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Smithsonian Institution
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Alexander Wetmore —
1940 Sixth Secretary 19 53
PAA
A HANDBOOK
TO THE
VERTEBRATE FAUNA
OF
NORTH WALES,
H. E. FORREST,
AUTHOR OF “THE VERTEBRATE FAUNA OF NORTH WALES”;
‘““ FAUNA OF SHROPSHIRE,”
ETC,
——
Nt it UNiAN
LIBRARIES
WITHERBY & CO
326 HIGH HOLBORN LONDON
1919
INTRODUCTORY NOTE.
The present volume is designed to furnish in a convenient
form an account of the Birds, Beasts and Fishes of North
Wales. Under each species is a brief summary showing its
status and distribution in the district. This gives at a
glance the information usually sought by a naturalist or visitor
coming into North Wales. Those who desire fuller details will
find them in my larger work, The Vertebrate Fauna of North Wales
—quoted herein as “the Fauna.’ This was published in 1907,
and in the present volume I am giving, besides the summary under
each species, such records and other particulars as have come to
hand during the past twelve years. These include the following
additional species : Lynx (pre-historic) ; Common, Lesser, and
Sibbald’s Rorquals; Barred Warbler; Willow Tit; Blue-
winged Teal ; Crane ; Sooty Tern; Great Skua ; and Shagreen
Ray. The Sand Lizard, hitherto recorded as doubtful, is
now authenticated; while the American Wigeon is added
as doubtful. The total number of species, ignoring doubtful
records, is now as follows : Prehistoric mammals 28 ; mammals
extinct during the historic period 8; existing mammals 43;
birds 257 ; reptiles 5; amphibians 6; fishes 151.
bs
x
September, 1919. H.
THE
VERTEBRATE FAUNA
NORTH WALES
BEING A HISTORY OF. THE MAMMALS,
BIRDS, REPTILES, AMPHIBIANS AND FISHES
OF THE COUNTIES OF
Anglesey, Carnarvon, Denbigh, Flint, Merioneth, and Montgomery.
Hi Ee FORRES:
ILLUSTRATED WITH 28 PLATES DEPICTING NOTABLE
HAUNTS OF TYPICAL SPECIES; PORTRAITS; AND A
COLOURED MAP OF THE DISTRICT.
The Introduction includes an account of the naturalists who
have previously dealt with the subject ; a bibliography ; a description
of the physical features of North Wales ; a brief history of the locally
extinct Mammals ; details of routes taken by birds on migration, etc.
The main portion of the book consists of detailed accounts of each
species treated on the following plan :—
In addition to the English and scientific names, the Welsh local names, with
translations.
A brief summary (in distinctive type) of the status of the species.
A full account of the species as far as concerns North Wales.
A series of notes (in small type) by various observers under the headings of
different counties.
Large Demy 8vo (83 x 6). Over 600 Pages.
Cloth Bound, Gilt Top. 17s. 6d. net.
London: WITHERBY & Co., 326, High Holborn, W.C.1.
ZOOLOGISTS a
CorRRIGENDA
Extinct MAMMALS
MaAmMALS
Brirps
REPTILES
AMPHIBIANS
FisHrs ae .
INDEX
CONTENTS.
19
79
80
81
101
ZOOLOGISTS OF NORTH WALES.
The following Biographies are additional to those appearing
in The Veriebrate Fauna of North Wales.
SMITH.—1823-1888.
Henry Ecroyd Smith was born at Doncaster, 28th August,
1823, and died at Middleham, Yorks, in 1888. He went to
Victoria in 1852, but appears to have lived the greater part
of his later years in the neighbourhood of Liverpool. He
contributed to the Flora of Liverpool, 1872, and wrote various
papers and local natural history notes for local periodicals.
In the Liverpool Naturalists’ Journal, 1866, he published a
paper entitled ‘“‘ A day among the Bird Breeders at the Point
of Air,” in which he records the Lesser Tern, nesting there, and
mentions having found it the previous year at the east end
of the Menai Straits. Other species found breeding at Point
of Air were the Ringed Plover, Oyster Catcher, Sheld Duck.
and Stock Dove.
MOORE.—1824-1892.
Thomas John Moore was born in London in 1824. His father
was a Norfolk man, but got an appointment on the staff of the
Zoological Society, so that from his earliest years the son was
able to study animals, alive and dead, his love of natural history
growing as years went by. In 1843 he was appointed as assistant
in the care of Lord Derby’s menagerie and aviary at Knowsley.
On the death of that nobleman in 1851 the collection of stuffed
specimens was transferred to Liverpool and the public museum
founded, T. J. Moore being its first curator, a post which he
filled with conspicuous ability for more than 40 years. His
work was mainly practical and his literary contributions rather
scanty. His most important paper was a Report on the Seals
and Whales of the Liverpool district, published by the Liverpool
Marine Biological Committee in 1889. Besides this he con-
tributed various short notes and records of species new to
the district to the Naturalists’ Scrap Book and other local
periodicals. With regard to North Wales, the only portion
of the Fauna he affected was the Whales and Fishes of the Dee
Estuary, his records being referred to in the present volume
2 FAUNA OF NORTH WALES
under the various species. Moore was a C.M.Z.S., and late in
his life was elected A.L.S. He died 3lst October, 1892.
MEREDITH.—1847-1910.
Rev. John Blunt Meredith, son of Rev. Edward Meredith,
Rector of Longden-on-Tern, was born at that place 19th January,
1847. He was educated at Newport Grammar School and St.
John’s College, Oxford, ordained deacon, 1871, and priest,
1872. After holding two curacies he was appointed to the
living of Kinnerley, which he occupied up to the time of his
death, 20th July, 1910. His kindly disposition, and the keen
interest he took in the affairs of his parishioners, as well as his
eloquence as a preacher, endeared him to all his neighbours.
He was an excellent musician and composed many hymn-
tunes and chants. Throughout his life he was an enthusiastic
naturalist, especially devoting himself to ornithology, whilst
he was also very fond of fishing. He frequently corresponded
with me in regard to the vertebrates of Shropshire and North
Wales—Kinnerley is close to the Welsh Border—and many of
his records will be found in the “ Faunas ” of both districts.
FEILDEN .— 1847-1910.
Frank T. Feilden was the fourth son of Rev. H. J. Feilden,
rector of Langley, Derbyshire, where he was born, He and his
brothers were all fond of natural history, especially ornithology,
and Frank took lessons in taxidermy from Cooke of Derby.
He was educated at Radley. Frank and his brother, the late
Colonel Robert Feilden, started farming at Coxbench, near
Derby, and after their father’s death they settled down together
at Borth about 1890, devoting their time chiefly to hunting,
fishing, and shooting. Frank made a special study of the birds
of the Dovey Estuary, many of the species he obtained and
preserved being of some rarity. He was a fair artist and a
good mechanic, making and painting the cases in which he
mounted his birds. The Fauna of North Wales contains
many of his records, amongst which may be mentioned local
examples of the Kite, Black-throated Diver, and many of the
rarer species of waders and sea-fowl. He built himself a punt
in which he often used to go out shooting on the estuary. On
the Ist March, 1910, a very rough day, he went out thus, but
never returned. The punt was washed up at Aberdovey and
his body was found in the estuary. He had lately been subject
to attacks of giddiness, and it is supposed that he was upset
by the waves, and the coldness of the water brought on an
attack, for it was not deep where he was found, and he was
ZOOLOGISTS OF NORTH WALES 3
a good swimmer. He was in his sixty-third year, having been
born July 29th, 1847.
RUDDY .—1842-1912.
Thomas Ruddy was born in 1842, and was brought up near
Jedburgh in Scotland. He was an expert landscape gardener,
and in 1869 was engaged to lay out the Palé grounds for the
father of the present owner, Sir Henry B. Robertson, remain-
ing there until age and infirmity caused his retirement, when
he went to reside at Llangollen. Ruddy was an all-round
naturalist, being a first rate botanist and ornithologist, while
in geology he was a specialist in the fossils of the Bala Beds,
of which he had a magnificent collection. His was a most
genial and lovable personality, and the writer enjoyed the
privilege of his friendship for many years. Scattered through
the pages of the Fauna of N. Wales are numerous records and
observations from his pen. He passed away peacefully in his
chair, 7th April, 1912.
CORRIGENDA TO THE VERTEBRATE FAUNA OF
NORTH WALES.
P. xxviii., lines 3 and 13, for “‘ Lewis Morris ” read “ William
ZxX.;
liii.,
lviii.,
Ixvi.,
35,
44,
59,
59,
line
Morris.”
21, for “‘ Calvinistic ” read ‘‘ Congregational.”
16, for “351” (first column) read “ 51.”
1, for “ Lleyn ” read “‘ Llyn.”
13, for ‘“‘electric’’ read ‘‘ Wells.”
13, for ‘“‘ Wenci”’ read ‘‘ Gwenci.”
19, Add. “Llygoden Goch = Red Mouse
(St. Asaph).”
6; for “TT. 69" nead) ae G3.”
11, Omit “ Kinmel (Mostyn).”
6, for “ Priestly ” read ‘“ Priestley.”
8, for “1888” read “ 1883.”
5, for “‘a specimen” read “an adult male.”
4, for “twenty-two” read “ twenty-one.”
5, for “ Drycin” read “ Ddrycin.”
2, for “ Llanderfel” read “ Llandderfel.”
15, ‘“‘on the Merionethshire side of the
Traeth.”’
28, for “ Helig” read ‘“ Helyg.”
4, Add. “Dryw wen= White Wren (Car-
narvon).”
25, Omit “on Sealand.”
3,for ‘“‘ Lwyd yr Hesg ”’ read “ Llwyd ye Hesg.”’
24, Transfer ‘‘ (Cummings) ”’ to line 27 after
“ them.”
23, The Cerrig-y-druidion record should be
under Denbighshire.
1, for “‘ Palé ” read ‘‘ Glyndwirdwy.”
3, for “Douglas H. Meares” read “C.
Stanley Meares.”
9, for ‘‘ Milfran” read ‘‘ Mulfran.”’
10, for ““Syddyn”’ read ‘“ Tyddyn.”’
3, for “in 1904” read ‘‘ 5th June, 1903.”
32, Omit “one shot Heswall on Dee
Estuary (V. Wilson).”
17, should read ‘The Buzzard never rears
two broods in a year but.”
36, for “‘a month ”’ read “‘ six weeks.
>?
CORRIGENDA 5
line 25, for “1897, three Buzzards” read ‘1895,
three Ravens.”
i foro BT: Williams” “réead> “° EJ.
Williams.”’
23, for ‘Cardiganshire in 1894” read
‘* Breconshire in 1893.”
21, for “not even a_ hollow’
a slight hollow.”
27, for ‘‘ Denbigh ” read “‘ Denbigh and Flint.”’
34, for ‘‘ 1901 ” read ‘* 1904.”
22, for ‘“‘ recorded ”’ read ‘‘ obtained.”
25, for “‘1870 (Field...1871)” read “1869
(Fiedd . . . 1870.”
7, for “ Talacre near Corwen ” read ‘ Talacre
and near Corwen.”
16, for ‘‘ October ”’ read ‘‘ November.”
30, for “‘ Harwood ” read ‘‘ Horwood.”’
33, for 28th December, 1879” read “3rd
January, 1880.”
33, for J. W. Greaves ”’ read “ J. E. Greaves.”
2, Omit ‘“Myniar Goesgoch = Red-legged
>
read “only
Snipe.”
3, for “1891” read “ 1841.”
26 Omit “and Mr. Victor..... November
1890.”
bifer= 155°"tead! 153.
15 The Dwyfor River record should be under
Carnarvonshire.
EXTINCT MAMMALS.
The following species have been identified from remains
in limestone caverns in Denbigh and Flint :—Dog, Fox, Wolf,
Brown Bear, Grizzly Bear, Cave Bear, Badger, Glutton, *Lynx,
Spotted Hyena, Cave Lion, Wild Cat, *Marten, Rabbit, Hare,
Mammoth, Rhinoceros, Hippopotamus, Horse, Wild Boar, Red
Deer, Roe Deer, Reindeer, “ Irish Elk,’’ Goat, European Bison,
Bos primigenius, and Bos longifrons. *The Lynx and Marten
have been found only in a cave near Prestatyn known as the
Gop, explored recently by Mr. J. H. Morris. No actual remains
of the Beaver have been found in North Wales, though it is
said traditionally to have existed here up to the sixth century.
Mammotu.—Pennant, in his History of Quadrupeds, 1793,
p. 172, writes of the Elephant :—‘‘ Some years ago two great
grinding teeth, and part of the tusks of an Elephant, were
given me by some miners who discovered them at the depth
of forty-two yards in a lead mine in Flintshire; one’ of the
strata above them was lime-stone, about eight yards thick ;
the teeth were found in a bed of gravel in the mine ; the grinders
were almost as perfect as if just taken from the animal; the
tusk much decayed, soft, and exfoliating. A Stag’s horn was
found with them.’ It seems most probable that these remains
were those of a Mammoth, and had fallen into a limestone
fissure or cavity which had subsequently become filled with
glacial gravel. A Mammoth tusk was dug up near Portmadoc
when the railway was being made.
Crrn Caves.—On p. 313, Records of the Rocks, Rev. W.
S. Symonds gives an account of the Cefn Caves, which he says
were an old coastline, as they bear evident signs of wave
action, and in some of the highest pot-holes contained marl
and detritus with fragments of marine shells and corallines.
He adds that “‘ the cave earth which once nearly filled the caves
was so full of animal remains that it was carted away for manure,
a few only of the relics of Bears, Hyenas, and Hippopotami
being preserved by Dr. Falconer and Mrs. Williams Wynn,
the owner of the caves. Dr. Falconer also found sea-she!ls
below the remains of the cave animals.”
Vaynou CattLe.—Mr. J. Whitaker informs me that the
Vaynol Cattle are not pure bred, but that Sir John Orde put
EXTINCT MAMMALS re
a pure bull to white Highland cows, whilst later on the progeny
had another cross with Cadzow cattle. The herd is therefore
three-quarter bred park cattle and one-quarter Highland.
The first bull was from Athol, the second from Lord Breadalbane’s
—hboth used while the herd was at Kilmory. Mr. L. F. Lort
tells me that the Cadzow bull was not introduced until 1896,
long after the herd came to Vaynol. In the review of the
Fauna in the Field, it is stated that the Cadzow bull was used
at Kilmory, but in this the reviewer was mistaken. The
Highland ancestry is still betrayed by a certain shagginess
about the forehead.
Goat.—In Country Life, mid-March, 1901, is a fine drawing
by Mr. Lionel Edwards of a flock of Wild Goats on the snow-
clad slopes of Moel Wyn. The writer of the accompanying
article states that there are herds of perfectly Wild Goats also
on other parts of the range, and on Rhinog-fawr and a head-
land on the bounds of Pembroke and Cardiganshire, whilst
there used to be one on the Tremadoc rocks. The South
Wales herd, though not large, is of immemorial antiquity.
Absolute purity can hardly be claimed for the Moel Wyn herd,
as some fresh blood may have been obtained from Irish herds
that used to be driven through Wales for sale, but this practice
is not observed now, nor has it been for many years past. Still
it has quite “‘as much claim to purity and wildness as the
Chillingham cattle. Rough, shaggy, long-horned, they are very
shy, frequenting the most inaccessible parts of the mountains,
and are seldom seen except when driven by stress of weather
1o the lower slopes. Sometimes the mountain-farmers organise
a goat hunt, running the animals down with sheep-dogs, and
then throwing a sack over their heads and dragging them
into captivity.” Pennant, in his History of Quadrupeds, 1793,
p- 60, mentions that he had a pair of horns from a Welsh he-
goat which measured three feet five inches long, and three
feet two inches between tip and tip.
MAMMALS.
1—NOCTULE. Nyctalus noctula (Schreber).
Generally distributed in the lowlands where wooded.
Pennant mentions (Hist. Quadr., Il., 317) one of these bats
““caught during winter in Flintshire.” Mr. Ruddy observed
one flying abroad about mid-day in Llangollen, 9th June,
1907; and again 30th December, 1911—a remarkable date.
I found the Noctule common about Welshpool and St. Asaph ;
whilst Mr. G. Bolam describes it as occurring, though not
numerous, round Bala Lake.
2.—PIPISTRELLE, orn COMMON BAT.
Pipistrellus pipistrellus (Schreber).
Probably common throughout the district though seldom actually identi-
fied.
This bat has been obtained at Llangollen, where also it was
seen abroad 28th November, and 20th December, 1909, and
13th January, 1910.
3.—NATTERER’S or REDDISH-GREY BAT.
Myotis natterert (Kuhl).
Common round Harlech ; recorded also in Denbighshire.
4—DAUBENTON’S BAT. Myotis daubentont (Kuhl).
Occurs probably in all counties, but has not been recorded in Anglesey.
Mr. G. Bolam found it common round Bala Lake, and
Mr. C. Oldham observed a few on a pool in the river at
Mallwyd, 28th September, 1913. Mr. J. R. B. Masefield also
found it common at Llanfairfechan.
5.—WHISKERED BAT. Myotis mystacinus (Kuhl).
Very numerous in Merioneth and neighbouring part of Carnarvonshire ;
found also in Denbighshire: not recorded elsewhere.
MAMMALS
Although not actually obtained in Montgomeryshire. I have
received this bat from West Felton, Shropshire, only a few
miles over the border. A bat observed at JJangollen by
Mr. G. M. Furley, 4th May, 1919, was probably of this species.
6.—LONG-EARED BAT. Plecotus auritus (Linn.).
Generally distributed, and common in many places.
7.—GREATER HORSE-SHOE BAT. Rhinolophus
ferrum-equinum (Schreber).
Has occurred two or three times in Merioneth.
In his Wild Life in Wales, p. 317, Mr. G. Bolam records seeing
on 12th July, 1906, a “‘ very large bat near the head of Bala
Lake close to him, skimming low over the water with a
remarkably slow, heavy flight. It appeared much larger than
any Noctule.” There can be little doubt that this was a
Greater Horse-shoe Bat.
8.—LESSER HORSE-SHOE BAT. Rhinolophus hipposideros
(Bechstein).
Numerous in certain parts of Denbigh and Flint ; occurs also in Carnarvon
and Merioneth.
On 10th December, 1908, I received for identification a bat
of this species, taken with another by Mr. Douglas Witty irom
a small cave on Pabo Hill near Conway.
9.— HEDGEHOG. ELrinaceus europeus Linn.
Common everywhere.
10.—MOLE. Talpa europea Linn,
Common everywhere, even high up on the moors.
In March, 1908, I received from Berriew, Montgomery, two
moles of a smoky yellow colour : each hair was yellow or apricot
colour with a dusky tip. One of these is now in the National
Museum of Wales, Cardiff.
11.—COMMON SHREW. Sorex araneus Linn.
Generally distributed and plentiful in lowlands; scarce at higher levels.
10 FAUNA OF NORTH WALES
12.—-LESSER or PIGMY SHREW. Sorex minutus Linn.
Not very uncommon in the west ; rare or overlooked in the east.
On 5th February, 1911, one was taken at Plas Power, Wrexham,
and sent to me by Mr. Godfrey Fitz-Hugh. About the same
time and subsequently several were caught in traps baited
with cheese set in his greenhouse on the Little Orme’s Head
by Mr. G. A. Hutchinson, who sent me skins. The species
appears to be fairly common round Llandudno. In 1906
Mr. G. Bolam saw one killed and dropped by a Kestrel on
Aran near Bala; while in the same district Mr. C. Oldham
found one dead on the road at Llanuwchllyn, 28th September,
1913; another at Llanfihangel Pennant, 2nd October, 1913 ;
a third at Carrog near Corwen, 19th September, 1915; and a
fourth at Llanwnda, Carnarvonshire, 23rd July, 1916.
13.—WATER SHREW. Neomys fodiens (Schreber).
Generally distributed in lowlands.
Several specimens were caught by Mr. Hutchinson in the same
manner as the Lesser Shrews mentioned above. Mr. Ruddy
caught one in the pantry of his house at Llangollen 17th
December, 1909, in a mouse-trap baited with bread. Dr.
R. Newstead found the remains of fifteen in pellets of the
Tawny Owl from Colomedy, Mold, in May, 1902.
WILD CAT. Felis sylvestris Schreb.
Extinct, except for hybrid descendants with the domestic cat.
Entries of rewards for killing Wild Cats, Polecats, and Foxes
occur in the Vestry Book of Llanyblodwel, 1720 to 1825.
(Mont. Collections, 1906.)
14—FOX Vulpes vulpes (Linn.).
Generally distributed, except in Anglesey, where it is not indigenous.
Mr. G. J. Williams writes that in 1815 the Ffestiniog Vestry
used to pay 20s. for every Fox, and 10s. for every cub. In
1817 the prices were 10s. a Fox, and 5s. each cub, and each
that was killed was to be hung from one of the yews in the
churchyard, or in some conspicuous place in the village.
In 1849 for a Fox 10s. a cub 5s.
5 ASBE Sey 58 Waseca eee
oF) 1852 pa, 99), 99 20s. 33.59 10s.
2 1863 93, 69d. .ane?, 10s. Doi saa 5s.
MAMMALS ll
Up to 1863 this money was paid from the Treth Eglwys
(Church Rate), but since then from tolls taken at the Market
Hall. In 1866 it was resolved that no payment should be
made for killing a Fox without the evidence of some respectable
person that the beast had been killed in the Parish of Ffestiniog.
Mr. W. R. Rogers informs me that a remarkably fine old dog-
fox killed near St. Asaph in 1906 and weighed by a local butcher
scaled 223 Ibs.
WOLF. Canis lupus. Linn.
Extinct; probably since the beginning of the 17th century.
Giraldus Cambrensis in his Itinerary writes of Wolves as
preying on the dead bodies of the slain in the neighbourhood
of Coleshill, near Holywell, when Henry II. made one of
his expeditions into North Wales in 1165. Pennant quotes
this in his Tour, as also does Bingley. An amusing
instance of survival of tradition is afforded by a paper in the
Nationalist of September, 1908. The writer mentions a cave
on the side of Cader Idris towards Arthog ‘“‘ where the last
Wolf in Wales was killed when George III. was king.”
BEAR. Ursus arctos Linn,
Extinct; probably quite a thousand years ago.
15.—PINE MARTEN. Martes martes (Linn.).
Still found in the wilder parts of Carnarvon and Merioneth; occurs else-
where as a wanderer,
With regard to the colour of the young, Mr. A. Heneage Cocks
has found by observation of examples bred in confinement
that they are white at first.
An excellent descriptive account of hunting the Marten
in Wales by ‘“ Geoffrey Mortimer” appeared in the Field
7th December, 1901. Unlike the Stoat or Weasel which
attack the throat or neck, the Marten kills its prey by a bite
just over the heart (cf. Zoologist, 1908, 2).
I am indebted to Mr. Rhys P. Allaway for the following
observations on the habits of this animal. The tenant of a
farm close to Cwm Bychan had a domestic cat with four kittens
in an outhouse: the kittens disappeared one after the other
till only one remained : he then set a trap to catch the thief,
and to his surprise next morning found it occupied by a Marten.
An old local keeper told him that when the Marten either
: B
12 FAUNA OF NORTH WALES
winds or sees a Grouse in the snow, it stamps on the snow to
harden it, and so obtains a firm spot to spring from, and it
very rarely fails to catch its prey. He adds that about Cwm
Bychan farmers often track them in the snow; a young one
was taken there 18th May, 1907.
Among recent occmrences in Carnarvonshire are a female
obtained by Mr. F. Cobden at Capel Curig in April, 1909; one
trapped at the lighthouse on the Great Orme’s Head (where
it seems to have gone in search of the poultry) June 6th, 1910 ;
and a male trapped near Trefriw, February 22nd, 1911. One
was trapped on Moel Siabod in 1910, and another at Beddgelert
in January, 1913. Mr. G. Bolam states that at least six were
trapped in the Bala and Dolgelley district between 1905 and
1907.
16.—POLECAT. Mustela putorius Linn.
Almost extinct in the east and Anglesey; not uncommon in parts of
Carnarvon and Merioneth.
17.—STOAT. Mustela erminea stabilis Barrett-Hamilten.
Generally distributed and common.
Pennant in his History of Quadrupeds mentions seeing “ two
most perfect and beautiful Ermines ” in his grounds at Mostyn
in February, 1780. Jn the Field (27th February, 1915), Mr.
V. F. Wynne Eyton of Mold, describes a Stoat’s larder in a
Woodpecker’s hole over twenty feet from the ground in a dead
oak-tree. It contained a recently-killed hen Blackbird.
18—WEASEL. Mustela nivalis Linn.
Generally distributed and common,
19.—BADGER Meles meles (Linn.).
Fairly common in the east ; rarer in the west ; unknown in Lleyn; occurs
only near Menai Bridge in Anglesey.
Of three caught at Llanidloes in November, 1911, one was of
the curious erythristic variety of which several examples have
been obtained in Shropshire, though this appears to be the
only occurrence recorded in Wales.
20.— OTTER. Lutra luwtra (Linn.),
Generally distributed in the lowlands, and more or less common in ail
counties.
MAMMALS 13
21.—COMMON SEAL. Phoca vitulina Linn.
Occasional winter visitor to the coasts.
22—GREY SEAL. JHalicherus grypus Fabr.
Resident on some of the western islands; visits the estuaries.
There has evidently been some confusion between this species
and the last by observers, and from many enquiries I have
come to the conclusion that the Grey Seal is the only species
resident and breeding in North Wales, though the Com-
mon Sea! is a not infrequent winter visitor. The Seals reported
off the coast of Lleyn by Col. Wynne Finch and Mr. O. V.
