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BRITISH BIRDS 
 
 THEIR 
 
 HAUNTS AND HABITS. 
 
 LONDON : 
 
 PRINTED FOR PRIVATE DISTRIBUTION ONLY. 
 1868. 
 
LIBRARY 
 
 G 
 
 - - 
 

 PREFACE. 
 
 THE Compiler of the following work, having 
 devoted a considerable portion of his leisure hours 
 to the study of Ornithology, has collected a variety 
 of facts relating to several interesting specimens of 
 the feathered tribe, the publication of which he 
 trusts may be useful and entertaining to those who, 
 like himself, take pleasure in this branch of natural 
 history. 
 
 The present collection lays no claim to origi- 
 nality, but the information it contains is derived 
 from a variety of sources not always perhaps acces- 
 sible to the majority of readers, and will, it is 
 hoped, be found both copious and convenient. 
 The alphabetical arrangement of the specimens will 
 enable any one who may have recourse to it as a 
 Book of Reference to find at once what he may 
 wish to consult. 
 
 Should this little volume, not only prove a 
 source of gratification to any who delight in the 
 beauty and variety of Nature, but be regarded as 
 an expression of friendship, the labour bestowed 
 upon it will be amply compensated. 
 
 957952 
 
ACCENTOR, ALPINE. 
 
 ACCENTOR ALPINUS, 
 
 THIS Bird, though larger than the Hedge Accentor 
 (or, as it is more commonly called, the Hedge 
 Sparrow), somewhat resembles that species in its 
 general appearance, except that its throat is mottled 
 with black and white. There are but three or four 
 recorded instances of the capture of this species in 
 Great Britain ; but it is not uncommon in France 
 and Germany and in other parts of Europe, where 
 it breeds, making its nest among stones or in the 
 cavities of rocks, &c. The nest is composed of moss 
 and wool lined with hair, and the eggs, usually 
 four or five, are of a pale blue colour. 
 
 The habits of the Alpine Accentor differ in some 
 respects from those of the Hedge Accentor. It 
 seldom perches on trees or hedges, but frequents 
 the higher mountainous districts in summer, seeking 
 shelter, however, in the valleys during winter. 
 
 ACCENTOR, HEDGE. 
 HEDGE SPARROW. 
 
 ACCENTOR MODULARIS, Temm, 
 
 This species is very abundant throughout this 
 country, in which it may be said to be a permanent 
 
* 
 
 resident. It is also found in summer as far north 
 as Sweden, but it returns southward on the approach 
 of winter, drawing near villages or farm houses 
 for protection during the severity of the season. 
 It procures its food about the doors and sinks, 
 where crumbs and small remnants of. food are 
 thrown, or gleans a supply from the stack yard. 
 They begin to pair about the beginning of Feb- 
 ruary, after which they retire to the woods and 
 hedges, and other situations more remote from the 
 habitations of man. The nest is generally built in 
 a well trimmed hedge, thick evergreen, &c. and 
 the eggs, four or five in number, are of a fine clear 
 greenish blue. The nest, which the Hedge Accen- 
 tor constructs with so much care and industry, is 
 frequently appropriated by the Cuckoo wherein to 
 deposit her egg. 
 
 AUK, GREAT. 
 
 ALCA IMPENNIS, Lin. 
 
 This singular-looking bird, which measured from 
 two to three feet in length, and had a body about 
 the size of a goose, is now generally supposed to 
 be extinct, as for some years no specimen is known 
 to have been taken in any part of the world. It 
 was formerly found, though in no great numbers, 
 in Sweden, Norway, Greenland, and other northern 
 countries, and was frequently captured in Great 
 
Britain and Ireland, the last recorded instance 
 being that of one taken off the coast of the County 
 of Waterford, and preserved in the collection of 
 Dr. Birkitt of Waterford. It is also said to have 
 bred on the island of Saint Kilda, appearing about 
 the beginning of May and leaving about the end 
 of June. It deposited its egg close to the sea mark, 
 being unable from the shortness of its wings to 
 mount higher. It was naturally a timorous bird, 
 incapable, from its structure, of flying, and almost 
 of walking, a circumstance which, together with 
 the fact of its laying only a single egg, may in some 
 measure account for its extinction. Its solitary egg, 
 which was about six inches long, was of a dirty 
 white colour, streaked with lines of a purple hue^ 
 and blotched with dark rusty spots at the larger 
 end. 
 
 AUK, LITTLE. 
 
 URIA ALLE, Temm. 
 
 The Little Auk, as may be surmised from its ap- 
 pellation, is very minute compared with the preced- 
 ing one, being only about nine inches long. It visits 
 this country at uncertain periods during the winter 
 season, and is not unfrequently driven in stormy 
 weather a considerable distance inland. It is an 
 inhabitant of northern latitudes during summer, 
 being found in great numbers in Baffin's Bay, 
 
 B 2 
 
4 
 
 Behring's Straits, and many other parts of the Arctic 
 regions, where, as well as in Iceland and the Faroe 
 Islands, it is said to breed. Its eggs, one or two 
 in number, are about the size of a Blackbird's, and 
 of a pale blue colour. 
 
 AVOCET, SCOOPEE. 
 
 BECURYIKOSTRA AYOSETTA, Lin. 
 
 This species is so called from its peculiar-shaped 
 bill, which resembles two narrow flexible pieces of 
 whalebone curved upwards, and about three and 
 a half inches long. It was common in England 
 some years since, more particularly on the Norfolk 
 coast, but is now comparatively rare. It is found 
 by lakes and the mouths of rivers, &c. in which it 
 wades about, keeping near the shore. The foot 
 being semi-palmated (or partly web-footed), it has 
 the power of supporting itself on the water. The 
 nest of this bird is made in a hole in the drier part 
 of marshes. Its eggs, which are two in number 
 and about one inch and a half in length, have a 
 light grey ground, marked with dark brown irregu- 
 lar spots, with dusky under markings. The female 
 when disturbed by the presence of an intruder, 
 feigns lameness, and flies about him in a manner 
 similar to that of the Peewit Plover, uttering a 
 yelping cry, from whence it is sometimes called 
 the Yelper, 
 
BEE-EATER, 
 
 MEEOPS APIASTER, Lin. 
 
 This is one of the most elegant of the European 
 birds, and next to the Roller and Kingfisher, may 
 be considered as the most brilliant in point of 
 colour. It is a native of the warmer parts of 
 Europe, being found particularly among the Islands 
 of the Grecian Archipelago, and many parts both 
 of Asia and Africa. There is 110 doubt that it is 
 also an occasional visitant in this country, several 
 specimens having been killed at different periods ; 
 but in the north of Europe it is seldom seen. It 
 breeds in numbers on the banks of the rivers Don 
 and Volga, and along the southern borders of 
 Russia, making long horizontal holes for that pur- 
 pose. The nest is made of moss and other soft 
 materials ; the eggs are of a pure white colour, 
 about an inch in length, and from five to seven in 
 number. 
 
 BITTERN, AMERICAN. 
 
 AEDEA LENTIGINOSA, Mont. 
 
 This species appears to be generally distributed 
 in North America. At certain periods of the year, 
 Dr. Richardson says it is a common bird in the 
 marshes and willow thickets of the interior of the 
 fur country, arid in the summer it is frequently seen 
 
6 
 
 in New Orleans. It has also been found occa- 
 sionally in this country, a few specimens having 
 been shot at different times ; one in Devonshire in 
 1 804 ; which, with other birds of Colonel Montagu's, 
 was presented to the British Museum. It makes 
 its nest in swamps, and lays four eggs, an inch and 
 a half in length, of a broad oval shape, rather 
 pointed at the smaller end, and of a uniform cine- 
 reous green colour. 
 
 BITTEKN, COMMON. 
 
 ABDEA STELLAETS, Lin. 
 
 This bird, which is similar in size and habits to 
 the common Heron, was formerly plentifully dis- 
 tributed over this country, among the extensive 
 marshes and waste lands ; but since these began 
 to be reclaimed by the introduction of an improved 
 system of cultivation, the Bittern may be considered 
 only an occasional visitant at uncertain periods. 
 It is a shy, solitary bird, never seen on the wing by 
 day except when disturbed, but generally sitting 
 erect among the reeds and rushes in swampy situa- 
 tions. When it changes its haunts, which it does 
 in the dusk of the evening, it makes a loud boom- 
 ing noise, more particularly in the breeding season. 
 In handling a wounded Bittern it requires some 
 care to prevent a severe blow on the face from its 
 sharply-pointed bill. If it is not quite disabled, it 
 
throws itself on its back and fights like a hawk, 
 with its beak and claws. There are two or three 
 recorded instances of its having bred in England. 
 The nest, which is composed of sticks, rushes, &c., 
 is placed on the ground among the thick coarse 
 herbage near the water. The eggs, four or five 
 in number and two and a quarter inches in length, 
 are of a uniform greenish white colour and similar 
 in shape at both ends. 
 
 BITTEEN, 'LITTLE. 
 
 ARDEA. MINTJTA, Lin. 
 
 The Little Bittern, which is considerably less 
 than either of the preceding examples of the same 
 species, measures about fourteen inches in length, 
 the body being about the size of that of a Black- 
 bird. It dwells in marshes, by the side of rivers, 
 in plantations of osiers, and in other moist situa- 
 tions where reeds and aquatic rank herbage grow. 
 In this country the specimens have generally been 
 obtained during the summer months, which has 
 induced the belief that they breed here, but there 
 is no recorded instance of the discovery of a Little 
 Bittern's nest in England, It is a native of the 
 southern parts of Europe and Asia, and is found at 
 Madeira, and as far south as the Cape of Good 
 Hope. It breeds in Holland. The nest, which is 
 formed upon the ground, is composed of fln 
 
8 
 
 leaves and bits of grass secured to the growing 
 reeds. The eggs, four or -five in number and an 
 inch and a half in length, are of a dull white. 
 
 B L A C K B I E 1). 
 
 TURDUS MERULA, Lin. 
 
 This well-known bird, a native of the British 
 Islands, is so familiar to English readers that little 
 need be said of its haunts or habits. Never 
 associating with its fellows, but preferring a 
 solitary life, it frequents woods and thickets, and 
 being of a shy and restless disposition, and always 
 anxious to escape observation, it seeks the ever- 
 greens for concealment : out of which, when 
 alarmed, it darts with great celerity, its presence 
 being known only by the sharp cry it utters. Its 
 notes are rich, but destitute of that melody of 
 song which is so pleasing in the Common Thrush. 
 When kept in confinement however, which it 
 frequently is, it may be taught to whistle various 
 tunes, and to imitate the song of other birds, 
 and even the human voice. It usually builds its 
 nest in a thick bush or ivy- clad tree, and lays 
 four or five eggs of a bluish green hue, blotched 
 more or less with darker markings, but often 
 varying very much in colour. 
 
BRAMBLING. 
 BRAMBLE FINCH, OR MOUNTAIN FINCH. 
 
 EBINGILLA, MONTIFEINGILLA, Lin. 
 
 The Brambling, a bird somewhat larger than 
 the Chaffinch, is a native of Iceland, Finland, and 
 other northern parts of Europe, where it passes 
 the summer in the wild and mountainous districts, 
 building its nest in lofty pines and spruce trees. 
 This species is only a winter visitant in this country, 
 arriving in greater or fewer numbers during the 
 autumn, when, with other granivorous birds, it 
 frequents the stubble lands, preferring however 
 always to roost in fir or larch plantations, if such 
 are near its haunts ; and as the spring approaches, 
 returning to its northern home. Its eggs, four or 
 five in number, so much resemble those of the 
 Chaffinch in size and colour, that they require to 
 be well authenticated. 
 
 BULLFINCH. 
 
 LOXIA PYEEHULA, Lin. 
 
 The Bullfinch is a native of England, and also 
 of most parts of the European Continent. It is 
 very common in the mountainous parts of Germany, 
 from which country the market for Piping Bull- 
 
10 
 
 finches is principally supplied. It is a bird of 
 retired habits, and does not associate with other 
 denizens of the air, but is generally seen in pairs 
 or families of five or six. During the spring 
 it is particularly destructive to the buds of fruit 
 trees. Its loosely built nest, which is formed 
 of small twigs and fibrous roots, is generally found 
 in a low tree or thick bush. The eggs, four or 
 five in number, are of a light blue, speckled with 
 orange, arid with brown and purple streaks. 
 
 BUNTING, BLACK-HEADED, OE EEED. 
 
 EEED SPAREOW. 
 EMBEBTZA SCH(E:NTCLTJS, Lin. 
 
 Birds of this species frequent fens and marshy 
 places, where there are abundance of reeds and 
 rushes. The female is destitute of the black head 
 and white ring round the neck, which distinguish 
 the male, the head, neck, and back being streaked 
 with plain rusty brown lines, from which it has 
 no doubt acquired the name of Eeed Sparrow. 
 An error has been very generally entertained 
 regarding this bird. It has been asserted that it 
 has a melodious song, a circumstance from which 
 it has been confounded with the Eeed and Sedge 
 Warblers. The nest of the Black-headed Bunting 
 is composed of dried grass and moss, lined 
 
11 
 
 with hair, and is generally placed near the ground 
 on a tuft of grass or rushes, by the stump of a 
 thorn bush, at the water's edge. Its eggs, four or 
 five in number, are of a dirty bluish white, with 
 many dark coloured spots and veins. 
 
 BUNTING, GIRL. 
 
 EMBERIZA CIRLUS, Lin. 
 
 The Girl Bunting appears to be generally distri- 
 buted throughout the milder parts of England and 
 the Isle of Wight, but it is rarely met with in the 
 northern counties. It is also found plentifully in 
 the milder parts of France, Italy, and on the 
 shores of the Mediterranean. Its habits and 
 manners very much resemble those of the Yellow 
 Hammer, with which it occasionally associates 
 during winter. It prefers perching on high trees 
 rather than on hedges, and builds its nest higher 
 from the ground than the Yellow Hammer. The 
 nest is formed of a mixture of dried stalks of grass, 
 fibres of roots, and moss, and is lined with hair. 
 The eggs, four or five in number, and rather 
 smaller than those of the Yellow Hammer, are of 
 a greyish white colour, with waving brown lines, 
 and not unfrequently with spots of a chocolate hue. 
 
12 
 
 BUNTING, COMMON. 
 
 GREAT, OR BUNTING LARK. 
 EMBEKIZA MILIARIA, Lin. 
 
 The Common Bunting, the largest of the Bunting 
 family, and about seven and a half inches in length, 
 is common in England, delighting in those parts 
 that abound in corn, and rarely found in unculti- 
 vated places. In winter they assemble in vast 
 flocks, and are often taken in nets, brought to 
 market, and sold for larks. This species is common 
 also not only in Scotland, extending even to the 
 Orkneys, but also throughout the whole of Europe. 
 It has been seen in considerable numbers very far 
 to the north. The nest, which is placed in a tuft 
 of dead plants a few inches from the ground, is 
 composed of straw and dried grass, and is lined with 
 fibres of roots and hair. The eggs, from four to 
 six in number, are of a pale yellowish grey colour, 
 spotted arid veined with reddish brown. 
 
 BUNTING, LAPLAND. 
 
 EMBEKIZA CALCARATA, Temm. 
 
 The two species of Buntings found in this coun- 
 try (the Lapland and the Snow) differ in their habits 
 from the other Buntings, in never perching, but 
 living entirely upon the ground and running about 
 
13 
 
 in a manner similar to the Larks. The Lapland 
 Bunting, as its name implies, is a native of the 
 northern regions. It is found in Siberia, also 
 westward to Hudson's Bay, in the Faroe Islands, 
 Greenland, and Iceland during summer. The 
 species however is not numerous in the higher 
 northern latitudes. Towards summer they occa- 
 sionally migrate southward as far as Switzerland. 
 They breed on the shores of the Arctic seas, 
 placing their nest, which is composed of dry grass, 
 woven to a considerable thickness and neatly lined 
 with deer's hair, on a small hillock in a moist situa- 
 tion among moss and stones. The female usually 
 lays seven eggs of a pale ochre colour, spotted with 
 brown. 
 
 BUNTING, OBTOLAN. 
 
 EMBEKIZA HORTULANA, Selby, 
 
 There are very few recorded instances of the 
 capture of the Ortolan Bunting in this country ; 
 but the species is numerous in the South of France, 
 and in other southern countries of Europe, during 
 summer. In winter it takes its flight to Africa, 
 where it finds a climate less rigorous than that of 
 those parts of Europe which it frequents. It also 
 visits Lapland, Sweden, and Norway, where it 
 breeds, making its nest on the ground. The nest 
 
14 
 
 is similar to that of the Skylark, though rather 
 neater in construction. The eggs, which are from 
 four to six in number, have a bluish white ground, 
 speckled and spotted with black. At certain 
 periods of the year these birds are often taken in 
 great numbers in France, where they are fatted for 
 the table, and from whence they are imported into 
 this country alive. 
 
 BUNTING, SNOW. 
 MOUNTAIN OR TAWNY BUNTING. SNOW FLAKE. 
 
 EMBEEIZA NIYALIS, Mont. 
 
 The various names given to this bird by early 
 authors, all referring to one and the same species, 
 have doubtless been suggested by varieties in colour 
 and markings, arising from a difference of age, or 
 from the effect of season. The Snow Bunting may 
 be generally considered as only a winter visitor to 
 this country ; a portion of the young birds of the 
 year, which breed in high northern latitudes, annu- 
 ally visiting our Islands. It is only in severe 
 weather and late in the winter season that the older 
 birds make their appearance. The Snow Bunting 
 is an inhabitant, during the breeding season, of the 
 Arctic regions, Greenland, Lapland, Hudson's 
 Bay, and other cold northern countries. The nest, 
 
15 
 
 which is built in the fissures of the mountain 
 rocks, is composed externally of grass, and in the 
 interior is lined with feathers and hair, or the 
 down of the Arctic Fox. The eggs, of which there 
 are generally five, are of a bluish white hue with 
 purplish streaks, and with numerous spots of brown 
 round the thick end. 
 
 BUNTING, YELLOW. 
 
 YELLOW HAMMER. 
 EMBEEIZA CITEINELLA, Lin. 
 
 This bird is to be met with in considerable 
 numbers in England and throughout the greater 
 part of Europe, though it does not appear to extend 
 so far northward as the Common Bunting. In 
 summer the well known notes of the male, almost 
 incessantly heard from the roadside hedge, cannot 
 but attract the passer by, whose eye is no less 
 pleased by the gay yellow colour of its plumage. 
 In winter the Yellow Hammer joins the flocks of 
 Greenfinches, Chaffinches, &c. which congregate 
 in the fields and farm yards. Its nest^ which is 
 built in low bushes or upon the ground under a 
 tuft of grass, is formed externally of coarse grass, 
 within which is a layer of the same herbage, of 
 finer quality, lined with hair. In breeding time it 
 
16 
 
 lays from three to five eggs of a pale purplish 
 white, with streaks of chocolate red in waving lines, 
 frequently terminating in spots of the same colour. 
 
 BUSTAED, GEEAT. 
 
 OTIS TABDA, Lin. 
 
 This species of the feathered tribe, the largest of 
 the British Land Birds, was formerly common in 
 many parts of England and also in Scotland. It 
 was constantly seen on the extensive plains of 
 Wiltshire, Dorsetshire, Norfolk, and in parts of 
 Yorkshire ; but as agriculture advanced it gradu- 
 ally became very scarce, and is now almost, if not 
 quite, extinct in this country. It feeds chiefly on 
 grasses and herbs of various kinds, particularly green 
 corn, and also on the common earth-worm, of which 
 it is very fond. The male has a kind of a pouch 
 in the fore part of the neck (which was first dis- 
 covered by Dr. Douglas), capable of containing 
 about two quarts of water ; which is admitted by an 
 entrance under the tongue. It is found in France, 
 Italy, and various parts of Europe, Asia, and Africa. 
 The eggs of this species, which are two in number, 
 about the size of those of a goose, are of a pale olive 
 brown, slightly blotched with greenish brown and 
 other hues. The female builds no nest, but de- 
 posits her eggs in the ground. 
 
17 
 
 BUSTAKD, LITTLE. 
 
 OTIS TETBA.XJ Lin. 
 
 This bird is found in Spain^ Italy, and the sou- 
 thern parts of Europe, where it is said to remain 
 all the year ; also in the deserts of Tartary and in 
 the neighbourhood of the Caspian Sea* It has 
 been taken in several instances in Great Bri- 
 tain, but on no occasion is an adult male known 
 to have been captured in this country. It occa- 
 sionally visits Scotland ; where, as we are informed, 
 a female was shot by Mr. Adamson near Saint 
 Andrews in March, 1840* The female is smaller 
 than the male, and of a more uniform colour. It 
 builds its nest on the ground, among herbage 
 which is high enough to conceal the bird. The 
 eggs, from three to five in number, are of a glossy 
 green colour. 
 
 BUSTARD, RUFFEA. 
 MACQUEEN'S BUSTARD* 
 
 OTIS MACQUEENII, Gray. 
 
 There are only one or two recorded instances 
 of the capture of any of this species in Europe. 
 One which was taken in Lincolnshire is now in 
 the Museum of the Philosophical Society at York 5 
 and another, killed near Brussels in 1845, is in 
 the Museum of Natural History in that city. This 
 species is said to be common on the stony plains 
 
 c 
 
18 
 
 of Afghanistan, where it remains all the year, 
 and in Scinde, where it is reported to be numerous. 
 They are generally seen in flocks of from five 
 to six together, and when on the wing fly heavily 
 and for short distances, soon alighting and 
 running along the ground. The flesh is very 
 tender, and is so covered with fat that skins are 
 with difficulty preserved. Of its nidification no- 
 thing is known. 
 
 BUZZAKD, COMMON, 
 
 OB PUTTOCK. 
 FALCO BUTEO, Lin. 
 
 This species, which is one of the most common 
 of the larger kinds of Hawks, is now confined to 
 the woodland districts of England, and is much 
 sought after in preserves. It is more generally 
 found in the recesses of the forests of Scotland, 
 Wales, and Ireland ; also in Norway, Sweden, and 
 the wooded parts of Europe. It is said to be 
 abundant in Holland during autumn, remaining 
 in that country until the spring. It inhabits also 
 the northern parts of Africa, and has been dis- 
 covered even in the fur countries of North America. 
 One of the peculiar habits of this species is that it 
 generally seeks its food late in the evening. The 
 Buzzard varies very much in colour and plumage, 
 and consequently the species have been multiplied 
 
19 
 
 by some Naturalists. It preys upon rabbits, game, 
 and small birds, and though possessed of strength 
 and weapons to defend itself, is so cowardly and 
 inactive that it allows itself to be beaten even by 
 the Sparrow Hawk. It generally forms its nest in 
 the branches of a tree, or on the edge of rocks, &c., 
 using for its construction sticks, heath, &c., and 
 lining it with softer substances. The female lays 
 from two to four eggs of a whitish colour, spotted 
 with brown. It is said that if the female is killed 
 the male will hatch and rear up the young birds, 
 which generally remain with the parents some time 
 after quitting the nest. 
 
 BUZZAED, HONEY. 
 
 EALCO APTVOEUS, Lin. 
 
 The Honey Buzzard, which appears to have been 
 first described by Willoughby as a British bird, is 
 so called from its destroying for food the nests of 
 bees, wasps, &c., which, with the addition of mice 
 and small birds, appear to be its favourite food. 
 It is mostly met with on the east coast, though it 
 has also been killed in Dorsetshire, Devonshire, 
 Worcestershire, and other western counties. It 
 has been found in Scotland and Ireland. It 
 inhabits Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Eussia, and 
 the southern portions of Europe. In Holland, 
 where it is occasionally seen, it is considered by 
 
 c 2 
 
20 
 
 Temminck as rare as in England. Its flight is 
 easy and graceful, though, low, for it seldom flies 
 except from one tree to another, its deficiency in 
 this respect being compensated for by the speed 
 with which it runs along the ground, its motion, 
 which is like that of our common fowls, being 
 very fast. It builds its nest in lofty trees, forming 
 it of twigs, &c., and lining it with wool, and other 
 suitable materials. Its eggs, generally two in 
 number, are blotched with a faint and deep red 
 on a paler ground. The author has a pair of these 
 birds (with their eggs,) killed inthe New Forest a 
 few years since. 
 
 BUZZARD, ROUGH-LEGGED. 
 
 FALCO LAGOPUS, Temm. 
 
 The Rough-Legged Buzzard, which is much rarer 
 than the Common Buzzard, inhabits the North of 
 Europe, and is scattered southward over that Con- 
 tinent to the shores of the Mediterranean. It is 
 found also in the United States and in Africa. In 
 this country it is usually observed in the spring and 
 autumn, when it changes its latitude from south to 
 north, or vice versd. It goes northward to breed, 
 flying slowly on its passage, during which it may 
 be observed sitting for a long time on the boughs 
 of a tree, watching for mice, frogs, &c., or skimming 
 over swampy ground^ and hunting for its prey by 
 
21 
 
 the subdued daylight, being well fitted for this 
 nocturnal chase by the softness of its plumage, 
 which contributes to render its flight noiseless, like 
 that of an owl. The nest is built of sticks, on a 
 high tree standing on low moist alluvial land. 
 The eggs, three or four in number, are of a light 
 colour slightly marked with light brown. 
 
 CAPEECAILLIE. 
 WOOD GROUSE, OR COCK OF THE WOOD. 
 
 TETEAO UEOGALLUS, Mon. 
 
 This noble bird, the largest of the Grouse species, 
 was formerly found in the high mountainous 
 regions of Scotland, parts of North Wales, and 
 also in Ireland. It is never seen now, however, 
 in these countries 5 the last of the species appears to 
 have been killed about the same period in the two 
 kingdoms, namely about a century ago, when 
 one was shot in Scotland and another in Ireland. 
 Within the last twenty years considerable trouble 
 has been taken by a few noblemen to reintroduce 
 these magnificent birds into the forests of Scotland, 
 and they have succeeded to a limited extent. It 
 is found now in Norway, Sweden, Eussia, and 
 other northern countries, frequenting wooded 
 mountainous districts and forests of pine, and feed- 
 ing upon the leaves and tender shoots of the Scotch 
 fir, berries of different kinds, and the buds of the 
 birch. It breeds in the larger forests, where it 
 remains all the year. The female makes her nest 
 
22 
 
 upon the ground, and lays from six to twelve eggs, 
 about two and a quarter inches long, of a light 
 yellowish brown, with spots of a darker colour. 
 As soon as the nesting commences the males for- 
 sake the females, and leave them to attend alone to 
 the hatching and rearing of their young. 
 
 CHAFFINCH. 
 
 FKINGILLA CCELEBS, Lin. 
 
 This well-known lively bird, the handsomest of 
 the common small birds, is familiarly known in 
 England, where it is seen throughout the year. 
 During winter, as long as the weather continues 
 mild, the males congregate in immense flocks in 
 the stubble lands, but on the approach of snow 
 and inclement weather they resort to farm-yards 
 and other sheltered places. The females, deserting 
 their mates, migrate southward, and until the return 
 of spring few of them are to be seen. Linnaeus, in 
 his Fauna of Sweden, mentions this fact, stating 
 that the females migrate from that country during 
 winter ; from which circumstance he bestowed on 
 the species the name of Ccelebs (or Bachelor). In 
 this country its short and frequently repeated note, 
 heard as early as February, points it out as one 
 of the first of our indigenous birds to afford an 
 indication of returning spring. 
 
 It is found in almost every part of Europe, in 
 the northern parts of Africa, and even as far as 
 
23 
 
 the Azores. On the Continent it is one of the most 
 common cage birds. The young males, previous 
 to the first moult, resemble the females. The 
 Chaffinch, which rears two broods, builds in various 
 situations, sometimes in a bush, in a tree, on its 
 forks, or among the ivy that encircles its branches. 
 The nest, which exhibits in its construction great 
 neatness and beauty, is composed of moss and 
 various lichens, lined internally with wool and 
 hair. The eggs, four or five in number, are of 
 a purplish buff, slightly streaked and blotched 
 with dark reddish brown. 
 
 CHOUGH. 
 EED-LEGGED CROW. 
 
 PYEEHOCOEAX GEACULUS, Temm. 
 The Chough, which is not a common bird in this 
 country, is chiefly confined to the wastes of Corn- 
 wall, Devonshire, and Wales, and is occasionally 
 found on the cliffs of Dover. It is seen at times 
 in Scotland, the Hebrides, the Isle of Man, and 
 sometimes in Jersey. It is an inhabitant also of 
 the Swiss Alps, the Tyrol, France, Spain, and 
 Egypt, &c. Avoiding the green turf, its favourite 
 places of resort are the most inaccessible rocks and 
 cliffs. It may also be seen perched or walking on 
 stone walls, which it appears to prefer to the gravel- 
 covered ground below them. It is a lively bird, 
 and when tamed, a task which is easily accom- 
 
24 
 
 plished, becomes extremely docile, and is very fond 
 of being caressed by those to whom it shows 
 attachment. Its shrill notes and mischievous quali- 
 ties, however, render it sometimes 3, troublesome 
 inmate. 
 
 It often becomes bold and pugnacious, is ex- 
 tremely sensitive to what it deems insult, and 
 resents an affront with violence. The Chough 
 builds its nest on high cliffs, old castles, and church 
 towers near the sea shore. The nest is composed 
 externally of sticks, and the interior is lined with 
 a quantity of wool and hair, The female lays three 
 or four eggs of a bluish white hue, spotted with 
 yellow, 
 
 COOT, COMMON, 
 BALD COOT. 
 
 FlILICA ATRA, Lin. 
 
 This bird is similar in its general appearance to 
 the Wateivhen, from which however it differs in a 
 very material degree in the formation of its feet, 
 the membranes of the toes being furnished with 
 lobes or scollops, the middle one with three and 
 the outer one with four. It has also on the fore- 
 head a pure white fleshy substance, from which it 
 takes its n^me of the Bald Coot. These birds are 
 met with in England throughout the year, being 
 found upon ponds, lakes, and still rivers. They 
 
25 
 
 are very numerous in the Isle of Sheppey, South- 
 ampton Water, and various parts of Dorset and 
 Devonshire. Scotland is visited by them during 
 the summer months; and they are occasionally 
 found during the same period on the coasts of 
 Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and the Faroe Islands. 
 The Bald Coot indeed is generally diffused over 
 the whole Continent of Europe. In the autumn a 
 considerable number of these birds change their 
 stations, removing from ponds and small lakes, 
 where they have bred and reared their young, 
 and resorting to the larger lakes and sea coasts, 
 where there are large mud flats. It is usual for 
 them to form their nests on a tuft of rushes, or 
 amongst reeds surrounded by water. The nest 
 is composed of dry coarse herbage, well matted 
 together, the inside being lined with soft fine grass. 
 The female lays from ten to fourteen eggs, having 
 a brownish white ground, sprinkled with small 
 dark spots and blotches. 
 
 CORMORANT, COMMON. 
 
 CAEBO COBMOEANUS, Temm. 
 
 These birds, which frequent all parts of the 
 world, are found in considerable numbers on our 
 coasts, assembling on the lofty summits and inac- 
 cessible points of the rocks, where the female 
 builds her nest. They are very voracious, and 
 
26 
 
 both at sea and in inland rivers make terrible 
 havoc among the finny tribe. Being most excel- 
 lent divers they pursue their prey under the water 
 with great rapidity and facility, but upon land, 
 though the tail, which is furnished with strong 
 feathers, assists them in walking, they are extremely 
 awkward in their movements, in consequence of 
 their legs being placed so far backwards. In China 
 they are used for fishing, a ring or strap being 
 fastened round the neck to prevent them swallow- 
 ing the fish. During spring and the early part 
 of summer the adult birds have a crest, of which 
 they are destitute in winter. The eggs are four 
 or five in number, and of a bluish green colour. 
 
 CORMORANT, GREEN. 
 
 SHAG, OR CRESTED SHAG. 
 
 CAEBO CEISTATTIS, Selby. 
 
 Is less than the last species, and may be easily 
 distinguished from the Common Cormorant by its 
 green colour. It is as greedy and voracious, and 
 frequents the same localities, but never quits the 
 sea. The adult Shag, as well as the Common Cor- 
 morant, is provided during spring and summer 
 with a crest, which disappears in winter. The 
 young birds are destitute of this ornament. 
 Crested birds of this species are often found asso- 
 
27 
 
 elating and breeding in one locality, while the non- 
 crested immature birds congregate in another. 
 The nest, which is built nearer the water than that 
 of the last species, is composed of sea-weed, &c. 
 The eggs, three or four in number, are of the same 
 colour as those of the Common Cormorant, but 
 smaller. 
 
 COUESEE, CEEAM-COLOUEED. 
 
 SWIFTFOOT. 
 CURSOUIUS ISABELLINTJS, Selby. 
 
 This rare and beautiful species is a native of 
 Africa, inhabiting the dry sandy plains that occupy 
 so large a portion of that continent. Very little 
 appears to be known respecting its habits or breed- 
 ing places ; but being similar in conformation and 
 general appearance to the Bustard, though much 
 more minute in size, its entire length being only 
 about ten inches, it may be presumed that its habits, 
 &c., are similar to those of that species. The adults 
 of both sexes resemble each other in the colour of 
 their plumage, the prevailing hue being buff or 
 cream, from whence it takes its name. Only three 
 or four specimens of this bird have been taken in 
 this country ; and it appears to be equally rare on 
 the Continent, being only an accidental visitor to 
 the southern parts of Europe. Most of the speci- 
 mens contained in the collections have been pro- 
 cured from Barbary or Abyssinia. 
 
28 
 CRAKE, BAILLON'S. 
 
 G-ALLINULA BAILLONII, Temm. 
 
 This species is very similar in appearance and 
 habits to the Spotted Crake, with this difference 
 only that it is much smaller and not so much 
 spotted. It is found in this country, the first speci- 
 men of which we have any record having been 
 caught upon the ice during the winter of 1823, 
 about nine miles south of Cambridge. Since that 
 time several others have been taken in the fens of 
 the Eastern Counties. It is a well known species 
 on the opposite coast of France, where it breeds in 
 the marshes, forming its nest of aquatic plants 
 among rushes. The female lays seven or eight 
 eggs, of an oval shape, of a light olive brown 
 colour, blotched with brown of a darker hue. 
 
 Examples have also been brought from Italy, 
 Switzerland, Africa, and even from Japan, which 
 do not differ in appearance from those obtained in 
 England. 
 
 CRAKE, LITTLE. 
 
 GALLINULA PTTSILLA, Temm. 
 
 Though neither this species nor the preceding 
 has been known to breed in this country, both have 
 been occasionally found in it. No doubt the chief 
 cause of their being so rarely obtained, is their 
 being so minute in size for an aquatic bird ; their 
 
29 
 
 frequenting swampy places, where they conceal 
 themselves among the thick herbage ; and their 
 power of swimming, diving, and hiding their body 
 under water. This, and the last-named species, 
 appear to have been confounded with each other, 
 which is not at all surprising, as they are both 
 about the same size and colour, except that the 
 white markings on the back and scapula of Baillon's 
 Crake are much more numerous and distinct than 
 those of this species, Their habits also appear to 
 be similar, and their usual haunts are doubtless the 
 same. Specimens of both birds have been ob- 
 tained from the same countries. Their manner of 
 nesting, and the number and colour of their eggs> 
 are also identical. 
 
 CRAKE, SPOTTER 
 
 SPOTTED GALLINULE. 
 
 G-ALLINULA PORzANA, Tetnm> 
 
 This bird, which is more common than either of 
 the two preceding species, is a summer visitor to 
 this country, frequenting low swampy situations^ 
 where reeds, rushes, and other coarse herbage offer 
 a place of concealment beside pools and streams. 
 Being a shy, wild, and solitary bird, it is with 
 difficulty made to rise, and consequently is not 
 often seen. Its nest, formed of rushes and other 
 light materials, is constructed on the ground, close 
 
30 
 
 to the water's edge. Being secured to the pendent 
 reeds, woven and matted together, it floats securely 
 with the ebbing and flowing of the water. The 
 female lays eight or nine eggs of a reddish white 
 hue, speckled with dark reddish brown. The 
 young, which are covered with black down when 
 first hatched, almost immediately take to the water 
 and shift for themselves. 
 
 CKANE, COMMON. 
 
 GBTTS CINEREA, Temm. 
 
 This large species of wader, measuring about 
 five feet in length, was frequently found some 
 years since by the sides of the lakes and fens of 
 this country, in which it is now extremely rare. 
 It is widely spread however, and in its migrations 
 performs the most distant journeys. During sum- 
 mer it is found scattered over the north of 
 Europe and Asia, and in winter is met with in the 
 warmer regions of India, Syria, Egypt, &c. Its 
 food is variable, consisting occasionally of grain 
 and aquatic plants, at other times, worms, reptiles, 
 &c. It breeds in Norway, Sweden, &c., usually 
 placing its nest among reeds, &c. ; in the fens, 
 though it is also occasionally found on some secluded 
 ruins, &c. The female lays two greyish green 
 eggs, spotted and blotched with brown. 
 
'31 
 
 CREEPER, COMMON. 
 
 TREE CREEPER. 
 CERTHIA FAMILIARIS, Lin. 
 
 The Creeper, next to the Golden-Crested Wren 
 or Regulus, one of the least of British birds, is 
 generally distributed throughout the country, but 
 is very secluded in its habits, frequenting groves 
 and plantations. In search of its food it scales 
 trees in the same manner as the Woodpecker, and 
 like that bird is supported behind by a stiff pointed 
 tail. The bill is hooked, the legs slender, the toes 
 and claws very long. It breeds in hollow trees, 
 and lays from five to nine dull white eggs, diversi- 
 fied at the larger end with small reddish spots. 
 
 CROSSBILL, COMMON. 
 
 LOXIA CTJBYIBOSTRA, Lin. 
 
 The great peculiarity of this bird is its remark- 
 ably shaped bill, which, notwithstanding its appa- 
 rently awkward and useless form, is found to be 
 most admirably adapted to the peculiar habits of 
 the bird. The two mandibles, instead of lying in 
 a straight direction, cross each other in a similar 
 manner to a pair of scissors, an arrangement which 
 enables the Common Crossbill to obtain its food 
 
32 
 
 with the greatest facility. It lives mostly on the 
 seeds of fir cones, in extracting which it shews 
 great dexterity. 
 
 The visits of this curious and interesting species 
 to our shores occur at irregular periods, an interval 
 of many years sometimes intervening without their 
 making their appearance. The last occasions on 
 which they visited our shores in considerable num- 
 bers were in 1836, 37, 38, during which years they 
 were generally distributed throughout the country. 
 In the visits which they have made since those 
 periods they have come in very limited numbers, and 
 their presence has been confined chiefly to the north 
 of Scotland, where they occasionally breed very 
 early in the season. 
 
 The nest, which is placed in the fork of a branch, 
 is composed of moss, lichens, &c., and lined with 
 feathers. The eggs, four in number, are marked 
 chiefly at the larger ends with irregular patches of 
 dark red, and with minute spots over the other 
 parts. 
 
 The bill of the young birds is not crossed over 
 till they are obliged to seek their own living ; an 
 arrangement which exhibits one of those beautiful 
 provisions of nature under which the formative 
 process remains suspended till the age and neces- 
 sities of the bird require its completion. 
 
33 
 CEOSSBILL, PARROT. 
 
 LOXIA PITYOPSITTACUS, Temm. 
 
 The Parrot Crossbill is distinguished from the 
 Common Crossbill by its greater length, its more 
 bulky body, and a greater thickness of the beak 
 at the base. It breeds in Germany, in the same 
 localities as the species just described. In its habits 
 and manners it resembles the Common Crossbill, 
 and like it inhabits the pine forests of the more 
 northern countries, but as a species is rarer, few 
 specimens having been obtained, particularly in 
 this country, in which it has not been known to 
 breed. The eggs, four or five in number, are 
 similarly marked, but rather larger. 
 
 CROSSBILL, EUEOPEAN. 
 WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILL. 
 
 LOXIA LETJCOPTERA, Temm. 
 
 This species is rather larger than a Sparrow. Its 
 beak, which is almost as large as that of a Common 
 Crossbill, is less compressed than the same part in 
 the American bird, the points less crossed, and the 
 over-end less elongated. The tail also is less forked. 
 The plumage of the male is usually of a dull brick 
 red, and the tail feathers are more distinctly bor- 
 dered with yellow. This bird has been observed 
 
 D 
 
34 
 
 in winter in Belgium, England, Bavaria, &c. But 
 little appears to be known of its liabits. It is 
 occasionally taken in Scandinavia, and is not 
 unfrequently seen in central Sweden among the 
 Crossbills ; but it has a different call note and a 
 different song. 
 
 CROSSBILL. 
 AMERICAN WHITE-WINGED. 
 
 LOXIA LEUCOPTERA, Gmelin. 
 
 This little bird is more diminutive than a Spar- 
 row. Its beak is small and very much compressed, 
 the points slender and elongated. The plumage 
 of the adult males is of a brilliant crimson, and 
 the tail, which is greatly forked, black, the feathers 
 having little or no bordering. 
 
 This species appears to be rather numerous in 
 North America, frequenting the pine swamps and 
 forests, and feeding almost exclusively on the 
 seeds of these trees, together with a few berries. 
 Its nest, which it builds on the limb of a pine, 
 towards the centre, is composed of grasses and 
 earth lined with feathers. The female lays five 
 eggs with a white ground spotted with yellow. 
 Only one or two White-winged Crossbills, which 
 have been recognized as belonging to this parti- 
 cular species, have been taken in England. 
 
35 
 
 CROW, CARRION. 
 
 COMMON CROW. 
 
 CoRTUS CORONE, Lin. 
 
