from a humble Pipit progenitor. Certain birds of
brilliant plumage and aérial habits have been called “ winged gems” and “ jewels of ornitho-
logy,” and we may regard the Pipit as the original material, the rough pebble, which in the
Wagtail has been cut to a finer shape and polished. We may see the Wagtail in the Pipit’s
slender bill and elongated form, in the pattern of his wing colour, the habit of moving his tail
up and down, and in the swift, undulating, and often erratic flight. These characters have
been intensified in the larger, brighter more volatile bird; his tail has become longer, his
music louder, more impetuous and Warbler like, and to all has been added an exquisite
fairy-like grace in his motions which is wholly his own.

Personally I have a great liking for the simple, obscure Pipit—greater than for some
finer birds. I find in his appearance a pretty quaintness which is very attractive. But I
esteem him most for his yoice, which on some spring and summer days, in certain states of
the atmosphere, produces a unique and beautiful effect. On extensive solitary moors in
Scotland and the north of England, in boggy or marshy places, and on the south downs,
especially on the Dorsetshire coast, where the Meadow Pipit is extremely abundant I have

epee

spent delightful days listening to its music. Each bird has a favourite stand, a low bush,
a stone, or clod of earth—from which at short intervals he launches himself on the air; and
rising with a repeated musical chirp to a height of fifty or sixty yards, descends slowly with
wings set and motionless, emitting the sweet notes of his simple song. At a distance the
voice is metallic; and on a warm, still day, when sound travels far in these silent solitudes,
and the widely scattered birds within hearing are many, their voices rising and falling are
like the tinkle-tinkle and chiming of small bells, with something of mystery, something
aérial and fairy-like, in their tone, producing an indescribably charming effect.

In meadows and pastures where other bird-voices are heard, especially the world-flooding
melody of the Skylark, the thin tinkle of the Meadow Pipit is little noticed.

The nest of dry grass is made on the ground, and four to six eggs are laid, greyish white
in colour, thickly spotted, and sometimes streaked at the larger end with various shades of
brown. It is the nest in which the Cuckoo most often deposits her eggs.

The Tree Pipit, although in appearance hardly to be distinguished from the last species,
differs greatly from it in its song, as well as in its habit of perching on trees. There is no
doubt that on their return to this country in spring these birds all repair to their old haunts
to breed ; a favourite spot being where large trees grow singly or in groups on or close to
the grassland, where they find their food and build their nests. Like the Wood Lark, the
Tree Pipit has a favourite tree to perch on; and to sing he soars up to a moderate height,
and, descending, pours out his various notes, throaty or clear, and long Canary-like trills,
the song concluding with one very sweet languishing note, repeated several times.

In its nesting habits this species closely resembles the Meadow Pipit. The same
number of eggs, too, are laid, usually dull white is colour, spotted with brown, grey, and
purple; but in colour and markings they vary greatly.

The Rock Pipit is an inhabitant of the rocky coasts, and is the only singing bird found
exclusively in such places. In his song, and manner of uttering it when gliding downwards
through the air, he closely resembles the Meadow Pipit; but he does not rise so high, and
the voice is perhaps inferior.

The nest, composed of moss, bents, and scraps of seaweed, is built in a hole or crevice in
the rocks ; four or five eggs are laid, pale bluish in ground colour, thickly mottled with
greyish brown or reddish brown.

Besides the three described, four other species of Pipits have been included among the
casual visitors to the British Islands. These are the Red-throated Pipit (A. cervinus) ;
the Tawny Pipit (A. campestris); Richard’s Pipit (A. Richardi), and the Water Pipit
(A. spipoletta).

Educational Series.—No. 1.—OWLS. No. 2.—WOODPECKERS. No. 3.—STARLING. No. 4.—
SWALLOWS. No. 5.—KINGFISHER. No. 6.—OSPREY. No. 7.—DIPPERS. No. 8.—NIGHTJAR.
No. 9.—TITMICE. No.10.—KESTREL. No. 14.—PLOYERS. No.12.—_TERNS. No. 13.—WAGTAILS.
No. 14.—CHOUGH. No.15.—JAY. No.16.—SKUAS. No.17.—FLYCATCHERS. No.18.—NIGHTINGALE.
No. 19.—GULLS. No. 20.—LEAF-WARBLERS. No. 24.—PIPITS. No. 22.—SKYLARK.
No. 23.—GREBES. No. 24.—COMMON BUZZARD.

Copies of the above may be obtained from the Society’s Publishing Department, Knowledge Office,
326, High Holborn, W.C., or from the Hon. Sec., Mrs. F. E. Lemon, Hillcrest, Redhill, on the following
terms:—Post free: three copies of any one number of the Series, 1d.; one dozen, 3d.; 100, 1s. 6d.
Assorted packets, one copy of any six numbers, 2d.; one copy of any twelve, or two copies of any six
numbers, 4d.; or 50 assorted numbers, 1s. Special terms for larger quantities, and to County Councils, the
Constabulary, and Schools.