Aplin were almost certainly Grey Seals. Mr. A. Heneage
Cocks also telis me that this is the only species he has observed
on that coast. In August, 1907, four were seen basking in
Porth Ceiriad by Mr. W. W. Cobb. The Seal reported below
Chester, November 11th, 1905, was a Grey Seal (Zoologist,
1911, 111), as also were individuals seen in the Dovey by Dr.
Seymour Jackson, July 9th and October 8th, 1909; in the
Menai Straits by Mr. L. F. Lort, February 7th, 1909; and
below the South Stack Lighthouse by Messrs. Steele Elliott and
C. Oldham, June 24th, 1910.
On the other hand, examples of the Common Seal are recorded
in the Dee estuary by Coward (Vert. Fauna Cheshire, 1, 42)
in December, 1891, winter of 1893-4, November 10th, 1907,
and August 12th, 1908—this last an early date. Mr. R. W.
Jones also saw one in Llandudno Bay, November 4th, 1907.
During a visit to Bardsey in August, 1902, Mr. W. W. Cobb
learnt from one of the lighthousemen that Seals were fairly
abundant on the island and lived all the year round in Ogof
rhuna. <A native named Love Pritchard caught a young one
in a cave not long before, and kept it alive for some time.
These would probably be Grey Seals. The species is known
to breed on Lambay, an island off the coast of Dublin. (See
Handbook to the Dublin district prepared for the Brit. Association
Meeting 1908, p. 111., and Plate VIII.—photos of the young.)
Mr. O. V. Aplin writes in the Zoologist, 1910, 106 :—‘* The
Bardsey men have told me that in cold weather about Christ-
mas, when they are crossing, they hear the Seals making a
great noise round the islands ‘ crying like children.’ ”
A young Grey Seal was stranded off Hoylake on the 28th
October, 1909, and sent alive to Liverpool Museum. For
description see Coward, Fauna, Cheshire, I., 46. It is dcscribed
as very noisy, barking loudly for food.
Mr. C. Oldham saw a Grey Seal in Afonwen Bay, 31st August,
1914. It showed a good deal of curiosity, turning its head
B2
14 FAUNA OF NORTH WALES
when he whistled or shouted. It was at approximately the
same spot during the hour and a half that he was on the beach,
and sometimes its head was protruded above the water for
a quarter of an hour at a stretch.
Pennant in History of Quadrupeds describes and figures a
“ Pied Seal” taken at Chester in May, 1766: it was bare of
hair except on the head. This was probably a diseased Grey
Seal. Pennant also writes in British Zoology, quoting Rev. —
Farrington, of Dinas, Carnarvonshire :—‘“‘ Seals are found most
frequently between Lleyn and the northern parts of Anglesey :
they are seen often towards Carreg-y-moelrhon to the west of
Bardsey, and on the Skerries. They are excellent swimmers
and ready divers, and are very bold when in the sea, swimming
carelessly enough about boats. Their dens are in hollow rocks
or caverns near the sea but out of reach of the tide. In the
summer they will come out of the water to bask or sleep in
the sun on the top of large stones or shivers of rocks, and that
is the opportunity our countrymen take of shooting them.
If they chance to escape they hasten towards their proper
element. flinging stones and dirt behind them as they scramble
along; at the same time expressing their fears by piteous
moans ; but if they happen to be overtaken they will make a
vigorous defence with their feet and teeth till they are killed.
They are taken for the sake of their skins and for the oil their
fat yields: the former sell for 4s. and 4s. 6d. apiece, and, when
dressed, are very useful in covering trunks, making waistcoats,
shot-pouches,” ete. Pennant further refers to Seals on the
coast of Cornwall, quoting a letter from Rev. Dr. Wm. Borlase
dated 24th October, 1763, describing them as most plentiful
there in May, June and July, and as varying in size from “as
large as a cow and from that downwards to a small calf.”
Throughout Pennant’s account the Grey Seal and Common
Seal are confused together.
23.— SQUIRREL. § Sciurus vulgaris (Linn.).
Common in wooded districts up to a moderate elevation.
24.—DORMOUSE. Juscardinus avellanarius Linn.
Generally distributed ; common in the east ; rare in the west.
BLACK RAT. Epimys ratius (Linn.).
Formerly found in the west, but probably now extinct.
Pennant, in his History of Quadrupeds, writes :—“‘ The Welsh
call this Llygoden Frengig or the French Mouse, which evinces
MAMMALS 15
it not to be a native of our island.” He also mentions that
at the time of writing (1793), the Brown Rat had “ destroyed
the Common Black Rat in most places.”
“Smart Rep Rat or ANGLESEY.” ‘There is a strong
probability that this rat is identical with the rufous form of
#£. rattus found on Lundy Island in 1907 by Messrs. Coward
and Oldham. See Zoologist, 1907.
25.—BROWN, orn COMMON RAT. Epimys norvegicus
Berkenhout.
Common throughout the district.
See under Puffin.
26—COMMON, or HOUSE MOUSE. Mus musculus
Linn.
Very common,
HARVEST MOUSE. Jlicromys minutus Pallas.
Reported in various scattered localities, but no certain record,
27.—WOOD MOUSE, or LONG-TAILED FIELD MOUSE.
Apodemus sylvaticus (Linn.).
Common and generally distributed.
28.—-WATER VOLE, or WATER RAT. Arvicola amphibius
(Linn.).
Common by water throughout the district up to a moderate elevation.
29.—FIELD VOLE, or SHORT-TAILED FIELD MOUSE.
Microtus hirtus (Bellamy).
Common throughout the district.
30.—BANK VOLE, or RED FIELD VOLE. Lvotomys
glareolus (Schreb.).
Generally distributed.
In May, 1910, I saw several caught in My. L. F. Lort’s garden
at Menai Bridge, Anglesey, in which the underparts were very
dusky, as in those taken round Bangor on the opposite side
of the Straits.
16%) FAUNA OF NORTH WALES
31—COMMON HARE. Lepus europeus Pallas.
Generally distributed but not common everywhere.
32—MOUNTAIN HARE. Lepus timidus Linn.
An introduced species ; common on some mountains.
The hares in the Snowdon district turned down by Lord Penrhyn
were brought from the property of Captain Dewar, adjoining
the Drummond Castle estate near Crieff. In March, 1910, Mr.
Harold King observed several in the white coat on Moel-y-Ci
and the slopes of Carnedd Dafvdd.
33.—RABBIT. Oryctolagus cuniculus (Linn.).
Common everywhere.
There are white wild Rabbits on Penmon and Newborough
warrens, Anglesey.
RED DEER. Cervus elaphus Linn.
Semi-domesticated in certain parks; survived in the wild state till the
eighteenth century.
Several very large skulls and antlers were found along the
foreshore in the Barmouth district in 1912-14. In 1913 a
skull and parts of skeleton were found at Towyn. Bingley
in his Tour I., 199, writes of Snowdonia :—‘‘ These mountains
formerly abounded in deer, which even continued in great
quantities till much later than the reign of Henry VIII., but
after the use of firearms became general they were soon all
destroyed.” Pennant, too, writes of this same district (Tour,
II., 341) ‘‘ Stags were found here in the days of Leland in such
numbers as to destroy the little corn which the farmezs attempted
to sow, but they were extirpated before 1626.”
34.—FALLOW DEER. Dama duma (Linn.).
Not indigenous: kept semi-domesticated in parks.
Pennant, in British Zoology, gives the Welsh name as Gafr-
danas=Danish Goat, and says that the Fallow Deer were
introduced from Norway by James I. when he visited his
intended bride, Mary of Denmark. This was probably mere
fancy on his part In his Jour, II., 250, he mentions that
MAMMALS 17
“the Park of Nannau is remarkable for its very small but very
excellent venison.” Giraldus Cambrensis in his Itinerary states
that he saw at Chester ‘‘ what appeared novel to us, cheese
made of deer’s milk ; for the countess and her mother keeping
tame deer, presented to the Archbishop three small cheeses
made from their milk.” The deer would no doubt be Fallow
Deer.
ROE DEER. Capreolus capreolus (Linn.).
Appears to have become extinct long ago.
Pennant, in British Zoology, states that the Roebuck “ was
formerly very common in Wales,” and in his Tour, IT., 280,
adds that the Roe ‘‘ was hunted with hounds or greyhounds
which were held in leashes and let slip at the animal.” Leland
refers to the Roe and Red Deer as common early in the 16th
century on Clun Forest, which is partly in Montgomeryshire
In the laws of Howell the Good the Roe is valued at the same
as a she-goat.
35—BOTTLE-NOSE WHALE. 4Hyperoodon rostratus Mull
Occurs from time to time on the coast—most frequently in the north.
A small female, 17 feet long, was stranded at Mostyn, 27th
September, 1907.
36.—PORPOISE. Phocena communis Linn.
Common off ali coasts.
A porpoise weighing about 100 Ibs. was caught at Colwyn
Bay, 10th July, 1909.
37.—WHITE-BEAKED DOLPHIN. Lagenorhynchus
albirostris Gray.
Obtained once in the Dee estuary in 1862.
38.—GRAMPUS. Grampus griseus Cuv.
Rare: has occurred off Anglesey and Lleyn and in the Dee estuary.
Dr. J. Travis Jenkins, on board the Fishery Yacht off Aberdaron
Bay, passed close to a fine specimen swimming towards Bardsey
18 FAUNA OF NORTH WALES
Island. The tall, sharply-pointed back fin situated in the middle
of the dorsal surface was unmistakable. There were lots of
Mackerel about at the time. Mr. J. A. Dockray found one in
1899 in the Dee estuary between Heswall and Thurstaston ;
it was about nine feet long and had been dead several days.
39.—DOLPHIN. Delphinus delphis Linn.
Of rare and irregular occurrence.
40.—BOTTLE-NOSED DOLPHIN. Tursiops truncatus
(Mont.).
Several occurrences in the west.
41--COMMON RORQUAL. Balenoptera physalus
Linn.
Recorded once.
Bell in British Quadrupeds, page 401, states that a young Rorqual
taken on the coast of Wales in 1846 was described by Dr. Gray
as Benedenia knoxii, but since determined to be of this species.
The skeleton is in the British Museum, and Flower’s list of
Cetacea states that it was ‘‘ towed into Liverpool,” so that
the animal was probably taken off North Wales.
42—LESSER RORQUAL. SBalenoptera acutirostrata Lacep.
Recorded once.
The decomposed body of one twenty-eight feet long came
ashore near Aberystwyth, 22nd September, 1910.
43.—SIBBALD’S RORQUAL. Balcenoptera sibbaldu. Gray.
Recorded once.
In September, 1918, I noted in the shop of Mr. Davies, fishmonger,
Barmouth, a single lumbar vertebra, which he informed me had
been cast up by the sea there. It measured thirteen inches
across the disc and nine inches along the upper process. From
its size it can only have belonged to this, the largest of all
existing animals. The species has not, I believe, been previously
met with in Welsh waters.
BIRDS.
1—MISTLE THRUSH. Turdus viscivorus viscivorus. L.
Generally distributed, excepting in very mountainous districts.
Dr. N. F. Ticehurst noted six or eight in June, 1913, at the
extremity of Lleyn—as far west as they could range in Wales,
2.—SONG THRUSH. Turdus philomelus clarket Hart.
Common in all suitable parts of the country: leaves the uplands in winter.
3.—REDWING. Turdus musicus L.
Winter migrant, common in lowlands, especially on the coast.
Mr. 8. G. Cummings has several times seen Redwings on Sealand
in April. -
4.—FIELDFARE. Turdus pilaris L.
Winter migrant, common in lowlands, most numerous inland.
In 1910 one was killed at the Skerries light during the night
of 9-10th May—a remarkably late date.
5.—BLACKBIRD Turdus merula merula L.
Plentiful everywhere, even on mountain sides and some islands.
6.—RING OUZEL. Turdus torquatus torquatus L.
Summer migrant, common on moors and mountains: almost unknown
in Anglesey.
Mr. H. King states that for a short time after their arrival
Ring Ouzels are very numerous on the heathery slopes in the
lower part of Nant Francon: as the spring advances they
disperse and then frequent its more rocky parts. Mr. C.
Oldham found the Ring Ouzel remarkably scarce round Bedd-
gelert : during a week’s stay in June, 1914, he saw only two—
both near the summit of Snowdon. During a heavy snow-
20 FAUNA OF NORTH WALES
storm on 19th February, 1905, Mr. G. Bolam met with a
party of five Ring Ouzels near the top of Aran—a remarkable
date.
7.—WHEATEAR. (Mnanthe enanthe enanthe (L.).
Summer migrant, arriving in March ; common on downs round the coast,
and on warrens and stony hillsides inland.
Pennant in his Tour IT., 349, mentions having met with the
Wheatear by Ffynnon Lis on Snowdon, this and the Ring
Ouzel being the only small birds that frequent these heights,
He appears to have forgotten the Meadow Pipit, which far
outnumbers the Wheatear.
The large race (Enanthe enanthe leucorrhoa) has been noted
on migration in April near Aberystwyth by Professor Salter,
who remarks that it perches more freely on furze-bushes than
the smaller race. Amongst several Wheatears killed at Bardsey
lighthouse 14-15th August, 1909, was “one at least of the
Greenland race, which would seem to be an unusually early
record”? for the autumnal migration. (B.0.C. Migration
Report, p. 206.) In 1912 the Wheatear was noted on the Great
Orme’s Head by Mr. R. W. Jones as early as the Ist and 2nd
March. In 1913 migration lasted from March 21st to May
9th, the largest numbers being recorded at the Welsh light-
houses in the last half of April. Dr. N. F. Ticehurst records
that numbers passed Bardsey on migration in September, 1913,
including many of the larger race.
8.—WHINCHAT. Savzicola rubetra rubetra (L.).
Summer migrant, generally distributed and common in parts; not
numerous in Anglesey.
In Anglesey Mr. H. King observed a pair at Llanddona in August,
1910. In Carnarvonshire the Whinchat breeds sparingly in the
Snowdon district, but is more abundant in Merioneth on the
Rhinog Range and the northern slopes of Cader Idris. The
stomach of one from Prestatyn examined by Dr. R. Newstead
in May, 1894, contained many small spiders, an earwig, weevil
and five beetles.
9.—STONECHAT. Sazicola torquata hibernans (Hart.).
Partial migrant ; most numerous near the coast, especially in Anglesey
where it is extremely common.
The latter half of the bottom paragraph on page 79 of the Fauna
should read as follows :—‘‘ Even when unaware of a watcher the
BIRDS 21
bird never goes direct to the nest, but approaches it by a series
of short, irregular flights, finally dropping into the herbage
and running to the nest unseen.”’ Mr. R. W. Jones has noticed
that at Llandudno local birds are reinforced in the spring.
Several observers have met with the Stonechat on Bardsey in
summer and autumn.
10.—REDSTART. Phenicurus phenicurus phenicurus (L.).
Summer migrant, somewhat local but common in most wooded districts ;
rare in Anglesey and not recorded in Lleyn.
Additional Anglesey record :—a male north of Menai Bridge,
10th May, 1911 (H. King).
11—BLACK REDSTART. Phanicurus ochrurus gibraltariensis
(Gm.).
Regular visitor to the coast in small numbers,
Several additional occurrences have been recorded, and it seems
probable that this species regularly passes through North
Wales on migration in very small numbers, though it appears
to keep always to the coast. On the Great Orme’s Head Mr.
R. W. Jones observed a female, 27th December, 1910 ; another,
23rd November, 1911; a male, Ist March, 1912; an immature
male, 2nd November, 1912, and two, 7th February, 1914. Messrs.
Coward and Oldham noted a male at Holyhead on 15th and
18th October, 1912, and a female near the South Stack, 22nd
October, 1912. In the B.O0.C. Migration Report, one is
recorded in the Conway Estuary, 24th March, 1913, and
one at the Skerries, 13-14th October, 1912. In the Zoologist,
1914, p. 148, are records of one at Llandudno, 10th January,
and another at Valley on the 14th. Mr. F. C. Rawlings sent
me for identification the skin of a female which he shot at
Barmouth, 13th December, 1915. Just beyond our district
Mr. Frank S. Wright caught a female at the botanical labora-
tory, University College, Aberystwyth, 19th November, 1916,
while Professor Salter tells me that he knows of one or two
other occurrences there besides those recorded in the Vert.
Fauna N. Wales.
12—REDBREAST. Zrithacus rubecula melophilus Hart.
Plentiful everywhere except on very elevated land.
A white Robin haunted certain gardens in Newtown (Mont.)
for several months in 1909.
22 FAUNA OF NORTH WALES
13.—NIGHTINGALE. Luscinia megarhyncha megarhyncha
Brehm.
Summer migrant; rare. Occurs irregularly on the English border; not
authenticated elsewhere.
14.—WHITETHROAT. Sylvia communis communis Lath.
Summer migrant ; common and generally distributed.
15.—LESSER WHITETHROAT. Sylvia curruca curruca (L.).
Summer migrant; fairly common in the eastern, but rare in the
western half of the district.
The following are additional records: In Anglesey one was
seen in Red Wharf Bay, 17th May, 1914, by Mr. R. W. Jones ;
a pair with young out of the nest near Holland Arms in June,
1915, and one singing near Ceint Station, 21st June, 1916,
noted by Mr. C. Oldham; several in Red Wharf Bay
observed by Mr. 8. G. Cummings in 1917 and 1918; he also
noted two pairs at Wern in 1917. In Carnarvonshire Mr.
T. A. Coward heard five in one day in May, 1910, near Llan-
dudno, while the same year Mr. T. Owen found a nest and eggs
near Bangor. In 1917 Mr. R. W. Jones heard one repeatedly
at Bangor during June and July. In Flintshire Thomas
Mather wrote in the Liverpool Naturalists’ Journal, 1866-7,
that it “had been more common during the last four or five
years than in the previous ten.”’ There is no doubt that here,
as in Shropshire, the numbers vary from year to year. Mr.
D. Witty found a nest and eggs at Mochdre, 20th May, 1909.
Mr. 8. G. Cummings heard one singing at Dolgelley, 20th May,
1912. Its arrival in Merioneth was recorded in the B.0.C.
Migration Report as early as 14th April, 1913. Mr. H. F.
Witherby noted two at Aberdovey in 1915.
16.—BLACKCAP. Sylvia atricapilla atricapilla (L.).
Summer migrant, common except in Lleyn, Anglesey, and Llandudno,
In Lleyn Mr. Ellis Davies, gardener at Nanhoron, says that
the Blackcap is common in the grounds there. Mr. A. G.
Edwards reports that for fully a week during the first half of
January, 1906, a female came and fed in his garden at Portmadoc
on food put out for the Tits, ete. She was very pugnacious
and drove other birds from the food. One struck the lantern
at Bardsey lighthouse, 10-l]th October, 1912.
BIRDS 23
17.—GARDEN WARBLER. Sylvia borin (Bodd.),
Summer migrant; generally distributed in the southern half of the
district ; local in the northern half, rare in Anglesey and west Carnarvon.
The following are additional records :—One heard at Red
Wharf Bay, Anglesey, 26th May, 1913, by Mr. 8. G. Cummings,
who also found it more numerous than the Blackcap round
Barmouth in 1912. Mr. H. King found a colony in the Aber
Valley, Carnarvonshire, in 1909-10, while Mr. R. W. Jones
heard it at Llandudno on three occasions in May, 1909. About
Llandinam (Mont.) Rev. E. Lorimer Thomas found it numerous
in May, 1918. Dr. N. F. Ticehurst records migrants at the
Bardsey light at night only, 4-7th September, 1913.
17a.— BARRED WARBLER. Sylvia nisoria nisoria (Bechst.).
Recorded once only, in Anglesey.
The B.O.C. Migration Report, 1911, 268, records a Barred
Warbler killed at the Skerries lighthouse on the night of 10-
llth September, 1910. [ learn from Dr. N. F. Ticehurst that
it was identified by the wing and leg which were sent to him.
This is a first record for Wales.
18.—_GOLDEN-CRESTED WREN. Regulus regulus anglorum
(Hart.).
Resident, and common except in north Anglesey: more numerous in
winter.
In May, 1913, Mr. W. Glynne Edwards found a nest being built
in Llynnon Woods, near Holyhead. Mr. 8. G. Cummings states
that he has seen the bird in that district during summer on
several occasions.
19.—FIRE-CRESTED WREN. Regulus ignicapillus
ignicapillus (Temm.),
Recorded once at Pwilheli.
20.—CHIFFCHAFF. Phylloscopus collybita collybiia (Vieill.).
Summer migrant; common, except about Bala andin Lleyn and north
Anglesey.
In 1913 Mr. R. W. Jones records a Chiffchaff at Llandudno on
15th February, and repeatedly afterwards until mid-March.
Chiffchaffs were reported as wintering in various parts of
England that season.
24 FAUNA OF NORTH WALES
21.—WILLOW WARBLER. Phylloscopus trochilus trochilus
(L.).
Summer migrant, common in all but very bare localities; the most
abundant of the warblers.
In May, 1908, Mr. Ruddy observed a Willow Wren with entirely
white tail in his garden at Llangollen. A belated emigrant
struck the lighthouse on St. Tudwal’s, 10-11th October, 1912.
An example of the northern Willow Warbler (Ph. t. eversmannt)
was taken at the Bardsey light on the 10-11th April, 1913,
and several others between the 2nd and 16th September following
(N. F. Ticehurst).
22.—_ WOOD WREN. Phylloscopus sibilatrix sibilatrix
(Bechst.).
Summer migrant, common in open woods generally, but especially in
certain wooded valleys of Merioneth and Carnarvon ; in Anglesey common
only in the south.
Heard by Mr. 8S. G. Cummings near Dolgelley 19th April, 1912,
and Caerwys 19th April, 1914—an early date.
23.—REED WARBLER. Acrocephalus scirpaceus scirpaceus
(Herm.).
Summer migrant; very local and rare except on the Cheshire and Shrop-
shire border ; not recorded in Anglesey.
The late Mr. C. K. Siddall heard a Reed Warbler at Talacre,
17th August, 1910, while in August, 1911, Mr. H. G. Attlee
heard one near Harlech—both new localities.
24.—SEDGE WARBLER. Acrocephalus schenobenus (L).
Summer migrant, generally distributed in lowlands but somewhat local ;
numerous in the west.
Six were recorded at the Bardsey lighthouse, 6-7th August,
1912, and two at the Skerries, 16-17th August, 1912.
25.—GRASSHOPPER WARBLER. Locustella nevia nevia
(Bodd.).
Summer migrant; generally distributed; fairly common on hills inland,
less numerous on flats by the coast.
The following are additional records :—Anglesey: one heard
Malldraeth, 11th May, 1907, and another north of Beaumaris
a week later by Mr. H. King. Carnarvon: Mr. King also
found a pair nesting at Llyn-y-pare, Bettws-y-coed, in 1911;
Mr. R. W. Jones noted about six round Llandudno in 1907:
BIRDS 25
Mr. W. W. Cobb heard one at Abersoch in 1909, while the species
was recorded at the Bardsey light on Ist and 6th May, 1913.
Denbigh and Flint: Dr. C. L. Williams heard one in 1903 at
Holywell, where Rev. E. Lorimer Thomas noted two pairs
in 1916: Mr. R. Morgan heard and saw one at Llanarmon
near Mold, in May, 1910, while Mr. 8. G. Cummings heard two
at Caerwys, 22nd April, 1914. Dr. N. F. Ticehurst records
several at the Bardsey light in September, 1913. One day
the keepers cleaned out the foghorns, removing two or three
dozen dried bodies of birds: quite a large proportion were
Grasshopper Warblers, most of the others being Sedge and Willow
Warblers.
26—HEDGE SPARROW. Prunella modularis occidentalis
(Hart.).
Resident; common and generally distributed in all suitable districts,
even to a considerable elevation on the moors and mountains,
27.—ALPINE ACCENTOR. Prunella collaris collaris (Scop.).
Rare visitor, recorded once only, on Snowdon.
28.—DIPPER. Cinclus cinclus britannicus Tsch.
Resident ; common on rapid streams everywhere, but in Anglesey naturally
scarce.
With reference to the Dipper singing in winter Mr. Ruddy
records that on January 4th, 1908, when the Dee at Llangollen
was partially frozen over, several Dippers were running merrily
about on the ice and singing as joyfully as if it were summer.
In Anglesey Mr. H. King has met with this species on the
River Braint.
The stomachs of two from Colomendy and two from Colwyn
Bay examined by Dr. R. Newstead in 1908, were found to contain
Caddis-worms, water-beetles, and Entomostraca.
Mr. Oldham remarks that the Dipper has a considerable
range in altitude: At Old Colwyn it nests at sea level, while
he has found it by tarns up to 2,200 feet on the Carnedds and in
Cwm Glas, Snowdon.
29.—LONG-TAILED TITMOUSE. <githalos caudatus roseus
(Blyth).
Resident; generally distributed and common in most districts, except
Lleyn and Anglesey.
In Anglesey Mr. C. Oldham saw a few with Goldcrests and
Blue Tits in Penrhos Woods near Holyhead, 14th October,
26 FAUNA OF NORTH WALES
1912; and a flock near Bodorgan, 8th October, 1913. In
Lleyn he saw a flock at Llanbedrog in October, 1914.
30.—GREAT TITMOUSE. Parus major newtoni Praz.
Resident, and more or less common everywhere except in north Anglesey.