 This bird is common in the western parts of 
 Europe, but is of very rare occurrence in the eastern 
 districts of the Continent. It is considerably less 
 tlian the Raven, but is similar to it hi colour, 
 external appearance, and in many of its habits. It 
 may be readily distinguished from the Rook by 
 the greater strength of its bill, which is never 
 destitute of the bristly feathers that cover the base 
 and nostrils, as is the case with the latter. Carrion 
 Crows seldom associate in numbers, but generally 
 remain in pairs throughout the year. They feed on 
 putrescent flesh of all sorts, as well as on worms, 
 insects, and various kinds of grain. Young rabbits, 
 chickens, and ducks also frequently become their 
 victims, and when pressed by hunger they will 
 even attack birds on the wing. They chiefly 
 visit wooded districts, but are common throughout 
 other parts of the country. They build on trees, 
 forming their nests of sticks lined with hair, wool, 
 &c. The eggs are four or five in number, and of 
 a pale bluish green, spotted and blotched with ash 
 colour and brown. The male feeds the female 
 while she remains upon the eggs, and both defend 
 their young with great courage against birds of a 
 much larger size. 
 
 D 2 
 
36 
 
 CBOW, HOODED. 
 EOYSTON CROW. 
 
 COEYUS COBNIX, Lin. 
 
 This species is found in Germany, Denmark, 
 Poland, Sweden, Eussia, and several other Euro- 
 pean countries. It is met with also in various parts 
 of England, whither it migrates from Sweden and 
 Norway in the beginning of winter, leaving this 
 country with the Woodcock in the spring. It is 
 common in the northern and western parts of 
 Scotland, the Orkneys and Hebrides, where it 
 remains all the year. In the maritime parts of 
 England it feeds upon crabs and other shell-fish, 
 and on the downs of the southern counties upon 
 grain and carrion. It seldom associates except 
 when obtaining food. It is said to breed in North 
 America, Germany, and also in considerable num- 
 bers on the Faroe Islands. Like other birds of its 
 kind it breeds early, building its nest in any kind 
 of tree conveniently situated for the purpose ; but 
 if none are to be found, making it on the rocks and 
 cliffs. The nest is composed of sticks and straw, 
 lined with hair and wool. The female lays five 
 or six eggs of a light green mottled with greenish 
 brown. 
 
37 
 
 CUCKOO, COMMON. 
 
 CucuLrs CANOEUS, Lin. 
 
 The Cuckoo arrives in this country about the 
 month of April, and the adult bird leaves about 
 the beginning of July, but the young birds of the 
 year do not leave till about September. The 
 Cuckoo is generally distributed over Great Britain 
 and the Orkneys during summer. The great pecu- 
 liarity of this bird appears to be that of depositing 
 its solitary egg, for it seldom lays more than one, 
 in the nest of some small bird, such as the Hedge 
 Sparrow, Pied Wagtail, Linnet, Whitethroat, 
 Redstart, Yellow Hammer, and others, but more 
 particularly the. Hedge Sparrow. When the young 
 Cuckoo is hatched it makes an attack upon the 
 remaining eggs, if any, and offspring of its foster 
 parents, destroying the former and generally suc- 
 ceeding in turning out the latter. Its back, when 
 young, is very broad, with a depression in the 
 middle, which disappears in about a fortnight. 
 The egg is about the size of Skylark's, of a light 
 mottled reddish grey. 
 
 CUCKOO, GREAT SPOTTED. 
 
 CUCULTJS GLANDAKIUS, Lin. 
 
 This species inhabits North Africa, and has been 
 found also in Germany, Italy, and Spain, but of its 
 habits very little is known. 
 
38 
 
 There is only one recorded instance of the cap- 
 ture of a Great-spotted Cuckoo in Great Britain. 
 It was taken on the island of Omah, in the county 
 of Gal way, about Christmas, 1843, it having taken 
 refuge in a stone fence or wall from the attack of 
 Hawks. This solitary specimen is now in the 
 Museum of Trinity College, Dublin. 
 
 CUCKOO, YELLOW-BILLED. 
 
 CUCTJLUS CINEEOSUS, Temm. 
 
 There are several instances of this species having 
 been killed in Great Britain, The Yellow-billed 
 Cuckoo, unlike our Common Cuckoo, builds its 
 own nest and attends to its offspring with great 
 assiduity ; but it is said to rob smaller birds of 
 their eggs, and its own are occasionally found in 
 the nests of others of the feathered tribe. Wilson, 
 in his American Ornithology, says: "Early in 
 u May they begin to pair, when obstinate battles 
 u take place among the males. About the tenth 
 u of that month they commence building. The 
 " nest is usually fixed among the horizontal 
 " branches of an apple tree ; sometimes in a 
 " solitary thorn, crab, or cedar, in some retired 
 " part of the woods. It is constructed with little 
 " art, and scarcely any concavity, of small sticks 
 " and twigs, intermixed with green weeds and 
 
39 
 
 44 blossoms of the common maple. On this almost 
 44 flat bed the eggs, usually three or four in number, 
 44 are placed ; these are of a uniform greenish blue 
 44 colour, and of a size proportionable to that of 
 " the bird. While the female is sitting the male is 
 44 generally not far distant, and gives the alarm by 
 44 his notes when any person is approaching. The 
 u female sits so close that you may almost reach 
 a her with your hand, and then precipitates her- 
 44 self to the ground, feigning lameness to draw 
 " you away from the spot, fluttering, trailing her 
 44 wings, and tumbling over in the manner of the 
 44 partridge, woodcock, and many ether species. 
 44 Their food consists for the most part of cater- 
 a pillars, particularly such as infest the apple 
 44 trees. They also occasionally eat various kinds 
 44 of berries. But from the circumstance of 
 44 destroying such numbers of very noxious larvae, 
 44 they prove themselves the friend of the farmer." 
 
 CUKLEW, COMMON. 
 
 ARQUATA, 
 
 This bird is found in most parts of England. 
 In summer it haunts the large heathy and boggy 
 moors, feeding on worms, larvae, flies, &c. The 
 rest of the year it resorts to the sea-shore, where 
 it feeds on small crabs and marine insects. It is 
 
40 
 
 found in Denmark, Norway, &c. as well as in 
 Africa and the East Indies. In the summer it visits 
 Iceland and the Faroe Islands. It breeds in the 
 boggy moors of Iceland, and also in Shropshire, 
 Cornwall, &c. Its nest, composed of dry grass and 
 leaves, is placed in a tuft of long grass or rushes. 
 The eggs, four in number, are of an olive green hue, 
 spotted with dark green and brown. The Curlew is 
 very shy and vigilant, alarming other birds by its oft 
 repeated loud cries, in sound resembling " corlieu" 
 or " courlie," whence its name. It runs with speed, 
 and has a strong and rapid flight. Being in some 
 request as food, it is often seen in the markets. 
 
 CUELEW, ESQUIMAUX. 
 
 NUMENIUS EOEEALIS. 
 
 This species of the Curlew, which in its whole 
 length is about fourteen inches, the bill two inches 
 and a quarter, frequents, according to the statement 
 of Sir John Richardson, the barren lands within the 
 Arctic circle in summer, when it feeds on grubs, 
 fresh water insects, and the crow-berry. The 
 first appearance of this bird recorded in Great 
 Britain is that of one which was killed in Scot- 
 land in September, 1855, in the parish of Durris, 
 Kincardineshire, by W. E. Cussach Smith, Esq. 
 Its eggs are pear-shaped, of a green colour, clouded 
 
with a few large irregular spots of bright umber 
 brown. 
 
 The Copper Indians believe that this bird and 
 some others betray the approach of strangers to 
 the Esquimaux by their peculiar habit of flying 
 backwards and forwards over a particular spot in 
 search of their food. On the 13th June Sir J. 
 Eichardson states: U I discovered one of these 
 44 Curlews sitting on three eggs on the shore of 
 44 Point Lake. When I approached the nest she 
 u ran a short distance, crouching close to the 
 44 ground, and then stopped to observe the fate of 
 41 the objects of her care." This species has been 
 observed in spring passing from Texas along the 
 coast eastward to the fur countries, where it resorts 
 in that season, returning in the autumn. 
 
 DIPPEE, COMMON. 
 WATER OUZEL. 
 
 CINCLUS AQFATicus, Temm. 
 
 These interesting little birds are natives of our 
 island. They are found in Devonshire and other 
 parts of England, in Scotland and Wales. Most of 
 the other northern countries of Europe are also 
 visited by them. From their peculiar habits, they 
 are usually found near clear and rocky stream- 
 lets. They are generally seen single or in pairs, 
 
42 
 
 and always on the margin of the stream, or perched 
 in their peculiar attitude on some projecting stone 
 in the middle of the water. By some naturalists 
 they have been said to walk with apparent ease at 
 the bottom of the water, a statement which after 
 close observation appears doubtful. They breed 
 early, and the young are generally fledged in the 
 beginning of May. They build their large mossy 
 nest in any part of a rock that overhangs a stream. 
 Similar in shape to that of the Wren, the nest is 
 composed externally of moss and lined with the 
 decayed leaves of oak and other trees. When 
 perched this bird delights in a constant dipping 
 motion, at the same time flirting its tail, which is 
 carried rather erect, in the same manner as that 
 of the Wren. The eggs, four or five in number, 
 are of a transparent white. 
 
 DIVEE, GEEAT NOETHEEN. 
 
 COLYMBUS GLACIALIS, Lin. 
 
 The Great Northern Diver is not very numerous, 
 nor permanently resident in any locality. Narrow 
 channels, friths, sealocks, and sandy bays are its 
 favourite places of resort. It swims with great 
 speed, sinking partially when alarmed, and dives 
 with remarkable celerity, remaining a long time 
 under water. On account of its vigilance and 
 
43 
 
 dexterity it is very difficult to be shot. From 
 the middle of spring to the end of May it is 
 common along our northern coasts, and from 
 October to spring young birds especially are 
 met with from one end of the island to the 
 other. In summer it betakes itself to the Arctic 
 regions. In its adult state it is rare on some parts of 
 the Continent. The nest, which it builds at pairing 
 time, is large and rude in construction. The eggs 
 generally are three in number, of a form considera- 
 bly elongated, three inches and three quarters in 
 length, two inches and a quarter in breadth. In 
 colour they are of a dull yellowish green, spotted 
 with dusky brown. The flesh of the Diver is dark 
 and unsavoury, and the skin is sometimes used as 
 material for caps, &c. 
 
 DIVEK, BLACK-THROATED. 
 
 LESSER IMBER. 
 
 COLYMBUS ABCTICUS, Lin. 
 
 Of the three species known in this country the 
 Black-throated Diver is the most rare, occur- 
 ring in the adult state but seldom, though young 
 birds are not uncommon. The habits of this 
 species closely resemble those of the Great North- 
 ern Diver. It is generally dispersed over the north 
 
44 
 
 of Europe and America. It breeds in the Hebrides 
 and the extreme north of Scotland. The female 
 makes no nest, but deposits her eggs, which are 
 two in number, upon the bare ground, removed 
 about ten or twelve feet from the water's edge. 
 The eggs measure two inches and three quarters in 
 length, by one inch and a quarter in breadth, and 
 are of a dark olive brown, thinly spotted with dark 
 umber brown. 
 
 DIVER. RED-THKOATED. 
 SPECKLED DIVER. 
 
 COLYMBUS SEPTEXTRIO^ALIS, Lin. 
 
 This is the smallest as well as the most common 
 of the species. The occurrence of specimens with 
 white throats in winter is so frequent, while those 
 with red throats at the same time of the year are 
 so rare, that Naturalists have been led to the sup- 
 position of their being two distinct species. From 
 October to April the Eed-throated Diver is met 
 with from one end of Great Britain to the other, in 
 estuaries, and along the coast from the British 
 Channel to Cape Wrath. In summer many pairs 
 breed in the northern parts of Scotland and in the 
 Hebrides. The habits of this bird are very similar 
 to those of the other two species, but it is more 
 active in the water. In the bulky and rude nest 
 
45 
 
 which it builds, the female lays two elongated eggs, 
 unequal in size, the larger being three inches in 
 length and one inch and three quarters in breadth. 
 They are of an olive brown colour, variously tinted 
 and spotted with umber. The young birds betake 
 themselves to the water soon after being hatched. 
 
 DOTTEKEL. 
 
 ClIAKADRIUS MORINELLUS, Lin. 
 
 The Dotterel makes its appearance in various 
 parts of England and Scotland, when on its way to 
 more northern regions, in April and May, and is 
 seen again on its return in September and October. 
 Many remain in this country to breed, settling in 
 various parts of the mountainous districts of Cum- 
 berland and Westmoreland, and also in some parts 
 of the Grampians. As this species makes no nest 
 the female deposits her eggs, generally three in 
 number, in a small cavity, in a dry place, and in 
 most cases near a moderately sized stone or frag- 
 ment of rock. The eggs, of a yellowish olive 
 colour, blotched and spotted with dark brownish 
 black, are an inch and a half in length, and one 
 inch and an eighth in breadth. After the breeding 
 season they collect themselves together into flocks 
 and betake themselves into the lower parts of the 
 country. 
 
46 
 
 DOVE, RING. 
 
 WOOD PIGEON, CUSHAT, QUEEST. 
 
 COLUMBA PALUMBUS, Lin. 
 
 Tliis is the largest European species, and is found 
 in all parts of Europe. In England it is met with 
 in all wooded and inclosed parts of the kingdom, 
 and is not migratory. It is amongst the earliest 
 breeders of our native birds, generally pairing to- 
 wards the latter part of February. The Wood 
 Pigeon usually produces two or three broods in 
 the course of the year, but never more than two 
 young birds at each hatching. The nest, which is 
 wide and shallow, is formed of small twigs loosely 
 put together, and is placed in an upper fork or 
 among the closer branches of some rather tall tree. 
 The ivy encircling trees, or creeping over the 
 face of rocks, is also not unfrequently selected for 
 its site. The eggs, two in number, are of an oval 
 form and white in colour. 
 
 DOVE, EOCK. 
 
 COLUMBA LITIA, Selby. 
 
 The Eock Dove, as its name implies, inhabits 
 precipitous rocks near the sea shore, in the cavities 
 
47 
 
 of which it lives the greater part of the year, only 
 venturing as far inland as the nearest corn fields 
 or other places where it may find suitable food. 
 As a species it is quite distinct from the Stock Dove. 
 It was called Columba Lima on account of its lighter 
 or more livid blue colour. It is pure white on the 
 lower part of the back, and has two conspicuous 
 black bars across the wings. Its voice, too, and 
 its habits are very different from those of the 
 Stock Dove. It is supposed to be the species from 
 which our domestic Pigeons were derived. It 
 breeds in the Orkneys and Shetland Islands, 
 building its nest in the subterranean caverns of 
 those rocky coasts. They produce two pair of 
 young in the season, each pair generally consisting 
 of a male and female bird. The eggs are white, 
 and of a short oval shape, rather pointed at one 
 end. 
 
 DOVE, STOCK. 
 
 COLUMBA AEJSAS, Lin. 
 
 This species is a native of this country, but is 
 found only in certain localities. It is common in 
 Hertfordshire and some of the midland counties, 
 but does not frequent the northern parts of the 
 island. In its habits it resembles the Eing Dove, 
 and is a constant inhabitant of woods, breeding in 
 
48 
 
 the hollows of old and pollard trees. It is, however, 
 less plentiful and more local than the species just 
 named. In Norfolk and Suffolk it frequently 
 makes its nest in a rabbit burrow. The female 
 lays two eggs of a white colour and oval shape. 
 
 DOVE, TURTLE. 
 
 COLUMBA. TURTUR, Lin. 
 
 The Turtle Dove is found throughout all the 
 temperate parts of Europe, but its utmost flight 
 never carries it within the Arctic circle. It is 
 known in England, in which, however, it is only a 
 summer visitant, arriving from Africa about the 
 latter end of April, or the beginning of May. It 
 makes its appearance principally in the southern, 
 eastern, and midland counties. In Kent, where it 
 breeds in the thickest woods, it is very numerous, 
 but is rarely found as far westward as Devonshire. 
 It is never met with in the northern counties during 
 summer, but has occasionally been killed in North- 
 umberland during autumn. It builds in the closest 
 woods, where it constructs a shallow nest of small 
 twigs. It lays two eggs of an oval shape, white, 
 as are those of all this genus, and about half the 
 size of those of the common Pigeon. 
 
49 
 DUCK, BIMACULATED. 
 
 ANAS GLOCITANS, Gmel. 
 
 The Bimaculated Duck is said to inhabit Asia, 
 and but few specimens have been met with in 
 England. Of these one, a male, taken in a decoy 
 in 1771, was described and figured by Pennant. 
 A male and female, caught in the same manner 
 near Maldon in Essex, in 1812, were described by 
 Mr. Vigors, and presented by him to the Zoolo- 
 gical Society. Of its habits and nidification no- 
 thing is known. 
 
 DUCK, BUFFEL-HEADED. 
 
 FCXIGULA ALBEOLA, Audubon. 
 
 This species is not uncommon in North America, 
 where, besides other localities, they are found in 
 the fur country, and also on the streams of the 
 Rocky Mountains. Two or three specimens 
 have been captured in Great Britain, and 
 there is reason to believe that others have been 
 seen during winter in the water about Yarmouth. 
 Its shy disposition and wary habits, conjoined 
 with its wonderful expertness in diving, rendering 
 it very difficult to approach, may in some measure 
 account for the small number taken in this coun- 
 
50 
 
 try. It leaves the United States in spring to breed 
 in more northern regions, and, like the Golden- 
 Eye, is said to make its nest in hollow trees. 
 
 DUCK, EIDER. 
 
 ANAS MOLLISSIMA, Lin. 
 
 The Eider Duck is very abundant in the northern 
 parts of Scotland and Ireland. It breeds in various 
 parts of the former country, more especially in the 
 Northern Isles. The Eider Duck is not uncommon 
 in the Frith of Forth, about North Berwick, and on 
 the coast of Fife. It has been found breeding plen- 
 tifully also on the islands of the west coast of 
 Norway, where it is strictly protected. The nest 
 is formed of dried plants and bits of turf. The 
 eggs, from five to eight in number, are of a longish 
 oval form, smooth and glossy, and of a pale 
 greenish grey hue, three inches in length and 
 nearly two in breadth. When the eggs are laid, 
 the female plucks the down from her breast, and 
 deposits it among them, and during the time she 
 sits is said to be so tame as even to allow herself 
 to be stroked with the hand. 
 
51 
 
 DUCK, FERRUGINOUS. 
 
 AJTAS FERRUGIJTEA, Gmel. 
 
 Is an annual visitant, during winter, in England, 
 but not common nor has it been observed at all 
 in Scotland. It is found in North Germany from 
 October to March. It is seen also in Italy, North 
 Africa, and Russia. It feeds on insects, small frogs, 
 aquatic plants and their seeds. By Temminck it 
 is said to make its nest near rivers and marshes, 
 laying nine or ten white eggs tinged with green, 
 measuring two inches and an eighth long by one 
 and a half broad. 
 
 DUCK, GADWALL, OR GRAY. 
 
 ANAS STREPERA, Lin. 
 
 The Gad wall can scarcely be considered as a 
 regular winter visitant to this country. It is occa- 
 sionally met with near the eastern coasts of Eng- 
 land, and that chiefly in spring. It has not hitherto 
 been found in Scotland. It is said to be extensively 
 dispersed over the Continent, and is very abundant 
 in Holland. It is found also in the United States, 
 extending from the fur countries as low as South 
 Carolina. It is reported to have been discovered 
 breeding even in Iceland. The nest, which is com- 
 
 E 2 
 
52 
 
 posed of dry grass and down, is placed near the 
 edge of fresh water in a marsh. The eggs are seven 
 or eight in number, and of a uniform buffy white 
 colour, tinged with green. 
 
 DUCK, GAKGANEY. 
 
 ANAS QUERQTJEDTTLA, Temm. 
 
 The Garganey is met with in various parts of 
 England during winter and spring, but in limited 
 numbers. It was not observed in Scotland until 
 March, 1841, when four birds, said to have been 
 shot near Stirling, were exposed for sale in the 
 market at Edinburgh. It is uncertain whether 
 they remain to breed in that country. It is rare 
 in Ireland also, and in Wales. It is found in 
 Sweden during summer, and is plentiful in Holland 
 and Germany. It breeds in France, arriving there 
 in March and breeding in April. The nest, which 
 is composed of dry grass, &c., is placed in a bunch 
 of reeds. The eggs, from ten to fourteen in num- 
 ber, are of a buff colour. 
 
 DUCK, GOLDEN-EYE. 
 
 ANAS CLANGULA, Lin. 
 
 The Golden-Eyes make their appearance in this 
 country in October, resorting to lakes, pools, 
 
53 
 
 rivers, &c., and depart in April. It breeds 
 in the Arctic regions. The nest, which is 
 said to be composed of grass, &c., is placed on the 
 ground, and sometimes in the crevice of a rock or 
 hole of a tree. In Lapland, the natives place boxes 
 in the trees on the banks of the rivers, in which 
 the () olden-Eye lays its eggs. These are of a 
 greenish colour, and about two inches and three 
 quarters long, by one inch and five eighths in 
 breadth. The plumage of the young bird resembles 
 that of the female for the first six months, during 
 which period it has been called the Morillon. 
 
 DUCK, HARLEQUIN. 
 
 ANAS HISTRIONICA, Lin. 
 
 This species, which is very vigilant, and never 
 seen associating with other Ducks, is another of the 
 winter visitors to our coast, but is of more rare 
 occurrence than the Golden-Eye Duck, which it 
 resembles in habits. Only a few have been ob- 
 tained in Britain. This bird is not uncommon 
 in many parts of North America, of Eastern 
 Europe, and of Northern Asia. It is also found 
 in Iceland and Newfoundland, in both of which 
 it breeds. It forms its nest of dry plants of 
 
54 
 
 various kinds, lining the interior thickly with down 
 plucked from the lower parts of the breast of the 
 female bird. The nest is found some distance from 
 the sea-coast, by the side of some shallow lake, 
 where it is placed under a thick bush, or concealed 
 among the thick coarse grass. The female lays 
 from six to eight eggs of a pale buff hue, tinged 
 with green. 
 
 DUCK, KING. 
 KING EIDER. 
 
 ANAS SPECTABILIS, Lin. 
 
 The King Duck, which resembles the Common 
 Eider in its habits, has been rarely met with in 
 Great Britain. A small number are said to have 
 been found breeding on one of the Orkney Islands, 
 and they have been met with also on the Faroe 
 Islands and in Iceland. The King Eider is common 
 in many parts of the Arctic regions, to which it 
 annually resorts in the breeding season ; and but 
 few retire far to the south during winter, at which 
 season they are not uiifrequently met with in the 
 Atlantic Ocean, far distant from land. The nest 
 and eggs are similar to those of the common species, 
 but the eggs are smaller. 
 
55 
 
 DUCK, LONG-TAILED. 
 
 ANAS GLACIALIS, Lin. 
 
 This species inhabits the Arctic regions of both 
 Continents, winging its flight in summer to the 
 margin of the Polar ice, and in winter moving 
 southward along the coasts, but not advancing far 
 into the temperate regions. During winter it is 
 very common in the north of Scotland less so in 
 the south of England. It has been found breeding 
 in the Arctic regions and in Iceland. The nest, 
 which is placed among the low bushes near the 
 margin of a fresh water lake, is composed of a few 
 steins of grass and is well lined with down. The 
 eggs, of a pale greenish white, with a tinge of buff, 
 are generally from six to eight in number. The 
 food of the Long-tailed Duck consists of shell-fish, 
 &c., for which it dives. 
 
 DUCK, PINTAIL. 
 
 ANAS ACUTA, Lin. 
 
 This elegantly-formed and beautifully-coloured 
 species is not uncommon in winter and spring in 
 some parts of England. It is rare in Wales, Corn- 
 wall, and Devon, but is more common on the coast 
 of Dorset. It has been killed in Ireland in winter. 
 
56 
 
 It is tolerably plentiful in Orkney, but has not been 
 seen in Shetland. It frequents the inland lakes 
 more than the sea-shore, and leaves these islands 
 early in the spring. It is extensively dispersed 
 over the continents of Europe and Asia, and not 
 less so over that of North America. A few have 
 been found breeding as far north as Iceland. The 
 nest is placed among reeds and thick herbage. The 
 eggs, from six to ten in number, are of a greenish 
 white colour. 
 
 DUCK, COMMON POCHARD. 
 
 ANAS FEKINA, Temm. 
 
 The Pochards arrive on our coasts in the end of 
 October, when some betake themselves to marshes 
 and pools, the others remaining in the bays and 
 estuaries. It is found also in the Orkney and 
 Shetland Isles, in Denmark, in Sweden, and in 
 America, where they are common. It departs in 
 March and April, betaking itself to the Arctic 
 regions to breed, except a very few which are 
 said to remain in Norfolk and Yorkshire for that 
 purpose. The nest of the Common Pochard has 
 been seen in Holland, placed among the rushes or 
 other coarse herbage. The eggs, of a buffy white, 
 are from ten to twelve in number. 
 
57 
 
 DUCK, EED-CEESTED WHISTLING. 
 
 ANAS RTJFINA, Temm. 
 
 Although a well-known species, inhabiting the 
 eastern parts of Europe, this handsome Duck does 
 not appear to have been noticed as occasionally 
 visiting this country, till one was shot near Boston, 
 Lincolnshire, in the winter of 1826 ; after which, 
 during the same winter, and at subsequent periods, 
 several others were obtained, and more than one 
 of them was seen in the London markets. Of the 
 habits and nidification of this species little is 
 known. Its food is stated to consist of shell-fish 
 and aquatic vegetables. The egg has been de- 
 scribed as of a uniform olive brown hue, about two 
 inches in length and one inch and a quarter in 
 breadth. 
 
 DUCK, AMEKICAN SCAUP. 
 
 FULIUTTLIA MAEILOIDES, Vig. 
 
 It is very much doubted whether the American 
 Scaup, which is similar in appearance to the Com- 
 mon Scaup, but smaller in size, is a distinct species, 
 or only a variety of the latter bird. Both species 
 are found in America. Tarrell figures and 
 describes an individual purchased in Leadenhall 
 Market. 
 
58 
 
 DUCK, COMMON SCAUP. 
 
 ANAS MAKILA, Lin. 
 
 This bird arrives on our coasts towards the end 
 of October, and continues to increase until the 
 middle of winter. In the estuaries and along the 
 flat shores, it is met with plentifully, often in 
 very large flocks, and sometimes betakes itself 
 to fresh water. About the end of March it leaves 
 our shores. It is said to breed in Sutherlandshire, 
 and has been found multiplying plentifully in Ice- 
 land and Finland, among the aquatic herbage or 
 large stones near the edge of fresh water. It can 
 scarcely be said to construct a nest ; as it merely 
 covers the eggs with a quantity of down. The 
 eggs, from five to eight in number, are of a uniform 
 clay brown colour, two inches and three-eighths in 
 length and one and five-eighths in breadth. 
 
 DUCK, COMMON SCOTEE. 
 
 ANAS NIGKA, Lin. 
 
 During winter the Common Scoter is found in 
 considerable numbers on various parts of our coasts. 
 It inhabits the open sea and estuaries during the 
 greater part of the year. The Scoter is found in 
 the northern parts of Europe, Asia, and America ; 
 also on the coasts of France and Holland. It 
 
59 
 
 resorts also to Iceland, for the purpose of breeding. 
 The nest is formed of grass and other vegetable 
 matter, mixed and lined with a quantity of its own 
 down. The eggs, about six in number, are of a 
 pale buff, tinged with green. 
 
 DUCK, SURF SCOTEE. 
 
 ANAS PEESPICILLATA, Lin. 
 
 A very few -instances are recorded of this species 
 having been taken in Great Britain. It occurs 
 occasionally on the coasts of Europe, and is abun- 
 dant in winter on the eastern shores of America. 
 The nest has been found in Labrador, North 
 America, a short distance from the sea coast, by 
 the side of a fresh water marsh, and placed among 
 the tall leaves of a bunch of grass. It was entirely 
 composed of withered and rotten weeds, and 
 formed into a well-rounded cavity, about six inches 
 in circumference, lined with a quantity of down, 
 and containing five eggs of a pale yellow colour. 
 
 DUCK, VELVET SCOTEE, 
 
 ANAS PUSCA, Lin. 
 
 This species, which is most abundant on the 
 eastern coasts of Scotland, makes its appearance 
 
60 
 
 about the end of autumn and departs about the 
 middle of April. They procure their food by 
 diving, at which they are remarkably expert, and 
 can remain a long time under water. In the sum- 
 mer they return to the Arctic regions to breed, 
 and have been occasionally found breeding in Lap- 
 land. The nest is constructed near the borders of 
 a lake, not far from the sea, under the low boughs 
 of bushes which are matted together with the 
 coarse herbage. It is large, almost flat, and very 
 thick, the feathers of the female, but not usually 
 down, being used in its construction. The eggs, 
 generally six in number, are of a pale cream colour 
 tinged with green. 
 
 DUCK, COMMON SHIELDKAKE. 
 
 ANAS TADOBNA, Lin. 
 
 This very beautiful bird is a permanent resident 
 in Britain, but is sparingly met with along our 
 coasts, in moist places suitable to its habits. It is 
 generally observed in pairs all the year round, 
 although frequently in winter and spring large 
 flocks may be seen. It feeds chiefly in wet pas- 
 tures near the sea, in marshy places and on wet 
 sands. It walks with ease, and flies with speed in 
 the manner of the Wild Duck. The nest is gene- 
 rally placed in a hole in the sand, or pasture ground 
 near the shore, arid is lined with down. The eggs, 
 
61 
 
 from eight to twelve in number, are of an oval 
 shape, thin-shelled, glossy, and white, slightly 
 tinged with red, and about three inches in 
 length and two inches in breadth. The young, as 
 soon as they are hatched, betake themselves to the 
 water. 
 
 DUCK, RUDDY SH1ELDEAKE. 
 
 ANAS EUTILA, Pall. 
 
 This species is very much dispersed, being found 
 in the northern parts of Asia, the southern parts of 
 Africa, and in some parts of Europe. Very few 
 have been met with in England, and on the 
 western coasts of Europe it is only an accidental 
 straggler. It is said to build its nest in the 
 holes of rocks, trees, &c., and to lay eight or nine 
 white eggs. 
 
 DUCK, SHOVELLER. 
 
 ANAS CLYPEATA, Lin. 
 
 The Shoveller Duck is rather rare in Britain, and 
 is chiefly met with in winter, for the most part in 
 the eastern counties. Some pairs are said to remain 
 and breed in the marshes of Norfolk. In Scotland 
 it has not been seen at any time. It is said to visit 
 Holland, France, &c., and to be found in various 
 
62 
 
 parts of Asia, Africa, and America. It builds 
 its nest on the ground among rushes, &c. The 
 eggs are from ten to twelve in number, of a greenish 
 white colour. 
 
 DUCK, STELLER'S WESTERN. 
 
 ANAS DISPAK, Temm. 
 
 This species inhabits Asia and North America, 
 and was obtained by Steller in Kamschatka, where 
 it breeds upon rocks inaccessible to man. Speci- 
 mens have been brought from the western side of 
 North America, whence the name of Western 
 Duck. It has been met with but rarely in Sweden 
 and Denmark, and is known to visit the eastern 
 part of the north of Europe and occasionally Ger- 
 many. A single individual of this species, which 
 is now in the Norwich Museum, was shot in 
 February, 1830, near Yarmouth. It is stated that 
 they fly in flocks, and never enter the mouths of 
 rivers. Their food consists of marine insects, with 
 molluscse, naked and testaceous. 
 
 DUCK, COMMON TEAL. 
 
 ANAS CEECCA, Lin. 
 
 This beautiful and active species, the smallest 
 British bird of its family, is generally dispersed, 
 
63 
 
 but not plentiful, in the northern parts of Scotland. 
 It frequents marshy places and the margins of 
 lakes and rivers, seldom betaking itself to the open 
 sea-coast unless in time of frost. It feeds on the 
 seed of grasses, slender roots, and insects. In 
 winter its numbers are considerably augmented 
 from the Continent. Its nest, which is lined 
 with down ; is built on the ground. The eggs, 
 from eight to ten in number, are of a yellowish 
 white colour. The flesh of the Common Teal Duck 
 is highly esteemed, and is perhaps superior to that 
 of any other British Duck. 
 
 DUCK, TUFTED. 
 
 ANAS FULIGTJLA, Lin. 
 
 The Tufted Duck frequents the southern parts of 
 Britain more than the northern. It arrives, in this 
 country about October, and leaves in April. It 
 is generally dispersed, frequenting lakes, pools, 
 marshes, the still parts of rivers, and sometimes 
 the open sea. It is frequently seen, on our shores, 
 with the Pochard, the Scaup, the Golden-eye, and 
 other oceanic Ducks. It feeds chiefly on insects, 
 worms, &c., for which it dives. There is no known 
 instance of its breeding in Great Britain. It resorts 
 for this purpose to Lapland and Holland, where it 
 builds its nest on the borders of inland lakes, 
 
64 
 
 amongst the thick coarse herbage. The female 
 lays from eight to ten eggs, rather pointed at one 
 end, of a pale buff hue tinged with green. 
 
 DUCK, AMERICAN WIGEOK 
 
 ANAS AMEBICANA, Omel. 
 
 This bird is very similar in size and appearance 
 to the Common Wigeon. The greatest distinction 
 appears to be the difference in the size and form of 
 the enlarged part of the wind-pipe, that of the 
 European being much larger than that of the 
 American species. Only two of these birds have 
 been noticed in this country, and these were pro- 
 cured in a London market during the winter of 
 1837 and 1838. They are abundant during winter 
 in New Orleans, being found in great numbers all 
 along the shores of the Bay of Mexico, where they 
 frequent not only the ponds of brackish water, but 
 also the fresh- water streams. They appear in May, 
 chiefly in pairs, upon the coast of Hudson's Bay, 
 where they remain to breed, departing in the 
 autumn. The female is said to lay six to eight 
 
 DUCK, COMMON WIGEON. 
 
 ANAS PENELOPE, Lin. 
 
 The Wigeons begin to make their appearance 
 in Britain towards the end of September, and depart 
 
Co 
 
 in the end of March or beginning of April. They 
 are generally dispersed, but are particularly abun- 
 nant in the southern parts of the island, where they 
 frequent rivers, lakes, estuaries, and the open 
 coasts. In March and April the AYigeon again 
 moves northwards for the breeding season, only a 
 few remaining in the north of Scotland to breed. 
 The nest, composed of dry rushes and reeds, with a 
 lining of down, has been found in Sutherlandshire, 
 placed in the middle of a large rush bush, and 
 containing seven eggs of a cream white colour. 
 Their food consists chiefly of vegetable substances, 
 and their flesh is highly esteemed. 
 
 DUCK, WILD DUCK, MALLARD, &c. 
 
 ANAS BKOCHAS, Lin. 
 
 This species, the original of our domestic Duck, 
 is found extensively dispersed in North America as 
 well as in Europe. It occurs in variable numbers 
 in all parts of this country, being more abundant 
 in marshy and thinly peopled districts. As it is 
 more numerous in winter than in summer, it is sup- 
 posed that there is an autumnal immigration from 
 the Continent. It removes in frosty weather to the 
 shores and open seas. It is chiefly at night that 
 it searches for its food, which consists of seeds, 
 grasses, roots, insects, &c. It builds its nest on 
 
 p 
 
66 
 
 the ground. The female lays from four to ten 
 eggs of a greenish white colour. The young, as 
 soon as they are hatched, swim and dive with great 
 activity. 
 
 DUNLIN, PUREE, OR STINT. 
 
 TRINGA ALPINA, Lin. 
 
 About the end of August the Dunlins appear on 
 our shores in flocks, and disperse themselves over 
 the whole of Great Britain, continuing together till 
 the end of spring, when they separate. The nest, 
 which is placed in a hollow, is composed of bits of 
 dry grass or heath. The eggs, of which there are 
 always four, are large, pear-shaped, of a greyish 
 green, spotted with brown and light purplish grey. 
 The young are covered with down, and soon leave 
 the nest. As soon as they are fledged, both they 
 and the old birds betake themselves to the sea- 
 coast. Their food consists of worms, insects, 
 larvae, and marine insects. They run with rapidity, 
 probing the sand and mud with a light and quick 
 motion. 
 
67 
 
 EAGLE, GOLDEN. 
 KING-TAILED EAGLE. 
 
 FALCO CHRYSAETA, Lin. 
 
 The Golden Eagle, though occasionally seen, and 
 sometimes obtained, in the southern counties of 
 England, and in Ireland, where a few specimens 
 have been taken, is more exclusively confined to 
 Scotland. It is found also in America, from the 
 temperate to the Arctic regions, particularly in 
 the latter; as well as in Iceland, Scandinavia, 
 Kussia, and Germany. In the districts it inhabits 
 it commits great havoc among the lambs, roebucks, 
 fawns, grouse, &c., and it is only under the pres- 
 sure of extreme hunger that the Golden Eagle will 
 feed upon a dead carcase. It breeds in the north 
 of Scotland. Its nest is usually placed upon some 
 shelf of rock or jutting platform of stone, and 
 is of large dimensions, formed of sticks, heath, 
 &c. The eggs, generally two in number, are of a 
 greyish white hue, more or less coloured with 
 spots of reddish brown or purple. In the young 
 bird, until its third year, the tail, two-thirds of its 
 length, is white, the remainder, or end part, 
 blackish brown. In this state it is the Ring-tail of 
 different authors. 
 
 F2 
 
68 
 EAGLE, SPOTTED. 
 
 EALCO N^VIUS, Temm. 
 
 The Spotted Eagle is found in India, Asia Minor, 
 Siberia, Northern Africa, France, &c. The adult 
 bird is very like the Golden Eagle in appearance, 
 but about one third smaller. The fact that the 
 young birds of the year have the tips of all the 
 small and large wing-coverts and the tail feathers 
 marked with a patch of pale wood brown has 
 given rise to the name of Spotted Eagle. In this 
 stage of plumage two or three of them have 
 been taken in Great Britain. One, on the authority 
 of Mr. Eobert Davis, of Clonmel, was shot in 
 January, 1845, on the estate of the Earl of Shan- 
 non, and is now in the possession of Samuel Moss 
 of Youghal, County Cork ; and another is reported 
 as having been killed in Cornwall in December, 
 1860, on the estate of Mr. Eodd, of Irebartha Hall, 
 in a large covert adjoining the open and extensive 
 moors near the Cheese-ring and Kilmar. The 
 Spotted Eagle builds on high trees, and lays two 
 .whitish eggs, slightly streaked with red. 
 
69 
 
 EAGLE, WHITE-TAILED. 
 SEA EAGLE. 
 
 FALCO ALBICILLA, Penn. 
 CINEREOUS, GREAT ERNE, OR SEA EAGLE. 
 
 The White-tailed Eagle is much more common 
 as a species than the Golden Eagle, and on some 
 parts of the coast of Scotland, more particularly 
 in the north, is frequently observed. It may be 
 seen perched on the high rocks and cliffs that over- 
 hang the sea, watching its opportunity to capture 
 the food in which it delights. Their favourite food 
 consists of fish, which they pounce upon while 
 swimming near the surface of the water. Aquatic 
 birds also frequently become their prey. This 
 species possesses astonishing capacity of enduring 
 the cravings of hunger, and instances are on 
 record of its having shewn undiminished vigour 
 after fasting for four or five weeks. Being of a 
 roving disposition, it has frequently been killed in 
 England, Ireland, and Wales. They generally 
 breed in the most inaccessible rocks and cliffs. 
 The eggs, one or two in number, are of a uniform 
 greyish white colour, about the same size as those 
 of the Golden Eagle. In the young bird the tail 
 feathers are of a dark brown colour, in which state 
 it has been called the Sea Eagle by many authors. 
 
70 
 
 EGRET, LITTLE. 
 
 AKDEA GARZETTA, Lin. 
 
 This is one of the most elegant, as well as one 
 of the smallest, of the Heron tribe. Its colour is 
 of the purest white, and on the head, breast, and 
 shoulders it is adorned with soft silky flowing 
 plumes, which give the bird a beauty quite pecu- 
 liar to itself. These delicately formed feathers are 
 six to eight inches in length, with slender shafts, 
 twisted and bent down towards their tips. The Little 
 Egret is found in various parts of Asia, Africa, and 
 the south of Europe, and is known to migrate 
 northward as far as Germany. In England it is 
 merely an accidental visitor. It is said to build 
 in marshes. The female lays four or five white 
 eggs. 
 
 FALCON, GYR FALCON, 
 GREENLAND, OR ICELAND FALCON. 
 
 FALCO ISLANDICTJS, Penn. 
 
 Under the appellation of Gyr or Jer Falcon 
 there appear to have been two distinct species 
 taken in England, one being named the Green- 
 land Falcon, and the other the Iceland Falcon, 
 
71 
 
 distinguished more by the shape than by the colour 
 of the markings. Both species are only occasional 
 visitors to this country ; the Gyr Falcon being for 
 the most part confined to the cold regions of both 
 continents, and particularly Iceland, whence it was 
 formerly obtained for the Eoyal Falconers in Nor- 
 way. It preys chiefly on the Ptarmigan, and as 
 winter approaches it leaves the mountains and 
 follows them in their migration towards the sea 
 shore. It breeds in the most remote and rocky 
 districts of Norway and Sweden. The eggs, which 
 are two inches and three-eighths long and about 
 two inches broad, are mottled nearly all over with 
 pale reddish brown on a dull white ground. 
 
 FALCON, PEREGRINE. 
 
 FALCO PEEEGRINUS, Penn. 
 
 The Peregrine Falcon, which is rather inferior in 
 size to the Jer Falcon, bears a great resemblance 
 to it in form, and is even more graceful. It was 
 formerly held in great estimation for hawking pur- 
 poses. It is a permanent resident in Great Britain, 
 in many parts of which it occurs, but more espe- 
 cially in the northern parts of Scotland and its 
 islands. It is also found in Norway, Sweden, 
 Lapland, and America. It preys chiefly on 
 grouse and the smaller species of wild fowl. 
 