The Society’s Publishing Office, Knowledge, 326, High Holborn, London, W.C. 1897.

Society for the Protection of Birds.

EDUCATIONAL SERIES. Edited by H. E. DRESSER, F.L.S., F.Z.S.

No. 22.—SKYLARK. |

by -ELORENCE ’ ANNA) FULCHER.

SKYLARK.

I. Name—_SKYLARK.

Family—Alaudide.

Genus—Alauda arvensis.

II, General Description.

Upper parts varied with three shades of brown, the darkest of which lies along the
shaft of each feather; a faint whitish streak over the eye; throat white; under parts
yellowish white tinged with brown; the throat and sides of neck with dark brown lanceolate
spots, which form a gorget just above the breast. Length 7} inches (W. H. Hudson).

Illustration, by kind permission of Messrs. Gurney & Jackson, from “ Manual of British Birds,” by
Mr. Howard Saunders.

eae
III. Where, when, and in what numbers found.

Universally and plentifully distributed over all open lands in the United Kingdom
throughout the year, chiefly preferring the farm districts in the breeding season. It almost
deserts its extreme northern haunts in winter, but repairs to high lands in the midland and
southern counties.

IV. Food.

A certain amount of grain, a large number of seeds of injurious weeds, an enormous
quantity of grubs and insects, and the green leaves of a few small plants.

VY. Characteristics.

Soaring and singing are perhaps the principal characteristics of the Skylark as known in
field, in song, and in story, but these are chiefly signs of spring and summer. Later in the
year Skylarks spend most of their time running about in search of seeds and insects in the
long grass and ripening corn. In autumn they “ pack,” and patrol the open fields in large
companies. In winter these same flocks, with the migrants that have joined them, drift to
and fro in search of food, and, unlike the custom of most small birds in winter, frequent
high ground.

VI. Protection.

Wild Birds Protection Act, 1880.—This bird did not appear in the Schedule, but was
added by the Act of 1881, which applies to every county in England, Scotland, and Ireland.

Any owner, occupier, or other person taking, killing, etc..a Skylark during the close
season,* or possessing or selling a Skylark after March 15th, is liable to a penalty of £1 for
each bird.

Wild Birds Protection Act, 1894.—The eggs are protected at present (1898) in the
specified breeding areas and the following counties :—

Enatanp.—-Lancaster (south of the Ribble); London (including Middlesex and
Metropolitan Police District).

Scornanp.—Aberdeen ; Berwick ; Elgin; Fife (Tentsmuir); Haddington ; Kirkcudbright ;
Midlothian ; and Wigtown.

Any owner, occupier, or other person taking or destroying the eggs of the Skylark in
either of the above-named counties or specified areas is liable to a fine of £1 for each egg.

Wild Birds Protection Act, 1896.—In addition to any penalty under the Act of 1880,
the Court may now order any trap, net, snare, etc., used by the offender to be forfeited.

* Generally from 1st March to Ist August; but in some counties from 1st February to 1st September in
each year. A further period is obtainable through the Act of 1896.

ted

The Skylark is protected all the year round in the counties of Exsex (part), London,

Middlesex, and in the county boroughs of Kingston-upon-Hull, Middlesborough, South
Shields, and Cardiff.

VII. Remarks.

There are still Larks at heaven’s gate singing! Judging by the ordinary laws of
probability the English Skylark ought long ago to have gained the distinction that belongs
to the Dodo and the Great Auk, for the Lark abides in the midst of foes. Day by day
all through the winter the birdeatchers are at work to supply the demand for caged Larks.
The birds caught by day form, however, but an inconsiderable proportion of the total number
netted and trapped ; by far the greater mass of the birds that are sent in sackloads to all
the great markets for table purposes, as well as the thousands that are sold alive, are taken
at night while they are roosting on the ground. They are then caught by hundreds at a
time, by means of nets dragged over the grass. The sale for these little birds is inconceivably
large ; hundreds of thousands find their way yearly to the poultry markets; others are sold
for the sake of their wing feathers, which are dyed to counterfeit those of tropical species ;
and many live birds find purchasers among the lowest classes in great towns, who keep birds
for the degrading practices of betting on their respective powers of song, and of letting them
fly at shooting matches.

It was stated in a London newspaper in March, 1891, that the London markets alone
were at that time receiving more than forty thousand Larks daily, which arrived at Leaden-
hall Market in sacks, and were sold to the poulterers by bushel measure. The number of
Larks taken for the feather market and trade in live birds is probably as great.

