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iets

A CATALOGUE

THE BIRDS

NORTHUMBERLAND AND DURHAM.
BY JOHN HANCOCK.

WITH FOURTEEN PHOTOGRAPHIC COPPER-PLATES, FROM

DRAWINGS BY THE AUTHOR.

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INTRODUCTION.

In the ‘‘ Transactions of tHE Naturat Hisrory Socrery oF
NortHumBertanDd, Durnam, ann Nerwcastie-upon-Tyne,” the
late Prideaux John Selby, Esq., of Twizell, published a cata-
logue of the birds of the two Northern Counties: this appeared
in 1831. Up to that time no list, of any authority, of the birds
of this district, had been published.

Wallis, indeed, in his ‘‘ Natural History and Antiquities of
Northumberland,” published in 1769, had given a very imper-
fect list of the birds of that county, in which fifty species are
enumerated. This author states that he ‘‘might name other
migratory Lissipedes, as the Woodcock, etc., but as they are
common I pass on to the Palmipedes.”” It is therefore evident
that his object was to record only the rarer or more remarkable
species.

No other list was made for nearly half a century, when in
the History of Hartlepool, by Sir Cuthbert Sharp, published in
1816, there appeared a ‘‘ List of birds observed at Hartlepool.”
This list contains sixty-eight species.

A more important and extensive catalogue of the birds “ fre-
quenting the country near Stockton” appeared in 1827. This
was drawn up by the late John Hogg, Esq., of Norton, and
published in his ‘‘ Natural History of the Vicinity of Stockton.’
It also appeared as an appendix to Brewster’s history of that
town; and, although prepared with considerable care, is very
incomplete. It includes one hundred and twenty-six species, but
nothing of remarkable interest, with the exception of the Gol-
den HKagle. This name, however, is evidently a mistake, as the
measurements which are given prove it to have been, without
doubt, the White-tailed or Sea-Hagle.

vi INTRODUCTION.

Mr. Selby’s catalogue includes all the birds of the two coun-
ties that were known up to the time of its publication, and was
a step far in advance of what had previously been done. But
since its publication upwards of forty years have elapsed, and
during that period a considerable number of species have been
added to the list; and the information as to the ayifauna of the
district has in every way been greatly advanced. Such addi-
tional matter might perhaps have been given as an addendum,
or as it were in continuation of this catalogue; but to have done
so would not have been satisfactory.

The readiest and simplest plan for me appears to be to draw
up an entirely new catalogue, incorporating with it every thing
of importance mentioned in the labours of my predecessors.

For many years past I have kept a journal in which is care-
fully registered the occurrence of all rare and remarkable birds
in the two Northern Counties, and all other matters of interest
respecting the avifauna of the district. This journal will form
the basis of the catalogue; and I have also availed myself of
the assistance of my brother ornithologists of the neighbourhood,
to whom my best thanks are due, for the cordial cooperation
they, one and all, have afforded. My acknowledgments of such
assistance will be more particularly made, under the heading of
each species, in the body of the catalogue.

In Mr. Selby’s catalogue two hundred and fourteen species are
recorded: this new catalogue contains about two hundred and
sixty-five, thus adding more than fifty to the former. The total
number of species of British birds is, according to the latest
authorities, about three hundred and ninety-five, being only one
hundred and thirty more than have occurred in the counties of
Northumberland and Durham; so that our list now contains
about two-thirds of the whole number of the British species.

The ornithic richness of the district does not fall far short of
that of Norfolk, a county of which the ornithology has been well
worked out for many years, and in which the avifauna is very
extensive. Mr. Henry Stevenson states, in a note in the first
volume, page 14, of his work on “the Birds of N orfolk,”’ that
there are two hundred and ninety-one species in that county ;

INTRODUCTION. vil

but of these a few are included on what appear to be insufficient
grounds: the number may therefore be put down at two hun-
dred and eighty, making at present a few more than are recorded
in our district, an area of not much greater extent than that
embraced by Mr. Stevenson’s list.

The great numerical extent of our catalogue is to be accounted
for by the diversity in the physical features of the district,
which are well suited to the habits of many tribes of the fea-
thered race. Our extensive seaboard lies in the direct line of
the annual migrations to and from the northern latitudes, and is
well fitted to the requirements of many species of sea fowl. The
coast in many parts is bold and rocky, but is agreeably varied
with beautiful sandy beaches of vast extent, backed with wild
hummocky ‘‘ links,” and not unfrequently with belts of bog and
pools of sedgy water. There is also no want of muddy flats or
estuaries, though these features are fast disappearing under the
necessities of commerce.

The northern and western portions of the counties are wild
and hilly. The Cheviot range attains an elevation of two thou-
sand six hundred and fifty-eight feet, and this, along with that
of Simonside, gives quite a sub-alpine character to this portion
of the country. In these uplands the Eagle and Peregrine Fal-
con formerly had their abode. The latter reared its young there
until within the last twenty or thirty years. For many years it
nested regularly on Thrunton Crags, near Whittingham. I saw
this eyry in 1835. The parents had that year been destroyed,
and I believe it has not bred there since. The western part of
Durham is also wild, moory, and mountainous, but of less eleva-
tion. These wild regions are characterized by vast tracts of
grass land, in some places fine, in others coarse, boggy, and hum-
mocky; and by extensive moors of heath, gorse, and bracken,
with swamps, mosses, tarns, and lochs, the resort of the Duck,
the Lesser Black-backed Gull, the beautiful Black-headed Gull,
the Lapwing, the Curlew, the Plover and Snipe, the Blackcock
and Grouse. Numerous lively streams in pebbly beds, and whim-
pering rills, diversified with little lippering cascades, abound ;
some almost concealed under the scrubby foliage of their banks ;

Vili INTRODUCTION.

others fully revealed and sparkling over their stony channels.
In such places the Sandpiper lays its four beautiful eggs; and
the Dipper and Ring Ouzel rear their broods. Cliffs also abound,
riven and shattered by ages of elemental strife. And here the
Raven, in former times, had its abode; and still, by its name,
gives a certain weird picturesqueness to some of its former
haunts, as for instance Raven’s Crag, on the ridge of Simonside
and Raven’s Cleugh, near Ottercaps.

The cultivated regions are in some places well wooded, and the
fields are mostly divided by thorn hedgerows, giving at once
beauty to the landscape, and shelter to the more delicate tribes
of the Passeres. But such, particularly the warblers, find their
haunts in our numerous wooded dells or ‘‘denes’”’ which abound
in both counties, and by the shrubby banks of our burns or
streamlets. Here the hawthorn, the black thorn, the wild rose,
and bramble, and undergrowths of all kinds, afford to these de-
licate songsters the shelter and seclusion they require. These
‘“‘denes,’’ of which Castle Eden Dene is a fine example, are fre-
quently well timbered, deep, and have a stream running through
them. The principal rivers, the Tyne, the Coquet, and the
Wear, not to mention the bordering streams, the Tweed and the
Tees, run through deep wide valleys, with, in many parts, well
wooded banks, affording, likewise, favourite homes for various
feathered tribes. Besides such localities, there is no want of
extensive woods dispersed throughout the counties, and well
wooded park grounds, where accommodation can be found for
such birds as the Pies, the Jays, the Pigeons, the Thrushes, etc.,
and the smaller Hawks and Owls. But, alas! most of these
resident species have no resting place, for they are every where
ruthlessly shot down by the game-preserver, who, having desig-
nated them ‘‘ vermin,” gives them no quarter.

Besides the favourable character of the physical features of the
two counties, the district is well situated as regards the spring
and autumn migrations to and from the north of Europe as al-
ready pointed out; and the proximity of the numerous breeding
stations of marine birds on the west of Scotland, and also of the
mountainous regions and wild moorlands of the lake districts of

INTRODUCTION. ix

Westmoreland and Cumberland, must likewise tend to increase
the number of visitants. The coast is visited every autumn by
great numbers of migrants, such as the Short-Eared Owl, the
Woodcock, the Snow Bunting, the Mountain Finch, the Field-
fare, and the Redwing. And the Dotterel is seen every year
on its way to and from its breeding places in Westmoreland and
Cumberland.

Two or three localities require special mention on occount of
their ornithological features. The first of these is the Farne
Islands, a cluster of about fifteen small rocky islets and pinna-
cles composed chiefly of basalt, lying off the Northumberland
coast, near its northern extremity; the largest and nearest of
which is about two miles from the shore, the most distant about
five. In this limited area fifteen: species of sea fowl breed,
namely, the Ring Dotterel, Oyster Catcher, Lesser Black-backed
Gull, Herring Gull, Kittiwake Gull, Sandwich Tern, Common
Tern, Arctic Tern, Roseate Tern, Cormorant, Shag, Eider Duck,
Guillemot, Puffin, and Razorbill. ;

This breeding station is remarkable rather for the number of
the species located there than for the multitude of individuals,
which in some other stations is prodigious, as may be witnessed
on the West of Scotland, or even at Flamborough Head, where
the Gulls, Guillemots, and Razorbills abound to a much greater
extent than do any of the species at the Farnes, though the Terns
and Lesser Black-backed Gulls are in considerable numbers. The
egos of the former are very numerous, and are so crowded toge-
ther that much care is required to avoid treading upon them as
one walks over their breeding ground, which is chiefly confined
to one of the low grassy islets. The Guillemots have possession
of the pinnacles, three basaltic columns of no great size, and
about forty feet high. The eggs are deposited on the tops of
these isolated columns, and can only be reached by climbing.
There used to be a rope suspended from the top of one of the
columns, and with the aid of this rope, and with one foot against
one column, and the other foot against the adjacent one, an ac-
tive climber might haul himself to the top. When I visited the
locality in June, 1881, in company with Mr. W. C. Hewitson

x INTRODUCTION.

and my brother Albany, our supply of these eggs was obtained
in this manner; Mr. Hewitson, who was a bold and active
climber, disdaining the rope, bravely ascended the pinnacles and
lowered down to us in the boat at their base, the eggs, in his hat.
The Kittiwake, which; though plentiful, is in no great abundance,
avails itself of the inequalities of the precipitous faces of the pin-
nacles and of the neighbouring cliff to build its nest. The Lesser
Black-backed Gull is numerous and is not confined to any parti-
cular islet. Only a few pairs of Puffins were breeding at that
time; they are now however much more numerous, as I was
informed by the late Mr. Joseph Watson, Junr., and Mr. Isaac
Clark, who visited the islands in 1870. The eggs of this species
are placed at arms length within rabbit holes on one of the hum-
mocky grassy islets.

The Cormorants had possession of a rocky islet of little eleva-
tion: here, their nests, which are composed of sea-weed, are
associated together, these birds forming a small colony by them-
selves. As we approached, the Cormorants went off in a body
to an adjacent rock at no great distance, and watched our move-
ments. The Shag and Razorbill were both very scarce; we did
not obtain an egg of either; they are probably only occasional
breeders in this locality. The Ring Dotterel and Oyster Catcher
are also not by any means common. The Hider Duck nests chiefly
on the main or inner island, but is found on several of the other
islands, and, though constantly found there, is in no great
number. It likewise occasionally nests on the neighbouring
mainland; we found a single nest so situated on our visit to this
district. The Ring Dotterel, too, likewise breeds on the main-
land; and we found several pairs of the Little Tern breeding on
the shore at the Old Law, opposite to Holy Island; and on the
‘links’ in this neighbourhood the Shieldrake is found nesting
in rabbit holes. The Little Tern, I believe, is no longer found
in this locality.

Fenham Flats, an extensive muddy ‘‘slake”’ lying between
Holy Island and the shore, is frequented in autumn and winter
by vast numbers of water fowl. The Brent Goose appears here
in large flocks; and numbers of them are killed and sent to the

INTRODUCTION. x1

Neweastle poulterers for sale. Various species of Ducks and
Waders occur in abundance ; and many of our rarer visitasés have
been shot in this locality, namely, the Gadwall, Red Crested
Duck, Pomerine Skua, and several others.

A ‘“‘slake”’ of similar character, but of much less extent, was,
until recently, found within the estuary of the Tyne. This is
now, by the encroachments of man, in great measure destroyed
as a resort of wild fowl. But not many years ago ‘‘ Jarrow
Slake” was frequented by great numbers of aquatic birds. The
Wild Swan was occasionally shot there, and many of the Ducks
and Waders, as well as most of the other birds that frequent
the coast.

But the engineer has more than the destruction of this feeding
ground to answer for: the shores of the Tyne, from the “ Slake”’
almost to Newcastle, were admirably adapted to the habits of the
Sandpipers and other Waders. The beautiful sweeping reaches,
and projecting headlands, that diversified both shores, are rapidly
disappearing, and in their place the straight lines of the engineer
are being substituted. Those gravelly and muddy shores, the
delight of these birds, are all gone.

The Cormorant appears to have been formerly very common
on the Tyne, and its fishing propensities seem to have rendered
it very obnoxious to the Municipal authorities of Newcastle, as
the following extract from the Municipal accounts, kindly sup-
plied to me by my friend Mr. Clephan, sufficiently testifies.

“1561, Noy. Paid for two gormorants heads slayne in this revir, 4d.

1654, Dec. Paid for three cormorants heads, 2s.”

The estuary of the Tees is another great haunt of the aquatic
tribes; but it is also fast disappearing as such to the demands of
commerce. Upwards of two hundred years ago there was a great
breeding station here. In Graves’s ‘‘ History of Cleveland,”
p. 399, there is a quotation from the Cott. MS., which is as
follows :—

‘‘Neere unto Dobham, (the Porte of the mouth of the Teese)
the Shore lyes flatt, where a Shelfe of Sand raised above the
highe water marke, entertaines an infynite number of sea-fowle,
which laye theyr Egges heere and there scatteringlie in such

xil INTRODUCTION.

sorte, that in Tyme of breedinge one can hardly sett his Foote so
warylye that he spoyle not many of theyr nests.”

From this description of the locality, and from the number of
the eggs, and their situation, it would appear that this colony
was composed of Terns, or perhaps of the Lesser Black-backed
Gull, or it may be of both species.

But no locality in the north of England had such interest for
the naturalist as Prestwick Car. The botanist, the entomologist,
the conchologist, and the ornithologist, were all equally inter-
ested in this one of nature’s most famous nurseries. Here the
naturalists of the district had resorted for several generations to
collect the objects of their respective studies. And here also re-
sorted the sportsman and the general lover of nature; for while
Snipe and Duck abounded, and the pools were well stored with
pike, perch, roach, and eels, it was the only piece of wild moor-
land left in this part of the county.

This hunting ground of the naturalist lies a little east of Pon-
teland, and about seven miles north of Newcastle. It is an area
depressed, as if by subsidence, of about eleven hundred acres, and
is of a rounded or subquadrangular form about two miles in dia-
meter; and the surrounding land is little elevated. The greater
and central portion is (or rather was, for it is now all changed)
composed of peat, more or less covered with a growth of ling and
heather, and of boggy, hummocky, coarse grass land: this cen-
tral portion was surrounded by a belt of good pasture land varied
with gorse or ‘‘whin.” Towards the north and west boundaries
there was a chain of pools, the largest and most important of
which was called the Black Pool; towards the south extended
another chain of pools, among which was the Moor-Spot Pool.
The Black Pool could not be less than a mile in length, and was
of considerable width. There were three islands in it, two to-
wards the east, and one towards the west end. The drainage
was through this sheet of water, from which there was a cut, or
open ditch, to the River Pont; but the fall was so slight that
the drainage was very incomplete, and the water flowed back-
wards and forwards in accordance with the state of the river.
These pools were on a peaty bottom, in which the remains of

INTRODUCTION. Xi

numerous trees, chiefly Scotch fir and birch, stood erect, and
firmly rooted. They were not visible above the surface of the
-water, though, in droughty seasons, numbers of them were fre-
quently exposed near the margins of the pools. The trees were
of no great size, and, in most instances, the wood was in such a
good state of preservation, and contained so much resin, that it
was used by the neighbouring villagers for firewood.

When the Car was drained the sections of the ditches showed
that the peat was of considerable thickness—twelve to fifteen
feet at least, and rested upon gravel, which contained pebbles
of Mountain-Limestone, in which were found the ordinary fos-
sils of that formation. In places, patches of White Marl were
deposited, containing the usual lacustrine shells. The gravel
was most probably derived from the Boulder-Clay, which doubt-
less originally filled the basin of the Car, but had apparently
been either entirely or partially removed, and the stratum of
gravel redeposited, at the time, perhaps, when the Pont flowed
over this area. After this, a change of level would seem to have
taken place, when the basin became partially drained, with pools
left here and there, in which the marl was formed. Then, the
whole area was probably converted into one great swamp, and
the peat accumulated. And here I may remark that Mr. Howse
informs me, that during the draining operations, he found in the
peat some remains of the deer, namely, a portion of the upper
jaw with teeth, and a few ribs; and Mr. Atthey obtained from it
two or three teeth of the horse; numerous fir cones were also
found, and some hazel nuts. A few boles of the oak were also
taken out of the peat, towards the east end of the Car, near Din-
nington. Ata later period the Car became sufficiently drained,
probably by a further change of level, to allow the growth of
the forest, the remains of which still existed in such an excel-
lent state of preservation. Then another depression ensued and
pools were formed in the peat; a stop was put to the further
growth of trees, and the Car assumed the aspect it wore previ-
ously to its last fatal drainage by the hand of man.

Such is a concise description of this famous locality, this great
field of research of our northern naturalists. And rich as it was

X1V INTRODUCTION.

in botanical and entomological specimens, it was not less remark-
able for its ornithological features. I know of no locality of the
same limited area, where so many species of water-fowl were to
be found breeding, as bred yearly at Prestwick Car.

Spynie Loch, near Elgin, is the only place that I could com-
pare with it in this respect; but even in that rich breeding station
fewer species have been taken than at Prestwick Car. In many
respects these two localities were very similar, and they have both
shared the same fate; they have both been recently drained and
their feathered denizens consequently dispersed.

The nests of the following aquatic birds have been taken at
Prestwick Car, namely, the Black-headed Gull, Wild Duck,
Teal, Shoveller, Pintail Duck, Redshank, Dunlin, Wood Sand-
piper, Snipe, Curlew, Ruff, Peewit, Water Hen, Water Crake,
and Coot, in all, fifteen; besides which, there is reason to be-
lieve that the Gargany and Common Tern also bred there. As
well as the above, a number of Passeres nested at the Car. Of
these the following is a list: —the Meadow Pipit, Reed Bunting,
Brown Linnet, Skylark, Stone Chat, Whin Chat, Hedge Accen-
tor, Yellow Wagtail, Cuckoo, and probably some others. The
Black Grouse has also bred there.

The following account of an excursion to Prestwick Car will
give some idea of what could be done in bird nesting in that lo-
cality in a single day: it was however an extraordinary day, and
was a very short one. I started, accompanied by the eldest son
of the late Mr. Charles St. John, on the morning of the 8rd of
June, 1858, rather for the purpose of showing my youthful friend
the Car, than in any expectation of obtaining eggs, as the season
was far advanced. We arrived at Berwick Hill, on the north
margin of the Car, about eleven o’clock, after a pleasant eight
miles walk. After receiving the hospitality of the late Mz.
Richard Reay we commenced our ramble over the Car. That
gentleman informed us that we should see no eggs, as several
persons had recently been over the ground. This, however, did
not matter much, as we had not come for the purpose of collect-
ing eggs, but merely to look about us.

It was one o’clock before we reached the heather; and here

INTRODUCTION. XV

the Redshanks were flying in greater numbers than I had ever
seen on any former occasion. Several pairs kept flymg around
above our heads uttering their wild, plaintive cry, or triple-noted
whistle. From this it was evident that either their young or
their eggs were not far off. And sure enough we had not pro-
ceeded many steps before we came upon a nest with four eggs:
they were much incubated, and, being quite cold, were undoubt-
edly forsaken. We were now joined by Mr. Reay’s brother
(Joseph) who, just before he reached us, had picked up a young
Redshank, considerably grown. We then strolled through the
heather and soon found a Curlew’s nest, with its full complement
of eggs: these were also considerably incubated. We continued
our ramble on the heather, when about three o’clock our dogs,
a retriever and a setter, raised a bird about fifty yards in advance
of us, which at once rose to a considerable height coursing about,
rising and sinking somewhat in the manner of the Snipe, and
like it, while sweeping downwards with outstretched tremulous
wings, produced a peculiar drumming noise, but one much shril-
ler than that of the Snipe, and almost amounting to a sort of
musical whistle. From the strangeness of its actions and pe-
euliar whistling or drumming noise, I was convinced that we
had met with a rare bird, and that its nest was near at hand.
I observed to my companions that it was either a Wood- or a
Green-Sandpiper, and that we must have its nest before we left
the Car. I had just uttered these words when one of the dogs
rushed forward and pushed its nose into the heather. Mr. Reay
advanced, and, on examining the spot, said, ‘‘ Here’s the nest with
four eggs, but they are all smashed excepting one.’”? A moment,
however, sufficed to prove that the nest was that of a Snipe,
though there was at first some difference of opinion expressed as
to this. Nevertheless, I was quite satisfied that the nest of the
strange bird was yet to be found. The dogs were now leashed.
The birds were still in view flying about: our only chance now
was to watch the bird to its nest. With a view to this I con-
cealed myself amidst the heather, while my companions left the
spot. It was not long before one of the birds “pitched,” and,
after allowing a little time for it to settle, I went forth to raise

XV1 INTRODUCTION.

it, but did not succeed. The bird, however, was soon in the air
again, flying about as before. The watching dodge was again
tried, and this time the bird was marked to, and raised from, its.
nest. There lay the nest, with its four pretty eggs, on the side
of a dry hillock where grew some heath and grass, in the midst
of a swampy spot. It was evidently the nest of the Wood-Sand-
piper, as the eggs agreed exactly with those of that species which
T had, in my collection, from the late Mr. Hoy. Indeed, we got
so near to the bird, that it was not difficult to determine the spe-
cies. But it was, notwithstanding, desirable to authenticate the
eges, so as to leave no room for doubt. We now made several
vain endeavours to shoot the bird; and then, to give it time to
settle, left the spot, and wandered, for about half an hour, to the
west side of the heather, the nest being situated at the east end
of it. But, previously to our doing so, Mr. Reay strayed with
me in the direction of the spot where I had at first lain concealed
to mark the bird to its nest, and when we arrived within a few
paces of the spot a Shoveller rose, and there, amidst the heather,
was its nest containing eight eggs. On the return of our party
towards the nesting place of the Wood-Sandpiper we raised a
Reeve, which we had before sprung twice or thrice. This time
it rose from its nest, in which were the usual four eggs in a per-
fectly fresh state. At length we reached the nest, the great
prize of the day, but the bird was not on. Both male and fe-
male, however, soon made their appearance over head, and a
futile attempt was made to shoot them: they then both took
off and settled by the side of a small pool in the middle of the
heather. Mr. Reay then crept up and succeeded in killing the
male bird. Thus, after several hours labour, we succeeded in
establishing the fact, that our find was really the nest of the Wood-
Sandpiper. And we had the satisfaction of knowing that this
was the only instance of its having been taken in Britain.

Thus, in our afternoon’s ramble over the Car, we had found the
nests of six species of water fowl, three of which must be con-
sidered rare; and one had neyer before been found breeding in
the British Islands. We did not see a single nest of the Peewit,
the commonest bird of the Car; but, during our rambles to and

INTRODUCTION. Xvi

fro, vast numbers of this bird were hovering about in all directions
in company with numerous Redshanks and Snipes, the latter all
the while mingling their drumming noise with the constantly
repeated cry of the Peewit. The Curlew also was there, and
some of the other denizens of the swamp.

Prestwick Car was drained in 1857, and, with the drainage,
many objects of interest to the naturalist have disappeared from
the district. The botanist has lost a great field of research; the
entomologist, too, has suffered greatly ; and two or more species
are lost to our local conchologists. The birds that congregated
there have been dispersed, and several that had, on account of
their breeding in that place ranked as residents, have now be-
come mere visitants. The Ruff breeds nowhere else that I am
aware of in the two counties, neither does the Dunlin, though
it has been seen in the breeding season near Crag Lough. The
Shoveller and Pintail, too, have now no breeding place in the
district, and the Wood-Sandpiper belongs to the same category.
And though these birds will no doubt continue to visit the local-
ity, yet some of them at least will do so in diminished numbers,
and will probably ultimately cease to make their appearance al-
together.

A breeding station, such as Prestwick Car was, acts as a feeder
to the ornithology of a district or country. Birds have a ten-
dency to return, being attached to the place of their nativity.
It is well known that the same pair of Swallows will return year
aiter year to their old nesting place, that the Stork is ever con-
stant to its home, regularly making its annual migration to the
same place. This is also a patent fact with regard to the Rook;
and it holds good with birds in general. The individuals them-
selves do not only return to their breeding places, but doubtless
act as decoys in inducing others to joi them. THente the de-
struction of such a place as Prestwick Car cannot fail to mate-
rially affect the avifauna of the district.

This disturbing influence of the acts of man has been going on
for many ages, and is now proceeding with accelerated force. It
has already been stated that upwards of two hundred years ago
a great feeding and breeding station of marine birds existed in

Xvill INTRODUCTION.

the estuary of the Tees; this is rapidly disappearing. The
shores of the lower portion of the Tyne and ‘‘ Jarrow Slake,”’
also extensive feeding grounds, have of late years ceased to exist
as such. Coquet Island, too, which was not long ago an exten-
sive breeding station of the Terns, is no longer a home of these
birds, three or four species of which bred there in great numbers.
These changes have affected, and are affecting, sensibly, the
character of our, local avifauna. The operations of man will in
the future affect it more and more, and will in like manner in-
fluence the distribution of the feathered tribes over the whole of
the United Kingdom.

The Great Auk, at one time, visited our district: it is now,
through the agency of man, extinct. The Hagle, at no great
distance of time, inhabited the wilds of Cheviot where it bred:
it is now banished. The Peregrine Falcon has almost ceased to
breed in the district. The Buzzard and the Harriers no longer
nest here; and the Raven now but rarely does so. All the birds
of prey, in fact, and some others, are fast disappearing ; and so far
as this is the result of man’s exigencies it is not to be censured,
though it may be regretted. Ifthe interests of man demand the
sacrifice, so be it. But much of this sacrifice is not so demanded :
it is made merely for the gratification of sportsmen and game-
keepers, a limited portion of the community. The wholesale
destruction of the rapacious animals, cluding some of the
noblest of the feathered races, by the game-preserver, is not only
much to be deplored, but is likewise greatly to be deprecated.

This policy of the game-preserver is of questionable utility in
promoting the increase of game; nor does it appear that much
has been achieved in this respect, for, after some enquiry, I cannot
ascertain that cither Partridges or Grouse are more numerous
than they were some years ago when birds of prey were yet to
be seen on the wing. The fact is, that the rapacious birds never
can exist in any great numbers in any one locality; they are not
wont to tolerate each other’s society. The Peregrine and the
Harriers are the only species that prey to any extent upon game
birds; and they will not trouble them much if birds of slower
flight are within reach: it is only during the period when the

INTRODUCTION. xix

broods are imperfectly fledged that they can do much harm.
But birds of prey are not an unmitigated evil; they are a neces-
sary part of the great scheme of nature, and may be essential to
the perfectly healthy development of the birds they feed upon.
It is undoubtedly advantageous that the feebly organized and
sickly individuals should be weeded out, and this is done by
birds of prey. We have of late years heard much about stamp-
ing out epidemics among mankind. It is a function of the Pere-
erine and its congeners to assist in stamping out epidemics among
" game birds.

“Vermin” not only eat birds, but also birds’ eggs. Almost
all birds eat eggs; but where is the great harm? scarcely a brood
less is reared in consequence. If one set of eggs be taken .an-
other is supplied, and so on till a brood is hatched and reared.
Nature provides a redundancy of offspring to insure, so to speak,
the continuance of the species. Look at the tens of thousands
of acorns that are formed that one tree may be developed, the
rest supply food to various animals. Look again at the myriads
of pollen grains that are scattered in the breeze, and, as it were,
lost. The redundant fecundity of the cod fish gives abundant
food to thousands of small animals. Something of this sort
takes place with birds: nature has given to them the power of
producing eggs until a brood is reared in case the early layings
are taken for food ; in fact, the early nests are frequently deserted
voluntarily by the parent birds. And who can say that this
may not be wise economy? We see in all kinds of poultry ex-
treme examples of this fecundity ; the Hen goes on laying until
she is inclined and permitted to sit and rear her offspring.

Some of the doings of the gamekeeper seem worthy of the atten-
tion of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. The
use of strychnine is, I believe, prohibited by Act of Parliament :
it is nevertheless extensively used in the destruction of Crows, ete.
It is impossible to imagine a more cruel or dangerous practice.
Trapping of birds, and leaving them for days to flap themselves
to death are acts, to say the least of them, cruel in the extreme.
Is it not surprising that the magistrate, who permits his game-
keeper to perpetrate such barbarities, can gravely commit the poor

WOK INTRODUCTION.

cartman who drives a galled horse, when perhaps his dinner de-
pends upon the act; or the youth for worrying a cat, or indulg-
ing in a Duck hunt, on a charge of cruelty ?

Hence the game-preserver ought to be careful how he destroys
the balance of life; for though his efforts may not have had
much influence in the production of game, they have had a very
sensible effect in other directions. Certain prolific species, both
of birds and mammals, have of late years vastly increased. The
Ring Dove or Wood Pigeon has become, in some parts of Scot-
land, a great nuisance, on account of its vast numerical increase.
And I am informed by Mr. Langlands, of Old Bewick, that ~
within the last few years this bird has greatly increased in
Northumberland, and that it has there become injurious to the
farmer. That gentleman attributes the increase of this species
to the destruction of ‘‘birds of prey, and especially of the Mag-
pies.” Starlings likewise have increased enormously within
the last twenty or thirty years in the neighbourhood of New-
castle, and indeed over the whole district; and the smaller Pas-
seres seem also on the increase. But perhaps the greatest evil
arising from the interference with the balance of life by the game-
preserver is the rapid growth of the numbers of the rat—a use-
ful animal while restrained within its natural limits. The field
mouse has likewise become detrimental. The Weasel, Stoat,
Buzzard, Kestrel, and Owls, all natural checks to the over devel-
opment of these most prolific mammals, having been destroyed
by man, the rat and the mouse range undisturbed. The rat has
taken possession of the hedge banks, and the sides of pools and
rivulets, and has become a complete nuisance to the farmstead,
where, on account of its ravages, it is difficult to rear fowls, par-
ticularly Ducks. The gardens suffer severely from mice, and so
destructive are they in some localities, that it is almost impossible
to grow crocuses or other bulbous plants. The rabbit, too, from
the same cause, has in many districts over-run the country, and
become a serious evil.

There has been no discrimination used in the slaughter of the

?

so-called ‘‘vermin:’’ not only harmless, but even useful, birds

have been destroyed. The Kestrel, which preys almost entirely

‘INTRODUCTION. XX1

on field mice, young rats, and insects, is being everywhere reck-
lessly shot down. The Owls, too, the police of the stack-garth,
are sacrificed with equal disregard; and since the gamekeeper
can find nothing else to exercise his skill upon, he has taken to
trap and shoot such harmless creatures as the squirrel, hedgehog
and Dipper. This last does not only not eat salmon spawn, as
it has been accused of doing, but is really of service, for it de-
yours aquatic insects that are injurious to the spawn; this I have
proved by dissection. And the Cuckoo, on account of its Hawk-
like appearance, has been threatened by the ignorant and over
zealous gamekeeper. Indeed, I have seen one of these birds
nailed on a wall along with Hawks and Daws; and on pointing
this out to the gamekeeper, and making the observation, ‘‘ Why,
this is not a Hawk!” the sulky reply was, ‘‘ Why, if it isn’t,
it’s very like one!”” The Goatsucker’s turn will come next, on
account of its resemblance to the Cuckoo.

From the operations of man, and particularly from the disturb-
ing influence of the game-preserver, the avifauna of the district
has been, and is being, considerably modified in its distribution.
Some visitants that were common have become rare, as for in-
stance the Bittern, the Stork, the Osprey, the Kite. Several
residents that once bred in this district are now merely visitants.
The Eagle bred on Cheviot, the Peregrine bred in several locali-
ties within the district, and so did the Common Buzzard, the
Moor Buzzard, the Hen Harrier, Wryneck, and Nuthatch. The
Ruff, the Dunlin, the Redshank, the Shoveller, and Pintail will
now in all probability cease to breed here, and many other spe-
cies are being in like manner rapidly banished. Of these may
be mentioned the Raven, the Carrion Crow, the Magpie, the Jay,
the Merlin, the Kestrel, the Sparrow Hawk, the Wood Owl, the
Long-eared Owl, the White Owl.

It is pleasing to remark that there is apparently an awakening
to the fact that the destruction of birds may be an evil. This
seems to be evinced by the passing of the recent Acts of Parlia-
ment for the protection of birds during the breeding season. Two
such acts have passed the Legislature; the first in 1869, the se-
cond in 1873: the former relates exclusively to marine birds,

B

Xxil INTRODUCTION.

which, on account of their breeding in society in vast numbers,
fell an easy prey to the gunner, and were fast disappearing.
This Act will no doubt do much to save the few nesting stations
still left on our seaboard. But I fear, notwithstanding, that the
Black-headed Gull, which nests inland, will soon be entirely
exterminated in our district, where it is the greatest ornament
of our moor-lands, for the gamekeeper is everywhere destroying
its eges. The inland colonies also of the Lesser Black-backed
Gull are likewise fast disappearing. These two species, bemg
ranked with ‘‘vermin,’’ for they are accused of destroying the
eges of the Grouse, must soon perish accordingly.

The second Act came into operation on the 15th of March,
18738, and is for the protection of the small or land birds, but it is
drawn up in the most inefficient manner possible, and it is diffi-
cult to see on what principle it is based. The schedule of the
species to be protected shows nothing so clearly as the extreme
ignorance on the subject of those who drew it up. Some species
stand in it under two, three, or even four different names, as if
they were so many distinct species: and it is altogether so imper-
fect, that it will be difficult to convict under it. The endeavour
seems to be to exclude the granivorous birds; but not half the in-
sectivorous species are included. It is very well to protect the
latter, such as the Swallows and the Warblers; but as they are
migrants, any diminution in their numbers would soon be restored.
The resident species are those that most require protection, and
yet these are, to a great extent, left beyond the pale of the Act.
How the magistrate is to determine the species it is difficult to
say. Even had the schedule been all that could be desired this
would not be an easy matter, unless he be an ornithologist. The
Chiff Chaff, for instance, will have to be discriminated from the
Willow Wren, the former being included in the schedule, the
latter left out.

The most lamentable feature however of the Act is that some
species, the greatest favourites of the public, are excluded: the
Lark, the Thrush, and the Blackbird, for instance, the most
charming songsters we have, are to perish.

There should also have been a clause in the Act permitting

INTRODUCTION. XxXiil

specimens to be taken for scientific purposes; for it is absolutely
necessary that in our public Museums birds should be preserved
in their various plumages. Henceforth, if this Act, unaltered, be
strictly enforced, it will be impossible to procure specimens of the
protected birds in their breeding and first or nest plumages.

All that can be said in favour of this measure is that it evinces
a desire to do something for the preservation of the feathered
tribes, and that it gives hope that before long something more
rational and morc efficient will be produced.

The most remarkable feature in our catalogue is perhaps its
numerical extent. We have seen that in this respect it does not
fall far behind that of Norfolk, a county remarkable for the ex-
tent of its avifauna.

The two hundred and sixty-five species of our catalogue are
divisible into residents, spring-and-autumn migrants, autumn or
winter visitants, and casual visitants. And here a few words are
necessary to explain the exact sense in which these terms are
employed. At the same time it must be understood that they
are applicable only to the birds of our district ; for a species with
us may be a mere casual visitant or winter visitant, while it
is a resident British bird.

A resident is a species that remains in the district throughout
the year, whether it breeds in it or not. If a few individuals only
remain throughout the year though the greater number migrate,
the species is considered a resident. The Sparrow, Common Gull,
and Crossbill, are examples.

A spring-and-autumn migrant arrives in spring, breeds in the
district, and departs in autumn. Of this, the Swallow is a type.

An autumn or winter visitant arrives in autumn or winter, and
departs shortly or sojourns till spring. Examples are the Green
Sandpiper and the Fieldfare.

A casual visitant is one that does not regularly visit the dis-
trict, but whose appearance is uncertain. Under this term are
included not only the species which visit the district at irregular
periods, of which the Hoopoe and Rose-coloured Pastor are ex-
amples, but those likewise that are mere strays, such as Pallas’s
Sand Grouse and White’s Thrush.

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CATALOGUE.

Crass. AVES.
OrpER I. ACCIPITRES, Linneus.
Fauiry. FALCONIDA, Leach, Vigors.
TAO ULE AN Crem

1. Gorpen Eacre. A. Futva, (Linneus.)
Falco fulvus, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, I., 21.
Aquila chrysetos, Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 4, I., 11.

A casual visitant. This noble bird has very rarely occurred
within our district.

It is stated in Wallis’s History of Northumberland, published
in 1769, that ‘“‘On the highest and steepest part of Cheviot, so
called from its being the chief of the mountains round it, the
Eagle sometimes has its airy. Two beautiful ones were bred
there a few years ago, one of which was shot by a gentleman’s
servant. A sportsman afterwards killed one of the parent birds.”

This is mentioned as the Golden Eagle, and probably correctly;
for while this species generally breeds inland, the White-tailed
Eagle usually breeds near the sea. Two other Eagles are men-
tioned by Wallis, one having been killed at Warkworth, the
other near Tindal House; but there is nothing to show that they
belonged to this species.

Jn Hogeg’s catalogue of the ies found near Stockton, it is
stated that a Golden Eagle was shot in that neighbourhood on
the 25th November, 1823. But this was undoubtedly the White-
tailed species, as is evinced by the measurements of the specimen
which are given.

It is recorded in the ‘‘ Newcastle Chronicle,’’ November 4th,
1797, that ‘“‘an Eagle of the Ring-tailed kind” was shot a few

2 A CATALOGUE OF THE BIRDS

days before at Elsdon, and brought to Newcastle for preservation,
‘measuring between the tips of the wings five feet eight inches.”
My attention has been kindly drawn to this paragraph by Mr.
James Clephan. There can be little doubt that the specimen
alluded to was really a Golden Kagle: the expression ‘ Ring-
tailed kind,” and the measurement, would seem to prove this.

The Golden Eagle, which appears to have been formerly a
resident in our district, can now only rank as a casual visitant.

When in Norway, in 1833, I had the satisfaction of seeing an
eyry of the Golden Eagle. I was led to it by observing an Eagle
perched on a cliff watching my movements, and on my approach-
ing the spot it immediately rose, giving a cry of alarm. On
this it was at once joined by its mate, which came from a crag
higher up the mountain, and both birds kept circling about, high
above my head. It was evident that their nest was not far off.
I then ascended towards the crag from which the seeond Eagle
came, and, as I advanced, the birds approached closer and closer
to me, uttering their peculiar hoarse, barking cry. I continued
advancing till I was within twenty or thirty yards of the nest.
The birds then came swooping down, rushing towards my head,
and striking out their powerful legs, evidently to intimidate me.
I could distinctly hear the whirring of their wings. It was not
altogether very pleasant, particularly as I had nothing to defend
myself with. I sought about and procured a stick, for I felt as-
sured that had I come upon the nest they would have made an
attack on me. It was beyond reach, however, being placed on
a crag behind a projecting rock. It was afterwards ascertained
by my companions, on a second ascent, to contain an egg and a
young bird, and was of great size, being composed externally of
sticks.

2. HALIAETUS, Savigny.

2. Wauitr-rarmep Eacre. H. arsicrza, Linneus.

Falco albicilla, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, I., 25.

Haliactus albicilla, Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 4, I., 25.

This is a rare casual visitant.
In Selby’s catalogue three White-tailed Eagles are stated to

OF NORTHUMBERLAND AND DURHAM. 3

have been shot at Chillingham Park a few years before the pub-
lication of that catalogue (1831). And it is also stated, that in
the winter of 1828 two immature birds were killed upon the
coast, one at Holy Island, the other at Scremerston, near Ber-

‘wick. Another is likewise mentioned as having been killed near

Morpeth.

To these I have to add the capture of an immature specimen,
in 1837, at Morpeth High House. This fine example is in the
Newcastle Museum. Others have occurred within the district.

Many years ago, as I was walking by Lambton Park wall,
near Lumley Thicks, a bird of this species flew across my path,
with several rooks in pursuit, and went into the park. It re-
mained there for a few days, when I again had an opportunity
of seeing it. It afterwards went to Ravensworth, where it so-
journed for some time, and ultimately made a safe retreat.

3. PANDION, Savigny.
3. Osprey. P. HariaEtus, (Linneus.)
Falco haliaetus, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, I., 29.
Pandion haligetus, Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 4, I., 30.

This interesting species occurs in our district not unfrequently ;
but, previously to the draining of Prestwick Car, it might almost
have been considered an annual migrant, though now it must
rank with the casual visitants. I have had six specimens of it
in my possession, all captured in the two northern counties. Of
these one was winged near Morpeth, October 9th, 1830, and is
now in the Newcastle Museum; two were taken on the rigging
of ships off the Northumberland coast in September, 1835 ;
another was shot, a fine male specimen, May, 1838, at Newburn
on the Tyne; and a female was taken near Heworth, on the
28rd September, 1841; both of these are in my collection. The
sixth was killed near Woodburn on the Reedwater, September,
1850.

Besides these, five other specimens are entered in my journal,
as captured within our district, between the years 1830 and 1860.

-t A CATALOGUE OF THE BIRDS

On the 12th of May, 1856, I had the good fortune to witness
an Osprey fishing at Prestwick Car. It made several stoops, and
at length carried off a fish of considerable size; and, as it flew
close over my head, I had an excellent opportunity of observing
with my pocket telescope how it carried its prey. The fish hung
down, for some distance below the bird, lengthwise and parallel
with its body. Four days afterwards I visited the Car again,
and again had the satisfaction of seeing it fishing. This time I
found it perched on a post in the Black Pool, but it soon rose on
the wing and made several stoops with great vigour, dashing
into the water with amazing velocity, though it did not sueceed
in taking a fish while I watched it.

The specimen mentioned in Mr. Selby’s catalogue, as having
been shot at Prestwick Car, came into my possession on the death
of the late Henry Hewitson, Esq. It was a fine mature bird;
but being much injured with moths, it could not be preserved.