12 
 
 The Peregrine Falcon begins to build early in the 
 spring, the spot which it selects for its nest being 
 on the shelf or in the crevice of a rock. The eggs, 
 from two to four in number, are of a dull light red, 
 spotted and blotched with deep red. 
 
 FALCON, EED-FOOTED. 
 OKANGE-LEGGED HOBBY. 
 
 TALCO EUFIPES, Selby. 
 
 The Red -footed Falcon, which in form and size 
 resembles the Hobby, has several times occurred 
 in England, but has not been observed in Scot- 
 land. It is common in Eussia, Austria, and 
 Switzerland. Is an inhabitant of woods and 
 thickets, and is said to build in the hollows of 
 trees. The eggs are similar to those of the Hobby, 
 but rather smaller. 
 
 FIELDFAEE. 
 PIGEON FELT. 
 
 TUB DUB PILAEIS, Lin. 
 
 This species migrates from the north to this 
 country about the month of November, and re- 
 turns to Sweden, Norway, and other northern 
 countries about the middle of May. They gene- 
 
73 
 
 rally arrive in considerable numbers and disperse 
 themselves throughout the whole of Great Britain 
 extending their migrations, when the weather is 
 severe, to various parts of the south of Europe. 
 They generally remain together in flocks, although 
 they are often seen singly or in pairs. It is a 
 shy and wary bird, and is not often approached 
 except when the weather is severe. Unlike the 
 other species of this genus they associate in con- 
 siderable numbers to breed and build in the pine 
 forests, &c. of Norway, Sweden, and other northern 
 parts, the nests being placed, along with the old 
 ones of the preceding year, at various heights from 
 the ground. They have been known to breed in 
 this country. The nest is similar in its appearance 
 to that of the Blackbird. The eggs, from five to six 
 in number, are of a light blue with spots of dark 
 brown, and not unlike those of the Ring Ouzel in 
 appearance. 
 
 FLYCATCHER, PIED. 
 
 MUSCICAPA ATRICAPILLA, Lin. 
 
 The Pied Flycatcher is found in the southern 
 provinces of Europe, and along the coast of the 
 Mediterranean ; also in France, Germany, and 
 Italy. It is not so numerous as a species as the 
 Spotted Flycatcher. It arrives in this country 
 from the middle of April to the beginning of May, 
 
74 
 
 and departs in September. It appears in various 
 parts of England, but is chiefly confined to the 
 northern counties, where it also breeds, building its 
 nest in the hole of a decayed tree. The nest is 
 composed chiefly of roots and grass, or leaves, 
 hay, &C., and is lined with hair and feathers. The 
 female lays from five to eight eggs, of a pale blue 
 colour, similar in appearance to those of the Bed- 
 starts. 
 
 FLYCATCHER, SPOTTED. 
 
 BEAM BIRD. 
 MUSCICAPA GRISOLA, Lin. 
 
 This species is also common in the southern 
 parts of Europe, and is found as far south as the 
 Cape of Good Hope. It is one of our late summer 
 visitors, seldom making its appearance before the 
 middle of May, and departing again about the 
 beginning of October. It is generally distributed 
 in England; is found also in Ireland, and in limited 
 numbers in Scotland. It frequents plantations, 
 low bushy hollows, orchards, and gardens. Its 
 nest, which is formed of moss and small twigs, 
 lined with hair and feathers, is often placed upon the 
 ends of the beams or rafters in garden houses and 
 other out-buildings. It also builds in the holes of 
 trees and walls, or on the branch of a tree against 
 
75 
 
 a wall, as has been observed in Denmark, Norway, 
 and Sweden. It lays four or five eggs of a greyish 
 white, spotted with pale orange coloured brown. 
 
 GANNET. 
 
 COMMON, OR SOLAN GOOSE. 
 
 SULA BASSATSA, Bris. 
 
 The Gannet is found in various parts of the coast, 
 and changes its locality with the season of the year. 
 It has been observed in the Baltic, the west coast 
 of Norway, Iceland, &c., and in considerable num- 
 bers on the Newfoundland coast. It has been seen 
 as far south as Madeira and South Africa. This 
 sea-bird breeds in the Hebrides, St. Kilda, the Bass 
 Eock, and other northern parts, where the nests 
 are said to be placed so close together, that it is 
 difficult to walk without treading on some of them. 
 In the nest, formed of turf, weeds, and grass, they 
 deposit a single egg, which, when first laid, is of 
 a chalky white, but soon becomes discoloured. 
 When the young birds are hatched, they are naked, 
 but soon become covered with white down, through 
 which the true feathers appear. These in the 
 young are black, but in the adult state are changed 
 to white. 
 
76 
 
 GOLDFINCH. 
 
 FRINGULLA CARDUELTS, Lin. 
 
 This elegantly formed and beautifully coloured 
 bird is generally distributed in Britain, except in 
 the mountainous districts. It is found in all the 
 temperate and northern parts of Europe, and also 
 as far to the south as the islands of the Archi- 
 pelago. In autumn it feeds chiefly on the seeds of 
 the thistle, dandelion, &c. ; and in winter, on 
 seeds of various kinds, for which it searches the 
 fields. They do not assemble in large flocks, 
 rarely more than twenty being seen together, but 
 they are sometimes found associating with the 
 Linnets. The flight of the Goldfinch is rapid, all 
 its actions lively, its song sweet and varied. It 
 usually nestles on trees, in gardens or plantations, 
 forming a very neat nest of moss, lichen, grass, and 
 other materials, warmly lined with wool, hair, and 
 the seed down of the willow or thistle. The Gold- 
 finch usually lays four or five eggs of a bluish 
 white, scantily marked with orange brown spots 
 towards the large end. 
 
 GODWIT, BAR-TAILED. 
 
 LIMOSA RUFA, Selby. 
 
 The Godwit, which is generally distributed, 
 differs very little from the Curlew in its habits. 
 
77 
 
 Two species occur in Britain, viz. the Bar-tailed 
 and the Black-tailed. The Bar-tailed God wit ap- 
 pears in small flocks on our coast in the beginning 
 of September. It may be observed on the muddy 
 parts at the mouths of streams, where it is seen 
 walking or running, occasionally probing the mud 
 and sand in search of worms and other small 
 animals, frequently in company with the Sand 
 Pipers and Ring Plovers. It remains with us 
 during winter, and disappears at the further end of 
 April or the early part of May. It is only seen on 
 its passage in Switzerland and France. It visits 
 Finland and the countries to the eastward, but is 
 very seldom seen on the islands or on the western 
 shores of the Baltic. It is said to breed in Hol- 
 land, and a few specimens of the egg obtained in 
 Lapland have been well authenticated. The egg 
 is similar to that of the Black-tailed Godwit. 
 
 GODWIT, BLACK-TAILED. 
 BED GODWIT. 
 
 LIMOSA MELANUEA, Selby. 
 
 This species can easily be distinguished from the 
 Bar-tailed Godwit by the uniform black hue of 
 its tail, two-thirds of that of the Bar-tailed 
 having (as its name implies) brown and grey 
 
78 
 
 bars across the tail feathers. The Jiabits of 
 the Black-tailed Godwit are similar to those of 
 the last-named species. It breeds in small num- 
 bers in some of the English fens. The greater 
 number appear to be migratory, visiting our coasts 
 in October and departing in spring. It is much 
 less numerous with us than the other species. 
 The nest is placed on the ground, sheltered by 
 herbage, and is made of leaves and grass. The 
 eggs, generally four in number, are light brown, 
 with a greenish tinge, covered with spots and 
 blotches of a darker hue. 
 
 GOOSANDER. 
 
 MERGUS MERGANSER, Lin. 
 
 These birds may be considered as winter 
 visitors, although some individuals remain to breed 
 in the northern parts of Scotland. They are 
 rarely found in the southern parts of England, 
 except in severe weather; and are said to visit 
 Ireland only in the winter. They are found in 
 the northern parts of the Continent, and in 
 winter have been seen in Holland, France, Italy, 
 and other southern parts. 
 
 The Goosander is found also in the United 
 States, Hudson's Bay, Greenland, and other north- 
 
79 
 
 ern parts. At all seasons of the year it prefers 
 the inland lakes to the sea-shore, but it is some- 
 times seen in summer fishing on the sea. 
 
 The nest, which is composed of grass, roots, &c., 
 lined with down, is placed near the water. The 
 eggs, seven or eight in number, are of a uniform 
 buff-coloured white. The young birds are like the 
 females in plumage, and the young males do not 
 assume the adult plumage until the second year. 
 
 GOOSE, BEAN, ANSER. 
 
 ANSER SEGETUM, Gmel. 
 
 The Bean Goose is the commonest species in 
 Sweden, and is found in Finland, Ireland, Nova 
 Zembla, and Iceland, where it breeds in consider- 
 able numbers. It is abundant also in Holland, 
 Germany, Italy, &c., but is rare in Central Europe. 
 It is a winter visitant to this country, migrating 
 from the higher northern latitudes about the months 
 of September and October, and betaking itself to 
 the fens and stubble-fields, where it feeds. It has 
 a preference for green corn as food, and of course 
 commits great ravages in the fields. It is said to 
 be very numerous on the Norwegian coast, where 
 it breeds in great numbers, as also in Scotland, 
 on the Sutherlandshire lakes. The nest is placed 
 among the heath on the marshes. The female 
 lays ten or twelve white eggs. 
 
80 
 
 GOOSE, BERNACLE. 
 
 AysER LEUCOPSIS, Temm. 
 
 The Bernacles visit this country during winter, 
 appearing in flocks chiefly on the western and 
 northern coasts. Early in the spring they quit our 
 shores and retire to Lapland, Greenland, and Spitz- 
 bergen to breed. They are found also in Holland 
 and Germany. They are very shy and wild, but 
 on being taken, grow in a few days as familiar as 
 our tame Geese. They feed on grass, roots, aquatic 
 plants, &c. The eggs, from six to eight in number, 
 are of a greyish white colour, about five inches 
 long and nearly two inches in breadth. 
 
 GOOSE, BEENT. 
 
 ANAS BERNICLA, Lin. 
 
 This species, the smallest as well as the most 
 common of the Goose tribe which annually visit 
 this country, is found on most of our sea-coasts. 
 As the severity of winter approaches, they quit the 
 northern regions in search of warmer climates, and 
 arrive in England in considerable numbers, resort- 
 ing to the rivers, lakes, and marshes of the interior 
 parts. They feed chiefly on the long grass and 
 plants which grow in the water. The Brent Goose 
 breeds in the northern regions of both Continents, 
 laying six or eight eggs of a pale greyish green. 
 
81 
 
 GOOSE, CANADA. 
 CRAVAT GOOSE. 
 
 ANSEB CA.NADENSIS, Sew. 
 
 The Canada Goose, one of the largest of the 
 tribe, is named the Cravat, from its having on the 
 throat a white crescent-shaped band, which tapers 
 off to a point on each side below the cheeks, ex- 
 tending to the hinder part of the neck. Specimens 
 of the Canada Goose, apparently truly wild, are 
 not of very uncommon occurrence in Britain but 
 as the species has long been domesticated in this 
 country, it is not quite certain that these are to be 
 regarded as other than emancipated birds, or their 
 offspring. They appear in small flocks on the 
 shores of Hudson's Bay, &c., previous to their 
 departure southwards. They generally make their 
 nest on the ground, a few pairs occasionally build- 
 ing on trees, by the sides of large rivers. The 
 nest is roughly made, and contains six or seven 
 eggs of a greenish white colour. 
 
 GOOSE, EGYPTIAN. 
 
 ANSEB ^GTPTIACUS, Temm. 
 
 This handsome species is a native of Africa ; and 
 not only is the island of Sicily said to be much 
 
82 
 
 frequented by them, but they are found occasionally 
 in the south-eastern and other parts of Europe, from 
 whence they have been brought into this and 
 other countries, where they have been domesti- 
 cated, and thrive remarkably well. Half reclaimed 
 species are not unfrequently shot in England. 
 This bird appears to have been held in great 
 veneration by the ancient Egyptians, as we fre- 
 quently find a figure of it among the monuments 
 of that celebrated people. The Egyptian Goose 
 breeds freely in confinement. 
 
 GOOSE, GREY LAG. 
 
 AFSER (FERTJS), Lin. 
 
 The Grey Lag Goose, the original of the tame 
 breed, and which is found all over the world, mi- 
 grates southward from the northern hemisphere in 
 autumn and winter, and returns in the spring. They 
 were formerly known to remain and breed in the 
 fens of Lincolnshire, Cambridgeshire, and various 
 other parts of Great Britain ; but the increase of 
 population and the cultivation of marshy places 
 have almost entirely driven away these feathered 
 inhabitants from their former haunts. In lieu, 
 however, of the wild species vast multitudes of the 
 domesticated ones are now kept in the same dis- 
 
83 
 
 tricts. A few of the former have been known 
 to breed in Sutherlandshire. They chiefly feed in 
 the corn-fields, to which they are very destructive. 
 The female lays from six to nine eggs of a dirty 
 greenish colour. 
 
 GOOSE, PINK-FOOTED. 
 
 ANSEB, BEACHTEHTNCTJS, Temm. 
 
 The Pink-footed Goose was first distinguished in 
 1843, by M. Baillon, from the Bean Goose, being 
 smaller in size, having a shorter bill, its legs and 
 feet of a pinky colour. It is much more common 
 during winter in Great Britain than either the 
 Bean or Grey Lag Goose, which species it very 
 much resembles in its general appearance. Its 
 habits in a wild state are also similar to those of 
 the above-named species, but in confinement it 
 does not associate with them. It has not been 
 known to breed in a wild state in Great Britain. 
 
 GOOSE, EED-BBEASTED. 
 
 ANSER RUFICOLLIS, Mont. 
 
 This beautiful species is a native of Eussia and 
 Siberia, whence they migrate southward in the 
 
 G 2 
 
84 
 
 autumn and return in the spring. It is very rare 
 in this country, only an occasional accidental 
 winter visitant having been obtained here. The 
 first specimen of which we have any information 
 was taken near London in 1776, and is in the 
 Newcastle Museum ; another was caught near 
 Wy cliff e ; a third shot near Berwick-on-Tweed ; 
 and several were killed, in 1813, in Cambridge- 
 shire. It is seldom seen in the western parts of 
 Europe, but is said to be found in the northern 
 provinces of Eussia. 
 
 GOOSE, SPUE-WINGED. 
 
 ANSER GAMBENSIS, Jenyns. 
 
 The Spur- winged Goose is a native of northern 
 and western Africa, but its habits appear to be 
 unknown. The only one of which we have any 
 record as having been captured in England appears 
 to have been presented to Bewick. It is said to 
 have been killed in Cornwall, in June, 1821, and 
 is now deposited in the Newcastle Museum. In- 
 dividuals have been kept alive in confinement in 
 this country for a number of years. It is more 
 rare as a species than the Egyptian Goose. 
 
85 
 
 GOOSE, WHITE-FRONTED. 
 
 ANAS ALBIFRONS, Gmel. 
 
 This species forms a part of those vast tribes of 
 the feathered race which swarm about Hudson's 
 Bay, and the North of Europe and Asia, during 
 the summer months, and are but thinly scattered 
 over the other quarters of the globe. They visit 
 the fens and marshy places in England, in small 
 flocks, during the winter months, and disappear 
 about the beginning of April. The eggs are of a 
 dull yellowish green, with indistinct patches of a 
 darker tint of the same colour ; their length two 
 inches and three quarters, their breadth an inch and 
 three quarters. 
 
 GOSHAWK. 
 
 FALCO PALTJMBABITJS, Lin. 
 
 The Goshawk is common in France^ Germany, 
 Switzerland, and Russia, and has been found breed- 
 ing in Lapland. It is seldom met with in England; 
 but is frequently found in the wild and moun- 
 tainous districts of Scotland. By falconers it was 
 considered the most courageous of the short- winged 
 Hawks, and was accordingly trained to the pur- 
 suit of Grouse, Pheasants, &c. Although it is 
 nearly equal in size to the Jer Falcon, yet the 
 shortness of its wings and its general contour 
 
readily distinguish it from that species in all its 
 stages of plumage. It builds its nest on lofty fir- 
 trees in the outskirts of the forest, and lays from 
 two to four eggs of a pale bluish white, without 
 any streaks or spots. 
 
 GREBE, EARED. 
 
 PODICEPS AUBITUS, Lath. 
 
 The Eared Grebe is abundant in the northern 
 parts of Europe and America, and is met with also in 
 southern climates. In winter it is found in many 
 parts of England, but is not so common in Scot- 
 land. Some few occasionally breed in the fens of 
 Lincolnshire, &c., but it is not frequently found 
 during summer in this country. It prefers inr 
 land lakes and marshy swamps to the sea-coast. 
 It makes a floating nest, and lays four or five white 
 eggs. 
 
 GREBE, GREAT CRESTED. 
 
 PODICEPS CEISTATUS, Lath. 
 
 The Great Crested Grebe, the largest of its 
 species, is met with in America, and on the various 
 lakes of Northern Europe as far as Iceland, and 
 southward to the Mediterranean. It is common in 
 the fens and lakes in various parts of Great Bri- 
 
87 
 
 tain, more particularly during winter, when, being 
 found without its crest, it has also been named the 
 Tippet Grebe. When it breeds it forms a large 
 nest, which is concealed among the flags and reeds 
 growing in the water, upon which it floats. The 
 female lays four or five eggs, two inches and a 
 quarter in length, and one inch and a half in 
 breadth. They are of a greenish white, but are 
 generally much soiled with the damp herbage. 
 
 GREBE, LITTLE, OR DABOHI.OK. 
 
 PODICEPS MOTOR, Lath. 
 
 The Little Grebe, the smallest of the Grebe tribe, 
 is extensively distributed on the Continent of 
 Europe, but has not been met within America. It 
 is a true aquatic, for it seldom quits the water, and 
 ventures rarely beyond the sedgy margins of the 
 lake where it has taken up its abode. It seldom 
 goes out to sea, but confines itself to the lakes and 
 rivers, and is an excellent diver. The nest is com- 
 posed of a vast quantity of grass and water plants 
 placed in the water, so that the female hatches her 
 eggs amidst the continual wet, the warmth of her 
 body causing fermentation of the herbage and as- 
 sisting incubation. The eggs, from four to six in 
 number, are of a yellowish dull white colour, gener- 
 ally much stained by the moisture of the nest. 
 
88 
 
 GREBE, RED-NECKED. 
 
 PODICEPS EUBEICOLLIS, Lath. 
 
 This species is common during winter in Great 
 Britain, but rare in summer. It lias been found, 
 as well as all other species of Grebes, in the Frith 
 of Forth ; Northumberland, Devonshire, and various 
 other parts of England. It is not uncommon in 
 America, and is abundant in the eastern parts of 
 Europe. The uniform reddish chestnut colour on 
 the neck, from which the species derives its name, 
 is observed only during summer. 
 
 GREBE, SCLAVONIAN, OR HORNED. 
 
 PODICEPS CORNUTUS, Lath. 
 
 This Grebe is rather larger than the Eared 
 Grebe, which species it very much resembles in 
 plumage during winter. It is more extensively dis- 
 tributed in this country, where it occasionally 
 breeds. It is abundant in the northern and tem- 
 perate parts of both continents, where it also 
 breeds. Its nest ; for which it chooses a situation 
 similar to that of the other Grebes, is a somewhat 
 bulky construction. Its eggs are of the same 
 shape as those already described. 
 
89 
 
 GREENFINCH. 
 
 GREEN LINNET. 
 FRINGILLA CHLORIS, Lin. 
 
 The Greenfinch is generally scattered in this 
 country, in which it is a permanent resident, and 
 is also found throughout the greater part of Europe. 
 The natural notes of this species are few, and it 
 produces nothing worthy of the name of song. It 
 is, however, capable of imitating the note of other 
 birds, when in a state of confinement, to which it 
 becomes familiar. It a late breeder. The nest 
 is generally composed of moss and wool, inter- 
 woven with a lining of hair and feathers, and 
 usually placed in a thick hedge or bush, but occa- 
 sionally in the ivy encircling some tree. The eggs, 
 four or five in number, are of a bluish white, 
 speckled, chiefly at the larger end, with light 
 orange brown. In autumn Greenfinches collect in 
 large flocks, which until spring search the stubble 
 fields and stack-yards, often in company with 
 Yellow Buntings and Linnets. 
 
 GEEENSHANK. 
 
 TOTANTTS GLOTTIS, Selby. 
 
 This species is dispersed in England and some 
 of the southern parts of Scotland during winter, 
 
90 
 
 when it is seen in small flocks here and there 
 on the sea-shore and adjacent marshes. In the 
 spring the greater part of them disappear, but 
 a few remain in the north of Scotland to breed. 
 Their summer residence is the northern regions of 
 Eussia, Siberia, &c., and they are also met with in 
 various parts of both Asia and America. Their 
 nests, composed of fragments of plants, have been 
 found in Sutherlandshire, placed on the ground in 
 a shallow cavity. They are also known to breed 
 rather plentifully in Lapland. The eggs, four in 
 number, are two inches long and an inch and three- 
 eighths in breadth. In colour they are of a pale 
 yellowish green, spotted with dark brown and 
 light purplish grey. 
 
 GROSBEAK, PINE. 
 
 LOXIA. ENTJCLEATOR, Lin. 
 
 The Pine Grosbeak seldom visits our island, and 
 even when it is found within our bounds, which is 
 only at occasional intervals, its range is chiefly 
 confined to the northern districts of Scotland, where 
 the pine is a natural product of the country. It 
 inhabits the regions of the Arctic circle, and is a 
 denizen of Sweden, Norway, and similarly situated 
 countries of Europe, Asia, and North America. 
 It is also found in Finland, where, as now ascer- 
 
91 
 
 tained, it breeds, eggs having been brought from 
 that country. The eggs, which are not quite so 
 large as those of the Starling, are four or five in 
 number, and of a bluish colour, blotched with 
 orange brown. 
 
 GEOUSE, BLACK. 
 BLACK GAME, OR BLACK COCK, FEMALE GREY HEN* 
 
 TETRAD TETRIX, Lin. 
 
 This species is more widely dispersed through- 
 out the central parts of Europe than any of the 
 other varieties of the same tribe. It is found in 
 Germany, France, Holland, Denmark, Sweden, 
 Norway, and Eussia, where it is very common. 
 It abounds throughout the Highlands of Scotland, 
 and is also found in some of the Hebrides. In the 
 southern parts of England it is confined to a few 
 of the wildest uncultivated tracts, such as the New 
 Forest in Hampshire, Dartmoor and Sedgemoor in 
 Devonshire, and the heaths of Somersetshire. It is 
 sparingly met with in Staffordshire and in parts of 
 North Wales, but in Northumberland it is very 
 abundant. The bases of the hills in heathy and 
 mountainous districts, which are covered with a 
 natural growth of birch, alder, and willow, and 
 intersected "by morasses clothed with long and 
 
92 
 
 coarse herbage, as well as the deep and wooded 
 glens so frequently occurring in such extensive 
 wastes, are the situations best suited to the habits 
 of these birds, and most favourable to their in- 
 crease. The nest is merely composed of a few 
 dried stems of grass, placed on the ground under 
 the shelter of a tall tuft or low bush, and generally 
 in marshy spots where long and coarse grasses 
 abound. The female deposits her eggs in May. 
 They are from six to ten in number, and are of 
 a yellowish grey colour, blotched with reddish 
 brown. 
 
 GROUSE, RED. 
 RED GAME, OR MOOR FOWL. 
 TETEAO SCOTICUS, Penn. 
 
 This beautiful species, so exclusively British (as 
 its geographical distribution has not been hitherto 
 found to extend beyond the limits of these islands), 
 is plentiful in the elevated heathy parts of the 
 northern counties of England, and very abundant 
 on those wild wastes that occupy so large a por- 
 tion of the Highlands of Scotland. It is also scan- 
 tily met with in the mountainous districts of South 
 Wales, and inhabits the moors and bogs of Ireland. 
 Heathy tracts are the situations peculiarly favour- 
 
93 
 
 able to the nature of this bird. The nest (scarcely 
 deserving that appellation) consists of a few wi- 
 thered stems that line the shallow cavity wherein 
 the eggs are deposited, and is placed on the ground 
 in a tuft of heath. The female begins to lay in 
 March or April. Her eggs, from eight to twelve 
 in number, are of a greyish white, blotched with 
 umber brown. 
 
 GROUSE, WHITE. 
 
 PTARMIGAN. 
 TETRAD LAGOPTJS, Temm. 
 
 The White Grouse is found in all the Alpine 
 districts of Central Europe, and northward as far 
 as Greenland. In this country it is only to be met 
 with in the Highlands of Scotland, or in the He- 
 brides and Orkneys. Formerly it was occasionally 
 observed on the mountainous ridges of Cumberland 
 and Wales. It is fond of lofty situations, where it 
 braves the severest cold, and lives on the highest 
 mountains, particularly those of which the summits 
 are covered with fragments of rock, by its close re- 
 semblance in colour to which it is enabled to escape 
 its numerous inferior enemies in autumn. At the 
 approach of winter they collect into large flocks, and 
 
94 
 
 descend from the summits of the hills to the lower 
 ridges, where they chiefly remain during that in- 
 clement season, occasionally burrowing in the snow, 
 under which they not only find a warm and secure 
 habitation, but, by penetrating to the surface of the 
 earth, are enabled to obtain a sufficient supply of 
 food during the most severe weather. They pair 
 early in spring, the female laying her eggs upon 
 the bare ground, among the stones. The eggs are 
 similar in shape and colour to those of the Eed 
 Grouse, but somewhat smaller, and generally 
 marked with more diminutive blotches. 
 
 GUILLEMOT, BLACK. 
 
 URIA GETLLE, Lath. 
 
 This species is distributed over all the northern 
 coasts of Europe and America. It is rather nume- 
 rous in many localities of Great Britain, more 
 particularly the north of Scotland during winter. 
 The Black Guillemot sits lightly on the water, 
 paddles about in a very lively manner, dives with 
 rapidity, opening its wings a little, like the other 
 species of the same bird, and flies under water with 
 great speed. All the breeding places in this 
 country are to the north of the Tweed and Solway 
 
It does not deposit its eggs on the bare rocks, like 
 most of its genus, but in crevices or under stones 
 or blocks. They are often three in number, but 
 more commonly two, and are of a greyish white 
 colour, with blotches and spots of dark brawn and 
 purplish grey. 
 
 GUILLEMOT, BftUNNICK'S. 
 
 URTA BRUKNICIIIT, Saline. 
 
 Brunnick's Guillemot is at once distinguished, at 
 any season of the year, from our common Guillemot 
 by the shortness, stoutness, and regularity of its 
 bill. This species has occasionally been met with 
 in the Orkneys and the Shetland Islands, on the 
 coast of Kerry in Ireland, and on the Faroe Islands, 
 Iceland, Spitzbergen, and the Arctic Sea, &c. One 
 example is said to have been killed as far to the 
 south as the vicinity of Naples. It does not differ 
 in its habits and food from the common Guillemot. 
 It is -said to breed at Grimsey, an island situated 
 about forty miles from Iceland, in company with 
 the common Guillemot, the eggs greatly resem- 
 bling each other. 
 
GUILLEMOT, COMMON, 
 FOOLISH GUILLEMOT. 
 
 URIA TEOILE, Lath. 
 
 The Common Guillemot is found in various paiis 
 of the northern hemisphere, including Great Britain. 
 Many individuals of this species remain on our 
 coasts during winter, and in summer are met with 
 in vast numbers on particular rocks, either on the 
 coast or in islands, where they may be seen stand- 
 ing in rows, nearly erect, on the ledges, or sitting 
 on their egg. The Common Guillemot builds no 
 nest, but deposits its eggs on the bare rock. The 
 eggs are extremely large, three inches and a quarter 
 in length and two inches in breadth, pear-shaped 
 and rough on the surface. Some are white, marked 
 with a greenish blue ; others verdigris green, 
 marked with lines and spots of dusky brown. The 
 young seldom go to the water until well grown. 
 
 GUILLEMOT, KINGED. 
 
 OR BRIDLED GUILLEMOT. 
 
 URIA LACBTMANS, Temm. 
 
 This species, which differs from the Common 
 Guillemot only in the white mark which encircles 
 the eyes and passes down each side of the head, 
 
97 
 
 inhabits the same localities, and is even found 
 in company with it on various parts of our coast, 
 particularly in Wales. It has also been taken on 
 the coasts of Yorkshire and Durham. In its habits 
 and the choice of food, it is described as very 
 closely resembling the species already named. It 
 is reported to breed at Grimsey, in close proximity 
 to the two former species. The eggs, which are said 
 to resemble those of the Common Guillemot, being 
 placed lower down the rocks, are more difficult to 
 obtain. 
 
 GULL, BLACK-HEADED. 
 
 PEEWIT GULL. 
 LAKTJS MAEINUS, Lin. 
 
 The Black-headed Gull, which is very numer- 
 ously dispersed along our shores, often congregates 
 in estuaries and near the mouths of rivers during 
 the cold season. They frequently make incursions 
 inland, searching the pastures and ploughed fields 
 for worms, &c., especially in stormy weather. In 
 spring they betake themselves to particular marshes 
 or lakes, on the tufts along the shores of which 
 they form their nests, which are composed of rushes 
 and sedges. The female lays two or three, some- 
 times four eggs of an olivaceous-green or light brown 
 colour, spotted and blotched with brownish black 
 and purplish grey, about two inches long and an 
 inch and a quarter in breadth. 
 
 H 
 
98 
 
 GULL, BUFFON'S SKUA. 
 
 LESTRIS BUFFONII, Bois. 
 
 Buffon's Skua Gull, the smallest of the Skua 
 Gulls which visit our islands, is an inhabitant of 
 the northern regions. It is of rare occurrence on 
 our coasts, where it appears merely as a straggler. 
 It breeds in the Arctic regions of both continents, 
 and extends in winter as far south as the Gulf of 
 Mexico. On the coasts of Europe it is very rare 
 at that season. Its habits are in all respects similar 
 to those of the other Skuas. The authentic speci- 
 mens of its eggs which have been obtained from 
 Iceland are similar in their appearance to the eggs 
 of the other Skuas, but smaller. 
 
 GULL, BONAPAKTE'S. 
 
 LAETJS BONAPAETII, Rich. 
 
 This handsome species of small Gull was first 
 recognized as a visitor to Europe in 1848, one 
 having been shot in Ireland, in the early part of 
 that year, on the river Lagan, near Belfast, since 
 which time some few examples have been obtained 
 in England and Scotland. It is generally distri- 
 buted throughout the fur countries of North Ame- 
 rica, and is also found in Greenland. It appears 
 
99 
 
 very familiar when seen, and is easily captured. 
 During winter it frequents the harbour of Charles- 
 ton, but none are seen at that season near the 
 mouths of the Mississippi. 
 
 GULL, COMMON. 
 
 WINTER GULL. 
 
 LAEUS CANUS, Lin. 
 
 The Common Gull is permanently resident in 
 Britain, and common along the shores of the Con- 
 tinent, but has not been observed in America. 
 Large flocks often traverse the interior of the Con- 
 tinent in winter and spring, and during the breed- 
 ing season they are found dispersed along the 
 shores of England and Scotland, abounding most 
 in the northern parts of the latter country, and in 
 the Orkney Islands and the Hebrides. The nests, 
 which are rather bulky, contain two or three broad 
 oval eggs, two inches and a quarter in length and 
 one inch and a half in breadth, of various tints of 
 brown or greenish grey, dotted and spotted with 
 dark brown and purplish grey. The eggs, like 
 those of the other Gulls, afford delicate eating. 
 
 H 2 
 
100 
 GULL, COMMON SKUA. 
 
 LESTEIS CATAKBACTES, Mont. 
 
 This Skua, or Bonxie, as the Shetlanders call 
 him, is seldom met with on the coasts of England, 
 or even of Scotland. So far as the British terri- 
 tories are concerned, he appears to be limited 
 almost to the Shetland Islands, of three or four 
 hill tops of which he has taken special possession. 
 This undaunted species attacks with great fury any 
 person, however armed, that approaches his haunts 
 in the breeding season. His manner of walking, 
 swimming, and flying is similar to that of the other 
 Gulls, but more vigorous. He feeds on fishes, and 
 occasionally young birds, obtaining a great part of 
 his subsistence by harassing the larger Gulls until 
 he forces them to disgorge part of the contents of 
 their gullet. The nest is made among the grass ; 
 and the eggs, generally two, sometimes three in 
 number, are olive brown varied with dusky spots. 
 
 GULL, GLAUCUS. 
 
 LABUS GLAUCUS, Bew. 
 
 This large species of Winged Gull is distributed 
 during summer over the Arctic seas; but as 
 winter approaches it advances into the temperate 
 regions. It is said to be common in Russia, and 
 
101 
 
 has been observed as far north as Nova Zembla. 
 It was first introduced to notice as a British species 
 in 1809, a specimen having been obtained in im- 
 mature plumage in Shetland, since which time 
 other examples have been met with in the Hebrides 
 and the Frith of Forth. It has also been ob- 
 served on various parts of the coasts of England ; 
 but has not been found breeding with us. The eggs 
 are of a broad oval form, and of a pale yellowish 
 grey colour, dotted with dark brown and blotched 
 with purplish grey spots. 
 
 GULL, GREAT BLACK-HEADED. 
 
 LAEUS MAEINUS, Lin, 
 
 This species is generally dispersed along our 
 coasts, as well as those of the Continent and of 
 North America, It is vigilant, shy, and suspicious 
 in disposition. It has a strong sedate flight, and 
 often soars and sails in the air like the Eagle. It 
 also swims with ease, and floats very buoyantly. 
 It emits various cries, some loud and clear, others 
 like the sounds of laughter. On the coasts of 
 England it has few breeding places, but on the 
 islets of the north and west of Holland great 
 numbers annually settle. The nest is generally 
 made in a cavity in the turf, or in a crevice of 
 the rock, and is composed of various dry plants, 
 The eggs, two or three in number, are three inchas 
 
102 
 
 long and two inches and a quarter broad. In colour 
 they are of a pale yellowish or greenish grey, 
 spotted and blotched with blackish brown umber 
 and pale purplish grey. 
 
 GULL, H-E BRING. 
 
 SILVERY GREY GULL, WAGEL. 
 LA.RUS FTJSCUS, Lin. 
 
 The Silvery, or Herring Gull, as it is also called, 
 is nearly as large as the last-named species, and is 
 by far the most numerous of our larger Gulls. 
 Its flight is strong, buoyant, direct, and unwavering, 
 when it is proceeding towards a distant place. 
 When engaged with a shoal of fry, it hovers over 
 the water, mounts upwards, vibrates its wings, 
 touches the water lightly with its feet, and picks 
 up its prey without alighting. During tem- 
 pestuous weather it often flies inland. It breeds 
 usually in great numbers on small unfrequented 
 islands, or on remote rocky coasts, forming a 
 bulky nest, and laying generally three eggs, 
 averaging two inches and three quarters in length, 
 an inch and a half in breadth, of various tints of 
 grey or olivaceous brown, clouded or spotted with 
 dark brown or purplish grey. 
 
103 
 
 GULL, ICELAND. 
 LESSER GLAUCUS GULL. 
 LAEUS LETJCOPTERUS, Eyton. 
 
 The Iceland Gull is not unfrequently met with in 
 Great Britain and Ireland during the winter season. 
 It is said to breed in the higher northern regions, 
 and to come to Iceland and other more southern 
 latitudes in winter. As a bird of passage, its 
 habits differ from those of the Great Glaucus 
 Gull, which resemble those of the Great Black- 
 backed Gull. This species has more affinity in 
 this respect with the Herring Gull. Its flight is 
 very graceful. These Gulls often sit by hundreds 
 on a piece of ice, and in that way are drifted 
 many miles. 
 
 GULL, IVORY. 
 
 WHITE GULL, OR WHALE BIRD. 
 LAEUS EBFENETJS, Sew. 
 
 This bird inhabits the Arctic regions of both 
 continents, and particularly the coasts of Spitz- 
 bergen and Greenland, on the cliffs of which it 
 breeds. It is said to be less shy than Gulls generally 
 are, and is nearly as fearless as the Fulmer, with 
 
104 
 
 which it associates while feeding on dead whales. 
 It has also, we are informed, a strong and harsh 
 voice. Except when engaged in breeding, it is 
 occasionally met with on the open sea. Very 
 few instances of its visiting Britain have been 
 recorded. The first specimen described appears 
 to have been a young bird shot in Balta Sound, 
 Shetland, in December, 1822. Others have since 
 been killed in the Frith of Clyde, and on the 
 west coast of Ireland. 
 
 GULL, KITTIWAKE. 
 
 TARROCK. 
 LABUS TRIDACTYLUS, Lath. 
 
 The Kittiwakes arrive along our coasts the 
 end of April, and generally disappear in October. 
 They build their nests in vast numbers on high 
 maritime cliffs, generally such as are frequented 
 by Auks, Guillemots, and other sea-birds breed- 
 ing places which are much more numerous in 
 Scotland than in England. The nests, which are 
 generally placed on the lower parts of the cliffs, 
 are bulky in shape, and are formed of grass and 
 sea-weeds. They each contain two or three eggs 
 of a broad oval form, about two inches in length 
 and an inch and a half in breadth. They are of 
 a pale yellowish grey, greenish white, or light 
 
105 
 
 olive green, dotted all over with dark brown and 
 pale purplish grey spots. The Kittiwake walks 
 little, and with anything but ease, owing to the 
 shortness of its legs, but has an easy buoyant flight. 
 
 GULL, LAUGHING. 
 
 LARTJS ATEICILLA, Lin. 
 
 The Laughing Gull ranks merely as an accidental 
 straggler in this country, a very few individuals 
 only have been seen in the south of England. 
 It is said to be abundant on the coasts of the 
 Mediterranean, and is also plentiful in the southern 
 parts of the United States. It is similar in appear- 
 ance to the common Black-headed Gull, but rather 
 larger. The head, too, is of a darker brown hue, 
 and the breast and lower parts are tinged with 
 rose colour. It breeds in the United States, and 
 lays three eggs, usually of a light earthy olive, 
 blotched and spotted with dull reddish brown, and 
 some black, the markings more abundant at the 
 larger end. 
 
106 
 
 GULL, LESSER BLACK-BACKED. 
 
 YELLOW-LEGGED GULL. 
 LABTTS AKGENTATTJS, Omel. 
 
 The Lesser Black-backed Gull is generally dis- 
 persed along our coasts, on which it is permanently 
 resident, but is more numerous in the northern than 
 in the southern parts of the island. It breeds on 
 unfrequented island headlands, and sometimes on 
 islets in lakes. The nest is large, and generally 
 contains three eggs, which are usually yellowish 
 brown^ light brown, or olivaceous, with spots and 
 patches of purplish grey and dark brown. The 
 flight of this bird is peculiarly elegant, more easy 
 and buoyant than that of the Great Black-backed 
 Gull. In winter many advance southward, but 
 some remain during that season even in the most 
 remote northern parts. 
 
 GULL, LITTLE. 
 
 LABUS MINUTUS, Gmel. 
 
 A few individuals of this species, in the 
 immature state, have been met with in England, 
 Scotland, and Ireland. It is said to occur in the 
 Mediterranean at all seasons, and to extend even 
 to Greenland, but to be of rare occurrence on 
 
107 
 
 the coasts of Western Europe. An adult bird in 
 summer plumage, with fine black head, was killed 
 on the Shannon, in Ireland, the only specimen in that 
 state of plumage obtained in the British Islands. 
 Professor Nilson says that this species is a summer 
 visitor to the marshes in the vicinity of the Baltic 
 and Gothland, where, it breeds, but he has never 
 seen the eggs. It is also said to be found in 
 Germany, Holland, Eussia, Siberia, &c. 
 
 GULL, MASKED. 
 
 LAEUS CAPISTKATUS, Temm. 
 
 Two specimens of this bird, a male and a female, 
 from Orkney, were in Mr. Bullock's collection 5 
 and another, from Shetland, was presented in 1831 
 to the Zoological Society of London. In March, 
 1833, one was shot near Belfast, and two others 
 have been mentioned as having been either cap- 
 tured or shot. This bird, first described as a 
 species by Temminck, is said to be smaller than 
 the common Black-headed Gull, with shorter and 
 more slender bill, and shorter legs. 
 
 GULL, POMARINE SKUA. 
 
 LESTRIS POMARINTJS, Temm. 
 
 This species, which is smaller than the Common 
 Skua, breeds in the Arctic regions, and appears 
 
108 
 
 to be more plentiful in America than in Europe. 
 It is seldom or never seen on our coasts in the 
 adult state, although young individuals are not 
 unfrequently met with in winter, and may gene- 
 rally be observed wherever Gulls are collected in 
 pursuit of shoals of herrings or other fish. It 
 has been thus found in the Frith of Forth, and 
 has been met with as far as the southern coasts of 
 England. Its habits ase similar to those of the 
 other species of Skua Gulls. Great variations 
 are observed in the colour of the plumage. 
 
 GULL, KICHAKDSON'S. 
 SKUA ARCTIC GULL. 
 
 LA.EUS PARASITICUS, Lin. 
 
 This active predatory bird leads a wandering 
 life, seldom remaining long in one place, except 
 during the breeding season. Its flight is rapid, 
 gliding, and steady, when it is proceeding to a 
 distance, but it turns, winds> sails ; or shoots along 
 with extreme dexterity on occasions, and is thus 
 
 / / 
 
 enabled to harass other Gulls and Terns while 
 fishing, and to force them to drop or disgorge part 
 of their food, which it catches as it falls. In 
 autumn it is frequently seen on the wing in our 
 estuaries, but in summer it betakes itself chiefly to 
 the northern coasts and islands, where it breeds 
 generally in societies. The nest is like that of the 
 
109 
 
 other Gulls, and is placed on the ground, usually 
 in a marshy place. The eggs, two or three in 
 number, are olivaceous, or of various shades of 
 brown, spotted and patched with umber brown 
 and purplish grey, their length averaging two 
 inches and a quarter. 
 