Tt is obvious that this cannot contimue indefinitely. Notwithstanding the extraordinary
pertinacity with which birds continue to people a district which suits them, against many
and great odds (in the case before us filling up thinned ranks with birds bred in the vast
nurseries of Scandinavia), extermination must eventually follow such methods ; but there is
still time to avoid such a catastrophe. There are still flocks of native Larks patrolling
English fields, when their migrant brothers from far northern lands are dropped like
feathers from the wings of the autumn wind; there are still English Larks building their
round grassy nests and laying their four or five grey eggs in almost every English field.
Let us consider, ere it be too late, if it be worth while to avert this threatened loss. It ig
not from a sentimental point of view only that the question of protection for the birds must be
approached, even by those who value them as one of nature’s best modes of expressing
poetic thought and beauty, and something more that we can neither name nor fathom.
Let this pass, therefore, and let us consider how the little creature that sings at heaven’s
gate is hard at work at earth’s portal.

The economic value of insectivorous birds is untold, and it is for its work in this direction

eects

during the winter that the Lark is so precious. In the summer its work is shared by many,
but as winter draws near and the summer migrants desert, the task of catching the
metamorphic insect devolves upon those species of birds that winter here. Rook, plover,
thrush, and lark are invaluable then, for when the leaves have fallen and the fruit is stored,
in the grass insect life is still abounding, and in its most dangerous form. Hidden in the
tussocks of grass, or lightly covered by a thin layer of earth, myriads of insects are wintering,
most of them in the second or larval stage of their destructive lives, and most voracious.
Caterpillars, grubs, and maggots have abnormal appetites ; their greed is insatiable, and they
seem capable of devouring a mass of food out of all proportion to their bodies. They also
reach the maximum of mischief by other devices, for as well as developing this unconscionably
gross manner of feeding, they learn to worm their evil way into the very vitals of the plants
they attack. Some remain there for a few hours, some for weeks or months, while others
maintain their coign of vantage for several years, among the latter the wireworm being
notorious. It is to the grass-haunting birds that we must chiefly look to destroy insects at
this dangerous stage; the field birds, among which the Lark, though small in stature, is not
least, render incalculable service then.

When the crops of Larks are opened they are often found to contain wheat, but the
seeds of noxious weeds also discovered make handsome amends for that; and the proportion
of vegetable matter, both lawful and contraband, is small compared to the mass of grubs,
caterpillars, chrysalises, as well as fully developed insects, nearly all more or less destructive,
that the birds are found to have eaten. Such a tale points its own moral.

The Lark arising from its dewy bed to hymn the morning sun has won the title of
Alauda—bird of song; arvensis it earns by its care of field and fallow. Surely we have for
it a word of praise and a little care to save its frail life from destruction.

Educational Series.—No. 1—OWLS. No. 2—WOODPECKERS. No. 3.—STARLING. No. 4.—
SWALLOWS. No. 5.—KINGFISHER. No. 6.—OSPREY. No. 7.—_DIPPERS. No. 8.—NIGHTJAR.
No. 9.—TITMICE. No.10.—KESTREL. No.11.—PLOVERS. No.12.—TERNS. No. 13.—WAGTAILS.
No. 14.—CHOUGH. No.15.—JAY. No.16.—SKUAS. No.17.—FLYCATCHERS. No. 18.—NIGHTINGALE.
No. 19.—GULLS. No. 20.—LEAF-WARBLERS. No. 21.—PIPITS. No. 22.—SKYLARK.
No. 23.—GREBES. No. 24.—COMMON BUZZARD.

Copies of the above may be obtained from the Society’s Publishing Department, Knowledge Office,
326, High Holborn, W.C., or from the Hon. Sec., Mrs. F. E. Lemon, Hillcrest, Redhill, on the following
terms:—Post free: three copies of any one number of the Series, 1d.: one dozen, 3d.; 100, 1s. 6d.
Assorted packets, one copy of any six numbers, 2d.; one copy of any twelve, or two copies of any six numbers,
4d.; or 50 assorted numbers, 1s, Special terms for larger quantities, and to County Councils, the Constabulary,
and Schools.

The Society’s Publishing Office, Knowledge, 826, High Holborn, London, W.C. 1897.

Society for the Protection of Birds.

EDUCATIONAL SERIES. + | Edited by H. E. DRESSER, F.L:S., F.Z.S.

——

No. 23.--GREBES.

Bye JOEUIN Kk. Bs MASEFIELD, M.A,
Vice-President North Staffordshire Field Club.

“The Great Crested Grebe is the greatest ornithological ornament of our county.’—McAldowie, “ Birds
of Staffordshire.”

CRESTED GREBE.

I. Name—_GREBES.
Family—Podicipedide.
Genus—Podiceps. P. cristatus. Great Crested Grebe.
P. griseigena. Red-necked Grebe,
P, auritus. Sclavonian Grebe.

P, nigricollis. Eared Grebe,
P. fluviatilis. Little Grebe.