The Osprey does not vary much in plumage. The birds that
occur in the latter part of the year have usually the feathers of
the upper parts margined with white or pale buff. As the plum-
age in these cases is quite fresh, it appears that these birds are
either in the first plumage, or have recently moulted. Old, breed-
ing birds, or those occurring in the early part of the year, have
the feathers of the upper parts of a uniform brown colour, and
much worn. This is the only variation I have met with, and
hence the inference that the uniform colour is produced by the
pale margins of the feathers having been worn off, and that the
mature plumage and the first or nest plumage do not, in fact,
vary; it is merely the wearing off of the tips of the feathers
that gives the breeding birds the appearance of a distinct dress.

4. BUTEO, G. Cuvier.
4. Common Buzzarp. B. vorearts, (Linneus.)

Falco buteo, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, I., 38.
Buteo vulgaris, Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 4, I., 109.

A casual visitant.

OF NORTHUMBERLAND AND DURHAM. o

This species, like all the larger birds of prey, is fast disappear-
ing everywhere under the influence of the gamekeeper’s gun and
trap. Some years ago it bred in the district: it is now a rare
casual visitant here. In 1835 I saw several specimens in the
collection of the late Mr. Smurthwaite, of Staindrop, all of which
that gentleman informed me had been recently taken in that
neighbourhood.

One individual, in my own collection, was obtained at Ravens-
worth, February, 1837. Another was killed October, 1852. In
the stomach of the latter were found the remains of four moles
and one frog. In March, 1856, I found a fine specimen washed
up on Whitburn Sands. This, which is in my collection, has
the breast of a beautiful buff colour, resembling the specimens
that occur in France.

This is a very variable species, scarcely any two individuals
being alike. The changes of the plumage do not appear to be
understood : whether or to what extent the plumage is influenced
by age or sex is not as yet determined.

5. ARCHIBUTEO, Brehm.

5. Roven-teccep Buzzarp. A. Lacopus, (Brunn.)

Falco lagopus, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, I., 40.
Buteo lagopus, Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 4, I., 115.

This is a rare casual visitant to our district. I have only three
captures of it to record. One was shot in Walbottle Dene, Octo-
ber, 1831; another at Marsden, in 1823, which is now in the
Newcastle Museum; the third was killed at Bishop Auckland,
in 1840. About that time several specimens occurred on both
sides of the Tees and in Westmoreland.

This species takes occasionally the smaller mammals: I have
taken out of the crop the greater portion of a stoat. There had
evidently been a severe struggle between the captor and the cap-
tured, for a considerable strip of the skin, with the feathers of
the throat, had been torn away.

6 A CATALOGUE OF THE BIRDS

6. PERNIS, G. Cuvier.
6. Honey Buzzarp. P. arrvorus, (Linneus.)

Falco apivorus, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, I., 42.
Pernis apivorus, Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 4, I., 121.

This is a spring-and-autumn migrant. Mr. Selby considers _
the Honey Buzzard to be one of the rarest of the Falconde, and
records in his catalogue the occurrence of only two individuals.
It is certainly now, according to my experience, one of the com-
monest larger birds of prey. Since 1831, and up to 1868, twenty-
five specimens have come under my notice, all taken within the
two counties.

It occasionally breeds in the district. In 1841 it bred at
Newbiggin, near Hexham. I obtained two of the young of this
brood in August; they were shot while perched on a branch of
the tree in which the nest was placed; their feathers were not
fully grown, and it is evident that these birds could scarcely fly ;
they are in my collection. Young birds very much predom-
inate, and usually two or three are taken about the same time
and near the same place, as if they belonged to the same brood.
Out of the twenty-five captures above alluded to, only three
were ascertained to be mature birds.

This species arrives on our coast in May, and takes its depar-
ture in August, September, and October, the old birds leaving
the district first, the immature frequently not till the middle of
October. I have in my possession a fine mature specimen that
was picked up, drowned, on Whitley Sands, when I was on the
beach, on the 27th of August, 1835. I found one myself on the
22nd of September, 1841, an immature bird, washed up on Blyth
Sands. About a fortnight afterwards, the remains of another
immature specimen were found on the beach, near Newbiggin-by-
the-Sea. These birds had no doubt been attempting to leave the
coast, but meeting probably with thick or stormy weather, had
perished.

I kept two or three Honey Buzzards alive for some time; they
were very gentle in their habits, showing no signs of fear, and

OF NORTHUMBERLAND AND DURHAM. 7

even from the time of their capture never attempting to bite, or
strike with their talons, as all other rapacious birds do.

Macgillivray has changed the name of this species to that of
Beehawk, but apparently without any good reason. One of my
captives, on being offered some fresh honeycomb, made a chuck-
ling noise of delight and ate it with avidity, preferring the honey
apparently to the bees which were in it, for which it did not care
much. It also ate pieces of the flesh of birds, picking the bones
clean, and leaving them as well as the feathers. When the
honey failed I gave it some strawberry jam, made very sweet by
adding sugar; it took this with apparent relish.

The crop of several individuals examined contained a great
number of pupe and larve of wasps, as well as a few mature
wasps.. In one instance I found the crop to contain bees and
recently hatched birds; im another were found pupe of Noctue,
and the remains of Coleoptera.

The plumage of this species varies much, scarcely two indivi-
duals being found alike; but the changes do not appear to be
clearly understood. There are two principal complexions or
varieties,—one dark, the other pale, affecting equally the sexes,
the adult and the immature individuals.

The adult male of the first or dark variety has the upper
parts dark brown; the under parts have the feathers white, each
haying three or four wide transverse brown bands, the brown
predominating ; towards the head the feathers are streaked longi-
tudinally with dark brown; the front of the head is of a clear
ash grey, the feathers of the crown and nape white, tipped with
brownish buff; tail with three or four broad brown bands, and
smaller intermediate wavy ones tipped with white; quills dark
brown or black; irides, cere, and feet, yellow.

The adult male of the second, or pale variety, has the upper
parts uniformly brown, the under parts white, with a few brown
transverse broken bands or streaks of brown on the neck, flanks,
and under tail coverts; head with the front and sides of a clear
ash colour; tail and quills as in the dark variety; irides, cere,
and feet, yellow.

The adult female of the first or dark variety is the same as the

8 A CATALOGUE OF THE BIRDS

male of the dark variety, with the exception of the head, which
has none of the ash colour in front.

The adult female of the second or pale variety has the upper
parts brown; the under parts white, each feather having a dark
brown streak in the centre, which widens into an elongated spot
at the tip; flanks, belly, thighs, and under tail coverts barred
transversely with dark brown, the white predominating; head
and neck with the feathers white, streaked and largely tipped
with brown; throat white; tail and quills as in the male; irides,
cere, and feet, yellow.

The lower figure (Plate I.) represents the darkest complex-
ioned individual I have seen of the first or dark variety in the
nest plumage. It is of a uniform dark brown, with the occipital
feathers slightly tipped with buff, and with a very narrow band
of the same colour in front of the head; the primaries are nearly
black, the tail as in the adult; irides brown; cere and feet,
yellow.

The upper figure (Plate I.) represents an extremely pale com-
plexioned individual in the nest plumage. It has the back and
scapulars brown, tipped slightly with white ; coverts and second-
aries nearly black; head dull white, both sides with an oblong
spot of brown, in which the eyes are situated; a brown band
extends across the head in front leaving a pale frontal band, and
between the eyes another brown band passes across the occiput ;
the whole of the under parts are white or pale buff, with the
shafts of the feathers brown; irides grey; cere and feet, yellow.

The adult male in both varieties is at once recognized by the
clear ash colour on the head, and the yellow irides; the adult
female by the deficiency of this colour on the head, and by the
yellow irides; and the immature male and female may be dis-
tinguished by the buff band in front of the head, and brown or
grey irides. Specimens occur both in the adult and immature
states, in every degree of shade, between the dark and pale
varieties.

The individual shot at Thrunton Wood, in the parish of Whit-
tingham, in 1829, and described by the Hon. H. T. Liddell in
the ‘‘ Transactions of the Natural History Society of Newceastle,”’

OF NORTHUMBERLAND AND DURHAM. 9

belongs to the dark variety ; but it is difficult to say whether it
was mature or immature, or of which sex it was, as the colour
of the head and irides is not mentioned.

7. MILVUS, G. Cuvier.

7. Kare. M. rucaris, Brisson.
Falco milvus, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, I., 36.
Milvus vulgaris, Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 4, I., 92.

This is a rare casual visitant in the north of England. I know
of only four instances of its occurrence; three near Bishop Auck-
land, in 1834, and one at Howick, Northumberland, in the same
year; one of the former is in my possession.

8. Brack Kire. M. ater, (Gmelin.)
Milvus migrans, Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 4, I., 97.
Milvus migrans, Hancock, Ibis, Vol. III., p. 253.

A very rare casual visitant.

A fine mature specimen was taken in a trap by Mr. F. Fulger,
gamekeeper, in the Deer Park at Alnwick, May, 1866. It is
in my collection: I received it in the flesh; it proved, on dis-
section, tobeamale. This, I believe, is the only example of the
capture of this interesting species in the British Islands.

8. HIEROFALCO, G. Cuvier.

9. Icetanp Fatcon. H. Istannicus, Brehm.
Falco Islandus, Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 4, I., 46.

Falco Islandicus, Hancock, Ann. and Mag. of Nat. Hist., 2nd
Ser., Vol. XIII., p. 110.

An immature male of this rare casual visitant was shot, Jan-
uary, 1845, near Bellingham, North Tyne. This specimen is in
my collection.

The individual in the Newcastle Museum is stated, in Selby’s
catalogue, to have been killed in Northumberland, but there is
some uncertainty as to this.

10 A CATALOGUE OF THE BIRDS

I can see no character to distinguish this species from the
Gyr-Falcon of the older writers, obtained in Norway. After a
careful examination of numerous examples of both forms, I am
satisfied that the Iceland and the Norwegian bird are either
mere varieties, or races of the same species.

It was by the study of the plumage of this species, and its
near ally the Greenland Falcon, that I determined the fact that
these birds attain their mature dress on the first moult, and
never afterwards change it. My attention was first drawn to
this subject in 1888, and in 1888 I read a paper to the British
Association announcing the fact.* This was afterwards cor-
roborated by an attentive examination of the changes of plumage
of two living examples; one m my own possession, which I
received in 1842, and which moulted once while I had it; the
other was in the gardens of the Zoological Society, London, and
when I first saw it in April, 1849, it was in the first or nest
plumage, but had got a few mature feathers. I made a sketch
of it at the time; I again saw it in 1851, and again sketched it;
it was then completely mature.t It lived till 1852, and had
moulted three times. It is now in my possession. In both cases
on the first moult the plumage had the characters of the adult.

Not only do all the noble or true Falcons acquire their adult
plumage on the first moult, but many of the ignoble species do
so likewise, as the Honey Buzzard, the Goshawk, the Sparrow-
hawk, and the Harriers. This fact cannot be too strongly pressed
on the attention of ornithologists, for it leads to a correct under-
standing of the variations of the plumage of the Falconide.

It may not, perhaps, be out of place to mention, that the eggs
of the true Falcons can be readily distinguished from the ‘‘ig-
noble.” The eggs of the former, the true Falcons, are of a pale
yellow colour when held up to the light and looked at from the
interior of the shell. The eggs of the Eagles, Buzzards, Hawks,
etc., when examined in the same manner, are of a pale green
hue.

* Ann. and Mag. Nat. Hist., Vol. II., p. 241.

+ Ann. and Mag. Nat. Hist., 2nd Ser., Vol. X1II., p. 110,

OF NORTHUMBERLAND AND DURHAM. 11

9. FALCO, Linneus.

10. Prrrertne Fatcon. F. prrecrinvs, ( Gmelin.)

Falco peregrinus, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, I., 11.
3 a Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 4, I., 53.

Some years ago this noble species was not by any means un-
common in the north of England. Formerly it bred, every year,
in the wild parts of the two counties, but now it can scarcely be
said todo so. Iam informed, however, by Mr. Arthur Newall,
that a nest of young birds was taken last year, 1872, at Lang-
ley Ford, near the Cheviot. It built annually, some years ago,
at Thrunton Crag, in the vale of Whittingham; and, as it still
occasionally breeds in the district, we can yet claim it as a resi-
dent species.

The Peregrine was seen this spring, 1873, at Little Whick-
hope, North Tyne, when it drove off the Ravens which were
breeding in the crag there. Iam indebted to John Coppin, Esq.,
for this information ; and I am happy to say that that gentleman
is not disposed to destroy this fine bird, though it may deprive
him of a few Grouse.

The movements of birds of prey usually cause great commo-
tion among their feathered brethren. Wherever they appear,
large and small unite in the chase, and endeavour to drive away
or intimidate the common enemy. I was therefore much sur-
prised one day, while sauntering on the shores of Spynie Loch,
in company with my late friend Mr. Charles St. John, to observe
a Peregrine quietly perched on a stone in the shallow water
near the shore, surrounded by numerous wild Ducks resting on
the water in complete repose, and quite indifferent to the close
proximity of their arch enemy, who took just as little notice of
them.

Specimens from different localities vary considerably in plum-
age. I have seen individuals with the under parts quite rufous,
approaching in this respect F. peregrinator, of India. A fine
example of this variety, killed in Scotland, is in the possession
of Mr. George Freeman, of Newcastle. It is therefore pretty

c

12 A CATALOGUE OF THE BIRDS

evident that this so-called species should rank merely as a race
or variety. In some specimens again the rufous colour is in
patches, and in others it becomes less and less, until it entirely
disappears, and the ground colour of the under parts is pure
white. Another variety has the ground of a pale cold grey, with
the transverse bands blending somewhat together.

This Falcon is the most noble and elegant of rapacious birds ;
his fine, angular, compact form, can best be studied and only
fully appreciated by the faleoner. The firm but easy manner in
which the bird rests upon his perch, his tarsi almost straight,
his body erect, his head gracefully poised upon his wide majestic
shoulders, and the glance of his quiet, piercing, brilliant eye,
are all the constant admiration of the falconer; but when thus
represented in art, it has a stiff, formal appearance to the un-
initiated. Of course, this noble bird is seen to the greatest ad-
vantage while he is “‘ waiting on,’’ and while he is making his
rapid and repeated stoops upon the quarry.

With a view of attaiing an accurate knowledge of the form
and habits of the Falcon I have trained nearly all the British
species; and, in preserving specimens of them for my collection,
have availed myself of the information so gained. But, notwith-
standing all my pains, I could never satisfy an old fastidious
friend of mine, who was himself a great admirer of Nature, and
a very good bird-stuffer. His criticism always went to the same
tune—‘‘ Very good, sir! very good! but is it not rather stiff on
its legs ?”? My friend had to visit me at a certain hour one day,
so I thought I would test him. I brought my trained Greenland
Falcon into the work-room and put him to one side on his perch,
all ready for the field, hooded, belled, and leashed. He at once
became as stationary as a statue, and in his quiet graceful re-
pose looked as much like a stuffed bird as any that surrounded
him. In came my expected friend. ‘‘ Well, have you been
doing anything new of late?” ‘‘There is a Falcon,” said I,
pointing to the bird ready equipped for the field; ‘‘ what do you
think of him?” ‘‘Good, sir! very good! but don’t you think
his legs r-a-ther stiff?’ and, as he spoke, he advanced a step or
two towards the Falcon, which, becoming alarmed at the near

OF NORTHUMBERLAND AND DURHAM. 13

approach of some one, turned its head a little in the direction of
the critic. ‘‘Tut, tut, sir! what are you up to now? what joke
is this?” said my friend, thinking that by some mechanism I
had contrived to make the supposed stuffed bird turn his head.
He then put his hand upon the back of the Falcon, which at
once raised its wings. My friend started and exclaimed, ‘‘ Why,
sir, the bird is alive!” ‘‘ Yes! yes!’ I rejoined, “‘ but 2s 7¢ not
rather stiff on its legs?” This was the last time I ever heard
any criticism on the stiffness of my Falcon’s legs.

11. Hossy. F. sussurreo, Linneus.
Falco subbuteo, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, I., 13.
Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 4, I., 65.

? )

A rare casual visitant. I obtained, several years ago, an
adult female which was killed in Streatlam Park, near Stain-
drop. This was apparently a breeding bird, and probably had
its nest in that locality. It is the specimen alluded to in Selby’s
catalogue. Another individual was shot near Thornley, Dur-
ham, September, 1832, and is now in the Durham University

Museum. A male was shot on Newcastle Town Moor, 25th

July, 1858. To Mr. Duncan, animal preserver, I am indebted
for this information. A second example, also a male, was
killed at the same place on the 15th August, 1859, and is now
in the Newcastle Museum; and an adult female was shot at Cul-
lercoats on the 2nd June, 1863, and is in the possession of Mr.
M. C. Woods, of Holleyn Hall.

Notwithstanding the probability of the Streatlam specimen
having bred there, yet, as there is no clear proof of the species
ever having done so in either of the two counties, it must be
considered a mere casual visitant.

12. Rep-roorep Fatcon. F. vuspertinus, Linneus.
Falco vespertinus, Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 4, I., 69.
Lrythropus vespertinus, Gould, Birds of Gt. Britain, Part XVI.

This rare casual visitant has occurred twice or thrice in our
district. A mature male was shot at the Trow Rocks, South

14 A CATALOGUE OF THE BIRDS

Shields, October, 1886, and is in my collection. An example,
in first plumage, was killed near Morpeth, August, 1858; and
a third specimen is stated, on the authority of Mr. R. C. Emble-
ton, to have been found at Hauxley, October, 1868. This is
mentioned in Tate’s ‘‘ History of Alnwick.”

I have a large series of specimens of this species from the con-
tinent, in various stages of plumage, from which it appears that
this, like the other true Falcons, obtains the mature dress on the
first moult. Itis probable, however, that, occasionally, the whole
of the feathers are not shed, a few of those of the tail and wing
coverts being retained. The vignette in Yarrell’s Fourth Edition,
Vol. I., p. 73, represents a young male in this state, but it may
be, in such cases, that the bird is stillin the moult. In the Pere-
grine, sometimes, a few of the nest feathers are retained till the
second moult. This partial change of feathers occurs in many
birds at all ages.

18. Merrtn. F. msaton, Gmelin.

Falco esalon, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, I., 15.
:f ,, Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 4, L., 74.

This small and elegant species is a resident and breeds on our
moors amidst the heather, preferring a sloping ground where
there are large tumbled stones; but it occasionally breeds in
trees. I saw a nest so situated in Norway, in 1833, when on
an ornithological tour in company with my friend, Mr. W. C.
Hewitson. And I was informed by the late Mr. Lovat, game-
keeper at Hesleyside, that, on the 27th of June, 1849, he met
with a brood of young Merlins three miles west of that place.
They occupied an old nest of the Carrion Crow, built in a birch
tree, at a height of twelve to fifteen feet from the ground: he
shot both the parent birds.

In July, 1866, in company with Mr. E. W. Brooks, I visited
the breeding site of this species, on a slope by the side of the
Black Burn, near Cragside, the residence of Sir W. G. Arm-
strong, C.B., and saw the two old birds and the four young ones
perched on large stones: I believe it still breeds in that locality.

OF NORTHUMBERLAND AND DURHAM. 15

This beautiful little Falcon is rapidly disappearing, by the
hand of the gamekeeper, from the north of England, and will,
I fear, soon cease to give interest to our moorland rambles.

14. Kesrret on WinpHover. F. tinnuncutus, Linneus.
Falco tinnunculus, Bew., Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, I., 18, 20.
ts ie Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 4, I., 78.

This is a resident, and the commonest Falcon in the north ot
England. It is usually seen suspended as it were in the air, with
the wings in gentle motion. From this habit it has obtained the
pretty descriptive name of Windhover.

I have more than once trained the Kestrel to come to the lure
garnished with pieces of flesh, on which it had been taught to
feed; but I could never tempt it to fly at small birds, though I
have frequently tried to do so by throwing them under it when
it was on the wing: it never took the slightest notice of them,
but kept hovering gracefully, changing constantly its position
as if seeking for its natural prey—beetles and mice. I see no
reason for believing that it ever takes fledged birds, though it
may occasionally harry a nest of newly hatched ones. I have
examined great numbers of the rejected pellets of this bird, and
have constantly found in them the elytra of coleopterous insects,
and the bones of mice and voles; but never feathers or other re-
mains of birds. Notwithstanding the moffensive and useful habits
of this interesting species, it is still very generally slaughtered
by the gamekeeper, though in some localities its value is gra-
dually becoming acknowledged.

10. JASTUR) Lacepede.

15. GosHawk. A. paLumBaRtus, (Linncus.)
Falco palumbarius, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, I. 81.
Astur os Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 4, I. 83.

This is a rare casual visitant, and is not included in Selby’s
catalogue.

16 A CATALOGUE OF THE BIRDS

On the 19th of February, 1842, a mature female was shot by
John Forster, Jun., Esq., of Shaftoe, in a plantation near Bolam
Lake, Northumberland. Another mature female was taken in
1844 in a trap, at Bedlington, in the same county, and was, for
some years, in the possession of Mr. Longridge. A fine mature
female, now in the Newcastle Museum, was presented by Ralph
Carr-Ellison, Esq. It was captured in Hulne Park, near Alnwick.

In April, 1845, an immature female was killed at Woodburn,
on the Reedwater; and a mature female, which was shot in the
neighbourhood of Castle Eden Dene, a few years ago, is in the
possession of Rowland Burdon, Esq., of Castle Eden. A fine
male specimen, in first plumage, for which I am indebted to the
late Mr. George Balmer, was caught in a trap at Kielder, North
Tyne, October, 1846; and I am informed by John Coppin, Ksq.,
that a specimen was killed at Whickhope, North Tyne, February,
1854.

Three individuals are mentioned in the second edition of Yar-
rell, Vol. I., p. 64, as having been killed in Northumberland
during the winter of 1831.

11. ACCIPITER, Brisson.

16. Sparrow Hawx. A. nisus, (Linneus.)
Falco nisus, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, L., 34.
Accipiter nisus, Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 4, I., 88.

A common resident; but not nearly so plentiful as formerly.
It feeds on small birds, such as the Buntings, Sparrows, Thrushes,
and Starlings.

I have a very interesting variety (figured in Pl. II.) of this
species, that was shot on Tyneside in 1854: it isa male, and ap-
parently adult. The under parts are entirely deprived of trans-
verse bands; the throat, lower parts of the belly, vent, under
tail coverts, and thighs are white, slightly tinged with rufous ;
the whole of the breast, flanks, and cheeks, clear rufous or tawny
colour; the upper parts, tail, and quill feathers are of a pretty
uniform greyish brown, somewhat intensified at the head and
back of the neck; there is a white spot on the occipital region,

OF NORTHUMBERLAND AND DURHAM. 17

and a narrow inconspicuous streak above the eye; there are no
distinct bands on the tail, of which the external feather on each
side, and the two central ones, are entirely plain; the second,
third, fourth, and fifth, on each side, have each two dark indis-
tinct bars or spots.

This variety seems to hold the same relation to the European
Sparrow Hawk as the Accipiter rhodogaster, A. Stevensont, Gur-
ney, and Macronisus gularis, Schlegel, do to IW. badius, Gmelin.
Indeed, the characters are very slight that distinguish these spe-
cifically from each other.

12. CIRCUS, Lacépede.

17. Marsa Harrier. C. mrvernosvs, (Linneus.)

Falco rufus, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, I., 44.
Coreus eruginosus, Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 4, I., 127.

This fine species, which, a few years ago, was common on our
swampy moorlands, where it bred, has now almost disappeared
under the policy of the game-preserver, and has fallen, or is fast
falling, from the rank of a resident, to that of a mere casual visit-
ant. In 1823 I took a nest of it, with four eggs, on the moors
at Wemmergill, near Middleton-in-Teesdale, the shooting box
of the late Lord Strathmore. Both parent birds had been shot
or trapped by the gamekeeper, and formed part of his museum,
nailed against the stable walls. This collection was made up of
Hawks, Owls, Daws, Buzzards, and such like ‘‘ vermin,’’ both
biped and quadruped, being altogether one of the largest and most
disgusting I have ever seen. It is now quite impossible in the
north of England for any gamekeeper to form such another mu-
seum to bear testimony to his zeal and ignorance, as the so-
called vermin no longer exist.

A few years ago my friend, Mr. Thomas Thompson, of Winla-
ton, obtained a nest with four eggs of the Marsh Harrier, near
Haydon Bridge; and a female was shot at Hartington, near
Durham, August, 1840.

18 A CATALOGUE OF THE BIRDS

The plumage of this species varies considerably, and ornitholo-
gists do not appear to be quite agreed respecting its changes.
Yarrell, certainly, is in error when he says that birds of the
year have the whole of the plumage chocolate brown, and that
in the second year the head, nape, chin, and throat become of a
dull yellow. In July, 18438, I obtained in Leadenhall Market
three living examples of the Marsh Harrier in the nest plum-
age, having the feathers only partially grown, and the quills so
short that the birds must have been taken near their nesting
place. These individuals had the whole of the body of a dark
chocolate brown, with the feathers narrowly bordered with red-
dish brown, the crown of the head, occiput, cheeks, and throat
‘of a clear orange brown, and the auriculars dark brown, like the

body, forming a dark patch chiefly behind the eye. The pale,

bald appearance of the head would therefore seem to characterize
the first or nest plumage. And from other specimens in my pos-
session it would appear probable, if not certain, that the head
afterwards becomes streaked with brown, and ultimately loses
the bald appearance altogether, the streaks widening very much,
so that the feathers are merely tipped and bordered with pale
buff or yellowish white; and this is the case in both sexes.

There is a well marked variety of the Marsh Harrier, which
appears to be plentiful in India. The figure given in Yarrell,
and stated to be that of a mature male, represents this variety.
The secondaries, great coverts, and tail feathers are of a clear
blue grey; and the body both above and below is of a reddish
brown streaked with darker brown, the back feathers and scap-
ulars are somewhat darker than the rest. Specimens which are
supposed to be of this variety, and which I take to be immature,
have the brown tints both paler and redder than in the adult,
and have the under parts of ‘a reddish brown or ferruginous
colour, almost without streaks or blotches; the head, neck, and
front of the body considerably paler than the under parts. This
well marked variety or race is without the dark patch behind
the eye, so constant in the normal specimens.

Jerdon says that the figures in Yarrell and Gould were taken

OF NORTHUMBERLAND AND DURHAM. 19

from Indian specimens; and Blyth asserts that this variety has
not been killed in Europe. I have, however, a specimen of it,
which I received in the flesh, but where captured I am unable
to say. It was purchased in Leadenhall Market by Mr. J. H.
Gurney, Jun., and kindly presented to me. This specimen has
the tail feathers, secondaries, and great coverts partially grey.

The mature male of our district is entirely without grey on
those parts, and has the head streaked or spotted with brown.
The adult female resembles the male; both sexes, as well as the
young, have a dark patch behind the eye.

18. Hen Harrier. C. cyanevs, (Linneus.)

Falco cyaneus, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, I., 46.
Cycus ,, Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 4, I., 132.

A casual visitant. This is the commonest of the genus in the
two northern counties; but, like the preceding species, it has now
almost succumbed to the zeal of the gamekeeper. Mr. William
Proctor, of Durham, informs me that it was common, and bred
at Hedley Edge, on the Brancepeth Estate, about thirty years
ago. I took the eggs, four in number, on the Wemmergill Moors,
in 1823. I fear it can no longer be considered a resident in the
district. It is still occasionally shot, though I have not seen a
single individual for several years.

The late Mr. R. R. Wingate informed me that his father re-
membered when the Hen Harrier bred on the Newcastle Town
Moor.

19. Mownracu’s Harrimr, C. coveraceus, (Montagu.)

Faleo cineraceus, Bewick, Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, I., 39.
Circus, Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 4, I., 138.

A rare species in the north of England, where it was a re-
sident, but is now probably only a casual visitant. Selby
mentions the occurrence of three specimens; two killed in North-
umberland, one in Durham. There are four individuals in my
collection, two taken in Northumberland, and two in Durham.

20 A CATALOGUE OF THE BIRDS

One of these, a fine mature male, was shot on Morpeth Common,
July, 1829; two, which are in the first or nest plumage, were
shot at Wolsingham Park, in the county of Durham, 18385, and
had undoubtedly been bred in that neighbourhood; and in the
same year a fourth was killed in Northumberland, a male, and a
fine example of the dark grey variety, being of a uniform black
grey or smoke colour, entirely without markings.

Famity. STRIGIDA, Leach.
13. SURNIA, Dumerii.
20. Swowy Own. 8. nycrEa, (Linneus.)

Strix nyctea, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, I., 58.
Nyctea scandiaca, Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 4, I., 187.

This large species is a rare visitant. Selby states in his cata-
logue that two fine specimens were killed in Northumberland in
January, 1823, one, a female, at Rothbury, the other, a male,
a few days afterwards, in the neighbourhood of Elsdon. The
bird figured in. Bewick, and stated to have been shot at Elsdon,
is probably one of these specimens.

On the 7th November, 1858, a fine specimen was shot at Hel-
mington, near Bishop Auckland, and is in the possession of Mr.
Henry Gornall, of that place.

14. NYCTALE, Brehm.
21. Trnematm’s Own. N. Tenemarmt, ( Gmelin.)

Strix Tengmalni, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, I., 59.
Nyctale ,, Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 4, I., 154.

This is a rare casual visitant. I bought a fresh specimen of
it at a poulterer’s shop in Newcastle. It was shot near Whit-
burn, on the 11th or 12th October, 1848. Another specimen,
shot at Rothbury in 1849, was presented to me by my friend
Mr. Clement Lister, of Newcastle. These two fine specimens
are still in my collection. Twelve or thirteen years ago I had

OF NORTHUMBERLAND AND DURHAM. 21

a living individual, which was taken at Widdrington, Northum-
berland. It lived for some time, and ultimately escaped. I fed
it upon mice and pieces of flesh.

The example taken at Widdrington, in 1812 or 1813, and
figured by both Bewick and Selby as Strix passerina, is Nyctale
Tengmalmt. I have seen the specimen in Selby’s collection, and
there can be no doubt about the species. Selby corrects the
mistake in his catalogue.

15. SYRNIUM, Savigny.
22. Tawny Owr. S. atuco (Linneus.)

Striz aluco, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, I., 55.
Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 4, I., 146.

7 2?

A common resident, frequenting woods. It breeds in trees,
choosing those covered with ivy. A curious exception to this
habit occurred to Mr. Thomas Thompson; he took a nest of it a
few years ago, with three eggs, in a rabbit hole at Rowland’s
Gill, near Gibside.

This species preys chiefly on the smaller mammals, and fre-
quents stack-garths for the purpose, and is consequently a valua-
ble ally to the farmer: notwithstanding, the Tawny Owl is
constantly seen nailed up in the gamekeeper’s museum.

16. STRIX, Lenneus.
23. Barn Own. Srerm FiuamueEa, Lonneus.

Strix flammea, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, I. 57.
Aluco ,, Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 4, I., 194.

A common resident species, but gradually diminishing in num-
bers like other birds of prey, and from the same cause. It feeds
chiefly on rats and mice, and is consequently of great service to
the agriculturist.

I have a remarkable variety of this species, which was shot in
the district a few years ago. The whole of the under parts,
which are usually white, are of a full tawny colour, as are the

22 A CATALOGUE OF THE BIRDS

legs and thighs; the face is also tinged with the same colour,
and the upper parts have the tawny richer than usual.

17. OTUS, G. Cuvier.
24. SHorr-EaARED Ow. O. BRAcHYotUS, (Forster.)
Strix brachyotus, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, I., 61.
Asio accipitrinus, Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 4, L., 163.

This is chiefly an autumn migrant, arriving on our coast in
considerable numbers with the Woodcocks ; but as it occasionally
breeds in the district, it must rank as a resident. Late one
autumn I sprung, in a rough stubble field, near Cleadon, four
or five specimens. They had undoubtedly just arrived and were
feeding on mice, which appeared to abound in the field. Up-
wards of forty years ago it bred on the moors at a place called
Clint Burn, nine or ten miles above Bellingham. ‘Two or three
nests were taken there in consecutive years by the late Mr. L.
J. Lovat, keeper at Hesleyside. Mr. Douglas also took the eggs
of this species on the same moors, near Falstone, about the same
time. The late Mr. R. R. Wingate picked up a young indivi-
dual of the Short-eared Owl, near Brampton, Cumberland.

Mr. Isaac Clark informs me that the gamekeeper, at Longhirst,
took a nest of this species, with three eggs, in 1872.

25. Lone-rarEep Own. O. vutearis, Wleming.

Strix otus, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, I., 66.

Asio ,, Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 4, I., 158.

A resident. Common in wooded districts. Becoming less
abundant every year, being stigmatised as ‘‘ vermin /”’

18. BUBO, G. Cuvier.

26. Eascre Own. Buso maximus, Fleming.

Strix bubo, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, I. 64.

Bubo ignavus, Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 4, I., 168.

I am obligingly informed by Mr. James Sutton, of Durham,
who is a careful observer, and has an extensive collection of

OF NORTHUMBERLAND AND DURHAM. 23

birds and eggs, that he fired at an Eagle Owl on the “links,”
near North Sunderland, in October, 1872. He states that ‘it
soared a great height after I fired, then descended to a rock on
the beach: it again rose and flew at a great elevation, mostly in
circles, away to the Farne Islands.”’

OrperR. II. PASSERES, Linneus.
Famity. PICIDA, Vigors.
19. PICUS, Linneus.
1. Greater SpotreD Woopprecker. P. mason, Linneus.

Picus major, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, I., 278.
be » Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, II., 148.

There are eight entries of the capture of this species in my
journal between the years 1830 and 1868. This species appears
to be commoner than the Green Woodpecker. Mr. William
Dinning informs me that a nest of the Greater Spotted Wood-
pecker was taken at Swallowship, near Hexham, in an old willow
stump, in June, 1868: two of the eggs are in his collection, and
one in mine. This is the only instance with which I am ac-
quainted of its breeding in the north of England: it must there-
fore be placed along with the residents, though it is usually an
autumn or winter migrant.

2. Lxsser Sporrep Wooppecker. P. minor, Linneus.

Picus minor, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, I., 280.
» Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, IT., 154.

An example of this rare casual visitant was shot upwards of

forty years ago at Gosforth, near Newcastle, and is in my pos-
session.
- In Mr. Selby’s catalogue it is stated that ‘‘a specimen was
some time ago killed at Wallsend.” In Wallis’s History of
Northumberland, one is recorded as having been shot in Dilston
Park,

24 A CATALOGUE OF THE BIRDS

20. GECINUS, Bote.

3. Green Wooprecker. G. vinipis, (Linneus.)
Picus viridis, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, I., 276.
Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, IT., 187.

) ?

A resident. Not by any means common, but it occasionally
breeds in the district. Mr. Isaac Clark took a nest of it with
three eggs, at Minsteracres, two or three years ago.

According to Wallis, this species was frequent in Dilston Park
before the trees were cut down.

21. YUNX, Linneus.

4, Werrneck. Y. Torquitta, Linneus.

Yune torquilla, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, I., 288.
oe re Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, II., 158.

This is a spring-and-autumn migrant, and is far from common
in Northumberland, but is more frequently seen in Durham. I
shot one, near Hartley, April, 1833. A pair bred in the year
18138, and for four or five years after, in the garden at Cleadon
House, the residence of the Rev. G. C. Abbs. This is the only
instance I know of its having bred in the district, but as it is a
spring-and-autumn migrant, it may be expected occasionally to
do so, though this is probably about its northern limit.

Famity. CUCULIDA, Vrgors.
22, CUCULUS, Linnceus.

5. Cuckoo. C. canorus, Linneus.
Cuculus canorus, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, I., 267.
+ i) Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, II., 189.
This common and well known spring-and-autumn migrant has
been found in this district to deposit its eggs in the nests of the

following birds, namely, the Meadow Pipit, the Hedge Accentor,
the Pied Wagtail, the Reed Bunting, the Grasshopper Warbler,

OF NORTHUMBERLAND AND DURHAM. 25

and the Willow Wren. That of the Meadow Pipit appears to
be its favourite, as more than half of the number of the Cuckoo’s
eges taken are found in the nests of this species.

The occurrence of the Cuckoo’s egg in the Willow Wren’s nest
is of much interest. This has only once occurred in our district,
namely, near Winlaton Mill, in May, 1870, as I am informed by
Mr. Isaac Clark, of Blaydon, and a better or more trustworthy
observer cannot exist. Other instances of the kind are however
known. M. Montbeillard gives testimony as to the Cuckoo’s
egg having been taken out of the nest of the Willow Wren, but
the fact has been questioned, as it is quite evident that the
Cuckoo could not enter the Wren’s nest, which is domed, and
the entrance is at the side and very small, being just of suffi-
cient size to permit the Wren to pass in and out. It appears,
however, that Vaillant ‘‘ obtained pretty satisfactory evidence
that one at least of the African Cuckoos carries the egg in her
bill.” It is clear that this must also be the case with our Europ-
ean species, unless we refuse to believe both the testimony of M.
Montbeillard, and the fact I have just recorded respecting the
occurrence of the Cuckoo’s eggs in the Willow Wren’s nests.
It appears to me that such evidence cannot be ignored ; and more-
over there is the case mentioned by Dr. Jenner* of a Cuckoo’s
ege found in a Wagtail’s nest, in a hole under the eaves of a cot-
tage, in which the difficulty is just as great as in the cases of
the Cuckoo’s eggs in the Willow Wren’s nests.

In 18538, Dr. Baldamus published a paper, in which he main-
tains that the eggs of the Cuckoo partake of the colour of those
of the foster parents. I have seen a great number of the eggs of
this bird, but nothing to warrant in the least degree this opinion.
Indeed, the eggs of the Cuckoo vary less than those of most other
Passeres, and any such change of colour as the above would be a
mere futile effort of nature. Birds do not discriminate nicely the
colours or other characters of their eggs: the Barn-door Fowl will
sit on chalk eggs, Duck’s eggs, Pheasant’s eggs, Partridge’s eggs,
Guinea Fowl’s eggs, or almost any kind that is put into its nest.

Mr. Thomas Craster, Janitor of the Museum of the Newcastle

* Montagu’s Ornithological Dictionary, 2nd Ed., p. 120.

26 A CATALOGUE OF THE BIRDS

Medical School, informs me that he set a domestic Pigeon with
Waterhen’s eggs, and they were duly hatched. Yarrell, in his
‘‘ History of British Birds,’’ mentions a Buzzard that hatched
and reared several broods of the Common Fowl. All birds, of
whatever colour their eggs may usually be, occasionally lay a
white one, and these are incubated just as freely as if they were
of the normal colour. Such being the case, what necessity is
there for the theory of Dr. Baldamus ?

Another point in the history of the Cuckoo seems still to be
undecided. How are the young of the foster parents thrown out
of the nest, as they always are a day or two after they are -
hatched? After Dr. Jenner’s account of this performance, pub-
lished in the ‘‘ Philosophical Transactions” for 1788, it would
seem quite impossible that any one should refuse to believe that
this is achieved by the young Cuckoo. Yet such is the case,
notwithstanding the corroborative testimony and experiments of
Montagu (Ornithological Dictionary, Ed. 2, p. 117). This in-
teresting fact has, however, been recently confirmed by a letter
which appeared in ‘“‘ Nature,” 14th May, 1872. This letter is
by J. B., author of ‘‘ Caw Caw,” and contains an account of the
process of ejection as witnessed by the writer, and it agrees per-
fectly with those originally published by Dr. Jenner and Mon-
tagu, so that now we have demonstrations of the fact by three
competent eye-witnesses of it; and if such testimony is to be
rejected, what other is to be believed ?

The young of the foster parents are thrown out a day or two
after they are hatched, and while the young Cuckoo is apparently
so feeble that it might be supposed that it did not possess the
power to accomplish such a feat. Hence it is, that the fact is
by some persons still disputed. It is quite certain, however, that
the young are ejected very soon after they are hatched: of this I
haye conclusive proof. On the 6th June, 1864, I observed a nest
of the Hedge Accentor, which contained five eggs, four belong-
ing to this bird, and one to the Cuckoo. I visited the nest again
on the 8th June, and found three young Hedge Accentors and
the Cuckoo hatched, one of the Hedge Accentor’s eggs haying
disappeared: the three young Hedge Accentors lay on one side

OF NORTHUMBERLAND AND DURHAM. 27

of the nest, the Cuckoo on the other by itself. On the morning
of the following day I once more went to the nest; the three
Accentors were gone, and the Cuckoo was the sole occupant.
One of the Accentors lay dead on the ground below the nest.
On the 10th June I saw the foster parents feeding the Cuckoo;
on the 12th the nest was destroyed, probably by a mouse, and
the Cuckoo also had disappeared.

When the egg of the Cuckoo is not hatched, the young of the
foster birds are reared. In 1870, I met with a case in point;
the nest contained two eggs of the Hedge Accentor, and one of
the Cuckoo; after a day or two the Accentors were hatched. I
continued to watch for several days, in the hope that the Cuckoo’s
ege would also be hatched, but it proved to be addled. The
parents fed their little brood with great attention, and neither
they nor the young took any notice of the unhatched egg, which
lay sometimes above and sometimes below the nestlings.

On another occasion I watched two Accentors feeding a young
Cuckoo, which was so large that it completely filled the nest.
The foster parents were most assiduous, bringing every five or
seven minutes a mouthful of insects, and occasionally a large
caterpillar. It was amusing to note the actions of the young
Cuckoo when I approached the nest; it spread out its wings, set
up its feathers, and opened to its greatest extent its wide mouth,
making all the while a peculiar noise in the most defiant manner.
I offered the little creature tempting caterpillars, but it would
not take one. The Cuckoo is quite naked when first hatched,
and has not even any down in the young state.

23. OXYLOPHUS, Swainson.

6. Great Sporrep Cuckoo. O. eLtanpartus, Linneus.
Ouculus glandarius, Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, IT., 200.
Oxylophus ,, Gould, Birds of Great Britain, Part XX.

A specimen of this extremely rare visitant was shot near
Bellingham, North Tyne, August 5th, 1870, and was kindly
presented to the Newcastle Museum by W. H. Charlton, Esq.,
Hesleyside.

28 ; A CATALOGUE OF THE BIRDS

Yarrell mentions the occurrence of an individual of this spe-
cies, in 1848, in Ireland. These two are, I believe, the only
examples that have been captured in the British Islands.