 GULL, SABINE'S. 
 
 LABTJS SABINI, Temm. 
 
 This beautiful species of small Gull, which breeds 
 along the coasts of the Arctic Sea of America, and 
 extends in winter as far southward as New England, 
 has in several instances been met with in Britain. 
 It also frequents the coasts of the Continent, occa- 
 sionally visiting inland lakes, rivers, and marshes. 
 Its food consists of fish, alive or dead, or any 
 animal matter that is cast ashore by the tidal 
 waves. On the west coast of Greenland it is found 
 breeding in association with Arctic Terns, the 
 nests of both being intermingled. This Gull lays 
 two eggs on the bare ground, an inch and a half 
 in length, not much pointed. The colour is olive, 
 blotched with brown. 
 
110 
 
 GULL, WEDGE-TAILED. 
 Boss's ROSY GULL, CUNEATED-TAILED GULL. 
 
 LAEUS Kossn, Rich. 
 
 The first occurrence of this very rare Gull in 
 this country appears to have been in Yorkshire, in 
 February, 1847, when one was killed by Lord 
 Howden's gamekeeper, in a ploughed field near 
 Milford, in the parish of Kirby. Its flight re- 
 sembled the flight of any other Gull, and it did 
 not seem at all shy. This Gull has been captured 
 once in Ireland. Two specimens were obtained 
 on the coast of Melville Island, on Sir Edward 
 Parry's second voyage. It was also found by 
 the same voyager in Waggait Straits, which is 
 supposed to be one of its breeding places. It is 
 to Commander James Clark Ross, who killed the 
 first specimen which was obtained, that the species 
 is dedicated. Of the peculiar habits or winter re- 
 treat of this Gull nothing appears to be known. 
 
 HARRIER. 
 ASH-COLOURED OR MONTAGU'S. 
 
 FALCO citfEEACEUS, Mont. 
 
 The resemblance this species bears to the Hen 
 Harrier was without doubt the cause of its remain- 
 ing so long unnoticed as a separate species. It 
 differs, however, from that bird in several particu- 
 
Ill 
 
 of which the following are the principal- 
 Though greatly inferior in weight, it exceeds the 
 Hen-Harrier considerably in dimensions, both as 
 to length and extent of wing. The third quill 
 feather is much longer than any of the others, and 
 its wings, when closed, reach beyond the extremity 
 of the tail, whereas in the Hen-Harrier they are 
 shorter than the tail by two inches. The Ash- 
 coloured Harrier, though far from being numerous 
 in England, has been found in most of the southern 
 and eastern counties, but no farther north than 
 Northumberland, where it breeds upon the moors 
 and open lands. It is found also in Hungary, 
 Poland, Austria, and occasionally in Italy. Its 
 habits are similar to those of the Hen-Harrier. It 
 frequents furze-clad moors, and builds its nest at 
 the bottom of furze bushes, using only a few sticks 
 and a little moss and wool. It lays from four to 
 five bluish white eggs, rather smaller than those 
 of the other species. 
 
 HARRIEE, HEN. 
 
 FEMALE CALLED RINGTAIL. 
 
 FALCO CTANEUS, Lin. 
 
 The Hen-Harrier, though not very numerous, is 
 more generally distributed throughout Britain than 
 the former, frequenting low marshy situations or 
 
112 
 
 wide moors. The flight of the Hen-Harrier is 
 always low, but at the same time smooth and 
 buoyant. It feeds on small birds and the young of 
 larger ones, occasionally on grouse and partridges, 
 and often on young rabbits, hares, mice, frogs, &c. 
 It breeds on the open wastes, and frequently in thick 
 furze covers, placing its nest on the ground. The 
 .eggs, four or five in number, are of a pale bluish 
 white, and round at each end. In the first year 
 the young males are similar in appearance to the 
 females, after which they gradually assume the 
 grey plumage that distinguishes the adult. 
 
 HARRIER, MARSH. 
 
 MOOR BUZZARD. 
 FALCO .ERirGiNOSTJS, Lin. 
 
 Marshy districts and moors are the favourite 
 haunts of this species. It is rare in Scotland, but 
 not uncommon in the most marshy districts of 
 England and Wales. 
 
 The Harrier Marsh Hawk preys on waterfowl, 
 especially young ducks, also on water-rats, frogs, 
 lizards, fish, and insects. Its flight is slow and 
 near the ground, but during the season of incuba- 
 tion the males often soar to a considerable height, 
 and remain suspended in the air for a long period. 
 
113 
 
 They build in the tall tufts of grass or rushes 
 which grow in marshy places, and the female lays 
 four or five nearly round eggs, entirely white. 
 
 HAWK, SPAEEOW. 
 
 FALCO NISUS, Lin. 
 
 This destructive and well-known species is re- 
 markable for the great difference in size between 
 the male and female, the former seldom measuring 
 twelve inches in length, while the latter often 
 exceeds fifteen inches. It is one of the boldest of 
 its genus ; and the female, from her superior size, 
 is a fatal enemy to partridges and other game, as 
 well as to pigeons. It flies low, skimming over 
 the ground with great swiftness, and pounces on 
 its prey upon the wing with unerring aim. It is 
 common in most parts of the kingdom, particularly 
 frequenting the lower grounds and well-wooded 
 inclosures. It builds in low trees or thorn bushes, 
 forming a shallow and flat nest, composed of slender 
 twigs y and very similar to that of the Eing Dove 
 but rather larger, The eggs, of which from four 
 to six are generally found, are of a pale blue 
 colour, blotched more or less, chiefly at the 
 larger end, with reddish brown. In the Orkneys, 
 where it is abundant, it breeds in the rocks and 
 sea-cliffs. 
 
 i 
 
114 
 HAWFINCH, OR GROSBEAK. 
 
 FBINGILLA COCCOTHRAUSTES, Temm. 
 
 The Hawfinch is plentiful in some districts of 
 France, and common in the mountainous regions 
 of Italy, Germany, Sweden, and part of Russia. 
 Small flocks usually visit England, and less fre- 
 quently Scotland, in the beginning of winter, 
 remaining until the end of spring. They feed on 
 seeds, and frequent the orchards and gardens in 
 search of kernels. A considerable number, how- 
 ever, are permanently resident in this country. 
 Nests containing the eggs and young birds have 
 repeatedly been found in various parts of England, 
 especially in the vicinity of Epping Forest. The 
 nest is composed of decayed leaves and lichens, 
 with a lining of fibrous roots. The eggs, four to 
 six in number, are of a pale olive colour, spotted 
 with black, and streaked with lines of a dusky hue. 
 
 HERON, BUFF-BACKED. 
 
 ABDEA BTJSSATA, Temm. 
 
 This species occurs in Holland, Spain, Italy, 
 Greece, Cyprus, Persia, Egypt, Nubia, and Sene- 
 gambia, and is not unfrequent in the southern 
 
115 
 
 parts of Africa, where it is said to breed. It 
 is common also in Java, but is not found in 
 America. The first specimen obtained in Britain 
 was a female, shot near Kingsbridge, in the end 
 of October, 1805, and presented to Montague, 
 who described it, and with whose collection it was 
 transferred to the British Museum. The Buff- 
 backed Heron is frequently observed in fields 
 where there are cattle grazing. It feeds on 
 insects. The eggs are of a pale blue colour. 
 
 HERON, COMMON. 
 
 AKDEA CINEREA, Selby. 
 
 The Common Heron frequents the margins of 
 rivers, pools, and lakes, as well as the shores of 
 the inlets of the sea, where he may be often ob- 
 served patiently watching for his prey. In such 
 situations he may be seen slowly walking among 
 the mud and weeds, or perched on a stone close to 
 the water, reposing on one foot, with his neck bent 
 under the shoulders, sometimes remaining motion- 
 less for hours, until a fish or frog or other object 
 attracts his notice, or he is roused by the appre- 
 hension of danger. The flight of the Heron, 
 though seemingly heavy, is buoyant, and in moving 
 to a distance it generally flies high, with its head 
 between the shoulders, and the legs stretched out. 
 
 i2 
 
116 
 
 It breeds in society, nesting like the rooks on high 
 trees, and forming Heronries, as they are termed. 
 The eggs, of which from three to five are found, 
 are of a bluish green, two inches and a quarter 
 in length, an inch and three-quarters in breadth. 
 In England^ when hawking was a favourite pas- 
 time, this species enjoyed the protection of the 
 game-laws. 
 
 HERON, GREAT WHITE. 
 
 GREAT WHITE EGRET, 
 
 ARDEA E&KETTA, Flem. 
 
 This species, which is said to occur abundantly 
 in the eastern parts of Europe, and to straggle 
 occasionally to its western shores, has been met 
 with in a few instances in England. It is an 
 accidental visitor to Germany, France, and 
 Italy. It has also been taken in Corsica and 
 Sardinia, where, however r it is not so common 
 as among the islands of the Grecian Archipelago^ 
 Turkey, and Hungary. It feeds on small fish, 
 reptiles, aquatic birds, insects, &c., and breeds on 
 the ground among reeds and herbage, producing 
 four or five large bluish eggs. The adult males 
 and females are alike in plumage. 
 
117 
 HERON, NIGHT. 
 
 NYCTICOEAX AEDEOLA, Temm. 
 
 The Night Heron is of a more robust form than 
 the Bittern, to which, however, it is nearly allied. 
 All the species of this family feed occasionally, if 
 not habitually, by night ; and although the one at 
 present under consideration has been distinguished 
 in this respect from the rest, it is no more a noc- 
 turnal prowler than the Bittern or Common Heron. 
 It frequents the margins of lakes, pools, and rivers, 
 preferring those which are plentifully furnished 
 with reeds, sedges, and other aquatic plants. It 
 feeds on reptiles, fishes, worms, &c. Although it 
 is of rare occurrence in this country, it is ex- 
 tensively distributed not only in many parts of 
 America, Asia, and Africa, but also in Europe ; 
 being found, among other places, in Holland, where 
 it breeds plentifully, making its nest on the ground 
 or on trees or bushes, and laying three or four pale 
 blue eggs. 
 
 HERON, PURPLE. 
 
 AFRICAN HERON. 
 
 AEDEA PUEPUEEA, Lin. 
 
 The Purple Heron is very extensively distributed, 
 not only in Asia and Africa, but also in Europe? 
 
118 
 
 extending northwards as far as Holland, where it 
 is not uncommon. It has also several times been 
 obtained in England, where, however, it ranks only 
 as an accidental straggler. It feeds on frogs, 
 insects, and sometimes mice, young birds, &c. It 
 builds its nest on trees or bushes, and occasionally 
 on the ground, laying three or four broad eggs, 
 about two inches in length, and of a pale greenish 
 blue colour. This variety of the Heron species 
 has a sedate and slow, but not heavy flight, and is 
 generally shy and suspicious. 
 
 HEEON, SQUACCO. 
 
 AEDEA RALLOIDES, Flem.^ 
 
 The native locality of the Squacco Heron appears 
 to be in the south-western parts of Asia, in Egypt, 
 and in Nubia. It has been found in the countries 
 bordering on the Caspian Sea, also in Italy, and 
 occasionally in the middle of France. It has also 
 been seen several times in the southern counties 
 of England. One of several specimens obtained on 
 the coast of Norfolk, was caught alive, having en- 
 tangled itself in some fishing-nets hung out to dry. 
 
 It inhabits the banks of stagnant waters, mo- 
 rasses, the sides of rivers, and low lands near the 
 sea-shore, and feeds on small fish, Crustacea, and 
 insects. It builds its nest in swampy situations, 
 and occasionally on trees. The eggs are of a light 
 blue colour. 
 
119 
 
 HOBBY. 
 
 FALCO SUBBUTEO, Mont. 
 
 This bird, not numerous as a species, is found 
 throughout Europe during summer, but at the 
 approach of winter retires to warmer regions. In 
 England it is among the number of our sum- 
 mer periodical visitors. It arrives in April, and, 
 after performing the offices of incubation and rear- 
 ing its young, leaves us for warmer latitudes in the 
 latter end of October. It is elegant in form, and 
 may be regarded as a miniature resemblance of 
 the Peregrine Falcon. It is confined to the more 
 southern and western parts of England, and does 
 not appear to visit Scotland. Wooded and inclosed 
 districts seem to be its usual haunts. Its favourite 
 prey is the lark, but all kinds of small birds occa- 
 sionally become its victims. When hawking was 
 keenly followed, the Hobby was trained to the pur- 
 suit of young partridges, snipes, and larks. It 
 chooses a high tree on which to make its nest. 
 The female lays three or four eggs of a short oval 
 form, speckled all over with reddish brown spots 
 on a dirty white ground. 
 
 HOOPOE. 
 
 UPUPA EPOPS, Lin. 
 
 The Hoopoe is abundantly met with in the south 
 of Europe during the summer months, and is also 
 
120 
 
 common in Holland, in the northern parts of Ger- 
 many, in Denmark, and as far north as Sweden. 
 In the winter it retires to Asia, where it is also 
 found as a permanent resident, and has been known 
 to breed in the towns and villages of Egypt. A 
 few of these handsome birds generally visit Great 
 Britain every year during their periodical migra- 
 tions. The Hoopoe frequents low and moist situa- 
 tions in the neighbourhood of woods and thickets, 
 where it is generally seen upon the ground, engaged 
 in hunting after the insects and worms on which 
 it feeds. It may sometimes also be observed hang- 
 ing from the branches of trees, in search of the 
 insects that dwell chiefly on the underside of the 
 foliage. It builds in the holes of decayed trees, 
 but when these cannot be obtained, makes use of 
 the crevices of walls and rocks. The nest, which 
 is formed of dry grass, lined with feathers or other 
 soft materials, generally contains four or five eggs, 
 of a greyish white colour, spotted with brown. It 
 becomes in a short time very fetid from the accu- 
 mulation of the remains of the insects with which 
 it feeds its young, and probably also from the drop- 
 pings of the latter. The author has one of these 
 beautiful birds in his own collection, killed by 
 himself in the New Forest a few years ago. 
 
121 
 
 IBIS, GLOSSY. 
 
 IBIS FALCIKELLUS, Temm. 
 
 This bird is extensively dispersed from India and 
 Egypt to Siberia and the northern parts of Europe, 
 and even to America. Although many individuals 
 have been obtained in England, it ranges only as 
 a straggler in this country. Like the White Ibis, 
 from which it was distinguished by the name of the 
 Black Ibis, it was held in veneration by the ancient 
 Egyptians, and figures of it are not unfrequently 
 found in their sepulchres. It is one of the species 
 that approach nearest in form to the Curlew ; and 
 it resembles the Heron in its habits and the choice 
 of food, as well as in its mode of nesting. The 
 eggs are of a bluish green hue. 
 
 JACKDAW. 
 
 COEYUS MONEDTJLA, Lin. 
 
 This well-known species is generally distributed 
 throughout England and Scotland, inhabiting de- 
 serted buildings, steeples, towers, and high rocks, 
 and breeding in these places or in rabbit-burrows. 
 The eggs, which vary from four to seven in num- 
 ber, are of a pale greenish blue, with small round 
 spots of a dark brown and pale purplish hue. 
 Although vigilant and suspicious in its nature, it 
 
122 
 
 often resides in towns, where it picks up part of its 
 food from the streets. It can be easily domesti- 
 cated, soon becomes remarkably familiar, and may 
 be taught to articulate various words distinctly. 
 Like the Eaven and Magpie, it has a propensity to 
 carry away and conceal glittering articles. 
 
 JAY. 
 
 GLANDARIUS, Lin. 
 
 The Jay, which is known by its disagreeable 
 cry, is common in many parts of England, Scot- 
 land, and Ireland, particularly in districts where 
 trees are abundant. Its food consists of acorns, 
 beech masts, grain, and various products of the 
 garden, amongst which cherries and peas are its 
 particular favourites. It also devours insects and 
 worms, pounces on mice, and will often not only 
 suck the eggs, but destroy the young of small birds. 
 Its nest, which is generally placed in the closest 
 thickets of large woods, is formed of sticks, lined 
 with the fibres of roots. The eggs, of which there 
 are from four to seven, -are somewhat smaller than 
 those of the Magpie, and are of a pale bluish grey, 
 faintly freckled with yellowish brown. Its cry, 
 though harsh, is varied, and it can imitate the notes 
 of other birds. 
 
123 
 
 KESTRIL. 
 
 PALCO TINNUNCULUS, Lin. 
 
 The Kestril, which is so generally distributed 
 in most districts as not to be at all uncommon, 
 appears to be the most numerous of our rapacious 
 birds ; and is not only found in this country, but in 
 all parts of Europe and America. It is especially 
 remarkable for its habit of hovering over the fields 
 when searching for its prey, which consists chiefly 
 of the shrew and other mice, lizards, worms, 
 beetles, &c., in looking for which among the grass 
 it balances itself, with a quivering motion of the 
 wings, at a considerable height from the ground. 
 At the commencement of the breeding season it is 
 remarkably vociferous in nesting. It often takes 
 possession of the deserted nest of a crow or mag- 
 pie, but in rocky tracts breeds on cliffs or craggy 
 banks. The eggs, from four to six in number, are 
 of a reddish brown colour, variegated with darker 
 blotches. 
 
 KINGFISHER, COMMON. 
 
 ALCEDO ISPIDA, Lin. 
 
 This beautiful bird is very generally dispersed 
 in various countries, in which it is also a permanent 
 
124 
 
 resident, but it is no where common, and in north- 
 ern parts is very rare. It inhabits the banks of 
 clear rivers and brooks, preferring those that flow 
 with an easy current, and whose beds are margined 
 with willows, alders, or close bushes. It is usually 
 seen perched upon a small bough overhanging the 
 stream, or taking its station on a stone, stump, or 
 rail, from whence it darts upon the small fish and 
 aquatic insects that form its food. These birds 
 breed in the banks of the streams they haunt, 
 either digging a hole themselves, or taking posses- 
 sion of that of a water-rat, which they afterwards 
 enlarge to suit their convenience, the hole always 
 being found in a sloping direction. The nest is 
 composed of bones and other indigestible parts of 
 their food, which they eject in small pellets by 
 their mouth. Upon these they deposit their eggs ? 
 which are from five to eight in number, and of a 
 transparent pinkish white. 
 
 KINGFISHEK, BELTED. 
 
 ALCEDO ALCYON, Wilson. 
 
 Two individuals of this species were met with in 
 Ireland about the latter part of the year 1845, one 
 in the county of Meath and the other in the county 
 of Wicklow. This species of the Kingfisher, which 
 
125 
 
 is much larger than the last, is said to be the only 
 one inhabiting North America. It is migratory, 
 and, like other birds which have visited Great Bri- 
 tain and Ireland from that Continent, has appeared 
 about the period of migration. It retires to the 
 West India Islands and the Southern States of 
 North America in winter. It is a well-known 
 inhabitant of the countries extending from Hud- 
 son's Bay to the tropics, generally dwelling on 
 the banks of fresh-water streams, lakes, &c. The 
 habits of this species are similar to those of the 
 last. The nest is burrowed in some dry and 
 sandy bank of earth, the whole serving as a resting 
 and roosting place for several successive years. 
 Here, on a few twigs, grass, and feathers, about six 
 white eggs are deposited. The eggs measure one 
 inch and a quarter in length by one inch in 
 breadth, and are of a roundish form. 
 
 KITE, COMMON. 
 
 GLEAD. 
 FALCO MILVTTS, Lin. 
 
 The Kite is distinguished from the other species 
 of this family by the superior elegance of its buoy- 
 ant flight, as well as by its elongated wings and 
 forked tail. It is generally distributed, but of rare 
 
126 
 
 occurrence in any district. When searching for 
 food it moves along at a moderate height, wheel- 
 ing and gliding in an undulating course, and pro- 
 ceeding at intervals with motionless wings. It 
 breeds early in the spring, in extensive woods, 
 generally making its nest in the fork of a large 
 tree. The nest is composed of sticks, lined with 
 wool, hair, and other soft materials. The eggs are 
 much rounded, and blunt at the smaller end, and 
 are generally two in number. They are of a 
 greyish white, speckled with brownish orange, 
 principally at the larger end, but sometimes they 
 are found quite plain. 
 
 KITE, SWALLOW-TAILED. 
 
 FALCO FUBCATUS, Wilson. 
 
 This bird is known from all the British 
 species of Falcons by its very long and deeply 
 forked tail, as well as by its peculiar colouring 5 
 the head, neck, and lower parts being white, the 
 wings and tail glossy black. It is a native of the 
 Southern States of North America, where it breeds. 
 The nest, which is usually placed on the top 
 branches of the tallest oak or pine tree, situated on 
 the margin of a stream or pond, is composed of 
 dry sticks, intermixed with moss, and lined with 
 
127 
 
 coarse grass and a few feathers. The eggs, vary- 
 ing from four to six in number, are of a greenish 
 white colour, blotched with dark brown at the 
 larger end. The flight of the Swallow-tailed Kite 
 is singularly beautiful, and its motions astonishingly 
 rapid. It generally feeds while on the wing, making 
 its prey not only of such small insects as grass- 
 hoppers, but also of snakes and frogs. 
 
 KNOT. 
 
 KNUT, RED, OR ASH-COLOURED SANDPIPER. 
 TEINQA CANTTTUB, Lin. 
 
 This species arrives from the north in the begin- 
 ning of September, and returns at the end of April 
 or beginning of May. It occurs in flocks on all 
 our shores, and is met with chiefly on sands and 
 the margins of estuaries. It breeds in the northern 
 regions of both Continents, living during summer 
 in the marshes. Its food consists of worms, crus- 
 tacea, insects, &c. The winter plumage differs to 
 a considerable degree in colour from that of the 
 breeding season. In winter, when it is called the 
 Ash-coloured Sandpiper, the plumage is ash grey 
 above, white beneath, and the neck and sides are 
 streaked with dusky lines; while in summer the 
 back is of a glossy black, variegated with yellowish 
 
128 
 
 red, and the fore neck and breast of a yellowish 
 red, whence this species derives the name of Eed 
 Sandpiper. 
 
 LAKK, CRESTED. 
 
 ALAUDA CEISTATA, Lin. 
 
 This bird has some resemblance in form to the 
 Sky-lark, from which, however, it differs in having 
 a longitudinal crest, consisting of ten feathers in 
 the shape of a cone, reclining backwards. The head 
 and bill of this species are rather large in propor- 
 tion to its size, for it is a small specimen of the 
 feathered tribe, being only about seven inches long. 
 As far as we have any record, only two instances 
 are known of its having been met with in 
 Britain. Of these, one was killed in Sussex, and 
 the other in Ireland in 1836. Its extreme 
 rarity in this country is a very singular circum- 
 stance, as it is a common bird in the fields and 
 plains round Calais, where it remains all the year, 
 as well as in many other parts of France, not to 
 speak of Switzerland, Spain, Africa, &c., in which 
 it is not a stranger. The nest, which the female 
 makes on the ground in cultivated fields, is con- 
 structed very like that of the Sky-lark, and the 
 eggs, of which there are said to be four or five, are 
 of a light ash colour, with light and dark brown 
 spots. 
 
129 
 LARK, SHORE. 
 
 ALAUDA ALPESTEIS, Lin. 
 
 The Shore Lark occurs in the northern parts of 
 Europe, Asia, and America, migrating into the 
 temperate regions in autumn. A few individuals 
 of the species have been obtained in England. It 
 breeds on the high and desolate tracts of moss- 
 covered granite rock which extend for miles ad- 
 jacent to the shores of Labrador. The Shore Lark 
 embeds its nest in moss and lichens, which greatly 
 resemble in colour the hue of its plumage. The 
 nest is composed of fine grasses, with a lining of 
 grouse and other feathers. The eggs, of which, 
 according to Naturalists, there are four or five, are 
 of a large size and a greyish hue, with pale blue 
 and brown spots. 
 
 LAEK, SHORT-TOED. 
 
 ALAUDA BRACHTDACTYLA, Temm. 
 
 This species is considered to be very abundant in 
 Sicily, and generally along the shores of the Medi- 
 terranean. One specimen is said to have been 
 caught near Shrewsbury, in October, 1841. It 
 makes its nest on the ground, and lays four or five 
 eggs, of a uniform dull yellow hue, without any 
 
 spots. 
 
 K 
 
130 
 
 L AUK:, s K Y. 
 
 ALAUDA ARYENSIS, Lin. 
 
 Perhaps none of our native birds have attracted 
 more notice, or are better known, than the Sky- 
 lark, which is generally distributed in all parts of 
 Great Britain. The peculiar habit, which has ren- 
 dered it so conspicuous, of rising with a fluttering 
 and somewhat spiral motion to a great height in 
 the air, while performing its delightful song, which 
 is protracted beyond that of any bird known, has 
 often been made the theme both of prose and 
 poetry. The Sky-lark's nest, which is placed in 
 a hollow scraped in the ground, in a corner of a 
 hay-field, or in an open pasture, is composed of 
 withered grass rather loosely put together, and 
 lined with finer fibres. The eggs, of which there 
 are four or five, vary much in size and colour, 
 though they are generally of a greenish grey, 
 freckled with small spots of greyish brown. 
 
 LAEK, WOOD. 
 
 ALAUDA AEBOEEA, Lin. 
 
 The Wood-lark, which is considerably smaller 
 than the Sky-lark, is not uncommon in the southern, 
 
131 
 
 western, and midland districts of England, but of 
 very rare occurrence in the northern parts of the 
 kingdom. In Scotland it does not appear to have 
 been seen at all, but it is partially distributed in 
 Ireland. It is a delightful songster, surpassing 
 the Sky-lark in the melodious richness, though 
 not in the variety, of its notes. It frequently 
 perches on trees and bushes, which the kindred 
 species is not accustomed to do. It breeds very 
 early in the spring, placing its nest on the 
 ground, under the shelter of a tuft of grass or a low 
 shrub. The nest is formed of dry grasses and 
 stalks, lined with finer materials of the same kind, 
 and usually with a few hairs intermixed. The eggs, 
 four or five in number, are of a pale yellowish 
 colour, marked with blotches of grey and umber 
 brown. These birds do not congregate in flocks 
 during winter, like the Sky-lark, but seem to re- 
 main in families during that period, from five to 
 seven being generally observed together. 
 
 LINNET, COMMON. 
 
 GREY, BROWN, OR RED-BREASTED LINNET. 
 FRINGILLA CANNABINA, Lin. 
 
 The colours of the male of this species are so 
 much brighter in summer, the forehead and breast 
 
 K 2 
 
132 
 
 being of a bright carmine red, that many persons 
 can hardly be persuaded that the red-breasted 
 Linnet is merely the common brown Linnet. In 
 summer it is generally distributed in various coun- 
 tries^ in which it is permanently resident. In 
 winter the Linnets assemble in very large flocks r 
 and descend to the sea-coasts, whence, as the 
 severe weather approaches, they resort to the 
 neighbourhood of towns and farm-yards, mingling 
 with other species. They remain in these sheltered 
 places till the spring urges them to pair, when they 
 again seek their upland haunts, resorting during 
 the summer to waste lands and commons in the 
 upper parts of the country, where they breed. 
 The nest, which is generally built in furze, if con- 
 venient, or in some low bush, is formed of moss 
 and stalks of grass interwoven with wool, and lined 
 with hair and feathers. The eggs, of a bluish 
 white, speckled with a purpled red colour, are 
 four or five in number. The voice of the Linnet 
 is strong and mellow, and its song varied and 
 remarkably sweet. 
 
133 
 LINNET, MOUNTAIN, OR TWITE. 
 
 FRINGILLA. MONTIUM, Mont. 
 
 The Mountain Linnet, or Twite, is abundant in 
 Norway, &c., and other northern regions, extend- 
 ing to the Arctic Circle, but is rare, and only known 
 as a bird of passage in the warmer parts of Europe. 
 It is abundant in the northern part of Scotland, the 
 Hebrides, Orkney, and the Shetland Islands, where 
 it breeds, and numbers remain all the year. As 
 autumn approaches, a portion assemble in flocks, 
 leave the mountains, and proceed southward, 
 associating in their migration with the Common 
 Linnet. The nest of the Mountain Linnet, which 
 is placed among the heather, is neatly constructed 
 of dry grass, moss, &c., with a lining of fibrous 
 roots, wool, and hair. The eggs are of a bluish 
 white, spotted with brown and purplish red specks. 
 
 MAGPIE. 
 
 COBYUS PICA, Lin. 
 
 This handsome species of Crow is generally dis- 
 persed throughout the United Kingdom, except in 
 very mountainous districts. It is a bird of crafty 
 and restless disposition, and although shy and sin- 
 
134 
 
 gularly wary, is commonly seen near the habitations 
 of man. These birds are usually observed in pairs, 
 and continue together the whole year. In winter 
 they often assemble in numbers at night to roost 
 in particular districts, but separate again during 
 the day. Their nest, which is generally con- 
 structed in trees or bushes, arid is of large dimen- 
 sions for the bird, is outwardly composed of sticks, 
 lined with a thick plastering of clay, on which is 
 disposed a soft bed of the small fibres of roots and 
 dry grass, covered over or arched, and with an 
 aperture on one side. The eggs, which vary in 
 number from four to eight, are of a yellowish grey 
 colour, speckled with yellow brown spots, varying 
 in their tints. Being very destructive to eggs and 
 young birds, the Magpie is much persecuted. 
 
 MARTIN, COMMON, OR HOUSE MARTIN. 
 
 HlEUNDO TJEBICA, Lin. 
 
 The first appearance of the Martin is a few 
 days after that of the Swallows, and it departs 
 about the same time. It seems to commence its 
 northern migration in Africa, and even to cross 
 the Mediterranean with the Swallow, but its power 
 of flight requires longer time to perform the dis- 
 tance. On its first arrival it is usually seen in such 
 warm and low situations as are most likely to fur- 
 
135 
 
 nish it with a full supply of its natural food. If 
 the weather is favourable, it commences nidifi cation 
 early in May, and builds in the upper angles of 
 windows and under the eaves of houses, sometimes 
 nnder the arches of bridges or against the face of 
 rocks. The nest, which is well lined with a col- 
 lection of straw, hay, and feathers, is formed out- 
 wardly of mud compactly worked and cemented 
 by means of its bill, and is closed all round, with 
 the exception of a small orifice, just of sufficient 
 size to admit a passage to its inhabitants. The eggs 
 are from four to six in number, of a transparent or 
 pinkish white. 
 
 MAETIN, PUEPLE, 
 
 HlEUNDO PURPUIiEA, Lin. 
 
 This species, which is said to have been obtained 
 in Britain on one or two occasions, is a native of 
 the United States of America. Eesorting to human 
 habitations, it is protected even by the American 
 Indians, who, as a convenient place for a nest, 
 hang on a neighbouring tree an empty gourd, in 
 which a hole has been roughly cut. In this recep- 
 tacle the Purple Martin makes its inartificial nest. 
 The more civilized inhabitants of farms provide for 
 the roosting of this bird by fastening nest boxes 
 
136 
 
 against the wall. When it builds in a crevice or 
 other spot which has not been prepared for it, the 
 nest is found to consist of dried grass, leaves, moss, 
 feathers, &c., and in breeding time contains from 
 four to six white eggs. The Purple Martin feeds 
 mostly upon the larger insects, such as wasps, 
 bees, beetles, &c. 
 
 MAETIN, SAND. 
 
 HIEUNDO BIPAKIA, Lin. 
 
 This bird, the earliest of the tribe in its visit to 
 Great Britain, and the smallest of the genus ever 
 seen in this country, is first observed about the 
 end of March, and takes its departure about the 
 middle of September. It is partially distributed 
 throughout this country, and is said to be more 
 numerous than the other species in the Orkney 
 Islands, but is found in considerable numbers only 
 in those districts which offer suitable situations for 
 its peculiar mode of nidification. The places 
 which it selects for this purpose are the precipitous 
 sandy banks which border rivers. In these, by 
 means of its bill and claws, it burrows horizontally 
 to a considerable depth, and at the end of the hole 
 makes a nest of hay, sfcraw, feathers, &c., in which 
 
137 
 
 it deposits four or five white eggs. In other 
 respects its habits are similar to those of the 
 kindred species, with which it often associates. 
 
 MERGANSER, HOODED. 
 
 MEEGTJS CTJCULLATUS, Lin. 
 
 The proper country of this beautiful bird, of the 
 occurrence of which in England a few instances 
 have been recorded, is North America, in the 
 Arctic regions of which it breeds, retiring south- 
 wards early in September, and passing the winter 
 in the bays and estuaries, as well as on the inland 
 waters. They breed in holes and hollows. On a 
 few dried weeds and feathers of different kinds, 
 with a small quantity of down from the breast of 
 the female, the eggs are deposited. These are 
 from five to eight in number, and, except in size, 
 resemble those of the Eed-breasted Merganser. 
 
 MEEGANSEE, EED-BEEASTED. 
 
 BAY-NECKED GOOSEANDER. 
 
 MEEGTJS SEREATOR, Lin. 
 
 This species is frequent upon the lakes and rivers 
 of Norway and Sweden, where they breed, as 
 
138 
 
 well as in Eussia, Greenland, and the fur coun- 
 tries of North America. It is abundant also in 
 Holland, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, &c. Its 
 summer residence is in the northern parts of both 
 Continents, from the colder temperate regions to 
 the borders of the polar ice. In winter it advances 
 southward, and is common in Scotland, where it 
 betakes itself chiefly to streams and lakes, but also 
 to estuaries and the open sea. Many breed in the 
 Hebrides, Orkneys, and Shetland Islands, forming 
 a bulky nest, which they line with down. The 
 female lays from five to ten oval eggs of a cream 
 colour, or very pale buff, two inches and a half in 
 length and an inch and three-fourths in breadth. 
 
 MERLIN. 
 
 FALCO JESALOtf, Mont. 
 
 This, the smallest British species of the genus, is 
 by no means uncommon in many parts of Scotland, 
 where it remains all the year. It is also found 
 frequently in the north of England, but in the 
 middle and southern districts it occurs only in 
 autumn and winter. Inferior as this species is in 
 size, it fully supports the fearless and daring cha- 
 racter of its tribe, frequently attacking birds supe- 
 rior to itself in magnitude and weight. The Merlin 
 
139 
 
 Hawk has been known to kill a partridge at a 
 single blow. Its flight is low and rapid, and it is 
 generally seen skimming along the sides of hedges 
 in search of its prey. Its nest, which is rudely 
 constructed, is placed on the ground amongst the 
 heather. The eggs, varying in number from three 
 to five, are very similar to those of the Kestril, 
 though rather smaller. They are of a light red or 
 reddish white, confusedly dotted or blotched with 
 dull red or brown spots. 
 
 MOOR HEN. 
 MARSH, OR WATER-HEN. 
 GALLINTJLA CHLOEQPUS, Lath. 
 
 The Moor Hen is found in all parts of Britain 
 and Ireland that are adapted to its nature and 
 habits, such as marshy places, pools, lakes, still 
 streams, mill dams, and even ditches, where it 
 searches for its food, which it finds chiefly among the 
 reeds and other aquatic plants along the shores. 
 It swims with great ease and elegance, sitting lightly 
 on the water, with its neck erect and tail obliquely 
 raised. It dives with equal facility, and when sur- 
 prised remains concealed under the water, with only 
 the bill above the surface. It occasionally also hides 
 
140 
 
 among the herbage, or under a bank. On land it 
 runs with great facility, and often perches on 
 stumps or trunks of willows, on which it sometimes 
 forms its nest a rather bulky construction, which, 
 however, is usually placed on the ground among 
 reeds or in the water. The eggs, of which there 
 may be six, eight, or ten, are of a pale greyish 
 yellow, or greyish brown, dotted with deep brown 
 spots. 
 
 NIGHTINGALE. 
 
 PHILOMELA LUSCINIA. 
 
 This favourite bird is common in Sweden and in 
 the northern parts of Germany, and arrives in Bri- 
 tain towards the end of April or the beginning of 
 May, the males preceding the females by an inter- 
 val of ten days or a fortnight. They disperse over 
 the southern and eastern counties, and proceed as far 
 north as the vicinity of York and Carlisle. Although 
 supposed to have been heard in Scotland, none of 
 them have ever been obtained there. It is of a 
 very shy disposition, frequenting woods rank with 
 underwood, close thickets, thorn brakes and hedges, 
 and is seldom seen in the place of its retreat, being 
 only discovered by its song. The variety, unri- 
 
141 
 
 vailed richness,, and power of the Nightingale's 
 song have been long celebrated, and its effect is 
 still further increased by the hour at which it is 
 heard, during the silence of a calm summer's night. 
 The nest of this favourite bird, which is found on 
 the ground, is constructed of withered oak leaves, 
 and is lined with dry grass. The eggs, of which 
 there are not more than four or five, are of a pale 
 olive brown, often tinged with greyish blue. 
 
 NIGHT JAR. 
 FERN OWL, OR GOATSUCKER. 
 
 CAPBIMTJLGUS ETJEOP^TTS, Lin. '' 
 
 The Night Jar is a periodical visitant to this 
 country, in which it arrives about the end of May, 
 and from which it departs in September, or early 
 in October. Its habits are somewhat peculiar. 
 It flies in the dusk of the evening in gloomy wea- 
 ther, or by moonlight in the shade of woods, feed- 
 ing on insects, especially moths and beetles, which 
 it seizes on the wing. It produces a whirring noise 
 at intervals, like the sound of a spinning-wheel, 
 and occasionally emits a shrill whistle. During the 
 day it rests till after sunset on the ground among 
 furze or fern, or perched lengthways upon the 
 
142 
 
 horizontal branch of some tree, such as the birch, 
 &c. It breeds on the ground, making no nest, but 
 generally selecting a dry spot where the ferns have 
 prevented the growth of the lower herbage. It 
 lays but two eggs, white, marbled with yellowish 
 brown and grey. The young are at first covered 
 with long white down. 
 
 NUTCRACKER. 
 
 NFCIFRAGA CARYOCATACTES, Mont. 
 
 The Nutcracker, which inhabits woods and 
 forests in mountainous regions in many parts 
 of Northern Europe, is a rare visitor to Great 
 Britain, very few instances being upon record of 
 its having been observed in this country. It 
 obtains its name from the alleged habit of splitting 
 with its bill the shell of nuts, or other hard fruits, on 
 which it feeds. It ascends the trunks of trees with 
 facility, and feeds on the various insects and larvae 
 that inhabit the bark and wood, as well as on nuts 
 and the seeds of the different kinds of fir. It makes 
 its nest in the hole of a decayed tree, and lays five 
 or six eggs, of a yellowish grey colour, with spots 
 or blotches of yellowish or wood brown. 
 
143 
 NUTHATCH. 
 
 SITTA EUBOPJBA, Lin. 
 
 The Nuthatch is not generally distributed in 
 Britain, being of rare occurrence in the northern 
 parts, and not hitherto observed in Scotland. Like 
 the Creeper and Woodpecker, it ascends the trunks 
 and branches of trees by means of its long curved 
 claws, but without employing its tail as a support ; 
 and, unlike all our other birds, it descends in the 
 same manner, head foremost. Besides insects, it 
 feeds on the kernels of nuts, to obtain which it 
 places the nut in a crevice found in the bark of 
 some tree, and, with its head downwards, splits it 
 by repeated strokes of its bill. It forms its nest, 
 made of dead leaves, in the holes of trees, which, 
 by means of plaster of clay, it contracts to a size 
 barely admitting of its passage. Its eggs, of which 
 there may be five or seven, are of a greyish white, 
 spotted with reddish brown, and very similar to 
 those of the Great Titmouse. 
 
144 
 ORIOLE, GOLDEN. 
 
 OETOLTJS G-ALBULA, Lin. 
 
 The Golden Oriole is said to arrive in the south 
 of Europe about the end of spring, and to extend 
 over France and many parts of Germany, but is 
 rare in the northern countries. It has been met 
 with in several counties in England, and in a few 
 instances in Ireland. It inhabits woods and 
 thickets, and feeds upon berries, grapes, and other 
 fruits, as well as on insects. It breeds in some 
 parts of France and Italy. The nest is formed of 
 straw and dried grass, lined with finer materials 
 and feathers, artfully suspended by its outer rim 
 to the extreme fork of some lofty branch. It lays 
 four or five white eggs, variegated with isolated 
 dark brown spots. The parents are assiduous in 
 the support of their progeny, which they feed with 
 insects, and, if danger threatens, bold in their 
 defence. 
 
 OSPEEY, FISHING EAGLE. 
 
 FISH HAWK, OR BALD BUZZARD. 
 
 FALCQ HALKETTJS, Lin. 
 
 The peculiar habits of the Osprey necessarily 
 limit its appearance to particular districts and 
 

 145 
 
 situations, for being strictly a fish-eating hawk, it 
 is only in the vicinity of lakes, rivers, or such 
 pools of water as abound with fish, that we can 
 expect to meet with it. It is generally dissemi- 
 nated throughout Europe, and is also found in 
 North America. It has been met with in several 
 counties of England and Scotland, where it breeds 
 on some of the lakes, such as Loch Lomond and 
 Loch Awe. The Osprey, which is a powerful bird, 
 captures fish by plunging down upon them when 
 they approach the surface. Its flight is sedate, yet 
 buoyant and graceful, and it hovers over the water 
 with an undulatory motion of the wings. The 
 nest, which is bulky, is placed on a rock, old 
 building, lofty tree, or such elevated situation as 
 the place may afford. The eggs, three or four in 
 number, are somewhat round in form, of a yel- 
 lowish white, with large patches of reddish brown. 
 
 OUZEL, RING. 
 
 TURDUS TORQUATUS, Lin. 
 