II. General Description.

Great Crestep Grese.—Crown and crest dark brown; tippet chestnut, blackish at
the margin ; upper parts dark brown; secondaries and carpals, white ; under parts
satiny white ; bill, dark above, reddish horn at the sides; irides red. Total length,
22 inches; wing, 8 inches. Female rather smaller, the crest and tippet less developed.
Young striped above, white below,

Rep-NECKED GreBe.—Distinguished from the Great Crested Grebe by the neck in front
and upper portion of the breast being chestnut-red, by its rather smaller size and
shorter crest. Cheeks and throat, greyish blue; crown and crest, dark greenish
black. Length, 16} inches; wing, 7 inches.

ScLAVONIAN GreBE.—Crown, forehead, chin, and tippet, black; a tuft of chestnut on
each side of the head; neck, breast, and flanks, chestnut ; under parts, satiny white.
Female smaller, with the head ornaments less developed. Length, 1385 inches;

wing, 54 inches.

Tlustration, by kind permission of Messrs. Gurney & Jackson, from “ Manual of British Birds,” by
Mr. Howard Saunders.

[ 2 ]

Earep QGrese.—This Grebe is easily distinguished from the Sclavonian Grebe by the
bill being gradually turned upwards to the tip, and also by the throat and upper
part of breast being black instead of chestnut. Length, 12 inches; wing, 5 inches.

Lirrte Grepr.—in summer the adult has the head, neck, and upper parts dark brown;
throat and sides of neck and head, chestnut; chin, black; under parts, white ;
flanks, dusky; bill-horn, yellowish at gape ; iris, reddish brown ; legs, dull green.
Length, 94 inches; wing, 4¢ inches. In winter much paler, and the head and
neck are brown; the chin, white. The young are dark brown, streaked with

yellowish brown.

III. Where, when, and in what numbers found.

Tae Great Crestep Gresr.—This bird, more generally called “ Loon” or “ Diver,” is
mostly a summer visitant, especially on meres, large pools, and reservoirs in
Staffordshire, Cheshire, Shropshire, and Yorkshire, the Broads of Norfolk and
Suffolk, and the Lakes of Wales; but it frequently remains as a resident during
the winter, unless driven away by frost and ice, when it migrates to the larger
rivers and estuaries, and the sea coast. In winter it is met with on the east coast ;
in the North it becomes rarer, and is of rare occurrence in Scotland. In Ireland
this bird is not uncommon on some of the larger lakes, where it breeds.

Rep-NECKED Grese.—A winter visitant to our east and north-east coasts, and in
severe winters in some numbers. In Scotland it is not uncommon on the east
coast, and is very rare in Ireland.

Sciavontan Grese.—A winter and spring visitant to our east and north-east coasts,
and more frequently observed up the east coast of Scotland. Occasionally in
Treland.

Earev Grese.—A very rare and accidental visitant to the British Isles on spring and
autumn migration.

Lirrte Gresre.—More generally known as the “ Dabchick” or “ Jack Doucker.’’ This
is the commonest of our Grebes, and resident on most lakes, meres, ponds, and reedy
streams in England, Scotland, and Ireland. When frozen out it migrates to the
swifter streams, rivers, and estuaries.

IV.—Food.

The food of all the Grebes consists of small fish, young fry, water imsects and their
larvee, tadpoles and young frogs, water snails, and the seeds and tender shoots of water
weeds. When on the coast, marine crustacea. or fish, and molluses, form the principal
food. A Norfolk naturalist has truly said: ‘‘ No perceptible injury is done by these
birds, and nobody insinuates there is, and their beauty and appropriateness to Broad-
land amply atones for what they may devour.” In the destruction of insects and seeds of
water weeds they undoubtedly render a great service to man.

VY. Characteristics.

Undoubtedly the chief characteristics of the Grebes is their wonderful power of diving,
for which they are so specially formed, both on the approach of danger, and also when in
search of food, and on this power they seem to rely for preservation. When alarmed, the
Great Crested Grebe instinctively sinks its body underneath the surface of the water, leaving
only the head and neck or part of the neck above. If further alarmed the bird at once dives,
appearing again at a distance of 50 or 100 yards, and continues this operation until it feels at
a sate distance away. This habit is unfortunately sometimes taken advantage of by gunners,
who row down the bird by means of a boat until it is exhausted, and comes within range and
is shot. The Little Grebe when in danger instantly dives, and so quickly can this be done that
the little bird frequently escaped between the flash and the deadly shot of the old flint gun. On
coming to the surface with scarcely a ripple, the dive is repeated, and the bird takes advantage
of a water-lily or other aquatic leaf under which to conceal itself, with the beak only above the

ease a!