Faminy. CORACIADIDA, Bonaparte.
24, CORACIAS, Linnceus.

7. Rorter. C. GARRULA, Linnaeus.
Coracias garrula, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, I., 93.
4 » Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed, 2, II., 211.

This rare casual visitant has been taken several times in the
district. Mr. Selby mentions in his catalogue the occurrence of
three, and I have to record other four captures. Some years
ago a specimen was shot near Harsdon; another fine individual
was killed June 26th, 1847, on the estate of J. T. Wharton,
Esq., near Redcar, and is in my possession; the third example
was shot at Eslington, September, 1868, and is in the collec-
tion at Ravensworth Castle; the fourth was shot on the Hun-
wick Estate, Durham, on May the 25th or 26th, 1872, by Mz.
H. Gornall, Bishop Auckland, and was kindly presented to me
by him.

Famuity. MEROPIDA, M’rgors.
25. MEROPS, Linneus.

8. Bror-tarmep Ben-narer. M. Pairrrrensis, Linneus.
Merops Phillipensis, Jerdon, Birds of India, I., 207.

A fine specimen of this species was kindly submitted to me by
the Rev. T. M. Hicks, of Newburn, in whose possession it now
is. It was shot near the Snook, Seaton Carew, in August, 1862,
by Mr. Thomas Hann, of Byers’ Green. This bird is a very rare
casual visitant, and the above example, so far as I know, is the
first recorded individual killed in Britain.

In Jerdon’s ‘‘ Birds of India,” Vol. I., p. 207, it is stated,
that ‘‘this handsome Bee-eater is spread more or less over all

OF NORTHUMBERLAND AND DURHAM. 29

India and Burmah, extending to Ceylon in the South, and to the
Malay peninsula and islands in the East.”

It appears from Gould that there are but two species of this
genus found in Europe, viz., IZ apiaster and WZ. Egyptius ;
therefore, the occurrence of the present bird adds a third species
to the European list.

Famity. ALCEDINIDA, Bonaparte.
26. ALCEDO, Linneus.

9. KriyertsHer. A. Isprpa, Linneus.

Alcedo ispida, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, I., 298.
o », Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, II., 228.

The Kingfisher is a resident in the district, and is not uncom-
mon. It is mentioned, in Mr. Selby’s catalogue, as breeding
regularly near Mitford and Angerton, on the Wansbeck. And,
according to the same authority, the nest has been taken on the
banks of the Wear, near Chester-le-Street. In 1870, it bred at
Stocksfield, and also at Winlaton Mill, on the Derwent. It also
breeds by the Skerne near Darlington, and near Bishop Auckland,
and in other localities in the county of Durham. It visits Jes-
mond Dene every autumn, and may be seen on most of the North-
umbrian streams.

It breeds annually in a hole in a bank by the edge of the lake
in the grounds at Oatlands, Surrey, the residence of Mr. W. C.
Hewitson, where, I am informed by my friend, two broods are
reared annually, and that one year he believes there were three.
I had an opportunity, in this locality, of watching the parents
feeding their nestlings. I concealed myself in the bushes, where
I commanded a good view of the entrance to the nest, and found
that one or other of the parents came every four or five minutes
with a small fish carried crosswise in the bill. I saw this re-
peated seven times, when I was discovered by the old birds, and
not another fish was brought during the time that I remained
on the spot watching, nearly half an hour.

On another occasion, hearing a Kingfisher utter a peculiar cry

30 A CATALOGUE OF THE BIRDS

in the same locality, and thinking that a nest was not far off, I
again concealed myself amidst the foliage. I had not watched
long before I saw the bird with rapid, fluttering wings, poised
in the air, about thirty feet above the water; the body was at
an angle of about forty-five degrees, the tail downwards; in a
few seconds the body gradually became horizontal, and then, as
if turning on a pivot, the head was poimted in the direction of
the water, and in an instant the bird shot down to the surface:
it did not however succeed in capturing a fish. It made another
unsuccessful attempt, exactly in the same manner, and then dis-
appeared behind some bushes, but, in the course of a minute or
two returned, carrying a fish, which it bore off to some roots of
an alder tree overhanging the bank, where probably its nest was
concealed.

This very pretty method of fishing does not appear to have
been noticed by ornithologists; at least the Kingfisher is usually
described as taking its prey by dropping headlong into the water
from some overhanging branch or twig, or other elevated position.
This method of fishing I have also frequently witnessed.

Fauriy. CERTHIIDA, Bonaparte.
27, SITTA, Linneus.
10. NuraatcH. 8S. EKuropma, Linneus.
Sitta Europea, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, I., 285.
i 5 Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, II., 188.

I know of no instance of the occurrence of this bird in North-
umberland. Thirty or forty years ago it bred regularly in the
Bishop’s Park at Bishop Auckland, but it is no longer to be found
there. It is now a rare casual visitant.

28. CERTHIA, Linneus.
11. Crerprr. C. raminrris, Linneus.
Certhia familiaris, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, I., 287.
§ » Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, IT., 165.

To be found throughout the district wherever wood prevails,

A resident,

=o

i Se

OF NORTHUMBERLAND AND DURHAM. 31

Famity. UPUPID, Bonaparte.
29. UPUPA, Linneus.

12. Hooroz. U. Epors, Linneus.
Upupa epops, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, I., 289.
a ,» Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, II., 175.

The Hoopoe is a casual visitant. It most frequently occurs
on the coast. Seven entries of the capture of this beautiful bird
are recorded in my journal.

A fine example, in my collection, was shot at Cullercoats,
September 8th, 1831. As it was only winged, I had an oppor-
tunity of seeing it alive, and of observing how the feathers of
the crest are arranged when erected. The coronal plumes are
seldom faithfully represented in ornithological works; they are
usually delineated in a more or less disordered condition; but in
nature they are arranged regularly in transverse pairs, increasing
in length towards the middle of the crest, and radiating from the
top of the head like the rays of a fan; the pairs are alternately
long and short; when raised and fully displayed the arched mar-
gin of the crest is deeply and regularly indented, and is enriched
with a double row of black spots—an upper row at the tips of
the taller feathers, and a lower row at the tips of the shorter
feathers.

Famity. CORVIDA, Leach.
30. CORVUS, Linneus.

13. Raven. C. corax, Linneus.
Corvus corax, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, I., 72.
uf » Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, II., 61.

A resident. This weird and majestic bird is now nearly ban-
ished from the two counties, where it once gave interest and life
to the wild and rocky solitudes of the uncultivated parts, and
where it constantly bred and reared its sable offspring. It occa-
sionally nests in the crags at Little Whickhope, North Tyne, as
I am informed by John Coppin, Esq. The same gentleman has,

32 A CATALOGUE OF THE BIRDS

under date August 5th, 1873, kindly given me the following
additional information. ‘‘I have great pleasure in informing
you that a pair of Ravens built their nest and reared their
young this spring on the Kielder Estate, the property of the
Duke of Northumberland. I heard this from our gamekeeper,
at Whickhope, a few days ago, who also said that a pair occa-
sionally builds a nest, near Chattlehope Spout, on the Reed-
water. The Ravens did not build at Whickhope this spring,
although they were sometimes seen about their usual haunting
place.” Jam also indebted to Mr. Lebour for the information,
that a nest or two may yet be seen at Rayen’s Cleugh, near Al-
winton, on the Coquet. ;

In the latter part of the last century a Raven annually built
its nest in the steeple of St. Nicholas’ Church, Newcastle. I
received this information from the late Mr. R. R. Wingate, who
possessed an egg taken from a nest in the steeple. When a
youth, he saw the old birds pass in and out of the hole in which
the nest was placed.

14. Carrion Crow. C. coronn, Linneus.
Corvus corone, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, I., 74.
Bs » Xarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, IT., 78.

This, like the Raven, is a resident, but it is rapidly disappear-
ing under the persecution of the game-preservers, to whom I
would earnestly recommend the perusal of the article on this
Crow in Waterton’s ‘‘ Essays on Natural History.’’ In wooded
districts, nevertheless, the croak of this bird may still occasion-
ally be heard, and the nest met with.

15. Hooprp Crow. C. corntx, Linneus.
Corvus corniz, Bewick, Hist Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, I., 76.
4 » Xarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, II., 82.

A common winter visitant. It is seen everywhere in October,
most frequently on our sea shores, and by the margins of our
rivers.

Notwithstanding the apparent distinctness of this species, it

OF NORTHUMBERLAND AND DURHAM. 30

is probably a mere race of the Carrion Crow, as has been pointed
out by several distinguished ornithologists. The two forms
readily breed together. Mr. Yarrell mentions three or four
instances of their having done so both in England and Scotland ;
but it is in the latter country where this intercourse most fre-
quently takes place. The Hooded Crow being a migrant in
England, it is only when some accidental circumstance detains
it here that the two forms can be associated during the breeding
season. In the northern parts of Scotland however both are
stationary, and there every year they very often breed together.

In the spring of 1850, I had an opportunity of observing the
habits of these birds in the neighbourhood of Elgin; both birds
are there plentiful, and they are about equally abundant, and
breed indiscriminately. The black and the grey form just as
frequently paired together as two of the black or two of the
grey; and some of the young from the same nest were black
like the Carrion Crow, and others grey like the Hooded Crow;
while some partook of the characters of both parents, the grey
colour being reduced in quantity and irregularly disposed. One
nest, which I met with at Elgin, had three in the brood entirely
black, the other two black and grey. In that neighbourhood the
mixed varieties are quite as common as the pure forms; some
are almost full black, with only a slight admixture of grey on
the back or shoulders; others are more or less grey below and
entirely black above; indeed no two seem to be exactly alike. Of
two examples that I shot, one might have passed for a Carrion
Crow, it was so uniformly black, there being only a very little
grey on the under parts of the body, the other had a considerable
patch of grey on the chest, but it graduated on all sides into the
black. In this case, as in many others, the central parts of the
feathers were black, the margins grey; and towards the boundaries
of the patch the central black portion increased, and thus the
grey became blended and lost definition. The dark specimen
proved on dissection to be a female, the grey one to be a male.
The female was evidently a breeding bird. The reproductive
organs in both cases were in a perfectly healthy and fully devel-
oped state, and in no way resembled those of hybrids.

34 A CATALOGUE OF THE BIRDS

In the district where this intermingling of the two forms oc-
curs, the inhabitants look upon them as mere varieties of the
Hooded Crow. Mr. Charles St. John, in his interesting work on
“Natural History and Sport in Moray,” says, ‘“‘Though the
Carrion Crow is not supposed to be an inhabitant of this part of
the country, (speaking of the neighbourhood of Elgin,) it is im-
possible to decide upon the line which divides the two birds, the
black Carrion and the Hooded Crow. No doubt the Hooded
Crow is the commonest species here, but I have taken some
trouble in examining these birds, and have killed Crows in every ©
shade of plumage from pure black to the perfectly marked
Hooded Crow, and this without reference to age or sex.” This
author then goes on to say, that ‘‘ the Hooded Crow is the Crow
of that country,” and evidently looks upon the black individuals
as mere varieties.

The same indiscriminate interbreeding of these two forms
takes place in Aberdeenshire. The late Mr. J. Hepburn kindly
sent to me the ‘‘ Notes of his observations”’ on the subject, made
a few miles north of Aberdeen, on the estate of his relative, Sir
James D. K. Elphinstone, with liberty to make what use of them
I pleased. Mr. Hepburn says, ‘‘ Every one acquainted with
those parts of Scotland where the Carrion Crow and Hooded
Crow are to be found in about equal numbers, must often have
observed in the fields, during the early spring, individuals of the
one kind associated with those of the other. In fact, when at
that time you see a pair of Crows, it is just as common to find
that one is grey and the other black, as that both are of the same
colour. The gamekeepers and persons of that description have
no doubt whatever as to both the black and the grey ‘ Hoodies,’
as they are there called, being of the same species.”

This gentleman examined twelve nests, and found that the
parents of five of them were, the one black the other grey, that of
four, both parents were grey, and that of three, both parents were
black. The broods of the black and grey parents were found, some
to resemble one parent, some the other; and in one instance,
where the parents were both Hooded Crows, one of the young
was of a pure black, and all the rest were, like the parents, grey.

&

OF NORTHUMBERLAND AND DURHAM. 380

Mr. Selby, in his address to the Berwickshire Naturalists’
Club, in September, 1834, after mentioning that a Hooded Crow
had, in the previous spring, paired with a Carrion Crow at Fow-
berry, goes on to state, that examples of a similar nature “‘ have
also been known to occur in Dumfriesshire by our distinguished
colleague, Sir William Jardine.”” And Temminck remarks, that
in the northern countries of Europe, where the C. corone is rare, a
mixed breed is sometimes produced between it and the C. cornix.

In Forfarshire, likewise, these two birds have been known to
breed together. Indeed, it would appear, that wherever these so-
called species occur together in spring they freely pair. Baron
De Selys-Longchamps, in his ‘‘ Notes on various Birds observed
in the Italian Museums in 1866,” recently published in the
“This,” states that Salvadori ‘‘made me remark that Corvus
corniz, which breeds on the coast of Liguria, seems to be derived
from C. corone. Specimens are often black, with grey on the
breast only; others have grey on the back, but the upper and
lower tail coverts are black. In Sardinia, on the contrary, the
C. corniz resembles the light grey of northern Europe, which
winters in Belgium.”

Specimens, showing this intermixture, seem not to be uncom-
monly found scattered about.

Degland and Gerbe state, that varieties of the Hooded Crow
are sometimes nearly black. I have in my possession an indi-
vidual all black, with the exception of a grey band across the
breast. It was killed near Richmond, Yorkshire.

The fact of this extensive interbreeding of the Carrion and
Hooded Crow is very interesting, and is assuredly contrary to
analogy. Hybridism is not uncommon in the animal kingdom
as an exceptional occurrence; but I.know of no other instance
of such a constant unhesitating union of two so-called species as
is here exhibited. Whenever these two forms associate together
in spring they seem habitually to pair, showing no special prefer-
ence for partners of their own colour. And it isimpossible, with
such information as we have before us, not to question the speci-
fic value of these two reputedly distinct forms: surely they must
be mere races of the same species. The mongrels seem to breed

36 A CATALOGUE OF THE BIRDS

as freely as their parents, and their reproductive organs exhibit
no deterioration. Is this a case, then, where a physiological
difficulty to Darwinism is surmounted? or is it a mere case of
the intermingling of races or varieties, the progeny of which
mixture reverts to the one form or the other of the parents?
The black individual mentioned by Mr. Hepburn, in the brood
of two grey birds or Hooded Crows, would appear to point to
such being the fact.

The only character distinguishing the Hooded from the Car-
rion Crow is the grey colour of the back and belly of the former ;
in form, size, and proportions they perfectly agree; the habits
are very similar, and the nest and eggs are undistinguishable.
In fact, it would seem that the Hooded Crow is a northern, the
Carrion Crow a southern race of one and the same species. And
that at the boundary line, where the two races meet, they pair
freely together and breed without the least reluctance. The
northern form migrates in winter southwards, and considerably
overlaps the boundary line, and flits again in spring, a few indi-
viduals occasionally remaining and pairing with their southern
kindred, as, for instance, the Scarborough example mentioned by
Yarrell. A solitary occurrence of the same kind in Northumber-
land came to my knowledge some years ago. There is nothing
extraordinary in this; for many species of birds of partially mi-
gratory habits do the same; that is, while some individuals re-
main in the country to breed, others leave to do so in their
northern haunts. The Woodcock is a notable example of this
fact; the Crossbill, Short-eared Owl, Siskin, Lark, Golden-crested
Wren, Ruff, and many others do so likewise.

16. Roox. C. FrueitEeus, Linneus.
Corvus frugilegus, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, I., 78.
Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Kd. 2, II., 91.

9) ”?

There is scarcely anywhere a well wooded domain in the two
counties without its rookery ; indeed, it almost seems that this
resident species is increasing since its natural check, the larger
birds of prey, have been removed.

OF NORTHUMBERLAND AND DURHAM. 37

_Some years ago there were three or four rookeries in New-
castle: one was in the close near the Tyne Bridge, another was
in a large willow in the Vicarage garden, Westgate Street. This
tree was blown down in 1816, but the Crows had nearly all de-
serted it the previous year. A third was in existence within the
last twenty or thirty years, in a small clump of trees in the
grounds of a house in Percy Street, still called the Crow Trees.
These trees one after another decayed, and as they died out, the
colony gradually took possession of two or three large ash trees
on the opposite side of the street in St. Thomas’s Churchyard.
I have counted as many as sixteen nests in these trees; but,
alas! the unfortunate Rooks were not allowed to rest in peace,
though so near to the church, and within its fence. No street
arab could pass the clustering nests without having a “‘shy’’ at
them with a stone. ‘The nests in the course of a few years were
reduced to two or three, and soon afterwards, the birds being
ruthlessly persecuted and their nests destroyed, entirely disap-
peared. This happened in 1866, and thus terminated the last
rookery in Newcastle.

The rookery in the Close had in like manner long been reduced
to a single tree, which at length became so crowded with nests
that there was no room for more, so the increasing birds had to
seek accommodation elsewhere; and a pair, so pressed, built
their nest for several years on the top of the weather cock of the
Old Exchange house on the Sandhill, one of the most crowded
parts of the town, and here broods were reared from 1783 till
1788. An account of this strange nesting place of the Rook
is given in Syke’s “Local Records.” Mr. James Clephan has
called my attention to a concise description of the rookeries in
Newcastle, which appeared in the ‘‘ Newcastle Chronicle,’’ May
28th, 1864.

The Rook, like all other birds, is liable to vary in plumage ;
it is occasionally pied irregularly with white, sometimes an en-
tirely white individual will make its appearance. There is one
of this latter variety in the Newcastle Museum. But a variety
of much greater interest has occurred in our neighbourhood, and
is in my collection. It is figured on Plate III., and is a young

38 A CATALOGUE OF THE BIRDS

bird from the nest, with the feathers only partially developed ;
the whole of the plumage is black, each feather having a greyish
bar close to the.extremity; on the under parts of the body the
bars are narrow, but on the upper parts they are wide and very
conspicuous; the quills are likewise found marked in the same
manner, and the tail feathers show slight indications of similar
bars. This marking is quite symmetrical, and suggests the ap-
pearance of the spotting of the first or nest plumage so general
in the Passeres. I have seen two more individuals of this interest-
ing variety ; they are, like my specimen, both birds from the nest,
and consequently in the first plumage. In the ‘‘Ornithologie Eu-
ropéenne”’ of Degland and Gerbe it is stated, that “‘this species
is found sometimes with the extremities of the secondary quills,
the little and middle coverts marked with whitish spots (collec-
tion Degland).”’? And in Yarrell’s ‘ British Birds,” a variety is
described ‘‘ of a light ash colour most beautifully mottled all over
with black, and the quill and tail feathers elegantly barred.”
It is evident that this individual is only a more strongly marked
example of the spotted variety above mentioned; and it is in-
teresting to observe that it was also in the nest plumage; at least
such is probably the case, for it is further stated that, on moult-
ing, the bird lost ‘all its mottled plumage”’ and ‘‘became a jet
black Rook.”

I know of no instance of an adult bird exhibiting this variety
of plumage. All the three that I have seen were in the first
plumage, and this would seem to be the case with the bird men-
tioned by Yarrell. Thus the first plumage of this uniformly
black species exhibits occasionally the spotted markngs so com-
mon in the nest plumage of the Passeres.

17. Jackpaw. C. monepuna, Linnaeus.

Corvus monedula, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, I., 81.
4s ‘9 Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, II., 108.
A very common resident. Up to the time of the reparation of

the steeple of St. Nicholas’ Church, Newcastle, 1867, numerous
Jackdaws built their nests regularly year after year in that

OF NORTHUMBERLAND AND DURHAM. 39

structure. A pair or two rear their young in the steeple of
the Scotch Church in Blackett Street.

31. CORACIA, Brisson.
18. CHover. C. eracuta, (Linneus.)

Pyrrhocoraz graculus, Bew., Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, 1., 89.
Fregilus Be Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, II., 54.

The Chough must rank as a resident, as it breeds in the rocks
between St. Abbs Head and Fast Castle.

A specimen in my collection was presented to me by the late
Dr. Johnston, of Berwick-upon-Tweed : it was shot at Redheugh,
near the place where it was breeding.

T am not aware that this species has been captured in our dis-
trict ; but, as it breeds so near to Northumberland, it seems only
proper to make this allusion to it.

32. NUCIFRAGA, Brisson.
19. Nurcracker. N. caryocaractzs, (Linneus.)

Nucifraga caryocatactes, Bew., Hist. Brit. Birds, Kd. 1847, 1., 88.
~ ne Yarr., Hist. Bret. Binds; Ndi? 125.

In Mr. Selby’s ‘‘ Illustrations of British Ornithology,” Vol. I.,
p. 368, it is stated that this rare casual visitant ‘‘ was seen in
Netherwitton Wood, Northumberland, in the autumn of 1819,
by his coadjutor, Captain Robert Mitford, of the Royal Navy.”
This species is not included, however, in Mr. Selby’s catalogue.

I kept a specimen of the Nutcracker in confinement for six
years: it was taken on board ship off the coast of Russia, in
1847. Its habits were interesting and peculiar. It was put at
first into a cage with wooden ends, but in a very short time it
was seen with its head through a hole it had made in one of the
ends. It was then removed into another cage, but from this it
soon released itself, though the cage was composed almost en-
tirely of wire: it broke through one of the wooden horizontal
bars that held the wires in their places, squeezed itself out

40 A CATALOGUE OF THE BIRDS

between them, and, escaping into my museum, commenced with-
out the least delay to attack the bird cases, and would soon have
done much mischief had it not been immediately discovered. I
was absent at the time, and its depredations could only be stop-
ped by not allowing it to rest on any thing composed of wood.
Wherever it alighted it at once commenced to test, with rapid
blows of its bill, the nature of the material. It at length pitched
upon a plate of Guillemot’s eggs, and before it could be inter-
rupted had smashed every one. It then attacked the bones of a
bird which were awaiting articulation, and dispersed them in all
directions. This was the first day’s work of its domestication.

Before it could be made secure the wooden bars, and every
exposed portion of the frame work of the cage, had to be covered
with tin. It was extremely restless and active, and never set-
tled when any one was present. It never became very tame,
and I could never get it to look me full im the face. It always
avoided my gaze by turning its head aside, as if it disliked to
look directly at me. Its voice was very peculiar; it had an ex-
tremely harsh, loud cry, resembling the noise produced by a
ripping saw while in full action. This cry was so loud that it
could be heard all over the house. It had also a sweet, low,
delicate, warbling song. This was uttered only when everything
was perfectly quiet. The song was much varied, and was con-
tinued for some time. So low and delicate was it, that it could
only be heard when the bird was close at hand, and the note
seemed as if it were produced low down in the throat. The song
was occasionally interrupted by a few low creaking notes, like
those produced when a corkscrew is being used.

The Jay appears also to have a somewhat similar song. Mon-
tagu says, ‘‘Its common notes are various but harsh; it will
sometimes in the spring utter a song in a soft and pleasing man-
ner, but so low as not to be heard at any distance,”

OF NORTHUMBERLAND AND DURHAM. 41

33. PICA, Brisson.

20. Macere. P. caupata, Linneus.
Garrulus picus, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, I., 83.
Pica caudata, Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, IT., 109.

This beautiful resident species, once so abundant in the dis-
trict, has now almost disappeared from the neighbourhood of
Newcastle, and has everywhere become rare.

Dr. Embleton informs me that he has heard a Magpie in con-
finement, when alone, giving utterance to a low sweet warbling
song like that which has been mentioned as belonging to the
Nutcracker and the Jay.

34, GARRULUS, Brisson.

21. Jay. G. eranparius, (Linneus.)
Garrulus glandarius, Bew., Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, I., 85.
Ps Ss Yarr., Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, IT., 119.
The Jay has shared the fate of the Magpie, and is now nearly
annihilated in the two counties, where a few years ago it was
by no means uncommon, and was frequently seen in troops, com-
posed of the parents and their nestlings, passing through our
woods, uttering their wild, harsh cry. It is a constant resident.
In a wooded district west of Newcastle, where this species
is still to be found, I am informed that one gamekeeper destroyed
twenty-five individuals of this beautiful bird in 1872.

Famity. LANIIDA, Bonaparte.
35. LANIUS, Linneus.
22. AsH-coLouRED Surixe. L. Excusitor, Linneus.
Lanius excubitor, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, I., 108.
Lf » Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, I., 156.

This is arare winter migrant. Three or four specimens in my
collection were shot in the district, and I know of several other
captures.

42 A CATALOGUE OF THE BIRDS

23. Wooncnat. L. rurus, Brisson.
Lantus rufus, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, I., 110.
» rutilus, Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, I., 167.

A specimen of this rare casual visitant was shot near Bam-
borough on April 29th, 1859, and is in the possession of Henry
Cresswell, Esq., of Cresswell Tower.

24. Rep-packep Surtke. L. corturio, Linneus.
Lanius collurio, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, I., 112.
Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, I., 161.

9? Pe]

A rare casual visitant. Two specimens were killed, near
Kenton, on the Neweastle Town Moor, in the summer of 1829.
These are mentioned in Mr. Selby’s catalogue, and are now in
my collection. Another example, also in my collection, was shot
at Horsley, Northumberland, May, 1884.

Bewick’s figure of the female represents the young in the first
plumage.

Fauitry. STURNIDA, Vigors.
36. STURNUS, Linneus.

25. Srarztine. S. vurearis, Linneus.
Sturnus vulgaris, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, I., 98.
Re A. Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, IT., 40.

A resident. Common everywhere, and breeds in Newcastle
amidst the chimneys of the houses. A few years ago it was not
by any means numerous.

The rapid increase of this species is undoubtedly owing to the
destruction of the birds of prey, and shows with what speed man’s
interference with nature may affect its balance for good or for
evil.

I have often heard our late celebrated townsman, Thomas
Bewick, say, how delighted he should be if a Starling could be
induced to come and build its nest in his house. Were he alive
now, his wish might easily be attained. To induce this species

OF NORTHUMBERLAND AND DURHAM. 43

to take up its abode with you it is only necessary to provide
suitable accommodation. All that is needful is to place a small
box with a suitable hole in it at one end, anywhere on the outer
walls of the house, out of the reach of cats. A spring or two
ago. I so placed three boxes on the house of a friend of mine, and
before many hours had elapsed all were taken possession of. by
Starlings, though they had a struggle for them with the Spar-
rows. This plan is adopted in Denmark, where the bird is a
great favourite.
37. PASTOR, Temminck.

26. Rosxz-cotourEp Srartine. P. rosxvus, (Linneus.)
Pastor roseus, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, I., 102.
Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, II., 48.

” 9

This is a rare casual visitant. Mr. Selby mentions in his
catalogue the occurrence of four specimens in the district; and
T have to notice the capture of several others.

An adult female was taken on the 31st of July, 1832, at Rock,
Northumberland, where it was seen for several days feeding on
strawberries in Mr. Smith’s garden, before that gentleman shot
it. J am indebted to Mr. Smith for the specimen which is in
my collection. I am informed, by Mr. W. Proctor, that another
example was shot near Durham in the same year. On the 25th
of July, 1855, a fine male specimen, which I purchased of a poul-
terer on the following day, was shot at Elswick, near Newcastle.
On the 15th of September, 1856, another male specimen was shot
at the Black Fell, Gateshead, and this is also in my collection.
In July of the same year a third example was killed at Whit-
burn, by Sir Hedworth Williamson’s gamekeeper. Thomas Wil-
son, Esq., of Shotley Hall, Durham, shot in that neighbourhood,
in 1860, a fine specimen, out of a flock of Starlings. In August,
1868, an example was caught alive at Cresswell, Northumber-
land. Others have occurred, but it seems unnecessary to make
further allusion to them.

IT possess a good series of specimens of this beautiful bird, from
India and elsewhere, which, with those captured in England, show
yery distinctly that the clearness of the rose colour is very much

E

44 A CATALOGUE OF THE BIRDS

owing to the abrasion of the margin of the feathers. Freshly
moulted individuals are always, above and below, of a soiled rosy
hue, the basal portion of the feathers being of a clear rose colour,
and their margins widely fringed with Isabella or snuff-brown
colour; the marginal portions are, to a great extent, of an obscure
rosy tint; and it is not till this brown portion gets worn off that
the rosy colour is revealed in all its beauty. ‘This is also the
case with the black of the head, crest, throat, neck, and upper
parts of the breast; all the feathers of these parts, when fresh,
being margined with warm grey, become of a glossy black after
the margins have been removed. -

The change thus produced in the colour not having been taken
fully into account, has led to the belief that this beautiful bird
has two or three distinct changes of plumage; while it really
attains its mature plumage on the first moult. At least, fine
fresh specimens in my possession, which agree well with Degland
and Gerbe’s description of the young after the first moult, could
in a very short time, with the aid of a pair of scissors, be made
to assume the rosy tint and fine glossy black of the breeding
birds.

The adult male, after the moult, represented by the upper
figure (Plate IV.), has the feathers of the head, crest, neck, and
upper parts of the breast purplish black, strongly edged with
greyish white, giving to these parts a hoary tint; the coverts of
the wings, quills, and tail-feathers are black, reflecting greenish
blue, and are narrowly margined with grey ; the back, rump, and
scapulars are of a delicate rose colour, with each feather broadly
tipped with Isabella brown, obscuring to a great extent the rose
colour of the basal portion, and giving to these parts a soiled
appearance ; the breast, flanks, and belly are of a delicate rose
colour, considerably obscured, in like manner, by the colour of
the margins of the feathers, which, being of a much paler brown,
particularly towards the centre of the breast, the rosy hue has
more a faded than a soiled appearance; the thighs have their
feathers black, edged with grey.

The adult female, after the moult, resembles the male in every
particular, but the tints are less vivid, and the crest is smaller.

OF NORTHUMBERLAND AND DURHAM. 45

The adult male and female during the breeding season, the
margins of the feathers having been removed by abrasion, have the
head, crest, neck, and upper part of the breast of a pure glossy
black reflecting purple; the wing coverts, quills, tail feathers,
under tail coverts, and thighs glossy black, with bluish green
reflections. The basal half of the mandible is black.

The young, before the moult, are of an Isabella brown colour,
somewhat paler on the under parts. The lowest figure (Plate
TV.) represents the young. After the first moult they resemble
the freshly moulted adults, but are less brilliant in colour, and
the crest is smaller.

Immediately after the autumnal moult the young and the adult
are scarcely distinguishable; at this time the obscuration of the
beautiful tints of the breeding season is greatest. The abrasion
of the margins of the feathers then at once commences, and, be-
fore the nesting time arrives, the beauty of the plumage is fully
developed. The middle figure (Plate IV.) represents the adult
male in this state of plumage.

Mr. Jerdon, in his work on ‘‘ The Birds of India,” says, that
the Rose-coloured Starling makes its appearance in the Peninsula
about the end of November, or beginning of December, and dis-
appears in March, and remarks, that the majority of the birds in
a flock are in an immature plumage of a dirty fawn colour. This
is just what might be expected, only the birds are not immature,
but, having recently moulted, the margins of the feathers are as
yet to a great extent retained; hence the ‘dirty fawn colour.”
This view of the case is confirmed by what the Marquis Oratio
Antinore says in his interesting account of this species, in a
paper translated by Dr. Sclater, in the ‘‘ Zoologist’’ for 1856.

According to this authority, the breeding time of the Rose-
coloured Starling is June and July, and as the moult does not
take place till after this season, it is evident that the new feathers
could not be much worn at the time mentioned by Jerdon, namely,
from December to March. The Marquis further states, that on
the 26th of May, ‘‘ about sun-rise, great numbers of these birds
were settling so closely packed upon the trees as to make them
look as if they were all covered with red roses.’”’ The feathers

46 A CATALOGUE OF THE BIRDS

by this time had lost their brown margins, and the birds appeared
in their complete nuptial dress.

When the Rose-coloured Starlings arrive in England they all,
more or less, retain this dress: two of the most beautiful rosy
specimens in my collection were taken in this district in July.
Those that arrive so early as this have not commenced to moult,
and hence are exceedingly pure in their tints. My freshest fea-
thered individuals, which are from India, have both the black
and rose colour much obscured by the marginal tints.

The Rose-coloured Starling is undoubtedly closely allied to
the Common Starling. This alliance is seen in its general habits,
and in the character of its nest and eggs. It is also seen in the
pale tips of the feathers of the head, crest, neck, and breast of
the adult, before their change by abrasion ; so likewise of the fea-
thers of the lesser wing coverts, each of which has a pale spot at
the extremity. The nest plumage, too, is exceedingly like that
of the Common Starling.

Famity. FRINGILLIDA, Vigors.
38. PASSER, Brisson.

27. Hovusr Sparrow. P. pomesticus, Brisson.

Fringilla domestica, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, L.,
245. ;

Passer domesticus, Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, I., 521.

This very common resident is almost everywhere associated
with the dwellings of man, but is rare in wild and elevated
situations.

The Sparrow is a most valuable bird to the agriculturist,
though its services are but little appreciated by him. It feeds
its young almost exclusively on insects and their larvee.

A few years ago I watched, for some time, a pair of Sparrows
feeding their young. The parents returned every four or five.
minutes with a mouthful of insects. Supposing that at each
time six insects were brought, and this action were continued for
twelve hours a day for three weeks, a single brood of Sparrows

OF NORTHUMBERLAND AND DURHAM. 47

would consume eighteen thousand one hundred and forty-four
insects or larve of insects. But as this estimate is low, the
number of insects consumed may safely be set down at twenty
thousand at least; and it must not be forgotten that the Spar-
row breeds at least three or four times in the year.

How prodigious, therefore, must be the number consumed by
all the broods of a district like ours! And, again, if we con-
sider the influence, according to the above calculation, which all
the hosts of Sparrows in the British Islands must exercise in
keeping in check the development of insect life, we must allow
that the existence of the Sparrow is really a matter of vast na-
tional importance.

Undoubtedly the Sparrow takes grain when he can get it,
which is only during the time of harvesting, but our sociable
little friend ought to be credited with devouring also the seeds
of weeds, and thus materially assisting in keeping the land
clean.

28. Trez Sparrow. P. montanus, Brisson.
Fringilla montana, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, I., 248.
Passer montanus, Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, I., 516.

The Tree, or, as it is not unfrequently called, the Mountain
Sparrow, breeds in both counties, and is a constant resident. It
is a far more retired bird than its congener, and is very local
and much rarer. I know of only three or four places where it
breeds in our district, namely, Elswick, near Newcastle, Whitley,
two or three miles north of Tynemouth, Whitburn, a little north
of Sunderland, and in the neighbourhood of Durham. I have
never found it nesting in trees, but frequently in holes, and
under the coping stones of old garden walls. Mr. Frederick
Raine informs me, however, that he has taken three nests of
this species in holes of the trunks of old dead trees in the neigh-
bourhood of Durham.

The first specimen I obtained was killed at the Rabbit Banks,
Gateshead, about the year 1831. This is the example alluded to
in Selby’s catalogue, and was the first ever taken in the district.

48 A CATALOGUE OF THE BIRDS

39. PYRRHULA, Brisson

29. Buririncn. P. vurearis, Zemminck.
Pyrrhula vulgaris, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, 1., 238.
Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, I., 574.

2? 9?

A constant resident in both counties, but not very abundant
anywhere.

White, pied, and pale-rose coloured varieties occasionally oc-
cur. Specimens of the two former are in the collection of Dr.
Charlton, Newcastle, and a fine specimen of the latter is in the
Newcastle Museum. When kept in confinement the colour of
the Bullfinch is liable to be affected by its food: if fed on hemp-
seed it very soon becomes entirely black.

40. CORYTHUS, G. Cuvier.

30. Pine Grospeax. C. envciEator, (Linneus.)

Pyrrhula enucleator, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, L.,
236.
a Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, I., 581.

A casual visitant. It is stated in Selby’s catalogue, that a
‘“specimen of this rare British species, now in the possession of
Mr. Anthony Clapham, was shot at Bill Quay, near Newcastle.”

41. LOXIA, Brisson.

31. Crossprtt. lL. curvrrosrra, Linneus.
Loxia curvirostra, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, I., 233.
sp Ae Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, IT., 1.

A resident. This interesting species sometimes appears in con-
siderable numbers, during winter, in our fir plantations, feed-
ing on the seeds of the fir cones; and at other times not a single
individual is to be seen throughout the whole winter months.
Occasionally a few pairs remain with us during the summer to
breed, though most of the individuals are migratory; it ought
therefore to be considered a resident, as on such occasions it must
be in our district the whole year.

OF NORTHUMBERLAND AND DURHAM. 49

I know of three instances of the Crossbill nesting in our dis-
trict. A nest with the young was found, at Hesleyside, on the
15th of July, 1838. Both the parent birds and the young were
shot on their leaving the nest: one of the latter is in my posses-
sion, and has the bill, as is known to be the case with nestlings,
scarcely at all crossed. The second nest was taken in 1856,
near Crawcrook, Durham. Mr. Thomas Grundy, gamekeeper
and woodman at Bradley, found it, and informed me that it was
discovered on the 24th of February, before it was completely
built. On the 1st of March there were three eggs in it, which
had been incubated for some days. It was near the top of an old
spruce fir, resting upon a branch at a distance of about eighteen
inches from the bole. This specimen, with the eggs, forms part
of my series of this species. In 1869, the third nest was taken,
between Riding Mill and Slaley, Northumberland, as I am in-
formed by Mr. Isaac Clark: the young were hatched.

The Crossbill builds annually in the northern parts of Scot-
land. The late Mr. Charles St. John and I took the nest of it
on the 8th of May, 1850, in Dulsie Woods, near the Findhorn.
The young had flown, but we saw the parent birds close by,
feeding them. This nest was not more than five feet from the
ground, on a horizontal branch of a fine old spreading Scotch fir.
We saw, at the same time, a second nest, and the remains of seve-
ral others. But it was not until 1854 that I obtained the nest
and eggs, when one was taken on the 10th of March, with four
eggs, in Balnagowan Woods, Rosshire, by McDonald, a faithful
and much respected servant of Mr. St. John’s. I believe this to
be the first time the nest and full complement of eggs had been
procured in the British Islands. Since then, I have received
numerous nests and eggs from Rosshire.

The number of eggs is usually four: in one instance I have
seen five. This species is a very early breeder, February, March,
and April being the usual time. The nest is generally placed
on a horizontal branch at various elevations, sometimes as high
as thirty or forty feet, not unfrequently quite low, being only
five or ten feet from the ground. In close woods where the
lower branches have all fallen, the nests, from necessity, are

50 A CATALOGUE OF THE BIRDS

placed high up; but when the trees have plenty of room, and
consequently retain the lower branches, the birds not unfre-
quently prefer them for their nesting places.

On the first moult both sexes attain their adult plumage, which
in the male is red, in the female green. The male afterwards
gradually becomes green like the female, but somewhat brighter,
and in parts inclined to a golden hue, particularly on the rump.
This is easily proved in cage birds. I requested my collector to
note the colour of the parent birds of each nest, and it appears
that in the greater number of cases one of them was green, and
the other red; but it frequently happened that both parents
were green. In thirteen cases nine were red and green respect-
ively, in four both male and female were green. It was to be
expected that red males would predominate, as this is the livery
of the younger breeding birds. This fact of the change of plum-
age I had determined, years before, by noticing what took place
in cage birds.

Some of the Scotch-bred specimens are quite as large as the
so-called Parrot Crossbill from Sweden and Norway; and in size
the two forms imperceptibly graduate into each other: the same
is the case with their eggs. Indeed I can find no character,
either in the bird, nest, or egg, to distinguish the one from the
other.

82. Wuuitn-wincrD Crosspitn. L. srrascrata, (Brehm.)
Loxia leucoptera, Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, II., 28.
», bifasciata, Gould, Birds of Great Britain, Part V.
A female of this casual visitant was shot out of a flock of about
fifteen, near Brampton, Cumberland, November, 1845: this spe-

cimen is in my possession. Two or three others were killed at
the same time and place. This species ought not in strictness to

be included in our list; but its place of capture is so close to the

borders of Northumberland, that it would scarcely be right to
exclude all notice of it. The flock, in all probability, may have
just passed out of the county, and in a few minutes afterwards
might have returned to it again.

aS a ee

OF NORTHUMBERLAND AND DURHAM. 51
42. COCCOTHRAUSTES, Brisson.

33. Hawrinen. C. vutearis, Vecdllot.

Fringilla coccothraustes, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847,
I., 241.

Coccothraustes vulgaris, Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, L.,
del.

This is a rare casual visitant. Selby states in his catalogue,
that ‘‘a few years ago he saw one at Alnwick Castle, which was
killed at Hulne Abbey,” and that ‘‘two specimens were some
time ago shot near Stockton-upon-Tees.”’

I have three examples which were shot in Streatham Park:
one many years since, and two, a male and female, in the winter
of 1837. Several specimens were seen near Belsay Castle, in
1860 and 1862. In the former year three of them were shot,
and one taken alive. This beautiful species is not known to
have bred in either county.

43. LIGURINUS, Koch.

34. GreenrincH. L. cutoris, (Linneus.)
Fringilla chloris, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, I., 243.
Coccothraustes chloris, Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, I., 527.

A common resident species, associating with Chaffinches, Spar-
rows, and other small birds, and appearing in large flocks.

44, FRINGILLA, Zinneus.
85. Cuarrinch. F. caiess, Linneus.
Fringilla celebs, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, I., 249.
» yy Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, I., 507.

A resident, and probably the most abundant bird in the dis-
trict, and certainly one of the most beautiful.

52 A CATALOGUE OF THE BIRDS

36. Mountain Frvcu. F. montirrinertia, Linneus.
Fringilla montifringilla, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847,
L., 251.
a Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, I.,

A winter visitant, and frequently occurring in considerable
numbers, preferring the neighbourhood of beech trees.

The summer plumage of this species differs considerably from
that of the winter. This change is in consequence of the pale
margins of the feathers being worn off, so that the head and
back become black, which is the colour of the central part of the
feathers.

45. CARDUELIS, Brisson.
387. GoxpFincH. C. ELEGANS, Stephens.
Fring. carduelis, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, I., 265.
Carduelis elegans, Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, I., 588.

This must be considered as a casual visitant in our district,
being met with only occasionally in autumn and winter. I have
seen it only on two or three occasions.