 The name of Ring Ouzel is given to this bird on 
 account of the broad white band that encircles 
 portions of the throat. It is common in Sweden, 
 France, and Germany, but rare in Holland. Its 
 periodical visits to our coasts are at an opposite 
 
 L 
 
146 
 
 period to those of others of its genus that migrate, 
 viz., the Fieldfare and Redwing, as it arrives in 
 the spring, and immediately resorts to the moun- 
 tainous districts of England, Scotland, and Ireland, 
 preferring those of the most stony and barren, 
 nature. In these situations it breeds and rears its 
 young, generally placing its nest, which in form 
 and texture resembles that of a Blackbird, on 
 some steep bank supported by a projecting stunted 
 bush, or a tuft of grass or heath, sometimes also 
 in the cleft or on the shelf of a rock. 
 
 The female lays from four to six eggs, which 
 are of a pale bluish green, blotched with pale 
 reddish brown freckles. As autumn approaches, 
 the Ring Ouzel quits its mountainous haunts, 
 journeys southwards, and about the latter part of 
 October leaves this kingdom for warmer climates, 
 where it passes the winter. 
 
 OWL, BARN SCREECH. 
 WHITE OWL. 
 
 STEIX FLA.MMBA, Lin. 
 
 The Barn Screech Owl is more numerous and 
 more extensively distributed in Britain than any 
 other of its family. It is seldom met with in the 
 wilder and bleaker districts, its favourite haunts being 
 in the cultivated and sheltered parts of the country, 
 
147 
 
 where meadows and corn-fields foster the animals 
 on which it habitually preys, which appear to be 
 chiefly mice. Euined buildings, the eaves of 
 churches, church towers, barns, or hollow trees, 
 are its usual places of abode, where in breeding 
 time it lays its eggs, from three to five in number, 
 and of a bluish white colour. The young are at 
 first covered with white down. In its flight it 
 occasionally utters loud screams, &c. 
 
 OWL, EAGLE. 
 GREAT HORNED OWL. 
 
 Sfnix BUBO, Lin. 
 
 This species, which is equal in size to some of 
 the largest Eagles, like all continental birds of 
 prey occasionally visits this country in obedience 
 to the instinct which prompts it to migrate ; but 
 the greater part of those which have been killed 
 in England have escaped from confinement* 
 Numbers also are taken in Sweden and Norway 
 when young, brought up by the hand, and im- 
 ported into Great Britain, where they not only 
 live and thrive, but breed and bring up their 
 young. In Ireland they appear to be quite un- 
 known, none having been captured or killed in 
 that country. This bird preys upon fawns, rabbits, 
 the different species of grouse, rats, &c. It builds 
 
 L 2 
 
148 
 
 amid rocks or on lofty trees, and lays two or three 
 eggs, larger than those of a hen, round at each end, 
 and of a bluish white colour. 
 
 OWL, HAWK. 
 
 STEIX FUNEBEA, Lin. 
 
 An individual of this species was captured in 
 March, 1830, off the southern coast of England, 
 and another specimen is recorded as haying been 
 taken in 1847, near the Tatton Station, on the 
 Bristol and Exeter Eailway. It is a common 
 species throughout the fur countries of America, 
 from Hudson's Bay to the Pacific. 
 
 The Hawk Owl, from the formation of its head 
 and feet and the length of its tail, appears to be a 
 connecting link between the Hawk and the Owl. 
 Contrary to the general habits of Owls, it flies and 
 pursues its prey by day. 
 
 In the summer season it feeds principally on 
 mice and insects, but in the snow-clad regions 
 which it frequents in winter, neither of these 
 can be procured, and it then preys mostly on Ptar- 
 migan. Its nest, which it builds on trees, is 
 composed of sticks, grass, and feathers, and it lays 
 two white eggs. 
 
149 
 OWL, LITTLE. 
 
 STRTX PASSERINA, Lath. 
 
 Numerous instances are recorded of the capture 
 of this bird in England, but as numbers of the 
 young are annually imported alive into this coun- 
 try, it may be considered probable that they are 
 not all naturally wild specimens. Hitherto none 
 of this species have been found in Scotland, nor 
 indeed in any country far north, but it is not un- 
 common in the southern parts of the Continent. 
 The Little Owl, like a few others of this species, 
 occasionally preys by day. It inhabits ruins, 
 church towers, and similar old buildings, where it 
 also breeds, laying four or five white eggs of a 
 round shape, like those of the other varieties. 
 
 OWL, LONG-EARED. 
 HORNED OWL. 
 
 STBIX OTPS, Lin. 
 
 The Long-eared Owl is pretty generally dis- 
 persed throughout Europe and North America, 
 where it is found to inhabit the woods at a dis- 
 tance from the sea-shore. It has been observed as 
 
150 
 
 far north as Hudson's Bay. It is a constant resi- 
 dent in England and Scotland, occurring in the 
 wooded parts of these countries. Plantations of 
 fir, in which it finds a sheltered retreat during the 
 day, and also thick holly or ivy bushes, are its 
 favourite haunts. It breeds early in the spring, 
 not making any nest of its own, but taking posses- 
 sion of that of a magpie or crow. Its eggs, of 
 which there are generally four or five, are white, 
 and rather larger and rounder than those of the 
 Ring-dove. Mice and moles form the principal 
 part of its food. 
 
 OWL, MOTTLED. 
 
 AMERICAN MOTTLED OWL. 
 
 STRIX Asio, Lin. 
 
 The Mottled Owl inhabits the Oregon and the 
 Columbia River districts, and is met with abun- 
 dantly in the British provinces of New Brunswick, 
 Nova Scotia, &c. In England a specimen of this 
 bird was shot by Joseph Owen of Kirkstall, in the 
 breeding season of 1852, in Hawksworth Cover, 
 the property of Lord Cardigan, half a mile above 
 Kirkstall Abbey, on the banks of the river Aire, 
 and about four miles west of Leeds. A pair of 
 these Owls having been seen by Mr. Owen, he 
 shot one, and went night after night to the haunts 
 they had both frequented to obtain the other, but 
 
151 
 
 without success. A detailed account, with a figure 
 of the species, appeared in the " Naturalist" for 
 August, 1855. Of its eggs or breeding-place 
 nothing is known. 
 
 OWL, SCOPS-EAEED. 
 LITTLE HORNED OWL. 
 
 STEIX SCOPS, Mont. 
 
 This diminutive species is only an occasional 
 visitant in England, and that at very rare intervals. 
 It is common, however, in the warmer parts of 
 Europe during the summer months, but regularly 
 leaves them on the approach of autumn, for regions 
 nearer to the Equator. In France it arrives and 
 departs with the Swallow. Its favourite residence 
 in Italy is in the lower wooded regions. Field 
 and shrew mice, insects and earth-worms, are the 
 food in quest of which it sallies forth at night-fall, 
 uttering a peculiar cry, which resembles the word 
 " kew." Being one of those birds which constructs 
 no nest, it deposits its eggs, of which there are four 
 or five, in the hollow of a tree. Becoming very 
 tame when taken young, it is easily domesticated, 
 and its habits and manners are very interesting. 
 
152 
 
 OWL, SHORT-EARED. 
 
 SHORT-HORNED OWL. 
 STEIX BEACHYOTOS, Mont. 
 
 This Owl is widely distributed, being met with 
 in Siberia and in several parts of North America. 
 In winter they are dispersed over Scotland and 
 England, generally appearing from the north about 
 the beginning of October, and remaining till April, 
 when they retire northwards. Many however 
 remain in the Orkneys, and other northern parts 
 of Scotland, to breed. In this country they gene- 
 rally remain concealed in long grass or rushy 
 places, upon waste ground or moors ; and are 
 often met with in turnip fields. They are seldom or 
 never seen in plantations, and it does not appear 
 to be their habit to perch upon trees. Five or six 
 of them are often observed together. Their prin- 
 cipal food with us consists of field-mice, and 
 occasionally small birds, and they are not altogether 
 nocturnal. 
 
 OWL, SNOWY. 
 
 STEIX NYCTEA, Lin. 
 
 This noble and beautiful Owl was first esta- 
 blished as a resident in Great Britain in the year 
 
153 
 
 1812, by Mr. Bullock, who, in a tour which he 
 made to the Orkneys and Shetland Isles, found it 
 breeding in those remote districts. Since that 
 period it has occasionally been met with in the 
 United Kingdom. Some individuals of this 
 species are almost entirely white, while others have 
 large markings. From the observations that have 
 been made on its habits, it appears to be by no 
 means a bird which is active only during the com- 
 parative gloom of twilight, for it has been seen 
 pursuing its prey in the daytime. Alpine hares, 
 rabbits, rats, and the different species of grouse, 
 are among the animals that fall victims to its 
 appetite. It rests exposed upon the ground, where 
 it can look round and descry the approach of an 
 enemy. It breeds upon open moors, and lays two 
 or three eggs of a pure white. 
 
 OWL, TAWNY BKOWN. 
 
 IVY OWL. 
 STEIX STKLDTJLA, Mont. 
 
 Next to the White or Barn Owl, this is the most 
 abundant of the British species, and like the former 
 is generally dispersed throughout this kingdom, as 
 well as in many parts of Europe. It is most fre- 
 quently met with, however, in well-wooded dis- 
 tricts, as it takes up its abode in woods and thick 
 
154 
 
 plantations, preferring those which abound in firs 
 and holly or ivy bushes. In such situations it 
 remains concealed till nightfall, as it is very impa- 
 tient of the glare of day, and sees indeed imper- 
 fectly during the continuance of sunlight. It preys 
 upon rats, mice, moles, rabbits, and young leverets, 
 and is sometimes destructive to pigeons, entering 
 the dovecots, and committing great havoc. At 
 night it emits a loud and doleful cry, termed 
 hooting, and occasionally utters a harsh scream. 
 It breeds in the cavities of old trees, or will occupy 
 the deserted nest of a crow, and produces four or 
 five white eggs of a broad oval shape. 
 
 OWL, TENGMALM'S. 
 
 STEIX TENGMALMI, Temm. 
 
 This is an occasional straggler in England, but 
 not a native. It is abundant in North America, 
 and not uncommon in the north of Europe, where it 
 nests in the hollows of trees, laying four or five 
 white eggs. The nest-boxes set up by the Lapps 
 and other inhabitants of the far north, for the 
 accommodation of the Golden-eyed Duck, which 
 regularly avails itself of these artificial nesting- 
 places, are invariably robbed of the eggs which they 
 contain, by the proprietor of the Tyllyr. This 
 Owl is strictly nocturnal in its habits, and is so 
 
155 
 
 much dazzled by the light of the sun when it 
 accidentally wanders abroad in the day, that it 
 becomes stupid, in which condition it may be 
 easily caught by the hand. Its cry in the night 
 is a melancholy note, repeated at intervals of a 
 minute or two. 
 
 
 OYSTER-CATCHER, OR SEA-PIE. 
 
 HJEMATOPUS OSTRALEGUS, Lin. 
 
 The Oyster-catcher occurs on all our coasts, on 
 many parts of which it is abundant. After the 
 breeding season it collects in flocks, which are 
 frequently very numerous. At this period they are 
 met with chiefly on low rocky shores, or at the 
 mouths of rivers. Its peculiar shaped bill is con- 
 structed in such a manner as to enable it easily to 
 disengage the limpets from the rocks, and to pluck 
 out from their half-opened shells the oysters, on 
 which, as well as on other kinds of shell-fish, sea- 
 worms, and insects, it feeds. They are often seen 
 frequenting not only rocky headlands, but also the 
 extensive sands on the sea-shore. They occa- 
 sionally wade in the water, but in general seek 
 their food in exposed parts. They run with great 
 celerity, have a strong and rapid flight, and emit a 
 very loud shrill cry. In April the flocks break 
 up, and the individuals disperse in pairs, some 
 
156 
 
 ascending the rivers, but by far the greatest 
 number breeding on the shores of the sea, in un- 
 frequented places. The nest, which is hollow, 
 with some fragments of plants placed in it, is 
 made generally among the gravel or pebbles, but 
 sometimes also in rocky places. The eggs, of which 
 there are not more than three or four, are of an 
 oval shape, and of a pale greyish yellow hue, 
 marked all over with dots, blotches, and streaks of 
 blackish brown. * 
 
 PARTRIDGE, BAEBARY. 
 
 PEED ix PETROSA, Gould. 
 
 It is said by Naturalists to frequent France, 
 Spain, and Germany, while in England only a few 
 rare specimens have been discovered. A bird of 
 this species was found dead a few miles from 
 Melton Mowbray, in Leicestershire, in April, 1842, 
 since which time a few other individuals have 
 been observed in England, where it is generally 
 supposed that a few eggs of this breed had been 
 introduced some years since, with a much larger 
 quantity of those of the more common red-legged 
 birds. The Barbary Partridge, otherwise the 
 Mock Partridge, and Gambia Partridge of Buffon, 
 is found in Africa, as far south as Senegal, and to 
 the north extending its range over Morocco and 
 
157 
 
 Barbary, and from thence eastwards to Algeria, 
 where it is said to be common. In its habits it 
 closely resembles the other red-legged species, 
 selecting seed, grain, and insects as its favourite 
 food. The female chooses barren places and desert 
 mountains, where, among low bushes, she deposits 
 her eggs, to the number of fifteen. The eggs are 
 of a yellow hue, thickly dotted with greenish olive 
 spots. 
 
 PARTRIDGE, COMMON. 
 
 PEKDIX CIKEREA, Mont. 
 
 The Partridge is generally distributed and per- 
 manently resident in cultivated lands, though it is 
 not peculiar to them. It thrives best in those 
 parts where an abundance of grain prevails. It is 
 fond of rambling into waste or pasture grounds, 
 which are covered with long grass, furze, or broom ; 
 but it seldom enters woods, and never perches on 
 trees. Its flight is direct, with rapid flaps of the 
 wings, producing a whirring noise, and it runs with 
 great speed. It feeds on grass, corn, grain, peas, 
 the seeds of various plants, and on insects, &c. &c. 
 During the middle of the day the Partridges 
 retire to bushes, or bask in the sun on dry banks 
 where they may be observed busily engaged 
 in dusting, and afterwards in pruning their 
 feathers. They roost upon the ground, gene- 
 
158 
 
 rally in an open place. In winter the Partridges 
 remain together in coveys, but separate and pair 
 early in spring. The eggs are deposited on the 
 ground in a shallow hole, scratched for the pur- 
 pose, and under cover of a tuft of grass, furze, bush, 
 or other brushwood. They vary in number, from 
 twelve to twenty, and are of a pale greenish or 
 yellowish brown. 
 
 PAKTRIDGE, RED-LEGGED. 
 
 FRENCH OR GUERNSEY PARTRIDGE. 
 
 PEED ix KTJFA, Mont. 
 
 This bird is found not only in various parts 
 of Asia and Africa, but also in Europe, as in Ger- 
 many, France, and Italy, as well as in the Islands 
 of Madeira, Guernsey, and Jersey. It has been in- 
 troduced too into the southern and eastern parts of 
 England, where it is not uncommon. It prefers 
 woody and heathy wastes to cultivated land. It 
 affords less sport than the common species of Part- 
 ridge, as it runs before the dogs, the individuals 
 composing a covey dispersing and rising one after 
 another. Its mode of nesting is similar to that 
 of the other species. The female lays ten to fifteen 
 eggs of a yellowish colour, variegated with 
 greenish brown spots, very close to each other* 
 
159 
 
 PASTOR, ROSE-COLOURED, 
 
 ROSE-COLOURED STARLING. ROSE-COLOURED OUZEL. 
 
 PASTOR ROSEUS, Temm. 
 
 This beautiful bird is a native of the warmer 
 parts of Asia and Africa, where it is common. It 
 migrates at regular periodical intervals into the 
 south of Europe, visiting in this way Italy, Spain, 
 and the southern provinces of France, and some- 
 times straggling into this country, where it has 
 been repeatedly obtained, as also in a few instances 
 in Scotland. It lives and feeds with the Starling, 
 and perching on the backs of cattle, extracts the 
 larvae of cestri, a species of parasitical insect which 
 breeds upon them. In the search after these it 
 displays great assiduity, and is on that account not 
 only highly esteemed, but carefully protected by the 
 inhabitants of the countries it frequents, who derive 
 great benefit from its destruction of numbers of 
 injurious larvae. Its nest is made in the holes of 
 trees, and in old walls ; and the female lays five 
 or six light blue eggs. 
 
 PETREL, BULWER'S. 
 
 THALASSIDROMA, Gould. 
 
 The following is the account given by Mr* 
 Gould, in his Birds of Europe, of this rare species 
 
160 
 
 of Petrel. u On the authority of Colonel Dal ton, of 
 Hemingford, near Ripon, we are enabled to add this 
 rare species to the Fauna of Britain, from a fine 
 specimen which was found on the banks of the Tire, 
 near Tanfield, in Yorkshire, on the 8th May, 1837, 
 and which could not have been long dead, as it 
 admitted of being mounted as a good cabinet 
 specimen, and is now in the possession of Colonel 
 Dalton. As it is stated to be an inhabitant of 
 Madeira and the adjacent islands, we may infer 
 that the seas bounding the western shores of 
 Africa constitute its true habitat." 
 
 PETREL, CAPPED. 
 
 WHITE-HEADED PETREL. 
 PROCELLAEIA. H^ESITATA, Kuhl. 
 
 But very few examples of this species of Petrel 
 are to be met with in collections. One was 
 obtained in the Indian Ocean, another in the 
 Australian Seas, and a third in the South Seas. 
 One is now in the British Museum, which was 
 brought from Hay ti ; and another which was taken 
 in the West Indies. Only one specimen has been 
 obtained in England, captured near Swaffham, in 
 Norfolk, in the spring of 1850, a detailed account 
 of which appeared in the a Zoologist/' in 1852, 
 (page 3661,) with two illustrations. Of its eggs, 
 and manner of nesting, nothing appears to be known. 
 
1G1 
 
 P E T R EL, F R K-T A I L E D. 
 
 LEACH PETREL. 
 
 THALASSIDROMA LEACHIT, Temtri. 
 
 This species, which resembles the Stormy Petrel, 
 was discovered in 1818, in the island of St. Kilda. 
 It has since been repeatedly met with on various 
 parts of the coast, and has several times been 
 found dead, or in an exhausted state, even far 
 inland, during or after stormy weather in winter. 
 It is said to be plentiful on the banks of Newfound- 
 land, and in other parts of North America. It 
 has been taken on the coasts of Holland, Belgium, 
 and France. It breeds in sandy burrows or holeg 
 of rocks, laying one white egg of a roundish oval 
 form, large for the size of the bird. It feeds on 
 small fish} criistacea and mollusca, &c. 
 
 PETREL. 
 
 OR MALLEMOKE. 
 
 PROCELLARIA GLACIATES, Lin. 
 
 The Fulmer Petrel inhabits in summer the 
 Arctic regions of both Continents, and in winter 
 advances southward. It is of rare occurrence on 
 our coasts, except on the island of Sfc Kilda, where 
 numbers breed. The egg, which is deposited in a 
 
 M 
 
162 
 
 slight nest on the rocks, is quite white, and of large 
 size, two inches and a half in length, two inches 
 in breadth. It is remarkable that, whatever be 
 the nature of the food of the Fulmer, and other 
 birds of the Petrel species, a quantity of pure oily 
 matter is usually found in the gullet, supposed by 
 many to be the product of some secretion or con- 
 version. Voyagers to the northern seas, however, 
 state that this species greedily devours the blubber 
 of dead whales, and the common opinion is that 
 all the Fulmers and Petrels obtain oily and fatty 
 matters floating on the sea. When seized, they 
 eject by the mouth, and also it is said squirt 
 through the nostrils, this oil, which the people of 
 St. Kilda collect for economical purposes. When 
 first ejected it is of a clear amber colour, but 
 becomes of a deeper tint when kept. 
 
 PETREL, STORM. 
 
 MOTHER GARY'S CHICKEN. 
 THALASSIDROMA PELAGICA, Penn. 
 
 This species, the smallest of the European web- 
 footed birds, is a native of the British islands, 
 breeding in Cornwall, Shetland, the Orkneys, and 
 the Hebrides. It constructs its nest in holes in 
 the rocks, or under stones on the sea beach. The 
 eggs, which are broad, are of a pure white, with- 
 
163 
 
 out gloss, and generally with a belt of minute 
 dark red spots at the large end. The Storm Petrel 
 disappears from all its breeding places after the 
 young are reared, and seems to reside on the open 
 sea during winter. It has a buoyant and gliding 
 flight, floats lightly on the water, and swims with 
 ease, letting down its feet occasionally when 
 skimming over the waves. It has even been 
 imagined; like others of this genus, to walk on the 
 sea, whence its name Petrel or Little Peter. 
 
 PETKEL, WILSON'S. 
 
 THALASSIDEOMA WILSONI, Temm. 
 
 Wilson's Petrel, named by the Prince of Canino 
 in honour of the celebrated Scoto- American Orni- 
 thologist, is said to breed on various parts of the 
 coasts of North America, and to occur plentifully 
 on the Atlantic ocean. It is admitted in the Bri- 
 tish list as an occasional visitant. It breeds on 
 some small islands, situated off the southern extre- 
 mity of }s[ova Scotia, which are formed of sand and 
 light earth, scantily covered with grass, where 
 it forms burrows to the depth of about two feet, 
 in the bottom of which, in a nest, made of a few 
 bits of dried grass, scarcely deserving the name, it 
 lays a single white egg. The egg, measuring an 
 inch and a half in length, is almost equally round 
 
 at both ends. 
 
 M 2 
 
164 
 
 PH ALAROPE. 
 
 GREY-RED PHALAROPE, OR COOTFOOT. 
 
 PHAIAROPUS PLATYKHINCHUS, Gould. 
 
 The Phalarope enters in summer into the Arctic 
 regions of both continents, where it breeds, as- 
 suming at this season the light red plumage whence 
 it derives the name of Eed Phalarope. The eggs, 
 four in number, are of a green hue, clouded and 
 spotted with amber brown. Its flight is rapid ; it 
 runs with ease, and swims with great speed. It 
 often searches the shores of seas, lakes, and rivers, 
 in the manner of a Sandpiper, but having the toes 
 furnished with a broad scolloped membrane, 
 similar to that of the Coot, it is enabled to proceed 
 to sea, and is frequently seen at a great distance 
 from land, walking on masses of floating sea- 
 weed, or swimming on the open ocean. 
 
 PHALAKOPE, RED-NECKED. 
 
 PHA.LAHOPUS HYPERBOREUS, Penn. 
 This species differs from the last chiefly in 
 having the bill more slender, depressed and 
 tapering to a point, instead of becoming enlarged 
 towards the end. There is little difference, how- 
 ever, in the habits of the two birds. It is found in 
 
165 
 
 the northern parts of both continents, after pass- 
 ing the summer in which, it migrates southwards. 
 It also occurs in England, but does not appear to 
 remain with us all the winter, the few that have 
 been seen towards that season having been observed 
 only in the course of their migrations. The Bed- 
 necked Phalarope breeds in the Orkney and Shet- 
 land Islands, where it inhabits the margin of the 
 lakes, near the edge of which it forms its nest in 
 the grass, depositing in it four eggs of a light olive 
 or oil-green colour, spotted with brownish black. 
 It swims with great ease, but is incapable of diving. 
 It has also been seen out at sea among floating 
 seaweed. It feeds on insects, Crustacea, and worms. 
 
 PHEASANT, KING-NECK. 
 
 BOHEMIAN PHEASANT. 
 PHA.SIANUS COLCHICUS, Lin. 
 
 The *Pheasant is now found numerously distri- 
 buted throughout a great part of Europe. In its 
 native haunts in Asia it is very abundant ; and, 
 although not a native of this country, is now 
 generally dispersed in Great Britain and Ireland. 
 Naturalized as it is, in some manner, in this country, 
 it could not subsist with us were it left to its own 
 resources, and is therefore nourished in preserves. 
 The males generally keep by themselves in winter, 
 
166 
 
 and in spring separate, each selecting a particular 
 spot, where he struts and invites the female by 
 crowing and clapping his wings. The female makes 
 a very inartificial nest upon the ground, in long grass 
 or thick underwood, and not unfrequently in fields 
 of clover. She lays from ten to fifteen eggs, of a 
 pale greenish brown, sometimes greyish white, and 
 occasionally yellowish grey. In some instances 
 the Pheasant, and more rarely the black Grouse, 
 has been crossed with the domestic fowl, and some- 
 times the female assumes the plumage of the male. 
 
 PIGEON, PASSENGEE. 
 
 COLUMBA MIGRATORIA, Lin. 
 
 This remarkable bird inhabits a wide and exten- 
 sive region of North America, spreading over the 
 whole of Canada, extending to the Gulf of Mexico 
 southwards, and westward to the Rocky Mountains, 
 which appear to be the limit of its range in that 
 direction. In almost every part of the United 
 States this species occasionally visits and breeds. 
 One or two specimens have been captured in 
 Britain-, and it has been found in Norway and 
 Eussia. The most remarkable characteristic of 
 these birds is their habit of associating together, 
 both in their migrations and during the period of 
 incubation, in such prodigious numbers as 
 
167 
 
 almost to surpass belief a phenomenon which 
 has no parallel among any other feathered tribes 
 on the face of the earth, that Naturalists are 
 acquainted with. The chief food of the Passenger 
 Pigeon is beech mast, with numerous other 
 grains and fruits, among which is to be counted 
 rice, a favourite article with them. They have two 
 or three broods in the year, and their breeding 
 places are generally in beech woods. Their nest, 
 which is very slight, is composed of a few twigs 
 rudely woven into a platform, and so loosely con- 
 structed that the eggs and young can be seen from 
 below. The eggs, according to Audubon, are not 
 more than two in number, and of a pure white. 
 
 PIPIT, MEADOW PIPIT. 
 
 LARK, OR TITLARK. 
 ANTHUS PBATENSIS, Flem. 
 
 This species is so generally distributed as to be 
 very common in many countries, occurring in the 
 interior as well as on the coast, and frequenting 
 wet meadows, moors, commons, and pasture lands. 
 In winter it becomes occasionally gregarious, and 
 betakes itself to marshy places open to the sea- 
 shore. Like the Wagtail, it runs with celerity, 
 and feeds upon flies, worms, and other insects. It 
 
168 
 
 usually makes its nest on a grassy bank, under the 
 shelter of a tuft of herbage, forming it of dry grass, 
 interwoven with the seed stalks of plants, and lined 
 with finer grasses, or with hair. The eggs, of 
 which there are five or six, vary in colour, but the 
 prevailing tint is a pale brown, thickly covered 
 with brownish purple red spots and specks, 
 
 PIPIT, RICHARD'S, 
 
 ANTHUS RJCABDI, Sew. 
 
 This Pipit, which is about the size of the Rock 
 Pipit, from which it is distinguished by the different 
 colours of its plumage, as well as by its more 
 elongated leg and hind claws, has occurred in 
 England only in a few instances. It was first 
 made known as a British bird by Mr. Vigors, who 
 described and figured a young individual caught 
 near London, in October, 1812. The habits of 
 this species, as far as the peculiarities of so rare a 
 bird can be known, are said to be similar to those 
 of the other Pipits. It is not observed to perch on 
 trees, or on any elevated spot, but is always on 
 the ground, where it runs with facility, uttering a 
 note which is said to be very loud. The food in 
 which it delights consists of various insects. The 
 eggs are described to be of a reddish white colour, 
 speekled with darker red and light brown, 
 
169 
 
 PIPIT, ROCK. 
 
 DUSKY OR SHORE PIPIT. 
 
 ANTHUS PETEOSUS, Flem. 
 
 The Rock Pipit appears either to have remained 
 long unnoticed, or to have been confounded with 
 others by the earlier ornithologists, Montagu appa- 
 rently having been the first observer of its distinc- 
 tive characteristics. The peculiar localities fre- 
 quented by it contributed doubtless to its remaining 
 so long unobserved, for its haunts are strictly con- 
 fined to rocky and abrupt shores. In these situa- 
 tions it is not rare in Europe, nor on the shores of 
 England, Scotland, or Wales. It is constantly 
 resident with us, and may be found at all seasons 
 on our coasts. In its habits it resembles the common 
 Pipit. It breeds early, building in the clefts and on 
 ledges of rocks. It lays four or five eggs of a pale 
 yellowish grey, with reddish brown spots. It feeds 
 on the smaller marine insects and worms. 
 
 PIPIT, TREE. 
 
 LESSER FIELD LARK. 
 
 AH THUS AEBOEEUS, echst. 
 
 Unlike the last species, which is permanently 
 resident in England, this is a summer visitant? 
 
170 
 
 arriving in the end of April, and departing in 
 September. It has a great resemblance to the 
 Meadow Pipit, from which, however, it is easily 
 distinguished by its short hooked hind claw. It 
 inhabits the borders of woods in the arable districts, 
 and is never found upon the moors or extensive 
 downs, where the Meadow Pipit is most abundant. 
 It is generally, but thinly, dispersed in England, 
 and occurs even more sparingly in the south of 
 Scotland. Its song, which it pours forth from the 
 top of a tree, or on the wing, as it slowly descends 
 to the spot from which it had previously risen, is 
 superior to that of the Meadow Pipit. It nestles 
 on the ground, laying four or five eggs, which, 
 though varying much in size and colour, are usually 
 purplish or greyish white, with spots or blotches of 
 dark red or purplish brown. 
 
 PLOVEE, GOLDEN. 
 
 WHISTLING PLOVER. 
 CHABA.DEIITS PLTJVLA.LIS, Lin. 
 
 The Golden Plover is generally distributed over 
 Britain in the winter season. So long as the 
 weather remains mild, it frequents the open plains 
 and ploughed fields, but betakes itself to the sea- 
 shore and its vicinity on the approach of frost. 
 Towards the end of spring the Golden Plovers 
 
171 
 
 pair and resort to the heaths, where they breed. 
 At this season they are abundant in most of 
 the hilly parts of Scotland, and in the Hebrides. 
 They select for their nest a slight hollow in a dry 
 place, among the heath or moss, irregularly strewed 
 with fragments of withered plants. The eggs, four 
 in number, are very large, of a pale greenish yellow 
 or cream colour, irregularly spotted and patched 
 with dark brown. When the young are able to 
 fly, the Plovers collect into flocks, but remain in 
 the heaths and hill pastures until the commence- 
 ment of winter. During continued frosts they 
 search for their food on the sands and rocky shores 
 of the sea at low water. Great numbers are 
 killed, their flesh affording delicate eating, not 
 much inferior to that of the Woodcock. 
 
 PLOVEE, GREY. 
 
 VANELLUS MELANOGASTER, Temm. 
 
 The Grey Plover, which is plentiful in some 
 parts of North America, and pretty generally 
 distributed over the temperate countries of the 
 continent of Europe, is more abundant in France 
 than in Germany, and is rare in Switzerland. It 
 seems to be with us merely an annual visitant, 
 appearing in small flocks, chiefly in autumn and 
 spring. It is found along the coasts, where it fre- 
 
172 
 
 quents the muddy and sandy beaches, which it 
 searches for worms, insects, and small marine 
 animals. It breeds in the northern counties, plac- 
 ing a few blades of grass in a slight hollow, in 
 which it lays four light greenish yellow eggs, 
 blotched and dotted with brown and pale purple. 
 
 PLOVEE, KENTISH. 
 
 CIIARADIIUIS CANTIANUS, Bew. 
 
 The Kentish Plover was so named by Latham, 
 who first described it from specimens shot near 
 Sandwich, in Kent. It is said to be abundant in 
 the northern parts of Germany, in France, on the 
 shores of Holland, and along the coasts of the 
 Mediterranean. It has been found during spring 
 and summer along the sandy coasts of several of the 
 southern and eastern counties of England, but not 
 farther north than Norfolk. It is very extensively 
 distributed on the Continent, and is found in India 
 and its islands. Its habits are similar to those of 
 the Einged Plover. The eggs, four in number, 
 are of a yellowish stone colour, spotted and 
 streaked with black. 
 
173 
 
 PLOVER, LAPWING. 
 
 PEE WIT, OR GREEN PLOVER. 
 
 YANELLUS CKISTATUS, Flem. 
 
 The Lapwing, a bird generally and familiarly 
 known, frequents in summer wet heaths, moors, 
 marshy pastures, and meadows. It forms its nest 
 in April, depositing in it four eggs of a pale 
 brownish yellow, greenish grey, or olivaceous 
 colour, blotched^ spotted, and dotted with brownish 
 black. These, being considered delicate food, are 
 collected in vast numbers and exposed for sale in 
 the London markets during the breeding season. 
 The old birds shew great anxiety and considerable 
 boldness in defence of their young, flying up to 
 meet an intruder. After the breeding season they 
 leave the marshy parts and betake themselves to 
 the fields and pastures. Although they never at 
 any season fairly take up their residence at the 
 coast, they often in winter frequent the sands 
 exposed by the ebb, 
 
 PLOVER, LITTLE-RINGED. 
 
 CHARADBIUS MINOR, Temm. 
 
 This species is not uncommon on the Continent, 
 and appears to be as extensively distributed as the 
 
174 
 
 rest of the genus. Several individuals have been 
 killed within the last few years on the Sussex coast, 
 where it appears to be an annual visitant, although 
 it is sparingly met with. It is said to be less fre- 
 quently seen on the sea-coast than on the banks of 
 rivers, a circumstance by which, as well as by the 
 smallness of its size, it is distinguished from the 
 Einged Plover. In the breeding season it lays on 
 the ground four eggs, which are somewhat more 
 than an inch long, and of a pale greyish yellow, 
 dotted with blackish brown and bluish grey spots. 
 
 PLOYER, NORFOLK GREAT PLOVER. 
 
 THICK-KNEE STONE CURLEW. 
 (EDICNEMTJS CREPITANS, Temm. 
 
 This bird is a regular summer visitant to some 
 of the eastern counties of England, especially Nor- 
 folk, Suffolk, Sussex, and Yorkshire, arriving in 
 the beginning of May, and departing in September. 
 It frequents open tracts, feeds on insects, worms, 
 and reptiles, runs with great rapidity, is partially 
 nocturnal, has a rapid flight, and emits a loud 
 shrill cry. As this species makes no nest, the 
 female lays two or three eggs on the bare ground, 
 sheltered by a stone, or in a small hole formed in 
 the sand. The eggs are of a dirty white hue, 
 marked with spots of a deep reddish colour, mixed 
 
175 
 
 with slight streaks. The young, which are at first 
 covered with down, leave the nest as soon as they 
 are hatched, the mother leading them to some stony 
 tract. 
 
 PLOYEE, RINGED. 
 
 EING DOTTEREL. 
 CHABADBIUS HIATICULA, Lin. 
 
 The Ring Plover is generally dispersed along 
 the shores of this country, in which it is perma- 
 nently resident. It collects in autumn into large 
 flocks, which frequent the sands of bays and 
 estuaries, often mingling with Sandpipers. Its 
 food consists of insects, worms, and small crusta- 
 ceous animals. It runs with great celerity, has a 
 rapid flight, and emits a mellow whistling cry. 
 Towards the beginning of April the flocks break 
 up into small parties, when the individuals pair. 
 The nest is a hollow formed in the sand, gene- 
 rally not far from high-water mark, but some- 
 times in the sandy pastures, and even far inland. 
 The eggs, of which there are invariably four, are 
 large and of a greyish yellow colour, slightly 
 covered with small spots of brownish black. 
 
176 
 
 PRATINCOLE, AUSTRIAN. 
 COLLARED PRATINCOLE. 
 GLAEEOLA TOEQUATA, Flem. 
 
 The Austrian Pratincole has seldom been taken 
 in this country. It inhabits the borders of rivers, 
 lakes, and inland seas, particularly such as form 
 extensive marshes covered with reeds and other 
 aquatic herbage. Its flight is singularly rapid, 
 even surpassing that of the Swallow tribe. Its 
 food consists of flies, beetles, aquatic insects, &c. ; 
 and it captures its prey not only upon the wing, 
 but upon the ground, being capable of running 
 with great celerity. The Pratincole builds amongst 
 the rushes and other thick herbage, and lays from 
 four to six eggs of a pale bufiy stone colour, 
 marked with bluish grey and dull black blotches. 
 The egg, by its colour and markings, much re- 
 sembles that of the Ring Plover. 
 
 PUFFIN, SEA PARROT. 
 
 FBATEECCLA AECTICA, Flem. 
 
 In the end of spring the individuals of this 
 species make their appearance about the islands 
 and headlands on which they breed, on various 
 
177 
 
 parts of the coast of England and Scotland, as 
 the Fern Islands, Puffin Island, in the Frith of 
 Forth, St. Kilda, &c. They dig holes in the earth, 
 from two to three feet in length, in which a single 
 white egg, of an oval form and about two inches 
 and a half long, by an inch and a half in breadth, is 
 deposited. Puffins are most observed on our coasts 
 J n winter, for although they breed much further 
 north than Britain, they proceed in autumn more 
 towards the equator. 
 
 QUAIL, ANDALUSIAN. 
 
 ANDALUSIAN HEMIPODE. 
 HEMIPODITJS TACHYDBOMUS, Temm. 
 
 Mr. Thomas Goatley states in the u Annals of 
 Natural History/' Vol. 14, that in November, 1844, 
 he received a Quail having no back toe, and which 
 he found described in Latham's general history 
 as the Gibraltar Quail. It was shot by the 
 gamekeeper on the Cornwall estate in Oxfordshire, 
 about three miles from Chipping Norton, and 
 having been preserved was figured and described 
 by Farrell. Mr. Goatley also states that another 
 was afterwards killed near the same spot by 
 the same person, but was so mutilated as to be 
 unfit for preservation. The Andalusian Quail in- 
 habits sandy plains in Africa, <&c., but its habits, in 
 reference to nesting, &c., are imperfectly known. 
 
178 
 QUAIL, COMMON. 
 
 PERDIX COTCHNTX, Mont. 
 
 This Quail is extensively distributed over Asia, 
 Africa, and Europe, and in some regions is station- 
 ary, in others migratory. It arrives in England 
 about the middle of May, and departs in September; 
 but instances have occurred of its remaining in 
 
 o 
 
 winter both in England and Ireland. It is very 
 seldom met with in Scotland, and is not common 
 anywhere. Its food consists of seed, herbage, and 
 occasionally insects. It selects for its nest a slight 
 hollow, and the eggs, of which there are from ten 
 to sixteen, are of a reddish yellow, yellowish white, 
 or greenish grey hue, marked all over with dark 
 brown spots and blotches. The haunts of the 
 Quail are chiefly cultivated fields and pastures. 
 
 QUAIL, VIEGINIAN. 
 
 COLIN. 
 
 OETTX VIBGLNIANA, Jenyns. 
 
 The Virginian Quail, which is abundant in North 
 America from Mexico to Massachusetts, has been 
 introduced into England and naturalized in some of 
 the southern counties. It generally keeps itself to 
 
179 
 
 the open ground, preferring those spots where 
 grain is plentiful. Sometimes, however, it shelters 
 itself among the trees or brushwood, but even 
 then seems to pass but little of its time in such 
 retreats. During the winter it approaches human 
 habitations in search of food, and boldly fights with 
 the poultry for the grain thrown to them. This 
 species makes a rude nest under the shelter of corn 
 or grass tufts, and lays from fifteen to twenty-four 
 pure white eggs. 
 
 RAIL, LAND. 
 
 CORN-CRAKE. 
 
 CREX, Penn. 
 
 This species, which although seldom seen is 
 often heard, arrives in England in the beginning 
 of summer, and the greater part of them depart 
 early in September. Some of the young, however, 
 are killed at a much later period. It is generally 
 distributed, occurring in considerable numbers in 
 the most northern parts of Scotland and its islands, 
 as well as in England and Ireland. Its well 
 known cry of crek, crek, repeated often for a long 
 time continuously, or at intervals, and heard as 
 if at varying distances, is emitted while the bird is 
 standing in a half- crouching attitude, with the 
 
 N 2 
 
180 
 
 neck moderately extended. The ordinary haunts 
 of the Land Eail, which prefers dry or moderately 
 moist to wet ground, are fields of corn and grass. 
 Its food consists of insects, worms, slugs, and 
 sometimes seeds. Its nest is composed of a few 
 straws laid in a straight hollow, among corn, grass, 
 or tall weeds. The eggs, generally eight or ten, 
 are of a light cream colour, patched and dotted 
 with brownish red and light purple spots. The 
 young, which are covered with down of a blackish 
 colour, run with surprising speed. 
 
 RAIL, W A T E E, 
 
 EALLTJS AQUATICTJS, Lin. 
 
 The Water Eail is not very common in Great 
 Britain, but is numerous in the marshes of the 
 northern countries of Europe, whence'partially, and 
 at irregular periods, it migrates southward, even 
 into Africa, during the severity of the season. It 
 is a shy and solitary bird, generally distributed 
 and permanently resident in Britain. Its con- 
 stant abode is in low wet places much overgrown 
 with sedges, reeds, and other coarse herbage, 
 among which it finds shelter, and feeds in security. 
 It runs occasionally, flirting up its tail with the 
 same swiftness as the Land Eail, through the 
 meadows and corn-fields, and shows as great an 
 
181 
 
 aversion to take flight as that bird. Its food con- 
 sists of worms, slugs, &c. The nest, which is 
 bulky, contains from six to twelve eggs, of an 
 oval shape, cream-coloured, and marked with red 
 and pale grey spots. 
 
 EAVEN, OR COEBY. 
 
 COBVUS COEAX, Lin. 
 