surface of the water and underneath the leaf, to enable the bird to breathe. Another
characteristic of the Grebes is their apparent unwillingness to take wing or to come upon
land. At the same time their power of flight is undoubted by reason of their migration, and
of the sudden appearance of some of the species on pools and lakes many miles from any
other water. When flying the Grebe strongly resembles a duck. The Great Crested Grebe
forms a somewhat substantial floating mass of water weeds, rushes, reeds, dead sticks, and
aquatic plants on which to nest among the reeds. The eggs are four to five in number, chalky
white when laid, but soon becoming mud-stained
and discoloured by the decaying vegetable
matter composing the nest. On being dis-
turbed from off the nest the hen bird with her
beak hurriedly covers over the eggs with weed,
especially after the full complement of eggs
is laid. The young take to the water almost
as soon as they are hatched. The Little Grebe
nests amongst the weeds, and often in very
exposed situations, apparently trusting to the
resemblance of the nest (which is entirely
composed of floating water weeds) to its
surroundings to escape notice. This little
bird also covers over its eggs when leaving the
nest. The eggs are five to six in number, dead
white when laid, but they soon become stained
a muddy colour. On approach of danger the LITTLE GREBE.

hen bird frequently takes her young under

her wing and dives, taking them with her to a place of safety. There is no conclusive
evidence of the three rarer species of Grebe ever having bred in this country.

VI. Protection.

Wild Birds Protection Act, 1880.—All the Grebes are included in the schedule,
which applies to every county in England, Scotland, and Ireland. Any owner,
occupier, or other person, taking, killing, etc., a Grebe during the close season,* or
possessing or selling a Grebe after the 15th of March, is liable to a penalty of £1
for each bird.

Wild Birds Protection Act, 1894.—The eggs of the Grebes are protected in the
following counties and county boroughs :—

Grebes of all Species.—Encianp.—Northumberland, Holy Island; +York, Hast
Riding; York, West Riding; Huddersfield; Cambridge; +Chester ; +Norfolk ;
+East Suffolk; West Suffolk; +Devon; +Hssex; Herts (not within M.P.D.); Kent;
tIsle of Wight; and +East Sussex.

Scornanp.— Orkney.
IrELAND.—Roscommon.

Great Crested Grebe also in— Enauanp.—Leicester; Norfolk; Stafford ;

Salop ; Worcester ; East Sussex ; and Hastings.
Scornanp.—Dumtfries ; Fife; Kincardine ; Kirkcudbright; Peebles ; Perth ;
Stirling ; Wigtown.
Sclavonian Grebe also in—Eneianp.-— Worcester.
Little Grebe also in—Eneaianp.—Leicester ; Worcester ; Dorset.
Wates.—Pembroke.
Scottanp.—}Argyll; Dumbarton; Fife; Lanark; and Stirling.

* Generally from 1st March to 31st July, but the close season has been extended in many counties, and
in several extends fo the whole year, affording these birds absolute protection all the ) ear round.
+ Indicates that only in a specified area in the county are the eggs protected.

Illustration by kind permission of Messrs. Longmans, Green, & Co., from “ British Birds,” by
W. H. Hudson, C.M.ZS.

[Yao

Any owner, occupier, or other person, taking or destroying the eggs of these birds in
the above places is liable to a penalty of £1 for each egg. ;
Wild Birds Protection Act, 1896.—In addition to any penalty under the Act of 1880,
ae pus may now order any trap, net, snare, etc., used by the offender, to be
orfeited.

The Great Crested Grebe and the Little Grebe are both protected all the year round in
the County of Stafford, and the Little Grebe in East Sussex ; and Hastings (C.B.).

VII. Remarks.

How lifeless would be our lakes, meres, and broads—and in fact all our inland sheets of
water—without their bird life! With what pleasure do we always point out the Coot, the
Water Hen, the Wild Duck, and the elegant and ornamental Grebes, swimming upon the
water, often attended by their brood of young. And yet, that tyrant, “fashion,” has
greatly diminished the numbers of these birds, and travelling round, as fashion does, in
cycles of years, it is once more taking a deadly toll of these poor birds. The beautiful soft
and silky texture of the breast feathers of the Grebes has once more caused woman’s love of
novelty to select these skins as trimmings for her dress, with the result that during the last
two or three years hundreds of thousands of Grebes have been sacrificed to the goddess
Fashion, and their young, probably, left to perish by a slow, lingering death of starvation,
the feathers of birds being in their brightest sheen during the nesting season. Most of these
Grebe skins have been supplied from Russia and the North of Europe, and North America,
the principal homes of the Grebes ; but our own native birds have, no doubt, also been called
upon to provide their share to meet fashion’s remorseless demand. Thanks to some of our
County Councillors, some protection is now afforded to these birds, but we do appeal
to woman’s better feelings and better nature, as well as to her well-known tender heart, to do
all in her power (and women really have it in their power to put a stop to this senseless and
cruel fashion) to allow us to still have the pleasure of admiring our native birds in their
natural freedom. One word, too, to the owners of inland sheets of water where our
Grebes are found, as to preserving them as sanctuaries for these birds, their eggs and
young, so that they may afford a pleasure not only to the proprietors themselves,
but also to all lovers of nature. The quotation from Dr. McAldowie at the heading
of this pamphlet is a truth which every landowner should bear in mind; for if once these
birds are shot, or driven away by persecution, they cannot be reintroduced, as many other
wildfowl may be, by man, and “a thing of beauty” which “ is a joy for ever” will be lost for
ever, as is already the case with the Crane, the Egret, the Avocet, the Spoonbill, and so
many more of those beautiful birds which were once ornithological ornaments of our inland
waters.