31—COAL TITMOUSE. Parus ater britannicus, Sharpe and
Dress.
Resident. Generally but unequally distributed throughout the district.
Mr. R. W. Jones reports it as frequent at Llandudno, and Mr.
A. W. Boyd found it common along the Conway Valley, in
1906-7. Mr. Peter Foulkes-Roberts says it is now very common
around Denbigh. It is not often seen in flocks, but on 10th
January, 1908, Mr. T. Ruddy saw twelve together at Llangollen.
32.—MARSH TITMOUSE. Parus palustris dresseri Stejn.
Resident and common generally in the eastern half of the district, but very
rare in the west except the Conway Valley: not authenticated in Anglesey.
Mr. R. W. Jones reports it as frequent at Llandudno in Carnar-
vonshire but Mr. H. King has never met with it round Bangor.
In Denbigh and Flint Mr. A. W. Boyd has met with it at Trefriew,
Coed Coch, and Llysfaen, and Dr. C. L. Williams at Holywell.
In Merioneth Mr. H. G. Attlee identified it in two places above
Llanbedr in July, 1909, and in two places three miles off in
1911.
32a.—BRITISH WILLOW TITMOUSE. Parus atricapillus
kleinschmidti Hellm.
Recorded at Capel Curig, and doubtless occurs elsewhere.
In British Birds, IV., 147, Mr. H. G. Alexander records the
occurrence of this Titmouse at Capel Curig in 1910. From
its resemblance to the Marsh Tit it is easily overlooked.
83.—BLUE TITMOUSE. Parus ceruleus obscurus Praz.
Resident and common everywhere.
34.—NUTHATCH. Sitta europea britannica Hart.
Resident ; numerous in the Severn Valley, Montgomeryshire, and common
in some parts of the English border; very rare in the west.
In Anglesey the Nuthatch had not been recorded until 14th
May, 1910, when in company with Mr. L. F. Lort I observed
BIRDS 27
a pair at Llangoed near Beaumaris, while another was seen
near the same place by Mr. R. W. Jones, 17th May, 1914, and
another at Craig-y-don, Menai Bridge, by Mr. F. H. Mills in
February, 1919. In Carnarvonshire the Nuthatch has been
repeatedly seen in the neighbourhood of Llandudno from 1907
onwards by Mr. R. W. Jones, who found a nest at Gloddaeth
in 1908. Further west it has been identified in Penrhyn Park
by Mr. C. Oldham, 6th April, 1912 : at Llandwrog 6th September,
1914, and at Glynllifon Park in August, 1918, by Mr. S. G.
Cummings ; while one was found dead in Vaynol Park, Ist May,
1917, by Mr. F. H. Mills. Mr. George Bolam describes it as
common about Mallwyd on the borders of Montgomery and
Merioneth.
35.—WREN. Troglodytes troglodytes troglodytes (L.).
Resident and numerous everywhere, even on the moors and mountains.
Mr. C. Oldham writes :—The Wren is ubiquitous ; to be seen
in all sorts of situations from shore to mountain-top. On 24th
September, 1913, I saw one among the crags on Aran Mawddwy
above the 2,000 feet line; another in October, 1914, among
the stones at the top of Yr Kifl; and a pair feeding young
on an islet in Llyn Glas, Snowdon (2,250 feet), 17th July, 1916.
In Lleyn the Wren is revered ; its nest is never molested, and
the following sayings are current among the country folk:
Y sawl a dynno nyth y driw
Gyll ei iechyd tra fo byw.
Y sawl a dynno nyth y driw
Wél o byth mo wyneb Duw.
t.e. He who harries (pulls) the nest of the Wren
Will lose his health for the rest of his life.
He who harries the nest of the Wren
Will never see the face of God.
36.—TREE CREEPER. Certhia familiaris brittanica.
Ridgw.
Resident and common in all wooded districts up to a moderate elevation.
Professor J. H. Salter remarks that the Creeper sings persistently
in all weathers throughout autumn, winter, and spring.
37.—PIED WAGTAIL. Motacilla alba lugubris Temm.
Resident or partial migrant ; generally distributed throughout the lowlands
and up to a moderate elevation.
With reference to the period of migration Professor J. H. Salter
remarks that the spring movement begins early in March.
Cc
28 FAUNA OF NORTH WALES
Mr. S. G. Cummings observed large numbers near the Barmouth
coast in August-September, 1912. On 12th April, 1911, Mr.
H. King observed an albino feeding with Sparrows on the shore
at Cemmaes, Anglesey. Mr. G. M. Furley has observed that it
is absent from Llangollen in winter but returns in spring.
38WHITE WAGTAIL. Motacilla alba alba L.
Regular migrant along the west coast in spring and autumn; rare else-
where, except a few migrants on the north coast in April: breeds
occasionally.
The following are additional records. In Anglesey an adult
male was seen by Mr. C. K. Siddall in Bull Bay, 28th September,
1909, and two near Beaumaris by the writer, 14th May, 1910.
In Lleyn Mr. C. Oldham noted three at Aberdaron, three at
Abersoch, and two on Bardsey during the first week of October,
1914: these were doubtless on the return migration. Mr.
C. K. Siddall watched a male on the Dee at Berwyn in July,
1909—possibly one of a breeding pair, whilst Rev. Leo O’ Hea
saw several at Prestatyn, 24th April, 1913. In September
1913, Dr. N. F. Ticehurst noted numbers of Pied and White
Wagtails migrating across Bardsey. In the larger move-
ments White Wagtails predominated. They arrived generally
from the N.W. and, passing along the W. side of the island,
continued their flight to the south. A few also arrived on the
southern tip of the island and crossed to the mainland in a
N.E. direction. It is evident that this species does use the
west coast route on the autumn migration, so the statement
on p. LXIX. of the Fauna N. Wales to the contrary is incorrect.
39.—_GREY WAGTAIL. Motacilla cinerea cinerea 'Tunst.
Resident or partial migrant; common on hill streams in summer but
resorts to lower ground in winter; in Anglesey and Lleyn occurs mainly
as a migrant.
Mr. C. Oldham observes that in Lleyn and Anglesey the Grey
Wagtail is more generally diffused in autumn than in summer :
he saw some on Bardsey in October, 1914. Dr. N. F. Ticehurst,
however, in 1913 found a pair nesting within 200 yards of the
sea in the N.W. corner of Aberdaron Bay—about as far west
as they could go. Mr. S. G. Cummings noted a female on
Malldraeth, Anglesey, 14th June, 1915, and one on a small
brook at Pentraeth, Red Wharf Bay, 26th May, 1910, Im
August, 1916, he saw several birds of the year, and on 3rd
September, 1917, one at Llandwrog, Carnarvon, while in
August, 1918, he noted several at Morfa Dinlle, Carnarvon.
BIRDS 29
40.—_BLUE-HEADED WAGTAIL. Motacilla flava flava L.
Passing migrant in April and May, in small numbers,
Besides the two recorded in the V. Fauna N. Wales :—In
British Birds, IV., 183, Mr. T. A. Coward records a female
at Llandudno, 15-18th May, 1910. In the same Journal, VI.,
16, Mr. R. W. Jones reports the occurrence of an adult female,
adult male, and two immature birds at Llandudno in May,
1912. Again in 1913 one was seen there on April 25th, and a
pair on the 27th. He tells me, too, that he saw a female with
eight Ray’s Wagtails, lst May, 1914.
41.—YELLOW, or RAY’S WAGTAIL. Motacilla flava rayi
(Bp.).
Summer migrant, distributed irregularly throughout all counties but very
tare in Anglesey: in the west chiefly a passing migrant in April.
The following additional records are given here as being unusual
in regard to date or locality. In Anglesey I saw a female near
Beaumaris 14th May, 1910, and Messrs. King and Owen noted
a pair at the same place and date: Mr. 8S. G. Cummings noted
a few birds of the year near Newborough, 27th August, 1912.
In Carnarvonshire he also saw several on Dinas Morfa in August,
1914. In Merioneth, too, he saw at Barmouth one on 27th
August and several 15th September, 1912; whilst Mr. H. G.
Attlee noted four to two at Mochras on 19th August, 1911, and
following days. It occurs at Bardsey on the autumn migration ;
Dr. N. F. Ticehurst reports eleven—mostly single birds—
between 4th and 20th September, 1913.
42.—TREE-PIPIT. Anthus trivialis trivialis (L.).
Summer migrant ; common in all wooded districts, and occurs in smaller
numbers on bare hillsides up to 1,500 feet ; rare in Anglesey.
43.—MEADOW-PIPIT. Anthus pratensis (L.).
Partial migrant, common everywhere, especially on moors and hillsides.
43a—RICHARD’S PIPIT. Anthus richardi richardi Vieill.
Obtained once only at St. Asaph,
44—WATER or ALPINE PIPIT. Anthus spinoletta
spinoletta (L.).
Three obtained on the Glaslyn Estuary, Carnarvonshire.
30 FAUNA OF NORTH WALES
45.—ROCK PIPIT. Anthus spinoletta petrosus (Mont.).
Resident and common on the coasts and islands.
In British Zoology Pennant describes the Rock-Pipit which
he got from the coast of Carnarvonshire as a variety of the
Meadow Pipit “‘ with dusky legs.”
In May-June, 1906, Mr. O. V. Aplin found a nest with siz
eggs on St. Tudwal’s, and received a nest, taken in Lleyn with
a clutch of four eggs of the rare and beautiful pink variety
(Zoologist, 1910, 105).
46.—GOLDEN ORIOLE. Oriolus oriolus oriolus (L.).
Very rare summer migrant, said to have nested in Merioneth.
47.—GREAT GREY SHRIKE. Lanius excubitor excubitor L.
Occasional autumn or winter migrant; not known to occur in the west
or Anglesey.
One sent to Shrewsbury for preservation was shot in Mont-
gomeryshire in October, 1910, whilst in the same county another
was shot at Pen-y-bont, 24th March, 1911. Mr. R. Morgan
reports that one was caught while trying to reach a caged
Goldfinch at Llanarmon, near Mold, 21st December, 1914.
48 —RED-BACKED SHRIKE. Lanius collurio collurio L.
Summer migrant, distributed irregularly throughout the district but
common only in one or two localities ; scarce in Anglesey.
In Anglesey recent occurrences have been recorded by Mr.
S. G. Cummings, who saw a pair near the hotel in Red Wharf
Bay and a male at Llanbedr Goch towards the end of May,
1913 ; also a pair with nest and young at Wern, East Anglesey,
23rd June, 1917, and a single bird on Bwrdd Arthur in August,
1919. Mr. G. R. Humphreys saw two at Menai Bridge, 2nd
August, 1908. In Carnarvonshire Mr. O. V. Aplin noted a pair
on Mynydd Mawr in July, 1905 ; Mr. A. G. Edwards found a pair
nesting at Portmadoc in 1906-7 ; while Mr. H. King has repeatedly
found a pair nesting at Bangor and in the Aber Valley ; Rev. E.
Lorimer Thomas found a nest and eggs at Bethesda in 1889 ; and
Mr. S. G. Cummings saw a female with two fledged young at Dinas
Dinlle, August, 1916. Mr. R. W. Jones found a nest with eggs on
the Great Orme’s Head 28th May, 1913. In Denbigh and Flint
a pair with young were seen by Mr. Cummings between Bodfari
and Tremeirchion 5th July, 1911, while Mr. R. Morgan saw a
BIRDS 31
pair at Llanarmon, near Mold, in May, 1910, and found the nest
in June—never noted there before. Rev. E. Lorimer Thomas
noted one at Holywell in May, 1918. Several further records
have been received from the Barmouth district, and from the
borders of Merioneth and Montgomery. Mr. G. Bolam states
that a pair which nested at Llanuwchllyn in 1906 both had
similar—male character—plumage. Rev. E. Lorimer Thomas
noted four males in full song at Llandinam late in May, 1918.
49—WAXWING. Bombycilla garrula garrula (L.).
Rare winter visitor, recorded in various parts of the district.
One was shot and two others seen by Mr. Rhys P. Allaway at
Llanbedr, near Barmouth, in December, 1901: one seen near
Bala, 7th November, 1906, by Mr. G. Bolam; and one shot
and several others seen at Llansannan, near Denbigh, in January,
1915, by Mr. P. Foulkes Roberts. The ancient specimen men-
tioned by Pennant as killed at Garthmeilio in 1788 is still
extant and in the possession of Mr. R. D. Roberts of St. Asaph.
50—SPOTTED FLYCATCHER. Wuscicapa striata striata
(Pall.).
Summer migrant, common throughout the lowlands.
51—PIED FLYCATCHER. Muscicapa hypoleuca hypoleuca
(Pall.).
Summer migrant, occurring in all counties but rare in Anglesey and along
the north coast; rather local inland but common in many wooded valleys,
especially in Merioneth.
Mr. C. E. Munro Edwards records a nest in a garden wall at
Dolgelley. A nest containing nine eggs was found on 2nd
June, 1910, at Bettws-y-coed, by Mr. A. W. Champernowne.
In the early summer of 1910 one was seen in Plas Cadnant
Woods, Menai Bridge, by Mr. F. H. Mills—a new record for
Anglesey. Other additional localities are Pwilheli, a male,
23rd April, 1909; Holywell, May, 1903; and Llanbrynmair,
8th May, 1907. Mr. C. Oldham noted it as numerous in Bedd-
gelert district : he found four nests in Gwynant Valley in June,
1914. In May, 1909, Mr. W. M. Gallichan saw two males close
to the Hotel on Lake Vyrnwy, and in May, 1918, Rev. E. Lorimer
Thomas saw one at Llandinam.
Dr. N. F. Ticehurst reports that both species of Flycatcher
occurred on Bardsey in small numbers in September, 1913,
32 FAUNA OF NORTH WALES
52—SWALLOW. 4Hirundo rustica rustica L.
Summer migrant, generally distributed and common.
Frank Buckland’s account of hibernating Swallows is obviously
taken from Pennant, who in his British Zoology states that
‘““ Rev. — Conway of Sychton [Soughton], Flintshire, afew years
ago {i.e., about 1770], on looking down an old lead mine in that
county, observed a number of Swallows clinging to the timbers
of the shaft, seemingly asleep. On flinging some gravel on them
they just moved, but never attempted to fly or change their
place. This was between All Saints and Christmas.”
In the Vert. Fauna of Cheshire, I., 190, Mr. J. J. Cash is quoted
to the effect that when leaving Cheshire in autumn Swallows and
Martins invariably fly westward. Mr. 8. G. Cummings, on 10th
June, 1918, found a nest built between two branches forming the
flat roof of a shed in Red Wharf Bay, Anglesey.
53—HOUSE MARTIN. Delichon urbica urbica L.
Summer migrant, common in lowlands and valleys, except Lleyn and parts
of Anglesey.
The late C. K. Siddall informed me that he noticed that in the
Swallows’ Cave, Bull Bay, the Martins seem always to be
overtaken by cold weather, there being many young in the
nests at the end of September—the 28th, in 1908., Mr. R. W.
Jones has found young in nests on the Great Orme’s Head in
October.
54.—SAND MARTIN. Riparia riparia riparia (L.).
Summer migrant, generally distributed in suitable localities, except in
Anglesey, where it is not common.
The earliest date of arrival noted in Wales was 24th March,
1913, when several were observed passing in Carnarvonshire.
Mr. R. W. Jones remarks that the Sand Martin is uncommon
now in the Llandudno district as a breeding bird, though formerly
large numbers used to breed in the sandhills along the Conway
estuary, and it is still numerous as a passing migrant.
55.—GREENFINCH. Chloris chloris chloris (L.).
Resident, generally distributed, and abundant almost everywhere.
The stomachs of two killed at Prestatyn in October were found
by Dr. R. Newstead to be full of charlock seeds. Mr. 8. G.
BIRDS 33
Cummings found two nests in 1907, each containing six eggs.
He also noted a considerable number in flock at Caerwys so
late as 28th April, 1911. Mr. C. Oldham remarks that the
Greenfinch leaves some parts of North Wales in autumn and
appears to be absent from Beddgelert even in summer.
56—HAWFINCH. Coccothraustes coccothraustes
coccothraustes (L.).
Resident; fairly common in the eastern half of the district and gradually
spreading westward, though as yet unknown in Lleyn and very rare_in
Anglesey.
During the last few years the Hawfinch has become established
around Bangor where it now nests regularly. From thence it
appears to have crossed the Straits into Anglesey, for in June,
1906, one was shot in a garden at Trescawen and identified
by Mr. W. H. H. Kellie, Liverpool ; while on 23rd June, 1917,
Mr. S. G. Cummings observed one at Wern, Red Wharf Bay.
In Merioneth Mr. G. Bolam reports having seen three between
Bala and Dolgelley in June, 1906, while many additional records
have been sent in from Denbigh and Flint. The species is most
numerous, however, in Montgomery.
57.—GOLDFINCH. Carduelis carduelis britannica (Hart.).
Resident, generally distributed and common.
58.—SISKIN. Carduelis spinus (L.).
Irregular winter migrant, occurring in all counties: rarely breeds,
In Anglesey Mr. C. Oldham saw a flock of about thirty at Holy-
head, 9th October, 1913. In Denbighshire Mr. T. Ruddy saw
a flock of about fifty at Llangollen, lst January, 1910. The
only additional summer record is a male seen in Pwll-y-crochan
Wood, Colwyn Bay, by Mr. D. Witty, 19th July, 1908.
59.— HOUSE SPARROW. Passer domesticus domesticus
(L.).
Resident; abundant throughout the district, except at remote hill
farmhouses and hamlets.
60.—TREE SPARROW. Passer montanus montanus (L.).
Resident ; very local, but occurs in all counties.
Mr. S. G Cummings observed this species at Penrhyn and Rhos
Golf Links, 19th February, 1909; also in two farmyards near
34 FAUNA OF NORTH WALES
Caerwys in winter, 1910-11, though he has not found it nesting
there. Mr. G. Bolam reports one at Llangollen in summer,
and three at Bala in autumn, 1906.
61.—-CHAFFINCH. Fringilla celebs celebs L.
Resident and more or less abundant throughout the district.
On llth April, 1914, Mr. C. Oldham saw several amongst the
rocks on the extreme summit of Snowdon, which was enveloped
in clouds. A nest found near Caerwys by Mr. 8. G. Cummings
in April, 1914, was only about one and a half feet above the
ground. Dr. N. F. Ticehurst says the Chaffinch appears to
be absent from Bardsey in summer.
62.— BRAMBLING. Fringilla montifringilla 1.
Winter migrant, occurring irregularly throughout the district.
Mr. C. Oldham observed several in Penrhos Woods, Holyhead,
as early as 9th October, 1913. The Brambling remains till
the end of March or, rarely, into April. Additional localities
for the species are Llysfaen, Sealand and Caerwys in Denbigh
and Flint, Dolgelley in Merioneth, and Kerry in Montgomery.
In January, 1908, Mr. Ruddy observed a Brambling feeding
on laburnum seeds at Llangollen. Though poisonous to children,
these seeds are harmless to birds.
63.—LINNET. Carduelis cannabina cannabina (L.).
Resident and numerous almost everywhere, particularly in gorsy places.
64.—_MEALY REDPOLL. Carduelis linaria linaria (L.).
Winter visitor, recorded only in Anglesey and Montgomery.
65.—LESSER REDPOLL. Carduelis linaria cabaret
(P. L. S. Mill.).
Resident and breeds in all counties: numbers increased in winter months
by immigrants.
Additional breeding localities are St. Asaph, Holywell, Llan-
armon near Mold, and Dolgelley. Birds have also been seen
in May or June, at Penmaenmawr, Dinas Dinlle, Llandwrog,
Llanaelhaiarn, and Pantglas, in Carnarvonshire,
BIRDS 35
66.—TWITE. Carduelis flavirostris flavirostris (L.).
Occurs on moors and mountains from autumn to spring ; rarely in summer.
In his Wild Life in Wales Mr. G. Bolam claims to have discovered
two nests near Bala in May, 1905, but I cannot help thinking
from his description and photograph of the nest that he was
mistaken as to the species. A railway embankment is a most
unlikely spot for a Twite’s nest.
67.—BULLFINCH. Pyrrhula pyrrhula pileata McGilliv.
Resident ; common in wooded country throughout the district,
68.—CROSSBILL. Lozia curvirostra curvirostra L.
Winter migrant, occurring irregularly, chiefly in the eastern half of the
district; rare in the west, especially in Anglesey ; sometimes occurs in
summer, but very rarely breeds.
Dr. C. L. Williams reports it at Holywell in 1902. The remark-
able invasion of Crossbills in 1909 penetrated even as far as
the west coast. From September 28th to the end of February,
1910, flocks of eight or ten frequented the neighbourhood of
Llangollen, and a similar flock was seen feeding on larches at
Dolgelley by Mr. Ruddy, 18th November, 1909.
69.—CORN BUNTING. Emberiza calandra calandra L.
Resident; abundant near the west coast, especially in Anglesey; less
numerous near north coast; rare inland.
Mr. King observed a pair with fully fledged young near Bangor
at the end of May, 1910—a very early date for this late-breed-
ing bird. On the other hand, Mr. R. D. Williams found a nest
at Aberfiraw with four fresh eggs, 22nd July, 1909. Mr. C.
Oldham remarks that this Bunting deserts Lleyn in autumn,
but is then still numerous in Anglesey, though less so than in
spring. Dr. C. L. Williams reports a small flock, 3rd January,
1904, at Holywell, where he had not previously seen the species.
70.—YELLOW BUNTING. LEmberiza citrinella citrinella 1.
Resident and more or less numerous throughout the district.
Mr. C. Oidham states in British Birds, VIII., 196, that in Lleyn
the Yellowhammer is called Gwas-y-neidr—Adder’s servant—
in allusion to the serpent-like marks on the eggs. With further
36 FAUNA OF NORTH WALES
reference to the light colour of the race in the Holyhead district,
it is interesting to note that in March, 1905, Mr. Cummings
saw a Yellowhammer in North Anglesey that was almost white
(Zoologist, 1911, 29). A nest with eggs found by Mr. Cummings
at Llanaber, 15th May, 1912, was built in thick ivy on a stone
wall about six feet above the road. It was not touching
the wall but built in the ivy, and very well concealed.
The Yellowhammer appears to be absent from Bardsey in
summer (Ticehurst).
71—CIRL BUNTING. Enmberiza cirlus L.
Resident ; not uncommon locally in Denbigh, Flint, and Conway estuary ;
rare elsewhere.
Additional records. In Carnarvonshire—one seen by Mr.
R. W. Jones at Gloddaeth, 28th April, 1907 : he heard one singing
at Llanwydden, 20th December, 1908—a very mildday. Several
recorded in Denbigh and Flint ; in the neighbourhood of Old
Colwyn (Oldham), Llanygnog (Meares), Colwyn Bay, Caerwys,
and Bodfari (Cummings) and Holywell (Forrest). In Merioneth,
one at Llwyngwril (Crouch) and one at Tonfanau (Cummings).
Mr. O. V. Aplin heard one at Montgomery, 24th July, 1914.
72.—REED BUNTING. Emberiza scheniclus scheniclus L.
Resident or partial migrant, common generally in boggy lowlands.
On the night of 25-26th October, 1912, twenty came to Carnarvon
Bay Lightship.
73.—ORTOLAN. LEmberiza hortulana L.
Seen on the Berwyns: seen and obtained on Bardsey Island.
Dr. N. F. Ticehurst reports one killed at Bardsey lighthouse
in June, 1913, while he was on a visit to the island studying
its bird-life. In September following, he and Mr. J. F. Stanford
record an immature bird taken at the lantern on the night
of 2-3rd. Next morning a single bird was clearly identified,
and again on the 6th; two fresh ones on the 7th, then none
till the 11th, when one was clearly identified. They were
difficult to approach: they sat on bramble-sprays projecting
from the turf-walls exactly like common Buntings, but with
glasses their greenish hue and pink bills could be clearly seen.
They were among a flock of Corn Buntings and were constantly
visiting a patch of corn, their silvery call being very distinctive.
BIRDS 37
74.—SNOW BUNTING. Plectrophenax nivalis (L.).
Winter migrant, occurring irregularly in all counties, on the coasts and on
hills inland.
Additional records in Carnarvonshire. Mr. R. W. Jones
observed one haunting the Great Orme’s Head through Sep-
tember and October, 1908, when it was joined by a second ;
Mr. H. King saw one at the mouth of the Ogwen in February,
1910; whilst on 4th April, 1913, Mr. C. Oldham noted one on
the summit of Y Garn, 3,100 feet. On 24th February, 1918,
Mr. F. L. Reading saw a very white one on the Great Orme’s
Head.
75.—STARLING. Sturnus vulgaris vulgaris L.
Resident ; numerous everywhere ; immense flocks on west coast in winter
In January, 1904, Mr. L. F. Lort obtained at Bangor a Starling
with the hinder part of the body pure white: it looked as if
it had been held by the beak and dipped in milk up to the
shoulders. Mr. H. King describes a nest at Bangor in 1906
as “ made like a Sparrow’s but on the open branch of a fir.”
On 19th August, 1918, Mr. S. G. Cummings observed many
Starlings on the top of Mynydd Craig Goch (1980 feet) with
Mistle Thrushes feeding on bilberries.
76.—ROSE-COLOURED STARLING. Pastor roseus (L)..
Recorded twice only—in Anglesey and Flintshire.
The Flintshire example was obtained by the light-keeper at
Point of Air in August, 1861. Cf. British Birds, [X., 273 and
XI., 263.
77.—CHOUGH. Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax (L.).