46. CHRYSOMITRIS, Bore.

38. Siskin. C. sprnus, (Linneus.)

Fringilla spinus, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, I., 261. .

Carduelis ,, Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, I., 544.

A resident: not uncommon during winter. On the 5th of
March, 1888, I saw a flock of about thirty at Bywell on the
Tyne, several of which were shot, and are in my collection. On
the 6th of July, 1848, Mr. Thomas Robson met with a flock,
near Swalwell, on the Derwent.

The nest of a Siskin, with four eggs, was taken by Mr. J.
Dale, May 7th, 1848, near Brancepeth, Durham: it was placed
near the top of a spruce fir. This is, I believe, the only instance
known of the Siskin breeding in our district. It is usually a

OF NORTHUMBERLAND AND DURHAM. 538

winter or autumn visitant; but, from the above fact, it is evi-
dent that it occasionally remains in the district the whole year.
It must therefore be considered a resident species.

It breeds regularly in the north of Scotland. On the 2nd of
May, 1850, I took two nests of it in a large pine wood at Loch-
nabo, in the neighbourhood of Elgin. One was placed within two
feet of the extremity of a horizontal branch, more than half way
up the tree ; the other occupied a similar situation in a neighbour-
ing tree. In both the eggs were hatched ; in one the young were
nearly fledged. Both nests, with their inmates, are in my col-
lection. I afterwards received numerous nests and eggs, taken
in Rosshire, where the species breeds regularly every year,
and is as common there as the Crossbill. The nests are as fre-
quently in a Scotch fir as in a spruce, and are usually situated
as above described.

47. CANNABINA, Brehm.

39. Liyyer. C. rivora, ( Gmelin.)
Fring. cannabina, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, I., 253.
Linota a Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, I., 550.

A common resident. This species has the breast sometimes
red, sometimes grey, and consequently, a few years ago,
individuals so differmg were described as two species, and
named respectively the Brown and Grey Linnet. When the
Brown Linnet is kept in confinement it loses the red on the
breast on the first moult, and never afterwards regains it, but
continues in the plumage of the Grey Linnet. The fact is that
the males, from shedding the nest feathers get a red breast,
which they retain only during the first season; they then assume
the garb of the female, which is retained for the rest of their
lives, as in the case of the Crossbill. This does not seem to be
generally understood by ornithologists, though the bird fancier
is quite familiar with the fact that the males never regain the
red on the breast after moulting. It is stated by Yarrell, that
the male assumes the red breast in the breeding season. This

a4 - A CATALOGUE OF THE BIRDS

is not quite correct, for just as many are found breeding without
the red breast as with it.

40. Movnrain Linner. C. Fiavrrostris, (Linneus.)
Fringilla montium, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, I., 257.
_ Linota a3 Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, I., 569.

This, like the preceding species, is a resident, and is not un-
common, breeding on the heather in the wild uncultivated parts
of both counties. I found a nest with young, in July, 1866, at
Cragside, Coquetdale; and Mr. Thomas Thompson took a nest,
with eggs, at Haltwhistle, in 1869.

48, LINARIA, Viedllot.

41. Mraty Reprotz. L. sporzaris, Vierllot.
Linota canescens, Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, I., 556.
Innaria borealis, Degland et Gerbe, Orn. Europ., L., 293.

A common winter visitant; never found breeding in the dis-
trict; occasionally appearing in large flocks.

42. Arctic Repporm. L. canzscens, Could.
Linaria canescens, Gould, Birds of Kur. (1833-1837), Pl. 193.
Degland et Gerbe, Orn. Europ., I., 296.

o> ”?

A casual visitant. I have seen only a single example of this
species; it was knocked down on the 24th of April, 1855, with
a clod of earth, on the sea banks, near Whitburn, where it had
been observed flying about for afew days. This specimen was
given to me by the Rev. G. C. Abbs, and is now in my collection.
It is represented in Plate VY.

It is very beautiful, and of a pale grey or mealy appear-
ance all over. The pale margins of the feathers are a clear
white; the rump and under parts quite white, with a few ob-
scure streaks of pale brown on the flanks. The front of the
head is of a dull crimson, but there is no red elsewhere. It is
undoubtedly a mature specimen, and in the winter dress. The

OF NORTHUMBERLAND AND DURHAM. 5d

excessive whiteness of the plumage at once distinguishes this
from its congeners. =

43. Lusser Reppore. L. rurescens, Vierdlot.
Fringilla linaria, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Hd. 1847, I., 259
Linota i Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, I., 562,

A common resident, breeding in old, tall, neglected hedges,
and in woods.

Perhaps our three species of Linaria ought to rank merely as
races, for, with the exception of size and degree of greyness,
there is no good character to distinguish them; and, indeed, in
these respects, the difference is only one of degree. The Lesser
Redpole has the feathers margined with a little white ; the Mealy
Redpole with more white, and the Arctic with most white ; hence
the last species is the whitest and most mealy looking; and it
is likewise distinguished by the rump and belly being of a pure
white, while in the other two so-called species these parts are
also white, but more or less streaked with brown. In length the
Lesser Redpole is rarely more than four-and-a-half inches, the
Mealy Redpole five inches, and the Arctic Redpole five-and-a-half
inches.

The peculiar rosy-red tints of the breast and rump of these
birds remind one of the similar tints of the Crossbill, and have
a stained-like appearance, rather than the usual character of the
coloration. The red on the head is of a different character,
the stained-like tints, too, disappear in the same mysterious man-
ner as in the Crossbill. '

The rose colour of the breast and rump does not appear to be
retained for any length of time; hence, as many birds are found
breeding without as with it; and it is a notorious fact that in
cage specimens the rosy hues never return after the birds have
moulted, as has already been noticed with respect to the Linnet.
Bird fanciers, however, attribute this change to the effect of con-
finement, but in this they are in error, else how does it happen
that so many birds are found in a wild state breeding without:
the rosy tints? In fact, it is with the Redpoles as with the

56 A CATALOGUE OF THE BIRDS

Crossbill, the red disappears in early life, and never afterwards
returns, as has been proved by experiment in both species.

49. MILIARIA, Brehm.

44. Common Buntryc. M. Evropra, Swainson.
Emberiza miliaria, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, I., 218.
, , Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, I., 479.

A common resident. Breeding in meadows.

50. EMBERIZA, Linneus.

45. Yerttow Buntine. E. crrriverzta, Linneus.
Ember. citrinella, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, I., 216.
Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, I., 490.

? 9

A resident. Common everywhere in both counties.

51. CINCHRAMUS, Boze.

46. Rzep Bunrine. C. scnornictus, (Linneus.)
Ember. schoeniclus, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, I., 220.
Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, I., 484.

? )

A common resident species. Breeding in scrubby damp

situations.
52, PLECTROPHANES, Meyer et Wolf.

47. Swowriake. P. nivais, (Linneus.)

Emberiza nivalis, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, I., 226
and 229.

Plectrophanes nivalis, Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, I., 470.

A winter visitant. Occasionally abundant. It arrives on our
coast, singly or in pairs, in September and October, and during
the winter assembles in large flocks.

In the breeding season, the Snowflake has a very different
appearance from that which it assumes while with us. The
change is produced in the same manner as in the Mountain

OF NORTHUMBERLAND AND DURHAM. 57

Finch, namely, by the margins of the feathers wearing off
The change in appearance thus produced is very remarkable in
this species: the head, neck, breast, and belly become quite
white, while the back and scapulars are changed to pure black.
The lower figure, Plate VI., represents the bird in the winter,
and the upper figure in the summer dress.

48, Lapranp Buntine. P. Lapronicus, (Linneus.)

Plectrophanes Lapponica, Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, I.,
465.

Centrophanes x Gould, Birds of Gt. Britain, Part XTTI.
This is a very rare casual visitant. A specimen in the Durham
Museum was killed out of a flock of Snowflakes in the neigh-
bourhood of that town, January, 1860. Anda living example

is at present (1873) in the possession of Mrs. Jeffries, Newcastle-
on-Tyne; but how and where it was obtained is not known.

Fammiy. ALAUDIDA, Schinz.
538. ALAUDA, Linneus.

48. Sxyrnark. A. arvensis, Linneus.
Alauda arvensis, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, L., 195.
f bs Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, I., 447.

A common resident throughout the district; in autumn, con-
siderable numbers migrate to our shores from more northern
latitudes. Varieties of colour sometimes occur. In Dr. Charl-
ton’s collection there is a specimen entirely white.

50. Wooprark. <A. ARBOREA, Linneus.
Alauda arborea, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, I., 198.
sf on Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, I., 459.
Mr. Thomas Robson shot, near Swalwell, March, 1844, two
specimens of this casual visitant, and kindly presented them to

me. In Mr. Selby’s Catalogue an example is mentioned as hay-
ing being killed near Twizell, on the 24th of November, 1827.

58 A CATALOGUE OF THE BIRDS

54. OTOCORIS, Bonaparte.

51. Swore Larx. O. anpestrris, (Linneus.)
Alauda alpestris, Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Kd. 2, I., 440,
Gould, Birds of Gt. Britain, Part XVIII.

The Shore Lark is a casual visitant, and is very seldom taken
in our district. In June, 1851, a living specimen was bought in
Newcastle market. I saw the specimen, but where it was cap-
tured is not known. Two specimens came into my possession,
in 1855, which were killed near Rock Lodge, Roker, a few years
before; and Mr. W. E. Brooks shot two individuals at Fenham
Flats, Northumberland, on the 8th of February; 1857. These
were unfortunately destroyed by rats.

In the MS. notes of the birds of Durham of Mr. J. H. Gurney,
Junr., before quoted, it is stated that four specimens of the Shore
Lark were shot in the county of Durham by Mr. G. C. Pecket,
Junr., on the 26th of July, 1867.

99 2)

Fawity. MOTACILLIDA, Bonaparte.
55. CORYDALLA, V2gors.

52. Ricwary’s Pirrr. C. Ricwarpi, (Vierllot.)

Anthus Richardt, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, I., 186.
Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, I., 436.

Only three examples of this rare casual visitant have occurred
in the district; they were all taken in Northumberland. The
first was shot by Mr. Wm. Proctor, of Durham, at Howick, in
' February, 1832; the second was killed at Newbiggin-by-the-Sea,
on the 1st of December, 1831; the third on Newcastle Town
Moor, October 10th, 1845: the last two are in my collection.

) )

56. ANTHUS, Bechstein.
53. Tree Prerr, <A. arporeus, (Brisson.)
Anthus arboreus, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, I., 191.
Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, I., 422.

A spring-and-autumn migrant. Plentiful in summer, breeding

) )

by the margins of woods and plantations.

OF NORTHUMBERLAND AND DURHAM. 09

54. Mzapow Prerr. A. pratensis, (Linneus.)
Anthus pratensis, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, I., 189.
3 Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, I., 427.

A resident, and abundant everywhere. This species is closely
related to A. cervinus of the continent, which some of my speci-
mens resemble so closely, that it is almost impossible to separate
them.

55. Rock Pirrr. <A. opscurus, (Pennant.)
Anthus aquaticus, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, I., 187.
», petrosus, Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, I., 482.

A resident, breeding plentifully on our rocky sea shores, and
remaining with us the whole year.

This species can scarcely be distinguished from 4. rupestris,
Nilsson, of which it is surely a mere race. Both forms occur in
Sweden and in England. My specimens from Sweden, which
are undoubtedly Nilsson’s 4. rupestris, differ only from A. ob-
scurus by having the tints of the under parts somewhat warmer.
My late friend, Mr. Wheelwright, at my request, kindly for-
warded to me a number of specimens of the Swedish bird for
comparison. On examination, some of these were found to be
perfectly similar to our form, so that they could not be divided
from it.

Through the kindness of Mr. W. E. Brooks I received, some
years ago, from Chepstow, both the bird and egg of the normal
Swedish form. The bird was shot April 18th, 1854, and the
ege taken and most carefully verified by his friend, who says
that several of these birds were seen in the same locality. From
this gentleman’s description of the nest, it does not appear to
differ at all from that of A. obscurus. Its situation was precisely
similar to that of some others observed in the same place; one
or two of the nests were so high in the cliff that they could not
be obtained.

The two so-called species graduate into each other in such a
manner that it is quite impossible to divide them by the colour

F

60 A CATALOGUE OF THE BIRDS

of their plumage, or any other character whatever; the habits
are the same; the nest and eggs are the same; and both forms
are found in Sweden and in England. Then why consider them
distinct species? The warm-coloured form prevails in Sweden,
the less-warmly-coloured one in England, and both ought appar-
ently to be looked upon as races. 4. obscwrus and A. rupestris
seem to bear to cach other the same relation as A. pratensis and
A. cervinus.

57. BUDYTES, G. Cuvier.

56. Grey-neapep Waerarn, B. riava, (Linneus).
Motacilla neglecta, Yarvell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, I., 412.
Budytes fava, Gould, Birds of Gt. Britain, Part XTV.

A rare spring-and-autumn migrant. It was first taken in the
district by Mr. Thos. Robson, who shot a male specimen, on the
Ist of May, 1836, on Dunston Haughs, a little west of New-
castle ; it was Im company with another individual, which was
probably a female. A notice was given of this capture in the
‘Mag. of Zoology and Botany,” Vol. I., p. 491.

In May, 1859, I saw in the hands of Mr. Duncan, bird pre-
server, another male specimen, which was shot in the neighbour-
hood of Newcastle. Mr. Lawson, of Blaydon, took two nests of
this species in the latter end of May, 1869, on Dunston Haughs:
they contained five eggs each. A year or two before this date
that gentleman had observed a bird in this locality, and suspected
that it was nesting there. On June 13th, 1870, Mr. Joseph
Watson, Junr., Gateshead, found another nest at the same place,
but it had been trodden on by a horse, and the eggs were de-
stroyed. On the 5th of July, I accompanied Mr. Watson to the
spot and saw the crushed nest, and we also saw two or three
young birds, of another brood, with their parents feeding them.
Two of the young were shot a day or two after by Mr. Lawson,
who kindly presented one of them tome. And I am indebted
to Mr. Watson for a fine adult female which he shot at this place
on the 21st of May, 1872.

From the above facts it would seem pretty certain that the

SE ee a oe

OF NORTHUMBERLAND AND DURHAM. 61

Grey-headed Wagtail breeds regularly in this neighbourhood,
and may have done so for many years, having been mistaken
for the Yellow Wagtail, B. Rayz, which is associated with it on
Dunston Haughs, a male of which was shot by Mr. Watson on
the same day that he obtained B. flava above alluded to.

The nests are similar to those of B. Ray7, and are placed in a
hollow amidst the grass. The nest plumage resembles that of
the Yellow Wagtail; but the grey tints are much colder, and
there is scarcely a perceptible tinge of yellow on the under parts
or elsewhere, as is the case with those of B. Ray.

57. Ray’s Waerarr. B. Rayr, Bonaparte.
Motacitla fava, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, I., 185.
= , Sarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, I., 418.

For a few years this was rather a common species in the dis-
trict; but of late it has become somewhat less plentiful. It isa
spring-and-autumn migrant, and breeds in both counties.

This species should, perhaps, be considered a race of B. flava.
And indeed I am quite disposed to agree with Degland and Gerbe,
who state (Ornith. Europ., p. 378) that “the B. flava has several
local varieties which some authors have wrongly considered as
distinct species. These varieties,’’ they state, ‘‘may be reduced
to the three following, namely, the B. Rayi, the B. cinereoca-
pilla, and the B. melanocephala.”’ The Baron De Selys-Long-
camps also believes that 6. melanocephala and B. cinereocapilla
are both races of the B. Ray?.

The nest plumage of B. Ray?, and particularly that of B. flava,
bears a strong resemblance to that of the Pipits.

58. MOTACILLA, Linneus.
58. Prep Waerarr. M. Yarretin, Gould.
Motacitla Yarrellii, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, I., 182.
f ‘a Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, I., 395.

A common resident species, breeding in both counties. Only
a few remain through the winter, the greater number migrate.

62 A CATALOGUE OF THE BIRDS

This is a very doubtful species, as varieties occur which seem
to unite it with JL alba, of which it is probably a mere race.

59. Grey Wacetart. M. sutpHurEa, Bechstein.
Motacitla boarula, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, I., 184.
“A i Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, I., 407.

A resident species. Not uncommon. The greater number
migrate in winter.

Famity. HYDROBATA, Degland.
59. HYDROBATA, Vierllot.

60. Drerer. H. crncivus, (Linneus).
Cinclus aquaticus, Bewick, Hiss. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, I., 134.

A Fe Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, I., 181.

This interesting bird is a constant resident, delighting in our
rocky burns that abound in little cascades and have lively running
streams. In such sequestered situations they are sure to be found
nesting, but sparingly, never more than a pair being found toge-
ther: it is a solitary, retiring species.

I found, many years ago, a nest of the Dipper in the roof of a
tunnel at Tanfield Dene; and I have observed it the last three
years in Jesmond Dene, on one occasion during summer, but it
has neyer been known to breed there.

This harmless frequenter of our brooks has of late been accused
of devouring salmon spawn, and in some quarters has been doomed
to the fate of all ‘‘ vermin.” <A few years ago I examined speci-
mens that were killed, because they were feeding on the spawn-
ing ground of the salmon in North Tyne, and found that their
crops contained nothing but aquatic insects and their larvee ;
no trace whatever of spawn could be detected. In fact, the in-
sects upon which our poor doomed friend had been feeding were
much more likely to destroy fish spawn than it was.

OF NORTHUMBERLAND AND DURHAM. 63

Famrry. ORIOLIDA, Bore.
60. ORIOLUS, Zinneus.
61. GoxtpEN OrtoLE. O. catBuLa, Linnaeus.
Oriolus galbula, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, I., 96.
Be » Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, I., 227.

Only two specimens of this rare casual visitant have been taken
in our district. A female in my collection was killed at Heb-
burn, near Newcastle, about 1831; the other, also a female, is in
the Newcastle Museum, and is probably the individual mentioned
in Selby’s catalogue, as haying been killed at Tynemouth, in the
spring of 1821.

Famity. TURDIDA, Bonaparte.
61. TURDUS, Zinneus.
62. Bracxsirp. T. meruta, Linneus.
Turdus merula, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, I., 182.
2 » Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 4, I. 280.

A common resident.

638. Rive Oozer. T. torauarus, Linneus.
Turdus torquatus, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, I., 180.
a Bs Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 4, I., 287.

A not uncommon spring-and-autumn migrant, breeding in the
wild districts in both counties. It nests frequently at Halt-
whistle, where I have taken it, and at Rothbury. Mr. Isaac
Clark also took a nest at the former place, and, in the course of
three weeks after, the birds had rebuilt their nest and hatched
a brood of four young.

64. Frievprare. TT. prnaris, Linnaeus.
Turdus pilaris, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, I. 124.
i x Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 4, I., 272.

An abundant winter visitant; arriving in October and not de-
parting till late in spring. I saw specimens as late as the 16th

64 A CATALOGUE OF THE BIRDS

of May, at Rothbury, in 1837, when an individual was shot.
I took the eggs on the 16th of May, 1833, in Norway. The
birds had just commenced to lay. In that year I saw Fieldfares
at Bywell, twelve miles west of Newcastle, a few days before
we started on our voyage, which we did on the 6th of May. It
would, therefore, seem, that as soon as they arrive at their sum-
mer residence they commence to breed.

The Fieldfare breeds in society, and thus differs in habit from
the British species of the genus. In one locality, a little north
of Drontheim, we found them breeding in great numbers asso-
ciated together like Rooks. The nests were on the spruce firs;
and in this instance so low, for the trees were stunted, that we
could put our hands into the nests without climbing. Here we
saw a great number of eggs and got a good supply of them.
During the time we were examining their nests the birds kept
flying over our heads uttermg their peculiar, harsh cry.

65. Mussexr Turusn. ‘I’. viscrvorus, Linnaus.
Lurdus viscivorus, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, J., 122:
“A i Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 4, I., 258.

Not quite so plentiful as the Blackbird and Thrush. It is a
resident, remaining with us the whole year.

It is generally supposed that the Missel Thrush has much in-
ereased in numbers in the northern counties since Bewick’s time.
I can only say that I have known it nest in the district for up-
wards of forty years.

66. Wutrrr’s Turusn. T. avrevus, Hollandre.
Zur'dus White’, Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 4, I., 251.
" ‘ Degland et Gerbe, Orn. Europ. I., 420.

A specimen of this rare casual visitant was shot in Castle Eden
Dene, Durham, by Rowland Burdon, Esq., on the 17th of Jan-
uary, 1872: it was only wounded, and was not captured until
ubout a fortnight afterwards, and is now in the possession of
that gentleman. <A notice of this occurrence was sent to ‘The
Ficld” newspaper, February, 1872, from which it appears that

OF NORTHUMBERLAND AND DURHAM. 65

the tips of the primaries of one wing had been entirely cut off
by the shot. Some of the feathers that had been shot away
were kindly sent to me. It lived three weeks in captivity, and
ate freely. This is the only specimen that has ever been taken
in the district.

67. Repwine. T. rmiacus, Linneus.
Turdus tlacus, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, I., 128.
5 », Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 4, I., 268.

A common winter visitant, appearing in flocks associated with
the Fieldfare.

We saw only two nests of the Redwing in Norway during our
visit in 1833. They both contained young nearly fledged. This
was on the 7th and 8th of June. One was built in a willow,
close to the stem, about three feet from the ground; the other
was placed at about the same height from the ground in a small
spruce. They were both composed of fine grass mingled with a
little clay towards the bottom, and were lined with fine grass.

68. Sone Turusy. T. musicus, Linnewus.
Turdus musicus, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, I., 126.
i As Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 4, I., 264.

Abundant, breeding early in April. The Thrush affords an
interesting example of foster-parentship. On the 23rd of May,
1866, my attention was drawn, by my friend the late Mr. Maw-
son, of Neweastle, to an instance of a Thrush feeding, with
worms, two young Hedge Accentors. I saw the Thrush take
worms several times to the nest of the Accentors, who quarrelled
for the food thus brought to them. The feeding went on for
several days, during which the parent Accentors were never
seen, but the young birds were reared.

The late Mr. Charles St. John, in his work ‘‘ Natural History

’ states of the Thrush as follows: ‘‘ When

and Sport in Moray,’
it finds a snail which it cannot extract from the shell it carries
it to some favourite stone which happens to have a convenient

chink in it, pinning the shell so that it cannot slip, and then soon

66 A CATALOGUE OF THE BIRDS

breaks it up, using its strong bill like a pickaxe. The blows of
the bird, when breaking a shell in this manner, may be heard at
some distance. In my garden there are certain stones round
which there are always a number of snail shells left broken by
the Thrushes, and I have frequently seen stones in the same
manner in the woods.” Mr. St. John was the first to draw my
attention to the above facts which are briefly noticed in the
works of Montagu and Yarrell, but I have never had the good
fortune to observe the Thrush engaged in breaking snail shells,
though I can corroborate what is said with regard to the stones
used in the process, having often seen them in woods and else-
where, surrounded by the remains of shells broken by the birds.

62. RUBECULA, Brehm.

69. Repsreast. R. Famiiaris, Blyth.
Sylvia rubecula, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, I., 155.
Erithaca ,, Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, I., 247.

Common and generally distributed. A resident.

This bold and familiar little favourite can easily be brought to
place the utmost confidence in man. In less than half an hour
I induced a nestling, that was a perfect stranger to me, flitting
about the grounds at Oatlands, the residence of my friend Mr.
W. C. Hewitson, to come and feed on my hand. All that was
necessary was to be careful not to startle or alarm the bird by a
too rapid advance, or by sudden motion of any kind, when plac-
ing before it small tempting worms. The first worm I offered
it I placed on the ground a few feet from where I sat: the bird
cautiously advanced, and devoured the worm then and there.
The next worm was placed on my extended hand, and the little
fellow flitting past took the worm skilfully off without touching
my hand; my confiding friend then boldly alighted on my hand
and swallowed, while there, the third worm.

After this I had but to stretch out my hand and it came to it;
and thus I fed the Robin for days; and so tame and fearless did
it become, that it would feed with the greatest contidence from
the hands even of strangers.

;
|

OF NORTHUMBERLAND AND DURHAM. 67

63. CYANECULA, Brehm.

70. Buvn-rHroateD Warsier. C. Suxrcica, (Linneus).
Sylvia Suecica, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, I., 159.
Phenicura ,, Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, I., 254.

The first recorded British example of this pretty bird and rare
casual visitant was shot at the north boundary hedge of Newcastle
Town Moor, May 28th, 1826, by Thomas Wm. Embleton, Esq.,
of Methley, near Leeds, and is now in the Newcastle Museum.

There are three forms or races of this interesting bird: one
characterized by a red spot on the blue throat, another by a white
spot, and the third by the throat being entirely blue without
any spot.

The Newcastle bird belongs to the red-spotted form, as is
usually the case with the specimens killed in England. I have
an example, however, which was taken in a Nightingale trap, in
May, 1845, near London, and which I saw alive shortly after its
capture. This has the spot upon the throat a pure white, and is,
I believe, the first authenticated individual of this form that has
occurred in the British Islands: The blue-throated form has not
been taken in Britain.

I have a good series illustrating all the three forms, and, after
_ acareful examination of them, can find no character to lead to the
conclusion that they should rank as distinct species.

64. RUTICILLA, Brehm.
71. Repsrart. R. Poe@nicura, (Linneus).
Sylvia Phenicurus, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, I., 161.
Phenicura ruticilla, Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, I., 259.

This pretty spring-and-autumn migrant is generally distributed
over both counties.

The adult male is always distinguishable from the female.
After the autumnal moult, however, his brilliant tints are some-
what obscured by the greyish white margins of the feathers on
the underparts, and the grey above is likewise a little dulled at
this time with a warmish brown hue, caused also by the margins

68 A CATALOGUE OF THE BIRDS

of the feathers. In his history of ‘‘ British Birds”? Mr. Gould
has figured, for the young, a male in this fresh state of plumage.

The nest plumage is, above, brown, with a pale russet spot at
the end of each feather; below, it is of a pale yellow ochre
colour, each feather having a dusky margin. The changes of the
plumage of this species are well described by Degland and Gerbe,
in their ‘‘ Ornithologie Européenne.”’

The upper figure in our Plate (VII.) represents the female, the
middle figure the male, both in mature plumage, just after the
autumnal moult; the lower figure represents the young in nest
plumage.

72. Buack Repsrarr. R. rrrays, Scopol?.

Phenicura tithys, Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, I., 264.

Ruticlla ,, Degland et Gerbe, Orn. Europ., I., 440.

This is an extremely rare visitant, usually considered a winter
visitant; but it ought, perhaps, to be looked upon as a spring-
and-autumn migrant, like its congener the common Redstart; that
this is the case is rendered probable by the fact that it ocea-
sionally nests in the British Islands.

In 1840, a fine male example was shot at Cresswell, and is
now in the possession of Cresswell Baker, Esq. In 1845, a pair
nested in the garden of the late Rey. James Raine, the historian
of Durham, in that city ; and I am indebted to Mr. Wm. Proctor
for their nest, which is now in my collection. An egg belonging
to it was kindly presented to me by the Rey. James Raine, son
of the above-named gentleman. Another bird, a male, was killed
at Cullercoats in 1856; and, in March of the following year, a fe-
male was shot at the same place. These two examples, for one
of which I am indebted to the liberality of Mr. C. M. Adamson,
“ive Now in my possession.

This species has the same change of plumage as the common
Redstart ; but 1t is not so striking, as the colours are less marked.
The first or nest plumage is pretty uniformly of an ash grey, but
on the belly and vent it is paler, the neck, breast, and flanks are

OF NORTHUMBERLAND AND DURHAM. 69

slightly marked with transverse dusky bars; similar bars, but
more obscure, are perceptible on the head and neck.

65. SAXICOLA, Bechstein.
7d. Waearesr. 8. CGivawran, (Linneus-)
Saxicola A:nanthe, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Kd. 1847, I., 173.

2 is Yarrell, ast) Brit. Birds hide. te. 276,

A spring-and-autumn migrant, arriving at the latter end of
March, and appearing on the coast in September, preparatory to
leaving. At this time the male, female, and young have all as-
sumed their brown livery; on their return, in March, the males
are all conspicuously attired in their gay nuptial dress. This
striking change is the result of the marginal abrasion of the fea-
thers, revealing their black and white bases.

A few years ago, this beautiful migrant nested frequently on

’ surrounding the

the Newcastle Town Moor, in the turf ‘‘ dykes’
‘‘intakes.”’ It is stated in Harting’s Handbook that a few occa-
sionally remain in England and Scotland. JI haye never known

the Wheatear to winter with us.

66. PRATINCOLA, Woch.
74. Wauinenar. P. ruperra, (Linneus).
Saxicola rubetra, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, I., 175.

” oe Larrell, Hist. Brite Birds, ids 2) W272:

Common in both counties. A spring-and-autumn migrant,
uriving in March. The male, in the breeding season, be-
comes a little more brilliant in colour than in its freshly moultcd
plumage, in consequence of the abrasion of the margins of the
feathers.

It is difficult to say why this bird has been named Whinchat,
for it never breeds in the ‘‘whin” or furze, and shows no par-
tiality to it. In some parts of Durham it is called the Haychat,
aid it is constantly met with in hay fields.

70 A CATALOGUE OF THE BIRDS

75. Sronecwat. P. Rusrcora, (Linneus).
Saxicola Rubicola, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, I., 177.
Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, I., 268.

o? )?

A resident. This is much less abundant than the last species,
but is usually seen where there is a large tract of ‘‘ whin”’ (furze),
perched upon the highest twig, uttering its well-known lively
clinking note. Its nest is generally placed in the whin: I have
met with it also in heather and juniper.

The first or nest plumage is brown above, with each of the
head feathers streaked with pale, obscure yellow, and those of
the back terminated by a large spot of the same colour; the
under parts are paler and of a colder tint than the back.

The Stonechat remains in the district the whole year. In
winter it is pretty uniformly of a rich brown, varied with dark,
longitudinal spots, the white in the wing remaining quite con-
spicuous. Before the breeding season, which is early, the male
is much changed in appearance; the head is now black, and the
rest of the plumage is more brilliant and clear than it was,
owing to the loss of the brown that had previously fringed the
margins of the feathers.

67. PRUNELLA, Vieddlot.

76. Hepner Sparrow. P. mopuraris, (Linncus).
Accentor modularis, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, 1.,179.
Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, I., 248.

9) )

One of our commonest resident species, breeding in almost
every hedge, and almost rivalling the Robin in its familiarity,
but it is more modest and much less pugnacious. It breeds
sometimes close into towns. The pretty moss-built nest, with
its beautiful blue eggs, is the delight of almost every schoolboy,
and has been the starting point of the natural history studies of

many naturalists.

OE

OF NORTHUMBERLAND AND DURHAM. a

68. SYLVIA, Scopoli.

77. Bracxear. 8. arricapmia, (Linneus).
Sylvia atricapilla, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, I., 146.
Curruca ,, Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, I., 307.

A spring-and-autumn migrant. This charming songster is
found in all our denes and thickets where there is a dense growth
of underwood or scrub, formed of the black thorn, bramble, rose,
and honeysuckle. Here it constructs its nest and finds the se-
clusion in which it delights.

It arrives in April, and leaves us in September; and at that
time may be met with on the coast. Individuals, however, occa-
sionally winter in the district. Mr. Dale, of Brancepeth, Dur-
ham, shot a male on the 5th of December, 1848, in his garden,
when it was feeding on the berries of the privet; and about two
years afterwards the same gentleman killed a female, likewise in
December, and near the same place.

78. Garprn Warsier. S. HORTENSIS, (Gmelin).
Sylvia hortensis, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, I., 148.
Curruca ,, Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, I., 312.

A spring-and-autumn migrant. This warbler takes up its
residence, during its summer sojourn with us, in sequestered
localities similar to those chosen by its rival in song, the Black-
cap. The nest and eggs of the two species are very similar; and
their song is so much alike that it is very difficult to distinguish
them.

69. CURRUCA, Boie.

79. Lesser Waurreraroat. C. Garrvuta, Brisson.
Sylvia curruca, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, I., 152.
Curruca sylviella, Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, I., 320.
This spring-and-autumn migrant is not by any means so abun-

dant as the two previous species. It nests where thick under-
wood preyails, and in sequestered lanes where wild shrubs have

~I
SS)

4 A CATALOGUE OF THE BIRDS

formed a scrubby fringe on either side. In such situations it
builds its loosely-constructed nest, two or three of which I have
taken in the neighbourhood of Newcastle: one of them occurred
in Seotswood Dene, 18382.

80. WaurtrerHroaT. C, cIvEREA, Brisson.
Sylvia cinerea, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, I., 150.
Curruca. ,, Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, I., 316.

A spring-and-autumn migrant. This is the commonest of our
warblers, and is very generally distributed; it frequently nests
in low herbage by road sides, coming and going with the other

warblers.
70. CALAMOHERPE, Boie.

81. Grear Reep Warsier. C. rurpomeEs, (Meyer.)
Calamoherpe turdoides, Degland et Gerbe, Orn. Europ., I., 515.

Acrocephalus _,, Gould, Birds of Gt. Britain, Part XVII.

A male specimen of this rare casual visitant was shot by Thos.
Robson, near Swalwell, four miles west of Neweastle, May 28th,
1847. It was skulking in the low herbage by the side of a mill
dam. <A notice of this capture is recorded in Annals and Mag.
Nat. Hist., August, 1847, Vol. XX., p. 135.

The specimen is in the possession of Mr, Thomas Thompson,
of Winlaton ; and was, I believe, the first recorded occurrence of
this large warbler in the British Islands.

71. LOCUSTELLA, Kaup.

82. GrassHopPpER WarBLER. L. Namvra, (Brisson).
Sylvia locustella, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, T., 138.
Salicaria — ,; Warrell Hist, Brits Birds, did 2.slen2oon

Though seldom scen, on account of its skulking habits, it is
not by any means rare; it is local, however, preferring low
brushy scrub in secluded situations. I have found it breeding in

various places in the neighbourhood of Neweastle ; but it is no

“WF

OF NORTHUMBERLAND AND DURHAM. 73

where so plentiful as on the banks of the Derwent, a few miles
west of Neweastle. It is a spring-and-autumn migrant,

72, CALAMODYTA, Meyer et Wolf.

83. Seper Warsier. C. puraemiris, (Bechstein).
Sylvia phragmitis, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, I., 140.

Salicaria ,, Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, I., 289.

A plentiful sprmg-and-autumn migrant. It has a sweet and
varied song, and as it sings at night it is occasionally mistaken
for the Nightimgale; and in this way may haye originated the
reiterated reports that the chief of the songsters had been heard
in the northern counties.

Some years ago a Nightingale escaped from confinement in
Jesmond Dene: it was almost immediately recaptured. It got,
however, bruited about that a Nightingale had been heard sing-
ing in the dene; and crowds of people went night after night to
hear it. Many came away quite satisfied that they had heard
the great songster, the Sedge Warbler haying raised his voice
as if on purpose to gratify the multitude or to have his joke;
and proud would the little merry fellow have been could he have
known how well he had succeeded.

Famtry. TROGLODYTIDA, O. Des Murs.
73. TROGLODYTES, Vicillot.

84. Wren. T. parvetus, Koch.

Troglodytes vulgaris, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, I.,
7.

Troglodytes vulgaris, Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, IT., 169.
A resident. Common in both counties. Delighting in low

brushwood, and overhanging banks, where it nests. This little
favourite seeks the habitations of man in severe winter weather.

74 A CATALOGUE OF THE BIRDS

Famity. PHYLLOPNEUSTIDA, Degland et Gerbe.
74. PHYLLOPNEUSTE, Meyer et Wolf.

85. Wuittow Wren. P. rrocuitus, (Linneus.)
Sylvia trochilus, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, I., 165.
he » Varrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Hd. 2, L., 329:

A spring-and-autumn migrant. Very plentiful. It arrives —

in April and leaves in September. In the early summer months
it makes the woods ring with its short, lively song.
86. Curr Cuarr. P. rura, (Srisson.)

Sylvia rufa, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, I., 166.
hippolais, Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2., I., 335.

9)

A pretty common spring-and-autumn migrant, frequenting
wooded districts where the trees are lofty, from the tops of which

it keeps continually uttering the two peculiar well-known notes ©

from which it takes its name. When it leaves in September,
the young and the adult are indistinguishable; the former being
then as fully coloured as their parents.

87. Woop Wren. P. srprnatrix, (Bechstein.)
Sylvia sibilatrix, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Hd. 1847, I., 163.
sylvicola, Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, 1., 324.

?

A spring-and-autumn migrant. Not uncommon, but some-
what local.

75. REGULOIDES, Blyth.

88. YELLow-BrowEeD Warsirr. R. superciitiosus, ( Gmelin.)

Phylloscopus superciliosus, Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 4,
Mas:

Reguloides proregulus, Jerdon, Birds of India, II., 197.
ir superciliosus, Gould, Birds of Gt. Britain, Part XY.

A casual visitant. The specimen, figured in Plate VIII., which
gives this interesting little bird the right to rank as a British

a ae ys

OF NORTHUMBERLAND AND DURHAM. 75

species, I was fortunate enough to shoot, on the 26th of Septem-
ber, 1838, on the sea banks near Hartley, Northumberland, about
four miles north of the Tyne. It was catching insects on the
tops of the taller herbage; and its actions were so like those of
the Golden-crested Wren, that I mistook it at first for one of
that species. Its movements were very graceful as it flitted
from plant to plant.

Reguloides superciliosus is common in India, whence my friend,
Mr. E. W. Brooks, has kindly sent me a large series of specimens,
as well as of the nests and eggs, of which he obtained a good sup-
ply in Cashmir.* I am also indebted to my friend for numerous
specimens of four or five other species of this pretty group of
Indian warblers.

76. REGULUS, G. Cuvier.
89. GoLDEN-cRESTED WREN. R. cristatus, Charleton.

Regulus auricapillus, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, I.,
169.
Regulus eristatus, Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, I., 346.

Common, especially in wooded districts that abound in fir plan-
tations. It is a resident; but large numbers visit the district
every autumn from Northern Europe, and may be seen at that
time as they arrive on our shores at St. Mary’s Island and the
other neighbouring headlands.t+

Famtry. PARIDA, Degland.
77. PARUS, LZinneus.
90. Great Trrmousr. P. mason, Linneus.
Parus myor, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, I., 202.
bis », Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, I., 358.

A resident, and very common. In winter it frequents the
habitations of man along with the Robin and other birds.
* See “Notes on the Ornithology of Cashmir,” by E. W. Brooks, C.E., published in the
Journal of the Asiatic Society of Bengal, Vol. 41, Pt. 2, p. 73, 1872.

+ It has been said that both the Fire-crested Wren (See Yarrell, British Birds, 2nd Kd.
and Gray, Birds of W. Scotland) and the Ruby-crested Wren, (Bree’s Birds of Europe)
have been met with in the County of Durham, but after having made careful enquiry I
find that the statements are erroneous,

G

76 A CATALOGUE OF THE BIRDS

91. Core Trrmouse.. P. ater, Linneus.
Parus ater, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, I., 204.
» >, Xarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, I., 369.

Not uncommon in wooded districts. A constant resident.

On the 18th of May, 1845, Mr. Thomas Robson took a nest
of this species, which contained twenty-one eggs. I haye seen
this nest, the eggs vary much, some being strongly, others only
faintly, spotted. There can be little doubt that here there have
been layings of more than a single individual ; when taken, how-
ever, there was only one female on the nest. A nest of this
species in my collection contains eleven eggs, and one of the Blue
Titmouse contains twelve; the usual number is eight or nine.
It is probable that, in such cases as the above (and they are not
uncommon), the eggs are the produce of more than one bird.

I am informed by my friend, Mr. T. Thompson, that on more
occasions than one he has seen three of the Long-tailed Titmouse
occupying one nest.

92. Buvz Tirmovusr. P. cmruievs, Linneus.
Parus caruleus, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, I., 205.

i be Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, I., 362.

The most abundant of the genus, and, like the Great Titmouse,
it seeks the haunts of man in the winter season when pressed by
severe weather. It is a permanent resident.*

* The Crested Titmouse is recorded in Harting’s ‘‘ Handbook of British Birds” as haying
occurred on Sunderland Moor, Durham. I have made enquiry of Mr. William Proctor,
who drew up the list of birds in Ormsby’s ‘‘Sketches of Durham,” on which this record
is founded, and he gives me, in a reply, dated April 21, 1873, the following information :—
“As regards the Crested Tit there is some mistake, 1 could not say that it came intomy
hands; I might say that there had been three or four seen by a person of the name of P.
Farrow, of Hilltop, who told me that he had seen three or four Crested Tits in the Black
Crag, near Witton Gilbert. This is some twenty years ago. He went to get a gun, but
could not find them on his return. Farrow was a man who stuffed birds occasionally.”

There is a mistake as to the locality, and it must he obvious that such authority as the
above is insuflicient to establish the occurrence of a species in this district,

OF NORTHUMBERLAND AND DURHAM. : ah

78. PCECILE, Kaup.
93. Marsa Tirmousr. P. patustris, (Linneus.)
Parus palustris, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, I., 209.
at es Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, I., 372.

A resident. Generally and abundantly distributed.

79. ORITES, Webring.

94. Lone-rartep Tirmovse. O. caupatus, (Linneus.)
Parus caudatus, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, I., 210.
i - Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, I., 376.

The Parus caudatus of Linneeus, ‘‘ P. vertice albo, cauda corpore
longiore,”’ is the white headed form which inhabits the northern
parts of Europe. An individual of this interesting form is in the
Newcastle Museum; it was one of the old Wycliffe collection,
but there is no record of the place where it was taken. This
specimen had attracted the attention of Bewick, for I have seen
a coloured drawing of it in the possession of the daughters of our
celebrated townsman.

A fine specimen (Plate IX) was found dead at Tynemouth, in
November, 1852, and was presented to me by the late W. J.
Forster, Esq., and is now in my collection. It was in a very
good state of preservation, and, when picked up, could not have
been dead more than a day or two. It had probably just arrived
from the north of Europe.

The strong definition and contrast of the black and white are
very striking in this form, and it is somewhat larger than British
specimens.

The British form has been described in Sharp and Dresser’s
‘‘ Birds of Europe,’ Part XIV., p. 104, as a distinct species, un-
der the name Aeredula rosea, but I think without sufficient rea-
son. It is distinguishable from the Linnean form by having, in
the mature state, a nearly black supercilium.