Educational Series.—No. 1.—-OWLS. No. 2.—WOODPECKERS. No. 3.—STARLING. No. 4.—
SWALLOWS. No. 5.—KINGFISHER. No. 6.—OSPREY. No. 7.—DIPPERS. No. 8.—-NIGHTJAR.
No. 9.—TITMICE. No. 10.—KESTREL. No. 114.—PLOVERS. No. 12.—TERNS. No. 13.—WAGTAILS.
No. 14.—CHOUGH. No. 15. JAY. No.16.—SKUAS. No.17.—FLYCATCHERS. No. 18.—NIGHTINGALE.
No. 19.—GULLS. No. 20.--LEAF-WARBLERS. No. 21.—PIPITS. No. 22.—SKYLARK.
No. 23.—GREBES. No. 24.—COMMON BUZZARD.

Copies of the above may be obtained from the Society’s Publishing Department, Knowledge Office,
326, High Holborn, W.C., or from the Hon. Sec., Mrs. F. E. Lemon, Hillcrest, Redhill, on the following
terms :—Post free: three copies of any one number of the Series, 1d.; one dozen, 3d.; 100, 1s. 6d.
Assorted packets, one copy of any six numbers, 2d.; one copy of any twelve, or two copies of any six
numbers, 4d.; or 50 assorted numbers, 1s. Special terms for larger quantities, and to County Councils, the
Constabulary, and Schools.

The Society’s Publishing Office, Knowledge, 326, High Holborn, London, W.C. 1897.

Society for the Irotection of Birds.

EDUCATIONAL SERIES. Edited by H. E. DRESSER, F.L.S., F.Z.S.

No. 24.—COMMON BUZZARD.

Byosivev, “Eh A;-MACPILERSON, MAC;

Author of “ A History of Fowling,” “The Fauna of Lakeland,” etc., Joint-Author of the
“Fur and Feather Series,” etc.

COMMON BUZZARD,

I. Nuame—-COMMON BUZZARD.

Family—Falconide.
Common Buzzard, Glede, Shreak.

Genus.—Buteo. Buteo vulgaris.

II. General Description.

Buzzards vary immensely in individual coloration. The British species varies more
than any of its numerous allies. The nestling is at first covered with white down,
which is replaced by a lighter or darker phase of plumage, as the case may be.

The commonest form has the feathers of the upper parts dark brown, the back,
The feathers of the lower

secondaries, and wing-coverts edged with chestnut.
parts are dark brown clouded with buff. The amount of rufous in the tail

Illustration by kind permission of Messrs. Longmans, Green, & Co., from “British Birds,” by
W. H. Hudson.

ail

varies. Three fine adults in the Carlisle Museum agree in having the upper
parts dark brown, but differ widely as to the colour of the feathers of the
breast. The first bas the throat and breast buff, varied with bold black blotches.
The second has the breast dark brown, but the rest of the lower parts are warm
buff, with dark arrow-shaped markings. A third has the entire under-surface dark
brown, blotched and barred with buff. White and black varieties are of rare
occurrence.

III. Where, when, and in what numbers found.

This Buzzard is resident in most parts of temperate Europe. It is replaced in the
extreme North by the Rough-legged Buzzard (Archibuteo lagopus), easily recognised in the
hand by its feathered legs. The range of the Common Buzzard is regulated by the
abundance or scarcity of the small mammals which form its chief means of subsistence. We
found it a common bird in Spain, in France and Germany, principally in forest districts. It
formerly resided in all the wooded counties of England, and that long before man appeared
upon the scene. Its bones have heen disinterred from a cave in the Lake district, along with
those of the wolf and many other wild animals. Centuries of persecution have compelled our
British Buzzards to desert the forest wilds which in earlier days contained the bulky nests of
their race, and to rear their broods upon the shelves of dizzy precipices. At the present time
the Buzzard is tolerably numerous in Scotland and the West of England, but is relatively
scarce in Ireland.

IV. Food.

The idea that every hawk preys upon winged game is a fallacy. The Buzzard does not
subsist upon birds at any season. Its diet is perfectly well known. It feeds largely on dead
deer, and on the sheep which fall over the rocks. Inthe absence of carrion, the Buzzard
feeds principally upon field voles and small rabbits. It also consumes rats, water voles, long-
tailed field mice, and other small quadrupeds. The Buzzards which we skinned in Spain had
their stomachs crammed with wall lizards (Lacerta muralis). Beetles and other insects are
also included in the Buzzard’s menu.