Resident ; formerly common on the coasts of, Anglesey, Carnarvon, and
Merioneth ; a few in the mountains : still occurs, but in small and decreasing
numbers.
Besides those mentioned in the Fauna there are at least two
breeding colonies of the Chough in North Wales, though the
localities cannot be divulged. In Lleyn the Chough is slowly
dying out: Mr. W. W. Cobb reports that in 1908 there were
not more than two or three pairs about Abersoch. The numbers
appear to fluctuate, however, for Mr. C. Oldham saw ten together
on Bardsey in October, 1914; others at Aberdaron and Lian:
38 FAUNA OF NORTH WALES
bedrog—six pairs on Cilan Head. A few years ago Mr. S.
G. Cummings also observed several in the Clynnog district.
In July, 1909, Mr. Gilbert Johnson found a small colony of
Choughs inland. His attention was first attracted by the
bird’s note, which “was more sonorous than the Jackdaw’s
and sounded like ‘ Pio chiang chiang.’’’ Noticing ‘‘ whitewash”
at one place, he found there a small hole in the rock which led
down into an almost precipitous cave ; this he descended with
some difficulty, and explored with the aid of matches. Here were
several old and young Choughs standing about. One used nest
was found on a ledge, and there were probably others, as there
were more than two adults flying about outside the cave when
he emerged. There is another cave on a neighbouring mountain,
but he was unable to find it though he saw and heard Choughs
there. In August, 1914, Mr. C. Oldham saw between fifty and
sixty feeding on a grassy slope in a certain cwm.
In June, 1913, Dr. N. F. Ticehurst saw a family party of two
adults and five young on Bardsey, the latter easily distinguished
by their shorter wings and tail, and pale, flesh-coloured legs.
He adds, ‘‘ They have an undulating flight, the dips being caused
by a very pretty habit they have of completely closing their
wings at intervals, and falling through the air for a yard or two,
and then spreading their wings again.” The young appear
to leave the island before September, only the old birds remain-
ing there.
78.—NUTCRACKER. Nucifraga caryocatactes macrorhynchus
Brehm.
Recorded once only, in Flintshire.
79.—JAY. Garrulus glandarius rufiterqum Hart.
Resident and common in wooded country, but scarce in Anglesey.
80.—MAGPIE. Pica pica pica (L.).
Resident and common ; occurs up to a considerable elevation.
81.—JACKDAW. Coleus monedula spermologus (Vieill.).
Resident and common; remarkably abundant on west coast.
Mr. Ruddy records a Jackdaw obtained at Welshpool in Novem-
ber, 1909, in which the entire plumage was grey, the head
rather darker than the rest. I saw a similar bird in a case
at St. Asaph, but that one had a black forehead.
BIRDS 39
82.—RAVEN. Corvus corax corax L.
Resident; not uncommon in the west; much rarer in the east.
Nests in trees are rare nowadays but in 1908 a countryman
living amongst the hills behind Abergele told me that on a
certain estate there where there is no keeper, the Raven nests
annually, always in a tree. A nest near Llangollen in 1912,
contained a full clutch of six eggs as early as 26th February.
In 1910 a pair nested on Puffin Island and reared three young
(King and Owen). Dr. N. F. Ticehurst saw a party of five on
Bardsey, 12th June, 1913. On 21st July, 1913, Mr. H. G. Attlee
observed anextraordinary gathering of Ravens, at least twelve in
number, at Penrhyndeudraeth : they had probably been drawn
together by a dead sheep or some such attraction.
Mr. G. J. Williams tells me that the Raven used to be very
numerous at Ffestiniog up to the middle of last century:
scores were killed in some seasons. There are entries in the
parish vestry book of payments of Is. 3d. for an old Raven,
and 74d. for a ‘“‘ Raven’s chicken.’ As the birds became
rarer 2s. 6d. was paid for an old Raven and ls. 3d. for a
** chicken.”
Mr. C. Oldham sends me a number of records showing that
in Snowdonia and Anglesey the Raven still holds its own.
On 16th August, 1911, ten were seen at the carcase of a pony
on Carnedd Llewelyn. On 9th June, 1914, he saw at Trer
Ceiri a Raven hotly pursued by a Kestrel, and on 31st July
two Ravens chased by probably the same bird. One at Porth
Ceiriad was mobbed by three Carrion Crows, which swooped
at it repeatedly, sometimes two at once, but it always avoided
the attack by swerving and tilting its body. It made no
attempt to retaliate but croaked and dropped its legs when
a Crow came at it.
Mr. H. Ecroyd Smith records inthe Liverpool Naturalists’ Journal,
1867, p. 161, that on the Little Orme’s Head “ these birds are
more or less gregarious in winter, but upon the earliest approach
of spring, and even before their congeners—the Rooks—are
mating, a general excitement occurs. The male birds have
a glorious fight, and the ultimate victor in the encounter remains
for the season undisturbed master of the whole headland, the
discomfited remainder retiring, some to the Great Orme’s Head,
and others to solitary fastnesses among the hills inland, leaving
the champion in comparatively undisturbed possession, the
Blue-Rock Pigeons, Razorbills, Guillemots, and Herring Gulls,
being far too few to disturb his noble majesty.”
Mr. Ecroyd Smith appears to have overlooked the pair of
Peregrine Falcons which tenant the Orme’s Heads every year,
and who are unquestionably ‘‘ Lords of the Manor.”
40 FAUNA OF NORTH WALES
The Raven is reported by Mr. C. E. Munro Edwards as
increasing about Dolgelley. Five were seen flying together,
apparently migrating, in December, 1907; the weather after-
wards became cold and stormy.
The stomach of a Raven obtained on Arennig 23rd April,
1903, examined by Dr. R. Newstead, contained one egg of a
Grouse in broken fragments, a quantity of carrion mixed
with sheep’s wool, small-bone of mammal, moss and other
vegetable matter, and one pebble.
83.—CARRION CROW. Corvus corone corone L.
Resident : common, except where killed down; abundant in mountainous
country.
84.—HOODED CROW. Corvus cornix cornix L.
Rare winter visitor, recorded in all counties ; nests occasionally.
Mr. H. King reports a pair nesting in 1917 between Aber and
Llanrwst. Mr. R. W. Jones saw two at Llandudno, 3lst
December, 1910, and one 7th January, 1911. Mr. C. Oldham
noted two at a dead sheep on the Dee Marshes, 10th
February, 1907.
85.—ROOK. Corvus frugilegus frugilegus L.
Resident and common; least numerous in the west.
On 23rd January, 1910, Mr. D. Witty observed at Mochdre a
Rook with a white bar across each wing.
86.—SKYLARK. Alauda arvensis arvensis L.
Common and generally distributed: flocks pass along coasts in winter.
Dr. Ticehurst remarks that it appears to be absent from Bardsey
in summer.
87.—WOODLARK. Lullula arborea arborea (L.).
Rare resident, very local; occurs in winter on migration, chiefly on west
coast.
The nest reported in the Fauna as found by Rev. F.C. R. Jourdain
in 1904 was actually found at Dyserth, 5th June, 1903. Mr.
Ruddy noted four Woodlarks at Llangollen, 25th October,
1908, and others 20th December, 1909, and 14th January, 1910:
also two at Dolgelley in November, 1909.
BIRDS 4]
88.—SHORE LARK. Eremophila alpestris flava (Gm.).
Recorded on the Dee Estuary.
89.— SWIFT. Apus apus apus (L.).
Summer migrant, common almost everywhere.
Mr. H. King observes that large numbers breed in the mountains,
especially on Tryfaen and the Glyders. In June, 1915, Mr. C.
Oldham saw several hawking about the summit of Carnedd
Dafydd—3,426 feet. In 1917 Mr. Cummings observed one
at Morfa Dinlle on 3rd September, and in 1918 one at Llandwrog
on 16th September.
90.—NIGHTJAR. Caprimulgus ewropeus europeus L.
Summer migrant, generally distributed; most numerous near the west
coast.
From the 16th to 30th September, 1911, a Nightjar frequented
Mr. F L. Rawlins’ garden at Rhyl: it used to bask in the sun
on the top of a wooden bee-hive: on the 19th it allowed me
to approach within five feet and take a photograph. Beckwith
mentions one killed in North Wales, 25th November, 1887—a
remarkably late date. For four years in succession Mr. S. G.
Cummings found young in the same spot on the sandhills at
Morfa Dinlle, Carnarvonshire.
$91.—-GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER. Dryobates major
anglicus (Hart.).
Resident ; fairly common in wooded parts of the district, occurring in all
counties,
Anglesey must now be added to the counties where it occurs.
Mr. T. Owen observed one at Penmon, 3rd April, 1912.
Additional localities in Carnarvonshire are Portmadoc, where
Mr. A. G. Edwards saw one in his garden in the summer of
1906; Bangor, where Mr. T. A. Coward says a pair settled in
1908; and the wooded parts of Nant Francon where Mr. C.
Oldham has met with it several times.
92.—LESSER SPOTTED WOODPECKER. Dryobates minor
comminutus (Hart.).
Resident ; not uncommon in the eastern half of the district but almost
unknown in the west.
A number of additional records have been received from the
three eastern counties, but these need not be detailed. In
42 FAUNA OF NORTH WALES
Merioneth, where the species is rare, Mr. C. E. Munro Edwards
reports that it has been met with occasionally in the woods
near Dolserau, Dolgelley, whilst in the Bala district Mr. R. J.
Lloyd Price found it nesting at Rhiwlas in 1908, and Mr. Ruddy
at Palé in 1911. One was seen by Mrs. Williams eating “ Ameri-
can Blight’ on apple-trees at Leighton, Welshpool, in July,
1913.
93—GREEN WOODPECKER. Picus viridis pluvius Hart.
Resident and common in all suitable parts of the district.
94.—WRYNECK. Jynz torquilla torquilla L.
Summer visitor, occurring irregularly in the eastern counties; very rare
in the west.
In the B.O.C. Migration Report, 1912, the Wryneck is recorded
in Montgomeryshire on 20th April and 2nd May. In 1913
one was taken at the Bardsey light, 5-6th September, while
Mr. J. K. Stanford saw another next morning on a turf bank,
looking strangely out of place in such a position.
95.—KINGFISHER. Alcedo ispida ispida L.
Resident, generally distributed in lowlands; most numerous in Mont-
gomeryshire.
96.—ROLLER. Coracias garrulus garrulus L.
Rare visitor ; recorded three or four times on the north coast.
97.—HOOPOE. Upupa epops epops L.
Summer migrant, of rare and uncertain occurrence.
Montgomery may be added to the counties in which this bird
has occurred: Mr. Ford, Newtown, has a specimen which
was obtained at Aberhafesp about 1870. In Merioneth one
was seen by Mr. R. J. Lloyd Price at Rhiwlas in August, 1907,
and another by Mr. William Beattie at Aberdovey, 7th August,
1911.
98.—CUCKOO. Cuculus canorus canorus L.
Summer migrant, common everywhere.
The earliest and latest dates recorded are 10th April, 1881
(Brit. Assn. Report), and Carnarvonshire, 15th September,
1912 (B.0.C. Migr. Rept.).
BIRDS 43
99.—YELLOW-BILLED CUCKOO. Coccyzus americanus
americanus (L).
Accidental straggler from America, obtained twice on west coast.
100.—BARN OWL. Tyto alba alba (Scop.).
Resident and more or less common in lowlands,
[EAGLE OWL. Bubo bubo bubo (L.).
Beckwith mentions one killed in a big wood near Llanidloes
in November, 1863—doubtless an escaped bird.]
101—LONG-EARED OWL. Asio otus otus (L).
Resident ; occurring in most districts where there are pine woods.
The following are additional records of breeding. Messrs.
H. King and T. Owen found a nest with five eggs in a small
wood near Penmynydd, Anglesey, 2nd April, 1908. They
also record nests in Carnarvonshire near Caerhun in 1908, Vaynol
1909, and Conway, 1910. In Montgomeryshire Mr. George
Mountford reports a nest with two eggs at Churchstoke, 5th
April, 1913.
102 —_SHORT-EARED OWL. Asio flammeus flammeus
(Pontopp.).
Winter migrant, occurring in limited numbers on bogs and moors through-
out the district ; occasionally remains to breed.
103.—TAWNY OWL. Strix aluco aluco L.
Resident and generally distributed in wooded lowlands; most numerous
in Montgomeryshire and West Merioneth.
[TENGMALMW’S OWL. Agolius funereus funereus (L.).
Winter visitor, obtained once or twice in Flintshire.]
[LITTLE OWL. Athene noctua noctua (Scop.).
Several recorded in Anglesey: probably imported birds.]
[SNOWY OWL. WNyctea nyciea (L.;.
Reported in winter in Flintshire and Lleyn.]
104.—MARSH HARRIER. Circus eruginosus (L.).
Resident, now very rare; occurs on bogs and moors,
D
44 FAUNA OF NORTH WALES
105—-HEN HARRIER. Circus cyaneus (L.).
Former resident ; now very rare; occurs chiefly on moorlands.
Mr. P. F. Howden watched a pair at the nest in Cwm Bychan,
11-12th April, 1909: there were no eggs, however. I was
shown an immature male which had been obtained at Llan-
brynmair, Montgomeryshire, 11th November, 1907.
106.—MONTAGU’S HARRIER. Circus pygargus (L.).
Summer migrant, very rare: only known to have occurred in Carnarvon,
Denbigh and Merioneth.
Mr. C. Oldham tells me that for several years past a pair have
frequented a certain mountain in Carnarvonshire, and no doubt
nested there.
107—COMMON BUZZARD. Buteo buteo buteo (L.).
Not uncommon resident in the west; autumn visitor to the east; almost
unknown in Anglesey.
By a most unfortunate blunder in typing the original Fauna
I am made to say on page 222, that the Buzzard rears two
broods in a season! What I actually wrote was :—‘‘ The
Buzzard never rears two broods in a year, but like most birds
will lay again if robbed of its first clutch of eggs.” This last
statement is correct, for I have known instances of second
laying, though such cases are not common. It would be more
accurate to state that the Buzzard sometimes lays again when
robbed of its first clutch. Another statement on the same
page which needs modification is that regarding the length
of time the young remain in the nest. It is given there as a
month. They stay a good deal longer than that, generally
about six weeks, before quitting the nest.
Two instances of early nesting have been reported to me:
a nest with three young was found at Aber, 7th May, 1909,
by Mr. H. King; while in 1913 Mr. T. Owen visited a nest
which contained three eggs on 16th April. With regard to
food ; a friend of Professor Salter’s saw a Buzzard rise from a
cliff-slope near Barmouth with a snake dangling from its claws.
Dr. R. Newstead found remains of a Grouse in the stomach
of one obtained on Arennig, 9th September, 1902: doubtless
the Grouse had been wounded during a shoot over these moors.
108.—ROUGH-LEGGED BUZZARD. Butco lagopus
lagopus (Briinn.).
Autumn and winter migrant; rare in the east, still rarer in the west.
A pair were shot at Rhiwlas near Bala in 1866.
BIRDS 45
GOLDEN EAGLE. Aguila chrysaétus chrysaétus (L.).
Formerly resident in the Snowdon range but became extinct more than a
century ago.
Mr. H. G. Attlee watched one in Cwm Bychan for three quarters
of an hour on 2nd July, 1909, during which time it was chased first
by a Buzzard, and then, repeatedly, by two Ravens. In view of
the recent multiplication of this species in Scotland there is
no inherent improbability in this occurrence: it may well
have been an immature or “ unattached ”’ bird.
109.- WHITE-TAILED EAGLE. daliaétus albicilla (L.).
Rare winter or spring visitor.
An immature White-tailed Eagle, which had haunted the neigh-
bourhood for a fortnight previously, was shot in the wing and
captured alive near Abersoch, 29th November, 1910. It was
sent alive to Mr. Godfrey Fitz-Hugh, Wrexham, and placed
in an aviary. An eagle, probably the same bird, haunted the
vicinity of Aberaeron (Cardigan) for about a fortnight earlier
in the same autumn.
Mr. A. Heneage Cocks informs me that there was formerly
a stuffed eagle at Voelas Hall, obtained on the estate in the
forties, but it disappeared while he was a boy, so he cannot
be sure as to the species.
110.—SPARROW HAWK. Accipiter nisus nisus (L.).
Resident, common in most wooded districts; less common in Lleyn and
Anglesey.
111.—KITE. Milvus milvus milvus (L.).
Former resident, now only a casual visitor.
Rev. W.8. Symonds, in Records of the Rocks, p.171, writes: ‘“‘ The
Kite is rare, but the last time I was on Moel Fenlli I saw two
soaring among the clouds.”’ The mountain is on the H. side
of the Vale of Clwyd, and the date would be about 1870.
112.—HONEY BUZZARD. Pernis apivorus apivorus (L.).
Summer migrant, occurring chiefly on autumn migration; very rare,
In the Zoologist, 1908, 156, Mr. C. D. Head records a male in
his possession shot at Abergele, 15th October, 1907.
D2
46 FAUNA OF NORTH WALES
113.—GREENLAND FALCON. Falco rusticolus candicans
Gmel.
Obtained twice on Denbighshire moors.
Mr. A. Heneage Cocks informs me that there is preserved at
Voelas Hall, Denbighshire, a Greenland Falcon trapped on
the estate by the keeper.
114—PEREGRINE FALCON. Falco peregrinus peregrinus
Tunst.
Resident and breeds in fair numbers amongst mountains and on precipitous
coasts: in the east chiefly a passing autumnal migrant.
The Fauna is hardly correct in stating that there is no hollow
to keep the eggs together: there is always a shallow hollow,
and sometimes a slight lining. The number of eggs is usually
three.
Rev. W. S. Symonds in Records of the Rocks, p. 61, states
that in 1210 the Bishop of Bangor had to pay a fine of 200
hawks (7.e., Falcons) to King John, and was supposed to have
procured the birds from Pembrokeshire. It is more probable,
however, that he would have got them in his own province.
115—HOBBY. Falco subbuteo subbuteo L.
Summer visitor, met with rarely on autumn migration.
116—-MERLIN. Falco columbarius csalon Tunst.
Partial migrant; breeding on moorlands, and met with in the lowlands
on migration: also breeds in Anglesey and Lleyn chiefly on the ccasts.
117—RED-FOOTED FALCON. Falco vespertinus vespertinus
L.
Obtained once in Denbighshire.
118—KESTREL. Falco tinnunculus tinnunculus L.
Partial migrant ; in summer generally distributed and common, especially
on precipitous coasts.
In North Anglesey Mr. H. King observed a fully-fledged young
Kestrel on 27th July, 1917, try to perch on a vertical cliff-
face; 1t eventually succeeded much after the manner of a
Swift.
BIRDS 47
119.— OSPREY. Pandion haliaétus haliaétus (I..).
Rare visitor in autumn and winter.
Beckwith mentions one seen fishing in a lake on Llanbrynmair
hills 6th August, 1884—possibly the same bird seen at Peny-
bont in October, 1884.
120.—CORMORANT. Phalacrocorax carbo carbo (I..).
Resident, common, and breeds on rocky coasts in the west: feeds also
off other parts of the coast and occasionally far inland.
On 2nd October, 1913, Mr. C. Oldham saw Cormorants appar-
ently feeding young on the Bird Rock near Towyn—-a very
late date. He noted about thirty nests in June, 1915, in the
colony at Pen-y-parc, Anglesey.
121—_SHAG. Phalacrocorax graculus graculus (L.).
Resident and fairly numerous in Carnarvonshire and Anglesey; not
common elsewhere, and very rare inland.
Neither Shags nor Cormorants now nest on Puffin Island,
but from time to time both species are to be seen there: these
visitors doubtless come from Penmon Point opposite, where
many Cormorants and a few Shags nest. An immature Shag
was shot at Middletown on the Shropshire border, 29th Sep-
tember, 1903—the only Montgomeryshire record.
122.—_GANNET. Sula bassana (L.).
To be seen over the sea at all seasons ; sometimes driven inland by gales.
Small parties and flocks numbering up to twenty have been
observed on various parts of the coast, but details are unneces-
sary. F. Williams] records in the Field, 16th October, 1886,
one three miles from Welshpool ‘‘some years ago.” This
is the only Montgomeryshire record. On 12th August, 1916,
Mr. Cummings saw fifty or more in Carnarvon Bay.
123.—COMMON HERON. Ardea cinerea L.
Resident; generally distributed throughout the lowlands.
Mr. H. King states that in Carnarvonshire there was formerly
a heronry with five or six nests at Treborth, but the birds appear
to have removed to Vaynol, where there were several nests in
48 FAUNA OF NORTH WALES
1909. There is a larger heronry—fifteen to twenty nests—-
in Penrhyn Park near the weir, and Mr. S. G. Cummings reports
another at Glynllifon Park. The herons described in the
Fauna as of Craig-y-don, actually nest on two small wooded
islets, known as Cadnant Islands, in the Menai Straits. I
visited them in May, 1910, when there appeared to be about
forty herons there, the majority young but well-fledged birds,
out of the nest and standing or walking about at the water’s
edge. In 1913 there were fewer—only five nests occupied.
Mr. W. W. Cobb tells me that a pair nested at Nanhoron in
1908 and 1909. The nest has also been observed at Tyddyn
Gwyn, Llangian.
Mr. C. Oldham observes that in North Wales, ‘‘ Herons are
persistently harried by Terns—even the Lesser Tern—if they
trespass on the birds’ breeding grounds, and occasionally at
any rate at other times. On September 11th, 1915, a Common
Tern chased a Heron for perhaps a quarter of a mile across
Afonwen Bay. The Tern with shrill cries stooped repeatedly
at the Heron, which doubled and twisted to avoid it, keeping
close to the surface of the water, and being apparently in a
state of frantic terror, crying frank, frank, until the Tern
desisted, when it flew off across the bay.”
124.—_SQUACCO HERON. Ardeola ralloides ralloides (Scop.).
Obtained twice, in Denbighshire and Montgomeryshire.
125—NIGHT HERON. WNycticorax nycticorax nycticorax
(I..).
Obtained twice in Anglesey, and reported in Flintshire.
An adult was shot at Rhosneigr, Anglesey, on 3lst May, 1919
(Coward, Brit. Birds, XIII, 58).
126.—-LITTLE BITTERN. Izxobrychus minutus (L.).
Very rare visitor, obtained in Anglesey, Flintshire, and Merioneth.
127.—AMERICAN BITTERN. Botauwrus lentiginosus
(Mont.).
Obtained once in Anglesey.
128—COMMON BITTERN. Botaurus stellaris (L.).
Winter visitor, not infrequent, especially in the west.
Mr. H. 8. Davenport states that there is evidence that the
Bittern nested early in the eighties in a marsh between Bala
BIRDS 49
and Dolgelley. It was repeatedly heard booming in the
evenings.
129.—GLOSSY IBIS. Plegadis falcinellus falcinellus (L.).
A small flock visited Anglesey in 1806.
1380.—SPOONBILL. Platalea leucorodia leucorodia L.
Rare autumn or spring visitor to estuaries : obtained once in Montgomery-
shire.
There is a specimen in the possession of Mr. Ford, Newtown,
Montgomeryshire, shot near Aberhafesp about 1870. Mr.
J. A. Dockray records one shot on the Dee Marshes near Burton,
16th November, 1913.
131.—FLAMINGO. Phenicopterus ruber antiquorum Temm,
Has occurred twice in Merioneth.
Four seen on the Dysynni estuary on 30th September, 1913—
one of them shot next day by Mr. Sydney Westwood of Bir-
mingham—were probably escaped birds.
132.—GREY LAG-GOOSE. Anser anser (L.).
Winter migrant of rare and irregular occurrence on estuaries.
A large flock of geese seen feeding on the marsh below
Talycafn on 7th February, 1910, by Mr. W. B. Halhed is believed
to have been of this species. At least one out of a gaggle of
fourteen seen by Mr. S. G. Cummings on the Dee Marshes
in January, 1908, was a Grey Lag.
133.—BEAN GOOSE. Anser fabalis fabalis (Lath.).
Winter migrant, not uncommon on estuaries.
Mr. 8S. G. Cummings saw fifteen on the Dee Marshes, 22nd
January, 1908. He noticed that they were much less wary
then the Pink-footed, and quite silent whether on the wing
or on the ground.
134.—PINK-FOOTED GOOSE. Anser brachyrhynchus
Baillon.
Winter migrant, occurring regularly on the Dee Marshes and occasionally
in Merioneth and elsewhere.
According to Mr. T. A. Coward (Vert. Fauna Cheshire, I., 314)
the numbers on the Dee Marshes during the last few years
50 FAUNA OF NORTH WALES
have reached a thousand or more each winter. In 1913 the
last of these geese (three) did not leave until April 8th. The
first arrived 19th September, 1912. . Mr. Cummings saw between
790 and 800 there 2nd February, 1911.
135.—WHITE-FRONTED GOOSE. Anser albifrons (Scop.).
Winter migrant, not uncommon on the estuaries ; obtained in all counties.
One shot by Mr. J. R. Humphreys near Holyhead, 20th Novem-
ber, 1915. Mr. Coward states that this species was particularly
numerous on the Dee estuary in February, 1904 (Op. cat. I., 313).
A male was shot at Towyn in January, 1908.
136—BRENT GOOSE. Branta bernicla bernicla (L.).
Occasional winter visitor to estuaries chiefly on the west coast.
Several additional occurrences on the west coast of Anglesey
have been recorded. Dr. C. L. Williams tells me there is a
local example preserved at Talacre. Pennant (Zour, II., 374)
mentions both Brent and Bernacle Geese among the wreckage
of birds at Criccieth in 1776.