 The Eaven is more abundant in the northern 
 and western parts of Scotland than in the southern 
 counties, or in England, in many parts of which it 
 has been extirpated. It is found in all climates, 
 braving the snow of Greenland with as much ease 
 as it bears the sultry heat of the torrid zone. Its 
 favourite places of habitation are extensive woods 
 or rocky and mountainous districts. It feeds on 
 carcases of all kinds, stranded fish, insects, worms, 
 small quadrupeds, young birds, grain, and other 
 substances. The Raven's nest, which is built 
 upon the loftiest trees, or on steep and inaccessible 
 rocks, is composed of sticks, and is lined with 
 wool, hair, &c. The eggs, which are of an oil- 
 green colour, blotched with darker stains, are 
 generally five or six in number, rather larger than 
 those of the Carrion Crow. It breeds very early, 
 commencing about the middle of February. 
 
182 
 
 EAZOEBILL. 
 
 MURRE, OR MARROT. 
 ALGA TOBDA, Lin. 
 
 In autumn great numbers of Eazorbills appear 
 on the bays and estuaries of all parts of Scotland 
 and England. They advance southward as the 
 cold increases, and almost entirely desert the 
 northern parts, unless when shoals of young fish 
 are on the coast, Towards the end of spring they 
 proceed in parties to their breeding places, which 
 are abrupt headlands or rocks on unfrequented 
 islands, on which they settle along with the Guille- 
 mots and Kittiwakes. Their single egg is very 
 large, of an oblong form, about three inches in 
 length, and of a greenish white hue, blotched and 
 clouded with dark brown or black. The Eazor- 
 bills feed on small fishes and crustaceae, which they 
 procure by diving. 
 
 REDPOLE, LESSEE, 
 
 FEINGILLA LINABIA, Lin. 
 
 This species, which resembles the Siskin in its 
 habits, forms large flocks in winter and betakes 
 itself to the birch and alder woods to procure the 
 seeds in which it delights. In search of these it 
 
183 
 
 hangs in all kinds of attitudes, and feeds not only 
 on them, but also on the seeds of other plants. It 
 is known in the southern parts of Britain only as 
 a winter visitant, and at that period is gregarious, 
 being frequently taken in company with the Linnet. 
 In the northern counties of England, and in Scot- 
 land and its isles, it is a resident throughout the 
 year. It retires during the summer to the under- 
 wood that covers the bases of many of our moun- 
 tains and hills; and often fringes the banks of the 
 precipitous streams ..which descend in their rocky 
 channels to the plains. In these sequestered 
 situations it breeds ; a bush or low tree being 
 selected for its nest, which is formed of grass, 
 moss, and downy filaments, and lined with seed 
 down. The eggs, generally four or five, are of a 
 pale bluish green, spotted with brown. 
 
 EEDPOLE. 
 
 MEALY, OR STONE EEDPOLE. 
 
 FBINGILLA BOEEALIS, Temm. 
 
 The geographical range of this species is very 
 considerable. Its visits to our shores in any con- 
 siderable numbers happen at irregular periods, 
 sometimes with intervals of some years, during 
 which it is rarely found in England. The period 
 of its appearance here is in the autumn, and it 
 departs again in the spring. In summer it in- 
 
184 
 
 habits Scandinavia, Greenland, Lapland, &c., 
 where it breeds. The eggs are of a pale bluish 
 green ; spotted with orange brown, and are not 
 more than four or five in number. Its habits are 
 similar to those of the common Redpole. 
 
 REDSHANK, COMMON. 
 
 TOTANUS CALIDRIS, Flem. 
 
 The Eedshanks are generally dispersed along 
 the shores in winter, chiefly frequenting muddy 
 and sandy places, and in summer resorting to the 
 inland marshes and pools. It often wades into 
 the water in quest of food, for which it also probes 
 the sand and mud. It is a suspicious and vigilant 
 bird, remarkably active and vociferous. It has a 
 rapid wavering flight, and when standing its body 
 is kept continually vibrating. Its nest, which is 
 very slight in structure, may generally be found 
 in a hollow, and it lays four eggs of a pale greenish 
 grey hue, marked and blotched with reddish 
 brown and blackish brown spots. 
 
 REDSHANK, SPOTTED. 
 DUSKY REDSHANK. 
 
 TOTAJrCTS FTTSCT7S, Mem. 
 
 This species is not of rare occurrence in Eng- 
 land during the winter season ; but though it has 
 
185 
 
 been occasionally taken within our bounds, few, if 
 any, have been captured in the singular sooty 
 black plumage which it assumes in summer. No 
 specimen of it has yet been seen in Scotland, but 
 it is found in Holland, France, &c., while on its 
 passage in spring and autumn. It inhabits the 
 sea-shore, the borders of rivers, lakes, &c-, and 
 feeds on worms, insects, &c. The first authen- 
 ticated specimens of the eggs of the Spotted Bed- 
 shank were obtained in the summer of 1854 by 
 Mr. Wolley. 
 
 REDSTART, BLACK. 
 
 SYLVIA TITHTS, Temm. 
 
 The Black Redstart, which is rare in Sweden, 
 and in the northern parts of the European Conti- 
 nent generally, is not an uncommon visitor to the 
 eastern and western coasts of England. It is 
 common in summer in Germany^ France, and 
 Switzerland. The habits of this bird are somewhat 
 similar to those of the common Redstart, but it 
 prefers stony places and is rarely seen on the plains. 
 Its food consists of worms, insects in their various 
 stages, small fruits and berries. Its nest, which is 
 made in the clefts of rocks, holes in walls, &c., is 
 formed of grass and lined with hair. It produces 
 five or six white eggs, smooth, shining, and polished 
 in appearance. 
 
186 
 REDSTART, COMMON. 
 
 STLYIA PH<ENICURUS, Temm. 
 
 The Redstart arrives in this country from the 
 middle to the end of April, and departs in October. 
 Generally assuming a station on a stone or twig, 
 and jerking out its tail at intervals, it sallies forth in 
 pursuit of insects in the manner of the Flycatchers. 
 It is very partial to walls, and frequently places its 
 nest in a hole or chink of one, though sometimes 
 it selects the hollow of a tree for that purpose. 
 The nest is composed of fibrous roots and moss, 
 and is plentifully lined with hair. The eggs, from 
 six to seven in number, are of a light greenish blue 
 colour, scarcely distinguishable from those of the 
 Hedge Sparrow, although somewhat smaller. The 
 Redstart is extensively distributed in Britain and 
 Ireland. 
 
 REDWING. 
 TUEDUS ILTAOUS, Lin. 
 
 This species is a periodical visitant to England, 
 generally arriving upon our north-eastern coasts 
 towards the end of October. During its residence 
 here it is gregarious, and haunts the meadows and 
 pastures as long as open weather continues. On 
 
187 
 
 the approach of frost it repairs to woods and 
 hedges, where the berries of the hawthorn, holly, 
 and some other trees, afford it the necessary 
 means of subsistence. Upon the approach of 
 spring it returns to the northern provinces of 
 Europe, where it breeds and passes the summer. 
 It is abundant in Sweden, Norway, Lapland, and 
 Eussia, in which countries it inhabits the woods 
 and thickets adjoining low or marshy tracts. 
 It builds its nest in maples, beech, and other trees, 
 and lays from four to six eggs, bluish green in 
 colour, and marked with blackish brown spots. 
 
 KEGULUS, DALMATIAN. 
 
 KEGTTLTJS MODESTTJS, Temm. 
 
 The first notice of the death or capture in this 
 country of any individual of this species, appeared 
 in the u Annals of Natural History/' in which an 
 account was given of one shot by Mr. Hancock of 
 Newcastle-on-Tyne, in September, 1833. In its 
 habits this specimen was observed to have a very 
 great resemblance to the Golden-crested Wren. 
 It was constantly in motion, flirting about from 
 place to place in search of such insects among the 
 herbage as the bleak coasts of Northumberland 
 afforded. Such a situation, indeed, could not be at 
 all suited to the habits of this species ; and there 
 
188 
 
 can be but little doubt that it had arrived in that 
 country previous to or immediately after its 
 autumnal migration. A single specimen of this 
 bird, shot in Dalmatia, in 1829, was figured by 
 Gould in his, " Birds of Europe ;" one of a species 
 in his opinion so extremely rare, that he con- 
 siders the individual which he described as unique 
 in the continental collections. 
 
 EEGULUS, FIRE-CRESTED. 
 
 BEGFLTJS IGNICAPILLTJS, Temm. 
 
 This species is easily distinguished by the two 
 black bands on each side of the head, and by 
 another across the forehead, but is otherwise very 
 similar to the common Gold-crest. It has been 
 met with several times in the eastern parts of 
 England, the first specimen having been obtained 
 at Swaffham Bubeck, near Cambridge, in the 
 autumn of 1832. It is said to be dispersed 
 over the Continent, and to be migratory. In 
 France the individuals of this species are usually 
 seen together in pairs, and like the common 
 Gold-crest, they associate with Titmice, but seem 
 restless and shy. They appear to prefer low 
 brushwood and young plantations of fir to the 
 lofty trees. In the nest, which is suspended under 
 a branch of fir, from five to nine eggs, of a pale 
 
189 
 
 flesh colour, marked with small red spots at the 
 larger end, have been found. The food of the 
 Fire-crested Eegulus is said to be similar to that 
 of the other species. 
 
 REGULUS, GOLDEN-CRESTED. 
 GOLDEN-CRESTED WREN. 
 EEGTJLTJS CEISTA.TUB, Temm. 
 
 The Golden-crested Wren is found throughout 
 Europe, and as far north as the Arctic Circle. It 
 is generally abundant in woods, especially those of 
 pine or fir, in all parts of Britain, but particularly 
 in Scotland, where it remains all the year. It is 
 a resident even in Orkney and Shetland, where 
 woods, forests, or large groups of trees are unknown. 
 In winter it moves about in troops of ten, asso- 
 ciating with Titmice and other small birds. Its 
 song is short and feeble, but its flight is rapid, and 
 all its motions lively. It clings to the twigs in all 
 postures, and occasionally betakes itself to low 
 bushes, as broom and furze, and even heath. The 
 nest, which is large and of a globular form, is 
 made of moss and lichen, interwoven with wool or 
 hairs, and lined with feathers, and is usually sus- 
 pended from the under part of a thickly-clothed 
 fir-branch. The eggs, varying in number from 
 five to nine, are of a brownish or reddish white, 
 darker at the larger end. 
 
190 
 
 KOBIN, OE REDBEEAST. 
 
 STLTIA ETIBECULA. Temm. 
 
 This well-known and favourite warbler is com- 
 mon throughout Great Britain, its range extending 
 as far north as the Orkney islands. As spring 
 advances, the male bird retires to the woods, and 
 having attracted a mate by its rich and mellow 
 song, they soon select a suitable spot for their 
 nest, which is generally placed on a mossy bank, 
 some spot well concealed by the roots of trees, or 
 such clefts of the rock as are overgrown with ivy 
 and woodbine. The nest is formed of moss, dead 
 leaves, and the stalks of plants, with a lining of 
 hair. The eggs, from five to seven in number, are 
 of a pale yellowish grey hue, with numerous red- 
 dish brown spots. As winter approaches the 
 greater part of the Kedbreasts leave the woods and 
 seek for shelter, and an easier supply of food, near 
 the habitations of man, where they soon acquire 
 that degree of familiarity which has obtained for 
 them the particular protection of all who admire 
 the trust and confidence which they display. 
 
191 
 
 ROLLER. 
 
 COEACIAS GARKTJLA, Lin. 
 
 The Roller is said to occur in various parts of 
 Asia, having been taken at Aleppo, and in North 
 Africa, where it occurs from Morocco to Egypt. It 
 extends as far northward as Denmark and Sweden, 
 is rather rare in France, and is said never to have 
 been found in Holland. Although very rare in Bri- 
 tain, it has been'several times obtained in England, 
 as well as in Scotland and its islands, one having 
 been killed in Orkney, and another in Shetland. 
 Being naturally a wild, solitary bird, deep forests 
 of oak and birch appear to be its favourite haunts. 
 It generally makes its nest in the hollows of trees, 
 but where these are scarce, on the ground, or in 
 the sandy banks of rivers. It lays from four to 
 seven lustrous white eggs, similar in shape to 
 those of the Bee-eaters. The food in which it 
 chiefly delights consists, besides berries, of crickets, 
 cockchafers, grasshoppers, millipedes, and other 
 insects. There seems reason to believe that in 
 former days, when England, less cultivated, was 
 covered more extensively with pathless woods, the 
 Roller was frequently seen in the ancient forests. 
 It probably built its nest then in the hollows of 
 trees, as it does in the German forests at the pre- 
 sent day. 
 
192 
 ROOK. 
 
 CORYTTS FBT7GHLEGITJS, Lin. 
 
 The Eook is generally rather larger than the 
 Carrion Crow, from which it greatly differs in its 
 habits. In the adult state it is easily distinguished 
 by the naked and scurfy white skin at the base of 
 the bill, and on the chin, produced by the abrasion 
 of the bristly feathers which in the young bird 
 cover this part and the nostrils. It is generally 
 distributed in Great Britain and Ireland, being 
 common in all the cultivated and partially wooded 
 districts of the country. Unlike the Carrion Crow 
 it is gregarious, often collecting in vast flocks, 
 which breed together in groups of tall trees, termed 
 rookeries. The nest is large, and is composed of 
 sticks and lined with fibrous roots, straw, wool, 
 &c. The eggs, not exceeding four or five in num- 
 ber, are of a bluish green colour, blotched with 
 darker stains. The food of this species consists of 
 larvae, with worms and insects, though they occa- 
 sionally subsist on grain, potatoes, and other 
 substances, and in very dry or snowy weather, 
 frequent the sea-shore to feed on crustacese, dead 
 fish, &c. 
 
193 
 
 RUFF. 
 
 (FEMALE CALLED REEVE.) 
 MACHETES PTTGNAX, Selby. 
 
 The Ruff, the female of which is smaller than 
 the male, formerly bred in great numbers in the 
 fenny districts along the eastern coast of England, 
 where they were caught and fatted for the 
 table with farinaceous substances, which they 
 soon relished ; but owing to the draining of the 
 marshes and the increase of population, they are 
 now of rare occurrence in those parts, many of 
 them sojourning with us merely for a short 
 time during spring and autumn. On the east 
 coast of Scotland they make their appearance as 
 early as the middle of September, and depart in 
 a fortnight, so that only young birds and females 
 are seen there. The species is extensively distri- 
 buted on the Continent, where it breeds in the 
 marshes. The female, which forms a slight nest 
 on the ground, and lays greenish grey eggs, spotted 
 with reddish and blackish brown marks, rears her 
 young without the aid of the male. 
 
194 
 
 SANDERLING. 
 
 CALIDRIS AEENAKIA, Flem. 
 
 The Sanderlings appear on our northern coasts 
 in the beginning of September, and gradually 
 increase in numbers, collecting in large bands, 
 which frequent the sandy shores and muddy estu- 
 aries, and often mingling with Dunlins. In winter 
 they are dispersed on all parts of our coast ; but 
 in the end of spring they betake themselves to 
 the Arctic countries, where they breed, forming a 
 rude nest, and laying four dusky-coloured eggs, 
 spotted with black. Although individuals may 
 be seen on various parts of our coasts in summer, 
 it does not appear that they ever breed in this 
 country. 
 
 SANDPIPER, BARTRAM'S. 
 
 TOTAJSUS BAETRAMIT, Gould. 
 
 We have no record of the capture of more than 
 two specimens of this species in England, viz. one 
 shot in December, 1854, in a ploughed field 
 between Cambridge and Newmarket, and another 
 killed a short time afterwards in Warwickshire, 
 and now in the collection of Lord Willoughby de 
 Broke at Compton Verney, near Stratford -on- A von. 
 One instance is recorded of the capture of one of 
 
195 
 
 tliis species of Sandpiper in Australia. It is evi- 
 dently a great wanderer, for its true habitat is in 
 the northern portions of America, Canada, the 
 United States, and Mexico. Unlike most of their 
 tribe these birds appear to prefer running about 
 among the grass, feeding on beetles, and other 
 winged insects, seeds, &c., but are never met with on 
 the sea-shore. Their nest is a hollow scooped out 
 in the earth and loosely lined with grass. The eggs 
 are of a dull greyish yellow ground colour, with 
 numerous spots of light purple and reddish brown. 
 
 SANDPIPEE, BROADBILLED. 
 
 FLATBILLED SANDPIPER. 
 TEINGA PLATYBHYNCHUS, Temm. 
 
 This bird is rather inferior in size to the Dunlin, 
 from which it may always be distinguished by the 
 peculiar flatness and breadth of the bill, as well 
 as by considerable difference in its plumage. It is 
 probably from its similarity to one or two closely 
 allied species that it often passes unnoticed. A 
 few specimens have been obtained in England, and 
 it is found in Italy, Germany, France, Scandinavia, 
 and India, though rarely in the last named country. 
 During the breeding season it is not uncommon in 
 Norway and Lapland. It is similar in its habits 
 to the other species of the genus, feeding on the 
 
196 
 
 grassy borders of the smaller pools and lakes in 
 morasses. The nest, like that of the Snipe, is 
 built in a thick tuft of grass, and contains four or 
 five eggs, generally mottled with chocolate colour 
 over the whole surface. 
 
 SANDPIPEE, BUFF-BREASTED. 
 
 TEINGA BTTFESCENS, Selby. 
 
 This species is said not to be uncommon on the 
 eastern coast of North America. It was first 
 discovered by Veillot in the district then known 
 as the Territory of Louisiana. It is probable 
 that after coursing along the shores of the Missis- 
 sippi, and thus penetrating inland, it proceeded to 
 its northern destination, in the vicinity of the sea- 
 coast to breed. It has been obtained in a few 
 instances in England. This species is often here 
 associated with the Pectoral Sandpiper, which it 
 resembles very much in size and bill, though per- 
 fectly distinct from it in plumage. Indeed it is 
 readily distinguished from all other birds of this 
 genus by the peculiar markings of the under sur- 
 face of the wings. The food of the Buff-breasted 
 Sandpiper consists of land and marine insects, 
 principally grasshoppers. 
 
197 
 
 SANDPIPER, COMMON. 
 
 SUMMER SNIPE. 
 
 TOTAHUS HYPOLETJCOS, Temm. 
 
 * 
 
 This pretty little bird, which is of common 
 occurrence in various countries, arrives in England 
 about the middle of April, and in Scotland about 
 the end of that month, and remains until September. 
 It frequents the sandy or gravelly shores of lakes, 
 rivers, brooks, &c., where it procures its food, 
 and breeds. At breeding time it makes its nest in a 
 slight hollow in the sand, or among pebbles. The 
 eggs, of which there are always four, are enormously 
 large, of a reddish white or cream colour, glossy 
 and covered with small spots of a dark purplish 
 brown and greyish purple. 
 
 SANDPIPER, CURLEW. 
 
 PIGMY CURLEW. 
 TEINQA BUBA.EQUATA, Temm. 
 
 This species is very extensively distributed, being 
 found in India, the Cape of Good Hope, in various 
 parts of Europe, and in North America. Though 
 not extremely uncommon on our coasts during 
 
198 
 
 winter, it is probably often confounded with the 
 Dunlin, from which in its summer plumage it is 
 easily distinguished, the breast being red in the one, 
 and black in the other. At all seasons, however, it 
 may be known by its white upper tail-coverts. It 
 arrives in the beginning of September, and departs 
 at the end of April for more northern countries, 
 where it breeds. The eggs are yellowish white, 
 spotted with dark brown. 
 
 SANDPIPER, GREEN. 
 
 TOTANUS OCHROPUS, Temm. 
 
 This elegantly-formed bird appears to be most 
 plentiful in Britain in spring and autumn. A few 
 remain here to breed ; but though a considerable 
 number are met with in the winter months, 
 the greater part go for a time to the north of 
 Europe. Solitary in its habits, it frequents pools 
 and small streams, and when disturbed emits a 
 shrill whistling cry. It runs and flies with rapi- 
 dity, and when o*n the wing presents a singular 
 appearance, on account of the pure white patch on 
 its rump. Its food consists of worms and insects. 
 The nest is placed among grass on the bank of a 
 stream, and the eggs, of which there are four, are of 
 a greyish white, with dusky spots. 
 
199 
 SANDPIPER, PECTORAL. 
 
 TRINGA PECTORALIS, Jenyns. 
 
 The Pectoral Sandpiper inhabits the eastern 
 coasts of North America, and is very abundant 
 on those of the New England States. A very 
 few have been obtained in England. Its habits 
 appear to be similar to those of the Dunlin and 
 other species, and like the Snipe it is found in 
 damp meadows and marshes. Its flight, which 
 resembles that of the Knot, is firm and rapid. It 
 runs with great agility, and probes the sand or 
 wet earth, immersing its bill up to the base. 
 
 These birds prefer the sea-coasts to the interior. 
 They feed on seeds, small Crustacea, some kinds of 
 sea-weed, insects, &c. Nothing is known of their 
 breeding-places, and of the changes of plumage 
 which they undergo. 
 
 SANDPIPER, PURPLE. 
 
 TRINGA MARITIMA, Penn. 
 
 Although not extremely rare in England, the 
 Purple Sandpipers, which closely resemble the 
 Dunlins in their manner of flying and walking, or 
 rather running, along the shore, are not very fre- 
 
200 ' 
 
 quentlj met with, partly because they seldom 
 form large flocks, and partly on account of their 
 confining themselves, while searching for food, to 
 the rocky parts of the coast. They appear with us 
 about the middle of October, and remain until the 
 end of spring. No instance of their ' breeding in 
 this country has been recorded. They are common 
 in summer in the northern parts of Europe and 
 North America, where they breed, also in Iceland. 
 The colour of their eggs is yellowish grey, inter- 
 spersed with small irregular spots of pale brown 
 at the larger end. 
 
 SANDPIPER, SPOTTED. 
 
 TOTANUS MACULARIUS, Temm. 
 
 This species is abundant in many parts of North 
 America, where it is migratory. Its habits, as 
 detailed by the ornithologists of that country, are 
 similar to those of our common Sandpiper, which 
 it resembles very closely in form. Individuals 
 have been shot on the continent of Europe, and a 
 few are recorded to have been obtained in Eng- 
 land. Like the common Sandpiper it is mostly 
 seen while running nimbly along the margins of 
 rivers, brooks, &c. When on. the ground it is in 
 constant motion, flirting the tail up and down, and 
 almost as frequently stretching out and again with- 
 
 
201 
 
 drawing the head and neck. The eggs are pale 
 reddish white, spotted and speckled with grey and 
 two shades of reddish brown. 
 
 SANDPIPER, WOOD. 
 
 TOTANTJS GLAREOLA, 
 
 The Wood Sandpiper is described by orni- 
 thologists as pretty common in the southern and 
 eastern parts of Europe, and it has been discovered 
 occasionally in Sweden, inhabiting swampy woods 
 during summer, and breeding as far north as the 
 Arctic circle, both in Norway and Lapland. It 
 has been found also in India and at the Cape of 
 Good Hope. It occurs annually on the southern 
 and eastern coasts of England, in the course of its 
 autumnal and spring migrations. It is not unfre- 
 quently seen to perch on the upper twigs of a 
 bush, a habit which appears to be peculiar also to 
 the Eedshank and some others of the same genus. 
 The nest is generally placed at a short distance 
 from the water, among stunted scrubby plants or 
 coarse grass and rushes. The eggs, four in number, 
 are pointed in shape, and of a pale greenish white, 
 spotted and speckled, particularly over the broad 
 end, with dark reddish brown. The food of the 
 Wood Sandpiper consists of worms and insects. 
 
202 
 SANDPIPER, YELLOW-SHANKED. 
 
 TOTANUS FLA.YIPES, Aud. 
 
 A specimen of this American Sandpiper was 
 shot at Misson, near Bawtry, on the borders of 
 Lincolnshire, during the winter of 1854-5, and 
 passed into the hands of Sir William Milner, Bart. 
 This species inhabits the sea-coasts and salt marshes 
 during summer, and frequents the flats at low water, 
 where it may be seen walking among the mud in 
 search of its food, which consists of small fish, 
 shrimps, worms, and aquatic insects. 
 
 In Carolina and Florida they are rather common, 
 frequenting the rice-fields and margins of clear 
 inland streams. They are also found on the coast of 
 Labrador, and breed in considerable numbers about 
 Pictou. The nests are described as placed among 
 the grass on the edges of the rivers and large 
 ponds of the interior. 
 
 SHEARWATER, DUSKY. 
 DUSKY PETEEL. 
 
 PUFFLNTS OBSCUEUS, Temm. 
 
 The Dusky Shearwater is said to be rare on the 
 Mediterranean, but common on the coast of Africa, 
 extending southward to the Cape of Good Hope. It 
 
203 
 
 is also found on the north-west coast of America, 
 and in Bermuda. The only instance of the capture 
 of one in Britain was communicated to the late Mr. 
 Yarrell, by B. Blackburn, Esq., of Valentia Har- 
 bour, in the county of Kerry. This gentleman 
 states that the bird flew from on board a small 
 sloop off the island of Valentia, on the south-west 
 coast of Ireland, on the llth May, 1853. 
 
 The Dusky Shearwaters skim very low over the 
 sea in search of the floating bunches of marine 
 plants usually called the gulf weed. On approach- 
 ing a mass of weeds they raise their wings ob- 
 liquely, drop their legs and feet, run as it were on 
 the water, on which they at length alight, swim- 
 ming with as much ease as ducks, and diving freely 
 under the surface in pursuit of fish. The lay but 
 one egg, which is pure white. 
 
 SHEARWATER, GREAT. 
 
 PurriNtrs MAJOR, Temm. 
 
 This species has generally been mistaken for the 
 Cinerous Shearwater, which inhabits the Mediter- 
 ranean. It is said to be abundant in the Arctic 
 Seas, and ranges in winter from Canada to the 
 Gulf of Mexico. Several individuals have occurred 
 in England ; but very little appears to be known 
 respecting this species as an inhabitant of our seas. 
 In Iceland it is said to be scarce, and is only seen 
 
204 
 
 on the most southern parts of the island, where it 
 is not known to breed. Specimens have also been 
 obtained from South Africa ; and it is said to 
 breed on the banks of Newfoundland. These 
 birds not only frequent the coast, but are found 
 at vast distances from land. They feed on fish 
 carcases of various kinds, Crustacea, and marine 
 insects, as well as on fatty matters floating on the 
 surface of the sea. 
 
 SHEAEWATEE, MANKS. 
 
 PUFFINUS ANGLORT7M, 
 
 The Manks Shearwater inhabits the northern 
 coasts of Europe in summer, arriving generally in 
 March, and departing in September. It is said to 
 breed in the Shetland and Orkney Islands, and in 
 St. Kilda, laying a single large egg in a hole or 
 fissure of the cliffs. It is an oceanic bird of wan- 
 dering habits, somewhat nocturnal, like the Petrels, 
 and having a rapid gliding flight. Its food con- 
 sists of animal substances of various kinds, picked 
 up from the river, generally while the bird is 
 hovering. In common with the Petrels, it has a 
 habit, which is peculiar also to the Gulls, of letting 
 down its feet while hovering, and patting the water 
 with them. 
 
205 
 
 SHRIKE, GREAT GREY. 
 
 CINEREOUS SHRIKE. 
 
 LANIT7S EXCFBITOR, Lin. 
 
 This species is an inhabitant of the northern 
 countries of Europe. It has been found in various 
 parts of England where, however, it is only an 
 occasional or accidental visitor in Ireland also, 
 and less frequently in Scotland. It preys on 
 insects, frogs, lizards, small birds, and quadrupeds, 
 which it affixes to a thorn, or jams into the 
 fork of a branch, to enable it to tear them 
 to pieces. It is extremely courageous, attacking 
 birds and other animals much superior to itself in 
 size. Wooded and inclosed situations are its 
 favourite haunts, and it builds in trees and bushes. 
 The female lays six or seven bluish white eggs, 
 spotted with yellowish brown. 
 
 SHRIKE, RED-BACKED. 
 
 BUTCHER BIRD. 
 LANIUS COLLUEIO, Lin. 
 
 The Red-backed Shrike is a regular periodical 
 visitant in Britain, arriving in the spring, and 
 
20G 
 
 remaining until September or October. During 
 its residence with us it is but partially distributed, 
 being confined principally to the Southern and 
 Midland Counties, becoming more rare as we pro- 
 ceed northwards, and being hitherto altogether 
 unknown in Scotland. It frequents the margins 
 of woods, thickets, and tall hedges, as well as open 
 downs and commons more or less covered with 
 furze. It feeds on insects, small birds, and mice. 
 It builds in hedges, &c., and lays five or six eggs 
 of a light cream colour, sometimes tinged with 
 blue, and marked with spots of a reddish brown 
 and pale purplish grey. 
 
 SHEIKE, WOODCHAT. 
 
 LANIUS EUTILTJS, Penn. 
 
 This species, which is abundant in many parts 
 of Africa, visits the European continent in spring, 
 and leaves it in September and October. Several 
 instances of its occurrence in this country are also 
 recorded. Its food consists of insects, and occa- 
 sionally small birds and quadrupeds. In size, in 
 most of its habits, and in its mode of feeding, the 
 Woodchat resembles the common Eed Shrike. It 
 is said to build invariably in the fork of a project- 
 ing branch of a tree. The nest is composed on the 
 outside of sticks, and of white moss from the 
 
207 
 
 bodies of the trees, and lined with fine grass and 
 wool. The eggs, four or five in number, are rather 
 smaller than those of the Eed-backed Shrike, and 
 vary much in markings, the ground colour being 
 pale blue in some, in others a dirty white, sur- 
 rounded near the longer end with a zone of rust- 
 coloured spots, and occasionally of a pale colour, 
 more disposed over the surface. It is not a wild 
 bird, often building close to houses and public 
 roads. 
 
 SISKIN, OR ABERDEVINE. 
 
 FfilNGILLA 8PINTJS, Lin. 
 
 The true habitat of this bird appears to be in 
 the northern part of Europe, as it is plentiful in 
 Sweden, Norway, and the north of Germany. It 
 appears in autumn and winter in flocks, feeding on 
 the seeds of thistles and other plants, as well as on 
 those of the birch and alder, which it extracts from 
 the cones. When engaged in this manner it clings 
 to the twigs in all sorts of attitudes, and is com- 
 monly so intent on its occupation as to allow a 
 person to approach unnoticed. Its food, in addi- 
 tion to the seeds already mentioned, comprises 
 those of the pine, elm, maple, &c. It has of late 
 years been found breeding in Scotland and England. 
 It builds its nest in the highest branches of the 
 pine. The eggs, four or five in number, are of a 
 
208 
 
 bluish colour, speckled with purplish red. It is 
 easily tamed, and, like the Goldfinch, may be 
 taught a variety of tricks. In a confined state it 
 readily breeds with the Canary. 
 
 SMEW. 
 
 MERGTJS ALBELLUS, Lin. 
 
 The Smew, which is a native of the Arctic 
 regions of both continents, and which passes the 
 summer in the colder regions, retires southwards 
 in the end of October, and visits the southern parts 
 of England in moderate numbers, but is rarely met 
 with in Scotland. Its flight is quick and direct, 
 but it walks with difficulty. It feeds on mall fish, 
 Crustacea, and aquatic insects, and is an excellent 
 diver. It constructs a rather bulky nest, which it 
 lines with down. It lays seven or eight cream- 
 coloured eggs, specimens of which have been 
 obtained in I celand. Young birds, frequently called 
 Eed-headed Smews, are much more commonly taken 
 than old males. 
 
 SNIPE, BEOWN. 
 
 RED-BREASTED SNIPE. 
 
 SCOLOPAX GRISEA, Penn. 
 
 This species is extremely abundant on the coasts, 
 of the United States of America, where it is found 
 
209 
 
 during its progress to and from the northern dis- 
 tricts, in which it breeds. In the western Continent 
 it frequents the sand-bars and mud-flats at low 
 water, in search of food, and being less suspicious 
 of a boat than of a person on shore, is easily ap- 
 proached. The Brown Snipe is said to be well 
 known in the fur countries, and to have an exten- 
 sive breeding range from the borders of Lake 
 Superior to the Arctic Seas. Montagu first re- 
 corded its occurrence in England, having obtained 
 a male which was shot on the coast of Devonshire ; 
 and others have since been killed in this country. 
 
 SNIPE, COMMON. 
 BLEATER. 
 
 SCOLOPAX GALLINA&O, Lin. 
 
 The Common Snipe is generally distributed in 
 Great Britain and Ireland, residing in marshy 
 places, moors, and wet meadows. In summer it 
 leaves its southern haunts and breeds on the heaths 
 and moorland, where it forms a slight nest in a 
 hollow. It lays four eggs of a greyish yellow 
 colour, tinged with greenish blue, and irregularly 
 patched with dark brown and brownish grey spots. 
 In winter it betakes itself to the lower parts of the 
 country. It feeds chiefly at night, procuring its 
 food by plunging its bill into the mud. The flight 
 
 p 
 
210 
 
 of the Snipe, on being flushed, is at first in a zigzag 
 direction, until it has proceeded some distance, 
 when it ascends and pursues its course at a higher 
 elevation. 
 
 SNIPE, GREAT. 
 
 SOLITARY SNIPE. 
 SCOLOPAX MAJOK, Mont. 
 
 This species, although it has been met with not 
 very unfrequently in England, is apparently an 
 irregular winter visitant. Being somewhat similar 
 in appearance to our Common Snipe, it is probably 
 mistaken for it. It is generally dispersed over the 
 Continent, where it is met with singly or in pairs. 
 It frequents the edges of grassy swamps and the 
 borders of small rills. Its food seems to consist 
 entirely of the larvse of tipula or Daddy Long- 
 legs. It breeds in Holland and the mountainous 
 parts of Norway and Sweden, placing its nest on 
 a tuft of grass, near the willow bushes on the 
 borders of swamps. The eggs, four in number, 
 are of a yellow olive brown, spotted with two 
 shades of reddish brown. 
 
211 
 
 SNIPE, JACK. 
 
 JUDCOCK. 
 SCOLOFAX GALLINULA, Lin. 
 
 The Jack Snipe arrives in England the end of 
 October, and departs in March and April. It is 
 generally dispersed over the country, residing in 
 marshy places by the margins of rivers and lakes, 
 and in ditches in short, in localities of the same 
 nature as those frequented by the Common Snipe. 
 Several individuals of this species are rarely seen 
 together ; and it is not nearly so numerous as that 
 before mentioned. The Jack Snipe feeds on 
 smaller insects than the Common Snipe. Seeds, 
 and such small white larvae as are found in black 
 bogs, are its favourite food. It has been found 
 breeding in Lapland and Finland. The egg is of 
 a yellowish olive hue, blotched and spotted with 
 two shades of brown. 
 
 SNIPE, SABINE'S. 
 
 SCOLOPAX SABINI, Flem. 
 
 This bird was first described by Mr. Vigors, 
 in the 14th volume of the Transactions of the 
 Linneean Society, from an individual killed in 
 
212 
 
 Queen's County, Ireland, in 1802 ; and a few 
 specimens have since been obtained in England 
 and Ireland. Singular as it may appear, Sabine's 
 Snipe does not seem even yet to have fallen into 
 the hands of any Naturalist out of the British 
 Islands, and consequently very little is known of 
 its habits. It is at once distinguished from every 
 other European species of Snipe, by the total 
 absence of white from its plumage., or of any of 
 those lighter tints of ferruginous yellow which 
 extend more or less in stripes along the head and 
 back of them all. 
 
 SPARROW, HOUSE. 
 COMMON SPARROW. 
 
 FRINGILLA DOMESTICA. Lin. 
 
 The House Sparrow, the boldest and most fami- 
 liar of our small birds, is generally dispersed in 
 Great Britain and Ireland, residing in towns, 
 villages, farm-buildings, and seldom betaking itself 
 to places remote from human habitations. In 
 autumn and winter the Sparrows, usually in large 
 flocks, search the fields for grain and seeds, after- 
 committing in the former season considerable havoc 
 among wheat. Stackyards and dunghills are their 
 favourite places of resort at all seasons. They 
 build their nest in any convenient locality, at a 
 
213 
 
 considerable height from the ground. The nest is 
 composed of straw, loose twigs, &c., and lined with 
 wool, hair, and feathers. The eggs, varying from 
 six to eight in number, are of a greyish white, with 
 spots of pale grey, but the distinctive markings 
 differ very much in various specimens. 
 
 SPARROW, TREE. 
 MOUNTAIN SPARROW. 
 
 EKINGILLA MONTANA, Lin. 
 
 This is a common species on the Continent, and 
 is distributed in moderate numbers in some parts 
 of England. Although in its mode of flight and 
 general habits it resembles the common species, it 
 differs from it in several respects. It is a bird of 
 retired habits, and is never found to frequent vil- 
 lages or single dwellings, but is generally to be 
 met with where old trees hollowed by decay are 
 abundant. It is in the hollows of these, parti- 
 cularly of pollards, that it finds a congenial retreat, 
 and a convenient situation for its nest, the ma- 
 terials of which are hay and straw, intermixed with 
 a lining of feathers. Its eggs, four or five in 
 number, are similar to those of the House Sparrow, 
 but of rather smaller dimensions. 
 
214 
 
 SPOONBILL. 
 
 WHITE SPOONBILL. 
 
 PLATALEA LETJCOEDIA, Lin. 
 
 The Spoonbill is extensively distributed over 
 the temperate and warmer parts of Europe. Among 
 other places it is common in Holland, where it is 
 migratory ; but of rare and irregular occurrence 
 at the present time in Great Britain. It is re- 
 markable for its white colour, crest, and spoon or 
 spatula-like bill. It breeds among reeds or rushes 
 in the marshes, or near the lakes to which it 
 resorts. The nests, several of which are placed 
 near each other, are made of reeds bound together 
 by weeds, and not lined with any softer material. 
 The female lays from two to four broad white 
 eggs, marked with spots of a pale reddish brown. 
 
 STARLING, COMMON. 
 
 STARE. 
 STUKNUS VULGAEIS, Lin. 
 
 The Starling, which is widely dispersed through 
 Britain, is nowhere more common than in the 
 northern and western isles of Scotland, where it 
 breeds in caves, crevices of rocks, and holes in the 
 
215 
 
 turf. In the more northern parts of the island it 
 forms its nest in hollow trees, old buildings, and 
 rocks. The eggs, from four to six in number, are 
 of a very pale greenish blue tinge, and glossy in 
 appearance. The Starling, which is a gregarious 
 bird, flies with considerable rapidity, walks and 
 runs with ease, and searches the pastures for worms, 
 larvse, and insects. Its song is pleasant, and, when 
 tamed, it can be taught to whistle tunes, and even 
 to imitate the sound of the human voice, so far as 
 to articulate words. During autumn these birds 
 gather into large flocks, and repair to the fenny 
 counties, where they roost among the reeds. 
 
 STARLING, BED- WINGED. 
 
 MARSH BLACKBIRD, OR MAIZE BIRD. 
 AGELARTJS PIKENICEUS, And. 
 
 This bird, which is very abundant in North 
 America, has been captured in England in two 
 or three instances ; and some of its habits having 
 been observed to resemble those of our well- 
 known Starling, the name of Red- winged Starling 
 was given to it. Audubon says of them, " To- 
 wards evening they alight in the marshes in 
 immense numbers, and in compact bodies settle 
 on . the reeds and rushes close above the water, 
 and remain during the night, unless disturbed. 
 
216 
 
 Flocks of these birds assail the various corn crops 
 whenever they are in a state to afford them 
 food, and after the harvest is gathered, the pro- 
 fuse gleanings of the old rice, corn, and buck- 
 wheat fields supply them abundantly. They breed 
 in swampy places in Pennsylvania, &c. ; in the 
 beginning of May. Their eggs are of a pale bluish 
 white, with a circle of spots and streaks of dark 
 liver brown round the thick end, and one or two 
 scattered spots of the same colour, and some faint 
 blotches of purplish grey." 
 
 STILT, BLACK-WINGED. 
 
 LONG-LEGGED, OR STILT PLOVER. 
 
 HlMANTOPUS HELANOPTERTJS, Flem. 
 
 This species, which is said to be plentiful in 
 many parts of Asia and the south-eastern portions 
 of Europe, migrates into Germany, France, and 
 Italy, and has been in several instances obtained 
 in England. It is of a singular slender form, 
 with legs so extremely elongated as at once to 
 suggest the idea of a bird walking on stilts. It 
 flies with rapidity, walks and runs with celerity, 
 vibrating its body, and when standing is remark- 
 ably vociferous. It prefers the margins of lakes to 
 the sides of rivers, and searches the mud and sand 
 for worms, insects, &c., often wading far into the 
 water in pursuit of its natural prey. It breeds in 
 
217 
 
 Tangier, laying four eggs of a greenish blue 
 colour, blotched and streaked with ash green and 
 dark brown. 
 
 STINT, LITTLE, 
 LITTLE SANDPIPER. 
 TBINGA MINUTA, Flem. 
 
 This diminutive species is met with at various 
 times, generally in autumn, on several parts of 
 the English shores. It occurs abundantly at the 
 same period, and also in winter, in Holland, 
 Germany, Switzerland, and Dalmatia. In France 
 also it has been obtained both in summer and 
 winter. Generally found in company with the 
 Dunlins and Sandpipers, it selects for its food 
 aquatic insects, worms, &c. Of its breeding 
 ground or its habits at that season, very little 
 is known. The egg is said to resemble that of the 
 Common Sandpiper in colour and markings, but 
 is much smaller in size. 
 
 STINT, NORTH AMERICAN. 
 
 TEINGA PTTSILLA, Lin. 
 
 This bird, a native of North America, was 
 recorded in the Zoologist as having occurred at 
 
218 
 
 Penzance, in the autumn of 1864. They very 
 much resemble the last species in habits, colour, 
 and general appearance, but are smaller in size, 
 the legs also being shorter. In summer they retire 
 northward, and are found at the breeding season 
 in Labrador. During spring and autumn they 
 frequent the shores of New Jersey and New York, 
 the banks of the Ohio, and South Carolina ; and 
 in winter they are observed in Florida. They 
 obtain their food chiefly by probing, but they also 
 pick up substances from the surface of the ground. 
 