These authors have figured the young bird of their dcredula

78 A CATALOGUE OF THE BIRDS

caudata, and it is exactly the same as young specimens of our
‘English form in my collection.

The Long-tailed Titmouse is a common resident. There has
been much discussion, of late, whether the beautiful domed nest
of this species has one or two entrances. I have seen nothing
to lead to a suspicion that there is more than one, and I have
seen a great number of these nests, and have six or eight in my
collection; but I have an example, which I took myself, and
which might induce a careless observer to assume that this
nest had no orifice at all. The specimen alluded to has a val-
vular flap or lid, which falls over, and completely closes the
entrance. The bird must have raised this lid every time it en-
tered and left the nest: mdeed I discovered the entrance by the
bird doing so and passing out while I was searching for the hole.

It has been conjectured that the second entrance is required
for the accommodation of the tail while the bird was sitting on
the eggs. But the fact is, that while so doing the tail is turned
over the back of the bird, and is occasionally protruded through
the ordinary entrance or aperture; the great depth of the nest
however gives sufficient space without rendering the protrusion
of the tail at all necessary. Indeed, the Long-tailed Titmouse
erects its tail in the same manner as most of the Passeres do, and
of necessity must do, when sitting on their eggs.

Famtty. AMPELIDA, Bonaparte.
80. AMPELIS, Zienneus.

95. Waxwine. A. GarroLus, Linneus.
Bombycilla garrula, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, I., 91.
sf os Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, I., 388.

A casual visitant, appearing some years abundantly, in others
only rarely, and sometimes a year or two will pass without any
being seen. Entries in my journal show that it occurred in the
district in 1835, -50, -63, -66, -67, and -71, and that it was rather
abundant in 1850, -66, and -67. I learn, by the MS. notes kindly

OF NORTHUMBERLAND AND DURHAM. 79

placed in my hands by Mr. J. S. Gurney, Junr., that nineteen
specimens were captured in South Durham, in 1849.

Famity. MUSCICAPIDA, Vigors.
81. MUSCICAPA, Brisson.

96. Prep Frycatcoer. M. nigra, Brisson.

Muscicapa luctuosa, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, I.,
119 and 121.

Muscicapa atricapilla, Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Kd. 2, I., 177.

This is a spring-and-autumn migrant, though very rarely ob-
served breeding here. Not by any means common in North-
umberland and Durham: I never obtained its nest in the district,
though Bewick mentions the occurrence of one in Axwell Park,
near Newcastle, in June, 1801. And I am informed by Mr.
Isaac Clark that a nest was taken with five eggs, in Stella Park,
a little west of Newcastle. A few of the birds may always be
seen on our coast, in autumn, previous to their migration ; and in
the middle of May they are occasionally to be observed in the
same locality on their return to this country.

The various changes of plumage of the Pied Flycatcher do not
seem to be clearly understood. I possess a large series of speci-
mens demonstrating that the adult male, in the breeding season
(Plate X., lowest figure), is black on the upper parts, with a
broad, obscure band of grey across the rump, and a transverse
band of white in front of the head; the under parts are white,
and the white patch on the wing is very conspicuous. The ma-
ture female, at the same season, differs from the male in being
of an obscure ash-brown where the latter is black, in wanting
the white on the front of the head, and in having the under
parts of a dull white.

After the autumnal moult the sexes, adult and immature,
are scarcely distinguishable. They are all of the same obscure
brown tint above; the males, however, may be known by the
white band on the front of the head, by the white bar on the
wing being broader than in the female, and by the basal portion

80 A CATALOGUE OF THE BIRDS

of the tail being a little darker, and consequently by the white at
this part being more conspicuous. The middle figure (Plate X)
represents the male in this dress.

It is in this state of plumage that the Pied Flycatchers appear
on our shores previous to their departure in autumn. On their
return in the spring the males have assumed more or less of the
black tint ; but it is difficult to obtain, at any time, a specimen
with the black pure, some brown being almost always mingled
with it.

This change of colour in the males appears to be brought
about, not by a moult, but by an alteration in the tint of the
feathers themselves. Were it not so the partially black individ-
uals ought to be in a moulting state, but I can see no indica-
tion of this in any of my specimens.

The nest, or first plumage, does not appear to have been
described. I possess an example in this plumage (Plate X.,
upper figure) which I shot at Grindelwald, Switzerland, August
6th, 1845. It is not easy to procure specimens in this state,
for the nestlings have no sooner completed their first plumage
then they begin to moult it. Before the first moult the upper
parts are brown as in the female; but the feathers of the back
and flanks are obscurely edged with a darker tint, those of the
rump, sides of the head, and wing coyerts have each a pale spot
near the extremity; the under parts are pale as in the female,
and the spots on the wings are likewise, as in it, of a dull white.
The young males can be distinguished by a slight indication of
the white band on the front of the head.

The first plumage of the Pied Flycatcher is, then, spotted, but
not so conspicuously as that of the Spotted Flycatcher and many
of the other Passeres.

In Mr. Gould’s work on the ‘‘ Birds of Great Britain,” the
male, female, and young are supposed to be figured. The female
in that work undoubtedly represents a rather dull-coloured male,
the white band in front of the head proving this. The so-called
‘‘young”’ is in the plumage of the female, or that of the young
after the first moult.

OF NORTHUMBERLAND AND DURHAM. 81

82. BUTALIS, Bore.

97. Svorrep Frycarcuer. B. erisoza, (Linneus.)
Muscicapa grisola, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, 1., 117.
es Pr Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, I., 172.

A common spring-and-autumn migrant.

Famity. HIRUNDINIDA, Vigors.
83. HIRUNDO, Linneus.

98. Swattow. H. rustica, Linneus.

Hirundo rustica, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, I., 299.

= A Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, IT., 231.

A plentiful spring-and-autumn migrant, arriving in April, and
departing in September or October, a little earlier or later accord-
ing to the season.

The numbers of this delighttul harbinger of returning summer,
and its congeners, have of late years considerably decreased in

our district, probably owing to the diminution of insects, conse-
quent upon the vast increase of chemical and other manufactories.

84. CHELIDON, Boie.

99. House Marty. C. urpica, (Linneus.)
Hirundo urbica, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, I., 305.
Yarrell,, Hast. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, I1., 245.

9? be)

A common spring-and-autumn migrant, arriving and departing
with the Swallow.

85. COTYLE, Boie.
100. Sanp Martin. C. riparia, (Linneus.)
Hirundo riparia, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, T., 307.
3 - Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, II., 251.

It breeds wherever there is a sandy declivity, and is the ear-
lest of our spring-and-autumn migrants.

82 A CATALOGUE OF THE BIRDS

Famity. CYPSELIDA, Bonaparie..
86. CYPSELUS, Jlliger.

101. Swrrr. C. apus, (Linneus.)
Cypselus murarius, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, I., 308.
apus, Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, IT., 26

9)

A spring-and-autumn migrant. The Swift usually comes and
goes with the Swallows. This fine species nested, thirty or forty
years ago, in old houses in the Castle Garth, in the midst of
Newcastle; like its relatives, the Swallow and Martin, it is now
rarely seen in Newcastle.

It also built in Lumley Castle, on the Wear, anid being anxious
to obtain its eggs I watched an individual enter a hole in the
parapet several times, and was astonished, on ascending the
building and capturing the bird, as I supposed on its nest, to find
that this contained only sparrow’s eggs. This incident clearly
shows what caution is necessary in identifying the eggs of birds.
Had I not previously known the egg of the Swift I might have
asserted that these eggs belonged to it, for I had seen the bird
enter the nest several times, and had taken it off the eggs.

‘‘The shortness of the tarsi and great length of wings render

the Swift unable to rise from an even surface.’”’ So it is stated
n ‘‘Selby’s Illustrations of British Ornithology,” Vol. I., p. 129.
Impressed with this idea, at the time, I laid my Lumley captive
on the floor of the room where I was; it appeared quite helpless
and rolled from side to side when touched; becoming emboldened
I took it out of doors and placed it on the garden walk, and in
a moment it took wing and went off as only a Swift can.

This happened many years ago. I have had, however, a recent
demonstration of the same fact. The spring of 1873 was very
cold, and a Swift becoming apparently benumbed entered an open
window of the Newcastle Infirmary. After the bird had some-
what recovered, I had an opportunity of handling it, and of again
trying my old experiment. The Swift was laid on the floor of
the apartment, and in an instant it took flight, and flew against
the window, but not with sufficient force to injure itself.

OF NORTHUMBERLAND AND DURHAM. 83

Famiry. CAPRIMULGIDA, Vigors.
87. CAPRIMULGUS, Linneus.

102. Nicursar. C. Evropmus, Linneus.

Caprimulgus Europeus, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847,
L, 311.

fe of Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, II.,

A spring-and-autumn migrant, frequenting the margins of
woods in moorland districts, especially where the bracken is
plentiful. It lays its eggs on the bare ground, not even seeking
the protection of a hollow for them.

103. Rep-neckep Nicursar. C. ruricotiis, Zemminck.
Caprimulgus ruficollis, Temminck, Man., Kd. 2, T., 438.
a a Gould, Birds of Gt. Britain, Part XIX.
A casual visitant. Only a single individual of this species,
which is closely allied to the Common Nightjar, has been taken
in Great Britain. This specimen was shot at Killingworth, near
Neweastle, on the 5th of October, 1856, and was purchased by
me on the following day of a game dealer for my collection. A

notice of the occurrence of this bird was given in “‘ The Ibis,”’
Vol. IV., p. 39, 1862.

OrperR III. COLUMBA, Latham.
Famiry. COLUMBIDA, Leach.

88. COLUMBA, Zinneus.

1. Rive Dove. C. PALUMBUS, Linnaeus.
Columba palumbus, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, I., 316.
55 95 Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, II., 277.
A resident. Plentiful the whole year, breeding in every wood

and plantation,
In winter the Ring Doves assemble in large flocks, and are

84 A CATALOGUE OF THE BIRDS

occasionally seen moving southwards. In January, 1878, an
extraordinary number of these Pigeons were observed at Mars-
den, moving in a south-eastern direction, following the coast
line. They were two days in passing, and many of them were
killed by the farmers in the neighbourhood.

Near Elgin, I once took the nest of this species on the ground,
amidst heather, under a branch of a Scotch fir, which stood, a
solitary tree, in an extensive open space in a large wood.

This species has, in the last ten or twelve years, greatly in-
creased in numbers, to the serious injury of the agriculturist in
Scotland: it is much complained of also in Northumberland.
In a letter from my old friend, the late J. C. Langlands, Esq.,
of Old Bewick, he says, ‘‘ Another evil arising from the destruc-
tion of the birds of prey, and especially of the Magpies, is, that
in this country we are preyed upon by immense flocks of the
Cushats or Wild Pigeons.

2. Srock Dovr. C. mnas, Linneus.
Columba enas, Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, II., 83.
Degland et Gerbe, Orn. Europ., II., 8.

? »?

A resident. It is only recently that the Stock Dove has made
its appearance in this district. A single example was shot in
Castle Eden Dene on the 26th of October, 1869, by Mr. John
Sclater, butler to Rowland Burdon, Esq., and is now in the pos-
session of the former, where I saw it shortly after it was obtained.
In 1871, I was informed by Mr. Sclater, that the gamekeeper
had taken, in a rabbit trap, another specimen, likewise in Castle
Eden Dene, and that he (Mr. Sclater) had found its nest the
day after. It was built at the root of a yew tree, that had
been blown down over the edge of a cliff. I am informed by
Mr. Dale, of Brancepeth, that the Stock Dove has recently made
its appearance in that neighbourhood, and is now breeding there.
In ‘The Field” of May 21st, 1872, Mr. Sclater writes, ‘‘ After
I found the nest two years ago, as recorded in ‘‘ The Field” of
March 28rd, 1872, Mr. Burdon gave orders for its protection, and
it is multiplying very quickly. And I observe, by ‘‘ The Ficld”’

OF NORTHUMBERLAND AND DURHAM. 85

newspaper of 1873, that this species had made its appearance in
the neighbourhood of Hexham.

Through the kindness of the Right Honourable the Earl of
Ravensworth, I am enabled to record the appearance of the Stock
Dove at Ravensworth, and the following account is from a letter
received from his lordship March 20th, 1874, ‘‘I have seen a pair
(of Stock Doves) within a few days frequenting the old trees in
front of the Castle, and others have been seen likewise. None
of our authors upon Natural History mention this Wild Pigeon
as a visitant to the northern counties. Selby, the best author
and most accurate observer, says, ‘that he has never been able
to trace it in any of the northern parts of the island.’ Nor have
I ever before seen the Stock Dove in these woods which are fre-
quented by innumerable flocks of the Cushat. The pair recently
observed by me came very near to the walls of the Castle, and I
had the opportunity of seeing them more than once perching on
the trees at a very short distance.”

This interesting species will now probably become a resident
in the district. The advance of the Stock Dove northward is
probably owing to the same cause that has permitted the increase
of its congener, the Ring Dove, namely, the destruction of the
birds of prey, and is therefore another proof of man’s disturbing
influence.

9

3. Rock Dove. UC. trv, Brisson.
Columba livia, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, I., 318.

Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, I1., 288.

9? ?

This is a resident, and is undoubtedly the true Stock Dove
from which the domestic Pigeon is derived. A few birds breed
occasionally in the cliffs at Marsden, and in other localities on
the sea coast, both in Northumberland and Durham, where the
cliffs are high. But so like is this species to the common domes-
tic Pigeon, that it is difficult to say positively whether they are
escaped birds or are really the wild form. I have, however, in
my collection a young individual, that was killed in December,

86 A CATALOGUE OF THE BIRDS

1835, at Newbiggin-by-the-Sea, which is certainly a true wild
Rock Dove.

This species is in great abundance, breeding in the cliffs at
Gordenstown, near Covesea, in the neighbourhood of Elgin.
Here I had a capital opportunity of observing a large colony of
these birds, and I shot several specimens. A pair of Peregrines
had taken up their abode and reared their young in a hollow in
the cliff close to the nesting places of the Pigeons, and were
feeding their nestlings on the tender flesh of their neighbours,
preferring it evidently to that of the Herring Gulls that were
likewise breeding in the same locality, and flying about close to
them unheeded and unheeding.

The escaped domestic Pigeon always theeils: in cliffs or in old
| buildings, in exactly similar situations to those chosen by the
Rock Dove, and in this fact alone is strong evidence of the rela-
tionship of the two. The so-called Stock Dove, on the contrary,
takes for its nesting place hollow stems of old decayed trees.

89. TURTUR, Selby.

4. Turrte Dove. T. avrirus, Ray.
Columba turtur, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, I., 321.
Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, II., 299.

7 d)

Several specimens of this casual visitant have been killed in
the neighbourhood of Newcastle: one was shot on the Town
Moor, and another at Prestwick Car. On the 17th of May,
1856, a gamekeeper of the late Sir Hedworth Williamson,
Bart., killed a fine male specimen near Whitburn, Durham:
another occurred near Shotton Colliery, on the 12th of October,
1870; this had no black on the neck, and was therefore pro-
bably a young bird.

This species has never been known to breed in either county,

OF NORTHUMBERLAND AND DURHAM. 87

OrpeR IV. GALLINA, Linneus.
Famtry. PTEROCLIDA, Bonaparte.
90. SYRRHAPTES, lliger.
1. Patzas’s Sawp Grouse. S. Parapoxus, (Pallas.)

Syrrhaptes paradoxus, Degland et Gerbe, Orn. Europ., IT., 28.
Gould, Birds of Gt. Britain, Part IV.

9 3)

A casual visitant. In 18638, at the time of the great visitation
of this eastern bird to Europe, twenty-two or twenty-three spe-
cimens of it were killed within our district, as recorded in my
notice on the subject printed in the sixth volume of the “ Tran-
sactions of the Tyneside Naturalists’ Field Club,” p. 100. I
have received, since then, three additional examples, two males
and one female, that were killed at the same time, near Port
Clarence, at the mouth of the Tees. These can scarcely be the
three birds alluded to, as occurring in that neighbourhood, by
Prof. Newton, in his valuable paper in the sixth volume of
‘<The Ibis,”’ ‘‘ On the irruption of Pallas’s Sand Grouse,” for of
those so recorded two were females and one a male.

The first that were taken in England, on this visitation, were
three that were shot out of a flock of twelve or fourteen, near
Thropton, on the Coquet, on the 21st of May, and mentioned in
my notice. For two of these, which are now in my possession,
I am indebted to the late Mr. William Reay, of Thropton.

In ‘‘The Ibis” for July, 1872, p. 384, it is stated by Dr.
Tristram, that the Sand Grouse was observed on the coast of
Northumberland, opposite to the Farne Islands, and that a spe-
cimen was shot, and examined by the Rev. Charles Thorpe.

A letter from the latter gentleman, received on the 2nd of
June, 1873, informs me that he ‘‘did not see the Sand Grouse
last year, but on the 18th of May, 1872, Mr. T. Caldwell
told me he had been in pursuit of them on the 16th and had
shot one, but having allowed it to remain on the ground to
attract the others, it so far recovered as to rise and fly on his
approaching.”

88 A CATALOGUE OF THE BIRDS

Famizry. TETRAONIDA, Leach.
91. LAGOPUS, Brisson.

2. Rep Grouse. L. Scorreus, (Brisson.)
Tetrao Scoticus, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, I., 350.
Lagopus ,, Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, I1., 351.

This fine resident species is found wherever heather and ling
abound.

It is generally considered to be peculiar to the British Islands.
Tt comes however so close to L. saliceti or albus, that the two so-
called species can scarcely in the summer dress be distinguished :
in size they agree, and in the colour and markings of the plum-
age they are the same. And I have the authority of Mr. Norman
Cookson, that the cry of Z. saliceti is exactly like that of the
British form. The beak however of the former is usually a little
stronger than that of the latter. The change of white, in the
winter, of the Z. saliceti, is the only distinguishing point of any
importance, though ZL. Scoticus is frequently found, in winter, to
have a good deal of white on the under parts, particularly on the
median line of the lower parts of the belly and vent. I have an
example that was shot in Northumberland, in which the white
extends from the breast to the vent, and from flank to flank, the
plumage of the belly being a little broken with brown. The les-
ser and greater coverts of this specimen are tipped with white,
the under coverts are white, and the under tail coverts are largely
tipped with white. Another example, likewise in my possession,
shows a great deal of white on the belly and on the under tail
coverts; the margin of the wings and the under coverts are also
white, and the greater and lesser coverts are tipped with the
same ; and I possess the remains of a specimen, that was killed in
Weardale, which has the primaries, primary coyerts, and bastard
wing of a pure white, the shafts of the quills are also white.
In LZ. saliceti, however, the shafts of the quills are usually dusky
on the upper surface, though I have an individual in which most
of the shafts are white on both sides. There can therefore be

OF NORTHUMBERLAND AND DURHAM. 89

little doubt that Z. Scoticus is merely a variety or race of L.
saliceti, as believed by Schlegel and some other authors.

A very beautiful variety of the Red Grouse was shot by the
late Dr. Beggs, on the moors near Reedsmouth, on the 4th of
November, 1859, which he kindly presented tome. The under
parts of this bird are of a warm yellow-ochre colour, marked
with strong, distant, black, undulating, broken bars; on the
flanks the bars are stronger than elsewhere, and resemble those
of the summer dress of the female Ptarmigan. The upper parts
are darker but of the same tint, and the undulating bars are
smaller and more crowded; these parts, in fact, resemble very
much, both in colour and markings, those of the Ptarmigan.

Varieties also frequently occur on our moors having the fea-
thers of the upper parts with strong, dusky, transverse waved
lines, and terminated by a large pale buff or white spot. The
birds with this beautiful and strongly marked plumage are all
females, and they present a remarkable resemblance to the Ptar-
migan in the summer dress. The female Grouse is always more
varied than the male, and does in fact always more or less
approach to the colour and style of markings of the female Ptar-
migan. The more uniform colouring and less conspicuous mark-
ings of the males of the two forms are also remarkable.

I am not only satisfied that L. Scoticus is merely a race of L.
saliceti, but I am quite inclined to think that the Scotch Ptar-
migan, and the Rock Grouse of Iceland, Greenland, Lapland,
Norway, and Switzerland, ought not to rank as species, but
only races of one and the same form.

Indeed there is not much to distinguish L. salicet’, including
the race L. Scoticus, from the Ptarmigan; the latter is smaller,
and the head and beak are also smaller than in the others. In
habits, however, they differ considerably, and the Ptarmigan
does not utter the alarm cry, beck, beck, which is common. to
both L. salicets and L. Scoticus, but makes a very peculiar low
croaking noise when disturbed, which it utters at intervals while
on the wing, and which resembles nothing so much as the croak-
ing of a toad.

In the downy state the markings of the Ptarmigan and those

90 A CATALOGUE OF THE BIRDS

of the Red Grouse are very similar, but the colours differ consi-
derably, that of the Ptarmigan being very much colder in tint;
so much s0, indeed, that while it is grey or ash in the latter, it
is warm yellow-ochre colour in the former or Red Grouse. But
I have only seen a single individual of the Ptarmigan in this
state, and it is from the Alps. Mr. Gould, in giving a figure of
the Ptarmigan, in the downy state, in his work on ‘‘ The Birds
of Great Britain,” represents it of the same warm colour as that
of the Red Grouse, and with markings perfectly similar, but it is
not stated where the specimens were obtained.

The eggs of all the European Grouse, including the two
British forms, are so much alike, that were they mixed it would
be quite impossible to distinguish them. Examples of Ptarmi-
gan’s eggs, that I have received from Greenland and Iceland, are
however generally a little smaller than my Scotch examples.

The first plumage of the Ptarmigan closely resembles that of
the Red Grouse. It has no white in any part of the body. The
only individual that I have seen in this state is in my collection ;
it is from Iceland, and is about half grown. ‘The secondaries
and the two principal or longest primaries are brown, like those
of the Red Grouse, and the external primaries, which are in a
much less developed state than the others, are white. There
are two growing feathers of the coverts of the left wing white,
and a single secondary of the right wing is also white. The
dusky undulating broken bars on the neck, breast, and flanks
are strong and distant, as in the adult female; the centre of the
belly is also barred transversely, but somewhat obscurely; the
tail feathers are just making their appearance and are black,
tipped with white.

92, TETRAO, Linneus.
8. Brack Grovusz. T. terrix, Linneus.
Tetrao tetriz, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, I., 347.
¥ », Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Kd. 2, II., 340.

A resident. Plentiful in the wild tracts of both counties, es-
pecially where the birch abounds, and in damp situations. Its

OF NORTHUMBERLAND AND DURHAM. 91

great strongholds appear to be up the North Tyne in the neigh-
bourhood of Kielder, and on the Cheviot range.

Black Grouse used frequently to occur at Prestwick Car. On
the 17th of June, 1858, I saw its nest and eggs on Callerton
Fell, a few miles south-west of Prestwick Car.

Mr. Yarrell mentions, in his ‘‘ History of British Birds,” the
occurrence of several hybrids of the Black Grouse and Pheasant.
In the Newcastle Museum there are two examples of this hybrid.
One was shot near Alnwick Castle, November, 1837, the other
at Belsay, 1842, by C. H. Cadogan, Esq., of Brinkburn.

I have in my collection three curious varieties of the Black
Grouse, two of which resemble the female to a great extent, but
are considerably darker ; both have the tail forked, but much less
so than in the male, and as in it, the under tail coverts are white,
and both specimens have the white patch on the secondaries as
well as on the shoulder, and one of them was getting the glossy
green neck of the male. The individual most resembling the
female had the ovary apparently quite in a healthy condition.
This specimen was shot near Angerton, on the Wansbeck; the
other was also killed in Northumberland.

The third variety was shot near Cambo, on the 20th of
August, 1869. This is almost in the complete plumage of the
adult male, but has some brown and white feathers about the
head and throat. The tail is only four inches long, though it ap-
pears to be full grown, and is very slightly forked, and it is not
more than half the usual length; the bird itself is fully one-
third less than the adult male, and is probably nothing more than
a dwarfed example.

93. STARNA, Bonaparte.

4. Parrriner. S. crverEa, (Charleton.)
Perdix cinerea, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, I., 357.
9 5.5 Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, II., 370.
A resident. The Partridge is plentiful in the northern coun-
ties, but the stock is liable to great fluctuation in accordance

with the state of the weather. In 1870 and 1871, the supply
H

92 A CATALOGUE OF THE BIRDS

was unusually abundant, but in 1872 there was a great decrease
in the number, apparently owing to the large rainfall of that year.

Several examples of a very pretty dark brown variety have
occurred in Northumberland during the last few years. The
first that came under my notice was shot in October, 1863, near
Cresswell: it is a young bird. In the following year two other
examples were killed in the same locality; one, young, on the
7th of September, the other, a male, on the 19th of October.
An adult bird was shot at Eslington November 9th, 1865; on
the 16th of November, 1868, another example was obtained at
Cresswell. J am informed by Mr. Duncan, that in the autumn
of 1869, three additional individuals were killed at Cresswell—
one young and two adults, one of the latter being a male: and
that two others were shot at that place on the 3rd of October
the same year. An example in the Newcastle Museum, pre-
sented by E. Warwick, Esq., was killed near Kirkwhelpington,
on the 7th of September, 1870; and on the 16th of January,
1871, a specimen was obtained at Widdrington, and is now in
my possession. Thus, in all, twelve of this interesting variety
have been procured, nine of which were killed at Cresswell.

A remarkable feature in the colour of this variety is the entire
absence of the grey.ash tint that so agreeably diversifies the neu-
tral colouring of the normal plumage. The whole of the head
and neck is of a pale buff or chestnut, similar to that of the front
of the head and neck of the ordinary bird; the upper parts are
a dark red-brown, each feather having the shaft pale and the
extremity with a large spot of obscure white; the upper tail
coyerts are pale chestnut like the head, with dark brown bands ;
the tail-feathers are of the same chestnut colour, but darker
than those of the normal bird; the under tail coverts are brown,
clouded with darker colour. The whole of the under parts is of
a uniform dark chestnut colour, as if the usual horse-shoe mark
had been extended ; on the breast in front, where this dark brown
meets the pale chestnut or buff on the neck, it is not abruptly
defined, but breaks into it irregularly ; the thighs are pale ob-
scure buff, and so are the feathers of the vent.

The above is a description of a male specimen in my collection,

ed

OF NORTHUMBERLAND AND DURHAM. 93

of which the upper figure (Plate XI.) isarepresentation. There
is not much difference in the various specimens obtained.

The dark rich brown colour of these birds suggests at first
sight the opinion that they may be hybrids between the Part-
ridge and Red Grouse, but on a more careful examination there
is nothing to confirm this.

Mr. Gould, in his ‘‘ Birds of Great Britain,” mentions a simi-
lar brown variety of the Partridge, but it is characterized by
having in both sexes a dark horse-shoe mark on the breast. In
our specimens, though the under parts are of a rich dark chest-
nut, there is not the slightest indication of this peculiar mark,
but as Mr. Gould does not give any further description, it is im-
possible to say how far the two varieties agree.

Since the above was written, I have information of the cap-
ture of several other specimens, two of which have come into my
possession, one through the kindness of Mr. H. Wilkinson, Ve-
terimary Surgeon, of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, and the second I
obtained of Mr. Duncan, bird-stuffer; this last is a young bird
in first plumage (Plate XII., lower figure), and is just beginning
to change to the brown plumage of the adult bird. It was shot
in Northumberland on the 19th of September, 1873. The for-
mer (Plate XII., upper figure,) is also a bird of the year, but
being shot on the 16th of October, 1878, it is probably a month
older than the latter bird, and consequently is much further ad-
vanced in its change of plumage. It has the neck clothed with
pale cream-coloured feathers, which are undoubtedly the first or
nest feathers, for they are being replaced by the brown of the
adult bird.

94. COTURNIX, IMehring.
5. Quam. C. communis, Bonnaterre.
Perdix coturnix, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, I., 360.

Coturniz vulgaris, Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, I1., 400.

A spring-and-autumn migrant, not by any means common, and
somewhat local, but occasionally breeding in the district. Nests

94 A CATALOGUE OF THE BIRDS

have occurred at Howick, Cullercoats, Fulwell, Callerton Fell,
Wallsend, and Westoe.

6. Vrremtan Quaiz. C. Virernianus, (Linneus.)
Ortyx Virginiana, Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, I1., 391.
- ns Macgillivray, Hist. Brit. Birds, I., 228.

This is an introduced species. A specimen was shot Octo-
ber 2nd, 1841, at Rothbury, out of a “‘covey of Partridges.”
This example is in my collection. It isan adult female and had,
when fresh, all the appearance of having reared a brood that
year; and it may be questioned whether the birds with which
it was associated were Quails or Partridges. _

In the early part of this century several pairs of Virginian
Quails were turned out in Norfolk, by the late Earl of Leicester .
but these, according to Mr. Stevenson, in his ‘‘ Birds of Nor-
folk,” have long since died out. In 1840, a number were libe-
rated in the neighbourhood of Windsor, by His Royal Highness
the late Prince Consort (‘‘ Harting’s Handbook of British Birds,”
p. 1380). Our example may probably be one of these introduced
birds, or the progeny of such.

A considerable number of this Quail were set at liberty on the
banks of the Coquet, a little above Warkworth, in the spring of
1872, by Mr. W. R. Pape, gun-manufacturer, Newcastle, and I
am informed that several broods were reared the same year, and
that they are nesting again this year (1873), and are apparently
going on very favourably.

Famity. PHASIANIDA, Vigors.
95. PHASIANUS, Linneus.

7. Peasant. P. Concuicus, Linneus.

Phasianus Colchicus, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, I.,
309,

* % Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, IT., 310.

A resident. The Pheasant, having no right to be considered
an indigenous British bird, should not perhaps have been included

OF NORTHUMBERLAND AND DURHAM. 95

in this list; it is, in fact, a semi-domesticated fowl. The
Chinese, Japanese, and Bohemian races of this bird have, of
late years, been introduced into the district.

OrveR V. GRALLA, Linneus.
Famity. OTIDIDA, Degland.
96. OTIS, Linneus.

1. Great Bustarp. O. Tarpa, Linnaeus.
Otis tarda, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, I., 367.
55 ,, Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, II., 415.

A casual visitant. A specimen of the Great Bustard was shot
on the 2nd of January, 1871, at Fenham Flats, Holy Island, and
came into the possession of Henry Gregson, Esq., Low Lynn.

A fine female example was shot on the 8th of March, 1854,
in a turnip field near Brampton, Cumberland. I saw the speci-
men a few days after it was stuffed, and while it was quite soft
and flexible, and the legs were unfaded; the tarsi and toes were
greyish, with obscure flesh colour between the scales. This spe-
cimen is in the collection at Blenkinsop Castle, the residence of
Colonel Coulson. Of course, this individual does not strictly be-
long to our district, but it is as well perhaps to record the occur-
rence, in an adjoining county, of this interesting bird which is
destined, probably, ere long, to cease being even a visitant to the
British Islands.

9. lLirrxe Bustarp. O. terrax, Linneus.
Otis tetraz, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, I., 371.
- », Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, II., 426.

A casual visitant. I am informed, by the Right Honourable
the Earl of Ravensworth, that a specimen, in the museum at
Ravensworth Castle, of the Little Bustard (which is in the plum-
age of the female), was taken at Prestwick Car about the year
1820, and that his lordship had it alive for a short time.

We learn from Selby’s ‘‘ Illustrations of British Ornithology,”

96 A CATALOGUE OF THE BIRDS

that other two specimens of this rare visitant have been taken
in Northumberland. ‘‘One of these, in the possession of His
Grace the Duke of Northumberland, and, from the tints of its
plumage, apparently a female, was shot near Warkworth in the
autumn of 1821; the other was killed on the Ist of February,
1823, near Twizell,” and was placed in Mr. Selby’s collection.*

Famiry. CHARADRIID A, Leach.
97. CEDICNEMUS, Temminck.

38. Great Prover. (i. creprrans, Zemminck.
Gdicnemus crepitans, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, I1., 1.
“ F Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, I1., 436.

A specimen of this rare visitant was shot in a grass field, near
Frenchman’s Bay, South Shields, on the 4th of February, 1864.
I saw it shortly after it was stuffed: it is a young bird in first
plumage.

98. CURSORIUS, Latham.
4, Cream-cotourED Courser. C. Gatuicus, ( Gmelin.)

Cursorius Europeus, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, I.,
3738.

* Fs Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, I1., 431.

According to Harting, a specimen of this rare bird occurred at
Cheswick, Northumberland, November 9th, 1846, and is pre-
served in Mr. Brodrick’s collection. Another specimen, pre-
served in the Berwick Museum, is reported by Mr. Gurney in
the ‘‘ Zoologist,” 1871, p.p. 2522 and 2562, from Low Lynn, in
the same county.

* The Collared Pratincole (Glareola pratincola, Linn.), reported by Mr. Duff, ‘‘ Zoolo-
gist,’ 1850, p. 2771, and quoted in Harting’s “ Handbook of British Birds,” p. 183, as hay-
ing occurred at Bedlington, Northumberland, is, according to a letter received from Mr.
Duff, a mistake, as the specimen was forwarded to him by a friend from Bridlington,
Yorkshire,

OF NORTHUMBERLAND AND DURHAM. 97

99. PLUVIALIS, Barrére.
5. Gorpen Prover. P. apricanius, (Linneus.)

Charadrius pluvialis, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Kd. 1847, IT.,
12.

ee oS Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, I., 447.

A resident. Common in both counties, breeding on the upland
fells, preferring marshy situations. In autumn, it congregates
in large flocks, associating with the Peewit.

6. Grey Prover. P. varius, (Brisson.)

Vanellus melanogaster, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, IT.,
D9:

Squatarola cinerea, Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, II., 477.

This is a winter migrant, but not abundant. It usually ap-
pears in September, and is most commonly in the nest or first
plumage. Specimens in their full winter plumage are rare. I
have, however, examples that were killed in October, November,
February, and January. It sometimes occurs in small flocks.
On the 13th of September, 1870, I saw six together on the sands
at Newbiggin-by-the-Sea: they were all in the first plumage.
Mr. C. M. Adamson has in his collection an example in the sum-
mer dress, which was shot in August, at St. Mary’s Island, a
few years ago. I know of no other instance of the occurrence
of this bird in summer plumage within the district.

It is worthy of notice, however, that I received, from Mr.
William Hircock, three specimens of this species in full summer
dress, two males and one female, which were shot on the Wash,
near Guyhorn, on the 23rd of May, 1844. And what is equally
extraordinary, they were accompanied by three Knots or Red
Sandpipers, likewise in complete summer costume, which were
shot at the same time and place.

98 A CATALOGUE OF THE BIRDS

100. MORINELLUS, Bonaparte.

7. Dorrrret. M. Srsericus, (Lepechin.)

Charadrius morinellus, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, I1.,
14,

ry Re Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, I1.,
455.

The Dotterel visits this district every year during its spring
and autumn migrations, probably to and from the mountains of
Cumberland and Westmoreland. I have its eggs from Cross
Fell, Saddleback, Helvellyn, and Skiddaw.

It is met with on the Newcastle Town Moor in spring and
autumn, and apparently in undiminished numbers; for this year,
1873, a flock of twenty were observed on the wing, two of which
were killed by coming in contact with the telegraphic wires. It
also occasionally visits the neighbourhood of Sunderland; and I
saw two individuals on the moor at Newbiggin-by-the-Sea, in
1871. Dotterels never stay more than a few days with us. The
earliest arrive in the first week of May, and on their return in
autumn make their appearance in September.

I shot a specimen on the Newcastle Town Moor in the first
plumage; and I have another example in the same dress, killed
on Cross Fell, on the 31st of August. In the first plumage the
feathers of the head, neck, back, scapulars, and wing coverts are
dusky brown, widely edged with russet or yellowish white; the
quills are dusky with the shaft of the external one white, the
tertiaries and tail-feathers a dusky brown, widely edged with
russet ; the tail coverts pale brown, strongly edged with russet ;
supercilium pale buff; cheek and auriculars pale drab, streaked
with darker colour. The under parts are of a pale dun or drab
colour, lighter on the belly and vent; the neck and gorget are of
the same colour, with the feathers of the latter pale brown in
the centre, and immediately below these the white transverse
band of the adult is obscurely indicated by one of a pale dun
colour; a little lower on each side of the breast is a slight shade
of brown, where, in the adult bird in summer, there is black.

OF NORTHUMBERLAND AND DURHAM. 99

101. CHARADRIUS, Linneus.
8. Rivne Dorreret. C. wraticura, Linneus.

Charadrius hiaticula, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, IT.,
16.
Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, I1., 465.

9 ”

A common resident in both counties. It breeds on the pebbly
shores of the coast, and I have seen it once or twice by the side
of the Coquet, during the breeding season, six or seven miles
below Rothbury; but I have never known it lay its eggs far
from the sea shore. In September and October, and even later
in the year, it assembles in considerable flocks on the coast.

102. VANELLUS, Linneus.
9. Prrwir. VY. cristatus, (Meyer and Wolf.)

Vanellus cristatus, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, IT., 21.
Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, II., 481.

) ”?

This beautiful resident species is common everywhere, but is
most plentiful in uncultivated districts. It breeds very early,
sometimes laying its eggs in the beginning of April. I have
found the eggs much incubated on the 14th of April. Of course,
the breeding time is influenced considerably by the state of the
weather. Frequently I have known the first layings to be cov-
ered up and destroyed by the snow; but against such casualties
nature has amply provided, by enabling the Peewit to lay again
and again until a brood is hatched and reared. Hence the folly
of the dread that has been expressed in some quarters, that so
useful a bird, as this is stated to be to the agriculturist, should
be destroyed by taking a few of its first layings. In fact, the
Peewit appears to have increased in numbers within the last few
years, probably on account of the destruction of the birds of prey
by the game-preservers.

At the commencement of the breeding season, as much as half-
a-crown a piece is sometimes given in London for Peewit’s eggs,
but they soon become so plentiful that they can be purchased for

100 A CATALOGUE OF THE BIRDS

one shilling a dozen; and, as this price cannot pay for gathering
them, the supply soon ceases, and the birds are left to rear their
broods in peace and comparative safety.

1038. HAMATOPUS, Linneus.

10. OvysrercatcHER. H. osrratecus, Linnaeus.

Hematopus ostralegus, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847,
IE,

Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Kd. 2, IT.,

496.

This is a resident in the district, and is abundant by our sea
shore, breeding on the Farne Islands, and on the beach of the
adjacent main land. It appears in flocks during the autumn and
winter months, but is rarely seen far from the coast.

104. STREPSILAS, Iiliger.

11. Turnsrone. 8S. InTERPRES, (Linne@us.)

Strepsilas collaris, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, IL.,
25, 27.
interpres, Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, IT., 486.

9)

A common autumn or winter migrant, reaching our coast in
September, and remaining throughout winter. I have a speci-
men shot on the coast of Northumberland as late as the middle
of May.

This species breeds late. We took its eggs on the Norwegian
coast, in 1838, on the 14th of June. It has been said to breed
on the Farne Islands (Harting’s Handbook of British Birds, p.
44), J am not in any way cognisant of the eggs occurring in
that locality, and it seems to me that the instances mentioned
are not sufficiently authenticated.

I have a specimen, killed on the 8rd of June, 1847, at Ramp-
side, Lancashire, in full summer plumage, but it has not the
bare spaces which are seen on the breast of a sitting bird.

*
OF NORTHUMBERLAND AND DURHAM. 101

Famiry. SCOLOPACIDA, Vigors.
105. NUMENIUS, Moehring.
12. Curtew. N. arquata, (Linneus.)

Numenius arquata, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, IT., 68.
™ ES Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, II., 577.

The Curlew is a resident, common on all marshy moorlands
and grassy wastes, but less abundant in Durham than in North-
umberland. It frequently bred at Prestwick Car, and I once
took its eggs at Blagdon: this was on the 14th of May, 1857.
It remains with us the whole year, and in winter frequents the
sea coast, where it is occasionally seen also in summer.

The sexes do not differ in plumage. The young before the
first moult are a little warmer in colour, and have the pale mar-
eins of the feathers wider than the adult.

13. Wuiesrer. N. parmorus, (Linneus.)
Numenius pheopus, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, IT., 70.
¥ x Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, II., 588.
An autumn or winter visitant, arriving on our shores in August
and September, and departing in spring. During its sojourn with
us it seldom leaves the coast, where it is not uncommon in small
flocks of rarely more than four or five.
The young before moulting are more clearly and strongly

marked over the whole of the upper parts than the adult, and
the bill is a little shorter.

106. LIMOSA, Brisson.
14. Bracx-rairep Gopwir. L. meocepHara, (Linneus.)
Limosa melanura, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, IT., 113.
53 * Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, IT., 634.

A rare casual visitant. One in my collection was shot, in
1831, at Prestwick Car, and is in summer plumage. Another,
shot at the same place, on the 28rd of September, 1846, is also

.

7
102 A CATALOGUE OF THE BIRDS

in my collection, and is in the first plumage. A fine female, in
full summer dress, was shot at Alnmouth in July, 1847, and is
in the collection of Mr. C. M. Adamson. On the 8th of Sep-
tember, 1869, Mr. R. Duncan killed two examples out of a flock
of four: they were young birds in first plumage.

Mr. Selby records the capture of two specimens at Budle
Bay: ‘they were moulting, and rapidly acquiring their nuptial
livery.”

15. Common Gopwir. IL. rura, Brisson.

Limosa rufa, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, IT., 115.
ep Marrell) Hast. Brit. Birds) ides) oileene-ale

An autumn or winter visitant, appearing on our coast in au-
tumn and winter. It congregates in large flocks at Fenham
Flats. They gradually disappear in spring.

I have a specimen which was killed on the Northumberland
coast in March, 1855, having to some extent acquired its summer
dress; and another, also in my collection, in complete summer
plumage, was likewise shot on the coast of Northumberland.

107. SCOLOPAX, Linneus.

16. Wooncock. S. rusticuta, Linneus.

Scolopax rusticola, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, IL.,
118.
Rs a Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, III., 1.