V. Characteristics.

The Buzzard is in popular parlance a big, slow-winged, brown hawk, devoid of the
dashing character which marks the nobler Falcons. It never quarters the ground like a
Harrier, but either perches sluggishly upon the branch of som2 small tree upon the face of a
broken ‘cliff, or slowly circles ‘round at a great height in the air. Its presence is nearly
always announced, even when the bird is flying thr ough the mountain mist, by the reiteration
of its loud and melancholy ery.

VI. Protection.

Wild Birds Act, 1880.—This bird does not appear in the Schedule, but has been
added in the following Counties :—

Ena@tanp :—Cumberland; Durham; Lancaster; York (West Riding); Bedford;
Buckingham ; Lincoln (Kesteven and Lindsey) ; Northampton ; Soke of Peterborough;
Rutland ; West Suffolk; Devon; Hertford; Kent ; Metropolitan Police District
(including London and Middlesex) ; Somerset ; East Sussex ; Wiltshire ; and the County
Boroughs of Barrow-in-Furness ; Huddersfield ; Hastings.

WaALEs :— Pembroke.

ease

Scornanp:—Banff; Dumfries; Elgin; Fife (Tentsmuir); Kirkcudbright; Peebles ;
Roxburgh; Selkirk; Sutherland; Wigtown.

In these counties any owner, occupier, or other person taking, killing, etc., a Buzzard
during close season,* or possessing or selling a Buzzard after 15th March, is lable to a
penalty of £1 for each bird.

Wild Birds Act, 1894.—Its eggs are protected at present in the following counties :+—

Enauanp:—Cumberland; Durham; Lancaster; Westmoreland: +York (East
Riding); York (West Riding); Bedford; Gloucester; Leicester ; Lincoln ; (Kesteven and
Lindsey) ; Norfolk; Northampton; Soke of Peterborough; Stafford; Hast Suffolk ;
West Suffolk; Warwick; Devon; +Ess2x; Hertford; Kent; Metropolitan Police
District (including London and Middlesex) ; Southampton; Hast Sussex ; and County
Boroughs of Barrow-in-Furness; Huddersfield; Hastings.

Wa tes :—Brecon.

Scornanp :—Banff; Dumfries; Elgin; Fife (Tentsmuir) ; Kincardine; Kirkcud-
bright ; Peebles ; Roxburgh ; Selkirk; Sutherland ; Wigtown.

Any owner, occupier, or other person, taking or destroying a Buzzard’s egg in these
counties is liable to a fine of £1 for each egg.

Wild Birds Act, 1896.—In addition to any penalty under the Act of 1880, the
Court may now order any trap, net, snare, etc., used by the offender to be forfeited.

The Buzzard is protected throughout the whole year in the Counties of Gloucester ;
Devon; Essex (part); London; Middlesex; East Sussex; Flint; and the County
Boroughs of Kingston-upon-Hull; Hastings; Cardiff.

VII. Remarks.

The protection of the larger birds of prey can rarely be secured, except through the
forbearance of those who, as large owners of land, are most keenly interested in
preserving game. The sportsman who pays exorbitant rates upon the supposed sporting value
of his estate, and who has further to prevent his game from being exterminated by maintaining
a costly staff of keepers and watchers, has it greatly in his power to decide whether the
Buzzard and other rapacious birds should be allowed to increase and multiply upon his estate.
If, then, it could be proved that the Buzzard habitually destroyed game, reason is that we should
throw up the brief which we hold for its defence. But happily the Buzzard does not destroy
game; on the contrary, all our experience goes to prove the facts laid bare in the stomachs
of the Buzzards which we have personally dissected (there is all the difference in the world
between the mere compiler and the man who writes from a wide knowledge of substantial
facts), that the Buzzard lives on small but harmful mimmals, and on carrion. Of course
the Buzzard kills rabbits, principally small ones, when it can get them; but this is in its
favour. Rabbits do immense harm to sheep pasture, not only because they eat a quantity of
grass during the spring months when food is scarce, but also by defiling the pasturage,
which sheep refuse to eat in consequence. The short-tailed fieldmouse or yole is most
injurious to hill pastures, and would multiply enormously were it not for the exertions of
Buzzards, Kestrels, and Owls. The Buzzard is a friend to the farmer, and well worth
encouraging on that score. But there is yet another reason why the hand of the destroyer
should be arrested, before he fixes the iron gin to trap the harmless and useful Buzzard.
Much of our wildest and most beautiful scenery would seem cold and lifeless, were it not for

* Generally from 1st March to 31st July, but in some counties from Ist February to 31st August in
each year. A further period may be obtained through the Act of 1896, as in Middlesex.

+ In counties marked thus there is a specified area within which protection is granted.