137.—BERNACLE GOOSE. Branta leucopsis (Bechst.).
Winter visitor to the coasts, chiefly on the north; now very rare.
Mr. F. H. Mills observed one on the bog at Llanerchymedd,
Anglesey, 27th November, 1911. Mr. Coward records (V.
Fauna Cheshire, I., 316) eight on the Dee estuary near Hilbre
Island, 2nd March, 1886.
138.—MUTE SWAN. Cygnus olor (Gm.).
Occurs in all counties in a domesticated state.
139.—BEWICK’S SWAN. Cygnus bewickit bewicki Yarr.
Winter visitor of uncertain occurrence, chiefly on the estuaries,
Mr. L. Brooke records a flock of twenty-six on the Dee estuary
near Heswall, in December, 1907, while Messrs. Coward and
Oldham mention one shot on Hilbre Island, 27th October,
1897 (Birds Cheshire, 256).
BIRDS 51
140.--WHOOPER SWAN. Cygnus cygnus (I..).
Winter visitor, not uncommon on flat coasts and estuaries; rarer on
inland waters.
The following are additional records. One in very poor con-
dition received from Anglesey by Dr. R. Newstead, 26th
December, 1890. The Vert. Fauna of Cheshire, I., 318,
records gaggles seen on the Dee estuary numbering about forty
on 6th March, 1890; twenty-one 24th November, 1901; and
twenty-five in 1904.
141.—COMMON SHELD-DUCK. Tadorna tadorna (L.).
Resident and common on sandy coasts and estuaries,
Mr. H. Ecroyd Smith found at Point of Air a nest with eleven
eggs, and states that the clutch usually numbers eleven or
twelve and often up to fourteen. Mr. W. M. Gallichan reports
it as occasionally visiting Lake Vyrnwy in winter.
142.-MALLARD. Anas platyrhyncha platyrhyncha L.
More or less common, resident everywhere : numbers greater in winter.
143.—GADWALL. Anas strepera L.
Rare winter visitor.
Mr. John A. Dockray shot a young male at Heswall on the
Dee estuary, 19th August, 1914 (Brit. Birds, VIII., 120).
144—SHOVELER. Spatula clypeata (L.).
Not uncommon in winter on flat coasts ; rarer inland; breeds in Anglesey
and occasionally Merioneth.
Mr. H. King noted a pair on Llyn Bodgolched, Anglesey, in
the summer of 1909; three pairs in 1910: in 1911 two pairs
nested and brought off seventeen young between them. Mr.
G. Bolam saw a pair on Bala Lake, 26th February, 1906.
145.—PINTAIL. Anas acuta L.
Winter visitor ; not uncommon on flat coasts; rare inland.
Mr. R. W. Jones noted a pair on Conway estuary, 13th March,
1909. Dr. C. L. Williams says it occurs at Holywell; while
52 FAUNA OF NORTH WALES
Tas H. Franklin obtained two females at Towyn, 8th November,
909.
146.—TEAL. Anas crecca crecca L.
Common in winter and a few breed in all six counties.
Mr. H. King saw a pair llth August, 1908, in Cwm Eigiau,
1,600 feet elevation, while Mr. C. Oldham has seen Teal on
Ffynnon Llugwy at 1,786 feet.
146a.—AMERICAN BLUE-WINGED TEAL. Anas discors L.
Obtained in Anglesey and on the Dee estuary.
A female shot on the Dee estuary about 1860 by the late James
Kemp is recorded by Coward in V. Fauna Cheshire, I., 382. A
male was shot near Holland Arms, Anglesey, early in 1919 by
Mr. L. R. A. Gatehouse (Brit. Birds, XTIT., 85).
147—GARGANEY. Anas querquedula L.
Rare visitor to flat country near or on the coasts.
On 2nd August, 1917, Mr. J. A. Pownall shot a male in eclipse
plumage in a bog near Valley, Anglesey (Brit. Birds, X1.,
138).
148.—WIGEON. Anas penelope L.
Winter migrant, abundant on flat coasts, especially in the west; rarer
inland; has bred in Merioneth,
A white Wigeon was shot on the Dee estuary by James Kemp
(V. Fauna Cheshire, II., 30). Mr. R. W. Chase saw thirteen
on Barmouth estuary, 28rd August, 1918—an early date.
They appeared to be very tired, several being asleep.
[AMERICAN WIGEON. Anas americana Gm.
An adult male was watched on Presaddfed Lake, near Holy-
head, 10th June, 1910, by Messrs. C. Oldham, J. Steele Elliott,
and Rev. D. Edmondes Owen. Possibly escaped from Woburn
(Brit. Birds, IV., 87 and 256.)].
BIRDS 53
149.—COMMON POCHARD. WNyroca ferina ferina (L.).
Winter visitor, fairly common, but irregular in occurrenceand distribution :
occasionally breeds in Anglesey and Merioneth.
In Anglesey three were seen on Llyn-y-parc, above Beaumaris,
16th April, 1907, by Mr. H. King, while on 23rd June, 1910,
Mr. CG. Oldham saw two males and a female in company on
Presaddfed Lake. Mr. G. Bolam states that he saw a brood
of young with their mother on Bala Lake, 8th June, 1906,
but they afterwards disappeared.
150—FERRUGINOUS DUCK. WNyroca nyroca (Gild.).
Rare visitor, recorded in Montgomeryshire and Carnarvonshire.
In addition to the two Montgomeryshire examples, Mr. C.
Oldham records in British Birds, VIII., 120, an adult male
seen on the shallow pools at Afonwen, 27th August, 1914.
151—TUFTED DUCK. Nyroca fuligula (L.).
Winter visitor, not very common anywhere in the district; breeds in
Anglesey and Merioneth.
In Anglesey Mr. H. King reports numbers every winter, while
one pair breeds annually on Llyn Bodgolched, Beaumaris.
A drake which he saw on a pool near Gaerwen, llth May,
1907, when disturbed always returned to the same place. Mr.
C. Oldham observed a pair on Tal-y-llyn Lake, 29th September,
1913. Mr. G. Bolam states that on Baia Lake one or two
pairs nested in 1906 and the young were hatched but not reared
to maturity.
152—SCAUP DUCK. Nyroca marila marila (L.).
Winter visitor, not uncommon on flat coasts; rare on fresh water.
Mr. F. C. Coburn shot a female at Capel Curig in November?
1909. The stomach of a male shot on the Dee estuary, 14th
November, 1888, and examined by Dr. R. Newstead, contained
cockle-shells.
54 FAUNA OF NORTH WALES
153.—GOLDEN-EYE. Bucephala clangula clangula (L.).
Winter visitor, common on the coast, especially in the west; fairly
common on inland waters.
154.—LONG-TAILED DUCK. Clangula hyemalis (L.).
Rare winter visitor to the coasts, chiefly in the west ; obtained once inland.
Mr. A. Geoffrey Leigh obtained a young male on Malldraeth
Bay, Anglesey, 23rd November, 1911. One was seen at close
quarters by Messrs. Dockray and Coward on the Dee estuary,
11th October, 1904, while a young bird was shot by Mr. H.
Franklin at Towyn, 13th December, 1909.
155.—EIDER DUCK. Somateria imollissima mollissima (L.).
Recorded only twice.
In British Birds, VII., 23, two drakes are recorded as seen by
Mr. F. Brownsword swimming in Colwyn Bay, 15th March,
1913.
156.—COMMON SCOTER. Oidemia nigra nigra (I..)
Plentiful on the sea in winter ; whilst numbers stay throughout the year ;
very rare inland,
Between 3lst July and 15th August, 1909, Dr. C. LL. Williams
saw many hundreds of Scoters on the sea off Abergele, males
greatly predominating. In British Birds, VII., 118, Mr. T. A.
Coward records a long line, numbering several thousands,
travelling eastwards from Colwyn towards Abergele, 22nd
June, 1913. Mr. R. W. Jones adds that numbers stay all summer
off Llandudno, moving eastwards daily to feed, but returning
towards Anglesey each evening to roost. Inland two were
shot out of three on Llyn Hir, Llanerfyl, Montgomeryshire,
7th September, 1910.
157.— VELVET SCOTER. Oitdemia fusca fusca (L.).
Frequent visitor between autumn and spring to the coasts ; recorded once
inland,
BIRDS 55
The following are additional records. Dr. C. L. Williams is
practically sure that there were several Velvet Scoters amongst
the Common Scoters mentioned above. Mr. Charles Oldham
also records an adult male and female (or young male) with
Common Scoters at Old Colwyn, 14th April, 1911: two in the
same place, 12th April, 1914: two adult males with Common
Scoters, Abergele, 16th September, 1911; and one on the sea
off Mochras, 4th October, 1913. Mr. R. W. Jones has often noted
it off Llandudno: he saw four female or immature birds, 30th
November, 1909, while in 1919 he observed one on 3rd May and
five on 4th August. Inland Mr. George Bolam saw one on Bala
Lake, 3rd November, 1906.
158--SMEW. WMergus albellus, L.
Winter visitor, occurring sometimes on the north coast; very rare in the
west and inland.
Dr. C. L. Williams records a local example at Mr. Batters’,
Talacre. In Merioneth Mr. Rawlings reports a female shot
at Barmouth in January, 1909, whilst in Montgomeryshire
an immature male was shot near Churchstoke, 5th January,
1909, and examined by me.
159 —GOOSANDER. Mergus merganser merganser L.
Winter visitor, not uncommon on north and west coasts, and on the
Upper Dee. Not recorded in Anglesey or Lleyn.
Llyn Ogwen appears to be a favourite resort of the Goosander.
A male seen there on 25th December, 1911, was joined by a
female on the 27th. In the preceding March four—one an old
drake—stayed for several weeks (King), whilst a pair was seen
there 2nd April, 1913. A party visited Lake Vyrnwy, 8th
February, 1913.
160.—RED-BREASTED MERGANSER. . Mergus serrator L.
Winter visitor in fair numbers to the coasts; less frequent inland.
In Anglesey Mr. C. Oldham saw nineteen in Valley river,
Penrhos, 25th October, 1912. In Merioneth also he noted five
on the Broad Water, Towyn, 2nd October, 1913. Mr. R. W.
Jones saw two pairs in Conway Bay, 30th April, 1912. and four
pairs three days later. In 1919 he saw three off the Great Orme’s
Head so early as 10th August.
56 FAUNA OF NORTH WALES
161—HOODED MERGANSER. Mergus cucullatus L.
Recorded on Menai Straits and at Barmouth.
In the loan collection of Mr. R. W. Chase’s birds in Birmingham
Museum is a case containing an adult male and an immature bird
shot near Barmouth in 1864, by Sir William Clayton by a clever
right and left. They are recorded in the supplement to Dresser’s
Birds of Europe, TX., 296. They were presented to Mr. Chase
by Rev. Walter Earle of Yarlet Hall, Staffordshire.
162—WOOD PIGEON. Columba palumbus palumbus L.
Common throughout North Wales; often large flocks in winter.
163.—STOCK DOVE. Columba enas lL.
Resident, and more or less common throughout the district; more
numerous on the coasts than inland.
164.—ROCK DOVE. Columba livia livia Gm.
Resident; a few pairs breed on precipitous coasts of Carnarvon and
Anglesey and possibly inland.
Pennant states in British Zoology, “‘ many breed, as I have
observed, on the cliffs of the coast of Wales.” The late C. K.
Siddall told me that he had seen Rock Doves several times at
Porthwen, Bull Bay, Anglesey—-seven one day in September,
1903. Two or three seen at Llwyngwril by Mr. A. W. Boyd
in August, 1906, appeared to be totally wild birds. Pennant
in his Jour, II., 245, mentions Rock Pigeons as breeding on
the Bird Rock, Towyn.
165—TURTLE DOVE. Streptopelia turtur turtur (L.).
Summer migrant ; common in the eastern half of the district and gradually
increasing and spreading westwards.
In Anglesey Mr. T. Owen noted one north of Penmon, 15th
May, 1912. In Carnarvonshire Dr. N. F. Ticehurst saw one
on Bardsey, 16th June, 1913, and three occurred there between
2nd and 7th September following. Mr. R. W. Jones notes
the species as increasing round Llandudno, while Mr. King
has seen it between Aber and Bangor, and found it nesting at
Benarth, Conway. Mr. Cummings also saw one at Llandwrog,
BIRDS 57
9th September, 1918, and Mr. C. Oldham one at Clynnog Fawr,
7th June, 1915.
166.—PALLAS’S SAND-GROUSE. Syrrhaptes paradoxus
(Pall.).
Has occurred on one or two occasions on the west coast.
167.—BLACK GROUSE. Lyrurus tetrix britannicus
With. and Lénnb.
Resident and indigenous in Montgomeryshire, where it is fairly common:
a few here and there in the other counties, except Anglesey; usually
introduced.
Mr. C. &. Munro Edwards states that the last pair of Black
Game shot in the Dolgelley district (prior to their reappearance
in 1895) were killed on Hengwrt Moor above Drws-y-nant
Inn, about 1868. Afterwards none were noted till after the
severe winter of 1894-5, when a pair settled down on suitable
rough ground below the heather line at Cefn Creian near Drws-
y-nant. In August, 1895, a young Blackcock with mottled
plumage was shot on this farm. Since then Black Game have
steadily increased in this neighbourhood and extended over
the Cader Idris range. In August, 1901, Mr. Edwards found
a strong brood of young above Llyn Gwernan. Mrs. Scott,
of Peniarth Ucha, turned some down in her woods. The late
Mr. Charles G. Beale shot several Blackcock in recent years
on his moor on Rhinog Fawr. Few young survived the incle-
ment summer of 1907. Black Game were introduced at Lake
Vyrnwy, but very few are to be seen there (Bolam).
In September, 1915, many were noted by Mr. C. Oldham on the
moors just south of Corwen.
Mr. R. Morgan says that Black Game used to occur in the
Eryrys district near Llanarmon, but have been extinct there for
over sixty years.
In British Birds, 1909, p. 385, Mr. J. G. Millais describes a
covey of seven hybrid Black and Red Grouse killed on Llanerch
bog near Bala, in August, 1908. ‘Two were preserved, one of
which, a female, is shown in a photographic plate.
168.—RED GROUSE. Lagopus scoticus (Lath.).
Resident and common on heather-clad moors and mountains,
Pennant in his Jour, II., 394, states that there were a few
Red Grouse on the “‘ Rivals,” and Mr. C. Oldham saw several
there in September, 1914.
58 FAUNA OF NORTH WALES
[PTARMIGAN. Lagopus mutus mutus (Montin.).
The tradition of the former existence of Ptarmigan in Wales
is also mentioned in Stephens’ continuation of Shaw’s General
Zoology, 1819, XI1., 289.1
169.—PHEASANT. Phasianus colchicus Ju.
Common in all counties.
170.—COMMON PARTRIDGE. Perdix perdix perdix (L.).
Common in all counties, and up to 1,200 feet elevation.
In the Field, lst June, 1912, is an account of a brood of thirteen,
apparently four or five days old, at Carno, as early as 26th
May.
171---RED-LEGGED PARTRIDGE. Alectoris rufa rufa (L.).
An introduced species, met with in all counties except Carnarvon; rare.
The egg brought in to Mr. Rawlings, Barmouth, was in 1898—
the first recorded instance of nesting in the locality.
172.—_ QUAIL. Coturnix coturnix coturnix (L.).
Irregular summer migrant, met with in all counties ; numerous in 1870
and 1893.
Pennant in British Zoology mentions that “ Mr. Holland of
Conway once found a nest of twelve eggs, eleven of which
were hatched.” This would be prior to 1776.
173.—CORNCRAKE. Crex crex (L.).
Summer migrant, common in all counties (especially Anglesey) in lowlands,
and on hillsides up to 1,000 feet elevation.
Mr. S. G. Cummings heard one calling at Dolgelley as late as
19th July, 1912. It is worth noting as showing the curious
ideas of the early naturalists in regard to migration, that Pennant
writes of the Corncrake in Anglesey :—‘‘ They appear here
about the 20th of April—supposed to pass over from Ireland,
where they abound: at their first arrival it is common to
shoot seven or eight in a morning: on their arrival they are
BIRDS 59
very lean, weighing only six ounces, but before they leave
this island grow so fat as to weigh above eight (Brit. Zool.).
Dr. N. F. Ticehurst noted at least ten pairs nesting on Bardsey
in June, 1913.
174.—WATER RAIL. Rallus aquaticus aquaticus L.
Common in winter on lowland marshes; nest rarely found, but many
pairs breed,
One of the most interesting facts brought to light by the
investigations of the B.O.C. Migration Committee is the great
extent to which the Water-Rail is migratory on the Welsh
coast. In 1909 several were noted at the Bardsey lighthouse
on the nights of 15th and 27th September; six on 5th and
6th November, and large numbers going south the following
night, when fifty were killed. In 1913, too, three were noted
there, 24th and 25th March ; and fifty seen and fourteen killed
five nights later. The same night twelve were seen and eight
killed at the Skerries light. It appears from this that the
Water-Rail, usually rather a solitary bird, is gregarious at the
spring and autumn seasons of migration.
175—BAILLON’S CRAKE. Porzana pusilla intermedia
(Herm.).
Obtained once only near Conway estuary.
176—SPOTTED CRAKE. Porzana porzana (L.).
Rather rare and irregular visitor, chiefly in autumn and winter.
In Anglesey Mr. F. H. Mills records one on bog at Penmynydd,
while in Denbigh and Flint Mr. W. A. Rogers reports one caught
by a dog at Rhuddlan in December 1907 ; Mr. Ruddy noted one
at Llangollen, 10th April, 1907; and Dr. C. L Williams says
it has been obtained at Ysceiliog, near Holywell.
177—MOOR HEN. Gallinula chloropus chloropus (L)..
Resident, common everywhere in suitable country.
Dr. N. F. Ticehurst noted one or two in withy beds on Bardsey
Island in June, 1913. In the Migration Reports single birds
are recorded at the Bardsey light, 12-13th April, 1910; 9-10th
April and 5-6th May, 1913; and at the Skerries light, 29-30th
March, 1913.
E
60 FAUNA OF NORTH WALES
178.—COOT. fFulica atra atra L.
Resident; irregularly distributed throughout the district: occurs on the
sea in winter.
One was killed at the Skerries light 13th April, 1910. Mr. R.
W. Jones noted one at Llandudno, 19th January, 1908. About
Colwyn Bay Mr. Douglas Witty records the Coot as increasing :
it established itself as a breeding species in two localities quite
recently and is resident there.
178a.—CRANE. Megalornis grus grus (L.).
Recorded once, in Anglesey.
An example of this large species was obtained at Rhosneigr,
Anglesey, 16th May, 1908. It was seen in the evening by a man
named David Owen, who, after stalking it for two hours, got
within four yards of the bird as it stood in some flood-water
on the common north of the Crigyll River. He hoped to cap-
ture it alive but his dogs refused to tackle it, so he shot it as
it rose on the wing. He took it to Colonel Long who sent
it to Chester Museum. He informed me that it had a strong,
disagreeable oily odour. This is an addition to the Welsh
fauna.
179—GREAT BUSTARD. Otis tarda tarda L.
Very rare ; recorded twice, many years ago, and once more recently.
180.—LITTLE BUSTARD. Otis tetrax L.
Very rare; recorded in Anglesey only.
181—STONE CURLEW. Burhinus edicnemus edicnemus
(G.):
Obtained in Merioneth and on the Dee Estuary.
It has also occurred in Cardiganshire (Salter).
182.—CREAM-COLOURED COURSER. Cursorius gallicus
gallicus (Gm.).
Recorded twice.
BIRDS 61
183.—RINGED PLOVER. Charadrius hiaticula hiaticula L.
Resident, common on all flat parts of the coast; very rare inland,
On 20th August, 1914, Mr. S. G. Cummings caught one of two
young at Bodfan, Carnarvonshire, with quills only just showing—
alate brood. Dr. N. F. Ticehurst reports this species as absent
from Bardsey in summer.
184.—GOLDEN PLOVER. Charadrius apricarius L.
Occurs in flocks, autumn and spring, often numerous; many breed on
the moors.
185.—_GREY PLOVER. Squatarola squatarola (L.).
Occurs between August and May on the coasts and estuaries, generally in
small parties.
Although I have never seen large numbers together, Mr. Coward
(Vert. Fauna of Cheshire, I., 382) describes the Grey Plover as
occurring in flocks of eighty to one hundred on the Dee estuary,
at the edge of the saltings, with other waders. A fowler named
Lawton once killed over 120 at a shot with the punt-gun (II,
XXXI.). On 16th May, 1910, I saw three on Malldraeth
Estuary, while in October, 1912, Mr. C. Oldham saw many
scattered along the seaboard from there to the Valley river.
On 2nd September, 1916, Mr. S. G. Cummings noted ten—
three males in breeding plumage—on Foryd Bay, Carnarvon-
shire.
186.—DOTTEREL. Charadrius morinellus L.
Occurs sparingly on the mountains in spring ; rarely in autumn; has aise
been met with on land reclaimed from the Dee estuary.
Mr. S. G. Cummings found the dry remains of one on Morfa
Dinlle, Carnarvon, in August, 1916.
187.—_LAPWING. Vanellus vanellus (L.).
Resident ; very common, not only on lowlands, but on moors and hillsides.
In January and February, 1913, many came to the lighthouses
on Bardsey and the Skerries at night.
Mr. C. Oldham has noticed that the Lapwing is remarkably
searce at Beddgelert : during a week’s stay in June, 1914, he
saw only one pair.
E2
62 FAUNA OF NORTH WALES
On Ist May, 1911, Mr. Cummings watched a sitting Peewit
at Caerwys protect its eggs against a sheep which was walking
up to the nest. As the sheep approached the bird left the eggs
and sprang up at its nose repeatedly, uttering a continuous
crying noise all the time. So persistent was the attack that
the sheep was brought to a standstill. The eggs were near
hatching, which would account for the bird’s behaviour.
188.—TURNSTONE. Arenaria interpres interpres (L.).
Not uncommon on the west coast in autumn and spring, some remaining
through the summer; rarer on the north coast.
Ray observed small parties on the Merioneth coast. Turn-
stones occur on the coasts in every month of the year; records
are so numerous that they need not be given here in detail.
189.— OYSTER CATCHER. Hematopus osiralegus ostralegus
L.
Resident, common on the coasts; flocks in winter; very rare inland.
On the Dee estuary, according to Mr. Coward, the Oyster-
catcher is most abundant as a bird of passage in spring and
autumn, (V. Fauna, Cheshire, I., 387.) The following incident
tends to show that this species is sometimes double-brooded.
Mr. C. Oldham found a nest with three eggs hatcbing at Point of
Air, 3lst July, 1915. On 6th August, 1914, Mr.S. G. Cummings
caught a half-fledged young one, unable to fly, in Carnarvon Bay.
When first seen it was in the water, but ran ashore into the sand-
hills at great speed. On 13th June, 1918, he found a nest with
three eggs close to the cliff walk at Moclfre, over 100 feet above
sea level.
190.—AVOCET. Recurvirostra avosetia L.
Said to have occurred in Anglesey and Merioneth,
191—BLACK-WINGED STILT, Himantopus himantopus (L.).
Recorded in Anglesey.
192.—_GREY PHALAROPE, Phalaropus fulicarius (L).
Occasional visitor, not uncommon; occurs chiefly on autumn passage.
One obtained at West Kirby, Cheshire, 5th November, 1880, is
recorded in the Field, 1880, 715, whilst another on Hilbre Island
BIRDS 63
in November, 1898, is recorded in C. & O. Birds of Cheshire, 256.
I examined one shot near Carno, Mont., 25th October, 1907.
193.—RED-NECKED PHALAROPE, Phalaropus lobatus (L.).
Rare visitor to the coasts; recorded six times.
Mr. F. L. Congreve has a specimen obtained on the Dee Marsh
in the winter, 1899-1900 (V. Fauna Cheshire, I., 390).
194.—WOODCOCK. § Scolopax rusticola L.
Common from autumn to spring: breeds sparingly in all counties except
Anglesey.
In the Dolgelley district Mr. C. E. Munro Edwards reports
nests at Penmaen Ucha; and Doigyfeiliau in 1890.
195 —GREAT SNIPE. Gallinago media (Lath.).
Rare winter visitor, said to have occurred in all counties.
Beckwith in his Notes on Shropshire Birds, contributed to the
Field in 1885, incidentally mentions a Great Snipe obtained
“near Dolgelley last summer.’’ Mr. Graham C. Heasman writes
in the same journal that one weighing 74 ozs., was shot at Holt,
Flintshire, 3rd September, 1911.
196—COMMON SNIPE. Gaillinago gallinago gallinago (L.).
Resident ; common on bogs everywhere ; more numerous in winter.
In 1907 Mr. C. Wilson found a nest on Eunant Moor with one
egg and two newly-hatched young, 2lst August,—quite an
exceptional occurrence. In British Birds, VUII., 20, Mr. F.
H. L. Whish records an example of the melanistic form known
as Sabine’s Snipe, shot at Rug in March, 1914.
197.—_JACK SNIPE. Limmnocryptes gallinula (L.).
Winter visitor ; fairly common in most districts, especially in the west,
but decreasing in some.
198.—DUNLIN. Lrolia alpina alpina (L.).
Common on flat coasts in autumn and winter, some remaining through
the summer; breeds sparingly on the Denbigh and Merioneth moors,
and formerly nested on the Dee Marshes.