 STINT, TEMMINCK'S. 
 TEMMINCK'S SANDPIPER. 
 TEMMINCKII, Selby. 
 
 This species is distinguished from the two last- 
 mentioned by dimensions somewhat smaller than 
 either, by the different colours of the back, the 
 shortness of the legs, and a somewhat wedge- 
 shaped tail. In England it has been obtained in 
 the counties of Devon, Sussex, and Norfolk ; also 
 in the vicinity of London, in the spring and autumn 
 migrations. On the Continent it is pretty gene- 
 rally dispersed ; and it repairs northward to breed. 
 The eggs, which have been brought from Lapland, 
 Iceland, and Finland, are of a greyish yellow 
 colour, tinged with blue, and marked with chocolate 
 brown. 
 
219 
 
 STONECHAT. 
 
 STLYIA KTTBICOLA, Penn. 
 
 The Stonechat is generally dispersed in summer, 
 although nowhere very abundant. The greater 
 number of these frequenting this country leave 
 us in autumn ; but specimens have been found 
 both in England and Scotland in winter. It 
 resorts to furzy commons and heaths overgrown 
 with furze, juniper, and other low shrubs. Its 
 favourite station is the top twig of a bush, whence 
 it sallies forth in pursuit of insects. The nest, 
 which is usually placed on the ground, at the 
 bottom of a whin or other bush, is composed of 
 moss and dry grass, lined with hair or feathers. 
 The eggs, of which there are five or six, are of a 
 light greenish blue, marked towards the larger end 
 with small reddish brown spots. 
 
 STOKK, BLACK. 
 
 CICONIA NIGBA, SelLy. 
 
 The Black Stork is found distributed over the 
 eastern and middle parts of the Continent, and 
 occurs occasionally also in the northern and 
 western. Only a very few instances are recorded 
 
220 
 
 of its capture in Britain. The character of the 
 Black Stork is in one respect diametrically opposed 
 to that of the White Stork. Instead of allowing 
 itself to be domesticated, as it were, with man, it 
 shuns his society, and makes its temporary dwelling 
 in the most secluded spots, frequently impene- 
 trable morasses, or the banks of such rivers and 
 lakes as are seldom disturbed by the presence of 
 intruders, and building its nest on the summits of 
 the loftier pines. It appears to prefer fish to flesh, 
 but when very hungry, any sort of offal is accept- 
 able. It lays two or three eggs of a buffy white 
 colour. 
 
 STOEK, WHITE. 
 
 CICONIA ALBA, Mont. 
 
 Although extensively dispersed in Europe, and 
 common in Holland during the summer, this 
 species is now very seldom met with in England. 
 In its migrations it avoids alike the extremes of 
 heat and cold ; in summer being never seen further 
 north than Sweden or Eussia, and in winter not 
 being known to venture further south than Egypt. 
 The food of the Stork consists of serpents, lizards, 
 frogs, small fish, &c., which it finds on the mar- 
 gins of lakes and pools, or in swamps and marshes. 
 It prefers to make its nest in the neighbourhood 
 
221 
 
 of populous places, where it is protected and 
 favoured by the inhabitants, who commonly place 
 nest-boxes on the tops of the houses for its con- 
 venience. When these are not provided, the Stork 
 builds on the tops of chimneys, steeples, and lofty 
 ruins. In the nest, which is made of dry sticks, 
 twigs, and aquatic plants, the female lays from 
 two to four yellowish white eggs. 
 
 SWALLOW, CHIMNEY. 
 
 HIBTJNDO KusxiCA, Lin. 
 
 The Chimney Swallow generally makes its ap- 
 pearance in the south of England early in April, 
 but is seldom seen in the northern counties, or in 
 Scotland, before the middle or latter part of that 
 month. Towards the latter end of September it 
 prepares for its migration to the warm regions of 
 Africa, where it passes the winter months. Its 
 food is insects, which it takes with great dexterity 
 on the wing. The nest is placed under the eaves 
 of outhouses, on beams or rafters within them, on 
 the face of rocks, in quarries., in the sides of walls, 
 or in the shafts of old coal pits, and is formed of 
 mud, with a lining of grass and feathers. The 
 eggs, of which there are four or five, are white, 
 speckled with reddish brown. 
 
222 
 SWAN, BEWICK'S. 
 
 CYGNTJS BEWICKII, Hew. 
 
 Bewick's Swan, which is much smaller than the 
 Hooper, is found in the north of Europe, and in 
 America, and is not an uncommon species in 
 England and Scotland during winter. Of the 
 habits and manner of this species little appears to 
 be known. When on the water it has somewhat 
 the air and appearance of a Goose, being almost 
 wholly devoid of that grace and majesty by which 
 the Mute Swan is so advantageously distinguished. 
 It is a very shy and timid bird, and can only be 
 approached by stratagem. The breeding places to 
 which it resorts have not been ascertained. 
 
 SWAN, WILD. 
 
 HOOPER, OR WHISTLING SWAN. 
 CTGNUS FERTJS, Mem. 
 
 The Common Wild Swan, though only a winter 
 visitant to the British Islands, has been known to 
 breed on the Shetland and Orkney Islands, and in 
 Sutherlandshire. It also breeds in Lapland, from 
 whence eggs have been procured ; and is found in 
 Holland, France, Italy, &c., and as far south as 
 Barbary and Egypt. In America this species has 
 
223 
 
 not been observed. The Hooper feeds on aquatic 
 plants and insects, in the search of which it can 
 keep its head under water for some time, but it 
 never dives. Its nest, which is a large structure, 
 is formed on the ground with flags, rushes, leaves, 
 and marshy plants. The female lays six or seven 
 eggs, tinged with yellowish green. 
 
 SWAN, MUTE. 
 
 TAME SWAN. 
 CTGNUS OLOE, Temm. 
 
 Our u Mute" half -domesticated Swan is too well 
 known to require description ; the large tubercle 
 or knob at the base of its bill at once distinguish- 
 ing this graceful species from its congeners. These 
 birds are far less numerous in the Thames than 
 they used to be. The greatest number at present 
 on that river belong to the Queen, and the Com- 
 panies of Vintners and Dyers own the next largest 
 proportion. The swan marks are made upon the 
 upper mandible with a knife or other sharp instru- 
 ment. This elegant bird is said to exist in a wild 
 state in Eussia and Siberia. 
 
224 
 
 SWAN, POLISH. 
 
 CYGNUS IMMUTABILIS, Yar. 
 
 The Polish Swan, a native of the Baltic, was 
 discovered, described, and named by Yarrell, from 
 specimens shot on the east coast of England. It 
 differs from the Mute or Tame Swan, in having a 
 smaller knob at the base of the upper mandible, 
 and feet of a dull grey instead of black colour ; 
 besides which there is a considerable difference in 
 the internal structure of various parts of the head, 
 Its food and habits closely resemble those of the 
 Tame Swan ; but its cygnets, unlike the young of 
 all other White Swans, are of as snowy a colour 
 as itself. 
 
 SWIFT, COMMON. 
 DAELING, OR SCREAMER. 
 
 CYPSELUS APIJS, Flem. 
 
 The Swift, which is generally dispersed in Great 
 Britain and Ireland, is seldom seen in the northern 
 parts of England before the end of May or the 
 beginning of June, arriving in the south a week 
 or two earlier. It leaves us again for warmer 
 climates in August, a month or six weeks pre- 
 vious to the departure of the Swallows. It resorts 
 
225 
 
 to steeples, towers, ruinous castles, abrupt rocks, 
 and other buildings, in the holes and under the 
 eaves of which it finds a safe retreat and a proper 
 situation to breed in. In Norway and Sweden the 
 Swifts build in hollow trees, forming their nests 
 of straw, moss, wool ; &c., which they collect with 
 great dexterity in their flight. The inside of the 
 nest is plastered with a glutinous substance, 
 furnished by glands peculiar to certain birds of 
 this genus. The eggs, of which there are usually 
 two, are of a transparent pinkish white. 
 
 SWIFT, WHITE-BELLIED. 
 
 ALPINE SWIFT. 
 
 CTPSELUS ALPINUS, Temm. 
 
 Several specimens of this species have been 
 taken in England, and three examples are known 
 to have been captured in Ireland, though it does 
 not migrate regularly as far northward as Britain. 
 It is common in the south of Europe, and in many 
 parts of Africa and Asia. The only peculiarity in 
 the habits of the Alpine Swift is that it appears 
 more partial to cliffs than buildings, the Common 
 Swift rather preferring artificial structures. The 
 nest is made of straw, moss, and other materials, 
 connected firmly together with a glutinous sub- 
 
 Q 
 
226 
 
 stance, similar to that used by the other species, 
 which renders the nest very hard and firm when 
 the cement is dry. The eggs, which are white, 
 and four or five in number, are very long in pro- 
 portion to their breadth. 
 
 TEEN, ARCTIC. 
 
 STERNA ARCTICA, Temm. 
 
 The Arctic Tern, which even on the wing may 
 easily be distinguished from the Common Tern, 
 both by its cry, which is shriller, and by its tail, 
 which is more elongated, is precisely similar in 
 its habits to that species, and frequently occurs 
 intermingled with it. In the northern and western 
 Islands of Scotland, on many parts of the coast 
 of the mainland, and in the Frith of Forth, as 
 well as in various parts of England, it is common. 
 The eggs, of which there are generally three or 
 four, are deposited in sandy or rocky places. 
 They vary greatly in colour, being sometimes of 
 a greyish yellow, and frequently of an olivaceous 
 or brownish hue, with black and purplish grey 
 blotches. 
 
227 
 
 TERN, BLACK. 
 
 STERNA NIGRA, Flem. 
 
 This bird arrives in the south-eastern parts 
 of England about the beginning of May, and 
 departs in September. It frequents fresh water 
 ponds, marshes, and rivers, where it finds the small 
 fish, insects, and reptiles on which it feeds. It is 
 rare in the northern parts of England, and has not 
 been met with in Scotland, but is found in summer 
 in Ireland. On the Continent it is seen in marshy 
 places of great extent, and in America is abundant 
 along the banks of the Mississippi and other 
 rivers, always preferring fresh water to the shores 
 of the sea. The nest is composed of flags and 
 coarse grass, and the eggs, usually three, but 
 sometimes four in number, are of a dark olive 
 brown, blotched and spotted with black, principally 
 at the larger end. 
 
 TERN, CASPIAN. 
 
 STERNA CASPIA, Selby. 
 
 This species of Tern, which is very fine and 
 large, has been met with on our eastern coasts, 
 particularly those of Suffolk and Norfolk. It is 
 said to inhabit the shores of the Baltic, Caspian, 
 
 Q 2 
 
228 
 
 and Mediterranean Seas, but to be of rare or acci- 
 dental occurrence on the western coasts of Europe. 
 It has also been found in Senegal, and at the Cape 
 of Good Hope. The Caspian Tern is incessantly 
 on the wing, sustaining its flight with apparent 
 ease, and swims buoyantly on the water, but never 
 dives. Its principal food is fish, or animal matters 
 left by the retiring tide. It is said to lay in a hole 
 in the sand, or on the bare rocks near the edge of 
 the sea, two or three eggs of a yellowish stone 
 colour, spotted with ash grey and dark red brown. 
 
 TERN, COMMON. 
 
 SEA SWALLOW. 
 STERNA HIRUNDO, Lin. 
 
 The Common Tern visits Germany, Holland, Swit- 
 zerland, France, Spain, Italy, and Madeira. Speci- 
 mens have also been received from Trebizond. It is 
 common on all our sandy shores, arriving early in 
 May, and departing in September. It breeds on 
 unfrequented sands, headlands, islands, and some- 
 times in rocky places, depositing its eggs in a slight 
 hollow, The eggs ; generally three in number, vary 
 greatly in colour, specimens being seen of a greyish 
 yellow, olivaceous, or brownish hue, blotched with 
 black and purplish grey. The food of the Common 
 
229 
 
 Tern consists of small fishes, especially sand eels, 
 shrimps, and other marine animals. It is frequently 
 found intermingled with the Arctic Tern. 
 
 TEEN GULL, BILLED. 
 
 STERNA. ANGLICA, Mont. 
 
 A few individuals of this species have been met 
 with in the south of England, from one of which 
 it is described by Montagu. It is said to be 
 abundant in Hungary, and towards the borders of 
 Turkey ; and in America has been found breeding 
 from the mouth of the Mississippi to Connecticut. 
 It is found also in Egypt and Java^ and specimens 
 have been received from Jutland, where it is said 
 to breed. It frequents fresh-water lakes and rivers, 
 rather than the sea-shores, and is said to feed 
 on beetles, dragon-flies, moths, and other insects, 
 which it catches on the wing. It lays two or three 
 eggs of a dark olive brown, spotted with ash 
 colour, and with two shades of dark red brown. 
 
 TEEN, LESSEE, 
 
 STERNA. MINUTA, Lin. 
 
 The Lesser Tern visits our shores early in May, 
 and although not very numerous anywhere, is met 
 
230 
 
 with along the southern, eastern, and western 
 coasts both of England and Scotland. In summer 
 it is not very uncommon on the sands at Aberdeen, 
 where there is a breeding place, and at the mouth 
 of the Frith of Forth. It is said to be common in 
 the summer on the shores of the Baltic, and is known 
 to visit Russia and Siberia. In Germany, Holland, 
 France, and Italy, on the shores of the Black and 
 Caspian seas, and in India and the United States, it 
 is extensively distributed. The female lays two or 
 three eggs, of a stone colour, marked and speckled 
 with ash grey and chestnut brown spots. 
 
 TEEN, NODDY. 
 
 STEUNA STOLID A, Lin. 
 
 This species has been found in the Gulf of 
 Mexico, on the shores of Florida, and on the coast of 
 France. Two specimens were shot in the summer 
 of 1840, between the Tasker Light-House, off the 
 coast of Wexford, and Dublin Bay. It is said that 
 this bird is a summer visitor to St. George's Channel. 
 It seeks its food at some distance from land, but 
 occasionally pursues its prey into the estuaries 
 of the larger Irish rivers, or along the outer shores 
 of the coast. The nest, which is formed of twigs 
 
231 
 
 and dry grass, is placed on bushes or low trees, 
 but never on the ground. It lays three eggs of a 
 reddish yellow colour, spotted with dull red and 
 faint purple. 
 
 TERN, -ROSEATE. 
 
 STERNA DOUGALLII, Mont. 
 
 This beautiful Tern, which was discovered by 
 Dr. Macdougall, on the Cambray Islands, in the 
 Frith of Clyde, and afterwards described by Mon- 
 tagu, has since been found on various parts of the 
 coast in England, Scotland, and Ireland. It does 
 not appear, however, so often on the southern 
 shores as on the west or east coast. It has been 
 found also in Norway, the countries on the Baltic, 
 Germany, France, Italy, the island of Madeira, 
 and Cape of Good Hope. It is said to be abundant 
 too in some parts of America. The eggs, which 
 are rather larger than those of the Arctic Tern, 
 are of a yellowish stone colour, speckled with ash 
 grey and dark brown spots. It is reported to breed 
 in the Sol way Frith, and as far north as Lapland. 
 It feeds upon small fish. 
 
232 
 
 TERN, SANDWICH. 
 
 STERNA CAUTIACA, Mont. 
 
 This species is very extensively dispersed, being 
 found on the coasts of both Continents. It arrives 
 in this country about the middle of May, and 
 departs by the end of September. It frequents for 
 the most part the south-eastern shores of England, 
 but several specimens have also been obtained 
 from the mouth of the Frith of Forth. It has 
 a strong and rapid flight, and except when engaged 
 in incubation, is almost constantly on the wing. 
 It feeds upon small fishes and Crustacea, which it 
 picks up from the water or 011 the sea-shore. It 
 deposits its eggs in a shallow hole in sand or turf. 
 These are of a yellowish stone colour, spotted and 
 speckled with ash grey, orange brown, and deep 
 red brown, and generally are not more than three 
 in number. 
 
 TERN, SOOTY. 
 
 STEBNA FULTGINOSA, And. 
 
 A single bird of this species was shot in 1852, 
 at Tutbury, near Burton-on- Trent, and was pur- 
 chased by W. H. Desvoeux, Esq., of Drakelow Hall, 
 for his collection. This is the only example known 
 
233 
 
 to have been killed in Britain; and another which 
 met the same fate at Proeda, near Magdeburg, is 
 the only other specimen, said to have been taken 
 in Europe. The Sooty Tern, which is a bird of 
 great power of flight, is known to have a very 
 wide geographical range, being included among 
 the birds of Australia, New Holland, the Island of 
 Ascension, the South Sea Islands, and various parts 
 of America, where it has been found to breed 
 plentifully. It is one of those birds which form 
 no nest, but deposit their eggs, three in number, 
 in a slight cavity which they scoop in the sand. 
 The eggs are of a pale cream colour, sparingly 
 marked with various tints of lightish amber and 
 lighter marks of purple. 
 
 TEEN, WHISKERED. 
 
 STERNA .LEUCOPAKEIA, Natt. 
 
 There is only one recorded instance of the cap- 
 ture of an individual of this species in England, 
 namely, that which was shot by the late Mr. Hey- 
 sham, of Carlisle, at Lyme, Dorsetshire, in August, 
 1836. No specimen of this bird had previously been 
 killed nearer than the coast of Picardy. The Whis- 
 kered Tern is rather peculiar in appearance, a 
 whisker being formed by a white line which extends 
 from the base of the upper bill to the ear, while other 
 
231 
 
 parts of the plumage are grey. But little is known 
 of the habits of this bird, which has been noticed in 
 the southern part of Hungary, in Germany, on the 
 coast of Dalmatia, and rarely in Italy. It is said 
 to feed on winged insects and aquatic worms ; but 
 its mode of nesting and the appearance of its eggs 
 are unknown. 
 
 TERN, WHITE. 
 
 WINGED BLACK. 
 STEBNA LEUCOPTEKA,' Temm. 
 
 A specimen of this Tern was shot on the 
 Shannon, in 1841, in company with the Black 
 Tern, with which it was confounded. This speci- 
 men was sent, along with one of the latter species, 
 to the Natural History Society of Dublin, in 
 whose Museum these examples of both species 
 are now preserved. The White-winged Tern 
 inhabits the bays and inlets of the shores of the 
 Mediterranean, and is common about Gibraltar. 
 It also visits the lakes, rivers, and marshes of the 
 countries in the vicinity of the Alps ; and is found 
 in Germany, Scandinavia, Dalmatia, &c. The 
 food of the White-winged Tern consists principally 
 of dragon-flies and other winged aquatic insects. 
 Nothing is known either of the eggs or of the 
 winter plumage of this species. 
 
235 
 
 THRUSH, GOLD-VENTED. 
 
 TTJEDUS CHEYSOEHCEUS, Temm. 
 
 One of these rare birds was shot at Mount 
 Beresford, near "Waterford, and purchased by Dr. 
 R. Burkitt, of Waterford, who skinned and pre- 
 served it. Dr. Burkitt sent this specimen for exhi- 
 bition in the Natural History Section of the British 
 Association, then about to hold a meeting at Cork. 
 Le Vaillant states that a male of this species was 
 shot on the banks of the Grootvis river during his 
 travels in the Caffre country. 
 
 THRUSH, MISSEL. 
 
 STORM COCK. 
 TUEDUS YISCIYOEITS, Lin. 
 
 The Missel Thrush is permanently resident in 
 England. It is common also in Scotland and 
 Ireland. It inhabits Scandinavia and Russia, but 
 does not extend so far as Siberia. It is found 
 also in Germany, France, and the central portions 
 
236 
 
 of Europe, &c. In its habits it is gregarious. In 
 winter it feeds in the open fields on worms, larvae, 
 and seeds. Its nest, rather bulky in size, and 
 formed in bushes or on trees, is plastered inter- 
 nally with mud, and lined with roots, grass, and 
 moss. The eggs, four or five in number, and 
 an inch and three-quarters long, are of a flesh 
 colour or purplish red hue. The song of the Missel 
 Thrush resembles that of the Blackbird, but its notes 
 are less mellow and modulated. 
 
 THRUSH, ROCK. 
 
 TURDUS SAXATILTS, Temm. 
 
 A specimen of this beautiful bird, figured and 
 described by Mr. Yarrell, was obtained in 1843, 
 by Mr. Thomas Trigg, who shot it at Therfield, 
 near Boyston, in Hertfordshire. According to 
 Temminck this species frequents the highest 
 rocky mountains, and is met with in Switzer- 
 land, the Tyrol, Hungary, Turkey, the Archi- 
 pelago, the Apennines, the Alps, and the Pyrenees. 
 Along the coasts of the Mediterranean, in Ger- 
 many, on the high mountains of France, and on 
 the Volga, it is found more rarely. Its nest 
 is constructed of moss, in a fissure of rocks, or 
 
237 
 
 among the loose rough masses at their base, and 
 in it are deposited four eggs, of a greenish blue 
 colour, without any spots. 
 
 T H K U S H, SONG. 
 
 THROSTLE, OR MAVIS. 
 
 TURDUS MUSICUS, Lin. 
 
 The Song Thrush is common during summer in 
 Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and Eussia, and ex- 
 tends over Germany, France, Italy, and the Morea. 
 In winter it has been seen in the neighbourhood of 
 Smyrna and Trebizond. It is also generally dis- 
 tributed in Great Britain and Ireland, occurring as 
 a permanent resident in the bare northern isles, as 
 well as in the more wooded and cultivated districts 
 of the south. It feeds on worms, insects, snails, 
 and berries, and becomes somewhat, gregarious in 
 winter. The song of this bird surpasses that of 
 any other British Thrush. The nest is rather rude 
 in structure, being lined with cow-dung, particles 
 of decayed wood, or mud, without any covering. 
 The eggs, generally five in number, are of a bright 
 bluish green, with scattered spots of brownish 
 black. 
 
238 
 
 THRUSH, WHITE'S. 
 
 TURDTJS WHITEI, Eyton. 
 
 This species appears to be widely scattered, 
 being found not only in parts of Europe, but in 
 Japan, Java, Australia, and Southern Siberia. On 
 the banks of the Elbe at Hamburg, it has been 
 shot ; and two specimens are recorded to have been 
 obtained in this country, namely, one by the Earl 
 of Malmesbury, on his estate at Heron Court, near 
 Christchurch, and the other was killed in the New 
 Forest. Of the habits of the White Thrush little 
 appears to be known. The large size of its wings 
 indicates that it is possessed of considerable migra- 
 torial powers. Of its breeding places nothing is 
 known. 
 
 TITMOUSE, BEAEDED. 
 
 PABFS BIARMICUS, Lin. 
 
 This handsome bird is said to be extensively dis- 
 persed over the Continent, inhabiting the marshy 
 borders of rivers and lakes. In England it is 
 found chiefly along the banks of the Thames, and 
 in Cambridge, Norfolk, Suffolk, and Lincoln. It 
 
239 
 
 resides among the reeds and other aquatic plants, 
 clinging to their stems in the manner of the 
 other Tits, Siskins, and Redpoles. The nest? 
 generally placed in a tuft of grass or rushes on 
 the ground, is composed of leaves of grass and 
 sedge, lined with panicles of seeds. The eggs, 
 five or six in number, are white, with a few light 
 red lines and dots. The food of the Bearded 
 Titmouse consists of aquatic irisects and their 
 larvse, with the seeds of such grasses and plants 
 as are found in moist situations. 
 
 TITMOUSE, BLUE. 
 
 PAETJS CGERULEUS, Lin. 
 
 This beautiful and lively species is very common 
 in most districts, frequenting gardens, orchards, 
 and woods, where it feeds on insects, larvse, seeds, 
 and various other substances. In winter it is 
 often seen about farm-yards, the doors of country 
 houses, and dunghills, where it picks up grain and 
 other matters. In spring it commits great havoc 
 among the birds, probably while it is in search of 
 insects. The nest, which is placed in the chink 
 of a wall, under the eaves or thatch of a cottage, 
 or in the hollow of a tree, is composed of moss, 
 grass, and wool, lined with hair and feathers. 
 The eggs, the numbers of which vary from six to 
 ten, or more, are of a reddish white, irregularly 
 
240 
 
 spotted with light red marks. The Blue Titmouse 
 is often found in winter traversing the woods in 
 company with the Cole Tit and others. 
 
 TITMOUSE, COLE. 
 
 PARUS ATER, Lin. 
 
 The favourite abode of this species is in forests and 
 plantations of fir and pine, where it wanders about 
 in troops, often composed of a vast number of 
 individuals, including the Gold-crested "Wren, the 
 Long-tailed and Blue Tit v with which it usually 
 associates. Although partial to fir-woods, it also 
 frequents those of birch, oak, and alder. Its nest, 
 which is placed in a hole or crevice in a wall, or 
 in a decayed tree, is composed of moss, intermixed 
 with hair, and lined with wool and hair. The 
 eggs, varying from five to eight in number, are 
 white, with light red spots. During its flight, 
 which is short and straight, it emits a sharp cheep- 
 ing note ; and in searching for its insect food, it 
 exhibits the greatest activity. 
 
 TITMOUSE, CRESTED. 
 
 PARTIS CBESTATUS, Lin. 
 
 This species inhabits Denmark, the more tempe- 
 rate parts of Russia and Sweden, where it is said 
 
241 
 
 to remain all the year, inhabiting the pine forests, 
 building its nest in the hollows of trees, and feed- 
 ing on insects in their different stages, and on the 
 small seeds of various evergreens. It also inhabits 
 the forests of Germany, and the fir-covered moun- 
 tains of Switzerland. In this country it has hitherto 
 been found only in the pine forests of the north of 
 Scotland. The Crested Titmouse appears partial 
 to woods where fir and oak trees abound, the holes 
 in the latter generally serving for its nest. The 
 female lays eight or ten white eggs, varied with a 
 few spots of pale red. 
 
 TITMOUSE, GREAT. 
 
 PAEUS MAJOR, Lin. 
 * 
 
 The Great Titmouse, which is less gregarious 
 than other birds of the same genus, is generally 
 distributed in wooded and cultivated districts, fre- 
 quenting woods, thickets, and occasionally gardens? 
 where it feeds on insects, seeds, buds, &c. It is 
 extremely active, arid in spring and summer is 
 remarkable for its curious song, which resembles 
 the sound produced by sharpening the teeth of a 
 saw. Its nest, which is usually placed in the hole 
 of a wall, or in a hollow space formed expressly 
 in the wood of a decayed tree, is composed of moss, 
 
 R 
 
242 
 
 leaves, shreds of bark, wool, hair, feathers, &c. ; 
 and should it be attacked by other birds it is de- 
 fended by the Titmouse with great energy. The 
 eggs, about six in number, are of a bluish white, 
 dotted with red. 
 
 TITMOUSE, LONG-TAILED. 
 
 PARUS CAUDATUS, Lin. 
 
 This singular-looking bird, the most diminutive 
 of our British species, except the Golden-crested 
 Wren, is found throughout Europe and the colder 
 parts of Asia, generally distributed in the wooded 
 and cultivated districts. Its habits are similar to 
 those of the other Tits, with which it occasionally 
 associates ; but it differs from them in attaching its 
 nest to the branches of trees. The nest is of an 
 oblong form, composed of moss and lichens, lined 
 with feathers, and having an aperture near the top, 
 as well as at the bottom, for escape. The eggs are 
 next in size to those of the Golden-crested Wren, 
 and their thin white surface is generally marked 
 with numerous faint red spots or dots at the larger 
 ends. 
 
243 
 TITMOUSE, MARSH. 
 
 PARTIS PALUSTRIS, Lin. 
 
 This species is more common in England than 
 in Scotland, but does not confine itself to marshy 
 places. Its habits are similar to those of the Cole 
 Tit, but in winter it feeds partly on seeds. It 
 breeds in the holes of old willows and such trees as 
 occur in its peculiar haunts, frequently excavating 
 for itself the intended habitation of its brood, 
 carrying it to a considerable depth, and always 
 making it a little wider at the bottom, for the recep- 
 tions of the nest, which is composed of moss, 
 mixed with the seed-down of the willow, and 
 lined with a warm coating of the same material. 
 The eggs, from six to eight in number, are white, 
 with reddish brown spots, most numerous towards 
 the larger end. 
 
 TURNSTONE. 
 
 STREPSILAS LNTERPRES, Flem. 
 
 The Turnstones appear on our coasts in the end 
 of October, and remain until the beginning of 
 May, or somewhat later. They frequent the 
 rocky coasts and gravelly places more than the 
 sands, keeping in flocks, and feeding on small 
 
 K 2 
 
244 
 
 mollusca, Crustacea, and worms. This bird is 
 widely spread over both Continents, and is known 
 to breed in Norway, where its nest and eggs have 
 been obtained ; the former placed against a ledge 
 of rock under a slanting stone, and well sheltered 
 under the drooping branches of some creeping 
 plant. The eggs, of which there are four, are of 
 an olive green colour, spotted and streaked with ash 
 blue and two shades of reddish brown. 
 
 VULTURE, EGYPTIAN OR ALPINE. 
 
 VULTUR PEECNOPTEETJS, Lin. 
 
 The Egyptian Vulture does not live in flocks 
 like the other Vultures, but in pairs, although 
 when attracted by a carcase several may be seen 
 together. It is frequently observed in Egypt and in 
 other parts, but only one of this species has been 
 taken in England. It builds its nest on high rocks, 
 the female laying two eggs variegated with rich 
 brown spots, the under colour being of a lighter hue. 
 Vultures are numerous in warm countries, where the 
 great heat induces the rapid decomposition of all 
 animal matter, of which their food chiefly consists. 
 Unless pressed by extreme hunger, Vultures seldom 
 attack living animals, preferring carrion, and other 
 putrefying substances. 
 
245 
 VULTURE, GRIFFON OK FULVOUS. 
 
 VULTUK, FULYUS, Temm. 
 
 Only in one instance have we any record of the 
 capture of this species of Vulture in the United 
 Kingdom. This specimen was taken in 1843, in 
 Cork Harbour, and is now in Trinity College, 
 Dublin. The Griffin Vulture is not uncommon in 
 France, Germany, and the Pyrenees, where it builds 
 its nest, which is of immense size, on high and 
 almost inaccessible rocks. The female lays two 
 or three elongated white eggs. 
 
 WAGTAIL, GEEY. 
 
 MOTACILLA BOAKULA, Lin. 
 
 The Grey Wagtail, as a species^ is far less nume- 
 rous than the Pied Wagtail. With some excep- 
 tions it may be considered in this country as a 
 summer visitor to the more northern counties, 
 migrating in autumn as a winter visitor to those 
 of the south. It frequents the margins of streams, 
 pools, and lakes, and is generally distributed in the 
 lower and more cultivated parts. It breeds on 
 the shelves of those rocky precipices that so often 
 form the banks of our northern rivers. The nest is 
 
246 
 
 made of moss and dry grass, and lined with hair. 
 The eggs, commonly six in number, are of a yel- 
 lowish grey colour, blotched with a darker shade 
 of the same hue. Its food consists of insects and 
 their larvae. 
 
 WAGTAIL, GREY-HEADED. 
 BLUE-HEADED WAGTAIL. 
 
 MOTACILLA FLAYA, Lin. 
 
 This species is generally dispersed over the 
 Continent, where the Yellow r or Ray's Wagtail is 
 met with. It has been found in several instances 
 in England, and once or twice in Scotland. On 
 the Continent it inhabits moist meadows and 
 the gravelly edges of rivers. It is common 
 over the central parts of Europe, and in Sweden 
 and Norway is a summer visitor. It is also in- 
 cluded among the Birds of Japan. This species 
 makes its nest on the ground in holes, sometimes 
 among the roots of trees in corn-fields, and in 
 meadows. The female lays about six eggs, very 
 like those of Ray's Wagtail. Its food consists of 
 flies, moths, small green caterpillars, &.c. 
 
247 
 
 WAGTAIL, PIED. 
 
 WATER WAGTAIL, OR DISH-WASHER. 
 MOTACILLA YABBELLII, Gould. 
 
 The Pied Wagtail is a very common and elegant 
 bird, generally distributed in Great Britain and 
 Ireland ; but on the Continent hitherto observed 
 only in the north of France, Sweden, and Norway. 
 It usually frequents the margins of streams, ditches, 
 pools, lakes, &c., but is often seen in dry pastures 
 and stony places. The nest, which is placed by 
 the side of a river or stream, on a rocky bank, in 
 a quarry, among grass, on a heap of stones, or in 
 the hole of a wall, is composed of dry grass, moss, 
 and leaves, and lined with wool and hair, some- 
 times with feathers. The eggs, of which there are 
 five or six, are of a greyish white, spotted with 
 grey and brown. 
 
 WAGTAIL, RAY'S. 
 
 YELLOW WAGTAIL. 
 MOTACILLA FLAVEOLA, Temm. 
 
 This Wagtail is migratory, arriving in England 
 about the end of March, and disappearing in 
 September. As it frequently resorts, 01^ its first 
 
248 
 
 arrival, to the newly-sown lands, it lias obtained 
 in many districts the provincial name of Oat-seed 
 Bird. It is not so generally diffused as the last 
 species, but adheres to particular districts, namely, 
 open arable ground and extensive npland sheep 
 pastures. Its habits are similar to those of the 
 other Wagtails, but it is more addicted to searching 
 for insects on plants. Its nest is built upon the 
 ground, and lined with hair, and the eggs, four or 
 five in number, are of a pale brown hue, sprinkled 
 with dots of a darker tint. 
 
 WAGTAIL, WHITE. 
 
 MOTACILLA ALBA, Lin. 
 
 This species is found in summer as far north as 
 the Arctic regions, and in Sweden and Norway- 
 It is only a summer visitor to Britain, while many 
 of the better known Pied Wagtails remain with us 
 all the year. The permanent pearl grey, or light 
 ash grey, of its back, appears to be its most obvious 
 distinction. Its habits are similar to those of its 
 congeners. Its food consists of insects and their 
 larvae. The nest is placed among grass in mea- 
 dows, or in a fissure of decayed buildings or rocks, 
 &c., where five or six eggs, of a bluish white 
 colour, spotted with black, are deposited. 
 
249 
 
 W.ARBLEE, BLACKCAP. 
 
 SYLYIA ATRICAPILLA, Penn. 
 
 The Blackcap is widely scattered through the 
 northern and eastern parts of Europe, extending 
 as far north as Lapland, and southward to the 
 Pyrenees. It is generally distributed in England, 
 and occurs in the south of Scotland. It arrives in 
 April, and departs in September ; but being shy 
 and of hiding habits, it is not easily discovered. 
 Its song is delightful, and in the opinion of some 
 little inferior to that of the Nightingale. The 
 nest, which is loosely constructed, and lined with 
 fibrous roots and hair, is placed in the fork of a 
 shrub, or on the ground. The eggs, four or five 
 in number, are of a greyish white, faintly mottled 
 and freckled with purplish grey, and some streaks 
 of blackish brown. Its food consists of insects 
 and the smaller sorts of fruit. 
 
 WAEBLER, BLUE-THROATED. 
 SYLYIA SUECICA, Temm. 
 
 It is said that this bird is by no means uncom- 
 mon in various parts of the Continent, extending 
 from Spain and Italy to Siberia, Russia, Finland, 
 
250 
 
 and the north of Sweden. An individual was shot 
 near Newcastle, in May, 1826, and another in 
 Dorsetshire. It is found in low swampy grounds^ 
 on the woody borders of boggy heaths, and on the 
 banks of streams running through wet springy 
 meadows, where there is abundance of alder and 
 willow underwood. The nest is placed on the 
 ground, among the plants of bog myrtle, in places 
 overgrown with coarse grass, or in the bottom of 
 stubbs of scrubby brushwood in wet situations. 
 The nest is composed of dead grass and a little 
 moss, lined with finer grass. The eggs, from four 
 to six in number, are of a uniform greenish blue ; 
 and those of an allied species, found in Sweden 
 and Lapland, are greenish blue, freckled with 
 brown. The food of the Blue-throated Warbler 
 consists of earthworms, insects, and berries. 
 
 WARBLER, CHIFF-CHAFF. 
 
 LESSER PETTY-CHAPS, OR LEAST WILLOW WREN. 
 
 SYLYA EUFA, Temm, 
 
 This species, which is found in Italy during the 
 winter, is one of the earliest arrivals of our migra- 
 tory Warblers, and is easily recognized by its well- 
 known note or cry of Chiff- Chaff, which it fre- 
 quently repeats. It is a common bird in the 
 
251 
 
 southern and midland districts of England, but in 
 Northumberland and the other parts of North 
 Britain is not so numerous as either the Wood or 
 Willow Warbler ; neither is it common in Ireland. 
 It frequents woods and thickets, preferring the 
 shades of solitary coverts and thick hedges. The 
 nest, which is oval or rounded, and placed on or 
 near to the ground, has a hole in the side, similar 
 to that of the Willow Wren. It is formed of dry 
 grass, withered leaves, &c., and lined with a quan- 
 tity of feathers. The female lays five or six white 
 eggs, speckled with dark purplish red. 
 
 WARBLER, YELLOW-BILLED CHIFF- 
 CHAFF. 
 
 MELODIOUS WILLOW WEEN. 
 
 SYLYA HIPPO LAIS, Temm. 
 
 Although this beautiful songster cannot be said to 
 be found in England, a specimen was shot in June, 
 1848, at Eythorne, near Dover. It is well known 
 on the Continent, inhabiting the gardens and hedge- 
 rows of those portions of the coasts of France and 
 Holland that are immediately opposite to our own, 
 and appearing in fact to be distributed generally 
 over Europe, from Sweden to the shores of the 
 Mediterranean. Its mode of nesting differs from 
 
252 
 
 that of the other Warblers. The nest, instead of 
 being placed near or on the ground, is built at a 
 considerable elevation, sometimes near the top of 
 tall bushes or young trees. Instead of being dome- 
 shaped, like that of the other species, it is open at 
 the top. It is composed of grass, bents, and long 
 hairs, interlaid and wound together, and lined with 
 fine roots, hair, wool, &c. The eggs are of a pale 
 purplish white, speckled with dark or purplish red, 
 the ground colour differing a little from that of 
 the Willow Warbler. The food of this species 
 consists chiefly of various caterpillars and small 
 insects. 
 
 WARBLER, DARTFORD. 
 
 SYLYIA PEOYiNCiALia, Temm. 
 
 The Dartford Warbler is a permanent resident 
 in England, occurring on commons in several of 
 the southern counties. It was first noticed in 1773, 
 by Dr. Latham, who procured a pair from Bexley 
 Heath, near Dartford, in Kent, from which 
 place it has taken its English name. It inhabits 
 furze thickets, among which it glides with the 
 greatest ease and activity, flying with short jerks 
 in the manner of the Whinchat and Whitethroat. 
 It feeds upon flies, grasshoppers, and other insects, 
 which it frequently seizes on the wing. Its nest, 
 which is loosely constructed, like that of the 
 
253 
 
 Whitethroat, is placed in the centre .of the thickest 
 furze bush. The eggs, which are rather smaller 
 than those of the Whitethroat, are of a greenish 
 white, freckled all over with olivaceous brown and 
 ash colour. 
 
 WARBLER, GARDEN. 
 GREATER PETTY-CHAPS. 
 
 SYLVIA HonTtNsis, Flem. 
 
 This species arrives about the end of April, and 
 is generally dispersed in England as well as the 
 south of Scotland. It occurs chiefly in thickets, 
 plantations, woods, and gardens, and like the rest 
 of its shy tribe is more often heard than seen, 
 usually singing from the very centre of some close 
 retreat. The nest^ which is frequently placed on 
 the ground, is loosely constructed, and the eggs, 
 from four to six in number, are of a dull white 
 colour, dotted with light brown and grey spots. 
 It feeds on insects and worms. 
 
 WABBLEB, GEASSHOPPEE. 
 
 GRASSHOPPER LARK. 
 
 SYLVIA LOCUSTELLA, Penn. 
 
 This slender and elegantly-formed, but plainly- 
 coloured, little bird arrives in England from the 
 
254 
 
 middle to the end of April, and is generally dis- 
 persed in this country, but is not numerous. It 
 has also been found in a few instances in the south 
 of Scotland. It frequents low and damp situations, 
 overgrown with furze, brambles, and underwood. 
 It is remarkably shy and timid, and is seldom seen 
 upon the wing, generally remaining shrouded in 
 the middle of the thickest furze, which it threads 
 with the rapidity of a mouse. It builds in the 
 closest brambles and thick underwood. The nest 
 is composed of dry grass, lined with similar but 
 finer materials. The eggs are white, closely 
 freckled with carmine spots. 
 
 WARBLER, GREAT SEDGE. 
 
 THRUSH-LIKE WARBLER. 
 
 SYLVIA TTJRDOIDES, Temm. 
 
 A specimen of this (the largest European) War- 
 bler was shot three or four miles west of New- 
 castle, near the village of Swalwill, in May, 1847, 
 since which time it has been met with in two or 
 three instances in England. In its habits resem- 
 bling the Reed Warbler, it frequents those banks 
 near water which are overgrown with reeds and 
 rushes, where it seeks its food, consisting of beetles, 
 flies, &c. Its general appearance, and its mode 
 of nesting, closely resemble those of the Reed 
 Warbler. The nest, which is found in the same 
 
255 
 
 localities, is suspended from the reeds in a similar 
 manner. The eggs, of which there are four or 
 five, are of a pale greenish white, spotted and 
 speckled with ash grey and reddish brown. This 
 species is abundant in the marshes of Holland 
 during summer ; it also visits Germany, Belgium, 
 and the low flat lands of France, even those as 
 near us as Calais. 
 
 WARBLER, ORPHEAN. 
 
 SYLYIA OBPHEA, Gould. 
 