[ 4°]

the presence of the shy creatures which, driven from more sheltered asylums, seek to continue
their race among beetling scaurs and desolate uplands. The Buzzard—where does she nestle
upon her prettily blotched eggs? Far away among the shadows of the pathless hills, where
the muirfowl crows unheeded, where the red deer hinds file along the mountain side, and
the fox creeps through the loose screes, intent upon surprising the blue hare that
crouches in the heather in short-lived security. The male Buzzard sweeps through the
adjacent strath, or challenges his mate to soar aloft in his company, circling round with
the least possible expenditure of exertion. When one of a pair is killed, the survivor
wails in loneliness among the passes of the hills until time heals its sorrow by
providing a new mate. Day after day the freshly united couple may be seen hunting in
company, but they will most likely defer further nesting plans to another spring. If they
succeed in escaping the tender attentions of the inveterate egg-collector, you may enjoy
the evolutions of the whole family, until the approach of autumn tempts the young
birds to wander to fresh districts. But the old birds will remain year after year in their
accustomed haunts, nesting in one or other of their ancestral eyries ; and at other times coming
in to roost just before dusk in their favourite niches among the crags. A wild, free life is
that of the Buzzard, ever gliding through the air in easy circles, or poised upon the projecting
pinnacle of some sea-washed precipice. Why should the charm of its fine presence be with-
drawn from the mountain or the lonely island-shore, seeing that it is.harmless to game, and a
friend to the hard-pressed agriculturist ? Game preservers have nothing to gain by effecting
or permitting its extermination. The world is the poorer for every Buzzard that yields up
its innocent life in the keeper’s trap.

Nore.—How fully the utility of the Buzzard is understood in Germany is evidenced by
the title it bears, ‘‘ Der Mause Bussard”’: anglice, the Mouse Buzzard.—Ep.

EDUCATIONAL SERIES.

Edited by H. E. DRESSER, F.L.S., F.Z.S.,

PART I. PARMelLe
1. OWLS, by Monracu SHARPE, J.P., D.L. 12, TERNS, by THoMas SOUTHWELL, F.Z.S.
- WOODP RS. i eeRT aa 13. WAGTAILS, by WarDE Fow_Ler, M.A.
eee eos ce SA SETEREERT MARWELL, 14. CHOUGH, by J. A. HarviE-Brown, F.R.S.E.,
“LDisegea EiZSs
3. STARLING, by O. V. ApLin, F.L.S.,M.B.O.U. 15. JAY, by Joun CorDEAUX, M.B.O.U. *
4. SWALLOWS, by THomAs SOUTHWELL, F.Z.S. 16. SKUAS, by T. E. BUCKLEY, M.A., F.Z.S.
. KINGFISHER, by Str Epw G 4 17. FLYCATCHERS, by J. R. B. MASEFIELD, M.A.
: Vast pee er are 18. NIGHTINGALE, by J. H. ALicurn, Bentlif

Curator, Maidstone Museum.
19. GULLS, by HowarD SAUNDERS, F.L.S., F.Z.S.

6. OSPREY, by J. A. HArvig-Brown, F.R.S.E.,
B.Z.S. 20, LEAF-WARBLERS, by H. E. Dresser, F.L.S.,

7. DIPPERS, by W. Lock MELLERSH, B.A. ZS
8. NIGHTJAR, by Monracu Suarpt, J.P., D.L. 21. PIPES, oF ee laa C.M.Z.S.
_ TITMI : a 22. SKYLARK, by FLORENCE ANNA FULCHER.
9 eyed DupeuNey BURION MPs 23, GREBES, by J. R. B. MAsEFIELD, M.A.
10. , by Rev. J. E. Ketsauy, M.A. 24. COMMON BUZZARD, by Rev. H. A. Mac-
11. PLOVERS, by JosepH A. PrEAss, M.P. PHERSON, M.A.

Wild Birds Protection Acts and Orders, 1880 to 1896, with Explanatory Notes, and Supplement by F. E.
Lemon, MA,LL.B. Price 2d. Either part separately, 1d. each.

Copies of the above Series may be had from the Society’s Publishing Department, Anowledge Office,
326, High Holborn, W.C., or from the Hon. Sec., Mrs, F. E. Lemon, Hillcrest, Redhill, on the following
Terms :—Post Free: 3 copies of any one number of the series, 1d.; 1 Dozen, 3d.; I00, 1s. 6d. Assorted
Packets : 1 copy of any six numbers, 2d. ; 1 copy of any twelve, of 2 Copies of any six numbers, 44d. ; or fifty
assorted numbers, 1s. Parts 1 and 2 (in covers), 1s. each.

Special Terms for Larger Quantities, and to County Councils, the Constabulary, Schools, and Educational Bodies.

FEBRUARY, 1898.

The Society’s Publishing Office, Knowledge, 326, High Holborn, London, W.C.

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