A resident. The Woodcock arrives on our coast in October,
and departs in spring: but a few remain in the district to breed.
Several nests have been taken; one, containing young, was
found near Hollyn Hall, on the banks of the Tyne, by the game-
keeper of Edward James, Esq., a few years ago; one of the
parent birds was shot from the nest. On the 6th of April, 1869,
a nest of eggs was also taken at Dilston; and in April, 1872, a
nest with four eggs, two of which are in my collection, was found
near Medomsley on the Derwent. This nest had been for-
saken in consequence of a fall of snow, in which the eggs were

OF NORTHUMBERLAND AND DURHAM. 103

buried. In the same year three broods were found in Chopwell
Woods, in the valley of the Derwent. I am indebted to Mr.
Isaac Clark for this information, from which it appears that the
Woodcock is a pretty constant breeder in the neighbourhood of
the Tyne, and not by any means so uncommon as has been sup-
posed. Several other nests have occurred in Northumberland
and Durham. Between the years 1868 and 1872, seven nests
of the Woodcock were found on the banks of the Tyne, between
Dilston and Prudhoe, in April and May. In three of them the
young were hatched; four others had their full complement of
eggs.

But a rather curious question arises. After the broods have

-fairly flown, what becomes of these birds, both parents and young ?
are they ever seen during the summer and autumn months? it
might be expected that they would remain in the neighbourhood
until the season of migration arrives, and that, as the birds from
the more northern latitudes make their appearance, those bred in
the district would take their departure southward. Were this so
the birds would surely be seen. Do they, then, leave as soon as
the broods are able to use their wings? This is certainly un-
likely. It is possible that they may be all shot off; for, assum-
ing that the Woodcock is a mere migrant, no one allows a single
individual to escape if he has a chance of shooting it. I have
known a gamekeeper shoot a Woodcock, and, on picking it up,
find a brood of young lying at his feet. Perhaps the Act of
1872, for the preservation of birds, may be of service in respect
to this species.

The Woodcock usually arrives on our coast singly or in small
detachments of two or three at a time. However, they occa-
sionally appear in considerable numbers. Mr. W. Allan, of Mars-
den Rock, shot, in October, 1865, thirty-one birds in one day.

This species has the power of removing its young when dis-
turbed; it also carries its young from the nesting place to the
feeding ground. Mr. Charles St. John, who believed that the
young, when so carried, were held in the claws, states in his
“Field Notes and Tour in Sutherland,” p. 164, that ‘‘ many
people doubt the fact of the Woodcock carrying her young, from

104 A CATALOGUE OF THE BIRDS

the wood to the swamp, in her feet, and certainly the claws of a
Woodcock appear to be little adapted to grasping and carrying a
heavy substance: yet such is most undoubtedly the case. Regu-
larly as the evening comes on, many Woodcocks carry their young
ones down to the soft feeding grounds, and bring them back again
to the shelter of the woods before daylight, where they remain
during the whole day. I myself have never happened to see the
Woodcocks in the act of returning, but I have often seen them
going down to the swamps in the evening, carrying their young
with them. Indeed, it is quite evident that they must in most
instances transport the newly-hatched birds in this manner, as
their nests are generally placed in dry heathery woods, where
the young would inevitably perish unless the old ones managed
to carry them to some more favourable feeding ground.” |

In 1849 I accompanied Mr. St. John to Sutherlandshire, on
an ornithological tour, and had the good fortune to observe the
Woodcock perform this feat. As we were rambling in the neigh-
bourhood of Dunrobin, where it nests regularly, we raised the
bird, and at once saw the young suspended beneath the body of
the parent. It was close to us when it rose, so that we had an
excellent view of both the young and the old bird. ‘‘ Now,”
said Mr. St. John, ‘‘are you not convinced?” ‘Yes,” I re-
plied, ‘‘that the young is carried, but not in the claws which, I
have said, and still believe, are too feeble for the purpose.”
I picked up one of the brocd; it was about the size of a Snipe;
when I grasped it, it made a peculiar squeaking noise. In the
course of half-an-hour we returned to the spot, and again wit-
nessed the old bird carry off another of its chicks, and now be-
came quite satisfied of the modus operandi; the young bird was
pressed close up to the breast of the parent, as indced was obvious
in the first imstance. Hence the inference of us both, that the
young was held between the legs and not in the claws.

The food of the Woodcock is the carth-worm, of which it de-
vours great numbers. Montagu, in his ‘‘ Ornithological Diction-
ary,” Ed. 2, p. 562, says, ‘‘The enormous quantity of worms
that these birds eat is scarcely credible; indeed, it would be
the constant labour of one person to procure food for two or

OF NORTHUMBERLAND AND DURHAM. 105

three Woodcocks.”? I am indebted to Edmond Crawshay, Esq.,
for the knowledge of a fact that verifies this assertion of our dis-
tinguished ornithologist. I am told by Mr. Crawshay that a
friend of his reared a brood of three Woodcocks, and that a man
was kept constantly employed during the day in obtaining the
necessary supply of worms.

108. GALLINAGO, Leach.

17. Great Syrpze. G. masor, ( Gmelin.)
Scolopax major, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, IT., 124.
a ,» Xarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, III., 18.

A rare autumn or winter visitant, arriving in the district usually
in September, and shortly afterwards disappearing.

A specimen was shot at Thornley, county of Durham, Sep-
tember, 1830; one, in the Newcastle Museum, was killed at
Witton-le-Wear, October, 1830; another, in my collection, was
picked out of a lot of Common Snipe, in a poulterer’s shop in
Neweastle, September, 1873. I have also an example shot at
Whittingham, Northumberland, September 11th, 1855, and one
taken near Bishop Auckland, 1833. Two specimens were killed
near The Chesters, the residence of John Clayton, Esq., one on
the 19th of September, 1856, the other a few days afterwards.
There are two examples in the collection of Mr. C. M. Adamson,
one of which was shot at Elsdon, September 4th, 1839, another
at Scotswood, September 18th, 1840.

Mr. Duncan informs me that he has had two specimens through
his hands, one shot at Blenkinsop, the other at Brinkburn, both
in September, 1859.

18. Common Syirz. G. scotopactnus, Bonaparte.

Scolopax gallinago, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, IT.,
128.
Aa An Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, IIT., 25.

A common resident, breeding on the marshy moor land of both
counties. It was very abundant at Prestwick Car, where I have
found three or four nests in a day.

106 A CATALOGUE OF THE BIRDS

The peculiar murmuring or drumming sound produced by the
Snipe, during the breeding season, when disturbed from its nest,
and when flying overhead, circling rapidly in the air at this
period, attracted, a few years ago, considerable attention, on
account of an ingenious paper on the subject by Mr. W. Meves,
of Stockholm, published in the ‘‘ Proceedings of the Zoological
Society of London,” Part XXVI., 1858, p. 199. In this com-
munication it is endeavoured to be demonstrated that this enig-
matical sound is produced by the two lateral caudal feathers.
Before this time the general opinion was, apparently, that the
murmuring or neighing, as it has been called, resulted from the
action of the wings, which, while the sound lasts, are always
rapidly vibrating. The lateral tail-feathers are stated, in this
communication, to be very peculiarly constructed, the shafts
being uncommonly stiff and sabre-shaped, with ‘‘ the rays of the
web strongly bound together and very long, the longest reaching
nearly three-fourths of the whole length of the web, these rays
lying along or spanning from end to end of the course of the
shaft, like the strings of a musical instrument.” Such is the
description of these supposed sonorous feathers of the Common
Snipe, in which it is stated there are two, the outer tail-feather
of each side; and it is further remarked, that ‘‘If one blows
from the outer side upom the broad web of such a feather it
comes into vibration, and the sound is heard, which, though
fainter, resembles very closely the well-known neighing. But
to convince oneself,”’ so continues Mr. Meyes, ‘‘ that it is the
first feather which produces the peculiar sound, it is only neces-
sary to carefully pluck out such a one, to fasten its shaft with a
fine thread to a piece of steel wire, a tenth of an inch in diam-
eter, and a foot long, and then to fix this at the end of a four-foot
stick. Ifnow one draws the feather, with the outer side forward,
through the air, at the same time making some short movements
or shakings of the arm, so as to represent the shivering motion
of the wings during flight, one produces the neighing sound with
the most astonishing exactness.”

Then follows a description of a contrivance to produce the
humming of both the feathers at once. And then it is stated

OF NORTHUMBERLAND AND DURHAM. 107

‘that such a sound, but in another tone, is produced, when we
experiment with the tail-feathers of other kinds of Snipes. But
in S. major, Capensis, and fremata there are four so-called hum-
ming feathers on each side, which are considerably shorter than
in the species we have been speaking of. Scolopax Javensis has
eight on each side, which are extremely narrow, and very stiff.”

The theory appears to be, that, as the bird sweeps downwards
in its flight, the outer tail-feathers, having their outer margins
advanced, are made to vibrate, or rather their inner webs, with
their peculiar rays, are caused to vibrate, and hence the neigh-
ing sound.

I have tried the experiments described above; I have blown
on the feather, and attached it to a steel wire and a stick as di-
rected, but have quite failed to produce the vibrating or neighing
sound of the Snipe. When the web of almost any firm feather
is blown upon a low vibrating sound can be produced; and such
a sound is stronger than usual when a tail feather of the Com-
mon Snipe is used, arising apparently from the fact that the inner
web is wide and firm, but the sound is so low that it cannot be
heard many yards off. A louder sound is made when the feather
is attached to wire; but I cannot recognise any strong resem-
blance it bears to that produced by the bird while descending
through the air. In fact, a much nearer approach to this pecu-
liar sound can be produced by rapidly waving backwards and
forwards, with short strokes, a cane two or three feet long.

But the conditions of nature seem very imperfectly complied
with in these experiments. In the bird, the tail-feathers are
rigidly spread, the inner overlying the outer ones, so that any
vibrating motion of the latter must be much restricted, if not
entirely subdued, by the inner ones, which must, however much
the tail is spread, overlie the others to a considerable extent.
The tail-coverts, too, are very long, and will likewise tend ma-
terially to retard any such movements of the webs or shafts of
the retrices. An isolated feather attached to a long piece of
steel wire but feebly represents the same feather in its place in
the living bird. Then, while the feather so prepared is drawn
through the air, the arm has to ‘‘make some short movements

I

108 A CATALOGUE OF THE BIRDS

or shakings,’’ so ‘‘as to represent the shivering motion of the
wings during flight.”” Such movements of the arm are undoubt-
edly necessary to the production of the tremulous or vibratory
character of the sound, by making the breaks in it that give the
neighing or bleating effect. But, granting that the ‘‘shakings”’
of the arm represent ever so truly the ‘“‘ shiverings of the wings,”
what can this have to do with the noise that is supposed to be
made by the tail-feathers during the bird’s descent through the
air? The bird descends because the flight movements of the
wings have ceased; the peculiar curve and inclination of the
descent are regulated by the out-spread tail; the sweep itself is
perfectly steady and uninfluenced by a tremulous, vibratory or
‘“shivering’’ motion of the wings. There can be no doubt, that
while rushing through the air in rapid descent, with firm set
tremulous wings and the tail rigidly spread, the trunk of the bird
is in extreme tension, and is as steady in its flight as an arrow.
These experiments, upon which much stress is laid, appear to
have little real value. And in the characters of the so-called son-
orous feathers themselves there is just as little, in my opinion, to
justify the theory. It is said that the form of these feathers is
peculiar, and that the inner web is wide, with the rays very long
and strongly adherent to each other; and that the shaft is very
strong and sabre-shaped. Such are undoubtedly the characters
of the two outer tail-feathers of the Common Snipe; but in
some of the other species there is scarcely any web at all. The
feathers vary much in the different species; the shaft is, how-
ever, in all more or less sabre-shaped, and strong. But such is
also the case in a great number of the waders, which certainly
do not produce the peculiar sound made by the Snipe. In all
these birds most of the tail-feathers partake of the above charac-
ters, and become more and more bent as they approach the sides.
The width and firmness of the web vary much. In the Wood-
cock, as in the Snipe, it is wide, but not by any means so firm
in the former as in the latter; the Great Snipe is stated to have
four of these so-called sonorous feathers on each side; they are
considerably narrower and softer than those of the Common
Snipe. In the Jack Snipe the sabre form is slight and the web

OF NORTHUMBERLAND AND DURHAM. 109

comparatively soft. The tail-feather of this species is stated, in
Meves’s paper, ‘‘to differ considerably from that of the others,”’
and ‘‘that it gives upon experiment no humming sound.” Now,
this species is known to produce when on the wing, during
the breeding season, a peculiar noise, which is evidently of the
same nature as the drumming in question. The late Mr. Wolley
is the authority for this. That gentleman, when on the great
marsh at Muonioniska, heard ‘‘an extraordinary noise, unlike
anything that he had heard before; but soon found that it was
made by a small bird flying at a wild pace, at a great height,
over the marsh. I know not,” continues this gentleman, ‘‘ how
better to describe the noise than by likening it to the cantering
of a horse in the distance over a hard hollow road; it comes in
fours with a similar cadence.”’ It was not long after it was heard
that he ascertained that the ‘‘remarkable humming noise” in
the air was made by the Jack Snipe.

The Painted Snipe of India has the tail very short, and the
lateral feathers of it do not differ much, either in form or texture,
from the others; they are all soft. The greatest deviation in the
form of these feathers is found in the Pin-tailed Snipe of India
(Gallinago stenura, Temminck). This species, which greatly re-
sembles the Common Snipe, has twenty-two tail-feathers, seven
or eight of which, on each side, are exceedingly attenuated, the
web being scarcely wider than the shaft, which is stiff and sabre-
shaped. The lateral feathers are not only reduced to a little
more than mere shafts, but are much shorter than the central
ones, of which there are six or eight, and are almost concealed
by the tail-coverts, which extend beyond them. This species
is evidently very closely allied to, if not the same as, Scolopax
Javensis, which is stated, in Meves’s paper, to have eight similar
lateral feathers on each side, which are considered to be sono-
rous instruments. Other species have the same almost webless
feathers at the sides of the tail, varying only in number. Here,
then, we see a species in which the so-called sonorous or ‘‘ musi-
cal feathers” do not possess the structure, firmness of web, and
length of the rays, which appear to be mainly relied on as the
sound-produeers; though the rigidity and form of the shaft are

110 A CATALOGUE OF THE BIRDS

in some way or other apparently thought to have some influence
in the production of the sound, independently of the rays or
web. Were these feathers sonorous instruments, we should ex-
pect to find a greater uniformity in their structure. But, in
fact, the tail-feathers of the true Snipes are remarkable for their
diversity ; so much so, indeed, that these birds have been divided
into four groups, and this mainly on account of a difference in
the number and form of these feathers.

The first group has from sixteen to eighteen tail-feathers; the
four lateral ones being narrow. The Great Snipe belongs to this
division. }

The second has from twenty to twenty-eight feathers in the
tail, the lateral feathers, five to ten on each side, being highly at-
tenuated and stiff. Scolopax stenura and S. Javensis are types.

The third has from fourteen to sixteen caudal feathers, of
nearly uniform width. The Common Snipe belongs to this
group.

The fourth is characterized by twelve uniform tail-feathers ;
the type being the Jack Snipe.

If these feathers had been modified for the production of
sound, surely there must have been a greater similarity of plan
and structure.

But the Snipes are not the only birds that produce this pecu-
liar tremulous murmuring sound. The Woodcock, in spring,
during the breeding season, makes two very strange sounds,
which I have frequently heard both in Norway and in Scotland.
One of these sounds is a shrill chirp produced twice, or rather a
sort of squeak, like that made with a corkscrew when entering
the cork, a noise to set the teeth on edge. The other sound is
a kind of croaking, of no long duration, but repeated at inter-
vals. These sounds are chiefly heard in the evenings while the
birds are flying. On one occasion, in Norway, we heard them
most distinctly ; the Woodcocks all the time flying to and fro,
in the twilight, about ten o’clock p.m., over the tops of the trees
of the wood where they were nesting. On another occasion, we
heard them with equal distinctness near Dunrobin, in Sutherland-
shire, This was on the 19th of May, 1849, and likewise in the

ee

OF NORTHUMBERLAND AND DURHAM. alii

evening ; the birds all the while flying backwards and forwards
over the tops of the trees, not far from the spot where we found
anest. Unfortunately, on neither occasion had we a sufficiently
clear view of the birds to see if the croaking sound was accom-
panied by any quivering motion of the wings. Therefore I can
only conjecture how it is produced; but from the character of
the sound itself, it is certainly akin to that made by the Snipe.

The Wood Sandpiper (Zotanus glareola) produces a sound, dur-
ing the breeding season, perfectly comparable to the murmuring
or neighing of the Snipe. I have twice had the opportunity of
hearing the Wood Sandpiper; once, when I took its nest at
Prestwick Car, in June, 18538, and again at Gosforth Lake, on
the 10th of May, 1857. On the first occasion, I observed the
bird for a long time flying high in the air before the nest was
found; and afterwards while watching its return, previous to
shooting it. It kept, at a considerable elevation, wheeling about
and descending at intervals, in wide circles, with outstretched,
quivering wings, like the Snipe, and producing at the same time
a similar tremulous note, but the motion of the wings was more
rapid, and the sound was shriller and more musical, amount-
ing almost to a sort of whistle. This was repeated over and
over again, and sometimes when the bird was at a great eleva-
tion. When I heard it at Gosforth it was precisely under the
same circumstances; but I failed to detect the nest, though I
have little doubt it was somewhere in the neighbourhood.

There is nothing peculiar to distinguish the outer tail-feathers
of this species from those of the Common Sandpiper, the Dun-
lin, and Redshank, none of which are known to produce this
peculiar sound. In all these the feathers are sabre-shaped, with
the shaft rigid, quite as much so as in the Snipe.

A sound of the same nature is produced by the Peewit, when
disturbed by anyone approaching its nest, or more particularly
its young. It then dashes itself downwards in short, circling
swoops, occasionally advancing quite close to the intruder. This
action is accompanied by short forcible strokes of the wings,
similar to the vibratory motion of the wings of the Snipe when
emitting its well-known neighing or murmuring sound. And

112 A CATALOGUE OF THE BIRDS

while this beating of the wings continues, the drumming or
neighing sound is distinctly heard, quite similar to that produced
by the Snipe, but, so to speak, coarser; corresponding, as it
were, to the slower motion, the form, and greater expanse of the
wings.

Macgillivray describes very correctly these movements and

sounds of the Peewit. This author says, ‘“‘during the whole of

the breeding season, even when not disturbed, they (the Peewits)
may be seen flying about, hovering, gliding, slanting, and cury-
ing along; shooting through the air with a continuous noise of
the wings, or causing an undulating loud hum by flapping them
strongly, and at the same time emitting curious modifications of
their usual cry. This behaviour is no doubt analogous to the
aerial rambles of the Snipe at the same season.”

On carefully comparing these peculiar movements of the Pee-
wit, the forcible short strokes of its wings, and the accompanying
sound (in this case undoubtedly produced by the wings), with
the similar movements and vibratory sound made by the Snipe,
it is quite impossible to doubt the origin of the neighing of the
latter bird.

Many cases might be cited in which the whirring of the wings
strongly resembles the neighing or bleating of the Snipe. The
rapid movements of the wings of the Grouse, on rising, make a
noise of this nature; and the Pheasant, too, while paying his
addresses to the female in the spring, rises up two or three feet
in the air, and with short rapid strokes of his wings produces a
quick drumming noise. But enough has been said to explain
my views of the ‘‘neighing”’ of the Snipe.

I have failed to produce this peculiar sound made by the
Snipe, though I endeavoured to do so by experiments, after the
plan adopted and recommended by M. Meves. And we have
seen that the tail-feathers, supposed by their peculiar form and
structure to be adapted to the production of this sound, are too
much diversified for the accomplishment of one and the same
end, namely, the production of sound, unless it be assumed that
such an instrument may have its powers increased by opposite
means, namely, either by haying the web broad, and of a firm

OF NORTHUMBERLAND AND DURHAM. 113

texture, or by having it reduced to the greatest possible ex-
tent.

It ought not to be forgotten, too, that the sound is audible at a
great distance, and even when the bird has risen high into the air.
No sound that could be produced, under any circumstances, by
such feeble instruments as the lateral tail-feathers of the Snipe,
instruments not larger than the wings of a Dragonfly, could be
heard at any considerable distance. And it can scarcely be
doubted by anyone that the wings of a Snipe vibrating rapidly
will produce some sound or other, louder than any that could be
made by a pair of small tail-feathers of a bird rushing down
through the air. Only ove sound, however, is heard. How is
it, then, that the lesser noise is audible and not the greater?
That while the sound produced by such feeble instruments as
the lateral tail-feathers is easily heard, that made by the rapid
vibrations of the comparatively powerful wings is inaudible?
The only answer to these questions would seem to be that the
neighing or bleating of the Snipe results from the action of the
wings; and that any sound produced by the tail-feathers is
inaudible.

Variety. Sazrne’s Syrpze. G. Sapryu, (Vigors.)
Scolopax Sabinii, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, IT., 126.

5 3 Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, II1., 39.

It appears by Mr. Selby’s ‘Illustrations of British Ornith-
ology” that as his work was passing through the press he re-
ceived ‘‘a fresh specimen of this rare Snipe from Morpeth.”
Tam cognisant of no other instance of the occurrence of this
variety in our district.

Degland and Gerbe give this as a variety of the Common
Snipe; and indeed it is now generally so considered. I saw,
many years ago, the original specimen from which Vigors made
his description, and am now, as I was then, perfectly satisfied
that it is a mere variety as to colour of the Common Snipe,

114 A CATALOGUE OF THE BIRDS

19. Jack Syipz. G. Gatrinuna, (Linneus.)

Scolopax gallinula, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, IT.,
132.
Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, III., 33.

2? 9)

An autumn and winter visitant. Less numerous than the Com-
mon Snipe, it arrives in October and departs in spring. I have
seen it at Prestwick Car and other places at the beginning of
May, when the Common Snipe and Redshank have eggs.

109. CALIDRIS, Zlliger.

20. Sanpertine. C. arenarta, (Linneus.)
Calidris arenaria, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, II., 4.
Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, II., 491.

2? 39

An autumn and winter visitant; plentiful on our coast in au-
tumn, but much rarer in the winter. The earliest arrivals,
which take place in July and August, retain, when they first
appear, more or less of their summer plumage.

The late Mr. Dent, of Streatlam, shot, at Seaton Snook, at
the mouth of the Tees, in the summer of 1833 or 1834, a specimen
in complete summer plumage. It rose from a nest, which that
gentleman supposed to belong to it; the nest contained four eggs
much incubated, one of which is now in my possession, along
with the supposed parent bird. The egg is like that of the Ring
Dotterel, so that I cannot but believe that there must have been
some niistake; the bird, nevertheless, has all the appearance of
a breeding individual.

I haye shot the Sanderling in full summer dress, at Burgh.
Marsh, Cumberland, on the 30th of May, at which time this
species was in flocks, and certainly not breeding.

In 1863, Mr. William Proctor received from Iceland two speci-
mens of this bird in complete summer plumage, along with three
eges, stated by his Icelandic correspondent to belong to these
birds, both of which, as well as one of the eggs, I now possess.
The latter resembles the egg of the Ring Dotterel, but is con
siderably smaller, and less glossy. I can see no reason to doubt

OF NORTHUMBERLAND AND DURHAM. 115

the authenticity of these eggs, another specimen of which is, I
believe, in the collection of the Rev. Dr. Tristram.

In Dr. Richardson’s ‘‘ Fauna Boreali-Americana,’’ it is stated
that the Sanderling breeds in Hudson’s Bay, and that it makes
its nest, rudely, of grass, in marshes; that it ‘‘ has four dusky-
coloured eggs, spotted with black.’’ This description, as far as
it goes, corresponds exactly to the characters of the eggs received
by Mr. Proctor. The Ring Dotterel makes no nest; it deposits

oP)

its eggs amidst gravel or on the bare sand.

110. TRINGA, Zinneus.

21. Kwor. T. canorus, Linneus.
Tringa cinerea, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, II., 84.
,, canutus, Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, III., 52.

A common autumn and winter visitant, arriving on our coast
in August, and remaining till spring. A few adults make their
appearance sometimes as early as July; these are usually in their
faded summer dress.

At Fenham Flats, in the neighbourhood of Holy Island, the
Knot often appears in large numbers in the autumn and winter
months.

The individual from which Mr. Bewick made his figure is in
my collection.

22. PurpLe Sanppreer. T. maritima, Briimnich.
Tringa maritima, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, II.,
79, 81.
ss # Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, III., 88.

An autumn or winter visitant; arrives on the coast with the
Knot, in September. Single specimens are met with, occasion-
ally, earlier. I have killed it in August, and Mr. C. M. Adamson
shot one on the 19th of July. These early birds retain their worn
summer dress. It is commonest during the autumn and winter
months, and has been killed up to the middle of May. I have an
example that was shot at St. Mary’s Island, on the 18th of that

116 A CATALOGUE OF THE BIRDS

month, and Mr. C. M. Adamson shot one on the 9th; both these ~
specimens had acquired their summer plumage.

The late Mr. Wolley took, on the Faroe Islands, at the end of
June, 1849, a young individual which had not attained its full
plumage, a considerable portion of down still remaining on the
head and on various parts of the body. One of the parents was
shot at the same time, which was, as well as the young individ-
ual, kindly presented to me by my late lamented friend.

Mr. Selby states, in his ‘‘ Illustrations of British Ornithology,”
that the Farne Islands are a favourite resort of the Purple Sand-
piper, and it sometimes happens that a few stragglers are left at
the period of the vernal migration, remaining through the sum-
mer and breeding on the smaller islets. He continues, ‘‘I have
hitherto been unable to obtain the eggs, but have met with the
young more than once in the month of June.” There is probably
some mistake here. The egg has never been taken on the North-
umberland coast, and I know of nothing to support Mr. Selby’s
belief that this species ever breeds at the Farne Islands.

111. PELIDNA, G. Cuvier.

23. Priemy Curtew. P. suparauata, ( Giildenst.)
Tringa subarquata, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, I1., 78.
Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, III., 47.

Ir) oy)

An autumn visitant; frequent on our shores in September.
The young only arrive; they are all in the first dress, and depart
before they attain the winter plumage. I have never seen an
adult bird taken in our district, either in winter or summer
dress. J am indebted to Mr. Blyth for adult specimens, which
were bought in the flesh in Calcutta market. The specimen
figured by Bewick is in my possession: it was shot near Sunder-
land, and is in the first plumage.

It is stated that the Pigmy Curlew has been found breeding in
two localities in the north of Seotland (Grey’s ‘‘ Birds of the
West of Scotland’’), upon what appear to me insufficient grounds.
One of the localities alluded to is the marshy land by the side of
Loch Spynie. I frequently and earefully searched this ground

OF NORTHUMBERLAND AND DURHAM. gy?

in 1850-52-53, but never met with the Pigmy Curlew there in
the breeding season. I found the nest of the Shoveller, Water
Rail, Redshank, and Dunlin; and would suggest that Mr. Grey’s
correspondent has probably mistaken the eggs of the last for
those of the Pigmy Curlew.

24. Dunirw. P. crvctus, Linneus.

Tringa variabilis, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, II., 74,
el >

5 a Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, III., 81.

A resident, and the commonest of our Sandpipers. It assem-
bles in large flocks on the coast in autumn, when its numbers
are augmented by migrants from other countries.

This pretty species bred regularly at Prestwick Car, where,
in a single day in April, 1855, I found four nests. When dis-
turbed from its eggs it does not move far away, but keeps running
about, making at intervals a curious purring noise.

25. Pxcrorat Sanprrper. P. macunata, (Véeddlot.)
Tringa pectoralis, Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, III., 77.
Pelidna maculata, Degland et Gerbe, I1., 200.

A very casual and rare visitant. The only authenticated indi-
vidual that has occurred in the district was shot on Whitley Sands,
on the 27th of June, 1853, by Mr. Robt. Duncan, and is now in
the possession of Mr. C. M. Adamson; it is in summer plumage.
Notice of this capture appeared in the ‘‘Zoologist,”’ 1855, p. 4808.

A specimen in my possession, presented to me by Mr. Henry
Gornall, of Bishop Auckland, was said by him to have been shot
near that town.

In Harting’s ‘‘ Handbook of British Birds,” p. 141, is men-
tioned the occurrence of one ‘‘on the Northumberland coast, shot
by Mr. W. Proctor, of Durham; hitherto unrecorded.”

Mr. Proctor, in a letter dated June 25, 1878, says, ‘‘I do not
recollect ever shooting one. A good many years ago a perso
sent to me scyeral birds to stuff for him, which had been shot

118 A CATALOGUE OF TILE BIRDS

near Boulmer Point, on the Northumberland coast, such as Dun-
lins, Purple Sandpipers, Sanderlings, Pigmy Curlews, ete., and
there was one which we thought to be the Pectoral. I cannot
say whether it was or was not it. The person got them back,
he is now dead, and I do not know where the birds are now.”

26. Lirrnz Srint. P. minvta, (Leisler.)
Tringa minuta, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, II., 83.
s >). Narrell, Hust: Brit. Birds; Hd) 27 itis sGG:

An autumn visitant, arriving in our district in poe but
not remaining over the winter.

A specimen, in the first plumage, was shot at Prestwick Car,
September, 1832, by Mr. Thomas Atthey, and is now in my col-
lection. On the 12th of September, 1843, Mr. C. M. Adamson
shot one, also in the first plumage, in Northumberland. And on
the 3rd of September, 1849, I shot an immature example on
Whitley Sands. Another was obtained by Mr. Richard Howse,
which was killed on South Shields Sands, September, 1853. Of
late years I have met with it occasionally in September on the
sands at Newbiggin-by-the-Sea.

27. Temmincx’s Stint. P. Temmincxn, (Leisler.)

Tringa Temminckii, Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, I11., 70
Pelidna - Degland et Gerbe, II., 206.

An autumn visitant; rare in the district. It appears in Sep-
tember.

Several captures have occurred. Two were shot at Prestwick
Car, in September, 1832; they were not associated together. In
September, 1835, another example was obtained at the New
Water Pond on Newcastle Town Moor. On the 18th of June,
1839, a specimen, in the surnmer plumage, was shot by the late
Mr. Richard Reay, of Berwick Hill, at a horse pond in that
neighbourhood; and another was killed by the same gentleman,
at the same place, on the 9th of September, 1845. The above
five examples are all in my collection. ‘Two specimens in the

OF NORTHUMBERLAND AND DURHAM. 119

collection of Mr. C. M. Adamson were shot in the neighbourhood
of Neweastle; one, in summer plumage, on the 25th of May,
1843, the other, a young bird, on the 11th of September, 1844,

112, MACHETES, G. Cuvier.

28. Rorr. M. puenax, (Lenneus.)
Tringa pugnax, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, IT., 87.
Machetes ,, Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, II., 645.

The Ruff is a rare spring-and-autumn migrant. Before Prest-
wick Car was drained this beautiful species was not by any means
uncommon there in autumn; and occasionally appeared in large
numbers. I have noted five captures of it in that locality, all in
summer dress, namely, two males and three females; and I took,
on the 8rd of June, 1858, a nest with the full complement of
eggs. Iam informed by Mr. C. M. Adamson that another nest
occurred in the same locality.

The adult winter plumage is rarely met with in the district.
I have only a single individual in this dress captured here, and
I am indebted to Mr. C. M. Adamson for it; it was shot at
Hauxley, in the winter of 187—. The young, in the first plum-
age, have been frequently killed on the Newcastle Town Moor,
and on the Northumberland coast.

Mr. Selby says in his catalogue that he had “killed several of
the young birds and an adult in winter plumage, on the shore near
Budle Bay and the slake or ooze interposed between the main-
land and Holy Island, about the end of September or beginning
of October.’ It has been observed at Boldon Flats, and in May,
1859, I saw, at Gosforth Lake, a pair of adult birds, male and
female; the former had a white ruff.

The Red-legged Sandpiper (Zringa Bewichii, Montagu, ) figured
and described by Bewick, is undoubtedly an adult Ruff, without
the collar of feathers. I have a male specimen, shot at Prest-
wick Car, on the 18th of April, without a trace of the ruff; and
in other respects agreeing with the figure and description of
Bewick’s Zringa, or Red-legged Sandpiper.

120 A CATALOGUE OF THE BIRDS

113. TOTANUS, Bechstein.

29. GreEnsHank. T. GRisEus, (Brisson.)

Totanus glottis, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, IT., 108,
110.
Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, II., 618.

9) 9)

This is a rare autumn visitant, arriving in August and Sep-
tember, and soon leaving, probably going southward. Those
that have been captured are mostly in first plumage; a specimen,
however, in Mr. C. M. Adamson’s collection, which was shot at
Fenham Flats, on the 14th of November, 1845, is in the winter
dress. Two examples in my collection, in the first plumage,
were shot at Prestwick Car, on the 18th of August, 1831.

30. Sprorrep RepsHank. T. Fuscus, (Linneus.)
Totanus fuscus, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, IT., 94.
z, 7) Larrell, ist: Brit. Birds) Hd.2) lis 5eie

A rare autumn or winter visitant. In 18380, a specimen
was shot at Prestwick Car; and on the 26th of August, 1831,
another was killed at St. Mary’s Island; these are both in the
first plumage, and are in my collection. On the 12th of August,
1840, a third specimen was killed at Blanchland, as I am in-
formed, by Mr. William Proctor. In Mr. C. M. Adamson’s col-
lection there is an immature example of this fine species, that
was shot at Prestwick Car, in August, 1848. A young individual
in the Newcastle Museum was killed at Jarrow Slake.

31. Repswanx. T. caripris, (Linneus.)
Totanus calidris, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, IT., 96.
” i Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, IT., 591.

A resident species, and very common in autumn and winter on
our sea shores, It constantly bred at Prestwick Car, where I have
seen many nests, and where, on one day in April, 1855, I saw
fifteen breeding birds in the air at one time. When I first knew
the Car, in my boyhood, the Redshank was not by any means so

OF NORTHUMBERLAND AND DURHAM. 121

abundant as it was afterwards. This increase in the numbers,
perhaps, may be accounted for in some degree by the Car having
been partially protected.

32. Woop Sanpprprr. T. erarnona, (Linneus.)
Totanus glareola, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, II., 101.
i », Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, IT., 601.

A rare spring-and-autumn migrant, arriving early in May, and
leaving in August or September. In Selby’s catalogue three
captures are recorded. The first at Ellingham, in the autumn of
1828; this bird was in the collection at Twizell. The second
bird was taken at Prestwick Car, in 1830, and is now in the
Newcastle Museum; and the third was in the possession of the
late Mr. Edward Backhouse, and was shot at the White Mare
Pool, in the county of Durham.

In my journal there are nine entries of the occurrence of this
species; of these one was at Gosforth, all the rest at Prestwick
Car. At the latter place, I took its nest and eggs on the 8rd of
June, 1853, when my companion shot the adult male, and thus
the eggs were fully authenticated. I believe this is the only
time the nest has been taken in England.

On the 19th of June, 1845, a mature bird was shot by the late
Mr. Richard Reay, at Prestwick Car. There can be little doubt
that this was also breeding there. My friend, Mr. Thomas
Atthey, likewise killed three examples at the same place, on the
4th of August, 1832; two of which were kindly presented to
me, and now form part of my series of this species.

Recently, another specimen was shot on the Newcastle Town
Moor, by Robert Duncan, Jun., on the 1st of September, 1873.
This bird was in its first plumage.

The flight of the Wood Sandpiper is peculiar when disturbed.
It rises to a considerable height, moving rapidly in wide circles,
and occasionally rising and descending with extended tremulous
wings, and making a noise similar to that produced by the Snipe,
but shriller. This habit is more particularly referred to under
the remarks on the Snipe.

12) A CATALOGUE OF THE BIRDS

33. Green Sanpprper. T. ocuropus, (Linneus.)
Totanus ochropus, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, IT., 99.
i “in Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, IT., 595.

A rare autumn visitant, appearing most frequently in July
and August.

A specimen, in the first plumage, was killed on the 25th of
July, 1834, in Jesmond Dene; and in 1838, an example, in the
summer dress, was shot at Streatlam Park ; both these specimens
are in my possession. J am indebted to Mr. C. M. Adamson for
a fine specimen, in the first plumage, found dead in the garden
in front of that gentleman’s house, at Jesmond, on the 19th of
August, 1855. An example, half-changed from summer to win-
ter dress, which was shot at Prestwick Car, on the 17th of
August, 1852, is in Mr. C. M. Adamson’s collection. Several
other captures might be mentioned, but it seems unnecessary to
particularize more.

In the downy state, this species has the under parts white ;
the upper parts are of a pale warmish brown, with three dark
streaks on the crown of the head, one central, two lateral; on
the back there is a wide longitudinal central dark streak, and a
narrow dark streak on each side; the tail is dark.

The above description is from a specimen I received from my
late friend, Mr. H. W. Wheelwright, from Sweden.

114, ACTITIS, Bote.
34. Common Sanprrrrr. A. HYPOLEUCOS, (Linneus.)

Totanus hypoleucos, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, IT.,
103.
a 7 Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, II., 607.

One of our commonest Sandpipers, and a regular spring-and-
autumn migrant, breeding amidst the low herbage or on the bare
gravel by the margins of streams.

The usual time of departure of this species is September; but
it would appear that stragglers occasionally remain much longer,

OF NORTHUMBERLAND AND DURHAM. ~ 128

for in 1830 I received a specimen that was shot at Ford, North-
umberland, on the 16th of November. I have known this species
killed as early as the 28th of March. I am informed by Mr.
Thomas Atthey that a specimen which he wounded at Prestwick
Car took to the water, and, diving freely, escaped.

The Spotted Sandpiper of Bewick is merely a Common Sand-
piper in summer plumage.

The two individuals mentioned in the ‘‘ Zoologist”? by Mr.
Duff, 1849, p. 2499, and 1851, p. 3036, as occurring near Bishop’s
Auckland, were, I am informed by this gentleman, not Spotted
but Green Sandpipers.

115. PHALAROPUS, Brisson.

35. Grey Puatarorr. P. Furicartus, (Linneus.)

Phalaropus platyrhynchus, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847,
IT., 159, 160.

lobatus, Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, I1I., 130.

9

A casual visitant. I have four specimens, killed on the North-
umberland coast. One was shot on the 1st of November, 1834;
another in December, 1835; the third, in first plumage, Novem-
ber 22nd, 1838; and the fourth in December of the same year,
in mature winter plumage.

Mr. Selby records the capture of three specimens, all likewise
in Northumberland. Several others have occurred, and it has
likewise been captured in the county of Durham. It is more
frequently met with than the following species.

116. LOBIPES, G. Cuvier.

36. Rep-necKED Puataropr. iL. HYPERBOREUS, (Linneus.)

-Phalaropus hyperboreus, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847,
1 Salas
—. Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. III.,
135.

The Red-necked Phalarope is a casual visitant, and rarely oc-
curs. On the 16th of August, 1832, a specimen, in the first
ie

124 A CATALOGUE OF THE BIRDS

plumage, was shot at Tynemouth, and is in my collection ;
another young bird, also in my collection, was killed near Culler-
coats, on the 22nd of November, 1888.

Mr. Selby states in his catalogue that the only specimen he
had met with was one killed upon the coast, near to Alnmouth,
in the spring of 1828.

Fammy. RECURVIROSTRIDA, Bonaparte.
117. RECURVIROSTRA, Linnceus.
37. Avocer. R. avocurra, Lenneus.

Recurvirostra avocetta, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847,
THE, 5S.
os ins Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, IL.,
624.

A casual visitant. This beautiful bird has been only once
taken in the district; and its capture is recorded in Mr, Selby’s
catalogue, in which it is mentioned that ‘‘a specimen was killed
not long ago at Hartley, and is now in the possession of Mr.
Wardle.”

Famitty. RALLIDA, Leach.

118. RALLUS, Linneus.

38. Water Rat. R. aguaricus, Linneus.

Rallus aquaticus, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, I1.,.137.
re re Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, I11., 110.

Not uncommon, though rarely seen, on account of its retiring
habits. It is a resident, but to a considerable extent is migra-
tory, and is most numerous during autumn and winter. Its nest
has occurred in the district, and was taken by Mr. C. M. Adam-
son, on the 12th of July, 1867, at Grindon Lough; it was built
amidst reeds, about knee-deep in water, and contained seven
Cees.

This species varies much in size. Ihave two specimens, which

OF NORTHUMBERLAND AND DURHAM. 125

were measured before they were skinned. Their measurements

were as follows :—
LARGE SPECIMEN. SMALL SPECIMEN.

UNS de ae ee 12} ineliesy~...208 103 inches.
Pextentot WINGS. ........c<.0»- WSs SOL SSANGS 143,
EMME eas sie sssesesucteesscnonces es Py ees to.
Tarsus to end of Middle Toe... 44 ,, —ssaaee Bar 166

119. CREX, Bechstein.

389. Corn Crake. C. pratensis, Bechstein.
Gallinula crex, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, IT., 141.
Crex pratensis, Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, ITI., 92.

A spring-and-autumn migrant, common throughout the dis-
trict. It arrives in April, and departs in September and October.
Last year (1872) very few Corn Crakes appeared in the neigh-
bourhood of Newcastle.

120. PORZANA, Vieillot.

40. Svorrmrp Craxr. P marverta, (Lrisson.)

Gallinula porzana, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, IT.,
145.

Crex PP Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, ITI., 97.

A resident, and to some extent migratory. It occasionally
breeds in the district. A nest of eggs was taken at Prestwick
Car, many years ago, by the gamekceper of the late Sir Matthew
White Ridley, Bart. A few years ago another nest of young,
just hatched, was taken at the same place by Mr. Turner, of
Prestwick. And, according to Mr. W. Proctor, it bred some
years ago at Framwellgate Car, Durham.

121. GALLINULA, Brisson.
41. Warer Hey. G. cutoropus, (Linneus.)

Gallinula chloropus, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, IT.,
148.
= Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, IIT., 114.
A resident species. Common everywhere in ponds and streams
that abound with aquatic plants.

126 A CATALOGUE OF THE BIRDS

122. PORPHYRIO, Barrere.

42. Purpte Ganirnute. P. cmstus, Barrere.
Porphyrio cesius, Degland et Gerbe, Orn. Europ., IT., 265.
hyacinthinus, Bree’s Birds of Europe, IV., 77.

+)

A casual visitant. A specimen of this bird was taken alive at
_Boldon Flats, in August, 1863. I saw it shortly after its cap-
ture. It was very lively, and in good condition; the plumage
was quite perfect, and showed no sign of the bird having been
in confinement; notwithstanding, it may probably have escaped
from some ornamental water. ;

Another individual was caught near Ponteland, August, 1873.
It is still living in confinement in Newcastle.