64 FAUNA OF NORTH WALES
In 1906 Mr. G. Bolam found at least three pairs breeding by
little pools in the peat on the moors above Bala, and single
pairs in several other localities in that district. A dead
Dunlin was found on Hirnant moor, Montg., by Mr. R. Roberts,
26th April, 1911. Birds, no doubt nesting, were seen by Mr. C.
Oldham on Ffriddog, four miles 8.K. of Llanwrst, 17th June,
Pol.
On the night of 29-30th April, 1913, large numbers were at
the Bardsey lighthouse, thirty being killed; they left to the
south at dawn. They occurred there also in September but
none in June (Ticehurst).
199.—_LITTLE STINT. Erolia minuta (Leisl.).
Autumn and spring migrant met with occasionally on the coasts and
estuaries.
Additional records—
Anglesey. Fifteen Rhosneigr 23rd May, 1907 (R. W. Jones).
Denbigh and Flint. One seen Heswall (Cheshire) 30th August,
1905 (V. Fauna Cheshire, 1., 398).
200.—TEMMINCK’S STINT. Erolia temminckii (Leisl.).
Recorded once on the Dee Estuary.
201—CURLEW SANDPIPER. £Erolia ferruginea (Brimn.).
On autumn and spring passage occurs on the coasts and estuaries, especially
the estuaries of the Dee and Dovey; not common,
In Carnarvonshire Mr. 8S. G. Cummings observed one on Bodfan
marsh, Llandwrog, 26th August, 1914, and several on Foryd
Bay in August, 1916. He also saw a pair on the Dee Estuary,
9th October, 1909, where others are recorded in the B.0.C.
Migration Reports—twelve on 24th September, 1911. Dr.
C. L. Williams noted a flock at Foryd, Ist October, 1903. In
Merioneth Mr. H. G. Attlee heard and saw several on the Artro
Estuary, 17th and 30th August, 1911; while Mr. H. Franklin
obtained two at Towyn in April, 1912. Mr. C. Oldham saw
two there with Dunlins, 2nd October, 1913.
202.— PURPLE SANDPIPER. Erolia maritima maritima
(Briinn.).
Not uncommon from winter to early summer in the west, rare in the north ;
generally occurs singly or in pairs.
BIRDS 65
In Anglesey Mr. T. A. Coward records one obtained at Holyhead,
8th January, 1908, while Mr. King saw one at Penmon Point,
8th February, 1911, and in the Migration Report two are men-
tioned on Menai Straits, 11th May, 1912. In Carnarvonshire
Mr. R. W. Jones observed eight on the Great Orme’s Head,
9th January, 1915; eighteen on 30th March, 1918, and twenty-
one, 27th November, 1915. The V. Fauna of Cheshire mentions
several on the Dee Estuary—party of twelve seen 25th April,
1909. In Mevioneth Mr. H. G. Attlee saw one at Mochras 20th
and 30th August, 1911. Mr. J. K. Stanford saw one on Bardsey,
3rd September, 1913.
203.—KNOT. FErolia canutus canutus (L.).
Migrant, appearing in flocks on flat coasts from autumn to spring.
In the Migration Reports one is recorded at the Skerries Light.
18-19th August, 1912, and many on the 26-27th. The same
year several were at the Bardsey Light in October and Novem-
ber, while Mr. C. Oldham saw about fifty in the Valley River,
Anglesey, 15th October. Dr. C. L. Williams noted some at
Point of Air, 4th and 15th October, 1903, and Mr. D. Witty saw
one in breeding dress at Colwyn Bay, 6th May, 1909. In
Merioneth Lord Lilferd recorded a small flock on the Dovey
Estuary in August, 1851, while Mr. H. G. Attlee, in August,
1911, observed several at Mochras, 17th to 3lst, and on the
Traeth Bach 23rd. Single birds were taken at the Bardsey
light 2-3rd and 6-7th September, 1913 (Ticehurst).
204.—SANDERLING. Calidris alba (Pallas).
Occurs on flat parts of the coast in autumn and spring ; most numerous
in May.
Mr. H. G. Attlee observed eleven at Mochras, 30th August,
1911: all but two were in winter plumage. Mr.S. G. Cummings
saw seven in Carnarvon Bay, 10th August, 1918—one in breed-
ing plumage ; while in 1914 Mr. R. W. Jones saw a party of seven
on the Conway Estuary on 16th July.
205.—RUFF. Machetes pugnax (L.).
Occasional visitor in spring and autumn; chiefly to the Dee and Dovey
estuaries.
206.—COMMON SANDPIPER. Tringa hypoleuca L.
Summer migrant: common in all suitable places, except in Lleyn.
66 FAUNA OF NORTH WALES
207 —WOOD SANDPIPER. Tringa glareola L.
Very rare: obtained in Carnarvon, Merioneth, and Montgomeryshire.
208—GREEN SANDPIPER. Tringa ochropus L.
Not uncommon in the eastern half of the district in autumn, and
occasionally met with at other times: rare in the west.
In Carnarvonshire Mr. Ruddy records one shot near Pwllheli,
3lst December, 1906, while Mr. 8. G. Cummings noted one
on Bodfan Marsh, Llandwrog, 20th August, 1914. Mr. D.
Witty saw it at Colwyn Bay on three occasions in 1907-9. Mr.
Cummings also noted single birds on the Dee Marshes, 9th
October, 1909, and 2nd February, 1911, and on the Foryd,
Carnarvon, 29th August, 1917.
209.—COMMON REDSHANK, Tinga totanus (L.).
Common as a migrant on and near the coasts; rare inland; a few pairs
breed in scattered localities.
As a breeding species the Redshank has greatly increased in
recent years in Anglesey and Carnarvonshire. Parties have
been seen on Bardsey by Mr. T. A. Coward in June, 1905, and
by Dr. N. F. Ticehurst in June, 1913. In Montgomeryshire
Mr. C. Wilson shot two on a hill near Lake Vyrnwy, 20th
August, 1907.
210.— SPOTTED REDSHANK. T'ringa erythropus (Pall.).
Very rare; obtained on three or four occasions.
211.—_GREENSHANK. Tringa nebularia (Gunner.).
Not uncommon on the coasts and estuaries in autumn and spring; fewer
in winter; rare inland.
Mr. S. G. Cummings saw twelve, in twos and threes, in Foryd
Bay, Carnarvon, 7th September, 1916. Mr. F. Coburn observed
two on Barmouth Estuary 12th September, 1908; while in-
land Mr. G. Bolam records one on Bala Lake 27th August,
1906.
BIRDS 67
212 —BAR-TAILED GODWIT. Limosa lapponica
lapponica (L.).
Not uncommon on flat parts of the coasts and estuaries in autumn; fewer
in spring ; rare inland.
In Anglesey Mr. C. Oldham observed in October, 1912, ten at
Penrhos ; twelve at Four-mile Bridge; and several on Mall-
draeth. In Carnarvonshire also he saw three at Pwllheli, Ist
October, 1914, while Mr. Cummings noted throughout August,
1914, small parties on the shore at Llandwrog along with Turn-
stones and Ringed Plovers: he also saw one on Foryd Bay,
4th August, 1917. A considerable number were at the Bardsey
Light between 1 and 4 a.m., on 14th November, 1909. In
Merioneth Mr. Attlee saw one at Mochras, 24th August, 1911.
See also note under the next species.
213.—BLACK-TAILED GODWIT. Limosa limosa (L.).
Somewhat rare spring and autumn visitor to the estuaries.
From a study of both species of Godwit in the Zoological Gardens
Mr. Attlee has come to the conclusion that the two which he
saw on the Artro estuary on 9th September, 1906 (Fauna, p. 364,)
were Black-tailed, not Bar-tailed Godwits. In the Birmingham
Daily Mail, 17th April, 1909, Mr. F. Coburn records watching
four Black-tailed Godwits on this same estuary on 10th April,
1909. He watched them with glasses for an hour, preening
their feathers, etc., and showing the broad black-band on the
tail. Mr. Coward (V. Fauna Cheshire, I., 415) records having
seen five, with Bar-tailed Godwits, at Hilbre Island, 2nd October,
1909: another was seen at Hoylake. Mr. 8. G. Cummings
watched an adult in almost complete summer plumage in
Foryd Bay, near Carnarvon, 28th August, 1916, and again
23rd August, 1917.
214--COMMON CURLEW. Numenius arquata arquata (L.),
Resident and common, breeding on all the moorlands and on some bogs ;
resorts to the coasts from autumn to spring.
A nest with four eggs was found at Llangollen, 13th April, 1912:
this was an exceptionally mild spring, which accounts for
the early laying. Mr. H. 8S. Davenport, however, tells me that
in the Bala district April 20th is the average date for a full
clutch. Mr. F. C. Rawlings has two clutches of five taken
near Barmouth. A White Curlew was shot at Towyn in Sep-
tember, 1913.
68 FAUNA OF NORTH WALES
215.—_WHIMBREL. Numenius pheopus pheopus (L.).
A passing migrant in spring and autumn; more numerous on the west
than on the north coast—in spring than in autumn.
The northward movement does not commence till quite the end
of April, asarule. In the Migration Report for 1913 Whimbrels
are recorded during April and May in small numbers at Bardsey,
Penrhyndeudraeth, and Conway; while Dr. N. F. Ticehurst
observed two or three on Bardsey Island in June, 1913. Mr.
Cummings saw about twenty on the Dee Marshes, 7th May,
1911. He also noted single birds or pairs over Dinas Dinlle
during August, 1914, and Foryd Bay, Carnarvon in August,
1916.
216.— BLACK TERN. AHydrochelidon nigra nigra (L.)
Not uncommon as a passing migrant; occurs chiefly over estuaries and
pools,
In Anglesey Mr. King saw one over Llyn Bodgolched, north of
Beaumaris, 4th May, 1909, while Mr. W. Glynn Edwards saw
six over Presaddfed Lake, 21st May, 1909, and Dr. C. B. Tice-
hurst one at the South Stack on Ist June, 1909. Mr. Siddall
also saw one in Bull Bay, 8th September, 1909. It will be noticed
that all these were in the same year, as also was one which I
examined shot at Bettws-y-coed early in May; this was in
summer plumage. On the 15th of the same month one was
shot at Towyn. Dr. W. G. Stone obtained one at Newtown,
Mont., 16th April, 1910.
217—SANDWICH TERN. Sterna sandvicensis
sandvicensis. Lath.
Breeds in Anglesey: visits Conway estuary in spring and autumn, and
has been recorded on the Skerries,
Sandwich Terns were first noted visiting the Conway estuary,
by Mr. R. W. Jones, May-August, 1913. Since then they have
occurred regularly each summer, and I have seen them as far
east as Prestatyn, while in June, 1918, Mr. Cummings saw
numbers at the west end of Menai Straits. These, doubtless,
come from the breeding colony in Anglesey discovered by
Messrs. Cummings and Oldham in 1915, and described by the
latter in British Birds, 1X., p. 73.
BIRDS 69
218. ROSEATE- TERN. Sterna dougallit dougallii Mont.
A small breeding colony on the Skerries, and a large one elsewhere in
North Wales.
The colony alluded to has increased greatly of late years—
it is rigidly protected—and now numbers about three hundred
breeding pairs. It must be one of the largest breeding colonies
in Europe. Mr. C. Oldham saw about twelve adults with the
Common Terns at Point of Air, 15th July, 1916, but apparently
not nesting. Inland an immature Roseate Tern was obtained
near Llanymynech, 21st September, 1914.
219.—COMMON TERN. Sterna hirundo L.
Summer migrant, met with on all coasts, but most numerous round
Anglesey, where it has several breeding stations.
In June, 1908, the Duchess of Bedford found some half-dozen
pairs nesting amongst the Arctic Terns on the Skerries, the
nests forming a group to themselves, except one which was
in a quite different part of the island. The same summer
Mr. W. Bickerton spent some time on the Skerries photographing
the Terns, and he found several colonies of Common Terns.
He adds that “curiously enough the Roseate Terns seemed
to prefer associating with the Common Terns rather than with
the Arctic, which are the predominating species on the Skerries.”’
In the latter part of July, 1913, Mr. H. G. Attlee noticed a
number of Common Terns on Mochras, where in previous years
only Lesser Terns had bred: these appeared to be nesting.
On 24th July he saw a flock of about fifty off Llanaber, a few
miles to the south. In 1910 one or two pairs were found breed-
ing along with the Lesser Terns at Point of Air by Mr. R. D.
Roberts, who sent me an egg for identification. In 1915 Mr.
Cummings found three pairs nesting there and another nearer
Prestatyn, while by June, 1916, Mr. C. Oldham discovered that
the colony had increased to about 150 pairs—he counted 126
nests with eggs. Rev. F. C. R. Jourdain, however, tells me
that the Common Tern had been known to breed at Point of
Air as far back as 1898. In July, 1914, Mr. P. Foulkes Roberts
found several pairs nesting on the south side of the Dovey
Estuary, near the colony of Lesser Terns mentioned in the
Fauna, p. 376. During the last three or four years another
nesting colony of Common Terns has become established near
Connah’s Quay.
70 FAUNA OF NORTH WALES
220.—ARCTIC TERN. Sterna paradisea. Brimn,
Distribution similar to that of the Common Tern, but breeds almost
exclusively on the Skerries and off Rhoscolyn.
There is evidence that occasionally both the Common and
Arctic Tern will stray on to each other’s breeding grounds.
This is shown by the above details in regard to the Common
Tern onthe Skerries, whilst in July, 1911, Lidentified three pairs
of Arctic Terns amongst the Common Terns at Llanddwyn.
Eyton’s statement, which is called in question in the Fauna
of North Wales, was therefore possibly correct after all. In
1915 Messrs. Cummings and Oldham found Arctic Terns nesting
on the sandhills on the Carnarvonshire side of Aber Menai.
In August, 1917, the colony there consisted of many Common
and a few Arctic Terns.
Nore.—It appears from the foregoing and other details
that all the species of Tern are apt to change their breeding
grounds more or less from year to year, though the Arctic
Tern shows a more decided preference for islands than the
others, the colony at Aber Menai being the only one on the
mainland. None of the Terns breed on Bardsey (Ticehurst).
221 —LITTLE TERN. Sterna albifrons albifrons Pall.
Summer migrant, common on the coast; many breeding colonies on flat
shores in all the maritime counties, especially in the west.
The breeding colony at Point cf Air is old-established, for Mr.
H. Ecroyd Smith recorded it in a paper entitled ‘“‘ A day among
the bird-breeders at Point of Air *’’ in 1866 (Zoologist, 1866, 100).
Other species mentioned as breeding there were the Ringed
Plover, Oyster Catcher, Sheld-duck, and Stock Dove. He
also found a colony the previous year at the eastern end of the
Menai Straits, several nests containing four eggs which he
believed were not the produce of two hens. In this, however
he was probably mistaken. According to the Migration Reports,
eggs were found at Point of Air as early as 13th May, 1913.
The colony there has increased greatly in recent years. In
1915 Mr. 8. G. Cummings thought that it was probably the
largest in North Wales. There was also another large colony
about three miles off towards Prestatyn.
22la—SOOTY TERN. Sterna fuscata L.
One obtained Barmouth.
On 17th August, 1909, a male was knocked over by a boy with
a stick on the Barmouth Golf Links. It was set up by Mr.
BIRDS 71
F. C. Rawlings who showed it to me. The stomach contained
Sand Eels recently taken. It was beginning to moult, the 6th
to 9th primaries and two outer tail feathers being new. The
specimen is now in the collection of Mr. R. W. Chase.
222. SABINE’S GULL. Xema sabini (Sab.).
Rare autumnal visitor to the coasts.
223.—LITTLE GULL. Larus minutus Pall.
Occasional visitor, rare: has been met with on the south-west and north
coasts,
224.—_BLACK-HEADED GULL. Larus ridibundus L.
Resident and common on the coasts; several breeding colonies on inland
moors.
There is a breeding colony of some 400 pairs on Presaddfed
Lake, Anglesey. Mr. Ruddy reports that in recent years there
was a colony on Llyn Cyfiynwy, Flintshire, attracted thither by
the enlargement of the lake for water supply: the gulls were
destroyed by the keepers because they were supposed to take the
fish. Mr Y. P. Lort informed me that in 1910 a breeding
colony had become established on the lakes at Llanllugan—the
first colony known in Montgomeryshire—while in May, 1918,
Rev. E. Lorimer Thomas noted large numbers every day along the
Severn in the Llandinam district. At the present time I have
observed numbers all along the upper Severn Valley, and conclude
there must be another colony in the district besides that at
Llanilugan.
225—COMMON GULL. Larus canus canus L.
Common on the coast from autum to spring, but does not breed in North
Wales.
Although this Gull has never been known to breed in the district,
it is worthy of note that in June, 1908, the Duchess of Bedford
observed two adults and several immature birds in the neigh-
bourhood of Criccieth ; while on 28th June, 1913, Mr. R. W.
Jones saw two adults and two young on the Conway Sands. Mr.
Cummings saw numbers on Morfa Dinlle, Carnarvon, throughout
August 1917, while Mr. C. Oldham has observed adults in June
or July at Clynnog, Foryd Bay, and Prestatyn.
72 FAUNA OF NORTH WALES
226.—HERRING GULL. Larus argentatus argentatus
Pontopp.
Abundant on the coasts; breeds on islands and coasts of Anglesey and
Carnarvon.
227— LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL. Larus fuscus
affinis Reinh.
Fairly common on the coasts as a resident or partial migrant: few breeding
places.
An adult was seen on Bardsey by Dr. Ticehurst in June, 1913,
and another by Mr. Coward in June, 1905: Mr. H. King saw a
pair on the Bird Rock, Nevin, in August, 1907: there is no
evidence of the species breeding, however, in either Jocality.
Inland one was seen at Llangollen by Mr. Ruddy in January,
and two on 21st March, 1911. On 27th July, 1909, two were
seen and one shot near Coedway on the Montgomeryshire
border.
2298 _GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL. Larus marinus. L.
Fairly common in winter. One or two pairs nest here and there in the
west.
In Anglesey Mr. H. King found two pairs nesting in 1908,
while in 1909 there were three birds but only one nest. He noted
two pairs nesting on Puffin Island in 1909 and 1910. Mr. Oldham
records at least four pairs nesting at Pen-y-parc, Bodorgan, in
June, 1915. In 1911 Mr. W. Glynne Edwards found two pairs
nesting on the Skerries. Pellets from Bodorgan examined by
Dr. R. Newstead in March, 1904, contained remains of whelks and
shore-crabs. In Carnarvonshire M:. King saw a pair at the Bird
Rock, Nevin, in August, 1907. The island in Llyn Llydaw,
mentioned as a beeding place by Pennant, was submerged by the
artificial deepening of the lake.
229.—_GLAUCOUS GULL. Larus hyperboreus Gunner.
Rare winter visitor.
An immature example was shot by Mr. A. Hamilton at
Deganwy, 23rd February, 1911, and sent to Chester Museum,
BIRDS 73
230.—ICELAND GULL. Larus leucopterus Faber.
Rare winter visitor to the Dee and Dovey estuaries.
Mr. T. A. Coward records in Vert. Fauna of Cheshire, L., 433,
an immature bird obtained at Hoylake, Cheshire, about 1872-3.
231.—KITTIWAKE. Rissa tridactyla tridactyla (L.).
Common resident on the coasts; breeds in Anglesey and Carnarvonshire.
Dr. N. F. Ticehurst noted numbers off Bardsey 15-21st June,
1913, but none breeding there.
23la.—GREAT SKUA. Stercorarius skua skua (Brimn.).
Rare visitor to the coasts.
Professor C. J. Patten records in the Zoologist, 1904, 75, having
a splendid view of a Great Skua off Holyhead on 20th July,
1903. The Skua was in hot pursuit of a Lesser Black-backed
Gull. In the autumn of that year a Great Skua—possibly
the same bird—was taken on a baited hook in Douglas Bay,
Isle of Man. Mr. R. W. Jones saw a Great Skua on the Conway
estuary, 25th August, 1912 (Brit. Birds, V1., 163), and two off
the Great Orme’s Head, 21st September, 1915. He feels sure it
occurs more frequently than is supposed (Brit. Birds, IX., 127).
232.—POMATORHINE SKUA. Stercorarius pomarinus
(Temm ).
Occasional visitor to the coasts in spring and autumn,
233.—ARCTIC, on RICHARDSON’S SKUA. Stercorarius
parasiticus (L.).
Occasional visitor, chiefly to the western coast and estuaries.
The Migration Report mentions one seen flying south over
Trearddwr Bay, Anglesey, 29th August, 1911. Mr. R. W.
Jones saw one harrying Lesser Terns on Conway Estuary,
llth May, 1912; while in Merioneth Dr. Jackson observed
one at Aberdovey during the third week of July, 1908, and Mr.
H. G. Attlee watched another harrying Common Terns off
Llanaber, 15th July, 1913.
74 FAUNA OF NORTH WALES
234-LONG-TAILED, or BUFFON’S SKUA. Stercorarius
longicaudus Vieill.
Recorded only once, on the north coast.
235.—RAZORBILL. Alca torda L.
Breeds on precipitous coasts ; common at sea all round the coast, especially
in the west.
236.—COMMON GUILLEMOT. Uria troille troille (L.).
Breeds on precipitous coasts ; common at sea all round the coast, especially
in the west; the “‘ ringed’ variety occurs but rarely.
Mr. R. W. Jones observed a “ Ringed ” Guillemot at the South
Stack, 22nd May, 1914 (British Birds, VIII., 54).
237— BLACK GUILLEMOT. Uria grylle grylle (L.).
Rare visitor to the coast; formerly bred on the Orme’s Heads and off
West Anglesey.
In regard to the occurrence of the Black Guillemot on the
Orme’s Head, mentioned in the Fauna, it is worthy of note that
Pennant alludes to it on the Great Orme (Zour, ITT., 149), but
Williams and Price refer to it on the Little Orme. Mr. Coward
(Vert. Fauna Cheshire, I., 438) mentions a water-colour sketch
of an immature bird in the possession of the late Capt. Congreve,
marked ‘“ Burton, 1837.” This place is on the Dee estuary.
238.—LITTLE AUK. Alle alle (L.).
Rarely met with alive, but dead ones are often thrown up on the coasts
during gales in winter. .
Mr. R. J. Ellis had one brought in by his cat at Abergele, 4th
February, 1908. Mr. R. W. Jones records one at Llandudno,
2nd February, 1912. At that time there was a remarkable
irruption of Little Auks into Britain, mainly on the east coast.
In August, 1911, Mr. H. G. Attlee found the remains of one at
Mochras.
239.— PUFFIN. Fraiercula arctica grabe (Brehm).
Numerous in summer, and breeds round Carnarvonshire and Anglesey:
rare in winter.
BIRDS 75
The number of Puffins breeding on Puffin Island varies remark-
ably. They were particularly numerous in 1908, but had
dwindled to about twenty pairs in 1911, after which they increased
to a small extent up to 1914.
Bell in his British Quadrupeds, 2nd ed., p. 313, writes: “ In
the year 1816 or 1817, a Prussian vessel was wrecked on the
S.W. side of Puffin Island on the coast of Wales. The island
takes its name from the multitudes of Puffins which frequented
it, and it was also colonised by vast numbers of Rabbits. No
annoyance had ever been experienced from Rats until the
occurrence above mentioned took place; but after that, in
consequence of the migration of these animals from the wreck
to the shore, and their subsequent rapid increase, the Rabbits
were almost if not wholly exterminated, the Puffins were ejected
by the destruction of their eggs by the rats, and the parties
who rented the island gave up their holdings.”
With reference to the number of fish brought in at one time,
Mr. O. V. Aplin writes in the Zoologist, 1910, 43, that he has
seen Puffins bring “a thick bunch of small ones hanging from
both sides of the bill—six or seven certainly, and possibly
more.”
Mr. R. W. Jones thinks that the Puffins on the Great Orme’s
Head are mostly trippers from Puffin Island, though a few do
breed there. Pennant describes them as swarming on the Little
Orme’s Head, but nowadays they are seldom numerous, though
a small number breed there every year.
240.—_GREAT NORTHERN DIVER. Colymbus immer
Briinn.
Not uncommon, autumn to spring, in the west; rarer in the north, and
only a straggler inland.
241—_BLACK-THROATED DIVER. Colymbus arcticus L.
Occasional visitor to the coasts and estuaries: recorded once inland.
Mr. Coward (V. Fauna Cheshire, I., 441) mentions one killed
at Puddington on the Dee estuary about 1853. Single birds
have been seen off the Great Orme’s Head by Mr. R. W. Jones,
30th April, 1910, 30th April, 1911, and 14th May, 1912.
242—_RED-THROATED DIVER. Colymbus stellatus
Pontopp.
Common or the coast from autumn to May.
76 FAUNA OF NORTH WALES
Off Llandudno Mr. R. W. Jones says it occurs usually solitary
or in pairs. There are specimens in Chester Museum obtained
at Point of Air in 1888, and Flint, 1886. An immature bird
in the collection of Sir H. B. Robertson was obtained near
Pistyll Rhaiadr, 28th December, 1907: this is a long way
inland, as also was one at Corwen, 8th January, 1908 (Zoologist,
February, 1908).
243.—GREAT CRESTED GREBE. Podiceps cristatus
cristatus (L.).
Not uncommon : a few pairs breed along the English border and in Anglesey,
but elsewhere it is only a winter visitor to the coasts and estuaries.