 The Zoologist of 1849, gives an account of 
 a specimen of this bird which was shot in a 
 small plantation near Wetherby, in Yorkshire. 
 Its habits resemble those of the Whitethroat. 
 In Italy it is a summer visitor, as it is also 
 in Switzerland and France, inhabiting in the 
 latter country the forests and dry districts of 
 Lorraine and Provence. It feeds on small insects 
 and berries. The nest, which is large and open, is 
 occasionally placed among blocks of stone on the 
 ground, but bushes and other situations are fre- 
 quently chosen. The outside is composed of small 
 twigs and a few leaves, entwined with long bents 
 of grass and loose horse-hairs. The eggs, four or 
 five in number, are white, tinged with pale green, 
 and dotted with small spots and specks of reddish 
 yellow and light brown. 
 
256 
 
 WARBLER, REED. 
 REED WREN. 
 
 SYLVIA AIIUNDINACEA, Penn. 
 
 This species is distinguished by having its upper 
 part of a uniform tint the common Sedge Warbler 
 being marked with dusky spots. It arrives in the 
 end of April, and departs in September. It is dis- 
 persed over the southern and middle parts of Eng- 
 land, but is confined to such localities as afford 
 proper covert, namely, wet ditches and fens, the 
 margins of rivers and pools that are overgrown with 
 reeds and tall aquatic plants. Its song, which is 
 loud and cheerful, is mnch diversified, and is some- 
 times heard at night. It forms its nest of the seed- 
 tops of reeds and long grass, lines it with the finer 
 parts of the first-named materials, and suspends it 
 between a few adjoining stems. Jtismade so deep 
 as entirely to conceal the bird when sitting. The 
 eggs, four or five in number, are of a greenish 
 white, blotched and spotted with brown and oil 
 green. 
 
 WARBLER, RUFUS SEDGE. 
 
 SYLVIA GALACTOTES, Temm. 
 
 Of the habits of this species of Warbler little 
 appears to be known. Only one instance is re- 
 
257 
 
 corded of its capture in England, namely, one 
 which was shot near Brighton, in 1854. This 
 species was first obtained at Gibraltar, and others 
 afterwards at Algesiras. It is found in various 
 parts of Spain, particularly in the valley of Anda- 
 lusia ; nesting among the shrubs of oleander. The 
 eggs are of a pale greenish white ground colour, 
 spotted and speckled over with two shades of 
 darker greenish brown, very similar in colour to 
 those of the Reed Warbler. Its food is said to be 
 grasshoppers and other insects. 
 
 WARBLER, SAVI'S. 
 
 SYLVIA. LUSCINIOIDES, Temm. 
 
 Several examj^s of this rare species of Warbler 
 have been obta^ in England. Savi's Warbler 
 resembles the Reed Warbler in form, with the 
 exception of the tail, which is longer and more 
 fan-like in shape. Its plumage is similar in 
 colour to that of the Nightingale. This species 
 is rare even in the south of Enrope, and was first 
 noticed by Savi. Like the Reed and Sedge Warblers, 
 it frequents moist and shaded situations among 
 reeds and bushes near water, concealing itself 
 among the stalks and foliage. It feeds on worms 
 and insects. Its nest ; which is generally placed 
 
258 
 
 near the bottom of a tuft of thick coarse herbage, 
 and well concealed, is composed of coarse grass, 
 and lined with hair. The female lays four or five 
 eggs of a pale yellowish brown, freckled with 
 darker brown. 
 
 WARBLER, SEDGE. 
 
 SYLVIA PHEAGMITIS, Selly. 
 
 The Sedge Warbler, which is rather common in 
 many parts of England, but rare in Scotland, 
 arrives the end of April, and departs the be- 
 ginning of October. Its favourite resorts are 
 places overgrown with reeds and other tall aquatic 
 plants, among which it searches for its insect food 
 and places its nest, which is bulky, loosely con- 
 structed of grasses, and lined with finer materials. 
 The eggs, five in number, are of ^, greenish white 
 colour, dotted with light brown. 
 
 WAEBLEE, WILLOW. 
 
 SYLVIA TORCHILTJS, Penn. 
 
 The Willow Warbler, which is very generally 
 dispersed, arrives in England early in April, and 
 
259 
 
 departs about the end of September. It inhabits 
 woods, thickets, and gardens. Its song is soft, 
 mellow, and extremely pleasing, the first notes 
 prolonged, the rest gradually falling and becoming 
 shorter. The nest, which is composed of moss and 
 dry gras^, and lined with feathers, is of an oval 
 shape, with a small opening near the top. The 
 female lays six or seven white eggs, with numerous 
 reddish brown spots towards the larger end, and 
 with a few specks dispersed over the rest of the 
 surface. It is said to be common throughout the 
 greater part of Europe ; and according to the 
 accounts of Naturalists, is also found in North 
 America. Its food consists of insects. 
 
 WARBLER, WOOD. 
 
 ftl'LYJA SllHLLATlHX, Flcnt. 
 
 This species is found in most parts of England, 
 and the south of Scotland. It arrives about the 
 end of April, and departs towards the end of Sep- 
 tember. It frequents natural woods and plantations, 
 and is seldom seen in hedges or brushwood, like 
 the Willow Warbler. The nest ; which is usually 
 placed on the ground amongst the herbage, is 
 externally constructed of dry grass, dead leaves, 
 
260 
 
 and moss, and lined with fine grass and hair. 
 The eggs are six in number, white, with nu- 
 merous purplish red spots over the whole surface, 
 but confluent and forming a zone towards the 
 larger end. Its food consists of insects and their 
 larvae, principally of those kinds that feed upon 
 the foliage of trees. 
 
 WAXWING, BOHEMIAN. 
 WAXEN CHATTERER. 
 
 BOMBYCILLA GARRULA, Flem. 
 
 The Bohemian Waxwing is said to be generally 
 dispersed in winter over the Continent, but in sum- 
 mer it retires northward. It is only an occasional 
 or accidental visitor in Great Britain, appearing 
 in winter generally in flocks, and feeding on the 
 berries of the hawthorn and mountain ash. The 
 Waxwing is a rare bird in France and Provence, 
 still more rare in Italy, and it never crosses the 
 Mediterranean Sea. It is found, however, in various 
 parts of Asia, Europe, and North America, along 
 the mountainous range skirting the North Pacific 
 Ocean. Although the migratory habits of this 
 bird are well known, and many of the localities 
 
261 
 
 which it frequents have been recorded by various 
 writers, no one seems to have had any certain 
 information as to its true home, or the country 
 wherein it breeds, till about the year 1858, when 
 Mr. Wolley first introduced the eggs from Finland. 
 The nest, which is fixed on the fork of a branch, 
 eight or ten feet from the ground, is composed of 
 dry stalks of grass, and the inside is lined with 
 very fine stalks of the same material. The eggs, 
 of which there are three or four, are of a dingy 
 bluish white, marked with spots and blotches of 
 black of various sizes and shades. 
 
 WHEATEAR, THE. 
 
 SYLVIA (ENANTHB, Penn. 
 
 The Wheatear is one of the earliest of our sum- 
 mer visitants, arriving about the middle of March. 
 It is generally dispersed, betaking itself to sandy 
 downs, pastures, and stony slopes, both on the 
 coast and in the interior. It is a very lively and 
 active bird, hopping along with great celerity. 
 Its food consists of insects, worms, and small tes- 
 taceous mollusca. It has a short, lively, and plea- 
 santly modulated song, which is heard sometimes 
 when it is perched on a rock, wall, or turf, and more 
 frequently while hovering in the air, or during its 
 short flights. The nest, which is composed of 
 
262 
 
 grass, roots, and moss, with a lining of hair, wool, 
 and feathers, is placed in a hole, under a stone, in 
 a wall, &c. The eggs, five or six in number, are 
 of a pale greenish blue. Two broods are reared 
 in the year. On the South Downs, where they 
 collect in great numbers in autumn, these birds, 
 which are esteemed delicious fare, are caught with 
 nooses placed between two turfs. 
 
 WHIMBREL. 
 
 NUMENIUS PiKEOPUs, Penn. 
 
 This species is common on some parts of our 
 coast during its passage northward, chiefly fre- 
 quenting sandy pastures. It appears again on the 
 coast in autumn, and many remain along the shores 
 in England all the winter. It has also been found 
 breeding in Shetland. Its habits are very similar 
 to those of the Curlew, but its cry is less loud and 
 modulated. Its eggs, of which there are four, are 
 coloured like those of the Curlew. Neither this 
 species, nor the Curlew, although very extensively 
 distributed, occur in America, where, however, 
 there is a bird so similar to the Whimbrel as to 
 have generally been confounded with it. 
 
263 
 W H I N C H A T. 
 
 STLYIA KUBETKA, Penn. 
 
 The Whinchat, wliich is a migratory bird, leaves 
 us in September and returns in April. It is gene- 
 rally dispersed over this country, occurring here 
 and there in pastures, chiefly in hilly and upland 
 parts, and also in low tracts overgrown with small 
 shrubs. It has a short, modulated, cheerful song, 
 which is heard either when the bird is perched, or 
 is fluttering in the air. The nest is concealed 
 among shrubs and herbage, and is composed of 
 grasses, fibrous roots, and moss, with a lining of 
 finer fibres and hair. The eggs, of which there are 
 four or five, are of a uniform light greyish blue, 
 sometimes marked with brownish red dots, but 
 generally unspotted. Worms and insects are the 
 common food of this bird. 
 
 WHITETHROAT, COMMON. 
 
 SYLVIA CINEREA, Penn. 
 
 The Whitethroats arrive in England the end 
 of April or beginning of May, and depart in 
 September. They frequent hedges, thickets, and 
 gardens, and are extremely restless and petulant, 
 flitting about with a rapid flight, and often hover- 
 ing on the wing, emitting at the same time theii 
 
264 
 
 peculiar song, which is short and lively, but not 
 remarkably pleasant. The Whitethroat feeds on 
 insects, larvee, and soft fruits. The nest, usually 
 placed among brambles, briers, or rank herbaceous 
 plants, is elegantly but loosely constructed of 
 withered stems of goosegrass, lined with finer 
 filaments and hair. The eggs, generally five in 
 number, are of a greenish white, spotted and 
 freckled with greyish green and purplish grey. 
 The young often leave the nest before they are 
 well able to fly, particularly if disturbed. 
 
 WHITETHROAT, LESSER. 
 
 SYLYIA SYLYIELLA, Penn. 
 
 This bird arrives and departs about the same 
 periods as the rest of its species. It is uncommon 
 in the south of Scotland, and less common than the 
 other species of Whitethroat in any part of Eng- 
 land. It feeds on insects, larvae, and small fruits, 
 and frequents garden hedges and thickets. It is 
 extremely active and shy, and has a short and not 
 unpleasant warble. The nest, which is placed 
 among briers or herbage, is composed of the 
 stems and leaves of slender grasses, rather loosely 
 interwoven, with a lining of fine straws, fibrous 
 roots, and hair. The eggs, usually five in number, 
 are of a greyish white, spotted and patched with 
 light grey and brown. 
 
265 
 WOODCOCK. 
 
 SOOLOPAX EUSTICOLA, Lin. 
 
 The Woodcocks arrive from the northern parts 
 'of the Continent the beginning of October. They 
 are generally dispersed in Great Britain, Scotland, 
 and Ireland^ frequenting marshy places, brooks, 
 and ditches, generally in woods and thickets, or by 
 hedges. Their flight is more direct and sedate than 
 that of the Snipe. Many pairs have of late years 
 bred in this country, and take their departure in 
 March and April. Their eggs, generally four in 
 number, are of a yellowish white hue, clouded 
 and spotted with grey and reddish brown. 
 
 WOODPECKER, GREAT BLACK. 
 
 Picus MAKTIUS, Lin. 
 
 The Black Woodpecker is found among the 
 birds of France and Provence, and is not un- 
 commonly met with in the pine forests of Swit- 
 zerland, Savoy, and the Tyrol. In winter it occa- 
 sionally appears in the vicinity of Rome. It is a 
 native of Denmark, Sweden, and Norway, and is 
 
266 
 
 found in Germany, whence it extends to the most* 
 northern parts of Eussia and Siberia. In England 
 it has been met "with only in a few instances^ 
 These birds, living in or near woods, are of a 
 retiring and shy disposition, hiding themselves from 
 view on the approach of an intruder, by passing 
 to that side of the tree or branch which is farthest 
 from the disturber of their repose. They search 
 the bark of trees, or decayed parts, for any insects 
 that may be concealed in the fissures, and in default 
 of such food will feed on nuts, seeds, or berries. 
 During the night these birds occupy the holes so 
 frequently observed in trees, in which, at the usual 
 season, the female deposits her eggs, three in 
 number, and of a white smooth and shining surface. 
 
 WOODPECKER, GKEEN. 
 
 Picus VIRIDIS, Lin. 
 
 This is a common inhabitant of all the wooded 
 parts of England and Scotland, where it is per- 
 manently resident. Besides searching trees for 
 larvas and insects, it often betakes itself to the 
 ground to seek for other insects, and particularly 
 ants and their eggs. It lays its eggs in trees, per-' 
 forating, for their reception, a round hole, sometimes 
 
267 
 
 of considerable depth. For this purpose it selects 
 those trees which are in a decaying state, or the 
 softer kinds of wood, such as the aspen, to which it 
 is very partial. When thus engaged, the strokes of 
 its bill are repeated with such velocity that the head 
 is scarcely perceived to move, and the sound, it is 
 said, may be heard distinctly at the distance of 
 half a mile. It makes no nest. The eggs, four 
 or five in number, are of a bluish white hue. 
 
 WOODPECKER, GREATER SPOTTED. 
 
 Piers MAJOR, Lin. 
 
 The Greater Spotted Woodpecker is extensively 
 distributed in England and Scotland, as well as in 
 Ireland, in which country it is permanently resident. 
 It frequents woods and plantations, especially 
 those of beech and pine, feeding on the insects and 
 larvee which it obtains in the decayed bark and 
 wood. The eggs, which are placed on chips of 
 wood in a hole formed in a tree, are generally five 
 in number, pure white and glossy. 
 
268 
 WOODPECKER, LESSER SPOTTED. 
 
 Picus MINOR, Lin. 
 
 This species occurs in most of the southern, 
 eastern, and midland counties of England. Its 
 habits are similar to those of the last-named 
 species. It usually prefers the higher branches 
 of trees, although it by no means confines itself 
 to thenij and is so intent on searching for 
 its food that it pays little attention to a person 
 coming to watch or shoot it. It produces occa- 
 sionally an extraordinarily loud, rapid, vibra- 
 tory noise, somewhat resembling that made by the 
 boring of a large auger in hard wood^ but its ordi- 
 nary voice is a feeble squeak several times repeated. 
 The eggs, five in number and of a pinkish white, 
 are deposited in the bottom of a hole. 
 
 WREN, COMMON. 
 
 TROGLODYTES VULGARIS, Flem. 
 
 The Wren is found in all parts of this kingdom, 
 inhabiting even the northern isles of Scotland, in 
 which it is a constant resident. It frequents stone 
 walls, fragments of rocks, thickets of gorse, hedge 
 banks, woods, and gardens. Its food consists of 
 
209 
 
 insects, small seeds, and soft fruits. Its song, 
 which is full, rich, and mellow, is surprisingly loud. 
 Its flight is rapid, even, and short. Although not 
 essentially a climber, it clings to perpendicular 
 surfaces sideways, and is often seen on trees. It 
 builds its nest, which is very large, and lined in 
 the interior with feathers, under the thatch or other 
 covering of outhouses, against the stem of an ivy- clad 
 tree, or in some cavity under an impending branch 
 or prominent piece of rock. The materials of 
 which the nest is constructed externally are always 
 adapted in colour to the situation it is to occupy. 
 Thus, on trees overrun with ivy, the outer coat is 
 entirely composed of the fresh and greener mosses, 
 but on a stump or rock, grey with lichens and 
 without grass, it will be found to be built either 
 of those substances, or of others coinciding in 
 general effect. The eggs, from six to eight in 
 number, are of a yellowish white, speckled, princi- 
 pally at the larger end, with reddish brown. 
 
 WRYNECK. 
 
 TUNX TOEQUILLA, Lin. 
 
 The Wryneck, which is one of the most beautiful 
 of our native birds, arrives from the middle to the 
 end of April, generally preceding the Cuckoo, and 
 disperses over the country in search of insects, 
 
270 
 
 larvae, and ants, which it seizes by means of its 
 tongue, in the manner of the Woodpeckers. It is 
 remarkable for a habit of twisting its neck, with a 
 slow undulatory motion, turning its head back and 
 closing its eyes, whence its common name. It 
 breeds in the holes of decayed trees, laying nine or 
 ten pure white eggs upon the bare rotten wood. It 
 is said to be found as far north as Sweden, is com- 
 mon in the southern and midland provinces of 
 Europe, but very rare in Holland. It also occurs 
 in Asia and Africa, where probably it takes up 
 its winter residence. 
 
 THE END. 
 
 G. NORMAN, PRINTER, MAIDEN LANE, COTENT GARDEN, LONDON. 
 

 
I N D E X. 
 
 PAGE 
 
 Accentor, Alpine . . - 1 
 Hedge, or Hedge 
 
 Sparrow . . // 
 
 American Bittern . . 5 
 
 Crossbill . . 34 
 
 ,, Scaup Duck . 57 
 
 (North) Stint . 217 
 
 Wigeon . . 64 
 
 Andalusian Quail . . 177 
 
 Arctic Tern . >..'-. 226 
 
 Ash-coloured, or Montagu's 
 
 Harrier . ^.110 
 
 Auk, Great . . . " 2 
 
 Little . ... ' . 3 
 
 Austrian Pratincole . .' 176 
 
 Avocet, The . . 4 
 
 B 
 
 Baillon's Crake . . 28 
 
 Bank, or Sand Martin . 136 
 
 Barbary, Partridge . . 156 
 
 Barn Owl . ;"S" 146 
 
 Bartram's Sandpiper . 104 
 
 Bearded Titmouse . " . 238 
 
 Bee-eater . . . . 5 
 
 Belted Kingfisher . . 124 
 
 Bernacle, Goose . 80 
 
 Bewick' s Swan . . . 222 
 
 Bimaculated Duck 49 
 
 PAGE 
 
 Bittern, American . '. 5 
 
 Common . . 6 
 
 Little . x . 7 
 
 Blackbird, The . . . 8 
 
 Black-headed Bunting . 10 
 
 throated Diver . 43 
 
 headed Gull . . 97 
 
 Black Grouse ... 91 
 
 Black- winged Stilt . . 216 
 
 Black Guillemot . . 94 
 
 Stork . . .219 
 
 Tern . . . 227 
 
 Black-tailed Godwit . . 77 
 
 Blue-throated Warbler . 249 
 
 Blue, or Tom Tit . . 239 
 
 Bonaparte's Gull . . 98 
 
 Brambling, The 9 
 
 Brent Goose ... 80 
 
 Broad-billed Sandpiper . 195 
 
 Brunnich's Guillement . 95 
 
 Buffel-headed Duck . . 49 
 
 Buff-backed Heron . . 114 
 
 ,, breasted Sandpiper . 196 
 
 Bullfinch, The . . . 9 
 
 Bulwer's Petrel . . 159 
 
 Bunting, Blackheaded . 10 
 
 Cirl . , .11 
 
 ,, Common . . 12 
 
 Lapland . . 
 
 Ortolan 13 
 
274 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 
 PAGE 
 
 
 PAGE 
 
 Bunting, Snow, or Mountain 
 
 14 
 
 Common Kite . 
 
 125 
 
 Yellow, or Yellow 
 
 
 Linnet 
 
 131 
 
 Hammer 
 
 15 
 
 Martin 
 
 134 
 
 Bustard, Great 
 
 16 
 
 Quail . 
 
 178 
 
 Little 
 
 17 
 
 Redshank . 
 
 186 
 
 Ruffea, or Mac- 
 
 
 Redstart 
 
 184 
 
 queen's . 
 
 n 
 
 Sandpiper . 
 
 197 
 
 Buzzard, Common 
 
 18 
 
 Scoter Duck 
 
 58 
 
 Honey 
 
 19 
 
 Shiekirake . 
 
 60 
 
 Bough-Legged . 
 
 20 
 
 Snipe . 
 
 209 
 
 
 
 Starling . 
 
 214 
 
 C 
 
 
 Swift 
 
 224 
 
 
 
 Teal . 
 
 62 
 
 Canada Goose 
 
 81 
 
 Tern . 
 
 228 
 
 Capercaillie, The 
 
 21 
 
 White-throat 
 
 263 
 
 Caspian, Tern . 
 
 227 
 
 Wigeon 
 
 64 
 
 Chaffinch, The . 
 
 22 
 
 Coot, The ... 
 
 24 
 
 Chiff-Chaff Warbler . 
 
 250 
 
 Cormorant, Common 
 
 25 
 
 Yellow^billed . 
 
 251 
 
 Green . 
 
 26 
 
 Chough, The . 
 
 23 
 
 Courser, cream-coloured . 
 
 27 
 
 Cirl Bunting 
 
 11 
 
 Crake, Baillon's 
 
 28 
 
 Cole, Titmouse . 
 
 240 
 
 Little . 
 
 u 
 
 Common Bittern 
 
 6 
 
 Spotted 
 
 29 
 
 Bunting . 
 
 12 
 
 Crane, The 
 
 30 
 
 Buzzard 
 
 18 
 
 Cream-coloured Courser . 
 
 27 
 
 ,, Cormorant . 
 
 25 
 
 Creeper, The . 
 
 31 
 
 Crossbill 
 
 31 
 
 Crested Lark . 
 
 128 
 
 ,, Crow . , . 
 
 35 
 
 Tit 
 
 240 
 
 Cuckoo 
 
 37 
 
 Crossbill, American White- 
 
 
 Curlew 
 
 39 
 
 winged . 
 
 34 
 
 Dipper 
 
 41 
 
 Common . 
 
 31 
 
 Duck 
 
 56 
 
 European . 
 
 33 
 
 Guillemot . 
 
 96 
 
 ,, Parrot 
 
 ;/ 
 
 Gull . 
 
 99 
 
 Crow, Carrion . 
 
 35 
 
 Heron 
 
 115 
 
 Eoyston 
 
 36 
 
 Kingfisher . 
 
 123 
 
 Cuckoo, Common 
 
 37 
 
INDEX. 
 
 275 
 
 PAGE 
 
 Cuckoo, Great Spotted . 37 
 
 Yellow-billed . 38 
 
 Curlew, Common . . 39 
 
 Esquimaux . . 40 
 
 D 
 
 Dartford Warbler . . 252 
 Dipper, Common, or "Water 
 
 Ouzel . . 41 
 
 Diver, Black-throated . 43 
 
 Great Northern . 42 
 
 Bed-throated . . 44 
 
 Dotterel, The . , ... , 45 
 
 Dove, Eing . . . 46 
 
 Bock . 
 
 Stock . . 47 
 
 Turtle ... 48 
 
 Duck, American Scaup . 57 
 
 ,, American Wigeon . 64 
 
 Bimaculated . 49 
 
 Buffel-headed . * 
 
 Common Pochard . 56 
 
 Common Scaup . 58 
 
 Common Wigeon . 64 
 
 Eider ... 50 
 
 Ferruginous . . 51 
 
 Gadwall 
 
 Garganey . . 52 
 
 Golden-eye . . * 
 
 Harlequin . . 53 
 
 King . 54 
 
 Long-tailed . . 55 
 
 Pintail . 
 Bed- crested . 
 Scoter, Common 
 
 57 
 58 
 
 PAGB 
 
 Duck, Shieldrake, Common 60 
 
 Buddy . 61 
 
 Shoveller // 
 
 Steller's . . 62 
 
 Surf Scoter . . 59 
 
 ,, Teal, Common . 62 
 
 Tufted . . 63 
 
 Velvet Scoter . . 59 
 
 Wild ... 65 
 
 Dunlin, The ... 66 
 
 E 
 
 Eagle, Golden ... 67 
 
 Owl ... 147 
 
 Spotted ... 68 
 
 White-tailed . . 69 
 Eared Grebe . . .86 
 
 Egret, Little ... 70 
 
 Egyptian Goose . . 81 
 
 Eider, Duck ... 50 
 
 Esquimaux, Curlew . . 40 
 
 F 
 
 Falcon, Gyr Falcon, Green- 
 land or Iceland 
 
 Falcon . . 70 
 
 Peregrine . . 71 
 
 Bed-footed . 
 Fieldfare, The . 
 Fly-catcher, Pied 
 
 Spotted 
 
 G 
 
 Gad wall, Duck 
 
 72 
 
 78 
 
 74 
 
 51 
 
276 
 
 HTDEX. 
 
 PAGE 
 
 Gannet, The . . . 75 
 
 Garden Warbler . . 253 
 
 Garganey Duck . . 52 
 
 Glaucous Gull . . .100 
 
 Godwit, Bar-tailed . . 76 
 
 Black-tailed . 77 
 
 Golden Eagle ... 67 
 
 Eyed Duck . . 52 
 
 Oriole . . .144 
 
 Goldfinch, The . . 76 
 
 Gold-vented Thrush . 235 
 
 Goosander, The . . 78 
 
 Goose, Bean . . .79 
 
 Bernacle . . 80 
 
 Brent 
 
 Canada ... 81 
 
 Egyptian 
 
 Grey-lag . . 82 
 
 Pink-footed . . 83 
 
 Red-breasted . . 
 
 Spur-winged . . 84 
 
 White-fronted . 85 
 Goshawk, The . 
 
 Grasshopper Warbler . 253 
 
 Great Auk ... 2 
 
 Black-headed Gull . 101 
 
 Black Woodpecker . 265 
 
 , 16 
 
 , 86 
 
 Grey Shrike . . 205 
 Snipe . .210 
 241 
 
 , 42 
 
 Shearwater . . 203 
 
 Spotted Cockoo . 37 
 
 Spotted Woodpecker 267 
 
 Bustard 
 
 Crested Grebe 
 
 ,, Titmouse 
 Northern Diver 
 
 PAGE 
 
 Great White Heron . . 116 
 
 Grebe, Eared ... 86 
 
 Great Crested . // 
 
 Little ... 87 
 
 Red-necked . . 88 
 
 Sclavonian . . // 
 
 Green Cormorant . . 26 
 
 Greenfinch, The . . 89 
 
 Greenshank, The . . 
 
 Green Woodpecker . . 266 
 
 Grey Lag- Goose . . 82 
 Wagtail . . .245 
 
 headed Wagtail . 246 
 
 Hen ... 91 
 
 Griffin Vulture . . 245 
 
 Grosbeak, Pine, or Hawfinch 90 
 Grouse, Black, Blackgame 
 or Black Cock, 
 
 Female Grey hen 91 
 
 Red . . . 92 
 White or Ptarmigan 93 
 
 Guillemot, Black . . 94 
 
 Brunnich's . 95 
 
 Common . . 96 
 
 Ringed . . 
 
 Gull-billed Tern . . 229 
 
 Gull, Black-headed . . 97 
 
 Buffon'sSkua . . 98 
 
 Bonaparte's . . 
 
 Common ... 99 
 
 Skua . . 100 
 Glaucus ... 
 
 Great Black-headed 101 
 Herring . . .102 
 
 Iceland . . . 103 
 Ivory . 
 

 INDEX. 
 
 277 
 
 PAGE 
 
 PAGE 
 
 Gull, Kittiwake 
 
 104 
 
 J 
 
 
 Laughing '. i 
 Lesser Black-backed 
 
 105 
 100 
 
 Jackdaw, The . 
 
 121 
 
 Little . . '. 
 
 H 
 
 Jack Snipe 
 
 211 
 
 Masked . ., 
 
 107 
 
 Jay, The .... 
 
 122 
 
 Pomarine Skua 
 
 II 
 
 
 
 Eichardson's Skua . 
 
 108 
 
 K 
 
 
 Sabine's . . 
 
 109 
 
 Kestril, The . , ' . ' . 
 
 123 
 
 Wedge-tailed . , 
 Gyr, Falcon . 
 
 110 
 70 
 
 King Duck . . . 
 Kingfisher, Common 
 
 54 
 123 
 
 
 
 Belted . . 
 
 124 
 
 H 
 
 
 Kite, Common . ^ 
 
 125 
 
 Harlequin Duck 
 Harrier, Ash Coloured, or 
 
 53 
 
 Swallow-tailed . 
 Kittiwake Gull ,. . 
 
 120 
 104 
 
 Montagu's 
 
 110 
 
 Knot, The . 
 
 127 
 
 Hen . 
 
 111 
 
 
 
 Marsh . 
 
 112 
 
 L 
 
 
 Hawfinch, or Grosbeak 
 Hawk, Sparrow 
 Hawk, Owl . . 
 
 114 
 113 
 148 
 
 Lapland Bunting 
 Lark, Crested . 
 
 12 
 128 
 
 Heron, Buff-backed . 
 
 114 Shore 
 
 129 
 
 Common 
 
 - ; Short-toed , , 
 llo 
 
 H 
 
 Great White 
 
 116 " Sk ? 
 
 130 
 
 Night . . 
 Purple . . . 
 Squacco 
 Hobby, The . . 
 Honey, Buzzard 
 Hooded Merganser . V 
 Hoopoe, The 
 
 117 
 H 
 118 
 119 
 19 
 137 
 119 
 
 Wood . . 
 Laughing Gull 
 Lesser Black-backed Gull . 
 Tern 
 White-throat 
 Spotted Woodpecker 
 Linnet, Common 
 Mountain 
 
 * 
 105 
 106 
 229 
 264 
 268 
 131 
 133 
 
 
 
 Little Auk . , - \ . 
 
 3 
 
 I 
 
 
 Bittern rf - 
 
 7 
 
 Ibis, Glossy . 
 
 121 
 
 Bustard . 
 
 17 
 
 Iceland Gull . 
 
 103 
 
 Crake . 
 
 28 
 
 Ivory Gull . . 
 
 
 
 Egret . 
 
 70 
 
278 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 Little Grebe . 
 
 Gull 
 
 ,, Owl 
 
 Einged Plover 
 
 Stint . 
 Long-eared Owl 
 
 tailed Duck 
 
 M Tit 
 
 M 
 
 Magpie, The . . . 
 Marsh Harrier . 
 Martin, Bank or Sand 
 
 House or Common 
 
 Purple . 
 Masked Gull . 
 Merganser, Hooded . 
 
 Bed-breasted . 
 Merlin, The 
 Moor Hen, The 
 Montagu's Harrier . 
 Mottled Owl . 
 Mountain Linnet 
 Mute Swan 
 
 N 
 
 Nightingale, The . . 
 Nightjar, The . 
 North American Stint 
 Nutcracker, The 
 Nuthatch, The . 
 
 O 
 
 Oriole, The Golden . 
 
 PAGE 
 
 
 PAGE 
 
 87 
 
 Orphean, Warbler . 
 
 255 
 
 106 
 
 Ortolan Bunting 
 
 13 
 
 149 
 
 Osprey, The 
 
 144. 
 
 173 
 
 Ouzel, The Eing 
 
 145 
 
 217 
 
 Owl, The Barn, Screech or 
 
 
 149 
 
 White . 
 
 146 
 
 55 
 
 Eagle, or Great horned 
 
 147 
 
 242 
 
 Hawk 
 
 148 
 
 
 Little 
 
 149 
 
 
 Long-eared 
 
 . 
 
 
 Mottled . 
 
 150 
 
 133 
 
 Scops-eared 
 
 151 
 
 112 
 
 Short-eared 
 
 152 
 
 136 
 
 Snowy . . ' . 
 
 
 
 134 
 
 Tawny 
 
 153 
 
 135 
 
 Tengmalm's 
 
 154 
 
 107 
 
 Oyster-catcher . 
 
 155 
 
 137 
 
 
 
 
 
 p 
 
 
 138 
 
 
 
 139 
 
 Partridge, Barbary . 
 
 156 
 
 110 
 
 Common . 
 
 157 
 
 150 
 
 Eed-legged 
 
 158 
 
 133 
 
 Pastor, Eose-coloured 
 
 159 
 
 223 
 
 Petrel, Bulwer's 
 
 ii 
 
 
 Capped or White- 
 
 
 
 headed 
 
 160 
 
 
 Fork4ailed . 
 
 161 
 
 140 
 
 
 
 
 Fulmar 
 
 
 141 
 
 
 
 
 Storm 
 
 162 
 
 217 
 
 * 
 
 
 142 
 
 Wilson's 
 
 163 
 
 
 Peregrine, Falcon 
 
 71 
 
 143 
 
 
 
 
 Phalarope, The 
 
 164 
 
 
 Eed-necked 
 
 i, 
 
 
 Pheasant, Bing-necked 
 
 165 
 
 144 
 
 Pied Flycatcher 
 
 73 
 
INDEX. 
 
 279 
 
 PAGE 
 
 Pigeon, Passenger . . 166 
 Pink-footed Goose . .83 
 Pintail Duck ... 55 
 Pipit, Meadow or Tit Lark 167 
 Richard's . 168 
 
 Rock 
 
 169 
 
 Tree 
 Plover, Cream coloured, 
 
 Courser or golden 170 
 
 Grey . . .171 
 
 Kentish . . 172 
 
 Lap wing or Pee wit 173 
 
 Little-ringed . // 
 
 Norfolk - ,- .. 174 
 
 Einged . . 175 
 
 Pochard Duck . . . 56 
 
 Polish Swan . . . 224 
 
 Pomerine Gull . . . 107 
 
 Pratincole, Austrian , 176 
 
 Puffin, The , . : . 
 
 Purple Martin . ^ . 135 
 
 Q 
 
 Quail, Andalusiau i . 177 
 
 Common . . 178 
 
 ,, Virginian, or Colin 
 
 E 
 
 Bail, Land, or Corncrake . 179 
 
 Water . . . 180 
 Eaven, The . * ,181 
 
 Eazor Bill, The . . 182 
 
 Red-breasted Goose . . 83 
 
 Eed-breasted Merganser . 137 
 
 Red-crested Duck * 57 
 
 Red-footed Falcon 72 
 
 PAGE 
 
 Red Grouse . . .92 
 Red-legged Partridge . 158 
 Red-necked Grebe . . 88 
 Redpole, Lesser . . 182 
 
 Mealy . . 183 
 Redshank, Common . . 184 
 
 Spotted . . 
 Redstart, Black . . 185 
 
 Common . . 186 
 Redwing, The . . 
 
 Reed Warbler, or Wran . 256 
 Regulus, Dalmatian . . 187 
 
 Fire-crested . 188 
 
 Golden crested, 
 or Golden-crested 
 Wren . . 189 
 Ring Dove ... 46 
 Ouzel . . . 145 
 Robin, The . . .190 
 Rock Dove . 46 
 
 Roller, The . . .191 
 Rook, The ... 192 
 Rose-coloured Pastor . 159 
 Rough-legged Buzzard . 20 
 Royston Crow ... 36 
 Buddy Shieldrake . .61 
 Buff, The . . . .193 
 Ruffed Bustard . . 17 
 Rufous Sedge Warbler . 256 
 
 S 
 
 Sabine's Gull . . .109 
 
 Snipe . . .211 
 
 Sanderling, The . . 194 
 
 Squacco Heron . .118 
 
 Sandpiper, Bartram'i . 194 
 
280 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 
 PAGE 
 
 
 Sandpiper, Broad-billed . 
 
 195 
 
 Snowy Owl ^- ' * '-. 
 
 Buff-breasted . 
 
 196 
 
 Song Thrush , 
 
 Common, or 
 
 
 Sooty Tern . . 
 
 Summer Snipe 
 
 197 
 
 Sparrow, House 
 
 Curlew . 
 
 
 
 Tree . 
 
 Green 
 
 198 
 
 Spoonbill, The . 
 
 Pectoral . 
 
 199 
 
 Spotted Crake . 
 
 Purple 
 
 II 
 
 Eagle . 
 
 Spotted . 
 
 200 
 
 Flycatcher . 
 
 Wood . 
 
 201 
 
 Redshank 
 
 Yellow-shanked 
 
 202 
 
 Sandpiper . 
 
 Sandwich Tern 
 
 232 
 
 Spur-winged Goose . 
 
 Savi's Warbler . 
 
 257 
 
 Starling, Common 
 
 Sclavonian Grebe 
 
 88 
 
 Red-winged 
 
 Scaup, Duck 
 
 57 
 
 Steller's Duck . 
 
 Scops-eared Owl 
 
 15 L 
 
 Stock Dove 
 
 Sedge Warbler 
 
 258 
 
 Stilt, Blackwinged . 
 
 Shearwater, The 
 
 202 
 
 Stint, Little . 
 
 Great . 
 
 203 
 
 North American 
 
 Manks . 
 
 204 
 
 Temminck's 
 
 Shore Lark 
 
 129 
 
 Stonechat, The . 
 
 Short-eared Owl 
 
 152 
 
 Stork, Black . 
 
 Short-toed Lark 
 
 130 
 
 White . 
 
 Shoveller Duck 
 
 61 
 
 Surf Duck 
 
 Siskin, The 
 
 207 
 
 Swallow, Chimney 
 
 Skylark 
 
 130 
 
 Swan, Bewick's 
 
 Shrike, Great Grey . 
 
 205 
 
 Mute 
 
 Red-backed . 
 
 // 
 
 Polish . 
 
 Woodchat 
 
 206 
 
 Wild . 
 
 Smew, The ... 
 
 208 
 
 Swift, The Common 
 
 Snipe, Brown . 
 
 a 
 
 White-bellied 
 
 Common 
 
 209 
 
 
 Great or Solitary . 
 
 210 
 
 T 
 
 Jack 
 
 2J1 
 
 
 Sabine's . 
 
 a 
 
 Tawny Owl 
 
 Snow Bunting . 
 
 14 
 
 Teal, Common . 
 
 PAGE 
 
 152 
 
 237 
 
 232 
 
 212 
 
 213 
 
 214 
 
 29 
 
 68 
 
 74 
 
 184 
 
 200 
 
 84 
 
 214 
 
 215 
 
 62 
 
 47 
 
 216 
 
 217 
 
 218 
 219 
 
 220 
 59 
 221 
 222 
 223 
 224 
 2-22 
 224 
 225 
 
 153 
 62 
 

 INDEX. 
 
 281 
 
 
 PAGE 
 
 PAGE 
 
 Temminck's Stint 
 
 218 
 
 W 
 
 
 Tengmalm's Owl 
 
 154 
 
 
 
 Tern, Arctic 
 
 226 
 
 Wagtail, Grey . 
 
 245 
 
 Black 
 
 227 
 
 Grey-headed 
 
 246 
 
 Caspian . 
 
 a 
 
 Pied . 
 
 247 
 
 Common . . 
 
 228 
 
 Kay's . 
 
 
 
 Gull-billed 
 
 229 
 
 White 
 
 248 
 
 Lesser 
 
 /; 
 
 Warbler, Black-cap . 
 
 249 
 
 Noddy . 
 
 230 
 
 Blue-throated 
 
 a 
 
 Eoseate . 
 
 231 
 
 Chiff-chaft . 
 
 250 
 
 ,, Sandwich 
 
 232 
 
 Yellow- 
 
 
 Sooty 
 
 
 
 billed, or melodious 
 
 "Whiskered 
 
 233 
 
 Willow Wren . 
 
 251 
 
 White-winged black 
 
 234 
 
 Dartford . 
 
 252 
 
 Thrush, Gold- vented 
 
 235 
 
 Garden 
 
 253 
 
 Missel 
 
 // 
 
 Grasshopper 
 
 /; 
 
 Rock 
 
 236 
 
 Great-sedge 
 
 254 
 
 ,, Song 
 
 237 
 
 Orphean 
 
 255 
 
 White's . ,; .. 
 
 238 
 
 Eeed, or Reed 
 
 
 Titmouse, Bearded . 
 
 a 
 
 Wren 
 
 256 
 
 Blue, or Tom . 
 
 239 
 
 Eufous-Sedge 
 
 a 
 
 Cole . 
 
 240 
 
 Savi's . 
 
 257 
 
 Crested 
 
 II 
 
 Sedge 
 
 258 
 
 Great 
 
 241 
 
 Willow . 
 
 n 
 
 Long-tailed 
 
 242 
 
 Wood 
 
 259 
 
 Marsh 
 
 243 
 
 Water Ouzel . 
 
 145 
 
 Tree Sparrow . 
 
 213 
 
 Waxwing, The . 
 
 260 
 
 Tufted Duck . 
 
 63 
 
 Wedge-tailed Gull . 
 
 110 
 
 Turnstone, The . 
 
 243 
 
 Wheatear, The 
 
 261 
 
 Turtle Dove . 
 
 48 
 
 Whimbrel, The 
 
 262 
 
 
 
 Whinchat 
 
 263 
 
 y 
 
 
 White-bellied Swift . 
 
 225 
 
 
 
 White-footed Goose 
 
 85 
 
 Velvet Duck . 
 
 59 
 
 White-tailed Eagle . 
 
 69 
 
 Vulture, Egyptian . 
 
 244 
 
 White Stork . 
 
 220 
 
 Griffon 
 
 245 
 
 White- winged Crossbill . 
 
 34 
 
282 
 
 IXDEX. 
 
 PAGE 
 
 Whitethroat, Common . 263 
 The Lesser . 264 
 Wigeon, American . . 64 
 "Wild Duck . . 65 
 Swan . . .222 
 Willow Warbler . . 258 
 Woodcock, The . . 265 
 Wood Lark . . .130 
 Warbler . . 2*9 
 Woodpecker, Great Black 265 
 Green . T 266 
 Greater spot- 
 ted 267 
 
 PAGE 
 
 Woodpecker, Lesser spot- 
 ted . . 268 
 Wren, The . ^j % ,, 
 Wryneck, The . ' .-;. 269 
 
 Yellow Bunting, or Yellow 
 
 Hammer . . 15 
 Yellow-billed Cuckoo .* 38 
 Chiff-chaff 
 
 Warbler 251 
 
 THE END. 
 

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