123. FULICA, Linneeus.

43. Coor. F. arra, Linneus.
Fulica atra, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, II., 152.
e , Jarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Hd. 2, I1I., 128.

The Coot is a resident, and, though common, is not so gener-
ally distributed as the Water Hen. It is found in most large
pools and loughs. It breeds at Wallington and Gosforth, and
nested quite commonly at Prestwick Car before it was drained ;
it is plentiful in the Northumberland lakes.

I saw a specimen shot on the river, from the bridge, New-
castle-on-Tyne, in 1880.

Fanny. ARDELDA, Leach.

124, ARDEA, Linneus. |
44, Heron. <A. crnerna, Linnaeus.
Ardea cinerea, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, II., 36.
i, », SLarrell,, Bist; Bt. Birds id: 2, o08:

A common resident, but less abundant than in former time.
There are still, however, heronries in the district: there is one at

OF NORTHUMBERLAND AND DURHAM. 127

Chillingham, and another at Harbottle, on the Coquet, of about
twenty nests. There is also a small heronry on Lord Redesdale’s
estate, on Redewater; another, of ten or twelve nests, at Unthank, -
on South Tyne. Many years ago there was a heronry at Ravens-
worth Castle, county of Durham. I am informed by the Rev.
G. C. Abbs that in the year 1814 there was a nest of the Heron
at Cleadon House, and also one at West House. Mr. William
Proctor states that he saw, at Cocken, on the Wear, a nest of
young Herons. Nests also occur at Swecthope, and at East Nook,
~ near Elsdon.

In Wallis’s ‘‘ History of Northumberland,” Vol. L., p. 324, it is
stated that ‘‘the Ash-coloured Heron, or Hernshaw, is common.
It builds gregatim upon trees. On a farm of Sir Harry Grey’s,
by the western margin of a trout streamlet, called Glen, on the
Cheviot, there is usually a fine heronry, at the vernal revolution.
It is very entertaining to see the polity, the pleasures and amuse-
ments of this piscivorous community. Some are sentinels, and
take their post on the side of a sunny bank, to see that no danger
is near, while the rest of the society are at work, some in build-
their little temporary city, some in laying their eggs, some in
attending their young, others up above the thighs in water, ex-
ploring food for them, returning from the Glen, and other neigh-
bouring streams, with a constant supply of fish provisions. An
universal harmony reigns among them; not a bird to be seen but
contributes its utmost to the happiness of the rest, and to the
prosperity and well-being of the rising generation.”

125. ARDEOLA, Bonaparte.
45. Lrrrty Brrrern. A. minvra, (Linneus.)
Ardea minuta, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, IT., 52.
Botaurus ,, Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, II., 533.

This is an extremely rare, casual visitant. A mature male
was shot at Blagdon, near Newcastle, on the 12th of May, 1810:
this specimen is now in the Newcastle Museum, and is the indi-
vidual figured by Bewick. Another example was killed in April,

128 A CATALOGUE OF THE BIRDS

1859, in the garden at Denton Hall, three miles west of New-
castle, and is in the possession of Mr. Hoyle. A third individual
was shot at Benridge, Woolsington, Northumberland, in 1866,
and is in the collection of Mr. C. M. Adamson: this specimen is
a mature male.

126. BOTAURUS, Stephens.
46. Brrrery. B. srevpraris, (Linneus.)
Ardea stellaris, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, I1., 47.
Botaurus ,, Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, II., 5389.

The Bittern is a rare, casual visitant. It appears to have been
pretty abundant in the marshy regions of Northumberland, be-
fore the moorlands were so extensively drained and cultivated.
Wallis, in his “‘ History of Northumberland,” Vol. I., p. 323,
says, ‘‘ Most of our alpine mosses have its company,” and that
‘‘a moss to the north of Many Laws, in the parish of Carham,
is rarely without it.”

There are four or five entries in my journal of the capture of
the Bittern in Northumberland, and about the same number in
Durham; and many others have occurred. A specimen was
killed at Felton, November, 1871.

127. NYCTICORAX, Stephens.
47. Nicur Heron. N. Evropavs, Stephens.
Nycticorax wrdeola, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, I1., 55.
% Gardent, Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, I1., 549.

This species is a very rare, casual visitant. It has occurred
only twice in the district. The first is mentioned in Mr. Selby’s
‘‘ Report on the Ornithology of Berwickshire,’’ published in the
‘Proceedings of the Berwickshire Naturalist Club,” Vol. L.,
p. 254, where it is stated that ‘‘a fine specimen was killed some
years ago, at the Hirsel, and presented to the Edinburgh Muscum
by the Earl of Holme.’ The second capture is also recorded in
the ‘‘ Proceedings of the Berwickshire Naturalist Club,” 1870,

OF NORTHUMBERLAND AND DURHAM. 129

p. 174, by T. H. Gibb, of Alnwick, according to whom the speci-
men is an immature female, and was shot on the 24th of Novem-
ber, near to the confluence of the Cawledge Burn with the Aln.

Famtty. CICONIIDA, Bonaparte.
128. CICONLA, Brisson.
48. Srorx. C. ausa, Willughby.
Givin alba, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, IT., 32.
RS) , Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, II., 554.

A casual visitant. In Wallis’s ‘‘ History of Northumberland,”’
Vol. I., p. 336, it stated that a White Stork ‘‘ was killed near
Chollerford Bridge, in the beginning of the year 1766 ;”’ and the
description there given of the specimen, leaves no doubt as to the
species.

In May, 1866, I saw an example of the Stork at Prestwick
Car; it was flying, at a considerable elevation, towards where I
stood, accompanied by a friend. We concealed ourselves amidst
the heather: the bird passed directly over our heads. JI could
distinctly see, aided by a small telescope, the outstretched head,
the red of the beak and legs, and the black and white of the
plumage. It settled by the margin of the Black Pool, in about
one foot depth of water, at no great distance from where we lay
concealed, and I had a good opportunity of examining it through
my glass. It remained a few minutes, and then flew off in an
easterly direction.

49, Brack Srork. C. nigra, Gesner.
Cicoma nigra, Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, IT., 558.
- ,, Gould, Birds of Great Britain, Part XX.

A casual visitant. A specimen is recorded as having occurred
near Hartlepool, August, 1852, by Christy Horsfall, in ‘‘ The
Zoologist,”’ 1862, p. 8196.

130 A CATALOGUE OF THE BIRDS

129. PLATALEA, Linneus.
50. Spoonsrtt FP. Leucoropia, Linnaeus.
Platalea leucorodia, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, II., 61.
Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, II., 564.

We) 2?

A casual visitant. A fine specimen was shot at Fenham Flats,
Holy Island, in May, 1857. I am indebted for this information
to Edmond Crawshay, Esq., in whose collection the specimen is
preserved. A notice of this capture appears in the ‘‘ Transactions
of the Tyneside Naturalists’ Field Club,” Vol. IV. p. 59.

I have a specimen, which was killed in Cumberland several
years ago.

Famity. TANTALIDA, Bonaparte.
130. FALCINELLUS, Bechstecn.
51. Gutossy Isis. F. renzus, ( Gmelin.)
Ibis faleinellus, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, I1., 65.
% by Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, II., 571.

A casual visitant. Mr. Selby states, in his catalogue, ‘‘a
specimen of this species, or Zantalus viridis, Latham, was killed
a few years ago, on the banks of the Coquet, and is now in my
possession.”’

Ornper VI. PALMIPEDES, Latham.
Famity. PELECANIDA, Vigors.
131. SULA, Brisson.
1. Ganner. 8S. Bassana, Brisson.
Sula Bassana, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, I1., 372.
,, aba, Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, III., 489.

This fine bird is a resident on our coast, but it is not very

common.

OF NORTHUMBERLAND AND DURHAM. 131

132. PHALACROCORAX, Brisson.
2. Cormorant. P. carzo, (Linneus.)

Carbo cormoranus, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, I1.,
360, 363, 368,

Phalacrocorax carbo, Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, ITI., 480.

A common resident species. It breeds at the Farne Islands.

One day on feeding two Cormorants, that I kept in confine-
ment, they both siezed hold of the same fish, one by the head,
the other by the tail, and went on swallowing it until the fish
entirely disappeared, the bills of the two birds meeting each
other. What was to to be done? The difficulty was soon
solved. One of the birds gaping very wide swallowed the other’s -
head, but the latter feeling the situation anything but agreeable
withdrew its head, leaving its share of the fish in the gullet of
its competitor.

Two trained Cormorants, belonging to F. H. Salvin, Esq., of
Whitmoor House, near Guildford, one nine years old, the other
three, have never attained the summer plumage. I saw these
birds last July, 1872; they were then in perfect winter dress.

The Rey. G. C. Abbs informs me that the Cormorant bred on
Marsden Rock in the year 1813, and for several years afterwards.

3. Sac. P. crisrarus, (Labricius.)
Carbo cristatus, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, I1., 369.

Phalacrocorax graculus, Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, II1.,
486.

The Shag isaresident. It breeds rarely at the Farne Islands,
where its eggs were taken in Junc, about the year 1820, by the
late Mr. John Laws and the late Mr. R. R. Wingate. George
C. Atkinson, Esq., has also taken the eggs of this species at the
Farne Islands, and presented them some years ago, along with his
valuable collection of eggs, to the Newcastle Museum. Mr.
James Sutton informs me, October 1, 18738, that the Shag nested
this year on the Farne Islands.

132 A CATALOGUE OF THE BIRDS

Two adult birds with crests, in my collection, were shot on
the Northumberland coast.

Famiry. PROCELLARID A, Bove.
183. PROCELLARIA, Zinneus.

4, Furmar. P. etactanis, Linnwus.

Procellaria glacialis, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, I1.,
225.

5 ms Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, ITT., 619.

A rare casual visitant. Many years ago I found a specimen
washed up on Whitley Sands. Another example in my collec-
tion was picked up alive on the sands near Whitburn, on the
11th of October, 1850; it was in a sickly condition, but not
wounded. A second specimen was found dead in the same lo-
eality, March, 1869; and an example, now in the collection of
Mr. Raine, of Durham, was picked up dead on the sands at Bam-
borough, November, 1872.

Mr. J. H. Gurney, Jun., informs me that he obtained a speci-
men of a Fulmar that was taken, in an exhausted state, on the
beach at Sunderland, September, 1868; it weighed only four-
teen ounces, was quite destitute of oil, and had not been shot or
otherwise injured. The same gentleman received, in the follow-
ing November, four other examples that had been captured off
Scarborough by the fishermen; they took them by hand on the
decks of their boats. This mode of capture quite accords with
the account given by the Greenland whalers, who are able to
procure any number of them when they are cutting or “ flinch-
ing”? the blubber, for then the ‘‘Mallemoke,”’ as they call it
comes to feed, and so intent is it on its repast that it will allow
itself to be knocked over or captured by the hand.

OF NORTHUMBERLAND AND DURHAM. igs
134. PUFFINUS, Brisson.

5. SHEARWATER. P. Anetorum, ( Gmelin.)

Pufinus Anglorum, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, IT.,
227.

. 5 Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, I11., 631.

The Shearwater is a rare casual visitant. I know of the cap-
ture of but two individuals within the district; one was shot off
Cullercoats on the 20th of May, 1870, and is now in the collec-
tion of Mr. C. M. Adamson; the other example is recorded in
Mr. Selby’s catalogue: it is there stated, ‘‘the only fresh speci-
men I ever obtained was one killed upon an excursion to the
Fern Islands.”

A specimen of a Pufinus was shot off Cullercoats, September,
1860, which somewhat resembles the above species, but is rather
larger in size, the bill being one-quarter of an inch longer, the
wings from the carpal joint to the end of the primaries half-an-
inch at least, the tarsi and middle toe are also one-quarter of an
inch longer than in P. Anglorum. The colour also differs con-
siderably, the back being two shades paler and the whole of the
under parts of the body having the feathers tipped with ash
colour, whilst in the true P. Anglorwn these parts are pure
white. By some it may be considered to be the young of P.
Anglorum, but as no English author has described the young of
that species, and as Degland and Gerbe distinctly state that the
underparts are white in the young of P. Anglorwn, we may hesi-
tate before concluding it to be the young of that species. This
specimen, which is in my collection, was purchased from Mr.
Duncan, bird-stuffer, Newcastle-on-Tyne.

In 1838, I saw another example in the same plumage, in the
collection of the late Cuthbert Rippon, Esq., of Stanhope Castle.

134 A CATALOGUE OF THE BIRDS

6. Dusky SHearwater. P. Furicinosus, (Strickland.)
Pufinus myor, Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, II1., 624,
(upper figure.)
ys fuliginosus, Degland et Gerbe, Ornith. Kurop. Ed. 2,
its, Bi.

The Dusky Shearwater is a casual visitant on our coast, only
three specimens appear to have been met with. The first was
recorded by Mr. Strickland, in the ‘‘ Proceedings of the London
Zoological Society’? (1832), p. 129. This individual was shot
at the mouth of the Tees. The second specimen is described in
Mr. Selby’s ‘‘ Illustrations of British Ornithology,” Vol. II., p.
528, under the name of Puffinus cinereus, Stephens. This bird
was shot on the Northumberland coast. The third specimen was
obtained in August, 18783, on the Northumberland coast, and is
in the collection of Mr. F. Raine, of Durham, who saw the bird

shot.
135. THALASSIDROMA, Vegors.

7. Szrorm Prrrer. T. penacica, (Linneus.)
Thalassidroma pelagica, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847,

IT., 232.
4, i Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, IIT.,

647.

This interesting little bird, the child of the ocean, is a casual
visitant: it occasionally occurs on our coast. I have notices of
five captures of it in the district. One was found dead on the
beach between South Shields and Sunderland, in 1885; another
was killed with a stone, in Cullercoats Haven, on the 25th of
June, 1836: these are both in my collection. Of the other three
one is in the Newcastle Museum.

8. Leacu’s Perret. T. Ltevcornoa, Vieddlot.
Thalassidroma Leach, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, 11.,
230.
a3 » Larrell, Hist. brit; Birds hd 2s lin

645.

This, like the preceding species, is a casual visitant; but is

a ee eee

a ae 2

OF NORTHUMBERLAND AND DURHAM. 135

much the rarer of the two. I know of only three specimens
that have been taken. One was shot near Benwell Boat House,
on the Tyne, in November, 1828, and is now in the Newcastle
Museum: this is the bird mentioned in Mr. Selby’s catalogue.
Another example was killed on the Tyne, opposite the Old Man-
sion House, Neweastle. And the third example was shot near
Blyth, in 1837. The last two are in my collection.

Fawity. LARIDA, Leach.
136. STERCORARIUS, Brisson.
9. Sxua. S. cararracrss, (Linneus.)

Lestris catarractes, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, IT.,

216.
ee 6 Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, III., 602.

A rare autumn and winter visitant; occasionally seen on our
coast in autumn. I have a specimen that was shot at Newton-
by-the-Sea, on the 25th of October, 1833.

Some years ago, while shooting on the coast, at St. Mary’s
Island, with my late friends, Mr. Philip Stanton and Mr. William
- Kell, a Tern was wounded, and fell into the sea out of reach.
We were watching it, and commiserating its cruel fate, when,
as it drifted seaward, a Skua made its appearance, and quietly
seating itself on the water, close by the struggling Tern, com-
menced at once, sans cérémonie, to devour it: thus mercifully
the sufferer was speedily put out of pain.

10. Pomartye Sxua. S. pomaninus, (Zemminch.)
Lestris pomarinus, Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, IIT., 606.

Stercorarius pomatorhinus, Gould, Birds of Gt. Britain, Part
VIII.

A rare winter visitant. I have several specimens of this species
that were killed on the Northumberland coast; they are all in
the first plumage. I have also two others in the mature dress,
shot on the Tyne; one in 1880, the other on the 14th of Sep-
tember, 1846. Two examples that were in the collection of the
late Mr. William Backhouse were taken off the Durham coast.

136 A CATALOGUE OF THE BIRDS

This species varies in the same manner as Richardson’s Skua,
having, like it, dark and pale varieties, not influenced by age or

Sex.

11. Rrcwarpson’s Sxva. SS. Parasrricus, (Linneus.)

Lestris Richardsonti, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, I1.,
219, 221.

9) 9)

Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, IIT., 611.

An autumn and winter visitant, common in September and
October; generally flying with the Terns, and preying on their
industry and skill. It rests on the water, quietly watching the
movements of the Terns, and as soon as the fish is captured the
Skua make its appearance on the wing and goes in pursuit of the
successful fisher; the chased bird screams with fear, and lets fall
its prey, which is seized by the pilferer before it reaches the sea.
On this the Terns disperse, and the Skua settlimg on the water
again awaits its opportunity. .

This species varies much in plumage. It is sometimes entirely’

of a dark dusky colour, and sometimes has most of the under parts
white, while the upper parts are dusky; and between these two
extremes specimens occur of every depth of tint; the under parts
in different specimens becoming by degrees paler until they are
entirely white, excepting a pale dusky band across the breast and
vent. These varieties are all adult birds, and are in no degree
influenced by age or sex. Dark and pale varieties occur in the
nest plumage ; at this early stage, however, the feathers of both
the back and the under parts are tipped with russet brown, pro-
ducing a transversely barred appearance. The neck and head
are longitudinally streaked with the same colour, and the front
half of the toes is black.

While in Norway, in 18338, I had a good opportunity of study-
ing the varieties of this bird. We found it breeding on an island
near Torghatten. One of the parents of a nest which we took
was entirely of a dark dusky colour, the other had the under
parts white; both parents of another nest were entirely dark.
Richardson’s Skua does not breed associated in colonies, as most
of the Laridee do, but in scattered pairs. It was therefore quite

-_ — — =

OF NORTHUMBERLAND AND DURHAM. 137

easy to determine the parents of a nest, and to ascertain the
coiour of their plumage; and it was very obvious that these
variations of colour had no relation to sex or age.

In my collection there are three or four specimens of, ap-
parently, an accidental variety ; these are pied with white on the
throat, pinions, margin of the wings, and belly. Three are
adult, and are from Iceland, and belong to the dark variety; one
is immature, and was taken in our district; but it is remarkable
that they are symmetrically pied, and all exactly in the same
manner.

12. Arctic Sxua. 8S. Lonercaupus, Brisson.
Lestris Buffonii, Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, IIT., 616.

Stercorarius longicaudus, Gould, Birds of Gt. Britain, Part
YON

This is the rarest of the Skuas, and a mere casual visitant.
An adult specimen was shot at Whitburn on the 24th of Octo-
ber, 1837; another, a young bird, was shot on the Ist of Sep-
tember, 1840, at Newbiggin-by-the-Sea; two others, immature,
were shot, one at Blyth, and one at Tynemouth, on the 30th of
September, 1841. These are all in my collection, as well as two
individuals killed in the county of Durham, one of which is
adult.

The nest plumage of this species resembles closely that of
Richardson’s Skua; but can always be distinguished by the two
central caudal feathers, which in ‘this are obtuse in the young
state, while in Richardson’s Skua they are always pointed.
Bewick’s second figure of Richardson’s Skua has the two central
tail feathers obtuse; it, therefore, probably represents the young
of the Arctic Skua.

137. PAGOPHILA, Kaup.
13. Ivory Guiz. P. EBuRNEA, (G'melin.)
Larus eburneus, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, IT., 201.
A rs Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, III., 567.

A specimen of this rare casual visitant, said to have been shot

138 A CATALOGUE OF THE BIRDS

some years ago, off the mouth of the Tyne, came into the pos-
session of Mr. Thomas Robson, of Winlaton Mill, and is now in
the collection of Mr. Thomas Thompson, of Winlaton. I have
seen the specimen; it is in mature plumage. An immature ex-
ample of this rare species in the Sunderland Museum, was shot
at Seaton Carew, in February, 1837.

138. LARUS, Linneus.
14. Guavucovs Guin. L. exaucus, Briinnich.

Larus glaucus, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, IT., 191,
193.
3 a Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, III., 595.

An autumn and winter visitant; not uncommon on the coast
during the winter months in the immature plumage. Adults
are rare, though I have received two or three that were shot in

our district.

15. Icetanp Guit. L. LEvcoprervs, Faber.
Larus Ieelandicus, Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, I11., 575.
3 ss Gould, Birds of Gt. Britain, Part XXIV.

In Mr. Selby’s catalogue it is mentioned that a specimen was
shot at Holy Island, and was in his collection; and in his ‘“ TII-
lustrations of British Ornithology,” it is stated that he had ob-
tained, on the Northumberland coast, three or four specimens,
but all in immature plumage.

This is a rare casual visitant on the shores of Northumberland
and Durham. The above captures are the only ones I know of.

16. Grearer Bracx-Backep Guit. L. marinus, Linneus.

Larus marinus, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, IT., 196,
198.
a > Larrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, TIL., 591.

Not an uncommon resident; but most prevalent during autumn
and winter. It does not breed in the district.

OF NORTHUMBERLAND AND DURHAM. 139

17. Lesser Buack-packep Gutt. L. Fuscus, Linneus.
Larus fuscus, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, IT., 199.
7 ,, Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, IIT., 583.

A very common resident species in both counties. It breeds
abundantly at the Farne Islands, and also inland in the unculti-
vated districts. Greenlee Lough is one of its stations, and an-
other, I was informed by the late Dr. Charlton, is on a moss a
few miles north of Bellingham.

In 1837 Dr. Charlton gave me two young Lesser Black-backed
Gulls in the downy state, that were bred in the latter locality.
One of these birds I presented to the late Mr. Sewell, of Jes-
mond Vale, where it lived in confinement for several years. On
the death of that gentleman the bird passed into the possession of
my friend, Mr. Robert R. Dees, of Wallsend, in whose grounds
it lived until within the last five or six years when it died, hav-
ing enjoyed a tranquil life extending over at least thirty years.

Another instance of the duration of life of the Gull has been
communicated to me by my friend, Mr. D. M. Webster, of Edin-
burgh. He says, ‘“‘James Tough, nurseryman, Kirkcaldy, county
Fife, was the possessor of the Gull. JI knew of its being in the
nurseries from 1853 till 1870, seventeen years: it had been in
his possession some ten or twelve years previous to 18538, and was
not a young-looking bird when he received it. It died in 1870,
and could not have been less than thirty years old, probably
several years more; it had laid eggs for several years.

18. Herring Guu. L. arcentatus, Briinnich.
Larus argentatus, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, IT., 194.
* * Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, IIT., 588.

This fine species, which is common, is a resident. It breeds
at the Farne Islands, where however it is scarce. We took two
nests of this species there in June, 1831.

In this locality the Herring Gull nests on the same island
with the Cormorant. As our boat approached the island, the
Cormorants left their nests in a body, and flew to an adjacent

1

140 A CATALOGUE OF THE BIRDS

elevated rock. The Gulls seeing their opportunity came at once
and commenced to turn the eggs out of the unprotected nests of
the Cormorants. On our nearer approach the Gulls also took to
flight; we again pulled off a little to allow the Cormorants to
return, which they immediately did, and settled on their nests.
The Gulls now also returned and began to devour the eggs they
had previously dislodged from the nests. By this mancuvre,
there can be no doubt, the Gulls got a greater number of the
eges than they would have done had they endeavoured to eat
them in the first instance.

19. Common Gutt. L. canus, Linneus.
Larus canus, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, II., 203.
ie » Marrell, Hist. Brit: Birds, Hd? 2, WIT. 570%

Found in abundance on the coast during the whole year. It
is therefore a resident, but it does not breed in the district.

20. Kirrrwaxr. L. rripactyius, Linneus.

Larus tridactylus, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, I1., 205,
207.
" >... Larrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Eid: 2- slice oo2s

The Kittiwake is a resident, though the greater number mi-
grate. It breeds on the Pinnacles at the Farne Islands, and on
the adjacent cliffs. It is abundant at Flamborough Head, and
at the Bass Rock, where annually vast numbers are reared, and
whence come no doubt most of those that visit our coast.

21. Buacx-Heapep Gui. L. rimrunpvs, Linneus.

Larus ridibundus, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, IT., 209,
212.
Ls », Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, IIT., 550.

A resident, common in both counties. It breeds gregariously
on the marshy borders of Loughs and Tarns, and is a great orna-
ment to all wild moorland districts. But it is much to be feared
that it will in time be exterminated, as it has fallen into disre-
pute with the game-preserver. On the 26th of May, 1859, I

Se ee ee ee ee

OF NORTHUMBERLAND AND DURHAM. 141

counted by the margin of Fallowlees, a pool of no great extent,
a little south of Simonside, four hundred eggs of this bird, but
now, I believe, it no longer breeds in that locality. A few pairs
used to nest at Prestwick Car. It breeds at Harbottle Tarn, at
Sweethope, and at Pallinsburn; at the latter place, being well
protected, it is as abundant as ever.

The Masked Gull of Yarrell is merely a variety of this species,

22. Lirtin Gort. L. mrvctvs, Pallas.
Larus minutus, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, IT., 218.
a Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, IIT., 548.

This pretty little species is an autumn and winter visitant,
frequenting our coast with considerable regularity in autumn
and winter. In my collection are examples killed as early as the
2nd of September, and as late as the 6th of February; and I
have specimens captured in the district in every state of plumage
except that of summer. A few years ago the Little Gull was
considered a rare bird in the Northern Counties; it is however
by no means so uncommon as was usually thought. During one
month in the autumn of 1868, Mr. J. H. Gurney, Jun., obtained
ten specimens of this species on the Yorkshire coast.

139. STERNA, Zinneus.

93. Sanpwich Tern. S. Cantiaca, Gmelin.
Sterna Cantiaca, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, II., 177.
Boysti, Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, III., 497.

?

A spring-and-autumn migrant, breeding at the Farne Islands.
A few years ago it bred abundantly on Coquet Island.

24. Common Tern. S. Hirunpo, Linneus.
Sterna hirundo, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, IT., 181.
7 » Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2., III., 504.

A spring-and-autumn migrant; breeds abundantly at the
Farne Islands. It also bred some time ago on Coquet Island,

142 A CATALOGUE OF THE BIRDS

I have frequently seen this species at Prestwick Car in the
breeding season; and one that was shot there on the 27th of
June, 1840, had the naked spaces on the breast of a breeding
bird.

25. Arctic Tern. S. parapisEa, Briinnich.
Sterna arctica, Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, III., 507.
», macrura, Gould, Birds of Gt. Britain, Part VIII.

A spring-and-autumn migrant. Common. Breeding at the
Farne Islands, and also some years ago at Coquet Island.

26. Roszarre Tern. 8. Doveatri, Montagu. ©
Sterna Dugallii, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, I1., 179.
Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, I11., 501.

?) es

This beautiful bird is a spring-and-autumn migrant, and is
much rarer than the three preceding species. A few pairs breed
annually at the Farne Islands.

While on an ornithological tour to the west coast, my attention
was arrested by a Tern on the sands at Morecambe Bay; it was
making the most extraordinary movements, and was evidently
in trouble; so intent was it on rubbing its head from side to side
upon the sand, that it allowed me to approach within gunshot.
I killed the bird, and to my surprise found a cockle firmly fixed
on the upper mandible, which was inserted nearly half-an-inch
between the valves of the shell, and was indented by its grasp:
a rather strange example of the biter bit.

Accidents of this nature are probably not unfrequent. Mrs.
Edmond Crawshay met with a similar occurrence. As she was
one day riding across Fenham Flats, with her father, they ob-
served a Peewit in great distress, rolling about on the mud.
The gentleman dismounted, and after a long chase succeeded in
taking the bird; but its effort to escape was its last struggle ;
when taken up it was dead, and a cockle was found firmly grasp-
ing the bill, which was inserted between the valves in the same
manner as in the case of the Tern. From the evidently exhausted
state of the bird, it is probable that it had been struggling for

a

OF NORTHUMBERLAND AND DURHAM. 1438

some considerable time with its diminutive and pertinacious
antagonist.

27. Lxsser Tern. S. mrnvura, Linneus.
Sterna minuta, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, IT., 186.
- A Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, III., 519.

In 1882 we took the eggs of this species on the mainland near
Holy Island; they were deposited on the bare gravelly beach,
but were not easily detected, on account of their resemblance in
colour to that of the material on which they rested. This inter-
esting spring-and-autumn migrant no longer breeds in that lo-
cality, and I know of no other station for it on our coast. It is
by no means a common species; not more than ten or a dozen
pairs were located at the breeding station above mentioned.

140. HYDROCHELIDON, Bore.

28. Brack Turn. H. rissrpes, (Linneus.)
Sterna nigra, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, II., 184.
» jissipes, Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, III., 523.

A casual visitant. There are three examples of this species
in my collection. One in the first plumage was killed at Prest-
wick Car in 1831, and two adult examples, both taken in that
locality in November, 1845.

I learn from Mr. Duncan that a specimen was killed near
Morpeth on the 20th of September, 1858.-

I once saw three Black Terns on the wing at Prestwick Car ;
they came so near to me that I could make out that two of them
were immature, and one adult.

29. Wauute-winerp Brack Tern. H. nigra, (Linnaus.)
Sterna leucoptera, Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Kd. 2, III., 527.
Hydrochelidon leucoptera, Gould, Birds of Gt. Britain, Part XIV.
This is a rare casual visitant, only a single example having

been taken in the district. This I obtained from the collection
of Mr. Oxley, of Redcar, April, 1871. It is a very fine adult

144 A CATALOGUE OF THE BIRDS

bird, and was shot on the 15th of May (year unknown), at Port
Clarence, Tees mouth.

Famity. ANATIDZ, Leach.
141. CYGNUS, Linneus.

30. Wuitp Swan or Wuoorrer. C. rerus, Ray.
Cygnus ferus, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, I1., 268.
- , Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. IIL, 187.

A rather common winter visitant. Prestwick Car was a great
resort of this species, which was seen there every winter. It
also frequently visited Fenham Flats, where Edmond Crawshay,
Esq., has shot several.

In the winter of 1871 three of these noble birds joined the
mute Swans on Gosforth Lake. A hole haying been made in
the ice for their accommodation they all fed together, and the
strangers became remarkably tame; they were at length cap-
tured and pinioned. In the spring all three disappeared; they
had wandered, probably obeying the impulse to migrate, and two
of them may have fallen a prey to the fox, as only one returned,
and is still on the lake.

30. Buwick’s Sway. C. minor, (Pallas.)
Cygnus Bewichii, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Kd. 1847, I1., 273.
ue . Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, IIT., 194.

A winter visitant, and quite as common as the Whooper.

It is rather surprising that Bewick’s Swan was not recognized
as a British species till 1829. In January of that year I pur-
chased an example of it in a fruiterer’s shop in Newcastle; it
was shot out of a flock of about forty, at Prestwick Car, a day
or two before. I at once perceived its specific distinctness from
the common species, having carefully examined both its external
and internal characters; it was a male. On the 7th of February
following, another example was killed at Haydon Bridge, and
was sent to the Newcastle Museum. This specimen I also

-

OF NORTHUMBERLAND AND DURHAM. 145

examined, and found it corresponded exactly in every respect to
my own. On dissection this second example proved to be a fe-
male, but the other internal characters were found to be similar
to those of my specimen. These two Swans I believe were the
first fully recognized individuals of this species in England.
The Haydon Bridge example went into the hands of the late
Mr. R. R. Wingate, to stuff for the Newcastle Museum, and is
still preserved there. My specimen I prepared myself, and it
has ever since formed part of my collection. A notice of the
supposed new Swan was drawn up by the late Mr. R. R. Win-
gate, and read on the 20th of October, 1829, at a meeting of the
“Natural History Society of Northumberland, Durham, and
Neweastle-upon-Tyne,”’ and was published the following year
in the Transactions of that Society, Vol. I., p. 1; but by some
unaccountable inadvertency my specimen was not alluded to.

Mr. Yarrell read at the meeting of the Linnean Society, on
the 19th of February, 1830, a description of the supposed new
species, which was afterwards published in the Transactions of
that Society, Vol. XVI., p. 445, 1833. It appears that that
gentleman had previously (24th of November, 1829) given some
account of the distinguishing characters of Bewick’s Swan to
the Zoological Club of the Linnean Society.

In November, 1829, seven specimens of the bird were killed
by right and left shot, upon Sweethope Lough, by the game-
keeper of the late Sir John Trevelyan, Bart., of Wallington.
In February, 1837, five specimens of this Swan were shot out of
a flock of eleven, upon a large fish pond, at Blagdon, by the
gamekeeper of the late Sir Matthew White Ridley, Bart.; two
of these are preserved in my collection.

The Polish Swan (Cygnus immutadbilis) is mentioned as having
occurred at Hartlepool, on the authority of Mr. J. H. Gurney,
Jun., in Harting’s ‘‘ Handbook of British Birds,” p. 154. Iam
informed, however, by Mr. Gurney himself, that the authority
of this notice rests only on a newspaper paragraph. I therefore
do not venture to include it in this catalogue.

146 A CATALOGUE OF THE BIRDS

142. ANSER, Barrére.

31. Grey Lac Goosz. A. cryeREvs, Meyer.
Anser ferus, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, II., 236.
5 ,, Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, I1I., 140.

A casual visitant. This Goose occasionally occurs in winter,
singly, or in twos or threes, but never in large flocks. It does
not appear with sufficient regularity to entitle it to rank as an
annual visitant. I have three or four specimens, all killed at
Prestwick Car. Two of them when shot were associated with
the domestic Goose, great numbers of which were reared at that
place. It sometimes visits the Lake at Gosforth; I saw one
there in April, 1856.

‘We took the eggs of this species in Norway, in 1833. And
while on a tour in Sutherlandshire, with the late Mr. Charles
St. John, we saw several of its nests on an island in Loch Leoil ;
the eggs had all been removed a few days before we visited this
spot. We, however, saw the birds (six or seven pairs), which
left the island on our approach, and flew to the mainland; they
had evidently commenced to reconstruct their nests, which had
been well formed, and considerably raised above the ground;
they were composed of grass and lichen.

There can be no doubt that the Grey Lag is the progenitor of
the domestic Goose, some of which are so like the wild specimens
as not to be distinguishable; and many of the old ganders have
a tew straggling black feathers between the legs, exactly similar
to those seen in a wild state. This relationship seems to be re-
cognized by the Grey Lag itself, for it is very much inclined to
join and feed with the domestic Goose. I have known this to
occur seyeral times besides that mentioned above.

I possess four eggs and the inner portion of a nest, which
were taken on an island in Loch Maree, Rosshire, by Mr. H. J.
Elwes, to whom I am indebted for the specimens.

' OF NORTHUMBERLAND AND DURHAM. 147

32. Bran Goose. <A. syLvEstRIs, Brisson.
Anser segetum, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, IT., 245.
4 i Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, III., 148.

The Bean Goose is an autumn and winter visitant; usually
seen in considerable flocks, flying in lines. Berwick Hill, in the
neighbourhood of Prestwick Car, was a fayourite haunt of this
species; and I understand it is still seen occasionally there feed-
ing in the stubbles.

It has been asserted that the Bean Goose breeds in Sutherland-
shire; and such was the opinion of the late Mr. Charles St. John,
until our visit to that part of Scotland, in 1849, when it became
evident that the supposed Bean Goose was really the Grey Lag.
We saw no trace of the former on any of the loughs that we
visited. We found that the Geese had been much reduced in
numbers since the time of Mr. Selby’s tour to Sutherlandshire,
and that they had ceased to breed in one or two stations he men-
tioned; but as the late Duke of Sutherland was desirous these
birds should be preserved, it is not unlikely that they may have
again increased in number.

33. Pryx-roorep Goosr. A. BRACHYRHYNCHUS, Ballon.
Anser brachyrhynchus, Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, III.,
153.
of Gould, Birds of Gt. Britain, Part XIX.

Not an uncommon autumn and winter visitant.

384. Wautre-rrontep Goosr. <A. aLpirrons, Bechstein.
Anser albifrons, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, I1., 249.
i 7) NMarrell Hist. Bini bands, Kd 32h 57.
This species is an autumn and winter visitant. Two examples
in my possession were shot at Prestwick Car, in 1845; one in

May, the other in October. Edmond Crawshay, Esq., has killed
several at Fenham Flats. ;

148 A CATALOGUE OF THE BIRDS

143. BERNICLA, Stephens.

35. BrrnictE Goosz. 3B. tevcorsis, (Bechstein.)
Anser leucopsis, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, I1., 251.
aN e Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, II1., 161.
An autumn and winter visitant; not by any means so abundant
on our coast as it is on the western shores of the island. In

November, 1866, there were six examples killed on Fenham
Flats, Holy Island.

36. Brent Goosz. B. Brenta, (Brisson.)
Anser Bernicla, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, I1., 254.
,, torguatus, Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Hd. 2, IIT., 164.

A common autumn and winter visitant. Great numbers of it
are occasionally shot at Fenham Flats.

37. ReEp-BREASTED GoosE. B. rvuFicottts, (Pallas.)
Anser ruficollis, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, IL., 256.
As Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, III., 170.

An exceedingly rare casual visitant.
The following is a quotation from Harting’s ‘‘ Handbook,”

[Oe UDO
‘‘One near Berwick-upon-Tweed, 1818. Fleming, Hist. Brit.
An., p. 128.”

‘“Two seen on the Tees, Durham, of late (1845). Hogg, Cat.
Birds 8.E. Durham.”

Haying written to Mr. Harting asking for information respect-
ing these entries in the Handbook, I received the following ex-
tract from page 31 of Mr. Hogg’s work, entitled ‘‘ Catalogue of
Birds observed in South Eastern Durham, and in North Western
Cleveland, by John Hogg (from the ‘Zoologist’) London: New-
man. 1845.”

Red-breasted Bernicle.

Bernicla ruficollis.

““Two of these very scarce and handsome species have been

3

ae ee. SU, fe

OF NORTHUMBERLAND AND DURHAM. 149

seen of late years by the Tees. One was shot by Mr. J. Hikely,
in Cowpen Marsh, and afterwards stuffed.”

The specimen in the Newcastle Museum ‘‘ was shot in the se-
vere frost in the beginning of the year 1776, near London.”—
Fox’s Synopsis of the Newcastle Museum, p. 96; where it is
also stated that ‘‘ one was taken alive in this neighbourhood, and
is still living. (P.S. Was the property of a lady lately de-
ceased.) It is kept in a pond with some Ducks of the wild
breed, with whom it is very sociable, but never produce together,
though there is one it particularly associates with, and seems to
be partial to. It is very tame and familiar. This is, I think,
the most beautiful of the Anas genus.’’—Tunstall, MS.

38. Canava Goosr. 3B. Canavensis, ( WVillughby.)

Anser Canadensis, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, II.,

258.
a 7m Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, III., 181.

A casual visitant. The Cravat, or Canadian Goose, has oc-
curred two or three times in the district; but whether they are
escaped birds or not it is impossible to say, though there is no-
thing apparently to prevent a powerful aquatic bird like this
from crossing the Atlantic.

In 1830, a specimen in the Newcastle Museum was shot, out
of a flock of six, at Bywell, on the Tyne. Another example, in
my collection, was killed at Prestwick Car, in June, 1836. It
is an adult bird, and the plumage is in excellent condition.
Nevertheless, it would appear that this was an escaped bird;
for, on careful examination, a piece of string was found tightly
encircling the leg above the true heel.

In Mr. Selby’s catalogue the following passage occurs: ‘In
June, 1816, a flock of ten or twelve of these birds for some time
haunted the fields around Bamborough. They were very wary
and wild, and the only specimen killed out of the number is now
in my possession. They had probably escaped from the grounds
of some gentleman. I have ascertained from those who have
been in the habit of keeping them in their ponds, that they are
very apt to fly and stray away.”

150 A CATALOGUE OF THE BIRDS

144. CHENALOPEX, Stephens.

39. Eeyprian Goose. C. Heyprraca, (Lenneus.)

Anser Afgyptiacus, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, IL.,
262.
& i Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, III., 178.

A place is given to this bird in the catalogue, as it is considered
by several ornithologists to be an irregular visitant to this coun-
try, and as it has been shot at the Farne Islands; but I am much
inclined to think that all the specimens killed have been escaped
birds.

145. TADORNA, Fleming.

40. Surevprake. T. Bertoni, Fay.
Anas Tadorna, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, I1., 281.
Tadorna vulpanser, Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, III., 235.

A resident, but not by any means common. It breeds in rab-
bit holes on the sandy links by the sea shore between Holy Is-
land and Bamborough.

It occasionally appears in large flocks in the autumn. I saw
on the beach near Newbiggin-by-the-Sea, in October, 1871, a
flock of forty or fifty: they were chiefly immature.

146, SPATULA, Boie.

41. Smovettpr. 8. cryprara, (Linneus.)
Anas clypeata, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, I1., 316.
* i Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, II1., 242.

A spring-and-autumn migrant, but rather rare. This species
bred regularly at Prestwick Car. Two or three pairs bred there
in 1855; nests were also taken in 1853 and 1856; and previ-
ously to these dates I had taken its eggs there. It bred once
at Grindon Lough, Northumberland, and a bird was shot there
on the 12th of May, 1830. I am inclined to believe that it has
likewise bred at Gosforth Lake, where I saw three pairs at the

~ * a)

OF NORTHUMBERLAND AND DURHAM. 151

end of April, 1856; they were paired at that time. These had
probably been driven from Prestwick Car by the draining opera-
tions that were then going on. A specimen, a mature female,
was shot on the Newcastle Town Moor, on the 2nd of August,
1873, by Mr. Robert Duncan, Jun.

On the 17th of May, 1873, I took a nest of eleven eggs of this
species at Loch Spynie, near Elgin. Several other nests have
been taken there, both before and since that date. This Duck
seems to have been as regular a breeder in that locality as it
was at Prestwick Car; unfortunately, these two breeding sta-
tions no longer exist, both having been drained.

The late Mr. Charles St. John, who was desirous of obtaining
the Shoyeller for domestication, made the attempt by setting
eggs, taken at Spynie in 1850 and 1851, under the common fowl.
In both instances the young were hatched, but lived only a few
days. Mr. St. John kindly sent me specimens of these downy
Ducklings. The crown of the head and all the upper parts are
of a dark dusky brown; immediately above the thighs there is
an indistinct pale spot at each side; the cheeks and forehead are
yellowish, with a dusky streak in the centre of the latter, and a
similar streak passes in front of and behind the eye; a small
spot of the same colour marks the position of the ear; all the
under parts are obscure white. The bill is a very good minia-
ture representation of that of the adult, but is a little less ex-
panded laterally at the tip. It is stated in Yarrell’s ‘“ History
of British Birds”’ that the bill at this stage does not at all exhibit
the peculiar characteristic of the adult : there is surely some mis-
take in this observation.