There is practically no doubt that it breeds on Presaddfed
Lake, as a pair has been seen there in summer by Mr. C. Oldham
and Mr. W. Glynne Edwards. A single bird was seen on
Nannau Lake, Dolgelley, 8th April, 1908, by Mr. C. E. Munro
Edwards, and an adult in breeding dress on Bala Lake, 29th
June, 1917, by Mr. C. Oldham. I have received many additional
records of this species on the sea between Llandudno and Abergele
in spring and autumn, while Mr. D. Witty observed it on Llyn
Fawnog in September and December, 1908.
244—RED-NECKED GREBE. Podiceps griseigena
griseigena (Bodd.).
Mr. T. A. Coward (V. Fauna, Cheshire, I., 450) mentions one
killed on Puddington Marsh about 1853, whilst Mr. J. A.
Dockray has seen Grebes probably of this species on the Dee
estuary in winter. Mr. D. Witty saw a Grebe at Colwyn Bay,
2nd December, 1909, which he felt sure was of this species.
Rev. F. C. R. Jourdain tells me that the Brown collection of
skins in the Derby Museum contains-a Red-necked Grebe,
marked ‘‘N. Wales, March, 1882” and a Slavonian Grebe,
marked similarly. He believes both birds came from the
Conway district.
245.—SLAVONIAN, on HORNED GREBE. Podiceps
auritus (L.).
Winter visitor, not infrequent on the Merioneth estuaries ; rare elsewhere.
Mr. R. W. Jones observed one below the Great Orme’s Head,
24th January, 1914. Three were shot on Lake Vyrnwy in
February, 1912 (W. Hampson).
BIRDS v
246.—BLACK-NECKED, or EARED GREBE. Podiceps
nigricollis nigricollis Brehm.
Rare; met with chiefly in west Anglesey and Merioneth in spring and
autumn ; nests regularly in one locality.
247.—LITTLE GREBE. Podiceps ruficollis ruficollis (Pall.).
Resident and generally distributed, but somewhat local.
248 —_ STORM PETREL. Hydrobates pelagicus (L.).
Met with on the coast occasionally during rough weather in winter.
One was killed at the Bardsey light July 29-30th, 1911—
an unusual date for such an occurrence. CC. D. Thurston,
in the Field, 2nd December, 1865, records one at Machynlleth.
249.—_LEACH’S FORK-TAILED PETREL. Oceanodroma
leucorhoa leucorhoa (Viceill.).
Occasional winter visitor to both west and north coasts.
Mr. R. W. Jones saw one below the Great Orme’s Head 30th
September, 1911: a week later one was knocked down with
a cap at Llanllugan, Montgomeryshire.
250.—MANX SHEARWATER. Puffinus puffinus puffinus
(Briinn.).
Breeds in Lleyn and on adjoining islands ; frequent on west coast and off
Anglesey.
Mr. T. A. Coward (V. Fauna Cheshire, I., 457) states that he
has seen birds in June in the Rock Channel off the mouth of
the Dee; and on 30th June, 1909, Mr. L. N. Brooke saw four
in the Dee off Gayton. Mr. H. G. Attlee observed small parties
off Mochras, 30th June, 1909. Mr. R. W. Jones says Shearwaters
are to be seen almost any day in summer from the Orme’s Head
passing between Anglesey and Liverpool Bay.
In the Zoologist, 1910, 101, Mr. O. V. Aplin describes the down-
plumage of the young from a nestling taken in Lleyn in 1905.
[GREAT SHEARWATER. (Puffinus gravis.)
A Shearwater thought to be of this species was seen by Dr.
N. F. Ticehurst flying at sea off the south end of Bardsey, 12th
F2
78 FAUNA OF NORTH WALES
September, 1913. It was larger than the Manx Shearwater,
brownish-black above, and brownish-white below.]
251—FULMAR. Fulmarus glacialis glacialis (L.).
Rare occasional visitor, chiefly to the coast of Merioneth.
(‘CAPE PIGEON.” Daption capense (L.).
Obtained once on the Dovey estuary.]
REPTILES.
1—COMMON LIZARD. Laeerta vivipara Jacq.
Commen, and generally distributed in all suitable country.
2—SAND LIZARD. Lacerta agilis L.
Occurs in sandhills along north coast of Flintshire: formerly found near
Llandudno.
This lizard appears to be extinct now in the Llandudno district,
but in 1914 Mr. R. Standen, of Manchester University, found
it abundant amongst the sand hills between Prestatyn and
Point of Air. The statement that it occurs on the opposite
side of the Dee estuary is confirmed by Mr. T. A. Coward in
his recent Vert. Fauna of Cheshire. This species can now,
therefore, be definitely included in our Welsh Fauna, and the
square brackets removed.
3.—BLIND-WORM, or SLOW-WORM. Anguis fragilis. L.
Common, and generally distributed.
Professor Philip White informs me that he has found the Blind-
worm common on Bardsey Island.
4—RING SNAKE. Tropidonotus natrix (L.).
Common in all counties except Anglesey, where it occurs but rarely and
only in the south,
5.—ADDER, orn VIPER. Vipera berus L.
Locally common in all counties.
Mr. G. J. Williams has heard his father speak of a youth dying
from the bite of an Adder on Cwmbowydd Bog, Ffestiniog.
The dark form known as the Black Adder has been met with
at Aberdeunant in Lleyn, by Mr. Ellis Davies.
AMPHIBIANS.
1—COMMON FROG. Rana temporaria L.
Common everywhere.
The elevation reached by the Frog is surprising. In’ March,
1906, Mr. G. Bolam found it spawning in lakes near the_tops
of Arennig and Aran.
2.—COMMON TOAD. Bufo vulgaris L.
Common everywhere.
3.—NATTERJACK. Bufo calamita L.
Common between Prestatyn and Conway; not known to occur elsewhere.
4.—COMMON NEWT. JMolge vulgaris (L.).
Not authenticated in Anglesey; rare in Carnarvon; common elsewhere.
Mr. G. Bolam found a few by Bala Lake in 1906. The only
record for Carnarvonshire is on the Little Orme’s Head, where
Mr. D. Witty took three males from a small pond in March,
1907: he sent me one of them for identification.
5.—PALMATED, or WEBBED NEWT. WMolge palmata
(Schneid.).
Common in Anglesey and Carnarvon and along the north coast ; found
also in Merioneth.
Professor Philip White found it common on Bardsey. Addi-
tional localities in Denbigh and Flint are Llansannan and
Llysfaen, where it was found by Mr. Oldham, and Llangollen
by Mr. Ruddy. It was also found in Merioneth by Mr. G. Bolam
in pools near the top of Aran and Arennig, in 1906, and by Mr.C.
Oldham in ditches near Barmouth Junction in June, 1917.
6.—GREAT WARTY NEWT. Molge cristata (Laurenti.).
Probably occurs in all counties and is numerous in places.
I received specimens in June, 1910, from Mr. R. Morgan, Llanar-
mon, near Mold.
FISHES.
1—PERCH. Perca fluviatilis. L.
Common; but in Anglesey and Carnarvon only introduced recently.
2.—RUFF. Acerina cernua. (L.).
Occurs in the Severn and tributaries and Lower Dee; in canals and perhaps
one pool.
3.—BASS, or SEA PERCH. WMorone labrax. (L.).
Common on many parts of the coast.
4.—COMBER, GAPER, or SMOOTH SERRANUS.
Serranus cabrilla. (L.).
Occurs on the west coast, rarely.
5.—RED BAND FISH. Cepola rubescens. L.
Seen once off west Anglesey.
6.—DENTEX. Dentex vulgaris. (Cuv. & Val.)
Recorded only near Pwllheli.
7—SEA BREAM. Pagellus centrodontus.
(Delaroche).
Common,
Mr. S. G. Cummings says Sea Bream are very abundant off
Anglesey wherever the coast is rocky and water deep: he
used to catch many with rod and line off outlying rocks in
autumn.
§8.—BLACK SEA BREAM. Cantharus lineatus. (Montagu.)
Not common.
82 FAUNA OF NORTH WALES
9—RED MULLET. Mullus barbatus. L.
Only occasionally met with.
10.—COMMON, or BALLAN WRASSE. Labrus maculatus.
Bloch.
Common on rocky coasts, especially Anglesey.
11—GREEN, or STRIPED WRASSE. JLabrus miztus. (L.)
Common on rocky coasts, especially Anglesey.
Taken at Liwyngwril in September, 1918.
12.—ROCK COOK. Centrolabrus exoletus, (L.).
Occurs on the Anglesey coast.
13.— ROCK WRASSE, or PINK BRAME. Centrolabrus
rupestris. (L.).
Rare.
Yarrell quotes Eyton’s fish as “‘ taken on the coast of North
Wales.”
14.—CONNOR, GOLD-SINNY, OR GILT-HEAD.
Centrolabrus melops. L.
Common on Anglesey and Carnarvon coasts.
15.—BERGYLT. Sebastes norvegicus. Cuv. & Val.
Recorded once in Dee estuary.
16.—BULLHEAD, or MILLER’S THUMB. Cottus gobio. L.
Common in eastern half of district, and parts of Carnarvon and Merioneth :
not known in Anglesey.
17.—FATHER-LASHER, or SEA SCORPION. Cottus
scorpius. L.
Common in shore-pools and shallow water.
FISHES 83
18.—GREENLAND BULLHEAD. Cottus grenlandicus.,
Cuv. & Val.
Rare ; obtained in Anglesey.
19.—BUBALIS, LUCKY PROACH, or FATHER-
LASHER. Cottus bubalis. Euphr.
Not uncommon in rock-pools.
20.—GREY GURNARD. Trigla gurnardus. L.
Common.
21—RED GURNARD. Trigla cuculus. L.
Common,
22._SAPPHIRINE GURNARD, or TUB FISH. Trigla
hirundo. Bloch.
Frequent on the north coast and Anglesey.
Rev. W. Houghton in Seaside Walks of a Naturalist mentions
finding this species in the weir at Rhos.
23.—PIPER GURNARD. Trigla lyra. L.
Off Anglesey ; rare.
Yarrell states that it is “taken occasionally off Anglesey ” ;
this is probably a mere repetition of Pennant’s record.
24—STREAKED GURNARD. Trigla lineata. L.
Off Anglesey; rare.
25.—POGGE, orn ARMED BULLHEAD. Agonus
cataphractus. (L.).
Common in Menai Straits and estuarine waters.
26.—LUMP-SUCKER. Cyclopterus lumpus. L.
Occurs on all parts of the coast; not uncommon.
During 1907 about twenty were noted by Mr. G. A. Hutchinson
from time to time below the Little Orme’s Head.
84 FAUNA OF NORTH WALES
27.—SEA-SNAIL, orn UNCTUOUS SUCKER. Liparis
vulgaris. Flem.
Common.
28.—MONTAGU’S SUCKER. Liparis montagui. Donov.
Not uncommon in shallow water.
Often taken in Shrimp trawls off the mouth of the Dee (Vert.
Fauna Cheshire, II., 95).
29.—SPOTTED GOBY, or JACK SHARP. Gobius
minutus. Gmel.
Plentiful in shore-pools on all coasts.
30.—ROCK GOBY. Gobius niger. L.
Fairly common in pools along rocky shores.
31.—TWO-SPOTTED GOBY. Gobius ruthensparri, Euphr.
Common in shore-pools.
32.—PAINTED GOBY. Gobius pictus. Malm.
Not uncommon on the north coast and Menai Straits.
33.—_WHITE GOBY. Aphia pellucida. (Nardo).
Numerous occasionally in shallow water.
In the Vert. Fauna of Cheshire this species is described as “‘ one
of the most abundant of indigenous fishes in the shallower
waters of the Dee estuary and in the sea off the banks in
Liverpool Bay.”
34.—JOHN DORY. Zeus faber. L.
Occasionally taken off the west coast.
35.—SCAD, or HORSE MACKEREL. Caranzx trachurus. (L.).
Occasionally met with.
FISHES 85
36.—MACKEREL. Scomber scombrus. L.
Common: sometimes very numerous in summer.
37.—RAY’S BREAM. Brama rai. Bl.
Obtained twice off Anglesey.
Professor Philip White tells me that an example of this rare
fish in Bangor University Museum was obtained locally in 1912.
38.—OPAH, or KING FISH. Lampris luna. (L.).
Rare: obtained off west Anglesey and in the Dee and Conway estuaries.
Yarrell gives the date of the Conway specimen as August, 1835.
39.—SWORD-FISH. Xiphias gladius. I.
Recorded twice—off Flint and Anglesey.
40.—_GREATER WEAVER, or SEA CAT. Trachinus draco.
L.
Not common generally, but occurs off the west coast and in Menai Straits
41—COMMON WEAVER, or STING FISH. Trachinus
vipera. Cuv. & Val.
Common on sandy shallows.
42—DRAGONET. Callionymus lyra. L.
Not uncommon, especially off the north coast and Anglesey.
Fairly abundant in the Dee estuary at all times of the year,
spawning in local waters (V. Fauna Cheshire, II., 102). One
caught with rod and line off Llandudno pier-head, 12th November,
1910 (R. W. Jones).
43.—TWO-SPOTTED SUCKER. Lepadogaster
bimaculatus. (Penn.).
Recorded off west Anglesey.
86 FAUNA OF NORTH WALES
44—CORNISH SUCKER. Lepadogaster gouanii. Lacep.
Recorded off west Anglesey and in Colwyn Bay.
Rev. W. Houghton in Seaside Walks of a Naturalist, p. 35,
describes and figures an example of this fish which he found
under a stone at Rhos, Colwyn Bay ; adding that it was called
the Cornish Sucker ‘from having been first noticed on the
Cornish coast.”
45—ANGLER FISH. Lophius piscatorius. L.
Occasionally taken on ail coasts.
46.—WOLF FISH. Anarrhicus lupus. L.
Recorded off the west coast and in Menai Straits.
47.—TOM POT, orn GATTORUGINE. Blennius gattorugine.
Bloch.
Met with off Anglesey and the west coast.
48.—_SHANNY. Blennius pholis. L.
Plentiful in shore-pools everywhere.
49—MONTAGU’S BLENNY. Blennius galerita. L.
Recorded off Anglesey.
50.—BUTTERFISH. Centronotus gunnellus. (L.).
Common in rock-pools.
51—VIVIPAROUS BLENNY. Zoarces viviparus. (L.).
Recorded off Anglesey and Barmouth; not common,
52.—COD. Gadus morrhua. L.
Common, especially off rocky coasts.
FISHES 87
53.—HADDOCK. Gadus eglefinus. L.
Occasionally taken, but not at all common.
The years 1894-8 were marked by an abundance of Haddock
off the Dee estuary. It spawns in local waters (Vert. Fauna
Cheshire, II., 112).
54.—BIB, POUT, on WHITING-POUT. Gadus luscus. L.
Fairly common,
Mr. Johnstone in Vert. Fauna of Cheshire, II., 120, states that
both this and the next species occur in the Dee estuary, though
never very abundant.
55.—POWER, or POOR COD. Gadus minutus. L.
Not uncommon.
56.—COAL FISH. Gadus virens. L.
Fairly common, especially round Anglesey.
57.—WHITING. Gadus merlangus. L.
Common on sandy coasts at times, chiefly in winter and spring.
The Whiting enters the local waters at the beginning of the
year, spawning, and then leaving again about May. Mature
fish are common, immature very abundant (V. Fauna Cheshire,
II., 115.)
58.—POLLACK or LYTHE. Gadus pollachius. L.
Common ; very large ones on the Anglesey and Carnarvon coasts.
Mr. W. Glynne Edwards with a party of friends, fishing from
a motor-boat off the Skerries in June, 1911, took 223 and 208
Pollack on two days.
59.—HAKE. Merluccius vulgaris. Cuv.
Taken occasionally in deep water.
88 FAUNA OF NORTH WALES
60.—LING. Molva vulgaris. Flem,
Not uncommon.
A Ling weighing about 15 Ibs. was killed in the Dee estuary
10th November, 1906, by Mr. L. Brooke, who found it stranded
among sea-weed near Connah’s Quay (Dockray).
61.—FIVE-BEARDED ROCKLING. Motella mustela. Flem.
Fairly common where the sea-bottom is weedy.
Taken at Llwyngwril in September, 1918.
62.—FOUR-BEARDED ROCKLING. Motella cimbria. (L.).
Much rarer than the last ; recorded only off West Anglesey.
63.—THREE-BEARDED ROCKLING. Motella tricirrhata.
Bloch.
Not uncommon.
64.—GREATER FORK-BEARD. Phycis blennoides. Gmel.
Rare; recorded on north coast and off Anglesey.
65.—LESSER FORK-BEARD, or TADPOLE FISH.
Raniceps raninus. (L.).
Rare ; recorded on north coast and off Anglesey.
66.—HALIBUT. Hippoglossus vulgaris. Flem.
Very rarely taken ; probably occurs in deep waters away from the coast.
Dr. J. F. Lister has taken one or two small ones off Barmouth.
67.—LONG ROUGH DAB. AHippoglossoides limandoides.
Bloch.
Very rare; taken Menai Straits.
68.—TURBOT. Rhombus maximus. (L.).
Fairly common, except Dee estuary.
A Turbot caught near Pwllheli, 15th June, 1911, was reported
in the newspapers as weighing 85 lbs.
FISHES 89
69.— BRILL. Rhombus levis. Rondel.
Fairly common.
70.—COMMON TOP-KNOT. Zeugopterus punctatus. Bloch.
Rather rare; occurs off Anglesey and the Dee estuary.
Not infrequent off the Dee banks (V. Fauna Cheshire, I1., 68).
71.—ONE-SPOTTED TOP-KNOT. Zeugopterus wnimaculatus.
(Risso).
Rare; occurs off Anglesey and the Dee.
Not infrequent in the open sea off shore (V. Fauna Cheshire,
II., 68).
72.—SAIL-FLUKE, MEGRIM, CARTER, or WHIFF.
Lepidorhombus megastoma, (Donov.).
Occasionally taken ; not common.
73.—SCALD FISH. Arnoglossus laterna. (Walb.).
Rather rare.
74.—PLAICE. Pleuronectes platessa. L.
Very common, but does not grow large here.
75.—SMEAR DAB, or LEMON-DAB. Pleuronectes
microcephalus. Donov.
Fairly common in the west; rarer on the north coast.
76.—POLE-DAB, orn CRAIG-FLUKE. Pleuronectes
cynoglossus. L.
Not common.
77.—DAB. Pleuronectes limanda. lL.
Common,
90 FAUNA OF NORTH WALES
78.—FLOUNDER, or FLUKE. Pleuronectes flesus. L.
Common in the estuaries and ascends rivers for many miles,
79.—SOLE. Solea vulgaris. Quens.
Common.
80.—LEMON SOLE, FRENCH SOLE, or SAND SOLE.
Solea lascaris. Risso.
Not common.
81.—SOLENETTE. Solea lutea. (Risso.).
Fairly common.
One of the most abundant of indigenous fishes in the shallow
waters of the Dee estuary (V. Fauna Cheshire).
82.—THICKBACK. Solea variegata. (Donov.).
Occurs in the Dee estuary and elsewhere.
83.—SHORT SUN FISH. Orthagoriscus mola. (L.).
Rare; recorded five or six times.
84.—_ ATHERINE, orn SAND SMELT. Atherina presbyter.
Jen.
Common at times.
85.—THIN-LIPPED GREY MULLET. Mugil capito. Cuv.
Common at times.
Mr. E. W. Bowcock has often seen quantities of Grey Mullet
in the Dysinni just below the bridge at Bryncrug, near Towyn :
he adds that in netting two nets are often used, one behind
the other, a yard or so apart, on account of the Mullet’s
jumping proclivities.
86.—LESSER, or THICK-LIPPED GREY MULLET.
Mugil chelo. Cuv.
Fairly common.
FISHES 91
87—SAND LAUNCE. Ammodytes lanceolatus Lesauv.
Common on sandy coasts.
88.—SAND EEL. Ammodytes tobianus. L.
Very common on sandy coasts.
89.—GARFISH. Belone vulgaris. Flem.
Common at times.
90.— SKIPPER. Scombresox saurus. Flem.
Sometimes common off south-west Anglesey, and in Rhos Weir.
91.—COMMON, or THREE-SPINED STICKLEBACK.
Gasterosteus aculeatus. L.
Common in lowlands in suitable waters.
In the Marine Lake at Rhyl a Stickleback occurs in great
numbers, which Mr. G. A. Boulenger identifies as the form
G. leiurus.
92.—TEN-SPINED STICKLEBACK. Gasterosteus
pungitius. L.
Common in parts of Anglesey, Denbigh, and Flint; not known to occur
in the other three counties.
In 1910 it was found on Whixall Moss, on the borders of Flint
and Shropshire.
93.—_FIFTEEN-SPINED STICKLEBACK. Gasterosteus
spinachia. L.
Common in weedy rock-pools and shallow parts of the sea.
94.—BROAD NOSED PIPE FISH. Siphonostoma typhle. (L.).
Met with occasionally off Anglesey, Barmouth and Aberdovey.
95.—GREAT PIPE FISH. Syngnathus acus. L.
The most numerous of the Pipe-Fishes; generally distributed round the
coast.
G
92 FAUNA OF NORTH WALES
96.—SNAKE PIPE FISH. Nerophis equoreus. (L.).
Not uncommon round Anglesey; occurs in the Dee estuary.
97.—STRAIGHT-NOSED PIPE FISH. WNerophis ophidion.
(Ls
Recorded only off west Anglesey.
98.—WORM PIPE FISH. WNerophis lumbriciformis.
(Willughby).
Common in rock pools.
99.—-SEA HORSE. Hippocampus antiquorum. Leach.
Rare; reported only at Barmouth, where it is not uncommon on the
seaweed in the estuary.
100.— PIKE. Hsox lucius. L.
Not indigenous ; rare in the west, common in some parts of the east.
A small one was caught in the River Elwy, near St. Asaph,
in August, 1908, and a very large female full of spawn, weighing
19? lbs., in the Clwyd, near Rhuddlan, 26th May, 1909. The
lake at Llanerfyl, Mont., mentioned in the Fauna, is Llyn
Gwyddior.
101.—PEARLSIDES. Mawurolicus borealis. (Nilss.).
Obtained once off Flintshire.
102.—CARP. Cyprinus carpio. L.
Not indigenous, but common in the eastern counties ; unknown in the west.
Yarrell gives “ Cippysg ’’ as the Welsh name of the Carp, but
quotes a Welsh scholar to the effect that the name does not
occur in Welsh poetry from Aneurin down to the 18th century,
though this is not “conclusive evidence of its non-existence
in our waters in times far remote.”
In Montgomeryshire the Carp attains a very large size. Rev.
(©. Harington reports that one weighing 15 Ibs. was caught
in Llyn Grinwydden, near Llanerfyl, a few years ago; while
when the pool at Llanerchydol, Welshpool, was emptied in
1904 a Carp weighing 21 ibs. was taken: another weighing
FISHES 93
18 lbs. was shot by Captain Lovell in the same pool some twenty
years earlier.
103.—_GUDGEON. Gobio fluviatilis. Flem.
Common in the Dee and Severn, and in some tributaries.
104.—ROACH. Leuciscus rutilus. (L.).
Common in pools and rivers in the east ; rare, and probably not indigenous,
in the west.
105.—RUDD. Leuciscus erythrophthalmus. (L.).
Extremely local; occurs in Bala Lake, and in certain pools in Denbigh,
Flint, and Carnarvon.
Mr. G. Bolam states that in Bala Lake both Roach and Rudd
are occasionally netted in large numbers : in July, 1906, he saw
a hybrid Rudd-Bream taken by a young Liverpool angler.
106.—DACE, Leuciscus dobula. (L.).
Common in streams, but only in the eastern counties.
107.—CHUB. Leuciscus cephalus. (L.).
Common in streams in Montgomeryshire; also in the Lower Dee and
tributaries.
Mr. G. Bolam states that the Chub is found in Lake Vyrnwy,
where it is increasing in spite of efforts to check it.
108.—MINNOW. Leuciscus phoxinus. (L.).
Common and generally distributed, except in Anglesey.
109.—TENCH. Tinca vulgaris Cuv.
Fairly common in many ponds in the eastern counties; not indigenous
in the west, but introduced Carnarvon and Anglesey.
110.—BREAM. Abramis brama. (L.).
Occurs in the lower Dee and in pools near the English border.
Mr. G. Bolam states that Bream are taken in the Lower Dee,
but have not been recognized in Bala Lake. See his note
however, under the head of Rudd.
G2
94 FAUNA OF NORTH WALES
111—BLEAK. Alburnus lucidus. Hech. & Kner.
Occurs in the Severn and lower Dee.
112.—LOACH. Nemachilus barbatula. (L.).
Common, but only in the eastern half of the district.
118—SALMON. Salmo salar. L.
Fairly common in the larger rivers and some lakes; least numerous in
Anglesey and Montgomery.
Sir C. R. Hoare, in a footnote to his translation of Giraldus
Cambrensis’ Itinerary, says that Giraldus was mistaken in his
assertion that Salmon do not penetrate into Bala Lake.
Pennant doubtless based his statement (quoted in the Fauna)
on Giraldus. Of Pont Aberglaslyn Pennant writes (Tour, IT.,
362) ; ‘“‘ Above is a considerable cataract where the traveller
at times may have much amusement in observing the Salmon
in great numbers make their efforts to surmount the Wear
[Weir]. Near the place is a Salmon fishery. Here had been
a Wear in the time of Henry IV.” Rev. W. Houghton in
Seaside Walks of a Naturalist, 38-47, gives an interesting account
of salmon-catching at Rhos Weir, the fish being retrieved by
a dog. On some of the Salmon he found the crustacean
parasite Lepiophtharies stromii. During the war the weir fell
into disrepair, and it is now (1919) useless.
114—COMMON TROUT. Salmo fario. L.
Common and generally distributed in all suitable waters, and even in
apparently inaccessible mountain tarns.
Mr. O. V. Aplin writes in the Zoologist, 1910, 107, the Trout in
the little river Daron are remarkable for the large size of the
red spots on their sides. A Trout weighing over 6 lbs. was caught
in Llanberis Lake in August, 1919.
115.—SEA TROUT; SALMON-TROUT ; SEWEN.
Salmo trutta. L. & S. cambricus. Donovy.
Common in estuaries and rivers near the sea.
Mr. R. W. Jones tells me that Sewen occur occasionally in the
stream at Aber; while Mr. G. Bolam states that Sea Trout
are found in Bala Lake and the streams entering it, having
FISHES 95
been taken in the Little Dee up to a weight of 15 Ibs. Sewen
have been taken in the Severn at Shrewsbury in May, 1907, and
on several more recent occasions fish of one or other varieties
of Sea Trout have been seen ascending the weir there in large
numbers. No doubt many of these would ascend into Mont-
gomeryshire.
Great Lake Trovur. S. ferov. Jard.—Catherall’s Handbook to
North Wales mentions this fish as occurring in Llyn Bugail and
Mwyngil ; also in Llyn-y-Cae at the foot of Cader Idris. Rev.
W.S. Symonds in Records of the Rocks, p. 108, states that Sir
Philip Egerton took it in Bala Lake in 1871.
BuacK-FINNED, OR Hoc-Backep Trovur. 8S. nigripinnis.
Giinth.—Yavrrell received from P. Buckley Williams, Esq., of
Pennant, Montg., a notice of the Hog-backed Trout which he
states was taken occasionally in Llyn Bugail, about one-third up
the west side of Plinlimmon.
Rep-FinneD Trout.—Mr. C. E. Munro Edwards writes that the
Trout in Llyn-y-cae on Cader Idris has nothing to do with the
“ Redfin ” described by Mr. Gallichan, the latter being caught
only between March and May in the streams running into the
Barmouth Estuary. It is also taken in the Dovey and Glaslyn
rivers and is without doubt the “ smolt ” of 8. cambricus on its
way down tothe sea. The Trout in Llyn-y-caec is a sporting little
fish (never exceeding }-lb. in weight) of silvery hue and red spots
—not red fins. The “‘red-fin ” or “ orange-fin ” of the Wnion and
other rivers in the district rarely attain 3-lb. in the ‘“ smolt ”’
stage.
Salmo Eriox. This migrating trout frequents the Mawddach
and Wnion rivers in the autumn and also occurs in the Dovey.
The Welsh name Pysgod y ddeilen (Fish of the leaves) is derived
from its appearance in the autumn when the leaves are falling.
Locu Leven Trout. S. levenensis. Walker—Abound in the
lake at Glascoed which supplies St. Asaph city with water.
(W. A. Rogers).
American Brook Trout. 8S. fontinalis—Rev. C. Harington
informs me that in 1907-8 he caught several of these in Llyn
Tarw, on the hills above Caersws (Montg.), where he believes the
species had been introduced by Lord Joicey.
116—WELSH CHAR. Salmo alpinus perisii. Gimth.
Occurs in three lakes in Carnarvonshire and one or two in Merioneth.
There has been much confusion as to the waters in which Char
are taken owing to the erratic spelling of Welsh names by the
early writers. Ray mentions one habitat as Travennin lake,
96 FAUNA OF NORTH WALES
meaning Tardennin, the old name of Llyn Quellyn. Speaking
of this lake, Pennant says (Tour, I., 415) the Char in it are
“taken in nets in the first winter months.” He also mentions
that Rev. Mr. Farrington contributed a paper on Welsh Char
to the Royal Society (Phil. Trans. 1755) Bingley erroneously
states (Jour, I., 186) that the Char in Llanberis Lakes had all
been destroyed by the copper-works when he was there in 1798.
The lake called Bodlyn in the Fauna is the middle one of three
Gors-y-Geddol lakes. Char used to be caught there in great
numbers with a maggot from the middle to the end of October :
in 1894 the Barmouth Corporation converted it into a reservoir
for the town water-supply, and raised the water-level. After
this the Char seemed to disappear, but in 1907 Mr. R. P. Allaway
found them as numerous as ever. Mr. Allaway does not know
of any lake near Trawsfynydd where there are Char, and he
thinks there are none in Llyn-y-Bi. Rev. W. 8. Symonds, in
Records of the Rocks, p. 57, states that there are Char in Llyn
Bochlwyd below Glyder Fawr. He probably meant Llyn
Cwm Ffynnon on the opposite side of the Glyder. On p. 82
he gives Llyn-y-Gader and Llyn-y-cae as habitats (both lakes
on Cader Idris), but no other observer confirms this, and he
was probably mistaken.
117.—GRAYLING. Thymalius vexillifer. Agass.
Plentiful in the Upper Dee, and occurs in the Severn, Vyrnwy, Tanat,
and Camlad.
118—GWYNIAD. Coregonus clupeoides. Lacep.
Found in Bala Lake and a neighbouring pool into which it was introduced,
Mr. G. Bolam states that the Gwyniad spawns in March.
Bingley in his Jour (II., 194) gives a lengthy account of this
fish in Bala Lake, but it contains no original observations,
being mainly copied from Pennant.
119.—_SMELT, or SPARLING. Osmerus eperlanus. L.
Occurs in spring in many estuaries, especially that of the Conway River.
120.—ANCHOVY. LEngraulis enchrasicolus. L.
Occasional on the north coast, but never in any numbers.
Pennant obtained it near his residence at Downing in 1769.
Dr. J. Travis Jenkins tells me that the Anchovy spawns off
FISHES 97
Aberdovey: its eggs were taken there by the Fishery yacht
on 14th June and 23rd July, 1907.
121—HERRING. Clupea harengus. L.
Very abundant at times on the west coast; less numerous on the north.
122.—SPRAT. Clupea sprattus. L.
Commen at times.
123.—PILCHARD, or SARDINE. Clupea pilchardus. Walb.
Rare: has been taken at Barmouth and in Menai Straits.
124—ALLIS-SHAD. Clupea alosa. L.
Taken occasionally in Menai Straits and on the west coast.
Pennant in British Zoology states that innumerable elvers
“come up the Severn about the month of April, preceding
the Shads, which it is conjectured migrate into that river to
feed on them.”
125.—_TWAITE-SHAD. Clupea finta. Cuv.
Taken occasionally on all coasts and in Menai Straits.
126.—EEL. Anguilla vulgaris. Turt.
Common in pools and rivers, not only in lowlands but high amongst
mountains; occurs also in salt water in Menai Straits.
127.—CONGER-EEL. Conger vulgaris. Cuv.
Common ; especially in Menai Straits and on rocky parts of the coast.
A very large Conger, measuring 5 feet 10 inches and weighing
40 lbs., was stranded at Rhos, Colwyn Bay, 20th August, 1907:
after an exciting chase it was killed with a spade by Mr. Allan
Morris (W. H. Dobie). Mr. R. W. Jones reports one of 231 bs.
taken at Llandudno, 4th November, 1907.
128.—_STURGEON. Acipenser sturio. L.
Occasional in the Dee and Conway estuaries and elsewhere on the coast.
A Sturgeon weighing over 1 cwt. was shot in the River Conway
above Talycafn Bridge, 24th September, 1909. One caught
98 FAUNA OF NORTH WALES
off St. Tudwal’s, 25th May, 1910, was sent to His Majesty the
King. Several others taken in the Dee are recorded in the
Vert. Fauna of Cheshire, I1., 158.
129.—_SMALL-SPOTTED DOG FISH, on ROUGH HOUND.
Scyllium canicula. (L.).
Common all along the coast.
130.—LARGE-SPOTTED DOG FISH, NURSE HOUND,
or CAT FISH. Scylliwm stellare. (L.)
Rather rarely met with on the west coast.
131.—BASKING SHARK. Selache maxima. (L.)
Not very uncommon off the west coast.
In his British Zoology Pennant writes of this large species :
“They visited the bays of Carnarvonshire and Anglesey in
vast shoals in the summers of 1756 and a few succeeding years,
continuing there only the hot months, for they quitted the coast
about Michaelmas, as if cold weather was disagreeable to them.
Some old people say they recollect the same sort of fish visiting
these seas in vast numbers about forty years ago.” Since
Pennant wrote they seem never to have appeared on these
coasts in numbers.
132.—_ PORBEAGLE, or BEAUMARIS SHARK.
Lamna cornubica. (Gmel.)
Not uncommon round Anglesey.
Dr. J. H. Lister took one off Barmouth about 1905, it measured
over 9 feet.
133.—THRESHER, or FOX SHARK. Alopecias vulpes.
(Gmel.)
Occasional on north coast and in Menai Straits.
134.—SMOOTH HOUND. WMustelus levis. Flem.
Not very common.
135.—TOPE. Galeus vulgaris. Flem.
Fairly common, especially round Anglesey.
FISHES 99
136—BLUE SHARK. Carcharias glaucus. (L.)
Common in the west; less frequent on the north coast.
One five feet long and weighing 31 lbs., was caught at Llandudno
by Mr. G. H. Harding, 18th September, 1907.
137.—PICKED DOG FISH. Acanthias vulgaris. Risso.
Common all round the coast.
138.—MONK-FISH, orn ANGEL FISH. Rhina squatina. L.
Not uncommon; occurs on all parts of the coast.
Mr. Rhys P. Allaway has the head of one 48 Ibs. weight which
he took in a net off Llanbedr in August, 1892: it was 5 feet
long. Dr. F. 8. Jackson records another of about the same
size caught by a man named Evan Roberts, 29th June, 1908,
between Aberdovey and Towyn. Roberts states that he
caught another, 7 feet long, some years earlier.
139.— TORPEDO, or ELECTRIC RAY. Torpedo nobiliana.
Bonap.
Rare; taken in the trawl occasionally.
140.—COMMON or BLUE SKATE. Raia batis. L.
Plentiful.
141.—THORNBACK. Raia clavata. (L.)
Abundant.
142._HOMELYN, or SPOTTED RAY. Raia maculata.
Mont.
Not uncommon off the north coast and round Anglesey.
142a,.—SHAGREEN RAY. Raia fullonica.
Rare: obtained off Anglesey and in Cardigan Bay.
Dr. J. Travis Jenkins informs me that a fine adult male was
caught in the trawl of the Fishery steamer three miles east
of Point Lynas, Anglesey, on 15th February, 1911. The average
depth of water during the haul was 23 fathoms,
100 FAUNA OF NORTH WALES
143.—STARRY RAY. Raia radiata. Donov.
Not uncommon,
144—PAINTED RAY. Raia microcellata. Mont.
Obtained only off west Anglesey and in Tremadoc Bay.
145.—_SHARP-NOSED or WHITE RAY. Raia alba.
Lacep.
Not uncommon round Anglesey.
146.—CUCKOO RAY. Raia circularis. Couch.
Occurs in the Menai Straits.
147—STING RAY. Tygon pastinaca. (L.)
Rare; has been obtained at Barmouth, in Menai Straits and the Dee
estuary.
Three taken at Barmouth in 1918.
148.—SEKA LAMPREY. Petromyzon marinus. L.
Not uncommon in estuaries and rivers near the sea.
149—_LAMPERN, or RIVER LAMPREY. Petromyzon
fluviatilis. L.
Common in the principal rivers; also taken in Menai Straits.
150—MUD-LAMPREY, or PRIDE. Petromyzon
branchialis. L.
Occurs in the upper Severn and tributaries, and in the Dee.
Recorded in the Dee (V. Fauna of Cheshire I. 168).
INDEX.
Abbot, 38 Bullhead, Common, 82
Accentor,, Alpine 25 Greenland, 83
Adder, 79 Bunting, Cirl, 36
Allis-Shad, 97 Corn, 35
Amphibians, 80 Ortolan, 36
Anchovy 96 Reed, 36
Angel-fish, 99 Snow, 36
Angler-fish, 86 Yellow, 35
Atherine, 90 Bustard, Great, 60
Auk, Little, 74 Little, 60
Avocet, 62 Butterfish, 86
Buzzard, Common, 44
Badger, 6, 12 Honey, 45
Balian Wrasse, 82
Band-fish, Red, 81
Rough-legged, 44
Bass, 81 Cape Pigeon, 78
Bat, Danbenton’s, 8 Carp, 92
Common, 8 Carter, 89
Greater Horse-shoe, 9 Cat, Wild, 6, 10
Lesser Horse-shoe, 9 Cat-fish, 98
—— Long-eared, 9 Cattle, Wild White, 6
Natterer’s, 8 Canes, Animal remains in, 6
Noctule, 8 Chaffinch, 34
—— Pipistrelle, 8 Char, 95
Whiskered, 8 Chiffchaff, 23
Bear, 6, 11 Chough, 37
Beaver, 6 Chub, 93
Bergylt, 82 Coal-fish, 87
Bib, 87 Cod, 86
Bison, 6 Poor, 87
Bittern, American, 48 Comber, 81
Common, 48 Conger Eel, 97
Little, 48 Connor, 82
Blackbird, 19 Cook, Rock, 82
Biackeap, 22 Coot, 60
Bleak, 94 Cormorant, 47
Blenny, Montagu’s, 86 Corncrake, 58
Viviparous, 86 Courser, Cream-coloured, 60
Blindworm, 79 Crake, Baillon’s, 59
Boar, 6 Corn, 58
Brambling, 34 Spotted, 59
Brame, Pink, 82 , Crane, 60
Bream, Black Sea, 81 Creeper, Tree, 27
Common, 93 Crossbill, 35
Ray’s, 85 Crow, Carrion, 40
Sea, 81 Hooded, 40
Brill, &9 Cuckoo, 42
Bubalis, 83 Yellow-billed, 43
Bullfineh, 35 Curlew, 67
Bullhead, Armed, 83 Curlew-Sandpiper, 64
102
Dab, 89
Lemon, or Smear, 89
Long Rough, 88
Pole, 89
Dace, 93
Deer, Fallow, 16
Red, 6, 16
Rein-, 6
Roe, 6, 17
Dentex, 81
Dipper, 25
Diver, Black-throated, 75
Great Northern, 75
Red-throated, 75
Dog, 6
Dog-fish, Large Spotted, 98
Small Spotted, 98
Picked, 99
Dolphin, 18
Bottle-nosed, 18
White-beaked, 17
Dormouse, 14
Dory, John, 84
Dotterel, 61
Dove, Ring, 56
Rock, 56
—— Stock, 56
Turtle, 56
Dragonet, 85
Duck, Eider, 54
Ferruginous, 53
Long-tailed, 54
Scaup, 53
—— §Sheld, 51
— Tufted, 53
—— Wild, 51
Dunlin, 63
Eagle, Golden, 45
White-tailed, 45
Eel, 97
Conger, 97
Sand, 91
Falcon, Greenland, 46
Peregrine, 46
Red-footed, 46
Father-Lasher, 82, 83
Fieldfare 19
Feilden, F. T., 2
Firecrest, 23
Fishes, 81-100
Flamingo, 49
Flounder, 90
Fluke, 90
Craig, 89
Sail, 89
Flycatcher, Pied, 31
Spotted, 31
Fork-beard, Greater, 88
INDEX
Fork-beard, Lesser, 88
Fox, 6, 10
Frog, 80
Fulmar, 78
Gadwall, 51
Gannet, 47
Gaper, 81
Garfish, 91
Garganey, 52
Gattorugine, 86
Gilthead, 82
Glutton, 6
Goat, 6, 7
Goby, Painted, 84
- Rock, 84
—— Spotted, 84
—— Two-Spotted, 84
White, 84
Godwit, Bar-tailed, 67
Black-tailed, 67
Goldcrest, 23
Goldeneye, 54
Goldfinch, 33
Goldsinny, 82
Goosander, 55
Goose, Bean, 49
Bernacle, 50
Brent, 50
Grey Lag, 49
—— Pink-footed, 49
White-fronted, 50
Grampus, 17
Grayling, 96
Grebe, Black-necked, 77
Great Crested, 76
Little, 77
Red-necked, 76
Slavonian, 76
Greenfinch, 32
Greenshank, 66
Grouse, Black, 57
Red, 57
Sand, 57
Gudgeon, 92
Guillemot, Black, 74
Common, 74
Ringed, 74
Gull, Black-headed, 71
Common, 71
—— Glaucous, 72
Great Black-backed, 72
Herring, 72
Iceland, 73
Lesser Black-backed, 72
Little, 71
Sabine’s, 71
Gurnard, Grey, 83
Piper, 83
Red, 83
Gurnard, Sapphirine, 83
—— Streaked, 83
Gwyniad, 96
Haddock, 87
Hake, 87
Halibut, 88
Hare, Common, 6, 16
Mountain, 16
Harrier, Hen, 44
Marsh, 43
Montagu’s 44
Hawfinch, 32
Hawk, Sparrow, 45
Hedgehog, 9
Heron, Common, 47
Night, 48
Squacco, 48
Herring, 97
Hippopotamus, 6
Hobby, 46
Homelyn, 99
Hoopoe, 42
Horse, 6
Hound, Nurse, 98
Rough, 98
Smooth, 98
Hyena, 6
Ibis, Glossy, 49
Trish Elk, 6
Jackdaw, 38
Jack Sharp, 84
Jack Snipe, 63
Jay, 38
John Dory, 84
Kestrel, 46
King-fish, 85
Kingfisher, 42
Kite, 45
Kittiwake, 73
Knot, 65
Lampern, 100
Lamprey, Mud, 100
River, 100
Sea, 100
Lapwing, 61
Lark, Shore, 41
Sky, 40
Wood, 40
Launce, Sand, 91
Ling, 88
Linnet, 34
Lion, 6
Lizard, Common, 79
Sand, 79
Loach, 94
INDEX 103
Lucky Proach, 83
Lumpsucker, 83
Lynx, 6
Lythe, 87
Mackerel, 85
Horse, 84
Magpie, 38
Mallard, 51
Mammals, 8-18
Extinct, 6
Mammoth, 6
Marten, Pine, (5 1T
Martin, House, 32
Sand, 32
Megrim, 89
Meredith, J. Ber
Merganser, Hooded, 56
Red-breasted, 55
Merlin, 46
Miller’s Thumb, 82
Minnow, 93
Mistle Thrush, 19
Mole, 9
Monk-fish, 99
Moorhen, 59
Moore, T. J., 1
Mouse, House, 15
Harvest, 15
Long-tailed Field, 15
Short-tailed Field, 15,
Mullet, Grey, 90
Red, 82
Natterjack, 80
Newt, Common, 80
Great Warty, 80
—— Palmated, 80
Nightingale, 22
Nightjar, 41
Noctule, 8
Nurse, 98
Nutcracker, 38
Nuthatch, 26
Opah, 85
Oriole, Golden, 30
Ortolan, 36
Osprey, 47
Otter, 12
Ouzel, Ring, 19
Water, 25
Owl, Barn, 43
Eagle, 43
— Little, 43
Long-eared, 43
Short-eared, 43
Snowy, 43
Tawny, 43
104 INDEX
Owl, Tengmalm‘s, 43 Ray, Spotted, 99
Oyster-catcher, 62 Starry, 100
Sting, 100
Partridge, 58 Rarzorbill, 74
Red-legged, 58 Redbreast, 21
Pearlsides, 92 Redpoll, Lesser, 34
Peewit, 62 Mealy, 34
Perch, 81 Redshank, Common, 66
Sea, 81 Spotted, 66
Peregrine, 46 Redstart, 21
Petrel, Leach’s Fork-tailed, 77 Black, 21
Storm, 77 Redwing, 19
Phalarope, Grey, 62 Reindeer, 6
Red-necked, 63 Reptiles, 79
Pheasant, 58 Rhinoceros, 6
Pigeon, Wood, 56 Roach, 93
Pike, 92 Robin, 21
Pilchard, 97 Rockling, Five-bearded, 88
Pintail, 51 Four-bearded, 88
Pipe-fish, Broad-nosed, 91 Three-bearded, 88
Great, 91 Roe-deer, 6, 17
—— Snake, 92 Roller, 42
Straight-nosed, 92 Rook, 40
Worm, 92 Rorqual, Common, 18
Pipistrelle, 8 Lesser, 18
Pipit, Alpine or Water, 29 —— Sibbald’s, 18
Meadow, 29 Rudd, 93
—— Richard’s, 29 Ruddy, Thomas, 3
Rock, 30 Ruff (bird), 65
Tree, 29 Ruff (fish), 81
Plaice, 89
Plover, Golden, 61 Sail-Fluke, 89
Grey, 61 Salmon, 94
Ringed, 61 Salmon-Trout, 94
Pochard, 53 Sand-Eel, 91
Pogge, 83 Sanderling, 65
Pole-Dab, 89 Sandpiper, Common, 65
Polecat, 12 Curlew, 64
Pollack, 87 Green, 66
Porbeagle, 98 Purple, 64
Porpoise, 17 Wood, 66
Pout, 87 Sardine, 97
Pride, 100 Sead, 84
Ptarmigan, 58 Seald-fish, 89
Puffin, 74 Scaup, 53
Scoter, Common, 54
Quail, 58 Velvet, 54
Scorpion, Sea, 82
Rabbit, 6, 16 Sea-horse, 92
Rail, Water, 59 Seal, Common, 13
Rat, Black, 14 Grey, 13
Brown, 15 Serranus, Smooth, 81
Water, 15 Sewen, 94
Raven, 39 Shad, Allis, 97
Ray, Cuckoo, 100 Twaite, 97
Electric, 99 Shag, 47
Homelyn, 99 Shanny, 86
Painted, 100 Shark, Basking, 98
—— Sharp-nosed, 100 Beaumaris, 98
—— Shagreen, 99 —— Blue, 99
INDEX
Shark, Fox, 98
Porbeagle, 98
Thresher, 98
Shearwater, Great, 77
Manx, 77
Sheld-duck, 51
Shoveler, 51
Shrew, Common, 9
Lesser or Pigmy, 10
Water, 10
Shrike, Great Grey, 30
Red-backed, 30
Siskin, 33
Skate, Blue or common, 99
Skipper, 91
Skua, Arctic or Richardson’s, 73
Common or Great, 73
—— Long-tailed or Buffon’s, 74
Pomatorhine, 73
Slow-worm, 79
Smelt, 96
Sand, 90
Smew, 55
Smith, H. Eckroyd, 1, 39, 51
Snail, Sea, 84
Snake, 79
Snipe, 63
Great, 63
Jack, 63
Sole, 90
French, 90
Lemon, 90
Solenette, 90
Sparling, 96
Sparrow, Hedge, 25
House, 33
Tree, 33
Spoonbill, 49
Sprat, 97
Squirrel, 14
Starling, 37
Rose-coloured, 37
Stickleback, 91
Ten-spined, 91
—— Fifteen-spined, 91
Stilt, 62
Stint, Little, 64
Temminck’s, 64
Sting-fish, 85
Stoat, 12
Stonechat, 20
Sturgeon, 97
Sucker, Cornish, 86
Lump, 83
Montagu’s, 84
Two-spotted, 85
Unctuous, 84
Sunfish, 90
Swallow, 32
Swan, Bewick’s, 50
105
Swan, Mute, 50
Whooper, 51
Swift, 41
Sword-fish, 85
Tadpole-fish, 88
Teal, 52
Blue-winged, 52
Tench, 93
Tern, Arctic, 70
Black, 68
Common, 69
Little, 70
Roseate, 69
Sandwich, 68
Sooty, 70
Thickback, 90
Thornback, 99
Thresher, 98
Thrush, Mistle, 19
Song, 19
Titmouse, Blue, 26
Coal, 26
—— Great, 26
Long-tailed, 25
Marsh, 26
Willow, 26
Toad, 80
Natterjack, 80
Tom-pot, 86
Tope, 98
Top-knot, Common, 89
One-spotted, 89
Torpedo, 99
Tree Creeper, 27
Trout, 94
American Brock, 95
—— Black-finned, 95
——- Great Lake, 95
Loch Leven, 95
Red-finned, 95
Salmon, or Sea, 94
Tub-fish, 83
Turbot, 88
Turnstone, 62
Turtle-dove, 56
Twaite, 97
Twite, 35
Viper, 79
Vole, Bank, 15
Field, 15
—— Water, 15
Wagtail, Blue-headed, 28
Grey, 27
Pied, 27
Ray’s, or Yellow, 28
White, 27
Warbler, Blackcap, 22
106
Warbler, Barred, 23
Garden, 23
Grasshopper, 24
Reed, 24
Sedge, 24
—— Willow, 24
Wood, 24
Waxwing, 31
Weasel, 12
Weaver, Common, 85
Greaser, 85
Whale, Bottle-nose, 17
Wheatear, 20
Whiff, 89
Whimbrel, 68
Whinchat, 20
Whitethroat, Common, 22
Lesser, 22
Whiting, 87
Wigeon, 53
INDEX
Wigeon, American, 53
Wolf, 6, 11
Wolf-fish, 86
Woodcock, 63
Woodlark, 40
Woodpecker, Great Spotted, 41
Green, 42
Lessser-Spotted, 41
Wrasse, Ballan, or Common,
82
Green, or Striped, 82
Rock, 82
Wren, 27
Fire-crested, 23
Golden-ecrested, 23
—— Willow, 24
Wood, 24
Wryneck, 42
Yellowhammer, 35
aes
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