147. ANAS, Linnceus.

42. Mattarp, on Witp Ducr. A. Boscuas, Linneus.
Anas boschas, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, II., 288.
| Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, III., 264.
A common resident. It bred regularly at Prestwick Car; and

its nest is to be found wherever there is a suitable locality in
the wilder districts of the two counties,

152 A CATALOGUE OF THE BIRDS

Old females of the domestic Duck, which is derived from the
Mallard, not unfrequently assume the plumage of the Drake.
A fine example of this phenomenon occurred at Cramlington, in
1858. The individual was fifteen or sixteen years old when she
was killed and came into my possession. For twelve years of
her life she was in the plumage of her sex, and reared several
broods. After the commencement of the change in plumage her
eggs became small, and she never afterwards showed any dispo-
sition to sit on them; but her voice remained unchanged. I
gave a description of this bird in the Transactions of the Tyne-
side Club, Vol. IV., p. 58.

Another example of this peculiar change of plumage happened
at Ravensworth, a few years ago. In this instance the subject
was a true wild Duck, many of which were kept in a semi-do-
mestic state on a pond near the castle. I stuffed the specimen
for Lord Ravensworth, and it is now in his lordship’s museum,
and is a very beautiful and perfect example.

148. CHAULELASMUS, G. R. Grey.

43. Gapwatt. C. streprra, (Linneus.)
Anas strepera, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, IT., 300.
» 5 Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, IIT., 249.
Only two examples of this casual visitant have occurred. One
was shot at Prestwick Car, 28th of November, 1850, by Mr.
C. M. Adamson; it was accompanied by another individual.

Edmond Crawshay, Esq., informs me of a male specimen which
was killed at Fenham Flats in January, 1860.

149, MARECA, Stephens.
44, Wicron. M. Pennnopr, (Linneus.)
Anas Penelope, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Hd. 1847, I1., 305.
Pe Ay Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, IIT., 286.

A plentiful autumn and winter visitant, but it never breeds
in the district. Mr. Charles St. John and I took a nest with

OF NORTHUMBERLAND AND DURHAM. 153

seven eggs at Loch Naver, near Altnaharrow, Sutherlandshire,
on the 21st of May, 1849, amidst heather on the banks of the
loch. I have another nest taken in May, 1866, by my friend
Mr. W. E. Brooks, near Loch Meadie, Sutherlandshire, to whom
I am indebted for the specimen and four of the eight eggs which
it contained.

Hybrids of the Wigeon are not uncommon; the Bimaculated
Duck of Bewick and Yarrell is a hybrid between this species
and the Teal. Of this there can be no doubt, for I have seen
the specimen figured by these two authors, and this opinion
is now I believe generally admitted. A hybrid between the
Wigeon and Pintail is in my collection. This specimen par-
takes about equally of the characters of both parents; it has the
markings of the breast and some of the buff colour of the head
of the Wigeon; the chestnut of the head and neck is mingled
with the glossy green of those parts of the Pintail, and the back
of the neck is very dark as in the Wigeon. The wing coverts
are of a soiled white; the scapulars, tertiaries, and tail-feathers
resemble mostly those of the Pintail; but the two long central
caudal feathers are not quite so much produced as in the Pintail.

In 1860 the late Mr. A. Savage, gamekeeper at Hornby, sent
me a pair of hybrids between the male Wigeon and female wild
Duck. They are a little larger than the Wigeon. The head of
the male is brown, the crown glossy green; the neck is likewise
brown, a little darker below, above glossy green, with the sides
strongly freckled with dark brown; the back strongly resembles
that of the Wigeon; the under parts are similar to those of the
Mallard; the central feathers of the tail are a little elongated,
as in the Wigeon, but, like those of the Mallard, are slightly
turned up. I received another pair of hybrids at the same time
from Mr. Savage: they were the offspring of a male Wigeon and
the Call Duck. They closely resembled the first-mentioned
pair. All the four birds were alive, and I presented them to
my friend the late Mr. William Wylam, of the North Leam.
One of the females laid eleven eggs, the usual number, and sat
upon them a month, but no young were produced. One of the
males is still alive.

154 A CATALOGUE OF THE BIRDS

150. DAFILA, Leach.

45, Priytarm. D. acuta, (Linneus.)
Anas acuta, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, II., 302.
Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Hd. 2, TIT., 258.

9 9)

A rare resident. An adult male in my possession was shot in
the neighbourhood of Newcastle, March, 1826; and a female
killed at Prestwick, January, 1838, is likewise in my collection.
T saw a pair, male and female, at Gosforth Lake, on the 31st of
March, 1865. There can be little doubt that this species occa-
sionally bred at Prestwick Car. Many years ago a female was
shot there during the breeding season. I have the specimen, and
it has all the appearance of a bird having bred in the year in
which it was shot.

Five or six specimens were killed at Fenham Flats, Holy Is-
land, in the winter of 1856-57, as I am informed by Edmond
Crawshay, Esq.

151. QUERQUEDULA, Stephens.

46. Garcanzy. Q. crrcta, (Linneus.)
Anas querquedula, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, IT., 311.
= x Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Kd. 2; TE., 277.

The Garganey is a rare, casual visitant. I suspect, however,
that it occasionally bred at Prestwick Car. A female in my col-
lection was killed there in June, 1838, in complete summer plu-
mage; and on the 14th of June, 1855, two, a male and female,
were shot at the same place. On the 6th of April, 1858, I saw
three specimens, a female and two males, at Gosforth Lake.

47. Twan, Q. crecca, (Linneus.)
Anas crecca, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, IT. 313.
a ), 2) Yarrell ist, Brit. Birds) “Hida 2, EMih aaais
The Teal is a resident with us. It bred every year at Prest-

wick Car, where it was common. It also breeds at Crag Lough,
Northumberland, and in other wild parts of the district. During

OF NORTHUMBERLAND AND DURHAM. 155

autumn and winter it appears in large flocks on the sea coast,
when, no doubt, its numbers are greatly augmented by migrants
from the north, as is the case also with the Mallard.

152. BRANTA, Boie.

48. Rep-cresrep Duck. B. rurrya, (Pallas.)
Fuligula rufina, Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, III., 327.
Branta ,, Gould, Birds of Great Britain, Part XI.

A casual visitant. A female of this rare Duck was shot at
Fenham Flats, in November, 1857, and is now in the collection
of Edmond Crawshay, Esq. This is the only specimen known
te me that has occurred in the district.

153. FULIGULA, Stephens.

49. Tourrep Duck. F. cristata, (Linneus.)
Anas fuligula, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, II., 339.
Fuligula cristata, Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, TIT., 351.

This resident species is not uncommon in winter. It has bred
three times at Wallington. In 1858, Sir W. C. Trevelyan,
Bart., informed me that a small Duck had been seen with a
brood of eight or nine young that year, on a small pond, near the
house, at Wallington, but he was not able to determine the spe-
cies. In the following year, Sir W. C. Trevelyan wrote to in-
form me that the Duck had again appeared at Wallington. At
his invitation I visited the spot on the 24th of May, and by the
aid of a glass saw both parent birds; and I distinctly made out
that they were Tufted Ducks, male and female. I remained a
day or two, but searched in vain for the nest. On the 21st of
June, Sir Walter wrote to me as follows :—‘‘I will, to-morrow,
send you by carrier an egg of the Tufted Duck, whose nest we
have at last found, with nine eggs in it; it is amongst sedges
and willows, made of sedges and a slight lining of down.”

“The male disappeared about a fortnight ago, and left his
mate to bring up her family alone, as she did last year, when he

M

156 A CATALOGUE OF THE BIRDS

was never seen; and I hope that she will succeed as well this
season, and that we may look for more of the family to herd with
us another year.”

T was at Wallington, on the 17th of May, 1860, and saw one
male and two female Tufted Ducks on the same small pond at
which they bred last year. We could not find the nest. They
have not been observed at Wallington since this date; but as
there are many ponds in the neighbourhood, and as the birds are
very difficult to see, they might readily escape observation.

T have seen Tufted Ducks several times at Gosforth Lake, in
March and April.

50. Scaup. F. marina, (Lenneus.)
Anas marila, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, II., 332.
Fuligula,, Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, III., 341.

A winter visitant, abundant, in severe winters, on the coast.
This species is occasionally seen inland. A male specimen which
came into my possession was killed at Sweethope Lough, August,
1840. The upper parts were almost completely in the winter
plumage; the feathers of the under parts and tail were much
Worn.

51. Pocnarp. F. rerina, (Linneus.)
Anas ferina, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, II., 3384.
Fuligula ,, Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, IIL., 332.

A not uncommon winter visitant, though I have reason for
believing that it occasionally breeds in the district. I have seen
a specimen on Capheaton Lake in the middle of the breeding
season, and from its movements was led to believe that it had a
nest there. I haye likewise seen Pochards more than once on
Gosforth Lake, in March and April.

I am indebted to the late Mr. Bean, of Scarborough, for an
egg of this species. It was one of a nest taken at the Mere, at
Scarborough, June, 1844, by that gentleman, who shot the bird
from the nest.

Low Sie

— eT *

= wl ee |

OF NORTHUMBERLAND AND DURHAM. 157

The Pochard differs from the celebrated Canvas-back Duck of
America in no important character excepting that of size, the
latter being considerably the larger.

52. Wuire-rYeD Pocuarp. F. nyroca, (Guldenstein.)

Anas leucophthalmos, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, IL.,
337.

Fuligula nyroca, Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, III., 337.

A rare casual visitant. Mr. Selby, in his catalogue, says,
“The individual from which the figure in the ‘ Illustrations of
British Ornithology’ was taken, was killed on the river Tyne,
in the neighbourhood of Hexham.” This is, I think, the only
example that has been known to occur in the district.

154. CLANGULA, Fleming.

53. Gotpen-EYE. C. eLaucton, (Linneus.)
Anas clangula, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, I1., 348.
Fuligula ,, Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, ITI., 368.

A common winter yisitant. Adult birds are much less fre-
quent than the immature. We obtained a nest of this species
in Norway, in 1833; it contained five eggs. We did not take
it ourselves; it had been found, a few days before we arrived, at
Romstadt, in Overhalden. Here the eggs were shown to us;
and on making enquiry we ascertained that the nest was in a
hole in a tree at no great distance from where we then were; so
being anxious to determine the species we went to the spot, and
found that the hole was in an aspen tree, and had been the nest-
ing place the previous year of a Woodpecker; the tree stood
close by a considerable stream. The entrance of the hole was
just wide enough to admit my hand, and was about fifteen feet
from the ground; it was sixteen inches deep, and widened con-
siderably downwards. The nest was composed of straw, and
feathers of the Golden-eye. And thus we obtained the first in-
formation as to the nesting habits of this species. The boy who
had found the nest, and was our guide, was now particularly

158 A CATALOGUE OF THE BIRDS

questioned. He caught the bird on the nest. Where was it?
They had eaten it. The feathers, where were they? At the
house. On our return, we procured the feathers, and the wings
which had been kept for dusters; and thus the question was
solved beyond a doubt. Our eggs were those of the Golden-eye,
and great was our joy, as no eggs of this species had been seen
in England at that time. Since then I have received specimens
of the eggs from the late Mr. Wheelwright, who took them in
Sweden.

155. HARELDA, Leach.
54. Lone-rainep Duck. H. e@Lactraris, (Linneus.)
Anas glacialis, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, I1., 345.
Fuligula ,, Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, IIT., 355.

A winter visitant. Not uncommon on the coast.

156. SOMATERIA, Leach.

55. Emer Dock. 8. morzissrma, (Linneus.)
Anas mollissima, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, II., 319.
Somateria ,, Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, I1T., 297.

A resident, but not by any means abundant. Several pairs
breed on the Farne Islands.

56. Kine Duck. S. spxcranrnis, (Linneus.)
Anas spectabilis, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, I1., 324.
Somateria ,, Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, IIIJ., 308.

This handsome Duck which must rank as a rare casual visitant,
has occurred only once on the coast of Northumberland, and that
so late as November 14th, 1878. It was shot near the Farne
Islands, and is now in the possession of F. Raine, Esq., of Dur-
ham. I saw the specimen a few days after its capture, in the
hands of Mr. R. Duncan, to whom it was intrusted to be pre-
served. It is a fine mature male, in full plumage, with the ex-
ception of the neck, on which part it shows a little grey of the
summer plumage.

OF NORTHUMBERLAND AND DURHAM. 159

It appears, from two letters I received some time ago, that this
King Duck, or another, must have been in the neighbourhood of
the Farnes during the summer. The first letter was from the
Rey. Charles Thorp, on the 2nd of June, who says, ‘‘I was at
the Fern Islands yesterday. The boatmen told me that a bird
not known to them had been seen and named by a Leeds gentle-
man some weeks ago. They described the bird as an Eider
Drake, with red bill.”

The second letter was from Mr. James Sutton, October Ist,
1873. He says that ‘‘a male and female King Eider were seen
at the Ferns this summer.”’ There can, I think, be little doubt
that the bird lately shot was one of the birds seen; but it is ex-
traordinary that this ‘species should have remained on our coast
during the summer. I am not aware that it has ever been seen
before so far south as Iceland during the breeding season.

One is mentioned in Harting’s ‘‘ Handbook”? as having been
killed at Bedlington, Northumberland, on the authority of Mr.
Duff, ‘‘ Zoologist,”” 1851, p. 3056; but from a letter, dated
April 16th, 1873, which I received from Mr. Duff, I find that
the bird so recorded was shot at Bridlington Quay, Yorkshire.

157. OIDEMIA, Fleming.

57. Scormr. O. nicra, (Linneus.)
Anas nigra, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed., 1847, IT., 329.
Oidemia ,, Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, III., 317.

A winter visitant. Not uncommon.

58. Vetvet Duck. O. Fusca, (Linneus.)
Anas fusca, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, I1., 327.
Oidemia ,, Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, IIT., 312.

A winter visitant ; but not so common as the preceding species,

160 A CATALOGUE OF THE BIRDS

158. MERGUS, Linneus.

59. Goosanprr. M. mereanser, Linneus.

Mergus merganser, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, IL.,
349, 352.

? 2?

Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, III., 395.

An occasional winter visitant; occurring as frequently on in-
land waters as on the sea coast.

60. Rep-BREAsTED Mrrcanser. M. srerrator, Linnaeus.
Mergus serrator, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Kd. 1847, II., 354.
Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, IIT., 389.

) ”

A winter visitant. Like the preceding species it is occasion-
ally captured in our estuaries and rivers during severe weather ;
it is also taken on the coast.

61. Smew. M. arperius, Linneus.

Mergus Albellus, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, IT., 356,
008.
si 3. YVarrell, Bust. Brit; Birds, Rds?) Mhievens:

This winter visitant is much rarer than its two congeners.

It has frequently been killed on the Tyne. A few years ago,
two specimens, in the mature white plumage, were shot on the
river Wear, near Durham. i

Famiry. PODICIPIDA, de Sélys-Longchamps.
159. PODICEPS, Latham.

62. Great Crestep Gree. P. crisratus, (Linneus.)

Podiceps cristatus, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, IT.,
164, 166.
a t Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, III., 400.

A winter visitant; rare. A specimen, in complete summer
plumage, in my collection, was shot in Easter week, 1860, at the
mouth of the Tyne. Several other individuals have occurred in
the district; but they are all immature, or in winter dress,

OF NORTHUMBERLAND AND DURHAM. 161

63. Rep-neckED Gress. P. erisecEna, (Boddaert.)

Podiceps rubricollis, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, IT.,

167.
és i Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, IIT., 407.

A winter visitant, which only appears in very severe weather.
In 1830, several were killed in the neighbourhood of Newcastle,
in the first and winter plumage. On the 8th of October, 1851,
Mr. C. M. Adamson, shot a specimen at Holy Island, in mature
plumage, with a few red feathers on the neck and breast.

A specimen in my collection, in summer plumage, was found
alive a few years ago on Cullercoats Sands.

64. Sctavonran Gress. P. avrirus, (Linneus.)

Podiceps cornutus, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, IT.,
169, 171.
a = Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, IIT., 411.

A not uncommon winter visitant. A specimen, in my collec-
tion, in full summer dress, was shot off Cullercoats, 26th of
April, 1830. This is the only individual I have met with in the
district in the summer dress.

65. Earep Gress. P. niertcotiis, Sundevall.

Podiceps auritus, Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, III., 417.

mt nigricollis, Gould, Birds of Gt. Britain, Part IIT.

A very rare winter visitant. I have three or four specimens
that were killed in the district, all either immature or in winter
plumage.

A specimen, in the possession of Mr. C. M. Adamson, which
that gentleman shot at Holy Island, in March, a few years ago,
has attained a few of the red summer feathers on the neck.

66. Lirmre Grese. P. Frvviarinis, (Brisson.)
Podiceps minor, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, II., 173.
ss » Larrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2) [1T., 420.

A resident. Most common in winter, but met with throughout

162 A CATALOGUE OF THE BIRDS

the year. It bred regularly on the Tees, near Stockton, whence
I have received several nests and eges.

I once met with it, in the summer plumage, on the 30th of
March, in Northumberland, where, there can be little doubt, it
occasionally breeds. I am obliged to Mr. Isaac Clark for the in-
formation that its nest of five eggs was taken in a pond, at Feath-
erstone Castle, in 1871.

Faurzry. COLYMBIDA, Leach.
160. COLYMBUS, Zinneus.

67. Great Nortaern Diver. C. enacraris, Linneus.

Colymbus glaciahis, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Hd. 1847, I1., |
379.

’? 7)

Yarrell) Hast) Brit. Birds) Hide 2 sUiia ae

A winter visitant; somewhat rare. It is occasionally seen, in
the district, in the early part of summer. I have a specimen
that was shot on the Northumberland coast, on the 22nd of May,

1839.

I saw a mature specimen shot on the Tyne, close to the
Bridge, on the 12th of October, 1824. The occurrence of this
bird is mentioned in ‘‘Sykes’ Local Records.”

68. Buack-rHroateD Diver. C. arcricus, Zinneus.
Colymbus arcticus, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, IL.,
381, 383.

) ”?

Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, TII., 484.

A frequent winter visitant. A specimen, in my collection, in
complete summer dress, was shot some years ago on the river
Wear, near Durham.

69. Rep-rHRoATED Driver. SEPTENTRIONALIS, Linneus.
Colymbus septentrionalis, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847,
TL, 885, 887,
septentrionalis, Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, IIT.,
441.

”?

A common winter visitant, which arrives so early that it is

Ce ee

OF NORTHUMBERLAND AND DURHAM. 163

not difficult to obtain specimens in the summer dress, and which
remains so long that they are frequently found in their nuptial
plumage before they leave our sea coast.

We found this species breeding in Norway, in 1833. The
nest, if it can be so called, is a mere depression in the soil, where
the eggs, usually two, are placed, near the margin of a pond or
lake. In one instance, where the young were hatched, a groove
was worn in the soil from the nest depression, where the eggs
had lain, to the water; evidently made by the old bird pushing
its body along to and fro between the nest and the water. The
Divers do not appear to have the power of walking, or even of
standing with the body erect. I have frequently had them alive,
but could never succeed in inducing them to balance themselves
on their feet. They always rested on the breast, with the feet
extended backwards; and owing to this peculiar position of the
feet, and the consequent inability of the bird to walk, the eggs
are always deposited close to the sides of the pools which they
frequent.

Famity. ALCIDA, Bonaparte.

161. URIJA, Brisson.

70. GuittEmot. U. trom, (Linneus.)
Uria troile, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, IT., 390, 392.
7 », Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2. TII., 450.

A resident. Common on the shores of both counties. It
breeds on the “‘ Pinnacles,”’ at the Farne Islands.

The Ringed Guillemot ( Uria ringvia or lacrymans) is a variety
of this species, and has frequently occurred in our district. I
have three or four specimens of this variety, all captured on our
sea coast.

It is stated in Harting’s ‘‘ Handbook,” p. 167, that one or
more specimens of Briinnich’s Guillemot (UW. arra) have been
taken at the Farne Islands, but the reference given, ‘‘ Zoologist,”’
1852, p. 8479, does not seem to bear out this assertion, and I am
not aware of a single instance of its occurrence on the coast of
the two counties. -

164 A CATALOGUE OF TILE BIRDS

71. Brack Guittemor. U. eryiie, (Linneus.)
Uria grylle, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, II., 394.
Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, III., 462.

9? 7)

A winter visitant. Not unfrequent in severe weather.

162. MERGULUS, Vicillot.
72. Lirrne Aux. M. atzz, (Linneus.)
Mergulus alle, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, I1., 396.

melanoleucos, Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, IIL.,
465.

”?

An irregular winter visitant, and certainly rare.

In November, 1841, this species visited our coast in great
numbers. They moved in a northerly direction, and continued to
pass in detached flocks for several days. In a few days I had
sent to me twenty-six specimens. I visited the coast, and saw
several flocks passing to the north.

Specimens are occasionally found lost and bewildered, allow-
ing themselves to be taken by the hand, at a considerable distance
from the coast, and some are not unfrequently picked up dead.
The late Mr. John Laws of Breckney Hill, a pupil of Mr. Thomas
Bewick, took one up alive in a turnip field in that locality, ten
miles from the sea.

163. FRATERCULA, Brisson.

73. Purrin. F. arorica, (Linneus.)

Mormon fratercula, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, I1.,
598. .

FPratercula arctica, Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, III., 469.

A resident; frequent on the coast all the year. It breeds on
the Farne Islands. In the first week of June, 1831, in company
with Mr. W. C. Hewitson and my brother Albany, we met with

2

OF NORTHUMBERLAND AND DURHAM. 165

it breeding there, but in no great numbers. I was informed by
the late Mr. Joseph Watson, Jun., and Mr. Isaac Clark, who
visited the islands in 1870, that there was then a colony of con-
siderable size, and they saw great numbers of the birds swim-
ming about in all directions.

164, ALCA, Linneus.

74. Razor-prtt. A. TorDA, Linnaeus.
Alca torda, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, II., 402, 404.

ap ,, Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, III., 473.

A resident; common on the coast the whole year. A few spe-
cimens breed occasionally at the Farne Islands. I have an egg
that was taken there in 1838.

75. Great Auk. A. IupEennis, Linneus.
Alca impennis, Bewick, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 1847, IT., 405.
a Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, Ed. 2, III., 476.

A specimen of this interesting, and probably now extinct,
bird (Plate XIII.) appears to have been taken on the Farne
Islands, about a century ago. In Wallis’s ‘‘History of North-
umberland,”’ it is stated, under the head Penguin, that ‘‘a curi-
ous and uncommon bird was taken alive a few years ago in the
island of Farn, and presented to the late John William Bacon,
Esq., of Etherstone, with whom it grew so tame and familiar,
that it would follow him with its body erect to be fed.”

There can be little doubt that this so-called Penguin was
really the Great Auk. The only bird with which it might have
been confounded is one or other of the Great Divers, the Northern
or the Black-throated; but as neither of these can, I believe,
walk, it could not be said that it followed Mr. Bacon ‘‘ with its
body erect to be fed;” while there can be no doubt that the
Great Auk could move in this particular position, as the Razor
Bill does.

166 A CATALOGUE OF THE BIRDS

The synonymy given by Wallis is as follows :—

“‘ Anser magellanicus, Clus. exot., p. 101. Anser magellani-
cus s. Penguin, Worm. mus., p. 300., t. 301. Penguin nautis
nostratibus dicta, Will. Orn., p. 242, t. 65. Penguin, Raj. Av.,
p. 118, n.1. Leigh, Lancash. cum optima Icone. Alca rostri
suleis octo; macula alba ante oculum, Linn. Faun. Suec., p. 48,
Fl, IG)

In the synonymy above, the passage ‘‘ Alca rostri sulcis octo ;
macula alba ante oculum, Linn. Faun. Suec., p. 43, n- 119,” is
very satisfactory.

Tt would seem that this recorded Northumberland example has
hitherto been overlooked.

LIST OF PLATES. 167

LIST OF PLATES.

BEwIck’s SwAN attacked by WHITE-TAILED EAGLE ......... Frontispiece.
PAGE.
Honey Buzzarp. PERNIS APrIvorus, (Linn.), Plate 1 ............... 6
Immature.
Sparrow Hawk. Accrerrer nisus, (Linn.), Plate 2 ............06 16

Variety without bands on breast.

Rook. CORVUS FRUGILEGUS, Linn., Plate 8...........ccc000 ccsseeeee ens 36
Variety of first plumage.

ROSE-COLOURED STARLING. PASTOR ROSEUS, Linn., Plate 4......... 43
Fig. 1, adult male after moulting. 2, male in breeding
plumage. Young, after first moult.

Arctic REDPOLE. LINARIA CANESCENS, Gould, Plate 5............... 54
SNOWFLAKE. PLECTROPHANUS NIVALIS, (Zinn.), Plate 6............ 56

Fig. 1, summer plumage. 2, winter plumage.

REDSTART. RUTICIXLA PHCNICURA, (Zinn.), Plate 7..............006 67
Fig. 1, adult female. 2, adult male after Autumnal moult.
3, first plumage.

YELLOW-BROWED WARBLER. REGULOIDES SUPERCILIOSUS,
tag EE Ihe WO ahaa Nostale sce enneseroevccaukinas -yolteailideaiensanl 74

LONG-TAILED TITMOUSE. ORITES CAUDATUS, (Linn.), Plate 9 ... 77
Northern form.

Prep FLYCATCHER. MUSCICAPA NIGRA, (Briss.), Plate 10 ......... 79
Fig. 1, male, summer. 2, male, after autumnal moult.
8. Young, first plumage.

PARTRIDGE. STARNA CINEREA, (Charleton), Plate 11 .............. 91
Fig. 1, ordinary. 2, brown variety.

PARTRIDGE. STARNA CINEREA, Plate 12 ....... cc cccee eee ee eeeenee eee 93
Fig. 1, variety, young, first plumage. 2, young, changing.

GREAT AUK, ALCA IMPENNIS, Zinn., Plate 13 ............45 cbcbemeods 165

168 INDEX,

INDEX.

Accentor, Hedge, 70.
Arctic Redpole, 54.
Arctic Skua, 137.
Arctic Tern, 142.
Ash-coloured Shrike, 41.
Auk, Great, 165.

5, Little, 164.

», Razorbill, 165.
Avocet, 124.

Barn Owl, 21.
Bean Goose, 147.
Bee-eater, Blue-tailed, 28.
Bernicle Goose, 148.
Bewick’s Swan, 144.
Bittern, 128.

ee wintertime
Blackbird, 63.
Blackeap, 71.
Black-throated Diver, 162.
Black Guillemot, 163.
Black-tailed Godwit, 101.
Black-headed Gull, 140.
Black Grouse, 90.
Black Kite, 9.
Brent Goose, 148.

Brambling, = Mountain Finch, 52.

Black Redstart, 68.

Black Stork, 129.

Black Tern, 143.
Blue-tailed Bee-eater, 28.
Blue-throated Warbler, 67.
Blue Titmouse, 76.
Bullfinch, 48.

Bunting, Common, 56.

Bunting, Lapland, 57.

A Reed, 56.

4 Snow or Snowflake, 56.

5 Yellow, 56.

Bustard, Great, 95.

A vunbnttles o5e
Butcher-bird, = Shrike, 41.
Buzzard, Common, 4.

ap Honey, 6.

5 Rough-legged, 5.

Canada Goose, 149.
Carrion Crow, 32.
Chaffinch, 51.
Chiff Chaff, 74.
Chough, 39.
Cole Titmouse, 76.
Common Buzzard, 4.
Common Bunting, 56.
Common Godwit, 102.
Common Gull, 140.
Common Sandpiper, 122.
Common Snipe, 105.
Common Tern, 141.
Coot, 126.
Cormorant, 131,
" Crested or Shag, 131.

Corn Crake, 125.
Courser, Cream-coloured, 96,
Crake, Corn, 125.

>, Spotted, 125.
Cream-coloured Courser, 96.
Creeper, 30.
Crossbill, 48.

», White-winged, 50.

Crow, Carrion, 32.
», Hooded, 32.
Cuckoo, 24.
» Great Spotted, 27.
Curlew, 101.
> Pigmy, 116.

Dabchick, = Little Grebe, 161.

Dipper, 62.
Diver, Black-throated, 162.
», Great Northern, 162.
», Red-throated, 162.
Dotterel, 98.
a Ring, 99.
Dove, Ring, 83.
», Roek, 85.
5, Stock, 84.
», Lurtle, 86.
Duck, Eider, 158.
Gadwall, 152.
Gargany, 154.
Golden-eye, 157.
» King, 158.
» Long-tailed, 158.
» Pintail, 154.
Pochard, 156.
» Red-crested, 155.
> scaup, 156.
Scoter, 159.
Shieldrake, 150.
Shoveller, 150.
Teal, 154.
» Tufted, 155.
» Velvet, 159.
Wigeon, 152.
», Wild or Mallard, 151.

White-eyed Pochard, 157.

Dunlin, 117.
Dusky Shearwater, 134.

Eagle, Golden, 1.
», White-tailed, 2.

INDEX. 169

Eagle Owl, 22.
Eared Grebe, 161.
Egyptian Goose, 150.
Eider Duck, 158.

Falcon, Iceland, 9.

», Peregrine, 11.
», Red-footed, 13.

Fieldfare, 63.

Finch, Brambling, — Moun-
tain Finch, 52.
Bullfinch, 48.
Chaffinch, 51.
Goldfinch, 52.
Greenfinch, 51.
Hawfinch, 51.

» Mountain, 52.
Siskin, 52.

Fire-crested Wren, 75.

Flycatcher, Pied, 79.

“a Spotted, 81.

Fulmar, 132.

Gadwall, 152.
Gallinule, Common, = Water Hen,

125.

Gallinule, Purple, 126.

Gannet, 130.

Garden Warbler, 71.

Garganey, 154.

Glossy Ibis, 130.

Glaucous Gull, 138.

Goatsucker, = Nightjar, 83.
Be Red-necked, 83.

Godwit, Common, 102.

», Black-tailed, 101.
Golden-crested Wren, 75.
Golden Eagle, 1.

Golden Eye, 157.
Golden Oriole, 63.
Goldfinch, 52.
Golden Plover, 97.

170

Goosander, 160.
Goose, Bean, 147.
», Bernicle, 148.
, Brent, 148.
» Canada, 149.
» Egyptian, 150.
» Grey Lag, 146.
», Pink-footed, 147.
,, Red-breasted, 148.
,, White-fronted, 147.
Goshawk, 15.
Grasshopper Warbler, 72.
Great Auk, 165.
Great Bustard, 95.
Great Spotted Cuckoo, 27.
Great Northern Diver, 162.
Greater Black-backed Gull, 138.
Great Crested Grebe, 160.
Great Snipe, 105.
Great Titmouse, 75.
Great Plover, 96.
Great Reed Warbler, 72.

Greater Spotted Woodpecker, 23.

Grebe, Eared, 161.

», Great Crested, 160.

,, Little, 161.

» Red-necked, 161.

» Scelavonian, 161.
Greenfinch, 51.
Grey-lag Goose, 146.
Grey Plover, 97.
Grey Phalarope, 123.
Green Sandpiper, 122.
Grey-headed Wagtail, 60.
Grey Wagtail, 62.
Green Woodpecker, 24.
Greenshank, 120.
Grosbeak Pine, 48.
Grouse, Black, 90.

5, Red, 88.

» Sand, Pallas’s, 87.
Guillemot, 163.

INDEX.

Guillemot, Black, 164.

ee Briinnich’s, 163.
% Ringed, 168.
Gull, Black-headed, 140.
,, Common, 140.
,, Glaucous, 138.
,, Great Black-backed, 138.
», Herring, 189. a
., Iceland, 188.
,, lvory, 137.
,, Kittiwake, 140.
Lesser Black-backed, 139.
, Little, 141.

Harrier, Hen, 19.

>, Marsh, 17.

», Montagu’s, 19.
Hawfinch, 51.
Hawk, Sparrow, 16.
Hedge Sparrow, = Accentor, 70.
Hen Harrier, 19.
Heron, 126.

» Night, 128.
Herring Gull, 139.
Hobby, 13.

Honey Buzzard, 6.
Hoopoe, 31.
Hooded Crow, 32.
House Martin, 81.
House Sparrow, 46.

Ibis, Glossy, 1380.
Iceland Falcon, 9.
Iceland Gull, 138.
Ivory Gull, 137.

Jackdaw, 38.
Jack Snipe, 114.
Jay, 41.

Kestrel or Windhover, 15.
King Duck, 158.
Kingfisher, 29.

&

eS ee

0

Kite, 9.

5» Dlack, 9.
Kittiwake, 140.
Knot, 115.

Landrail, = Corn Crake, 125.
Lapland Bunting, 57.
Lapwing, = Peewit, 99.
Leach’s Petrel, 134.
Lark, Shore, 58.

Sky, 57.

oa SOOd,..57.
Lesser Black-backed Gull, 139.
Lesser Redpole, 55.

Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, 23.

Lesser Tern, 143.
Lesser Whitethroat, 71.
Linnet, 53.

_ 9 Mountain, 54.
Little Auk, 164.

Little Bittern, 127.
Little Bustard, 95.
Little Gull, 141.

Little Grebe, 161.
Little Stint, 118.
Long-eared Owl, 22.
Long-tailed Duck, 158.
Long: tailed Titmouse, 77.

Magpie, 41.

Marsh Titmouse, 77.

Mallard, or Wild Duck, 151.

Manx Shearwater, 133.

Martin, House, 81.

i. watid, 81.

Marsh Harrier, 17.

Merganser, Red-breasted, 160.

Meadow Pipit, 59.

Mealy Redpole, 54.

Merlin, 14.

Missel Thrush, 64.

Moorhen, = Water Hen, 125.
* Montagu’s Harrier, 19,

INDEX. 171

Mountain Finch, 52.
Mountain Linnet, 54.

Night Heron, 128.
Nightjar, 83.
“ Red-necked, 83.
Norfolk Plover, = Great Plover,
96.
Nutcracker, 39.
Nuthatch, 30.

Oriole, Golden, 63.
Osprey, 3.
Ouzel, Ring, 63.

», Water, = Dipper, 62.
Owl, Barn, 21.

» Hagle, 22.

,, Long-eared, 22.

,, Short-eared, 22.

>, showy, 20.

», lawny, 21.

», Tengmalm’s, 20.
Oyster-catcher, 100.

Pallas’s Sand Grouse, 87.
Partridge, 91.
Pastor, Rose-coloured, 43.
Pectoral Sandpiper, 117.
Peewit, 99.
Peregrine Falcon, 11.
Petrel, Leach’s, 134.

» storm, 134.
Phalarope, Grey, 123.

a Red-necked, 123.
Pheasant, 94. :
Pied Flycatcher, 79.

Pied Wagtail, 61.
Pigeon, = Dove, 83.
Pigmy: Curlew, 116.
Pine Grosbeak, 48.
Pintail, 154.
Pink-footed Goose, 147.

172

Pipit, Meadow, 59.

», Richard’s, 58.

3, Bock, 59.

> Jlree, 58.
Plover, Golden, 97.

95... Gateat,,. 96.

> Green, 99.

SEG Leyanome
Pochard, 156.

oy White-eyed, 157.
Pomarine Skua, 135.
Puffin, 164.
Purple Gallinule, 126.
Purple Sandpiper, 115.

Quail, 93.
>, Virginian, 94.

Rail, Land, = Corn Crake, 125.

», Water, 124.

Raven, 31.
Ray’s Wagtail, 61.
Razorbill, 165.
Red-backed Shrike, 42.
Red-throated Diver, 162.
Red-breasted Merganser, 160.
Redbreast, 66.
Red-breasted Goose, 148.
Red-crested Duck, 155.
Red-footed Falcon, 138.
Red Grouse, 88.
Red-necked Grebe, 161.
Red-necked Nightjar, 83.
Red-necked Phalarope, 123.
Redpole, Arctic, 54.

5, * Lesser, 55.

a Mealy, 54.
Redshank, 120.

F Spotted, 120.

Redstart, 67.

> Black, 68.

ss Blue-throated, 67.
Redwing, 65.

INDEX.

Reed Bunting, 56.

Regulus, Golden-crested, 75.

ay Fire-crested, 75.
Richard’s Pipit, 58.
Richardson’s Skua, 136.
Ring Dotterel, 99.

Ring Dove, 83.

Ring Ouzel, 63.

Robin, = Redbreast, 69.
Rock Dove, 85.

Rock Pipit, 59.

Roller, 28.

Rook, 36.

Rough-legged Buzzard, 5.
Ruff, 119.

Rose-coloured Starling, 43.
Roseate Tern, 142.

Sabine’s Snipe, 113.

Sand Martin, 81.

Sand Grouse, Pallas’s, 87.

Sanderling, 114.

Sandpiper, Common, 122.
5 Green, 122.
a Pectoral, 117.
" Purple, 115.
a Spotted, 123.
H Wood, 121.

Sandwich Tern, 141.

Scaup, 156.

Sclavonian Grebe, 161.

Scoter, 159.

Sedge Warbler, 73.

Shag, 131.

Shearwater, Manx, 1338.
a Dusky, 134.

Shieldrake, 150.

Shore Lark, 58.

Short-eared Owl, 22.

Shoveller, 150.

Shrike, Ash-coloured, 41.

» Red-backed, 42.

Pet eed

ee oe ee

INDEX.

Shrike, Woodchat, 42.
Siskin, 52.
Skua, 135.
», Pomarine, 135.
;, Richardson’s, 136.
7 Arctic, 137.
Sky Lark, 57.
Smew, 160.
Snipe, Common, 105.
», Great, 105.
», dack, 114.
», Sabine’s, 113.
Snowflake, 56.
Snowy Owl, 20.
Song Thrush, 65.
Sparrow, Hedge, = Accentor,

Re House, 46.

#5 Tree, 47.
Sparrow Hawk, 16.
Spoonbill, 130.

Spotted Crake, 125.
Spotted Flycatcher, 81.
Spotted Redshank, 120.
Spotted Sandpiper, 123.
Starling, 42.

3 Rose-coloured, 43.
Stint, Little, 118.

», Temminck’s, 118.
Stock Dove, 84.
Stone Chat, 70.

70.

i)

», Curlew, — Great Plover, 96.

Stork, Black, 129.

». White, 129.
Storm Petre], 134.
Swallow, 81.

Swan, Bewick’s, 144.
Polish, 144.

», Wild, 144.

Swift, 82.

29

Tawny Owl, 21.
Teal, 154.

Temminck’s Stint, 118.
Tengmalm’s Owl, 20.
Tern, Arctic, 142.
», Black, 148.
», Common, 141.
>, Lesser, 143.
», Roseate, 142.
», Sandwich, 141.
», White-winged Black, 143.
Thrush, Missel, 64.
3 Song, 65.
» White's, 64.
Titmouse, Blue, 76.
7 Cole, 76.
* Great, 75.
.. Long-tailed, 77.
Be Marsh, 77.
Tree Sparrow, 47.
Tree Pipit, 58.
Tufted Duck, 155.
Turnstone, 100.
Turtle Dove, 86.
Twite, = Mountain Linnet, 52.

Velvet Duck, 159.
Virginian Quail, 94.

Wagtail, Grey, 62.
As Grey-headed, 60.
48 Pied, 61.
i Ray’s or Yellow, 61.
Warbler, Blue-throated, 67.
on Garden, 71.
f Grasshopper, 72.
fe Great Reed, 72.
Ff Sedge, 73.
a Yellow-browed, 74.
Water Hen, 125.
Water Ouzel, = Dipper, 62.
Water Rail, 124.
Waxwing, 78.
Wheatear, 69.

173

174

Whimbrel, 101.
Whinchat, 69.
White-eyed Pochard, 157.
White-tailed Eagle, 2.
Whitethroat, 72.

a Lesser, 71.
White’s Thrush, 64.
White-winged Crossbill, 50.

White-winged Black Tern, 143.

Whooper, 144.
White-fronted Goose, 147.
Wigeon, 152.

Wild Swan, 144.

Wild Duck, — Mallard, 151.
Willow Wren, 74.
Windhover, = Kestrel, 15.
Woodchat, 42.

Woodcock, 102.

INDEX.

Woodlark, 57.
Woodpecker, Green, 24.
* Greater Spotted, 23.
A Lesser Spotted, 23.
Wood Pigeon, = Ring Dove, 83.
Wood Sandpiper, 121,
Wood Wren, 74.
Wren, 73.
» Fire-crested, 75.
», Golden Crested, 75.
» Willow, 74.
», Wood, 74.
Wryneck, 24. |

Yellow-browed Warbler, 74.

Yellow Hammer, = Yellow Bunt-
ing, 56.

Yellow Bunting, 56.

APPENDIX.

Bartton’s Crake. Porzana Bartronu, ( Verdlot.)
Crex Baillonit, Yarrell, Hist. Brit. Birds, III., 106.
Porzana pygmea, Gould, Birds of Great Britain, Part VI.
, Ballon, Degland et Gerbe, Ornith. Europ., IT., 258.

Since the catalogue was printed I have obtained, through the
kindness of my friend, Mr. Thomas Thompson, a specimen of
Baillon’s Crake, which was shot by the side of the Derwent,
near Swalwell, on or about the 12th of July, 1874.

From the state of the plumage, and the time of year when it
was shot, in all probability it was breeding in the neighbour-
hood, and must consequently rank as a spring-and-autumn
migrant.

I believe this to be the first notice of the occurrence of this
rare species in our district, but, from its skulking habits, it may
hitherto have been unobserved.

In Vol. I1., p. 145, Bewick mentions that a specimen of the
Little Gallinule ‘“‘ was caught by the dogs of our friend, the late
Major H. F. Gibson, in a boggy place covered with reeds and
rushes, near the Tyne.” It is not possible now to ascertain
which species of Porzana is referred to in the above quotation,
and in the absence of more recently recorded observations, the
occurrence of the Little Gallinule in our district must remain
doubtful. °

ERRATA.

Page 1, line 4, for Gmelin read Brisson.

19,

144,

27,
12,

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19 288, ,, 282.
,», Streatham read Streatlam.

,, CINCHRAMUS read CYNCHRAMUS.

> 48, >, 49

>> 98, ») 283

Peat | elite

,; SIBERICUS, ») SIBIRICUS.
es oOlbiss

,, Plectrophanus, ,, Plectrophanes.

St. Trans. NV. &D. Vol. V1

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Nat. Hist. Trans. N&D, Vol.V.

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